New Lenox board approves easement, equipment purchases and 50/50 video‑gaming deal; OKs $6.0M in disbursements

The New Lenox Village Board on Dec. 12 approved a package of routine infrastructure and finance items, including a public‑utility easement for the Titterling Lakes development, the purchase of a sewer blower and three police interceptor vehicles, and a revenue‑sharing agreement for video‑gaming terminals at the sports complex.

Mayor Baldwin said the board adopted a resolution with Board Machine Inc. that the village will operate video‑gaming terminals at the sports complex under a 50/50 revenue split and no upfront capital cost to the village. "There's no upfront cost for us or risk, or capital investment," Baldwin said.

Why it matters: the votes authorize near‑term spending and revenue arrangements that affect the village's facilities and operating budget. The board also approved bi‑monthly disbursements of $6,035,338.41 and payroll of $751,866.23 paid Dec. 12, 2025.

Easement for Titterling Lakes Robin (village staff) described a public‑utility easement running through land that will become phase‑2 right‑of‑way at Titterling Lakes to allow electrical service to the planned amenity center. "This easement is actually running through what will be the right of way of streets in phase 2," Robin said. The board approved the easement by roll call.

Billboard lighting and sponsorship The board approved both a short‑term lighting solution for a recently installed sports‑complex billboard and a proposal to make the lighting permanent. Mayor Baldwin noted the billboard was part of a sponsorship with WinTrust; staff presented a temporary cost of $6,318 for steel, lights and brackets and a longer‑term installation proposal of $44,420 that would position the structure for a potential future digital upgrade. The board voted to approve the proposals.

Video‑gaming agreement The board adopted an amusement‑device agreement with Board Machine Inc. for gaming machines at the sports complex. Baldwin said the arrangement is a 50/50 revenue split and that the village will be the proprietor at this location, rather than receiving the smaller percentage typical at other terminals. The resolution passed on roll call.

Sewer blower purchase Public works staff (Mark) told the board a blower on one of the digesters was "wobbling" and at risk of failing; staff recommended purchasing or remanufacturing a Hoffman blower from the distributor Gardner Denver Nash and waiving the formal bid process. Mark stated the vendor proposal total at approximately $38,471.58 (the packet and on‑the‑floor figures varied slightly); the board approved the purchase and the bid waiver.

Police interceptor vehicles The police chief requested approval to buy three interceptor vehicles as part of the village's fleet‑replacement plan and said the purchase was time‑sensitive to avoid year‑end order backlogs or higher costs. The transcript includes a projected savings estimate of about $14,500 per vehicle by reusing existing equipment, but the line‑item per‑vehicle and total purchase amounts are garbled in the transcript and are therefore reported here as not specified in the record; the board approved the purchase.

Annexation contribution policy for 2026 Robin said the board adopted a resolution applying to annexation and development agreements for calendar year 2026 that reinstates a 25% reduction to the fair‑market‑value basis used to calculate most open‑space fees, and a 25% reduction for fees not tied to fair‑market value. The resolution passed on roll call.

Appointments and routine business Mayor Baldwin nominated Martin Harisco to a planning commission vacancy; Harisco was present and the appointment was approved by voice vote. Trustee Madsen moved, and trustees seconded and approved, the board's bi‑monthly disbursements and payroll noted above.

Public comment and trustee remarks Sue Stein, supervisor for Homer Township, asked the board's help to solicit input from New Lenox residents who live in Homer Township on a township building on 151st Street; she said the township is conducting a survey and asked for outreach assistance. Trustees offered year‑end reflections and holiday greetings. "Merry Christmas, happy holidays and a happy, safe New Year to all of you," Mayor Baldwin said.

The board adjourned after completing the agenda.