Trustees defend $65,000 police-fence project and confirm cameras monitoring train-station area

Residents at the Feb. 4 meeting questioned a planned fence and other security upgrades for the police station and asked why the village would spend about $65,000 on phase one of the work.

Trustees said the fencing is intended to protect police vehicles, officer safety and intake operations and that the quoted cost includes subsurface work, concrete and other site preparation that can raise the price beyond simple fencing. The board said the project is being phased and that some funding is grant-supported; the trustees also described internal budgeting controls that track department spending so budgets can be adjusted if necessary.

On related public-safety measures, trustees told residents that cameras around the train station were installed and came online in December and that police can monitor activity from their station. Several property owners had asked about lighting and additional measures to deter trespassing and disorder near the tracks; trustees said fencing, cameras and targeted enforcement are among options under consideration, though enforcement is limited if trespassing occurs on private property or if state law changes enforcement authority.

Residents urged improved communications about grants and project timing. Trustees responded that staff will provide more detail about funding sources and timelines when available.

Next steps: staff agreed to share project budget details, phasing plans and grant information; police will continue to monitor camera feeds and staff will explore options to improve lighting and visual screening along the Great Western Trail.