Mokena Village Board Meeting | September 22, 2025

The Mokena Village Board on Monday, September 22, 2025, took steps to bolster downtown redevelopment by unanimously approving a three-year extension of its Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district. The decision pushes the TIF’s expiration to 2032, allowing the village more time to capture property tax growth to fund improvement projects. Officials also plan to seek a further 12-year extension from state lawmakers. For more on the TIF district’s history and future, read the full story here.

In other business, the board honored 101-year-old World War II veteran and longtime resident Raymond L. McClory with a formal proclamation detailing his service. The village also approved nearly half a million dollars in contracts for road and sidewalk repairs and voted to increase the late fee for business license renewals to a flat $30. Additionally, a contract was awarded to remove and replace invasive Callery Pear trees with grant funding.

Respect Life Week Proclaimed
Following a request from Clerk Melissa Martini, the board proclaimed the week of October 5, 2025, as Respect Life Week in the Village of Mokena. Lora Oldham, representing the St. Mary’s Council of Catholic Women, was present at the meeting and thanked the mayor and board for their support of the proclamation.

Village Engineer Resigns
As part of its consent agenda, the board approved a voluntary resignation agreement and release for Village Engineer James Bosma. The item was administrative in nature, and no further details about the resignation were discussed during the open session of the meeting.

Surplus Vehicles to be Auctioned
The board authorized the disposal of surplus village vehicles through Clinton Auto Auction. The ordinance, passed as part of the consent agenda, allows the Village President and Village Clerk to execute the necessary documents for the sale, transfer, or disposition of the specified personal property.

Blood Drive Announcements
During public comments, Mokena resident Jim Schlegel announced three upcoming blood drives in the community. He encouraged all eligible residents to consider donating blood to support local healthcare needs.