Environmental Commission Drafts Stance on Memorial Lights Issue

Glen Ellyn's Environmental Commissioners want to weigh in on the Memorial Lights issue.

Commissioners edited a draft of a resolution at Tuesday's special meeting. They will present a finalized draft at an upcoming plan commission meeting, which lists the concerns the environmental commission has about the possible installation of lights.

The plan commission is the group listening to testimony for and against lights at . Following the proceedings the plan commission will formulate a recommendation to present to village trustees who will ultimately vote on the issue. The environmental commissioners want to present the resolution to provide their perspective on the issue.

"The resolution basically states that we want the planning commission to be aware of our concerns," said Environmental Commissioner Adam Kreuzer.

It may seem that it's not the role of the commission to weigh in on this topic but chairman Lee Neary said that's a misconception.

"Safety is one of our missions along with the environment," said Neary.

The chairman also cited a village ordinance that states the role of the environmental commission is to also preserve natural resources within the community and protect the public's safety. Considering these roles of the commission, Neary said it's appropriate that her group weigh in on the issue.

At the meeting the group discussed the overall tone of the resolution and whether it was strong enough. After deciding the tone was appropriate, the commissioners decided to review and vote on the finalized draft at an upcoming meeting before presenting it to the plan commission.

The next plan commission is this Thursday, Sept. 22 at which the resolution will not be presented. The environmental commission will most likely present their concerns at the following meeting.

At this Thursday's meeting plan commissioners will listen to Jim Ozog, representative for the group opposed to the lights, conclude his cross-examination of witnesses and officials.