Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox Village Board of Trustees for February 23, 2026

New Lenox Village Board of Trustees Meeting | February 23, 2026

The New Lenox Village Board of Trustees advanced several major infrastructure and development initiatives during its regular meeting on Monday, February 23, 2026. Highlighting the agenda was the formalization of land sales clearing the way for hotel and retail development at the Crossroads Sports Complex, as well as the approval of a $250,000 digital marketing contract to promote Village attractions. In addition to securing long-term tournament hosting agreements, the Board processed multiple design and engineering contracts for ongoing municipal public works projects.

Bridge Aesthetic Enhancements: The Board approved a proposal not to exceed $76,535 with EXP to design aesthetic enhancements for the Gougar Road bridge over I-80. Will County is widening Gougar Road and reconstructing the bridge, which serves as a western gateway to New Lenox. The Village’s agreement with EXP, the County’s consultant, will provide three design options incorporating upgraded railings, formliner, stained parapets, and Village branding.

National Athletic Training Month: Mayor Tim Baldermann and the Board proclaimed March 2026 as National Athletic Training Month. Trustee Katie Christopherson, a professional athletic trainer, presented the proclamation, emphasizing the crucial, life-saving role trainers play in youth sports. Abe Al Ramy, head athletic trainer at Lincoln-Way West High School, accepted the honor, thanking the New Lenox community for trusting athletic trainers with the health and safety of their student-athletes.

Water Resource Recovery Facility Upgrades: The Board unanimously approved a $17,500 contract amendment with Tria Architects for the Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF). Operations Director Brian Williams reported the amendment covers the design of a low-voltage/IT system for the plant, providing the drawings and specifications required to secure future construction and software cabling bids.

Playday in the Commons: The Board approved a $14,555 service agreement with Four Seasons Amusements. Community Engagement Director Beth Alderson noted the contract will provide four miniature carnival-style rides for the upcoming Playday in the Commons event, with costs fully allocated in the 2026-2027 municipal budget.

Vending Machine License Agreement: The Board passed Resolution #26-13, authorizing a two-year license agreement with Midwest Snack & Beverage. A local resident requested permission to install vending machines at the Route 30 Metra Station and the Public Works Building. The agreement holds the Village harmless and requires the vendor to pay the Village $50 per month, per machine, to cover electricity costs.

St. Jude Catholic Church Fee Waiver: Trustees voted 7-0 to waive $325.00 in plan review and building permit fees for St. Jude Catholic Church. The church’s contractor submitted an application to remodel the entryway to their business office. It is standard Board practice to waive in-house review fees for taxing districts and non-profit entities.

Mayoral Honors and Condolences: Mayor Tim Baldermann announced he recently attended a 100th birthday celebration at the local VFW for New Lenox resident and World War II veteran Wade Crohn, calling him “an amazing man.” Baldermann also offered condolences on the passing of 102-year-old Colette Athans, a deeply active resident who originally started the community’s Loyalty Day parade. “We are truly doing it because of the amazing foundation that was set by so many great New Lenox residents many, many decades ago,” Baldermann said regarding the town’s current success.

Elections and Financials: Village Clerk Laura Zilinskas announced that early voting for the March 17 general primary will run from March 2 through March 13 (9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) in the lower-level community room of Village Hall. The Board also unanimously approved bi-monthly disbursements totaling $960,314.42, alongside a February 20 payroll of $521,851.29.