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Village approves solar school-zone beacons for Route 52 with ComEd grant support
Summary
Trustees authorized purchase of two solar-powered dual flashing school-zone beacons for Route 52 near St. Joe's, applying a ComEd grant that covers half the $8,494.78 cost; trustees discussed IDOT permitting and past enforcement challenges.
The Village Board approved a resolution authorizing purchase of two solar-powered dual flashing school-zone beacons for Route 52 near St. Joe’s School and Church, applying a 50% ComEd grant to reduce the village’s cost.
The board authorized buying the signs from Tabco for $8,494.78, with the village applying a $4,247.39 ComEd grant toward the purchase. Trustees discussed whether Illinois Department of Transportation approval would be required for work on Route 52; a trustee and staff said IDOT indicated replacement of the existing signs with flashing beacons would not require an additional permitting process in this instance.
Trustees and the police chief discussed past enforcement difficulties. The chief said the village previously lost a court case when enforcement relied on signage without flashing lights; the new flashing beacons will allow the village to attempt enforcement again. A resident and trustees cited safety concerns for school pick-up and pedestrian crossings; one trustee described the current situation as a hazard for crossing supervisors.
Following a motion and second, trustees approved the resolution by roll call. The beacons will replace existing static signs at the same locations on Route 52; the purchase is funded in part by the ComEd grant, with remaining costs to come from village funds.
