Politics & Government

Village Board Roundup: Route 30 Plans; Budget Discussion Continues

Wrap-up of the March 14 Mokena Village Board of Trustees meeting.

Here are some of the highlights from Monday night’s village board meeting:

Route 30 Construction Entering Phase II

The board unanimously approved a motion to enter an agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to fund part of the expenses for Phase II of the widening and reconstruction of Route 30. The agreement requires the Village of Mokena to provide $69,000 for the $73 million project. Plans include new traffic signals at Ridgemore and Owens, a bike path along the north side of Route 30, landscaped medians and a sound wall from Ridgemore to Tall Grass Drive. According to Village Engineer Paul Pearson, the board has already appropriated $129,250 for the project, which, if it goes forward as scheduled, should begin by the end of April.

Find out what's happening in Mokenawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

FY 2012 Budget Discussion Continues

Stagnation of Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) receipts and skyrocketing snow removal costs (from $97,000 in 2006 to $343,000 in 2010) have reduced the available funds for road repairs, Village Administrator John Downs said during a work session after the board's regular meeting. Because of the reduction in the MFT fund, the half-percent sales tax has come to fund road repair and maintenance, and administrators recommended it continue to do so.

Find out what's happening in Mokenawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Downs said the state provided an additional $405,000 for capital projects, of which Mokena has already received $81,000, but, according to village documents, "uncertainty exists regarding the distribution timeline for the balance."

Because of the reduction in funding and the uncertainty in state funding, administrators recommended the deferral of improvements on Schoolhouse Road and the Rock Island Metra quiet zone. Check back with Mokena Patch later today for an update on this story.

Monster Mash Gears Up for Adults-Only Smash

Kim McAuliffe, owner of An English Garden and A Monster Mash Party Bash, announced her kids-themed establishment will class it up a bit for a "Ladies Night Out" on March 31. For more information, call 708-995-5523.

Early Voting is Under Way

If you don't want to wait in line on election day, you can vote early at Village Hall, 11004 Carpenter St., or at the Will County Clerk's Office, 302 N. Chicago St. in Joliet. You must show a government-issued photo I.D.



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