Board Set To OK Agreement With Lobbyist

Huntley is moving toward renewing an agreement with a lobbying firm that has helped the village obtain funding for major road projects.

Morreale Public Affairs Group lobbies for the village in Springfield and the firm has helped Huntley obtain a $150,000 securing $150,000 in grant funds through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, officials said.

MPAG has worked with Huntley officials since 2007. The lobbyist helped obtain funding for the widening of Route 47 and for the Interstate 90 interchange, where construction is expected to begin next year, officials said.

Under the contract, Huntley spends $5,000 a month for MPAG’s services, officials said.

Trustees will vote on the agreement at Thursday’s board meeting. Last week, Trustee John Piwko said he had no problem with the agreement but asked Village Manager Dave Johnson if Huntley had used the lobbyist on the federal level or used other services MPAG provides.

Johnson said the firm has only worked on the state level. Huntley has used MPAG to do some public relations work, he said.

The board also is expected to act on a request from the Huntley Park District to put up a sign at Route 47 and Mill Street.

The sign will be constructed of stone columns with lanterns and would be like a sign at the Deicke Park entrance, officials said. It also would be a message center. Huntley doesn’t usually allow signs with flashing messages but is staff is recommending approval with the condition the each message remain on the sign for 10 seconds.

Trustees had no objections at last week’s committee of the whole meeting, when the matter was discussed briefly.