The Village of Hanover Park Board of Trustees approved a resolution authorizing a franchise contract for residential refuse collection, disposal and recycling services with Groot (Group Industries Inc.), after a lengthy discussion about senior discounts and service details. The resolution passed on a roll call vote, 4–3.

Board members debated whether the contract should include an age‑based senior discount in addition to the existing needs‑based Benefit Access Program (formerly the Illinois Circuit Breaker). Trustee Van Coley said she was “disappointed…that we’re not meeting the requests of our seniors,” urging the board to consider either adding an age‑based category or increasing outreach so eligible residents claim the existing program. Trustee Gutierrez stressed preserving needs‑based eligibility, saying, “we wanna make sure that it’s needs based…not just age based,” and warned that an age‑based discount would shift costs to other households.

Staff explained the contract as proposed continues the village’s current approach: a 50% discount for households that qualify for the state Benefit Access Program, not an automatic 50% discount for all residents 65 and older. Staff also said the contractor’s proposed pricing assumed the current needs‑based discount and that adding a new age‑based category would require renegotiation or rebidding and could raise per‑household rates across the system. Staff estimated roughly 113–150 households currently use the Benefit Access Program discount but said staff can increase outreach to raise take‑up.

Trustees sought clarification on service elements. Board members asked whether residents would receive new automated trash and recycling totes; staff responded that totes are included and will be distributed, and that the quoted single‑family monthly rate in the proposal is about $23.98. Trustees also questioned yard‑waste sticker pricing, which rises annually in the contract schedule and is structured so residents who generate yard waste pay per sticker while others pay less in the monthly fee.

Several trustees asked staff to obtain data showing the fiscal impact of adding an age‑based discount (examples discussed included a 10% or 50% subsidy for all residents 65+), and whether Groot would accept contract amendments. Staff said the contractor based its price on the status quo; adding age‑based discounts would require Groot’s concurrence and could increase costs spread across all customers. Trustee Kunkel and others urged outreach to increase enrollment in the Benefit Access Program as an immediate step.

After discussion, Trustee Yelboth and others moved and seconded to approve the contract as written. Roll call votes recorded: Trustee Yelboth — yes; Trustee Gutierrez — no; Trustee Porter — no; Trustee Kunkel — yes; Trustee Ben Cooley — no; Trustee Recolino — yes; Mayor Craig — yes. The motion passed, 4–3.

The board directed staff to return with more detailed cost estimates if trustees want to pursue an age‑based discount, and to step up outreach about the Benefit Access Program so eligible residents can claim the existing 50% reduction. The village manager and staff also were asked to consult with Groot on the practical steps and fiscal effects of any contract amendment.

Why it matters: The contract sets rates and service rules that affect nearly all single‑family households in Hanover Park and includes built‑in assumptions about discounts and yard‑waste fees. Any change to senior eligibility would alter contractor revenue and likely change monthly rates for other residents.

What’s next: Staff will compile data on the number of households that would qualify under different eligibility scenarios, return with cost estimates, and pursue outreach to increase take‑up of the current Benefit Access Program discount.