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The St. Patrick’s Day board meeting in Grant Park must’ve had a lucky charm in the room as it was brief, all-business, and held without shenanigans.
Grant Park Foundation Projects Presented
Scott Dillman spoke on behalf of the Grant Park Foundation regarding a few projects the foundation would like to implement this upcoming summer.
“The foundation is paying for everything. We will get it, we will install it, and everything. We are just seeking permission because it’s your property,” Dillman explained.
One of the projects is the installation of a “mommy and me swing,” and the other is the installation of a unique hill slide, where kids could climb a hill and slide down the hillside in the slide.
A “mommy and me swing” enables an adult to swing and interact with a child; they propose replacing one of the saddle swings with that style at a projected cost of $2,500 to $3,000, perhaps more if they need to obtain a separate frame. However, Dillman said a resident is interested in helping fund the project.
The board was agreeable to the projects and would include them on the agenda for approval at the next meeting.
Line Dancing to Continue
Village President Jamie Hawkins reported she hopes Sara and Adam Wozny’s successful line dancing programming, offered for free on Thursday evenings at the Grant Park Community Center, will continue. Approximately 25-30 people have attended during the past seven weeks.
They would also like to host a free, open event prior to the village’s Easter event.
Hawkins said she had allowed the Woznys to use the space for free during the winter and for as long as she was village president. She noted other people had used the space for free for short meetings in the past.
However, her term will soon end, and the couple would like to rent the space at full price beginning on April 12. They attended the board meeting to see if there were any questions, but there were none. Hawkins advised it would be voted on at the following meeting.
Village Updates
Gerry Morgan reported part of the upcoming year’s budget included four percent raises for all full-time employees and part-time police officers. This was approved without discussion.
Morgan also reported the village’s computer server needs its battery backup unit replaced. The board approved the replacement, installation, and disposal of the previous unit at a cost not exceeding $1,200.
Trustee Ben Detloff reported Surf Fiber Optic is anticipated to be available for residents in June, but Detloff will keep people apprised of its progress and exact date of availability.
Detloff also reported the National Honor Society will host a blood drive on April 3. The drive will be from noon to 5 p.m. at the Grant Park Learning Commons. Appointments are not required.
Hawkins relayed the eighth-grade girls’ volleyball team made it to the regional competition. Following the meeting, the village reported the girls won and advanced to the state competition.
Grant Park Emergency Management
Trustee Morgan Whorrall reported the village’s emergency services calls for February totaled 74 calls. There were six car accidents, 14 ambulance calls, two mental health calls, 26 other-agency assists, six domestic disturbances, and one suspicious vehicle/person.
Chief of Police Carl Frey offered some commentary and details on the calls and informed the board they would soon begin enforcement of property and parking violations. Frey said vehicles without proper registration and properties not in compliance will be cited.
Frey proposed donating the 2006 Ford Expedition outfitted with emergency equipment to the Beecher ESDA, a volunteer-based emergency management association.
In exchange for the donated vehicle, the Beecher ESDA would respond to Grant Park’s police and fire calls, such as directing traffic or responding during major weather events. Frey added he felt it would be a great partnership.
Trustee Sue Wiedl asked about the vehicle’s value, which Frey estimated was about $6,000. She also inquired about the protocol. Frey and Hawkins both responded, noting an intergovernmental agreement would be established.
Trustee Robin Bruni inquired if Grant Park residents could get involved in the ESDA, which Frey said they could.
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.
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