HomeMy Public PortalAbout05-16-2014 Special Meeting with Congressman Hultgren MinutesMinutes of the Special Meeting of the President and the Village Board and Congressman Randy Hultgren Held on May 16, 2014 In the Boardroom Mayor Collins called the meeting to order at 11:09 a.m. Present were: Congressman Randy Hultgren, Mayor Collins, Trustee Peck, Trustee Racich, Trustee Bonuchi. Village Board absent: Trustee Lamb, Trustee Rippy, and Trustee Fay. Others present: Brian Murphy, Village Administrator; Allen Persons, Public Works Director; Michelle Gibas, Village Clerk; Ken Ruggles, Police Commander. There were approximately 15 persons in the audience. PRESIDENTIAL COMMENTS None TRUSTEE COMMENTS None PUBLIC COMMENTS on Items Not on the Agenda None WORKSHOP #1 MISCELLANEOUS DISCUSSION Mayor Collins welcomed Congressm an Hultgren and stated that a couple of the Trustees would like to voice their concerns regarding Canadian National. Trustee Bonuchi welcomed Congressman Hultgren and thanked him for listening to the Village’s concerns. Trustee Bonuchi expressed concern with the stopped trains blocking traffic. Trustee Bonuchi stated that the stopped trains have a negative impact on the Village including the businesses. Trustee Racich welcomed Congressman Hultrgen and thanked him for coming to the Village. Trustee Raci ch expressed concern regarding trains left unattended and parked on the rail for 7 hours. Trustee Racich stated that this is a major safety issue. Congressman Hultgren stated that he appreciates the work that the Village has done and it is important to him to understand the problem and to work with the Village and other jurisdictions to solve it. Although, he does not have a solution at this time, he would like to continue working with the Village and others to find a solution. Congressman Hultgren po inted out that movement by the community may help push the issue. Trustee Peck asked if it would be helpful if the Village staff provided a transportation priority list to the Congressman’s staff. Congressman Hultgren stated that it would be helpful to i nclude the impacts of the surrounding c ommunities. It is important to include priorities from the region and to have other communities as well as the State on board. Congressman Hultgren pointed out that priority list should also include the next steps. We need to work together to find a solution.
Mayor Collins opened the floor to public comments. Mr. Jon Stratton, Plainfield Deputy Fire Chief, expressed concern regarding the stopped trains posing a danger for school children walking to school. The Fire District has received phone calls regarding children crawling between with trains. Mr. Lane Abrell, Plainfield School District 202 Associate Superintendent, expressed concern regarding the stopped trains causing delays in the multi -tier bus schedule. Congressman Hultgren stated that the next steps are to meet with Canadian National and schedule a follow up meeting with the Village about next steps. Mayor Collins thanked Congressman Hultgren and he will contact the Congressman to set up another m eeting. Trustee Bonuchi moved to adjourn. Seconded by Trustee Racich. Voice Vote. All in favor, 0 Opposed. The meeting adjourned at 11:40 a.m. Michelle Gibas, Village Clerk