Plainfield Village Board Meeting - November 2, 2026

The Plainfield Village Board convened on November 2, 2026, to address public concerns about the Old Town South project, consider special use permits for a cannabis dispensary drive-thru and a massage establishment, acknowledge the preliminary tax levy estimate, and approve several public works contracts. The meeting opened with presidential and trustee comments, followed by public testimony, then moved to the business agenda.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the October 19 board meeting.
• Approved bills paid and bills payable reports for November 2, 2026.
• Approved bond reductions for the Willow Run development (units 1 and 2), reducing Hanover Insurance bonds to maintenance amounts of $183,452.59 and $162,832.63 respectively.
• Adopted Ordinance 3825, changing a street segment name from Coring Circle to West Cassandra Drive in Springbrook unit 3.
• Authorized a software agreement with Granicus for single sign-on ($1,719.10) and annual subscription for website and GovDelivery ($28,473.22, with 5% annual increase, 5-year term).
• Authorized a three-year software agreement with OpenGov for $172,043.71.
• Approved payments for eminent domain services for the 143rd Street East Extension: $1,680 to Bravo Company Engineering and $4,000 to T Engineering Services.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mary Hennevery (resident of 2383 W Ottawa St) requested assurance that at least one more public meeting would be held for the Old Town South project, noting that 119 comments were submitted after the May 2026 meeting. Mayor confirmed another public meeting will occur before the final plan goes to the board.
• Jim Hively expressed concern that after the next public meeting, residents might not have another chance to influence changes. Staff responded that comments can still be made until the project goes to bid.
• Jennifer Durone (Dillman St) asked whether a bike lane on the road could be used instead of a path that would take yards. Staff indicated that option is being considered.
• Cheryl Knapp questioned the necessity of a bike path given low bicycle usage on Ottawa Street and raised safety concerns about crossing Route 59, especially for children. She also noted that parking is already an issue at the pool and that removing on-street parking could create problems.
• Carolyn Demet asked whether the next meeting would be an interactive discussion or a static open house. Staff said there will be opportunity for public input.

Discussion Items

Old Town South Project Update

• The village is preparing a frequently asked questions document to be released in November 2026.
• The next public information meeting is planned for early 2027 (likely January), before the project is put out to bid.
• Construction will be split into two phases: an east half and a west half, with work beginning in 2027 and continuing through 2028.
• The project has not yet gone to bid; the public will have a chance to see the updated plans and provide comments at the January meeting.
• The bike path is required to connect Turtle Lake with the rest of the village, but its exact form (e.g., on-street vs. off-street) is still being finalized.

Terabus Drive-Thru Special Use Permit

• The board considered a special use permit for a drive-thru at Terabus, a cannabis dispensary at 16020 S Route 59.
• The building has an existing drive-through lane (formerly a fast food restaurant), and the planning commission recommended approval after a public hearing.
• The applicant (Mr. O'Hara) stated that 70% of their transactions at other locations occur via drive-thru, and the window would be for pre-ordered goods only.
• Trustee Wachowski opposed the permit, arguing that customers should enter the store and that a drive-thru encourages easier access. She voted no.
• Trustee Ruin supported the permit, citing accessibility for medical users who prefer not to enter a dispensary, and noted the state authorization.
• Police Chief reported that the management met with police and no issues were found; the system includes ID scanning and pre-ordering.
• Some trustees raised concerns about ID verification, but the applicant stated that external cameras zoom in and all products are pre-ordered.
• The permit was approved by a vote of 4-3 (Trustees Sula, Keeper, Ruin, and Mayor Gadelis yes; Trustees Wachowski, Banucci, and Paniker no).

Hand and Stone Massage Special Use Permit

• Special use permit for a massage establishment at 13400 S Route 59 (former Massage MV location) was considered.
• The planning commission held a public hearing and recommended approval.
• The company is a reputable chain with multiple locations.
• The permit requires compliance with background checks by the police department.
• The motion passed unanimously.

Tax Levy Preliminary Estimate

• Finance Director Pleckham presented the preliminary 2026 tax levy estimate of $13,033,000, based on a projected 15% increase in equalized assessed value (EAV).
• This amount is the maximum the village can levy; the board can later adjust the rate downward to collect less.
• Acknowledging the estimate allows the village to capture any additional EAV growth.
• The board voted unanimously to acknowledge the estimate.

Public Works Projects

• Salt Barn Engineering Design: Authorized a work order with Christopher B. Burke Engineering for design services not to exceed $59,780 for a 7,000-ton salt storage structure at the public works facility.
• Emergency Weather Warning Sirens: Authorized the purchase of 20 new outdoor emergency warning sirens from Fulton Siren Services at a cost not to exceed $607,965. The purchase is supported by a $500,000 grant secured by Senator Capel. Existing siren poles will be reused, and the new sirens have a 30-35 year lifespan.
• Sale of Surplus Equipment: Approved Ordinance 3828 authorizing the sale of ten surplus vehicles and equipment via Purple Wave online auction.

Administrator's Report

• Administrator Blake Moore highlighted the recent ribbon cutting for Woodman's, noting it is the largest new retail opening since 2008. The store will generate sales tax revenue and reinvigorate North Plainfield.
• He confirmed that the village will contribute $12,500 toward the 2027 fireworks display, continuing the partnership with the park district.

Key Outcomes

• The consent agenda items were all approved unanimously.
• Another public meeting on the Old Town South project is scheduled for January 2027; construction phases planned for 2027-2028.
• The Terabus drive-thru special use was approved 4-3.
• The Hand and Stone massage special use was approved unanimously.
• The preliminary 2026 tax levy of $13,033,000 was acknowledged unanimously.
• Authorized engineering design for the salt barn, purchase of emergency sirens (up to $607,965), and sale of surplus equipment, all unanimously.
• Upcoming meetings: Plan Commission (Nov 3), Committee of the Whole Workshop (Nov 9), Regular Board Meeting (Nov 16).