Planning, Zoning & Agriculture Committee Meeting 7/21/26

The Kankakee County Board's Planning, Zoning & Agriculture Committee met on July 21, 2026, to discuss several procurement and budget-related matters. A key focus was the county's intent to apply for a $250,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for disaster response activities, specifically debris removal and street clearance following recent storms. The committee reviewed the grant requirements, including the limitation on funds and the low-to-moderate income benefit threshold. Additionally, the committee considered zoning ordinance amendments affecting agricultural districts, rural-based service providers, and technology-based facilities, which could impact future development and vendor opportunities. The meeting also included a bid opening for a new planning department vehicle, with three bids received for 2026 and 2027 Ford Explorers, ranging from approximately $37,000 to $41,000. The committee approved moving forward with the vehicle procurement via an RFP process, which was chosen over state bid pricing due to better pricing outcomes. Finally, the committee recommended establishing a $100 application fee for rural-based service providers to align with other county fees. A resolution of support for the CDBG grant application was also prepared for subsequent approval and submission.