Village Accepts Governor’s Sustainability Award
Issue 4 2013
The Village of Downers Grove is a proud recipient of the 2013 Illinois Governor's Sustainability Award. Downers Grove's commitment to environmental stewardship has been recognized for its best "green" practices in these areas: • Waste Reduction and Recycling • Water Conservation and Stormwater Pollution Prevention • Energy Conservation • Transportation
Mayor’s Message Page 2
Public Works Director Nan Newlon, along with Management Intern David Rauch, accepted the Illinois Governor's Sustainability Award on behalf of the Village at a ceremony hosted by the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC) in Peoria on October 29, 2013. The ISTC is a unit of Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois. Since 1987, the ISTC has presented Governor’s awards to organizations in Illinois that have demonstrated a commitment to environmental excellence. Being a Steward of Financial & Environmental Sustainability is a goal within the Village LongRange Plan and seizing opportunities to "green" its operations is a high priority. Village staff, with input from the Environmental Concerns Commission, has implemented current best practices and developed a roadmap for achieving environmental sustainability. Here are highlights from the environmental sustainability program which helped earn this award for the Village: Recycling Extravaganza Since 2008 this annual community event has diverted 578,758 pounds of electronics from area landfills.
Polling Place Changes Page3 New Water and Stormwater Utility Rates Page 4 Police Special Needs ID Program Page 6 Sign Ordinance Compliance Page 7
Grove Street Reconstruction with Permeable Pavers The permeable pavers and water filtration systems used in this project will result in a 68% reduction in stormwater runoff (1,498,715 gallons per year) and reduce the amount of pollutants discharged into St Joseph's Creek. Hybrid Street Light System This wind and solar powered street light system in the Prentiss Creek subdivision is projected to save $107,944 in maintenance and electricity costs over 25 years and result in a 500,000 pound reduction in carbon emissions over 30 years. Green Fleet 83% of Village owned vehicles use alternative fuels which include biodiesel, ethanol, compressed natural gas, and propane.
www.downers.us
MAYOR’S MESSAGE Happy Holidays, Downers Grove! Now that Thanksgiving is under our belts (so to speak), preparations are no doubt underway for more holiday get togethers with family and friends during which more delightful feasts will ensue. I really enjoy this part of the holiday season with all the special treats it has to offer, but if you're like most folks, it does take a little extra thought and effort to avoid overindulgence and maintain responsible consumption. In my experience, a balanced approach leads to success in most endeavors and that also goes for the workings of your Village government. As a Steward of Financial and Environmental Sustainability, the Village has achieved tremendous success this year by aligning expenses with revenues on a long-term basis and using innovative approaches to deliver effective services and obtain desired outcomes. Our financial sustainability has garnered national, independent recognition. For example, the Village’s fiscal prudence was rewarded in September when Standard and Poor’s (S&P) upgraded the Village’s bond rating from AA+ to AAA, the highest possible rating. In addition to being an overwhelming confirmation of the Village’s sound financial and management practices, the AAA rating means the Village pays the lowest amount possible when borrowing money. As a result, $90,000 was saved on the recent refinancing of Downtown TIF Bonds. To say the least, the prestige this rating brings to our community is a terrific economic development and business attraction tool. Mayor Martin T. Tully
Environmental sustainability refers to the Village’s responsibility to deliver its services in ways that are not only effective, but also protect or enhance natural resources. Our success in this area is highlighted by the receipt this year of the Illinois Governor’s Sustainability Award and being selected as the 14th Greenest Fleet in North America. In both cases, the Village was recognized for outstanding achievements in the areas of alternative fuel/energy supply uses, recycling and waste disposal, and stormwater management. When perusing the following list of some of this year’s noteworthy accomplishments that are the direct result of adhering to our financial and environmental sustainability goals, we can’t help but revel in a little hometown pride: • • • • • • • • • • •
Bond rating upgrade from AA+ to AAA by Standard and Poors. The increased use of alternative fuels has helped save $25,000 in fuel savings over the previous year. The Village was awarded an IDOT Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant in the amount of $21,389 to fund officer overtime to conduct roadside safety checks for nighttime seat belt usage and impaired driving during times of the year when alcohol-involved and unbuckled fatalities are the highest. Joint news-letter delivery partnership with the Park District and District 58 will save $13,000 annually. Upgraded IDOT Traffic Signals includes over $500,000 worth of improvements with less than $14,000 in Village contributions. This resulted in pedestrian “count down” crossing devices at every IDOT owned signal. A new electricity supply contract has reduced annual expenses by $11,000. The replacement of Village Hall parking lot lights has reduced energy consumption by 788.000 kilowatts, improved lighting levels and lowered maintenance costs by $3,000. The Village was awarded two grants totalling $63,398 from the Illinois Clean Energy Foundation and Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) for energy efficient lighting and motion sensors at three Fire Stations, the upper level of the Parking Deck and at Public Works. The Village was awarded a grant in the amount of $12,100 from the US Department of Justice for bulletproof vests. Elimination of 4 vehicles from the Village fleet saved $355,000 in ownership/ maintenance costs. The fleet has been reduced by a total of 31 vehicles since 2007. Due to past efficiency implementations including solar heating panels and the use of a waste oil furnace, the Village has saved over 45% in the cost of heating the fleet facility. The Downers Grove Fleet was named the 14th Greenest Fleet in North America.
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Mayor’s Message continued from page 2 To be sure, it has been a very productive and successful year for Village operations and there are many more impressive accomplishments that I look forward to presenting and sharing with everyone during this year’s Annual Report, scheduled for Tuesday, February 4, 2014. Until then, please have a safe, joyous and very special holiday season, and best wishes for the New Year! Regards,
Special Events Planning If you are the go-to person for your organization’s special event or fundraiser, please be aware of the time needed in advance to submit plans to the Village. A special event is defined as a carnival, circus, festival, parade, road race, or similar event held on the streets or public right-of-way. A temporary use/special event permit application must be submitted within the following time frame: Type A: Festivals, carnivals, circuses or similar activity on the streets and public right-of- ways of the Village: Event Date
Completed Application due by:
January 1 to March 31
October 1
April 1 to June 30 July 1 to September 30 October 1 to December 31
January 1 April 1 July 1
Type B: Athletic events such as foot races, marathons, bike races, etc: A minimum of 60 days in advance of the event date. An ample amount of lead time is necessary to allow for review by Village staff and/or the Community Events Commission, as well as account for possible plan revisions and possible approval by the Village Council. If you are planning a special event in 2014, please contact Community Development at (630) 434-5515 as soon as possible.
Polling Place Changes For March Primary The DuPage County Election Commission has advised the Village that significant changes have been made affecting the locations at which residents will vote in the March 18, 2014, General Primary Election and beyond. Each voter whose polling place has changed will soon receive a polling place change postcard. About three weeks prior to the election, a polling place postcard will also be mailed to all households with registered voters. The list of polling places by precinct will be published in most local papers in February. Voters may access polling place information at www.dupageco.org/election. Select Check Your Voter Information/Find your Polling Place.
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MUNICIPAL MATTERS New Water Rates In 2014 Customers will soon see an increase in water rates beginning with bills distributed after March 1, 2014. The new bi-monthly rates for water usage and the fixed charge by water meter size are as follows: Bi-Monthly Rate Per Unit (1 unit = 750 gallons)
Inside Village Outside Village Bi-Monthly Rate Per Unit (1Bi-Monthly unit = 750 Fixed gallons) Charge by waterVillage meter size Inside Bi-Monthly Rate Per Unit Bi-Monthly Rate Per Unit Outside (15/8” unit =Village 750 gallons) (1 unit = 750 gallons) 1” Bi-Monthly Fixed Charge by Inside Village Inside Village water 1 ½” meter size
2013
2014
$4.89
$5.23
$5.61
$6.00 2014
2013 $10.50
2014 $5.23 2014 $11.55 $6.00 2014 $15.75 $17.33 $5.23 $5.23 2014 $52.52 $57.77 Outside Village $6.00 Outside Village $6.00 5/8” $11.55 2” $84.02 $92.42 Bi-Monthly Fixed Charge by Bi-Monthly Fixed Charge by Downers Grove has seven water towers 1” $17.33 2014 water meter size 2014 Factors Affecting water meter size Water Rates $11.55 15/8” ½” $57.77 5/8” DuPage Water Commission (DWC) purchases Lake $11.55Michigan Water from the City of Chicago and in turn, distributes and The 1” $17.33 2” $92.42 $17.33 it1”to member communities, including Downers Grove. 1 ½” $57.77 1 ½” $57.77 2” $92.42 2” price increase that Downers Grove customers will $92.42 The pay also include increases in the rates charged by the DuPage Water
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Commission (DWC), which announced a series of rate increases that became effective January 1, 2012. The price increase from the DWC reflects a pass-through of the City of Chicago water rate increases as well as increases for DWC existing debt service payments and planned capital improvements. Part of the increase will also reflect the continued implementation of recommendations from Downers Grove’s 2010 Water Rate Study. The table below shows how the new water rates will impact a typical user: User Category Typical Residential User Typical Commercial User Typical Industrial User
$1,138.42 Current 2014 Bi-Monthly Bill Bi-monthly Bill $1,138.42 $83.85 $90.00
Typical Meter Size 5/8” 1.5” 2”
$541.52 $1,062.02
$580.77 $1,138.42 $1,138.42
Providing clean, safe and reliable drinking water is a fundamental Village service. Despite the unforeseen and substantial increases in water rates by the City of Chicago, it is important to continue implementation of the 2010 Water Rate Study recommendations to ensure the on-going viability of Downers Grove’s water system. Additional information regarding the 2010 Water Rate Study Report and Recommendations are available at www.downers.us.
New Stormwater Utility Rate
The new stormwater rate that will go into effect for bills received after January 1, 2014, is as follows: Monthly Fee
2013
2014
Per Equivalent Runoff Unit (ERU)
$8.40
$8.94
Stormwater rates will increase to align with the recommendations of the 2012 Stormwater Study, which created the plan for the implementation of the stormwater utility in 2013. The stormwater fee covers the cost of future capital projects, debt service related to those projects, as well as operational and maintenance costs. These stormwater management costs are now fully shifted away from the property tax levy. The following table shows how the new stormwater rates will impact a single family residence, an average commercial user and an average industrial user in 2014. Industrial User User Category Single Family Residence (2,501-4,000 s.f. of impervious area)User Industrial Average Commercial User Average Industrial IndustrialUser User
ERU 1 20 19
Current Annual Fee $100.80 $2,016.00 $1,915.20
Proposed Annual Fee $107.28 $2,145.60 $2,038.32
More details regarding the Stormwater Utility are available at www.downers.us. Rain Gardens reduce runoff
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PUBLIC SAFETY Village Named 14th Government Green Fleet The Village of Downers Grove has CNG Fueling Station been selected as the 14th Government Green Fleet in North America. Each year the Government Green Fleet Award recognizes the top 100 fleets for their dedicated use of alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles. These awards are supported by the Clean Cities Coalition, which is operated by the U.S. Department of Energy. Downers Grove was the only community recognized in the Chicagoland area. Of the 176 units within the Village's fleet, including on and off road vehicles and equipment, 83% utilize some form of alternative fuel. These alternatives include Biodiesel (B-20), E-85 (Ethanol), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), propane, solar power, and hybrid combinations. The Village uses CNG fuel to power a wide range of vehicles, including Honda Civics, pick-up trucks, cargo vans, police patrol vehicles and five-ton trucks. The Village's five-ton trucks were the first in the Midwest to be powered by CNG. Using alternative fuels reduces the environmental impact of fleet operations and is more cost effective than traditional petroleum based products. For example, the per-gallon cost of gasoline equivalent for CNG is $.70.
New Illinois Law Effective January 1, 2014, a person may not operate a motor vehicle while using a handheld cell phone or any other handheld type of electronic communication device. An “electronic communication device" refers to a wireless telephone, personal digital assistant, or a portable or mobile computer that’s used for the purpose of composing, reading, or sending an electronic message. The fine is $75.00 for the first offense. Subsequent offenses will incur increased fines and are considered moving violations. The Downers Grove Police Department reminds motorists that driving demands your full attention and driving distracted takes your attention away from the road. Examples include things like using a cell phone, texting, and even eating. While any of these actions can endanger the driver and others, texting while driving is especially dangerous because it combines all three types of distraction: • Visual: taking your eyes off the road; • Manual: taking your hands off the wheel; and • Cognitive: taking your mind off of driving. When you are on the phone, whether you are using a hands free device or not, you are four times more likely to crash than if you were not using the device at all.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms Save Lives Carbon monoxide (CO) is the leading cause of poisoning deaths in the United States. It is a non-irritating, odorless, colorless gas that is somewhat lighter than air and is a by-product of incomplete burning of coal, wood, charcoal, natural gas, fuel oil, kerosene, gasoline, fabric, or plastic. With cold weather upon us, once again our furnaces are firing up to provide heat to our homes, but also producing carbon monoxide in the process. Illinois State Law states: Effective January 1, 2007, every Illinois home is required to have at least one carbon monoxide alarm in an operating condition within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping purposes. (Public Act 94-741) Another common source of carbon monoxide in homes with attached garages is automobile exhaust fumes infiltrating the living space through walls and doors. Now is an ideal time to ensure your home is adequately protected with carbon monoxide protection. Replacing an existing properly located smoke alarm with a widely available combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm may be the easiest way to add this vital protection for you and your family.
Please be safe and alert! Save the phone call for when you are not driving a car.
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PUBLIC SAFETY Police Introduce Special Needs ID Program The Police Department has developed a Special Needs Identification Program for Downers Grove residents who may be at risk of becoming confused, disoriented, lost, or missing. Persons of any age that suffer from Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Down Syndrome, Autism, or those at risk of wandering and have communication difficulties are eligible. The program will enable the police department to make faster identifications, reunite family members quicker, and provide help to people with special needs.
Keep the Wreaths Red Wreaths with red bulbs will be displayed at each of the Village's fire stations through January 1. If a holiday related fire occurs during this time, one of the red lights in each station's wreaths will be changed to white. The Downers Grove Fire Department asks that residents do their part to practice fire safety during the holiday months with the following tips: Around the Home ● Make sure you have a working smoke and or carbon monoxide alarm on each level of the home, especially outside the sleeping areas. ● Electrical cords should not be run under rugs or past doorways. ● Use power strips in place of extension cords. ● Never leave candles unattended. If you are having a party, candles should only be lit in the attended rooms. ● Fireplaces should be cleaned annually, if used on a regular basis. Do not burn any foreign objects in fireplaces. A fireplace screen should always be in use. Trees and Lights ● Do not allow trees to block any exit paths in the home. ● Live trees should be kept at least three feet from any heat source. ● Check the water level daily on live trees. All live trees and boughs should be disposed of immediately after the holiday, before they dry out. ● No more than three strings of lights should be connected together for use on trees. ● Make sure outdoor decorations and lights are approved for outdoor use.
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Photographs, emergency contact information, and other personal information relevant to the needs of someone with physical or mental disabilities will be kept on file by the police department. The information will only be used for the purpose of identifying and locating an individual who is reported missing or found wandering. If you have questions or would like to register for this program please contact Officer Larry Vacala at (630) 649-1227 or lvacala@downers.us or Officer Thomas Powers at (630) 327-4839 or tpowers@downers.us.
Student Safety Patrol Student safety patrol members are older students in the school that take on the responsibility of making sure all the younger kids are safe when they are near moving cars. Adults should obey their instructions and set a good example for children. Other rules that apply to school areas include: • • • •
Drivers are prohibited from using cell phones in school zones. The school zone is in effect when even one pedestrian child is near the roadway during school hours. When a school bus has the stop arm out, all motorists are strictly prohibited from passing the bus from either direction on any two-way street and in any parking lot. Adult school crossing guards have the same authority to direct traffic as police officers.
Keeping children safe is everyone’s responsibility.
Snow Removal Plan When it comes to snow, the Village’s goal is to maintain safe travel routes during and following snowstorms, as well as to restore mobility for the traveling public within a reasonable time frame following cessation of storm conditions. Snow and ice control operations begin when hazardous road surfaces are expected. Depending on conditions, an application of liquid anti-icer or road salt is applied to the pavement. Plowing begins after snow accumulates to one inch or more. To ensure streets with the highest average daily traffic volume are cleared first, streets are prioritized based on measured traffic volumes. • • •
Priority 1: Primary roadways with the highest traffic volume, roadways adjacent to schools, and roadways leading to Good Samaritan Hospital. These streets have daily traffic volumes of 2,000 to 20,000 cars. Priority 1 streets are targeted for completion 12 hours after the storm’s completion. Priority 2: All other secondary roadways with average daily traffic of 200 to 1,999 cars. Priority 2 streets are targeted for completion 12 hours after the storm’s completion. Priority 3: Cul-de-sacs and dead-ends with average daily traffic of less than 200 cars. Priority 3 areas are targeted for completion 18 hours after the storm’s completion.
Safe Travel Around Snowplows 1. Don’t crowd the plow. Snowplows plow far and wide, sometimes very wide. The front plow extends several feet in front of the truck and may cross the centerline and shoulders during plowing operations. 2. Don’t tailgate or stop too close behind snowplows. Snowplows are usually spreading deicing materials from the back of the truck may need to stop or take evasive action to avoid stranded vehicles. If you find yourself behind a snowplow, stay behind it or use caution when passing. The road behind a snowplow will be safer to drive on. 3. On multiple lane roads, watch for snowplows operating in either lane. CNG snow plow 4. Don’t travel beside a plow for long periods. When plowing through a snowdrift or packed snow, the impact can move the truck sideways. 5. Snowplows can throw up a cloud of snow that can reduce your visibility to zero in less time than you can react. Drive smart. Never drive into a snow cloud - it could conceal a snowplow. 6. Snowplows travel much slower than the posted speeds while removing snow and ice from the roads. When you spot a plow, allow plenty of time to slow down. 7. A snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see them but they may not see you. 8. Plows turn and exit the road frequently. Give them plenty of room.
Sign Ordinance Compliance Are you a business with a commercial sign that was installed prior to 2005? Have you received a notice from the Village regarding your sign within the past two years? If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, your commercial sign may be non-conforming or not in compliance with the Village Sign Ordinance. Non-conforming signs are required by the ordinance to conform by May 5, 2014. The Village adopted the current sign ordinance in May 2005 and provided property owners seven years to bring their commercial signs into conformance with the ordinance. In February 2012, the Village Council extended the time frame for non-conforming signs by two years to the current May 5, 2014, deadline. If you have questions about the status of your commercial sign, please call the Community Development Department at 630-434-5515 and ask to speak with a planner. He/she will be able to help you determine if your sign is non-conforming and what needs to be done to bring your sign into conformance with the ordinance.
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REMINDERS AND OTHER NEWS Coat Drive Through January 13, 2014, the Village will be collecting gently used coats and winter accessories for all ages. Drop boxes are located in the lobbies of Village Hall, 801 Burlington Avenue, the Police Station, 825 Burlington Avenue and Public Works, 5101 Walnut Avenue. All items collected will be donated to Sharing Connections to benefit those in need in the community.
Holiday Closings Most Village Offices will be closed on December 24 and 25, 2013, and on January 1, 2014.
Garbage Holidays Wednesday, December 25, 2013, and Wednesday, January 1, 2014, are garbage holidays. Collections will be delayed by one day during these weeks.
Curbside Christmas Tree Collection Free collection of live Christmas trees, only, will be offered by Republic Services from January 6-17, 2014. Trees must be free of tinsel, ornaments and hooks and should not be placed in bags.
Christmas Tree Recycling The Downers Grove Park District will host two drop-off sites for residents who would like to recycle their Christmas trees between December 26, 2013, and January 13, 2014. Trees are turned into wood chips which will be used as mulch within parks and landscaping projects. Locations are: • Whitlock Park, located at 40th Street and Fairview Avenue, in the parking lot off of Fairview • McCollum Park, located at 6801 S. Main Street, in the north parking lot off of 67th Street.
Holiday Light Recycling Recycle unwanted or broken holiday lights instead of throwing them away. Residents may drop off lights at the Public Works Facility, 5101 Walnut Avenue during business hours through February 1, 2014.
Electronics Recycling: January 4, 2014 The Village and Creative Recycling offer electronics recycling on the first Saturday of the month from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The drop-off location is at Village Hall, 801 Burlington Avenue, in the employee parking lot at the rear of the building off of Curtiss Street. Because the site is staffed by community volunteers, gates will be opened at 9:00 a.m. and closed promptly at noon.
Make a Date on the Village Calendar www.downers.us 801 Burlington Avenue Downers Grove, IL 60515
Mayor Martin T. Tully
Commissioners
Sean Patrick Durkin, Geoff Neustadt, Robert T. Barnett, Becky Rheintgen, David S. Olsen, Greg Hosé Village Manager David Fieldman Council Meetings 1st, 2nd & 3rd Tues.-7:00 pm Fire, Medical or Police Emergency 9-1-1 Village Hall 1.630.434.5500 Communications Department 1.630.434.5550 Community Response Center 1.630.434-CALL (2255) Village Hall Hours Tues. 8:00 am to 7:00 pm Mon. and Wed. through Fri. 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Published by the Village of Downers Grove
The Village is accepting event information from DuPage County non-profit organizations to be posted on the Events Calendar on the Village website. Questions and event information may be forwarded to events@downers.us.
CNG Fueling Station for Commercial Operators The Village's Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueling station is now available for use by commercial operators of CNG vehicles. The high capacity CNG fuel dispensers are located on the grounds of the Public Works facility at 5101 Walnut Avenue in Downers Grove. The station is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and accepts credit cards only. Advance registration is required. Interested parties may contact Steve Sanderson with the Village at 630-434-5523.