Town Hall Update (12-4-25)
Why the Township Board changed course from calling a Special Meeting of the Electors to vote on Building a New Town Hall, to Renovating the Existing One?
At the October 13th Board Meeting, the Board voted not to proceed with building a new Town Hall due to the County moving the required Grant completion date from October 30th 2026 (the original date was December 30 2026) to July 30, 2026. The Board felt this was not obtainable.
On November 7th —three days before the November Board meeting, the Will County Executive called our Township Supervisor and revised the deadline, extending it back to October 30th 2026. Although the County’s decision to restore the October deadline appeared helpful, it did not recover the months lost during the timeline changes. So while this initially seemed promising, further discussions with the post-frame builder, and other professionals involved in the project raised significant concerns about our ability to meet even the revised timeline.
Because of the multiple changes to the project timeline, we effectively lost months of critical progress. This delay placed the new construction project at substantial risk. Even with the October deadline reinstated, we no longer feel confident that the Township can complete the new Town Hall on time. If not completed on time, the Township would not receive any Grant money and bear the entire cost of the project. The financial consequences of missing the deadline would be too great for the Township to responsibly continue. This financial risk associated with missing the timeline ultimately drove our decision.
Because of the multiple changes to the project timeline, we effectively lost months of critical progress. This delay placed the new construction project at substantial risk. Even with the October deadline reinstated, we no longer feel confident that the Township can complete the new Town Hall on time. If not completed on time, the Township would not receive any Grant money and bear the entire cost of the project. The financial consequences of missing the deadline would be too great for the Township to responsibly continue. This financial risk associated with missing the timeline ultimately drove our decision.
With the recent positive changes by the county, renovating the current Town Hall has now become a more practical and financially responsible option. The County has agreed to reduce the required scope of work, allow the Township to complete the renovation without additional Township funds beyond the grant, and maintain the October 30, 2026 deadline. With these adjustments, the renovation project is achievable within the timeline and significantly less complex than the originally approved project; paid for by the grant money.
The Township has been approved for $558,312 in grant money and is in communication with Will County to confirm the following important terms: both important in order to forward with the project:
1. Reimbursement of previously incurred Invoices.
The Township is requesting reimbursement of $132,708.29 in previously incurred project invoices. $22,245 of this amount has already been reimbursed; however, the remaining invoices were not submitted by the prior administration. Since all these invoices relate directly to the Town Hall Renovation Project, the Township would need to submit the remaining invoices for review and approval.
2. Ongoing “pay as you go” Grant Reimbursements.
The Township understands that invoice reimbursement with grants generally occurs 2–4 weeks after invoices have been submitted and approved. The Township does not have in its Budget the ability to fund the project and wait for reimbursement until project completion- so timely reimbursement as invoices are incurred, is essential.
We appreciate Will County Executive Jennifer’s assistance and interest in supporting our Township as we navigate the grant requirements so we can achieve a positive outcome for our Township.
SCOPE OF WORK for the TOWN HALL RENOVATION
(subject to adjustment based on costs and resident preferences)
1. ADA compliant restrooms
Enlarge and renovate the two restrooms to be fully accessible, eliminating the step down to get to the bathrooms and exit door.
2. Raise the floor in the kitchen and back corridor to match the Community Room floor elevation to accommodate ADA compliance, and provide locked storage of files.
3. Relocate the back door to the west side of the building for wheelchair access.
4. Kitchen is to remain the same size. Floor will be raised up to match the Community Room Floor. Take out the existing ceiling tiles to provide additional height and install drywall ceiling.
5. Upgrade HVAC and add Air Conditioning.
Revise the HVAC to utilize the existing ductwork in the Community Room and where possible. Units to be placed on first floor level or in existing attic.
6. Accessible ramp from the new back door down to grade.
7. Septic System: New.
8. ADA Parking spaces, and walkway to the front door.
9. Front Entrance: ADA access into the town Hall.
10.Refinish the Wood Floor (or if needed replaced).
11. USA Flagpole
12. Additional interior electrical outlets in the front area and existing kitchen / storage area.
13. Possible Safety Steel Posts along north side of Building
The Township understands that invoice reimbursement with grants generally occurs 2–4 weeks after invoices have been submitted and approved. The Township does not have in its Budget the ability to fund the project and wait for reimbursement until project completion- so timely reimbursement as invoices are incurred, is essential.
We appreciate Will County Executive Jennifer’s assistance and interest in supporting our Township as we navigate the grant requirements so we can achieve a positive outcome for our Township.
SCOPE OF WORK for the TOWN HALL RENOVATION
(subject to adjustment based on costs and resident preferences)
1. ADA compliant restrooms
Enlarge and renovate the two restrooms to be fully accessible, eliminating the step down to get to the bathrooms and exit door.
2. Raise the floor in the kitchen and back corridor to match the Community Room floor elevation to accommodate ADA compliance, and provide locked storage of files.
3. Relocate the back door to the west side of the building for wheelchair access.
4. Kitchen is to remain the same size. Floor will be raised up to match the Community Room Floor. Take out the existing ceiling tiles to provide additional height and install drywall ceiling.
5. Upgrade HVAC and add Air Conditioning.
Revise the HVAC to utilize the existing ductwork in the Community Room and where possible. Units to be placed on first floor level or in existing attic.
6. Accessible ramp from the new back door down to grade.
7. Septic System: New.
8. ADA Parking spaces, and walkway to the front door.
9. Front Entrance: ADA access into the town Hall.
10.Refinish the Wood Floor (or if needed replaced).
11. USA Flagpole
12. Additional interior electrical outlets in the front area and existing kitchen / storage area.
13. Possible Safety Steel Posts along north side of Building
Dean Christofilos
