A key topic was the need for a comprehensive water treatment master plan to address the regulatory challenges posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the village’s water supply. Allison Felsburg, the utilities deputy director, presented a contract proposal with Kimley Horn and Associates for a plan costing $121,915, highlighting the village’s current inability to comply with future water safety standards. The initiative aims to ensure compliance with upcoming deadlines, addressing both operational and capital expenses required for infrastructure improvements. Council members expressed the necessity for effective water management solutions, emphasizing that “water is public safety,” and discussed strategies such as blending water from different sources and exploring treatment alternatives like iron exchange and granular activated carbon.

Nick Black from Kimley Horn elaborated on the complexities of dealing with PFAS, noting the substances’ pervasive nature and the challenges of removing them due to their strong chemical bonds. He explained that the village utilizes two well fields, one surficial and one from a deeper aquifer, with the former being more susceptible to contamination. The plan includes options to shift capacity to the Florida aquifer and create an operational matrix to manage peak PFAS concentrations. The council was reassured that interim measures are being implemented to reduce PFAS levels beyond regulatory requirements, with ongoing coordination for settlements with companies like 3M and DuPont to fund mitigation efforts.

Another agenda item was the first reading of ordinance number 12-25, which aims to formalize the village’s process for handling reasonable accommodation requests in housing, particularly for certified recovery residences. This ordinance aligns with state legislation mandating local governments to have a formal procedure for such accommodations. The ordinance allows individuals with disabilities to seek exceptions to local zoning regulations, such as additional living space or the presence of emotional support animals. While the council debated the necessity and potential implications of formalizing these processes, it was acknowledged that the ordinance was a procedural requirement to comply with state mandates.

The council also addressed a range of infrastructure and community development projects. A proposal to replace a 2014 Ford F-150 with a Chevy Silverado was approved, with funds reallocated from a surplus project budget. The council swiftly approved other agenda items, including budget amendments for village hall annex improvements, updates to the capital asset policy, and the purchase of new firewalls to maintain cybersecurity. Vehicle replacements for the public works department and a new fire rescue vehicle were also sanctioned.

In legislative matters, the council discussed the complexities of aligning municipal elections with state and national elections, weighing the potential impacts on voter turnout and local governance. While the need for further information was acknowledged, there was consensus on the importance of safeguarding the village’s nonpartisan election process. The council also considered the implications of proposed legislation on community residences.