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

I. Call to Order & Roll Call
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Approval of Bills
IV. Public Comment – Three (3) minutes per speaker
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 February 20, 2025
      b. Approval of Annual Town Meeting Agenda
      c. Approval of FY26 Tentative Budget & Appropriation Ordinance
      d. Approval of Governmental Accounting & Professional Services, LLC Contract
      e. Consideration of Staff Compensation
               1. Office Staff
               2. Road Staff
VIII. Executive Session
IX. Adjournment

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

Shields Township
906 W. Muir Avenue, Lake Bluff, IL 60044
Regular Meeting of the Shields Township Board of Trustees
Thursday November 14, 2024, at 5:30p.m.
 
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 October 17, 2024
2. Consideration of 2025 Health Insurance and Ancillary Benefits for Full-Time Staff
3. Estimate of the Levy for Shields Township for Fiscal Year 2025
4. Acceptance of Quassey Road Extension

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 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 Regular Monthly Meeting on Thursday November 14th, 2024 at 5:45 pm.
PRESENT:
                        Lisette Rothing                        Deputy Clerk
                        Vanessa Grum                       Clerk
Jeff Urso                                 Supervisor
Michael Machnicki                  Town Trustee
Brady Andersen                      Town Trustee
 
ABSENT:
Matt Garrity                             Town Trustee
David Weil                               Town Trustee
 

1. Call to Order & Roll Call: Supervisor Urso called the meeting to order at 5:57 pm. Clerk Grum took roll call; Trustee Andersen, Trustee Machnicki and Supervisor Urso were present. Trustee Garrity and Trustee Weil were absent. Also in attendance was Administrator Carl Kitzerow, Counselman Kimzey, Deputy Clerk Lisette Rothing, and Clerk Grum.
2. Pledge of Allegiance: Supervisor Urso opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance at 5:58 pm.
3. Ammendment to the Agenda: Supervisor Urso motions to move New Business 7D (Acceptance of Quassey Road Extension) to next on the agenda. Trustee Machnicki seconds the motion and Clerk Grum takes roll call. All are in agreement. Supervisor Urso invites Mr. Merritt to the podium.
4. New Business:
   1. Acceptance of Quassey Road Extension: Supervisor Urso explains how Mr. Merrit has worked with our road committee and engineers and put a lot of time and money into this project to extend the road on Quassey near his property. The contractor builds the road and then the township adopts the road and assumes responsibility for its upkeep. Clerk Grum takes roll call and all are in agreement to accept this road into Shields Township. Mr. Merritt thanks the board.
5. Approval of Bills:
   1. Town Fund: Supervisor Urso motioned to approve the Town Fund expenses in the amount of $107,295.32. 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. Road and Bridge Fund: Supervisor Urso motioned to approve the Road and Bridge Fund expenses in the amount of $31,620.61. 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.
   3. General Assistance Fund: The General Assistance fund expenses totaled $0.      
6. Public Comment – Three (3) minutes per speaker
   1. Ms. Janice Schnobrich: Ms. Schnobrich comments that she has been attending the Shields Township Meetings for 28 years and within that time, she feels that the meetings have always been contentious and that the Township residents have never elected a competent Supervisor and the Supervisor has never hired a competent Office Manager. She states that most of the work the Township does is outsourced. She states that Shields Township elected officials have been allowed to harass and bully meeting participants in and outside of meetings. She hopes that when the Illinois residents have the opportunity to elect new officials this coming April, they will “get it right” and seat those who really care how taxpayer funds are spent and what services are rendered to those most in need.
   2. Kathy Blahunka: Mrs. Blahunka states that she has a few questions for Supervisor Urso tonight:
      1. When will the FY24 Audited Financial Report get reviewed and approved? – she believes it is overdue.
      2.  Why are we reimbursing volunteers for zoom licensing when the Township paid an annual fee od $319.80?
      3. Does the staff know how to use the plug and play web cameras for zoom that the Township paid for? If so, why are volunteers taping the Monthly Meetings?
      4. Who is using Sharepoint? We paid $5,000 to migrate email and the Fileshare. Why?
      5. What specific Managed IT Services are we paying for and who is using them? She looked to see that the Township is paying $500 a month for this.
      6. Why and who paid half of the bill of $7300 Sonic Wall and Sonic Wave dual bandwidth access point?
      7. In conclusion, she demands answers for the taxpayers regarding the $20,000 for technology she doesn’t believe anyone in the office is using.
7. Reports

1. Supervisor: Supervisor Urso thanks Mrs. Blahunka for these questions regarding IT Services and plans to look into them. He confirms that we did approve the Audit last month. He addresses Ms. Schnobrich directly stating that he appreciates her always coming to the meetings. The staff is getting ready to have holiday hours and he will make sure they are posted so that if anyone has more questions, they can call the office at any time. The new truck is being used this year and the Roads Team is getting ready for the snow. He is very proud of his Road Team and Office Team who always wears many hats.
2. Trustees: None.
3. Assessor's Office: None.
4. Community Service Committee: None.
5. Road & Bridge Committee: None.

1. Old Business: None.
2. New Business

1. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of October 17, 2024: Supervisor Urso moves to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of the Shields Township Board of Trustees from October 17th, 2024. Trustee Machnicki motions to approve and Trustee Andersen seconds the motion. Clerk Grum takes roll and all approve. Motion passes.
2. Consideration of 2025 Health Insurance and Ancillary Benefits for Full-Time Staff: This item is for discussion only. Per Township Policy, all employees should have the right to access health insurance coverage. Last year, the board approved three different plan options. A final approval of this benefits plan will be presented at the December Board Meeting. Only one staff member uses health insurance.
3. Estimate of the Levy for Shields Township for Fiscal Year 2025: At the end of the year, the Board of Trustees must determine the annual Tax Levies for the Township. In accordance with Illinois Law, we will consider the Levy tonight,and approve a final Levy Ordinances at the December Meeting. Supervisor Urso asks for a motion to determine the estimate of the Tax Levy for Shields Township for Fiscal Year 2025 as follows:
   1. Town/Corporate Fund in the amount of $1,038,266.
   2. IMRF Fund in the amount of $5,000.
   3. Road and Bridge Fund in the amount of $500,000.
   4. Total Taxes Levied in the amount of $1,543,266.

Trustee Andersen motioned to approve, and Trustee Machnicki seconded the motion. Discussion ensued regarding the percentage of tax levy. Last year it was 3.4 % and there will be an increase at 4.99%. Clerk Grum took roll call, all approved and motion carries.

1. Executive Session: None.
2. Adjournment: Supervisor Urso moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:18 pm. 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
906 W. Muir Avenue, Lake Bluff, IL 60044
 
Regular Meeting of the Shields Township Board of Trustees
Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 5:30p.m.
AGENDA

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

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

1. Old Business
2. New Business

1. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of September 19, 2024
2. Approval of Fiscal Year 2024 Audit
3. Approval of Renewal of Grant for Mother’s Trust Foundation
4. Approval of Renewal of Grant for Dickinson Hall LB/LF Senior Foundation
5. Approval of Renewal of Grant for Waukegan Township Senior Center
6. Consideration of November Board Meeting

1. 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 October 17th, 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 Thursday October 17th, 2024, at 5:30 pm.
 
PRESENT:
Lisette Rothing                        Deputy Clerk
Vanessa Grum                       Clerk
Jeff Urso                                 Supervisor
Michael Machnicki                  Town Trustee
Brady Andersen                      Town Trustee
 
ABSENT:
Matt Garrity                             Town Trustee
David Weil                               Town Trustee
 
 

1. Call to Order & Roll Call: Supervisor Urso called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm. Clerk Grum took roll call; Trustee Andersen, Trustee Machnicki and Supervisor Urso were present. Trustee Garrity and Trustee Weil were absent. Also in attendance was Administrator Carl Kitzerow, Counselman Kimzey via video call, Deputy Clerk Lisette Rothing, and Clerk Grum.

 

1. Pledge of Allegiance: Supervisor Urso opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance at 5:30 pm.

 

1. Executive Session: Supervisor Urso explained that we will discuss this in his supervisor report later on the agenda.

 

1. Public Comment: Three (3) minutes per speaker: Began at approximately 5:32 pm.
   1. Janice Schnobrich: Janice Schnobrich commented that she received the total cost of speed humps from her FOIA request which totaled somewhere in the $57,000 range. She also requested a formal written plan for where these would be placed and did not receive one. She wonders why one doesn’t exist. She also commented that restitution was made regarding the contribution to a friend’s campaign using the Township Credit Card and the funds were reversed but says that the taxpayers have a right to ask why this person is still employed by the Shields Township. She stated that the environmental restoration project has been partially destroyed under the direction of employees of the road service crew and is asking why the supervisor has not taken actions to remediate this issue and restore the area to its initial state. She states that taxpayers have a right to ask WHY the people involved are still employed by Shields Township.

 

1. Approval of Bills:
   1. Town Fund: Supervisor Urso motioned to approve the Town Fund expenses in the amount of $21,813.62. 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. General Assistance 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 $5,663.90. 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.       

 

1. Reports:

1. Supervisor’s Report: Supervisor Urso provided an update on the steps the Township has taken since finding out about the improper use of a Township Credit Card by a Township Employee. First, the staff has completed a comprehensive audit of all the Township credit card statements for the past twelve months which revealed no further instances of misuse. Second, several township employees including the one in question has successfully completed a mandatory ethics training focused on the appropriate use of public funds. Third, the Township Attorney has reviewed and made recommendations regarding our policies and practices concerning the use of public funds and these recommendations will be followed going forward to strengthen internal controls. Supervisor Urso thanks the board for addressing this issue thoroughly and swiftly and restates that it is his top priority to ensure that residents receive maximum value for their tax dollars.
2. Trustees Report: None
3. Assessor's Office Report: None.
4. Community Service Committee: None.
5. Road and Bridge Committee: No formal report given. Supervisor Urso commented that they are getting ready and prepared for the winter. This will be the second season with speed humps, and he anticipates the crew to do just as good of a job as they did with it last year. He thanks his team in this department for their work.

 

1. Old Business: None.

 

1. New Business:
   1. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of September 19, 2024: Trustee Machnicki motioned, and Trustee Andersen seconded the motion. Clerk Grum took roll call vote. All approved and motion carried.       
   2. Approval of Fiscal Year 2024 Audit: Trustee Andersen motioned, and Trustee Machnicki seconded the motion. Clerk Grum took roll call vote. All approved and motion carried.
   3. Approval of Renewal of Grant for Mother’s Trust Foundation: The information regarding this was sent by Kathy Blahunka. Trustee Machnicki motioned to approve the renewal of the grant for $10,000 to Mother’s Trust Foundation. Trustee Andersen seconded the motion. Supervisor Urso thanks the Township for this donation. Clerk Grum takes roll call and all approved.
   4. Approval of Renewal of Grant for Dickinson Hall LB/LF Senior Foundation: Trustee Machnicki motioned to approve the renewal of the grant for $10,000 to Dickinson Hall. Trustee Andersen seconded the motion. Clerk Grum took roll call and all approved.
   5. Approval of Renewal of Grant for Waukegan Township Senior Center: Trustee Machnicki motioned to approve the renewal of the grant for $10,000 to Waukegan Township Senior Center. Trustee Andersen seconded the motion. Clerk Grum took roll call and all approved. Supervisor Urso comments that Supervisor Jones has offered many services to seniors of North Chicago which covers the other portion of Shields Township not covered by Dickinson Hall (only District 115). Clerk Grum took roll call and all approved.
   6. Consideration of November Board Meeting: The suggestion was made to move the next scheduled Board Meeting from Thursday November 21st to Thursday November 14th with the Decennial Committee Meeting. All agree and this is approved.

 

1. Adjournment: Supervisor Urso moved to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Machnicki motioned to adjourn, and Trustee Andersen seconded the motion. Roll call vote conducted by Clerk Grum and all approved. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 5:47 pm.

 
Serving our communities since 1850