Gurnee board approves ordinance to reauthorize participation in Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network

The Gurnee Village Board approved Ordinance 2025-06 on Feb. 17 authorizing an intergovernmental agreement for participation in the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network, known as IPWMAN.

The ordinance, introduced as a new-business item, reestablishes the village’s participation in a statewide mutual-aid system for public works agencies that coordinates personnel and equipment for recovery from storms and other disasters. "Again, by belonging to this, it doesn't commit you to responding if there's a request for assistance," Pat (staff member) said during the presentation.

Pat told the board the village originally joined IPWMAN in February 2009 and that the network’s recent update includes changes to the agreement and bylaws. Pat said Public Works Director Glenn, Attorney Winner and Pat reviewed the updates and raised no concerns. The presentation said typical assistance requests related to storm cleanup can include chippers, trucks and generators.

Trustees voted by roll call to adopt the ordinance. The roll call recorded Trustee Garner, Trustee O'Brien, Trustee Baumas, Trustee Claussen and Trustee Ross voting in favor; the motion passed.

Proponents said membership places the village on a contact list for mutual-aid requests but does not create an obligation to deploy personnel or equipment. The village will remain able to decide whether to respond to individual requests as they arise.

The ordinance took effect upon adoption; no implementation timeline or additional budgetary commitments were specified during the meeting.

The board moved on to other items following the vote.