Mapleton training facility asks village to release interest in roadway

Matt Ulm, training director for the 649 Training Facility, told the Mapleton Village Board on Sept. 10 that the facility has inquired about vacating a roadway and asked about maintenance, snow removal and other practical effects. He said the facility "has consulted with attorneys Kavanaugh, O’Hare & Assoc out of Springfield, Il. John Long is the acting attorney," and that the facility will present the matter to its quarterly board on Sept. 26.

Board members said they have no objection to relinquishing the village's interest in the roadway but referred the matter to Village attorney Lane Alster to handle the details. The board clarified the village would remain the municipality responsible for water service while the parties investigate the state Department of Transportation's jurisdiction over part of the road. Tax-assessor Alice Dailey raised a separate tax concern, saying she was "under the impression that they received the church for free without having to pay property taxes," a claim Ulm disputed: "they did not receive it for free." Ulm said the facility will research IDOT matters and report back after its Sept. 26 quarterly board meeting.

The board did not take a formal vote on the request during the meeting; the item was discussed and administratively referred to the village attorney for next steps.