JOLIET - Residents of the Fairmont neighborhood in Lockport Township -long plagued by flooding issues - will see much needed relief beginning October 1 when crews begin installing new drainage systems in parts of the neighborhood.
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“The contractors will complete as much work as they can before the weather turns cold and the ground begins to freeze,” said Will County Board Member Annette Parker (R-Crest Hill), who represents District 9, which includes Fairmont. “This is phase one. Phase two will involve installing more drainage throughout the neighborhood.”

The Will County Board approved a $359,545 contract with Martam Construction at its September board meeting. Of the three companies that submitted bids, Martam was the lowest.

Parker said that the Will County Board has been working to ease flooding issues in Fairmont for years. This contract is a critical first step and she hopes that it will lead to more cooperation and investment in infrastructure for the neighborhood.

“Residents should begin to see improvements in drainage in their community within the next few months,” Parker said. “We’re looking forward to awarding phase two of the storm drain project as soon as we can.”

Phase one is being paid for with a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

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JOLIET— The Will County Board today adopted a plan to address the explosive growth of freight shipping in the region. Developed in conjunction with the Will County Center for Economic Development (CED), the Will County Community Friendly Freight Plan makes a number of recommendations that will balance the booming shipping industry with the quality of life that residents expect.
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Since 2005, employment in the freight industry has grown by 138% in Will County, with a further 33% expected job growth by 2026. That growth has strained infrastructure and frustrated residents who have to battle heavy traffic on local, county and interstate roads. The plan emphasizes that further investment in infrastructure is necessary to address traffic congestion, and keep the county safe and economically competitive. 

JOLIET— Will County has reached an unprecedented five year agreement with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) for a new contract on a wage and benefits package with county employees that would go through 2021. AFSCME ratified the agreement last night, and the board is expected to approve it on Thursday.
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"Our negotiations were very deliberate, and cooperation was key," said Board Speaker Jim Moustis (R-Frankfort). "I am proud that this county board could achieve this agreement without work stoppages or strikes. I believe all parties involved are pleased with the final product, but the biggest winners are the taxpayers.”

JOLIET – The Will County Board has installed a new flag retirement box on the first floor of the Will County Building. The flag disposal box is the result of a partnership between the Board, the National Association of Counties, and the National Flag Foundation. Residents who wish to dispose of a flag should fold it respectfully before placing it in the box.
 
The United States Flag Code prescribes flag etiquette — everything from flying it near other flags to instructions on how to raise and lower it. It says: “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” 

JOLIET— Will County Board Speaker Jim Moustis (R-Frankfort) has called for a countywide hiring freeze for the 2018 fiscal year. His announcement was made in the wake of the recently passed state of Illinois budget which reduced funding for local governments. He has also asked county departments to hold the line on personnel hires for the remainder of this year’s fiscal budget.
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“It would be financially prudent for the county to take steps now to compensate for expected funding cuts from the state,” Moustis said. “We have to plan accordingly and not outspend our revenues. I believe we can make our hiring choices more efficient without impacting any vital services to the people of Will County.”