TILTON — Village trustees heard a presentation Thursday from Dennis Starkey of the Vineyard Church in Danville concerning the church’s plan to build a new building on the site of the former L&L Mobile Home Park off of 14th Street.

Starkey said the church was interested in building in Tilton because of its close proximity to the interstate.

"Our current location, on the north side of Danville, is somewhat hidden from the highway and is quite a distance from the interstate," Starkey said. "We would prefer a location near the interstate as well as Georgetown Road."

Starkey said the church has several members from western Indiana and the proposed location would make it more convenient for those members.

"Our church likes to become involved with the community," Starkey said. "We feel we could really become involved in the Tilton community."

Starkey said the church is involved in volunteering at Southwest Elementary School.

"We were involved in the student backpack program at Southwest as well as other activities at the school," he said.

Starkey said he and other members of the church wanted see what the general feeling of the village was about a new church before proceeding with the zoning process.

According to Starkey, the Vineyard Church opened in Danville two years ago in former Poolside Health and Wellness Center. The church sees regular Sunday attendance of about 280 people.

Representatives of the Aspen Group of Indianapolis accompanied Starkey to the meeting. The Aspen Group are primarily church builders and have constructed more than 100 churches in Illinois and Indiana. The Aspen Group built the Vineyard Church building in Urbana.

According to sketches the group provided to the village, the proposed church would be about 14,000 square feet with 150 parking spaces.

The proposal must first be looked over by the village economic development committee as well as the zoning board before coming back to the full board for approval.

In other board action, trustees:

--Heard a proposal for 2012 motor fuel tax appropriation from Joe Gleisner of Gleisner Engineering of Danville. According to Gleisner’s proposal, the village would spend $91,529 on road salt, patching material and seal coating of various streets. Trustees approved Gleisner’s plan.

--Approved a technical services and economic development assistance agreement with Moran Economic Development of Edwardsville not to exceed $2,850.

--Approved a new three-year contract with ERH Enterprises of Westville for operating the village sewer treatment plant. The contract was for $82,400 and is retroactive to Feb. 1.

--Approved the vacating of a portion of the alley between Atwood and Brentwood Streets. The north/south alley is affected.

--Approved a stop sign to be placed on F Street at the intersection of Seventh and F Street.

--Approved $1,500 for an Easter egg hunt at the ballpark at 10 a.m. March 24. The Easter egg hunt is jointly sponsored by the village and the Danville Jaycees. The hunt is open to children younger than 12.

What’s next

Tilton Village Board members will meet at 6 p.m. April 19 in the municipal building.