Meeting Summary and Briefs: Monee Village Board of Trustees for March 11, 2026

Monee Village Board of Trustees Meeting | March 11, 2026

Overall Meeting Summary
The Monee Village Board of Trustees convened on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, with Trustee Doug Horne stepping in as Mayor Pro-Tem due to the absence of Mayor Dr. Therese M. Bogs. The board focused heavily on public works and infrastructure, approving a nearly $40,000 utility vehicle for sidewalk snow removal and passing a redevelopment agreement for the new Voortman USA Corp. manufacturing facility. Trustees also heard extensive reports from village departments, highlighting everything from recent severe weather responses by the Emergency Management Agency to the imminent grand opening of the new Tractor Supply store. Readers are encouraged to review the standalone articles for comprehensive details on the Voortman TIF agreement, the DPW equipment purchase, and the IDOT right-of-way resolution.

Brief Title: Firemen’s Park Phase 2 Construction Begins
Trustee Heidi Gonzalez reported that Phase 2 construction at Firemen’s Park has officially begun. The final phase of the park’s development will introduce a variety of new amenities, including a splash pad, a basketball court, pickleball and tennis courts, expanded parking, and a walking path that loops around the perimeter. Gonzalez stated the village anticipates construction will be completed by the end of the summer.

Brief Title: Historical Society Unveils 250th Anniversary Promotion
Betsy Youdris, the membership chair for the Monee Historical Society, addressed the board to promote upcoming events and a new membership drive. To honor the 250th birthday of the United States, the society is offering a lifetime membership for $250, a significant discount from the standard $500 rate. Youdris also announced that a retired history professor will present a program on the true history and native tribes behind the legend of Starved Rock on Saturday, April 11.

Brief Title: EMA Responds to Regional Flooding and Tornadoes
Trustee Scott Youdris detailed a busy month for the Monee Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and Police Department. On March 6, EMA entered “storm mode” to combat flooding across the region, clearing storm drains in Golf Vista to prevent water from entering multiple residential garages. Crews were also dispatched to flooding on northbound I-57, Route 50, and Monee Manhattan Road. Additionally, Youdris reported that Monee Police responded to provide mutual aid to the Kankakee County Sheriff’s office on March 10, helping maintain a safe perimeter for search and rescue operations following a devastating tornado.

Brief Title: Economic Development and Tractor Supply Opening
Trustee Michael Wilson confirmed that the new Monee Tractor Supply will host its official grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, March 28 at noon. Local vendors Eat the Bone BBQ and the Bean Wagon will be on-site for the event. In other business news, Wilson addressed local rumors, confirming that CF Pets is moving its operations out of Monee to the neighboring Village of Peotone due to internal budgeting decisions.

Brief Title: Building Services Warns Against Extended “Bagster” Use
Trustee John Henson issued a public warning regarding the rising use of “Bagsters”—soft-sided, disposable dumpsters purchased at home improvement stores. Henson clarified that under Village of Monee Municipal Code 418A, these bags legally qualify as dumpsters and require a village permit. The permit restricts their presence on a residential property to a maximum of 15 days. Residents utilizing Bagsters without a permit are subject to enforcement actions from the code compliance department.

Brief Title: Free Pavlov Fiber Internet Live at Village Buildings
Mayor Pro-Tem Doug Horne announced that Pavlov Media has completed the installation of fiber internet at the Department of Public Works building. The IT department is currently configuring the system. Horne noted that as part of the network’s rollout, all village-owned buildings are now receiving free internet service provided by Pavlov.

Brief Title: Monee Police Win Polar Plunge Trophy
Following the recent Law Enforcement Special Olympics Polar Plunge, the Monee Police Department secured the trophy for the largest plunge donation by a police department for the second year in a row. The team, led by Mayor Dr. Therese M. Bogs, raised nearly $11,000 for the charity. Trustee John Henson, who participated in a kilt this year, reiterated his promise to the board: “If I personally raise $5,000 on my page, I will wear a pink tutu to do the plunge.”