Contracts still being negotiated by Township Attorney
BY QUINTON R. ARTHUR
SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill. (July 20, 2022) – Thornton Township held its July board meeting on July 19, 2022, and spent time discussing entertainment questions for the Taste of Thornton Township scheduled for August 27.
Entertainment at Taste of Thornton Township
On Tuesday night’s agenda, there was a motion to approve the engagement of entertainers through the agent of Big Bloc Entertainment, Inc. for performances at the annual Taste of Thornton Township, subject to successful contract negotiations.
Trustee Jerry Jones questioned the status of the negotiations. According to the township attorney, she was presented with a contract on Friday, July 15, 2022, but the board has not yet seen it. The attorney made a few comments regarding the contract and said she wanted to get authority from the board to continue with contract negotiations.
Trustee Joyce Washington questioned why the board was involved this year when the process is usually solely handled by the attorney. Township Supervisor Tiffany Henyard explained since the board controls spending, it was put on the agenda for transparency.
“We don’t get involved with negotiations. We normally let the attorney handle the negotiations and then get back to the board and tell us what happens,” said Henyard.
Trustee Christopher Gonzalez asked if the contract could be presented. The attorney advised since the negotiations are still ongoing, it will not be presented until it is finalized.
Trustee Jones suggested that someone from the board be involved with the negotiations. Supervisor Henyard responded her door is always open for questions.
Though the entertainment has not been announced, it is estimated that the two acts will cost $25,000 each.
Despite the questions, the motion to approve the entertainment negotiations was unanimously approved by the trustees.
Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund
Resolution 22-R-012 relating to participation by Elected Officials in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund was approved. The resolution raises the requirement to 1,000 hours of service for all officials from the previous requirement of 600.
Phone Poll
A discussion took place on the agenda item “Ratify Phone Poll Request for List of Bills conducted on July 7, 2022.”
The phone poll on the agenda referred to the Thornton Township Finance Department calling each of the trustees to approve certain bill payments outside of a public meeting.
Trustee Jones asked why a such a poll was necessary.
Robert Hunt, Director of Finance, explained the reason for the poll was to accommodate businesses who needed payments released before the next Township Board meeting. During the summer months this year, Thornton Township has met once per month, and during these meetings, they approve payments. Before the new administration, businesses were accustomed to receiving payments before the meeting or having requests met early due to township trustees meeting twice a month.
Currently, Thornton Township does not release any bills until they are presented to trustees, such as payroll, insurance, and emergency funding for businesses. Since the meeting schedule is changed during the summer, businesses must wait until trustees approve the payments at the meeting.
“We are working with them and letting them know that this is the process. We present to the board first, and once the board says ok, then we release,” said Hunt.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:39 p.m. after starting at 6:09 p.m.
Other Agenda Items
- Approval of Minutes of the Board Meeting held June 21, 2022, at 6 p.m.
- Approval of Minutes of the Special Board Meeting held July 1, 2022, at 5:30 p.m.
- Approval of Minutes of the Tentative Budget Hearing for the General Fund and the General Assistance Fund held May 24, 2022, at 5 p.m.
- Approval of Minutes of the Tentative Budget Hearing for Roads and Bridges held May 24, 2022, at 5:30 p.m.
The next Thornton Township Board meeting is scheduled for August 16, 2022. Meetings are held at 6 p.m. at 333 East 162nd Street, South Holland, IL 60473.
Related
- Township board discusses bills and financial questions (published April 18, 2022)