Board Highlights May 27, 2025

New Agenda Format

This was the second meeting where the Board of Trustees (BOT) experimented with a new agenda and meeting procedures.  Starting at 7 pm and called a Legislative Agenda, the meeting is designed to allow for public comment (5 minutes per person) on any topic as well as streamlining the process for non-controversial actions.  These actions – appearing as a “Consent Agenda” were discussed the May 12th Work Session and were included for a Board vote.  Examples of non-controversial items included a block party street closure, permission to serve alcohol on Village property for specified events and scheduling public hearings.  The Board voted unanimously on all these items and noted that the backup materials are available at the Village website.

Both the BOT and Village Manager Kathleen Gill have stated often that if this new agenda format doesn’t work it will be tweaked to better serve the Village’s needs.

Wood Street Drainage Project On Pause Before Funding Confirmation

The bulk of the meeting was taken up by public comments from residents of the Wood Street area who came to declare their dismay and confusion as to why their infrastructure project was not moving forward.  Approximately 25 homes are in the area and have experienced flooding when pipes were damaged during Hurricane Ida.  Described previously as “shovel ready” this project relies heavily on grant funds promised by FEMA which now may be in jeopardy.  See HERE. In the past, Federal grants were reliable sources of funds for significant projects that have now been cast into doubt.  FEMA grants require that the Village spend the money and complete the work, and FEMA will then reimburse us.  With the upheaval in Washington, DC the BOT has stated that they want FEMA to confirm the money will come to the Village if they proceed.  If not, the Village must find an alternative source of funds for the approximately $2.1 million project.

Although the concept of a “reimbursable grant” seems counterintuitive it is the only way that FEMA will distribute grant money.

Delay To Confirm Funding

Mayor Torres reassured the residents that the project was on pause for another week or two in order to confirm that FEMA funding would be forthcoming.  The delay does not mean the project won’t happen but the only prudent way to move forward is to secure the funding.  She said it would take $100 million to deal with all of the flooding and Village officials are compiling a plan to address flooding Village-wide.