[PAGE 1]
MINUTES OF MAYOR NELSON AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE VILLAGE OF FLOSSMOOR, ILLINOIS HELD ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2025
VILLAGE HALL September 15, 2025 7:00 PM
Mayor Nelson called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.
Village Clerk Porter took roll. There was a quorum.
PRESENT: Mayor Nelson and Trustees Daggett (arrived at 7:23 p.m.), Dorsey, Lofton, Mitros, Mustafa,
and Rodgers
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT:
Bridget Wachtel, Village Manager Carl Estelle, Chief of Police
Jonathan Bogue, Asst Village Manager John Brunke, Director of Public Works
Joe Miller, Village Attorney Dan Milovanovic, Assistant Public Works Director
Scott Bugner, Director of Building & Zoning Nicole Castagna, Asst to Village Mgr/Communications Mgr
Bob Kopec, Fire Chief Stephanie Wright, Community Engagement Manager
Matt Berk, Assistant Fire Chief 38 Community Members, Media and Others
GENERAL STATEMENT/RULES OF ORDER (Announced by Mayor Nelson):
The meeting was streamed via Zoom. Mayor Nelson reviewed the public comment policy, which is
available on the Village website.
RECOGNITIONS AND APPOINTMENTS:
1. A Proclamation Declaring September 2025 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Mayor Nelson read the Proclamation for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and introduced Flossmoor
Fire Captain Dan Bracken to accept the Proclamation in honor of his daughter, Finley, who passed away
from this disease. Captain Bracken provided information about the Finley Forever Foundation. The
foundation sponsors an event called the “Lights and Ladders Brigade” to raise money for decorating the
homes of cancer patients during the holiday season. More information is available on their website at
www.finleyforever.com
2. A Proclamation Declaring September 17 – 23, 2025, Constitution Week
Mayor Nelson read the Proclamation for Constitution Week to urge all citizens and residents to study the
Constitution and reflect on the liberties afforded to Americans and the responsibilities that all citizens carry
to uphold the values of the Constitution for future generations. This Proclamation was accepted by Marilyn
Tapajna, a representative of The Sauk Trail Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
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[PAGE 2]
MINUTES OF MAYOR NELSON AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE VILLAGE OF FLOSSMOOR, ILLINOIS HELD ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2025
VILLAGE HALL September 15, 2025 7:00 PM
3. A Proclamation Declaring September 15-21, 2025, National Rail Safety Week
Mayor Nelson read the Proclamation for National Rail Safety Week to encourage all residents to recognize
the importance of rail safety education. Mayor Nelson also gave information about the history of the railway
system in Flossmoor and discussed why it is an integral part of our community.
PUBLIC PRESENT WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD:
(Note: That in reporting these comments, the Village has not researched the accuracy of any comments.)
1. Warren Engelberg (Flossmoor resident): Gave commentary on various issues, including
monopolies, capitalism, and universal healthcare. Mr. Engelberg also commented on how national
government policies impact the local community.
2. Jessica Barnes (Flossmoor resident): Ms. Barnes, a member of the Flossmoor Library Board of
Trustees, raised concerns regarding the sinkhole under the library floor at the Flossmoor Public
Library and the anticipated timeline for when repairs will be completed. Mayor Nelson and Village
Manager Wachtel advised that the sinkhole is being evaluated by an architect and a structural
engineer, who are both working to identify the root cause of the problem and developing a plan to
fix it.
3. Robert Schepler (Flossmoor resident): Discussed the pedestrian crossing zones at Flossmoor
Montessori school at Western Avenue and his observations of vehicles traveling at excessive speeds
in front of the school. He presented a petition signed by residents who share his concerns about
pedestrian safety at the school. Mayor Nelson and Village Manager Wachtel provided information
about efforts to reduce the speed limit and information about a grant that ComEd awarded to the
Village to purchase flashing pedestrian crossing signs. The Village is also looking into other
measures to increase pedestrian safety at crosswalks by school zones.
4. Jackie Riffice (Flossmoor resident): Provided information about her book club that meets in
Homewood, Illinois. She invited all to attend the next meeting.
5. Marlin Hoover (Flossmoor resident): Spoke in support of Robert Schepler’s concerns about
pedestrian safety at Flossmoor Montessori school. He lives by the school, regularly observes
speeding traffic, and believes this is a serious problem that needs to be addressed as soon as
possible.
6. Molly Deugaw (Flossmoor resident): Gave information about Flossmoor’s Good Neighbor Week
that is being promoted by Flossmoor’s Community Relations Commission. She invited all to
participate in this new initiative to celebrate members of our community.
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[PAGE 3]
MINUTES OF MAYOR NELSON AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE VILLAGE OF FLOSSMOOR, ILLINOIS HELD ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2025
VILLAGE HALL September 15, 2025 7:00 PM
7. Allisa Opyd (Representative from Anew): Provided information about Anew and the services it
provides to victims of domestic violence. The organization is having a fundraiser on October 3,
2025, and all are welcome to join in this event. More information is available on their website at
https://anewdv.org
There were no further public comments.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Nelson called for a Motion to approve the Consent Agenda Items 1-12. Trustee Lofton so moved,
Trustee Mustafa seconded. Mayor Nelson asked if there were any items on the consent agenda that were
requested to be removed from the consent agenda for discussion, and there were none.
A vote on the Motion was presented and passed unanimously by a roll call vote.
AYES: Trustees Daggett, Dorsey, Lofton, Mitros, Mustafa, and Rodgers
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS AND BOARDS ACTION ITEMS:
Mayor Nelson stated there were none. Mayor Nelson expressed gratitude to: (a) Flossmoor’s Community
Relations Commissioner Molly Deugaw for her presentation during the public comments session of the
meeting about Flossmoor’s Good Neighbor Week; (b) Flossmoor’s Public Art Commission for the two new
sculptures; and (c) Flossmoor’s Green Commission for the “Fix It” event held at Village Hall.
ACTION ITEMS
Agenda Item #13 – Consideration of a Contract Award to Baxter & Woodman Consulting
Engineers for Design Engineering Services for the Dartmouth Pedestrian Bridge Replacement and
Streambank Stabilization Project.
Mayor Nelson called for a Motion to approve this action item. Trustee Daggett so moved, and Trustee
Dorsey seconded.
This action item was presented by John Brunke, Director of Public Works, who gave information about the
history of the bridge, grant applications and awards, the proposed plan to restore the bridge, and the
associated restoration costs and expenses. Mayor Nelson advised that this bridge is regularly used by
residents and non-residents of Flossmoor, and that it is a vital part of the community. There was a brief
discussion, with questions asked about funding, and praise given to the Public Works Department for
securing infrastructure grants for projects of this type.
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[PAGE 4]
MINUTES OF MAYOR NELSON AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE VILLAGE OF FLOSSMOOR, ILLINOIS HELD ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2025
VILLAGE HALL September 15, 2025 7:00 PM
A vote on the Motion was presented and passed by a roll call vote.
AYES: Trustees Daggett, Dorsey, Lofton, Mitros, Mustafa, and Rodgers
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
Agenda Item #14 – Consideration of an Off-Premise Consumption License (Class BW) for
Beyond Borders Cafe
Mayor Nelson called for a Motion to approve this action item. Trustee Mustafa so moved, and Trustee
Daggett seconded.
This action item was presented by Village Manager Wachtel, who gave information about Beyond Borders
Café and its request for an off-premises liquor license. The Board engaged Christopher Zarozny (owner of
Beyond Borders Café) in a discussion about how liquor will be made available to customers to purchase
for off-premises consumption and the packaging requirements.
A vote on the Motion was presented and passed by a roll call vote.
AYES: Trustees Daggett, Dorsey, Lofton, Mitros, Mustafa, and Rodgers
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
DISCUSSION ITEMS
15. Discussion of the Installation of Cameras at the Heather Hill Detention Basin.
Village Attorney Miller advised about the information he learned from the Intergovernmental Risk
Management Agency (IRMA), the Village’s insurance carrier, about having surveillance cameras at the
Heather Hill Detention Basin. IRMA researched whether surveillance cameras at detention basins were
necessary and whether the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommended surveillance cameras at
detention basins. IRMA found no sources that recommended surveillance cameras at detention basins and
further did not find any articles from the EPA that stated best practices at detention basins included
surveillance cameras. Attorney Miller researched this issue and concluded: (a) Surveillance cameras were
not needed for detention basins; (b) The federal EPA had not issued any recommendations for surveillance
cameras at detention basins; (c) The Illinois EPA had not issued recommendations for surveillance cameras
at detention basins; and (d) Surveillance cameras at the Heather Hill detention basin would create liability
issues for the Village. He further concluded that the fence around the detention basin was not required. The
only recommendation from IRMA for the Heather Hill detention basin was to have a “No Trespass” sign.
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[PAGE 5]
MINUTES OF MAYOR NELSON AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE VILLAGE OF FLOSSMOOR, ILLINOIS HELD ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2025
VILLAGE HALL September 15, 2025 7:00 PM
Signage, including the “No Trespass Sign,” had been shared with the school administration and has been
ordered.
The following is a brief overview of comments from the Board on this discussion item:
Trustee Daggett: Finds that this discussion should be permanently paused absent action taken by the school
board, and absent information that the detention basin is not performing as it has been designed.
Trustee Dorsey: Stated that the school board should share equally in any cost that is incurred by the Village
for surveillance cameras at the detention basin. Agrees that surveillance cameras are not required for the
detention basin, but may need further consideration if the cost is equally shared between the Village and
the school district.
Trustee Lofton: Concludes this discussion should be put on pause.
Trustee Mitros: The board should follow the recommendations from Village Attorney Miller, who found
that surveillance cameras were not needed, and further that a fence was not even required for the detention
basin. Finds there is no reason to continue with this discussion item.
Trustee Mustafa: Believes this discussion item should be left open pending receipt of information about
whether the detention basin operates as it is designed to operate following all phases of construction, and
to see if the school board raises any issues with it during the school year. She finds that the Heather Hill
detention basin is unique and not necessarily comparable to other detention basins.
Trustee Rodgers: Continues to claim there is an article on the EPA website about best practices for detention
basins, including surveillance cameras. Further states there is a similar article that has been published on
the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website. She has not had time to locate and provide these articles
and wants to be clear that she is reporting about best practices recommendations, and that she is not
reporting about requirements. Mayor Nelson again requested that Trustee Rodgers, given the amount of
time that staff and legal have spent on this discussion item, provide copies of these articles.
Mayor Nelson: Advised that this issue will be tabled to a date to be determined.
OTHER BUSINESS
Agenda Item #16– A Motion to go into Executive Session to Discuss the Employment of Specific
Individuals, Property Acquisition, and Litigation.
Mayor Nelson stated there was no need for an executive session.
Mayor Nelson asked if there were any comments and the Board responded as follows:
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[PAGE 6]
MINUTES OF MAYOR NELSON AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE VILLAGE OF FLOSSMOOR, ILLINOIS HELD ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2025
VILLAGE HALL September 15, 2025 7:00 PM
Trustee Daggett: Expressed his appreciation for the community support for the girls' softball team that
he is coaching, and the community support for The Hidden Gem Half Marathon.
Trustee Rodgers: Gave thanks to the Village for maintaining the parkway trees that she walks by on
the way to Heather Hill school and to Attorney Miller for his work.
Trustee Mustafa: Was appreciative of Village Manager Wachtel’s responsiveness to local businesses
during the downtown construction and of Attorney Miller’s work for the Village.
Trustee Mitros: Gave accolades to Public Works for the downtown renovation project.
Trustee Lofton: Was pleased with the turnout for the Hidden Gem Half Marathon and asked about radar
“speed warning” signs being used for traffic control at Flossmoor Montessori school. Mayor Nelson
advised that those devices are being used for traffic control at the school.
Trustee Dorsey: Is impressed with the Board discussion on a wide range of topics. Expressed thanks to
Fire Chief Kopec for the fire truck at his neighborhood block party, the expediency the Village uses to
address resident concerns, and recent attempts to make Flossmoor a site for film projects.
Clerk Porter: Gave thanks to all of the community members that make possible The Hidden Gem
Half Marathon, and the work that the H-F Park District, and Public Works, have done to build a walking
path around Leavitt Park.
Village Attorney Miller: No further comments.
Village Manager Wachtel: Acknowledged and praised the hard work that Village staff does behind
the scenes to make the Village run successfully and provide excellent community services. Also
expressed thanks to the community for their patience during the downtown renovation project.
Mayor Nelson: Praised and thanked everyone for the work that is done to make the Hidden Gem
Half Marathon a success and thanked Public Works for their work at the future site of the Veterans
Memorial. Donations for the Veterans Memorial can be made by typing “Flossmoor Veterans Memorial”
into Google and then going to a Square site. Mayor Nelson also recognized Public Works for
obtaining grants for infrastructure projects, the Police Department for assisting with traffic flow in the
downtown area, and recognized Conservatory Vintage and Vinyl, owned by Tony and Chogie Fields,
for being featured in Chicago Magazine.
Mayor Nelson further announced that: (a) Flossmoor Public Library is having an event to celebrate
Hispanic Heritage Month; and (b) October 4, 2025, is the grand opening for Flossmoor Social in the
downtown area.
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[PAGE 7]
MINUTES OF MAYOR NELSON AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE VILLAGE OF FLOSSMOOR, ILLINOIS HELD ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2025
VILLAGE HALL September 15, 2025 7:00 PM
ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING
Mayor Nelson called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Mitros so moved, seconded by Trustee
Lofton. All were in favor, none opposed.
AYES: Trustees Daggett, Dorsey, Lofton, Mitros, Mustafa, and Rodgers
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
The Regular Meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Cecil E. Porter
Village Clerk
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