The Grant Park Village Board meeting again drew residents to speak during public comment — though this time, only one spoke about the Village President Jamie Hawkins’ domestic incident. Hawkins took the comment in stride and responded to the speaker’s questions, and the board took care of several business items.
First to speak, however, was Valgene Raloff, who addressed the board to express reservations about opening access to the village’s community center during the day, though Hawkins responded it wouldn’t happen anyway.
“Let us learn from what happened in and around the old gazebo that was replaced out here, playground equipment that was destroyed here and at the park, and the original restrooms that were destroyed at one time,” Raloff said before going on to cite more examples of what could go wrong, from vandalism and theft, to legal ramifications, concerns about cleaning, and a negative impact on local businesses.
Hawkins said the intent of the idea was to give retired residents with a limited income a place to gather, especially in the winter. Hawkins explained she didn’t have malicious intent for someone to destroy the park.
“It’s not anything that is obviously going to happen, and my time here is limited, as you all keep reminding me, but that was the point behind it. Several of the people, older retired people I had spoke to, thought it would be a good idea, but no one has ever brought it up or mentioned it,” Hawkins said.
Resident John Veldhuizen spoke next and asked if, while Hawkins was “indisposed,” referring to the Village President’s brief incarceration after a domestic incident, there was a Mayor Pro Tem and when the village board was notified of it.
He came before the board, again, stating he had not received responses to questions he raised about Hawkins’ arrest during the last meeting and questioned transparency.
Hawkins said Veldhuizen would “have to ask Carl,” noting that she believed he would’ve been on the phone right after. Carl Frey is the Chief of Police for the Village of Grant Park.
Veldhuizen then asked if her village cell phone was used during the incident, to which Hawkins replied she did not have a village-provided cell phone.
Later, Hawkins reported that the village attorney’s presence at the last board meeting cost the village $680. Hawkins advised Trustee Ben Detloff had requested the attorney be present.
In other business, Hawkins took a moment to offer gratitude to Beaupre’s Towing and Bell Tire for helping her when she ended up in a ditch while working for DoorDash. She said they went out of their way to be kind, and people should be appreciated when doing a good deed.
Village Clerk Scott Dillman reported that an exact start date for early voting had not yet been determined, but it would be available for the April 1 municipal election. He also reminded businesses about the new sales tax rate that went into effect January 1.
A resident had expressed concern about different marijuana-type products being sold in gas stations, Hawkins reported. After speaking with Village Attorney Mike Santschi, she learned they are unregulated and allowed to be sold.
An intergovernmental agreement for participation in IPWMAN was up for a vote. However, Hawkins reported she was unaware of its purpose, as Trustee Susie Weidl was not present at the meeting to present it. Detloff explained it would provide equipment if needed, and Hawkins stated the acronym stood for the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network. The board approved a resolution for the agreement.
Regarding finances, Hawkins reported the village audit is complete and available in print at village hall for any public member who wants to see it.
Detloff reported the Cabin Fever Reliever was a success in attendee satisfaction and revenue. Hawkins noted volunteers donated their tips to the fund for local student Luis Maldonado, who is battling cancer. She said she also received a very nice, handwritten thank you card for her volunteer work at the event, which she greatly appreciated. The board discussed how well-received and successful the event was.
The board assisted a resident by establishing a designated handicapped parking space near village hall, where a reserved accessible space had not been designated before with a sign. The board approved installing a handicapped sign and hoped it would deter those without a handicap placard from parking there.
The board approved village hall updates and water damage repair work for $2,000, excluding paint, which could be paid for by Menards rebates. They confirmed there was no asbestos in the building, so they were cleared to move forward. Hawkins would move forward with obtaining a quote to handle ceiling-tile replacement.
ServPro kitchen cleaning, which was approved at a cost not to exceed $1,200, would be completed in one day.
Upcoming on March 3 and 4, a portion of Rt. 17 will be closed from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., for Netflix movie filming. Hawkins advised it would be approximately from Loves to Vincennes, and they would do their best to notify people.
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.