New Lenox Fire District Authorizes $3.25 Million Bond for Station 2 Expansion

New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees Meeting | February 17, 2026

Article Summary:
The New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees officially authorized the issuance of up to $3.25 million in General Obligation Bonds to finance the ongoing expansion and remodeling of Fire Station 2. The Board also approved nearly $140,000 in paving contracts and an under-budget digital sign for the facility.

Fire Station 2 Expansion Key Points:

• Bond Authorization: Ordinance No. 283 was unanimously approved, authorizing the issuance of up to $3,250,000 in Alternate Revenue Source bonds.

• Paving Contract: PT Ferro was awarded a $139,053.92 contract for critical concrete and asphalt work at the station.

• Digital Signage: A new digital sign for the facility was approved at a total cost of $19,957.11, coming in under the $25,000 budget.

• Construction Progress: Deputy Chief Randolph reported that construction is currently ahead of schedule, with framing underway and parking lot tear-up beginning to accommodate new storm sewers.

The New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, locked in the financing required to complete the extensive overhaul of Fire Station 2, passing a multi-million dollar bond ordinance and awarding critical site contracts.

The Board unanimously approved Ordinance No. 283, which officially authorizes the issuance of General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source) in an amount not to exceed $3,250,000. Fire Chief Adam Riegel informed the Board he has been working closely on the bond issuance and is currently setting up a Charles Schwab account to manage the incoming bond money.

The funds will directly support the massive expansion and remodeling of Fire Station 2. During his departmental report, Deputy Chief Randolph updated the Board on the project’s status, noting that despite a slow start due to cold weather, the construction schedule has rapidly accelerated.

“The Station 2 progress started slowly with the cold but now is ahead of schedule,” Randolph reported. “Monday starts the framing and tearing up the parking lot to put in storm sewers. Northern [Builders] is doing a great job.”

To facilitate the site’s ongoing external renovations, the Board also evaluated construction bids specifically for the station’s concrete and asphalt work. The District received two bids for the project. Following a review presented by Northern Builders, the Board awarded the contract to the lowest bidder, PT Ferro, for a total cost of $139,053.92.

The Board also authorized the purchase of a new digital sign for the facility. Marisa, a district representative, worked with Deputy Chief Randolph to secure the signage. The cost of the physical sign is $13,557.11, with installation running $6,400.00. The total project cost of $19,957.11 came in well under the District’s allocated $25,000.00 budget for the line item.

Both the PT Ferro paving contract and the digital sign purchase passed on unanimous 4-0 roll call votes, following motions and seconds by Trustees Scanlan and Fischer. Trustee Popp was absent from the meeting.

Meeting Summary and Briefs:

The New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees navigated a finance-heavy agenda during its regular meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Aside from authorizing a $3.25 million bond for the expansion of Station 2, the Board finalized the employment contract for its newly appointed Deputy Chief and reviewed ongoing ISO inspections. Trustee Popp was absent, leaving all measures to pass on 4-0 votes.

Deputy Chief Contract Finalized: The Board officially approved the employment contract for newly promoted Deputy Chief Brian Applegate. The Board had previously instructed the Fire Commission to appoint Applegate to the District’s second Deputy Chief position during its January meeting, pending the finalization of this contract.

Fire Commissioner Hiring Update: Fire Commissioner Marty Terlep reported that the Commission met on January 23 to extend a conditional offer to a candidate named Sal and to officially certify the list of preference points. Terlep noted there are currently 23 candidates on the eligibility list, and the District is actively processing the top six individuals. The Commissioners will meet again next week to further the appointment process.

ISO Inspection Underway: Fire Chief Adam Riegel reported that the Insurance Services Office (ISO) has officially commenced its evaluation of the District. Riegel noted the initial ISO site visit was completed, and flow testing was scheduled to be conducted with the water department later in the week. ISO ratings evaluate fire department capabilities and can directly impact local property insurance rates.

Fire Inspectors Conference: The Board unanimously approved a request allowing Fire Marshal Brown and Life Safety Educator Tomich to attend the upcoming Illinois Fire Inspectors Conference to maintain advanced certifications.