The New Lenox Village Board meeting on August 11, 2025, was marked by significant changes in public safety leadership and a major policy decision driven by state politics. The evening began with an emotional tribute to the late Bill Pitakei, a longtime ESDA deputy director, followed by the formal swearing-in of Micah Nuesse as the new Chief of Police and Brandon Tilton as Deputy Chief. For more on these community events, see our full stories.

On the policy front, the board’s most significant action was the first reading of an ordinance to establish a local 1% grocery tax. The move is a direct response to the state of Illinois eliminating the 1% grocery tax revenue it previously shared with municipalities. Mayor Tim Baldermann strongly criticized the state’s action, calling it a political maneuver that forces the village’s hand to avoid a million-dollar budget shortfall. The board also approved an agreement to bring a new village-wide broadband internet provider, Clearwave Fiber, to town, a move aimed at increasing competition for residents. More details on these decisions are available in our standalone articles.

Property Disconnected from Village: The board approved the first reading of an ordinance to disconnect a 10-acre property at 1369 N. Cedar Road. With no village utilities currently available at the location and the disconnection not impeding future annexation, the board supported the new owner’s request. The property will revert to Will County’s E1 estate zoning, which is consistent with the owner’s plans for the land, including potentially keeping horses.

KidsWork Museum Gets Needed Drain: The board formally approved a $15,316 expense for an emergency drain installation at the KidsWork Children’s Museum. The drain was needed to prevent water from entering the building near a new handicap-accessible playground entrance during heavy rains. The Village Administrator also noted museum attendance has hit a record 65,000 visitors in 10 months, far surpassing previous annual records.

Crossroads Sports Complex Updates: The board approved two items for the Crossroads Sports Complex. A $27,000 change order will add protective padding to the backstop areas on five fields. The village also entered a three-year sponsorship agreement with Sports Huddle, which will provide up to $6,500 in free staff apparel and merchandise annually in exchange for signage at the park.

Commuter Lot Snow Removal Contract Extended: Bisping Construction will continue to handle snow removal at the village’s commuter lots for another year. The board approved a one-year contract extension, which includes a 5% price increase to account for rising salt and labor costs. Bisping Construction has held the contract since 2020 and had not previously raised its prices.

Pons Appointed to Plan Commission: Following a recommendation from Mayor Tim Baldermann, the Village Board unanimously approved the appointment of resident Stephen Pons to the New Lenox Plan Commission. Pons met with village staff, who expressed confidence in his ability to serve in the volunteer role, filling a recent vacancy on the commission.

Resident Questions Sports Complex Food Prices: During public comment, resident Sharon White praised the new sports complex but expressed concern over what she called “outlandish” food prices. Mayor Tim Baldermann responded that while the prices may seem high, they are in line with or lower than other large-scale travel sports facilities and are not comparable to a small park district concession stand.