Glencoe voters have said yes to two separate referendum questions in the Nov. 5 election, while Kenilworth and Northfield residents did not approve measures regarding their communities, according to unofficial results from the Cook County Clerk’s office.
In Glencoe, nearly 63% of voters approved a switch to a home rule form of government, according to unofficial results. Any Illinois community with a population greater than 25,000 automatically receives home rule status. Communities such as Glencoe with population lower than 25,000 must ask residents for permission to adopt it.
Village officials had advocated for a switch to home rule, which allows local governments more flexibility in lawmaking. Ahead of the vote, the village hosted four information sessions on what having home rule would mean for Glencoe.
“We are very grateful to our residents who made it their business to learn about home rule and what it meant and to make an important decision for the village,” Village President Howard Roin said Wednesday morning.
“There is no secret agenda, but the village government is now able to be more responsive to our residents and we will look for ways in which we can use home rule for the benefit of our residents and the village.”
Village Attorney Steven Elrod said under state law, the home rule status would go into effect when the County Clerk certifies the election results, which occurs anywhere from 21 to 28 days after the election.
Glencoe residents defeated a similar measure in 1988.
Glencoe Park District
In a separate ballot question, Glencoe residents said yes to a proposal from the park district to issue nearly $15 million in bonds, per unofficial results.
Nearly 70% voted yes on that request, according to Cook County Clerk figures.
The 25-year bond proceeds will fund the construction of a greenhouse, replace the aging parks maintenance facility and provide for enhancements at the Takiff Center Athletic Field. In addition, the funds will provide for changes at the Glencoe Beach, with improvements to the Safran Beach House, the boat house, ramps, boardwalks, sun shelters and beach access points.
Park District officials stated the bonds would not increase the Glencoe property tax bill, as the new debt will replace debt that is about to be paid off. If the measure was not approved, property taxes would have gone down about $261 a year on a home with a fair market value of $1 million.
Park Board President Carol Spain and Executive Director Lisa Sheppard released a statement Wednesday morning thanking residents for approving the bond sale.
“Your unwavering support is truly appreciated and demonstrates your dedication to preserving and enhancing our community spaces,” the statement read in part. “As we embark on planning and implementing the projects outlined in the referendum, we are committed to ensuring that the community remains at the forefront of our decision-making process. We value your input and will actively seek community feedback as each project unfolds.”
Park District spokeswoman Erin Classen said the timing of the construction would be discussed at a Nov. 8 Committee of the Whole meeting of the park board.
Kenilworth
While Glencoe’s park district was successful in its bond sale proposal, Kenilworth voters rejected a request by its park district.
Almost 62% of residents cast “no” votes, according to unofficial results, for a bond sale to raise nearly $500,000 in additional property tax revenue,
The park district wanted to use the proceeds for a relocation of the Green Bay Trail, constructing a new recreation center allowing for year-round programming, and funding improvements to outdoor spaces and athletic fields north of Townley Field.
“There is not an element of disappointment,” Park District Executive Director Johnathan Kiwala said Wednesday morning.
“The purpose of placing a question on the ballot is to receive public input and direction for future park district operations. This is one of the most democratic processes you can go through and what we heard is that this is not what the public is looking for.”
Kiwala said it is up to the park board whether they would want to move forward on finding another way to fund the proposed projects.
Northfield
In Northfield, voters put the brakes on an advisory referendum regarding construction of a traffic roundabout at Happ Road, Orchard Lane and Walnut Street to ease traffic issues.
Unofficial results show almost 70% of voters said no to the proposal.
Northfield Village Manager Patrick Brennan said village officials will be discussing next steps during the Committee of the Whole Meeting on Dec. 3.
