Meeting Summary and Briefs: Village of Beecher Board of Trustees for July 28 & August 11, 2025

Over its last two meetings, the Beecher Village Board took significant steps on fiscal policy, new local regulations, and community appointments. On July 28, the board unanimously passed an ordinance to create a local 1% grocery tax, a critical move to prevent losing over $200,000 in annual revenue when the state eliminates its grocery tax in 2026. You can read the full story on the new tax here.

At its August 11 meeting, the board directed its attorney to draft new ordinances to regulate fishing in village ponds and the use of electric scooters, citing safety and quality-of-life concerns. A full report on the proposed regulations is available here. The board also heard a glowing report about the success of the National Night Out event held at the new Public Safety Facility.

Other business included addressing resident complaints about new home construction, approving contracts, and appointing a new deputy clerk.

Fence Variance for Dunbar Street Home Approved
The board approved Ordinance #1432 on August 11, granting a variance to the homeowners at 502 Dunbar Street. The variance allows for the installation of a privacy fence in the front yard of the corner lot to create a safe, enclosed play area. The decision followed a unanimous recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Recreational Vehicle Parking Permit Denied
In a 4-2 vote on July 28, the board denied a special use permit that would have allowed a resident at 517 Pasadena to park a recreational vehicle in their front driveway. A majority of trustees expressed concern that approving the request would set a difficult precedent for future applications.

Labor and Employment Agreements Finalized
At its July 28 meeting, the board approved several key employment contracts. These included Ordinance #1429, authorizing a labor agreement with the IUOE Local 399 Clerical Employees Union, as well as ordinances for employment agreements with the Village Clerk and Office Manager (#1430) and the Superintendent of Public Works (#1431).

Denise Abbink Appointed Deputy Clerk
Village Clerk Janett McCawley appointed Denise Abbink as Deputy Clerk, a move the Village Board approved at its July 28 meeting. The position includes an annual salary of $2,000.

Hunter’s Chase Construction Issues Addressed
Residents from the Hunter’s Chase subdivision attended the July 28 meeting to voice concerns about Lennar’s construction practices, citing work outside of permitted hours, property damage, and safety issues like a gas leak from digging without utility locates. Village officials assured residents they would address the issues. At the August 11 meeting, it was reported that only one minor complaint had been received since.

Fourth of July Fest Financials Still Pending
Trustee Todd Kraus reported at the August 11 meeting that while the Fourth of July festival was another successful year thanks to the hard work of the commission and volunteers, final financial numbers were not yet available.

Submersible Pump Purchase Approved
The board approved the purchase of a Flygt Submersible Pump from Xylem for $14,272.05 at the July 28 meeting. The purchase was part of the current fiscal year budget.