Peotone Board Approves Duplex Conversion, New Stop Signs and Discusses Unexpected State Grant

By Andrea Arens

PEOTONE — Village trustees approved a duplex conversion, authorized changes to traffic sign management, and learned of a potential $250,000 state capital grant during the June 8 Peotone Village Board meeting.

The board also approved routine financial business, received updates on community events tied to America’s 250th anniversary, and discussed ongoing code enforcement and property cleanup efforts.

Board Approves Payroll and Bills

Trustees unanimously approved minutes from the May 18 meeting before authorizing payment of village expenses.

The payroll register totaled $77,636.45, including $53,851.16 for the Peotone Police Department. The board also approved $223,521.12 in accounts payable.

Village Receives Word of Possible $250,000 State Grant

Village Administrator Nick provided updates on several infrastructure-related projects, including the ongoing Wilmington-Peotone Road Study.

Nick said the recent public information meeting covering the first phase of the study—from Old Chicago Road to U.S. Routes 45/52—was well attended. Additional study segments are expected to move forward later this year. Residents interested in reviewing plans or submitting comments were encouraged to visit www.wilmingtonpeotonestudy.com.

Nick also shared news of a potential financial windfall discovered while reviewing state funding records.

According to the administrator, the village recently learned that a previous Illinois capital bill included a line item allocating $250,000 to the Village of Peotone for capital improvements.

“It’s always good to get some state money back,” Nick told trustees. “And when they put it in the state capital bill, it just says Village of Peotone $250,000 for capital improvements. So, it’s not for anything specific. So, if this all shakes out, we’ll have to have some conversations about what we want to spend that on.”

Village officials indicated additional information is still being gathered regarding the funding.

America 250 Celebrations Continue

Peotone is continuing preparations for the nation’s 250th birthday celebration next month.

Village officials encouraged residents to participate in a patriotic decorating contest by displaying red, white and blue decorations at their homes. Winners will be announced June 30, with 11 awards planned.

The village will also host a free community cookout on June 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Village Hall as part of the lead-up to Independence Day festivities.

Trustees formally approved Resolution 26-R12, expressing the village’s support for the nationwide America 250 commemoration.

Officials Discuss Code Enforcement and Fire-Damaged Properties

Trustees received updates on several properties that have generated resident concerns.

Nick reported that the village is preparing to advertise for a part-time code enforcement officer. Until that position is filled, the village will continue utilizing BNF, a third-party firm, for enforcement services.

Board members also inquired about two fire-damaged properties.

Village staff reported that a Northwest Street property damaged by fire has been sold to a new owner who has committed to cleaning up the site. Another fire-damaged structure near the mill remains tied up in insurance and plan review processes before redevelopment can proceed.

Duplex Conversion Approved on Harlem Avenue

Following a public hearing recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission, trustees approved Ordinance 26-06, granting a special use permit to convert a single-family residence at 322 North Harlem Avenue into a two-family dwelling.

Applicant Jeppi Grimmaldo told trustees the property sits on more than half an acre and will include separate utilities, distinct outdoor spaces, an additional driveway and upgraded finishes designed to fit the surrounding neighborhood.

Grimmaldo said he hopes to complete construction and have both units available for occupancy before the end of the year.

New Process Allows Faster Traffic Sign Installation

Trustees also approved Ordinance 26-07, a measure intended to streamline how traffic control signs are designated throughout the village.

Under the previous system, stop signs and other traffic control devices were listed directly within village code, requiring formal ordinance amendments whenever changes were needed.

The new approach creates an official traffic sign registry maintained by the village clerk and available online. The change allows the village administrator to authorize safety-related sign installations after consultation with engineering staff and the police chief.

The action immediately authorized three new stop signs, including one near the intersection of Fourth Street and Elborne Avenue, an area trustees noted experiences significant pedestrian activity due to a nearby daycare.

Village officials said the change will allow safety concerns to be addressed more quickly while maintaining documentation of all traffic control devices.

Annual Crack Sealing Program Approved

The board approved Resolution 26-R11, awarding the village’s annual crack sealing project to Freehill Asphalt Incorporated.

Public Works Director Bob said the preventative maintenance program remains one of the most cost-effective ways to extend the lifespan of village streets.

“This is a project obviously yearly I do,” Bob said. “It extends the life of the pavement for—you get three to four more years out of it. So, it’s good for us. I know it’s not the nicest thing to look at sometimes, but that’s what you got to do to, you know, extend the pavement.”

The contract falls below the state’s competitive bidding threshold of $25,000.

Executive Session

At the conclusion of the public portion of the meeting, trustees voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss pending litigation and the potential purchase or lease of real estate. No action was taken in open session following the closed-door discussion.