Lake County Gazette

Village of Antioch Board of Trustees met July 9

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

I. CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Gartner called the July 9, 2025 regular meeting of the Board of Trustees to order at 7:26pm at the Antioch Municipal Building located at 874 Main Street, Antioch, IL and via Zoom.

II. ROLL CALL

Roll call indicated the following Trustees were present: Macek, Bluthardt, McNeill, Martinez, Pierce and Pedersen. Also present were Mayor Gartner, Attorney Vasselli, Administrator Guttschow and Clerk Romine.

III. Absent Trustees Wishing to Attend Remotely

There were no Trustees wishing to attend remotely.

Citizens Wishing to Address the Board

There were no citizens wishing to address the board.

IV. Mayoral Report

None.

V. Consent Agenda

Trustee Pedersen moved, seconded by Trustee McNeill, to approve the following consent agenda items as presented:

1. Approval of the June 25, 2025 Village Board Regular Meeting Minutes as presented

Upon roll call, the vote was:

YES: 6: Macek, Bluthardt, McNeill, Martinez, Pierce and Pedersen.

NO: 0.

ABSENT: 0.

THE MOTION CARRIED.

VI. Regular Business

2. Consideration and approval of payment of accounts payable as prepared by staff in the amount of $959,269.87 – Trustee Bluthardt moved, seconded by Trustee McNeill, to approve payment of accounts payable in the amount of $959,269.87. Upon roll call, the vote was:

YES: 6: Macek, Bluthardt, McNeill, Martinez, Pierce and Pedersen.

NO: 0.

ABSENT: 0.

THE MOTION CARRIED.

3. Consideration and approval of an Ordinance Implementing a non-home rule municipal retailers’ occupation tax and a non-home rule municipal service occupation tax for the Village of Antioch – Trustee Pedersen moved, seconded by Trustee McNeill, to approve Ordinance No. 25-07-23, an Ordinance Implementing a non-home rule municipal retailers’ occupation tax and a non-home rule municipal service occupation tax for the Village of Antioch, waiving the second reading. Trustee Pierce reiterated his opposition to this ordinance. 

Upon roll call, the vote was:

YES: 4: Macek, McNeill, Martinez and Pedersen.

NO: 2: Bluthardt and Pierce.

ABSENT: 0.

THE MOTION CARRIED.

4. Consideration and approval of an Ordinance Implementing a municipal grocery retailers’ occupation tax and a municipal grocery service occupation tax for the Village of Antioch - Trustee Bluthardt moved, seconded by Trustee McNeill, to approve Ordinance No. 25-07-24 Implementing a municipal grocery retailers’ occupation tax and a municipal grocery service occupation tax for the Village of Antioch, waiving the second reading.

Trustee Pierce said he objects to this tax as well, which he believes would have the most impact on lower income residents. Trustee Bluthardt said he supports this tax as it is not a new tax, but a replacement of the grocery tax removed by the State of Illinois. Trustee Macek agrees that it is continuing the state tax.

Upon roll call, the vote was:

YES: 5: Macek, Bluthardt, McNeill, Martinez and Pedersen.

NO: 1: Pierce.

ABSENT: 0.

THE MOTION CARRIED.

5. Consideration and approval of a Resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement with Eccezion for accounting services with the Village of Antioch - Trustee Pedersen moved, seconded by Trustee McNeill, to approve Resolution No. 25-49, authorizing the execution of an agreement with Eccezion for accounting services with the Village of Antioch. Upon roll call, the vote was:

YES: 6: Macek, Bluthardt, McNeill, Martinez, Pierce and Pedersen.

NO: 0.

ABSENT: 0.

THE MOTION CARRIED.

6. Consideration and approval of an Ordinance Authorizing the Village Administrator to Sell, Salvage, or otherwise dispose of equipment - Trustee Pedersen moved, seconded by Trustee McNeill, to approve Ordinance No. 25-07-25 Authorizing the Village Administrator to Sell, Salvage, or otherwise dispose of equipment, waiving the second reading. Trustee Macek requested that staff confirm that all data is removed before disposal. Administrator Guttschow will ensure that IT Manager Pisciotto takes appropriate measures. Upon roll call, the vote was:

YES: 6: Macek, Bluthardt, McNeill, Martinez, Pierce and Pedersen.

NO: 0.

ABSENT: 0.

THE MOTION CARRIED.

7. Consideration and approval of a Resolution Authorizing the necessary expenses for the Mayor, Elected Officials and Staff to attend the 2025 Illinois Municipal League Conference - Trustee Bluthardt moved, seconded by Trustee Pedersen, to approve Resolution No. 25-50, Authorizing the necessary expenses for the Mayor, Elected Officials and Staff to attend the 2025 Illinois Municipal League Conference.

Upon roll call, the vote was:

YES: 6: Macek, Bluthardt, McNeill, Martinez, Pierce and Pedersen.

NO: 0.

ABSENT: 0.

THE MOTION CARRIED.

VII. Administrator’s Report

Administrator Guttschow reported on the progress at the new village hall construction project, stating that the final occupancy date remains. He added that the tentative move-in dates are scheduled for August 14-15, and staff plans to close Village Hall for a period of 2 days in order to transition. The new public works facility project continues to move forward, and the bid opening is scheduled for July 17. Recommended bids will come before the board in August once they are reviewed. He recognized staff for their work in the 4th of July event, and thinks staff did a fantastic job overall. Staff will schedule a post event debrief to discuss the event, and any improvements that may be necessary. He stated that the Clublands HOA has submitted a permit application to allow their HOA to install additional flock cameras, at the HOA cost. The Police Department does plan to enter into an agreement for access to those cameras. He provided an update on the Williams Park Pavilion, stating it should be done in the time for the Lion’s Club Chicken BBQ. He thanked Dennis Volling for offering to contribute parts and labor for the electrical at the pavilion. He reminded the board of the Wall that Heals and the final details being worked out for that arrival to town.

VIII. Village Clerk’s Report

No report.

IX. Trustee Reports

Trustee Macek discussed the usage of water at the splash pad, and expressed concern with draining the aquifer and impact to water pressure. He asked the Board to consider when it may be time to turn off the splash pad. He asked if there was an engineering report related to the strain on the aquifer. Administrator Guttschow provided an overview of consumption of water at the park, and said they would have to reevaluate any impact to Lake Michigan Water. Staff has not noticed any impact to the water system currently related to the additional use. Director Heimbrodt said they test the water routinely, and haven’t noticed any deviations. Trustee Pierce asked Trustee Macek if he recommended shutting down the splash pad. Trustee Macek said there should be a policy. Trustees discussed setting more stringent hours until the system can operate the way it was designed. Administrator Guttschow advised that the ballard operated controls were installed earlier this week, which they believe will offer more durability.

Trustee Martinez said he visited businesses on the 4th of July, and they hope to see if there could be more meetings with the Mayor. He asked that the board be invited as well.

Trustee Pierce distributed materials he provided to the mayor and attorney regarding Oakwood Knolls and reducing the impact on property taxes. He requested a water circulation device be installed near the lift station in Oakwood Knolls for the lagoon. Trustee Pierce thinks the Village owes it to Oakwood Knolls to assist with this request, and mentioned costs shared with Lake Tranquility for weed control, and parks in other subdivisions. Administrator Guttschow responded that there is an electrical connection at a lift station in the area, but it would have to be evaluated for capacity. He added that contributions to other HOA’s include a 50% share of Lake Tranquility, which was based on the public use of the park. He further addressed other assistance provided by the village, and the need for an aquatics manager to evaluate whether pump installation would be impactful, and what maintenance may be necessary. Trustee Macek clarified that the whole association doesn’t pay for Lake Tranquility, but only those affected. Trustee Pedersen clarified that this is a part of a capital project, and added that the taxes were just imposed in order to fund capital projects. Brittany Carstensen, neighboring property owner, discussed the area, and said there are residents concerned with poor drainage to the area and both neighborhoods need to be reviewed.

This item will be discussed further with staff research.

Trustee Pierce also presented a proposed resolution relating to taxes for the board to review and consider. Mayor Gartner responded that the taxing bodies have met once, and plan to meet again in August to discuss.

X. Department Reports: Community Development, Finance, Police

Community Development: Community Development Director Coppari discussed the process of looking for a building inspector, and said he is becoming more involved in complaints. He announced the upcoming Planning and Zoning Board meeting, which will include 3 matters related to the new Public Works Facility. He is also working on a text amendment related to allowed downtown uses.

Finance: Finance Director Peterson discussed the migration to the BS&A software, and the audit. Staff is attempting to prepare for the move to the new Village Hall. He addressed the Eccezion engagement, and the services they provide, including the monthly treasurer’s report.

Police: Deputy Chief Smith discussed staffing, and the final phases of hiring a records clerk and part-time CSO. He reviewed operational data including traffic stops and incidents handled. He discussed a fundraiser event for Special Olympics coming up, and ongoing training with the department. He added that the new drone was delivered last week, and reminded the Board that the drone was acquired through a grant.

XI. Executive Session

The Mayor and Board of Trustees did not go into executive session.

XII. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further discussion, the Village Board of Trustees regular meeting adjourned at 8:12 pm.

https://www.antioch.il.gov/download/village_board/Minutes/2025/07-09-25-VB-Minutes.pdf