By Amy Stark Correspondent
On Tuesday, the Spring Grove Village Board tabled an ordinance, which would have banned skateboards from all village streets.
The current ordinance reads, “No person shall operate a motor driven or electric cycle, mini bike, scooter, or skateboard or an all-terrain vehicle, off-highway motorcycle, or go-kart upon any public or private street, public right-of-way, public sidewalk, parking lot or bike path.”
The proposed amended ordinance would have added the phrase “or non-motor driven or non-electric skateboard” to that list. Additionally, the ordinance states that it is not a violation to ride a skateboard in a designated skateboarding area.
Police Chief Tom Sanders said the reason for adding skateboards to the list of banned vehicles on village streets was because of several near misses between skateboarders and cars in the community.
Sanders also said some skateboard riders were traveling down the hills on roads in the village, such as Meyer Road, at a high rate of speed.
“In the last few years, we’ve seen kids go to the hospital due to skateboarding accidents because they are going downhill at about 30 miles per hour,” Sanders said after the meeting.
The trustees discussed whether or not it was wise to include banning skateboards on all village streets.
Trustee Ron Kopke said he did not want to “make criminals of 7-year-olds” riding their skateboards in their own neighborhoods. Trustee Bob McMahon concurred.
After discussing whether or not a list of streets should be listed where skateboarding was not allowed, President Mark Eisenberg asked that the matter be tabled and that the trustees and Sanders work on another ordinance regarding skateboards.
Fish boil fundraiser
The Fish Hatchery Fish Boil Fundraiser will be held on Friday, June 15 at Horse Fair Park. Trustee McMahon reported that the Parks Committee had discussed whether or not offering a tour of the fish hatchery that night was a good idea, however it was decided that splitting the event between the two sites would not be conducive to the fundraising aspect of the event.
The Fish Hatchery opened for the season May 7. Hours are 7 a.m. to dusk. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, and picnicking on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Bridge closure
The Winn Road bridge is scheduled for complete removal and reconstruction. The bridge is expected to be closed from May 20 through Oct. 20, according to the McHenry County/Illinois Department of Transportation website.
The $1.46 million dollar project will include the construction of a pre-cast, pre-stressed concrete deck beam bridge, shoulder and shared path, guardrail and related items.
Utilities must be removed prior to the bride closure.