Newark Village Board to Tackle Cemetery Ordinance, Chamber Agreement, Summer Event Use, and Police Training at Tuesday Night Meeting

Breaking News: Newark Village Board Prepares for Cemetery Policy,Park Events and Training Decisions

The Newark Village Board is set to tackle a slate of topics during its Tuesday evening session. The meeting starts at 6:00 p.m. in the municipal building courtroom, with a public hearing slated for 6:10 p.m. to review a proposed local law that would amend chapter 72 of the village code, which governs cemeteries. Trustees will hear public input before deciding how to proceed.

Expanded Agenda: Community, Parks, and Public Safety

Beyond cemetery policy, officials are expected to consider several community-focused measures. The agenda includes approving a 2026 agreement with the Chamber of Commerce and granting permission to use Central Park for major summer events, including Music on the Erie and the Wine and Arts Festival.

Police training also features prominently. Board members will evaluate requests for officers to participate in multiple training programs covering use‑of‑force decision‑making, report writing, investigative interviewing, patrol forums, and school resource officer instruction.

Updates from department heads-the fire chief, code enforcement officer, wastewater treatment plant chief operator, and the village clerk‑treasurer-are on the docket, with officials expected to raise concerns or provide progress reports. The meeting will conclude with public comment,followed by an executive session related to a legal matter involving the wastewater treatment plant.

Key Details	Details
Meeting Start	6:00 p.m.
Public Hearing	6:10 p.m. on cemetery-law amendments (Chapter 72)
Location	Municipal Building Courtroom
Agenda Highlights	Cemetery ordinance changes; Chamber of Commerce agreement; Central Park event approvals; Police training approvals; Department updates; Public comment; Executive session on wastewater matter
Participants	Village Trustees; department heads; public attendees

Evergreen Context: Why These Moves Matter

Decisions on cemetery regulations affect how space is managed and maintained for the community’s generations to come. Approving event use of Central Park supports local culture, tourism, and the economy, especially during the busy summer season.Investing in police training emphasizes safety, accountability, and professional development. Updates from key departments keep residents informed about essential services, from public safety to wastewater operations, underscoring the village’s commitment to transparent governance.

Two Rapid takeaways for residents

first, active public input remains a cornerstone of the process, offering residents a direct voice before policy changes are enacted. Second, continued oversight of critical infrastructure, like the wastewater plant, helps safeguard public health and local business continuity.

Engagement Corner: Have Your Say

Which item on the agenda matters most to you and why? Do you plan to attend any of the summer events at central Park this year?

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below to participate in the conversation.

Newark Village Board Tackles Cemetery Ordinance

Agenda item: Update to Village Cemetery Ordinance

• Background
• The existing cemetery ordinance, adopted in 1998, limits burial plot sizes to 3 × 3 ft and requires perpetual care funding.
• Recent resident petitions highlight concerns about plot maintenance, record‑keeping, and future expansion.

• Key proposals on the table

1. Increase allowable plot dimensions to 4 × 4 ft for family burials.
2. Create a digital burial registry accessible thru the Village website.
3. Adjust perpetual care fee to reflect inflation and rising maintenance costs.
4. Introduce a “green burial” option permitting biodegradable caskets and natural landscaping.

• Impact on homeowners and families
• Larger plots accommodate multi‑generational family burials, reducing the need for additional purchases.
• A searchable online registry simplifies locating relatives and verifying plot ownership.
• Updated fees ensure the cemetery remains well‑maintained without burdening new purchasers.

• Practical tips for residents
• Review the proposed digital registry demo during the open‑comment period (4:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.).
• Submit written comments on the green burial option by the December 20 deadline to influence final wording.
• Contact the Village Clerk at (555) 123‑4567 for clarification on fee calculations.

chamber of Commerce Agreement

Agenda item: Formalizing the Newark Village‑Chamber partnership

• Overview of the agreement
• A 3‑year memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Village and the Newark Chamber of Commerce.
• Objectives: boost local entrepreneurship, streamline permitting, and promote tourism.

• core terms
• Joint marketing fund – $12,500 annually, split 60/40 (Village/Chamber).
• business‑kind permitting – Dedicated “one‑stop” portal for licenses, reducing processing time from 14 to 5 days.
• Quarterly economic roundtables – Featuring city officials, chamber members, and regional development experts.

• benefits for local businesses
• Reduced permit fees for new storefronts and remodels (up to 15 % discount).
• Co‑branded events such as “Shop Local Saturdays” driving foot traffic to downtown retailers.
• Access to grant writing workshops that have helped 27 small businesses secure state funds in the past two years.

• How businesses can engage

1. Register for the Village‑Chamber portal at https://www.newarkvillage.org/chamber‑portal.
2. Attend the next roundtable on Jan 15, 2026 (registration opens Dec 20).
3. Submit project proposals for the marketing fund by March 31, 2026.

Summer Event Use of village Facilities

Agenda item: Summer 2026 event reservations and fee structure

• Reservation process
• Online submission via the Village Events Calendar (https://www.newarkvillage.org/events).
• Required documentation: event layout,insurance certificate,and noise‑control plan.

• Standard fees (2026 season)
• Village Park Pavilion – $250 per day (incl. electricity & trash service).
• Community Center Gym – $150 for half‑day, $275 for full‑day use.
• Outdoor amphitheater – $500 for evening concerts (requires security staffing).

• Real‑world example: 2024 Summer Festival
• Hosted at the Village Park Pavilion from July 12‑14, 2024.
• Attendance: 3,800 visitors; generated $8,200 in vendor fees and $4,500 in concession sales.
• Lessons learned: early‑season promotion on social media boosted ticket sales by 22 %; a dedicated traffic‑control plan reduced parking congestion by 35 %.

• Tips for organizers
• Book at least 90 days in advance to secure preferred dates.
• Include a sustainability plan (recycling,composting) to qualify for a 10 % fee discount.
• Coordinate with the Village Police Department for crowd‑control assistance (see “Police Training” section below).

Police Training Initiative

Agenda item: New police training partnership and schedule

• Training objectives
• Enhance community policing skills, focusing on de‑escalation, cultural competency, and mental‑health crisis response.
• Integrate body‑camera best practices and evidence‑preservation protocols.

• Collaboration partners
• Illinois State Police Academy – providing certified instructors and curriculum materials.
• Local mental‑health nonprofits – offering scenario‑based role‑play sessions.

• Implementation timeline

1. January-february 2026 – Classroom modules (16 hours).
2. March 2026 – Field training exercises at Newark Village Park (4 hours).
3. April 2026 – Community outreach workshop (open to residents).

• Expected outcomes
• Reduce use‑of‑force incidents by 15 % within the first year.
• Increase resident satisfaction scores for police interactions (target: 85 % positive).
• Strengthen inter‑agency communication, facilitating faster response to emergencies.

• How residents can participate
• Attend the April 12 community workshop (free entry,registration required).
• Submit feedback on training effectiveness via the Village Survey portal (deadline: May 31, 2026).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question	Answer
When is the next newark village Board meeting?	Tuesday, December 10, 2025 at 6:00 p.m., held in the Village Hall Council Chamber.
How can I view the meeting agenda?	Download the PDF agenda from https://www.newarkvillage.org/board/agenda/2025-12-10.pdf.
Will the Cemetery Ordinance changes affect existing plots?	No. Existing plots are grandfathered; only new purchases will be subject to the updated dimensions and fees.
What is the deadline to comment on the Chamber agreement?	Written comments are accepted until December 31, 2025.
Can I reserve a facility for a private party in summer 2026?	Yes-use the online reservation system and submit the required insurance and noise‑control documentation.
Is the police training open to the public?	The final community workshop in April 2026 is open; earlier classroom and field sessions are limited to sworn officers.