Meeting Summary: Frankfort Village Board for August 4, 2025

The Frankfort Village Board met on Monday, August 4, 2025, to address several key ordinances and conduct village business. The board approved a measure to replace the state’s expiring 1% grocery tax with a local one, authorized the sale of a significant downtown property, and gave the green light to a new sushi restaurant and a custom home project.

The board approved an ordinance to create a 1% municipal grocery tax, which will take effect on January 1, 2026. The local tax is designed to replace the revenue from the state’s 1% grocery tax, which is being repealed on the same date. Officials emphasized that the move will not result in a tax increase for shoppers but ensures the village retains its current level of funding.

In a move to spur commercial growth, the board authorized the sale of a nearly 1.2-acre, village-owned vacant lot at the northwest corner of White and Elwood Streets. The property, located in the historic district, has been appraised at $325,000. The village will solicit and review bids based on both purchase price and the proposed commercial use.

The board granted a special use permit for liquor sales to The Orange Hat, a new full-service sushi restaurant planned for 19951 S. LaGrange Road in the Hickory Creek Market Place. The approval came with the condition that all alcohol must be served by waitstaff, even at the sushi bar. A parking variance for the shopping center was also approved.

Variances for building materials and metal roofing were granted for a new custom home to be built at 50 E. Bowen Street. The approval allows the applicant to use a mix of non-masonry siding and a standing seam metal roof, deviating from the district’s standard architectural requirements to fit a modern aesthetic.

Schedule of Bills: The board unanimously approved the payment of bills totaling $973,071.31

National Night Out: Mayor Keith Ogle invited the community to the Frankfort Police Department’s annual “Night Out Against Crime” on Tuesday, August 5, at Breidert Green. The free event features games, DJ entertainment, a “Touch a Truck” program, and the official swearing-in of the new K-9 officer, Pax.

Upcoming Community Events: The mayor highlighted several popular summer events continuing through August. These include the final “Movie on the Green” (featuring “Toy Story”) on August 12, the Annual Ice Cream Social on August 17, and the 57th Annual Frankfort Fall Festival, which runs from August 30 to September 1.

Charity Softball Tournament: Trustee Adam Borrelli commended the success of a recent 16-inch softball tournament that included about a dozen subdivisions. The community event raised $3,400 for the Halstrom family.

Public Works Praised: Trustee Borrelli also praised the Public Works department for its work in replacing street signs to comply with new state laws requiring reflective signage, noting he has received numerous compliments on their appearance.