Westchester Village Newsletter - October 2014

Village of

Westchester October 2014 Newsletter

From the Desk of The President FIRE DEPARTMENT

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POLICE DEPARTMENT

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CALENDAR

5 Village President Sam Pulia presents former Village President Frederick Wedinger, accompanied by his family, with a replica of the street sign naming Wakefield Avenue as Honorary Frederick Wedinger Way.

WESTCHESTER IN PICTURES

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PARK DISTRICT

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LIBRARY

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

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Where did our summer go?? At the time of this writing it is mid September and I’m sitting here with a jacket on. I have not put the gloves on yet,but my wife Maureen has put the heat on at the house. It appears that our climate is changing at a pace none of us can get used to. Our past winter was one of the snowiest on record and this summer has been the most wet/ rainy on record.

More than 2 feet of rain has fallen at Midway Airport this summer according to Frank Wachowski, of the National Weather Service Archives Storm Prediction Center. During the months of June through August, we had 25.07 inches of precipitation as compared to the norm of 11.81 inches during that time period.This represents an excess of 13.26 inches of precipitation more than in a normal summer.

WETTEST SUMMERS AT MIDWAY (June 1 through August 31) • • • • •

2014 1993 2010 1957 1950

25.07” 21.69” 20.55” 20.28” 17.45”

Unfortunately,the rain has caused way too many backups into basements, blocked and impassable streets, highways and expressways; not only in our immediate area but throughout the region, state, and country. The 5 inch rainfalls we experienced on August 4th and 5th and August 22nd and 23rd have dumped thousands of gallons of water upon us.

I came upon some information that I thought was eye opening and wanted to share. The National Weather Service archives source, Frank Wachowski, has offered the following data.

Gallons of Water when 1 Inch of Rain Falls Over a single acre-27,143 Gallons:Over 1 square mile17.4 Million Gallons Over Chicago-3.97 Billion Gallons;Over Cook County-16.4 Billion Gallons When I saw this data I tried to quantify how much water this was and wanted to know what capacities the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) could handle with its (TARP) Tunnel and Reservoir

See PRESIDENT, page 4

Fire Department 2

OCTOBER 2014

Police Department OCTOBER 2014

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Trick of treating safety Go Trick-or-Treating with an adult and/or a group of friends.  DO NOT enter a residence.

Remember Stranger Danger.  Make sure your costume lets you see and hear perfectly. You need to be able to watch and listen for cars.  Make sure your costume fits.

It’s easy to trip on costumes that are too long or shoes that are too big.  Wear brightly-colored clothing.

Put “glow-in-the-dark” patches or strips on your costume so drivers can see you.  Carry a flashlight.  Don’t eat treats until you show them to your parents or a trusted adult. When in doubt, throw it out.

Report any suspicious activity by Dialing 9-1-1 Drivers: Be extra careful driving on Halloween. Kids become very excited and sometimes careless while Trick-or-Treating. Please drive slowly and watch out for local ghosts and goblins.

Westchester Trick or Treat Hours: 3:30pm to 6:30pm

Police blotter 1) At 8:17pm on August 5th 2014, a Commercial Burglary was reported on the 1200 block of Gardner Road. An employee of a business on Gardner Road discovered that person(s) unknown had gained entry into a vacant building and removed copper electrical wires.

gained entry to their vehicle and removed miscellaneous items from the center console.

5) At 11:19am on September 6th 2014, a Retail Theft was reported from the Walgreens located on the 10300 block of Roosevelt Road. A male was arrested for exiting the 2) At 10:12am on August 18th 2014, store without paying for gift cards. a Theft was reported on the 11200 block of Constitution. The resident 6) At 11:40am on September 6th reported that unknown person(s) 2014, a Retail Theft was reported removed outdoor decorations from at the Jewel Foods Store located the home. on the 2100 block of Mannheim Road. A male subject was arrested 3) At 2:40pm on September 2nd and charged after concealing 2014, a Criminal Damage to Vehicle merchandise and walking out of the was reported on the 9800 block of store without paying.

Roosevelt Road. Person(s) unknown damaged a car windows between 7) At 4:02pm on September 11th 10:00am and 2:40pm that day.

2014, a Criminal Damage to Property was reported on the 1900 4) At 2:56pm on September 5th block of Balmoral. The homeowner 2014, a Burglary to Auto was reported that person(s) unknown reported on the 1000 block of damaged the door to their house.

Portsmouth. The Vehicle owner reported that person(s) unknown

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OCTOBER 2014

PRESIDENT Continued from page 1

Plan. This is what I discovered from the MWRD web site www.mwrd.org Combined Sewer Overflows Despite the reversal of the Chicago River, and even the construction of the largest wastewater treatment plant in the world, contaminants continued to accumulate in the rivers, canals, and Lake Michigan.

The persistence of the problem was due mainly to the fact that Chicago and many of the older suburbs are served by combined sewers, in which both sanitary and storm flow are conveyed through the same pipes.

As the area developed and more land was paved, the amount of rain water entering the sewer system dramatically increased.

During rain events, the sewer system and treatment plants could not accommodate the additional flow,and combined sewage wouldoverflowtothelocalwaterwaysover 100 days per year. Within the combined sewer areas there were over 600 outfalls that released polluted combined sewer overflows (CSOs) into the waterways.

During particularly large storms, the rivers were forced to reverse to their natural direction, releasing raw sewage into the lake. Beach closings were frequent along the Lake Michigan shoreline and the area waterways were polluted and devoid of aquatic life. In addition, combined sewage would back up into basements of homes and businesses.

The Deep Tunnel The District adopted the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) in 1972 as the Chicago area’s plan to cost-effectively comply with Federal and State water quality standards in the 375 square miles combined sewer area consisting of Chicago and 51 suburbs. TARP’s main goals are to protect Lake Michigan – the region’s drinking water supply - from raw sewage pollution; improve water quality of area rivers and streams; and provide an outlet for floodwaters to reduce street and basement sewage backup flooding.

Phase I of TARP, intended primarily for pollution control,is made up of four distinct tunnel systems: Mainstream, Des Plaines, Calumet, and Upper Des Plaines. After a storm event, pumping stations dewater the tunnel systems as Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) capacity becomes available, making the tunnel and reservoir capacity available for the next storm event. All captured combined sewer flow pumped to the WRP receives full secondary treatment prior to being discharged to the waterway pursuant to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits.

Construction of the Phase I tunnel systems commenced in 1975.The tunnel systems were put into service as portions were completed, starting in 1985. By 2006, all of Phase I was completed and

in operation. The total system consists of 109.4 miles of deep, large diameter, rock tunnels providing 2.3 billion gallons (BG) of volume to capture of CSOs that previously discharged at hundreds of outfall locations.

Phase II of TARP consists of reservoirs intended primarily for flood control, but it will also considerably enhance pollution control benefits being provided under Phase I. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (COE) Chicagoland Underflow Plan (CUP), Final Phase I General Design Memorandum (GDM) of 1986 defined the Federal interest in TARP Phase II based on the Federal National Economic Development Plan criteria. The three reservoirs proposed under TARP Phase II/CUP are: the Gloria Alitto Majewski, McCook, and Thornton Reservoirs.When all three reservoirs are completed, the reservoirs will increase the TARP system storage volume to 17.5 BG. The 350 million gallon Majewski Reservoir was completed by the COE in 1998, at a cost of $45 million. Since its completion, the Majewski Reservoir has yielded over $250 million in flood damage reduction benefits to the three communities it serves.

Progress TARP will be completed in 2029, but it’s providing benefits now.

The number of CSO events has been reduced by half since the TARP tunnels and Majewski Reservoir went online, preventing an estimated 85% of CSO pollution. As a result, water quality has dramatically improved,basement flooding in combined sewer areas has lessened, and fish populations have increased from 10 species in the early 1970s to over 70 today.

Tunnels The first phase of TARP was designed primarily for pollution control and includes 109 miles of tunnels. Construction started in the early 1970s and was completed in 2006.TARP tunnels can capture and store 2.3 billion gallons of CSO during storm events.

McCook Reservoir The McCook Reservoir is being constructed in two stages. Stage 1 is scheduled for completion in 2017 and Stage 2 by 2029. Once complete, it will be the largest CSO reservoir in the country.

The reservoir will serve 3.1 million people living in 37 communities and protect 1.24 million structures.It will provide 10 billion gallons of storage and provide $90 million per year in flood control benefits.

Majewski Reservoir The Majewski Reservoir was completed in 1998 and has capacity for 350 million gallons of CSO storage.It has provided over $250 million in flood reduction benefits to its service area in Arlington Heights,Des Plaines and Mount Prospect.

Thornton Reservoir TheThornton Reservoir portion ofTARP includes two reservoirs - one temporary and one permanent. The first, known as

the Thornton Transitional Reservoir, was completed in 2003 and has provided overbank flood relief for nine communities, capturing 26.7 billion gallons of flood water since going online. The second reservoir, the Thornton Composite Reservoir, is still under construction and will protect 182,000 structures and serve 556,000 people in 14 communities throughout the south side of Chicago and south suburbs of Cook County. On schedule to be complete in 2015, it will provide 7.9 billion gallons of storage and $40 million per year in flood control benefits.

The success of the TARP is evident by the dramatic improvements in the water quality of the Chicago River, the Calumet River and other waterways.Game fish have returned,marinas and riverside restaurants abound, river recreation and tourism are booming, and waterfront real estate values have skyrocketed as Chicago area residents see the river system as a major asset rather than an embarrassment.

TARP has received many awards, including the American Society of Civil Engineers award for most outstanding Civil Engineering Project of 1986. TARP was named by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency as one of the nation’s top Clean Water Act success stories and is serving as a model urban water management tool worldwide.

WATERSHED MAINTENANCE ORDINANCE TheVillage ofWestchester has a separated system where storm/rain water goes into Addison Creek or Salt Creek depending on where you live. Our sanitary system does attach to the MWRD interceptors and ends up mixed with other communities combined sewer overflows and is treated at the MWRD Stickney Facility before being released into the Chicago Waterway system. As a result of having clay sections of pipe that have deteriorated, or have become inundated from tree roots ground water from rain is able to infiltrate those pipes and adds thousands of gallons of clear rain water to the sanitary system all of which flows to MWRD for treatment.

The addition of this water to the system is called Inflow/Infiltration. MWRD has passed the Watershed Maintenance Ordinance (WMO) that will require municipalities with a separated system to reduce the amount of inflow that inundates our sanitary sewer system.

SANITARY SEWER/ WATER LINE WARRANTY The Village has authorized Service Line Warranties of America (SLWA) to offer the National League of Cities (NLC) Service Line Warranty Program to homeowners.

The NLC Service Line Warranty Program offers voluntary warranty protection at an affordable price for water lines in the event of a failure. You may have received information about a warranty program

for your DRINKING WATER line recently under my signature. I have spoken to the regional account manager for Utility Service Partners, Inc. who told me our residents can sign up for the Sanitary Sewer Line Warranty, the Water Line Warranty or both during this fall campaign.

The choice to participate is yours. The program is strictly optional. The Village does not receive any compensation from the warranty company, instead directing the provider to reduce the warranty rates to residents by any allowable rebate tot the Village. I have heard of several success stories involving residents who have purchased this warranty.

For more information call 1-855-5357141 or visit the website at www.SLWofA. com.

On a personal note, I have purchased the insurance although I do not have any trees in my back yard that may have roots near my sanitary line. There was,however, a tree in my backyard 20 years ago that did cause me to replace a section of pipe that I wish such a plan had been available to defray the cost.

WESTCHESTER HOME FLOOD PROOFING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM As a reminder, the Village of Westchester has allocated $45,000 in funding for a grant program to provide up to a $1500 grant per qualified applicant for home flood-proofing assistance.

Please contact our Community Development Director Melissa Headley for more information or visit our web site www.westchester-il.org.

MAYFAIR RESERVOIR EXPANSION PROJECT On Friday, September 12, 2014, sealed bids were opened for the Mayfair Reservoir Expansion Project. Five bids were received. The top 3 bidders were only 1% to 2% apart in their bid estimates. The low bidder was Copenhaver Construction based in Gilberts, Illinois at $1,210,408.50.

Our engineering consultant, V3 Companies, had estimated the project cost at $1,547,000. A representative from MWRD was present at the bid opening.

Excavation is anticipated to begin in midOctober. The excavation will expand the holding capacity of the Mayfair Reservoir by approximately 27 acre-ft.

STREET LIGHT UPDATE As you are well aware, at the time of this writing,there are about 75 street lights not functioning east of Mannheim Road. We are diligently working through the repair and replacements. The outages were most probably caused by electrical surges with the summer storms. We are in the process of installing surge protection to the street

See PRESIDENT, page 7

Calendar OCTOBER 2014

Constance Morris House Collection Saturday, October 11 Drive at Library During October, drop 9:30 AM Religious Education off new household items for women and children victimized by domestic Classes –(School) Grades K-6, Divine violence in specially marked bins in Providence 5 PM Mass, Divine Providence Youth Department. Items can include << Shopping Certificate Sale after all shampoo, lotions, paper towels, foil, soaps, garbage bags, and similar items. weekend Masses.

Contact Youth Dept at (708) 562-3573.

Monday, October 6

Sunday, October 12

7 – 8:30 PM, Religious Education (Grades 7 & 8) Divine Providence School

8:30 & 10:30 AM Masses, Divine Providence (10:30 Mass – Children’s Liturgy of the Word), Divine Providence

Tuesday, October 7 LADIES’ BIBLE STUDY – “Idol Lies” 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154 Church Office: 708-562-3040 Board of Education Committee of the Whole Mtg. at Westchester Middle School (6:30 PM) Westchester Intermediate School Dads & Donuts (7:45 AM) Wednesday, October 8 AMBASSADORS (Grades 7th–12th) 6:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154 Website: www.westchesterbiblechurch.org BAR-W (Grades 1st – 6th) 6:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154 Website: www.westchesterbiblechurch.org Interactive Adult Bible “Forgiveness”/Pray Meeting 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154 Website: westchesterbiblechurch.org

Study-

www.

Morning Worship Service/Evening Worship Service 10:45 a.m. / 6:00 p.m.

Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154 Website: www.westchesterbiblechurch.org Sunday School – Small Groups Bible Study-“Truth Revealed” 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154 Website: www.westchesterbiblechurch.org Faith Lutheran Church 18th Sunday after Pentecost Isaiah 25:6-9, Psalm 23, Philippians 4:4-13, and Matthew 22:1-14 9:Am Divine Worship with Holy Communion 10:00 Am Bible Study Gospel of Matthew 11:00Am Worship

BAR-W (Grades 1st – 6th) 6:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154 Website: www.westchesterbiblechurch.org Interactive Adult Bible “Forgiveness”/Pray Meeting

Study-

7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154 Website: www.westchesterbiblechurch.org

Board of Education Meeting at WMS (7:00 PM) 9 AM -- Women of Providence (Quilters), Divine Providence Ministry Center Newcomers Welcome

Friday, October 17

Monday, October 13

Tuesday, October 14 Village Board Meeting, 7:00PM LADIES’ BIBLE STUDY – “Idol Lies” 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154 Church Office: 708-562-3040

Wednesday, October 15 AMBASSADORS (Grades 7th–12th) 6:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154 Website:

Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154 Website: westchesterbiblechurch.org

www.

Faith Lutheran Church 19th Sunday after Pentecost Isaiah 45:1-7, Psalm 96:1-13, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, and Matthew 22:15-22 9:Am Divine Worship with Holy Communion 10:00 Am Bible Study Gospel of Matthew 11:00Am Worship 8:30 & 10:30 AM Masses- Divine Providence Noon – POLKA MASS- Divine Providence 1:30 PM OKTOBERFEST - (School) Enjoy Brat/Hot Dog Lunch, Divine Providence Dancing, Games & much more

Westchester Middle School, Make A Difference Day Westchester Middle School, Fall Choral Concert (7:00 PM) Faith Lutheran Church, 7:00 PM Prayers & Fellowship Family Film Night featuring “Rio2” Monday, October 20 6:30 PM at Library. Contact Youth at Monday Matinee featuring “It’s a Mad, (708) 562-3573.

11:30 AM to 1 PM,Table Grace (Grace Mad, Mad, Mad World” at 2:00 PM at Library. Contact Adult Dept or call Lutheran Church) 4:30 -5:30 PM Tai Chi – Wellness,– (708) 562-3573.

7 – 8:30 PM, Religious Education Divine Providence (Church Narthex) (Grades 7 & 8) Divine Providence School Thursday, October 16

“Regretting Mr. Wright: Mamah Tells Westchester Middle School 7th Grade Her Own Story” at 2:00 PM at Library.

The real story of the woman who’s trip to Springfield 7:30 PM 12-Step Program (Courage affair with Frank Lloyd Wright ended in murder, as presented by Ellie Carlson. to Love), Divine providence Ministry Advance registration requested. Center Contact Adult Dept or call (708) 5623573.

Saturday, October 18 Columbus Day

Family Math Night at Westchester Primary School (7:00 PM) Faith Lutheran Church, 7:00 PM Prayers & Fellowship Family Film Night featuring “The Lego Movie” 6:30 PM at Library. Contact Youth at (708) 562-3573.

11:30 AM to 1 PM,Table Grace , Divine Providence Ministry Center 4:30 -5:30 PM Tai Chi – Wellness,– Divine Providence Church Narthex Friday, October 10 No School for Students: Teacher Institute Day- Westchester Public Schools 7:30 PM 12-Step Program (Courage to Love) Ministry Center, Divine Providence

www.westchesterbiblechurch.org

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Fall Festival at the Fountain, 1PM to 8PM 5 PM Mass- Divine Providence Immanuel Christian Academy 12PM- Rummage Sale

Sunday, October 19 Morning Worship Service/Evening Worship Service 10:45 a.m. / 6:00 p.m.

Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154 Website: www.westchesterbiblechurch.org Sunday School – Small Groups Bible Study-“Truth Revealed” 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday, October 21 LADIES’ BIBLE STUDY – “Idol Lies” 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154 Church Office: 708-562-3040

Wednesday, October 22 AMBASSADORS (Grades 7th–12th) 6:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154 Website: www.westchesterbiblechurch.org BAR-W (Grades 1st – 6th) 6:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154 Website: www.westchesterbiblechurch.org Interactive Adult Bible Study“Forgiveness”/Pray Meeting 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154 Website: www.westchesterbiblechurch.org

See CALENDAR, page 21

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OCTOBER 2014

OCTOBER 2014

PRESIDENT

group. However, during my research regarding the possible medical benefits to persons with debilitating afflictions Continued from page 4 affecting their quality of life, I have done a 180 on my position. I rationalized this lighting system to assure we do not have with the thought of when my mother was this issue in the future.As a result, this has dying of cancer. I questioned whether if caused us to expand the time associated my mother could have eaten a marijuana with getting the lights operational. At our (cannabis) brownie would her pain be recent board meeting the board members reduced even fractionally? If so, I would in attendance were in agreement that the have found a way to provide it to her to lights need to get lit and done promptly. relieve her pain.

Lighting issues have also occurred in the Make no mistake that there are many Avondale section of town west of Wolf communities vying for the State of Illinois Road where storms knocked out 20 street to select them as the location. It is by no lights not associated in any manner to the means guaranteed that it will be located LED Upgrade. We are working on those here, however the Village Board voted lamps attempting to locate the reason for unanimously to authorize the Village their intermittent on/off cycle to occur.

Manager to author a letter of support We are well aware of the shorter daylight that put the Village as a contestant in the as we moved from Summer to Fall on location selection. I know there may be September 22, 2014. We are also aware differing opinions on this issue, but I do of the Daylight Savings Time Change on believe that this is the right thing to do Sunday November 2, 2014. The lamps to aid in the comfort and quality of life of that are out will get re-lighted. Additionally, those with afflictions that the dispensing I have suggested to the board that a of this drug may help. comprehensive review of all of our village ENTERPRISE DRIVE CONSTITUTION AVE owned light poles be examined for adding RESURFACING additional surge suppression and proper Construction has started on the grounding.

Again, we thank you for your patience resurfacing of Enterprise Drive from during this outage situation and will Cermak Road to Constitution Ave. to Wolf continue to resolve the issue as quickly as Road.These streets will be resurfaced with possible. In the meantime,we ask that you funding provided by a federal highway keep your coach lights on in the outage matching grant that Westchester applied areas to provide more lighting for the for several years ago through the West Central Municipal Conference North neighborhood.

Central Council of mayors.The total project MEDICAL MARIJUANA is budgeted for $950,000.The village match Just prior to our board meeting of of 20% will cost approximately $222,000.

September 9th, we were approached by VILLAGE ASSISTS PRAIRIE HOUSE a private company asking us whether Those residing along Enterprise Drive and we would consider having a Medical Marijuana dispensary located in theVillage along Constitution Drive have been made of Westchester. As you may be aware, the aware that Westchester has been awarded Illinois State Legislature approved the sale a federal matching grant from the Illinois of Medical Marijuana in the state under Department ofTransportation to resurface certain requirements. In addressing the that section of roadway from Cermak Rd. request,staff determined that the only area to Wolf Road. Village officials have been where the dispensary could be located meeting with the Save the Prairie Society was in an area bounded by Derby lane to (STPS) President and local resident Larry Westchester Blvd. along the south side of Godson to coordinate what plans the Roosevelt Rd. The location is actually near STPS have in the future. STPS is currently our State Representative Emanuel “Chris” working with the Forest Preserve District Welch’s office who was one of the bill of Cook County,the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and the Illinois Nature sponsors.

State law allows one dispensary to be Preserves Commission to preserve and located in within the Proviso, Leyden, restore an important buffer of open land and Norwood Townships. Not one in that protects Wolf Road Prairie’s natural each of the three Townships, but one conditions. The last thing the village in the geographical boundary which wants to do is cut open a new street to encompasses a large portion of Cook accommodate additional connections in the future. In forging ahead, the Village County.

As our attorney explained,similar to adult Board unanimously was in favor of assisting use requirements, each community has to the STPS in the installation of a 1” water make available certain allowable locations line and 4’’ductile water line for a future sprinkler service that is required for the to accommodate such legal uses.

Most of my colleagues in the law use of the future museum/public access enforcement community offered strong site. PW crews finished the stubbing of the opinions to not allow these locations lines for future connections at STPS cost in anywhere and voiced opinions when the one days time.The llinois Department of bill was being debated in Springfield not Natural Resources and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County own the 80 acre to legalize the use of marijuana.

I have to say that initially I was in this Wolf Road Prairie site located in theVillage

of Westchester which has been the focus of many past discussions involving our Comprehensive Plan as a draw to the village.

STREET REPAVING PROJECTS Phase 2 of our 2014 Street Improvement Program is near completion. Oxford, portions of Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Norfolk have been completed this year.

Completed Phase 1 projects consist of sections of Downing, Buckingham, Essex, Hawthorne, and Wakefield. All of these projects, as well as other infrastructure repairs were made possible by funding from the Series 2013 General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source) issued March 12, 2013.

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The village has received approval of a low interest loan from the IEPA for this project. The project has an estimated cost of $2,450,000 and has been in the works for the past 3 years.

VILLAGE HONORS FORMER PRESIDENT

On Tuesday, September 9th, with unanimous approval of the Board of Trustees, former Village President Frederick Wedinger was honored with the honorary naming of Wakefield Street in his honor. Mr.Wedinger, originally from Staten Island, NY, relocated to Westchester in the 1950’s. Wakefield Street from Wolf Road to Boeger Ave. is now designated as Honorary Frederick Wedinger Way. President Wedinger was Village President from 1973 to 1981. His prior community WATER BAN UPDATE service spanned 28 years, including being Thank you to all of the residents who a member of the Westchester District have been following the water ban the 92.5 School Board. During Fred’s term in village had to put in place to accommodate office, the original Mayfair Reservoir was the exterior painting of our 2MG water built as a result of the same flooding issues tank. Due to the excessive amount of rain that plagued the south end of Westchester that has fallen, my guess is that, in most that we are being faced with today. Back cases, the plants and flowers survived. As then, Mayfair Avenue was the last street mentioned earlier,this has been the rainiest with Halifax, Becket, and the 31st Street summer on record. With our changing plaza being the Schorsch Farm Area. weather patterns across the country, it is Additionally, there were no developments difficult to plan exactly when is the best west of Wolf Road to speak of. Fred, the time to complete a project of this nature honorary naming of the street for you is and magnitude. At the time of this writing, a small token of our appreciation for your the top of the tower is in olive drab primer. dedication to the Village of Westchester.

Rain and welding activities necessitated Thank You…Sam on top to repair the access hatch and STATE REPRESENTATIVE ATTENDS other safety upgrades certainly could have WESTCHESTER 9/11 CEREMONY affected the timeline. So far so good, I’m told our timeline is intact to complete the Police Chief John Carpino and Fire project by the end of October.

Chief James Adams and their staff of first ASH TREE REMOVAL responders are to be commended for Village crews have been working putting together Westchester’s Tribute diligently to remove many ash trees to the nearly 3000 persons who had lost infected by the Emerald Ash Borer this their lives in the cowardly attack at the season. I’m told there are over 100 stumps World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and that need to be ground out and removed. Shanksville, Pennsylvania on September At a recent board meeting, it was decided 11, 2001. Thanks to Fire Captain Jeff that due to the water ban and the inability Lebeda for moderating the ceremony. to successfully restore the parkways in the Pastor Joe Mills of the Westchester colder weather,we will be stump grinding Community Church, led the crowd in at our earliest convenience in the spring. prayer. The colors were presented by Officer Rob Verber and Firefighter Rich SUNNYSIDE SANITARY SEWER PROJECT Mahoney of the Westchester Fire and With everything else that is going on,we Police Department Honor Guard. Julia are continuing the plan to relocate the Melone gave a beautiful rendition of the sanitary sewer line located in an easement national anthem. The ceremonial ringing in the forest preserve east of Sunnyside of the bells was performed by Firefighters Ave. The line was installed sometime in Nick Lezza and Matthew Hiedermann the early formation of the village when the and was narrated by Captain Jeff Lebeda. area was a planned subdivision. There are The Fireman’s Prayer was recited by Fire 19 identified manholes in the area north of Chief James Adams and the Policeman’s 31st street and 6 identified in the village of Prayer by Lt. Mike O’Hagan. Chief John La Grange Park. The sanitary line crosses Carpino provided his heartfelt comments.

Salt Creek once north of 31st street and Our State Representative Emanuel “Chris” twice in La Grange Park. The preliminary Welch attended and spoke to the crowd plan is to relocate the sanitary sewer line of people who took time out to join in the east side parkway of Sunnyside the annual ceremony. Village resident Ave., cross 31st Street and continue Chief Warrant Officer Ed Brotonel, US down the bike path until a connection Army veteran, spoke to all regarding his can be made near Brainard and Jackson experience on that day.A big “Thank You” where the current connection to MWRD to the Westchester Middle School band is located. This project is being designed See PRESIDENT, page 8

by Christopher B. Burke Engineering.

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OCTOBER 2014

PRESIDENT

You can view the photo at http://www. military.com/daily-news/2014/09/11/911commemoration-amid-renewed-terrorContinued from page 7 threat.html.

I watched the procession carrying the and choir for presenting several musical American Flag that was flown at the site selections during the ceremony.Although that survived the attack as it was held I was unable to attend, I am pleased and in reverence by members of the FDNY, humbled that the “NEVER FORGET” PAPD, and NYPD.As I stood in front of the mantra is not forgotten in Westchester stage, shoulder to shoulder with retired Kearny, New Jersey Fire Department WESTCHESTER PRESIDENT member Chuck Kerr, who I have stood ATTENDS CEREMONY AT GROUND ZERO with for the past 13 years, I remembered This year was the 13th year anniversary what we had viewed and done during remembering the Attack on the world the time we volunteered our help in the Trade Towers in New York City, the months following the attack. The most Pentagon, and loss of life in a field in difficult time for me was hearing children Shanksville, Pennsylvania by heroic reading the name of a relative, whether it passengers in a hijacked airplane destined be a father,mother,aunt or uncle,that they to increase the number of deaths on had never had the chance to meet or had September 11,2001. Most of you are aware little memory of. Some were born after that I lost a cousin, Firefighter Thomas their loved one was killed.

A. Casoria from Engine Company 22 on For those visiting NYC, I encourage you that fateful day. Since that time I have not to stop at Ground Zero and visit the 9/11 missed any of the ceremonies at the site. Museum. It will be emotional for sure,and In 2011 and 2013 I actually was selected some of the photos and depictions hurt. to read names of those who perished, an But we Americans are a strong people, honor that I will forever be grateful to the resilient, resourceful, and committed with selection committee.As a family member, the ability to accomplish anything we put I was invited to view the 9/11 Museum our time, energy, and talents toward. on Wednesday evening, September 10th.

DISTRICT 92.5 REFERENDUM I attended the museum with a friend QUESTION of the family, Ms. Theresa Bradley, who I On July 31,2014,the Westchester School had met some 8 years ago while visiting Ms. Chickie Piazza. I met Ms. Piazza, then Board passed a resolution to place a a confidant and secretary for then Mayor question on the November ballot for Rudy Giuliani, when I, along with my son the increase of the limiting tax rate for Steve, brought condolence letters from the school district. The Resolution was School District 92.5 school children, and approved by a unanimous decision of the monetary donations from our Fraternal District 92.5 School Board and will ask the Order of Police to New York in October residents to approve an increase in the tax rate of the school district by $0.55 for one 2011.

I arrived at the site early Thursday year. Being a non-home rule community, morning and upon gaining entry, I went annual tax increases are limited to the to the south reflecting pool where my lesser of 5% or the consumer price index cousin’s name was etched. I was placing (CPI) without going to referendum. The 18 challenge coins aroundTom’s name for 2013 tax levy was limited to the CPI a colleague, Ralph Zaccarrello, who has which was 1.7%.If the referendum passes, for many years run the North Riverside the School Board will be able to increase 9/11 Tribute, as well as participated in its taxes for the 2014 tax year by $0.55. our ceremony in 2013. Ralph for the past Subsequent levy years would go back 2 years has given me challenge coins to to limiting the annual tax increase to the distribute to North Riverside Mayor Hugh lesser of 5% or the consumer price index Hermanek and their village officials. What (CPI). The 2015 levy increase will be I did not know was that an Associate limited to an increase of the lesser of 5% Press Reporter named Andrew Burton or the consumer price index times the was taking one of the early morning dollars levied for the 2014 levy year. The photographs of family members paying increase,if passed by referendum,will only their respects. At one point, I wiped my apply to the amount levied by District 92.5 eyes and after placing the coins with the and not to theVillage rate and other taxing first one having the American Flag first agency rates.

On Wednesday September 17, 2014, and foremost saluted Tom for his ultimate sacrifice while attempting to bring a Westchester Public School District wheelchair bound worker out of Tower 92.5 held a community meeting at the One. As I walked away toward the stage WestchesterCommunityChurchregarding Andrew interviewed me briefly. Within a referendum question they have placed a half hour, my phone was ringing and on the November ballot. I was unable emails were coming in letting me know to attend, however our Village Manager that the photos Andrew took for AP were Janet Matthys, Trustees Frank Perry and being shown worldwide. I am proud Tom Yurkovich, and a group of 50 or so to represent the Village of Westchester, residents attended the meeting. At the Cook County Illinois, the State of Illinois, meeting, District Superintendent Michael and will continue to do so in the future. Dziallo presented the District’s position

on why they were placing the referendum question on the ballot on November 4, 2014. I have been told by district officials that the increase of money the school is asking for will be used to continue the art, music, and language programs, maintain staffing levels and provide for infrastructure repairs to boilers as well as other life safety upgrades. Being a product of the District 92.5 school system and being their former School Board President for many years, the board members at the time knew the referendum which was passed in year 2000 was only going to go so far in keeping our public schools educationally sound and structurally safe. I encourage all residents, whether you have a child utilizing the school or not,including our senior population, to be informed by contacting school officials and the district office for specific questions you may have.

The District Office is located at 9981 Canterbury and the phone number is 708450-2700. The school district has more information contained in this newsletter on page 21.

cooperation endeavor in the country.

FALL FESTIVAL IS OCTOBER 18 The Fall Festival at the Fountain will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2014. The event will take place on CrestwoodAvenue, and the area where the Westchester Memorial Fountain is located at Cermak and Mannheim Roads. The event will start at 1pm and last until 8pm. Crestwood Ave. between Mannheim and Westchester Blvd will be closed at 7am.. Music will be provided by the JohnnyWagner Band from 1:30 – 3:30 and the New Invaders from 5:30 – 7:30.Activities for the kids include a bouncy house,train rides,face painting,a story hour sponsored by the Westchester Public Library, pumpkin painting and crafts.A Beer Garden will be sponsored by the Westchester Chamber of Commerce and a variety of food will be available for purchase. Come out and join the fun!

OCTOBER RECYCLING/SHREDDING EVENT

On Saturday,October 11,2014 from 9amNoon, the Westchester Environmental PALMER FLORIST OPEN HOUSE Sustainability Commission will be hosting On Thursday, September 18th, I, along the final electronic recycling event of the with Village Manager Janet Matthys and year. In addition to the electronic recycling, Special Events Staffer Katy Finn attended we have enhanced the collection to the long overdue Grand Re-Opening/ include DOCUMENT SHREDDING. The Open House at Palmer Florist located at village is encouraging residents to bring 1926 Mannheim Rd. Many Westchester documents that may contain private Chamber of Commerce Members, family information that is no longer needed. We andfriendswereinattendance.Onceinside are also requesting that attendees bring the venue,in addition to the beautiful floral some non-perishable, non- expired food arrangements, you cannot help looking items to stock the Village Food Pantry. along the ceiling where owners John You would be surprised at the number Kowalczyk and Tamara Church have the of residents needing basic food assistance. most incredible working train collection Carl Celestino, Commission Chairman with several different train engines, cars, and Commission liaison Trustee Angelo and street-scape buildings adorning the Calcagno and all the volunteers are to be perimeter. The work John and Tamara commended for their work over the past have done in their renovation efforts year. Westchester commitment to become has exceeded many of my expectations. “Green”starts with you.

Good Luck and Good Fortune to your LEAF BAGS 1-800-FLOWERS franchise.

During the month of October,volunteers COOK COUNTY HAZARD will be delivering leaf bags to single family MITIGATION PLAN residents to help with the season change The Cook County Hazard Mitigation and the falling of leaves. A pack of 5 leaf plan that was worked on over the past bags will be dropped off for your use. The year has been adopted by the Cook bags are to be placed at the curb with your County Board on September 10, 2014. regular garbage, yard waste, and recycling.

Having an approved Hazard Mitigation Please follow the rules and do not put any Plan will allow the 113 Cook County of the aforementioned out before 3pm the municipalities who participated in its day before your collection day. Containers development to avail themselves of FEMA also have to be removed before 8am the funds should a Disaster Declaration be following day. Please, DO NOT put your issued by the President of the United cans in the street.

States. The Hazard Mitigation Plan has HAPPY HALLOWEEN been sent to FEMA Headquarters for BOOOOO…Halloween is Friday, final approval. The Village of Westchester presently has a FEMA approved plan in October 31st. “Trick or treat!” That’s place and will now fall under the Cook the phrase shouted with glee by many County plan when approved. Thanks a youngster across the country every to all of our residents who completed Halloween night. But before your ghosts the Hazard Mitigation Survey last spring. and goblins trick or treat this year, parents Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle should keep in mind trick or treating safety and Cook County Homeland Security tips to make sure the only howls are those Director Michael Masters are commended See PRESIDENT, page 12 for spearheading the largest governmental

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School Dist. 92.5 News and Notes

See SCHOOL, page 21

OCTOBER 2014

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PRESIDENT Continued from page 8

HOLIDAY/CHRISTMAS TREE OPPORTUNITY

As I think of ways to improve Village special events, I thought about the Park of fun.VillageTrick orTreat Hours are from District’s Holiday/Christmas Tree Lighting 3:30 – 6:30pm. See safety tips on Police Event held at the Westchester Community Page 3.

Park last December. As you may recall, businesses sponsored Holiday Trees, BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH through the Westchester Chamber of October is Beast Cancer Awareness Commerce, that were placed strategically Month. I know we all know of someone along the park path leading to Mrs. Claus has or has had breast cancer; some of kitchen where hot chocolate was served whom have passed away. I have provided by Mrs. Claus. This year, in addition to the some information from the American business sponsored trees, I would like to Cancer Society Web Site for your review. add at least 10 additional ones. What I Breast cancer is the most common cancer would like to do is have residents from our among women in the United States, other village volunteer to decorate trees based than skin cancer. It is the second leading on their roots involving Country, Culture cause of cancer death in women, after and Ethnicity. This is not a new idea as lung cancer. the Museum of Science and Industry and The chance of a woman having invasive the Brookfield Zoo have similar treats for breast cancer some time during her life the visitors they serve. I know that there is about 1 in 8.The chance of dying from are many, many, cultures and heritages breast cancer is about 1 in 36. Breast represented in Westchester. While on the cancer death rates have been going down. School Board, I was informed there were This is probably the result of finding the 26 languages, including English, that were cancer earlier and better treatment. Right first languages spoken in Westchester now there are more than 2.9 million breast homes and families. With that being said, cancer survivors in the United States.

I would like to start out small and have For more information about breast 10 countries represented. If there is a cancer, how to find it early, and how to ground swell of positive support, we can help finish the fight against the disease, add additional countries in future years. visit contact the American Cancer Society Secondly, we have to be mindful of the at 1-800-227-2345 anytime, day or night. power constraints the park district has The following steps provided by the regarding allowable amperage. If you American Cancer Society can help you are interested in decorating one of these stay well and improve your odds against cultural trees, please contact Jessica breast cancer: Spencer, Public Information/Management • The earlier breast cancer is found, Assistant at 708-345-0020. First come, first the better. Sign up for our breast cancer served! More information will follow in screening reminder and we’ll remind you November. based on our early detection guidelines.

I290 RECONSTRUCTION UPDATE If you are 40 or older, get a mammogram I along with Village Manager Janet and breast exam every year and report any breast changes to your doctor right away. Matthys, PW Director Robert Lewis, and •You can help reduce your breast cancer CommunityDevelopmentDirectorMelissa risk by maintaining a healthy weight Headley met with representatives from throughout life, being physically active IDOT regarding future improvements to on a regular basis (at least 150 minutes the I290.We have been told no properties of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of will be taken to expand the right of way vigorous intensity activity each week) and in Westchester. The drawings indicated a limiting alcohol intake to less than 1 drink new criss-cross interchange at 25thAvenue, in conjunction with the elimination of the each day for women (2 drinks for men).

Learn more ways you can fight breast Gardner Road exit.

The purpose of the meeting was to cancer at www.cancer.org. show preliminary drawings of changes are HOLIDAY TREE DONATION being discussed by IDOT.The project calls TheVillage ofWestchester is again looking for I-290 improvements from Mannheim for donation of a Holiday Evergreen Tree Rd to Central Ave. to be erected in front of the Westchester For more information please visit www.

Fire Station Number One on Roosevelt eisenhowerexpressway.com.

Road. The evergreen tree has to be I have included some frequently asked able to be accessed easily by our crew. question provide by IDOT. Generally,backyard removals without easy Current FAQs access have been rejected due to safety

• What is the process for and potential damage issues. If you are determining the overall improvements for interested in donating your evergreen tree, I-290? please contact Gayle Golz,PW Secretary at The planning process for I-290 is 708-345-0041. Staff will evaluate the entry based upon the National Environmental along with our vendor SinnottTree Service. Policy Act (NEPA), which is a federal Entries are due by the end of business on law that provides a framework for Friday October 31st. transportation planning. The process has

three basic elements: engineering studies, environmental studies, and stakeholder outreach.Major steps in the process include the identification of transportation needs, developmentandevaluationofalternatives, and selecting a preferred alternative.

The process, including technical studies and stakeholder coordination, is being implemented in steps and shared with the public at various study milestones/ decision points.The overall study process and findings will be summarized in a report called an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS),which is the most rigorous level of analysis for a transportation project.

A Draft EIS will be circulated for public and agency comments at the time of the Public Hearing, and after considering the Public Hearing comments, a Final EIS will be developed.

• What opportunities are there for public input into the study?

IDOT has prepared a Stakeholder Involvement Plan, or SIP, which summarizes the overall stakeholder involvement process. A central feature of the SIP has been the Corridor Advisory Group (CAG), which is comprised of area communities, transit agencies, regulatory agencies, county officials, planning agencies, and interested groups.The CAG has met over a dozen times thus far, and has helped define the transportation needs, as well as the development and evaluation of alternatives. Public Meetings were hosted in November of 2009 and May of 2011, and a third Public Meeting is anticipated fall 2013. A Public Hearing is anticipated in late spring/early summer 2014. Other major elements outlined in the SIP include newsletters, small group meetings, speakers bureau presentations, and a project website where interested stakeholders can receive project updates or join the mailing list.

• What were the identified transportation needs?

The Department identified the transportation needs through a combination of technical studies and stakeholder input. The major findings of the needs analysis include:

• Traffic volumes on I-290 currently exceed its ideal design capacity by up to 38%

• As much as 87% of the expressway operates in severe congestion for much of the day

• Congestion on I-290 is causing expressway traffic to divert onto the local arterials.

• Congestion on I-290 results in long travel times, thus reducing accessibility to jobs from and through the study area.

• The connections between transit, bike/pedestrian and vehicle modes along the corridor are poor.

Narrow sidewalks,difficult street crossings, and buses stopping in traffic hinder the effectiveness of each travel mode.

• The Blue Line Forest Park branch operates at 56% capacity.

• I-290 averages 2,000 crashes per year, and experiences a higher rate of crashes as compared to the other similar sections of the Chicagoland expressway system.

• Why are left hand ramps a safety concern?

At the beginning of the I-290 planning process, we conducted a detailed review of crashes along the I-290 corridor.The two highest concentrations of crashes in the westbound direction occur in the sections of I-290 near Austin Boulevard and Harlem Avenue. The section of westbound I-290, from Laramie Avenue to Austin Boulevard, had the highest crash rate (537 crashes per mile) within the project limits, the next closest rate was on eastbound I-290 from Ashland Avenue to Racine Avenue, at 390 crashes per mile. 74% of the crashes that had an identified lane position in the police reports were in the inner two lanes at Austin, and 47% of the crashes that had an identified lane position in the police reports were in the inside lane at Harlem.

This crash experience can be attributed to the inside lanes on an expressway typically serving higher speed, longer distance travel;the inside ramps introduce merging and speed changes. A national study sponsored by the American Association of State Highway andTransportation Officials (AASHTO) in cooperation with the FHWA documents that left side entrances or exit ramps have up to 180% more crashes than right side entrance or exit ramps.

• What transportation needs will be addressed?

From the identified transportation needs,a Purpose and Need statement was developed, which is a concise summary of the transportation problems that will be addressed.The identified needs are as follows:

• Improve Regional and Local Travel;

• Improve Access to Employment;

• Improve Safety for All Users;

• Improve Modal Connections and Opportunities; and,

• Improve Facility Deficiencies.

• How were alternatives developed?

Alternatives suggestions for the I-290 Study were solicited from project stakeholders and the public through public meetings, CAG meetings, via comments submitted to the project website or by other means. Sensitive environmental and community features, identified by project stakeholders,were constraints that IDOT avoided during the development of the alternatives. Stakeholders identified alternatives incorporating all modes, including transit, highway, bicycle and pedestrian modes. The submitted alternatives were categorized, reviewed, and screened to identify an initial set of

See PRESIDENT, page 17

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CALENDAR Continued from page 7

‘corridor level’ alternatives that fit within the context of the study.

• How are environmental factors being considered?

The study is following the federal National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process for preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The NEPA process first involves the preparation of a Purpose and Need statement that defines the transportation problems that are being addressed. For I-290, this included improving regional and local travel, access to employment, safety, modal connections and opportunities, and facility condition.

In Round 1, a broad range of single mode alternatives (transit, expressway, arterial) were analyzed to understand how they improved transportation performance.

Based on the results of Round 1, 12 combination alternatives were analyzed to see how they addressed the Purpose and Need. Four combination alternatives plus the No Action Alternative are being recommended to be carried forward for analysis in the Draft EIS. These alternatives are now being defined based on engineering detail (interchange locations and types, traffic operations analysis), and in coordination with CTA and the CSX railroad who share the corridor with I-290.

This level of detail is needed to assess the environmental impacts of the alternatives.

The Draft EIS will include a detailed assessment of all environmental impacts required by NEPA, including cultural and biologic impacts. For this study, air quality, noise, historic, water quality, construction impacts and secondary and cumulative impacts are some of the most relevant environmental areas to be examined, although all environmental impacts will be analyzed.

• How are minority and low income communities being considered in this process?

The alternatives that address the transportation needs provide improved opportunitiesforlowincomecommunities such as improved transit access to jobs and easier connections between modes.

In addition, all of the alternatives under consideration include expanded transit service.In order to encourage stakeholder involvement, all printed materials are posted and personally distributed at key establishments in the study area communities. For the purposes of this study, key establishments include libraries, community centers, laundromats, places of worship, recreation facilities, schools, community parks, local drug stores, and transit stations.

• How are the alternatives being evaluated?

Three rounds of evaluation are being conducted prior to preparing the Draft EIS. In Round 1 single-mode alternatives were

evaluated as stand-alone improvements to assess their individual performance benefits with respect to the identified Purpose and Need. Based on the Round 1 findings, alternatives that combined several modes of travel were identified and evaluated in Round 2. In Round 3, a set of finalist alternatives, that best address the project purpose and need, will be further refined and evaluated for purpose and need performance, environmental considerations, and cost. Alternatives remaining after the completion of Round 3 will be evaluated in more detail in the Draft EIS.

• What were the findings of Round #1 of the alternatives evaluation?

For Round 1,the expressway alternatives had the overall best travel and safety performance improvement, because they serve the largest travel market, divert longer distance traffic off of the arterials, and in the case of the managed lane options (i.e., special toll or car pool lanes), were the alternatives that carried the most people through the study area in an eastwest direction.Another major finding was that there is not a “transit only solution”.

I-290 is a major regional interstate that serves a large portion of the region and has deficiencies that cannot realistically be addressed by stand-alone transit improvements. However, transit provides important access to communities, reduces auto trips and provides access to employment. One of the I-290 study goals is to improve mobility in the region and in the study area, and a set of combination (highway/transit) alternatives are being developed and refined to meet that goal.

• What were the findings of Round #2 of the alternatives evaluation?

Based on the Round 1 results and stakeholder input, 12 combination alternatives were developed and evaluated in Round # 2, including combinations of expressway improvements (including managed lanes), transit service expansion, and interchange improvements. The best performing options generally included combinations of managed lanes, extending the CTA Blue Line, and express bus service.A total of four alternatives are being considered for further evaluation in Round 3.The results of this evaluation are documented in the Alternatives Identification and Evaluation Report.

• Can transit improvements address the problems in the I-290 corridor?

Our extensive technical studies and stakeholder/agency coordination has resulted in a thorough understanding of existing conditions in the corridor, with the conclusion that improvements to all modes are needed. Overall, there is an abundance of existing transit options in the study area, with 21% of the work trips using transit compared to 12% regionally.

However, the market served by I-290 is much broader than the market served by

transit and, as such, the stand alone transit improvements that we have studied, including a Blue Line extension to Oak Brook, have not demonstrated significant increased transit ridership or would not address the mobility issues along I-290 in any meaningful way. Further, as a result of the current variety and extent of transit options in the study area, our studies have shown that about 50% of the ridership on any new transit service is coming from other existing transit services. Our approach is to develop multimodal alternatives, rather than choose one mode over another, and configure each mode to maximize its performance.

• Have options been studied that don’t include widening I-290?

Yes, we studied “non widening” options, both in evaluation round #1 and #2,which would rely upon an extended Blue Line for any additional capacity. Our updated evaluationofround#2alternativesincluded two new “non widening” alternatives that were suggested by stakeholders. These alternatives include features that would further restrict flow on I-290 (i.e. high toll rates on all lanes, converting the existing inside lanes to managed lanes) thereby increasing traffic on local arterials, putting an added strain on local communities.

The major effect of these strategies was a diversion of traffic from I-290 to an already congested local arterial system. As such, these alternatives did not perform well enough to be carried further.

• Why did project study area change?

In 2009, the original study limits for this project were defined from west of Mannheim Road to east of Cicero Avenue.

However,the I-290 study has identified and evaluated a range of potential alternatives with many extending well east of Cicero Avenue. In order to fully evaluate the range of alternatives that may progress into the DEIS, IDOT formally extended the I-290 EIS study limits to RacineAvenue.

In addition, Racine Avenue is the western limit of IDOT’s current Circle Interchange Improvement study and the common limit eliminates the study area gap that previously existed.

• What has been the national experience with managed lanes?

As the nation’s expressway system has matured, and capacity improvements have become increasingly difficult to implement due to impacts or costs, innovative solutions have been sought to increase the efficiency of the system in a more sustainable manner. Managed lanes have certain restrictions, such as truck only, tolled, car pool or combinations of restrictions that create the ability to manage the usage of that lane. For the I-290 study, the range of managed lane options includes car pool lanes (High Occupancy Vehicle, “HOV”), tolled lanes, or a combination of features (High Occupancy andTolling,“HOT”).In general,

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managed lanes offer travel time savings and reliability for travelers, and can serve to greatly improve the efficiency of a travel corridor and at a relatively lower cost. In 1980, there were 125 miles of managed lanes nationally, and today, there are over 4,000 miles, with many more projects planned, which speaks to the success of this transportation option.

• Who makes the final decision?

IDOT and the Federal Highway Administration are the lead agencies in the I-290 planning process, and will make the final decision regarding a preferred plan, based upon the results of the technical analysis and stakeholder feedback.

• What are the next steps?

Round #3 of the alternatives evaluation is just beginning, and the findings of Round #3 will be discussed with stakeholders in the coming months and summarized in the DEIS that will be prepared near the end of the planning process.A Public Hearing for Draft EIS is expected to occur in late spring/early summer 2014.After the Public Hearing, comments will be addressed and a Final EIS will be prepared with a recommended alternative, with FHWA approval expected in 2014. At this time, there is no funding for any future phases of project development, including final design, land acquisition, and construction.

• How can I keep informed on the study’s progress?

IDOT has a number of contact points for information on the study.The best way to keep updated is to check the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) website. In addition to the website, we encourage stakeholders to sign up for the mailing list to receive newsletters and invitations to meetings, as well as to e-subscribe to website updates.

• Who can I contact about this study?

You can direct questions and comments to us via this website.Written correspondence can be sent directly to Illinois Department of TransportationRegion One/District 1, Attn: John Baczek, P.E., c/o: Mark Peterson, 201 W. Center Court, Schaumburg, Illinois 60196 or by fax: 847.705.4159.

FROM THE BOARD

• At the August 26, 2014 Village Board Meeting, the following items were approved under the Consent Agenda;

• Approval of the Record of Bills ending 08-21-2014 in the amount not to exceed $1,138,390.18

• Approval of Minutes of the July 22, 2014 Executive Session, the August 12, 2014 Village Board Meeting and theAugust 12,2014 Committee of the Whole Meeting

• Ordinance Approving an Amendment to the Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the Fiscal

See PRESIDENT, page 19

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OCTOBER 2014

library OCTOBER 2014

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OCTOBER 2014

Nicor upgrading system Nicor Gas will begin working in your neighborhood to upgrade the natural gas delivery system, which will include the installation of new gas mains and service lines to your home. As part of this project, gas meters currently located inside residential homes must be moved outside.

This project will be completed in three phases over the next year, and we estimate that 618 customers in the stated area of Westchester will be affected.

Because your home or business may be impacted by this construction, we want to inform you of the project’s key phases, the measures we are taking to ensure minimal disruption to your property – including complete landscape restoration plans – and the benefits of the project to you. We are also asking for your cooperation and patience as Nicor crew members and Nicor Contractors will need to make multiple visits to your home in order to complete important steps in this project.

CALENDAR

Sunday, October 26

Faith Lutheran Church We celebrate Reformation this day Continued from page 5 Revelation 14:6-7, Psalm 46, Romans Westchester Middle School 6th Grade 3:19-28, and John 8:31-36 Outdoor Education 9:Am Divine Worship with Holy Faith Lutheran Church, 7:00 PM Communion Prayers & Fellowship 10:00 Am Bible Study Gospel of Family Film Night featuring “Muppets Matthew Most Wanted” 6:30 PM at Library.

11:00Am Worship Contact Youth at (708) 562-3573.

11:30 AM to 1 PM,Table Grace (Divine Morning Worship Service/Evening Providence Ministry Center) Worship Service 4:30 -5:30 PM - Tai Chi – Wellness,– 10:45 a.m. / 6:00 p.m.

Divine Providence (Church Narthex) Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154 Thursday, October 23 Website: Westchester Middle School 6th Grade www.westchesterbiblechurch.org Outdoor Education Friday, October 24 Sunday School – Small Groups Bible Westchester Middle School 6th Grade Study-“Truth Revealed” Outdoor Education 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

7:30 PM 12-Step Program (Courage Westchester Bible Church to Love) Divine Providence Ministry 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Center Westchester, IL 60154 Website: www.westchesterbiblechurch.org Saturday, October 25 9:30 AM Religious Education Classes –(School) Grades K-6 Divine Providence 5 PM Mass Divine Providence Shopping Certificate Sale after all Weekend Masses

SCHOOL Continued from page 10

Divine Providence 8:30 & 10:30 AM Masses (10:30 Mass – Children’s Liturgy of the Word)

Monday, October 27 TAG meeting (Teen Advisory Group) 4:00 PM at Library. Contact Teen or Youth Dept at (708) 562-3573.

Deadline for entries in Write-A-Book Contest at Library. Contact Youth Dept at (708) 562-3573.

Tuesday, October 28 Village Board Meeting, 7:00PM LADIES’ BIBLE STUDY – “Idol Lies” 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154 Church Office: 708-562-3040

Wednesday, October 29 Faith Lutheran Church, 7:00 PM Prayers & Fellowship AMBASSADORS (Grades 7th–12th) 6:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154 Website: www.westchesterbiblechurch.org BAR-W (Grades 1st – 6th) 6:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154 Website: www westchesterbiblechurch.org

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Interactive Adult Bible Study“Forgiveness”/Pray Meeting 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154 Website: www.westchesterbiblechurch.org Westchester public Schools, Early Release Day (see calendar for time schedule) Family Film Night featuring “Despicable Me II” 6:30 PM at Library.

Contact Youth at (708) 562-3573.

11:30 AM to 1 PM,Table Grace (Grace Lutheran Church) 4:30 -5:30 PM - Tai Chi – Wellness,– Divine Providence (Church Narthex)

Thursday, October 30 Westchester Intermediate School Book Fair Westchester Middle School Fall Dance- 6:00-8:15 PM Friday, October 31 Westchester Intermediate School Book Fair Westchester Middle School Picture Day 7:30 PM 12-Step Program (Courage to Love) Divine Providence Ministry

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NEWS AND NOTES OCTOBER 2014

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NEWS AND NOTES 24

OCTOBER 2014

President Pulia Named 2014 Person of Impact The League of Women Voters of the LaGrange Area and the LaGrange/Chicago Business Women’s Club named Sam Pulia,Village President of Westchester, as a 2014 Person of Impact. The Person of Impact Award honors local people who exemplify the League’s values of engagement and commitment in the community. Sam was presented with this award on September 18th at the Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook. Congratulations, Sam! • Mariano’s is now hiring!!! Visit www.marioanos.com/ careers for more details.

• Advertisements published in the Westchester Newsletter in no way constitute an endorsement of the product or service by the Village of Westchester.The Village of Westchester recommends that homeowners and local business owners research with whom they are doing business before purchasing services or signing a contract.

A list of registered contractors is available on the Village website as well as in Village Hall upon request.

Public Works OCTOBER 2014

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OCTOBER 2014

Year Ended April 30,2014

• Ordinance Awarding a Contract to Genco Industries for Purchase of Emergency Generator in the Amount of $231,080

• Resolution Approving the Execution of an Agreement with the Illinois Emergency Alarm system ( ILEAS)

• Resolution Authorizing and Ratifying the Execution and Delivery of a Master Equipment Lease-Purchase Agreement with PNC Equipment Finance, LLC,as Lessor,and Separate Lease Schedules Thereto for the Acquisition, Purchase, and Leasing of Certain Equipment within the Terms Herein Provided; Authorizing the Execution and Delivery of Other Documents Required in Connection Therewith; and Authorizing all Other Actions Necessary to the Consummation of the Transactions Contemplated by this Resolution in the Amount of $95,076

• Resolution Approving the Purchase of Wayfinding Signs from Western Remac in the Amount of $10,953

• Motion to Award a Façade Grant to Anna’s Place Cafe in an Amount Not to exceed $7,500

• Motion to Award a Façade Grant to Christo’s Fur Salon in an Amount Not to exceed $7,500 A Resolution Approving Change Order No.1 for the contract with Jetco, LTD. for the Enterprise Drive 2MG High Tank Exterior Painting Project and all Associated Site and Structural Work in the Amount Of $10,880 was discussed under the active agenda.

At the August 26,2014,Committee of the Whole Meeting, the following items were discussed under new business:

• Electrical Bid – Street Lights/Crestwood – Ms.Matthys

• Amendment to Liquor Code (Mariano’s) – Ms.Matthys

• MABAS Contract Addendum – MABAS & FEMA Reimbursements – Chief Adams

• Quarterly Financial Report (Fiscal Quarter ended July 31,2014) (Handout) – Ms.Potempa

• Fire Protection Service Compliance Extension (Handout) – Ms. Matthys/Chief Adams

Whole Meeting and the August 26, 2014 Executive Session

• Approval of the Departmental Monthly Reports including the Community Development Department, the Fire Department, the Police Department, and the Public Works Department

• Ordinance Amending Sections 5.36.080, Entitled “Classification and Fees,” Section 5.36.130, Entitled “Number of Licenses,”and Section 5.36.250, Entitled “Hours of Operation,” of Chapter 5.36,Entitled“Liquor Sale,”ofTitle 5,Entitled “Business Licenses and Regulations”of the Westchester Municipal Code

• Ordinance Authorizing anAddendum to the MutualAid BoxAlarm System (MABAS) Agreement

• Resolution Authorizing theVillage Manager to Execute a Consulting Agreement with Energy Choices,P.C. At the September 9, 2014, Committee of the Whole Meeting, the following items were discussed under new business:

• Purchase of a 2015 Ford Utility Police Interceptor through JAG Grant

• Bulk Rock Salt Contract

• Resource Posting on Village Website – Directory of On-Line Colleges

• Removal of No Parking Sign (Heidorn/Roosevelt)

• Recommendation for Approval of a Façade Grant to DiVita Insurance agency

The following items were discussed under old business;

• LED Lighting Update

• Sanitary Sewer Maintenance Responsibility

• Letter in Support of an Application for a Medical Marijuana Dispensary in the Village of Westchester

• Fire Protection Service Compliance Extension

•

• At the September 23, 2014 Village Board Meeting, the following items were approved under the Consent Agenda;

• Approval of the Record The following items were discussed of Bills ending 09-17-2014 in the amount under old business; not to exceed $598,042.49

• Clarification - Driveway

• Approval of Minutes Approach — Portion Between Public of the September 9, 2014 Village Board Sidewalk and Curb – Municipal Code Meeting and the September 9, 2014 14.03.910 (Discussion Only) – President Committee of the Whole Meeting Pulia/Ms.Headley

• Ordinance Waiving

• Disabled Parking Access Competitive Bidding and Authorizing the Compliance – Ms.Headley Purchase of a 2015 Ford Utility Police At the September 9, 2014 Village Board Interceptor From Currie Motors Fleet Meeting, the following items were

• Ordinance Amending approved under the Consent Agenda; Section 2.12.200 Entitled,“Rules for Public • Approval of the Record of Bills Participation,” of the Code of the Village of ending 09-05-2014 in the amount not to Westchester exceed $1,155,577.54

• Ordinance Amending

• Approval of Minutes of Section 11.32.090 Entitled, “Parking the August 26, 2014 Village Board Meeting, Prohibited at all Times on Certain Streets,” the August 26, 2014 Committee of the of Chapter 11.32 Entitled,“Parking” of Title

11, Entitled, “Vehicles and Traffic,” of the Westchester Municipal Code

• Ordinance Authorizing the Purchase of Rock Salt from Morton Salt, INC. For Use Within The Village of Westchester

• Resolution Ratifying the Submission of a Letter to the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation in Support of An Application For the Operation of a Medical Marijuana Dispensary Within the Village of Westchester

• Motion to Award a Façade Grant to DiVita Insurance Agency in an Amount Not to exceed $7,500 An Ordinance Waiving Competitive Bidding an Accepting A Proposal from V3 Companies of Illinois, LTD. for Construction Engineering Services for the Mayfair Reservoir Expansion Project and a Resolution Authorizing the Award of a Contract to Copenhaver Construction, Inc. For Construction Services Related to the Mayfair Reservoir Expansion Project were discussed under the active agenda.

An Ordinance Waiving Competitive Bidding and Authorizing the Execution of a Contract with GNP Energy for the Repair of Damaged LED Street Lights was discussed under the active agenda and was tabled for further discussion.

At the September 23, 2014, Committee of the Whole Meeting, the following items were discussed under new business:

• Designating OMA Compliance Officer for the Village

• Designating Deputy

Clerk for the Village

• Designating FOIA Officer

• Proposed Purchase – Salt Pre-Wet Station

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA AWARENESS October 7th is Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) Awareness day. TN is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from your face to your brain. Even mild stimulation of your face from shaving, talking, eating, slight breezes, brushing your teeth, smiling, pressure changes, stroking your face, putting on makeup and washing your face may trigger a jolt of excruciating pain. Please show your support for those affected by this terrible disease and their hope for a cure by displaying or wearing teal ribbons on October 7.

WELCOME HOME USAF SEAN PETERS On Saturday, September 27th, the members of the Westchester Fire and Police Departments, along with members of Operation Welcome you Home, a nonprofit organization, helped to escort USAF Sean Peter home to Westchester.

Sean Louis Peter is a life-long resident of Westchester. Sean was assigned to Ramstein Air Base as part of Security Forces. Sean was deployed to Afghanistan. He transferred to Spangdahlem Air Base. Proud Mom Linda, Dad Marc and brother Eric are happy to have him home. Welcome home, Sean!

Thank you for your service!

Community Development OCTOBER 2014

Naming & Identification Business Districts

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The Economic Development Committee (EDC) has been considering various ways to help improve our commercial corridors.

One action item the Committee has been pursuing is the installation of wayfinding signs to direct residents and visitors to our various business districts.

Initially, the EDC was going to name the corridors by their street location (i.e Roosevelt Rd District, Cermak & Mannheim District). The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Cook County Department of Transportation have jurisdiction on all the commercial corridors in Westchester. Staff was informed

by IDOT that we cannot use road names in the wayfinding signs. As such, the EDC devised business district names to help identify each business area.

The district names are as follows: • Addison Creek: Roosevelt Rd, East of the train tracks • Municipal: Roosevelt Rd, West of the train tracks • Highridge: Roosevelt Rd, between Highridge Av and Wolf Rd • Historic Boulevard: Westchester Boulevard and Canterbury St • Fountain: Cermak Rd and Mannheim Rd • Prairie: 31st St and Wolf Rd • Tower: Cermak and Wolf

(Westbrook, Enterprise Dr, Prairie Medical, etc) The Village Board approved the district names at their April 8, 2014 meeting. Below is a map of the different districts.

Wayfinding Signs

wayfinding signs. Below is a list of the sign locations and a rendering of the proposed signs.

FY 1.

Mannheim Rd & Roosevelt Rd-Northeast Corner (Westbound traffic) 14/15 2.

Mannheim Rd & Roosevelt There are seven wayfinding signs Rd-Southeast Corner (Northbound that will be installed over the traffic) 14/15 course of this fall and next summer.

3.

Mannheim Rd & Cermak The business district map also Rd-Southwest Corner (Eastbound shows the seven locations for the traffic) 14/15

4.

Cermak Rd & Wolf RdSouthwest Corner (Eastbound traffic) 14/15 5.

Mannheim Rd & Cermak Rd-Northwest Corner (Southbound traffic) 15/16 6.

Wolf Rd & 31st St-Northwest Corner (Southbound traffic)

15/16 7.

Wolf Rd & 31st St-Northeast Corner (Westbound traffic)

15/16 8.

Historic Marker Signs

15/16

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OCTOBER 2014