Village of Godfrey Board of Trustees: Public Safety, Finance, Board Meetings on Aug 6, 2024

The recent Public Safety Committee meeting began with a roll call confirming the presence of Jeff Webber, Karen McAfee, Greg Lasky, Sarah Woodman, Mike Fisher, and Greg Lamar. The minutes from the last safety meeting were approved without discrepancies. A highlight of the meeting was the Good Neighbor Award for August, presented to Nancy Orle for her extensive contributions to the community through the Master Gardener program. Nancy's dedication to gardening and education has been recognized through various awards, including the Outstanding Master Gardener Award and a Volunteer Service Recognition from the State of Illinois.

The meeting also honored Eric Newby, a two-time Paralympian in wheelchair rugby, by proclaiming August 29, 2024, as Eric Newby Day in the village of Godfrey. Eric has won multiple medals and is set to compete in the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. His 20-year career on the USA wheelchair rugby team was celebrated, along with his leadership roles and future aspirations for Team USA.

During the public comment section, Samantha Steele and Jill Wageshide voiced concerns about safety issues on Pierce Lane and North Hanzer Lane, following a recent accident involving a drunk driver. They proposed extending the guardrail, adding more lighting, and implementing stop signs to enhance safety. The village engineer, Rich Barron, and other officials discussed potential solutions, including the installation of temporary rumble strips and reflective tape on the guardrail.

The meeting also addressed various approvals for public works, parks and recreation, building and zoning, and village engineering. Notable approvals included repairs to the 2000 Vector, fixing the guardrail on Pierce Lane, purchasing replacement playground equipment for Blasebrook Park, and acquiring new equipment for the village server and Wi-Fi.

In addition, the meeting featured discussions on the potential benefits of making private roads public to increase property values and facilitate development. However, the board decided against taking over a private road in the Arrowwood Forest Estates subdivision. The meeting concluded with routine administrative matters and the scheduling of the next meeting dates for various committees.