The Plainfield Village Board convened on September 21, 2026, at 7:00 PM (CDT) to consider a range of agenda items including land development proposals, public works equipment purchases, and a downtown lighting upgrade. The meeting began with a proclamation for National C Tracks Think Train Week, public comments, and then proceeded through consent and regular agenda items. Several items passed with split votes, reflecting differing views among trustees on land use and community engagement practices.
1. Payment to Echo Williams & Provenzale – Authorized $17,501.21 for services. (Unanimous)
2. Blue Stem Subdivision – Multiple ordinances and a preliminary plat were considered:
3. Helix Engineering Site Plan – Approved site plan for an office/retail complex at 24420 West Lockport Street. (Unanimous)
4. Bruce Gin Variants (15665 South Van Dyke Road) – Ordinance 3814 approving variances to allow accessory structures exceeding 1,000 sq ft and a 5-ft front-yard fence. Debate focused on the dead-end Van Dyke Road and future trail connections. Staff clarified that Van Dyke Road will remain a stub (no extension to Renwick due to bridge design). The variances were requested to accommodate a pool on an irregular lot, and the property owner offered to donate right-of-way for the village’s utilities and path. Vote: 4–2 (Trustees Ruin and Panucci opposed; Trustees Kiefer, Paniker, Sula, Wojowski in favor).
5. Indian Oaks Estates Resubdivision – Approved final plat for Unit 6, Outlot A. (Vote: 5–1, Trustee Ruin opposed.)
6. Historic Preservation Grant – Approved $2,500 grant for 23822 West Lockport Street. (Unanimous)
7. Public Works Items
8. Police Chief’s Report
9. Reports and Reminders – Administrator, management, engineer, planning, building, and public works reports were acknowledged. Trusteee Panucci commended police department training. Upcoming meetings: Committee of the Whole Sept 28, Coffee with the Mayor Sept 30, Village Board Oct 5.
Here we are another thing. Yeah, it's on the short time. Trusty Keefer. Trusty Paniker. Trusty Sula. Here, Trust Wojowski. Trusty Panucci. Here, Mayor Gadela. And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God. We're seeking board consideration of a motion to appoint Trustee Wojowski as this evening's chair. So move second motion's been made and seconded. Trustee Kiefer. Yes. Trustee Paniker. Trusty Rouene. Yes. Trusty Sula. Yes. Trust you. Trusty Panucci. Yes. Thank you. That motion carries presidential comments. We have a proclamation here to read. It's a national C Tracks think train week for train safety. Whereas C tracks Think Train Week is to be held across the United States from September 21 to September 27, 2026. And whereas 2,273 rail grade crossing collisions resulted in 764 personal injuries. And whereas educating and informing the public about rail safety, reminding the public that railroad right of ways are private property, enhancing public awareness of the dangers associated with highway rail grade crossings. Ensuring pedestrians and motorists are looking and listening while near railways and obeying established traffic laws will reduce the number of avoidable fatalities and injuries caused by incidents involving trains and citizens. And whereas the International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Operation Lifesaver Incorporated, United States Department of Transportation and all local, state, county, and railroad law enforcement officers, first responders and railroad corporations commit to partnering together in an effort to educate at a national level all aspects of railroad safety to enforce applicable laws in support of national sea tracks. This is uh from President Argot Dellis. I therefore, John Argadellas, president of the village of Plainfield do hereby attest his full support in proclaiming September 21 to 27, 2026 National C tracks, think train week. And he encourages all citizens to recognize the importance of rail safety education. I don't believe there's anybody here to accept that, so we'll get it to the proper people. Thank you. Trustees comments. I'd like to make a comment on the railway. You know, as a kid from the city, we grew up with a healthy respect for trains and what they can do, and they seem like they're not moving very quickly, but trust me, they are. And I watched so many people try to squeeze that last thing to get over those tracks so they they don't get caught and they can get to where they're going. And I realize traffic is is tough sometimes, especially from us on the east side of town over there. But is you have to ask yourself is that few minutes or 10 minutes that you think you're saving yourself really worth your safety, your life, people in the vehicle with you, and anything else. You always think that oh, I can just pull over, I can get around it. And no, you can't. So again, I mean, I know Trusty Wojowski read that proclamation is so important. Please take it into heart. Don't take the chance. Thank you. Just real quick, I was able to uh stop by Saturday, the Plainfield uh fire protection district uh had a uh open house, their open house is really nice, a little bit of rain, but uh good time, a lot of a lot of people showed up. Uh saw some of the police department there, uh emergency response, uh, emergency management services were there. Uh some real cool demos, so kudos to Chief Vito and his crew.