Letter from Village President Hettermann - Summer 2024

Dear Johnsburg Residents and Business Owners,

The parks are filled with children playing happy to be out of school. Sounds of lawnmowers can be heard as residents work to spruce up their yards and the smells of grilled food are in the air - all pleasant reminders that Summer is finally here! I always enjoy seeing residents out walking, riding bikes and cruising around on golf carts and UTVs enjoying the warmer weather. Summer is a great time to get together with family and friends and reconnect with your neighbors. With all of the increased outdoor activity that accompanies summer, please remember to be mindful of children and pedestrians when traveling around the community.

Non-highway vehicle travel continues to grow in popularity. This year we have once again seen an increase in registrations with nearly 550 registered so far. I want to remind our non-highway vehicle owners to be courteous travelers. Make sure to stay on designated paths and roads on which they are permitted and stay off of private property. Travel in a responsible manner, obeying speed limits and other traffic regulations. Keep in mind that you must have a valid driver’s license in order to operate a non-highway vehicle. Additionally, four wheelers, go-carts and dirt bikes are not permitted on Village roads and violators will be cited. Remember that the use of non-highway vehicles is a privilege so please operate them in a responsible manner. If you have not already done so, please make certain to renew your non-highway vehicle license plates to avoid costly fines. Also, familiarize yourself with the Village’s non-highway vehicle regulations.

The litigation brought by the Pistakee Yacht Club against the Village is still ongoing, but we are hopeful that an amicable resolution is near. The Village has been working with representatives of the Yacht Club over the last several weeks to develop an agreement addressing key items. Last week the Village made some additional changes requested by the Yacht Club and resubmitted the agreement to the Club for execution. We’ve asked that the executed agreement be returned to the Village this week so this matter can be concluded and the Yacht Club and Sailing School can enjoy their summer activities.

The Village has been experiencing a rash of vandalism in our concession stand facility at Hiller Park which has resulted in costly repairs. As a result, security upgrades are being pursued this year which will include additional security cameras and a new access management system. If you notice suspicious activity at Hiller or any other park, please report it to the Police Department. We all need to work together to keep our parks safe.

It was very disappointing to learn of the racial hate message painted on May Avenue recently. Thank you to our public works employee who was able to respond after hours on a Sunday and promptly clean up the graffiti. Johnsburg is a neighborly community and we will not tolerate hateful attacks against anyone.

As you are embarking on your home improvement projects this summer, make sure to check to see if a building permit is necessary. We often encounter residents that purchase fence panels and sheds that do not meet Village ordinances. Don’t assume that your contractor knows the regulations, contact the Building Department at 815-385-6023 or at building@johnsburg.org before you commit.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• The annual Fishing Derby is being held this Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to Noon. The event takes place at Lions Park located off of Hickory Way Drive in Springdale Estates. Registration is now open at Village Hall.
   
• Party in the Burg will be held on Friday, July 26^th from 6:00-10:00 p.m. in Rescue Squad Park. This is a BYOB Food Truck event for persons 21 years and older and includes live music by “Felix and Fingers”. Bring your own lawn chair and come out to enjoy a fun evening with neighbors and friends. Tickets on sale for $10 at the Village Hall or from your Community Affairs Committee Members and Trustees
   
• Speaking of food trucks, don’t forget that Johnsburg has a weekly Food Truck Event which takes place Wednesday evenings from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.at the Johnsburg Community Club/Rescue Squad Park grounds. Thank you to Dave and Linda Winiarski for again coordinating the event. Go to Johnsburg Food Trucks for more information.
   
• Also stop in at the Markets of Remington Farm Farmer’s Market the first Saturday of each month at the corner of Chapel Hill Road and Reed Avenue next to Prem Magnetics from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Thank you Josh and Sarah Hagen for bringing us this event. Go to Remington Farm (remington-farm.com) for more information.

Make sure to watch for eBlasts with more information regarding other fun-filled events planned for the summer. I look forward to seeing you there.

Respectfully,

Edwin P. Hettermann
Village President