On the agenda: Indian Head Park meeting — license plate reader (Apr 23)

The President and Board of Trustees​
Meeting as the Committee of the Whole
Village of Indian Head Park
201 Acacia Drive, Indian Head Park, IL 60525
Notice and Agenda
Thursday, April 23, 2026, 7:00 PM
NO OFFICIAL ACTION, INCLUDING ANY FINAL ACTION OF THE VILLAGE BOARD, SHALL OCCUR AT
THIS COMMITTEE MEETING. MINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE MEETING SHALL CONSTITUTE THE
OFFICIAL RECORD OF THE COMMITTEE MEETING.​
Public Comments may be submitted until 4:30 p.m. the day of the
meeting via [email protected]
Persons may view the meeting on Comcast Channel 6, Facebook, and YouTube.
I.​

Call to Order & Roll Call

II.​

Pledge of Allegiance

III.​

Approval of Committee of the Whole Minutes from January, 2026

IV.​

Village President’s Report

V.​

Discussion Items
A.​ Proposed Fence Ordinance for May Board Meeting
B.​ Community Development Processes
C.​ Feral Cats Management
D.​ Status of Current Departmental Priorities and Projects
E.​ Grant Report
F.​ Board Meeting Preview - Spring/Summer 2026

VI.​

Public Comments

VII.​

Reports (Trustees, Staff)

VIII.​

Adjournment

201 Acacia Drive Indian Head Park, Illinois 60525 - Phone (708) 246-3080 Fax (218) 220-3643​
www.indianheadpark-il.gov

Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes
January 22, 2026
I.

Call to Order and Roll Call
President Amy Jo Wittenberg called the Committee of the Whole meeting to order at
7:00 p.m.
Present: Trustee Saldana, Trustee Eck, Trustee Svestka, Trustee Gazis, President
Amy Jo Wittenberg
Absent: Trustee Donnersberger, Trustee Iannacco
Others Present: Village Clerk Andrez Beltran, Public Works Director Joe Coons,
Police Chief Matt Walsh, and Village Administrator Gavin Morgan

II.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

III.

Approval of Minutes
Trustee Saldana moved to approve the Committee of the Whole minutes of July 17,
2025. Trustee Eck seconded.
Voice vote: Motion carried.

IV.

Village President’s Report
A. President Wittenberg provided an update on the Plainfield Road project:
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Phase I is being finalized by Cook County for submission to IDOT
Phase II is anticipated to begin in 2026
Earliest construction is projected for 2028
The Village submitted formal feedback to Cook County, including:
o Request to shift sidewalk improvements to the Wolf Road project
(accepted)
o Request to enclose drainage ditches (not currently supported due to
budget constraints)
o Request for lane configuration changes (declined with explanation)
Board members discussed Cook County’s responses to Village requests,
including drainage, sidewalk placement, and lane configuration, and provided
feedback regarding coordination and project outcomes.

B. President Wittenberg reported:
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•
•

The Village is the lead agency for the project
Monthly coordination meetings are ongoing with Cook County and
consultants
A February 2, 2026 meeting will review:
o Drainage alternatives
o Traffic maintenance options

Minutes Committee of the Whole 01-22-2026

Page 1

Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes
January 22, 2026
•

V.

Board members discussed drainage alternatives, traffic management options,
and potential impacts to right-of-way and trees, and provided feedback for
consideration as the project advances.

Discussion Items

A. Staff provided an overview of ongoing departmental priorities consistent with the
FY2026 Priority Status Report.

• Police Department:
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•
•
•

•

Near full staffing; one officer in field training
Swearing-in anticipated at February Board Meeting
Body-worn camera grant (~$59,000) in progress
Collective bargaining agreement preparation underway (expires April
2026)

Public Works:
• Pontiac Road water main and road project in design phase
• Capital Improvement Plan under development
• Pump house chlorine conversion bid opening scheduled for January 27,
2026
• Forestry Management Plan adopted; implementation ongoing
• Board Discussion:
• Board members asked about the status and timing of IEPA low-interest
loan funding for water infrastructure projects; staff indicated a project
manager had been assigned but no timeline was available
• Staff reported on the Board-directed evaluation of a remote water
meter reading program
• Potential benefits discussed included improved efficiency, leak
detection, and customer access to usage data
• Staff recommended not proceeding at this time due to estimated costs
(~$200,000–$300,000) and the remaining useful life of existing meters
• Board members asked questions regarding:
▪ Cost and return on investment
▪ Functionality and implementation timeline
▪ Long-term planning and technology considerations
▪ Customer transparency and access to usage data
• Board discussion included consideration of balancing cost efficiency
with future technology expectations
• Staff indicated the program could be revisited in conjunction with
future meter replacement cycles

Minutes Committee of the Whole 01-22-2026

Page 2

Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes
January 22, 2026
•

Administration/Community Development/Finance:
• Continued work on grants, ERP implementation, and permitting
systems
• Progress on zoning code and building code updates
• Ongoing grant tracking and infrastructure funding coordination
• Board Discussion:
• Board members discussed the status of the fence ordinance review
and the role of the Planning and Zoning Commission, including:
▪ Distinction between policy decisions (Board/Commission) and
technical considerations (staff/consultants)
▪ Scope and clarity of the Commission’s recommendation
▪ Anticipated timing for a recommendation to return to the Board
• Board members requested that commissioners receive materials in
advance and be prepared for discussion
• Board members discussed the vehicle sticker enforcement
(scofflaw) program, including:
▪ Notification procedures and data matching process
▪ Importance of due process and opportunity for residents to
respond before penalties
• Board members discussed grant activity and management,
including:
▪ Improved tracking, reporting, and coordination
▪ Use of consultants and intergovernmental relationships
▪ Ongoing efforts to identify and secure funding opportunities
B. Staff presented draft departmental goals for 2026–2027 for Board review and
feedback and noted that the goals would be refined in conjunction with the
FY2027 budget.
•

•

Police Department:
• Continued progress toward full staffing and operational readiness
• Implementation of body-worn camera program (pending grant
funding)
• Preparation for and negotiation of collective bargaining agreement
• Ongoing training and compliance with state requirements
Public Works:
• Advancement of water main and roadway improvement projects
• Implementation of Capital Improvement Plan priorities
• Continued infrastructure asset management, including GIS expansion
• Long-term planning for water system improvements and funding
strategies

Minutes Committee of the Whole 01-22-2026

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Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes
January 22, 2026
•

Community Development:
• Advancement of Triangle property development planning and market
analysis
• Completion of zoning code and building code updates
• Continued implementation and refinement of permitting systems
• Administration / Finance:
• Development of FY2027 budget aligned with Village priorities
• Evaluation and potential engagement of communications consultant
services
• Continued enhancement of grant management, tracking, and reporting
• Implementation of records management improvements and website
redesign
• Development of financial policies, including budget, investment, and
purchasing policies
• Board Discussion:
• Board members discussed the timeline for finalizing the draft goals
and their coordination with the FY2027 budget process
• Staff indicated that the goals would be refined and presented alongside
the budget for Board consideration prior to adoption
• Board members were encouraged to review the draft goals and provide
feedback to staff to inform budget development
C. Staff reviewed anticipated upcoming Board items, including:
• FY2027 Budget development
• Vehicle purchases
• Triangle District market analysis
• Communications consultant
• Liquor license consideration
• Finance policy updates
VI.

Public Comments
A member of the public asked if the Village has an A.I. Policy. Staff responded that
this will be included along with other technology use policies in the personnel policy
manual.

VII.

Reports (Trustees, Staff)
The Village President inquired whether there were any additional reports from staff or
Trustees.
No additional reports were provided.

Minutes Committee of the Whole 01-22-2026

Page 4

Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes
January 22, 2026
VIII.

Adjournment
Trustee Saldana moved to adjourn. Trustee Eck seconded
Voice Vote: Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:17 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
Gavin Morgan,
Village Administrator

Minutes Committee of the Whole 01-22-2026

Page 5

Indian Head Park
Committee of the Whole
April 23, 2026

Fence Ordinance Discussion

Policy Question #1: Yards Adjacent to Major Roads
Primary Question: Should fences be permitted in yards that abut major
roads?
If YES, Key Follow-Up Decisions:
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For corner lots: should the number of enclosed yards be limited?
○ Staff recommendation: Maximum of two yards, with one being a side
yard
Should Flagg Creek be treated as a “major road” for safety purposes?
○ If yes, staff will add to code
○ May require review by Flagg Creek Sanitary District and FEMA

Policy Question #2: Rear Yard Fences (Non-Major Roads)
Primary Question: Should rear yard fences be allowed on lots not adjacent
to major roads?
If YES, Key Follow-Up Decision:
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Full yard enclosed?
Limited area fences?
○ Staff recommendation: 30%-40% of rear yard, depending on zoning
district

Enforcement Considerations
Permit required prior to construction
Staff review for zoning/code compliance
Inspection required prior to permit closeout
Violations:
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Work without permit subject to stop work order
Non-compliant fences must be corrected

Review Considerations
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Compliance with zoning and building code

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Sight line and safety requirements

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No encroachment into easements without permission

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PUD or plat restrictions may apply

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Permit does not override private restrictions

Cost Considerations
Primary Impact: Staff Time
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Permit review and processing
Inspections
Enforcement and compliance follow-up
Potential increase in administrative review workload

Optional Consideration:
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Expanded enforcement program would require additional staff resources

Disclaimer
The following images are provided for illustrative purposes only. They do
not constitute approval of any specific fence design or location. All fence
installations require a permit and are subject to review for compliance with
the Village’s zoning and building codes. Additional approvals (e.g.,
easements, PUD requirements, or third-party permissions) may be
required, and in some cases a variation or special use may be necessary.

Next Steps
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Board provides policy direction

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Staff prepares draft ordinance language

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Staff evaluates administrative impacts

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Return to Board for formal consideration

Feral Cat Management in Indian Head Park
Resident feedback indicates a significant increase in free-roaming cats within IHP.
Urgency for Control
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Feedback increasing over last 2 years

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3 pregnant cats spotted recently

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Resident interest expressed in TNR approach

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Population requires timely management

The Cook County Feral Cat Ordinance
Provides a framework for humane population control
with available financial assistance through Animal
Control education and participation in a TNR
program.

1

How can we control feral cats in IHP?
TNR (Trap / Neuter / Return) is a humane method used to reduce the population of feral cats in many
municipalities.

The TNR Process

Urgency & Local Action

Feral cats are humanely trapped, treated by a vet
(spay/neuter, vaccination, micro-chip), and returned to
their territory with caretaker assistance.

We must actively start control measures; population
growth is exponential without structured management.

Strategic Partnerships:

Next Steps for IHP:
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Triple R Pets: Licensed sponsor provides training
and equipment

Update local ordinances based on Cook County
model

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Identify and train local caretakers on procedures

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Cook County: Ordinance framework

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Success seen in Willow Springs

Address current threat: 3 pregnant cats identified
this Spring

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Without structured management, the feral cat population will only get worse.
2

Why Control Feral Cats?
Rapid Population Growth

Public Health & Sanitation

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Uncontrolled breeding leads to
exponential growth
Single colonies quickly fracture into
multiples

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Unmanaged feeding attracts pests (rats,
raccoons)
Waste creates unsanitary conditions
Disease concerns: rabies and parasites

Wildlife Protection

Quality of Life

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Predation on birds and small mammals
Impact on local ecosystems and nature
preserves

Noise: fighting and yowling at night
Odor from territory marking
Encroachment on private property
Garden and landscaping damage

Without intervention, the problem will get worse over time.

3

Discussing IHP Ordinance Changes
Proposal: Create Strict Feeding Regulations
Addressing the root cause: unmanaged resident feeding leads to population spikes.

Prohibiting Unmanaged Feeding
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Feeding allowed only by registered
caretakers part of managed TNR.

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Eliminate random feeding to cut off the
source of feral cat growth.

●

Requires residents to transition to
structured management.

Caretaker Requirements between Sponsor
and Caretaker
Under a TNR colony program, caretakers must
strictly adhere to:
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Feeding only at designated times.

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Food removal within 30–60 minutes.

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No food left out overnight.

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Maintain clean feeding areas.

Public awareness of TNR requirements is essential for community support.
4

Next Steps: Discuss TNR Implementation in IHP
Discuss moving forward with TNR in IHP
Implementation Plan

Policy & Community Outreach

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Initiate TNR feral cat colony with Triple R
Pets MOU

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Ordinance Review: Evaluate and update
feeding regulations for the Village.

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Identify volunteer caretakers in IHP

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Social Media Campaign:

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Budget: $500 – $700 annually for
non-covered costs

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Sponsor and caretakers schedule training
sessions

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Start the official process

○

○

Educate on feeding protocols and
why this is important to controlling
the population.
Educate on the TNR program and
overall benefits and process

Successful implementation requires clear policy and community commitment.

5

VILLAGE OF INDIAN HEAD PARK - FY2026 Accomplishments and FY2027 PRIORITIES
Department
Administration

FY2025–26 (FY26) Priorities/Achievements
• Executed village-wide waste hauling contract (SBC) improving
cost and service consistency
• Implemented Scofflaw enforcement program to increase
compliance and revenue accuracy
• Advanced Sacajawea Park redesign & master plan
• Secured OSLAD grant (50/50 matching) for park improvements
• Launched NIU internship program to enhance internal capacity
• Additional: BS&A partnership, audit performance, facility
improvements

FY2026–27 (FY27) Priorities / Goals
• Complete Sacajawea Park design (carryover project)
• Pursue Federal, State, local, and private grants to diversify funding
sources
• Launch Employee Wellness Plan (HR focus)
• Implement staff training programs to strengthen operations

Community
Development

• Initiated TIF district for redevelopment (Joliet/Wolf/I-294 corridor)
• Advanced Business Improvement District (BID) formation
• Completed Fence Ordinance study & policy review
• Implemented BS&A permitting system (major modernization)
• Broader regulatory overhaul (zoning, building, licensing)

• Strengthen long-range economic development tools (TIF/BID
continuation)
• Expand online permitting & streamline workflows
• Standardize internal processes and fee structures
• Cross-train staff for continuity and efficiency
• Improve resident/contractor service delivery

Police Department • Achieved full staffing (critical operational stabilization)
• Implemented CAPERS True North records management
• Increased collections revenue from citations/fees
• Deployed Flock license plate reader cameras
• Expanded training certifications and policy updates
Public Works

• Enhanced GIS infrastructure mapping (water, sewer systems)
• Executed road resurfacing program (multi-street improvements)
• Responded to water main breaks & infrastructure repairs
• Additional: tree planting, fleet collaboration with PD

• Create Technology Services Officer role (modernization)
• Expand in-house training certifications
• Improve operational readiness & staffing stability
• Continue facility, fleet, and technology upgrades
• Maintain cost control and long-term planning
• Secure and manage funding (IEPA loans, grants) for capital projects
• Advance water main and infrastructure improvements
• Implement Tree Management Plan
• Pursue Morton Arboretum & other grants
• Reinvest in PW facilities (garage improvements)
• Continue capital planning and asset management

INDIAN HEAD PARK GRANT APPLICATIONS 2026

Grant name

Submission
date

Project

Commmunity Funding Program
Body Worn Camera SRT
Invest in Cook
FY27 Congressional Directed
Spending - Duckworth

Replacement of aging water mains located
3/8/2026 along Pontiac Drive and Blackhawk trail
3/12/2026 BWC
3/20/2026 Residental Street Rehabilition Project
Indian Head Park Heritage Park Site
3/24/2026 Redevelopment Project

FY27 ILAG Organized Retail Crime

3/31/2026 Global vision binocular

FY27 Firearms Enforcement (FOID)

4/10/2026 Overtime costs for FOID operations

CMAP

4/17/2026 Capital Improvement Plan
Total dollar amount appliyed for

Grant requested
amount

$3,076,480
$38,753.20
$327,930.50

Match

$769,120
$38,753.20
$327,930.50

1,500,000

Grant status

Pending
Pending
Pending
pending

$6,468.00

none

pending

$3,500

none
no dollar
amount

pending

No dollar
amount
$4,953,132

pending