September 11, 2019
Dear Village Resident ,
On behalf of the Village Board and staff, I would like to thank all the residents who took the time to complete the village’s online survey on the proposal to allow golf carts and recreational off-highway vehicles (OHV) on designated village streets where the posted speed limit is 35 mph or less. We appreciate your thoughts, opinions and ideas as your feedback helped us obtain a better understanding of the community's viewpoint. The survey was conducted over a two-week period ending in early August 2019. The survey was emailed to 2200 resident email addresses. There were 422 responses, which is a 19% response rate. The summary of the results are as follows: ( Click here for the complete results and comments. )

  • 44% of respondents were supportive of non-highway vehicles.
  • 39% were not supportive.
  • 11% were open to the possibility but believed the Village should proceed cautiously.
  • 6% supported golf carts only.
  • A total of 104 respondents (24.8%) reported they already owned a non-highway vehicle.
  • About 42% said they were very likely or likely to purchase a non-highway vehicle if allowed to be used on designated village streets.
  • About 50% said they were unlikely or very unlikely to purchase a non-highway vehicle if allowed to be used on designated village streets.

The survey also included a set of open-ended questions to gauge residents’ opinions and concerns. The most common responses dealt with:
 
  • Safety
  • Compliance with rules and regulations
  • Excessive fees
  • Under-aged drivers
  • Speeding
  • Enforcement
  • Noise
  • Hours of operation
  • Opening it up to allow on all streets to allow more access around town (we found this was not feasible as Illinois law does not allow them on roads over 45 mph).
  • Another way to access neighbors
  • Building a closer community
  • A “green” alternative
 
The Safety Committee and Village Board took into account the survey responses and comments in addition to public comment at the meetings. In the end, the Village Board voted down the proposal. Safety and enforcement concerns, the cost to implement the program, and the fact that the village’s infrastructure is not set up for these types of vehicles to be able share the road with traffic, were the main concerns of a majority of the trustees.
 
Again, I thank all who participated.
 
Village President, Mark R. Eisenberg
New Fall Recreation Guide
The new Fall Recreation Guide is available for viewing on-line on the village's website. Check out new programs and perennial favorites! Link to the brochure
Parking Regulations
This is a reminder that the parking of any passenger, commercial or recreational vehicle, trailers, shipping containers or motorcycles, in any zoning district, must be on asphalt, concrete, or other approved permanent hard surface as outlined in Chapter 15 of the Municipal Code Book. Gravel, stone, and asphalt grindings are not approved hard surfaces. The Building Inspector will be notifying homeowners and business owners who are in violation. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Building Department at 815-675-2121 or email hi m here .
Census Bureau Workers
Census Bureau workers who are address canvassers may be in the area verifying addresses in preparation for the 2020 Census. They help ensure an accurate and complete count by verifying addresses and noting where residences are located. If you are visited by a canvasser, they will present an identification badge that includes a photograph of themselves, a Department of Commerce watermark and an expiration date. If you have questions, call (800) 923-8282 to speak with a local Census Bureau representative.
Responsible Pet Ownership Event!
Nature's Feed and Fur the Love of Dogs have teamed up for the 9th annual Responsible Pet Ownership Event, this Saturday, September 14, from 11am - 2pm. This is a fun and educational adoption event for the entire family. The event will take place at Fur the Love of Dogs located at 2400 Highview Street .
  • Pet Nail Clipping provided by Fur the Love of Dogs (donations requested)
  • Low Cost Micro Chipping provided by Richmond Veterinary Clinic
  • Raffles for the whole family
  • Grooming & Training Tips
  • Pets will be available for adoption
100% of the proceeds will benefit the participating rescues and shelters that are in attendance.
shredded paper
Document Destruction Day
Document Destruction Day will be held in the Municipal Center parking lot on Saturday, September 21, from 9:00 - 11:00 AM. Gather your old tax returns and other sensitive documents and protect your privacy by having your documents shredded on-site.View more information here .
Eagle Scout Project
At the September 3 Village Board meeting, President Eisenberg, Parks Chairperson & Trustee Bob McMahon, and Building Inspector Bob Walczak presented Landon Simecek with a letter congratulating him for completing his Eagle Scout Project. His project was designing the columns and raising funds to cover the cost of the pavers for the four new “Welcome to Spring Grove” signs, and finding volunteers to help install them. They turned out beautiful and the Village appreciates all the hard work from Landon and his volunteers! We have received many compliments.
Thank You, Readers
Our eNews was awarded the annual All Star Award from Constant Contact. This award recognizes the most successful Constant Contact customers, based on user engagement. Our emails have a high average open rate of 56.3%. Thank you for your interest and taking the time to read about what's going on in your community!
Photo of the Week
The new Welcome to Spring Grove sign can be faintly seen in the bottom left of this photo of a beautiful sunset sent in by resident Karen St. Pierre. If you have a photo of Spring Grove you would like to share, email i t here .
Recycling Plastics
Every year, the average American goes through more than 250 pounds of plastic waste, and much of that comes from packaging. So what do we do with it all? Many of us are confused about what we should put in our recycling bin. Discover what's recyclable, what becomes trash and why , here .
Come to The Grove
Come for the food...but stay for the Music!
On stage this week:
  • Judson Brown Band, Classic Rock & More, this Thursday from 6:30-9:30 PM
  • Tony Amber, Acoustic Rock, this Friday from 6:30-9:30 PM
  • Gritman & Moran, A Little Bit of Everything, this Saturday from 6:00-9:00 PM
  • Marie Martens Blues Jam, this Sunday from 2:00-5:00 PM

The Grove Pub & Grill is located at 2008 Main Street.
WLAC Nerf Wars this Saturday
WLAC Nerf Wars will be held this Saturday, September 14, at 6:00pm! The barricades will be up and your mission will be to have fun! Bring the kids or bring the whole family and battle it out with your favorite Nerf Gun (Elite darts only). They supply the safety glasses and the ammo (Elite Darts). $10 Fee per person $30 max per family. Located at 2449 Pierce Drive. Call 815-675-3005. Register online here .
This Week's Solicitors
T here are no outstanding solicitor's licenses for this week. If you have a solicitor come to your door, please contact the Police Department at 815-675-2596.
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Blast from the Past
These men are building the new steel bridge on Blivin Street over the Nippersink Creek in 1911. The finished product was in a postcard below. In the first photo, houses on Main Street, St. Peter Church and Hatchery Lake can be seen in the background. This bridge was replaced in 1969.
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