OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Regular Meeting of Plainfield Village Board – April 20, 2026

Village Board & Commissions — Monday, April 20, 2026
BodyPlainfield, Illinois
SessionVillage Board & Commissions
DateMonday, April 20, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:10:27

Transcript — Verbatim
0:03

Well, we're going to call the meeting to order.

0:05

Welcome everybody.

0:06

We're glad uh always glad to have a full house of people here.

0:09

Um so we'll call the meeting to order and we'll start with a roll call.

0:13

Trustee Paniker.

0:14

Yes.

0:14

Trustee Bruin.

0:16

Trustee Sula.

0:17

Here.

0:17

Trust you.

0:18

Trusty Banucci.

0:19

Here.

0:19

Trusty Kiefer.

0:21

Mayor Gadellis.

0:22

Yes, we'll stand for the pledge, please.

0:25

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

0:32

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

0:39

Well, thank you again for everyone being here.

0:42

Um we have a very busy agenda.

0:45

So I did write an hour and a half long speech to talk about, but I think I'll skip that and we'll get right on to business here.

0:53

We have two new police officers.

0:55

Uh Chief, you want to get started on that.

0:58

Certainly, thank you.

1:05

All right, as you know, um it's kind of a big deal here, and I'm glad it is a big deal when we hire new officers, um, both either entry or lateral.

1:15

Uh in this case, two uh lateral officers from other towns.

1:18

I'll give their biohair in a minute.

1:20

I just want to thank all the officers uh that came out to support their fellow officers, family members, police commissioners.

1:28

Um like I said, it is a big deal, it's a lengthy process that we make these people go through.

1:33

We do not cut corners in any way like you you know you see around the country, um different things happening.

1:40

Uh we don't hire just to hire because we're shorthanded.

1:43

We really dot the I's cross the T's and in we hire quality people that are going to come out to my house and your house to handle calls.

1:52

Um so without further ado, I'm gonna give it a little bio of both of them, and then we can do the swearing in.

1:59

First off, uh, we have Mia Strickland.

2:02

Uh Mia grew up in the area and is a proud graduate of Plainfield South High School.

2:07

Mia spent her first seven years of her professional career at the Memphis, Tennessee Police Department, where she served as a crisis intervention team officer and a field training officer.

2:19

Mia and her husband are returning to the plainfield area to be closer to her family.

2:24

And then we have Alex Lopez.

2:26

Alex is a Plainfield resident, is joining his hometown police department after serving with the Plano Police Department for the last seven years.

2:35

While with Plano, Alex served as a school resource officer and a drone operator, and Alex is excited to come back and serve uh the community he grew up in.

2:45

So, mayor, I will uh turn it over to you for the swearing in.

2:49

Well, thank you.

2:50

I will come down.

2:51

Um I guess uh Ms.

2:53

Drickland is uh listed first.

2:55

We'll start with Ms.

3:22

Raise your right hand.

3:23

Repeat after me.

3:25

I say your name.

3:27

Having been appointed to the office of police officer.

3:32

The office of police officers in the village of Plainfield.

3:34

In the village of Plainfield.

3:35

In Will and Kendall Counties, Illinois.

3:37

In Will and Kendall County, Illinois.

3:39

Do solemnly swear.

3:41

That I will support the Constitution of the United States.

3:46

And the Constitution of the State of Illinois.

3:48

And the Constitution of the State of Illinois.

3:50

And then I will faithfully discharge the duties.

3:52

And then I will faithfully discharge the duties of the Office of Police Officer.

3:56

And the office of police officers.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Historic Preservation█████████████████17%
Public Safety██████████████14%
Engineering And Infrastructure████████████12%
Budget Equity Analysis██████████10%
Public Works████████8%
Procedural██████6%
Zoning And Land Use██████6%
Community Engagement████4%
Personnel Matters████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Regular Meeting of the President and Board of Trustees – April 20, 2026

The Village Board of Plainfield met on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Boardroom at 24401 W. Lockport Street. The meeting included the swearing-in of two new police officers, recognition of officers and community members, several proclamations, and action on a wide-ranging consent agenda and business items. Key decisions included a 180-day moratorium on data centers and warehouses, a one-time $234,027.34 donation to the Plainfield Historical Society, and approval of multiple public works contracts and vehicle purchases.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved the minutes of the April 6, 2026 Board meeting and March 23, 2026 Executive Session.
  • Approved the Bills Paid and Bills Payable reports for April 20, 2026.
  • Approved the Cash & Investment, Revenue, and Expenditure reports for March 2026.
  • Authorized a quitclaim deed for parcel PIN 06-12-200-010 from the Village to S & E Investments LLC – Series 5.
  • Authorized payment of $226,783.75 to CalAtlantic Group, LLC for offsite water main extension reimbursement.
  • Released Societe Generale Letter of Credit No. 08402-0043088FFT ($191,402.68) for DHL sanitary sewer improvements.
  • Approved continuation of the professional services contract with Safebuilt Illinois, LLC for inspection services (not to exceed $90,000).
  • Authorized an agreement with Insight for the Meraki Wireless and Renewal Project ($91,408).
  • Approved the Final Plat of Subdivision for a commercial development at Route 59 and 119th Street (Woodman's).
  • Re-approved the Arnita Square Final Plat of Subdivision.
  • Renewed the contract with Synagro Central, LLC at $27.30 per cubic yard for biosolids management.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Tom Kirka (Dunmore States HOA) and Bill Schaubert reported beaver and willow problems at a pond maintained by the Park District, causing bank erosion and flooding. They requested Village assistance with clearing willows and cleaning outlets. Public Works Director Scott Threewitt agreed to investigate.

Presidential Comments & Recognitions

  • Swearing-in of Police Officers: Officer Mia A. Strickland (lateral from Memphis PD, Plainfield South grad) and Officer Alejandro (Alex) J. Lopez (lateral from Plano PD, Plainfield resident) were sworn in by Mayor Argadellas.
  • Officer of the Year: Dennis Meyer was recognized for his dedication, work ethic, and leadership in the peer support program.
  • Civilian of the Year: Kellee Konieczny, Records Technician, was honored for her accuracy, efficiency, and compassion.
  • IKWF Girls Novice State Place Winners: Nora Rowan (85 lb champ, 4-time state champ), Brooklyn Rowan (108 lb champ, back-to-back), and Layla Lyndon (96 lb champ) were recognized by coaches Joe Rowan and Darren Lyndon.
  • Proclamations: April 24, 2026 as Arbor Day (with 50 saplings to be planted along riverfront by Girl Scouts); May 9, 2026 as National Poppy Day; and May 2026 as Motorcycle Awareness Month. Lisa McLean (Will County ABATE) accepted the Motorcycle Awareness proclamation.

Appointments

  • Police Commissioner: Matthew E. Cetta was appointed to an unexpired term ending April 30, 2028, by a 5-0 vote.
  • Presidential Reappointments: Approved unanimously: Mohammed Fahim, Patrick Nicholson, Rich Vallerga, Stephen Campanella to Plan Commission (terms to 2029); Brian Minis as Plan Commission Chairman (to 2027); Michael Bortle as Historic Preservation Chairman (to 2027); Suzanne Derrick as Historic Preservation Vice Chair (to 2027); and Greg Chapman to Fire and Police Commission (term to 2029).

Discussion Items

  • Playa Vista Townes Dormant Special Service Area (SSA No. 54): Ordinance 3792 approved to establish a dormant SSA as a safety net for common area maintenance at the southeast corner of Ridge Road and 135th Street. A public hearing will be set (likely July/August). The Village has 53 SSAs, none ever activated.
  • 2026 Volume Cap Allocation: Ordinance 3793 approved ceding private activity bonding authority ($6,598,935) to the Upper Illinois River Valley Development Authority to support regional economic development. No financial risk to the Village.
  • Data Center Moratorium: Ordinance 3794 established a 180-day temporary moratorium on data centers and warehouses to allow time for comprehensive zoning code updates (UDO). Mayor noted power and water concerns; ComEd transformer for 143rd St substation not expected until 2028. Vote was 5-0.
  • Wallin Woods Multi-Family Final Plat Reapproval: Case 2055-042224.SPR.FP. The plat was reapproved (5-1, Trustee Paniker dissenting) due to IDOT delays on access. Trustee Paniker cited prior resident traffic concerns and desire for more green space. Staff clarified the reapproval is procedural; site plan approval remains valid.
  • Plainfield Historical Society Funding Request: Resolution 1868 approved a one-time donation of $234,027.34 from the General Fund contingency ($191,000 remaining) to cover underground utility work at the future museum (1940 Phillips 66 station at Lincoln Highway/Route 66). The Society had secured $102,000 in grants with a June 1 deadline for the Route 66 centennial. Discussion noted the Village does not provide annual support; this is a one-time ask. Vote 5-0.
  • IML Housing Authority Resolution: Resolution 1869 approved opposing state legislation that would allow Springfield to override local zoning for housing. The resolution will be sent to the Illinois Municipal League and local legislators. Vote 5-0.

Public Works Items (all approved unanimously)

  • 127th St & Plainfield-Naperville Rd Intersection: Consultant agreement with H.W. Lochner Inc. ($16,108) for construction engineering services. Construction starts June 1.
  • 2026 MFT Street Improvement Program:
    • Resolution 1870 to spend motor fuel tax funds (approved).
    • Contract awarded to Austin Tyler Construction, Inc. for $2,023,327.29 plus $100,000 contingency (total $2,123,327.29).
    • Construction engineering services: Strand Associates ($303,910) and SEECO Consultants ($59,660) approved.
  • 143rd Street East Extension:
    • Authorization No. 14: Change order for MSE retaining wall ($294,917.76) due to quantity miscalculation.
    • Authorization No. 15: Demolition of the D'Arcy House ($35,000) to clear site for future water tower.
  • Vehicle Purchases:
    • 2026 Ford F-250 SuperCab (8-ft bed) for Street Division: $48,157 + $18,000 outfitting = $66,157.
    • 2026 Ford F-250 SuperCab (6-ft bed) for Facility Maintenance: $47,967 + $18,000 outfitting = $65,967. Both from Ron Tirapelli Ford, Inc.

Staff Reports

  • Finance: Village received Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (GFOA) for FY25.
  • Engineer's Report: Submitted; no questions.
  • Building Department Report: Submitted; no questions.
  • Police Operations Report: March 2026 report submitted; Chief noted increased patrol miles as part of community engagement goals.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda: Approved all 11 items (2.a through 2.k) unanimously.
  • Ordinance 3792 (Playa Vista Townes SSA) – approved 5-0.
  • Ordinance 3793 (Volume Cap to UIRVDA) – approved 5-0.
  • Ordinance 3794 (Data Center/Warehouse Moratorium) – approved 5-0.
  • Wallin Woods Final Plat – reapproved 5-1 (Trustee Paniker dissenting).
  • Resolution 1868 (Historical Society Donation) – approved 5-0.
  • Resolution 1869 (Municipal Housing Authority Support) – approved 5-0.
  • Police Commissioner Appointment (Cetta) – approved 5-0.
  • Presidential Reappointments – approved 5-0.
  • All public works contracts and vehicle purchases approved unanimously.

Upcoming Meetings

  • April 21: Plan Commission, 7:00 PM
  • April 27: Committee of the Whole Workshop, 7:00 PM
  • May 4: Next Village Board Meeting, 7:00 PM

Meeting Transcript

Well, we're going to call the meeting to order. Welcome everybody. We're glad uh always glad to have a full house of people here. Um so we'll call the meeting to order and we'll start with a roll call. Trustee Paniker. Yes. Trustee Bruin. Trustee Sula. Here. Trust you. Trusty Banucci. Here. Trusty Kiefer. Mayor Gadellis. Yes, we'll stand for the pledge, please. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Well, thank you again for everyone being here. Um we have a very busy agenda. So I did write an hour and a half long speech to talk about, but I think I'll skip that and we'll get right on to business here. We have two new police officers. Uh Chief, you want to get started on that. Certainly, thank you. All right, as you know, um it's kind of a big deal here, and I'm glad it is a big deal when we hire new officers, um, both either entry or lateral. Uh in this case, two uh lateral officers from other towns. I'll give their biohair in a minute. I just want to thank all the officers uh that came out to support their fellow officers, family members, police commissioners. Um like I said, it is a big deal, it's a lengthy process that we make these people go through. We do not cut corners in any way like you you know you see around the country, um different things happening. Uh we don't hire just to hire because we're shorthanded. We really dot the I's cross the T's and in we hire quality people that are going to come out to my house and your house to handle calls. Um so without further ado, I'm gonna give it a little bio of both of them, and then we can do the swearing in. First off, uh, we have Mia Strickland. Uh Mia grew up in the area and is a proud graduate of Plainfield South High School. Mia spent her first seven years of her professional career at the Memphis, Tennessee Police Department, where she served as a crisis intervention team officer and a field training officer. Mia and her husband are returning to the plainfield area to be closer to her family. And then we have Alex Lopez. Alex is a Plainfield resident, is joining his hometown police department after serving with the Plano Police Department for the last seven years. While with Plano, Alex served as a school resource officer and a drone operator, and Alex is excited to come back and serve uh the community he grew up in. So, mayor, I will uh turn it over to you for the swearing in. Well, thank you. I will come down. Um I guess uh Ms. Drickland is uh listed first. We'll start with Ms. Raise your right hand. Repeat after me. I say your name. Having been appointed to the office of police officer. The office of police officers in the village of Plainfield.

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