February 2016 Village of Westchester Newsletter

Village of

Westchester February 2016 Newsletter

From the Desk of The President FIRE DEPARTMENT

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POLICE DEPARTMENT

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PARK DISTRICT

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CALENDAR

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SCHOOL DISTRICT

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PUBLIC WORKS

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

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School District 92.5 Board President Carolyn Wilhight presented School District Persons of the Year awards to Darlene Calabrese and Shirlee Kribbs at the Celebrate Westchester event on January 23rd.

Tomorrow is February 2, 2016. For many just another day, except if it is your birthday, or anniversary of a special event, but to the rest of us who “BELIEVE” it is GROUNDHOG DAY. Every year on February 2nd all eyes are focused on Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to see if winter will have a hold on us for another 6 weeks. For those who do not know or remember what I am talking about here is the Legend of Punxsutawney Phil (Adapted from “Groundhog Day: 1886 to 1992” by Bill Anderson):

it as a sign of spring and stays above ground.

Pennsylvania’s earliest settlers were Germans and they found groundhogs to in profusion in many parts of the state. They determined that the groundhog, resembling the European hedgehog, was a most intelligent and sensible animal and therefore decided that if the sun did appear on February 2nd, so wise an animal as the groundhog would see its shadow and hurry back into its underground home for another six weeks of winter.

Punxsutawney Phil,as he is called is immortal.

Well, practically. According to folklore, the furry oracle was born in 1886, making him 130 years old. The average groundhog lives less than 10 years, making Phil a statistical anomaly … or not. Fans of Punxsutawney Phil insist a magical “elixir of life” keep Phil looking youthful. (may be positive thinking)

Groundhog Day, February 2nd, is a popular tradition in the United States. It is also a legend that traverses centuries, its origins clouded in the mists of time with ethnic cultures and animals awakening on specific dates. Myths such as this tie our present to the distant past when nature did, indeed, influence our lives. It is the day that the Groundhog comes out of his hole after a long winter sleep to Growing Fame From offering support of political events, to look for his shadow. If he sees his shadow, he regards it as an omen of six more weeks rooting for area sports teams, to becoming of bad weather and returns to his hole. If the See PRESIDENT, page 5 day is cloudy and hence, shadowless, he takes

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Police blotter 1) At 8:59am on December 15, 2015 a Theft was reported at 2901 Wolf Road, Westchester Health & Rehab. The owner of a Samsung Galaxy Tablet reported that unknown person(s) removed it from a work locker.

2) At 10:12am on December 15, 2015 a Residential Burglary was reported on the 1100 block of Norfolk.The homeowner reported that unknown person(s) forced entry to their garage and removed tools and a lawn mower.

3) At 8:11am on January 4, 2016 a Stolen Auto was reported on the 1300 block of Boeger. The vehicle owner reported that while warming up his vehicle a subject entered the unlocked vehicle and drove off.

4) At 10:08am on January 7, 2016 a Criminal Damage to Property report was taken on the 1900 block of Gardner Road. The resident reported that unknown person(s) damaged the door frames to both their front and rear doors.

5) At 12:49pm on January 13, 2016 an Attempted Burglary was reported on the 2800 block of Denton Court. The resident advised a male subject was leaving the scene in a silver Mercedes after attempting to pry the door to a home.

6) At 01:10pm on January 18, 2016 a Theft was reported on the 1500 block of Westchester Blvd. The resident reported that unknown person(s) had taken their garbage can from the front yard.

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are eternal optimists. Should you have any questions regarding your monthly bill, please contact Amy Lawson our water billing clerk at 708-345-0020 ext. 415.

scored each of the candidates based on Oral Communication; Decision Making; Leadership; Planning and Continued from page 1 Organization; Problem Analysis; and Believability. The candidates the star of a Hollywood movie, with the top three scores from Punxsutawney Phil has increasingly the oral interview phase then been in the public eye. Early PUBLIC WORKS BATTLES THE ELE- presented a Plan for Their First 90 observances of Phil’s predictions MENTS Days in Office to the Village board During the week of January at a Special Executive Session of were conducted privately in the wooded areas that neighbor the 11th to January 18th, our public the Village Board held on Tuesday, town. Today’s celebration sees works crews attended to 5 water January 5, 2016. tens of thousands of visitors from main breaks on several locations As a result of the totality of the all over the world as revelers await throughout the village. Several of search process including a review Phil’s appearance as most fans wait these occurred on Sunday, January of the applications, oral interviews, to see their favorite rock stars. The 17th, when the temperature presentations, background checks, Punxsutawney Spirit newspaper is was well below freezing and the references and feedback from the credited with printing the news of wind chill factor dipped below Board, Village Manager Matthys the first observance in 1886 (one the minus 10 degree range. That selected Mr. Steven Stelter as her year before the first legendary brings the total main breaks in choice to serve as Westchester’s trek to Gobbler’s Knob): “Today is January (through this printing) next chief of Police. Under our groundhog day, and up to the time to 11; which is an unfortunate village manager form of government, of going to press the beast has not result of the aging infrastructure the Village Manager and not the throughout the Village. Having board appoints all department seen his shadow.”

Over the course of Phil’s been out on these breaks in heads. Based on all of these factors appearances,Phil has had numerous the past, I can certainly tell you I wholeheartedly agree with Ms. they are no fun. I would like to Matthys choice, thank her for her noteworthy highlights: During Prohibition Phil commend those who responded due diligence and follow-up and threatened to impose 60 weeks to the call outs and thank them for support her selection. I would of winter on the community if he their work ethic. like to thank the Board of Trustees wasn’t allowed a drink. for their questions and comments In 1958 Phil announced that it asked at the special board meeting, was a “United States Chucknik,” HOME RULE REFERENDUM as well as all of the candidates who On Tuesday, March 15th, 2016, expressed an interest in serving rather than a Soviet Sputnik or Muttnik that became the first man- at the General Primary Election, the village in what I believe one of the following proposition will the most important management made satellite to orbit Earth.

In 1981 Phil wore a yellow ribbon be submitted to the voters of the positions in the village. The face of in honor of the American hostages Village of Westchester: “Shall the the chief of police is one I consider Village of Westchester become high profile. in Iran.

Phil traveled to Washington DC in a home rule unit?” A home rule I would like to thank Chief Daniel 1986 to meet with President Reagan. unit may exercise any power and McCollum and his selected panel He was joined by Groundhog Club perform any function pertaining to of former and retired chiefs George President Jim Means, Al Anthony it’s government and affairs, except Graves (Western Springs/Downers as limited by the Constitution or Grove), Chet Epperson (Rockford) and Bill Null.

In 1993, Columbia Pictures the General Assembly as provided and Roger Mabbit ( Glendale released the movie Groundhog in Article VII, Section 6 of the Heights) for their expertise and Illinois Constitution.

Day starring Bill Murray. counsel. Steve will be sworn in Phil appeared on the Oprah as our new Police Chief at the Winfrey show in 1995.

February 9th Board meeting.

In the years following the release POLICE CHIEF SELECTED I am pleased to welcome and of the movie, record crowds numbering as high as 30,000 support the selection of Steven DEPUTY POLICE CHIEF COMhave visited Gobbler’s Knob in Stelter as the next Chief of Police PLETES PRESTIGIOUS CLASS I am pleased to announce that for the Village of Westchester. The Punxsutawney!

In 2001, Phil’s prediction was village received 33 applicants for Deputy Police Chief Michael shown live on the JumboTron at the position. Those applications O’Hagan has graduated from Times Square in New York City. were reviewed by our consultant, the prestigious Northwestern Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell retired chief of the LaGrange University Center for Public Safety attended the ceremonies, making Park Police Department Chief School of Police Staff and Command. him the first sitting governor ever Daniel McCollum, the President He joins an elite fraternity of law of the Illinois Association of Law enforcement professionals from to do so.

For me I hope there is no sun. Enforcement Executives. Chief across the United States and from McCollum and his team reviewed the international law enforcement Early Spring is what I say… to receive this the applications and narrowed the community field to 8 applicants for the oral specialized training. DC O’Hagan MONTHLY WATER BILLING ON interview phase of the selection has successfully completed the TRACK process. All of the applicants ten (10) week course of study held As mentioned in our last appeared before a panel of three in Homewood, Illinois beginning newsletter, monthly water billing former distinguished chiefs’ September 14, 2015 and ending will begin in February 2016. We of police and were asked 15 January 15, 2016. The program are hoping that our preparation police related questions and had was implemented by the Center will assure a smooth transition to respond to 4 police related for Public Safety in 1983, and has from quarterly billing, however we situational questions. The panel graduated over 15,000 students

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both nationally and internationally.

DC O’Hagan attended SPSC Class 385 which accommodated a total of 41 students for the ten week period.We are anticipating a variety of benefits in his management and leadership roles from DC O’Hagan’s attendance at this program.

Congratulations Mike!

CELEBRATE WESTCHESTER The annual Celebrate Westchester event was hosted by theWestchester Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, January 23rd. Thanks to Jeannie Helgesen who completed her role as Chamber President for 2015.

Person of the Year Awards were issued to the following worthy recipients: Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year – Rev. Joe Mills, Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award – Westchester Kiwanis Club; Chamber of Commerce Image Award – Mariano’s; School District 92.5 Persons of the Year – Darlene Calabrese and Shirlee Kribbs, Village of westchester Person of the Year – Gene Pingatore,Westchester Park District Persons of the Year – Maintenance Staff Jim Burg,Tomasz Barylowicz, Jason Dattomo, Robert Pominchowski and Tom Yurkovich, and Westchester Public Library Director Persons of the Year – the Pokorny Family. Thanks to all of the award winners for their contributions to the Village of Westchester. Congratulations!

LED SIGN UPDATE At our January 12th Village Board meeting, an ordinance to approve and authorize a special use permit to place an electronic message board sign at 1840 Westchester Blvd, the Westchester Community Church, was unanimously approved. A 3 X 6 foot backlit sign will be permitted. The sign is 18 square feet in size which includes a 12-5/8 inch x 63 inch LED panel .

Operation of the sign is restricted to the hours of 7am through 8pm, can only change messages every 15 seconds and must conform to the light lumen allowance of 0.1 candle feet.

ALTERNATE PARKING AFTER 2 INCHES OF SNOW At our December 15th board meeting, I brought up for discussion the possibility of adding Saturday and Sunday to the parking restriction regarding alternate side parking after a 2 inch snow fall between the hours of 8:30 am and

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the Villages of North Riverside and Countryside, especially for those seniors unable to remove the Continued from page 5 snow. I contacted those villages and brought their practices to the 4:30 pm that is now in place on attention of the board on January Monday through Friday. All the 12, 2016. I presented my findings board members agreed and the and the board indicated that due matter was approved at our January to financial constraints we were 12th meeting. At the meeting, I unable to assume the duties of suggested that the implementation removing snow from private of this code amendment be put off property and assisting those senior until November 1, 2016. This will residents. The findings I received give the public works department are attached in response to emails and village the opportunity to make and letters I received: any adjustments to the existing Unfortunately the village does signage. Beginning November 1, not have a snow removal program.

2016 the alternate street parking I have researched the program restrictions will be in effect 7 days North Riverside and Countryside a week, Sunday through Saturday, and have received some between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm correspondence back as it relates throughout the village. to their programs.

In fact I asked the board at our meeting on Tuesday January 12th VILLAGE CODE FOR SNOW REabout the possibility of looking MOVAL into a similar program however I have received several emails the board felt the affordability was regarding what codes the village not something we could absorb. may have in place regarding snow In North Riverside, program removal. Some of the emails were residents pay $35 each time it snows for residential sidewalks, some over 2” if they have a driveway, of the others for the sidewalks stairs, sidewalk or $20 if they have on Wolf Road and along 31st stairs, sidewalk and a garage apron street. I asked our Community off the garage in the alley. They Development Director Melissa have about 60-75 homes to do and Headley to research the issue last year spent $20,695. North and she in indicated our updated Riverside has half the population building code adoption did have a that Westchester does, and has a reference to the issue. The current sales tax base with their shopping Code is as follows: mall that far exceeds the sales tax Section 302.3 Sidewalks and we receive. Their difficulty arises Driveways: All sidewalks, steps, when the residents receiving the driveways, parking areas and service believe there has been 2” similar paved areas for use by the of snowfall when there had been public, shall be kept in a proper and only 1.5 or under 2 inches. acceptable state of repair free of all potholes, surface defects and all Countryside, after a 2” snowfall, SNOW, ICE, mud and other debris. does do the 25 miles of sidewalks Any sidewalk or paved public areas in town but it takes them 2-3 days or portion thereof that is deemed depending on the amount of snow. to constitute a danger to public Driveway aprons are also done for health and safety by virtue of the seniors and handicapped residents. condition and state of disrepair Presently 202 are done after a 2” shall be promptly replaced or snow. Countryside is a smaller resurfaced by the owner of the community than Westchester with property immediately abutting or about 6000 residents and a smaller fronting on the sidewalk or other land mass. Westchester has 49 paved public area. I asked whether miles of streets which means about this was a new adoption and 100 miles of sidewalks taking into was told no this has been in our consideration both sides of the codes since being adopted back street. Countryside does have a on April 13, 2004 with little or no number of car dealerships that enforcement (Ordinance Number are paying considerable amount 04-1647). Please make every effort of sales tax to the city through to comply with the ordinance and sales tax, which helps fund these keep as mush show and ice off the services. sidewalk.

Speaking of snow removal, Regarding plowing; every time it after the ice and snow storm snows the plows push snow/ice of December 28th, I received chunks back onto the driveway several emails and calls requesting aprons. This snow was especially the village adopt snow removal difficult during this snow event practices similar to what occurs in as it was very icy and heavy. Our

process is to salt first and then plow as to not leave any slippery snow residue on the pavement. My apron as others had a good portion of plowed material on it that quite frankly I had difficulty removing after it froze solid. After a snow fall the plows make several passes each time putting snow back onto the apron. Unfortunately there is little to be done to prevent this from occurring.

Again I wish I had the ability to institute similar programs however the dollars are not there to do so.

COOK COUNTY PROPERTY TAX BILLS Each year during this time we can all expect to receive our Cook County Property Tax Bills. Cook County Property Tax Bills have either been sent by the county or will arrive shortly. In Cook County, the due date for the First Installment property taxes is always the first business day in March.A law passed by the Illinois Legislature in 2009 raises the First Installment tax from 50% to 55% of the prior year’s total tax. Cook County homeowners may take advantage of several valuable property-tax-saving exemptions. There are currently 7 exemptions available if you qualify: The Homeowner Exemption, Senior Citizen Exemption, Senior Citizen Freeze Exemption, the Home Improvement Exemption, Returning Veterans’ Exemption, Disabled Veterans’ Exemption, and Disabled Persons’ Exemption.

You can receive the Homeowner Exemption if you own or have a lease or contract which makes you responsible for the real estate taxes of the residential property. It must also be used as your principal place of residence for the year in question. If you have never received a Homeowner Exemption on your home, you will need to apply for one. Exemption forms may be obtained by calling or visiting one of the Assessor’s Office locations or your local township assessor.

have to reapply annually for the Senior Exemption. To be eligible for the Senior Citizen Exemption, you must be 65 years of age or older during the tax year for which you are applying, you must either own the property or have a lease or contract which makes you responsible for the real estate taxes; and the property must be your principal residence.

The Senior Freeze Exemption allows qualified senior citizens to apply for a freeze of the equalized assessed value (EAV) of their properties for the year preceding the year in which they first apply and qualify for this exemption.

For example, a senior citizen who qualifies and applies for this exemption in taxable year 2015 will have the EAV of the property frozen at the 2014 EAV. Those who qualify and receive this exemption should be aware that this does not automatically freeze the amount of their tax bill. Only the EAV remains at the fixed amount. The amount of dollars that the taxing districts asks for (levy) may change and thus alter a tax bill. To qualify for the taxable year 2015, you must be born prior to or in the year 1950, have a total gross household income of no more than $55,000 for 2014, Own the property, or have a legal, equitable or leasehold interest in the property on January 1, 2014 and January 1, 2015, own the property, be liable for the payment of 2014 and 2015 property taxes, and use the property as a principal place of residence on January 1, 2014 and January 1, 2015. Those who are currently receiving the Senior Citizen Exemption will automatically receive an application form for the Senior Freeze Exemption. You must file each year in order to continue to receive the Senior Freeze exemption and the requirements must be met each year.

The Home Improvement Exemption allows you to increase the value of your home with up to $75,000 worth of improvements without increasing your property The Senior Citizen Exemption taxes for at least four years. provides tax relief by reducing the The exemption is available to equalized assessed valuation of owners of single-family homes, an eligible residence. This savings condominiums, cooperatives, and is in the form of a deduction on apartment buildings up to six the second-installment real estate units. The Home Improvement tax bill. Senior Citizens receiving Exemption can also be used for the Senior Citizen Exemption repair necessitated by structural automatically qualify for the damage as a result of severe weather Homeowner Exemption and do conditions, such as flooding. The not have to apply for it separately. exemption is not granted for loss of State legislators passed a new law See PRESIDENT, page 11 that states that senior citizens

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may claim this exemption as long as the spouse does not remarry.

If the surviving spouse sells the Continued from page 6 residence, the exemption may be transferred to his or her new personal property, normal weather primary residence damage, or routine maintenance.

The Disabled Persons Routine maintenance includes Homeowners’ Exemption provides repairs to or replacement of parts disabled persons with an annual that would not increase the value $2,000 reduction in the equalized of your property. assessed value (EAV) of the property.

To qualify the applicant must be Other options are available disabled or become disabled during to Seniors through the Senior the assessment year, own or have Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral a legal or equitable interest in the Program (contact the Cook County property, or a leasehold interest of a Treasurer’s Office at 312/443- single-family residence, occupy the 5100) and the Circuit Breaker property as the principal residence Program offered through the on January 1, 2011 and be liable for Illinois Department of Revenue the payment of property taxes. If a (call 800/624-2459 for more person’s home previously received information). the Disabled Persons’ Homeowner Exemption and the taxpayer now Veterans returning from active resides in a facility licensed under duty in armed conflict are eligible the Nursing Home Care Act, his to receive a $5,000 reduction in the or her home is still eligible to equalized assessed value of their receive this exemption provided: property only for each taxable year the property is occupied by the in which they return.To qualify the spouse, and the property remains veteran must be an Illinois resident unoccupied. who has served as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, Illinois National POLICE SERGEANTS LABOR CONGuard or U.S. Reserve Forces, be TRACT At our January 12th board returning from active duty in an armed conflict involving the armed meeting the Board approved a forces of the U.S., owned or had a collective bargaining agreement legal or equitable interest in the between the Village and the property and used it as a principal Metropolitan Alliance of Police place of residence on January 1, Chapter #504 which represents The 2011 and be liable for the payment the 7 police sergeants. of property taxes. This exemption Agreement, covering the period is administered through the Illinois from May 1, 2012 through April Department of Veterans Affairs. 30, 2015, was the culmination of a lengthy negotiating process Call 312.814.2460.

Veterans with a service connected which resulted in arbitration over disability as certified by the U.S. several issues after an agreement Department of Veteran Affairs are could not be reached. Highlights eligible for this annual exemption. of the arbitration award include a A disability of at least 75 percent 2% salary increase retroactive to is eligible for a $5,000 exemption 5/1/2012; an additional 2% salary in equalized assessed value (EAV). increase retroactive to 5/1/13 and A disability of at least 50 percent, a 2.5% salary increase retroactive but less than 75 percent, is eligible to 5/1/14. A Step 5 (5th year of for a $2,500 reduction in EAV. To service as a Sergeant) will be qualify the veteran must be an paid an annual base salary of Illinois resident who has served as $94,677.35.

The annual uniform allowance a member of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty or on active duty in will increase from $850 to $875. the state of Illinois, Illinois National Also under the arbitration award, Guard, or U.S. Reserve Forces and the village will continue to pay has been honorably discharged, 90% of the cost of insurance for have at least a 50% service- both a PPO or HMO plan, as well connected disability certified by as the same percentage for dental the U.S Department of Veterans’ coverage.

Affairs, own and occupy the As many of you know, either from property as the primary residence on January 1, 2011, and have a reports on Channel 5 or through total EAV of less than $250,000 for the Better Government Association, the primary residence, excluding I, as a former police officer with 40 the EAV of property used for years experience, have not only a commercial purposes or rented for personal but professional problem more than 6 months. A surviving with the Blood Alcohol Content spouse of the qualified veteran (BAC) allowed for police officers

on duty. The arbitrator let stand a provision in the contract that for the purpose of determining whether the officer is under the influence of alcohol, test results showing an alcohol concentration of .05 or more based upon the grams of alcohol per 100 millimeters of blood be considered positive.

To be absolutely candid, I do not know of any of our police officers who have reported for duty in the past with alcohol impairment, however, I feel that with .08 being the standard for intoxication for motorists, that having an alcohol concentration of .05 is more than half way to impairment. I have asked each and every legislator in the state to pass a state law adopting the.02 BAC level suggested by the Illinois Police Standards and Training Board. Attached is the email I sent:

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be voting on the arbitration award on Tuesday December 15th. I am not in favor of the decision.

I, as a former police officer from a 3 generation police family, believe that police officers are to be held to the highest standard. This is not an attempt to pile on the police as a result of what is presently happening here in Chicago and in other cities. Wearing the uniform from December 1974 until June 2014…I bleed blue…..

Our profession nationally is being challenged. Distrust, cover–ups, preferential treatment, and having poor or little accountability has taken center stage. Police officers are the first line of defense and the people whose words and actions used to be like gold. We need to set the standard by our actions and deeds. It is my belief that the arbitrator in this case compared us to other departments whose Honorable Illinois State lack of policy to address this issue Legislators, has turned a blind eye - it won’t I am writing you to consider what happen in my department...

I believe to be an issue involving It is my understanding that accountability for on-duty police an officer with a .04 BAC can officers. In 2013, I was interviewed be returned to duty, sent home by the Better Government (with pay), or placed on desk Association regarding my position duty, without any discipline being that holding police to a blood meted out or even placed in a file alcohol concentration (BAC) of .04 based on what the policy of the to .08 before disciplinary action department would dictate. What is required is unacceptable. I am is seemingly more disturbing is on record across the world and that certain villages in our area consider anyone with a .04 BAC have a .08 BAC threshold before as “HALF DRUNK” especially since discipline… In its wildest sense a across our nation .08 BAC is the police officer with a .08 BAC can law establishing legal intoxication. arrest a citizen having a .08 BAC. As a retired 40 year sworn police Please consider, in your soon officer, allowing police officers to be discussed police reforms, to report to work with a BAC this topic and formally adopt level greater than .02 is patently the Illinois State Training Board’s unacceptable to me. I am in Recommendation of .02 BAC for favor of a ZERO Tolerance policy police. This is a topic that certainly regarding the issue, however I will affect more than the City of believe the Illinois State Training Chicago, rather all departments Board decided to recommend a .02 in Illinois. As a point of reference, BAC level, which is in line with the both the Illinois State Police and uniform IDOT standard for CDL Cook County Police have a zero holders. As a compromise I would tolerance policy….. be in favor of adopting the .02 BAC Unfortunately with the state of for police…reluctantly…. the state I’m not sure anything will The Village of Westchester, in happen in short order…Sam compliance with its obligations under the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act and the Illinois Drug SECRETARY OF STATE NEWS As you may have heard Secretary Free Workplace Act, has a policy of maintaining a drug and alcohol free of State Jesse White has announced workplace. This is stated in the that vehicle owners will NOT be Personnel Policy Manual for the receiving renewal notices via mail Village, unfortunately, collective anymore. I have recently been bargaining agreements supersede apprised that if you log onto the such a general policy. Westchester following Illinois Secretary of has just received an arbitrators State web site you can register award to our police sergeants yourself to receive email renewal bargaining unit (Metropolitan information. Before logging onto Alliance of Police Local #504) the side you will need to have your that allows a .05 BAC to be an See PRESIDENT, page 20 acceptable level. The board will

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anyone not to believe everything they read, especially on the web.

Hopefully you have not bought into Continued from page 11 this useless piece of information that personally I have spent too current registration form. On the much time and effort and energy left side of the form there is an talking about.”

ID number and PIN number that In this “information age” we must you will need to enter. Don’t get be continually vigilant to consider caught with an expired plate! The the source and think about the web site is http://www.ilsos.gov/ motivations. In our humble opinion, greenmail . what has been a inaccurately characterized as the “worst Chicago Suburbs” are actually some of the VILLAGE RANKING best; administered by dedicated Recently, an internet site called professionals. A such, I would Roadsnacks.com, based in North change the title of the “Article” to Carolina, published a listing of The 10 BEST CHICAGO SUBURBS the Top 25 Worst Illinois Cities to with Harwood Heights, Lyons and Reside In. I’m sure you have all all our West Central Communities seen Westchester listed as number being tied for 1st!!

7. Upon receiving an email about As Mayor, I am not afraid to the posting, I responded back to answer any question as it relates the sender of my thoughts about to the Village of Westchester. I the post. By the next morning, am also ready willing and able my phone and email were ringing to defend this village and its from my dear friend Mayor Arlene operations to whomever asks…

Jezierny from Harwood Heights who Just ring my phone 708-345-0092. was very upset at their ranking of I am very proud of this village number 1. I immediately contacted and all of its departments and our the Executive Director of the West accomplishments over the past 6+ Central Municipal Conference, years. I am equally proud of all Richard Pellegrino, who had of our schools, places of worship, already been contacted by Mayor parks, library, homes and the “Skip” Saviano from Elmwood Park businesses that are located here and others who expressed extreme and the diverse population that live, displeasure at the posting. Rich work, volunteer, and pull together asked me to send what I had sent when faced with what appears to to the person sending me the post be difficult challenges. Like the and asked whether he could use it sign says “A PROUD VILLAGE WITH in his reply to the near 50 village A BRIGHT FUTURE.” membership. His letter with my post is as follows: Dear Elected Officials, Municipal FISCAL 2016-2017 RAPIDLY APProfessionals and Friends of Local PROACHING Presently we are in the fourth Government: It has come to my attention that quarter of our fiscal year. During a disparaging commentary has the months of February and March the village board, village manager, surfaced on the internet web.

In this regard, without the specific and department heads will be delineation of any scientific working diligently to prepare criteria, this “blogging entity” our budget for Fiscal Year 2017 purports to analyze and rate the which begins May 1, 2016. Special quality of life of several of our sessions of the board, finance director, village manager and regional communities.

As Mayor Sam Pulia of Westchester department heads that are open so aptly stated to a constituent; to the public are being scheduled.

“In my opinion there is very little As you are well aware, the Village factual information to supporting of Westchester relies on property anything but someone’s opinion. taxes for the majority of the cost As I scrolled the list I saw LaGrange of running the village. Personnel Park number 11; but would costs and pension obligations are question how FORBES would select ever increasing as well as the costs LaGrange Park to be one of the top of goods and services. Nobody cities and how this particular rating likes paying taxes and fees on would put them at 11? There are anything and we at the village really over 128 communities in suburban understand that. Unfortunately, Cook County. How could LaGrange taxes and fees no matter what and Western Springs with all their they are assessed on, are necessary amenities, housing stock with to fund the improvements in our tremendous homes even be close community.

Westchester has an underground to being as low as they are on the list? Just baloney. I would caution infrastructure of 54 miles of

Sanitary Sewer Pipes, 65 Miles of Water Mains, 51 miles of Storm drains and pipes, 2100 Catch Basins, 870 Fire Hydrants, and 49 Miles of Streets. Over the past 5-6 years this administration has addressed the maintenance and replacement of a portion of the above necessary utilities, most underground and unseen, through the issuance of bonds at historic low rates.

Sales Tax, Income Tax, Places for Eating Tax and other local taxes, in conjunction with fees, fines and other revenue sources assist in keeping Westchester a “Proud Village with a Bright Future.”

I believe in my heart of hearts that the well oiled group of board members, administrators and staff are doing the best they can with the tools, dollars, and above all the wherewithal to get the job done.

At times we are going to stumble and make decisions that frankly did not work to my, the board, or administrations liking. I can assure you that board decisions are discussed and decided upon on the best information at the time.

Unfortunately, the crystal ball of the future is not in my hands. State Government is not working the way any of us envisioned. Their stalemate with the State Budget has all of us holding our breath.

We will approach Fiscal 2017 with your best interests, knowing what we want to get accomplished, married with your, mine and our ability to pay, which is no small task.

meeting; but too late to comment on as this edition is being sent to our printer on January 21, 2016.

At this time, I do not know how the vote will go, however, I know of at least one current trustee and one Mayor, me, who are not in favor of receiving any more pay for the volunteer position we signed up for. I’m sure there are many villages whose elected officials receive such a stipend, but I’m sure there are just as many who do not. Personally I did not take the office for the pay, but I understand the time commitment that is not compensated.

MWRD NEWS

MWRD urges FDA to cease recommendation of flushing medications Due to the potential harm that improper disposal of pharmaceutical products pose to the environment, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) is challenging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to end its “flush list” recommendation.

In a letter to the FDA, MWRD Executive Director David St. Pierre asked that the agency work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the White House Office of National Drug Policy to develop guidelines for consumers about making safe disposal of medication.

“We call on the FDA to end its recommendation that certain TRUSTEES ASK FOR PAY RAISE medications be disposed by At our Committee of the Whole flushing and to clarify that secure meeting on January 12, 2016, the medicine take-back programs topic of trustee compensation was provide the best disposal method brought forward for discussion. The for leftover household medications,” proposal presented will increase Director St. Pierre wrote in his the monthly compensation for letter addressed to Dr. Stephen Village Trustees and the Village Ostroff, acting commissioner of Clerk from $200 per month to the FDA. “We appreciate the FDA’s $416.66 per month ($2,400 per efforts to protect people from year to $5,000 per year). The leftover medications that can be proposal for the office of the Mayor particularly harmful, even fatal, if will go from $200 per month to abused or mistakenly consumed. $1250 per month ($2,400 per year However, the time has come for to $15,000 per year). The increase, FDA to align its medicine disposal if approved by the current board, guidance with that of federal and will go into effect for those local agencies who seek to protect successful candidates after the both the public’s health and our April 2017 village election. The water quality.” three remaining trustees who were The FDA currently recommends elected in 2015 will have to be that consumers dispose of successful candidates in the April certain medications by flushing 2019 election cycle to receive them down the toilet. The list the extra pay. Presently, all village recommends potent drugs, such elected officials receive $2,400 as Oxycodone, Percodan, Percocet, per year and are reimbursed for morphine sulfate and Demerol additional village related expenses. be flushed. However, by flushing This increase is up for a vote at See PRESIDENT, page 21 the January 26th Village Board

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these drugs down into the sewer system, citizens are contributing to the pharmaceutical pollution that is harming aquatic ecosystems and entering the food web. Using advanced analytical equipment, scientists can detect these compounds in all types of water, including groundwater, streams, wastewater and drinking water.

While there is no evidence to suggest risk to human health, scientists have found interference with aquatic organisms, and numerous studies show significant effects pharmaceutical drugs have on aquatic life pulled from area waterways. MWRD water treatment facilities are designed to remove human waste and easily degraded organics, but these facilities cannot effectively remove pharmaceuticals and other complex, synthetic chemicals that are often broken down in the water.

The MWRD letter was further supported on January 7th, when the MWRD Board of Commissioners passed a resolution endorsing a call to action for the FDA to develop guidelines on the safe disposal of leftover household medicines.

“We appreciate the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s efforts in improving and protecting the health of our nation, but in this instance we call on them to stop recommending the disposal of medication down drains,” said MWRD President Mariyana Spyropoulos. “Medications like these can dissolve in water and impair aquatic life and our waterways. This is a reminder we have a long way to go in educating the public on protecting our water environment.”

It is estimated that 30 to 40 percent of all medications sold become leftover and expired medications in American homes, resulting in a significant need for safe methods of disposal. To complicate the strategy in curbing this pharmaceutical pollution, there is no consistent directive on the disposing of medicines between federal agencies and state and local authorities. These conflicting strategies and lack of guidance against flushing causes confusion for the general public.

The MWRD recommends the FDA work to create a single disposal guidance that is endorsed by all federal agencies and consistently used on all federal websites and materials. The public should be

directed to store medications securely in locked containers or cupboards, to use secure medicine take-back programs where available, never to flush medications, and to dispose of medications in the trash only as a last resort where allowed by local ordinances. The MWRD Board of Commissioners encouraged adoption of the following, clear messages on safe medicine disposal: To protect water quality, never flush unwanted medicine down any drain.

Use a community medicine takeback program for secure and safe medicine disposal. Check with local household hazardous waste, wastewater, or police departments for locations. Use the medicine manufacturer’s mail-back program if available.

Take leftover medicines to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s twice a year National Prescription Drug Take-Back Days. Look for a site in your community at NOTE: WESTCHESTER COLLECTS EXPIRED/UNWANTED PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS PILLS 24/7.

DON’T FLUSH ANYTHING!! Just put them in the receptacle located in the lobby of the village hall. Thank You..

FEBRUARY HOLIDAYS Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday.

Abraham Lincoln was born February 12, 1809, 207 years ago, in a log cabin near Hodgeville, Kentucky. He became the 16th President of the United States, leading the country through its greatest trial, the Civil War. His life was full of personal tragedy and disappointment, but his belief in the principles of the Declaration of Independence and his experience gained as a state legislator, lawyer, and Congressman, along with a whimsical sense of humor, gave him the strength to endure.

Throughout his political career Lincoln strove to maintain the ideals of the nation’s founders. He saw slavery as a hypocritical for a nation founded on the principle that “all men are created equal.”

In an 1854 speech Lincoln said: “I hate it (slavery) because it deprives our republican example of its just influence in the world-enables the enemies of free institutions, with plausibility,to taunt us a hypocrites.”

As president he used the power of the office to preserve the Union.

In freeing the slaves Lincoln left a legacy to freedom that is one of the most enduring birthrights America possess. Information compliments of the National Park Service.

George Washington’s Birthday.

George Washington born February 22, 1732 was the first President of the United States (1789–97), the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He presided over the convention that drafted the current United States Constitution and during his lifetime was called the “father of his country”.

Widely admired for his strong leadership qualities, Washington was unanimously elected President in the first two national elections.

He oversaw the creation of a strong, well-financed national government that maintained neutrality in the French Revolutionary Wars, suppressed the Whiskey Rebellion, and won acceptance among Americans of all types. Washington’s incumbency established many precedents, still in use today, such as the cabinet system, the inaugural address, and the title Mr. President. In 1775 the Second Continental Congress commissioned Washington as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army in the American Revolution. In that command, Washington forced the British out of Boston in 1776, but was defeated and nearly captured later that year when he lost New York City. After crossing the Delaware River in the middle of winter, he defeated the British in two battles (Trenton and Princeton), retook New Jersey and restored momentum to the Patriot cause.

His strategy enabled Continental forces to capture two major British armies at Saratoga in 1777 and Yorktown in 1781. Washington presided over the Constitutional Convention in 1787, which devised a new form of federal government for the United States. Following unanimous election as President in 1789, he worked to unify rival factions in the fledgling nation. He supported Alexander Hamilton’s programs to satisfy all debts, federal and state, established a permanent seat of government, implemented an effective tax system, and created a national bank.

Washington’s Farewell Address was an influential primer on republican virtue, warning against partisanship, sectionalism, and involvement in foreign wars.

He retired from the presidency in 1797, returning to his home and plantation at Mount Vernon where he died on December 14, 1799. Information compliments of

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Wikipedia.

Valentine’s Day I almost forgot an important day that for guys like me will keep us from sleeping on the couch or heaven forbid outside in our car. Yes, guys, you know it is VALENTINE’S DAY. That little Hallmark Holiday that can make or break you. Regardless if your wife or significant other gave up chocolate for her New Year’s Resolution. Break down and get a box. Frango Mints or Turtles will do. Flowers, yeah, flowers will also put you ahead of the 8 ball. I know I have written in past years about the different colors of Roses and what they mean, but i’ll refresh your memory: Red: Love and Romance Red roses are the traditional symbol for love, romance, and will always be a way to say “I love you.”

The red rose has also reflected beauty and perfection. Deep or dark red roses can reveal an unconscious beauty.

Yellow: Friendship, Joy, Get Well Throughout history, yellow has been closely associated with the sun, making these roses excellent for cheering people up.

Yellow roses send a message of appreciation and platonic love without the romantic subtext of other colors. The color represents feelings of joy and delight.

Lavender: Enchantment, Majesty, Love at First Sight The color purple has a traditional association with royalty. In this regard, shades of lavender roses suggest an air of regal majesty and splendor.

Pink: Love, Gratitude, Appreciation Pink carries with it the connotation of grace and elegance, as well as sweetness and poetic romance.

Dark pink roses are symbolic of gratitude and appreciation, and are a traditional way to say thanks.

Light pink roses are associated with gentleness and admiration, and can also be used as an expression of sympathy.

White: Purity, Innocence, Sympathy, Spirituality Early tradition used white roses as a symbol for true love, an association which would later become the hallmark of the red rose. Also known as the bridal rose, the white rose is a traditional wedding flower. In this sense, white represents unity, virtue, and the pureness of a new love.

White roses are also associated with honor and reverence, which makes them a fitting memorial for

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Vehicle stickers go on sale March 1, 2016 Per Village ordinance, each vehicle (including motorcycles & trucks) registered or housed in the Village is required to have a 2016 Westchester vehicle tag, correctly displayed on the lower right corner of each vehicle windshield, or on the license plate for motorcycles,

by May 1, 2016 to avoid late fees and potential ticketing for noncompliance.

Failure to purchase your sticker within the allotted time-frame

School District,

conT.

(prior to May 1, 2016) will result in a penalty fee.

Stickers purchased after April 30, 2016 will also be subject to a citation by the Police Department for failure to display a proper vehicle sticker.

Save time this year and purchase your sticker online at www. westchester-il.org Questions, please contact the Finance Department at 708-3450020.

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may provide valuable advice.

Your home or business is an investment. If your construction Continued from page 21 project does not comply with the codes adopted by your community, a departed loved one. the value of your investment could Maybe a little dinner date at HER be reduced. Property insurers favorite place not yours, a movie may not cover work done without of HER liking and not an action permits and inspections. If you flick, an open car door, a massage decide to sell a home or building at a SPA place instead of your 30 that has modifications without second shoulder rub. These are a permit, you may be required just a few tips that just might work to tear down the addition, leave for you. Sam it unoccupied, or make costly repairs.

A property owner who can DISTRICT 92.5 TEACHER INSTIshow code requirements were TUTE DAY strictly and consistently met as On Friday, January 15th, I was demonstrated, by a code official’s invited by Deborah Rosalia Esparza, carefully maintained records, has the Executive Director of the a strong ally if something happens Illinois Consortium for 21st to trigger a potentially destructive Century Schools, to address lawsuit. teachers from School District Your permit also allows the code 92.5 as to flooding issues that official to protect the public by Westchester has faced. The topic reducing the potential hazards of came up as a result of teachers, unsafe construction and ensuring students and staff being polled public health, safety and welfare. as to the most prevalent things By following codes guidelines, happening in Westchester, and how the completed project will meet the teachers could integrate those minimum standards of safety and topics and potential solutions as a will be less likely to cause injury teaching opportunity. to you, your family, your friends or The Program was developed future owners. through MindQuest21sm, a certified and experienced SCAMMERS…SCAMMERS… consultant team that prepares SCAMMERS I have recently been told about school leaders, districts and teacher teams to transform instruction and a situation that occurred with a systems with the adoption and/ senior citizen that I would like to or expansion of Project- Based share. The senior had a clogged Learning across the curriculum washing machine line that needed aimed to produce deeper to be rodded out. A company was learning outcomes for all students. found via the internet and after all It leads to substantive changes in was said and done the senior was leadership, curriculum, instruction, hit with a $1500 bill. Now, I’m not a assessment and support systems. plumber and have never professed As a former school board member to be, but rodding out a line and who believes in the positive removing a foot section of drywall, aspects education has in our and cutting a section of PVC pipe children, I hope my presentation and connecting it back up with will stimulate and advance the PVC pipe and rubber connectors discussion throughout the District really does not seem to me to be worth $1500. Especially since the 92.5 classrooms. drywall was not even replaced!

Anytime you call for any BENEFITS OF BUILDING PERMITS professional service, do your A building permit gives you legal homework. Unless you are in permission to start construction of a dire emergency situation that a building project in accordance can’t wait for some safety reason, with approved drawings and get a few estimates. Ask what the specifications. service will cost instead of being When Do You Need A Permit? The told the cost after the job is done. best way to find out if you need a Get the estimate in writing. Make permit is to call your local building sure the contractor you choose is department. registered with the Village. Most, Discuss your plans with the like us, require insurance and code official before beginning bonding certificates for registered construction to determine whether contractors. As stated above, get a you need a permit. Even if a permit copy of the permit as the scope of is not needed, the code official will work will be documented. Do not answer construction questions and be pressured into signing anything.

In this case, an Elderly Home Repair Fraud Case is being considered. As a former law enforcement officer, I know these cases take a great deal of time and possibly many court appearances which can certainly wear you down to the point you just say “forget it.” Be smart, get the facts about the company, the job to be done, and read the fine print before you sign anything.

SORROW IN OUR MIDST I regret to inform you of the passing of far too many people during the past month.

Donna Bast, wife of School District 209 School Board Member Kevin McDermott, died peacefully on December 29, 2015 from cancer. Donna was a member of the Westchester Economic Development Committee for only a short period of time. Donna, even though she was sick, volunteered to be a member of our EDC when she could have just sat back and dealt with her own serious issues like many of us would have done.

As I attended her memorial service we heard from four speakers who spoke about Donna’s character, work ethic and ability to be a fighter for truth, justice, and those who were and are less fortunate than us. Her ability to be a jack of all trades, and actually a master of them all from remodeling, computer workings, just about any project she put her mind to do was quite evident. She enjoying the company of her friends at social events and house gatherings and her praise for the music made by Kevin’s Band rang through loud and clear. Her work down here on Earth will be missed, but God in Heaven is certainly in for a treat. She is probably moving and rearranging the furniture as we speak.

Mr. Raymond “Ray “ Kurash, husband of Patricia loving father of Sherri, Alan, Ronald and the late Daniel passed away on January 8, 2016. Ray was grandpa of Chris,Tim, Nick, Lauren, Justin, and Jacquelyn and fond brother of Gene, John, and the late Lorraine. I had the distinct pleasure of knowing Ray and his family. Ray was a long time resident of south Sunnyside Ave. Ray worked hard as a television and radio repairman in a business he owned in Cicero Illinois. Ray was the consummate sales person who sold many a car or truck to his friends who were looking. Ray always had a creampuff of a car he was able to offer, and always at a reasonable price. I’m sure as

I speak he is selling one of those creampuffs to the people up in heaven. I’ll bet it’s a 1957 Cadillac Biarritz. Ray only sold the best.

Mrs. Maureen Ann Ledvina, mother of our Finance Director Maureen Potempa, joined her husband in heaven on January 10, 2016. Mrs. Ledvina was the loving mother of Judy, Linda, Edward, Maureen , and J.P. ; grandmother of Jennifer, Jordon, Jayme, John,Ashley, John Jr., Carson, Hannah,Tiana, Edward G. Jr, Sabrina, Anika, Delaney, Brody; and sister of George, John, and Dolores.

Although I did not personally know Mrs. Ledvina, what I have observed from working with her daughter Maureen is she was a kind gentle person with a heart of gold; someone who raised her children with all the positive attributes one could only hope for. I’m sure her husband of 57 years, Edward, was waiting for her with open arms at St. Peter’s Gate.

Mrs. Nadine Trumbel, a very long time resident of Westchester joined her husband Emmett in heaven on January 16, 2016. She was the loving mother of Nancy, Joan, Mary, Janet, John, Bill and Kathy; dearest grandmother of 18 and greatgrandmother of 7. Mrs. Trumbel was a long time parishioner and supporter of the Divine Infant Parish. She was one of the original founders of the Westchester Blood Program that began collecting blood in 1974 and contributed countless time each year to make the program what it is today. The Westchester program originated when the American Red Cross encouraged the Village to hold blood drives. The first drive was held at Grace Lutheran Church.

Each year, program volunteers like Nadine set their goals to raise 500 units of blood from approximately six blood drives held in the Westchester community.

Mrs. Trumbel was very well known throughout Westchester and will definitely be missed. Her willingness to help all those in need have not gone unnoticed.

God is waiting with open arms to surround her with the blessings she demonstrated here on Earth.

Valerie Green Brenits passed away suddenly on January 19, 2016. She was the devoted mother of Ariel and William. She was the owner of Tall Order Vending. Valerie was a member of the Westchester Chamber of Commerce Executive Board and served as the Events Chairperson. Her enthusiasm for the community was ever present.

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Monthly Reports: Community Development Department, Police Department, Fire Department, Continued from page 24 Public Works Department An Ordinance Amending the She will truly be missed.

Westchester Municipal Code Regarding the Billing and Payment FROM THE BOARD Procedures for Water and Sewer At the January 12th Village Board Service within the Village of Meeting, the following items were Westchester approved under the Consent An Ordinance Amending the Agenda: Westchester Municipal Code Approval of the Record of Bills Regarding Parking Restrictions ending 01-07-16 in the amount not During Snow Removal to exceed $2,212,709.38 A Resolution Approving and Approval of Minutes of the Authorizing Change Order No. 3 December 15, 2015 Village Board and No. 4 to a Contract Between Meeting the Village of Westchester and Minutes of the December 15, 2015 Berger Excavating Contractors, Committee of the Whole Meeting Inc. for Services Related to the Minutes of the December 15, Mayfair Reservoir Expansion Phase 2015 Executive Session II Project Approval of Departmental

A Resolution Advising, Consenting to and Ratifying the Appointment of Certain Officers At the January 12th Village Board Meeting, the following items discussed under Active Agenda: An Ordinance to Approve and Authorize a Special Use Permit for the Placement of an Electronic Message Board Sign at 1840 Westchester Boulevard in the Village of Westchester, Illinois A Resolution Approving a Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Village of Westchester and the Metropolitan Alliance of Police Westchester Sergeants Chapter #504

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under New Business: Contract Status – Radio Read Meters PNC Master Lease Schedule Contract Renewal – Alliance Turf Management Snow Removal – Sidewalks 2016 SWAP Intergovernmental Agreement Trustee Compensation

At the January 12th Village Committee of the Whole Meeting, the following items discussed under Old Business: Shared Sanitary Laterals Proposed Amendment of Chapter 14.01.110, Entitled “Fees” of Article II, Entitled “Permits” of Chapter 14.01, Entitled “Administration”, At the January 12th Village of Title 14, Entitled “Buildings and Committee of the Whole Meeting, Construction,” of the Village of the following items discussed Westchester Municipal Code

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