Should Island Lake cancel summer events? More trustees say 'yes'
A growing number of Island Lake trustees want to cancel an upcoming fireworks show and other planned summertime events because of the COVID-19 crisis - but a decision is still pending.
During a debate in late April, board members were divided about whether to hold the town's annual Independence Day parade and picnic, a carnival set to run July 17-19 and a July 18 fireworks display because of the pandemic. At that time, Harold England was the only trustee who wanted to cancel for public health reasons, while Trustees Chris Carlsen and Richard McLaughlin opposed scrapping the events.
But in a follow-up discussion Thursday night, Trustees Chuck Cermak and Will Ziegler said the panel should cancel the events, as well as a scheduled car show.
Ziegler noted officials "haven't gotten started" organizing the events.
He also noted that carnivals won't be allowed until the final phase of the state COVID-19 recovery plan, which isn't expected any time soon, and that fireworks probably won't be allowed until that time, too.
Cermak noted that many other towns have canceled their summer events. Island Lake should follow suit "for the safety of all the residents," Cermak said.
"I don't think they're going to miss it for one year," Cermak said.
Cermak also expressed fear that if Island Lake stands alone and holds its gatherings, people from other towns might come to the village to participate - potentially bringing the virus with them.
None of the other trustees shared their opinions Thursday night, nor did Mayor Charles Amrich.
The board is expected to make a decision on the summer events at its June 11 meeting.
Whereas many suburban government agencies are holding meetings remotely because of the statewide stay-at-home order, Amrich, Cermak and some other Island Lake officials were in the boardroom at village hall for Thursday's meeting. England, Ziegler and Carlsen participated using video conferencing software.