Spring 2019 Digest Newsletter

News For the Community

SPRING 2019

OUR FUTURE FORWARD APPROACH Dear Neighbors, Can you imagine living in a community that concentrates only on its present challenges and not on future opportunities and development potential?

As your Mayor, I’m proud to say that this scenario doesn’t apply to our community. The truth of the matter is that, for the last 10 years, Des Plaines has had its sights firmly focused on the future, and we’ve never looked back.

Let’s explore the past decade of significant improvements in Des Plaines. Since 2009, the City has reduced its bond debt by 75%, from what was once $76.2 MM a decade ago to $19.3 MM today.

In 2009, we also recognized the need to grow a healthy reserve fund so we could rely on cash instead of interest-bearing bonds to pay for future projects. With that as a goal, the $4.1 MM cash reserve then grew to a respectable $25 MM cash reserve today.

Why is this so important? Reserve funds are like a savings account.

Bond debt is like a mortgage that bears interest. With the City’s reserve fund maintained at approximately 25% of its annual operating budget, we can pay cash for infrastructure improvements, significantly improve the timeframe for completion of projects, and no longer incur interest on debt. That said, our credit rating, or debt ratio, is far better than the State of Illinois.

Des Plaines supports our local and potential businesses: 6B & 7C Business Incentives: These two incentives alone resulted in 4.26 MM square feet of vacant space filled, $530 MM in private investments, and 5,566 jobs created or retained.

New Business Growth: In 2018, Des Plaines welcomed 120 new businesses, filling 880,000 square feet of commercial and industrial space.

Infrastructure Improvements: Today, the City has invested four times more in infrastructure improvements than in 2011. Again, this was paid for through cash reserves, saving taxpayers $30 MM in bond interest.

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IN THIS ISSUE

New Comprehensive Plan ....................... 2 City Manager’s Office .............................. 3 Office of the City Clerk .......................... 4 Finance Department ............................. 5 Community & Economic Development...6 & 7 Fire Department ................................... 8 Police Department ................................ 9 News & Announcements .................... 10 Public Works & Engineering .............. 11 Frisbie Senior Center ............................ 12

Your Elected Officials Mayor • Matthew J. Bogusz 847.391.5301 mbogusz@desplaines.org City Clerk • Jennifer L. Tsalapatanis 847.391.5311 jtsalapatanis@desplaines.org First Ward • Mark Lysakowski 847.514.8526 mlysakowski@desplaines.org Second Ward • John Robinson 847.530.3345 jrobinson@desplaines.org Third Ward • Denise Rodd 847.514.6318 drodd@desplaines.org Fourth Ward • Dick Sayad 847.204.7729 dsayad@desplaines.org Fifth Ward • Carla Brookman 847.812.6463 cbrookman@desplaines.org Sixth Ward • Malcolm Chester 847.372.1097 mchester@desplaines.org Seventh Ward • Don Smith 847.878.5289 dsmith@desplaines.org Eighth Ward • Mike Charewicz 847.878.5291 mcharewicz@desplaines.org

THE CITY OF DES PLAINES | City Hall, 1420 Miner St | 847.391.5300 | DesPlaines.org

Mayor’s Forward Approach, Continued Des Plaines is leading the Chicagoland region in a number of categories: Investments in Infrastructure: On average, Des Plaines has invested 16% more money in infrastructure improvements than our neighbors.

Municipal Debt: The City’s municipal debt averages 370% less than that of our neighbors.

Tax Levy Moderation: Over the past eight years, Des Plaines property tax levies have increased only 0.7%, which is 3,151% less than our neighbors’ property tax growth during the same period.

Sales Tax Growth: Our business growth and retention has resulted in sales tax revenues growing 21% faster than that of our neighbors.

Home Values: Home values in Des Plaines have grown 52% faster than those of our neighbors.

I’m happy to share that these achievements have not gone unrecognized. Money magazine named Des Plaines as one of the “Best Places to Live” in the U.S., and subsequently, one of the “Best Places to Retire.” Chicago magazine named Des Plaines as the “Best Suburb for First-Time Homebuyers,” again recognizing the first-class amenities, transportation options, and affordable housing our community offers.

This is just a snapshot of what we have achieved over the past few years. I hope that you can see and feel that we are making plans, not promises, to steer our future.

We all have to work together as a collective team City staff and Council, and the community - to keep the ball rolling to get things done. I hope you’ll join us in our collaborative efforts to turn opportunities into reality as we all take this journey together.

Your Mayor, Matt Bogusz

City Council Adopts a New Comprehensive Plan Did you hear that the City of Des Plaines has a new Comprehensive Plan? The Plan serves as a policy guide, adopted by the City Council, that assists with establishing goals and objectives on several different land use topics. In fact, the chapters of the Comprehensive Plan are broken-down into areas of focus which include housing, open space, economic development, transportation and downtown.

The new Comprehensive Plan was the direct result of a grant awarded from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) through their Local Technical Assistance grant program.

CMAP worked with elected officials, City staff, consultants and the community as a whole to determine the needs of the City.

Creating the new Comprehensive Plan was a two-year process which involved analyzing, interviewing, surveying, holding public meetings and assessing a broad range of topics in Des Plaines to effectively address various areas of opportunity in the City.

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As a result of this process, the new Comprehensive Plan contains clear recommendations on how to address current issues as well as emerging trends.

Some of the specific recommendations that came out of the study include the following: Work with community partner organizations to assist residents to age-in-place; Embrace the existing population diversity by having documents, forms and City literature available in various languages; Work to advance downtown Des Plaines as the cultural and business core of the City; and Enhance business opportunities within the City such as creating a makerspace where artists can teach, make, and sell in a shared space.

The new Comprehensive Plan replaces the 2007 Plan. Moving forward, City staff and elected officials will refer to the new Comprehensive Plan to help assess development proposals and address local and regional trends. The Plan is available for viewing on the City’s website at desplaines.org/CompPlan.

City Manager’s Office Michael G. Bartholomew

2019 Goals Fit Plans for Progress The Mayor’s article for this edition of the Digest offers me the opportunity to move from what we’ve achieved in 2018 to where we are focusing our efforts in 2019.

Let’s begin with what is already underway in our community.

The Renovation and Revitalization of the Des Plaines Theatre in its Downtown Location In June 2018, the City acquired the Des Plaines Theatre, a purchase that was made possible through a $2.2 MM pledge from our partners at Rivers Casino. At the time, the theater had been closed for nearly a decade.

Structurally, the building did not meet modern building code requirements to insure occupants’ safety, and the crumbling facade greatly hindered the City’s ongoing efforts to breathe new life into the downtown district.

What’s the theater’s status today? Crews are working to complete a wide range of structural repairs: tuck pointing, roof replacement, design improvements, installation of modern amenities that are ADA compliant, and more.

Our plan for 2019 is to lease the building to an experienced theater operator with a proven track record and community-oriented mindset. When the doors officially open to the public, the Des Plaines Theatre will once again be an entertainment hub that evokes a renewed sense of pride and economic vitality to the community.

Des Plaines Oakton METRA Station Across town is another area that has gained the attention of elected officials. Located in proximity to Lee Street, Mannheim Road, and Oakton Street lies the potential for a new North Central Service Line (NCS) train station. While both the Union Pacific Northwest (UPNW) and NCS lines run

Original Des Plaines Theatre, 1925.

Photo courtesy of the Des Plaines History Center

through Des Plaines, only the UPNW has stations, located at Cumberland and downtown Des Plaines.

As part of our due diligence, the City of Des Plaines partnered with AECOM and the Lakota Group to complete a feasibility study for a potential station.

The belief is that a commuter rail stop in this area would boost economic stimulus by: Serving as a catalyst for transit-oriented development and redevelopment of vacant parcels in the area.

Adding a much-needed public transportation option in this area where only 2.5% of workers use public transportation and 75% of workers get to work in single-occupant vehicles.

Providing multi-modal connectivity to the new Pace PULSE Dempster Line planned for completion around 2020.

Offering an alternative transportation option to O’Hare Airport.

Oakton Street Corridor Improvements In conjunction with the NCS station study, a largescale revitalization plan is being considered, which would offer a significant economic boost to the Oakton Street corridor, from River Road to just west of Lee Street.

This high-traffic area is showing signs of aging.

Driving the area, it’s evident that there are outdated shopping centers, empty storefronts, and unattractive streetscapes that fail to reflect the modern charm of today’s Des Plaines.

These are just three of the many initiatives City staff and Council consider important to staying oncourse with the 2022 Strategic Plan, a plan that provides focus, stability and optimal conditions for vibrant neighborhoods, a robust economy, and high regard in the marketplace and region.

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Office of the City Clerk Jennifer L. Tsalapatanis

Clerk’s Corner It’s hard to believe eight years have passed since Second Ward Alderman John Robinson, Fourth Ward Alderman Dick Sayad, and Eighth Ward Alderman Mike Charewicz took their oaths of office.

From left to right, Alderman John Robinson, Alderman Mike Charewicz, Alderman Dick Sayad

All three aldermen have reached the City’s two consecutive four-year term limits and are unable to run for office in the upcoming election. I would like to express my gratitude to the Aldermen for their service, professionalism, dedication and servant leadership.

on Channel 17 for residents who have Comcast or WideOpenWest (WOW), and on the Channel 99 menu for AT&T U-Verse subscribers. Live feed of City Council meetings is also available online at desplaines.org/citytv17live and On-Demand at desplaines.org/CouncilMeetingVideos.

On Tuesday, April 2nd, residents of Ward 2, Ward 4, Ward 6, and Ward 8 will have the opportunity to vote for one individual to represent their ward for the next four years. In the second ward, fourth ward and sixth ward, two candidates filed petitions, while one candidate filed a petition for eighth ward alderman.

For individuals who do not have internet access or need any type of assistance, do not hesitate to contact the City Clerk’s office at 847.391.5311; we are happy to help. I wish you an enjoyable spring, and look forward to seeing you at our upcoming City events.

If you would like to vote, but are unable to make it to your polling place, you have a few options. Early voting is available at the Des Plaines Library seven days a week from March 18th to April 1st.

If you would like to vote by mail, you can request a ballot application from the Cook County Clerk’s website at cookcountyclerk.com. The Cook County Clerk’s Office will mail you a ballot that will need to be completed and postmarked by April 2, 2019.

If you anticipate you may have difficulty entering your polling place, or would like election material brought-out to your parked vehicle on Election Day, notify the Cook County Clerk’s Office, 312.603.0987, at least one week in advance to request Election Day assistance.

Join us at the May 6th City Council meeting to welcome the new City aldermen who will take their oaths of office and their places at the dais.

If you are unable to attend the meeting in person, all City Council meetings are televised Pg. 4

Sincerely, Jennifer L. Tsalapatanis, City Clerk Laura Fast, Deputy City Clerk Annie Brzezinski, Deputy FOIA Officer

SAV THE DAE TE! Saturday Night’s Entertainment Celebrates the

50th Anniversary of Woodstock FRI., JUNE 14 - 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm SAT., JUNE 15 - 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm Family Stage & Children’s Activities BOTH Days!

Featuring Great Local Restaurants

facebook.com/tasteofdesplaines

ICE: NOT T N RTA has IMPO City t The d pe s e u in t nt n e o c irem dis re q u e n t s . e s n id lice s re s for it

Finance Department 2019-2020 Vehicle License Sales Start May 1st, 2019 Vehicle License sales begin May 1st, 2019 and continue through June 30th, 2019, after which a late fee will apply to the purchase.

Des Plaines residents interested in renewing their vehicle licenses have three payment options available: Online, by USPS Mail, or In-Person. Vehicle owners who purchased licenses in the previous year should receive a renewal notice in the mail.

Convenient Online Renewal Option: The easiest and most convenient way to renew your vehicle license is to choose the City’s online option.

Whether you choose to access the internet from your computer or mobile device, renewals can be made by visiting our website at desplaines.org/VehicleLicenses. Just click the “Online Payments” option and enter the vehicle ID number located on your renewal notice, then pay with a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover card.

USPS Mail Renewal Option: Renewals can be purchased by mailing the preprinted renewal form in the pre-addressed envelope that came with your notice. Payment must be postmarked by June 30th, 2019 to avoid late fees.

In Person Option: First-time vehicle licenses and renewals can be purchased at the cashier’s counter at City Hall, 1420 Miner Street.

For first-time purchases of vehicle licenses, residents must apply in person at the cashier’s counter at City Hall. Proper documentation of identity and residency is required.

Please Note: If you purchased a vehicle license in 2018 and do not receive a renewal form by May 16th, 2019, please call 847.827.4327 or visit the cashier’s counter at City Hall for an application.

Additional Renewal Locations: Renewals can be obtained at the Lee Street Currency Exchange, 1528 Lee Street, Des Plaines.

You must provide your pre-printed renewal form, and additional fees may apply.

Renewals can also be obtained 24/7 at the Des Plaines Police Department, 1418 Miner Street. You must provide your pre-printed renewal form, and may pay by check only. A late fee will apply to any license purchased after June 30th, 2019. For more information, visit desplaines.org/VehicleLicenses.

2019 - 2020 Vehicle Stickers Fee Structure Vehicle License Class

Paid prior to July 1 (Standard Fee)

Paid on or after July 1 (Fee + 100%)

Senior Citizen, Disability, Non-Profits, Antique Vehicles (AV)

$5.00

Motorcycles, Expanded Use Antique Vehicles

$20.00

Passenger Vehicles

$30.00

Trucks – Class B (8,000 lbs. and less)

$40.00

RVs, Buses, For Hire, Funeral Home Plate (FH), Ambulance Plate

$50.00

$100.00

Trucks – Class D&F, (8,001 lbs. to 16,000 lbs.), Tow Trucks

$80.00

$160.00

Trucks – Class H and above (Over 16,001 lbs.)

$100.00

$10.00 $40.00

$60.00

$80.00

$200.00

The City’s 2019 Annual Budget The City of Des Plaines prepares an annual budget to guide its operations, services and financial activities for the year. Approved by your City Council, the budget covers the current fiscal year, which runs January 1st through December 31st. Just visit the City’s website at desplaines.org/Budget to view the publication.

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Community & Economic Development Community & Economic Development Launching New Dining Guide Map From fast-casual to fine dining, the City of Des Plaines is fortunate to have over 150 dining options within the City, and there will be a new way to explore all of these establishments with the new Des Plaines Dining Map. This interactive map will be located on the City’s website in April 2019. It will showcase all of these establishments to help you decide where to enjoy your next meal out.

The following information will be featured on the map: Restaurant name and address Geographic location of the establishment Business information such as phone number, website and hours of operation Details on delivery and BYOB Seating options such as outside dining and party room availability The City encourages of all residents, workers, and visitors to dine in Des Plaines as your patronage helps to maintain a vibrant economy, ensure that our diverse culture is celebrated with successful businesses, and allows our restaurant owners to continue serveing the community.

This map will be updated periodically to reflect new information and dining options. The City of Des Plaines appreciates our local restaurant community. We collectively celebrate our dining diversity with the Taste of Des Plaines in June and Des Plaines Restaurant Week in October.

Business Assistance Grants: Designed to Fit Your Needs The City of Des Plaines offers five business assistance grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 depending on the program. These grants are being offered to assist business owners with specific improvements to support their company’s goals.

The programs reimburse a percentage of the total cost for improvements such as new awnings, facade updates, interior build-outs, installation of outdoor dining areas, and rehabilitation of commercial shopping centers or mixed use retail buildings.

Business applicants may apply for one grant of each type, with a $1,500 minimum improvement cost per grant. Façade and Interior BuildOut recipients must be sales or food and beverage tax generating businesses to qualify.

For more information about our five storefront improvement grant incentives, visit our website at desplaines.org/BusinessAssist, or contact Economic Development Coordinator Patrick Ainsworth at 847.391.5384.

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business Assistance Program welcome.

The City of Des Plaines offers FIVE GRANT PROGRAMS TARGETED AT IMPROVING STOREFRONTS and enhancing the City’s shopping and dining opportunities Awning Program

75% of eligible costs up to $5,000.

Façade Rehabilitation Program 50% of eligible costs up to $20,000.

Multi-Unit Retail Grant Program 50% of eligible costs up to $50,000 per site.

Outdoor Dining Program 50% of eligible costs up to $10,000.

Interior Build-Out Program

50% of eligible costs up to $15,000 for businesses locating to vacant storefronts.

Applicants may apply for one grant of each type, with a $1,500 minimum project cost per grant. Façade and Interior Build-Out recipients must be sales or food and beverage tax generating businesses.

Visit www.DesPlaines.org/BusinessAssist to get started

Community & Economic Development Check Out Your Community Portal to the City

PROPERTY SUMMARY

GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES

ZONING INFORMATION

MAP GALLERY

PROPERTY TAX BREAKDOWN

ACTIVE PERMITS

The City of Des Plaines offers a convenient, online Property Search Tool where you can find the PIN number, refuse and recycling pickup dates, school district, zoning, government representatives, voting precinct and polling location for your property. There’s also a link on the Map Gallery tab to view an interactive community map. Just visit desplaines.org/CommunityPortal to get started.

Building Division Updates City’s Permit Process Permit Fee Schedule: The City Council recently revised the Permit Fee Schedule. Revisions went into effect on January 1st, 2019. In order to cover the costs of plan reviews, a Plan Review fee has been added to the schedule.

If this fee is applicable to a project, it will be due at the time of permit submission. Additionally, some Permit Fees have been revised. Please visit desplaines.org/PermitFees to read more.

The City’s Community and Economic Development Department (CED) is here to help with your questions Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Permits are required for a number of different projects to protect the health, safety, and welfare of our residents. Please see the most recent updates to our permit processes below.

Digital Permit Documents: In an effort to streamline the City’s permitting process, the Building Department routinely reviews its dayto-day practices and seeks to identify modern, technological advancements.

One recent change to the permitting process requires that all commercial projects submit a digital copy of the permit documents. Residential projects do not require digital versions of permit documents, but they are recommended.

Stop Work Order: City building permits are required for all construction projects in Des Plaines.

When permits are not obtained, our department issues a Stop Work Order (SWO). This SWO allows our department to evaluate the project and determine the best course of action for the owner to obtain a permit.

The SWO process involves additional resources beyond the normal permit process. In order to cover our administrative costs, a new Stop Work Order Fee went into effect on January 1st, 2019 and affects all residential and commercial projects.

More detailed information regarding permit submission requirements can be found on our website at desplaines.org/PermitProcess.

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Fire Department Fire Chief Alan Wax

By the Numbers...2009 to 2018 Since its inception in 1891, the Department has grown to an organization of 97 individuals that function exceptionally well as a cohesive unit to provide vital services to this diverse community. As the emergency services industry has grown, so has the Des Plaines Fire Department.

The Department now assumes an “all-hazards” approach in order to best serve the community. Therefore, in addition to fighting fires, the organization and our paramedic program is at the pinnacle of Emergency Medical Services as a member of the Northwest Community Emergency Medical Services System.

It’s not often that members of a community see an annual comparison of their local Fire Department’s activities. As an intregal part of the Des Plaines community, we’d like to take the opportunity to share this information with you today.

Des Plaines Fire Department Total Responses 2009 through 2018

In 2018, the Des Plaines Fire Department experienced the busiest year in its 127-year history. The chart to the left reflects a total of 8,941 responses in 2018, surpassing the previous busiest year (2017) by more than 11%, or 891 more responses.

As in the past, and as expected, medical calls (EMS) in 2018 accounted for approximately 75%, or 6,719 of the total responses.

If we consider fire-related responses only, the chart to the right reflects the Fire Department’s activity over a ten year period.

Des Plaines Fire Department Responses to Fires 2009 through 2018

As you can see, the total number of fires in 2018 was second only to the 2012 data, and non-structure fires were second only to the 2013 data.

Value of Fire-Related Losses in Des Plaines 2009 through 2018

Additionally, last year’s dollar losses were highly elevated due to several high-loss fires in the community.

We ask for your help with reducing fires, injuries and life-losses by calling 9-1-1 at the first sign of an emergency.

Precious response time can be lost by trying to investigate the issue yourself.

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Police Department Police Chief Bill Kushner

Prepared to Serve and Protect the Des Plaines Community It’s hard to believe that, after the subzero cold and snow, it will soon be spring. I’m sure that everyone is looking forward to the renewal of life, and the greening-up of our community.

Just as the flowers blossom every spring, so, too, do the home repair con men. Be wary of unsolicited advances from people who ring your doorbell and explain that they were just driving by and noticed your aging chimney needs tuckpointing. As you take a step outside to take a look, the con man’s partner enters into your home and steals your valuables.

Let’s not forget about scams carried-out by seemingly kindhearted contractors, who just happen to have blacktop sealant left over from another job just down the road.

They state they would be happy to sealcoat your driveway for cash. However, later you might find that there’s a problem because the coating is nothing more than used motor oil or watered-down sealant.

There are also people out there who claim to be with the water department, gas company, telephone company, and even individuals who claim to be representatives of the City of Des Plaines. However, rarely would any reputable service provider show up at your door without notice.

If you are approached at your home by someone who claims to be from the City, or other entity, ask to see their identification card. If the person appears to be misleading you, call 911 and an officer will respond.

And remember to lock your vehicles to protect your personal property. Communities are seeing an increasing number of cars burglarized. Cell phones, iPads, computers, spare change, and sometimes even the car itself are stolen right from the driveway of the home because owners fail to lock their cars.

The people committing these crimes are opportunists. That is, they don’t have to work hard when their work is made so easy. Unlocked cars, some with keys still in the vehicle, are quickly and easily looted before the owner even wakes up the next morning. They don’t care how much their victims had to work for that new cell phone, laptop, or store-bought purchases still waiting to make their way into the house.

The men and women of the Des Plaines Police Department encourage you to take the necessary precautions for a safe and crime-free year.

City’s Prescription Drug Take Back Program The Des Plaines Police Department has partnered with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office to secure a permanent prescription drug collection box for the City. Through this program, Des Plaines residents can properly dispose of used and outdated prescription drugs that would otherwise be washed down the drain or tossed in the garbage.

The City’s collection box is especially put to good use during the annual National Drug Take Back Day. In one day alone, over 100 lbs of unused and expired medicines are dropped off at the Des Plaines Police Department for safe and proper disposal.

The City’s Medsafe collection box is located in the Police Department’s front lobby at 1418 Miner Street. This location allows residents to safely dispose of unwanted medicines 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Prescription Drug Take Back Program began in 2012. Today, there is a prescription drug dropoff site every 20 square miles in Cook County. For more information about collection box locations please call 1.84.GOT USD RX (1.844.688.7379) or visit CookCountySheriff.org.

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News and Announcements Important Updates to the City’s Utility Billing System and Services The City is always finding ways to improve its services, which is why we’re happy to announce that your utility billing statement has a fresh new look to support the improvements that are taking place behind the scenes.

Additionally, you’ll see that messages of community interest are now prominently displayed on every billing statement for your convenience.

In the 3rd quarter of this year, we will also roll out our new and improved online payment system.

With this improvement, accessing your account will be quicker and easier. A new sign-up will be required to view your account, but once set up, you only need to enter your unique username and

password to make an online payment. Account and payment history information will be linked when you sign in.

We invite everyone to check-out the City’s online option for utility bill payments. To get started, just visit our website at desplaines.org/ePay, or contact us for assistance at 847.391.5300.

FEMA Urges Residents to Buy Flood Insurance Resilience is the backbone of emergency management and insurance is an important part of disaster recovery. As such, the City of Des Plaines joins the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in reminding people to purchase insurance before there is a flood and it’s too late.

FEMA has made closing the insurance gap a part of its strategic priorities, since insurance prepares people financially to recover quicker and more fully after a disaster.

Flood insurance, even if it is not required, should be considered since most homeowners and renters insurance policies typically do not cover floods.

Many people think their property won’t flood if it didn’t in the past, or they do not need it because individual disaster assistance from FEMA will fill-in the gap of not having a policy.

Although federal disaster assistance does provide limited temporary financial relief, it will not make you whole, and too often people are left relying on their savings and other means to recover.

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Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States, and it often happens in low- and moderate-flood risk areas.

Last year, Hurricane Harvey resulted in more than 19 trillion gallons of rainfall over the state of Texas, resulting in flooding that caused more than $125 billion dollars in damage.

However, there doesn’t need to be a large amount of rain for it to flood and cause serious damage. Just one inch of water in a home can cost more than $25,000 in damage.

Flood insurance policies typically take 30 days to go into effect. Don’t wait until disaster strikes to learn that you’re not covered; call your insurance agent today.

If you don’t already have an agent, visit floodsmart. gov or call 1.800.427.4661 to learn more about flood insurance and to find an agent in your area.

Public Works & Engineering Department Service Reminders for the Des Plaines Community Sewer Backup Protection Sewer backups can be caused by blockages in sewer pipes; failure of equipment; too much water entering the sewers from storm runoff; or undersized sewers. In many urban areas, sewer backup is the major cause of repetitive structural flooding. Backup of sanitary sewers into a structure is a major concern due to the health hazards.

Requests for Service The Public Works and Engineering Department welcomes emergency and non-emergency requests for service. Regular hours are Monday through Friday 7:30 AM until 4:30 PM; with after-hour calls dispatched 24/7 by our Water Department. Please contact us with any service related concerns at 847.391.5464.

Options to protect a building structure against sewer backups include the following:

Yard Waste Collection Republic Services will collect residential yard waste from those residents receiving the City’s contracted garbage services beginning Monday, April 1st, 2019 through Friday, December 13th, 2019. During this timeframe, residents will be able to have yard waste picked-up weekly on their regularly-scheduled garbage collection day.

Plumbing Repairs Install a Standpipe Backflow Valves Sump Pumps and Backup Power Extend Downspouts/Sump Pump Discharges Disconnect Sump Pumps/Downspouts from Municipal Sewers Install an Internal Drainage System Overhead Sewer Systems If the sanitary sewer backs-up into the basement during heavy rains, consider installing an overhead sewer and ask about the City’s Flood Rebate Program by calling 847.391.5380.

Stormwater Pollution Everything that flows into the storm drains (including fertilizers, pet waste, oil, automotive fluids, paint and pesticides) goes directly into our creeks and rivers without being treated. Help reduce stormwater pollution by keeping storm drains clear of debris and reducing your use of pesticides. To report dumping into storm drains or rivers, call Code Enforcement at 847.391.5380.

Holiday Refuse and Recycling Collections In observance of Memorial Day, Monday, May 27th and Independence Day, Thursday, July 4th, refuse, recycling and yard waste collection will be delayed by one day.

Yard waste includes grass clippings, leaves, plant clippings, twigs, small branches, and brush. Yard waste should be placed in 32-gallon containers with secure lids and handles, marked with a 12inch red “X” on the body of the container for drivers to see, or placed in 2-ply yard waste paper bags.

Branch Collection Program Public Works & Engineering will be collecting branches through the third Monday in September.

For the Public Works & Engineering collection, branches must be on the parkway by 7:00 A.M. on the first day of your zip code collection week (there will be only one collection each month).

Please visit desplaines.org/BranchCollection, refer to the annual Community Calendar, or call 847.391.5464 for more information or to identify your branch collection dates.

Lawn Watering Restriction Reminder The City’s lawn watering ordinance is in effect from May 15th through September 15th. Lawn watering is allowed from 5:00 A.M. to 8:00 A.M. and from 7:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. Even-numbered addresses can water on even-numbered calendar days. Oddnumbered addresses can water on odd-numbered calendar days. Restrictions do not apply to handheld watering devices or sprinkling cans.

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PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

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The Frisbie Senior Center Since 1976, the Frisbie Senior Center has been responding to the ever-evolving needs of the senior population living in the northwest suburbs, providing a warm, welcoming atmosphere that allows for congregation, social interaction, and the encouragement of healthy, as well as active, lifestyles.

Membership to the Senior Center is open to anyone ages 55 or older; new members are always welcome. Although membership is not required to participate in programming, a daily activity fee will be charged for non-members.

DES PLAINES, IL PERMIT #5

Upcoming Events Live Music – Monday, April 1, April 15, and April 29 (6:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.); Call for details.

Lunch & Learn – Wednesday, (12:30 P.M. – 1:30 P.M.) Call for topic.

April

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Big Band Dancing – Monday, April 8 and April 22 (7:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.) Rules of the Road (IL Sec. of State) – Monday, April 15 (10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.); Registration required.

Lunch & Learn – Wednesday, May 1 (12:30 P.M. – 1:30 P.M.) Call for topic.

If you would like more information about the Des Plaines Meals-On-Wheels program, our Benefits Enrollment Center, or any other program offered at the Center, either visit our website at FrisbieSeniorCenter.org, or contact the Senior Center directly at 847.768.5944.

Cinco de Mayo Luncheon – Thursday, May 2 (12:00 P.M. - 1:30 P.M.)

We Rent Space for Special Events

Des Plaines Garden Club Plant Sale – Saturday, May 18 (8:30 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.)

Looking for meeting space or need to hold a special event? Spaces in our facility are available to rent for special occasions. Currently, we support local business groups by providing small and large rooms for company trainings/seminars or multipleday conference needs.

The facility is WIFI-accessible and can support a variety of events: fundraisers, birthday parties, memorial services, etc. To learn more, contact the Frisbie Senior Center at 847.768.5944.

Live Music – Monday, May 6 and May 20 (6:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.); Call for details.

Big Band Dancing – Monday, May 13 (7:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.)

AARP Driver Safety – Tuesday, May 21 and Thursday, May 23 (9:30 A.M. – 1:30 P.M.); Registration required.

Memorial Day BBQ – Thursday, May 23 (12:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.) Car Show – Saturday, June 1 (11:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.) Live Music – Monday, June 3 and June 17 (6:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.); Call for details.

THE CITY OF DES PLAINES | City Hall, 1420 Miner St | 847.391.5300 | DesPlaines.org