Village of Swansea Board of Trustees met Aug. 18.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
Attendees: Village Clerk Gloria J. Collier, Trustee Brian McGuire, Trustee Sherman Pochek, Trustee Matt Lanter, Trustee Natalie Jablonski, Trustee Brian Thouvenot, Chief Doug Little, Director of Public Works Rick Tucker, Attorney John Kurowski, and Building and Zoning Director Dan Thomas, Human Resources Manager Kristina Essenpreis, and Karl Speir Finance Manager
I) Call to Order – Trustee Lanter called the regular meeting to order at 7:27 p.m.
II) Pledge Allegiance to The Flag
III) Roll Call – Village Clerk Gloria Collier conducted the roll call.
Trustee Brian Thouvenot made a motion to appoint Trustee Matt Lanter as Mayor Pro Tem for the evening. The motion was seconded by Trustee Natalie Jablonski. Trustee Votes – All Ayes.
IV) Approval of Minutes
Board Minutes – August 4, 2025
Trustee Brian McGuire made a motion to approve the board minutes of August 4, 2025.
Committee Minutes — August 4, 2025
The motion also included approval of the committee minutes of August 4, 2025.
Community & Economic Development Executive Session Minutes- August 4, 2025 The motion further included approval of the Community and Economic Development executive session minutes of August 4, 2025.
Motion by Trustee Brian McGuire to approve board minutes of August 4, 2025, committee minutes of August 4, 2025. and Community and Economic Development executive session minutes of August 4, 2025. Seconded by Trustee Thouvenot. Trustee Votes – All Ayes.
V) Village Attorney/Village Administrator-Announcements/Comments
Human Resources Director Kristina Essenpreis presented announcements on behalf of Village Administrator Ben Schloesser. She reported that the Mel Price Playground has been completed, giving credit to Director Rick Tucker and his crew for their excellent coordination and cleanup work. Trustee Jablonski noted there had been “lots of accolades on social media for it as well” and that “a lot of the residents are very happy.”
Essenpreis also reported on a half-day training session she arranged for herself, Rick Tucker, and Ben Schloesser with their general liability insurer, RMA. She stated it provided “really valuable insight” about new OSHA rules, potential OSHA inspections, and ways to limit liability in the future. When asked if he enjoyed it, Director Tucker responded “I did. Yes, I did. Well, worthwhile.”
The HR Director noted that Administrator Schloesser and Director Tucker had conducted multiple meetings with residents regarding stormwater retention and erosion around culverts in village streets. She stated these investigations are ongoing and will involve the village engineer, while praising Director Tucker for being “responsive and on top of these issues.
Finally, Essenpreis reminded the board that energy consultant Steve Bryant from Good Energy would attend either the second meeting in September or first in October to discuss upcoming rate changes in the municipal aggregation program and the broader program itself.
When Trustee Jablonski asked about a lunch and learn scheduled for Thursday, Essenpreis confirmed that at 10:00 AM they would host representatives from Aflac, a therapist who contracts with the police and fire departments, and Commerce Bank to offer financial planning to employees. She also reported that last month’s lunch and learn featured the village attorney’s office presenting on management training, which was “really, really good” and attended by all directors.
Department Head Reports
a. Public Work/Sewer Department TBD
Director Rick Tucker stated he had nothing to add beyond his written report, which he had just completed that day. When Trustee McGuire asked about the Boul Avenue restrooms and whether someone had flushed inappropriate items, Tucker explained that the pump was unable to discharge because the line was jammed. He noted that both his department and Eric’s crew had tried with different equipment but couldn’t get through. Tucker explained that because it’s only a two-inch line, making it “all that much harder to get through,” they plan to bore a new two-inch line to resolve the issue.
b. Police Department Monthly Stats
No discussion occurred on this agenda item.
c. Fire Department Monthly Stats TBD
Fire Chief Doug Little reported 57 calls for the month of July, noting they’re “trending upwards this year so far” and “staying pretty busy,” though “nothing horrible, just more calls in general.”
Chief Little announced successful grant funding, stating: “There was an intergovernmental grant that was spearheaded by Representative Hoffman and the St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants department that was available to first responders throughout the county. I’m happy to report that I did apply for that and I was able to outfit four members of our department with personal protective equipment to the tune of $18,191.” He expressed appreciation for Representative Hoffman, St. Clair County, and Monroe Grants for their assistance.
d. Building and Zoning Department
Building and Zoning Director Dan Thomas provided a comprehensive update on various projects and issues. He began by noting the routine permit activities were “somewhat unremarkable” but provided statistics on occupancy permits and various permits issued.
Thomas reported that Premier, a medical facility clinic on the corner of 159 and Wolf Creek, is relocating to Benchmark Center with various building updates taking place. When asked what would occupy the Premier building, Thomas responded he wasn’t sure but assumed someone would take their place.
He announced receiving the complete resubmittal for the U-Haul project at 2211, which would go to Planning and Zoning on September 9th. The Johnny Max building on 159 received a building permit for an extensive remodel to become a rehab clinic, similar to “an Axis, an Athletic Co, an Apex rehab” – facilities where patients can sometimes walk in or get referrals.
Regarding Royals Market (the 159/161 redevelopment), Thomas reported visiting that morning where demolition continued and “they have a massive hole dug for the fuel tank” to be installed in coming weeks. He noted more demolition was needed before proper mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plans could be rendered. The architect/engineer was present and walked through with the owner, with Thomas stating “it’s moving though, so that’s a good thing.”
For Jennings Station Phase One, Thomas reported the sanitary and storm sewers are complete and ready to start water lines, pending EPA approvals. All inspections and testing have passed, with the project moving smoothly. Chateau at Woodfield Phase Five is conducting site prep for improvements.
Thomas then addressed a significant issue with the court proceedings system. The village had started using an online system called DigiTicket (the same as the police department) instead of handwriting citations. However, the county’s receiving system “went haywire and they were never getting them.” This resulted in about five citations where the village attorney appeared to represent them, but the county had no record. Thomas met with the circuit clerk who acknowledged the issue and said they’re trying to remedy it soon, noting “that is a huge hindrance if we can’t timely issue citations.”
Regarding the Vacant Building Registry, Thomas explained the third-party administrator from MuniReg reviewed their ordinance and found conflicts with the real application of the registry, proposing amendments. Thomas stated, “If he’s running the show and says that this is what we need to do to make it in line with all the other municipalities that have the registry, then I think that’s what we need to do.” He plans to present ordinance changes at the September 15th board meeting.
When Trustee Jablonski asked about the court technology problem and whether they must return to handwritten citations, Thomas explained they’re waiting to hear from Kenneth Williams. The clerk said they hope citations will be auto-assigned new court dates once fixed, but Thomas hasn’t been notified. They continue processing and sending citations to the county, “hoping for the best right now.”
Trustee Jablonski also prompted Thomas to update on a media inquiry. Thomas reported the Belleville News Democrat had asked about the 159/161 redevelopment. He provided an update that everything is going smoothly, the owner is responsive, and they expect timely progress. He noted “there’s a lot of speculation on Facebook incorrectly” and hoped the official statement would properly notify the public. Jablonski complimented him on the letter.
VI) Public Comment –
An unidentified resident began by complimenting the development, noting that it “looks good” compared to its initial appearance. They stressed the importance of establishing long-term maintenance standards, pointing out that, too often, developments are approved and built but not properly maintained over time. The resident urged that provisions be put in place to ensure the facility retains its original appearance over 5, 10, and even 20 years.
While acknowledging that weather and other external factors can impact aesthetics, they emphasized the need for a formal maintenance plan spanning at least two decades. As part of that plan, they recommended scheduled inspections at 5, 10, and 12-year intervals to verify that the facility continues to reflect the quality and design approved at the time of construction.
Would you like this adapted for a formal report, a public comment summary, or something else?
VII) Report of Committees
A. Personnel Committee – Comments
1. Travel Request: Ben Schloesser-ICMA- Oct. 25-29th
Trustee Natalie Jablonski presented a travel meal and lodging expense reimbursement request for Village Administrator Ben Schloesser to attend the ICMA annual conference in Tampa, Florida from October 25- 29. She detailed the estimated costs: travel $500, conference fees $890, hotel approximately $300 per night for four nights, and food/miscellaneous $200, totaling $2,790.
Motion by Trustee Natalie Jablonski to approve the travel expense estimate for Ben Schloesser. Seconded by Trustee McGuire. Roll call. Trustee Voles: Trustee McGuire – Aye, Trustee Poche – Aye, Trustee Jablonski – Aye, Trustee Thouvenot – No. Motion carried.
B. Finance Committee Report – Comments
a. General Fund Analysis*-TBD
No discussion occurred on this agenda item.
2. Approval of Bills
Motion by Trustee Brian Thouvenot to approve the bills in the amount of $607,221.38 and have been drawn for the proper accounts. Seconded by Trustee McGuire. Trustee Votes – All Ayes,
3. Discussion Item: Call For DCEO Funded Projects
No discussion occurred on this agenda item.
C. Judiciary Committee – Comments
Trustee Lanter stated there was nothing for judiciary.
1. Executive Session to Review Previous Executive Minutes
No discussion occurred on this agenda item.
D. Community & Economic Development – Comments
1. 1816 Llewellyn Planned Business Development* (Hard Copies Will Be Provided Of The Supporting Documents)
Trustee Jablonski reported that the committee tabled this item to the next board meeting, with nothing further from the committee.
2. Special Property Owner(s) List
No discussion occurred on this agenda item.
3. Vacant Building Registry
No discussion occurred on this agenda item.
4. Executive Session: “Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court of administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting.” 5 ILCS 120/2(c) (11).
No discussion occurred on this agenda item.
E. Public Safety – Comments
1. Ord. No. 1995 Ordinance Declaring Personal Property Owned by the Village of Swansea and Used by the Fire Department As Surplus: Specifically a Skid Unit with 250 Gallon Water Tank, Briggs & Stratton 18HP Vanguard Motor, and 250GPM Hale Pump, and a 2014 Maroon Ford Explorer with Mileage of 74,437 and estimated total mileage, including idle time, of 167,035
Trustee McGuire began to make a motion for Ordinance 1995, with Trustee Jablonski seconding and asking for clarification on whether it was the first or second reading. It was confirmed as the second reading.
Motion by Trustee Brian McGuire to approve the second reading of Ordinance 1995. Seconded by Trustee Natalie Jablonski. Trustee Vores — All Ayes.
Village Clerk Gloria Collier read the full ordinance: “Ordinance number 1995. Ordinance declaring personal property owned by the village of Swansea and used by the fire department a surplus, specifically a skid unit with 250 gallon water tank Briggs and Stratton 18 horsepower Vanguard Motor and 250 GPM Hail pump and a 2014 Maroon Ford Explorer with mileage of 74,437. An estimated total mileage including idle time of 167,035.”
Motion by Trustee Brian McGuire to approve the reading of ordinance 1995. Seconded by Trustee Natalie Jablonski. Roll call. Trustee Votes – All Ayes.
2. Deputy Chief Norvell Appointed Co-Chair of the Innovations and Technology Committee of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police
No discussion occurred on this agenda item.
F. Public Works Committee – Comments
1. Res. No. Resolution Accepting The Low Bid Of $273,456.45 From Gelly Excavating And Construction, 13297 Flocher Way, Highland, IL 62249, For A Box Culvert Replacement On Gilbert Street
Village Clerk Collier confirmed the resolution number as 1-2701.
Motion by Trustee Brian McGuire to read resolution 1-2701 by title. Seconded by Trustee Pochek. Trustee Votes – All Aves.
The clerk read: “Resolution number 1-2 7 0 1 A resolution accepting the low bid of $273,456.45 from Gelly Excavating and Construction. 13297 Flocher Way Highland, Illinois 62249 For a box culvert replacement on Gilbert Street.”
Motion by Trustee Brian McGuire to accept the reading of resolution 1-2701 and declare it passed. Seconded by Trustee Pochek. Roll call. Trustee Votes – All Ayes.
2. Res. No. Resolution Approving A Contract With Thouvenot, Wade & Moerner, Inc. 4940 Old Collinsville Rd., Swansea, IL, For Construction Observation And Staking Services For The Gilbert Street Box Culvert Project, At An Hourly Estimated Cost Of $19,700.00
Motion by Trustee Brian McGuire to read resolution 1-2702 by title. Seconded by Trustee Pochek. Trustee Votes – All Ayes.
The clerk read: “Resolution number 1-2 7 0 2 or the resolution approving a contract with Thouvenot Wade and Moerner Incorporated. 4940 Old Collinsville Road, Swansea, Illinois for construction. Observation is staking services for the Gilbert Street Box covered project at an hourly estimated cost of $19,700.”
Motion by Trustee Brian McGuire to accept the reading of resolution 1-2702 and declare it passed. Seconded by Trustee Pochek. Roll call. Trustee Votes – All Ayes.
3. Res. No. MFT-7-23-0004-00PV. Ednick Drive
Motion by Trustee Brian McGuire to read resolution 1-2703 by title. Seconded by Trustee Pochek. Trustee Votes – All Ayes.
The clerk read: “Resolution number 1-2 7 0 3 MFT 23-00040-00-PV Ednick Drive.”
Motion by Trustee Brian McGuire to accept the reading of resolution 1-2703 and declare it passed. Seconded by Trustee Pochek, Roll call. Trustee Votes – All Ayes.
Cultural Committee – Nothing Requested At Agenda Time
No discussion occurred on this agenda item.
Swansea Report Committee – Comments
1. Finalize the September Report Please email information to sproffitt@swanseail.org by the 21st
No discussion occurred on this agenda item.
VIII) Old Business
Trustee Lanter asked if anyone had old business. There was none.
IX) New Business
Trustee Lanter asked if anyone had new business. Trustee Brian Thouvenot raised a concern about a recent power outage, asking Director Tucker about it. Tucker confirmed there was an outage “yesterday evening, I believe” on the south end of town.
Thouvenot then reported a safety issue: “right north of Ednick Drive on the west side, there is a power line that’s about ready to snap with some tree overgrowth hanging on it.” He clarified it was along the roadway on the western side of Route 159. Fire Chief Little responded, “I believe I know what you’re speaking of and I have reported that to Ameren twice now, I believe.” Thouvenot emphasized the urgency, saying “They need to get that before it snaps.”
X) Announcements
No announcements were made.
XI) Adjournment
Trustee Lanter made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Trustee Jablonski. Trustee Votes – All Ayes.
The meeting was adjourned.
COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES OF THE VILLAGE OF SWANSEA BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Attendees: Village Clerk Gloria J. Collier, Trustee Brian McGuire, Trustee Sherman Pochek, Trustee Matt Lanter, Trustee Natalie Jablonski, Trustee Brian Thouvenot, Chief Doug Little, Director of Public Works Rick Tucker, Attorney John Kurowski, and Building and Zoning Director Dan Thomas, Human Resources Manager Kristina Essenpreis, and Kari Speir, Finance Manager
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE – Open 6:00-6:01 PM
Chair: Trustee Jablonski; Vice-Chair: Trustee Lewis V
Members: Trustees Lanter, Pochek, McGuire, Thouvenot
Trustee Jablonski called the Personnel Committee to order at 6:00 PM. She presented a travel request for Ben Schloesser to attend the ICMA annual conference from October 25th through 29th. The details were included in the meeting package, covering conference fees, travel, hotel, and other expenses, with a total cost of $2,790.
Trustee Jablonski made a motion to forward the travel request to the board for consideration. The motion was seconded by Trustee McGuire.
Motion: Trustee Jablonski moved to forward Ben Schloesser’s travel request to attend the ICMA annual conference to the board for consideration. The motion was seconded by Trustee McGuire. Trustee Votes — All Ayes.
Trustee Jablonski noted that this was the only item on the personnel agenda and closed the committee meeting at 6:01 PM.
FINANCE COMMITTEE – Open 6:02 – 6:10 PM
Chair: Trustee Lanter; Vice-Chair: Trustee Thouvenot Jablonski
Members: Trustees Lewis V, Pochek, McGuire,
a. General Fund Analysis: TBD
Finance Director Kristina Essenpreis provided the general fund analysis, noting that the village was now three months into the new fiscal year. She reported that property taxes began coming in during July and that additional grant revenues had already been received under the police department, which had been budgeted. Trustee Jablonski added that expenses were trending right at budget at 24.89 percent in the general fund.
Essenpreis explained that the sewer fund was performing well, though only one billing cycle had occurred so far. She noted that revenues and expenses were “doing well right now” and that projects would be “ramping up here real soon” with MFT and in the non-home rule fund. She anticipated that in the next couple of months, the board would see larger expenses related to the road work projects that were underway.
Trustee Thouvenot asked if the upcoming expenses were related to road work, and Essenpreis confirmed they were. He commented, “That’s good. So that would be ordinary to me.”
b. Discussion Item – Call For DCEO Funded Projects
Finance Director Essenpreis presented information about three available DCEO grants at the request of Village Administrator Ben Schloesser. The first grant was for $100,000 for improvements to roads, sewer, or sidewalks, and/or demolition of derelict and abandoned properties. The second was another $100,000 grant for parks and recreation renovations and/or other capital improvements. The third was a $250,000 grant for infrastructure improvements.
Essenpreis explained, “I’m thinking he’s just wanting some information from the board to see what kinds of projects you may be wanting to look at doing here soon so we can start working on applications and getting those done.”
Trustee McGuire asked, “So we have many set of projects in our planning right now, but are not allocated funds?” Essenpreis responded that everything currently planned had been allocated either with MFT or through the non-home rule fund. She noted that the roads project would receive a $570,000 grant back from DCEO to help fund it, but otherwise, everything was currently funded.
Trustee Lanter brought up two previously discussed projects: “Two of the projects we talked about in the past were remodeling the foyer of the police department.” Essenpreis clarified, “That is not a funded project. No. They did receive a hundred thousand for the locker rooms and the bathrooms.” She added that at budget time, they had also discussed something for the fire department, which Trustee Lanter identified as “the system rent.”
Trustee Thouvenot suggested, “When it comes to the structures and derelict cars, I think, you know, Dan should have some recommendations on that. I think we will probably go through a hundred thousand quickly. That’s what my recommendation would be for that as Dan knows probably better than us about what he could utilize those funds for.”
Board member Charlie Pitts raised the issue of the fountain at Mel Price Park: “For the parks, I’m not sure whether it will qualify or not, but the fountain at our main park there has been in very poor condition. It’s basically falling apart. There’s been discussion in the past by this board as to whether or not repair it. It appears that the repair costs are exorbitant. Perhaps we should look at maybe doing a minimal repair or perhaps even remove using some of those funds to actually remove it and come up with something else to put in the spot that would be appropriately memorialized.”
Public Works Director Rick Tucker provided context about the fountain’s condition: “I checked into having that repaired properly a couple years ago, it was about a hundred thousand. That makes it like new, and my opinion is a temporary patch or lesser patches, the thing is just going to crumble and fall apart. It’s been repaired and patched so many times. I don’t think it can handle another one.”
Charlie Pitts emphasized safety concerns: “Part board is actually we’d rather see it removed since it’s getting to be the unsafe area, but it costs money to remove that and figure out what to do with it. I’m thinking that from the point of view of safety and park improvement might be a candidate program.”
When asked about the fountain’s functionality, Tucker explained it had not been operational for at least 10 years and was “no longer operable for anything but maybe a planter.”
Trustee Thouvenot expressed agreement with not repairing it and suggested exploring veterans’ grants for a replacement memorial. Tucker was adamant about maintaining some form of veterans’ memorial: “My answer to that would be it’s a memorial that’s dedicated to our veterans, so I wouldn’t want to remove it and forget about it. I would think that there would be something that would need to go in its place in honor of the veterans.”
The discussion concluded with agreement to explore the fountain project further, with Trustee Thouvenot saying, “I’d say report back to them that we want to explore that.
Trustee Thouvenot closed the Finance Committee at 6:10 PM.
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: Open 6:10-6:11 PM
Chair: Trustee Lewis V.; Vice-Chair Trustee Thouvenot
Members: Trustee Lanter, Pochek, McGuire, Jablonski
Trustee Thouvenot opened the Judiciary Committee at 6:11 PM.
a. Executive Session To Review Previous Executive Minutes
Trustee Thouvenot made a motion to suspend discussion of executive session to review previous executive minutes for an upcoming closed session executive session. The motion was seconded by Trustee McGuire.
Motion: Trustee Thouvenot moved to suspend discussion of executive session to review previous executive minutes for an upcoming closed session executive session. The motion was seconded by Trustee McGuire. Trustee Votes – All Ayes.
b. Motion To Declare Previous Executive Minutes as Public/Confidential
This item was not addressed as the committee suspended discussion for executive session.
COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: – Open 6:11 – 7:22 PM
Chair: Trustee Lanter; Vice-Chair: Trustee Jablonski
Members: Trustees Lewis V., McGuire, Pochek, Thouvenot
Trustee Jablonski opened the Community & Economic Development Committee at 6:11 PM.
a. 1816 Llewellyn/ Planned Business Development (Hard Copies Will Be Provided Of The Supporting Documents)
The committee immediately moved into executive session before discussing the planned business development.
b. Special Property Oversight List*
Building and Zoning Director Dan Thomas presented updates on the special property oversight list he had introduced at the previous meeting. He explained this was the initial attempt to identify some of the most prolific issues with dilapidated properties, noting “The list is not complete. Of course, it’s ever growing, but what’s new to the list is just the updates.”
Thomas provided several updates on properties:
The court date for 312 Lotus had been pushed due to an issue
There was a system error with 1314 Kings Court
• The Caseyville property had recently been sold, and Thomas had received an email that day from the new agency owner indicating they would remedy all issues
Various compliance dates for some properties were that day, and if still non-compliant, they would continue to follow the process of notice of violation, citation, and court
Thomas reported positive developments: “We did receive two demo permits for two mobile homes in the Pleasant Valley mobile home park, one in the Shawn Drive mobile home park. So we’re going to have three dilapidated trailers off those facilities soon.”
He noted that not much had changed at Sycamore Village, though court dates were set for the individual. Thomas offered to continue growing the list and updating it accordingly, inviting the board to notify him of any dilapidated properties: “If there are dilapidated properties out there, let me know. We’ll field them immediately and then address them as quickly as we can.”
Trustee McGuire brought up that the county had done an update to their system. Thomas responded, “That was on my department report. Will adjust that. Unfortunately, we’ve been hit with that. Fairview, I was talking to one of their code enforcement guys out there, and he said it’s been a nightmare. It’s terrible.”
c. Vacant Building Registry
Dan Thomas confirmed there was nothing new on the vacant building registry beyond what had been discussed. He noted that properties that had surpassed the staging process were already accounted for, with some on the oversight list and others accounted for elsewhere. He reiterated his commitment to “providing the information as it comes.”
d. Executive Session
Before conducting regular business, Trustee Jablonski made a motion to go into executive session for litigation matters, citing: “when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11).”
Trustee Thouvenot noted this was about the 1816 property and added they would also review previous executive minutes. Trustee Jablonski seconded the motion.
Motion: Trustee Jablonski moved to enter executive session for litigation matters under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11) and to review previous executive minutes. Trustee Thouvenot seconded. Trustee Votes – All Ayes.
The committee entered executive session. Upon return, roll call was taken.
Taylor Hojnowski then made her presentation to the committee. She introduced herself and provided an overview of the planned development for 1816 Llewellyn, explaining it would include 10 proposed structures with a total of 361 units. The property was split by a natural creek, with approximately 3 acres at the corner of Sullivan and Llewellyn, and the back portion of approximately 6 acres where the development would be located.
She detailed the construction plans: “The buildings would be concrete foundations as well as 26 gauge steel walls and roof with a gated entrance off of Llewellyn.” The development would include two off-street parking spaces (one regular, one handicap) and landscaping with approximately 50 white pine trees starting at 6 feet tall and growing 2-3 feet annually.
Hojnowski explained the drainage plan, noting that the site would be graded to an elevation of 590 feet (reducing the highest point by 10 feet) to meet stormwater requirements for 2, 10, and 100-year events. All lighting would be interior LED lights placed approximately every 50 feet, with no exterior lights. The development would be secured with black wrought iron fencing and interior cameras.
Traffic engineer Patel from CVB presented the traffic study findings. He explained they had collected data in November before Thanksgiving during peak hours and developed trip estimates based on industry standards. The study found that auxiliary turn lanes were not warranted based on IDOT standards, and operations showed only minor increases in delay that didn’t require mitigation. He recommended ensuring appropriate intersection sight distance, completing turning templates, and potentially examining the roadway bearing capacity. He also noted that if the village planned future improvements to Llewellyn Drive, appropriate right-of-way should be reserved.
During public comment, Charlie Pitts asked if the traffic study had taken into account the Triple Lakes development. The engineer confirmed it had not, as the study was completed before that development was brought to the board. Pitts suggested “Sounds like it needs an update.”
A resident from Market Meadows asked about staffing hours and opposed the development, expressing concern about storage units proliferating in the area and questioning whether it was “the right thing for this particular neighborhood.” He also pressed for clarity on plans for the undeveloped portion of the property.
When asked about hours of operation, Hojnowski stated it would be “daylight hours” and “not be a 24 hour development.” She agreed to coordinate on building colors to blend with the community aesthetic, similar to nearby developments. Regarding the undeveloped parcel at Sullivan and Llewellyn, she stated they had no current plans to develop it and were not parceling it out at this time.
The committee discussed whether to require the undeveloped portion to be parceled separately. Dan Thomas confirmed that if parceled separately, any future development would need to go through the same plan business submittal process. The committee considered adding a stipulation limiting storage activities to the developed facility only.
After extensive discussion, Trustee Thouvenot made a motion to table the matter until the next meeting, citing the need for TWM review of the traffic study for future easements, the absence of the mayor, and a missing trustee. Trustee Jablonski seconded the motion.
Motion: Trustee Thouvenot moved to table the 1816 Llewellyn Planned Business Development until the next meeting. Trustee Jablonski seconded. Trustee Votes – All Ayes.
Trustee McGuire requested that the applicant be provided with a list of questions and concerns before the next meeting so she could prepare responses. Dan Thomas agreed to coordinate this communication.
Following the tabling of the planned business development, the committee addressed the remaining agenda items (Special Property Oversight List and Vacant Building Registry as detailed above).
Trustee Jablonski made a motion to close the Community & Economic Development Committee, which was seconded.
Motion: Trustee Jablonski moved to close the Community & Economic Development Committee. The motion was seconded by Trustee Thouvenot. Truste Votes – All Ayes.
The committee closed at 7:22 PM.
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE – Open 7:22 – 7:23 PM
Chair: Trustee McGuire; Vice-Chair: Trustee Pochek Thouvenot
Members: Trustees Lanter, McGuire, Jablonski,
Trustee McGuire opened the Public Safety Committee at 7:22 PM.
a. Deputy Chief Howard appointed Co-Chair of the Communications and Technology Committee of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police
Trustee McGuire recognized Deputy Chief Howard’s appointment as Co-Chair of the Communications and Technology Committee for the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. He noted that neither of the chiefs were present at the meeting and that additional information about upcoming board meetings was included in the packet. He suggested anyone needing more information should reach out to Chief Blomberg.
Trustee McGuire expressed appreciation for the appointment: “It’s nice to see us. Officers and chiefs from our community part of the larger Illinois Association. So, congratulations to him.” Another trustee added, “Indeed.”
Trustee McGuire made a motion to close the Public Safety Committee, which was seconded by Trustee Jablonski.
Motion: Trustee McGuire moved to close the Public Safety Committee. The motion was seconded by Trustee Jablonski. Trustee Votes – All Ayes.
The committee closed at 7:23 PM.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE: Open 7:23-7:25 PM
Chair: Trustee McGuire: Vice-Chair: Trustee Lanter
Members: Trustees Pochek, Lewis V., Jablonski, Thouvenot
Trustee McGuire opened the Public Works Committee at 7:23 PM.
a. Res. No.: A Resolution Accepting The Low Bid Of $273,456.45 From Gelly Excavating And Construction, 13297 Plocher Lane, Highland, IL 62249, For A Box Culvert Replacement On Gilbert Street
Trustee McGuire presented the resolution accepting a low bid of $273,456.45 from Gelly Excavating and Construction for a box culvert replacement on Gilbert Street. He made a motion to forward the resolution to the board.
Motion: Trustee McGuire moved to forward Resolution No. I accepting the low bid for the Gilbert Street box culvert replacement to the board. The motion was seconded by Trustee Thouvenot. Trustee Votes – All Ayes.
b. Res. No.: A Resolution Approving A Contract With Thouvenot, Wade & Moerchen, Inc. 4940 Old Collinsville Rd, Swansea, IL, For Construction Observation And Staking Services For The Gilbert Street Box Culvert Project, At An Hourly Estimated Cost Of $19,700.00
Trustee McGuire presented the resolution approving a contract with TWM for construction observation and staking services for the Gilbert Street box culvert project at an estimated cost of $19,700. He made a motion to forward the resolution to the board.
Motion: Trustee McGuire moved to forward Resolution approving the TWM contract for construction services to the board. The motion was seconded by Trustee Pochek. Trustee Votes – All Ayes.
c. Res. No.: MFT- 23-00040-00PV- Enrick Drive
Trustee McGuire presented Resolution regarding MFT funding for Enrick Drive. After some confusion about the resolution’s purpose, it was clarified that this was allocating MFT funds for work that had already been approved. It was noted that the project would be bid the following Tuesday. Trustee McGuire made a motion to forward the resolution to the board.
Motion: Trustee McGuire moved to forward Resolution regarding MFT funding for Enrick Drive to the board. The motion was seconded by Trustee Jablonski. Trustee Votes – All Ayes.
Trustee McGuire made a motion to close the Public Works Committee.
Motion: Trustee McGuire moved to close the Public Works Committee. The motion was seconded by Trustee Jablonski. Trustee Votes All Ayes.
The committee closed at 7:25 PM.
CULTURAL COMMITTEE – Nothing Requested at Agenda Time
Chair: Trustee Lewis V.: Vice-Chair: Trustee Pochek
Members: Trustees Lanter, McGuire, Jablonski, Thouvenot
SWANSEA REPORT COMMITTEE – Open 7:25 – 7:26
Chair: Trustee Jablonski; Vice-Chair: Trustee Pochek
Members: Trustees Lewis V., McGuire, Lanter, Thouvenot
a. Finalize the September Report
Trustee Jablonski reminded everyone that information for the September Swansea Report was due by the 21st. She noted, “I do have some openings. So, if you have something specific you want to highlight from your department, please let me know, and I can work with you to get something in there.”
With no further business, a motion was made to close the committees.
Motion: Trustee McGuire made a motion was made to close the committee meetings. The motion was seconded by Trustee Jablonski. Trustee Votes – All Ayes.
https://www.swanseail.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08182025-126
