Village Board Bits: Aldi Opening, Water Agreement and More

Here's a recap of what went down at the Monday, Oct. 10 Village Board meeting.

Water Agreement: New Lenox joined other municipalities in extending its water supply contract with the Village of Oak Lawn for nine months while long-term negotiations continue. Read more: Villages Get Short-Term Water Supply Deal While Negotiations Continue

Deal With D122: The village approved an agreement with the to split pay for a community resource officer the police department provides to New Lenox schools. Previously, all associated costs were paid by the village. District 122 will now contribute $25,000 for the 2011-12 school year.

Police Chief Vehicle: The village agreed to purchase a 2011 Ford Explorer for the  chief at a cost of $26,347.  will finance the lease purchase at a quarterly rate of $2,305 with a 3 percent interest rate.

Aldi Opening: Mayor Tim Baldermann said Aldi Foods will be opening Nov. 17 in the  development on East Route 30. A liquor license was also approved for the discount grocery store.

Impact Fees: Because of the economy's detrimental impact on the housing market, the village deemed it necessary to provide a reduction in the cash in-lieu-of land and other donation requirements. This will last an additional year in the hope of encouraging new construction. All permit fees will be cut in half for another year, through 2012, as well.

Hickory Creek Watershed Plan: As the south suburbs continue to grow commercially and residentially, an area environmental group wants to make sure municipalities and developers can take the . This plan, adopted by the village Monday, offers guidance to local leaders and landowners for ways to conserve land and resources in the watershed area.

Land Annexed: The area at North Cedar and East Francis roads was annexed into the village, including a C-2 community shopping district that includes and .

New Lenox in Malaysia: Fulbright Scholar Rachael Chesley, a 2007 graduate, received an official New Lenox flag at the meeting. She plans to hang it in her classroom throughout 2012 when she teaches English in Malaysia. .