August 2021 Village of Westchester Newsletter by Village of Westchester, IL

Village of

Westchester AUGUST, 2021

POLICE DEPARTMENT

PUBLIC WORKS

FIRE DEPARTMENT

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

LIBRARY

SCHOOL DISTRICT

SPOTLIGHT ON SENIORS

From the Desk of President Frank Perry

nce again the Village had a very busy month and I would like to share some items that have transpired. The month started out on a great note by bringing back our traditional, wonderful Westchester Village 4th of July Parade, and it was better than ever. It seemed as if the whole town was out on the streets celebrating our country and bringing the Village together. In addition to all of the wonderful Westchester Organizations, Businesses, and village employees who participated in the parade , we also had representation from the Hillside Police and Fire Department, Broadview Police Department and Fire Department, the Maywood Police Department and Fire Department, Lagrange Police Department and Fire Department, and the Illinois National Guard, to name a few. Our state, county, and national leaders also came out to support Westchester. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, (who is our US Representative), Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, (who is our State of Illinois Speaker of the House), Alexi Giannoulias (former Illinois Treasurer and seeking the position of Illinois Secretary of State), Commissioner Frank Aguilar (our representative for Cook County), and Mayor Katrina Thompson (Mayor of Broadview) all came out to celebrate our country and village with us. The “Little People”, Jessie White’s Tumblers, and Bag Pipers were a few of the entertainment contributors that made the parade so exciting for onlookers. Thank

you, Thank you, THANK YOU to Trustee Cathy Kuratko, Trustee Tracy Markey, Village Manager Paul Nosek and Village Assistant (which is only one of her many titles) Melissa Fecarotta for all the work, time, sweat and tears that went into making the parade (and upcoming Westchester Fest) happen and a success. Police Chief Babich will be activating our bike patrol again. It was a very popular program a few years back and the residents really benefitted from the extra attention being paid to the parks and the accessibility of our officers to the residents. Also, a 4 wheeler ATV was purchased and will be outfitted with decals and emergency lights. The ATV will also be used in the parks and throughout the Village to provide better access and availability to the residents. I’m sure the kids will get a kick out of it! Our Village Manager, Paul Nosek, and accounting staff are constantly working at saving the village money. They are continually going through contracts and renegotiating rates. In addition, we will be looking at the refunding of our bonds which will save us roughly $240,000 over the life of the bond. There has been quite a bit of unwelcome “occurrences” at the cemetery on Roosevelt and Mannheim. We are looking to combat these occurrences by installing cameras in strategic locations as well as keeping the gates closed off Mannheim after 4 pm and on weekends.

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AUGUST 2021

P olice D e partment AUGUST, 2021

Department adds ATV to build better public relations

The Westchester Police Department has purchased a new “All Terrain Vehicle” called an ATV for building better Public Relations and Community Policing objectives. Our Village President Frank Perry of the Village of Westchester and members of the village board endorsed the purchase of the ATV so that officers can ride through neighborhoods meeting residents and checking with residents regarding any personal concerns going on within the neighborhood. Years ago, officers walked a beat allowing residents the ability to speak face to face in private with officers and we would like to try to bring that back for our residents. The ATV also allows officers to check on local businesses and check our local parks building community support the old fashion way face to face. So when you see one of our officers riding through the neighborhood please waive them down and say hello. The ATV can travel where must police cars can’t bringing community members together one person at a time. . Sincerely Chief Daniel Babich Westchester Police Department

POLICE BLOTTER

1) At 3:28am on June 19, 2021 a Burglary to Motor Vehicle was reported on the 700 block of Westchester Blvd. A police officer noticed a vehicle dome light was on and noticed a male subject walking in the area. While attempting to stop the subject, the subject fled on foot. The vehicle owner reported that the vehicle was unlocked but did not appear to have anything taken. 2) At 8:36am on June 29, 2021 a Criminal Damage to Auto was reported at the Four Points Sheraton located at 2222 Enterprise. The vehicle owner reported that the rear drivers side windows was broken out. Nothing appeared to be missing. 3) At 4:26pm on July 1, 2021 a Theft was reported from the Panera Bread located at 11215 Cermak Road. A customer reported that a subject distracted them to remove their wallet from the table while eating. Video of the event is being

reviewed.

4) At 4:21pm on July 9, 2021 a Theft was reported at the UPS Store located at 3013 Wolf Road. The store clerk reported that while working with a customer, another customer removed the clerks cell phone from the counter and left the building with it. 5) At 8:47pm on July 9, 2021 a Criminal Damage to Auto was reported on the 1500 block of Heidorn. The resident reported that when moving their vehicle from the driveway onto the street, they observed a large scratch on the driver’s side door. 6) At 8:03pm on July 15, 2021 a Criminal Damage to Property was reported at 1620 Norfolk, Westchester Middle School. The custodian reported that unknown person(s) used spray-paint on the building.

AUGUST 2021

PUBLIC WORKS

Branch Pickup Branch pickup for August will be August 2-6, 2021

to Windsor-including both sides of Windsor Drive. Also, Waterford, Waverly, Camelot and Concord.

Branch pickup for September will be September 13-17, 2021

TUESDAY: Roosevelt Road south to Cermak Road-from Gardner Road west to Mannheim Road.

Branch pickup for October will be October 4-8, 2021 The Public Works Department will pick up branches the first full week of every month. (April-November) All brush must be put out on the front parkway by 7:00 a.m. on the designated pickup day. Branches can be up to 7 ‘in length and stacked with the butt ends facing the street in the same direction. If not stacked properly, a “restack” notice will be left. Again, please put ALL brush out on your designated pickup day and Public Works crews will determine what constitutes an open load, which will be picked up later in the week. An open load would include any brush that will not fit through the chipper such as logs, stumps, and large limbs. These must be cut for one man to lift. Dirt must be removed from any root balls for pickup. Public Works Crews will only pass through a designated pickup area once due to time schedule and other workload responsibilities. Landscaping contractors are responsible for their own brush pickup and disposal. Please note the following schedule for branch pickup: MONDAY: From Mannheim Road west to Wolf Road and from Canterbury south

CONTINUED from page 1 Hopefully, if this doesn’t curb these actions then at least we will have catching evidence to prosecute. As you have witnessed around town, the street program is in full swing. Public Works reports that roughly 60%-70% of this years streets have been completed. The referendum that the residents passed has provided Westchester with the ability to create a program that will sustain our streets indefinitely. I understand that half the town looks like the construction zones you see all over all year around, however the inconvenience will not go in vain. Our streets will be looking clean and our infrastructure is improving constantly. I had the pleasure of participating

WEDNESDAY: From Roosevelt Road north to the expressway and from Gardner Road west to Mannheim Road. Also, Roosevelt Road south to Canterbury from Haase west to Heidorn. THURSDAY: From Belleview west to Wolf Road, Martindale Drive to 31st Street Remember….. Waste Management will also pick up your branches if they are bundled no more than 4’ in length. These will be picked up on your regular garbage day every week. Free yard waste stickers for reusable yard waste containers are available at the Village Hall office.

Labor Day-Holiday Garbage Schedule No Garbage pickup on Monday, September 6, 2021 (Labor Day) Monday’s Pickup will be Tuesday, September 7, 2021 Tuesday’s pickup will be Wednesday, September 8, 2021 Thursday & Friday pickup will remain the same-no change Micro surfacing will begin in early August, 2021 • Wakefield Street from Wellington

in the Grass Roots Garden Club Walk this year. This is an event that is put together by Bethany Alexander and her wonderful club of participants and volunteers. I never realized the garden that the Westchester Public Library keeps behind their building. The amount of work and passion that goes into keeping these gardens is just amazing to me. The event brought residents out on the streets visiting houses and gardens around town. Those participating opened up their houses to complete strangers for them to enjoy the tranquility. Many conversations took place. It was a very nice event! The Village completed the sale of Village Hall. The new Village Hall will be located on Enterprise Drive right where the water tower resides. The

Avenue to Boeger Avenue. • Nelson Square from Boeger Avenue to Boeger Avenue. • Somerset Square from Stratford Avenue to Stratford Avenue. • Windsor Drive from Mayfair Avenue to terminus. • Downing Avenue from Dorchester Avenue to Oxford Street. • Oxford Street from Sunnyside Avenue to Mannheim Road. • Evers Avenue from Roosevelt Road to Canterbury Street. • Charles Street from Wolf Road to Boeger Avenue. • Heidorn Avenue from Charles Street to Dickens Street. • High Ridge Avenue from Boeger Avenue to Canterbury Street. • Camelot Street from Concord Avenue to Waverly Avenue. • Concord Avenue from Camelot Street to Waterford Drive. • Waverly Avenue from Camelot Street to Waterford Drive. • Westminster Drive from 31st Street to terminus. Parkway Restoration: The Public Works Department will be repairing parkways damaged by sewer and water excavations and snow plow damage, weather permitting. Pothole Repair The Public Works Department repairs potholes throughout the Village, weather permitting. Please call Public Works at 708-345-0041 to report potholes. The vac and jet machine will continue to clean out storm sewer inlets, as weather permits.

land that occupied village hall (where Village Hall currently stands) will make way for an Aldi grocery store. The Village also purchased the land where the three office building existed on Mannheim and on Roosevelt. The northern lot is ear marked for Starbucks. We are expecting 2-3 more pads to develop to come out of that purchase. The development is moving along quite expeditiously. A couple of other items to be mentioned : The village webpage should be revamped and launched by the end of the month. We’ve been working on this project for over a year now and I am very excited to put this to use and supply the town with more detailed information that will be made readily available, as well as a more

As Always….. Village residents are asked to call Public Works at 708-345-0041 or the Police Non Emergency number after hours at 708-345-0060 if an unusual amount of water is visible in the street or parkway. This could be a main break or water leak that requires our immediate attention. 50/50 Shared Cost Parkway Tree Program Beautify your yard and add to the curb appeal of your home…. The Village offers a 50/50 shared cost program that includes the purchase and planting of a new parkway tree. Residents have a choice of 5 types of trees indigenous to the area. The trees will be planted in November 2021. Please call Public Works at 708345-0041 to register or for more information. Sprinkling Ban Reminder We have water use restrictions in effect every year, May 15-September 15, from 12pm to 6pm. This includes: (1) Outdoor Watering (2) Cleaning Outdoor Surfaces (3) Cleaning Buildings (4) Pool Filling Sprinkling during unrestricted hours (before noon, after 6pm) shall be allowed on even numbered days for those even numbered addresses, and on odd numbered days for those residents having odd numbered addresses. If we have a dry summer, further restrictions may be necessary.

user-friendly site. We are looking to expand our code enforcement staff to provide monitoring on the weekends and some evenings and really to address blight more consistently. The additional staff will hopefully lead to resident calls being addressed more efficiently. Last, but not least at all, our yearly Westchester Fun Fest will be back! This year it will take place by the Westchester Water Tower on Wolf Rd and 22nd Street down Enterprise Drive where the new Village Hall be housed. There will be carnival rides, games, musical entertainment, the best food in the area, beer tent, great conversations, petting zoo etc. Another event to bring the town and residents together to celebrate Westchester!

F ire D e partment AUGUST 2021

AUGUST 2021

C ommunit y D evelo pment AUGUST 2021

Choosing a Contractor Home improvements and repairs can cost thousands of dollars and are the subject of frequent consumer complaints. If you need work done on your home, keep these things in mind when selecting a contractor: When Selecting a Contractor • Get recommendations and references. Talk to friends, family and others who have used the contractor for similar work. • Get at least three written estimates. Insist the contractors come to your home to evaluate what needs to be done. Be sure the estimates are based on the same work so that you can make meaningful comparisons. • Check contractor complaint records. For a list of our local consumer protection agencies, please visit http:// www.usa.gov/directory/stateconsumer/ illinois.shtml. You could also check with the Better Business Bureau. • Make sure the contractor meets licensing and registration requirements. For a list of our local consumer protection agencies, please visit http://www.usa.gov/ directory/stateconsumer/illinois.shtml. • Contact the Community Development Department to check for permit and inspection requirements. Be wary if the contractor asks you to get

the permit; it could mean the firm is not licensed. • Be sure your contractor is insured. They should have personal liability, property damage and worker’s compensation insurance for workers and subcontractors. Also check with your insurance company to find out if you are covered for any injury or damage that might occur. • Insist on a written contract that states exactly what work will be done, the quality of materials that will be used, warranties, timetables, the names of any subcontractors, the total price of the job, and the schedule of payments. • Try to limit your down payment. Some states have laws limiting the amount of down payment required. • Don’t make a final payment or sign a final release until you are satisfied with the work and know that subcontractors and suppliers have been paid. Some state laws allow unpaid subcontractors and suppliers to put a lien on your home for bills the contractor failed to pay. • Pay by credit card when you can. You may have the right to withhold payment to the credit card company until problems are corrected. Be especially cautious if the contractor:

• Comes door-to-door or seeks you out; • Just happens to have material left over from a recent job; • offers you discounts for finding other customers; • quotes a price that’s out of line with other estimates; • pressures you for an immediate decision; • offers an unusually long guarantee; • can only be reached by leaving messages with an answering service; • drives an unmarked van; • has out-of state license plates; or • asks you to pay for the entire job up front. Information above was prepared by the US Government. For more tips on selecting a contractor, check the US Government’s website at http://blog.usa. gov/post/88274027165/how-to-pick-acontractor-for-home-repairs Additional information can be found at the Illinois Attorney General’s website Home Repair: Know your consumer rights (http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/ consumers/homerep0505c.pdf)

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S chool D i strict AUGUST 2021

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Il Pescatore A boat docked in a tiny Italian village. An American tourist complimented the Italian fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took in to catch them. “Not very long”, answered the Italian. “But then why didn’t you stay out longer and catch more?” asked the American. The Italian explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family. The American asked “But what do you do with the rest of your time?” “I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, and take a nap with my wife. In the evenings, I go into the village to see my Paisan, have a little vino and espresso, play the accordion and sing a few songs, I have a full life” said the Italian. The American interrupted, “I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you! You should start by fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat.” “And after that?” asked the Italian. “With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet of travelers. Instead of selling your fish to middle men, you can then negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to Rome, Los Angles, or even New York City! From there you can direct your huge new enterprise.” “How long would that take?” asked the Italian. “Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years,” replied the American. “And after that?” asked the Italian. “Afterwards? Well my friend, that’s when it gets really interesting,” answered the American laughing. “When your business gets really big you can start buying and selling stocks and make millions!” “Millions? Really? And after that?” asked the Italian. “After that you’ll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take a nap with your wife and spend your evenings drinking and enjoying your friends.” And the moral of the story is……Know where you’re going in life…you may already be there.

AUGUST 2021

1977 Rockford Files Firebird – J. Suva American Legion Post 1437 AYSO Boy Scouts Troop# 73 Broadview Fire Broadview Home Depot Broadview Police Century 21 Gust Realty Chicago Stockyard Kilty Band Commissioner Aguilar Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home Cub Scout Pack 73 Divine Providence Divinely inspired Elegant Events Duncan & Dada’s BBQ Company Fecarotta Plumbing Grassroots Garden Group Hillside Fire IC Catholic Prep Illinois National Guard Illinois Rep. Chris Welch J4 Jumping Beans Jesse White Tumblers Karnak Court Lady Shriners LaGrange Police

Lollipop Face Painter / Balloon Animals Lurie’s Children Outpatient Magnificent Mutts & Meows Maywood Fire Maywood Police Medina Shriner’s Hospital for Children Minuteman Press Paleteria Palmer Florist Panda Dance Studios Pipes and Drums / Honor Guard Proviso Township Public Works R Gang Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia S.T.A.T of Illinois - Baton Twirlers Shapoppin SNOWIES - Shaved Ice STP Transport Inc. The Food Dude The Funny Little People The Knights of Columbus U.S Rep Danny Davis Waste Management Westchester Baseball Westchester Bible Church

Westchester Blood Program Vitalant Blood Center Westchester Elected Officials Westchester Food Pantry Westchester Girls Softball Westchester Fire Westchester Police Westchester Lions Club Westchester Park District Westchester Park District Board Members Westchester Public School 92 1/2 Westchester Chamber of Commerce Illinois Rep. Chris Welch Fecarotta Plumbing Panda Dance Studios Allstate - William Freiwald Dr. Bernier - Dental Betty’s Bistro Jeannie’s Hair Company Rocky’s Pizza Dvorak & Kelliher LTD Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home Exit Real Estate - Dave Kosir Gemini Firearm Defense LLC Lurie Childrens Hospital

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HOW TO PAY YOUR UTILITY BILL! It has been brought to our attention that, with the new format of the utility bill there has been some confusion on the payment process. Here are some options for you! 1. Pay your bill online! a. Go to www.westchester-il.org click online payments and use your 11 digit account number without the dashes. 2. Sign up for Auto Pay! a. Complete the Direct Debit form found online or in the Village Hall, and retur to the front office with a voided check. Keep in mind you will still receive a bill in the mail or email but the payments will automatically be deducted from your bank account on the due date of the bill. 3. Mail in a payment! a. Mail to 10300 W. Roosevelt Rd., Westchester IL 60154. All that the Village requires is a check with the 11 digit account number in the memo. We do not need the postcard returned; please keep that for your records. 4. Drop your payment off in the drop box outside the Village hall! a. There is a large white box that says Village Payments Only. Leave a check with the 11 digit account number in the memo and we will pick it up every morning at 7:30am. We do not need the postcard returned; please keep that for your records. 5. Visit the Village Hall! a. Village Hall is open 7:30am-4:00pm; Monday-Friday and we are accepting all forms of payments, except American Express. If there are any other questions pertaining to the utility bill please call the Utility Billing Department at 708-345-0020. Also keep in mind the Village has started paperless billing! You can find the form online, in the newsletter, or pick one up at the Village Hall. Please turn in the completed form to the front office to have the account set up.

Attention residents of Westchester, the Village is now in the process of setting up electronic billing. This will give you the choice of going paperless and having the utility bill emailed to you. All we need is a valid email address to attach to your utility account. Please fill out the form below and return back to the Village Hall. You can drop it off in person, mail the form to 10300 W. Roosevelt Rd. Westchester IL 60154, leave in the drop box, or email it to utility@westchester-il.org. Please note that if you sign up for electronic billing, you will not receive a paper copy any longer. Any questions or concerns please call the Utility Billing Department 708-345-0020.

AUGUST 2021

All completed Westchester Resident Surveys can be sent to newsletter@westchester-il.org , dropped off at the village hall directly or mailed in.

AUGUST 2021

August at the Prairie House: How we can help the Birds Migration begins in August and continues into November and even December. A representative from the DuPage Birding Club will be giving a presentation and slide show on this ancient phenomenon at the Prairie House on Sunday August 22 @ 2 pm 11225 Constitution Drive. Admittance $1 towards supporting the maintenance of the Historic Prairie House. savetheprairiesociety. org.

AUGUST 2021