Residents donate acoustic treatment for St. John Community Center; council accepts and names staff liaisons

St. John — Two residents and local vendors offered to donate acoustic panels and installation for the St. John Community Center, and the Town Council voted unanimously Oct. 22 to accept the donation and name town staff to coordinate the work.

Tony Madadero and Tony Pedri described recent events at the community center where music and speech were difficult to hear because of echo. They brought a contractor estimate from Del Mar Contractors (noted as operating out of Orland Park) showing an estimated cost of a little more than $11,000 and an installation timeline of three to four days. Madadero said the package would include roughly 82 panels (about 24-by-48 inches) to be placed on walls, ceilings and channels; fabric and color choices would be coordinated with the town.

Council members said they welcomed the donation but wanted an identified town contact to supervise the work. Council discussion named the town manager (referred to as Billy during the meeting) and town staff member Gabe as points of contact; the motion as approved requires the town manager or his designee to coordinate contractor communication and oversight. The motion passed by roll call vote, 5–0.

Why it matters: The acoustic treatment could improve usability of the community center for bands, public meetings and other events, addressing complaints that the space echoes and is hard to hear. The gift also reduces direct capital expense for the town, but staff will handle installation oversight and any acceptance paperwork.

Donors said the contractor who prepared the estimate has prior experience with acoustic panels and venue treatments; donors also offered to coordinate colors and other aesthetic choices with town staff. Council asked that the town manager ensure donation paperwork, insurance and installation scheduling are completed before work begins.