Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox Village Board of Trustees for April 27, 2026

New Lenox Village Board of Trustees Meeting | April 27, 2026

The New Lenox Village Board of Trustees processed a massive agenda of infrastructure contracts and commercial zoning updates during its regular meeting on Monday, April 27, 2026. Aside from contentious industrial rezoning on Gougar Road, the Board approved nearly $3.5 million in road improvements, rejected highly inflated bids for a new water tower, and executed a critical environmental agreement with Marathon Petroleum regarding contaminated soil.

Route 30 Median Enhancements: The Board awarded a $771,554.30 construction contract to PT Ferro for extensive enhancements to the Route 30 median from Washington to Nelson. Operations Director Brian Williams explained the project involves removing existing concrete to install trees, shrubs, and ground cover. Crucially, the project will also construct a much-needed left-turn lane into the west entrance of Providence Catholic High School to alleviate traffic flow. The Board also approved a $72,900 Phase III engineering services contract with Christopher Burke Engineering to oversee the state-permitted work.

MFT Road Resurfacing Program: The Board authorized the 2026 Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) road resurfacing project, approving a bid award in the amount of $2,661,515.53. Williams noted the bid came in slightly higher than budgeted due to current economic conditions, but staff will work with the contractor to bring the final scope back into compliance. To support the project, the Board allocated $847,000 in dedicated MFT state funds and approved a $40,000 engineering oversight contract with Christopher Burke Engineering.

Schoolhouse Road Water Tower Bids Rejected: The Board formally rejected all bids received for the construction of the Schoolhouse Road Water Tower. Public Works Director Mark Brow reported that the four bids received ranged from $8.2 million to $10.2 million—amounts far exceeding the engineer’s estimates and the Village’s budgeted allowance. The Village will work with Christopher Burke Engineering to refine the project’s scope before rebidding.

Speedway/Marathon Environmental Agreement: The Board passed the second reading of an ordinance prohibiting potable water wells around the Speedway gas station at 301 W. Maple Street, fulfilling the requirements for an Environmental Indemnity Agreement with Marathon Petroleum. Under the approved agreement, Marathon assumes full financial responsibility for the removal of any contaminated soil discovered from leaking underground storage tanks when the Village constructs its adjacent force main for the Water Resource Recovery Facility.

Crossroads Sports Complex Tournaments: The Board authorized two new Use License Agreements for the Crossroads Sports Complex, locking in early-season revenue. The Village approved a 2026-2027 agreement with Eclipse Select Soccer, a returning client utilizing newly available fall dates, and an inaugural March 2027 agreement with Billings FC, which is expected to bring between 75 and 100 teams to the facility.

Water Valve Repairs: The Board waived formal bidding to approve a $42,817 proposal from Dorner Company for Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) repairs. Brow explained that yearly inspections revealed several necessary repairs across the Village’s utility system, and Dorner Company serves as the Village’s long-standing, specialized vendor for PRV maintenance.

Telecommunication Audit: The Board approved an agreement with SpyGlass Group to conduct a comprehensive audit of the Village’s telecommunication expenses. Finance Director Kim Auchstetter explained the firm will analyze invoices for inappropriate taxes, hidden fees, and dormant lines. SpyGlass is paid strictly on contingency, receiving 50% of any recovered past costs and 12 months of savings upfront for any future line eliminations they identify.

Financial Disbursements: The Board unanimously approved the Village’s bi-monthly financial disbursements totaling $1,508,248.28, alongside a secondary disbursement of $4,600. Trustees also formally approved a municipal payroll in the amount of $544,133.53, which was paid to Village employees on April 17, 2026.