Homer Glen board approves HomerFest budget, Menard plat, construction payment, zoning changes and manager raise

The Village of Homer Glen Village Board approved a slate of operational, capital and policy measures at its Dec. 12 meeting, including the HomerFest 2025 budget, a final plat for Menard Lot 5, a pay estimate for the Heritage Park parking expansion (with retainage to be withheld until punch-list items are complete), zoning text amendments to allow body-piercing establishments in specified commercial districts, updates to temporary sign rules and fees, and a resolution defining the village's official social media sites as a one-way communications channel. The board also adopted an ordinance to decrease the number of Class B liquor licenses following two business closures and voted to increase the village manager's base salary.

Trustees discussed the HomerFest budget (proposed at roughly $248,539), with Trustee Fialco explaining the figure reflects a 3% increase over last year's budget to account for inflation; trustees emphasized the event typically runs at or near break-even and that the larger number provides a cushion. The board approved the HomerFest budget by roll call.

On land use, the board approved an ordinance adopting a final plat to re-subdivide Lots 4 and 5 in the Menard Subdivision (case HG2301PUD); trustees said the action followed earlier approvals and staff review.

Regarding the Heritage Park parking expansion, the board approved pay estimate #3 to DDD Construction for $738,789.23 but discussed withholding retainage and a final payment until landscaping, striping and remaining punch-list items are completed. Director Brett Westcott said the village routinely holds retainage until substantial completion and estimated approximately $61,500 would remain after this estimate, with a further retainage of roughly $207,173 at final pay-out.

On zoning and business regulation, trustees approved a text amendment allowing body-piercing establishments to apply for special-use permits in the C2 and C3 commercial districts; the village attorney noted that applicants would still need to obtain a special-use permit and that the amendment simply permits that use category in those zones. Trustees also approved changes to temporary sign rules (limits on display time, one sign per permit and a 30-day interval between display periods, with holiday exceptions) that the planning commission had recommended.

The board approved an ordinance reducing the number of Class B liquor licenses by two after Brinker Restaurant Corporation (Chili's) and Orient Cafe closed. Trustees also approved payment of $24,148.91 for the village's October legal bills to Peterson, Johnson & Murray; trustees referenced work on the Illinois American Water rate case, FOIA and land-acquisition matters.

Trustees adopted Resolution 24-019 to formalize the village's official social media channels and clarified those channels will be used for one-way notices rather than as a public comment forum; the village attorney advised that the resolution supersedes inconsistent SOP language and staff will update SOP 13 for housekeeping. Finally, after prior executive-session discussion about compensation, the board approved an increase in the village manager's base salary (reported during discussion as moving from $160,000 to $172,000), with trustees citing market comparables and retention concerns.

At the end of open session the village attorney summarized the Illinois Commerce Commission's decision granting Illinois American Water a $110 million rate increase (down from a $152 million request) and said appeal options exist but are difficult; the board moved into executive session to discuss personnel, litigation and utilities as allowed by law.

Outcomes at a glance: HomerFest budget approved; Menard Lot 5 final plat approved; Heritage Park pay estimate #3 approved (retainage to be held); Old Oak letter-of-credit reduction approved; zoning text changes for body-piercing and temporary signs approved; Class B liquor license count decreased by two; legal bills paid; social media resolution adopted; meeting schedule amended; manager salary increased. The board then recessed into executive session.