The Bridge
August 19, 2021
Village Appoints Michele Schmitke as Village Clerk
Michele Schmitke was appointed as the new Village Clerk at the most recent Village Board meeting, replacing Amy Gayton who stepped down after serving in the role since 2016. Ms. Schmitke’s professional background includes being a project coordinator at the University of Illinois Cancer Center and the Department of Medicine, where she has handled fiscal management, personnel, recruiting and marketing. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Movement Science and a Masters of Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan. Ms. Schmitke will officially be sworn into office at the August 24 Board meeting.
Contract for RPC Bike Path Approved
The Village has approved a construction contract to build a multi-use bike and pedestrian pathway along Robert Parker Coffin (RPC) Road between Old McHenry Road and Route 83. The project will include the installation of a street-level crosswalk at the intersection of RPC Road and Route 83 at Sunset Grove. The $185,000 contract is being funded by the Village and supported by a matching grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Construction is to begin later this month and expected to be completed by early fall, weather permitting.
North Krueger Road Reconstruction Nearing Completion
The North Krueger Road construction project between Route 22 and Gilmer Road is nearly complete and the road is now open to through traffic. Contractors have installed new shoulders and landscape restoration has begun on the east side of the road. The remaining landscape restoration work will be completed by the end of October, per Illinois Department of Transportation planting specifications. Motorists should continue to expect periodic delays and be aware of construction workers and equipment.
LGFPD Hosts Open Burn Class September 18
Do you want to learn how to conduct an open burn safely on your property? If so, attend a free open burn class sponsored by the Long Grove Fire Protection District (LGFPD) on Saturday, September 18 at 10 a.m. at the LGFPD Station. The two-step process to apply for an open burn permit with the Village, and obtain permission for an open burn within the Fire Protection District will also be covered. To reserve your spot, call Fire Inspector John Wiecek at 224-352-2520 or email jwiecek@lgfpd.org.

Does your address have a Burn Permit? Residents planning an open burn are reminded to follow safety guidelines and permit requirements, in addition to contacting their local fire protection district prior to burning. Owners of permitted burn sites are required to have a Village of Long Grove Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Burn Permit. Check this link to verify if your property is on the master list. If it is not listed and you would like it to be, submit a request form to be added to the list.
Stempel Parking Lot Project Update
The Stempel Parking Lot reconstruction project was awarded by the Village to Geske & Sons, Inc., and when completed, is expected to increase the service life of the parking lot by at least 20 years. It will include resurfacing the entire lot, widening accesses for two-way traffic to Robert Parker Coffin Road and to Old McHenry Road (east of The Chatterbox), removal of the landscape timber islands to increase the number of parking spots and installation of underground conduits for future electric vehicle charging stations.

The project is expected to cost the Village $453,000, and a State grant for $200,000 will help to cover costs. The goal is to complete the reconstruction as quickly as possible to minimize disruptions to local businesses; however, portions of the parking lot will be unusable from time to time. The first construction phase will begin sometime in September and is expected to last approximately four weeks. Project updates and the timing for the remaining construction phases will be announced in future communications.
Meet Long Grove’s New
Top Dog - Lincoln!
Village President Bill Jacob welcomed Long Grove’s newly-elected Dog Mayor, Lincoln, who barked his oath of office as a part of the recent Vintage Days festivities. Lincoln is a member of the Toplitt family, and is pictured with Village President Jacob (middle) along with father Jake, mother Laura and baby Leah. The election was a fundraiser held by the Long Grove Historical Society, which raised more than $7,400 through the Dog Mayor campaign. Funds raised will be used to help maintain historic Village properties and support activities and events. Click here for more information and photos.
Irish Days Festival Is
Labor Day Weekend
The Irish Days festival is back Saturday, September 4 - Monday, September 6. All eyes will be smiling on the celebration of Irish culture, music, merchants, food and beverages. Entertainment will include traditional bagpipers, folk bands and Irish dancers, along with the popular Irish Dog Competition where a panel of children judges will crown a Doggie King, Queen, Prince and Princess. Owners can enter their dogs in the contest on competition day at the Long Grove Information Center website. Admission and parking are free. Click here for more information. 
Expert Advice on Fall Planting of Spring Flower Bulbs
The Long Grove Park District is partnering with the University of Illinois Extension for a presentation on planting spring flower bulbs in early fall on Wednesday, August 25 at 1 p.m. at Reed-Turner Nature Center, where a Master Gardener will share advice on designing, selecting, planting and caring for spring bulbs. With the variety of flower colors, heights and shapes - planting bulbs this fall can bring much interest to your landscape in the spring. The program fee is $5 and the timing of the class aligns with bulb purchasing and early fall planting. Pre-register by calling the Park District at 847-438-4743 or email syoung@lgparks.org.
Upcoming Village Meetings

Click the 'View Details' links below the meetings to view agendas and information on how to participate. To view all upcoming and past Village of Long Grove public meetings, agendas and minutes, please click here. View the new Get Connected web page to see the various ways to connect with the Village.
Village Board

August 24
EDC

September 2