Union County commissioners introduce three ordinances for first reading and adopt package of resolutions; one abstention

The Union County Board of County Commissioners on Dec. 18 introduced three ordinances for first reading and voted to adopt a package of resolutions, with one commissioner abstaining on resolution 2024‑926. During the public-comment period resident Bruce Patterson of Garwood questioned several procurement and property items on the agenda and asked county officials for clarifications.

The most significant ordinance introduced is Ordinance No. 850‑2024, a bond ordinance to finance various public improvements and equipment. The ordinance, read by the clerk, proposes appropriations totaling $37,783,130 and authorizes the issuance of $23,805,044 in bonds and $23,805,044 in bond anticipation notes. Fiscal Committee Chairwoman Commissioner Williams moved Ordinance 850‑2024 for first reading and asked the clerk to advertise it; Commissioner Kowalski seconded the motion. The clerk called the roll and recorded seven affirmative votes to place the ordinance on first reading; the public hearing and final reading were scheduled for Dec. 18, 2024.

Two additional ordinances were introduced for first reading with unanimous roll-call support. Ordinance 851‑2024 would fix salaries for members of the board of county commissioners, the county manager, county counsel and department heads for 2025; Commissioner Williams moved the ordinance and Commissioner Baker seconded. Ordinance 852‑2024 would amend portions of the Union County Administrative Code covering multiple departments and chapters (including department head qualifications, benefits, fees, streets and sidewalks, and other sections); Commissioner Kowalski moved the ordinance and Commissioner Bodak seconded. Each ordinance was ordered advertised in accordance with law; each listing a public hearing and final reading on Dec. 18, 2024.

Separately, the board voted to adopt a set of resolutions as a package. Commissioner Williams moved to adopt resolutions numbered on the agenda; Commissioner Kowalski seconded. The clerk conducted a roll call; all resolutions were carried by the board with one exception: Commissioner Bodek announced an abstention on resolution 2024‑926. The clerk recorded a final tally of seven affirmative votes on the resolutions generally and six affirmative votes with one abstention on 2024‑926.

During public comment Bruce Patterson raised questions about several agenda items by resolution number. Among his concerns he noted a $81,000 decrease change order he associated with Resolution 898 (Central Avenue bridge construction) and a $50,000 increase for CME Associates under Resolution 899; he asked which specific Ashbrook restoration project the CME funds covered and flagged campaign‑donation ties as a matter of public interest. Patterson also questioned a proposed DiSanto & Associates appraisal under Resolution 912 for property at 1819 Allen Street, noting recent sale prices and urging scrutiny of any appraisal and purchase price. He asked about Resolution 916, which he said involves a $20,000,000 DEP grant application for the Clark Reservoir project, and questioned a Resolution 917 contract award to Colliers Engineering for hydro raking at Bryant Pond. Patterson said, in part, "It's always good to hear a decrease to help the taxpayers," and urged transparency on donations and contract awards.

County Manager Oatman responded to some of the points raised. On Resolution 916, Oatman said the item reflects language provided by the state and described it as a line‑item in the state budget that the state called a grant. On Resolution 912 Oatman clarified, "we actually have to buy the house as part of the property," and confirmed the county would likely demolish a dilapidated structure if it acquired the parcel. Director Vicky Durbin‑Drake addressed Resolution 917, saying, "This resolution will bring on board Colliers to do the professional services so that the board can complete the hydro raking of Bryant Pond."

The meeting included routine commissioner reports and community announcements, including reminders about county programs and holiday events. The board adjourned after a short period of reports and a motion to adjourn.

Votes at a glance

- Ordinance 850‑2024 (bond ordinance; first reading) — Moved by Commissioner Williams; seconded by Commissioner Kowalski; roll call: 7 in favor; public hearing/final reading set for Dec. 18, 2024. - Ordinance 851‑2024 (salaries for 2025; first reading) — Moved by Commissioner Williams; seconded by Commissioner Baker; roll call: 7 in favor; public hearing/final reading set for Dec. 18, 2024. - Ordinance 852‑2024 (administrative code amendments; first reading) — Moved by Commissioner Kowalski; seconded by Commissioner Bodak; roll call: 7 in favor; public hearing/final reading set for Dec. 18, 2024. - Resolutions (agenda batch) — Motion to adopt made by Commissioner Williams and seconded by Commissioner Kowalski; roll call: all adopted, except Resolution 2024‑926 (6 yes, 1 abstention by Commissioner Bodek).

What officials said and next steps

The ordinances were introduced for first reading and will return for public hearing and final adoption on Dec. 18, 2024. The resolution package was adopted as recorded above. County staff said the county will obtain an appraisal on the Allen Street parcel (Resolution 912) as part of any acquisition and that Colliers Engineering would be contracted to provide professional services to complete hydro raking work (Resolution 917).