Planning, Building, Zoning & Environment Committee Meeting – October 8, 2025

The committee met on October 8, 2025, at 10:30 AM. Member Paul Frank participated electronically with a qualifying reason and a physical quorum present. The meeting included a consent agenda, a major discussion on a proposed demolition of a dangerous building, and approvals related to executive session recordings and minutes.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was moved by Member Schlick, seconded by Member Knižnik, and approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered.

Discussion Items

• Demolition of Dangerous Buildings at 9865 West Logan Court, Zion, IL: Eric Wagner, Planning Building and Development Director, along with Building Official Eva Donov, presented a joint resolution authorizing the emergency demolition of a vacant, collapsed single-family residence (approximately 1,196 square feet), a detached garage (approximately 500 square feet), a dilapidated fence (approximately 120 linear feet), and cleanup of junk and debris. The property, in unincorporated Zion and within Member Roberts’ district, has been subject to code enforcement since 2021; the owner has failed to comply. The structures are open, uninhabitable, and pose an immediate hazard to the community, with tall weeds concealing the buildings. The estimated total cost for demolition and cleanup is approximately $40,000, including $13,440 for the house, $7,500 for the garage, $2,500 for the fence, $4,000 for site cleanup, $5,000 for asbestos abatement (if needed), and $2,000 for utility disconnect and permits. Funding is available through the finance department. The process follows Illinois statute (55 ILCS 5/5-111), which allows a “fast track” demolition. After committee and board approval, the State’s Attorney will notify the property owner and lien holders, giving 30 days to remediate or contest the action in court. If no action is taken, the county will contract demolition. Staff have been unable to contact the former owner; the property has been forfeited for back taxes. Staff have identified two tax buyers; one has indicated no objection, and the other (an LLC) is being contacted. The county intends to file a judgment lien to recover costs. Member Frank expressed concern about tax buyers profiting while the county pays, but supported the approach and confirmed that a lien would be placed. Member Compost asked about the possibility of a property owner showing progress within 30 days; Director Wagner indicated the county would work with a bona fide plan. The demolition method will be determined by a contractor (likely through the county’s job-order contracting program or a local contractor), with county oversight to ensure safety and compliance with construction and demolition debris recycling requirements. Member Schlick suggested future consideration of recapturing administrative costs and questioned the lien process with tax sales; staff clarified the lien would attach to the property and tax buyers would be informed. Member Wasick (the district representative) strongly supported the action, noting the property has been a longstanding safety and nuisance concern for neighbors. The committee voted unanimously to recommend the resolution to the full county board.

• Destruction of Executive Session Recordings: The committee approved a motion to authorize the permanent destruction of inactive executive session recordings for the Planning, Building, Zoning, and Environment Committee from June 3, 2008, through November 3, 2015, in accordance with the Illinois Open Meetings Act. The motion was made by Member Schlick, seconded by Member Wasick, and passed unanimously.

• Executive Session: The committee moved into executive session to discuss a personnel matter (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)) and to review executive session minutes (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21)). A roll call vote approved the closed session: Chair Altenberg (Aye), Member Compost (Aye), Member Frank (Aye), Member Knižnik (Aye), Vice Chair Peterson (Aye), Member Schlick (Aye), Member Wasick (Aye). After the closed session, the committee approved the executive session minutes from September 25, 2024, on a motion by Member Knižnik, seconded by Member Schlick, unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Demolition Resolution (8.2): The committee voted unanimously to forward the joint resolution authorizing demolition of dangerous structures at 9865 West Logan Court to the full county board. The resolution will also be considered by the Finance and Administration Committee the following day. Staff will provide notice to property interest holders; if no compliance or court action occurs within 30 days, the county will proceed with demolition and place a judgment lien on the property.
• Destruction of Recordings (8.3): Approved unanimously.
• Approval of Executive Session Minutes (11.1): Approved unanimously.
• The meeting adjourned until October 22, 2025.