Village of Mokena Board of Trustees Meeting | October 13, 2025

The Mokena Village Board on Monday, October 13, 2025, gave final approval for a new restaurant and outdoor entertainment venue, celebrated the swearing-in of the police department’s first K-9 officer, and awarded a major contract for wastewater plant upgrades. The board unanimously approved the “Emerald Social” project, a family-friendly venue on 191st Street that will feature a restaurant, a rotating “food truck park,” and a stage for live music. More details on this development are available in our full story.

In a historic moment for the village, the board welcomed K-9 Kong, a German Shepherd who was officially sworn in as the Mokena Police Department’s first canine officer. The purchase of Kong was fully funded through the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office, with local organizations donating a ballistic vest and other funds. For more on Kong and his new role, see our complete article. The board also appointed two new Public Works employees and approved a $204,888 contract to replace aging pumps at the wastewater treatment plant.

Accounts Payable Approved
The board authorized the payment of monthly bills totaling $1,980,298.35. Village Administrator John Tomasoski highlighted two significant invoices within that total: $75,158.16 to Ariba Construction & Supply for storm sewer repairs and a $116,450 payment to BS&A for the village’s new software system.

Resident Urges Support for Blood Drives
During public comments, Mokena resident Jim Schlegel praised recent blood drives hosted by local organizations and stressed the life-saving importance of donations. Noting that one recent drive fell short of its collection goal, he encouraged the village and its trustees to actively support and promote future events to help them succeed, particularly for organizations like St. John’s United Church of Christ, a close neighbor to Village Hall.

Christmas Tree Walk Gets Go-Ahead
The board approved the use of village resources for the Mokena Chamber of Commerce’s “Magic of Mokena Christmas Tree Walk” scheduled for Saturday, December 6, 2025. The annual holiday event takes place in the downtown area near the intersection of Wolf Road and Front Street, utilizing the Front Street Metra lot for festivities.

Scouts Announce Annual Spaghetti Dinner
Joseph Sandor, representing Scouting of America Troops 40 and 41, announced the troops’ annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser. The event, which is the troops’ largest fundraiser, will be held on Saturday, October 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. at St. John’s United Church of Christ. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children, with takeout options available.

Fall Leaf and Branch Pickup Scheduled
Village Administrator John Tomasoski announced the village’s first free fall leaf and branch pickup is scheduled for October 20-22. He reminded residents they must schedule the service either by calling Village Hall at (708) 479-3900 or by submitting a request through the village website. Bundled branches and leaves in paper bags will be collected.

Utility and Forest Preserve Agreements Approved
As part of its consent agenda, the board approved several utility and land use agreements. These included new master license agreements for fiber optic installation with Clearwave Fiber and Campus Communications Group, an agreement with Comcast Business, and a license agreement renewal with the Will County Forest Preserve District at a cost of $3,906.17.

Ordinances Update Hotel Tax and Liquor Licenses
The board unanimously approved two ordinances as part of its consent agenda. The first amends the village code regarding the Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax, requiring online facilitators like Airbnb and VRBO to collect and remit the tax. A second ordinance was passed pertaining to the classification and number of liquor licenses issued in the village.