Village of
Westchester JUNE 2017 Newsletter
FIRE DEPARTMENT
3
POLICE DEPARTMENT
4
CALENDAR
5
WATER REPORT
7
PUBLIC WORKS
21
SCHOOL DISTRICT
27
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
29
Paul Gattuso is sworn in as Village President by Circuit Court Judge Daniel Weber at the Village Board Meeting on May 9, 2017. Congratulations, Paul!
CHANGING OF THE GUARD
At our May 9, 2017 Board Meeting, the Westchester Village Board and those in attendance said THANK YOU to retiring Village President Sam Pulia. Sam served the Village with distinction for 8 years as our Village President. Sam has been a true friend to the Village, and we wish him and his wife Maureen, and family, a happy retirement from public office. He will truly be missed. We also said farewell to Trustee Celestine Reda who is retiring from the Board after four years of dedicated service. Judge Daniel S. Weber administered the oath of office to Paul Gattuso as Elected Village President, Elected Village Clerk Stan Kolodziej, and Elected Village Trustees Nicholas Steker, Angelo Calcagno and Sherby Miller. The room was packed with families, colleagues and friends and a host of well wishers for a successful administration.
Village President Paul Gattuso is embarking on his second term as Village President, having served in that capacity from 2005 to 2009. Paul also served as trustee from 2011 to 2015. Paul has been a business owner in Westchester since 1982 and is the proprietor of Paul’s Pizza and Hot Dogs. He has been a member of the Kiwanis Club since 1983. Paul is married to his lovely wife Andrea. He has grown children and is the devoted grandpa to two grandchildren. One of the proudest people in the room was Paul’s father Antonio Gattuso. Newly elected Village Clerk Stan Kolodziej is a U.S. Navy veteran and Vietnam Veteran. He is currently Post Commander for the Westchester American Legion Post 1437. Stan is a Financial Services Registered Representative. He has political experience as a former Park District Commissioner. He is a long-time Village resident
Continued on page 13
WESTCHESTER 2
JUNE 2017
IN
PICTURES
FIRE DEPARTMENT JUNE 2017
3
POLICE DEPARTMENT 4
JUNE 2017
CALENDAR JUNE 2017
5
6
JUNE 2017
WATER REPORT JUNE 2017
7
WATER REPORT 8
JUNE 2017
WATER REPORT JUNE 2017
9
WATER REPORT 10
JUNE 2017
WATER REPORT JUNE 2017
11
WATER REPORT 12
JUNE 2017
JUNE 2017
Continued from page 1
and proud graduate of both the Divine Infant School and St. Joseph High School. He has been married to his wife, Cynthia, for 46 years and has three children, Kristin, Thomas, and Steve, and seven grandchildren. Nick Steker has been serving as trustee since his election in 2009. Nick is a Fire Lieutenant/Acting Battalion Chief with the Franklin Park Fire Department. He holds a Masters Degree in Public Safety Administration from Lewis University. He is married to with Kathryn and they have a beautiful baby daughter Teagan and are expecting their second daughter in late June. Also sworn in was re-elected Trustee Angelo Calcagno. Angelo is beginning his second term as trustee. Angelo is employed by Proviso Township High School District 209, serving as the Facilities Manager at Proviso West High School. He is married to wife Gina and has three children. Angelo has been an active supporter of the Westchester Environmental Sustainability Commission, putting in many hours of sweat equity alongside Trustee Carl Celestino at the Village E-Recycling events. Sherby Miller, our former Village Clerk, was sworn in as a newly-elected trustee. Sherby is a U.S. Navy veteran. She is also Vice Commander/Chaplin of Westchester American Legion Post 1437. She holds a Master’s Degree in Management, Master’s Certificate in Project Management and is a Certified Biometric Security Engineer. Sherby is no stranger to public service, having served as a former member of the Proviso Metal Health Commission. Nick, Angelo and Sherby join sitting Trustees Frank Perry, Thomas Yurkovich and Carl Celestino. All of the board members thank you for your support and pledge to serve with what is best for Westchester in our hearts and minds. On May 23rd, Village President Gattuso addressed the Westchester Chamber of Commerce at a luncheon held at the Alpine Haus. He spoke to those in attendance about his plans for the Village and its businesses during his administration.
WATER RATE INCREASE IN EFFECT The water rate per thousand gallons of water will be increasing on July 1. The increase is necessary to fund improvements in our aging infrastructure system and to pay the annual debt service on our lowinterest IEPA loans which fund the major utility system improvements. The Village contracted a water rate study that has revealed that our
water rates assessed to residents are not covering the annual increases in the operations and maintenance costs of the utility system. The water rate proposed is $9.02 per thousand gallons. The sewer rate proposed is $1.26 per thousand gallons. The water and sewer infrastructure fees are proposed to increase to $5 per month, respectively. The Village of Westchester purchases its water from the Broadview -Westchester Joint Water Agency (BWJWA). BWJWA in turn purchases its water from the City of Chicago. BWJWA received formal notice from the City of Chicago that a water rate increase of 1.87 % would occur beginning June 1, 2017. The percentage increase is tied directly to the cost of living adjustment requirement in the Chicago City Council’s ordinance, and was passed on to BWJWA customers including the Village of Westchester. The increase translates to 7 cents per thousand gallons is included in the proposed water rate increase. The Village Board has been apprised of this increase and will be passing on the increase to each of our customers beginning with the July billing.
2017 ROAD REHABILITATION PROGRAM The Village will be rehabilitating four roadways in 2017. The Village has allocated approximately $750,000 in bond funds and $150,000 in Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds for rehabilitation of the four (4) roadways, including the professional engineering services related to the work. This work will be done as two projects. The first project will be the milling and resurfacing of Stratford Avenue, Belleview Drive, and Crestwood Lane officially known as the 2017 Street Resurfacing Program. The second project will consist of the reconstruction of Bristol Avenue and will be officially known as the Bristol Avenue Reconstruction Project. The MFT Funds will be used to pay for the construction costs for the 2017 Street Resurfacing Program. All design engineering fees for both projects as well as the construction engineering fees for the Bristol Avenue Reconstruction Project will be paid using local funds tentatively scheduled to be let in Fiscal 2018. The improvements will generally consist of: Rehabilitation (Resurfacing): • Stratford Avenue (Cermak Avenue to Windsor Drive, approximately 1,300’) • Belleview Drive (Cermak Avenue to Windsor Drive, approximately 1,300’) • Crestwood Lane (Mannheim Road to Westchester Boulevard,
approximately 1,000’) Rehabilitation Reconstruction • Bristol Avenue (Roosevelt Road to Devonshire Avenue, approximately 600’) Scope of Work for Streets to be Rehabilitated (Resurfaced) • New catch basins and inlets, with new frame and lids/grates and new sanitary sewer manholes as required. Adjust with new frame and lid; all structures that are not replaced. Any circular inlets in the curb line should be changed to rectangular inlets. • Spot repairs for curb and gutter on Stratford Avenue, Belleview Drive, and Crestwood Lane. It is believed that most of the curb will be able to remain. • All non-concrete aprons are to be replaced with concrete unless it is brick paver in good condition, then a waiver will be obtained to leave the brick in place. • All new roadway pavement markings. • Sidewalk removal and replacement as needed to address ADA issues and any tripping hazards. All intersections and alleys will be made ADA compliant. • No work on the main line is anticipated for sanitary sewer, storm sewer or water main. Storm Sewer laterals will be corrected by the Contractor where identified by the Village. Construction is anticipated to begin on July 24, 2017 and be completed by September 29, 2017.
ALLEY PAVING PROJECT The Westchester Public Works Department is pleased to announce a pilot paving project for five of the North/south gravel alleys, located on the east side of Mannheim Rd. and west of Balmoral. The alleys are specifically located between: Pelham-Cambridge Kipling-Cambridge Milford-Dickens Kent-Wight Oxford-Kent The schedule to pave is as follows, weather permitting: Grinding - June 12th & 13th Binder - June 14th & 15th Surface - June 16th & 19th Cars need to be removed from the alleys by 7am on June 12th, for the entire project. Public Works will reopen the alleys on June 20th, weather permitting. Weather, mechanical and rental issues can delay any project. Garbage
collectors
have
been
13
notified and receptacles will be relocated to a street adjacent to the alley on June 9th. The Police Department will be notified and parking restrictions will be lifted during the project. Notice will be provided to all effected addresses. Your patience during this project is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, you may call Public Works at 708-345-0041.
EDC HOSTS PUBLIC MEETING ON STORMWATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
The Environmental Sustainability Commission , Chaired by Trustee Celestino and comprised of members Jean Klotter, Ali Rothbaum-Sintic, Eric Kelley, and Tom Elsey, sponsored a public meeting on April 19th held at the Westchester Middle School. The meeting was held for the purpose of informing the residents of a number of issues and topics that relate to storm water and environmental awareness. Approximately forty residents attended the meeting In addition to MWRD Commissioner Debra Shore, MWRD Project Engineer Michael Cosme, Village President Pulia, Village Trustees Calcagno, Perry and Yurkovich and Village Manager Janet Matthys. The meeting’s topics included a presentation by Michael Cosme focused on the planned channel improvements to Addison Creek and how it will effect residents whose homes are adjacent to the creek. Information was provided to the residents about the improvements made to the Mayfair Reservoir and the change to the Flood Insurance Map that could lead to lower insurance rates for many residents. Other topics included the environmental benefits to using rain barrels and installing rain gardens on their property, the importance of ensuring that the downspouts on individual homes are disconnected and the addition of a rebate opportunity for residents towards the installation of whole house generators. The Commission also informed the residents about a new environmental awareness program that will be taking place later this year and is asking for volunteers. Volunteers will be stenciling the covers to the Village’s inlets and catch basins to inform where the storm water leads and to prevent unwanted items entering into the system. Those interested in assisting with this program are
Continued on page 15
NEWS 14
AND
NOTES
JUNE 2017
JUNE 2017
Continued from page 13
asked to contact Trustee Celestino at ccelestino@westchester-il.org.
WPD AND DUNKIN DONUTS RAISE MONEY FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS On Friday, May 19th, theWestchester Police Department participated in the annual Cop on Top Dunkin Donuts fundraiser to benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois. This year marked the 15th year that the Illinois law Enforcement Torch Run has participated in the Cop on Top fundraiser. The Westchester police Department began holding this event just last year and it was a huge success. The WPD raised nearly $4,700 between the two Dunkin Donut shops in Westchester, despite the unseasonal cold and rainy weather. Chief Stelter would like to extend a special thank you to Officer Rob Verber and CSO Sarah Hribal for their assistance with the fundraiser.
WASTE MANAGEMENT LAUNCHES “AT YOUR DOOR” RECYCLING PROGRAM
Do you have old electronics in your home? Used motor oil? Old cans of paint? Used batteries? Starting July 1, 2017, Waste Management’s At Your Door service will provide Village residents with a safe and easy alternative for removing electronics and unwanted household materials that are potentially hazardous to people, pets, and the environment. There is no additional fee to residents to participate in this program; it has been negotiated into our contract refuse rates with Waste Management. Residents can schedule an appointment to have the materials conveniently and safely collected from their home. Acceptable Materials: Automotive Products: antifreeze, batteries, brake fluid, motor oil and filters, fuels, and more Electronics: computers, laptops, printers, microwaves, TVs, DVD/ CD/tape players, cell phones, and monitors Garden Chemicals: fertilizers, insect sprays, herbicides, pesticides, and weed killers Household Cleaners: ammonia, heavy-duty cleansers, tile/shower cleaners, upholstery cleaner, and rust remover Mercury Containing Items: compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), thermometers, thermostats, and fluorescent tubes Paint Products: latex and oil-based paint, stain, caulk, and sealer
Swimming Pool Chemicals: pool acid, stabilizer, and chlorine Other: batteries, hobby glue, and sharps/needles (in a sealed rigid container) Prohibited items include ammunition, asbestos, commercial/ business supplies, constructionrelated materials, explosives, medicine, tires, or any materials in unlabeled or leaking containers. Residents with questions should contact the At Your Door service center at (800) 449-7587. How To Schedule A Collection: Residents can schedule collection of their unwanted materials by contacting At Your Door at (800) 449-7587 during the hours7:00 am to 7:00pm, by visiting www. wmatyourdoor.com, or e-mailing atyourdoor@wm.com. Residents then receive a collection kit and detailed instructions in the mail on how to prepare materials for pickup. Information on the Waste Management Refuse/Recycling services will be posted on the Village website with the inception of the new contract effective July 1, 2017. If you have any questions for Village staff, please do not hesitate to contact our Public Works Department at 708/3450041. Please note that with the inception of the At Your Door program on July 1, 2017, the Village will discontinue its’ monthly recycling events.
VILLAGE EARNS FINANCIAL REPORTING AWARD FROM GFOA The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded top the Village of Westchester by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR. Congratulations to Finance Director Chris Webber and the finance staff on this achievement. The CAFR is available on the village’s website for
GET OUT AND PLAY DAY
review.
FLAG DAY IS JUNE 14 Flag Day, celebrated annually on June 14th, is a day for all Americans to celebrate and show respect for our flag, its designers and makers. Our flag is representative of our independence and our unity as a nation.....one nation, under God, indivisible. Our flag has a proud and glorious history. It was at the lead of every battle fought by Americans. Many people have died protecting it. It even stands proudly on the surface of the moon. As Americans, we have every right to be proud of our culture, our nation, and our flag. So raise the flag today and every day with pride! Properly Display Our Flag Care and handling of the American flag is steeped in tradition and respect. There is a right way and a wrong way to display the flag. This is called Flag Etiquette. The American flag should be held in the highest of regards. It represents our nation and the many people who gave their lives for our country and our flag. Here are the basics on displaying the American flag: • The flag is normally flown from sunrise to sunset. • In the morning, raise the flag briskly. At sunset, lower it slowly. Always, raise and lower it ceremoniously. • The flag should not be flown at night without a light on it. • The flag should not be flown in the rain or inclement weather. • After a tragedy or death, the flag is flown at half staff for 30 days. It’s called “half staff” on land ,and “half mast” on a ship. • When flown vertically on a pole, the stars and blue field , or “union”, is at the top and at the end of the pole (away from your house). • The American flag is always flown at the top of the pole. Your state flag and other flags fly below it. • The union is always on top. When displayed in print, the stars and blue field are always on the left. • Never let your flag touch the ground, never...period. • Fold your flag when storing. Don’t just stuff it in a drawer or box. • When your flag is old and has seen better days, it is time to retire it. Old flags should be burned or buried. Please do not throw it in the trash. Did you Know? There is a very special ceremony for retiring the flag by burning it. It is a ceremony everyone should see. Your local Boy Scout group knows the proper ceremony and performs it on a regular basis. If you have an old flag, give it to them. And, attend the ceremony. http:// holidayinsights.com/other/flagday. htm
15
The Village of Westchester Citizen’s Advisory Board invites your family and neighbors to Get Out and Play Day on Saturday, June 17th from 10am to 2pm. The event will take place at St. Joe’s High School, 10900 W. Cermak Road. Free Fun and Fitness for all! Do a fitness activity and get a raffle ticket to win great prizes, including a Fitbit. Some of the scheduled activities are the Fireman Tug of War, St. Joe’s Basketball Team drills with Coach Ping, Zumba with Mish, Lea Miller’s Sassy Seniors and much, much more. See the flyer included in this newspaper for more information. Coincidentally, while we are on a health kick, you should know that June 17th is National Eat Your Vegetables Day. Strategically created in the middle of National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month, this day is the perfect opportunity to re-introduce a healthy portion of vegetables into your diet. No doubt about it, Eat Your Vegetables Day was created to promote a more healthy diet.......for life! On this day, you are encouraged to eat vegetables for every meal, and for a snack. Better still, try to be a vegetarian....for the day. Short of that, any additional vegetables at meal time today will honor the event, as well as make you a little healthier. We encourage parents to let the kids help with dinner, preparing the salad and vegetables. Along the way, you tell your kids a little about the importance of vegetables for a long and healthy life. http://holidayinsights.com/ other/flagday.htm
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! Father’s Day, celebrated on the third Sunday in June (June 18, 2017) is a day to honor Dad. NO. Rather, it is a day to enjoy time with Dad and appreciate all he does for you. What Dad really wants is healthy, happy and successful kids. And, he wants you to spend a few moments with him on Father’s Day. Today’s life style is busy for both dads and kids. So, a little time with dad on Father’s Day is just what he wants. A Father is more than the biological paternal source of our being. It is the person who cares and provides for us. It is the man who helps to set the standards, the family values and the example. So, add to this group, step fathers and other men who willingly and eagerly accept and cherish the role. Whether biological, adopted or informally, if they are the father figure to you, give him some recognition today and don’t hesitate to call him “Dad”. Did you know? The first Father’s Day
Continued on page 24
16
JUNE 2017
ST. JOSEPH JUNE 2017
17
ST. JOSEPH 18
JUNE 2017
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT JUNE 2017
19
20
JUNE 2017
PARADE ROUTE
PUBLIC WORKS JUNE 2017
21
PUBLIC WORKS 22
JUNE 2017
JUNE 2017
23
24
JUNE 2017
Continued from page 15
celebration was in Spokane, Wa. on May 18, 1910. http://holidayinsights. com/other/flagday.htm
MOVIE IN THE PARK The Village will be hosting the first of three movies in the park on Thursday, June 22nd at Community Park. We will be featuring Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The movie will begin at dusk. The Westchester Park District will host a concession stand selling popcorn and soda. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and come join the fun! Save the date for the second movie night on July 20th featuring Disney’s Moana.
FOURTH OF JULY PARADE The Fourth of July Parade will step off at 9:30AM on Tuesday, July 4th. Line-up for participants begins at 8:30 am along Mayfair from Dorchester to Canterbury. The parade will travel down Dorchester across Mannheim Road where it winds around Balmoral to Canterbury. It will travel east on Canterbury to Newcastle where it will travel south to Bond Street and will end up at the Westchester Park District Community Park. FREE Popsicles and soft drinks will be available at the park. There is still time to join in the fun – just complete the parade application and send it in to Samantha Southard at ssouthard@westchester-il.com or call 708-245-0020, X294. SAVE THE DATE - VILLAGE BLOCK PARTY On Friday, July 14th from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and again on Saturday, July 15th from 3pm to 10:00pm, we will be hosting our Village Block Party at Community Park. The bands on Friday night will be Shout Out and Infinity, a “Classic to Current: Ultimate Rock Experience”. Infinity is one of the top drawing cover bands in the Midwest. The headliner on Saturday Night will be Lance Lipinsky and the Lovers. Entertainer and songwriter Lance Lipinsky delivers an explosive pumping piano performance showcasing his influences of the 1950’s and 60s in his original music. He and his Chicago based group “the Lovers,” take on a modern evolution of a timeless throwback style combining such sounds as Rockabilly, classic Country, and 60’s pop in an unforgettable live concert. Lance made his national television debut at the original Ryman Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. He currently portrays his hero piano pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis in the Tony Award winning musical Million
Dollar Quartet. There will be a variety of food vendors and activities for the kids. Hope to see you there!
ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY HOME ACCESSIBILITY PROGRAM
The Illinois Housing Development AuthorityHomeAccessibilityProgram provides financial assistance for Cook, DuPage and Kane homeowners and is administered by the Northwest Housing Partnership (NWHP). This program is funded by the Illinois Housing Development Authority to help homeowners address long over-due home accessibility issues that affect the health or safety of their families. Low Income homeowners may qualify for a grant up to $25,000 in home modification, performed by professional contract. The grant is forgivable after 5 years. Eligible improvements include: grab bars, chair lift, handicap accessible showers, lowering cabinets, lowering counter tops, widening doorways, ramps, & walk-in shower. Call NWHP for additional items. Households must meet income and other eligibility guidelines. The maximum income guidelines for the maximum $25,000 grant range from $26,150 to $52,150 depending on number of residents in the household. Please call NWHP for more information at 847-969-0561 or visit www.nwhp.net.
WORDS OF WISDOM FOR GRADUATES Graduation is the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. As you get ready to embark on an exciting next step, embrace these inspiring words from the best commencement speeches of all time! “You know, you don’t have to be famous, you just have to make your mother and father proud of you. And you already have.” Meryl Streep, Barnard College “We have, if we’re lucky, about 30,000 days to play the game of life. And trust me, that’s not morbid. In fact, it’s wisdom that will put all the inevitable failures and rejections and disappointments and heartbreaks into perspective.” Arianna Huffington, Vassar College “Life is not easy for anyone. Sometimes you don’t see the challenges on the outside, but every single one of us has both those and everything that goes on inside as well. Give it your all. Dare to be all you can be.” Hillary Clinton, SUNY Buffalo
“If you’re willing to stand for what you believe in ... you won’t need advice from me, because you will be able to handle whatever comes.” Whoopi Goldberg, Montclair State University “You’re going to have naysayers, and I’ll tell you, you will throughout your life have people who will tell you not good enough. Maybe they’re jealous. Maybe they think you aren’t. Maybe they’ve had a bad day. But ultimately you have to believe in yourself.” Meredith Vieira, Tufts University “Be present. I would encourage you with all my heart just to be present. Be present and open to the moment that is unfolding before you. Because, ultimately, your life is made up of moments. So don’t miss them by being lost in the past or anticipating the future.” Jessica Lange, Sarah Lawrence College Worry is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere. Erma Bombeck The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary. Vidal Sasson
SAFETY…SAFETY…SAFETY School is going to be out for the summer break in a few days. Kids and families will be out in force on our streets and parks. That means more bicycle riding, jogging, dog walkers and people out on our streets and sidewalks. As the topic suggests your safety is our prime concern. The Secretary of State does have a booklet available at www.cyberdrive.com that has the rules of the road that bicyclists are required to adhere to. Riding with the flow of traffic, stopping at stop signs, and obeying the “Rules of The Road” for bicyclists will let you arrive safely at your destination.
WESTCHESTER COOLING CENTER Hot weather is right around the corner. 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 the community room available 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: 1. 3 consecutive days with the heat index at 100 º F - 104 º F 2. 2 consecutive days with the heat index at 105 º F - 109 º F 3. Single day with the heat index at 110 º F or higher The Village Cooling Center in the Community Room available to any residents that need 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 require assistance, please report to the police department where you will need to fill out a WESTCHESTER EMERGENCY RELOCATION FORM. The police will complete a background check BEFORE you are allowed into the cooling center.
IDOT MOWING APPROACH TO HELP PROTECT MONARCH BUTTERFLY SPRINGFIELD – To help revive the shrinking populations of the monarch butterfly and other pollinators, the Illinois Department of Transportation is adjusting its mowing routine along state highways this spring and summer. The approach, part of IDOT’s overall effort to encourage green and sustainable practices in all its programs and projects, will help to re-establish types of plants that are food sources for bees, butterflies and other insects that are native to Illinois. “As one of the largest land owners in the state, IDOT appreciates its tremendous responsibility to act as stewards of the environment,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “This simple change in our maintenance obligations will have little impact on the traveling public, but will give a big assist to Mother Nature at no cost to the state.” Although their numbers are on the decline, pollinators play a vital role in agriculture and the state’s ecosystem by fertilizing and aiding in reproduction of flowers, fruits, vegetables and seeds. The official state insect of Illinois since 1975, the monarch butterfly is at risk of being declared endangered, with a population that’s declined by 80 percent the last 10 years.
Continued on page 33
CALENDAR JUNE 2017
25
CALENDAR 26
JUNE 2017
SCHOOL DISTRICT JUNE 2017
27
SCHOOL DISTRICT 28
JUNE 2017
CHAMBER
OF
COMMERCE
JUNE 2017
29
LIBRARY 30
JUNE 2017
LIBRARY JUNE 2017
31
LIBRARY 32
JUNE 2017
JUNE 2017
Continued from page 24
Starting this month, IDOT will only mow 15 feet of right of way beyond the edge of the roadway. Exceptions will be made in certain areas to preserve sightlines for motorists and to prevent the spread of invasive plant species. Prior to this initiative, mowing widths varied by location. By reducing the amount of land being mowed, IDOT hopes to encourage the growth of critical plant species, such as milkweed, the only food source for monarch caterpillars. In the coming months, IDOT will be monitoring roadsides to determine if the approach is working.
SUMMER SOLSTICE Unlike many of the special days we celebrate each year, the summer solstice is literally thousands of years old. Marking the longest day of the year and typically celebrated in late June, it has been given great meaning by a range of civilizations. The summer solstice this year will occur on Wednesday, June 21, 2017. This year, take a suggestion from these many different historical groups—from the ancient Greeks to the Romans and Chinese—and start afresh. By looking to the past we can understand how our predecessors have sought to improve themselves and the world around them… 1. Be Active The ancient Greeks held great influence over the Mediterranean several thousand years ago. Like many of the groups that would come after them, they saw great meaning in the summer solstice. Many festivals were held at this time, the most important being the run-up to the Olympic games. In fact, the summer solstice marked the onemonth count down to the beginning of the athletic games, which included activities like running and wrestling. Take a hint from the Greeks: use the summer solstice as a new beginning for your exercise regime, and make your routine more intense and try new activities that will allow you to build your strength and endurance. 2. Spring Clean For the Romans, who once ruled a massive expanse of land stretching across several continents, the summer solstice was a time to celebrate Hestia, the goddess of domestic life and the hearth. In other words, it was a celebration of the home and family. Take a hint from the Romans: use the summer solstice as time to get serious about taking care of important home chores, like
cutting the grass or cleaning out the attic. It might also be a good time to start a new renovation project, which could significantly boost the value of your home. 3. Plant a Tree Few Westerners are aware of the great empires that existed in China several thousand years ago. But there, as now, a unique and rich culture flourished. For the ancient Chinese, the summer solstice was a time to celebrate the earth, as opposed to the winter solstice, which marked a celebration of the heavens. This summer solstice, celebrate the earth by giving back to it. Plant a tree in your backyard or a local park. Help clean up a public place or work with your neighbors to sweep trash off the streets. 4. Have a Bonfire Sitting around the bonfire and talking with friends and family— it may just be the quintessential summer activity. And guess what? It’s also what the ancient Vikings of Scandinavia used to do to celebrate the summer solstice. The key, of course, is to be safe when building your bonfire. Don’t build one if you have overhanging trees or you’re too close to a building. Make sure you’ve got lots of space and keep all children well away from the flames! 5. Go Dancing With the temperature rising, summer marks a great time to hit the clubs and patios. As the weather warms up, so too do the dance floors. Historically, the summer solstice has been celebrated with a variety of special dances. The Sioux, a Native American group, celebrated the event with a colorful ceremonial sun dance around a tree. For many groups like the Sioux, the summer solstice meant celebrating new beginnings through song and dance. 6. Plan a Trip There’s no better time to travel than summer, which gets started with the summer solstice. The longer and warmer days of the summer months allow travelers more time to see the sights and explore historical destinations. Take, for example, Stonehenge in England. Built by the Druids thousands of years ago, many modern Druids continue to gather at the remarkable landmark to mark the summer solstice (as well as the winter solstice, spring equinox, and autumn equinox). http://www.activebeat.co/yourhealth/6-ways-to-celebrate-thesummer
FROM THE BOARD At the April 20th Special Board
Meeting, the following Public Hearing was conducted: • Annual Budget for the Fiscal Year Beginning May 1, 2017 and Ending April 30, 2018 At the April 20th Special Board Meeting, the following items were discussed on the Consent Agenda: • Approval of the Record of Bills ending 04-12-17 in the amount not to exceed $345,036.60 • Approval of Minutes of the March 28, 2017 Committee of the Whole Meeting, Minutes of the March 28, 2017 Executive Session, Minutes of the April 11, 2017 Village Board Meeting, Minutes of the April 11, 2017 Committee of the Whole Meeting, and Minutes of the April 11, 2017 Executive Session • A Motion to Cancel the April 25, 2017 Village Board and Committee of the Whole Meetings • An Ordinance Amending Title 18, Entitled “Zoning”, of the Westchester Municipal Code • An Ordinance Approving and Adopting the Annual Budget for the Fiscal Year Beginning May 1, 2017 and Ending April 30, 2017 in the Village of Westchester At the April 20th Special Board Meeting, the following items were discussed on the Active Agenda: • An Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of a Contract for Renewal with Waste Management for Refuse Services • A Motion to Receive and File the Board of Fire and Police Commissioner’s Annual Report At the April 20th Special COW Meeting, the following items were discussed under New Business: • ConcreteCurbRepairQuotes • Consideration of Upgrade to Village Website • Engagement Letter – Fiscal 2017 Audit • Omega Contract Renewal At the April 20th Special COW Meeting, the following items were discussed under Old Business: • T-Mobile Lease – Mr. Hribal/ Mr. Lewis (p. 76) At the May 9th Village Board Meeting, the following presentations were made: • Kids to Parks Day Proclamation • Girl Scout Troop #45436 • Boy Scout Troop #1 and Cub Scout Pack Troop #1 • IL Police Association • American Legion Post #1437 • Recognition of Service of Village President Sam D. Pulia • Recognition of Service of
33
Village Clerk Sherby J. Miller • Recognition of Service of Village Trustee Celestine Reda At the May 9th Village Board Meeting, the following items were approved under the Consent Agenda: • Approval of the Record of Bills ending 05-04-17 in the amount not to exceed $1,779,590.90 • Approval of Minutes of the March 28, 2017 Village Board Meeting, Minutes of the March 28, 2017 Committee of the Whole Meeting, Minutes of the April 11, 2017 Village Board Meeting, Minutes of the April 11, 2017 Committee of the Whole Meeting, Minutes of the April 11, 2017 Executive Session, Minutes of the April 20, 2017 Village Board Meeting, Minutes of the April 20, 2017 Committee of the Whole Meeting, and Minutes of the April 20, 2017 Executive Session • Approval of Departmental Monthly Reports: Community Development Department, Police Department, Fire Department, and the Public Works Department • An Ordinance Awarding a Contract to Finishing Touch Cement & Masonry, Inc. for Curb and Driveway Apron Repair Services, in the Amount of $23,700.00 • An Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit for Planned Unit Development for the Chicago Highlands Golf Course Clubhouse • A Resolution Authorizing the Engagement of Sikich LLP for Professional Auditing Services for the Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2017, in an Amount Not to Exceed $36,816.00 At the May 9th Village Board Meeting, the following items Elected Officials were sworn into office: • Swearing in of Village President Paul Gattuso • Swearing in of Village Clerk Stan Kolodziej • Swearing in ofVillage Trustee Nick Steker • Swearing in ofVillage Trustee Angelo A. Calcagno • Swearing in ofVillage Trustee Sherby J. Miller At the May 9th Village Board Meeting, the following items were approved under the Active Agenda: • An Ordinance Appointing Jessica A. Spencer as Deputy Village Clerk of the Village of Westchester, IL At the May 9th Village Committee of the Whole Meeting, the following items discussed under New Business: • Letter of Intent – Citizen’s Advisory Board • Mayfair Pump Station Bid Results
34
JUNE 2017
JUNE 2017
SERVING THE WESTERN SUBURBS SINCE 1946
Free Estimates!
Call 708.652.9405
V I S I T U S O N L I N E AT W W W. F O R E S T D O O R . C O M
35
PARK DISTRICT 36
JUNE 2017