Meeting Summary and Briefs: Mokena Village Board for November 10, 2025
Mokena Village Board Meeting | November 10, 2025
The Mokena Village Board met on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, to address rising administrative costs and celebrate local philanthropy. The most significant action taken was the approval of a 3% credit card convenience fee, which will be passed on to consumers starting in March 2026 to offset more than $132,000 in annual processing fees. The board also oversaw the distribution of funds from the Ronald J. Grotovsky Mayors Charitable Foundation to 16 local non-profits. For more details on these items, please see the standalone stories.
News Briefs:
Electrical Commission Appointments:
Mayor George J. Metanias appointed four members to the Village of Mokena Electrical Commission during the Nov. 10 meeting. The appointees include Jim Smola (Journeyman Electrician), Rick Campbell (Deputy Fire Chief), Craig M. Jackson (Retired Electrician), and Krzysztof Kociolek. Smola, Campbell, and Jackson will serve three-year terms effective Oct. 28, 2025. Kociolek will serve as Chairperson and Assistant Community Development Director.
Public Comments on Traffic and Veterans:
During public comments on Nov. 10, resident Jim Schlegel urged the Village to address traffic congestion near the 7Brew on Route 30, suggesting a new traffic light or a mandatory right-turn-only lane. Mayor Metanias stated the Village is currently working with IDOT to evaluate the intersection. Additionally, Israel Smith promoted a St. John’s Cemetery tour video in honor of Veterans Day, highlighting local veterans’ history.
Financial Report and Bill Approval:
Village Administrator John Tomasoski presented the accounts payable list for November, totaling $1,332,328.11. The Board of Trustees approved the payment of the monthly bills in a 5-0 vote. Trustee Debbie Engler moved for approval, which was seconded by Trustee Melissa Fedora.
Parade of Lights Update:
During trustee comments on Nov. 10, Trustee Debbie Engler announced that over 30 entries have been received for the upcoming Parade of Lights. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 22, at 5:00 p.m. on Front Street. Trustee Melissa Fedora also encouraged residents to attend the local VFW Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at Pioneer Cemetery.
Transposition Error Correction:
As part of the consent agenda, the board approved Ordinance No. 2025-O-030. This measure corrected a minor transposition error found in a previous ordinance (2025-O-009). The correction ensures the legal accuracy of Title 2, Chapter 7 (Site Plan and Architectural Review Committee) and Title 2, Chapter 8 (Economic Development Commission) of the Mokena Village Code.
Latest News Stories
WATCH: Father of Housing First points to success; We Heart Seattle highlights failures
Death threats against ICE officers up by 8,000%, DHS says
Colorado sues over Space Command HQ moving to Alabama
Illinois quick hits: Pritzker to sign tax, toll increases to bail out transit
IL Senate approves Department of Corrections director despite fierce opposition
Report: PJM power grid electrification faces bumpy transition
Judge orders Trump to use emergency fund to disburse SNAP benefits
Early morning vote advances Illinois’ ‘Terminally Ill Patients Act,’ sparks outcry
91% of U.S. veterans concerned about food assistance amid shutdown
Indiana state police working with ICE at Illinois border to secure interstates
Trump’s former National Security Adviser criticizes Ireland for ‘cozying up to China’
WATCH: IL lawmakers pass consequential bills early Halloween