Group Has Enough Signatures for Advisory Referendum on Lights at Memorial Field

Would you vote "yes" or "no" on installing lights at Memorial Field?

It looks like every resident in Glen Ellyn will get the chance to cast a vote. On Wednesday, Oct. 26, members of Our Field, Our Town presented Glen Ellyn village officials with enough petition signatures to get the issue put on the March 20 primary ballot as an advisory referendum.

"This issue is so important to the village, and to the citizens of the village, that the referendum would be an ideal way to reflect that," said Joe Wark, former village president.

Though the vote might show where residents stand, it won't necessarily affect the decision. The village board wouldn't be bound by the results.

Some are hoping village officials will hold off on the school district's request until after the March 20 referendum.

However, Village President Mark Pfefferman said waiting that long sets the wrong precedent. Pfefferman said postponing decisions for referendums would cause contentious issues to drag on for years.  

"We have to deliver better service than that to our constituents," Pfefferman said.

If the project is approved, Mary Ozog, Glenbard High School District 87 school board member, said she hopes school board officials will wait to approve bids until after the outcome of the referendum. 

“I think it’s important to listen to what the will of the community is,” said Ozog.

Here's what's expected to happen next:

Tomorrow the plan commission will continue to listen to residents' concerns during a public hearing at the at 7:30 p.m. When that process is complete, the plan commission will make a recommendation to the village board.

Village trustees could then vote on the matter at an upcoming meeting, unless they decide to delay a decision to await the March 20 referendum. If the village board votes favorably, the Glenbard High School District 87 School Board will be in a position to proceed.