The Village of Grant Park will give chickens a chance after passing an ordinance that allows backyard hens within the village limits. Trustee Robin Bruni proposed the change as one of her last outgoing actions, which was met with some resistance.
Residents Valgene Raloff and Stephen Brower, who is also a trustee-elect, spoke during the meeting to express reservations about the quick action to allow the hens.
“Could you explain to me why we’re pushing this through and ramrodding it in?” Brower said, to which Hawkins replied that this way, the school could begin preparations for the following year’s chicken life cycle program.
Trustee Gerry Morgan explained that Bruni was leaving the board, and she wanted to accomplish this ordinance before her tenure was complete.
Brower continued questioning, adding sharply, “I understand that personal vendetta,” before affirming he wasn’t against the chickens but took umbrage with bypassing the first reading.
Raloff and Brower weren’t alone, as Trustee Susie Wiedl had protested the chicken ordinance’s inclusion on the agenda, claiming it had never been discussed before.
However, Village President Jamie Hawkins and Bruni quickly refuted that notion.
Bruni shared her experience about moving to Grant Park. She thought they could have chickens, but later found out they were not allowed.
“We were heartbroken we had to get rid of our chickens, but what I was most angry about is moving here to the agriculture and not being able to participate in any of it,” Bruni said.
Bruni explained the village wouldn’t know if it was a problem until they tried it and, if it became problematic, they could prohibit it. She provided the board with extensive research in addition to the ordinances put in place by neighboring communities.
She added that the community has 4-H, and the school is pushing to implement FFA and programming that teaches the life cycle of chickens. She felt this ordinance would support those programs.
Hawkins advised that she reviewed the proposed ordinance and the information Bruni provided and noted it was very strict. It only allowed six hens, with roosters prohibited. A permit would be required before obtaining chickens. Coop structure and size are dictated, as is where (backyard only), and how chickens could be kept, how waste and the cleanliness of the coops should be handled, and how feed should be kept. Renters would not be allowed to keep chickens. Slaughtering chickens also would be prohibited.
“Miss Bruni has listed six requirements to keep chickens, and they are lengthy. She has done her research. I applaud her for doing this and going on her own,” Hawkins said.
“Everything you could possibly question has been answered here,” said Mayor-elect and current Trustee Ben Detloff. Detloff later voted to approve.
Village Attorney Michael Santschi was present, reviewed the proposed ordinance, and oversaw the proceedings; because it would not change zoning laws, it did not require a public hearing.
However, it did require a supermajority vote, triggering a vote from Hawkins. Trustees Bruni, Morgan, Detloff, Passini, and Village President Hawkins voted in favor; Trustees Morgan Whorral and Wiedl voted against.
In the end, despite some outspoken chicken critics, the board adopted Ordinances 04-25-1, which amends the 1974 Ordinance 6-1-2-9 animals subcategory a, and 04-25-2, which officially permits chickens.
While chickens got the go-ahead, the board discussed the issue of stray cats. Although there are no ordinances regarding stray cats, the board may need to take action on this issue in the future. They will look into solutions.
Farewell to Outgoing Trustees and Village President
Morgan reported the village received the certificate of election results; none of the seats were challenged. Village President-elect Ben Detloff received 135 votes. Hawkins did not seek reelection.
Clerk Scott Dillman received 135 votes; for the three four-year trustee terms, Stephen Brower received 121 votes, William Gerry Morgan received 124, and Dennis G. Martz received 115.
There is an open position for a two-year trustee, for which there were no candidates.
At the end of the meeting, Hawkins and Trustees Bruni and Frank Passini were thanked for their service and given gift baskets from Village President-Elect Ben Detloff.
Hawkins called the last meeting bittersweet, noting she would “miss this board and all the lessons it’s taught me over the past four years.”
Historical Society Seeks Hitching Post
In other news, resident Valgene Raloff spoke on behalf of the Historical Society regarding historic hitching posts, of which three remain throughout the village. Raloff explained Surf Internet damaged a 1930s-era concrete cast hitching post while burying a fiber optic cable, but thanks to the homeowner, it was salvaged and moved to a safer location.
Raloff asked if the Historical Society could remove the lone carved limestone hitching post, the most historically significant of the three, to preserve it at the museum. Until they could do so, he also requested the village take action to protect it with signage and bollards. The village advised that the property was sold, but they would try to facilitate its removal for the historical society.
Raloff also took issue with the location of the Surf switch box and requested that it be moved. Village officials agreed its placement was not preferred, and they would contact Surf.
Budget Passed, Project Review
Morgan reviewed the bills to be paid in detail, and the board approved their payment. He also reviewed the budget, including expenditures and revenues. The village budgeted for $976,850 in revenue but received $1,041,295 as of April 18.
Some line items were higher than budgeted, and some revenues, such as the Fest, will bring in more funding than anticipated. Morgan outlined all line items and explained the reasoning behind all changes.
The Fiscal Year 2026 budget was approved as presented.
Engineer Neil Piggush provided an update on the lights and streetscape project; lighting changes were based on IDOT’s requirements, and he is hopeful the village will be on IDOT’s June letting for the streetscape project. Detloff advised he would contact businesses so there would be as minimal disruption as possible.
Permits, Parks, and Public Works Updates
The board also approved $250 donations to both the Grant Park Foundation and the Grant Park Chamber of Commerce.
Clerk Dillman advised the board on behalf of the Grant Park Foundation that the “mommy and me” swing was ordered, but likely won’t arrive for installation until June.
Bruni proposed paying the Grant Park Rangers $250 for maintaining the parks and village grounds; Detloff agreed but proposed increasing the amount to $1,000, explaining it would cost significantly more if contracted elsewhere. He noted how much the Park Foundation gives back, and it would be money well spent. The motion passed.
Passini advised that brush pickup and mowing again are occurring, and alleys are being dragged, weather permitting. He offered a reminder that dumping grass clippings and/or grill ash is not permitted. Residents should call 815-465-2131 to report illegal dumping.
Building permit, inspection fees, and the contractor registration program fees will increase for Fiscal Year 2026.