Progress is being made with the Hilgert Park facelift, Mayor Ben Detloff reported to the board at the October 6 meeting. New swings will match existing swings, and approximately three-quarters of the work at the park has been completed.
Trustee Morgan Whorrall reported the school district expressed interest in some of the old playground equipment from Hilgert Park, which had been removed. However, a transfer of equipment is pending formal approval and acceptance by the school district.
Detloff suggested if the school district is not interested in it or if pieces are still available, they reach out to Momence, as they are always helpful with needs in Grant Park. The board agreed with this suggestion.
Additionally, Detloff mentioned he’d like the village to plant a tree in honor of Sharon Dillman, at a location in the updated park chosen by the family, along with a plaque dedicated to her. The board seemed amenable and would officially take action in the spring.
Additionally, local artist Paul Niemeyer is making considerable headway with the mural on the side of the Grant Park village building. It will not be fully completed before winter, but it is anticipated to have a lot of work done.
Items salvaged from the Pepin property will need to be moved, along with two boxes of Christmas decorations, as the storage would not be suitable with the arrival of inclement fall and winter weather.
The downtown streetscape project still is pending. Whether it will start this fall or in the spring is unknown, though time is running out to begin before the weather prevents its start.
In other news, Detloff reported Surf Internet now is operational in the village, a long-awaited and welcome addition to the community.
“It’s an option that we were happy to bring in because before this, we didn’t have too many options as far as high-speed internet,” Detloff said.
Trustee Susie Wiedl reported the ordinances and insurance committee is working on insurance renewal, as well as a new business license application anticipated to be put into place in January.
Gerry Morgan reported on the finance committee. They met with two companies regarding cybersecurity. One was Advanced Security, which recommended software and hardware upgrades, including replacing the outdated server. Though the village isn’t quite ready to replace the server, they are looking at replacing it in the near future. The company also reviewed security threats, such as check fraud and phishing attempts, to which the village’s banking and finances could be vulnerable.
Morgan also reported to the board the outcome of a meeting with Midland State Bank, during which they inquired about improved TIF fund management. The bank will help the village set up an additional account that can garner interest.
Bills were paid as follows: Dated October 2, from the corporate general fund in the amount of $15,193.35; from the motor fuel tax fund, $5,292.45; and from the TIFF account, $15,086.75. The board approved payroll ending September 25, including a stipend at $3,250, payroll ending September 27 for $18,639.22 and ending September 29 for $6,375.
Village board members and those with a village email were sent a cybersecurity test, which was an insurance requirement, Morgan advised the board.
Regarding town events, Fall Fest generated $2,622, which will be deposited into the fest’s account, Trustee Steve Brower reported. The committee discussed improvements for the Cabin Fever Reliever.
Police Chief Carl Frey explained he was approached by some benefactors, who wanted to help with the purchase of police equipment, including a drone. Police drones typically are expensive, although this model is not, and it should cost around $1,600. He expects the cost to the village may be nothing once the total funds from the benefactors are received.
Frey also informed the board that he spoke with the Village of Bradley Police Department, which recently purchased new body cameras and intends to offer them to Grant Park. The Grant Park Police Department’s body cameras are nearing the end of their life, and although the department would prefer to replace them, the cost of acquiring body cameras from Bradley exceeds their budget.
Instead, Frey said they could upgrade their current cameras for much less, and it would either be added to the budget or come up for a vote in the near future.
Previously, the board discussed erecting signs honoring the State Golf Champion, Trey Boecker, at the February board meeting; however, no action was taken following a change in leadership after the election. Frey advised the board the signs would be 18” by 24” and would cost $90 each.
“We are showing our pride as a community that this person was from our town. So when people do come into town, they can see that,” Detloff said. The board agreed, and the village will purchase and erect three signs around town.
The Beverly K. Roberts Cancer Foundation, in conjunction with Pink Knight volleyball, sent a letter to the village requesting a donation for the fundraiser. Though the village has not donated previously, Detloff thought it would be a nice gesture. The board considered the donation not to exceed $100 and decided to move forward.
Before approval, Trustee Steve Brower said he was aware of cancer, but he didn’t know who the person was that the donation would benefit. He inquired if the village would donate every time someone faced cancer and had a benefit.
“If it’s a local person, yes,” Detloff replied without hesitation.
Clerk Scott Dillman elaborated, explaining Beverly Roberts was a longtime Grant Park resident, who previously worked at the First National Bank and died from cancer. Loved ones started the organization in her honor, and whenever a local Grant Park resident faces cancer and needs help, they put something together for them.
In other news, Detloff mentioned the pilot light on the stove in the community building had gone out, allowing natural gas to leak. It is a safety concern that needs to be addressed if the issue continues to occur.
Detloff also noted the village received a notice from the county regarding a proposed 4 MW solar project that would not be within the village limits but would be within a mile of its planning boundary.
Although the notice did not specify an address, it provided the legal description of the location in unincorporated Kankakee County, near Grant Park. Detloff advised they would post the notice in the front hall of the village building. More information was available on the Kankakee County website, Detloff said.
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.