Village of Westchester January 2015 Newsletter

Village of

Westchester January 2015 Newsletter

From the Desk of The President WESTCHESTER IN PICTURES

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POLICE DEPARTMENT

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FIRE DEPARTMENT

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CALENDAR

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PARK DISTRICT

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PUBLIC WORKS

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

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Happy New Year from the Village administrative staff! Our New Year’s resolution is excellent customer service. Pictured from left: Gayle Golz, Finance Director Maureen Potempa, Jessica Spencer, Val Smith, Katy Finn, Mary Détente, Village Manager Janet Matthys, Melissa Fecarotta, Community Development Director Melissa Headley, Argelia Garbacz, Amy Lawson.

Believe it or not today is Monday January 5, 2015.

Where did 2014 go?? It seems only yesterday we were talking about 2013.Time marches on and there is nothing we can do to stop it.

Each year that I have written the Westchester Newsletter, I have talked about what “New Year’s Resolutions” each one of us will make and how long it will take to break it. If I recall my own, I remember talking about positivity and my lack of it. Unfortunately, I can honestly say mine did not last very long. Being a Type A person with high expectations is certainly taking a toll on the “Molly Keane Positivity Chart.”

Molly, my former management assistant, provided all office staff with a quote of “Negative Thinking, Negative Results – PositiveThinking,Positive Results!”

I will try to make a fresh start of 2015 and hope for the best. I suggest those with the same mindset as me do the same. Even though we may have made resolutions that lasted a very short while, most are probably worth taking another stab at. I guess the old adage of “If at first you don’t succeed, try…try… again” rings true.

If you have not thought about what resolutions you would like to make I have found a web site http://

veryhappynewyear.com that listed the following 50 ideas for you.

50 New Year Resolution Ideas for 2015: Resolution 1 I will go for a morning walk daily.Resolution 2 I will do exercise or workout daily. Resolution 3 I will lose weight. Resolution 4 I will quit smoking. Resolution 5 I will say no to alcohol. Resolution 6 I will get up early in the morning. Resolution 7 I will write a daily diary. Resolution 8 I will keep a check on my expenses.Resolution 9 I will not fight with my spouse.

Resolution 10 I will not eat junk food. Resolution 11 I will follow a daily health chart. Resolution 12 I will spend more time with my family. Resolution 13 I will get married. Resolution 14 I will brush my teeth at night. Resolution 15 I will get enough sleep.

Resolution 16 I will make new friends. Resolution 17 I will get rid of my old clothes. Resolution 18 I will revamp my home. Resolution 19 I will keep my room clean.Resolution 20 I will speak softly to others.

Resolution 21 I will reach office in time. Resolution 22 I will keep my mail inbox clean. Resolution 23 I will take my kids for a vacation. Resolution 24 I will

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Pictures

Police DePartment JANUARY 2015

Police blotter

1) At 5:34am on November 15, 2014 a Criminal Damage to Property was reported at JD Food & Liquor located at 10147 Roosevelt Road.

An unknown subject threw a brick through the front door window glass.

The glass was damaged but entry was not gained. The subject walked away east through the parking lot.

2) At 10:28am on November 23, 2014 a Criminal Damage to Vehicle was reported in the parking lot at 2501 Wolf Road. It was reported that unknown person(s) caused damage by scratching the passenger side door while parked in the parking lot.

block of Roosevelt Road. A subject was arrested and charged with theft and criminal trespass to vehicle when he removed two ladders from a vehicle parked in the driveway of a business.

4) At 4:50pm on December 2, 2014 a Criminal Damage to Property was reported on the 1300 block of Manchester. A citizen reported that unknown person(s) damaged a fence in the backyard by removing bricks.

5) At 4:52pm on December 2, 2014 a Theft from Auto was reported on the 900 block of Manchester. A citizen reported that their fender molding was removed from their 3) At 12:45pm on November 26, vehicle while parked in front of their 2014 a Burglary was reported on residence. the 2800 block of Brighton Court.

The resident reported that unknown 6) At 7:55am on December 10, 2014 a subject(s) removed items from the Criminal Damage to Property was house and possibly gained entry reported on the 9900 block of Derby through an open rear door.

Lane. A business owner reported that sometime during the previous 3) At 12:12pm on November 27, 2014 night, unknown person(s) damaged a Theft was reported on the 9800 their rear door locks.

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collective bargaining agreements and three more expire in 2015.

next year and line the entire park from end to end.

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Pension funding,a hot topic throughout the State of Illinois, is an issue for study hard to get good grades.Resolution Westchester and other communities.

25 I will propose her/him. Resolution Our current funding levels are 76% 26 I will improve my handwriting. funded in the Fire Pension Fund and Resolution 27 I will offer my prayers to 68% funded for the Police Pension Fund.

God daily. Resolution 28 I will do yoga The average funding for Fire and Police and meditation daily. Resolution 29 I Pension Funds in Illinois is 54% funded. will join fitness program. Resolution 30 Based on recent actuarial valuations, the I will complete an education course to Village will be chasing a $300k deficit enhance my skills. Resolution 31 I will in the pension funding level this year. improve my English. Resolution 32 I will Additional budgetary challenges include work on my marriage. Resolution 33 I the increase in health insurance costs, will spend time with my kids. Resolution the doubling of the purchase cost of rock 34 I will start a family. Resolution 35 I salt from $55 per ton to $135 per ton will save my pocket money. Resolution (even through the State of Illinois Joint 36 I will find a new job. Resolution 37 I Purchasing co-operative),and continuing will pay off my debts.Resolution 38 I will the street repair and replacement apologize to all whom I have hurt in the projects. We have been very successful previous year. Resolution 39 I will do at in obtaining funding assistance from the least one good task daily. Resolution 40 I State of Illinois through capital grants and will go for a complete medical checkup. low-interest loan programs. However, Resolution 41 I will spend time with my there is much uncertainty ahead parents/grandparents/elders. Resolution with the change in our Governor and 42 I will learn cooking. Resolution 43 legislators. The leadership of the village I will learn swimming. Resolution 44 I is very conservative. I’m sure we will will join a computer course. Resolution be tightening our belts once again. The 45 I will go for a world tour. Resolution village believes we have sufficient fund 46 I will go for a second honeymoon. reserves to maintain our AA2 Moody’s Resolution 47 I will maintain a daily Bond Rating which many surrounding record of my expenses. Resolution 48 communities have not achieved.

I will not skip my meals. Resolution 49 As President of the Village for the past I will drink at least 5 glasses of water 6 years, I am confident we are moving in daily. Resolution 50 I will start my own the right direction. I just wish the goals I venture. have, which always involve federal, state, If you are really concerned about follow and county partners, move at a faster through and making your resolution pace. successful, you can visit the Promise or Pay web site http://promiseorpay. com and make a promise to pay money DECEMBER 2014 EVENTS to a favorite charity if you break your Back on Wednesday,December 3rd and resolutions. You can also share your promise to others making them donate Thursday, December 4th, Santa and Mrs. money if you keep your promise. The Claus came to Westchester bringing Joy web site touts that when it comes to and Good Cheer, (and hot chocolate and achieving goals, research shows that cookies) for all of us to enjoy.

The Westchester Park District Staff, chance of success increases 33% if it is shared with others and up to 72% if under the supervision of Director Gary Kasanders, provided rides on a tractor money is put on the line…hmmmmm. driven trailer, a train dubbed the “Polar Express”, and of course the horse LOOKING AHEAD TO 2015 drawn cart that klippety-klopped along Westchester Blvd. with kids and adults Looking ahead to 2015,the village board alike. Santa was quite busy inside the will be engaged in putting together the gymnasium listening attentively to fiscal 2015-2016 Budget. All department the requests of all who made a special heads will be actively working to Christmas request. provide the best service possible with the available finances received from I would like to thank Santa and Mrs. property taxes, fees, and charges based Claus for visiting,as well as all of the local on the history of the past year. The vast businesses who sponsored the Christmas majority of the village employees are Trees along the park district path. I covered under negotiated collective would also like to thank the volunteers bargaining agreements that have, in who sponsored our 5 cultural trees most circumstances, included a 2% cost from Guatemala, Italy, Ireland, Germany, of living increase. Most Westchester and Mexico, and all of the village staff, employees are covered by one of six especially our PW tree decorators, for different union contracts. Negotiations their Holiday Spirit. Hopefully we can are currently under way for two expired expand the number of cultural trees

SPECIAL EVENTS WANTS YOUR INPUT During the month of January, our volunteer group of people representing the Park District, Village, Chamber and School District suggest what kind of special events we would like to have for the upcoming year. Ms. Katy Finn from the Village administrative staff is gathering suggestions and would like to hear from you. Monies garnered from the Village Hotel/Motel Tax is used to support special events throughout the year. The Hotel/Motel Tax is collected at a rate of 5% and is received quarterly from vendors in the Village.

In case you are wondering or think the money should be spent on infrastructure projects, it can’t. The Hotel/Motel Fund operates as a Special Revenue Fund.

Special Revenue Funds are used when a dedicated revenue source has legal restrictions upon its use. In this case, the Hotel/Motel tax is restricted for the use of tourism related expenditures within the Village. Previously, these tourism expenses largely related to the Westchester Fun Fest expenses. The property that the Westchester Fun Fest was held on is not available and the Fun Fest was discontinued in 2013.This presents an exciting opportunity to host a variety of smaller events throughout the year designed to foster community spirit and cultivate a welcoming, entertaining, and inviting environment for residents and visitors of Westchester.These events are being planned and executed by the Special Events Committee.

Katy can be reached at the village hall 708-345-0020 or email kfinn@ westchester-il.org.

SNOW RESTRICTIONS REMINDER As of December 18th, the date this newsletter is being written, we have not seen any substantial snow- fall.TheVillage of Westchester does have restrictions on parking AFTER A 2 INCH SNOWFALL. Parking on designated SNOW ROUTES is prohibited after a 2 INCH SNOWFALL. The snow routes are generally the main thoroughfares throughout the village. All of the SNOW ROUTES are posted with signage.

Please familiarize yourself with the SNOW ROUTES. The last thing the police want to do is issue a $20 ticket or, worse yet, tow vehicles from the SNOW ROUTES that will cost in excess of $150.00 plus storage.

Westchester also has Alternate Side Parking on what I will call the side streets and non-designated SNOW

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ROUTES. Please familiarize yourself with the posted signs usually at the end of each corner prohibiting parking either Monday-Wednesday-Friday or TuesdayThursday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, again after a 2 INCH SNOW FALL. The plow trucks usually make several passes during the snow event especially if the snow fall continues. Tickets will be issued for those vehicles left on the street in violation of the signs. Again, the last thing the police want to do is write tickets for vehicles parked on the wrong side of the street.

The PW plow trucks goal is to clean the street curb to curb; first on the SNOW ROUTES,secondly on the SIDE STREETS, and thirdly in the ALLEYS. Please use common sense when using snow blowers. At a recent Village Board Meeting, a resident complained that a neighbor was using a snow blower at 3am last December. Our noise ordinance prohibits such activity between 10pm and 7am. The resident was advised to contact the police during the wee hours if such operation occurs.

As I mentioned last month, PW plows cannot lift their blades to avoid putting snow on driveway aprons. It is going to happen. Also, do not blow snow back onto the street from your driveway aprons. Side to side passes onto the parkway works best. Blowing snow onto the street is prohibited.

The aformentioned village ordinances regarding SNOW ROUTES, ALTERNATE PARKING, and PUTTING SNOW IN THE STREET have been in place for many years. For your safety and the safety of others please make every effort to comply with the rules.

SNOW REMOVAL & YOUR HEALTH Speaking of snow removal, every year we unfortunately hear of someone having a heart attack while shoveling snow. I have attached some recommendations from the American Heart Association for your consideration.

The American Heart Association says that for most people,shoveling snow may not lead to any health problems. However, the association warns that the risk of a heart attack during snow shoveling may increase for some, stating that the combination of colder temperatures and physical exertion increases the workload on the heart. People who are outdoors in cold weather should avoid sudden exertion, like lifting a heavy shovel full of snow. Even walking through heavy, wet snow or snow drifts can strain a person’s

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Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.

Other signs may include breaking out in Continued from page 5 a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness heart.

As with men, women’s most common

heart attack symptom is chest pain or To help make snow removal safer, discomfort. But women are somewhat the American Heart Association has more likely than men to experience compiled a list of practical tips. some of the other common symptoms, Give yourself a break. Take frequent particularly shortness of breath, nausea/ rest breaks during shoveling so you vomiting, and back or jaw pain. don’t overstress your heart. Pay attention

to how your body feels during those Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the breaks. fastest way to get lifesaving treatment.

Don’t eat a heavy meal prior or soon Emergency medical services (EMS) after shoveling. Eating a large meal can staff can begin treatment when they put an extra load on your heart. arrive — up to an hour sooner than if Use a small shovel or consider a snow someone gets to the hospital by car. EMS thrower. The act of lifting heavy snow can staff is also trained to revive someone raise blood pressure acutely during the whose heart has stopped. Patients with lift. It is safer to lift smaller amounts more chest pain who arrive by ambulance times, than to lug a few huge shovelfuls usually receive faster treatment at the of snow. When possible, simply push the hospital, too. It is best to call EMS for snow. rapid transport to the emergency room.

Learn the heart attack warning signs If you can’t access EMS, have someone and listen to your body, but remember drive you to the hospital right away. If this: Even if you’re not sure it’s a heart you’re the one having symptoms, don’t attack, have it checked out (tell a doctor drive yourself,unless you have absolutely about your symptoms). Minutes matter! no other option.

Fast action can save lives — maybe your own. Don’t wait more than five minutes Back in November 2004, I thought I to call 9-1-1 was in pretty good shape shoveling a Don’t drink alcoholic beverages before wet snow on Black Friday. I had several or immediately after shoveling. Alcohol of the indicators listed above, however, may increase a person’s sensation being 49 years old, I thought I was just of warmth and may cause them to out of shape. Think again - after a forced underestimate the extra strain their body visit to the doctor by my wife, I was told is under in the cold.

I suffered a heart attack. Can’t happen to Consult a doctor. If you have a medical you? Think again… condition, don’t exercise on a regular basis or are middle aged or older, meet with your doctor prior to the first STATE OF ILLINOIS DEBT RECOVERY PROGRAM anticipated snowfall.

Be aware of the dangers of Two years ago,theVillage ofWestchester hypothermia. Heart failure causes most deaths in hypothermia. To prevent joined a host of other communities hypothermia, dress in layers of warm in the State of Illinois Debt Recovery clothing, which traps air between layers Program. Beginning January 2015, those forming a protective insulation. Wear a individuals owing an unpaid debt to the hat because much of your body’s heat Village of Westchester will be subject to the amount of the debt being offset can be lost through your head. (deducted) from their State Income Tax

Return or other State of Illinois revenue Heart Attack Warning Signs payments (i.e. lottery winnings or state Some heart attacks are sudden and payroll). If you have an unpaid ticket or intense — the “movie heart attack,” debt to the village please contact our where no one doubts what’s happening. Finance Director Maureen Potempa to But most heart attacks start slowly, with rectify the situation . mild pain or discomfort. Often people I have attached a synopsis of the affected aren’t sure what’s wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here program for your review.

Effective January 1, 2012, Public Act are signs that can mean a heart attack is 97-0632 established the “Local Debt happening: Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks Recovery Program” to allow units of involve discomfort in the center of the local government to collect outstanding chest that lasts more than a few minutes, debt in coordination with the Illinois or that goes away and comes back. It Comptroller’s Office. The Act modified can feel like uncomfortable pressure, the State Comptroller Act (15 ILCS 404/10.05), which currently allows squeezing, fullness or pain.

Discomfort in other areas of the upper for an offset or deduction from State body. Symptoms can include pain or proceeds to individuals in order to pay discomfort in one or both arms,the back, either all of or a portion of the claim or account to the State of Illinois or the neck, jaw or stomach.

United States. The offset or deduction requested cannot exceed 25% of the net amount of the payment, and it cannot be put towards final compensation for payments with a value of accrued vacation, overtime or sick leave.

The recovery program is limited to claims exceeding $50.00 for funds currently held by the State Treasurer, not anticipated funds. Exempt also from offset or deductions are the Senior Citizens’ and Disabled Persons’ Property Tax Relief and Pharmaceutical Assistant Act, as well as payments to the Illinois Prepaid Tuition Trust Fund. The Program would appear to allow local units of government, school districts and public universities to collect a wide variety of debts that may include parking tickets, fines, fees and other types of outstanding local obligations. The Comptroller’s Office can access a processing charge of up to $15 per transaction.

To initiate participation in the Local Debt Recovery Program, the local unit of government must execute an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Comptroller’s Office. The Intergovernmental Agreement will establish responsibilities, duties and procedures to provide for the payments.

The debts that the local units of government are seeking to collect must meet some initial procedural due process and notification requirements.

For the local unit of government to meet the threshold of providing procedural due process and notification to the individual regarding the debt, they will need to provide the Comptroller’s Office with information, including but not limited to the following: the name and address of the debtor, amount of the claim, description of the claim, time period under which the claim falls, the local unit of government to which the debt is owed, information regarding the notification given to the debtor, information as to the opportunity to be heard and statement of any outcome of hearing or proceeding held to establish the debt, and any date of final determination.

When processing the requested deduction, the person subject to the deduction shall receive written notice from the Comptroller’s Office and shall have the right to make a written protest within 60 days after notice is received. The written protest must include the reason for contesting the deduction and provide the opportunity to present relevant information to enable the Comptroller’s Office to determine the amount due and payable.

The Intergovernmental Agreement will establish procedures through which the Comptroller will determine the validity of any protest and provide a final disposition regarding the deduction.

Failure on the part of the debtor to file a written protest within 60 days waives the right to contest the claim and the Comptroller shall pay the deduction to the unit of local government.

The cities of Chicago, Springfield and Joliet have implemented this program.

According to an NBC 5 Chicago report, the City of Chicago will go back as far as 22 years in an attempt to obtain payment toward outstanding parking tickets. The report indicates that Chicago may have already received $5.2 million in past due parking tickets and other debts by intercepting Illinois state tax returns. The City of Joliet, which is also implementing the same program, indicated that it would seek deduction of such debts only 5 years back.

In short, the Local Debt Recovery Program may provide units of local government with a new and inexpensive collection tool against debtors who are anticipating funds from the State of Illinois.

The Village of Westchester is poised to go back 7 years in our collection efforts.

NAZARETH ACADEMY - IHSA CLASS 6A FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS One of the difficulties in writing a monthly paper is that after the submission deadline important events occur that unfortunately do not get coverage until the following issue. This important event is one of them. Many Westchester students attend Nazareth Academy located in LaGrange Park, Illinois. We want to congratulate the Nazareth Academy Varsity Football team on their first State of Illinois IHSA Class 6A Football Championship. The 2014 Varsity Football Team, players, coaches and parents deserve recognition for this outstanding and record-breaking season.

The Roadrunners’ quest to remain undefeated culminated on Saturday, November 29th in Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois, ChampaignUrbana. The Roadrunners defeated Lemont High School by a score of 26 to 7 capping a record setting event in Nazareth history.The stadium was full of families, students, alumni and friends. With any sports team,the support of fans including students, parents, and staff alike make the team a “Family Affair.” This is the case for Nazareth Academy. Following the award celebration in Champaign, a packed gymnasium awaited the arrival of the team where the team was greeted by more supporters. The team was recognized and presented the State Championship Trophy to the school. A special pep rally - award ceremony was held on Wednesday, December 3rd in

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Road and Mannheim Road in a building temporarily used and designated as the Village Hall.

Continued from page 6 Then President Otto J. Taeterow reported that pursuant to a court order the Rooney Center culminating this entered in the County Court of Cook special season.

County, that an election was held on the 3rd day of October, 1925 for the ST. JOE VARSITY SOCCER FINISHES purpose of voting upon the question SECOND IN STATE of the organization of certain territory into a village, to be known as the Village Congratulations also go out to the St. of Westchester; that on the 30th day of Joe Varsity Soccer Team for finishing October, 1925 a statement of the result second in State in the IHSA Class 2A of the election and order was entered Tournament. The team’s season record in said County Court finding that a was an impressive 23-1-1; outscoring majority of the votes cast were in favor opponents during the season 101 to of the organization of said Village of 18; achieving a seventh consecutive Westchester. The order number was Regional Title; remaining undefeated in 54736. The Order was signed by Judge the Chicago Catholic League (7-0); and Edmund K. Jarecki. finishing the season ranked tenth in all For your information, President Otto of Illinois. “This was one of the most J. Taeterow received the highest vote enjoyable seasons I have had the chance total of 44 electing him the 1st Village to coach,” commented Head Coach Stan President.

Niemiec.What a season!

WESTCHESTER RECEIVES NEW VACUUM TRUCK On December 17, 2014, the village received delivery of a brand new vacuum truck that will be used extensively to maintain our sewer system. The vacuum truck purchased from Standard Equipment for $324,247 and will replace the vacuum truck we purchased used at auction back in 2010. The retired truck, a 1996 model, was a godsend at the time we received it and was utilized constantly in cleaning and jetting sewers that, in some cases, had never been maintained by the village, especially after the flood events the village had experienced.

The old vacuum truck has outlived its useful life and is in the process of being sold to a neighboring community. The purchase of our new vacuum truck was done in conjunction with a cooperative government purchase with the City of Northlake and the City of Berwyn who also purchased new trucks from Standard Equipment. As you may recall, the village expended close to a million dollars to clean and jet the sanitary sewer mains in 2009. We will continue our sewer maintenance program with the help of this new equipment. Money that we all pay from the collection of sewer fees on our water bills is used to pay for the maintenance of our sewers,including the purchase of the new vacuum truck.

POLICE CHIEF JOHN M. CARPINO RECOGNIZES OFFICERS

At a dinner meeting in December,Chief Carpino recognized several officers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty during 2014. Several of the officers were able to apprehend suspects burglarizing homes and factories in both the Village of Westchester and the Village of Broadview. Officer Fellers was named by the Chief, with the input of his peers, as the Officer of the Year.

Congratulations to the fine officers who serve our community 24/7. See Chief Carpino’s article on the Police Page for details.

ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT EXECUTIVES

Retired Police Chief Daniel McCollum, IALEE President, with the assistance of Westchester Police Chief John M. Carpino, Retired Chief and Justice Department Federal Monitor Charles Gruber, Rockford Police Chief Chet Epperson, Oak Brook Police Chief James Kruger and State Representative Emanuel “Chris”Welch have engaged in a meaningful conversation regarding the Mandatory Use of Force Reporting and Review following recent use of force by police officers. Over the past few months the issue surrounding the police use of force has taken center stage all across our country. The association is asking that the Governor DECEMBER 17, AN INTERESTING DATE and State Legislature consider forming FOR WESTCHESTER a blue ribbon committee to study the For those of you who have a birthday issue of reporting and reviewing of all on December 17th, like our Police Chief incidents of force by law enforcement John M. Carpino, it is a very important officer in Illinois. Representative Welch, date. While doing flood related research, who has worked closely with local law I came upon a very important fact enforcement, supports the concept about a certain December 17th back and is looking forward to sponsoring in 1925. On that date, the first meeting legislation in the 99th General Assembly of the President and Board of Trustees this Spring. for the Village of Westchester was held at the northeast corner of Roosevelt HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY!

Lucille Jefferies celebrated her 100th birthday on Wednesday, December 3rd. Lucille resided in Westchester for 63 years. She is currently living at the Cantata Assisted Living Center in Brookfield. Mayor Pulia,Village Manager Janet Matthys, Finance Director Maureen Potempa and Management Assistant Jessica Spencer made a special visit to personally wish Lucille a very happy 100th birthday. She celebrated with friends and family at a party including her sons Jerry and Rick and daughter-inlaw Ann. Happy Birthday, Lucille!

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passing stopped school buses. Rob’s presence at the school district enhances the interaction between the students, parents and staff and is what Community Policing is all about. Great choice, School District!

CONGRATULATIONS TO TRUSTEE NICK STEKER

Trustee Nick Steker earned his Master’s degree in Public Safety Administration from Lewis University on December 13th. Congratulations, Nick!

ST. JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL IN THE NEWS VILLAGE HONORS PERSONS OF THE The 2015 NICHE RANKING is in and YEAR Saint Joseph H.S. in Westchester was Each year in January, the Westchester identified as the Most Diverse Private Chamber of Commerce hosts a Person High School in the country. Niche of the Year event where the Chamber ranked 532 high schools based on of Commerce, Village, and Westchester diversity statistics and more than 54,000 School District select a Person/s of the opinions from 13,000 students and Year. This year, the Village of Westchester parents.A high ranking indicates that the selected three persons who really are school is extremely diverse and fosters a dedicated to helping others. The three community that accepts and promotes are a group who manage, organize, a diversity of formation, click on the link and make available basic assistance to to see the scoring process. Read the full those in need through volunteering at methodology. the Westchester Food Pantry. The Food Pantry volunteers selected to receive SHERWIN WILLIAMS RIBBON CUTTING

the award are Bridget Rowan and Aque On Thursday January 8th at 4:30 pm, a and Rick Harris. They have each been volunteering at the Food Pantry on a ribbon cutting will take place at the new regular basis for over five years. I have Sherwin Williams Paint Store located seen the trio, without being asked, just east of Sunnyside Ave. on Cermak making sure there is enough donated Rd. Members of the village staff and food available for the asking. These Chamber of Commerce representatives unsung residents, in my estimation, will formally welcome Sherwin Williams certainly epitomize the good works the to the village. We wish them much village enjoys through their residents. success!

Thank You for all you do. An award will be presented to Bridget, Aque and Rick VIDEO GAMING Regency Partners, the owners of at the Chamber of Commerce“Celebrate Westchester” event on Saturday, January Westbrook Commons Shopping Plaza 24, 2015 at the Alpine Banquet Haus on at 31st and Wolf Road has signed a lease with Blackhawk Gaming Group, dba Roosevelt Road.

“Betty’s Bistro”, to lease a spot on the WESTCHESTER SCHOOL DISTRICT 92.5 southeast end of their plaza.Betty’s Bistro PERSON OF THE YEAR is a casual, upscale eatery which will also Westchester School District President include state approved video gaming Claire Thompson announced that their terminals. A liquor license was granted board nominated Police Officer Rob to the Blackhawk Group by the Village Verber as the District’s Person of the Board in November and an application Year. Rob has been serving the village is pending before the Illinois Gaming as a Patrol Officer since August of 1989. Board to approve the video gaming Most recently Rob’s assignment is operation. The group will also have to School Resource Officer. He has served appear before our liquor commissioner in this position for the past few years and and village board for approval of a has been instrumental in the planning municipal video gaming license. and implementation of our National Night Out and police open house. PLAN COMMISSION RECOMMENDS Officer Verber, a long time resident of DIGITAL BILLBOARD After a Public Hearing on December the community, is very enthusiastic about this assignment and dedicates 8, 2014, the Westchester Plan a good portion of his time both on Commission recommended approval and off duty to making a difference in of a text amendment to allow a new the community. Recently, he has been digital billboard at the BP Amoco Service constructing an internet email page to Station located at 701 N.Mannheim Road. better communicate with those seeking Testimony was presented from Digital information. Rob has been instrumental Green Signs to the commission as to the in identifying drivers who create a See PRESIDENT, page 19 severe safety hazard for our children by

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Congratulations Officer Robert Verber We are pleased to announce that Officer Verber has been named Westchester School District 92 1/2’s “Person of the Year” for 2014. He will be honored at the annual Chamber of Commerce event “Celebrate Westchester,” on Saturday, January 24, 2015.

Officer Verber is a twenty-five year veteran of the Westchester Police Department in addition to being a lifelong resident of the community.

He currently serves in the Patrol Division with additional responsibilities as the Departments Crime Prevention/ Public Education Officer and is in his second year as the Districts School Resource Officer.

Officer Verber has received certification through the Illinois Attorney General as an “Elderly Service Officer” and certification through the National Sheriffs’ Association as a “Neighborhood Watch Liaison”.

Officer Verber is also a member of the Illinois Crime Prevention Council and the National Crime Prevention Council.

We are pleased to call Officer Verber our co-worker and friend. Please join us in offering our congratulation’s to Officer Robert Verber.

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Westchester News and Notes

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size,height and construction of the digital sign that is presently allowed under our village code on locations adjacent to I-294 and I-290. The Plan Commission recommendation to the Village Board, the final authorizing authority, was presented at the Committee of the Whole Meeting on December 17, 2014.

Presently,construction of a drive-through Burger King is underway at the site.

SORROW IN OUR MIDST The month of December saw the passing of several prominent friends of Westchester. First was the passing of Mr. Thomas Durkin on November 28th.Tom was the father of the minority leader of the Illinois House of Representatives James Durkin. Mr. Durkin was a Korean War Veteran and was preceded in death by his wife Colette on December 31, 2013. Tom and Colette had 8 children, all boys, who attended Divine Infant School,Fenwick High School and various colleges. Tom was a former Chairman of the Westchester Zoning Board of Appeals and very active in supporting Catholic Charities, Misericordia and Mercy Home.

Mr.EdwardA.Matuga Sr.passed away on December 4,2014. Mr.Matuga was a long time resident of Westchester Boulevard and served as village prosecutor for the Villages of Westchester, Bellwood, and Broadview. He was the attorney for the Westchester Park District and for the 1st Federal Bank of Westchester (now the PNC Bank) at Mannheim and Crestwood Lane. Mr. Matuga was preceded in death by his wife Pearl in 2005. Mr.Matuga was well known and respected by the judges serving the Maywood 4th Municipal District.

State Comptroller Judy Barr Topinka, although not a resident of Westchester, passed away suddenly on December 10, 2014. Ms. Topinka was a feisty “tell it like it is” personality who attended many functions involving the Village of Westchester and other villages she represented over her many years spent as our State Representative, State Senator, and as our State Treasurer and Comptroller. As you may recall from a prior newsletter, I found an old photograph of myself and then patrol officer Robert Smith teaching her how to shoot a revolver at our police open house. Ms. Topinka’s shoes will be very hard to fill.

Please keep the aforementioned and all of our departed residents and friends of Westchester in your prayers.

WESTCHESTER CHAMBER HONORS

PARAMEDICS

Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2010A The Westchester Chamber of Abating the 2013 Tax Levy for the Commerce has honored the Westchester $1,610,000 Village of Westchester, Fire Department Paramedics with its Cook County, Illinois Taxable General 2014 Community Service Award. The Obligation Bonds (water and Sewer award will be presented at the Celebrate Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2010B Westchester event on Saturday, January Bonds 24th. The Chamber also donated a Abating the 2013 Tax Levy for the Reeves Sleeve patient transport device $5,800,000 Village of Westchester, to the Westchester Paramedics. Jeannie Cook County, Illinois Taxable General Helgeson, owner of Jeannie’s Hair Obligation Bonds (Non-Home Rule Sales Company, generously donated a second Tax Alternate Revenue Source), Series stretcher to the department. Thank you 2013 Bonds all for your support of the Westchester Resolution Directing the County Clerk Fire Department. to Calculate Separate Limiting Rates for the Tax Levy of the Village of Westchester for the 2013 Tax Year PALMER FLORIST RECEIVES IMAGE E-Mail and Electronic Devices Policy AWARD 2015 Village Board and COW Meeting Schedule The Westchester Chamber of Landscaping Contract Renewal Commerce selected Palmer Florist as the Potential Elimination of Class E Liquor recipient of its 2014 Image Award. If you License have not visited Palmer Florist, located Disposal of Surplus Property at 1926 Roosevelt Road, you are missing Amendment to EDC Bylaws out on a special shopping experience.

Plan Commission recommendation to Please stop in and say hello to proprietors approve Petition PC-14-0005 to approve John Kowalczyk and Tamara Church. a special use for a medical marijuana Congratulations! dispensary at 10031 W. Roosevelt Rd, Westchester (MMRE, LLC, Petitioner) Proposed Utility Easement Agreement FROM THE BOARD with Save the Prairie Society At the November 25th Village Board Fire Department Improvements – Meeting, the following items were Apparatus Floor Coating approved under the Consent Agenda: Approval of the Record of Bills ending The following item was discussed 11-20-2014 in the amount not to exceed under old business: $999,490.88 Proposed Amendment to 14.01.110 Approval of Minutes of the November to add Permit Fee and Annual Renewal 11, 2014 Village Board Meeting and the Fees for billboards November 11, 2014 Committee of the Whole Meeting The following item was discussed for Ordinance Amending Chapter 5.36, information only: Entitled “Liquor Sale” of Title 5, Entitled Presentation of Comprehensive Annual “Business Licenses and Regulations” of Financial Report for the FiscalYear ended the Westchester Municipal Code April 30, 2014 Resolution Determining the Estimated At the December 16th Village Board Property Taxes to be Levied for the 2014 Meeting, the following items were Tax Year for the Village of Westchester approved under the Consent Agenda: Resolution Adopting the Watershed Approval of the Record of Bills ending Management Ordinance Resolution 12-11-2014 in the amount not to exceed ResolutionAuthorizing the Execution of $1,817,663.67 anIntergovernmentalAgreementwiththe Approval of Minutes the November Metropolitan Water Reclamation District 25, 2014 Village Board Meeting and the of Greater Chicago for Authorization to November 25, 2014 Committee of the Administer the Watershed Management Whole Meeting Ordinance Approval of Departmental Monthly Resolution Authorizing the Execution Reports including the Community of an Agreement by and Between the Development Department, the Fire Village of Westchester and Paramedic Department, the Police Department, and Billing Services, INC the Public Works Department Resolution regarding the Periodic An Ordinance Providing for the Levy, Review of Closed Meeting Minutes of Assessment and Collection of Taxes for the Village of Westchester the Fiscal Year Beginning May 1, 2014 and ending April 30, 2015 for the Village At the November 25th Committee of of Westchester, County of Cook, State of the Whole Meeting, the following items Illinois in the amount of $7,617,377.00 were discussed under new business: An Ordinance Abating the 2014 Abating the 2013 Tax Levy for the Tax Levy for the $3,500,000 Village of $3,500,000 Village of Westchester, Westchester,Cook County,IllinoisTaxable Cook County, Illinois Taxable General General Obligation Bonds (Motor Fuel Obligation Bonds (Motor Fuel Tax Tax Alternate Revenue Source), Series

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2010A An Ordinance Abating the 2014 Tax Levy for the $1,610,000 Village of Westchester,Cook County,IllinoisTaxable General Obligation Bonds (Water and Sewer Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2010B An OrdinanceAbating the 2014Tax Levy for the $5,800,000 Village of Westchester, Cook County, Illinois Taxable General Obligation Bonds (Sales Tax Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2013 A Resolution Directing the County Clerk to Calculate Separate Limiting Rates for the Tax Levy of the Village of Westchester, Illinois for the 2014 Tax Levy Year An Ordinance Amending Chapter 5.36, Entitled “Liquor Sale” of Title 5, Entitled “Business Licenses and Regulations,” of the Village of Westchester Municipal Code An Ordinance to Approve and Authorize a Special Use Permit for Medical Marijuana Dispensary Facility at 10031 W. Roosevelt Rd within the Village of Westchester, Illinois An Ordinance Amending Chapter 14.01.110, Entitled “Fees” of Article II, Entitled “Permits” of Chapter 14.01, Entitled “Administration”, of Title 14, Entitled “Buildings and Construction,” of the Village of Westchester Municipal Code An Ordinance of the Village of Westchester Waiving Competitive Bidding and Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with Alliance Turf Management in the Amount of $36,000 A Resolution Approving the 2015 Schedule of Meetings of the Village President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Westchester Cook County IL AnOrdinanceAuthorizingtheExecution of an Agreement between the Village of Westchester and McGrath Consulting Group, Inc. for the Performance of a Fire/EMS Department Service Appraisal in the Amount of $24,950 Motion to Receive and File Amended EDC Bylaws An Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Property of the Village (1996 Vactor Truck, 2001 Dodge Neon and 1997 Chevy Pick-Up Truck) At the December 16th Committee of the Whole, the following items were discussed under new business: Plan Commission recommendation to approve Petition PC-14-0004 Text amendmentstoChapter18.58 andamend the site plan approved by Ordinance 13-2027 to allow a new billboard at 701 Mannheim Rd, Westchester (Digital Green Signs, Petitioner) Meter Flow Study – Crestwood Pumping Station Change Order in Amount of $1,972.00 – Fire Alarm System Engineering Intern – Public Works Quarterly Financial Report – Fiscal Quarter Ended October 31, 2014

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