Plainfield Committee of the Whole Workshop - December 8, 2025

The Village of Plainfield Committee of the Whole Workshop convened on December 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included updates on numerous capital projects, a discussion on water and sewer rate adjustments, and a presentation on a proposed Responsible Bidder Ordinance. Public comments were not made. The board provided direction to staff on these items.

Consent Calendar

• The board unanimously approved the minutes from the November 10, 2025 Committee of the Whole Workshop and Executive Session, and the December 2, 2025 Joint Meeting with the Plan Commission. (Motion: all ayes)

Presidential Comments

• Mayor Gadellis highlighted holiday events including the Grinch display, Plainfield Players' "A Christmas Carol," Winter Windows competition, and school concerts, encouraging community participation.

Trustees Comments

• Trustee Paniker congratulated the village for being ranked one of the fastest-growing communities in Illinois and nationally, and thanked police for prompt tobacco compliance checks. Noted a 20% failure rate in checks but did not request action.
• Trustee Banucci thanked attendees for a successful Casino Night benefiting the riverfront master plan, and warned residents about ice safety on ponds and the river.

Public Comments

• No members of the public spoke during the public comment period.

Discussion Items

F1: Capital Projects Update

Engineering staff led by Randy Threewitt presented a comprehensive update on current and planned capital improvements. Key projects and highlights include:

• 143rd Street East Project: On schedule for July 2026 completion. The village secured nearly $50 million in grants. The project includes a 900+ foot bridge, three traffic signals, and multi-use paths. Over 2,300 trees were planted across the village as mitigation.
• 143rd Street Corridor: Design for a shared-use path on the south side is expected to be completed in 2027. A grade separation feasibility study for the Canadian National Railroad is underway.
• 119th Street Reconstruction: Underway with a study extending to Route 30 in partnership with Naperville.
• Traffic Signals: New signals at Costco/Boulevard Place (2026), 143rd/Steiner Road (2027), and 135th/Ridge Road (2027). Roundabouts were evaluated but deemed not beneficial.
• Renwick Road Reconstruction: Collaboration with Plainfield Township to provide a three-lane section with curb and gutter, turn lane, and pedestrian accommodations.
• Old Town North/South: Old Town North is substantially complete; Old Town South design work is beginning. Rail crossing improvements at Lockport, Center, and Eastern Streets are delayed due to negotiations with Canadian National.
• Street Improvement Program: Over 10 miles of road resurfacing completed, including traffic calming measures.
• Facilities: LED retrofits completed; police department rooftop units to be replaced in spring 2026.
• Other: Indian Boundary Line Road bridge received an award; safe routes to school project underway; entry feature signs approved at multiple locations. Staff and trustees commended the engineering team for their workload and outcomes. The five-year capital plan was reviewed, with a focus on maintaining infrastructure as the village grows.

F2: Water and Sewer Rate Adjustments

Staff presented a draft ordinance to adjust water and sewer rates. The last rate increase was in 2021. Proposed changes:

• Water Rate: Increase from $7.69 per 100 cubic feet to $8.06 effective February 1, 2026, to partially catch up on a 13.5% cumulative increase from Illinois American Water since 2021. Thereafter, rates will automatically adjust each September based on the wholesale water cost change, capped at 5% annually without board approval.
• Sewer Rate: 2% annual increase beginning February 1, 2026, to keep pace with biosolids disposal costs.
• Capital Charge: Increase from $6.50 per month to $7.00 on February 1, 2026, then $7.50 on September 1, 2026, and annually by $0.50 until reaching $10.00 per month. This funds water system expansion (e.g., a new $6.5 million water tower) and future PFAS treatment.
• Senior Discount: A 10% discount for seniors remains in place. A trustee suggested evaluating whether to increase the discount; staff agreed to provide data.
• Comparison: Plainfield's average monthly bill of $124.20 is below the regional average of $150+ and the Lake Michigan community average of $143.45. The village's own distribution system provides cost savings. The board expressed consensus to move forward with the draft ordinance direction, with final action at a later meeting.

F3: Responsible Bidder Ordinance (RBO)

Staff presented a draft ordinance to codify bidding criteria for construction projects over $25,000. Lydia Simri of the Indiana-Illinois-Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting explained the RBO's purpose: to ensure bidders are registered, participate in apprenticeship programs, provide references, disclose violations, and comply with prevailing wage and safety laws. Tom White also spoke in support. Staff noted that many requirements already exist in village code or IDOT projects, but the RBO consolidates them. The draft includes exemptions for unique or limited-availability work. Board members expressed strong support, citing benefits for local workers and transparency. No formal vote was taken; staff will incorporate feedback and return for adoption.

Key Outcomes

• The board approved the consent calendar as presented.
• Staff received direction to proceed with drafting a water/sewer rate ordinance based on the proposed structure, with final adoption expected at a subsequent meeting.
• The Responsible Bidder Ordinance received board support and will be refined for formal adoption.
• Upcoming events: Coffee with the Mayor (Dec 10), Historic Preservation Commission (Dec 11), Village Board Meeting (Dec 15), Plan Commission (Dec 16). The Dec 22 Committee of the Whole Workshop is canceled.