AGENDA

I. Call to Order & Roll Call
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Public Comment – Three (3) minutes per speaker
IV. Approval of Bills
V. Reports
      a. Supervisor
      b. Trustees
      c. Assessor's Office
      d. Community Service Committee
      e. Road & Bridge Committee
VI. Old Business
VII. New Business
      a. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of March 13, 2025
      b. Approval of FY2026 Budget & Appropriation Ordinance
      c. Appointment of Trustee(s) to Arden Shores North Fire Protection District
      ​d. Appointment of Trustee(s) to Arden Shores South Fire Protection District
VIII. Executive Session
IX. Adjournment

AGENDA

I. Call to Order & Roll Call
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Hearing Regarding the Shields Township Tentative Budget & Appropriation Ordinance
for the Fiscal Year Beginning March 1, 2025 and Ending February 28, 2026
IV. Adjournment

Shields Township
906 W. Muir Avenue, Lake Bluff, IL 60044
Annual Meeting of the Township of Shields
Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
​
AGENDA

1. Call to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Election & Oath of Office for Moderator
4. Approval of Annual Town Meeting Agenda
5. Public Comment
6. Acceptance of Minutes of 2024 Annual Town Meeting
7. Presentation of Supervisor’s Annual Financial Report
8. Certification of Accounts by Trustees
9. Resolution to Delegate Authority to Town Board to Purchase, Sell, and Lease Property
10. Resolution to Set Hour of Special Town Meetings for 6:00 p.m.
11. Resolution to Set Hour for Next Annual Town Meeting for 6:00 p.m.
12. Adjournment

 
 
Serving our communities since 1850

STATE OF ILLINOIS   )
LAKE COUNTY          )           ss.
TOWN OF SHIELDS  )

THE TOWN BOARD OF SHIELDS TOWNSHIP held its Regular Monthly Meeting on Thursday March 13th, 2025 at 5:00 pm.
PRESENT:
                        Vanessa Grum                        Clerk
Jeff Urso                                  Supervisor
Michael Machnicki                  Town Trustee
Matt Garrity                             Town Trustee
 
 
ABSENT:
Lisette Rothing                        Deputy Clerk
David Weil                               Town Trustee
Brady Andersen                      Town Trustee
 

1. Call to Order & Roll Call – Supervisor Urso called the meeting to order at 5:03 pm. Clerk Grum took roll call; Trustee Garrity, Trustee Machnicki, and Supervisor Urso were present. Trustee Andersen, Trustee Weil and Deputy Clerk Lisette Rothing were absent. Also in attendance was Administrator Counselman Kimzey and Clerk Grum.
2. Pledge of Allegiance – Supervisor Urso opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance at 5:04 pm.
3. Approval of Bills –
   1. Town Fund: Supervisor Urso moved to approve the Town Fund expenses in the amount of $55,200.56. Trustee Garrity motioned and Trustee Machnicki seconded the motion. Clerk Grum took roll call vote: Ayes: Trustee Machnicki, Trustee Garrity, and Supervisor Urso; Nays: None. Motion carried.
   2. GA Fund: The General Assistance fund expenses totaled $0 because they bill quarterly.

 
*Resident Ben Miller moved microphones in the middle of the meeting. Urso adjourned the meeting to ask him to stop. Mr. Ben Miller told Supervisor Urso to call the County Sherriff. Supervisor Urso responded by welcoming Mr. Miller to call the Sherriff if he would like. Mr. Miller said that he would. Supervisor Urso called the meeting back to order and continued on with the agenda.
 

1. Road and Bridge Fund: Supervisor Urso moved to approve the Road and Bridge Fund expenses in the amount of $3,931.24. Trustee Machnicki motioned to approve and Trustee Garrity seconded the motion. Clerk Grum took roll call vote: Ayes: Trustee Machnicki, Trustee Garrity and Supervisor Urso; Nays: None. Motion carried.

1. Public Comment – Three (3) minutes per speaker:
   1. Janice Schnobrich: At 5:05 pm, Mrs. Schnobrich recounted the February 20th Shields Township Board Meeting when a couple requested that the Shields Township Board incorporate a road into the road network so they could access their property. She continued, explaining that the Shields Township Road district was dissolved before 2021, and the funds previously allocated for the roads within the township were not returned to taxpayers, but instead redistributed to the “Corporate Fund” for the administration of the Township, some of which was used to pay legal fees. She stated that as of February 20th, 2025, $39,578 in legal fees has been used to address Dan Roger’s objection to nomination petitions. Mrs. Schnobrich stated that despite spending thousands on legal fees, Shields Township struggles to finance unincorporated road construction within its jurisdiction.
2. Reports –

1. Supervisor Report: Supervisor Urso states that he appreciates Mrs. Schnobrich’s comment and cannot echo enough and agree with her more that Kathy Blahunka has cost the township lots of money in legal fees and thanks her for bringing it to everyone’s attention. He continues by giving an update on speed humps; He intends to install some more on the west side of Waukegan Rd. as spring comes as kids will be playing outside more and he would like to ensure the safety of all children by slowing down cars through the use of speed humps.
2. Trustees Report: None
3. Assessor's Office Report: None
4. Community Service Committee Report: None
5. Road & Bridge Committee Report: None

1. Old Business – None
2. New Business –
   1. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of February 20, 2025: Supervisor Urso moves to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of the Shields Township Board of Trustees from February 20th, 2025. Trustee Machnicki motions to approve and Trustee Garrity seconds the motion. Clerk Grum takes roll and all approve. Motion passes at 5:10 pm.
   2. Approval of Annual Town Meeting Agenda: Supervisor Urso moves to approve the Annual Town Meeting agenda for Tuesday April 8th, 2025 at 6:30 pm. Trustee Machnicki motions to approve and Trustee Garrity seconds the motion. Clerk Grum takes roll and all approve. Motion passes.
   3. Approval of FY26 Tentative Budget & Appropriation Ordinance: Supervisor Urso moves to approve the FY26 Tentative Budget and Appropriation Ordinance. Trustee Garrity motions to approve and Trustee Machnicki seconds the motion. There is no discussion. The budget is in the packets and emailed ahead of time. There will be a budget hearing right before the Regular Township Monthly meeting next month. Karl Kitzerow confirmed and stated that if people have questions regarding the budget, they can call him. Clerk Grum takes roll and all approve. Motion passes.
   4. Approval of Governmental Accounting & Professional Services, LLC Contract: Supervisor Urso moves to approve the Governmental Accounting & Professional Services, LLC Contract in the amount of $25,200. Trustee Machnicki motions to approve and Trustee Garrity seconds the motion. There is a slight increase in cost of 5 %. Clerk Grum takes roll and all approve. Motion passes.
   5. Consideration of Staff Compensation:
      1. Office Staff - Supervisor Urso moves to increase compensation for the office staff by 3.4 % effective March 1st 2025. Trustee Garrity motions to approve and Trustee Machnicki seconds the motion. Clerk Grum takes roll and all approve. Motion passes.
      2. Road Staff -
         1. Rob Beak: Supervisor Urso motions to increase compensation for Rob Beak by 3.4 % effective March 1st 2025. Trustee Machnicki seconds the motion. Clerk Grum takes roll and all approve. Motion passes.
         2. Dan Rogers: Supervisor Urso motions to move Dan Rogers to full time staff which will help alleviate the request for FOIAs to keep legal bills down and the Township will get more labor as well. He will have a capped salary of $25,000/year. Supervisor Urso motions to approve and Trustee Garrity seconds the motion. Clerk Grum takes roll and all approve. Motion passes.
3. Executive Session – None
4. Adjournment – At 5:16 pm, Supervisor Urso moved to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Machnicki motioned to adjourn and Trustee Garrity seconded the motion. All in favor said “aye” and the meeting was adjourned.

Shields Township
906 W. Muir Avenue, Lake Bluff, IL 60044
Regular Meeting of the Shields Township Board of Trustees
Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 5:00pm
 
AGENDA
 

1. Call to Order & Roll Call
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Approval of Bills
4. Public Comment – Three (3) minutes per speaker
5. Reports

1. Supervisor
2. Trustees
3. Assessor's Office
4. Community Service Committee
5. Road & Bridge Committee

1. Old Business  
2. New Business

1. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of January 9, 2025
2. Approval of Residential Solid Waste & Recycling Services Agreement with Lake Shore Recycling Systems, LLC
3. Acceptance of Private Road at 201 Melvin Drive, Lake Bluff, Illinois 

1. Executive Session
2. Adjournment

 
 
 
Serving our communities since 1850

Shields Township
906 W. Muir Avenue, Lake Bluff, IL 60044
Regular Meeting of the Shields Township Board of Trustees
Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 5:00pm
STATE OF ILLINOIS  )
LAKE COUNTY          )           ss.
TOWN OF SHIELDS  )

THE TOWN BOARD OF SHIELDS TOWNSHIP held its Regular Monthly Meeting on Thursday February 20th, 2025 at 5:00 pm.
PRESENT:
Vanessa Grum                          Clerk
Jeff Urso                                    Supervisor
Michael Machnicki                  Town Trustee
Brady Andersen                       Town Trustee
David Weil                                 Town Trustee
 
 
ABSENT:
Matt Garrity                             Town Trustee
Lisette Rothing                        Deputy Clerk
 
 

1. Call to Order & Roll Call – Supervisor Urso called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm. Clerk Grum took roll call; Trustee Andersen, Trustee Machnicki, and Supervisor Urso were present. Trustee Garrity and Deputy Clerk Lisette Rothing were absent. Also in attendance was Administrator Counselman Kimzey and Clerk Grum.
2. Pledge of Allegiance – Supervisor Urso opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance at 5:01 pm.
3. Approval of Bills –
   1. Town Fund: Supervisor Urso motioned to approve the Town Fund expenses in the amount of $43,914.39. Trustee Machnicki motioned and Trustee Weil seconded the motion. Clerk Grum took roll call vote: Ayes: Trustee Machnicki, Trustee Andersen, Trustee Weil and Supervisor Urso; Nays: None. Motion carried.  
   2. GA Fund: The General Assistance fund expenses totaled $0 because they bill quarterly.
   3. Road and Bridge Fund: Supervisor Urso motioned to approve the Road and Bridge Fund expenses in the amount of $3,900.39. Trustee Weil motioned to approve and Trustee Andersen seconded the motion. Clerk Grum took roll call vote: Ayes: Trustee Machnicki, Trustee Weil, Trustee Andersen and Supervisor Urso; Nays: None. Motion carried.
4. Public Comment – Three (3) minutes per speaker: None.
   1. Janice Schnobrich: Janice reviewed the happenings regarding the upcoming Shields Township Elections. She listed details regarding the challenges to the petitions Dan Rogers filed against Kathy Blahunka’s party. She listed the dates and costs of each step in the process including the December 9th, January 9th, and January 16th hearings as well as the February 14th hearing where Judge Salvi ruled “basis of confusion”. She expressed concern about the amount of taxpayer money being used for the attorney fees, court reporter fees, and more during this process. She ended by stating, “Due to concerns about costs for January and February hearings, it is recommended to withhold future payments until a taxpayer committee reviews and verifies their legitimacy against court transcripts.”
5. Reports –

1. Supervisor Report: Supervisor Urso thanks Mrs. Schnobrich for the detailed the description of what happened. He agreed that Kathy Blahunka and her slate were a great cost to taxpayers. He described why the slate was stricken causing voter confusion because of lack of following of regulations with addresses listed. They used the Vote Lake Bluff to circulate even though there were a person on the slate from Lake Forest. The Lake County Court Judge confirmed that she must be removed from the ballot in the end.
2. Trustees Report: None
3. Assessor's Office Report: None
4. Community Service Committee Report: None. Alderman Evans is now our new chair and will be joining us next month.
5. Road & Bridge Committee Report: Supervisor Urso states that the hired township workers have been out there doing a great job dealing with snow in a timely fashion.

1. Old Business – None
2. New Business –

1. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of January 9, 2025: Supervisor Urso moves to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of the Shields Township Board of Trustees from December 16th, 2024. Trustee Machnicki motions to approve and Trustee Weil seconds the motion. Clerk Grum takes roll and all approve. Motion passes. Trustee Weil abstains because he was absent.
2. Approval of Residential Solid Waste & Recycling Services Agreement with Lake Shore Recycling Systems, LLC: Supervisor Urso explains that they have contracted with this company before and are planning to extend this contract. Karl Kitzerow has been working hard with LRS to confirm the contract. Urso suggests continuing the service; the increases in cost are based on CPI. He suggests we develop, print, and distribute a brochure explaining various programs that they offer to share with the Township Residents. Supervisor Urso asks for a motion to discuss; Trustee Machnicki motions and Trustee Andersen seconds the motion. Discussion ensued. The increase in price is printed in exhibit A – Supervisor Urso reads some numbers that are printed in the paperwork so the board can see where the price increases are. Trustee Weil was inquiring about Karl’s research on this and asks is there are there any other bids? Counselman Kimsey confirms that these prices are very competitive. Discussion of a senior rate; Supervisor Urso plans to print this in the brochure as well as posting on Facebook to inform residents. All approved and the motion carries.
3. Acceptance of Private Road at 201 Melvin Drive, Lake Bluff, Illinois: Township board has jurisdiction over roads within boundaries: Jessica Chapelle and Mike are Township residents seeking approval for a difficult situation. They found the perfect house and plot of land. The land had many land issues, which has cost them a lot of money. There has been a 10-year long dispute between Shields Township and the County of who is responsible for this road. This is not costing the family money but her kids are not allowed to go to school where they should. She is requesting Shields Township to allow the gravel road as is. She asks to “Let us handle the road or grant a variance.” She asks the board to please help support them. Supervisor Urso makes a motion of acceptance and Trustee Machnicki seconds the motion. Discussion ensues; Supervisor Urso comments that the least cost is the county variance. He states that he understands and believes it is unfair for them to burden the costs. Supervisor Urso explains that from the Shields Township perspective with a small roads budget, the Township cannot afford to build a new road, Supervisor Urso asks that they apply for a variance with the County. Supervisor Urso says the County should issue a variance and they need to change the rules on how they disclose this information to future home buyers. Let’s build a road and let us maintain it. They will not do a hybrid gravel. Other comments are made from board members. The homeowner offers to plow the drive himself and comments that he will not expect Shields Township to take care of that. Supervisor Urso asks if what he offers would work, and Mike says yes. The plan agreed upon includes the following next steps: Send this proposal to our road committee. Supervisor Urso offers to write a letter of support and suggests they reach out to a Lake County board member to do the same. Supervisor Urso asks for a motion to table the acceptance to a future meeting. Trustee Weil motions and Trustee Andersen seconds the motion. All approved and the motion carries.

1. Executive Session – None
2. Adjournment – At 5:36 pm, Supervisor Urso moved to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Machnicki motioned to adjourn and Trustee Andersen seconded the motion. All in favor said “I” and the meeting was adjourned.

​Shields Township
906 W. Muir Avenue, Lake Bluff, IL 60044
 
Notice of Rescheduled Meeting of
the Shields Township Board of Trustees
 
Notice is hereby given that a Regular Meeting of the Shields Township Board of Trustees scheduled for Thursday, January 16, 2025, has been rescheduled. The Township Board will convene on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 5:00p.m., at the Shields Township Offices located at 906 Muir Avenue, Lake Bluff, IL. 60044, for the purpose of considering the following agenda:
 
 
AGENDA
 

1. Call to Order & Roll Call
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Approval of Bills
4. Public Comment – Three (3) minutes per speaker
5. Reports

1. Supervisor
2. Trustees
3. Assessor's Office
4. Community Service Committee
5. Road & Bridge Committee

1. Old Business  
2. New Business

1. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of December 16, 2024

1. Executive Session
2. Adjournment

 
 
Serving our communities since 1850

Shields Township
906 W. Muir Avenue, Lake Bluff, IL 60044
Regular Meeting of the Shields Township Board of Trustees
Thursday January 9th, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
STATE OF ILLINOIS  )
LAKE COUNTY          )           ss.
TOWN OF SHIELDS  )

THE TOWN BOARD OF SHIELDS TOWNSHIP held its Regular Monthly Meeting on Thursday January 9th, 2025 at 5:00 pm.
PRESENT:
Vanessa Grum                         Clerk
Jeff Urso                                    Supervisor
Michael Machnicki                  Town Trustee
Brady Andersen                      Town Trustee
Lisette Rothing                        Deputy Clerk
 
ABSENT:
Matt Garrity                             Town Trustee
David Weil                               Town Trustee
 

1. Call to Order & Roll Call – Supervisor Urso called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm. Clerk Grum took roll call; Trustee Andersen, Trustee Machnicki, Deputy Clerk Lisette Rothing and Supervisor Urso were present. Trustee Garrity and Trustee Weil were absent. Also in attendance was Administrator Counselman Kimzey and Clerk Grum.
2. Pledge of Allegiance – Supervisor Urso opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance at 5:00 pm.
3. Approval of Bills
   1. Town Fund: Supervisor Urso motioned to approve the Town Fund expenses in the amount of $3,521.27. Trustee Andersen motioned and Trustee Machnicki seconded the motion. Clerk Grum took roll call vote: Ayes: Trustee Machnicki, Trustee Andersen and Supervisor Urso; Nays: None. Motion carried.       
   2. GA Fund: The General Assistance fund expenses totaled $0.
   3. Road and Bridge Fund: Supervisor Urso motioned to approve the Road and Bridge Fund expenses in the amount of $2,213.40. Trustee Machnicki motioned to approve and Trustee Andersen seconded the motion. Clerk Grum took roll call vote: Ayes: Trustee Machnicki, Trustee Andersen and Supervisor Urso; Nays: None. Motion carried.
4. Public Comment – Three (3) minutes per speaker: None.
5. Reports:

1. Supervisor Report: None.
2. Trustees Report: None.
3. Assessor's Office Report: None.
4. Community Service Committee Report: None.
5. Road & Bridge Committee Report: None.

1. New Business:

1. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of December 16th, 2024: Supervisor Urso moves to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of the Shields Township Board of Trustees from December 16th, 2024. Trustee Machnicki motions to approve and Trustee Andersen seconds the motion. Clerk Grum takes roll and all approve. Motion passes.

1. Old Business: None.
2. Executive Session: None.
3. Adjournment: At 5:02 pm, Supervisor Urso moved to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Machnicki motioned to adjourn and Trustee Andersen seconded the motion. All in favor said “I” and the meeting was adjourned.

Notice of Rescheduled Meeting of
the Shields Township Board of Trustees
 
Notice is hereby given that a Regular Meeting of the Shields Township Board of Trustees scheduled for Thursday, December 12, 2024, has been rescheduled. The Township Board will convene on Monday, December 16, 2024, at 5:30p.m., at the Shields Township Offices located at 906 Muir Avenue, Lake Bluff, IL. 60044, for the purpose of considering the following agenda:
 
AGENDA
 

1. Call to Order & Roll Call
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Approval of Bills
4. Public Comment – Three (3) minutes per speaker
5. Reports

1. Supervisor
2. Trustees
3. Assessor's Office
4. Community Service Committee
5. Road & Bridge Committee

1. Old Business

1. Approval of 2025 Health Insurance and Ancillary Benefits for Full-Time Staff
2. Approval of Ordinance NO. 121624-01, An Ordinance Levying Taxes for all Corporate and Road Purposes for Shields Township, Lake County, Illinois, for Tax year 2024        

1. New Business

1. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of November 14, 2024
2. Approval of Decennial Meeting minutes of November 14, 2024
3. Approval of 2025 Township Board Meeting Dates and Time
4. Approval of 2025 Township Holiday Closures
5. Consideration of Committee Chair and Member Appointments

1. Executive Session
2. Adjournment

Shields Township
906 W. Muir Avenue, Lake Bluff, IL 60044
Regular Meeting of the Shields Township Board of Trustees
Monday December 16th, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.
STATE OF ILLINOIS  )
LAKE COUNTY          )           ss.
TOWN OF SHIELDS  )

THE TOWN BOARD OF SHIELDS TOWNSHIP held its Regular Monthly Meeting on Monday December 16th, 2024 at 5:30 pm.
PRESENT:
                        Vanessa Grum                       Clerk
Jeff Urso                                 Supervisor
Michael Machnicki                  Town Trustee
Brady Andersen                      Town Trustee
 
ABSENT:
Lisette Rothing                        Deputy Clerk
Matt Garrity                             Town Trustee
David Weil                               Town Trustee
 

1. Call to Order & Roll Call – Supervisor Urso called the meeting to order at 5:33 pm. Clerk Grum took roll call; Trustee Andersen, Trustee Machnicki and Supervisor Urso were present. Trustee Garrity, Trustee Weil and Deputy Clerk Lisette Rothing were absent. Also in attendance was Administrator Carl Kitzerow, Counselman Kimzey, and Clerk Grum.
2. Pledge of Allegiance – Supervisor Urso opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance at 5:34 pm.
3. Approval of Bills
   1. Town Fund: Supervisor Urso motioned to approve the Town Fund expenses in the amount of $77,298.16. Trustee Machnicki motioned and Trustee Andersen seconded the motion. Clerk Grum took roll call vote: Ayes: Trustee Machnicki, Trustee Andersen and Supervisor Urso; Nays: None. Motion carried.       
   2. GA Fund: The General Assistance fund expenses totaled $0.
   3. Road and Bridge Fund: Supervisor Urso motioned to approve the Road and Bridge Fund expenses in the amount of $161,454.68. Trustee Machnicki motioned to approve and Trustee Andersen seconded the motion. Clerk Grum took roll call vote: Ayes: Trustee Machnicki, Trustee Andersen and Supervisor Urso; Nays: None. Motion carried.
4. Public Comment – Three (3) minutes per speaker:
   1. Jan Schnobrich: At 5:36 pm. Janice Schnobrich states that the board hired a part-time road commissioner under the pressure of Supervisor Urso. She shares her concern about the employment decisions of the supervisor and the board.
   2. Dr. Kathy Blahunka: At 5:38 pm, Dr. Blahunka stated that she would like to remind this board that bullying is not a welcome tactic and she hopes that we are not intending on bullying anyone with the box of FOIA’s on the table. She states that they have not over requested FOIA’s and are well within their rights. She adds that the firewall doesn’t have LED light on it.
5. Reports:

1. Supervisor Report: Supervisor Urso states that IRMF is a state mandated law for every employee and that the employee in question during Ms. Schnobrich’s comment did not actually use the Township credit card to support a friend’s campaign. Supervisor Urso introduces Constantine who is presenting about our IT services and answer the question raised from the last township meeting about what is backed up into the cloud. Constantine spoke about what does for our Township stating that he got involved in Shields Township back in 2022 because there were persistent internet outages, there was an old server and the Wi-Fi was spotty. His task was to evaluate the current IT structure and offer solutions for improvement. He looked at old equipment and determined that it was outdated. There was no one monitoring it. He stated that he had to put a proper threat management gateway so that we can monitor the safety of IT services and eliminate the failing server; the data on the server was confidential information and was put on the cloud which means that we had to protect it from the whole world. Another goal was to offer timely helpdesk services to representatives of the Township. Supervisor Urso asks Constantine questions:
   1. Supervisor Urso: How long have you been doing IT? Constantine responds: 20 years.
   2. Supervisor Urso: Prior to coming to Shields, do you feel we were secure? Constantine responds: No. We had to update software and hardware and our response to cyber security threats. He presented a report regarding data breaches in 2024.
   3. Trustee Machnicki asks: Is this log a representation of blocked data breach attempts? Constantine responds: Yes, this is a snapshot, just a small portion and its 19 events per hour.
   4. Carl Kitzerow adds that Constantine is available on call, so we need him to help get out of our issues.
   5. Supervisor Urso explains that he did comparisons of surrounding Townships to determine how much money they are spending on IT Services. The determination was that we are paying far less than Vernon Hills Township, Waukegan Township, and Libertyville Township.
   6. Carl Kitzerow adds that we are paying $6,000 a year on IT services and this is far less than most surrounding Townships.
2. Trustees Report: None.
3. Assessor's Office Report: None.
4. Community Service Committee Report: None.
5. Road & Bridge Committee Report: None.

 
*Supervisor Urso motions to move item 7 (New Business) ahead of item 6 (Old Business) on the agenda. Trustee Machnicki seconds the motion. Clerk Grum takes roll call and all are in favor. Motion passes and the agenda is amended. Meeting continues as per below in the new order.
 

1. New Business:

1. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of November 14, 2024: Supervisor Urso moves to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of the Shields Township Board of Trustees from November 14th, 2024. Trustee Machnicki motions to approve and Trustee Andersen seconds the motion. Clerk Grum takes roll and all approve. Motion passes.
2. Approval of Decennial Meeting minutes of November 14, 2024: Supervisor Urso moves to approve the Decennial Meeting Minutes from November 14th, 2024. Trustee Machnicki motions to approve and Trustee Andersen seconds the motion. Clerk Grum takes roll and all approve. Motion passes.
3. Approval of 2025 Township Board Meeting Dates and Time: Supervisor Urso explains some notable changes to the schedule for Township Board Meetings in 2025 including the switch to a 5 pm start time and changing March 20th to March 13th due to the Spring Break conflict. For the rest of the meeting dates, see the posted document. Trustee Andersen motions to approve the meeting dates and Trustee Machnicki seconds the motion. Clerk Grum takes roll call and all approve. Motion passes.
4. Approval of 2025 Township Holiday Closures: Supervisor Urso advises the board to view the document that shows the holidays closures. This is the same as last year; there are no changes. Supervisor Urso moves to approve, Trustee Andersen motions and Trustee Machnicki seconds the motion. There is no discussion. Clerk Grum takes roll call and all approve.
5. Consideration of Committee Chair and Member Appointments: Supervisor Urso explains that the Township Supervisor appoints Committee Chairs. He states that the Community Service Committee Chair did not attend a meeting and there was no one here to present information. This could have impacted the grants that the Township offers. Urso has spoken to Alderman Evans who is very passionate about the food pantry about his interest in fulfilling this role. Supervisor Urso announces he will remove Kathy Blahunka from the role of Community Service Committee Chair and appoint Alderman Evans in her place to fulfill this role stating that he believes Mr. Evans will bring a valuable voice to the committee. Supervisor Urso motions to approve this appointment and Trustee Machnicki seconds the motion. Alderman Carl Evans is now the chair of the Community Service Committee for Shields Township.

1. Old Business

1. Approval of 2025 Health Insurance and Ancillary Benefits for Full-Time Staff: Supervisor Urso explains that, per Township policy, we need to approve this motion to keep the health benefits offered to full-time staff the same for 2025. Trustee Andersen motions to approve and Trustee Machnicki seconds the motion. Clerk Grum takes roll call, all approve and the motion passes.
2. Approval of Ordinance NO. 121624-01, An Ordinance Levying Taxes for all Corporate and Road Purposes for Shields Township, Lake County, Illinois, for Tax year 2024: Supervisor Urso announces that he is seeking a motion to approve the ordinance NO. 121624-01 which states that the sum of $1,543,266.73 be levied upon all property subject to taxation within Shields Township for such purposes as follows:
   1. Total General Township Corporate Fund in the amount of $1,038,266.73.
   2. Total IMRF Fund in the amount of $5,000.
   3. Total General Road & Bridge Fund in the amount of $500,000.

 
*Supervisor Urso discussed via speaker phone with Kathryn the accountant that the percentage is the same as the last two years at 4.99 percent which is right below 5 percent which keeps up from going through other steps. She confirmed that this is the key number to maximize potential value in the Township. Trustee Machnicki motioned to approve; Trustee Andersen seconds the motion. Clerk Grum takes roll call and all approve. Motion is approved.
 

1. Executive Session: None.
2. Adjournment: At 6:04 pm, Supervisor Urso moved to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Machnicki motioned to adjourn, and Trustee Andersen seconded the motion. All in favor said “I” and the meeting was adjourned.

 
Serving our communities since 1850

​SHIELDS TOWNSHIP OFFICERS
ELECTORAL BOARD
LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
 
Notice is hereby given that a Meeting of the Shields Township Officers Electoral Board has been set for Monday, December 9, 2024, at 5:00 p.m., at the Shields Township Offices, 906 W. Muir Avenue, Lake Bluff, IL 60044, for the purpose of hearing and passing upon objections to the nomination papers of candidates running for election to the Offices of Township Supervisor and Township Trustee for Shields Township, Lake County, Illinois, in the Consolidated General Election to be held on April 1, 2025. All persons who are interested are invited to attend the Public Hearing. This Public Hearing may be continued to a further time, date, and place, without further notice being given, except as required by law.
AGENDA

1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Introductory Remarks by Board Chairman
4. Approval Of Rules
5. Cases to Be Heard (Marking and Acceptance of Board Exhibits):

1. Case No. 2024-001
2. Case No. 2024-002
3. Case No. 2024-003
4. Case No. 2024-004
5. Case No. 2024-005

1. Motions and Stipulations
2. Hearings (If Necessary)
3. Issuance of Decisions (If Necessary)
4. Scheduling Orders
5. Public Comment
6. Recess/Adjournment

 
Posted this 7th day December, 2024, by the Township Officers Electoral Board of Shields Township, Lake County, Illinois, at or before 5:00 p.m.

Shields Township
 
906 W. Muir Avenue, Lake Bluff, IL 60044
 
Notice of Meeting of Shields Township Decennial Committee
 
Notice is hereby given that a Meeting of the Shields Township Decennial Committee has been scheduled for Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., at the Shields Township Offices, 906 W. Muir Avenue, Lake Bluff, IL 60044, for the purpose of considering the following agenda:
 
 
AGENDA
 

1. Call to Order & Roll Call

 

1. Pledge of Allegiance

 

1. Public Comment – Three (3) minutes per speaker

 

1. Presentation of Committee Report

 

1. Approval of Committee Report

 

1. Survey of Residents in Attendance

 

1. Adjournment

 
Serving our communities since 1850

Shields Township
906 W. Muir Avenue, Lake Bluff, IL 60044
Shields Township Decennial Committee Meeting
Thursday November 14th, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.
​
STATE OF ILLINOIS  )
LAKE COUNTY      )          ss.
TOWN OF SHIELDS  )

THE TOWN BOARD OF SHIELDS TOWNSHIP held its Decennial Committee Meeting on Thursday November 14th, 2024 at 5:30 pm.
PRESENT:
                        Vanessa Grum                     Township Clerk
                        Lisette Rothing                     Deputy Clerk
Jeff Urso                                Township Supervisor
Carl Kitzerow                        Committee Person
Kathy Blahunka                   Committee Chair
Michael Machnicki               Township Trustee
Brady Andersen                   Township Trustee
 
ABSENT:
            David Weil                             Township Trustee
            Matt Garrity                           Township Trustee
 
AGENDA MINUTES:

1. Call to Order & Roll Call: Supervisor Urso called the meeting to order at 5:32 pm. Clerk Grum calls roll and all committee members are present. Trustees Andersen and Machnicki present, Trustees Weil and Garrity absent. Committee Chair Kathy Blahunka and Committee Person Carl Kitzerow present.
2. Pledge of Allegiance: Supervisor Urso led the committee in the Pledge of Allegiance at approximately 5:33 pm.
3. Public Comment - Three (3) minutes per speaker: None.
4. Presentation of Committee Report: Supervisor Urso explains that this will be the last Decennial Committee Meeting so this will be an overview of what was discussed for the last 8 months during the meetings:
   1. Roads: We have done many things to address safety in our community like improving drainage, updating our fleet, and installing speed humps.
   2. Waukegan Partnership: Supervisor Urso states that we are most proud of our partnership with Supervisor Jones and he has done a great job offering a closer access point for GA services. This is costing the township less money than hiring full time staff efficiency wise, and senior services are improved.
   3. Input from Counselman Kimzey:
      1. Add to section 4-3B the date of the final meeting as today, Thursday November 14th, 2024.
      2. Add “Abolish Road District” to section 6 – J.
      3. Add “Updated the Township Policies” to section 6-K.
   4. Input from Committee Chair Kathy Blahunka:
      1. Kathy Blahunka inquired regarding the section saying we downsized the staffing to 7 employees; discussion ensued and the committee decided to change the language from 7 office staff to 5 office staff and 2 road district employees.
      2. Kathy Blahunka inquired about phone lines and discussion ensued. Carl Kitzerow explained background regarding comcast internet, cloud services, managed IT services, Bluehost service, and internet security. Discussion ensued. Committee Chair Blahunka wants to know what is out in the cloud that we are paying for and storing. Mrs. Blahunka suggests that we are paying too much for these IT services. Constantine is the IT person and Supervisor Urso suggests that she get in contact with him to help make sure we are only paying for what we need especially in light of her extensive background in IT. Committee Chair Blahunka says that we should be able to explain what we are paying for with taxpayer money.
      3. The committee concluded by amending the Decennial Committee Report to reflect that we updated internet service, but not including the rest of what was written regarding phone lines.
5. Approval of Committee Report: Supervisor Urso motions to approve the Decennial Committee Report with the changes suggested in the meeting. Trustee Machnicki seconds the motion. Clerk Grum takes roll call and all members are in favor. Motion passes and the Committee Report is approved with changes made.
6. Survey of Residents in Attendance: None.
7. Adjournment: Supervisor Urso motions to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Andersen seconds the motion to adjourn and all members are in favor. The meeting is adjourned at 5:56 pm.

Serving our communities since 1850