April 2014 final newsletter

Village of

FIRE DEPARTMENT

It appears that spring is fi nally here, at least offi cially since March 21st, but I can remember having snow rear its last minute crescendo as late as April 12th in years past. Looking ahead instead of backwards, spring brings a spirit of rejuvenation into us all. The tulips we planted last fall will begin popping through the soil and the buds of life that protrude from the ends of tree limbs remind us here in Chicagoland that another season is on the way. For us at the village, we will continue to forge ahead with the many projects that I, along with the majority of the village board and staff, have been pushing for all of our benefi t.

The other day I looked in my desk and located some election literature that I, along with my team of trustees, authored as you swept us into offi ce. As someone with a type “A” personality and parents who pushed the four of us kids to never being satisfi ed with the status quo and under the banner of “Lost Time Is Never Found Again” and “Don’t Promise Something You Can’t Deliver”. Our initial team of Village Clerk Cathy Booth, Trustees Nick Steker, Brian Sloan, Wally Novak and I put together a plan and direction

that we believed wholeheartily in and although healthy discussions occurred on the manner of how we could fi nancially get there we developed a platform to move Westchester to a higher and better level than it was presently in. Fast forward to today, we continue that plan with Trustees Frank Perry, Celeste Reda, Angelo Calcagno, Nick Steker, Tom Yurkovich, and Paul Gattuso.

Under the banner of “Real Economic Development”, we promised to have meetings on a regular basis to develop a Comprehensive Plan with input from businesses and residents. We also promised to look into the development of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts to rejuvenate blighted areas. To these initiatives, I believe we have accomplished the following: An Economic Development Committee led by Pastor Joseph Mills, members Lori -jo Fergle, Darlene Barber, Kandice Jacobs, Allison Muzal, Chamber of Commerce liaison Bruce Horek, and Village Board liaison Trustee Frank Perry and staff representative Melissa Headley has

From the Desk of The President

POLICE DEPARTMENT

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

PARK DISTRICT

CALENDAR

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PUBLIC WORKS

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10

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See PRESIDENT, page 4

President Pulia, Trustees Calcagno, Perry and Yurkovich and WCMC Executive Director Pellegrino with the Lincoln Family at the Abraham Lincoln Museum in Springfi eld.

WestchesterMarch 2014 Newsletter

Fire Department2 APRIL 2014

police DepartmentAPRIL 2014 3

1) At 1:33 am on February 19, 2014, a Possession of Cannabis Arrest was made in the area of Orchard Avenue and Roosevelt Road. Officers charged a 24 year old male with possession of cannabis after being stopped for traffic related violations.

2) At 11:17 am on February 25, 2014, a Theft was reported at the Jewel Foods Store located at 2128 Mannheim Road. A resident reported that their wallet was removed from their purse while shopping earlier in the day

3) At 5:36 pm on February 26, 2014, a Criminal Damage to Vehicle was reported on the 10300 block of Canterbury. Resident reported their door window was damaged. No sign of forced entry was observed and interior screen window was not removed.

4) At 6:10 am on March 1, 2014, a Theft was reported at the International House of Pancakes

located at 1137 Mannheim Road. The manager of the business reported that 3 male and 4 female subjects exited without paying their bill.

5) At 6:32 pm on March 10, 2014, a Possession of Heroin arrest was made at the Walgreens located at 10345 Roosevelt Road. The 27 year of age female was arrested for possession of heroin after a store employee reported suspicious activity in the bathroom.

6) At 7:58 pm on March 11, 2014, a Burglary from Motor Vehicle was reported on the 1500 block of Hull Ave. The resident reported that between 11:00pm and 6:00am unknown person(s) removed the catalytic converter from their vehicle while parked in the street.

Between February 15, 2014 and March 15, 2014 the Westchester Police Department made three (3) driving under the influence arrests.

Police blotter

Homeowners can protect themselves from becoming victims of home repair frauds by educating themselves on their rights as consumers.

Consider the fact that Americans will spend an estimated $133.9 billion on contracted home improvement projects and do-it-yourself repairs this year. Because the home repair industry is thriving, it is lucrative for con artists, and each year Americans lose millions of dollars on fraudulent repairs and fixing the damage.

Below are examples of common home repair scams and tips for hiring a contractor.

Con artists carry out home repair scams in many different ways. A common example is the quick repair made with materials left over from another job. The con artist approaches a homeowner with an offer to repair the driveway or roof with materials left over from another job in the neighborhood. Many of these fraudulent workers appear after heavy rains, winds, snow, or other disasters that wreck lawns, roads, and driveways. What seems like a good deal for the homeowner turns into a nightmare when it becomes apparent that the con artist used inferior materials, made faulty repairs, or did not do the job at all.

Another typical scam is the home improvement loan scam where contractors persuade homeowners to finance the project through a lender the contractor knows. Once the job is underway, the contractor and lender pressure the homeowner to sign a series of blank or vaguely written contracts. The homeowner has unwittingly signed a contract for a home equity loan with alarmingly high interest rates and payments. To make matters worse, the contractor may not complete the job satisfactorily or even finish it at all. Similarly, homeowners may

be tricked into signing papers that allow fraudulent contractors to obtain mortgages or assign liens against their property. In these instances, homeowners—especially older homeowners—could face foreclosure if they cannot make the high mortgage payments.

When considering potential contractors, homeowners should be wary of those who solicit door- to-door, just happen to have leftover materials from another job, accept only cash payments or ask for the entire payment up front, refuse to provide references, or suggest or

insist that they borrow from a lender the contractor knows.

Homeowners should ask for a written contract that fully outlines the details of the job, including product and materials specifications, time lines, warranties, and payment schedules. Never sign a contract before reading it carefully or that has blank spaces to be filled in later.

Check with the Village Hall (708) 345-0020 to determine if contractor has a valid contractor license.

DIAL 911 to report suspicious activity in your neighborhood.

Chief John M. Carpino

Preventing Home Repair Fraud

been in place for a number of years discussing and advising the village board on economic issues and have proffered the shop locally campaign, the 3/50 program, wayfinding sign initiatives, and Business Façade Improvement Grant Program. A village comprehensive plan is near completion with the help of CMAP (Chicago Metropolitan Area Planning), UIC grad students Capstone projects, and several meetings including the Business Leaders Summit that was recently held on March 20th.

Presently we are in the infancy of developing a TIF District for the Old St Joseph Property to bring some type of Senior Living Center to our village which is presently lacking. St. Joseph H.S. officials have recently been meeting with a 3 Corners Development Company, and hopefully, fingers crossed, will be closing on the 10 acre site in the next few months. At this time we have not seen any plans, proposals or renderings for the site. Stay tuned.

FOLLETT MOVES TO WESTCHESTEROur Village Manager Janet Matthys,

Community Development Director Melissa Headley, and I were invited to attend an opening of Follett Company ribbon cutting on March 19th. We were invited to attend the viewing of the site located at the Westbrook Corporate Center Tower #3 with members of the Follett Family and Board of Directors. CEO Mary Lee Schneider mentioned on several occasions how happy the company was to locate in Westchester. The company combined their three facilities from Oak Brook, Westmont, and River Grove to the state of the art renovation that occurred in a scant 5 months. The 650 plus employees are enthusiastic to be centrally located and collaborately working together to increase the profit of the 2.75 billion dollar a year family owned and operated business right here in Westchester. An EDGE Tax incentive issued by the State of Illinois in addition to improvements and free rent for the first year by ARDEN was just the enticement needed to lure the company to our town. The event was catered by The Bistro Restaurant located on the first floor between Tower #2 and #3. The food and drink provided by Manager Vivian and hospitality by Dawn and her very polite and conscientious service staff made the event that much better. Now if only we could

push the property management firm ARDEN and GE the owners of the property to put some restaurants on the outlots!!!

GOOD BYE DOMINICK’S, HELLO MARIANO’S!

The closing of the Dominick’s Grocery Store in Westchester in January will result in another Economic Boom to the Village of Westchester. The 51 thousand square foot Dominick’s will expand to an 80 thousand square foot Mariano’s Food Emporium. I, along with Village Manager Janet Matthys and Community Development Director Melissa Headley, have been communicating almost daily for the past few months putting together a strong economic incentive package that will create a complete transformation of the 31st and Wolf Road plaza. The plaza name will change from the Westbrook Commons to more appropriately the WESTCHESTER COMMONS. In my phone conversations with Mariano’s owner Bob Mariano, he indicated that this store will be the Flagship store in the area. He was very excited to be able to open his store in Westchester. Site demolition began the last week of March and an aggressive construction schedule has begun with a target opening

date of mid-October. The project was approved by the Westchester Plan Commission. Members of the commission are Chairman Neil James, Angela Smith, Tom Kopecky, Luigi Mazzei, Susan Nokes, Tim Dent, and Brian Cross. The plan was vetted through our Law Firm Storino, Ramello, and Durkin and our financial consultants at Kane McKenna before being unanimously approved by the Westchester Village Board.

THE DETAILSThe economic incentive approved

is a sales tax rebate program. No front monies will be offered. Purchases made in Westchester are reported by the businesses to the state. The State of Illinois sales tax for all purchases in the state is 6.25 percent. One percent of the 6.25% is sent back to Westchester from the State of Illinois on a quarterly basis. Our agreement is that sales tax on the first 20 million dollars in annual sales (1% or 200 thousand dollars) comes back to the village. No sharing at all. Sales in excess of 20 million will be split 50/50 with Regency Center the owner of the property. If for example, sales for the year are 50 million dollars. 1% of the sales tax would be 500 thousand dollars. Westchester would receive$350 thousand dollars and Regency would

receive $150 thousand dollars.

Westchester, as a result of the Non-Home Rule Sales Tax passed by referendum in November 2012 would receive an additional 1% sales tax amount on items purchased other than food or medicine which are exempt from the additional tax. There is no sharing of the total amount of this tax. The Village of Westchester will collect this entire amount. Based on the $50 million dollar in sales we calculate this to be about 25% of the total tax collected $500 thousand dollars which equals an additional $125 thousand dollars to the village. The village also will collect its Places for Eating Tax of 1% on the gross sales of prepared ready to eat foods that will be available for purchase at the cafeteria eating section of the store.

I have used a conservative baseline number of 50 million in sales based on other Mariano’s store that are smaller in size than ours will be. I can tell you without violating any priority sales information that the base sales tax we received from Dominick’s was substantially less.

The amount of the sales tax rebate will be in place for 8 years, or a maximum of 1.5 million dollars,

PRESIDENTContinued from page 1


4 APRIL 2014

President Pulia and Community Development Director Melissa Headley present to a packed house at the Village’s third annual Senior Breakfast with the President held on Friday, March 14th.



APRIL 2014 5

whichever occurs first. If, for instance, the store hits 50 million in sales for the 8 years, 1.2 million dollars would have been rebated. If it does 70 million over the 8 years they would receive the maximum rebate amount of 1.5 million dollars.

Regency will be using their portion

of the rebate to expand the existing Dominick’s store footprint too create an 80 thousand square foot store. The entire store will be brought up to our current building code requirements, It will be used to replace signage, re-pave the Mariano’s portion of the front parking lot, install planters, and refresh the façade of the building to compliment the Mariano’s construction. Without a sales tax rebate agreement, Regency Centers indicated they would not be in a position to expand the Dominick’s Store to 80 thousand square feet nor make the amount of plaza improvements we were seeking.

The amount of individual sales

a business or company does is proprietary. The Village of Westchester does not receive individual corporate sales information from the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR). The IDOR groups similar business types together and we receive a check reflective of those groups.

ADDRESS RESIDENTIAL FLOODINGThis administration has been

addressing the entire issue of flooding since 2009. Since that time we have been the victim of 2 Presidential disaster declarations involving FEMA, IEMA, the Governor, MWRD, and every Federal and State legislator and Cook County Commissioner representing us. We have made this a priority. Although we have no local control in the timing MWRD has been evaluating the cost benefit ratio in creating a reservoir to contain storm-water that will service Addison Creek that arrives from communities north of Westchester from what is identified as the Lower Des Plaines River Watershed. This reservoir, if and when constructed, is designed to alleviate flooding issues in the northeast section of the village. I wish I had more concrete facts however when you do not own it, you can not control it.

Plans are in the works with MWRD to expand their Mayfair Reservoir to hold an additional 35-40% more storm-water to alleviate flooding

issues in the southwest section of the village. An Intergovernmental Agreement is being drafted by MWRD for Westchester to review and approve. Our portion of the approximately 2.1 million dollar project will be approximately 465 thousand dollars.

The village has lined sanitary sewers in the High Ridge area, and in the area of Westchester Blvd from Roosevelt to Canterbury where our sanitary sewer cleaning and televising inspections identified as needing repair .

A used vactor truck was purchased to do both sanitary and storm sewer preventive maintenance. A Flood Rebate program was initiated. Smoke testing was performed to identify illegal storm draining hooked up to the sanitary system that adds to the basement sewer back-ups. Additionally, we offered access, through the National League of Cities Service Line Warranty Program to offer sanitary sewer pipe insurance that residents have had great success when dealing with root infested blocked sanitary sewer problems. We have applied for funding on several Federal, State, and County programs. We completed a Westchester Hazard Mitigation Plan, and reduced the level of flood

insurance 10% for those homes identified as being in the flood plain as mandated by their mortgage holders to have flood insurance. Former Trustee Walter Novak worked diligently on getting Westchester a rating from the Community Rating Service from the National Flood Insurance Program.

PRO-ACTIVE STREET MAINTENANCEWhere do I begin? Since 2010 over

25 streets have been completely rebuilt with new curbs, driveway aprons, and landscaping. It is true we had to sell bonds to get the monies upfront to do these sorely needed street repairs. The difficulty is that it is very hard to keep up with the Village’s aging infrastructure. ALTHOUGH WE HAVE RE-DONE OVER 25 STREETS THERE ARE AT LEAST ANOTHER 50 THAT NEED TO BE DONE. To this end we are constantly searching for new revenue sources to use to continue our rehabilitation program. Being conservative, the board decided to use only a portion of our Non-home Rule Sales Tax monies as a revenue stream to pay off the 5.8 million dollars in bonds we sold in 2013. Our advisors indicated we could have bonded for 10 million dollars, however being conservative and not knowing exactly what the Non-

Home Rule Sales Tax was going to bring in we exercised what I will call fiscal restraint not to get too far ahead of ourselves. Looking back, I guess we could have bonded for the full amount and had another 4.2 million dollars to spend in fiscal year 2014-2015. We did not, so I’m sure we will be looking at our budget projections throughout this year and begin our planning earlier, as we will be spending the remainder of the bond money on this year’s projects.

We are in the process of receiving

bids to complete our street reconstruction projects as of this writing. Bids will be opened the morning of April 2, 2014. The construction will be done in two phases. Phase one is scheduled to begin on April 21, 2014. The construction is scheduled to be completed in 6 weeks with a possible end date of May 30, 2014.

The streets to be re-constructed in Phase 1 are as follows:

Downing (Cermak to Windsor)Buckingham (Cermak to Windsor)Essex (Sunnyside to Hawthorne)Wakefield (Wolf to Boeger)

Phase 2 is scheduled to begin on

Village Manager Matthys, President Pulia, Trustees Tom Yurkovich Angelo Calcagno pictured with Senator Marty Sandoval, Chair of the Transportation Committee, on the Senate Floor during the legislative drive down on March 26, 2014.

6 APRIL 2014

July 14, 2014. The construction is scheduled to be completed in 6 weeks with a possible end date of August 22, 2014.

The streets re-constructed in Phase 2 are as follows:

Portsmouth (Drury to Dickens)Suffolk (Roosevelt to Gladstone)Norfolk (Drury to Dickens)Portsmouth (Canterbury to Kent)Oxford (Mannheim to Mayfair)

Over the past few years our Public Works employees have been repaving street section projects in house. Well over 6 thousand tons of asphalt has been laid down as sectional patches. In our area, we are the only town that has our own paving box and is able to do these types of sectional replacements. We are planning to put down another 2500 tons this year with our 8 person crews.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT This administration has participated

in cooperative governance by reaching out to the Schools, Park District and the Library. A revitalized Economic Development Committee, Citizen Advisory Board, Environmental Sustainability Committee, whose members have reached out to many community groups. Many Associations such as the Lions Club, Kiwanis Club, Boy Scout Troops 1 and 73, Girls Scouts, Chamber of Commerce, and many other groups have participated in clean up days, appeared as vendors and volunteers at our festivals and events. The cooperation level is at an all-time high and we look forward to building new relationships with other groups and associations.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITYSpending your hard earned tax

dollars in a fiscally responsible manner has and will always be a priority for the Village of Westchester. Balancing revenue and expenditures among the various funds has been difficult. Over the past few years, this administration has been hit with more weather related natural disasters than ever before including; two flood events, micro bursts, a snow blizzard, and this winter one of the snowiest and coldest in history. Through it all, we have been able to maintain our 30% reserve in our General Fund and 15% reserve in our Utility Fund. Being faced with additional costs for garbage

dumpsters in excess of 600 thousand dollars as a result of the floods, and other costs to handle the emergency situations for personnel, supplies, and relief have cost us dearly.

We do not have a defined “contingency fund”. Our budget reflects the guidance and funding required to operate. Budgets are not absolute as there are many variables that could send budgets into a tailspin in a heartbeat. Our budget for fiscal year 2014-2015 has to be passed by April 30, 2014, the end of our fiscal year. Not to be overloaded with line item and amount details, we have broken the budget meetings down into 3 separate special meetings. The Public Safety (Police, Fire, EMA, and E-911) Budget review took place on March 4, 2014. The Public Works, Utility Fund, and Motor Fuel Tax Fund were discussed on March 18, 2014. Finally, the Administration, Capital Improvements, Debt Service, Hotel Motel Tax, and Police and Fire Commission budgets were discussed on April 1st.

The entire budget will be presented at the April 8, 2014 regularly scheduled Committee of the Whole Meeting and final adoption is scheduled for the Village Board Meeting on April 22, 2014.

Seeking grant dollars to fund projects is an ongoing process. We were fortunate to receive 400 plus thousand dollars for a new rescue fire vehicle. We received another 250 thousand dollars to be used to purchase a whole building generator for the village hall communications equipment, and a fire alarm system to compliment the sprinkler system presently in place at the village hall.

OPEN COMMUNICATION Communicating with the people

we serve is a critical function of governance. We have expanded the capabilities of our website, attached links to other governmental partners, and have been maintaining a calendar of events and happenings. Our village newsletter has been expanded to a monthly publication with what I believe to be valuable information on a monthly basis. We have been videotaping our board meetings and making them available on-line through the Village’s YouTube channel, as soon as practicable. On several occasions I have done a “Westchester World” taping with various representatives from ComEd, MWRD and others who provided valuable information and at the least answered some of your questions. We offer the NIXLE notification system to alert you to the happenings in Westchester. On occasion, based

on the necessity of contact we have utilized robo-type phone calls to notify you about emergency situations. Village staff continues to work diligently to expand and improve our communication efforts with our residents and businesses.

COMMUNITY SERVICESIn addition to some of the

aforementioned information above, we have embarked on a village-wide tree trimming program that we completed last spring. Incidently, we have started trimming again in the Britten (northeast quadrant) area recently and will be removing (hopefully to a less extent than done 5 years ago) additional growth that would impact the safety of the residents in that area. Our Public Works in house staff has been removing affected Ash Trees as well on the village owned parkways. Our in house arborist Steve Crowley is available to do tree assessments throughout the village and has been meeting with residents with our Supervisor Carl Muell in determining the best course of action involving our tree stock and the enhancements trees make to the beautiful canopy of our tree lined streets. The village has and will continue to offer a 50/50 cost splitting arrangement with



Governor Quinn and President Pulia in Springfield following the State Budget Address on March 26, 2014.

APRIL 2014 7

residents wanting to have a parkway tree on the front parkways. It is a well known fact that trees and their root structures have significant value in absorbing hundreds of gallons of water during rain events. The amount of leaves being dropped in the fall and the amount of maintenance surrounding tree ownership whether on public or private property, pales when compared to the benefits of removing contaminants from our atmosphere, producing oxygen we breathe, providing shade in the summer that reduces air conditioning costs, providing sound deadening properties, winter warming, privacy screening, obstructs, filters, and wind deflection.

Many people do not realize that trees and shrubs that are damaged or destroyed have a dollar value. If your trees and shrubs are damaged you may be able to recapture your loss through an insurance claim or as a deduction from your federal income tax.

Westchester tree stock creates the beautiful look we have become accustomed to. Driving down a tree lined street with the trees creating a canopy as they touch each other in the middle creates a value not measurable in quantitative terms. Aesthetic and uplifted good feelings are certainly an emotional benefit that trees and shrubs provide.

The village leaf bag program was reinstituted with volunteers including elected officials and service groups assisting in the delivery efforts. The leaf bags were purchased with a 10 thousand dollar rebate given by our waste hauler Waste Management. The bags make it possible for residents to remove the vast amount of leaves from entering our street storm sewers. We have also received an additional 10 thousand dollars from Waste Management for our enhanced recycling efforts throughout the village. We instituted the pharmaceutical proper disposal program which is available 24/7 in the lobby of Village Hall, Electronics recycling the second Saturday of each month from April through October, recycling wood chips, and tree logs. Additionally we have held two paper shredding events with the next one scheduled for May 10, 2014 in conjunction with the electronics recycling program.

SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT

Speaking of recycling efforts, several weeks ago we received some inquiries both seeking information others downright nasty regarding why the Village would force both Divine Infant and Divine Providence to cease operation of their paper recycling programs.

The truth of the matter is that the

village did NOT require any such thing.

HISTORYLast summer several clothing

boxes mysteriously appeared along Mannheim Road and along Roosevelt Road without the knowledge, consent, or any approval from anyone. Several complaints were received as it appeared the village was being cluttered with these type of boxes. Prior to the arrival of the ones on Mannheim Road on several occasions I personally made calls to the GAIA owned clothing box that was located at the video store at Westchester Blvd. and Roosevelt asking them to please empty the box as clothing toys etc were being stacked up alongside the box. This occurred at least 3 times that I know I personally made a call only to talk to an answering machine and having to wait several days before the problem was rectified.

After the new pink boxes appeared along Mannheim Road the village board put in place some reasonable operating and placement instructions. Those instructions were to have the box owner register with the village as a contractor, which cost $100.00, they were also required to supply an insurance certificate with 10 thousand dollar coverage. The placement had to be in the rear of the property unless the boxes were located in a different area prior to the ordinance being approved, thereby being grandfathered in their current location until there was a change.

INVESTIGATIONAfter being told on several occasions

that the village made the company take the paper boxes out along with Village Manager Janet Matthys personally called the owner of the company, who as it turned out had 8 boxes covering DI, DP, Park District, Library and others in town. I asked him why he was removing the paper boxes from their locations and he said he did not want to comply with the insurance regulation. We informed him that that the $100.00 contractor fee would cover all of the boxes he had and that the insurance certificate would cover the same. It did not appear to us that requiring insurance to protect the property owner and any person that may be

injured by accidently running into or injuring their arm while dumping the papers in should be a hardship for one of the most prominent paper recycling ventures in the area.

During the conversation we were then told that he was not making the money he was anticipating and would be talking to the venues where the boxes were located and renegotiating the price he was going to be providing them. He said based on the cost of the insurance it would not be as profitable.

I contacted our Waste Management representative and attempted to locate another vendor who recycles paper for such a rebate to the schools. My contact told me the biggest one that does it is the one that I was talking about not wanting to provide the insurance. My contact did confirm that the commodity market on paper is real low with the cost of pick-up and drop-off exceeding any profit. In essence, confirming the statement of the possible renegotiation.

I hope this puts to rest the issue and I would hope that people call and get the facts before expounding half truths and misinformation.

EXPANDING VILLAGE HOURSThe village hours were initially

expanded in 2009 to include staying open one night a week until 7pm and from 9 am to Noon on Saturday. We did this for over a year and it was determined not to be cost effective. Presently, we have discontinued the evening hours but are open on the second Saturday of each month to correspond with the Administrative Hearings surrounding code and parking type infractions. The Saturday hours are 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM on the second Saturday of the month.

THINKING GREEN SOLUTIONS FOR THE FUTURE

As mentioned above the village is continually attempting to improve our global responsibility of thinking Green. Our Environmental Sustainability Commission Chaired by Carl Celestino, and includes members Jean Klotter, Eric Keeley, Ali Rothbaum, Tom Elsey, Denis McLain, and Ashley Sabat as well as Village Board liaison Trustee Angelo Calcago was formerly named the Green Committee then organized by Trustee Wally Novak.

In May of 2012 the Village of Westchester received the GREENTELLIGENCE Award from the West Central Municipal Conference for all of the improvements we had

done in the Village. O

Our newly reconstituted Environmental Sustainability Commission (ESC) is making every attempt to enhance the quality of live through not only recycling efforts but bringing to the table additional information to utilize storm water for your benefit.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HOSTS SEMINAR

On Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at 7:00 PM at the Westchester Primary School, (Mary Jane Kennedy Building), the Environmental Sustainability Commission will be hosting a seminar designed to educate us on how to deal with stormwater on our property. Representatives from the Village Public Works Department, Fire Department, and Building Department MWRD, FEMA, Ms. Harriet Festing, the Director Water Program of the Center for Neighborhood Technology, Plumbing Contractors, Including our Plumbing Inspector Andy Espositio will be on hand to answer questions on other ways storm water can be utilized.

The ESC will be presenting a panel type discussion to include the use of rain barrels to assist in the reduction of water usage and promote the use of rain gardens for drainage issues.

MY PET PROJECTS FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR

As we work through the budget process I along with the board of trustees will be once again struggling or at the least juggling to complete some projects I have been pushing since being elected to office.

Expanding the Mayfair Reservoir

is at the top of the list. The project has a 2.5 million dollar price tag. Based on our estimates MWRD will take the lion share of $2.1 million and Westchester’s match close to $500K.

The painting of the Water tank is next on the agenda with the IEPA offering us a low interest loan of about 2% to complete the 2nd phase of the project. We petitioned the IEPA in 2010 to paint both the inside and outside as it had not been painted since its installation in the mid 1980’s. An inspection indicated that the interior needed to be attended to first followed by the exterior which is finally being completed. The price tag for the outside is $850K.



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community Development10 APRIL 2014

Over the years there have been reports of 2-flat buildings being converted into 3-flat buildings with basements being used as a domicile. Such conversions not only result in overcrowding, but are outright illegal and very dangerous. When a complaint is received regarding an alleged illegal conversion, our Community Development Department makes personal visits to these residences and informs the building owners and occupants that such conversions, if they exist, are illegal and in violation of the Village Ordinances and present dangerous safety issues.

Any landlord of a 2-flat building who converts the basement to livable space and rents the space or allows people to reside in that area of the building without proper zoning, permits

and inspections are in violation of the Village’s Ordinances and may be subject to legal prosecution. Basements in 2-flat buildings often result in overcrowding and do not have the requisite egress needed in case of an emergency. This overcrowding and lack of egress presents a definite safety hazard. In case of fire, without proper egress those in the illegal unit could become trapped and succumb to the smoke and/or fire. The bottom line here is that conversions of 2-flat buildings without proper zoning, permit and inspection are ILLEGAL and need to be REMOVED IMMEDIATELY. If the building owners need further guidance please contact our Community Development Director, Melissa Headley at 708-345-0020.

April showers, bring May flowers. The Village wants to remind residents to be prepared for thunderstorms and lightning. To prepare for thunderstorms and lightning you should do the following:

• The following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your property before thunderstorms and lightning occurs:

• Before Thunderstorm and Lightning

• To prepare for a thunderstorm, you should do the following:

• To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.

• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.

• Postpone outdoor activities.• Remember the 30/30 Lightning

Safety Rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.

• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.

• Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.

• Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.

• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.

• Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives.

Information above was prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). For more tips on what to do during and after thunderstorms and lightning, please check the FEMA’s website at http://www.ready.gov/thunderstorms-lightning

Did you know that all the businesses that hold a current business license are listed on the Village’s website? You can search for businesses by name or by category. Just go to www.westchester-il.org under the business

tab choose “Local Businesses”. Are you a business owner in the Community and don’t see your business listed? Give us a call 708-345-0199 or email at [email protected] and we’ll make sure to include you.

Be prepared for storms and lightning this spring

Choose Westchester Businesses First

Crackdown on illegal conversions of two-flat buildings in Westchester

The Village does require a permit for all garage/ house or yard/ rummage/ and estate sales.

The permit applicant must acknowledge and comply with all municipal ordinances, and sign application to this effect.

The Village issued permit must be posted in visible location at the stated sale.

The permit grants the Village the right of entry for inspection, if deemed necessary.

The permit number must be displayed, on any signs advertising the sale, in

a conspicuous place to be viewable by anyone upon a public street or sidewalk adjacent to the premises.

Residents are allowed to have two garage sales per calendar year.

A garage sale is limited to three consecutive days.

The sale hours shall be no earlier than 8:00 a.m. and no later than 4:00 p.m.

For more information please call the Village Community Development Department - (708) 345-0199 or visit the department page at www.westchester-il.org.

Reminder: Permit Required for Garage Sales

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Federal income tax was introduced with the Revenue Act of 1861 to help fund the Civil War, and subsequently repealed, re-adopted, and held unconstitutional. The early taxes were based on assessments, not voluntary tax returns. Tax payment dates varied by act.

The case of Pollock v. Farmers’ Loan & Trust Co. challenged the constitutionality of the Wilson-Gorman Tariff Act of 1894 which taxed incomes over $4,000 at the rate of two percent. The case was decided by the United States Supreme Court in 1895. The Supreme Court decided that the Act’s unapportioned income taxes on interest, dividends, and rents were effectively direct taxes. The Act was therefore unconstitutional because it violated the Constitution’s rule that direct taxes be apportioned. In 1913, eighteen years later, the Sixteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified. This Amendment gave the United States Congress the legal authority to tax all incomes without regard to the apportionment requirement.

The filing deadline for individuals was March 1 in 1913 (the first year of a federal income tax), and was changed to March 15 in 1918 and

again to April 15 in 1955. Today, the filing deadline for U.S. federal income tax returns for individuals remains April 15 or, in the event that the 15th falls on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, the first succeeding day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or holiday.

In 2007, Tax Day was on Tuesday, April 17, 2007 because April 15 fell on a Sunday and Monday, April 16 was Emancipation Day, a legal holiday in the District of Columbia. Under a federal statute enacted decades ago, holidays observed in the District of Columbia have an impact nationwide, not just in D.C. A storm and flooding affected the Northeast that year and certain states were granted additional time to file. In some cases, the deadline was extended to as late as June 25. In 2011, the federal tax deadline was extended to April 18, since Emancipation Day, a holiday in Washington, D.C., was celebrated on April 15, a Friday. (Wikipedia)

The April 15 tax deadline is set by statute. However, the IRS reminds taxpayers that anyone can request an automatic six-month extension to file their tax return. The request is easily done with Form 4868, which can be filed electronically or on paper.

Did you know...The History of Tax Day?

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The relocation of the Sanitary Sewer line that feeds more than 1/3 of the village that was unable to be cleaned and televised, as it runs through the property of the Cook County Forest Preserve District from Wakefield and Sunnyside through LaGrange Park, is another high priced project that needs to be addressed to relieve sanitary sewer back-ups during storm events. The pipe crossed the Salt Creek at several locations and has not been touched or maintained since its installation way back in the 1950’s or even earlier when that area was a platted subdivision of the Village of Westchester. The relocation of the approximate 1 mile sanitary pipe is $2.2 million dollars. We applied for and received another IEPA low interest loan to complete this project.

There have had many meetings with our engineering firm of Christopher Burke Engineering, the CCFPD, Conservation groups, the Village of La Grange Park, IDNR, and others over the past few years and we have finally come to some resolution. Hopefully construction will begin next fall with a completion date of next spring.

After receiving grant dollars we will finally be installing a fire alarm system to the Westchester Village Hall, and installing a whole building generator to operate our village hall as an emergency center with provisions for both heating and cooling as well as a location that can be up and running in case of a disaster. This is a long time coming as I can remember getting annual quotes for generators to run our 9-11 Emergency operations almost on a yearly basis back in the 1990’s when managing the 911 operations center.

As a result of our televising our sanitary sewer system and relining project in the south east “Nixon” area of the village a sanitary sewer on Portsmouth Ave. was identified as needing to be rebuilt. The approximate 300 foot section is 13 feet down and will take several weeks to complete. We could probably do the job in-house with the experienced PW crew we have, however, time constraints will cause this project t to be outsourced to be completed in a more rapid time frame. The cost is estimated to be $65K.

The rebuilding of Enterprise Drive will be taking place this year thanks

to Federal Dollars received from the STP Transportation monies. The project is estimated to cost $810K with the village share being $162K, meaning 80% or $648K is being paid by the FEDS.

The 2014 Pavement program consisting of the concrete portion and asphalt and parkway restoration is awaiting the actual bids to be received at this writing. The total project is estimated to be $2.5 Million dollars.

The majority of the monies for this project will the last portion of the available $5.8 Million we bonded for in 2012 coupled with some monies from our Motor Fuel Tax Fund and General Revenue.

Do to our high volume water loss of 8.6% we are employing a village wide leak detection service to identify where the underground leaks are located. This water loss is the difference from what the Broadview-Westchester Joint Water Agency meters show they sent, and what we have billed for. By identifying the water loss whether it be underground leaks, inoperative water meters with inaccurate readings our costs need to decrease. We are investigating a remote radio read system to make this happen. We believe that we can enhance our service to you by going to a monthly billing cycle instead of a quarterly one as I believe it becomes easier to budget for the increasing cost of water. I just received my approximately $150 dollar bill for the 4 thousand gallons my household used last quarter and would have rather paid $50 dollars per month instead of getting his for the 3 month cost. Additionally the system which will include the ability to read the meters remotely each month will catch potential high usage which can be addressed more quickly. We are presently reviewing this program of installing a small transmission box to the sending unit attached outside of your home. No decisions have been made however we believe identifying the water loss and potentially eliminating the staff time spent walking door to door each quarter will pay for itself in the long run.

SENIOR BREAKFAST HELD MARCH 14th

On Friday, March 14th, the Village Held its annual Senior Breakfast at 8:30 AM. St. Joseph High School was once again willing to allow the Village to host the event at their facility. This was the third year the Village has held this program and

each year, the attendance grows. I, along with the department heads and committee representatives answered questions and concerns and presented information on how each department operates and what to expect moving forward into our next fiscal year.

Thank you to all the residents who attended the event, we hope that you found it informative. A special thanks to St. Joseph High School President Dave McCreery, and Manager of Development Operations Stephanie Morton, from St. Joseph High School in being such gracious host and Village staff Molly Keane and Katy Finn for organizing the event.

Additionally many thanks to our local food vendors Wally’s Donuts and Dunkin Donuts for providing and donating a portion of the food for the event and Westchester Civic Theater for donating a raffle package.

OLD ST. JOSEPH H.S. CLOSE TO BEING SOLD

The 10 acre parcel that encompasses the grounds of the OLD St. Joseph H.S. is very close to being sold. St. Joseph President Dave McCreary, and members of the Three Corners Development Company introduced themselves to the Village Board at our March 11, 2014 Board Meeting. Design plans are currently being drawn to create a senior living space on the site. The village is very excited to hopefully see this project move forward and come to fruition as soon as possible. As more information becomes available it will certainly be shared to the public.

ST. JOSEPH H.S. HOSTS CHARGERFEAST 2014

The annual spring fundraising event at St. Joseph will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2014. The 3rd Annual CHARGERFEAST featuring a Ribfest Cook-Off and Super Raffle Drawing where $23,500 will be given away in cash prizes. All proceeds will help educate the young men and women of St. Joseph H.S. through the financial assistance program. Please join us for this great event sure to be “finger licking good.”

WESTCHESTER CIVIC THEATRE IS BACK AT ST. JOSEPH H.S.

On Sunday April 27th and again on Sunday May 4th the Westchester Civic Theatre will present “THE FOREIGNER.” Come see the 2:00 pm show and enjoy a dinner afterwards at:

Mattone Restaurant 9 E. 31st Street LaGrange Park, Illinois. 60526 TX:

708-352-7588

Seating is from 4:30pm to 5:00pm after the show.

Show ticket prices are $13.00 for adults, seniors and students with ID are $11.00. With your reservation and ticket stub you will receive 20% off of your meal. Coffee, tea, ice tea or soda is no charge. Alcoholic beverages, taxes and tip are not included. More information is available at www.westchesterplays.com or 708-928-5010. Reservations will be accepted up to 2 days before the show date; dinner is after performance; show and dinner must be paid separately.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT MEETING

On Thursday, March 20, 2014, the Village Economic Development Committee (EDC) held a business summit at the Westchester Community Church. Several businesses, some old and some new, were present to hear Chairperson Pastor Joseph Mills and the entire EDC Board provide an overview on what the committee has been working on.

Several initiatives that can be considered EDC accomplishments are as follows:

Façade Grants, implementation of a Ribbon Cutting Policy, Wayfinding Signage; Tree Planting Policies; and the Business Retention Survey Summary.

Information for businesses was provided regarding: Upgrading the Building Codes from the 2009 Illinois Building Code to the 2012 version, Rules and Regulations; Infrastructure Improvements; Permitting Processes; and Improved Communication between the Village and Businesses. Business Promotion and Support is made available through the Village Newsletter and Event Sponsorship; the Village Website; and through the Chamber of Commerce.

Some business entities did have constructive criticism of the length of time it took for the review of their plans, and the turn- around time it took for minimal changes to be approved. Melissa Headley, our Community Development Director, indicated that she would be monitoring this and that pre-construction meeting have been held in the past and will continue in an effort to streamline the process.

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ELECTRONICS RECYCLING IS BACKSaturday, April 12th, from 9am to

noon will kick off this year’s Village E-Waste (electronics recycling) events which are sponsored by the Environmental Sustainability Commission. Computers, television sets, phones, laptops, printers, scanners, video games and basically anything electronic. This year, the ESC will also be collecting non-perishable food items for the Westchester Food Pantry at the recycling drop site. This event is intended for the recycling of household items. Due to safety concerns of our volunteers, business related items may be refused. Volunteers are always welcome to assist the commission in accomplishing our goal to reduce landfill space, comply with state laws, and protect our environment. Please note that the set hours of 9:00am to 12:00pm are subject to change based on weather conditions. We do not want to put any volunteers in any danger that may be caused by inclement weather. Any questions or to help volunteer, please contact Carl Celestino at [email protected].

ARBOR DAYArbor Day was founded in 1872 by

Julius Sterling Morton in Nebraska City, Nebraska. By the 1920s, each state in the United States had passed public laws that stipulated a certain day to be Arbor Day or Arbor and Bird Day observance.

National Arbor Day is celebrated every year on the last Friday in April; in Nebraska, it is a civic holiday. Each state celebrates its own state holiday. The customary observance is to plant a tree. On the first Arbor Day, April 10, 1872, an estimated one million trees were planted.

REPRESENTATIVE WELCH TO HOLD CONCEAL AND CARRY TOWN HALL MEETING

I have been informed that Representative Welch along with representatives from the NRA (National Rifle Association), Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence, Illinois State Police and Moms Demand Action for Gun “Sense in America for a community Town Hall Meeting on Illinois’ new Concealed Carry Law. The Westchester Town Hall Meeting will be held on

Thursday, April 24th from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at the Westchester Public Library, 10700 Canterbury Street. For more information, or to RSVP, please contact Rep. Welch’s full-time constituent service office at 708-450-1000 or email [email protected].

VILLAGE CLEAN-UP DAYSaturday, April 26th, has been

designated as a Village wide cleanup day. Several service groups have been invited to assist with our spring clean-up and once again this year, the Village’s lawn maintenance contractor, Alliance Turf Management will also be assisting. We are always in need of extra assistance at our events, please contact Molly Keane at [email protected] or 708-345-0020 to volunteer your time, effort and energy. The event will take place from 8 am until noon and a light lunch will be provided to volunteers following the event.

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE SECOND CINCO DE MAYO FIESTA

The first event for the 2014 season will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2014. This event will be the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta held at the north end of Gladstone Park from 12 pm to 8 pm. The Fiesta will include entertainment lineup of a Mariachi Band, Pinatas for the kids, salsa and bachata lessons as well as deliciously themed food. This event was made possible by the collaboration of the Village, Park District, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Westchester School District 92.5.

I hope you have time to stop by the event and celebrate with us.

WCMC LEGISLATIVE DRIVE-DOWN

Each year the West Central Municipal Conference (WCMC) sponsors a Legislative Day in Springfield, Illinois. On Wednesday, March 26, 2014, I, along with Village Manager Janet Matthys, Trustees Angelo Calcagno, Frank Perry and Tom Yurkovich, joined Mayors and elected officials from Berwyn, Lyons, LaGrange Park, LaGrange, Elmwood Park, Harwood Heights, River Grove, Indian Head Park, Countryside, Western Springs, Forest Park and Northlake to show support for our Legislative initiatives that I presented in the March issue of the newsletter. Members of the Northwest Municipal Conference and the Will County Municipal Conference were also present in Springfield to advance their respective legislative initiatives. Additionally, we had an opportunity

to hear Illinois Governor Pat Quinn present his 2014 Budget Address. Our State Representative Chris Welch was able to secure passes to the event and we were able to sit in the House of Representatives Chambers during the Governor’s presentation.

Wednesday afternoon, the mayors were invited into the Governor’s office to meet one-on-one with the Governor himself and ask for state assistance to fund our projects. As you can imagine, most of the requests were for funding surrounding our regions recent flood events, followed by monies for road and infrastructure improvements. I can assure you that the Governor knows the flooding problems surrounding both the east and south side of Westchester. I was assured that Westchester’s storm water issues were a high priority. So much so that another mayor chimed in that Westchester can’t get all of the monies, to which I replied yes we can, but that I would be happy to share with other communities.

As a result of hearing the Governor’s speech regarding the catastrophic effect that a repeal of the 2011 Income Tax hike would have on the state’s finances, I suggested to the Governor that if the tax was to stay in place that local government receive their fair share of the tax and not be cut out of the what was put in place years ago to assist municipalities in funding projects necessary to improve the quality of life in those communities. Based on my frank and pressing comments, Janet, Angelo and I had a private meeting with the Governor’s staff, Michael Richards and Cory Foster on Thursday morning to further express our concerns. We will be sending our Home Flood Assistance Grant Program that we put in place last year to assist homeowners in the installation of check valves, overhead sewers and lift stations for funding consideration.

Also while in Springfield, our entourage met many State Representatives, State Senators and Representatives of IDOT, DCEO, and the IEPA. I would like to take time to thank our State Representative for the 7th District, Emanuel “Chris” Welch, 11th District State Senator Martin Sandoval, 12th District Senator Steven Landek, and most of all WCMC Executive Director Richard Pellegrino and the excellent staff at WCMC for making this Legislative Drive Down a worhtwhile success.

WESTCHESTER’S OWN MAKES A DIFFERENCE

For the second year in a row, Dr. Thomas Sullivan and a group of committed doctors and medical staff traveled to South America to provide dental and medical care to the poor. At the recent St. Patrick’s Dinner at Divine Infant, Dr. Sullivan shared with me the humbling experience he and his group of fellow medical professionals encountered as hundreds of people including both adults and children walked from miles around to be seen by the team of doctors. Thank you, Dr. Sullivan.

THANK YOU FOR THE INVITE

I would like to thank the principal, staff and especially the children at the Westchester Primary School for inviting me, Police Chief John Carpino and Fire Chief Jim Adams to be guest readers last month. You have no idea how much I enjoy reading to the children in the very same rooms I sat in while attending the school back in the mid 1960’s. My parents always said “Readers are Leaders” and I commend the staff for their continued effort to make our children “Leaders” through “Reading”.

VIDEO GAMING

Just for your information, I, along with the majority of the Westchester Village Board, have issued a second Video Gaming License to Westchester eating establishments. 5 Video Gaming machines and license were issued in February to Anna’s Place Café, an eatery located across from the Westchester Village Hall. A second license with 4 machines was issued to Christopher’s Speakeasy, located on south Mannheim Road, at our March 24th Board Meeting. Per our ordinance, a hearing was held before me as the Liquor Commissioner and with my approval and recommendation to the Board of Trustees, was voted on and approved. We wish both of the venues success as 5% of the proceeds that come back to the Village will be used to help fund our liabilities for police and fire pensions. Both locations have plenty of seating; exciting food menus, and a pleasant atmosphere. Buon appetito!

ELECTRIC BILL SURCHARGE

You may have seen news stories recently regarding higher electric bills this winter. The stories have reported that some electric suppliers are passing through a portion of their increased costs to customers. One of the articles stated, “...FirstEnergy,


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Destination ImaginationWestchester District 92 ½ has

continued to offer the Destination ImagiNation program to all students interested at the Intermediate and Middle Schools. Destination ImagiNation is an educational program in which student teams solve open-ended challenges and present their solutions at tournaments.

This year, five teams were created. The team names were: Kool Katz (WMS), Wrecking Warriors (WMS), Test Dummies (WIS), The Mysterious World Lifters (WIS), and The Impossibles (WIS).

Teams were presented with 6 different challenges with special focuses in the areas of technical, science, fine arts, improvisation, structural and service learning. Each team picked one challenge and developed a solution to present at the tournament. All the teams chose the structural challenge. The teams had to build a structure made entirely of glue and predetermined materials. They then had to test the structure by placing weights on it and subjected it to to torque-inducing impacts.

Additionally, all teams completed an on-site Instant Challenge that was revealed at the tournament. Instant Challenges may be performance-based, task-based or a combination of the two. Each team practiced for the Instant Challenges at school by completing activities that developed their creative problem solving and time management strategies, as well as teamwork.

On March 1st, the teams traveled to the DestiNation Imagination Tournament in Grayslake. Each team met their challenge head on, and through much diversity, the Middle School team “Wreaking Warriors” won the “Spirit of DI” team award for showing great teamwork and DI spirit. We are very proud of all our teams.

Westchester Primary SchoolOn March 6th, we held our

Kindergarten registration for the 2014-2015 school year. If you were unable to attend, we encourage you to stop by our office and pick up a packet.

To register for kindergarten this fall, you will need to have the following:

1. Completed Registration Packet

2. Official Birth Certificate - A child must be five (5) years old on or before September 1, 2014. No exceptions to this rule can be made.

3. Required Residency Documents

The forms for the required school physical, dental, and vision examinations are included in the kindergarten registration packets. These forms must be completed and turned in at the registration in August. The days and times for this registration and fee payment will be announced at a later date.

If further information is needed, please call the School Office at (708) 562-1509.

In honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday, we were fortunate to have the following community members come to our school to read and discuss the works of Dr. Seuss with our children. A wonderful and enriching time was had by all.

Mayor Sam PuliaPolice Chief John CarpinoFire Chief James AdamsSchool Board President Claire

ThompsonSchool Board members Carolyn

Wilhight and Don SlagerSchool Resource Officer Rob VerberWEF member Eric SchmidtWestchester Librarian Kris Jacobson

Business Office The District is once again looking

at the budget process and utilizing a zero based budget process as laid out to the Board of Education in the February finance committee. The process is designed to provide the funds for the areas of instruction that are in need of materials and not spending on areas that do not have the great need for instructional expenditures. The District has had success this last year using this model in reducing the expenditures in all the buildings thus being able to maintain a balanced budget.

The District will also be exploring methods for paying for renovations to the buildings over the next 3-5 years. The Business Office has currently applied for $350,000 dollars of grant money from the State of Illinois to do renovations on the buildings. These grants are for safety, and energy efficiency for the buildings in the district. This is just one avenue the district is exploring for the funding of the renovations of the buildings. The school board has developed a master

plan in conjunction with the district architect on the renovations needed in each building.

State of the District The administrative team of

Westchester District 92½ presented the “state of the district” to the School Board of Education on Tuesday, March 4. The presentation highlighted data on student achievement, district initiatives, Special Education, the Response to Intervention (RtI) model, and data supporting the successful implementation of the Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS) in all three schools. Officer Rob Verber, the School Resource Officer (SRO) presented on his first year in the role of SRO. Also included in the presentation was the financial state of the district, technology and the strategic planning process the district is currently undergoing.

The Superintendent, Dr. Michael Dziallo had the principals present MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) data to the School Board. Principals weaved this year’s district initiatives into their presentation of student data.

Overall, students showed strong academic progress on MAP over the last school year. The Director of Curriculum presented trend data on ISAT the 2005-2006 school year to the 2012-2013 school year.

The district has posted the power point presentation on their website. www.sd925.org > Board of Education > Board Presentation > State of the District.

Westchester Intermediate SchoolWestchester Intermediate

School began the Illinois Standard Achievement Test (ISAT) on Tuesday, March 4th and will conclude on March 12th. This is the last year for the ISATs, as next year all Illinois public schools will be phasing in the new Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) tests. A major difference between the tests will be a change in questions designed to be more challenging and push students to use higher level critical thinking skills, while also pushing students to become more proficient with technology, as tests will be taken on computer rather than traditional paper and pencil.

Aside from testing, the Intermediate School has begun to offer an inquiry-based project for students. Students selected have the chance to increase their investigation skills by incorporating reading and writing into their weekly curriculum. This design promotes deeper inquiry and a richer experience for students.

The Intermediate School Boys’ Basketball team will look to continue its winning ways by completing their season undefeated—the only team in the George Washington Middle School tournament to do so. Good luck! The Girls’ team will look to push their opponents and complete a hard fought, but fun season.

The WPTC will be holding a second Book Fair on March 17thand 19th. While on March 18th, teachers and parents look forward to holding a second round of parent conferences.

Spring break officially begins after school on Friday, March 21st with classes resuming on March 31st.

School District news and notes

Mayor Sam Pulia, Police Chief John Carpino, Fire Chief James Adams, School Board President, Claire Thompson, School Board members Carolyn Wilhight, Don Slager, School Resource Officer Rob Verber, WEF member Eric Schmidt and Westchester Librarian Kris Jacobson gather to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday.

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Monday, April 7Flea Market registration has begun,

for Rain or Shine Flea Market that will be held on Saturday, June 7th, 2014 at Westchester Community Church, 1840 Westchester Blvd., Westchester. Rent space to sell your own items, $35, $20 or $15. Call the church office 708-865-1282 for more information.

Lenten Evening Mass, 7:00 PM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair

Reconciliation (Confession), 7:30-8:30 PM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair

Monday, April 7 through Friday, May 30, 2014

Each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4:00 PM -6:00 PM at the Gottlieb Center for Fitness. Loyola University Health System has teamed up with ProActiveKids (PAK) Foundation to help children and their families in the battle against obesity by offering a free program for children who have a body mass index (BMI) in the 85th percentile or higher. To enroll visit www.proactivekids.org. For more information email [email protected] or call (630) 681-1558.

Tuesday, April 8Ladies Bible Study – Proverbs

31 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Westchester Bible Church,10600 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester, IL 60154 www.westchesterbiblechurch.org

The Divine Infant Jesus School student body will be praying the rosary – 12:30 pm at Divine Infant Jesus Church, 1600 Newcastle Avenue. For more information, contact the school office at 865-0122.

Village Board Meeting at 7:00 PM in the Village Hall Court Room with the Committee of the Whole Meeting immediately following.

Wednesday, April 9BAR-W (Grades 1ST-6TH) &

AMBASSADORS (Grades 7th–12th) from 6:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Westchester Bible Church, 10600 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester, IL 60154 www.westchesterbiblechurch.org

Adult Bible Study/Pray Meeting from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Westchester Bible Church,10600 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester, IL 60154 www.westchesterbiblechurch.org

All School mass at 8:00 am at Divine Infant Jesus Church, 1600 Newcastle Avenue. Come join us. Stations of the Cross will follow the

mass at 8:45. For more information, contact the school office at 865-0122.

The LWV of the LaGrange Area presents: FLAT OR FAIR -- INCOME TAX REFORM IN ILLINOIS at 7:00 PM, La Grange Public Library, 10 W Cossit Ave., LaGrange, IL. Will discuss how tax policy can be fairer for all income level families and stimulate much needed economic growth.

Family Film Night featuring “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” 6:30 PM at Library. Contact Youth Dept or call 708-562-3573.

Divine Providence and Grace Lutheran Ecumenical Discussion, 11:30 AM, Divine Providence Ministry Center, 2540 Mayfair

Tai Chi Class, Divine Providence Church Narthex, 4:30 PM, 2600 Mayfair

Open House Evening 3:30PM - 6:00PM Immanuel Christian Academy 2329 S. Wolf Road Hillside, IL

Tablegrace will present “A Holocaust Memorial Program” at the Divine Providence Church Ministry Center. (The building in the back of the church) from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Bring a Sandwich. Refreshments will be served. Come and join us.

Thursday, April 10Big Read Book Discussion of “The

Longest Road” by Phil Caputo 7:00 PM at Library. Contact Adult Dept or call 708-562-3573.

Friday, April 11Reformer’s Unanimous – RU from

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Westchester Bible Church, 10600 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester, IL 60154 www.westchesterbiblechurch.org

Living Stations (featuring Divine Infant 8th grade students) will begin at 6:30 pm at Divine Infant Church, 1600 Newcastle Avenue. For more information, contact the school office at 865-0122.

Living Stations of the Cross, 2 and 7 PM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair

Saturday, April 12

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny & Egg Hunt at Westchester Community Center Gym from 7:00 AM – Noon. Event is co-sponsored by the Westchester Kiwanis Club. Tickets $6.00 Adult/ $4.00 Children under

12/ Children 2 and under-Free! Early Bird Special: $1.00 off all tickets purchased at the door between the hours of 7-8:30 AM. Easter Candy and Egg Hunt for children aged 2-10 begins at Noon Sharp!

Palm Sunday Mass, 5:00 PM, at Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair

Electronics Recycling/Food Drive (E-Waste) held at Village Hall, 10300 West Roosevelt Road, from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM. Sponsored by the Environmental Sustainability Commission

This year, please bring a donation for the food pantry along with your recycling items. All non-perishable items will be donated to the Westchester Food Pantry. This event is intended for the recycling household items for safety concerns of our volunteers Business related items may be refused. Any questions or to help volunteer, please contact Carl Celestino at [email protected].

Save the date...for Soccer FUN. Westchester AYSO Region 1438 Everyone Plays...Everyone Wins! Save, affordable...and memories that last a lifetime. AYSO has been the first name in youth soccer since 1964-now celebrating 50 years! Plan to be a part of the excitement! Westchester AYSO onsite soccer registration for boys and girls ages 4-18 will be held from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, at Immanuel Lutheran School Gym, 2329 S. Wolf Road. Early bird registration fee is $80.00. Cost includes insurance, uniform, trophy and more! For complete registration information, visit www.westchesterayso.org. New this year-online credit card payment option (for a nominal convenience fee)!

Sunday, April 13Morning Worship Service/Evening

Worship Service from 10:45 a.m. / 6:00 p.m. at Westchester Bible Church, 10600 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester, IL 60154 www.westchesterbiblechurch.org

Sunday School – “Experiencing God” Series from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at Westchester Bible Church, 10600 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester, IL 60154 www.westchesterbiblechurch.org

FREE Gospel Concert – Tim Parton from 10:45 – 11:45 a.m. & 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Westchester Bible Church, 10600 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester, IL 60154 www.westchesterbiblechurch.org

Palm Sunday Masses, 8:30 and 10:30 AM, Sunday, Divine Providence

Church, 2600 Mayfair

Monday, April 14Reconciliation (Confession), 1:00-

2:00 PM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair

Lenten Evening Mass, 7:00 PM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair

Tuesday, April 15Ladies Bible Study - Proverbs


Living Stations (featuring Divine Infant 8th grade students) will begin at 1:30 pm at Divine Infant Church, 1600 Newcastle Avenue. For more information, contact the school office at 865-0122.


AMBASSADORS (Grades 7th–12th) from 6:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Westchester Bible Church,10600 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester, IL 60154 www.westchesterbiblechurch.org


Family Film Night featuring “Adventures of the Penguin King” 6:30 PM at Library. Contact Youth Dept or call 708-562-3573.

Divine Providence and Grace Lutheran Ecumenical Discussion, 11:30 AM Grace Lutheran Church Activity Room, 1101 Manchester

Tai Chi Class, 4:30 PM, Divine Providence Church Narthex, 2540 Mayfair

Tenebrae Service, 7:30 PM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair

Thursday, April 17Maundy Thursday Service at 7:00

pm at Westchester Community Church

Morning Prayer, 8:00 AM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair

Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7:30 PM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, 8:45 PM -- 11:00 PM (Night Prayer at 10:45 PM), Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair

See CALENDAR, page 21

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Teetering Tots Playgroup 9:30-10:30 a.m. Teetering Tots would like to welcome tots between the ages of 0-4 to a playgroup in the Divine Providence gym twice a month. The group has been established to provide stay-at-home and part-time working parents with a local activity to promote friendships and provide emotional support to parents with children in the early years of their live. We welcome the very young of Westchester, with a parent, into Divine Providence School for some entertainment and socialization. Parents are encouraged to bring any items from bottles to bears that will make the experience more enjoyable for their children.

Friday, April 18Good Friday Service at 7:00 pm at

Westchester Community ChurchReformer’s Unanimous – RU from



Stations of the Cross, 3:00 PM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair

Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion, 7:30 PM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair


Stations of the Cross, 3:00 PM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair

Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion, 7:30 PM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair

Good Friday, No School, Divine Providence School, 2500 Mayfair Avenue, 708-562-2258, www.divineprovidenceschool.org:

Village Hall Offices will be closed in observance of Good Friday

Friday, April 18 through Friday, April 25

Divine Infant Jesus School is closed for Easter break. School will resume on Monday April 28th.

Saturday, April 19Morning Prayer, 8:00 AM, Divine

Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair

Blessing of Easter Food, 1:00 PM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair

Easter Vigil and First Mass of Easter, 7:30 PM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair

Sunday, April 20Easter Sunday Services at 8:00 am

and 10:00 am - all are welcome at Westchester Community Church

Morning Worship Service/Evening Worship Service from 10:45 a.m. / 6:00 p.m. at Westchester Bible Church, 10600 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester, IL 60154 www.westchesterbiblechurch.org

FREE Easter Breakfast from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at Westchester Bible Church, 10600 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester, IL 60154 www.westchesterbiblechurch.org

Easter Sunday Masses, 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 AM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair

Monday, April 21 & Tuesday, April 22

AARP Driver Safety Course from 9 am to 1 pm in the Community Room of Village Hall. (Parking is available behind village hall and participants may use the Community Room entrance.). The AARP Driver Safety Program is the nation’s first and largest classroom course, designed especially for drivers age 50 and older. However, the course is open to licensed drivers of all ages. Course completion helps older drivers refine existing skills and develop safe driving strategies in today’s challenging driving environment. There are no tests required. The cost of the program for AARP members is $15.00, non members cost is $20.00. The course is open to licensed drivers of all ages. However, the course size is limited to 35 people and reservations are required. Please call Molly at Village Hall (708) 345-0020 to reserve your spot!

Monday, April 21 through Friday, April 25

Easter Break - No School Divine Providence School, 2500 Mayfair Avenue, 708-562-2258, www.divineprovidenceschool.org:


31 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Westchester Bible Church,10600 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester, IL 60154

www.westchesterbiblechurch.org

Market Day Pick-up 8:30-9:30 a.m. Divine Providence School, 2500 Mayfair Avenue, 708-562-2258, www.divineprovidenceschool.org:

Village Board Meeting at 7:00 PM in the Village Hall Court Room with the Committee of the Whole Meeting immediately following.


AMBASSADORS (Grades 7th–12th) from 6:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Westchester Bible Church,10600 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester, IL 60154 www.westchesterbiblechurch.org


Market Day pick-up from 5:30 – 6:30 pm in Langan Hall at Divine Infant Jesus, 1640 Newcastle Avenue. Call the rectory at 708-865-8071 for more information.

Family Film Night featuring “The Book Thief” 6:30 PM at Library. Contact Youth Dept or call 708-562-3573.

Divine Providence and Grace Lutheran Ecumenical Discussion, 11:30 AM, Divine Providence, 2540 Mayfair


Thursday, April 24Town Hall Meeting at 10:00 AM at

Library. State Representative Chris Welch will discuss new Illinois “Concealed Carry” law. Contact Adult Dept or call 708-562-3573.

Friday, April 25Reformer’s Unanimous – RU from


Saturday, April 26Village-wide Spring Cleanup

Day from 8 am to 12 pm! We are always in need of extra assistance at our events, please contact Molly Keane at [email protected] or 708-345-0020 to volunteer your time, effort and energy. A light lunch will be provided to volunteers following the event.

FREE Gospel Concert – The Blackwood Brothers from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Westchester Bible Church,10600 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester, IL 60154 www.westchesterbiblechurch.org

Pizza Blast Fund Raiser from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Westchester Bible Church, 10600 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester, IL 60154 www.westchesterbiblechurch.org. Call for Reservation: 708-562-3040, $5/Adult, $3/4-10 yrs, FREE/3 and under

Pitch, Hit and Run Program at Mayfair Park at 9:00 AM

Butterflies Are Coming 2:00 PM at Library. Program for kids and parents with Stephanie Walquist of Monarch Watch. Contact Youth Dept or call 708-562-3573.

Welcome New Parishioners, after 5:00 Mass, Divine Providence Church Narthex, 2600 Mayfair

Sunday, April 27Morning Worship Service/Evening

Worship Service from 10:45 a.m. / 6:00 p.m. at Westchester Bible Church, 10600 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester, IL 60154 www.westchesterbiblechurch.org

Sunday School – “Experiencing God” Series from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at Westchester Bible Church, 10600 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester, IL 60154 www.westchesterbiblechurch.org

Welcome New Parishioners, after 8:30 and 10:30 Mass on Sunday, Divine Providence Church Narthex, 2600 Mayfair

Monday, April 28Documentary Film Night featuring

“Blind Spot: Hitler’s Secretary” at 7:00 pm at Library. Contact Adult Dept or call 708-562-3573.

Classes Resume 8:00 a.m. Divine Providence School, 2500 Mayfair Avenue, 708-562-2258, www.divineprovidenceschool.org:



TAG: Teen Advisory Group meeting 4:00 PM at Library. Meeting open to teens in grades 8-12 who are interested in having a voice in teen programs at the Library. Contact

See CALENDAR, page 22

CALENDARContinued from page 20

22 APRIL 2014

Youth Dept or call 708-562-3573.


AMBASSADORS (Grades 7th–12th) from 6:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Westchester Bible Church, 10600 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester, IL 60154 www.westchesterbiblechurch.org


End of Early Bird Pool Pass Prices through the Westchester Park District

All School mass at 8:00 am at Divine Infant Jesus Church, 1600 Newcastle Avenue. Come join us. For more information, contact the school office at 865-0122.

Family Film Night featuring “Frozen” 6:30 PM at Library. Contact Youth Dept or call 708-562-3573.

All-School Mass, 9:00 AM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair

Divine Providence and Grace Lutheran Ecumenical Discussion, 11:30 AM, Grace Lutheran Church Activity Center, 1101 Manchester


Pastor Mills of the Westchester Community Church will speak about his trip to India at Tablegrace at Grace Lutheran Church, 1101 Manchester; from 11:30 AM to 1:00

PM. Bring a sandwich. Refreshments will be served. Come and join us.

Thursday, May 1The American Legion, Col. A.L.

Brodie Post 1437 meets every first Thursday of the month at 7:00PM in the community room at the Village Hall.

The next meeting will be Thursday, May 1, 2014. All veterans are welcome. For further information please contact Stan Kolodziej, 708-790-9640.

Friday, May 2First Friday Eucharistic Adoration,

8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Divine Providence Ministry Center, 2540 Mayfair

Saturday, May 3Eucharist Retreat at Divine Infant

Jesus School - 9 am to noon for 2nd graders of Divine Infant Parish

making their First Communion. Contact Sr. Susan Majcen at 708-865-8086 for more information.

Creating Butterfly Habitats 10:30 AM at Library.

Program for adults to learn how your garden can be a welcoming habitat for butterflies, with Stephanie Walquist of Monarch Watch. Contact Adult Dept or call 708-562-3573.

Sunday, May 4

Monday, May 5Monday Matinees featuring

“Casablanca” 2:00 PM at Library. Contact Adult Dept or call 708-562-3573.

Tuesday, May 6

May Crowning (Crowning of Statue of Mary), 1:30 PM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair

CALENDARContinued from page 5


which supplies electricity to about 180 municipalities, estimates it will charge customers $5 to $10 extra in June to cover higher than normal costs.” Please note: Westchester residents enrolled with FirstEnergy through the Village’s electric aggregation program will not see the $5 to $10 charge this June. The power supply agreement the Village entered into with First Energy as negotiated through NIMEC when municipal aggregation was initiated did not allow for these pass through charges. There are approximately 100 other municipalities in northern Illinois that contracted with FirstEnergy for their aggregation, but used the FirstEnergy power agreement. That agreement allowed for this type of a pass through. Those communities’ residents will be realizing the extra June charge. We are pleased to have shielded our residents from this charge.

SORROW IN OUR MIDST

Longtime Westchester resident, Alfonso Marchioretto, passed on the evening of Monday, March 3rd.

He was born in Mason of the province of Venice, Italy on September 24, 1921 and came to America with his mom and brother Peter when he was nine years old. He was drafted by the US Army and entered into active service on January 2, 1943 and was honorably discharged in January of 1946. His military specialization was refrigeration mechanics and he earned several ribbons of

recognition for his services, which are proudly displayed in his home. He is survived by his wife (Anna Maria DiPasquantonio). They would have been married 66 years this May.

Al and Ann established themselves in Cicero, IL until they moved to Westchester in October 1964. Al worked in the refrigeration department as an electrical assembler for Hot Point (now General Electric) for 50 years until he retired in 1985. They have two daughters: Ms. Laura Spangle and Mrs. Linda (Dr. Louis) Scannicchio; six grandchildren: Brian and David Spangle, Yolanda (Christopher) Lufrano, Louis (Marcia) Scannicchio, Lisanne and Brittany Scannicchio; 2 great-grandchildren: Louis Rocco Scannicchio (4 months) and Gabriela Ann Lufrano (3 months). Brother of the late Peter (late Virginia) Marshe, and the late Aldo (Nancy) Marchioretto; brother-in-law of the late John (late Elide) DiPasquantonio. Al always enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Hobbies included: riding his bike, gardening in his “giardino”, wiffle ball in the back yard, playing numerous games like “Sorry!”, “Scrabble”, “Put & Take”, and his originals “The Car Game” and “52 Pick-up”. He and Ann spent several winters in Florida and made annual trips New York/New Jersey to visit relatives.

Al always enjoyed the annual Marchioretto Picnic. He was always telling jokes and making others laugh with his key phrases and funny faces.

He was a faithful man who said prayers in English and Italian.

He will be remembered for his radiant smile, his humor, and his kind heart. Godspeed “Papa Fonso”!

FROM THE BOARDAt the March 11, Village Board

meeting, the following items were approved under the Consent Agenda;

The Record of Bills ending 03-07-2014 in the amount not to exceed $ 793,946.59

Monthly Department Reports for February 2014 including

Minutes of the February 25, 2013 Village Board Meeting, Minutes of the February 25, 2013 Committee of the Whole Meeting, Minutes of the January 28, 2014 Closed Session Meeting and Minutes of the February 11, 2014 Closed Session Meeting

An Ordinance Amending Section 11.44.040, entitled “No turn on red intersections,” of Chapter 11.44, entitled “Miscellaneous Traffic Regulations,” of Title 11, entitled “Vehicles and Traffic,” of the Westchester Municipal Code

An Ordinance Amending Chapter 5.36, entitled “Liquor Sale,” of Title 5, entitled “Business Licenses and Regulations,” of the Westchester Municipal Code

An Ordinance Authorizing the Disposal of Surplus Property of the Village of Westchester and Waiving Competitive Bidding and authorizing the Purchase of a 2014 Ford Utility Police Interceptor from Currie Motors Fleet in the Net Amount of $23,080

Under the Active Agenda, the following items were approved;

A Resolution Approving and Ratifying a Confidentiality Agreement Between the Village of Westchester and Regency Centers Corporation

A Resolution Declining he Village of Westchester’s First Right to Purchase Real Property from the Westchester

Local Library

At the March 11, Committee of the Whole meeting, the following items were discussed under new business;

The Plan Commission’s Recommendation to Approve Petition PC-14-0001 Amendment to the Planned Unit Development at the northeast corner of 31st & Wolf Rd (Westbrook Commons), Westchester (Regency Centers, Petitioner) to provide for an addition to the Mariano’s property.

An Economic Incentive Agreement for Mariano’s

The purchase of a strike pounder for the Public Works Department in order to break through concrete and dig more quickly in case of main breaks or other potential needs.

The enforcement of re-inspection fees to be assessed by the Community Development Department when an inspection is not passed; the department has the authority to assess a fee for the re-inspection.

The financing of the Fire Department’s recently purchased ambulance. An intergovernmental agreement with MWRD to move forward with the Mayfair Expansion Project

Watershed Management Ordinance (WMO) – President Pulia

Under Old BusinessStella’s - Westchester LLC (d/b/a

Stella’s Place) Liquor License – President Pulia

Under Information OnlyVillage Manager Matthys updated

the board on the status of the 2014 Street Program including the above mentioned projected schedule and phases.

APRIL 2014 23

FLOOD HAZARD AREASThere are two main areas in

Westchester that are in the 100-year floodplain. The northern area of town is in the 100-year floodplain for Addison Creek. There is another 100-year flood plain area on the south end of town that is tributary to Salt Creek. This area runs roughly west to east a few blocks north of 31st Street. The storms that have occurred that cause flooding to occur are generally storms that produce a lot of rain. For example, the main event in July of 2010 that caused Addison Creek and Salt Creek to overflow their banks was over seven inches of rain in a 12 hour period. Flooding has occurred along each of the creeks in 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2013.

FLOOD SAFETYThe following common sense

guidelines can help you from the dangers of flooding:

Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in cars than anywhere else. Do not drive around barriers.

Do not walk through flowing water. Currents can be deceptive. Six inches of water can knock you off your feet.

Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. If your house is about to be flooded, turn off the power at the service box. Electrical current can travel through water. Electrocution is the 2nd leading cause of death during floods.

Be alert to gas leaks. Turn off the gas to your house before it floods. If you smell gas, report it to a Village official or your gas company. Do not use candles, lanterns or open flames if you smell gas or are unsure if your gas has been shut off.

Keep children away from the flood waters, ditches, culverts and storm drains. Flood waters can carry unimaginable items that have dislodged themselves. Culverts may suck smaller people into them rendering them helpless.

Clean everything that has been wet. Flood water will be contaminated with sewage and other chemicals which pose severe health threats.

Look out for animals, especially snakes. Small animals that have been flooded out of their home may seek shelter in yours.

Do not use gas engines, such as generators, or charcoal fires indoors during power outages. Carbon monoxide exhaust can pose serious health hazards.

PROPERTY PROTECTION MEASURES

If your property is susceptible to flooding, there are many flood damage reduction measures you can employ.

Watertight seals can be applied to brick and block walls to protect against low-level flooding.

Utilities such as heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters and other major appliances can be elevated to higher floors in the structure or on raised platforms.

Temporary measures such as moving furniture and other valuables to higher floors or sandbagging exterior opening will also help.

Elevating or relocating the entire structure may also be a feasible option.

FLOODPLAIN PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

All development within the 100-yr. floodplain (not just construction of buildings, but filling, excavation, fences, etc.) is required to obtain a Village Permit. Applications must be made prior to doing any work in a floodplain area. Please contact the Community Development Department to receive all the information you will need in order to properly develop in the floodplain at (708)-345-0199. You may report any illegal development activities to the above number as well.

SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT/DAMAGE

The NFIP requires that if the cost of improvements to a building or the cost to repair damages (from any cause) to a building exceeds 50% of the market value of the building (excluding land value), the entire building must be brought up to current floodplain management standards. Building improvement projects include exterior and interior remodeling, rehabilitation, additions and repair and reconstruction projects. Additionally, the cost of currently planned improvements will be added to the cost of previously made improvements and compared to the existing market value to determine if the improvements exceed 50% of the structure’s value. Please contact the Village Building Department at (708)-345-0199 for further information.

FLOOD INSURANCEIf your do not have flood insurance,

talk to your insurance agent. Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. Flood insurance is only available to those participating communities in the

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Because of our floodplain management programs that attempt to protect us from multiple flooding hazards, Westchester is part of the NFIP and thus, residents are able to obtain flood insurance. Additionally, because the Village participates in FEMA’s CRS program, flood insurance premiums are discounted.

Be sure to check your policy to ensure you have adequate coverage. Usually these policies cover the building structure, but not the contents. Contents coverage can also be obtained by asking. There is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance coverage becomes effective. Plan ahead; do not wait until a flood is predicted before purchasing flood insurance. If you are building inside the floodplain, the purchase of flood insurance is mandatory if using a federally regulated/insured bank for a loan.

NATURAL & BENEFICIAL FUNCTIONS

Flood plains play a valuable role in providing natural and beneficial functions to the area around, and including, Westchester. Floodplains that are relatively undisturbed provide a wide range of benefits to both human and natural systems. These benefits provide aesthetic pleasure as well as function to provide active processes such as filtering nutrients. The Forest Preserve property along Sunnyside Avenue is used as a means to filter road debris and oil run-off from streets so that these areas can maintain bio-diversity and ecosystem sustainability. Both floodplains contain historic and archeological sites that provide opportunity for education and study. Both enhance waterfowl, fish and other wildlife habitats and provide feeding/breeding grounds. And lastly, both floodplains provide natural erosion control and open

space so further flooding damage does not occur.

DRAINAGE SYSTEM MAINTENANCEAs simple as it may sound, simply

keeping smaller ditches and steams free of debris can dramatically improve the run-off capacity of low-lying areas, as well as greatly reduce the occurrence blockage that significantly contributes to flooding. It is illegal to dump materials into a required waterway and violators may be fined. If you see someone in the act of dumping or see debris in one of our watercourses, please contact the Village at 708-345-0020.

FLOOD WARNING SYSTEMMany times, flooding along the

Addison and Salt Creeks within the Village of Westchester can be predicted in advance, giving ample warning for preparation and evacuation. However, in the event of a flash flood due to a large rain event, you may be the first to notice the oncoming situation and have only hours to execute your plan. Notify the Village Police Department (911).

The Village’s Emergency Alert System will be activated. Tune in your radio for local and National Weather Service Updates. You will also see regular interruption on local radio and television stations advising you of the situation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONIf you should require further or more

detailed information regarding flood-related issues in Westchester, here are some additional sources:

FEMA.gov websiteWestchester Village Hall 708-345-

002010300 Roosevelt Rd.Westchester, IL 60154Floodplain FAQ page on the www.

westchester-il.org website.Westchester Public Library.

Westchester Flood Information

24 APRIL 2014

Westchester Community will host its second blood drive of the year on Saturday, April 19.

Sponsored by our own Westchester Blood Program and LifeSource Blood Services, it will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Community Center gym at Bond and Westchester Blvd. We are also holding a fundraising bake sale in conjunction with this drive being the day before the Easter Holiday.

Over the last few years, these events have become more than just community drives; donors come from across the western suburbs and now number nearly one-third of the donor turnout. It truly is an area effort.

The need for “the gift of life” is critical: Every 3 seconds, someone in this country needs a blood transfusion because of surgery, complications during or after the birth of a baby or a major accident on a highway or at

home. At its first drive of the year, on Jan. 18,

the WPB collected 115 units (pints) for area hospitals, pushing to 24,421 units its total since its founding in 1974. In July, the Westchester Blood Program (WBP) will celebrate its 40th birthday!

From registration to post-donation refreshments it takes approximately an hour to donate a unit of whole blood. Our regular donors realize that just one pint of their blood helps to save and/or improve the lives of up to three people.

Anyone with questions about the WBP’s important task may contact Chairman Joan Steinhauer at 708-409-0779, Carl Panek at 708-606-4548 or LifeSource at 877-543-3768. Don’t forget to check out our new website at www.westchesterbloodprogram.webs.com. We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, April 19.

Calling all Blood Donors and Volunteers: Second

Drive of the Year - April 19

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By Xiaoying Qiao

On Saturday, February 8, 2014, an Eagle Scout Court of Honor was held for David Qiao, member of Boy Scouts of America Troop 73, Westchester, IL.

The ceremony took place at the Sanctuary of Westchester Community Church, 1840 Westchester Boulevard, Westchester. Village President Sam Pulia, Pastor Joe and Mrs. Barb Mills, together with many troop members, families and friends, attended the ceremony.

David Qiao earned the rank of Eagle

on November 21, 2013, by c o m p l e t i n g an Eagle project of building a Boy Scout flower garden at the s o u t h w e s t corner of the Westchester M e m o r i a l Fountain.

With sponsorship from Peter Troost Monument Corporation in Hillside,

Home Depot Store of Broadview, Paul’s Pizza of Westchester, Mrs. Barbara Lucchese, Scouts and Families of Westchester, and the assistance from Troop 73 and other volunteers, beautiful annual and perennial flowers were grown in the Boy Scout Garden, tribute to the Village of Westchester and the people who sacrificed themselves to serve our Country and Community.

Participating Scouts, Scout Leaders, and Friends of Scouting fully enjoyed the pride and joy of Eagle Scout ceremony. After the Eagle

Rank award, they were entertained with Scout skits, a slide show with 340 scouting pictures, along with upbeat music and delicious food, drinks, and cake.

Boy Scouts Troop 73, established in 1937 and chartered to Westchester Community Church, has a history of 77 years and has cultivated numerous excellent youth members.

David Qiao is the 47th Eagle Scout from the troop to receive the highest rank of scouting awarded by the Boy Scouts of America National Council.

Per Village ordinance, each vehicle (including motorcycles & trucks) registered or housed in the Village is required to have a 2014 Westchester vehicle tag, correctly displayed on the lower right corner of each vehicle

windshield, or on the license plate for motorcycles, by May 1, 2014 to avoid late fees and potential ticketing for non-compliance. 2014 stickers have been on sale since the beginning of March.

Failure to purchase your sticker within the allotted time-frame (prior to May 1, 2014) will result in a penalty fee. Stickers purchased after April 30, 2014 will also be subject to a citation by the Police Department for failure

to display a proper vehicle sticker. Save time this year and purchase your

sticker online at www.westchester-il.org

Questions, please contact the Finance Department at 708-345-0020.

Reminder: Vehicle Stickers Due April 30, 2014

Eagle Scout Court of Honor Held at Westchester Community Church

public WorkS30 APRIL 2014

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April 2014 final newsletter

Documents

trustees frank perry

trustees calcagno

team of trustees

trustees nick steker

economic development

comprehensive plan

possession of cannabis

president pulia