Meeting Summary and Briefs: Village of Beecher Board for Dec. 8, 2025

Village of Beecher Board Meeting | Dec. 8, 2025

Overall Meeting Summary
The Beecher Village Board of Trustees met on Monday, December 8, 2025, addressing key financial and public safety matters. The Board approved the 2025 tax levy with a 2% increase to combat inflation and secured a three-year contract for Fourth of July fireworks. Public comment featured a heated discussion regarding a stalled construction project on Orchard Lane. Additionally, the Board handled routine business, including the approval of bills totaling over $440,000 and the purchase of new street safety equipment.

Clerk Janett McCawley Retiring
Village President Marcy Meyer announced that Village Clerk and Office Manager Janett McCawley is retiring after 35 years of service. McCawley’s last day will be at the end of the month. The Village will host an open house in her honor on Friday, December 12, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the new Police Department located at 250 West Church Road.

Solar School Zone Sign Purchased
Under the Public Works report, the Board approved a proposal from Austgen Electric to provide and install a solar-powered school zone sign on Dixie Highway. The total cost of the project is $13,813. Trustee Erik Gardner noted that the sign replaces one that was destroyed in a vehicle accident caused by a medical emergency. The village expects the cost to be reimbursed through insurance.

Vacation of Access Road Discussed
The Planning, Building, and Zoning Committee discussed the potential vacation of an access road property located near Country Lane and Catalpa Street. The gravel road, which contains an unused water main section, currently functions as a driveway for a resident but is maintained by the Village. Public Works staff noted that maintaining the stone road during winter is difficult and inefficient. The Board discussed vacating the property to the adjacent homeowners, pending their agreement.

Police Chief Recognized
Trustee Joe Tieri publicly recognized Police Chief Terry Lemming for his accomplishments over his tenure. Tieri highlighted the implementation of e-tickets, the automation of the evidence vault, the securing of grants for dash cams and body armor, and his role in the construction of the new police station. “For a small town to have a beautiful police farm [station] like that is just amazing to me,” Tieri said.

Holiday Decorating Winners Chosen
Trustee Brian Diachenko reported that the Public Buildings and Properties Committee has completed judging for the holiday lights decorating contest. “A lot of people went all out. It was a tough decision,” Diachenko said. The ten winners have been selected and will be posted on the Village website and Facebook page. Signs for the winners are available for pickup or delivery.