Minooka Mayor Pat Brennan had nothing but positive information to share Wednesday at the annual state of the village address.

Overall crime is down, a new park is in the works, the budget is balanced, and residential, commercial and industrial commitments are all moving forward.

Addressing a packed room, Brennan said, “2017 was a year of continued cooperation and positive movement.”

Brennan referred to working with neighboring communities such as Channahon, Shorewood and Morris on collaborative infrastructure projects; and with elected officials to keep local control strong and protect local revenues to maintain a balanced budget for the village.

Public works was one of the busiest departments during the past year with the start of drainage improvements in Chestnut Ridge Subdivision, emergency rebuilds of two shallow wells; continuing removal of 241 damaged trees from the Emerald Ash Borer while replanting 196 trees; replacing 8,700 feet of sidewalk which eliminated safety hazards in the village; and completing phase 3 of the LED light replacement program.

Outdoor lighting in Minooka is now 100 percent LED, with an initial cost of $263,000. Energy efficiency rebates from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and ComEd, lowered the village’s cost to $120,000.

By reducing the watts used from 170,000 to 79,000, the village will save $50,000 a year, Brennan said.

On the residential front, 10 single family homes were built and 356 permits were issued – representing a $15 million investment in Minooka.

In economic development, Marriott Extended Stay hotel construction began, the second hotel in town by BBR Investments, scheduled to open this summer.

Lanter Delivery Systems broke ground on a 20,000-square foot industrial logistics building; Kellogg chose Minooka for their new expansion project and renewed their lease for another 12 years.

Midwest Valve and Grainger both added new office space for expansion, several new restaurants opened and St. Mary’s Church completed its new parish hall.

Investments in the community from these alone are valued at over $35 million.

Financially Minooka has reduced its debt services by refinancing loans and bonds from a cost of $21,459 down to $8,875.

“That’s a reduction of 58.6 percent in our debt, proving we can invest for the future, build for our current needs and repair our infrastructure while keeping our finances controlled and conservative,” Brennan said.

The general fund for fiscal year 2019 has a projected surplus of $4,038,300, which is just above what auditors recommend setting aside for emergencies.

“Lastly, we realize every little bit helps when it comes to saving money, so this year we doubled the senior discount for garbage,” Brennan said.

Although Minooka doesn’t have a park district, part of its economic plan is to have plenty of open space for residents.

This year the new Aux Sable Springs Park was designed and request for qualifications are currently under review. The 120-acre park will combine preserving the past, protecting Aux Sable Creek and the surrounding trees on the west, while creating recreational opportunities on the east end.

The McEvilly Road bike path is set to open by June 1. The effort to build the long awaited and much needed path came as a result of cooperation with Will County, Will County Governmental League and Grundy County.

The village and other organizations provide a myriad of community programs and events geared toward families, including day camp, outdoor movies, parades, Christmas events, Summerfest, car shows and bike rodeos, to name a few.

The Minooka Police Department continues to do an incredible job for the community while strengthening programs and services, said Brennan.

Every patrol vehicle has been outfitted with digital video equipment to allow for accurate documentation of police to public contacts.

The department also purchased mobile radios to access StarCom21 Network which enhances the department’s response to emergency calls.

The police department itself was renovated over six months and included upgrades of office space, HVAC, technology and safety. The renovation was paid for in part by police seizure funds.

In the last year, there was a reduction in reported traffic crashes – the first since 2013 – a reduction in crime, no formal complaints against the department and continuation of programs such as DARE, Police Explorers and Citizens Police Academy.

The Officer of the Year, Renee Parrish, was introduced and applauded for her exemplary service, and her commitment to the department and the village.

“Minooka is growing and the village board is active in preparing infrastructure for certain growth. And why wouldn’t people want to move to Minooka?” Brennan posed to the audience.

“Factors such as home affordability, prosperity and growth, quality of education and family friendliness make Minooka an appealing place for families to live.”