Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox Township Board for December 11, 2025

New Lenox Township Board Meeting | December 11, 2025

The New Lenox Township Board of Trustees met on Thursday to address changes in leadership and annual financial ordinances. The meeting was defined by the resignation of Trustee Barbara Kaupas and the immediate appointment of Steve Friant to the board. Trustees subsequently approved the 2025 township and road district tax levies and authorized staff pay increases for the coming year.

News Briefs:

Siren Maintenance Contract Renewed:
The board voted to renew the annual maintenance contract with Braniff Communications Inc. The contract, valued at $3,280, covers the testing of the township’s four outdoor warning sirens. Supervisor Wennlund noted that testing ensures the sirens use the same initiation signal as the village. Recent tests confirmed the sirens are functioning correctly.

Food Pantry Holiday Efforts:
Trustee Steve Friant presented the Food Pantry report on behalf of Director Jim Pitcairn. The pantry distributed 110 turkey meals during its annual turkey handout. Usage remains high, with the pantry serving 487 families in November, representing 1,324 individuals. The pantry also recently received a donation of electric pallet jacks from Fitzgerald Equipment.

Senior Transportation Update:
Trustee Patty Deiters reported that the township provided 447 transportation rides in November, generating $1,720 in income. Deiters gave special recognition to Debbie Cunningham for coordinating donations and scheduling for the “Santa Bus for Seniors,” scheduled for the Saturday following the meeting. The board also welcomed new driver Debra Murphy.

Cemetery Maintenance Discussions:
Trustee Annette Vogt reported on bids received from Homer Tree Service for clearing trees and stump grinding at Maplewood Cemetery. The bids presented were $7,500 for one-fifth of an acre and $13,000 for one acre. The board briefly discussed options for expanding the cemetery and the costs associated with preserving monuments. No formal vote was taken on the bids during the meeting.