August 2016 Westchester Newsletter by Village of Westchester, IL

Village of

Westchester AUGUST 2016 Newsletter

From the Desk of The President POLICE DEPARTMENT

FIRE DEPARTMENT

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

10 Enjoying the fun in the sun at the Block Party in the Park!

SCHOOL DISTRICT

LIBRARY

12 14

PARK DISTRICT

CALENDAR

For those of you who attended our 4th of July Parade and Village Block Party at Community Park, I hope that you will agree with me that these events are partnerships not only forged between your governmental bodies, but building partnerships with you. While driving along the parade route tossing candy to the kids and their parents, I saw smiles from ear to ear. Flags waving, and veterans standing tall who fought for the freedoms we have. Infants to grandparents were out in force, all celebrating, happy to be living in the best country in the world. To me the day represents more than we battled Great Britain for our independence. It was a justification that we, as a republic, got it right. Our Constitution and Bill of Rights are not just pieces of old paper written over 200 years ago but living breathing documents shaping and evolving every day. In front of my home I have placed a replica of the Statue of Liberty and a memorial to those who perished on September 11, 2001. On the wall, besides our American Flag, I had hung my father’s U.S. Army Flag, a Revolutionary War ‘Don’t Tread on Me’ f lag,

and Great Britain’s Union Jack. I was asked, “Why the British f lag, didn’t we defeat them?” My comment was clear. Great Britain is an ally of the United States. We may have won our independence from them to create our own country, however, we have always stood together since that time and have supported each other in times of trouble and uncertainty; something I’m sure will continue in the future. While riding in the parade down Dorchester at about Stratford, I saw an elderly veteran in a wheel chair sitting stoically at the corner. I proceeded to stop at his location and, due to his advanced age, guessed he had served in World War II. I thanked him for his service while shaking his hand, wondering what he was thinking about, and what Theater of War he had served; the Pacific or European, and glad to see he survived such a horrible situation he had been involved in. Continuing on throughout the parade route, I saw everyone having a good time.

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Pictures

Police Department AUGUST

2016

A message from the chief I want to take this time to say “THANK YOU” to all the residents and business owners who have taken the time to reach out to the members of the Police Department in expressing your support for their hard work in keeping the Village a safe place to live, work and visit. Your cards, donations, handshakes and social media support, are truly appreciated by the entire department. The culture today is one that has become fashionable to criticize the work and decisions made by a law enforcement officer; the demands of the job have never been greater, yet we continue to go out and do the very best we can to serve the community. It is very heart-warming to us to know that so many of our citizens stand behind us and the work we do. So again “THANK YOU” and I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer. As the summer winds down, I want to let everyone that it is my intention to bring the Citizens Police Academy back to the Westchester Police Department. We will be holding our first class this fall beginning in October. The class will be one night a week for three hours and will go for ten weeks. Those interested and who attend will learn about the day-to-day operations of police work. Topics covered will be: Patrol

Techniques, Terrorism, Self-Defense, Firearms, SWAT, Bomb Unit, Gangs & Drugs, Traffic Stops / DUI; just to mention a few. Applications will go online in late August. Those applying must fill out a brief application and be subject to a criminal history check. The Citizens Police Academy is a wonderful way to enhance the relationship between the police department and community; and for you to meet and establish a personal relationship with the members of the department. I look forward to meeting you as well and the relationship we will have as we move into the future. Lastly, I want to thank all those that came out for “National Night Out’ on August 2nd. It was full of fun and enjoyment for those who participated. I want to thank Officer Rob Verber for all his hard work in making sure the event went off successfully. I also want to congratulate the following officers who have work anniversaries this month: Officer Rob Verber - 27 years August 2nd Frank Esposito - 2 years August 25th Police Services Coordinator Sarah Hribal - 5 years August 29th Community Service Officer Sgt. Rich Stieber - 22 years August 31st.

Police blotter 1) At 10:27am on June 27, 2016 a Burglar y to Auto was reported on the 1900 block of Kensington. The vehicle owner reported that unknown person(s) entered the unlocked vehicle and removed various tools 2) At 7:32pm on July 2, 2016 a Burglar y to Garage was reported on the 1400 block of Suffolk. The resident reported that unknown person(s) damaged their locked garage door removing tools. 3) At 10:29am on July 7, 2016 a Retail Theft was reported at Mariano’s at 3020 Wolf Road. A female was arrested and charged with leaving the store without paying for merchandise. 4) At 5:19pm on July 8, 2016 a Criminal Damage to Auto was reported at 5 Westbrook Corporate Center. The vehicle owner reported that their vehicle was scratched while parked in the parking garage.

5) At 10:09am on July 12, 2016 a Criminal Damage was reported on the 10800 block of 31st. The homeowner reported that unknown person(s) damaged their glass top table and outdoor umbrella . 6) At 5:00pm on July 13, 2016 an Ar med Robber y was reported at the Time Center Located at 9848 Roosevelt Road. 4 subjects entered the business and removed various watches and jewelry. 7) At 10:13am on July 17, 2016 a Burglar y to Auto was reported on the 1900 block of Manchester. An unlocked vehicle was ransacked and electronics were removed from the vehicle. 8) At 3:00pm on July 17, 2016 a Burglar y to Auto was reported on the 2100 block of Manchester. Person(s) unknown removed a GPS unit from an unlocked vehicle.

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For that hour, everyone regardless of status, race, creed, religion or any other moniker were all just WESTCHESTER! Many smiling faces confirming Westchester as “A PROUD VILLAGE WITH A BRIGHT FUTURE.” The Village Block Party held on Friday, July 15th and Saturday, July 16th was a blast. Although we got off to a slightly rainy start on Friday night, the cool weather kept the bugs away as we heard music from the group “Strung Out” and Westchester’s own “Kickin’ Jimmy.” The festivities continued on Saturday with 3 musical groups providing the entertainment; “Frank and Dave”, “Heartache Tonight and the “Chicago Experience”rounded out the evening entertainment that had a full audience demanding an encore of “one more song” from the “Chicago Experience.” The weather could not have been nicer and I could see in the faces of all the attendees, whether playing bags, volleyball, jumping in the bouncy house, or pulling 2 x 4 wooden blocks from the giant Jenga game or just relaxing and listening to the music, that this is who we are. One community, inviting to all those committed to having a nice time and not causing any trouble that would result in police intervention. Our Police Chief Steven Stelter and his lovely wife Laura, Fire Chief Jim Adams and his better half Patty joined Maureen and I and our Village Manager Janet Matthys, Village Trustee Carl Celestino and his wife Tracy, Trustee Tom Yurkovich, Village Treasurer Barb Brandt and her husband Andreas, along with the many officers and directors of the Westchester Chamber of Commerce, Westchester Park District, Kiwanis Club, Community Resource Officer Rob Verber, Westchester Fire Department, and Westchester Public Works Department who made sure we were all enjoying ourselves. Special thanks to our Special Events Committee for all their efforts in making this a fabulous event. Delicious treats were available from our food vendors Mattone’s Restaurant, Sugar Mama’s, China Wok, Lorenzo’s , Tropical Snow and the Kiwanis Club. Many of them returning again this year and

participate in our fifth annual National Night Out (NNO) campaign. In 1984 the National Association ofTown Watch (NATW) introduced NNO. The NATW is a nonprofit, crime prevention organization which works in cooperation with thousands of crime watch groups and law enforcement agencies throughout the country. Since 1981, the A big CONGRATULATIONS! NATW has been dedicated to to Police Officer Mike Fellers, the development, growth and this year’s winner of the Apple maintenance of organized crime Pie Eating Contest. None of the and drug prevention programs participants appeared to be in nationwide. Last year’s NNO the same league as this eating campaign involved citizens, law agencies, civic machine, who in a record time of 1 enforcement minute and 17 seconds, devoured groups, businesses, neighborhood and local a whole apple pie. Unfortunately, organizations our two-time defending champion officials from over 16,520,000 Dan Perzyna from the Westchester communities from all 50 states, Fire Department was unable to U.S. territories, Canadian cities defend his title this year. Based and military bases worldwide. In on what we are hearing next year all, over 38.1 million people will should be a “Battle of the Eating join forces on August 2nd. This Titans.” Our thanks go out to year’s “33rd Annual NNO” will be the Westchester Jewel/Osco for the largest ever. donating the pies for the contest. Once again we are looking for Before I forget I would like community support. Starting at to thank our Special Activities 6 p.m. those who would like to Group for making all of our participate in our Unity Walk will events possible. The Special assemble in the north end of our Events Coordinator is Ms. Katy community at the Faith Lutheran Finn. Katy puts an inordinate Church campus, 1124 Westchester amount of time and effort into Blvd. We will step off at 6:30 as making all our events successful. we walk south down Westchester to the Westchester We are fortunate to have her and Blvd. a committee that only want us Community Park, 10201 Bond to leave our troubles at home and join with other residents. At and enjoy a night with family, the park all can enjoy an hour of friends, and neighbors. Thanks to free swim in the community pool committee members Greg Hribal, while listening to local musical Keith Suchy, Tom Sullivan,Gary entertainment.Additional outdoor Kasanders, and Derek Gordon – activities planned at the park are an antique vehicle car display, we couldn’t do it without you! business fair, refreshments, entertainment, Our Next event is the Westchester giveaways, Police sponsored “NATIONAL etc. The purpose is to further NIGHT OUT” on August 2, 2016, develop relationships between and our “MUSIC FEST” at High the residents and community in Ridge Park on Saturday, August 6, a partnership to further reduce 2016, and a “MOVIE IN THE PARK” crime in our neighborhoods. on Thursday August 11, 2016. We At dusk, we will be hosting hope to see you there! a Movie in the park featuring Disney’s Big Hero 6. With all the CONGRATULATIONS! heart and humor audiences expect For all of you who wondered from Walt Disney Animation whether the gal welcoming you Studios, “Big Hero 6” is an actionto our fest over the past few packed comedy adventure that years was available, you missed introduces Baymax, a lovable, your chance. Congratulations to personal companion robot, who our newsletter and special events forms a special bond with robotics coordinator Katy on her recent prodigy Hiro Hamada. It’s fun for marriage! Katy was married to Jon the whole family! Noffsinger on July 29th. We wish Katy and Jon much happiness in Please contact Rob Verber, their new life together! Community Service Officer at 708.345.0060 ext. 440 or rverber@westchesterpolice.com NATIONAL NIGHT OUT for additional information. For On Tuesday, August 2nd, 2016, more information on the National the Village of Westchester will Night Out, please visit natw.org. hopefully will continue to support the village events in the future. Thank you to the Westchester Chamber of Commerce for supplying the adult beverages and the Westchester Park District for selling pop and water. J 4 Jumping Beans provided a bouncy house, dunk tank and obstacle course to amuse the kids.

AUGUST 2016

MUSIC FESTIVAL AT HIGH RIDGE PARK On Saturday, August 6, 2016 from 3pm – 10:00pm, the Village will be hosting a Music Festival at High Ridge Park. The Westchester Chamber of Commerce will be holding a Haven’t pulled those bellbottoms and platform shoes out of the closet in a year or two? Or thirty?! Well it’s time to get digging. This is your official invite from The Afrodisiacs to put on your Boogie Shoes, catch the Love Rollercoaster over to Funkytown, and Shake Your Booty. It’s Ladies Night here at the Copacabana and YOU, of all people, Should Be Dancin’! The Afrodisiac’s will take the stage at 6:00PM. ARRA is one of the best and largest drawing classic rock cover bands in the Chicagoland area, and has been for the past 2 decades! They were voted BEST CLASSIC ROCK BAND in the Nitelife Best of the Burbs Contest for the 5th year in a row! ARRA will take the stage at 8:30PM. Food and Refreshments will be available for purchase. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase at the Westchester Chamber of Commerce Booth. If you like music, you’ll like what we have to offer. Hope to see you there!

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS EXPO The Westchester Chamber of Commerce, along with the Hillside Berkeley Chamber of Commerce, will be sponsoring their Annual Business Expo at the Music Festival on August 6th. From 3 5:30 PM, businesses representing our chamber partners will be on site advertising their business offerings that you may not know exist right around the corner. Supporting local businesses is the life blood of our communities. You may be surprised that what you are looking for may be closer than you think.

MOVIE IN THE PARK ON AUGUST 11TH We will have our next family movie night in the park on Thursday, August 11th at dusk. We will feature “Hotel Transylvania 2” at Community Park, 10201 Bond Street. Bring your lawn chair and blanket and come out for a night of family fun! Popcorn and soft

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PRESIDENT

Departments tri-annual sidewalk inspection, a trip hazard was identified that could cause a Continued from page 5 pedestrian to trip and fall in front of your home. To aid in improving drinks are available for purchase this condition the village has a from the Westchester Park District. sidewalk replacement program. Hope to see you there! We encourage you to participate in our annual sidewalk CONGRESSMAN QUIGLEY’S replacement program. The village STAFF TO VISIT VILLAGE HALL will share the replacement cost On Thursday, August 11, 2016, at 50%. This will be a first come, staff members from Congressman first funded basis. Those that Mike Quigley’s office will be on do not participate will receive hand in the Village Board Room an asphalt patch. It is likely that from noon to 2PM to visit with the village will not replace the constituents and take questions sidewalk with concrete without from the public. Congressman your participation in the 50/50 Quigley’s District (5th) covers the sidewalk replacement program. western portion of Westchester and zig- zags to the east through It is important to view the the Village to 31st Street and sidewalk as an integral part of Sunnyside. Congressman Quigley the value of the neighborhood and his staff have been present you live in as they serve school at many of the f lood meetings children and the elderly with that we have hosted at the Village pedestrian security and walking and throughout his 5th District. benefits for the general public. Please stop by and say hello! Sidewalks provide not only a circulation network for pedestrians but can serve as a 2016 STREET IMPROVEMENT meeting place for neighbors and PROGRAM a play area for children. Sidewalks Beginning in early September, also encourage alternatives to contractors will begin several vehicle use and can help improve street reconstruction projects. the environment we live in by Streets to be rebuilt will be promoting walking instead of Kitchner from Westchester driving. Blvd. to Suffolk, Bristol from Wedgewood to Devonshire, If you want to have new sidewalk Suffolk from Wedgewood to or have questions about this Gladstone and Municipal Drive. notice please call the Westchester Residents on the affected streets Public Works Department at will be notified by the contractor 708.345.0041. as construction gets closer.

budget year. The two sections to receive the new signage are Zone 1; Canterbury to I290, Mannheim to Gardner and Zone 2: Heidorn to Haase, Roosevelt to Windsor including Sherwood to Belleview south of Cermak. Additional signage will be added along Enterprise Drive, and Prescott Square to Constitution Drive.

ST. JOSEPH PROPOSED SENIOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

Most of you may have heard, but for those who did not, I would like to follow up on the results of the development proposal. At our June 24th Board meeting, the Board overwhelmingly rejected the Michael’s Group proposal to refurbish the old St. Joseph school into a Senior Affordable Housing Development. St. Joseph is still under contract with realty company CBRE and is reevaluating the sale of the property. At the meeting I suggested to the Board that a Village referendum be given to the residents to support the possibility of the Village’s ability to purchase the property for a Senior Center, with a possible lease arrangement for the gymnasium with our Park District, more green space for a soccer field or future village development. I also proposed that an additional referendum question be placed on the November 2016 ballot to ask the voters to consider a property tax increase to provide funding to add 3 firefighters to man a second ambulance as determined by our NEW STREET SIGNAGE Westchester Fire Department 50-50 SIDEWALK PROGRAM Over the next few months, PW Study and to increase our If you are interested in replacing staff will be erecting new street police department strength by 3 sidewalk squares in front of your signs designating “SNOW ROUTE”, members (up from 29 to 32). Due home please contact Gayle in “ALTERNATE SIDE PARKING to financial constraints, we have the PW office at 708-345-0041. SIGNS” and an added restriction had a reduction in force from Residents pay 50% of the cost for STREET MAINTENANCE. The 38 members in 2003 to 29 today of the replacement. The 2016 existing ordinance was amended through retirements. Discussions contract cost awarded to the to include a 7-day restriction are ongoing, however the board low bidder Strada Construction beginning December 1st through will be making the final decision is $158.75 per 5’ x 5’ sidewalk March 31st for snow events in of ballot placement during the square, with the resident paying excess of 2 inches. month of August. $79.38 per square. Work will be completed in early Fall. The additional restriction will Participation is on a first-come, be for street maintenance, in NO PARKING ALONG MAYFAIR first-served basis until the project particular street sweeping, on AVENUE Due to resident complaints, the budget is fully exhausted. certain days of the week from April 1st through November 30th. police department was asked to Some residents may have The new blue and white signs re-evaluate the parking situation received the attached letter from will replace the old faded red and on Mayfair Avenue from Cermak our public works director and white ones and will conform to the Rd to Dorchester. Presently there may consider participating in our new retro-ref lectivity standards is NO PARKING on the east side 50/50 program. now mandated. Due to the cost of the street and NO PARKING and time required to erect the 100 feet north of Cermak Rd. Notice to Residents About signage, half of the Village street With the addition of a left turn Sidewalk Condition. signs will be replaced this budget lane many years ago the median During the Public Works year and the remainder next yellow striping, which is not to

be driven on, has been constantly violated causing some near misses along the way. Police Chief Stelter recommended that the NO PARKING be extended to Dorchester from Cermak. The Board unanimously accepted this recommendation and amended the ordinance to ref lect the change. The street median has been re-striped and as soon as the signs are erected providing proper notification the restriction will be enforced.

WESTCHESTER MAKES THE NEWS I normally like to tell you about positive items about Westchester that make the news. Unfortunately, I have to report a very dangerous situation involving what I will describe as a DRIVE BY SHOOTING. On July 5th at about 9PM multiple gunshots were fired at a vehicle pulling out of a driveway at Devonshire and Hull Ave. Two persons, a male and female occupant of a vehicle, were shot multiple times by an unidentified offender. Chief Stelter immediately took control of the incident and responding units from adjacent communities along with the West Suburban Major Crimes Task Force responded. At this time no arrests have been made. The investigation is continuing and anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may be, are asked to contact the Westchester Police Detective Division. Chief Stelter indicated that the shooting may be a case of mistaken identity. The Chief’s Press Release is attached: Press Release On July 5, 2016 at approximately 9:00pm officers responded to shots fired near the intersection of Newcastle Avenue and Devonshire Street. Upon their arrival, officers located two subjects inside a home who were suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Paramedics transported a 24 year old female and a 24 year old male to a local hospital. The male victim suffered non-life threatening wounds. The female victim was in surgery for her wounds. Police are looking for a male black subject who drove a dark colored sedan with wrap

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Chamber 8

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Commerce

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Community Development 10

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School District 12

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School District AUGUST 2016

Library 14

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Park District AUGUST 2016

St. Joseph 16

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St. Joseph AUGUST 2016

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Calendar AUGUST 2016

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around tail lights. The motive for the shooting is still under investigation. This incident is being investigated by the Westchester Police Department and the West Suburban Major Crimes Task Force. Anyone with information regarding this shooting is urged to contact the Westchester Police Department, Detective Division at (708) 345-0060. Callers may remain anonymous if desired.

TIME CENTER ARMED ROBBERY Westchester Police are investigating an armed robbery at the Time Center located at 9848 Roosevelt Rd. that occurred on July 13, 2016 at approximately 5:30pm. Two male blacks entered the store armed, went behind the counter, battered the owner stole unknown items. The owner was transported to Loyola Hospital for treatment.

AUGUST 2016

for removal. Acceptable Bulk Items include: Bicycles Furniture Mattress/Box Springs (Preferred bagged) Sleeper Sofa (Tied closed) Toilet (Top separated from bottom) Mirrors and Windows (Taped with “X” pattern) Unacceptable Materials include: Tires E-waste/Electronics White Goods. Waste Management’s Bagster is a convenient alternative way to dispose of material. Bagster is available at many local home improvement stores.

WESTCHESTER RECYCLING EVENT RE-CAP

On Saturday July 9th, a total of 133 Westchester residents brought electronics to the water tower site. The gates open at 9am and promptly closed at 11:30. We do restrict the recycling to Westchester residents only; most arrived having vehicles with current Westchester vehicle WASTE MANAGEMENT NEWS stickers (proof of residency) and On several occasions I have been ten that showed some other type asked how to dispose of certain of proof of Westchester residency. bulk items that may not be able to One resident without a vehicle be picked up by our waste hauler sticker was quite rude, but no Waste Management. CSO was with me at the time, so he was not issued a ticket. The Residents should contact Waste CSO arrived at about 11:00 as Management Customer Service at he began his shift, but no other 800-796-9696 to arrange a pickup tickets were issued. for bulk items greater than 50lbs, Two vehicles were turned get directions on how to properly away after closing and six cars prepare material and get guidance from municipalities other than on acceptable and unacceptable Westchester were turned away. material. None of these drivers were rude, but all were a bit disappointed. If Waste Management does not collect an item set out on a Our next e-recycling event will service day, the following process be held on Saturday, August 13, applies. 2016 from 9AM to 11:30 AM at If the bulk item is greater than the water tower. Please mark 50lbs, not properly prepared, your calendars. If you have not unacceptable material, or unsafe purchased your vehicle tags please to haul, a “Sorry” notification will do so to avoid being ticketed. be stickered to the item that will prompt the resident to call Waste Management’s Customer Service FIRE ALARM SYSTEM REQUIRED As a result of our Building Code Department at 800-796-9696. The Customer Service Rep will update in 2015, multi-family assist the resident on the removal buildings with 5 or more units of the material. If the Customer are required to install a fire alarm Service Rep is unable to help the system to the common area of the resident, the Route Manager will building. I had received several perform a site survey, arrange safe letters from building owners collection of material and contact along Balmoral Avenue to re-visit the resident. In rare cases where and rescind the requirement. I we still cannot haul, the Route brought the request to our Village Manager will offer other options Board meeting on Tuesday, July 12,

2016. Fire Chief Jim Adams was asked to review and comment regarding Ordinance Number 15-2115. Chief Adams told the board that this requirement was necessary to improve the safety and security of the residents and covered only the common areas to lessen the cost factor of requiring individual apartments to be connected to the common area system. After comment, the Board indicated there would be no change to the original ordinance. Those expressing their sentiment against the requirement are asked to contact Chief Adams for any clarification deemed necessary. Chief Adams can be reached at 708-345-0441 or by e-mail at jadams@westchester-il.org.

filed before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois by Chicago SMSA Limited Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless and SBA Towers VI, LLC, (“Verizon”) against the Village of Westchester and the Westchester Zoning Board of Appeals, Case No. 16-CV06050. The lawsuit essentially alleges that the Village’s denial of the special use permit and related zoning relief to allow for Verizon’s construction and use of a cell tower at Mayfair Park was a violation of the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 and Illinois law. The lawsuit is pending before U.S. District Court Judge James B. Zagel.

The Village has reached no agreement with Verizon to settle MWRD FREE RAIN BARREL this matter. Pursuant to Judge PROGRAM TO END Zagel’s courtroom procedures, Just a reminder that the MWRD the parties are required to discuss FREE Rain Barrel Program is the nature and basis of their ending on December 31, 2016. claims and defenses, along with Presently 65 intergovernmental the possibilities for a resolution of agreements have been signed with the lawsuit. Therefore, the parties municipalities like Westchester. have consented to proceed before If you want to participate in Magistrate Judge Maria Valdez the current program, please for a settlement conference on contact Gayle at the Public Works August, 2016 at 2PM. Department at 708-345-0041 or email ggolz@westchester-il.org for The hearing, I am told, is not further information. Rain barrels open to the public, why I don’t will be available for purchase particularly know. I am not at from MWRD after December 31, liberty to discuss the matter 2016. publicly, however I will say the board had an authorized Note: Part of the agreement discussion under our pending requires Westchester to inventory litigation exemption to the open those rain barrels delivered. meetings act on July 12, 2016. I Those receiving the Rain Barrels guess you will have to wait until are responsible for them. We have after the hearing for an update on also been notified that there is a what’s going on. Just to let you minimum 6 week wait for delivery know where I stand, I am still at this time. not in favor of the location SBC Verizon demands, and I have not received any information relative ADDRESS NUMBERS REQUIRED to the Small Cell Technology I Another reminder: During asked for, but then again, I do not our recent code updates, a expect to get anything either. requirement was put into place requiring homeowners residing in the Village to have address SENIIOR LIFESTYLE EXPO The 21st Senior Lifestyle Expo is numbers plainly visible on their homes. The requirement has being held Tuesday, August 23rd & been extended to those residents Wednesday August 24th from 9am who have garages located in an to 2pm at the Drury Lane in Oak alley. Many times when police Brook Terrace. The theme this are responding to emergency year is “Welcome to Paradise!” calls, numbers have been missing. Attractions (during show hours) The addition to the code for the Senior Product & Service additional alley numbering will allow emergency personnel to Exhibitors Health & Wellness Aisle locate situations and identify Educational & Fun Seminars the correct locations while in an Interactive Game Show alley. Challenge Main Stage Entertainment MAYFAIR PARK CELL TOWER UPDATE See PRESIDENT, page 22 On June 9, 2016, a lawsuit was

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some of my Facebook friends for putting up a “SUPPORT THE POLICE “, “ALL LIVES MATTER” Continued from page 21 sign outside the Village Hall a day after the Dallas police killing. I Senior Idol Competition was told my e-mail response was And Much More! placed out in Facebook land and Tickets I did receive additional negative $3.00 at the door with no as well as positive emails and coupons support for the message. Just $2.00 in advance for groups of as with the message I posted 10 or more for supporting Orlando, Florida, $1.00 off with Web Coupon in the unprovoked attack and For more information http:// murder of 49 people, those that www.seniorlifestyleexpo.org/ have read this newsletter know I am unable to be bullied by anyone, and sincere about my SORROW IN OUR MIDST feelings toward all people. Over Concetta Gattuso, mother of my 40 years of wearing a uniform, former Mayor and former Village I do not know of any officer who Trustee Paul Gattuso and Mother- wanted to kill another human in-Law to Firefighter Joe (Connie) being while sworn to protect and Bejlovec and PW’s Scott (Tina) serve. I can tell you that when Russell, passed away on July 6, faced with extremely dangerous 2016. She is survived by her situations we, as police, can beloved husband of 65 years become scared just like we all Tony, her five children and 15 can get. The basic instinct of self grandchildren. As you could preservation will kick in and the imagine, losing a parent has to be phenomena of “Tunnel Vision” one of the most difficult times for occurs, and the adrenalin rush a family to go through. Knowing occurs uncontrollably. Although the Gattuso family like I do, the we have been trained in the use strength and teaching of Concetta of force, and understand the Gattuso has spread throughout use of force continuum in our all of the children already. All general orders, as well as the use respectful, all talented in their of deadly force that would create own way, and all promising to great bodily harm, these rules of keep Concetta in their heart and engagement are all swirling in soul forever. When Mr. Gattuso our heads as we try to apprehend released the white dove outside a law breaker who is resisting the the church he released his most arrest. precious wife to God’s hands with the promise of meeting again. What Happened? Back in 2001, 60 police officers were killed at the World Trade Center. Police SUPPORT YOUR POLICE officers were held in the high I’m sure by now you all know I regard, and were celebrated as come from a long line of police public heroes to everyone. Now officers. I have two sons and we are a target for people through two nephews serving as Chicago assassination. How sad! police officers. I am the son of a police officer. My brother is Police are people with wives a retired police officer. I hope and children and who now have you can imagine how difficult to wonder every day whether it is being a parent of police they will survive their shift. officers, especially these days. I Unfortunately, all the precautions am composing this newsletter on in the world will not protect the Sunday, July 17th, reeling from men and women in blue during the horrible news of the deaths their tour of duty. Did Metra of 3 more assassinated officers in Officer Thomas Cook sitting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In the his squad car know he was going solitude of my office I am looking to be assassinated while sitting at the photos on my office wall behind the wheel on 9/27/06 of my brother Jim and I standing from someone wanting his gun? in uniform with our four boys, Did Maywood Officer Thomas adjacent to our father’s picture in Wood know he was going to be his uniform with the terrible news murdered in similar fashion on streaming on the television. I, for 10/23/06? Did NYPD Officer the life of me, cannot remember a Ramos and Officer Liu think they time where the American police were not going home on 12/20/14 officer has been under siege. but instead to the morgue? I have been taken to task by

Now we face Dallas and Baton

Rouge; both all out blatant assaults on the protectors of us all. As a people, we all better start getting our act together and start talking instead of shooting. We need to learn and perfect, as much as possible, de-escalation strategies knowing full well they may not work and escalate the incident to where force to control the situation may be required. To date, 31 Police officers have been killed by gunfire in 2016; up 94%. Unacceptable by any civilized society. All life is precious. Everyone deserves to be safe and secure and live to a ripe old age. The carnage right here in Chicago has got to stop and stop now. The police have always relied on citizen help and support. We need your help more than ever, both of our lives depend on it. President Obama made this statement following the Baton Rouge murders on July 17, 2016: “For the second time in two weeks, police officers who put their lives on the line to protect ours every day were doing their job when they were killed in a cowardly and reprehensible assault,” “These are attacks on public servants, on the rule of law, and on civilized society, and they have to stop.” “There is no justification for violence against law enforcement. None,” he added. “These attacks are the work of cowards who speak for no one. They right no wrongs. They advance no causes.” “SUPPORT THE POLICE”, “REJECT HATRED” and “LET PEACE PREVAIL.” Enough said… Sam

PRIDE IN 7 CAMPAIGN On Tuesday, July 19th, the Westchester Economic Development Committee hosted its 2nd Pride in 7 Campaign open house at the Village Hall highlighting the Municipal District. There are 7 Way Finding Signs throughout the Village indicating the 7 Business Districts of the Village. I know you have seen the beautiful ornamental signs along the State of Illinois Right of Ways. The purpose of the Pride in 7 Campaign is to recognize the uniqueness of the Westchester business environment, build a sense of pride in local businesses and community, and increase positive economic impact to local businesses. The focus area of the EDC is business retention, business development, strengthen

community relationships, community pride.

and

The EDC consists of 7 members selected by me and approved by the Village Board. Members include Rev. Joe Mills, Lori Jo Fergle, Darlene Barber, Allison Musal, Bob Jankowski, and Brian Doruff. Village membership includes Community Development Director Melissa Headley and Board liaison Frank Perry. Along with the Municipal District, the EDC has established the Addison Creek District, the Historic District, the Municipal District, the Fountain District, the Highridge District, the Tower District and the Prairie District. The EDC plans on hosting its next open house on Tuesday, August 16th at Joe’s Place, 1551 Westchester Blvd,. from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM, featuring the Historic District.

WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY ROOM COOLING CENTER We are into the Dog Days of Summer. The dog days are the hottest, most uncomfortable part of the Northern summer. The American weather and farming annual, The Old Farmer’s Almanac, explains that “[t]he phrase ‘Dog Days’ conjures up the hottest, most sultry days of summer,” coinciding with the heliacal rising of Sirius, the dog star, in the constellation Canis Major. The Village Hall Community Room will be available for extreme heat emergencies for those residents without air conditioning and when our heat index is such that health and safety is in jeopardy. For the past several years we have made available the Community Room for such occasions. The Westchester Fire Department/Police Department are to be contacted should the need arise. Fire Chief Jim Adams has provided the rules of the room for your information: According to the Village of Westchester Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), the Village Cooling Center will be activated when the following conditions are forecasted: 3 consecutive days with the heat index at 100 º F - 104 º F 2 consecutive days with the heat index at 105 º F - 109 º F Single day with the heat index

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at 110 º F or higher The Village Cooling Center in the Community Room is available to any resident that needs it temporarily. Typically, the hours for the cooling center are 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. There will be cots and water for residents to use. NO PETS will be allowed unless it is a certified service pet. The residents utilizing the cooling center are responsible for food and any other personal needs. This is for TEMPORARY use by residents. If residents need longer term assistance, we will make any accommodations within our power. If you need to come to the Cooling Center, please report to the Police Department where you will need to fill out a Westchester Emergency Relocation Form and the police will complete a background check before you are allowed into the cooling center. Between EMA, the fire department, and police department, the cooling center will be monitored throughout its operation.

CHICAGO FIRE SOCCER TEAM TO HOST WESTCHESTER NIGHT The Chicago Fire Soccer Team will host Westchester Night at Toyota Park on Friday, September 17th. The Chicago Fire will be taking on DC United at 7:00 PM. Toyota Park is located at 7000 Harlem Ave, in Bridgeview, IL. Tickets are available by calling 708-496-6884 or visiting w w w. c h i c a g o - f i r e . c o m / v o w. Please let them know you are purchasing tickets for Westchester Night. Tickets are $25 and a portion of the ticket price will benefit the Westchester Food Pantry. The Village will be raff ling off prizes to several lucky soccer fans.

BACK TO SCHOOL Westchester public schools reopen on Wednesday, August 24th. The following are back-toschool tips for parents: Starting the new school year can be a time of great excitement… and anxiety. Help calm your child’s fears (and your own) with these teacher-approved tips. Meet the new teacher. For kids, one of the biggest backto-school fears is “Will I like my

new teacher?” Breaking the ice early on is one of the best ways to calm everyone’s fears. Take advantage of your school’s open house or back-to-school night. Some teachers welcome phone calls or e-mails — another great opportunity to get to know each other before the year begins. If personal contact with the teacher isn’t possible, try locating the teacher’s picture on a school website or in a yearbook, so your child can put a name with a face. If your child’s teacher sends a welcome letter, be sure to read the letter together. Tour the school. If your school hosts an open house, be sure to go. Familiarizing your child with her environment will help her avoid a nervous stomach on the first day. Together you can meet her teacher, find her desk, or explore the playground. With an older child, you might ask him to give you a tour of the school. This will help refresh his memory and yours. Connect with friends. A familiar friend can make all the difference when heading back to school. You might try calling parents from last year’s class and finding out which children are in your child’s class this year. Refresh these relationships before school starts by scheduling a play date or a school carpool. Tool up. Obtain the class supply list and take a special shopping trip with your child. Having the right tools will help him feel prepared. While keeping basic needs in mind, allow for a couple of splurges like a cool notebook or a favorite-colored pen. These simple pleasures make going back to school a lot more fun. School supply lists also provide great insight into the schoolwork ahead. Get your child excited about upcoming projects by explaining how new supplies might be used. Let him practice using supplies that he’s not used before — such as colored pencils or a protractor — so he will be comfortable using them in class. Avoid last-minute drilling. When it’s almost time to stop playing, give a five-minute warning. Giving clear messages to your child is very important. Chat about today’s events and tomorrow’s plans. While it is important to support learning throughout the summer, don’t spend the last weeks of summer vacation reviewing last year’s curriculum. All kids need some down time before the rigors

of school begin. For some kids, last-minute drills can heighten anxiety, reminding them of what they’ve forgotten instead of what they remember. Ease into the routine. Switching from a summer to a school schedule can be stressful to everyone in the household. Avoid first-day-of-school mayhem by practicing your routine a few days in advance. Set the alarm clock, go through your morning rituals, and get in the car or to the bus stop on time. Routines help children feel comfortable, and establishing a solid school routine will make the first day of school go much smoother. Source: http://www.pbs.org/ parents/education/going-toschool/back-to-school/back-toschool-tips-for-parents/.

IRS PHONE SCAMS I have previously written about a friend of mine who recently received a call from someone purporting to be the IRS attempting to extort money from her by saying the IRS was going to file a lawsuit against her. Fortunately she is a very smart woman and realized she had been targeted by a thief. She asked me to remind not only our seniors, who appear to be the best target, but all of us that this scam as well as others are being concocted every day. Well, it happened on my house phone. All were digital, almost robotic messages, from a female voice. A noticeable pause before the threatening “YOU” could be detected. Just to let you know, I contacted the Federal Trade Commission and registered a complaint and gave them the two numbers displayed on my caller ID. I’m not sure what, if anything, they can do but my advice still stands. Do not engage with the callers, just “HANG UP.” FYI my friend received the call on her cell phone. If the IRS wants you they know where to find you. They will not be calling. I visited the Better Business Bureau and obtained a list of the Top 10 Scams of 2015 Tax Scams: You owe money to the government and you are going to be arrested if you don’t pay. Tech Support Scam: We are from tech support, you have a computer problem and we can help. Lottery/Prize Scam: You have won a prize and all you have to do is pre-pay the taxes. Loan Scams: You have received the loan, but first you need to pay

a deposit or insurance. Money Order Scams: We overpaid you, but just send us the difference ( and later the check will bounce) Collection Scams: You owe money for debt and you will be sued if you do not pay now. Credit Card Scams: You can get a better interest rate; just tell us your credit card number and security code. Improvement Scams; We can fix anything in your home, but first give us a deposit (and later they will never show up). Government Scams: You are qualified for a government grant: just send us the processing fee first. Work from Home Scams: You got the job, now just give us a ton of personal identifiable information. Visit BBB.ORG/SCAMTRACKER/ CHICAGO FROM THE BOARD At the June 28th Village Board Meeting, the following items were approved under the Consent Agenda: Approval of the Record of Bills ending 06-23-16 in the amount not to exceed $686,162.66 Approval of Minutes of the April 26, 2016 Village Board Meeting, Minutes of the April 26, 2016 Committee of the Whole Meeting, Minutes of the April 26, 2016 Executive Session, Minutes of the June 14, 2016 Village Board Meeting, Minutes of the June 14, 2016 Committee of the Whole Meeting, and Minutes of the June 14, 2016 Executive Session An Ordinance Amending Section 11.32.150, entitled “Truck Parking”, of Chapter 11.32, entitled “Parking”, of Title 11, Entitled “Vehicles and Traffic”, of the Westchester Municipal Code An Ordinance Providing for the Declaration of the General Prevailing Rate of Hourly Wages for the Year 2016 to be Paid to Laborers, Mechanics and Other Workers Performing Construction of Public Works within the Village of Westchester, Cook County, Illinois An Ordinance Amending Section 14.36.015, entitled “Modifications – Insertions, Additions, Deletions and Modifications”, of Chapter 14.36, entitled “Fire Prevention Code”, of Title 14, entitled “Buildings and Construction”, of the Westchester Municipal Code A Resolution Regarding the Periodic Review of Closed Session Minutes and the Destruction

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of the Verbatim Recordings of Certain Closed Meetings of the Village of Westchester At the June 28th Village Board Meeting, the following items were approved under the Active Agenda: An Ordinance Amending Section 11.32.090, entitled “Parking Prohibited At All Times on Certain Streets”, of Chapter 11.32, entitled “Parking”, of Title 11, entitled “Vehicles and Traffic”, of the Westchester Municipal Code A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Release and Assignment of Claim on Surety Bond with Old Republic Surety Company Consideration of a Motion Authorizing the Execution of a Letter of Support on Behalf of The Michaels Development Company for the Construction of a Senior Housing Development to be Located at 1840 Mayfair Avenue, Westchester, Illinois Proposed Amendment to the 2016 Schedule of Meetings of

the Village President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Westchester Cook County IL

28, 2016 Village Board Meeting, of $36,596.00 Minutes of the June 28, 2016 Committee of the Whole Meeting, At the July 12th Village and Minutes of the June 28, 2016 Committee of the Whole Meeting, At the June 28th Village Executive Session the following items discussed Committee of the Whole Meeting, under New Business: the following items discussed Approval of Departmental Employee Deferred under New Business: Monthly Reports for: Community Compensation Plan Hampton Inn Concept Plan Development Department, Police 50/50 Sidewalk Program Bid Electric Supply Pricing – Department, Fire Department, Results Crestwood/Streetlights and Public Works Department Emergency Alert Sirens – Traffic Control Sign Quotes An Ordinance Waiving Maintenance/Replacement At the June 28th Village Competitive Bidding and E-911 Service Contract Committee of the Whole Meeting, Authorizing the Purchase of In-Squad Computer the following items discussed Street Signs from Traffic Control See PRESIDENT, page 29 under Old Business: & Protection, Inc., in the amount Consideration of a Text Amendment to Permit Assembly Uses in the Industrial Area Dog Park At the June 28th Village Committee of the Whole Meeting, the following items discussed under Information Only: MWRD Rain Barrel Program At the July 12th Village Board Meeting, the following items were approved under the Consent Agenda: Approval of the Record of Bills ending 07-08-16 in the amount not to exceed $648,521.38 Approval of Minutes of the June

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Replacements Referendum Questions – General Election Gazebo – Fountain Area Parental Leave Policy At the July 12th Village Committee of the Whole Meeting, the following items discussed under Old Business: An Ordinance Amending the Westchester Municipal Code Regarding Restrictions on the Parking of Trailers in the Village of Westchester Post Office Roof Replacement – HVAC Quotes Consideration of a Text Amendment to Permit Assembly Uses in the Industrial Area Draft IGA – Westchester Park District – Gladstone Camera At the July 12th Village Committee of the Whole Meeting, the following items discussed under Information Only: Cell Tower – Community Park

COMMISSIONER BOYKIN INTRODUCES RESPECT LIFE PLEDGE Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin introduced his Respect Life Pledge in a recent weekly newsletter. The following is an excerpt from that newsletter from Commissioner Boykin: This week, I officially unveiled my #RespectLife campaign and pledge. Standing with me were more than 100 area youth and community stakeholders at Build Incorporated, located on the west side of Chicago. According to the Chicago Tribune there have been nearly 2,300 shootings and over 360 homicides to date in 2016. Clearly, we must proclaim loudly, and with one voice, the value of human life. All of us have a role to play when it comes to stopping neighborhood violence. We don’t need government to remind us that peace, tolerance, respect and love all start with an individual commitment. And to truly value the life of another, we must first start by valuing our own lives. In the coming months, I will partner with churches, businesses, community organizations and media outlets to promote the

#RespectLife campaign and to encourage everyone to sign the accountability pledge.

leave a huge sporting, economic and social legacy.

The symbolic gesture of signing the pledge can play a significant role in changing the culture of violence and inspire a new way of co-existing and resolving conf lict.

The Olympic Torch

The Ancient Greeks considered fire to be a divine element, and they maintained perpetual fires in front of their principal temples. This was the case in the I strongly encourage you to sanctuary of Olympia, where the #RespectLife by taking the pledge Ancient Olympic Games took along with me and encouraging place. The f lame was lit using your children, family members the rays of the sun, to ensure its purity, and a skaphia, the ancestor and neighbors to do the same. of the parabolic mirror used today Visit https://www.change.org/p/ for lighting the Olympic f lame. c o o k - c o u n t y - c o m m i s s i o n e r - A f lame burned permanently on r ichard-bo ykin-the-respectlife- the altar of the goddess Hestia, and such fires were also lit on the campaign to take the pledge! altars of Zeus and Hera, in front of whose temple the Olympic f lame 2016 SUMMER OLYMPICS is lit today. The World’s most elite athletes In the context of the modern will be converging on Rio de Games, the Olympic f lame Janeiro, Brazil to compete in the represents the positive values 2016 Summer Olympics officially that Man has always associated known as the Games of the with fire. The purity of the f lame XXXI Olympiad, and commonly is guaranteed by the way it is lit known as Rio 2016 from Friday, using the sun’s rays. The choice August 5th through Sunday, of Olympia as a departure point August 21st. A record number of emphasizes the link between countries are participating in a the Ancient and Modern Games record number of sports. More and underlines the profound than 10,500 athletes from 206 connection between these two National Olympic Committees events. (NOCs), including first time entrants Kosovo and South Sudan, are scheduled to take part. With The Olympic Medals At the first Olympic Games of 306 sets of medals, the games will feature 28 Olympic sports the modern era in Athens in 1896, — including rugby sevens and the winner was crowned with golf, which were added by the an olive wreath and received a International Olympic Committee silver medal. James B. Connolly in 2009.These sporting events will of Massachusetts was the first take place at 33 venues in the host modern Olympic champion to be city and at 5 venues in the cities rewarded thus. The 1904 Olympic of São Paulo (Brazil’s largest city), Games in St Louis, were the first Belo Horizonte, Salvador, Brasília at which gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded for first, (Brazil’s capital), and Manaus. second, and third place. While billions of people around With the exception of the medals the world enjoy watching the Olympic Games every two years, it for the 1956 equestrian events, is sometimes overlooked just how the medals for the Games of the much work goes in to hosting the Olympiad became standardized Games.The International Olympic starting in 1928. On one side, there was the Committee works closely with local organizers for almost a traditional design of the goddess decade to stage an edition of the of victory, holding a palm in her Olympic Games. Olympic Agenda left hand and a winner’s crown in 2020 has improved the level of her right hand. On the other, an service provided to future host Olympic champion was carried cities while reducing costs. The triumphantly by the crowd, IOC provides the local organizers with an Olympic stadium in the with a large financial contribution background. For the 1972 Games in Munich,the to host the Games. For the Olympic Games Rio de Janeiro Organizing Committee started a 2016, the IOC will contribute 1.5 new trend, with a reverse designed billion USD to the operational by an artist from the Bauhaus budget of the Games, which will school, Gerhard Marcks. A further

design adaptation was introduced for the 2004 Games in Athens when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved the Organizing Committee’s (OCOG) proposal for an updated version of the goddess of victory and the stadium. At the 1904 Olympic Games in St Louis, the medal was attached to a colored ribbon with a pin to fix it to the athlete’s chest. It was not until 1960, in Rome however, that the medals were first designed to be placed around the winners’ necks. On this occasion, a laurel leaf chain was designed for the purpose. At subsequent Games editions, however, it has most often been a colored ribbon that was used. Source: Wikipedia, https://www. olympic.org/rio-2016.

NOT SO HAPPY ANNIVERSARY? As most of you can recall, six years ago, on July 23-24, 2010, the Village of Westchester became a central target for Mother Nature’s wrath. For a minute I thought this past July 23-24 was going to be a repeat. July 23rd will always be remembered by me. First because it was my son Steven’s Birthday and second because that evening over 3500 homes had f lood related damage. I know all of us want to forget the 7 plus inches of rain that fell over that short period of time and the many rescue boats and damage forms we filled out. I thought the hard falling rain we had this year had a familiar ring as it hit the house windows. I said to myself and my wife Maureen “Oh No Not Again.” I said a little prayer and the rain seemed to subside and fortunately for us I have not heard of any issues associated with the amount of water that fell. Divine intervention helps… I know Monday morning, July 25th, the Salt Creek water level was above the 54 inch outfall pipe along Carlisle, and there was standing water in our Mayfair holding reservoir. Phew, another heavy rain and all of our hard work and maintenance have seemed to pay off. I did receive an email from Trustee Nick Steker, part of the set up team back in 2010, whose assistance to me and the set-up team was invaluable as we worked through our disaster recovery that day, that said “Happy Anniversary.”

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