Meeting Briefs: Mokena Village Board for June 23, 2025

The Mokena Village Board took several major actions at its June 23 meeting, including approving a new local grocery tax to head off a projected $850,000 revenue loss after the state repealed its shared tax. The board also dissolved two advisory committees to streamline the village’s development process and approved a five-year, $176,000 contract for new police car camera systems.

To preserve funding for essential services, the board enacted a 1% local grocery tax that will replace the identical state-shared tax being eliminated in 2026. Officials stressed this is not a tax increase for shoppers but a measure to maintain the status quo.

In a move to make Mokena more appealing to developers, Mayor George J. Metanias announced the suspension of the Economic Development Commission and the Site Plan & Architectural Review Committee to “fast-track” the approval process.

The board also approved a contract with Axon Enterprise to equip the police department with new in-car camera systems, unifying all video evidence collection under a single platform. Additionally, the village awarded a contract to remove dozens of invasive Callery Pear trees with the help of a grant from The Morton Arboretum.

Annual Appointments Made
The board approved its annual list of officer and commission appointments for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The list included reappointments of key staff like Village Administrator John Tomasoski and Police Chief Brian Benton. The board also welcomed Colleen Patrick-Lenart as a new appointee to the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, filling an unexpired term.

Pay Raise for Non-Union Staff
The board approved a resolution granting a 3% salary increase for all non-represented village employees, effective July 1. Village Administrator John Tomasoski stated the adjustment is consistent with raises provided in the village’s collective bargaining agreements with its union employees.

Year-End Payments Approved
As the end of the fiscal year approached, the board approved a special year-end accounts payable list totaling $665,440.33. The payment represents the final round of bills for the fiscal year ending June 30.

Code Cleanup Continues
As part of the consent agenda, the board approved an ordinance repealing outdated sections of the village code (Title 2, Chapters 7 and 8) and amending a related section in Title 8. The action is part of an ongoing effort to modernize and clean up village ordinances for better clarity and consistency.

Consulting Agreement Approved
The village will engage Ankura Consulting Group, LLC, for professional services after the board approved an engagement letter on its consent agenda. The agreement is subject to final review and approval by the village attorney.