Village Board Bits: Walmart Makes Donation; Culver's Patio Approved

Village Hall was packed Monday night with volunteers and paid public employees who were recognized by the village for their work during last month's blizzard.

"It was something else," Mayor Tim Baldermann said. "We had so many people who really pulled through here in New Lenox to keep our residents safe. This was some of the greatest teamwork I've seen."

More than 30 people crowded the village chamber and were given plaques afterward. Additionally, Manhattan Fire Chief Dan Forsythe thanked the village for its help when a Manhattan ambulence was stuck in a snow drift trying to take a diabetic patient to Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet.

New Lenox Public Works were able to help clear the path for the ambulance en route to the hospital. "You should be proud of your group," Forsythe said. "I know I am, for going above and beyond your call."

Walmart Makes Donation

The New Lenox Walmart made a $10,000 donation toward performing arts in New Lenox. This will go toward paying for the numerous events put on at the Commons. As a recognition for the donation, the village offered Walmart management free tickets to the . But Walmart officials said they'll run some sort of giveaway for the tickets.

Route 30 Update

Officials from the Illinois Department of Transportation gave an update to Village Board members about the progress of widening Route 30 to four lanes. The $72.8 million project was bid at the end of January, and work has already begun clearing the path for work. Officials discussed the plans, timelines and how it will affect the community. For more information, check back to Patch later today.

Culver's Plans Approved

The board approved plans for a Culver's outdoor patio and signage at the fast food restaurant, which is set to open early in April. Culver's doesn't have a liquor license, and the patio would come with other restrictions. Its hours would be limited from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily in the summer and closing at 10 p.m. otherwise. Live music would not be allowed on the patio. For more information on the outlots by Walmart, check back to Patch on Wednesday.

Driveway Parking Discussed

This ordinance would allow trucks to be parked in driveways if they're registered to the homeowner, aren't carrying loads in the back and are less than 90 inches tall.

Also, this is limited to two trucks per driveway, and Mayor Tim Baldermann noted that homeowner associations may be stricter than the village ordinance. Currently, no commercial vehicles are allowed to be parked in driveways. The board read this for the first time and could vote on it at the next meeting.

Tax Rebates Mailed

Village Trustee David Butterfield said tax rebates should be mailed to residents starting this week. Eligible residents may receive a 40 percent rebate on their 2009 property taxes. The village mailed applications last year, and residents had until Dec. 15 to turn them in. Nearly 6,000 rebates were turned in, amounting to about $562,000 in costs to the village, much of which will be given back to taxpayers.