Village staff report open-space repairs, Agri Nature Center plans and green-waste program

Village staff reported on April 15 that work is under way to stabilize buildings and manage vegetation at the village open-space parcel (formerly "Miller’s Feed"/Alfredo Garcia Barn). The presentation covered irrigation arrangements, temporary water transfers, green-waste diversion, and program partnerships.

Public-works staff said the village is borrowing irrigation water from an adjacent Agri Nature Center this season and has limited well capacity to keep landscaped areas green; they also described repairs to building envelopes, new lighting and plans to add HVAC so structures can be used for meetings and programs. Staff estimated a modest recurring budget for green-waste diversion and noted Thursday collection operations at the village green-waste site.

Trustees urged caution: several asked that the village obtain architectural input before making major capital fixes to ensure small interim repairs do not preclude a long-term design; one trustee asked about archaeological review ahead of sewer or extensive ground disturbance. Trustees and staff also discussed coordination with the growers market and how the Agri Nature Center might incubate small growers or share plots.

What’s next: Staff said they will seek cost estimates and design input (including potential architects and consultants), complete necessary archaeological review before major ground work, and prepare more detailed ICIP funding proposals for the barn and related open-space improvements.