HOMER — Plans are shaping up to build a new youth league ballpark in Homer, at no cost to the village.

Board members voted Monday to allow the Homer Youth League to install two practice ball diamonds in the field behind village hall, starting immediately; the diamonds will eventually be used for tournaments. In the meantime, a long-term, no-cost contract between the village and the league is being drawn-up.

Mayor David Lucas said, "This is definitely in the interest of the people of Homer — no question."

League representative Terry Pruitt said that, with the contract in place, plans for the site may include installation of a playground, concession stand and a third field. The total cost — estimated at up to $50,000 for the entire plan — and regular maintenance will be covered by the youth league.

In other business, two new village trustees have been sworn in. Mike Johnson has begun a four-year term, replacing Pat Butler; Larry Mingee will serve a two-year term, replacing Jeanine Bensken. Re-elected board members Ray Cunningham and Guy James also took the oath of office.

And a part-time sewer operator has been hired to manage the sewer treatment plant, which is expected to go online in the upcoming months. Selected from four applicants, Dave Hermes is also currently employed full-time as an electrical/mechanical maintenance supervisor for the Urbana-Champaign Sanitary District, and serves as vice president of the Illinois Association of Water Pollution Control Operators.