Township planning commission appointment fills vacant seat

Monee Township trustees appointed Joe E. Lovelace to fill a vacant position on the Township Planning Commission during their May 15 meeting.

Lovelace will complete the term of Les Battermen, who resigned from the commission earlier this year. The position was scheduled to expire in April 2026.

The appointment received unanimous approval from all five trustees present during the meeting at Monee Township Hall. No discussion was recorded regarding Lovelace’s qualifications or background.

The Township Planning Commission reviews development proposals and zoning matters within the township’s jurisdiction. Commission members serve volunteer positions and typically meet monthly to review applications and make recommendations to the township board.

The commission had been operating with a vacancy since Battermen’s resignation, which was noted in the meeting agenda but not detailed in the official minutes.

Township Supervisor Donna Dettbarn said the appointment ensures the planning commission can continue its work reviewing development proposals with a full complement of members.

The planning commission appointment was among several routine business items addressed during the May meeting, which also included approval of social service agreements and budget-related expenditures.