Security to be boosted at Mundelein board meetings after disruption by protesters

Security will be boosted for Thursday’s Mundelein village board meeting to prevent protesters from occupying the boardroom as they did Monday night, officials said.

Village Administrator Eric Guenther declined to disclose the planned measures, which could change before Mayor Robin Meier gavels the meeting into session at 1 p.m. — much earlier than the usual 7 p.m. start time.

People can expect “some small adjustments” Thursday and more significant changes at future meetings, Guenther said.

Chanting demonstrators protesting the fatal shooting of a Mundelein woman by police occupied the boardroom at village hall, 300 Plaza Circle, for nearly two hours Monday. When they refused to yield, village officials canceled the planned meeting. The session subsequently was rescheduled for Thursday afternoon.

The protest was the latest in a series of demonstrations prompted by the May 11 fatal shooting of 37-year-old Mary Alice Love by police during a mental health crisis at her family’s Mundelein home.

Last week, the Lake County state’s attorney’s office announced it wouldn’t file charges in the case. The Love family responded by suing Mundelein and police Sgt. Christopher Brigano, who reportedly fired the deadly shots, in federal court.

A departmental investigation into whether officers’ actions on May 11 were consistent with policies, procedures and training is ongoing. Brigano remains on paid administrative leave, pending that investigation’s outcome.

While village officials understand the strong emotions surrounding the Love case, the board has a responsibility to conduct the public business, Guenther said this week.

rlissau@dailyherald.com