The Village of Grant Park now has a vacancy on its board following the immediate resignation of Trustee Steve Brower at the meeting on October 20.
Brower announced his resignation in the middle of the meeting when it was time to provide an update on community outreach. Instead, he tendered his resignation and cited personal reasons. He did not specify what the personal reasons were.
“I apologize for any inconvenience my departure may cause. I want to express my gratitude for the opportunities and experiences while serving as trustee. It was a great way to participate in the Village of Grant Park. I appreciate the support I’ve received from the board and many, wonderful, giving people I’ve met in this community,” Brower said.
Brower said he would continue to support the community and volunteer as much as possible. He provided Clerk Scott Dillman with an official copy of his resignation letter, along with his village identification and Walmart discount card for making purchases.
“Well, I want to thank Mr. Brower for all the work and commitment he’s done for the community. It’s greatly appreciated,” Village President Ben Detloff said.
Brower and Detloff shook hands and posed for a picture before Brower departed, leaving the meeting to continue with remaining business items.
Chicken Ordinance Revisited
Trustee Julie Quinn joked she has been nicknamed the “chicken liaison” at the school and reported to the board she read through the chicken ordinance and found typos. She requested the board comb through the ordinance and potentially make some additions with regard to inspections.
“Chickens, as well as any livestock, do incur some waste that goes along with it, as well as we need to make sure we are feeding them. And we do have regulations in here, specifically for chickens and their feed, as well as how they are fed, so that we’re not getting in contact with any other wildlife that may want to eat it,” Quinn said.
Quinn suggested either the board or a committee be established to enforce quarterly inspections to ensure the safety of the birds, residents, and wildlife.
Detloff said it was important residents abided by the rules. Quinn would do the inspections, and Detloff said when she needed to inspect the coop that an officer accompany her.
“I’m pro-chicken, don’t get me wrong. But we just have to do it the right way,” Quinn said, noting they wanted to be proactive.
“We don’t go looking for them, but if somebody brings it up, they’ll go there, ticket into adjudication court for not having a permit,” Police Chief Carl Frey added.
“We did pass this last year. We haven’t had a lot of issues,” Detloff said, noting they’d address complaints if they came in.
HD Auto to Make Building Improvements
HD Auto Care has requested a TIF agreement with the village, which the board approved.
Trustee Gerry Morgan reviewed the project, which would be a total cost of $389,157 and is asking for a TIF in the amount of $214,700 for repairs.
“Basically the roof, repainting the side, putting a brick facade up a few feet around the east and south side to improve its appearance, putting in new doors for the vehicles because most of them are either slightly inoperative or damaged,” Morgan explained of what the repairs would consist of.
“He wants to redo the customer waiting area because the floor is stained with oil. A couple of the windows are cracked, and it’s not ventilated. So he’s looking to ventilate it so that more customers will come in and be okay with waiting there or at least assigning whatever it is they have to do or paying for it,” Morgan added.
Morgan explained the auditor found there to be an estimated $25 to
$50,000 in taxable sales, and the village would receive 2 percent of that in sales tax.
Trustee Steve Brower inquired how long after approval the village would see the projects completed, to which Morgan explained, if approved before November 1, some of the work could be completed this fall, but if after, it would have to wait until spring. Work that begins in November would be anticipated to be complete in December.
The board waived the first reading and approved the TIF after the second reading.
Other Business
The police department now has a drone, following the purchase approval by the board. It was purchased through donations.
Frey also advised the board the police department would not be going through with donating a 2006 Expedition police vehicle to Beecher ESDA as proposed last spring, which would’ve resulted in a partnership where they would respond to Grant Park needs. He reported Beecher ESDA said they would not be able to enter into an agreement but would do their best to help when available. Instead, the Expedition will be stripped of police insignias and equipment before sending it to auction.
The board also approved resolution R-10-25-1, a grievance settlement agreement with the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council and Lauren Kickert. No discussion occurred regarding the approval of the settlement agreement.
Trustee Morgan Whorrall reported the Grant Park School District will accept the donated playground equipment, which had been discussed at the previous meeting.
Detloff wanted to remind the public that sticks should not be included with leaves, as it will not work with the new leaf vacuum truck.
In other news, the board approved Midland Fraud Protection to be paid from the general fund.
Dave Dillman spoke during public comment to request the village conduct some type of Memorial Day ceremony at the memorial in town. He explained that since the local American Legion Post disbanded, there have not been any events, and he would like to see something to recognize veterans.
The board approved bills to be paid as follows: from the general fund $6,294.12, motor fuel fund, $3,547.64, and the TIFF account, $131,870.81. The board also approved payroll.
Mayor Ben Detloff presented the board with a proposal for a survey of the Pepin property, which both Attorney Mike Santschi and Engineer Neil Piggush reviewed. It would be at a cost of $3,558. In addition to the survey, other paperwork is needed before it can officially close, regarding the title and search for liens on the property. The board approved the additional expenses associated with the paperwork.
The board entered executive session to discuss personnel issues.
Halloween Trick-or-Treat hours in Grant Park will be from 4 to 7 p.m.
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.