Mayor, departments highlight parade awards, grants and public‑safety enforcement plan

Mayor McKinney and department heads used the Sept. 17 meeting to recognize community volunteers, present parade awards and update the council on grants and public‑safety initiatives.

Sanalita Bronson, speaking for the special events committee, thanked public‑safety partners and volunteers for the Zion Benton Labor Day Parade and named honored parade entries and the grand marshal. Mary Lou Hildebrand reported volunteer service hours and encouraged more residents to apply to help city operations.

Chief Barton announced the city has been selected for a state DUI and traffic enforcement grant that will fund targeted enforcement over the year’s high‑alcohol holiday periods; the chief said the exact dollar amount from the state was not yet available at the meeting. Administrator Hey reported that the Lake County Council of Mayors approved a 2025 road‑program grant for Zion that is 100% funded and described it as "just shy of a million dollars," later referenced as about $800,000–$980,000; he said engineering costs are paid up‑front and reimbursed upon project closeout.

Public‑works staff clarified yard‑waste pickup runs from April 1 through Nov. 1 and said schedules are adjusted when leaves fall late. Commissioners also promoted community events, including Coalition for Healthy Communities movie nights and other family programs.

What’s next: staff will move forward on grant administration, coordinate enforcement timing with the police department once grant details arrive, and proceed with pavement and patching work under the Lake County‑funded program.