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Homer Glen board discusses rising e-bike and dirt-bike damage to parks; officials consider county investigative help
Summary
Trustees reported repeated damage in Heritage Park from electric and dirt bikes, said the village has issued citations (the transcript notes "8 fines already this season"), and discussed asking the Will County Sheriff's office to investigate and deter repeat offenders.
Trustees and staff raised concerns about increasing incidents of electric bikes and dirt bikes on trails and in Heritage Park, describing property damage to park structures and playground equipment.
Trustees noted that code enforcement has issued citations in recent months; one trustee said in the meeting, "there's been 8 fines already this, this season, let's say, and that's over 1000 dollars each," and village staff confirmed they had sent notices and citations when they observed violations. Village Manager Joe Baber said staff proactively drive through neighborhoods, follow up on reports and attempt to locate repeat offenders.
Village Attorney Pasquinelli and trustees suggested asking the Will County Sheriff's investigatory unit to assist because county-level enforcement capacity and criminal prosecution could offer stronger deterrence than municipal ordinance citations alone. Pasquinelli said criminal damage to public property could elevate enforcement beyond ordinance fines to misdemeanor charges in some cases.
No formal new enforcement policy was adopted at the meeting; trustees directed staff to continue enforcement and indicated they would explore asking the county sheriff for additional investigative support.
