Beecher board approves grant-backed light tower, emergency repairs and schedules budget workshop and hearing

The Village of Beecher board on Feb. 9 approved several administrative measures, including the purchase of a compact LED light tower funded primarily by an Earthrise grant and the payment of routine bills and an emergency sewer repair.

The board voted to approve buying a compact vertical-mast light tower from Patriot Contractors Equipment Sales and Supply for $14,825, pending receipt of grant funds from Earthrise. According to the presentation to the board, the Earthrise award was described as $14,500; the village would cover the $325 shortfall from the fiscal-year 2025–26 general fund if necessary. The EMA representative described the unit as an LED-capable light tower that can function as a portable generator (about 6,000 watts) and be towed while operating.

The board also approved the bills and payroll totaling $92,056.83. Finance committee members noted the packet includes an emergency repair bill (approximately $15,000) to Superior Pumping for work on the Cardinal Creek lift-station sanitary force main after an air-release valve malfunction allowed sanitary sewer to discharge into a manhole structure.

The board approved a motion to hold a budget workshop at 4 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2026, and set a public hearing on the proposed budget for 6 p.m. Monday, April 27, 2026. Both motions were seconded and carried by roll call votes.

"The grant was for 14,500," said a board member during the light-tower discussion, noting the small remaining balance would come from the village general fund. The motion to purchase was approved on roll call with the trustees present voting yes.

The board also discussed other capital options before committing all funds, including cameras and park improvements, and asked staff for detailed cost estimates prior to final allocations. No final decision on allocation of sale proceeds was made at the Feb. 9 meeting.

The board adjourned after concluding routine business.