Wilmington City Council

Wilmington City Council approves benefit plan for municipal employees

Published by admin on Tue, 12/15/2020 - 5:38pm

The city of Wilmington has agreed on a new contract for health insurance for city workers.

On Dec. 1, Bob Bryce of Infinity Benefits gave a presentation to the City Council regarding renewal of a Blue Cross Blue Shield health program for city employees.

“Blue Cross is not making any plan changes to our policy, other than the premium,” Bryce explained, adding that the Blue Cross offers the city “strong benefit for the dollar” options.

Silk fencing marks start of Wilmington intersection project

Published by admin on Tue, 12/08/2020 - 5:42pm

Folks who live and travel through Wilmington along Route 53 have noticed silk fencing installed at the corner of Wilmington/Peotone Road and Route 53.

The fencing caused some to reach out to local leaders, to inquire just what is going on at the busy intersection.

Alderman Kevin Kirwin brought the issue up for discussion during the Dec. 1 regular meeting of the City Council, which was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wilmington Mayor: ‘I can’t be a part of closing these businesses’

Published by admin on Tue, 12/08/2020 - 5:41pm

The state of Illinois remains in Tier 3 resurgence mitigations in an attempt to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Over the past few weeks, Gov. JB Pritzker has asked municipalities and local law enforcement to help when it comes to implementation of those Tier 3 restrictions, which include a ban on indoor service at bars and restaurants, and capacity limits at grocery stores and pharmacies of 50%, and capacity limits of 25% for health and fitness centers, personal care services, malls, and retail stores outside of grocery stores or pharmacies.

Wilmington police chief on COVID-19: “This is something serious”

Published by admin on Tue, 11/24/2020 - 5:24pm

Tier 3 resurgence mitigations are now in effect throughout Illinois in the latest effort to slow the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).

The new efforts have forced the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce to cancel this year’s holiday parade and most recently a drive-by visit with Santa that was going to take its place.

Additionally, the lobby at City Hall is now closed to residents and guests not having an appointment.

New equipment will help Wilmington public works keep the streets clear

Published by admin on Tue, 11/24/2020 - 5:18pm

The Wilmington City Council has approved the purchase of a new piece of equipment to help keep the roads clear this winter.

On Nov. 17, the city officials approved the purchase of a sprayer from Kankakee Truck Equipment, Inc. Public Works Superintendent Ken Ewenson said the sprayer will be used for de-icing of public streets and sidewalks.

“This is for the sprayer for the brine for pre-wetting the streets for the salt. It has a sprayer for the road then it also has a reel so you can do the sidewalks, like at City Hall,” Ewenson said.

Wilmington seeks $1.25 million in property taxes

Published by admin on Tue, 11/24/2020 - 5:17pm

Local taxing bodies are once again taking this time of year to propose their annual tax levies -- determining the amount of tax dollars they must collect in order to operate.

The city of Wilmington is proposing an aggregate 2020 tax levy increase rate of 4.9% over last year’s extension.

The proposed corporate and special property taxes to be levied for 2020 are $1.25 million, an increase over the $1.19 million collected in 2019.

Finance Director Matt Hoffman explained the levy to members of the Finance Committee on Nov. 17.

Wilmington Aldermen eye shoddy sidewalks

Published by admin on Tue, 11/24/2020 - 5:13pm

City leaders have a warning for local residents — keep an eye on those cracks and bumps in your sidewalks.

On Nov. 11, members of the Water, Sewer, Streets, and Alleys Committee held a brief discussion on the condition of sidewalks throughout the city of Wilmington.

Alderman Dennis Vice said there are some areas where the walkways are in a serious state of disrepair.

“There are some sidewalks in town that are pretty dilapidated. They’re in bad shape,” he told committee members.

Survey complete, but Wilmington dam discussions just getting started

Published by admin on Tue, 11/17/2020 - 4:26pm

The final results are in, and the majority of those responded to the city of Wilmington’s survey on the Kankakee River Dam said they’d like to see it taken out.

But the survey is just the first step of a long journey to address the dam, and if it will ever be removed from its spot along the South Island.

The survey results were revealed during the Nov. 11 meeting of the Buildings, Grounds, Parks, Health and Safety Committee. The final tally:

Tenn resigns from Wilmington City Council

Published by admin on Tue, 11/10/2020 - 5:06pm

The 2020 General Election may be over, but it’s less than five months before local voters head back to the voting booth.

And in Wilmington, April 6, 2021 will have an additional seat up for grabs.

Wilmington 4th Ward Alderman Jake Tenn, who was elected to his seat in April 2019, resigned his post on Nov. 4.

Tenn cited work travel conflicts as the reason for his early departure.

The Illinois Municipal Code governs how vacancies are filled in local governments.

Wilmington to hold public hearing on annexation proposal at Elion

Published by admin on Tue, 11/10/2020 - 4:55pm

The city of Wilmington will review plans to expand the site at Elion Logistics Park along I-55 and Lorenzo Road, which includes some changes to the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district.

On Nov. 24, the Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a special meeting via the teleconferencing platform Zoom, to hold a public hearing regarding the site.

Elion Logistic Park recently entered into an agreement to construct a new building, Dynamic Property.