New Lenox Village Board Meeting | October 27, 2025

The New Lenox Village Board meeting on Monday, October 27, 2025, was highlighted by the preliminary approval of a new restaurant, The Patio, which generated both public excitement and resident concerns over traffic. The board also heard an emotional plea from residents detailing an escalating neighborhood dispute, prompting a promise from the mayor to intervene. For more details on these topics, please see our full-length articles.

Financially, the board approved a community solar subscription expected to save the village over $100,000 annually and awarded a $1.18 million contract to replace aging water mains on the north side. The board also appointed a new member to the Police and Fire Commission and approved several contracts and service agreements, primarily for the Crossroads Sports Complex.

Dennis Cummings Appointed to Police and Fire Commission: Mayor Tim Baldermann’s appointment of Dennis Cummings to the Police and Fire Commission was unanimously approved. Cummings, a resident with a long history in municipal service, including as an alderman in Oak Forest and a paid-on-call firefighter, fills an opening left by the departure of former police chief April Domjancic. Baldermann praised Cummings’ desire to be involved in the village.

Finance Department Earns National Recognition: Finance Director Kimberly Auchstetter accepted two awards from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). The village received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 40th consecutive year and the Certificate of Recognition for Budget Preparation for the 30th year. Auchstetter noted the awards are a “team effort” and not a given each year.

Four Special Service Areas Established: The board formally adopted ordinances establishing four Special Service Areas (SSAs). SSAs #37 and #38 are for the Lakes Park subdivision and townhomes, while SSAs #39 and #40 are for Teerling Lakes Phase 1 and its amenity center. These designations are a mechanism for funding public improvements and services within the specified new developments.

New Janitorial Service for Police Department: The board approved a proposal for Advanced Building Maintenance to take over janitorial services at the police department for $2,600 per month. Public Works staff reported ongoing issues with the previous contractor, who terminated their contract after receiving a final 30-day notice. Advanced Building Maintenance previously cleaned village hall and was praised for their quality work.

Safety Railing Approved for Sports Complex: A change order for $24,158 was approved to install an additional safety railing at the Crossroads Sports Complex. The railing will be placed behind home plate at one of the fields to eliminate an 8-inch drop-off that posed a trip hazard. Mayor Baldermann requested the safety measure to prevent potential injuries.

Contracts for Crossroads Sports Complex: The board approved several items related to the Crossroads Sports Complex. A use agreement was authorized with the Northern Illinois Soccer League to host a tournament on November 8, generating over

$10,700infieldrentalfees.TheboardalsoapprovedannualcontractsforkitchencleaningwithProWash($

2,190) and window cleaning with Divine Shine ($8,400).

Slip-Lining Contract Extended: A contract with Vision Sewer for slip-lining services was extended for another year. The process reconditions sanitary sewer pipes to prolong their lifespan. The contract renewal includes a negotiated 3.2% price increase, in line with the Consumer Price Index, for an amount not to exceed $225,000.

Consent Agenda Approved: The board passed a consent agenda with several routine items, including an ordinance creating a temporary liquor license for a “Casino Night” at Providence Catholic High School, and raffle licenses for New Lenox Girls Softball and the New Lenox Historical Society. Approval was also granted for the New Lenox Community Park District to use the council chambers in 2026.