VONR Newsletter Spring 2024

North Riversider

Communication Is The Key To Our Community’s Forward Progress

Your first-ever State of the Village Report

As you know, in each issue of the Village’s newsletter, I make a point of detailing the progress we are making as a unified Board and together as a community. It has been challenging but we continue to work hard to make North Riverside an extraordinary community to live in, work in and visit. I can assure our residents and businesses that every decision made and every dollar spent is part of a carefullyexecuted plan to bring fairness, financial stability and a stronger infrastructure for our future success.

Before I say anything else, I have great news to share on the Village’s financial stability and creditworthiness. Our credit rating from Moody’s Investor Services, a global provider of credit ratings, was recently upgraded one level to Baa2. Moody’s rating report noted the Village’s “strong financial position” as one factor in the credit upgrade and listed “strong reserves and liquidity” among our credit strengths. Consistent efforts to tackle our long-term pension liabilities were also noted as a factor that could lead to subsequent upgrades. Funding public pensions is a challenge that is not unique to North Riverside, but Moody’s report explicitly articulated how problematic this issue is for the Village and how important it is to continue to commit the resources necessary to support our retired police officers and firefighters. I am extremely pleased with our improvement and commitment to strengthening our financial position.

Throughout this issue, you’ll find further proof of our solid financial footing—all while the Village, beyond a shadow of a doubt, remains the smallest portion of your property tax bill. Yes, it’s true. Seeing really is believing and I hope you will take a careful look at the property tax bill summary on pages 2 and 3. The percentages and dollar amounts in the graphics demonstrate just how little Village taxpayers contribute to the exceptional public services offered. Our efforts to forge ahead with vibrant business growth helps ensure an enviable quality of life for everyone who lives here.

Together, we are making unprecedented progress. I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for your continued support and trust. We are effectively making the changes necessary for a promising future.

Mayor Joseph Mengoni

Grant SNAPSHOT:

Over 3.5 million awarded

A key component of remaining fiscally responsible is securing as much grant money as possible that will put our plans into action without using “our” money. Completed and projects “in the works” funded by grant dollars include:

• Permeable paver parking lots

• Des Plaines Avenue street lighting

• Community entrance signs

• NRPD building improvements and security fencing

• Public Works Toxic Air Alert System

Our Village’s voice: Finally being HEARD

Over the past three years, this administration has worked diligently to strengthen our voice at the state and federal level. From Washington, DC, to the Illinois State Capitol, we are ever-ready to bring our community’s needs to the forefront.

It is only through these collaborative efforts that we can effectively bring about change.

Our TOP PRIORITIES as we move forward in 2024

• Strong voice in Springfield

• Coalition with neighboring towns

• Marketing our town to developers

• Vitalization of our business district

Working together, as a united Village Board, we will strive to accomplish our goals, enact new and fair practices for everyone and continue to gain momentum.

Seeing isBelieving when it comes to property tax bills...

As part of our State of the Village Report, it is imperative that North Riverside property owners clearly understand where the taxes they are paying are really going. Many don’t realize that the Village portion of your property tax bill is less than most people’s weekly grocery or utility bill! The average homeowner is only giving our Village $150 per year to fund vital public services. What you see here is the direct result of careful decisions to market, grow and develop North Riverside and to provide exceptional fire, police, public works, recreation and administrative services at a rate that is UNPRECEDENTED among our neighbors.

PARKS & RECREATION

Call Parks & Recreation at 442-5515 or stop in to get more information and sign up!

say hi to peter

Stop in and join us in welcoming Peter Hanneman, North Riverside Parks & Recreation’s new Youth Coordinator. Peter has a Bachelor’s degree in Business and a Master’s degree in Recreation Sport and Tourism. He also brings his extensive experience, having worked at the Park District of Oak Park, Apollo After School Program and Bernard Zell Day School. Peter will be responsible for preschool, camps, early childhood and youth programming as well as special events. We’re excited to have Peter on our team!

sign up now for the very best Summer Camps

Registration for summer camps is not available online. To make sure your child is enrolled in one of the five camps offered, you must register at the NRPR office in the Village Commons. Choose from Raccoon Camp (ages 2-5); Adventure Camp (3-5); Action Camp (1st and 2nd Grade); Camp Commons (3rd-4th Grade) or Teen Camp (5th-8th Grade). Enjoy indoor and outdoor activities, games, sports,crafts, music, theme days and field trips. Check out the new Fun Guide on the Village website at www.northriverside-il.org for dates, fees and all the details, including before/after camp options!

2024-2025 preschool

PRESCHOOL/JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN HAS STARTED

Classes for ages 4-5 are held on Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 9 to 11:30 am.

Classes for ages 3-4 on Tuesday/Thursday, 9 to 11:30 am. Our Preschool classes are the first step to a successful academic career for your youngster! More early childhood programs are listed in the Fun Guide!

Extended TRIPS IN 2024-2025!

CHECK THE SUMMER FUN GUIDE FOR MORE DETAILS

• Registration for the 6-day Cuba Discovery Tour planned for October 21-26, 2024 is underway!

• Get on the list for The Ark Encounter and Creation Museum bus trip to Cincinnati at the end of April 2025.

• Shades of Ireland with an overnight stay on the grounds of a castle! Registration deadline is October 28, 2024.

• Mackinac Island and the Beauty of Northern Michigan (TBD for June 2025) and Coastal Maine for October 2025.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Save the dates and reach out to North Riverside Parks and Rec Department staff if you need more information: 708/442-5515.

We look forward to seeing you at the Commons!

Campout at Commons Park

This family-friendly campout on Friday-Saturday, June 6-7 features music, hot cocoa, s’mores around the bonfire before bedtime and baked goods in the morning. Participants must bring their own tents, sleeping bags/blankets. All ages are welcome but must be with a parent/guardian if under 18. Hurry and register!

Summer Flea Market is June 9

Sign up, clean out your closets, attics and basements, sell your “precious treasures” and make some cash on Sunday, June 9, 9 am to 2 pm on the Village Commons Front Lawn. Vendors must provide their own tables, chairs and/or tents.

Buy one or more spaces: $25/$32. A Goodwill truck will be in the lot if you wish to donate any unsold items.

Mayor’s Golf Outing June 10

Tee up your support for this annual event set for Monday, June 10 at Riverside Golf Club. Proceeds go to the North Riverside Youth Program and Educational Scholarship Fund, Inc., which provides resident students with assistance in their pursuit of higher education as well as opportunities for young residents to enroll and participate in various recreational activities and programs. For more information, contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 442-5515.

North Riverside’s National Night Out

National Night Out is a community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships across the country to make our neighborhoods safer and more caring places to live. North Riverside will celebrate this national event with FREE festivities on Tuesday, August 6, 5:30 to 8:30 pm at the Village Commons. There will be food vendors, entertainment, fun games, first responder vehicles and demonstrations on-site plus free give-aways. Come out and join us!

Rockin’ in the Park

You won’t have to travel far for great concerts, summer events

Thursdays in June & July!

Bring friends, family, and comfy chairs/ blankets to kick back and enjoy the FREE sounds of summer at the Commons. Events are from 7 to 9 pm. NO outside food/drink! There is no admission fee, so support these NRPR events by enjoying delicious concessions.

Thursday, June 20

Soul Sacrifice | Santana Tribute Band

Hispanic Culture Night

Enjoy the sounds of Soul Sacrifice and experience Hispanic culture through various vendors selling desserts, treats, food, jewelry and arts and crafts.

Thursday, June 27

Bopology | Swing and Jazz Chicago’s favorite swing and jazz group featuring big band sounds.

Thursday, July 11

The Wayouts | Hits from the 60s Family friendly and playing the grittiest, grooviest garage rock hits from the 1960s.

Thursday, July 18

Sushi Roll | Today’s Hits with a rock ‘n roll edge plus Antique/Classic Car Show Vote for your favorite car. Trophies will be awarded to the winners.

Thursday, July 25

Nashville Electric Company | Country Performing down-home country music.

JOIN US HH

Celebrate with friends, family and neighbors at our annual Independence Day Parade, which will start at 10 am at 9th Avenue and 26th Street, traveling east on 26th Street to Veterans Park—then stay at Veterans Park to cheer on our Little League teams. The 4th of July fun continues at the Village Commons from 6–9 pm with kids’ entertainment, food vendors and a performance by Hello Weekend from 7–9 pm with spectacular fireworks provided by the Riverside Golf Club ending the day.

PUBLIC WORKS

SPRING SHOWERS... AND SEWER BACKUP OPTIONS

Even though torrential rains only occur periodically, even the best sump pumps or sand bags can’t keep heavy rains from damaging walls and floors and destroying carpeting and furniture in your basement. As if that wasn’t enough to worry about, flooding can also lead to mold.

While the Check Valve system and Electronic Gate options for homeowners are less expensive, they are also less efficient and require ongoing maintenance. The most reliable and effective measures are obviously expensive. Overhead Sewers, custom built for each home, are considered one of the best ways to waterproof a home. A Lift Station is often referred to as the “ultimate” system for flood control. It’s a large concrete basin that gets installed in your front yard. Waste enters the basin, the pump kicks on and pumps the water to the streetside portion of the sewer, protected by the same principal as overheads. Basins usually have a oneweek storage capacity. These two highlyrecommended options can cost anywhere from $9,000-$17,000, in some cases.

GENERAL SAFETY RULES DURING RAIN EVENTS

It’s important to remind everyone of these essential safety tips for spring rains or flooding events:

• Don’t drive through flooded areas or allow children to play in flooded streets.

• Never remove manhole covers.

• Stay away from wires or lines down in and around your yard. Even if they are not electrical, they may still be hazardous and jeopardize your safety if touched.

JUST APPROVED BY THE VILLAGE BOARD: NEW RESIDENTIAL FLOOD PREVENTION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE THIS SUMMER FOR THE 50/50 COST-SHARE INITIATIVE

On Monday, May 6, the Village Board of Trustees approved a new Residential Flood Prevention Assistance Program to help homeowners in mitigating flood risks. Funding is available on a 50/50 cost-share basis, with maximum limits based on the type of system installed.

Eligibility: For owner-occupied singlefamily dwellings only. Work must be completed by a licensed plumber registered with the Village and with necessary permits from the Village. Those applying for the funding must have no unpaid taxes, water bills or other debts or Village code violations.

How Much Assistance: Eligible residents who install a flood mitigation system are eligible for funding as follows:

• Back Flow Prevention/Clean Check Valve: 50% up to $1,000.

• Bypass Pump and Reservoir/Lift Station: 50% up to $2,000.

• Overhead Sewer: 50% up to $3,000.

Upon completion of the installation, the homeowner can submit all completed work invoices to the Village for reimbursement.

MEET PETE HUGHES

Application Details: Application period starts July 1, 2024 on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications will not be accepted after March 15, 2025.

Eligible Costs: Some of the costs that can be submitted for reimbursement include excavation and connection for new overhead sewers; new sump pump pit, sump pump and necessary plumbing and electrical work; concrete floor replacement; installation costs for backflow prevention valves, sumps and electrical work; upgrading the house electrical supply for the new sump pumps.

“This program aims to reduce flood risk and enhance community resilience against potential water-related damage,” said Mayor Mengoni. “All approvals are good for one Village Fiscal Year; for example, if an application is approved in August 2024, the applicant has until April 2025 to complete the project.”

Watch for more details in the next newsletter, on the Village’s Facebook page and check the Village website for updates at www.northriverside-il.org.

Welcome, Pete Hughes! The Village of North Riverside is proud to welcome Pete Hughes to the team that is focused on moving our community ever forward through responsible economic growth, preservation of our identity and pursuit of economic vitality. As our new Director of Community Development, Pete is the FIRST person on Village staff devoted to economic development, attracting new businesses and creating partnerships. Pete brings extensive experience in municipal planning and community development, floodplain management, historic preservation and land use to North Riverside from his previous positions in Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, Arizona and Texas.

A certified city planner, Pete is enthusiastic about the projects ahead of him in North Riverside, including totally revising the Village’s Zoning Code; revisions to our Sign Code; the Village’s first-ever comprehensive Land Use Plan; and a Hazardous Mitigation Plan, creating an essential framework to minimize the impact of any future natural or human-caused hazards. Pete will play a key role in our forward progress.

SEASONAL REMINDERS for all residents from

NORTH RIVERSIDE PUBLIC WORKS

BRANCH PICKUP

Branch collection is every Tuesday from April 15 through November 15. Please place your cuttings at the curbside every Monday—with cut ends of branches toward the street, stacked neatly (see picture above). The Public Works Department goes down every street to collect the clippings. Public Works does not pick up debris left from contractors. It's the responsibility of the contractor to remove any debris generated by their service. The chipper cannot take dirt, roots, or weeds. The clippings are tree branches and/or bushes trimmed properly, not mixed up or with other debris. This service is intended for minor trimming, not complete tree removal.

TREES

All parkway trees are owned and maintained by Public Works. If a parkway tree is dead or diseased, Public Works will assess it and have it removed.

Tree trimming happens on an as-needed basis. Tree planting is a service provided through Public Works as well. If you would like a tree on your parkway, call Public Works to be placed on the planting list.

SWEEPER

Street sweeping operates MondayFriday from March until the first snowfall. Every curb in the Village is swept once a week with alleys cleaned once each month. Street sweeping removes small branches and leaves; cleans residue generated by brake shoes from cars; and keeps debris out of storm drains and catch basins. Please exercise caution when passing the street sweeper.

HANDYMAN

Handyman Wil is ready to help! If you are a senior or disabled resident, call Public Works at 762-5885 to schedule small general repairs (not remodeling projects) within your home such as handrail installation, cabinet door adjustment, outlet/ switch/bulb replacement, faucet/toilet leaks, furnace filter replacement, etc. The labor is FREE and parts/supplies are also free up to $25.

Inconvenient? Maybe. Necessary? Definitely.

Parking Prohibited in ALLEYS GET PASSES, NOT THE BOOT

Parking in public alleys has always been illegal. The Village recently passed a new ordinance to clarify that alley parking, even along the apron between the garage and the alley line, is not allowed. While many believe their car fits just fine up against the garage, eliminating the challenge of finding a nearby parking space and buying parking passes, the Police Department cites four major reasons why this ordinance is necessary and why it will be enforced.

Emergency Vehicle Access. Although the sheer size of fire trucks and some Public Works vehicles prevents them from using the alleys, ambulances and police vehicles can. Because ambulances have a much larger footprint than an ordinary passenger vehicle, parking in the alley would definitely restrict their access in an emergency.

Garbage Collection/Utility Service Interruptions. Waste collectors, utility services and Public Works vehicles struggle to navigate through narrow alleys as they provide

essential services to residents. Parked cars can disrupt or delay these services on any given day or especially during an emergency when time is critical.

Crime Prevention. Criminals absolutely prefer to commit crimes in dark and out-of-the-way places. Parking your vehicle in the alley may seem safe and convenient to you but tucking it away from the well-lit street creates blind spots and hiding places for criminals, making car burglaries and break-ins easier for the lawbreakers.

Damaged Property Prevention. Parking in tight places inevitably leads to accidental property damage. Keeping the alley clear of parked vehicles is not only courteous to your neighbor, it also reduces the risk of accidental damage to vehicles, garages and utilities. Sooner or later, someone’s car, garage, a utility pole or fence will be damaged, resulting in costly repairs or insurance claims.

“The crux of this ordinance isn’t to inconvenience or make life harder for residents. It’s quite the opposite,” said Police Chief Ehrenberg. “It’s about fairness and safety for everyone in the Village. Tickets will be issued so buy the overnight parking booklets, if needed.” After three unpaid tickets, the vehicle becomes eligible for “the boot.”

Booklets of 10 permits are on sale for $25 each at the Village Commons and Police Department Records Division during regular business hours. Residents are limited to only two books per transaction and must show proof of residency to purchase.

new fire TECHNOLOGY Shut-Off Doesn’t Happen Overnight

How do firefighters extinguish an electric vehicle that’s on fire? ANSWER? NOT WITH WATER!

With almost 80,000 electric vehicles registered in Illinois, people are obviously seeing only the benefits of the EV, such as saving money on gasoline and car maintenance as well as cutting down on emissions and oil costs.

However, electric vehicles do pose one significant problem for owners as well as first responders: car fires cannot simply be extinguished with water like gas-powered vehicles. In some instances, it has taken more than 30,000 gallons of water to die out an EV fire and, because of the nature of lithium-ion batteries, it could take days to fully extinguish until it burns itself out.

“The number of EV cars on the road increases each year and we must be ready for every dangerous situation, particularly with one of the busiest intersections in the state at Harlem and Cermak,” said Fire Chief McDermott. “It’s not just about the fire but the heat, toxic gases and chemical fumes that also pose a risk to firefighters and the environment.” Armed with the newest technology—the car fire blanket—the North Riverside Fire Department is now able to control and contain any car fire, particularly EV, by pulling the blanket over the vehicle, smothering flames and isolating the fire in seconds, limiting the exposure to the toxic fumes.

“Each town in MABAS Division 11 has these blankets so we are not only prepared but we’re prepared to help each other,” said the Chief.

(Photo from www.edarley.com)

Shut-Off

Is Always A Last Resort HERE’S HOW THE STANDARD PROCESS WORKS

For residents who might be wondering or who are unaware of the standard process, there are two water billing cycles: half of the Village has meter reads conducted every month. Billing cycles are determined by location in the Village and billing occurs every other month, depending on the cycle.

Step 1. Immediately after the end of the billing cycle, staff extracts the meter reads directly from each meter before importing it into the Village’s billing system.

Step 2. Bills are created and sent via e-mail and the U.S. mail around the 1st of the following month. Payment is then due on the 20th of each month.

Step 3. If no payment is received by the 20th, a late payment fee of 10% is applied to the outstanding amount. Staff then sends the Past Due notices out with a due date 10 business days later.

Step 4. If no payment is received by the 10th business day, a final notice is sent with an additional 10 business days for payment.

Step 5. Shut-off notices are then posted on properties with delinquent accounts allowing for an additional 72 hours for payment.

Step 6. After all those notices and non-responsiveness, only then will the Village proceed with the shut-off process. At this point, water services can only resume when the full outstanding balance and reconnection fee is paid.

The entire process usually takes about 75-90 days from the initial meter read through the disconnection of services for non-payment. Every opportunity is given to account owners and NO shut-off ever happens at will, at random or without numerous attempts to work out a payment plan. Anyone with questions should reach out to Village staff for assistance.

IT DOESN’T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT.

a new chapter

Even

before the Neighborhood Services Committee was established in 1992, Carol Spale was inspiring people with the “art of caring.” For over three decades, her acts of kindness initiative has distinguished North Riverside from towns around the world.

Inspired by Carol’s tireless efforts, it’s time to step up, do more and do better.

What began as a letter to the Mayor, letting him know of the tremendous outpouring of kindness and generosity shown to her family as they faced the challenges of raising a severely-disabled son, became not only an answer to her personal prayers but a program that became known nationally and even internationally for its dedication to reaching out to others, ensuring that no one would ever feel alone or be more than a phone call away from assistance.

In 1979, when the Spale family first moved to North Riverside, David Spale’s condition required constant attention and a physical therapy program that required the assistance of three people. More than 20 neighbors alternated, seven days a week, twice a day, for six years. “I felt such gratitude that I asked God to show our family a way to give back to this town and its residents.” Soon, after, the Mayor’s new Committee of Neighborhood Services, inspired by late Village resident Gary Wilt, was launched in 1992, with block captains responsible for just one block of the Village—72 volunteers rallied to turn a plan that started with no actual blueprint into a stellar program that has become a model for countless towns and villages, businesses and churches. Thirty-two years after its inception, Area Representatives, Block Captains and North Riverside Parks and Recreation staff, continue to strive for a caring neighborhood.

NOW IS THE TIME TO TAKE NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES TO THE NEXT LEVEL

“Carol is the epitome of compassion and there can be no doubt that she has impacted countless lives,” said Mayor Joseph Mengoni. “She has presented numerous Angel Awards to our residents but, at the end of the day, she is the ultimate angel, taking a mere concept and shaping it into a program that proves one person can make a difference. But now is the time—the ultimate tribute to everyone who has ever been a part of Neighborhood Services is for the Village to do more and do better, to assist residents in need, to use our collective resources to take the art of caring to the next level. Carol and the Neighborhood Services Committee have laid the strongest possible foundation and we owe a huge debt to her and all of the volunteers for keeping kindness alive in our community.”

Carol Spale

PUBLISHED BY THE

Village of North Riverside

2401 S. Des Plaines Avenue

North Riverside, IL 60546-1596

708/447-4211 • www.northriverside-il.org

POSTMASTER DELIVER TO:

Residential Customer

North Riverside, IL 60546

Connect with Us

Village Hall: 708-447-4211

www.northriverside-il.org

Non-Emergency NR Police: 708-447-9191

Non-Emergency NR Fire: 708-447-1981

Public Works: 708-762-5885

Community Development: 708-762-5900

Parks & Rec: 708-442-5515

recreation@northriverside-il.org www.facebook.com/ NorthRiversideRecreation

Instagram: @villageofnorthriversideparksnrec

2024 Board meetings

Village board meetings take place in the Board Room on the first and third Mondays of each month, except for July, August and December when there is only one meeting. Upcoming dates are:

June 3 and 17

July 15 • August 12

“Coffee” connection

Stop in for coffee and conversation with the Mayor, Trustees and staff.

July 20, 2024

October 19, 2024

10 am in the Board Room

MAYOR

Joseph Mengoni

VILLAGE CLERK

Kathy Ranieri

BOARDOF TRUSTEES

Jason Bianco

Debbie Czajka

Fernando Flores

Antonio “Tony” Santucci

Terri Sarro

Nicholas Tricoci

ADMINISTRATOR

Sue Scarpiniti

| Remembering Guy Belmonte |

Guido “Guy” Belmonte passed away on Friday, April 12, 2024, at the age of 74. Beloved husband of Cathy, nee D’Ambrosio, for 53 years. Guy was the devoted father of Sherri and Jamie (Brad) Vayda; son of the late Guido Sr. and the late Marge; grandfather of Emily Ana and Nicholas James; brother-in-law of Cindy (the late Andy) Montano; uncle of Jimmy Montano C.P.D. and Anthony (the late Carla) Montano. Guy was a cousin and honorary uncle to many.

Former Trustee, Village Administrator

Winc.

hen Guy Belmonte retired from the purchasing department at the University of Illinois at Chicago after 32 years of service, he expected to have ample time for his family and his parish, Mater Christi. However, in 1989, he ran for Village Trustee and won—and won again in 1993 and 1997, serving on the Board for 12 years. In 2000, Guy became part-time Village Treasurer; in 2001, he was appointed full time to the post but by April that same year, Guy was tapped to fill the position of Village Administrator, never wavering from the promise he made to himself when he ran for Trustee: focus on the residents. He dedicated himself to the community under three Mayors and played a pivotal role in the growth of the Neighborhood Services Committee, Youth Scholarship Golf Outing and the development of the Tot Spot and bike path among other civic initiatives as well as contributing greatly to the town’s economic advancements of the last two decades—projects such as Costco, Raising Cane’s, Miller’s Ale House, Chick-fil-A and more. In 2020, he officially retired from public service and was also the recipient of the Neighborhood Services 2020 Angel Award. An active member of Mater Christi parish and a dedicated member of the Holy Name Society, Guy will be remembered as a man of great character, a man who was respected tremendously by his friends, colleagues, fellow parishioners and within the community that he loved.”