Winter 2017 digest newsletter high res for website

Winter 2017

CELEBRATING THE SEASON OF LOVE Dear Neighbor, It’s that time of year again. Before we know it, family parties, end-of-year office deadlines, gift shopping, house tidying, and cookie baking will be upon us. In this flurry of activity, it’s important to take a step back to appreciate those around us who make all that chaos worth it! I for one, couldn’t serve as your mayor without the love and support of my family and friends. Equally important to the success of any mayor, council, or city is the staff who keep us safe, build our streets, promote our economy, and serve us all. Our monumental progress wouldn’t be possible without world class professional partners.

Let’s come together as a community to celebrate this holiday season.

Join me on Friday, December 1st, from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. in Metropolitan Square for our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. This year, we will host guest appearances of Batman and Batgirl, enjoy savory hot chocolate, and revel in the live music. Following tradition, the winners of this year’s Holiday Poster Contest will accompany Santa into the square aboard a fire engine. Then, together as one community, we’ll flip the big switch and light up our city!

Please consider attending with your loved ones. While the event is free to all, we ask neighbors to consider bringing a non-perishable food item and/or winter clothing item for donation to the Des Plaines Self-Help Closet & Food Pantry.

Your Mayor, Matt Bogusz

News For the Community

IN THIS ISSUE

City Manager’s Office .. .....................2 Office of the City Clerk .......................3 City News & Announcements .............4 Economic Development Tools ............5 Des Plaines History Center ...............6 Community & Economic Development...7 Police Department ..............................8 Fire Department ...............................9 Public Works & Engineering ........10 & 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

City Manager’s Office Michael G. Bartholomew

Learn More About Where Your Tax Dollars Go The City of Des Plaines takes great pride in its community. It is a vibrant, diverse collection of residential, commercial, and industrial land uses, encompassing roughly 15 square miles of land area.

The City is a place where residents and business owners enjoy first-class amenities, an affordable way of life, and convenient access to a variety of regional and global transportation options.

We are fortunate to have access to approximately 700 acres of parks and open space maintained by the Des Plaines Park District, Mount Prospect Park District, and Cook County Forest Preserve District.

Additionally, the strength of our local school districts means your kids can get the kind of education they need to prepare them for life’s challenges.

The City’s exceptional level of services and programs could not be possible without the property taxes paid annually by those who own homes and commercial properties. Even road construction, parkway maintenance and local government staff, such as police officers, fire fighters, and the local public works department are all made possible through property taxes.

Like most communities, property taxes are levied to meet the operational needs of the city, county, and existing districts in which a community is located. Although taxing districts may vary from one town to another, they commonly include parks, libraries, schools, townships, and forest preserves.

City Council’s goal is to utilize property tax revenues as much as possible to benefit our community. This philosophy helps maintain City services, vehicles and equipment, and the critical infrastructure that we all rely upon - protecting Des Plaines property values in the long run.

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We have created a special page on the City’s website to help convey how your annual property taxes are distributed amongst taxing jurisdictions.

Just go to DesPlaines.org/PropertyTax and enter your address into the search bar. Then, when your address information displays, click on the tab titled “Property Tax Breakdown,” and a chart will appear similar to the one below:

Sample of Address Specific Property Tax Breakdown

AGENCY NAME

DesPlaines.org/PropertyTax Address specific property tax distribution is just one element of the new webpage. Des Plaines also utilizes an online Geographic Information System (GIS) shared by a group of over 30 Illinois cities and villages. This technology provides citizens access to property information 24/7 from the convenience of a computer or mobile device. Here’s an example of additional information available on the new page: A Property’s PIN Number School Districts Serving a Location Government Representatives Specific Zoning Information The City’s Map Gallery

Office of the City Clerk

Welcoming the New Year: 2018 Voting and Election Information As 2017 ends and 2018 begins, I would like to wish you a happy and healthy New Year, and I hope to see you at one of the many planned events in the upcoming year.

An Illinois Gubernatorial Election will take place on November 6, 2018. The General Primary Election will take place on March 20, 2018. A Primary Election is a state-level election that takes place prior to a general election to narrow the field of candidates. For the March 20, 2018 Gubernatorial Primary Election, traditional Early Voting will take place March 5-19. Voters who participate in Early Voting must vote in person.

You may check your voting eligibility with the Cook County Clerk’s “Your Voter Information” search tool at CookCountyClerk.com/Service/ Your-Voter-Information. Your Voter Information is a search tool that provides several pieces of key information unique to you. You can verify your voter registration; find your polling place;

Jennifer L. Tsalapatanis see your sample ballot, when available; see a list of your elected officials and their contact information; and check your mail ballot status (Use the “Search by Birthday” feature).

If you do not have computer access or have questions about your voting status or polling place, or need to register to vote, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 847.391.5311. You are also welcome to visit us in person on the 6th floor of City Hall, where we are always happy to assist you.

My door is always open, and I invite your questions and suggestions to serve you better.

Warm Regards,

Jennifer L. Tsalapatanis

Lucille’s Mitten Tree Project The City’s Health and Human Services Division invites the public to contribute to its annual Lucille’s Mitten Tree Project this holiday season. The collection ends on December 11, 2017 to allow enough time for distribution to local schools, the Self-Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines, Catholic Charities, and individuals in need. For more information, contact the Health and Human Services Division at 847.391.5480 or email HHS@DesPlaines.org.

Collection Dates:

November 20 through December 11, 2017

Collection Sites: City of Des Plaines Holiday Tree Lighting Event: Friday, December 1, 2017 Des Plaines City Hall: 1420 Miner Street, 1st Floor Lobby Des Plaines Public Library: 1501 Ellinwood Street, 1st Floor Lobby First Midwest Bank: 749 Lee Street Frisbie Senior Center: 52 E. Northwest Highway Des Plaines Park District Prairie Lakes Community Center: 515 E. Thacker Street Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth: 310 N. River Road Pg. 3

City News and Announcements North West Housing Partnership Senior Handyman Program Now Offered in Des Plaines The North West Housing Partnership (NWHP) operates a “Handyman Program” for those who are age 60+ and in need of minor repairs to their homes. This program was initiated by the Northwest Suburban Housing Collaborative in 2014 and, starting in late 2017, the program has expanded to include Des Plaines residents.

Through the program, home repairs are done by an experienced and licensed handyman who is vetted by NWHP. The service is limited to basic repairs that take no more than two hours to complete. The types of repairs provided are grab bars, door locks, ceiling fans, light fixtures, screen or door repairs, garbage disposal, faucet, drain or toilet repairs, shower doors, and the hanging of curtains, pictures, and shelving. Time-sensitive emergency repairs are not included in the program.

Typically, the resident is responsible for purchasing the materials needed to make the repairs, but some exceptions may apply. There is a small service fee that ranges from $10 to $30 per hour, depending on the resident’s annual household income. The fee may also be waived in some qualifying cases.

To learn more about this program or to sign up for this service, call NWHP at 847.969.0561, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. To learn more about other NWHP home repair programs for seniors or the disabled, please visit their website at nwhp.net.

Household Goods Disposal for Republic Services Customers Residents oftentimes have questions concerning the proper disposal of certain items. Some may be discarded as regular garbage and others require special treatment. Below is a list of some of the most common items that require special treatment for disposal.

Household Bulk Garbage: Republic Services collects mattresses, furniture, and large appliances with the doors removed. Items must be placed curbside by 6:00 A.M. on the same day as refuse collection. Visit their website at RepublicServices. com/Residents/Bulk-Waste for specific information.

Household Goods Accepted by the City’s Public Works Department

Construction Debris: Republic Services collects construction debris from small do-it-yourself projects. The items can be placed in the garbage cart in a way that allows the lid of the cart to close.

Material that cannot fit into carts is limited to one cubic yard (27 cubic feet) and should be bundled.

Bundles should be no more than four feet in length, 50 pounds in weight, and placed at the curbside next to the wheeled carts. Republic Services does not collect concrete, brick or asphalt.

Many household items can be dropped off at the City’s Public Works Department, located at 1111 Joseph Schwab Road. Accepted items include tires with rims removed (limit 2), household batteries, and computers and other electronics (Wednesdays only).

Appliances (white goods) are not accepted.

Carpet: Republic Services collects carpet tied in rolls no longer than four feet in length and no heavier than 50 pounds in weight. The rolls should be placed at the curbside next to the wheeled carts for pick-up.

Check out our online application process that makes applying for a job easy.

Go to DesPlaines.org/Jobs to see employment opportunities currently available.

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We’re Hiring

Economic Development Incentive Tools How a TIF Helps

Using TIF As An Incentive Tax Increment Financing, or TIF, is a redevelopment tool to assist local governments jump-start economically sluggish parts of town. With this tool, municipalities can make improvements like new roads or new sewers, and provide incentives to attract new businesses or help existing businesses expand without tapping into general funds or raising property taxes.

Since federal and state governments have greatly reduced their support for economic development, tax increment financing permits municipalities to accept some of this responsibility without raising local property taxes.

What is a “Tax Increment”?

A tax increment is the difference between the amount of property tax revenue generated before TIF district designation and the amount of property tax revenue generated after TIF designation.

Property taxes collected in the TIF at the time of its designation continue to be distributed to the school districts, county, community college, and all other taxing districts in the same manner as if the TIF did not exist. Only property taxes generated by an incremental increase in the value of these properties after a TIF has been established are available for making improvements to the TIF district.

How a TIF Works During the 23-year TIF period, local taxing authorities will receive a 0% increase to their share of the property tax revenues, which typically increase over time. Any tax increase is then re-invested into the property in the form of capital improvements.

TIF designation also helps retain existing businesses that might otherwise find more attractive options elsewhere. The jobs and additional investment - private and public - mean more money for the local community.

TIF funds help offset the extraordinary costs that can often prevent development and private investment from occurring on environmentallycontaminated and other properties. As a result, the TIF area itself improves and property values go up.

Without TIF benefits, a deteriorating area may not improve. Businesses are less likely to invest in decaying areas and most local governments cannot afford the needed costly improvements without raising taxes. However, in a TIF district, dollars for improvements are generated by businesses attracted by the TIF benefits.

Specifically, money for infrastructure improvements and other incentives comes from the growth in property tax revenues, or the “tax increment.”

TIF INCREMENT CHART AB

p Pro s A

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B

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ow Gr s e alu V y Property Tax ert

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INCREASES are then re-invested into the property for 23 Years.

THIS IS THE BASE EAV

TAXING BODIES RECEIVE A 0% INCREASE TO THEIR SHARE OF PROPERTY TAX REVENUES FOR 23 YEARS.

Future Tax Base Improved

Tax Increment Financing helps local governments attract private development and new businesses.

New businesses mean more jobs, more customers, and, more private investment in Des Plaines.

TIFs help local governments attract private development and new businesses. New businesses mean more jobs, more customers, and, in turn, more private investment.

23 Year TIF Period Pg. 5

Des Plaines History Center Painters and Peacemakers: Winter at the Des Plaines History Center The Des Plaines History Center is proud to become a showplace of art and center of peace and education during winter 2018.

We are proud to host an Exhibition of the art work created by the talented members of the Des Plaines Art Guild. Our reception for Guild artists will take place on Thursday, December 14th at 6:00 P.M. The reception is free and open to the public.

That same afternoon, Guild artists will lead our monthly Coffee Talk lecture at 1:30 P.M. Featured artists will explain and demonstrate their skills in various two-dimensional media: oil, acrylic, watercolor, and mixed media. Presenting artists include Kathy Passi, Dolores Kenney, Liz Pawlik, and the Des Plaines History Center’s own Rhonda Popko.

We look forward to learning more about their inspirations and processes while painting. Small handmade items such as cards, jewelry, and prints will be available for purchase.

Doing Research at the Des Plaines History Center Anyone interested in researching Des Plaines history may be granted access to our various collections. The Center maintains collections of research files about people, events, businesses, organizations, schools, and government topics that are open for you to view.

The Center’s permanent collections are kept under controlled conditions for the sake of long-term preservation, but they, too, are intended for research. To view these materials, just file a research request with the History Center by calling 847.391.5399.

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In addition to learning about local art, we will explore history on a larger scale. Much of our winter programming examines the history of the Nobel Peace Prize, its notable recipients, and oftencontroversial selections.

Programming for our children’s events will feature lessons and art projects about two notable Peace Prize recipients: Martin Luther King Jr. and Malala Yousafzai.

The first of the series will take place at our annual School Days Off event on January 15, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. The day will feature a lesson and art project about Martin Luther King Jr. who, in 1964, became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize at age 35. He was recognized for his nonviolent protest efforts in the American South.

The History Center’s Home School Adventures on March 7, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. will feature a lesson and art project about Malala Yousafzai. In 2014, Malala became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize at age 17. She was honored for her efforts to secure the rights of women and girls to receive an education all around the globe, but particularly in her home country of Pakistan.

Children ages 5 through 12, accompanied by an adult, are invited to attend both activities.

Admission is $3 per child or $2 per child with History Center membership.

Our January History Center Book Club discussion group will meet January 17, 2018 to discuss Peace, They Say: A History of the Nobel Peace Prize by Jay Nordlinger. We will learn more about the taciturn figure of Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite powder and other explosives, and his efforts to manufacture and promote these inventions. We will also examine his decision to create the Nobel Peace Prize and look forward to a vibrant discussion about Mr. Nobel and this often-controversial award.

Community & Economic Development Welcoming New Businesses To Des Plaines Unincorporated Cook County

ICSC Chicago Deal Making Convention The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Deal Making Convention is an annual event attended by developers, retailers, real estate brokers, financial lenders, municipalities, property asset managers and service providers. Located at Navy Pier, the convention provides an opportunity to exhibit, make deals, and form successful business partnerships.

As in past years, the City of Des Plaines had a booth at this year’s event, highlighting the many advantages of locating a business in Des Plaines.

This year, the City was represented by City Manager Michael Bartholomew, Community and Economic Development Director Mike McMahon, and staff member Lauren Griffin.

Village of Mount Prospect

Advocate Medical Opened in 2017 Total Investment of $12.6M

Mariano’s Store Now Open Total Investment of $24.1M

Jidd Motors 1529 Rand Road Motor Vehicle Sales Lexington Pointe 12 Townhome Buildings with 58 units Total Investment of $20M

City of Park Ridge

Beacon Tap Now Open

Butera Market Opening Soon

Vetter Pharma International Breaking Ground in 2018 500 Jobs; Total Investment of $350M

Unincorporated Cook County

Fairfield Inn and Suites Opening in 2018 129 Rooms Total Investment of $20M

Orchards at O’Hare 128 Room Holiday Inn Express, Restaurants, Gas Station, and Convenience Store Total Investment of $50M

Community and Economic Development Permit Activity

The City requires permits for all construction including additions, remodeling, repair, and demolition. Permits are also required for signs, swimming pools, fences, roofs, sheds, decks, patios, driveways, and sidewalks.

Unincorporated Cook County

Village of Mount Prospect

The theme of the City’s 2017 booth exhibit focused on the potential new beginning of the historic Des Plaines Theater. The idea of an entertainment destination in downtown Des Plaines was well received by many who visited the booth. Over the following several weeks, staff followed-up with prospective developers and businesses looking to open their businesses in the Chicagoland area.

The City’s Community and Economic Development Department is involved with citizens, architects, contractors, developers, and builders, providing assistance at every step in the building process from the initial design stage to final inspection of the completed project.

Buckingham Place 24 Townhomes with 127 units 270 Unit Apartment Building Total Investment of $90M

Covington Apartments 234 Unit Apartment Building Opening in 2018 Total Investment of $50M

2017

This year has been an active time for our dedicated staff of professionals, with thousands of permits issued and hundreds of building plans reviewed.

Year-to-Date as of November 1, 2017: Number of Permits Issued

2,363

Permit Fees Collected

$1 MM

Construction Value of Permits

$87 MM

Number of Inspections

9,974

Number of Plan Reviews

1,215

If you have any questions about permits, please contact the Community & Economic Development Department at 847.391.5380.

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Police Department Police Chief Bill Kushner

Holiday Car Burglary Prevention There’s a chill in the air in the early morning, and soon (too soon, I’m afraid) we will see frost on the ground, and leaves falling from the trees. While these seasonal changes signal the approach of winter, it also signals the approach of the holiday shopping season.

Every year, we write about security and safety tips, and every year, I see 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.

Well, we’ve identified the cause of the rash of car burglaries: it’s the fact that people fail to lock their cars. Reading the reports of the day today, as a matter of fact, there is a report of a car stolen from the driveway because the doors were unlocked and the keys left IN THE CAR. The people committing these crimes are opportunists. That is, they are not looking to work hard. They are looking for unlocked cars so they can quickly and easily take whatever is inside.

They are willing to bet their freedom on the fact that you have left your car unlocked with some valuable things inside.

While we make arrests on most of these car burglaries, we cannot be everywhere all the time.

There are a few simple things you can do to prevent the loss of personal items, holiday gifts, and, even worse, your car with everything in it: Lock your car. Yes, we are a very safe municipality, but an “ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Don’t leave valuables visible in your car.

Take your car keys.

If you have a remote for your car, keep it next to your bed—if you hear someone near your car in the middle of the night, activate the alarm function.

If you see anything suspicious (out of the ordinary), call 911 right away.

On behalf of the men and women of the Des Plaines Police Department, I want to wish you and yours a wonderful, safe, healthy, and crime-free holiday season.

Des Plaines 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 was put to good use during October’s National Drug Take Back Day. In one day alone, over 100 lbs of unused and expired medicines were dropped off at the Des Plaines Police Department for safe and proper disposal.

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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 UDS RX? (1.844.688.7379) or visit CookCountySheriff.org.

Fire Department Fire Chief Alan Wax

Fire Safety During the Holidays Holiday Cooking Safety With the holiday season right around the corner, many households are making plans with family and friends to get together and share a meal. This year, prepare with the facts on cooking safety and put a plan into action before heading into the kitchen.

Fires originating from cooking appliances account for the largest share of home structure fires, and stoves/ovens are by far the leading cause of home cooking appliance fires. Here are some tips from the Des Plaines Fire Prevention Bureau on how to keep fires at bay in the kitchen: Never leave anything cooking unattended on the stove. Unattended cooking is a major factor associated with stovetop fires in the United States.

Stay alert! If you are sleepy, don’t use the stovetop or the oven.

Stay in the kitchen. If you leave the kitchen for a short period of time, turn off the stove.

If you cook something in the oven, set a timer, and keep an oven mitt in your pocket. If you do not hear the timer, the oven mitt will remind you that you have something in the oven.

Always have a lid nearby when cooking on the stovetop. If a fire starts, never try to move the pan from the stove; instead, slide the lid onto the fire to snuff it out.

Furnace Safety Tips It is important to have your furnace inspected to ensure that it is in good working condition during the winter.

Check the flue pipe and pipe seams. Are they well-supported and free of holes and cracks? Soot along or around seams may be an indicator of a leak.

Keep trash and other combustibles away from the heating system.

Be sure all furnace controls and emergency shutoffs are in proper working condition.

Leave furnace repairs to qualified specialists.

Do not attempt repairs yourself.

Inspect the walls and ceiling near the furnace.

If the wall is hot or discolored, additional pipe insulation or clearance may be required.

And Finally…

Fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving as little as one or two minutes to escape safely once a smoke alarm sounds. Practice a home escape plan with your family so you have an exit plan in place if a fire occurs.

Never use a stovetop or an oven as a supplemental heating device. Not only is it a safety hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes.

Keep anything that can catch fire – food packaging, towels, mail, or curtains – away from your stovetop.

If there is a fire hydrant near your home, you can assist the Des Plaines Fire Department by keeping the hydrant clear of snow so that, in the event it is needed, it can be located.

If you have a kitchen fire, just get out of your home, close the door behind you to help contain the fire, and call 9-1-1 as soon as you can. For a fire in the oven, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

If you are in need of a working smoke detector or would like a free home fire safety survey by the Fire Department, contact the Des Plaines Fire Prevention Bureau at 847.391.5340.

The Des Plaines Fire Department has a rich history of service to the community for over 125 years, and also represents progressiveness and the utmost in professionalism in emergency response and prevention services.

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Public Works & Engineering Winter is Coming to Des Plaines Keep Snow Routes Clear for Plowing Everyone’s cooperation and patience with Public Works during snow plowing and salting operations is greatly appreciated. Below are a few reminders: For snowfall over 2 inches, it is against City Code to park any vehicle, or to allow any vehicle to remain parked, on snow routes until snow removal operations are completed.

committed to community.

It is also unlawful to place snow (by shovel, snow blower or plow) on cleared streets. Please place shoveled snow on parkways.

Refuse Collection by Republic Services

Des Plaines snow routes are listed on the City’s website at DesPlaines.org/ SnowRoutes and in the Community Calendar mailed to our residents each year. Other interesting information regarding road ownership and snow plowing priorities are also listed in the annual calendar.

Help Avoid Frozen Pipes This Winter Those residents whose water lines and water meters are in locations vulnerable to freezing temperatures must be sure to take proper measures to protect them.

Homeowners should consider insulating pipes and meters susceptible to freezing temperatures.

A very thin stream of water running constantly from at least one faucet will also prevent pipes from freezing. For homes left unoccupied during the winter, owners may want to turn the water off completely, or at the very least, keep thermostats set at 62 degrees.

Sewer Back-Up Assistance The City’s Sewer Division is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the City’s sanitary and storm sewers. If a resident is experiencing a sewer back up, please contact the Sewer Division at 847.391.5464 before contacting a plumber.

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The City’s contracted waste hauler, Republic Services, will no longer accept yard waste after December 15, 2017. Collection of yard waste will begin again in April 2018.

Due to Christmas Day, December 25, 2017, and New Year’s Day, January 1, 2018, both being on Mondays, refuse and recycling collections will be delayed by one day both weeks. Regular collections will be conducted without interruption on Martin Luther King Day, Monday, January 15, 2018 and Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 19, 2018.

Holiday Tree Recycling Services Republic Services will pick up holiday trees from residents they service on the residents’ regular scheduled collection days through Friday, January 19, 2018. After this date, any trees will need to be saved on private property until landscape waste pickup begins in April.

The Public Works and Engineering Department will be collecting undecorated Holiday trees (no ornaments, lights, tinsel or plastic bags) for recycling. The trees must be at the curbside before 7:00 A.M. on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 and will be collected through Friday, January 5, 2018. Trees frozen to the ground are diffiicult to collect, so we ask your assistance in making sure they are easily accessible from the curbside.

Public Works & Engineering , Con’t.

Des Plaines Continues Stormwater Management Efforts The City’s 2017 Improvements

Protect Your Property from Damage

Des Plaines is continually working to improve our stormwater management system and reduce flooding throughout the City. The City’s flood reduction efforts in 2017 included:

Homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, but flood insurance is available to any property owner in the City of Des Plaines. if your property is susceptible to flooding, here are some damage reduction measures you may want to consider implementing:

Purchasing floodplain properties in the Big Bend area, and restoring the properties to open space; Pursuing grant funding for the purchases of additional flood-prone properties; Maintaining the City’s Class 7 status in the Community Rating System, which provides homeowners in the regulatory floodplain a 15% discount on flood insurance;

Obtain flood insurance for your home and building contents, even if your home is not located within FEMA’s regulatory floodplain. Also consider sewer backup coverage.

Know how to turn off power to the lower levels of your home before a flood.

Continuing to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP);

Elevate your home’s water heater, furnace, air conditioner, and other major appliances.

Constructing new storm sewers within all capital improvement projects.

If the sanitary sewer backs up into the basement during heavy rains, consider installing an overhead sewer and make sure to ask about the City’s Flood Rebate Program.

What is the Community Rating System?

The Community Rating System (CRS) Program rewards communities that go above and beyond minimum requirements to protect their citizens from flooding.

Under the CRS, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reward community actions that meet the three goals of the CRS, which are (1) reducing flood damage to insurable properties; (2) strengthening and supporting the insurance aspects of the NFIP; and (3) encouraging a comprehensive approach to floodplain management.

As a result of the City’s CRS classification, property owners within the City of Des Plaines in the regulatory floodplain are eligible for a 15% reduction in flood insurance premiums. For more information on the City’s CRS Program, contact the Engineering Division at 847.391.5390.

Clean your gutters, extend downspouts away from your home, and make sure the ground slopes away from your home’s foundation.

Install a second sump pump with a separate outlet pipe for additional capacity.

Install a generator or battery backup sump pump for added protection during power outages.

Several of the above measures require permits, so check with the City’s Community Development Department before proceeding. We also encourage you to call the Engineering Division at 847.391.5390 to schedule a consultation before installing flood protection measures in your home.

During the consultation, an Engineer will come to your property to discuss alternatives that are appropriate for your particular situation. This free service could save you time and money, as well as reduce future flood damages to your property.

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1 4 2 0 M in e r S t r e e t, 6 0 0 1 6

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 encouragement of healthy, as well as active, lifestyles. Membership is open to anyone ages 55 or older; new members are always welcome.

Upcoming Events On-Going Health Screenings: Balance – Last Monday of each month (1:30 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.) Blood Pressure – 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month (12:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.) Senior Health Talk – Wednesday, December 6th (12:30 P.M. – 1:30 P.M.)

Although membership is not required to participate in programming, a daily activity fee will be charged for non-members. 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 Center directly at 847.768.5944.

Big Band Dancing – Monday, December 11th ( 7:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.)

December 25th Christmas Luncheon

AARP Tax-Aide – Mondays, 9:00 A.M. – 2:30 P.M. (February 5th through April 16th); Appointment required.

On Monday, December 25th, the Frisbie Senior Center will be hosting its annual Christmas Luncheon. This event, now in its 16th year, continues to provide a “family of friends” for those living in the immediate community that have no place to go and/or no family to visit during the holiday season.

Since the holidays are often challenging times for older persons for a variety of reasons, but most notably companionship or lack thereof, we again look forward to providing a hardy meal on Christmas Day to those in need. This event is open to the public and there is no cost for the meal, however a donation of your choice is greatly appreciated.

Rules of the Road (IL Sec. of State) – Monday, December 11th ( 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.); Registration required.

Christmas Luncheon – Monday, December 25th (12:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.); Registration required.

Chocolate Fest – Wednesday, February 7th, beginning at 1:30 P.M. Chinese New Year Luncheon – Thursday, February 15th (12:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.) AARP Driver Safety – Tuesday, February 20th and Thursday, February 22nd ( 9:30 A.M. – 1:30 P.M.); Registration required.

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