City Council

Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of the Village of Jerome Board CALL TO ORDER: The President and the Board of Trustees held a regular meeting on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the Jerome Civic Center, 2901 Leonard Street, Jerome, Illinois. The meeting was called to order at 6:34 pm by President Lopez, followed by Roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: The following were present: Mike Lopez, Village President Katrina Christofilakos, Trustee of Public Property Kathy DeHart, Trustee Public Health Leigh Irons, Trustee of Public Safety Ralph Irons, Trustee of Water Department Dale Lael, Trustee of Building & Zoning Courtney Wick, Trustee of Public Works Also Present: Jason Brokaw, Attorney, Giffin, Winning, Cohen & Bodewes, PC Lisa Cave, Village Clerk Emily Snow, Village Treasurer Steve Roth, Executive Assistant, arrived 7:30 pm _____________________________________________________________________________________ APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: President Lopez asked whether the Board had reviewed the July 2, 2025, Meeting Minutes and if they found need for any changes, corrections, or amendments. President Lopez asked the July 2, 2025, minutes would stand approved as presented. Motion to approve the July 2, 2025, Meeting Minutes as presented by: Trustee Ralph Irons and 2nd by Trustee Leigh Irons Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE; except for Trustee Christofilakos voted present MOTION PASSES. APPROVAL TO PAY BILLS: President Lopez asked whether the board had reviewed Warrant List 26-06 dated July 17, 2025, totaling $9,986.97. Treasurer Snow stated the breakdown of the amount that $5,541.80 will be paid from the General Revenue Fund, $1,469.96 will be paid out of the 1% Fund, and $2,975.21 will be paid from the Water Account. President Lopez asked for a motion to approve Warrant List 26-06 as presented. Motion to Approve the Warrant List 26-06 totaling $9,986.97 as presented by: Trustee Leigh Irons and 2nd by Trustee Wick Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE; MOTION PASSES. Sangamon County Sheriff Paula Crouch addressed the Board and introduced herself. Sheriff Crouch stated she has been Sheriff for about a year and is here to help anyway she can. Stephanie with Benton & Associates provided a progress report on Iles Ave. Stephanie stated that they are sending a company to test the pavement material. PH Broughton believes the material should pass the test but if in fact it does not, they will remove and replace it. Trustee Lael expressed his displeasure of the 2 feet of rock that is between the light pole and the curb. Trustee Lael suggested they remove it as it is an eyesore, Trustee Lael also did not like the additional parking space at 1740 Iles. Trustee Lael asked why it was not done in blacktop. Stephanie stated that the owner wanted it back to the way it was and after numerous visits and speaking with the owner, the owner signed a waiver stating that it was her choice for the materials that were placed. Trustee Lael did not agree with that decision and stated it should not be up to the resident. President Lopez stated it was his call to place the materials back to how it was before Iles if the owner requested it. Trustee Lael also stated the new road looks fabulous and besides the AT&T issues we had they did a great job. Trustee DeHart stated that residents are saying the road is open, but it is not open. Stephanie stated that next week will be the final week of fixing any issues and then Iles will be fully open. NEW BUSINESS: Stephanie with Benton presented the W. Iles Avenue Improvements – Phase I: Pay Application #3 to the Board. The invoice is $579,400.47. Motion to Approve W. Iles Avenue Improvements – Phase I: Pay Application #3 in the amount of $579,400.47 as presented by: Trustee Leigh Irons and 2nd by Trustee Ralph Irons Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE; MOTION PASSES. President Lopez stated that he would not be available at the August 21, 2025, meeting and that Trustee Leigh Irons will chair the meeting. Also, with the State Fair opening on August 7, 2025, and it being the meeting day, President Lopez would like to reschedule the August 7, 2025, meeting to August 6, 2025, at 6:30 pm, which will be discussed later on the agenda. PUBLIC COMMENTS: President Lopez opened the Visitors Acknowledgement portion of the meeting at 6:54 pm. Gary Barlow with Lucky Monkey addressed the Board on a verbal agreement he has entered with an asset purchase. A company that already has 16 gaming parlors in the state is interested in opening their location. The purchaser wants to ensure that he can open his gaming parlor in the same spot where Lucky Monkey is located. Attorney Brokaw stated that Gary would need to relinquish his liquor license to the Village, and the new business would need to apply and go through the background. Currently there are no available licenses but at that time when Lucky Monkey relinquishes theirs, one would be available. President Lopez stated that public works are doing a great job. The Board is receiving alot of great feedback on them. If you have any pictures of the 4th of July parade, please send them to President Lopez and Clerk Cave to place on the website. President Lopez asked for any information for the Bulletin be sent to Clerk Cave and cc him by July 30th. President Lopez would like to add any historical information and pictures to the website, if any Trustees have anything please forward them on. President Lopez closed the Visitors Acknowledgement portion of the meeting at 7:01 pm. Attorney Brokaw stated he has spoken to Trustee Lael on several issues. Treasurer Snow reminded the Board that the Auditors would be in on July 21st and July 22nd to complete the Audit in the Board room and to please refrain from entering while they are working there. President Lopez reminded all that the Public Hearing is tomorrow July 3, 2025, at 6:30 pm regarding the TIF District. July 4, 2025, is the 4th of July parade at 9:30 am. Please come. EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Trustee Leigh Irons to go into Executive Session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of a specific employee or legal counsel of the public body (5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(1)); minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the Open Meetings Act for purposes of approval by the Body (5ILCS 120/2(c)(21); Trustee Wick seconded the motion. The Board went into Executive Session at 7:05 pm. The Board returned from Executive Session at 7:46 pm. OLD BUSINESS: President Lopez stated to table agenda items under old business B & C until the next board meeting. President Lopez asked for discussion and approval of Ordinance 26-02 Making Appropriations for Expenses of the Village of Jerome, Illinois for the Fiscal Year Ending April 30, 2026. Attorney Brokaw stated he has reviewed the numbers with Treasurer Snow, and the ordinance is ready to be presented to the Board. Motion to Approve Ordinance 26-02 Making Appropriations for Expenses of the Village of Jerome, Illinois for the Fiscal Year Ending April 30, 2026, as presented by: Trustee Lael and 2nd by Trustee Ralph Irons Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE; MOTION PASSES. NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED: President Lopez asked for discussion and approval of Crack Sealing for Park Ave from Iles to Wabash and Evergreen Court using MFT funding. Motion to Approve Crack Sealing for Park Ave from Iles to Wabash and Evergreen Court using MFT funding not to exceed $24,900.00 as presented by: Trustee Lael and 2nd by Trustee Christofilakos Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE; MOTION PASSES. President Lopez asked for discussion and approval of Rental of Equipment and Dumpster Fees for 3030 ½ Chatham Road. Motion to Approve Rental of Equipment and Dumpster Fees for 3030 ½ Chatham Road not to exceed $3,000.00 as presented by: Trustee Ralph Irons and 2nd by Trustee Lael Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE; MOTION PASSES. President Lopez asked for discussion and approval of Purchase of Wheel Kit for Cut Saw.  Motion to Approve Purchase of Wheel Kit for Cut Saw not to exceed $800.00 as presented by: Trustee Ralph Irons and 2nd by Trustee Wick Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE; MOTION PASSES. President Lopez asked for discussion and approval of Ordinance 26-06 Authorizing the Disposal of Surplus Property Owned by the Village of Jerome, Illinois. Attorney Brokaw stated this ordinance would classify the International Harvester as surplus. Motion to Approve Ordinance 26-06 Authorizing the Disposal of Surplus Property Owned by the Village of Jerome, Illinois as presented by: Trustee Ralph Irons and 2nd by Trustee Christofilakos Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE; MOTION PASSES. President Lopez asked for discussion and approval of Ordinance 26-07 Amending Section 100.6-8 of the Village Code related to Vacation. Attorney Brokaw stated this would correct the current code that vacations for any full-time employee working less than 37.5 hours would earn vacation on a prorate basis. Motion to Approve Ordinance 26-07 Amending Section 100.6-8 of the Village Code related to Vacation as presented by: Trustee Wick and 2nd by Trustee Ralph Irons Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE; MOTION PASSES. President Lopez asked for discussion and approval of Purchase of Handheld Radar. Motion to Approve Purchase of Handheld Radar not to exceed $1,000.00 as presented by: Trustee Leigh Irons and 2nd by Trustee Ralph Irons Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE; MOTION PASSES. President Lopez asked for discussion and approval of Purchase of Equipment and Supplies for Police Vehicle. Motion to Approve Purchase of Equipment and Supplies not to exceed $28,500.00 as presented by: Trustee Leigh Irons and 2nd by Trustee Ralph Irons Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE; MOTION PASSES. President Lopez asked for discussion and approval of Purchase of Extra Radio’s and Batteries. Motion to Approve Purchase of Extra Radios and Batteries not to exceed $12,500.00 as presented by: Trustee Leigh Irons and 2nd by Trustee Ralph Irons Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE; MOTION PASSES. President Lopez asked for discussion and approval of Hiring Part Time Police Officers. Motion to Approve Hiring Brent Sutton and Michael Brown as part time Police Officers subject to background check with an hourly rate of $30.00 per hour by: Trustee Leigh Irons and 2nd by Trustee Wick Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE; MOTION PASSES. President Lopez asked for discussion and approval of Rescheduling August 7, 2025, Regular Meeting. Motion to Approve Rescheduling August 7, 2025, Regular Meeting to August 6, 2025 at 6:30 pm by: Trustee Lael and 2nd by Trustee DeHart Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE; MOTION PASSES. President Lopez asked for discussion and approval of Village Official Attendance and Reimbursement of Costs for IML Annual Meeting. Trustee Christofilakos and Treasurer Snow would like to attend, costs is $225.00 each and $250.00 per night for the rooms. The Annual Meeting is in Chicago from September 18-20, 2025. Motion to Approve Village Official Attendance and Reimbursement Costs for IML Annual Meeting as presented by: Trustee Leigh Irons and 2nd by Trustee Ralph Irons Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE; MOTION PASSES. REPORTS: Trustee DeHart stated she has been addressing complaints about properties throughout the Village on trash and overgrowth, to name a few. Trustee Wick attended a zoom meeting with IDOT for possible grant funding for Safe Route to Schools. Trustee Christofilakos had nothing to report. Trustee Lael asked if Trustee Wick wanted to represent the Board on the Sangamon County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Task Force. Trustee Lael stated he has spoken with Jason regarding some of the homes with expired plates parking on the streets and cars in the yard. Trustee Lael stated there are still issues with 1612 Glenn and the owners need to fix a lot more things. Trustee Leigh Irons stated the parts are ordered for the buggy, and the body cameras will be here by August 15. Trustee Ralph Irons asked Dave to report. Dave stated they are beginning hydrant flushing and valve maintenance on Monday. Dave stated every street will have hydrant flushing to blow air out of the lines. President Lopez asked that notice be placed on the website. Trustee DeHart asked if there was a map of all the hydrants. President Lopez asked her to give him a week or two and he can get her a map. Clerk Cave had nothing to report. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business, President Lopez asked for a motion to close the meeting at 8:19 pm. Motion was made by Trustee Leigh Irons and 2nd by Trustee Christofilakos. PREPARED BY: Lisa Cave, Clerk DATE APPROVED: August 6, 2025 ____________________________________ Village Clerk _____________________________________ Date