The free weekly community line dancing event that was started under Jamie Hawkins’ administration may be facing the end of the line, as the Grant Park board discussed whether or not it should continue for free. Its fate is still undetermined, however.
The instructors have not paid to reserve the community room, and Village President Bernard Detloff expressed liability concerns but suggested it continue as a “village-sponsored” event.
Trustee Susie Wiedl asked whether they would need to pay for it, and Detloff said “no.”
“There hasn’t been any complaints of any mess, any problems, anything. I don’t see a reason why not to continue it. I have to look at the protection of the village through a liability issue,” Detloff said.
He also suggested the rental agreement would need to be reworked if it wasn’t a village-sponsored event. The board discussed issues with others wanting to use the community center for free.
Trustee Angie Nowak asked how the rental fee works, and Trustee Gerry Morgan explained the current fee structure would require a $250 fee each time it was used.
“I think that would be the end of the dancing,” Morgan added.
Line dancing is a free weekly offering; instructors do not charge for instruction or for leading the classes. It doesn’t require registration, and residents can simply show up and dance.
“In the future, more people are probably going to be upset if we’re giving the building away for free to this person and not them,” Trustee Jodi Wackerlin said.
Trustee Angie Nowak raised the point that the instructors are offering a community service, teaching for free, and bringing their knowledge to the community members.
Detloff reiterated his concern about the liability.
“I guess in my mind, the positive kind of outweighs what might happen,” Morgan added.
Trustee Julie Quinn raised the issue of whether someone wanted to do jazzercise, to which Morgan said it could be treated like line dancing.
“I guess I like the positiveness of us using the facility. Otherwise, it just sits there. But I think we do have the problem with somebody wanting it, too. I think they have to prove their case that they’ve got something similar before we consider it,” Morgan added.
Nowak said if the classes were discontinued, it would leave both the instructor and the community with a “bad taste.”
Wiedl responded that the instructor could charge the attendees $10 for each class, then the instructor wouldn’t have to pay out of pocket.
Nowak responded not everyone has $10 to go line dancing just to get out of their house. She emphasized it was a benefit for the community.
“Money we received from rental of the community center provides us the opportunity to give our community center updates, new painting, whatever we need there,” Wiedl explained, adding it was the reason why they were limiting free events.
“I don’t see very many free events in the community, period,” Nowak said.
At that point, Detloff asked Quinn to reach out to the instructor to attend the next meeting, so the board could “get her side of the story,” and then take a vote.
Valgene Raloff, in attendance at the meeting, interjected to ask whether participants were from town; Quinn said she would ask. Detloff emphasized the importance of the instructor attending the next meeting.
“Well, unfortunately, I knew this was going to be an issue,” Detloff said.
“I didn’t start this. I’m trying to put a handle on this, like so many other things that were started and handed to me. So, the best thing I could do is ask the lady to be here, get some clarification on this, and then at the next meeting, the board will vote yes or no to continue this,” Detloff said.
Harbor House Presentation and Donation
Jenny Schoenwetter of The Harbor House domestic violence shelter in Kankakee presented information on the facility and its expansion.
“We have an exceptional number of turn-aways, individuals who we cannot serve, due to capacity,” Shoenwetter explained.
Its 12,000-square-foot expansion will include 12 bedrooms for victims and children seeking shelter and office space for facility operations for counselors and advocates.
“Having Harbor House, the free and confidential services that we provide, not just emergency shelter, that’s actually our smallest program. We offer counseling to adults and children, really honing in on children to break that generational cycle of violence,” Shoenwetter said.
Grant Park Police Chief Carl Frey said the village had 73 domestic violence calls last year.
Harbor House obtained a $2 million grant for the $4.5 million project, is using $500,000 of its reserves, and is seeking contributions for the remainder.
The Village of Grant Park formally presented a check to Jenny Schoenwetter of The Harbor House in Kankakee. The donation amount listed on the bills was $500.
“It does affect everyone in every community. So, in our own way, I’m thankful that we can help you,” Detloff said.
Other Village News
The Grant Park Police Department is participating in a “blue envelope” and vehicle-sticker program created by the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Department to increase law enforcement awareness and improve service for individuals with special needs.
“The Blue Envelope serves as a clear, immediate visual cue to officers that someone in the vehicle may need extra time, simplified or repeated instructions, reduced sensory input, or a calm and patient approach. Inside the envelope, drivers can keep their license, registration, insurance, emergency contacts, medication lists, and any helpful communication or medical notes,” the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Department post read.
Streets and Alley Committee Chairman Jason Martin advised the board on several pieces of surplus equipment that could be sold; he will obtain additional information on the equipment and present it to the board.
Morgan advised they are continuing work on the budget.
Kimberly Thomas spoke during public comments to inquire whether she could bring a farmers’ market to Grant Park.
Detloff advised it would not be feasible downtown due to construction, but there may be a spot near Heldt Park that could work. He asked Thomas to contact him. It would be on the agenda for the next meeting.
New computer equipment for the police department was tabled. Morgan had questions, and the plan was for him, Detloff, and Frey to meet with their representative from the computer company to get answers before voting.
Before the meeting concluded, Detloff informed the board of a solar developer intending to pursue a project on unincorporated land. Adjacent landowners are seeking to voluntarily annex into the village, but the process is in its early stages. Detloff said he will keep the board apprised. He’s also gathering information on the dispensary and whether it will be opening.
I’m not a line dancer nor do I live in the village limits. But I have to ask, How would this be a bigger liability than someone getting hurt at the basketball/pickleball court or any of the village owned parks and green spaces.