CRESTON — Village trustees discussed multiple ongoing projects and upcoming plans during Tuesday night’s board meeting. Village President Tom Byro announced new committee assignments: Finance—Chairman Greg Hopkins and Mark Hibshman; Streets and Alleys—Chairman Curt Ward and Mike Kerns; Water and Sewer—Chairman Kerns and Ward; Health and Safety—Chairman Justin Hibshman and Reid Elliot; Zoning and Planning—Chairman Elliot and Mark Hibshman; and Subdivision—Chairman Elliot and Hibshman.
Trustees noted that RMU installed nine new streetlights, with additional replacements likely delayed until spring. The inside berm at the landfill has been removed following crop harvest, and tipping fees and rent payments were recently received for the site.
Byro said the village is preparing for an updated comprehensive plan with assistance from University of Illinois representative Mike Delaney and Ogle County Economic Development Corporation’s Liz Hiemstra. The goal is to gather input from trustees and residents about community priorities for the next 5 to 15 years. Trustee Reid Elliot said the plan should focus on realistic community goals rather than reinventing past efforts.
For the water tower project, officials said no other companies expressed interest in the electrical work, estimated at about $11,000. An electrician plans to reuse the existing conduit, upgrade to LED lighting, and prepare for a future mixer installation by KLM once IEPA permits are approved. Work may extend into spring depending on weather.
Trustee Mark Hibshman reviewed the town’s sidewalk conditions, noting uneven slabs, missing sections, and poor conditions along Main, Depot, and South Streets. Trustees discussed mudjacking as a possible repair method and may seek quotes before year’s end to begin work in the spring.
The South Street Water Line project will go out for bid November 21 at 10 a.m. Engineers hope to find a contractor willing to complete the work this year to save costs, though some trustees expressed concern about maintaining gravel patches through winter.
Byro also shared plans for a new digital village sign. A mockup shows a 4-by-8-foot display with an additional static village logo sign, though the village must locate a site that meets IDOT setback rules and secure power access.
Trustees briefly discussed potential grant opportunities through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) and acknowledged that plans for future street and sidewalk improvements will depend on available funding.
