Glen Carbon Board approves shared-use path agreement along Route 157
Trustee complains Edwardsville not sharing enough of project costs
By Kathy Turner • The Glen Carbon Board approved an agreement between the village, Madison County Transit District and the City of Edwardsville on June 9 to construct a shared-use path on Route 157. The project will provide a bike and walking path from the Meridian Road/Ginger Creek area to Edwardsville High School (EHS).
Trustee David Rands stated that it was a pleasure to see collaboration between communities on projects that benefit everyone. He stated that he looks forward to more opportunities like this project for Glen Carbon, Edwardsville, Maryville and Troy to act as one ‘regional community’ working together to benefit the area as a whole.
Trustee Ben Maliszewski spoke to his disappointment in seeing that there isn’t more cost-sharing from the City of Edwardsville on this project. “I know we’ve seen the two communities often compete in areas of growth,” he said. “But I think it is petty to see a project like this, that will service more than 600 households and provide a means for students and others to safely walk and/or bike to school, to not receive some cost-sharing support from Edwardsville.”
The project is estimated at just over $1.9 million. Grant funds will assist with some of the cost but Glen Carbon will assume and/or find additional support for the remaining $750,000 of the project. The motion to approve the project was passed unanimously by the board.
The board also approved the authorization of an agreement with Thouvenot Wade and Moerchen, Inc. for the project construction. This will focus on the path from Magnolia Drive to Meridian Road to Ginger Creek and on to the EHS complex. Future plans will connect the path further east on Center Grove Road to existing paths at Edwardsville Township Park and, eventually, to the path already planned connecting Schon Park to Route 159.
In other business, the board approved a master service agreement with FGM Architects, Inc. for the renovation and addition to the Glen Carbon Police Department and renovations at village hall.
Earlier in the meeting, Ryan McKee addressed the board regarding local interest in establishing a skate park. He stated he has also spoken to the City of Edwardsville. A petition circulated by McKee and other supporters showed 127 signatures from Glen Carbon residents. The mayor thanked McKee and indicated the board will take the interest under advisement.
The board approved a resolution by the village in support of the Illinois America250 Commemoration. Similar resolutions are being approved throughout the state in preparation for the 250th anniversary of the United States’ signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4.
Mayor Marcus appointed residents Jamie and Gina Wilkinson to the Glen Carbon Historical and Museum Commission. Their terms will run from June 2026 through April 30, 2029.
Finally, the board accepted a proposal for underwriting; selecting an underwriter in connection with the proposed issuance by the village of its General Obligation Waterworks System Bonds (Alternative Revenue Source), Series 2026. The underwriter will be Carrollton Bank along with UMB.
A presentation earlier in the meeting showed the 2025 Audit of the village reported no material findings or concerns. Performed by Sikich CPA, LLC, the audit is a required process for municipalities designed to provide an overview of the financial health of the community.
The next meeting of the board will be held on June 23 at 7 p.m.
