Meeting Summary and Briefs: Monee Village Board for July 23, 2025

The Monee Village Board of Trustees heard a detailed presentation for a major industrial redevelopment, approved a significant payment for its nearly-completed public works facility, and gave final clearance for a new firearms business at its regular meeting on July 23, 2025.

Longtime Monee developer Luis Sanchez and his daughter Lizzie presented a multi-phase plan to overhaul a property on Industrial Drive. The project, which is tied to the village’s potential acquisition of other Sanchez properties, involves renovating an existing building and preparing the site for a second, larger facility that could house up to eight new businesses. (See our full story for more details.)

In other major business, the board authorized a payment of over $566,000 for construction of the new Public Works building, which officials said is on track to open in mid-August. Trustees also approved a special use permit for Sheepdog Firearms to operate a retail and range facility and finalized a community benefit agreement that will bring a $250,000 donation to the village from a planned solar energy project.

Early Voting to Return to Monee
Monee will once again serve as an early voting site for the 2026 midterm primary elections. Village Clerk Michelle Powell-Johnson announced she had received and accepted an invitation from the Will County Clerk’s Office to partner on restoring the service. Early voting was a popular option for Monee-area residents in past elections, and officials expressed enthusiasm for bringing it back to the community. Volunteers will be needed for the polling site.

Property Tax Rebate Program Renewed for Residents
The Village of Monee will continue its property tax rebate program this year, Finance Trustee Chuck Rakis announced. The popular program provides a financial rebate to qualifying residents on the village’s portion of their property tax bill. Rakis stated that applications and further information about the program will be made available on the village’s website starting August 14.

Redevelopment Agreement Drafted for Hotel Property
The village is moving forward with a plan to assist in the redevelopment of a hotel property. The board authorized Village Attorney Larry Gryczewski to present a draft redevelopment agreement to property owner Payla Patel. The agreement proposes reimbursing up to $700,000 in TIF-eligible costs for exterior improvements, including the parking lot, signs, windows, and landscaping, for the project.

Village Explains Recent Garbage Rate Increase
In response to a resident’s question about a recent 20% increase in his garbage bill, Mayor Dr. Therese M. Bogs explained the change is due to a new 10-year contract with Republic Services. She noted that the village negotiated the best possible rate but absorbed the contractual increase for the first year, effectively giving residents a year without the price change. The current bill now reflects the contracted rate.

Historical Society Announces Upcoming Events and Initiatives
The Monee Historical Society is planning a busy August, according to representative Billy Morgan. Upcoming events include an American History Book Club meeting on Aug. 7, an Art Auction, Wine and Cheese Reception on Aug. 9, and a presentation on famed architect Daniel Burnham on Aug. 14. The society is also launching a docent program and partnering with Monee Township to feature a local veteran in its quarterly newsletter.

Cooling Center Opens; Officials Highlight Angel Sense Program
With temperatures rising, Trustee Scott Youdris announced that the Monee Village Hall at 5130 W. Court Street will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. as a public cooling center. He also highlighted the police department’s partnership with Angel Sense, a program that provides location devices for vulnerable individuals with dementia or autism. The reminder came after police and EMA successfully located a missing elderly resident over the weekend.

Summer Fun Continues with Parks and Recreation Events
The Parks and Recreation department’s summer schedule is in full swing. Upcoming events include a Party in the Park at Friendship Park on July 29, a “Christmas in July” Movies in the Park screening of “Elf” on July 30, and a final Party in the Park at Fireman’s Park on August 5. Trustee Heidi Gonzalez also reminded residents that Fall Fest is only 46 days away.