Villa Park fund commission finalizes event budgets, forms Villa Fest subcommittee

The Villa Park Fund Commission met and finalized funding and planning steps for the village’s spring–fall events, confirming a new Villa Fest subcommittee and approving a series of event budgets by voice vote.

Chair Michelle McDonald opened the meeting and told members the Villa Fest subcommittee "was officially passed last night by the board," and named Lesie Ellison and Carlos Jackson as the commission liaisons who will present monthly updates to the fund commission. McDonald said three new subcommittee members will be sworn in and the subcommittee will coordinate meeting nights with other local commissions.

Treasurer Eliza Derk led budget discussions. The commission debated prize-size options for the March "Find Lucky" promotion (four businesses hosting collection boxes and a raffle). After discussion of options ranging from $25 per vendor up to single $100 prizes, the group approved an expanded prize budget in a voice vote (motion recorded on the floor; no roll-call tally recorded in the transcript).

The commission also approved event budgets by voice vote: $1,500 for Kites & Kicks, $10,000 for Autumn Jubilee and a raised allotment for the Prairie Path cleanup. The Prairie Path cleanup budget was increased to $200 to cover warm beverages and light snacks for volunteers. Commissioners retained a $150 line for landscape beautification and kept prior amounts for seasonal contests (Halloween home, Holiday home). Several budget items and new events — including a proposed children’s "Fun Fairy Frolic" and a potential Wienermobile animal adoption — were discussed and either tabled or set for follow-up in March.

Lesie Ellison outlined the Illinois Prairie Path cleanup (scheduled for April 25, 9 a.m.–noon), urging volunteers to register via the Illinois Prairie Path portal so the organization can collect a headcount and provide materials. Commissioners discussed partnering with the Green Commission, using rec-center screens and the Village Hall to promote signups, and coordinating volunteer check-in at the museum pavilion if weather requires shelter.

Commissioners also placed a tentative hold on August 15 for a "Pause on the Path" animal-adoption event (Twin Lakes was suggested as a possible location) and agreed to continue negotiations with the Wienermobile vendor; staff follow-up was requested.

The meeting proceeded largely by consensus and voice votes; the transcript records outcomes but not formal roll-call tallies for each motion. The commission adjourned after completing the evening’s business.