WESTON — The Village of Weston Council navigated a full agenda during its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, making key decisions on state funding and emergency equipment while facing a heated public debate regarding village board transparency.


Presiding Leadership and Administrative Business


With Mayor Rick Easterwood attending virtually, Council President Jessica Susor presided over the meeting. Due to her role as presiding officer, Susor abstained from voting except in the event of a tie, leaving a five-person quorum to conduct the village's business.

One of the evening’s most significant financial decisions involved $60,000 in state capital budget funds that had been previously declined by the village years ago. These funds were left unclaimed because of the inability for council to match funds for a splash pad project, as well as a historical markers project. Council voted unanimously to redirect these funds toward a cybersecurity project, citing the importance of meeting mandatory security requirements—redirecting it to the Administrative Process committee. Susor noted during the discussion the high costs other villages have faced for similar upgrades and that there were other potential projects that could be potentially covered by the funds. Councilman Warner made the motion. The deadline to formally commit these funds is March 12, 2026.


Transparency and the "Spirited" Liaison Debate


The "Citizens and Visitors" segment of the meeting turned into a pointed exchange regarding the role of council liaisons and the accountability of village boards. The primary conflict centered on how information from board meetings—such as Parks & Recreation or Cemetery—is reported back to the Council.

Resident Samantha Wick requested clarification on the difference between a "report" and "approved minutes," noting public confusion. Susor explained the distinction: "A liaison report is a summary. It’s very general and it just keeps everyone updated... the minutes are highly detailed and they are proved so everybody has read them".

The discussion grew particularly tense regarding the Parks and Recreation Board. Samantha Wick reported that at a January meeting, a board member allegedly stated that if Council mandated liaisons, the board would "dissolve the effing board". She characterized this as a "direct threat to council and a threat to transparency".

Jeremy Schroeder joined the debate, arguing that the liaison role should not be optional. He asserted that because boards operate with public funds, they must be accountable to elected officials. Schroeder specifically cited an exchange from a Parks & Rec meeting where board members Ron Dallas and Doug Marion insisted that a liaison’s notes should not be shared with Council until the board formally approved them—a stance he argued impedes transparency, as even draft minutes are considered public record. Travis Ackerman, serving as a temporary liaison, highlighted the confusion during that exchange, asking, "I’m taking notes but I—you guys don’t want me to present my notes to council?".

Susor acknowledged the ongoing friction, stating that the liaison policy is currently a "work in progress" within the Administrative Process committee.


Infrastructure and New Business


The council also moved forward with several infrastructure and safety initiatives:

  • Ambulance Financing: Council approved a seven-year financing plan through NCL for a new village ambulance.
  • Paving and Grants: Discussion continued regarding an OPWC-funded paving project, with bid openings scheduled for March 3. Craig Warner moved to transition the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for drainage to the Public Works committee, noting he "will serve as the point person".
  • Knox Boxes: Following a suggestion from Councilwoman Ashley Patel, the council voted to explore grants for "Knox Boxes"—secure key boxes for first responders to access the homes of elderly or disabled residents. "I think it would be beneficial to take that to safety to see if we can get a grant for them," Patel stated.
  • Joint Economic Development Districts (JEDD): Brittney Klockowski introduced the concept of a JEDD, which could allow the village to share in the income of regional entities like data centers or solar fields if they impact village resources. "The caveat being we have to have an expense and then we can share in the income even though it’s not our land," Klockowski explained.


Additional Items Covered


  • Village Newsletter: Erica Rupp noted the Community Development committee is planning "Family" and "Business" spotlight sections for future newsletters.
  • Tree Commission: Logan Wick and Dean Babcock were sworn in as new members.
  • Sonlight Church: It was mentioned that Sonlight Church is about to open community "open gyms".
  • Zoning: The village received an inquiry regarding storage units at the Brook Lane Apartments, which may require a future variance.
  • Maintenance: The village Gazebo roof is slated for replacement using a $1,454 development fund. Brittney Klockowski suggested contacting Stor-Mor at Willow and 235 for a suggestion on this project. Repairs were also approved for the village’s red truck, though staff were cautioned to monitor an ongoing oil leak.
  • Cemetery: The board approved the Spoerl Monument to remain in place, provided the family assumes all maintenance and liability.
  • Property Tax Ballot: The Administrative Process committee will study the financial implications of a possible fall ballot initiative to remove property taxes.
  • Soil Testing: Resident Rob Myerholtz urged the village to verify soil testing results for the downtown beautification project area (the "library parking lot") due to potential historical oil use on the property.