Braidwood City Council

Council says no to water rate increase

Published by admin on Tue, 05/01/2018 - 7:01pm

Water bills continue to be a hot topic among Braidwood residents who think their bills are a bit higher than acceptable. But despite those complaints filtering into City Hall, an increase in water rates has now been shot down by council members for a third year in a row.

On April 24, members of the City Council voted to cancel a planned 4 percent annual increase for water and sewer bills.

Teens get a taste of local government

Published by admin on Tue, 05/01/2018 - 6:59pm

Eighth graders from Reed-Custer Middle School got a look at how government runs from the inside, after a day spent with local leaders seeing the ins and outs of City Hall.

City Leaders hosted the third annual Turnabout Day on Tuesday, April 24.

PACE program inches closer to reality

Published by admin on Tue, 04/24/2018 - 6:05pm

Braidwood’s city leaders said they’re inching closer to finally having PACE transportation service in town.

Plans to lease a PACE van for regional passenger service are in the next phase of completion – getting the city’s drivers certified and ready.

“We went and took the next step, we have our drivers identified and our administrative people are going through the process now. Hopefully, in the next five or six weeks, we’ll have the van here,” city administrator Don Labriola said.

Exelon participates in river study

Published by admin on Tue, 04/17/2018 - 6:01pm

Residents along the Kankakee River in Custer Park may notice some loud noises over the next several months near Exelon’s intake valves. But the nuclear provider has reached out to local stakeholders to let them know what the fuss is about.

Exelon’s Braidwood Station is participating with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in a study on the environmental impact of its water intake structure on fish and other aquatic organisms in the Kankakee River.

Townes bids due back by June

Published by admin on Tue, 04/17/2018 - 5:57pm

The vacant lots inside the Townes of Braidwood are officially up for grabs.

But city leaders said they think this time around could be different, as housing is poised to make a comeback in Braidwood.

The city has asked for bids on the vacant lots to be in to the city by June 15. But even with the few lots sold so far, Mayor Jim Vehrs said things are already moving in terms of construction and finally getting some new homeowners to settle in.

Agreement could be weeks away in hotel talks

Published by admin on Tue, 04/10/2018 - 5:59pm

More than two months after the members of the Braidwood City Council took a deeper look into a proposal for a new hotel in town, city leaders said a decision on the proposal could now be just weeks away.

In January, local builder Tony Altiery and his business partner, attorney Frank Meents, proposed a hotel at Reed Road and Interstate 55, at the site of the former Sands Motel.

Talks continue on cleaning up properties

Published by admin on Thu, 04/05/2018 - 10:58am

The fate of a home of Division Street declared a nuisance property by the city is still up in the air.

On March 27, Commissioner Elena Hibler asked for an update on the property at 402 S. Division St. In January, by a 3-2 vote, the council declared the property – a residential lot containing a single-family home – as a nuisance property.

City leaders at the time said it was a major step to try to clean up the property, which has been the subject of multiple complaints by neighbors.

The home is owned by Carl and Mary Lu Krueger.

ESDA joins mutual aid association

Published by admin on Thu, 04/05/2018 - 10:47am

Braidwood’s Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA) will become a member of a larger group in Will County where members assist one another in emergencies.

On March 13, the members of the City Council approved a resolution for a mutual aid agreement to become part of the Greater Will County Emergency Services Mutual Aid Association. ESDA Assistant Coordinator Josh Bolatto said the agreement will allow for a larger response for natural disasters, public gatherings, and man-made catastrophes.

Citizen group questions city’s finances

Published by admin on Thu, 04/05/2018 - 10:45am

The grassroots organization that exists to encourage government transparency in Braidwood is asking more questions about city finances.

On March 13, Bill Rulien, former mayor and member of Citizens for a Better Braidwood, approached the members of the City Council asking for some clarity on recent financial reports, as well as slow responses to the group’s Freedom of Information Act requests.

Changes made in accounting department

Published by admin on Thu, 04/05/2018 - 10:44am

The city of Braidwood has reorganized the operation its accounting and financial department.

On March 13, members of the City Council approved a resolution naming Julie Quigley, who has served as the city’s accountant during Mayor Jim Vehrs’ term, to a new position as an independent contractor.

Per the agreement, Quigley will work 24 hours per week, for a total of $5,800 per month. The position does not include any benefits, vacation days, or personal days.