Lemont trustees approve State Street resurfacing, two engineering contracts, liquor-license increase and police leadership changes

The Village of Lemont Board of Trustees on July (date not specified in record) approved an 80/20 resurfacing project for State Street, authorized related engineering contracts, increased the number of mobile beverage licenses to accommodate a vendor called Tipsy Tales, approved a property-variation ordinance for 804 Warner Avenue, and confirmed Jason Lococo as the village’s next chief of police. Officer Patrick O’Kane was sworn in during the meeting and outgoing Chief Mayton was honored for his service.

The resurfacing of State Street from 127th Street to Cass Street was approved as a Federal Highway Administration-funded project with an 80/20 split. Clerk Sharpe said the village’s local share for the phase 3 engineering agreement will be $23,400. Trustees were told the project is expected to be let in September with construction likely starting in mid-October.

Village Administrator Jordan Schafer, presenting the police appointment, said, “Jason Lococo brings more than 25 years of leadership experience with the Illinois State Police,” and recommended Lococo for appointment. The board moved, seconded and voted to approve the appointment; the roll call resulted in approval and the chief-elect later took the oath of office. Officer Patrick O’Kane, a recent graduate of the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy and a former North Riverside officer, was sworn in during a ceremonial portion of the meeting.

Other actions included: a professional-services agreement with HR Green Inc. for Phase 1 design engineering on Heritage Quarries and I & M Canal trail-amenity improvements, and a separate HR Green agreement for State Street LAFO resurfacing construction engineering. Clerk Sharpe noted the Heritage Quarries item and the HR Green State Street agreement during the clerk’s report; both agreements were approved by motion and roll call.

The board also approved an ordinance granting a variation under the Lemont Unified Development Ordinance for the property at 804 Warner Avenue. Sharpe said the item had been discussed previously at a Committee of the Whole and was recommended unanimously by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

On the consent agenda the trustees approved routine items, holding two items (3c and 3d) for separate votes; both of those held items were later presented and approved (including the mobile-beverage license change to add Tipsy Tales). The meeting record shows roll-call approval for the ordinances and resolutions presented.

During discussion about the State Street project, trustees and staff emphasized that resurfacing priorities are based on traffic counts, roadway condition (alligator cracking, potholing, base failure), safety considerations and jurisdictional ownership, not purely on how a street looks. Officials said the village has performed temporary patching on routes that remain IDOT responsibility and has been pursuing IDOT coordination via its lobbyist.

The board scheduled an executive (closed) session at the end of the meeting; the clerk noted there would be no decisions following that executive session. The meeting included ceremonial swearing-in events, retiree recognition for Chief Mayton, and routine announcements about upcoming village events including the farmers market and cruise nights.

Votes at a glance - State Street LAFO resurfacing construction engineering (HR Green agreement): approved (roll call: all in favor). Local share cited: $23,400; 80% federal/20% village split; project let expected in September, construction mid-October. - IDOT agreement for State Street resurfacing (R-55-25): approved (roll call: all in favor). Project oversight and letting discussed; portions beyond village jurisdiction remain IDOT responsibility. - HR Green — Heritage Quarries / I & M Canal trail amenity improvements (design phase 1, R-53-25): approved (roll call: all in favor). - HR Green — State Street LAFO resurfacing phase 3 engineering (R-54-25): approved (roll call: all in favor). - Ordinance granting variation for 804 Warner Avenue (O-40-25): approved (roll call: all in favor). Planning & Zoning Commission recommended unanimously. - Ordinances amending the Lamont Municipal Code to add/increase mobile beverage liquor licenses (including Tipsy Tales): approved (roll call: all in favor). - Appointment of Jason Lococo as chief of police (mayoral appointment requiring board consent): approved (voice/roll call: all in favor); Lococo was sworn in.

No formal decisions were announced following the meeting’s executive session request.

The meeting record does not specify the exact calendar date of the session; references in the record include event dates in late July and early August. The board’s actions on State Street depend on federal funds and coordination with the Illinois Department of Transportation; officials noted IDOT remains responsible for some segments and ramps and the village will continue outreach to IDOT.