Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Village Government Roundup topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
University Park trustees reject collector appointment, approve truck‑wash special use and other business
Summary
At its meeting the University Park Board of Trustees failed to appoint LaRhonda Grimes as village collector, approved a special‑use permit for a truck wash and a subdivision for development on University Parkway, amended the 2026 meeting calendar and approved the FY21 audit and bills payable.
The Village of University Park Board of Trustees on Tuesday considered several development, staffing and budget items, rejecting one appointment and approving several planning and fiscal measures.
Failed appointment: LaRhonda Grimes LaRhonda Grimes introduced herself as an applicant for village collector and described a background in business administration and volunteer work. Trustees raised concerns about transparency and the selection process. After questions and a roll call, the motion to appoint Grimes failed; the mayor said she could be returned to a future agenda and asked Grimes to submit her resume for board review. (LaRhonda Grimes)
Zoning and development decisions The board accepted the planning commission’s recommendation to grant a special‑use permit for a truck wash, repair and related truck sales at 1301–1307 Hamilton Avenue. The applicant said the site is in an industrial area by a truck stop and that oil and wastewater would be stored in dedicated tanks and removed by specialist companies for recycling; trustees asked about environmental safeguards and were told the operation would meet applicable regulations. The motion to accept the planning commission’s recommendation passed on roll call.
The board also approved a subdivision to split a parcel on University Parkway into two PINs to enable separate redevelopment; the presenter said the owner had submitted the site to potential tenants, including a Chick‑fil‑A. The motion passed.
Fiscal and scheduling items Trustees approved the FY21 audit and moved to amend the 2026 meeting calendar, shifting the November meeting to Nov. 17 and the December meeting to Dec. 15 to avoid holiday conflicts. The board reviewed bills payable across funds (general fund, road and bridge, town center, golf fund, capital projects, motor fuel tax and payroll) and approved payment after staff pulled two checks for further handling as requested.
Public comment and process concerns During general public comment, Deborah J. Stroud (identified) reminded residents about early voting March 2–6 at Governors State University and raised questions about sample ballots and mail‑in timelines, which staff clarified in part. Several trustees and residents criticized what they described as uneven facility‑use decisions and urged consistent, transparent application of policy regarding the use of village facilities for candidate forums.
What’s next: Grimes may return on a future agenda if the mayor decides to resubmit the appointment; trustees will proceed with the approved special‑use permit and subdivision following procedural steps with Will County and any required permitting.
