Knar, Colletti, Schiestel win Fox River Grove board
Incumbent Steve Knar was the vote leader on the Fox River Grove board Tuesday, with all five precincts reporting.
Five candidates ran for three, 4-year terms, with Knar getting 400 votes. Knar is the owner of a printing and apparel company.
Others gaining seats were challengers Joanna Colletti and Michael Schiestel. Colletti, a civil engineer, followed closely with 388 votes. Schiestel, a member of the village’s planning and economic commission, had 335 votes.
John Gagliano, a golf professional, had 258 votes; and Chester Olencheck, a postal worker, had 216 votes.
In addition, incumbent Suzanne Blohm won the single, 2-year-term seat with 389 votes. She beat challenger Michael Olencheck, a firefighter/EMT and Chester Olencheck’s son, who had 216 votes.
Vote totals are unofficial, and absentee and early votes remain to be counted.
The village’s plan to build a new public works garage was a hot topic of debate among the candidates.
Chester Olencheck and Michael Olencheck objected to the garage’s proposed new site near the Welch’s subdivision, saying it was a poor soil choice. The incumbents, however, pointed to the village’s extensive search for adequate locations. Knar underlined the need to build a facility that would meet the village’s needs.
The village plans to demolish the current garage to expand its wastewater treatment plant and comply with EPA regulations. It borrowed $3 million for the project in 2010, but plans were halted by a lawsuit filed by nearby residents.
The candidates also had different views on allowing Bettendorf Castle to open to the public with tours and events.
In February, the owners of the castle presented their plan but later withdrew it due to lack of support from board members. Neighbors strongly objected to the plan, fearing increased traffic and noise levels.
Michael and Chester Olencheck both supported the Bettendorf plan, while all the other candidates opposed it.
ŸDaily Herald Staff Writer Elena Ferrarin contributed to this report.