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Gurnee board approves sign permit, extends retail recruitment contract and waives bidding for vehicle upfits
Summary
At its Jan. 5 meeting, the Village Board unanimously approved a special use permit for a sign at Pembroke Corner (Ordinance 2026-02), authorized a six‑month extension of a Mallon professional services agreement for retail recruitment (Ordinance 2026-03), and waived bidding to purchase vehicle upfits from Bonnell Industries not to exceed $99,715.66.
The Village of Gurnee board on Jan. 5 approved three separate actions by unanimous roll call votes.
Ordinance 2026‑02 — Pembroke Corner sign special use permit: Community Development Director Dave Ziegler told the board the 1989 wooden sign at Pembroke Corner (near Jimmy John's and other tenants) had been removed after structural failure and the property owner seeks to replace it with a new sign 18 feet tall and up to eight tenant panels. Ziegler said the planning and zoning board reviewed the request on Dec. 3 and recommended approval. Trustee Balmus moved, Trustee O'Brien seconded; roll call recorded ayes from Trustees O'Brien, Balmus, Thorstenson, Woodside and Ross; the motion carried.
Ordinance 2026‑03 — Extension of professional services agreement for restaurant/retail recruitment: Economic development staff asked the board to extend the Mallon & Associates contract with Mike Mallon for targeted retail and restaurant recruitment. Staff described a prospecting list and outreach that produced interest from multiple national groups; the extension covers six nonconsecutive months (Jan. 7–Sept. 6) at $7,000 plus minimal out‑of‑pocket costs to be paid from the economic development fund. Trustee Ross moved, Trustee Woodside seconded; roll call recorded ayes and the motion carried.
Waiver of bidding & vehicle upfits (Public Works): Public Works requested that bidding be waived for the purchase and installation of three utility service bodies, three liftgate systems, a 9‑foot plow and related accessories from Bonnell Industries at a total cost not to exceed $99,715.66 to outfit three recently purchased pickup trucks. The department said it has worked with the vendor for 13 years and has been satisfied with prior work. Trustee O'Brien moved, Trustee Balmus seconded; roll call recorded unanimous ayes and the motion carried.
Other procedural business: The board previously approved the consent agenda and listed minutes, payroll, bills and bid dates for upcoming projects before hearing the capital budget presentation. No members of the public offered comments during the public‑comment period and the meeting was adjourned.
Vote records - Ordinance 2026‑02 (special use permit): mover: Balmus; second: O'Brien; votes: O'Brien (Aye), Balmus (Aye), Thorstenson (Aye), Woodside (Aye), Ross (Aye); outcome: approved.
- Ordinance 2026‑03 (professional services extension): mover: Ross; second: Woodside; votes recorded as ayes by roll call; outcome: approved.
- Waiver of bidding / Bonnell purchase (not to exceed $99,715.66): mover: O'Brien; second: Balmus; votes: O'Brien (Aye), Balmus (Aye), Thorstenson (Aye), Woodside (Aye), Ross (Aye); outcome: approved.
