April 2023 Newsletter

Changes are on the way in Westchester

Changes are on the way. New faces will be filling the seats of the board room and a new author will be giving you updates from the President’s office. I am looking forward to seeing the enthusiasm building toward the election transition to passion and enthusiasm in the seats. I also look forward to moving over a few seats and continuing to serve out my term in my elected role as Trustee. I know my family does too. Public office is a privilege that few seek and even less serve. Public service is also a sacrifice. You lose your privacy, you lose your opinions, and you lose friends. Let’s all please support the incoming members as one Westchester. There is a lot of work that needs to be finished, but we are on the cusp of major changes that will make this community

an even better place than we can ever remember. The complete redevelopment of the Mannheim/Roosevelt corridor will provide a true gateway into our community and help revitalize Roosevelt Rd. We are in the final steps of getting a redevelopment agreement in place so work can begin on multiple restaurants and a major grocer. Staff has been working diligently on completing our budget which will begin May 1st. Preliminary projections have us showing a small surplus with funds beginning to bounce back post Covid. We are looking forward to filling vacant positions sooner rather than later and understand it is a competitive job market out there. In addition to the full-time positions, we have budgeted to bring back seasonal help for some departments so

From the desk of Acting Village President Nick Steker CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

please keep an eye on the Village website and social media for updates. The Acting Interim Village Manager, Dawn WuckiRossbach has been very busy since walking in the door only a few weeks ago. She is analyzing the departments and active projects, and we have appreciated her feedback and direction. I know the new Board will work well with her.

I would just like to take my final few sentences as your Acting Village President to thank my beautiful wife Kathryn for being by my side over the past fifteen months in this role. She has been my sounding board, my bodyguard, and my voice of reason during this time. The commitment to serve your community is a commitment your whole family feels. Getting cornered at the Jewels or Marriano’s by a resident

Join the Chamber today

The Westchester 2023 Chamber of Commerce is ready to SPRING into action! New President Laura CatramboneGerace will lead the organization along with Treasurer, Mary Ann Kelley, and Parliamentarian, Pastor Joe Mills. Alongside the officers, newly hired administrative assistant, Nora Griffin, joins the team. The officers and Board of Directors are committed to help promote and grow the businesses in Westchester.

The Westchester Chamber of Commerce has been helping members for over 65 years. Do you want to market your brand for free? This year the Chamber is committed to doing more free advertising in the Westchester Newsletter, through member E-Blasts, and social media. If you are interested in FREE advertisement to help grow and promote the success of your business, networking opportunities, and being involved in community events, join today by calling the President directly at 708-212-4905 or email info@westchesterchamber.org Together we will continue to develop a thriving business community.

• Please join us for our next business networking luncheon on Tuesday, April 25th, at the Village Pub at 8839 Cermak Road at 12:00 p.m. The Westchester Chamber of Commerce and the Village Pub will host a guest speaker on small business benefits. Come meet with business owners for a fabulous networking opportunity! Cost is $20 payable at the door.

complaining about a neighbor’s fence, and you just want to buy some milk, can be a regular occurrence. Phone calls about people parking in front of someone’s house, and why don’t they park in front of their own house complaints seem to always coincide with dinner time. These examples we can laugh about but the list goes on and on. They add up, and they take away a lot of time from your family. The spouses of your elected leaders often are overlooked and never recognized, however without them, we would fail. Balance is something I have always struggled with. Work has always been life. Family has helped to teach me otherwise. Our daughters are only five and six. Time is something I am looking forward to getting back and giving back to them.

FAITH LUTHERAN WORSHIP SCHEDULE

April 2 Palm/Passion Sunday Worship service at 9 a.m. Hope, Healing and Consolation Service 10:05 am (A time to heal and reflect). Join us for prayers to heal our broken hearts, bodies and mind. Though we suffer, we cannot be crushed because Jesus loves us and stands by us. If you need prayers, please come. If you know a friend or family member who needs a healing touch and especially those without Christ, invite them. Bible Study on Prayer at 10:30 Faith Lutheran Church, 1124 Westchester Blvd.

April 6 Maundy (Holy) Service with communion 7 pm at Faith Lutheran Church, 1124 Westchester Blvd.

April 7 Good Friday Tenebrae Service 7 pm at Faith Lutheran Church, 1124 Westchester Blvd.

April 9 Easter Service at 9 a.m. and Bible Study on Prayer at 10:30 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 1124 Westchester Blvd. Reception to follow service.

April 16 Worship Service at 9 am, Bible Study at 10:15 at Faith Lutheran Church, 1124 Westchester Blvd.

April 23 Worship Service at 9 am, Bible Study at 10:15 at Faith Lutheran Church, 1124 Westchester Blvd.

April 30 Worship Service at 9 am, Bible Study at 10:15 at Faith Lutheran Church, 1124 Westchester Blvd.

Parliamentarian Pastor Joe Mills, immediate past President, Twy Callaway, new President, Laura CantraboneGerace, and lifetime member Bill Ernst

The Westchester Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome its newest member. The Village Pub which features an Italian American Cuisine and offers a party room and catering. Welcome George Stavropolous and Vito Partipilo!

WESTCHESTER POLICE BLOTTER

Incident # 23-00372

2/24/2023 3:52 p.m.

10700 BLK 31ST ST

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES

WPD responded to the business for suspicious activity. Spoke to employee who advised that on 02/23/23 at some time in the afternoon she received a phone call from an individual claiming to be from the Westchester Fire Department. The subject asked the employee to donate money for a “Stop, Drop & roll” fundraiser that is happening. The subject called back a second day and when the business would not donate, the subject abruptly hung up on the employee. No individual that works for WPD and WFD does not solicit money over the phone.

-UNDER INVESTIGATION

Incident # 23-00384

02/27/2023 11:36 a.m.

10200 BLK ROOSEVELT RD

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

WPD responded to the business on the 10200 blk of Roosevelt for a disgruntle employee that was throwing things around the store, and slashed tires on a vehicle. Octavia Chatman, Chicago was charged with Misdemeanor Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon and Criminal Defacement of Property. Octavia was given an iBond and court date of April 14, 2023 at the 4th District Maywood Courthouse.

Incident # 23-00394

02/27/2023 11:36a.m.

3000 BLK WOLF RD

RETAIL THEFT

WPD responded to the business on the 3000 blk of Wolf Rd for a retail theft. Police spoke to Loss Prevention Officer who advised that he observed a subject that came into the store and removed three bottles of liquor, and left the store without paying. The offender is described as a f/b 5’6, 200lbs, brown jacket, blue hoodie sweat shirt and pink pants. The offender left in a Volkswagen Jetta with FL registration in an unknown direction. Area was checked by Police with negative results

- Under Investigation

Incident # 23-00413

3/3/2023 11:28a.m.

9900 BLK DERBY LN

CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO AUTO

WPD responded to the 9900th blk of Derby Ln for Criminal Damage to Auto. Victim advised sometime between 1200hrs on 3/2/23 and 3/3/23 1100hrs unknown suspect(s) keyed both sides of his company car when it was parked in the company lot.

- UNDER INVESTIGATION

Incident # 23-00421

3/4/2023 11:48a.m.

2500 BLK WELLINGTON AVE

SUSPICIOUS AUTO

WPD Responded to the 2500 blk of Wellington for Suspicious Auto. Caller stated

male in a marron vehicle had attempted to get her into the car while she was walking her dog back and forth on Kingston. The driver described as male Hispanic or Middle Easter in his 40’s with beard and wearing a gray shirt told her later he had her Grub Hub order. The vehicle left west on Lancaster towards Wolf, area was canvassed by Police with negative results.

- UNDER INVESTIGATION

Incident # 23-00439

3/5/2023 4:32a.m.

11204 31ST ST

BURGLARY

WPD while conducting a premise check observed the front door glass to Dunkin Donuts to have been smashed in by an unknown object. Owner arrived and discovered that the two cash tills that were taken each contained USC in various denominations

- UNDER INVESTIGATION

Incident # 23-00446

3/7/2023 5:14p.m.

CERMAK RD & HULL AVE

TRAFFIC ARREST

WPD Officer while on patrol observed a silver Chevy Malibu perform a traffic infraction. Wells, Yolanda from Chicago, IL was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance. Wells was scheduled for a bond hearing at the Cook County Maybrook Courthouse on 3/8/2023. Lewis Mahagony from Chicago was charged with No Valid Registration, Driving While License Suspended and No Valid Insurance and released on iBond. Potesak, Adam from LaGrange, IL was taken into custody and turned over to Brookfield Police for a Warrant.

Incident # 23-00454

3/8/2023 4:06p.m.

CERMAK RD & DOWNING AVE

TRAFFIC ARREST

WPD Officer while on patrol observed a black Chevy perform a traffic infraction. Robinson, Calvin from Chicago IL was charged with Expired Registration, Suspended Driver’s License. Robinson was issued and i-Bond and given a court date of April 14th 2023 at 4th district Court, Maywood, IL.

Incident # 23-00458

3/8/2023 8:47p.m.

10147 ROOSEVELT RD

RETAIL THEFT

WPD Officers were dispatched to JD Liquor for a Retail Theft that occurred. Spoke to employee who stated observed M/B with a white tank top and a F/B with a black hooded sweatshirt and black pants enter the store and walked out with merchandise. Suspect(s) got into a white newer model Lincoln suv and go south on Westchester Blvd and then east on Pelham. After an investigation, WPD Detectives took into custody Farrow, Jaquan from Melrose Park, IL and Wilbourn, Mactresa from Westchester, IL both are charged with

Retail Theft. Both suspects were given i-bonds and given a court day of April 14th, 2023 at the 4th District Court, Maywood, IL.

Incident # 23-00469

3/10/2023 1:10p.m.

700 BLK WORCESTER AVE

THEFT

WPD Officer responded for a theft report. Spoke with the victim who related he received a notification from FedEx that his package was delivered. Victim stated he never received the package

- UNDER INVESIGATION

Incident # 23-00478

3/11/2023 3:14p.m.

MANNHEIM RD & DORCHESTER ST

HIT & RUN

WPD responded for a hit and run accident at Mannheim Rd & Dorchester St. After an investigation WPD Detectives charged Gawronski, Sebastian with Leaving the Scene of an Accident and Driving with License Suspended. Gawronski was given an i-bond and a court date of April 28th, 2023 at the 4th District Cook County Courthouse Maywood, IL.

Incident # 23-00483

3/12/2023 8:24p.m.

MANNHEIM RD & ROOSEVELT RD TRAFFIC ARREST

WPD Officer while on patrol observed a red Kia perform a traffic infraction. Edwards, Maurice from Maywood, IL was charged with Operating a Vehicle with Suspended Registration, Driving while Licensee Suspended, and No Valid Insurance. Edwards was given an i-Bond and a court date of April 28th, 2023 at the 4th District Cook County Courthouse Maywood, IL

Incident # 23-00491

3/13/2023 4:26p.m.

ROOSEVELT RD & PORTSMOUTH AVE

POSSESSION OF

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

WPD Officer while on patrol observed a blue Infiniti perform a traffic infraction. Dossie, Vanessa from Chicago, IL was charged with Possession of Adult use Cannabis in Motor Vehicle. Boyd, Melvin from Rolling Meadows, IL was charged with Interfering with a Police Officer. Wightman, Claire from Glen Ellyn, IL was charged with Illegal Tinted Windows. All subjects were given i-Bonds and a court date at the 4th District Cook County Courthouse Maywood, IL.

Incident # 23-00504

3/15/2023 4:11p.m.

BEACH ST & LEXINGTONST

FLEEING & ELUDING

WPD while on patrol observed a black Kia, with tinted windows perform a traffic infraction. The Kia speed up at a high rate of speed, going around a vehicle and running a red light. Police did not pursue, due to safety of others.

-UNDER INVESTIGATION

Incident #23-00514

3/17/2023 12:32p.m.

700 BLK NEWCASTLE AVE AGGRAVATED DISCHARGE OF A FIREARM

Westchester Police Department Officers were dispatched to the area of 700 blk Newcastle Ave for a call of shots fired.Officers arrived and located a female that stated she was involved in a domestic incident on the expressway. The male party involved exited the vehicle, and discharged a firearm striking a parked vehicle. The offender fled from the scene and was taken into custody with a loaded handgun in a nearby alley. Cook County States Attorney Office approved Felony charges of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm against 24 year old Isaiah Murry from Chicago. On March 18, 2023 Murry appeared at a bond hearing and bond was set at $150,000 with 10% to apply.

Incident #23-00519

3/18/2023 12:12AM

ROOSEVELT RD & NEWCASTLE AVE

TRAFFIC ARREST

WPD while on patrol, observed a white Buick perform a traffic infraction. Manning, Javonna from Omaha, NE was charged with No Illuminated Tail Lights and Driving while License Suspended. Manning was released with an iBond, and a court date of April 14th, 2023, at the 4th District Maybrook Courthouse in Maywood, IL.

Incident # 23-00538

03/20/2023 10:47AM

900 BLK NORFOLK AVE MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT

WPD responded to the 900 blk of Norfolk for a motor vehicle theft. Westchester Detectives investigated the incident and within 72 hours took a suspect into custody. Sawyer, Fredrick from Westchester was charged with Felony charges for Unlawful Possession of Stolen Motor Vehicle and Theft over $500 USC. Sawyer was transported to Cook County 4th District Courthouse for a bond hearing on 3/24/2023.

Incident # 23-00539

03/20/2023 4:07PM

1900 BLK NEWCASTLE AVE

ARMED ROBBERY

WPD responded to the 1900 block of Norfolk regarding a United States Postal Carrier who was robbed at gunpoint of their USPS mailbox keys. The offender was described as a male black wearing a small black ski mask who displayed a handgun. The offender fled the scene in a Red BMW with tinted windows - UNDER INVESTIGATION see ‘BLOT e R PAG e

Residential safety tips

Personal Residential Safety Tips Personal home safety means taking charge of your security at home and in your community. Don’t leave it all up to the police department. Involve your entire family in creating a personal home safety plan that fits your family’s needs. Get to know your neighbors and work with them to keep your neighborhood safe. Report all suspicious activity to your local police department. By following these suggestions you can make your home a safer place in which to live. At home… Lock all doors and windows, even when you are at home. This is especially important before you go to sleep.

• Harden and secure your home with strong doors and locks.

• Use adequate outside lighting, making sure all entrances and garages are well-lit. Outside lighting should remain on at night and during other times of darkness when at all possible.

• Do not put your first name on your mailbox. Use initials and your last name. If you live alone, do not advertise it. Always have someone remove your mail daily.

• Unknown persons should not be admitted into or on your premises unless proper credentials are presented.

• Never open your door to a stranger or solicitors. If a stranger requests the use of your phone, do not allow the person to enter.

• Should you return home to find windows and doors tampered with, DO NOT ENTER! Go to a neighbor’s home or call the police at 9-1-1.

• Be proactive by installing a home security system. Keep an active contact list on your refrigerator in case police or fire personnel need to contact a love one.

• Have an escape plan in mind for your family if someone enters your home and a way to protect yourselves.

• Run to the nearest residence or business. Screaming and cries for help can discourage criminals and may result in their arrest or someone coming to your aid.

• Attempt to determine points of identification such as clothing, glasses, scars, hair color, tattoos, weight and height, vehicle color, license plate number, make of vehicle. Call the police immediately and give last known direction of offender and stay on the phone until police arrive.

• Don’t fight over property; let the intruder have the property. It is not worth your life.

The Westchester Police Department is committed to making our village a safer place to live, but we can’t do it alone. Take action to make it as safe as possible for you and your family. This takes a team effort to take a bite out of crime.

Firearms Lock

To promote the safe storage of firearms, the Westchester Police Department offers trigger and cable locks to prevent children and unauthorized people from accessing unsecured weapons.

Residents can email dkosir@westchester-il.gov or call the Police Department at 708-3450060 extension #438 and schedule a pick up Monday thru Friday between 8A-4P for a free firearm lock

Police Dept launching 9pm Routine

Incident # 23-00543

03/21/2023 8:52PM

1600 BLK MANNHEIM RD

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE

WPD & WFD responded to the 1600 blk of Mannheim for a medical emergency.

Emergency Personnel found no emergencies at both locations that were given. Police are treating this as a Swatting Incident

-UNDER INVESTIGATION

Incident # 23-00546

03/22/2023 1:59PM

3020 WOLF RD

RETAIL THEFT

WPD responded to 3020 Wolf Rd for a retail theft in progress. Police took into custody, Enoch,Theadore R. JR, from Chicago. Enoch was charged with Misdemeanor Retail Theft. An iBond was given and court date provided at the Cook County 4th District Mayrbook Courthouse.

Incident # 23-00553

03/23/2023 1:16PM

1900 BLK NORFOLK AVE

MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT

WPD responded to the 1900 blk of Norfolk for a Motor Vehicle Theft report. Victim was notified by River Forest Police that her vehicle was recovered in River Forest. Vehicle being processed for evidence

- UNDER INVESTIGATION

The #9PM routine is a nightly reminder to residents to remove valuables from their vehicles, lock their vehicle doors, lock the doors to their residences, turn on exterior lights and activate all alarms and security systems.

‘BLOTT e R’ FRO m PAG e 4

WPTC news

Spring is finally upon us! We have so much to look forward to during this lovely time of year! April holds many enjoyable events and fundraisers including Crumbl Cookies on the 12th and Chipotle on the 19th. Both delicious ways to support the WTPC!

Another fun opportunity for fundraising will be on April 15th at Flying High Gym. See our website and Facebook for further details.

WPS will be having their Spring Book Fair April 18-20 with Parents and Pastries on the 20th. Volunteers are necessary to have these wonderful events, so please keep an eye out to sign up and help.

Last month students at WPS enjoyed Popcorn Day during their Read Across America “Read-In!” WMS students also enjoyed the return of popcorn day! We appreciate the volunteers that make these memorable moments possible. Your support of the WPTC during our fundraisers is greatly appreciated. March held Mattone’s and Panda Express, which certainly were delicious ways to show support. Thank you for your support and purchases made during the Plant Sale. We all look forward to picking up those wonderful purchases this spring!

Please remember the WMS School Store will be open once a month!! Dates will be announced on our Facebook page and announcements are made during school to remind the students.

Keep an eye out for upcoming events andvolunteer opportunities!

Vehicle stickers can be purchased

Vehicle stickers may be purchased at any time throughout the year. They are valid for one year, from May 1 through April 30. Vehicle sticker fees double after April 30.

Residents are reminded that they must purchase a vehicle license for all vehicles housed in Westchester, as well as for all vehicles that are registered through the State of Illinois with a Westchester address. For example, vehicles that may be used at a second residence that are registered to their Westchester address are required to have a Westchester vehicle license.

Residents who own an antique vehicle and have a State of Illinois antique license plate will now be able to purchase an $11 annual village license fee rather than paying the $37 passenger vehicle fee. The Village Board decided vehicles with State of Illinois antique plates are meant to travel infrequently on the streets and should not be required to pay the same fee as regular passenger vehicles that frequently use the Village’s streets.

All vehicles on Pelham St and Gardner Rd an additional “P” Parking Sticker - no additional charge.

Residents are reminded that they must purchase a vehicle sticker for all vehicles housed in Westchester, as well as for all vehicles that are registered through the State of Illinois with a Westchester address.

If you cannot make it during weekday Village Hall hours, we will be open Saturday April 15th and Saturday 29th from 9:00a.m. – 1:00p.m.

The Importance of Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms save lives. Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out. Here’s what you need to know!

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home.

• Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.

• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.

• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.

• Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.

• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.

• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.

Facts and figures about Smoke Alarms

• In 2014-2018, smoke alarms soun ed in more than half (54%) of the home fires reported to U.S. fire departments.

• Almost three of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms (41%) or no working smoke alarms (16%).

• The death rate per 1,000 reported home fires was more than twice as high in homes that did not have any working smoke alarms compared to the rate in homes with working smoke alarms (13.0 deaths vs. 5.8 deaths per 1,000 fires).

• In fires in which the smoke alarms were present but did not operate, two of every five (41%) of the smoke alarms had missing or disconnected batteries.

• Dead batteries caused onequarter (26%) of the smoke alarm failures.

New Smoke Alarm Law in Illinois

Effective January 1, 2023, the updated law requires Illinois residents to replace their old smoke alarms with the type that has a long-term, 10-year sealed battery. This would apply to residents that are still using alarms with removable batteries or alarms that are not hardwired.

What is the Updated Illinois Smoke Alarm Law?

• Since 1988, all dwellings in Illinois have been required to have smoke alarms

• In 2017, Public Act 100-0200 was passed to update the Illinois Smoke Detector Act to reflect advances in alarm technology

• As of January 1, 2023, any new smoke alarm being installed within a single or multi-family home are required to be featured with a 10-year sealed battery

• Smoke alarms in single or multi-family homes prior to January 1, 2023 may remain in place until they exceed 10 years from their manufactured date, fails to respond to operability tests, or otherwise malfunctions

Exemptions:

• Homes built after 1988 that already have hardwired smoke alarms

• Home with wireless integrated alarms that use low-power radio frequency communications, Wi-Fi, or other Wireless Local Area Networking capabilities

Smoke Alarm Installation Program

The Westchester Fire Department is proud to participate in the “Be Alarmed” program. “Be Alarmed!” is a fire safety education and smoke alarm installation program administered cooperatively between Camp I Am Me (CIAM) and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM). The program distributes fire safety education materials and 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms to fire departments in the state of Illinois. The fire departments then deliver the education while installing smoke alarms in at-risk homes within their communities. Both the educational materials and smoke alarms are provided at no cost as a result of funding from both the CIAM and OSFM.

The program was developed to educate Illinois residents on the dangers of fire in the home and how to prevent fires from occurring in the home, as well as to ensure there are working smoke alarms properly installed in homes. By providing 10-year concealed battery smoke alarms, it ensures that the power source cannot be removed from the unit and, if properly maintained, will last the life of the device. The program seeks to:

• Educate residents, young and old, on home fire safety and prevention methods,

• Reduce the number of fire-related injuries,

• Reduce the number of fire-related deaths, and

• Identify the reason for non-functioning smoke alarms in homes across the state.

If you are a Westchester resident and you do not have working smoke alarms in your home, please call Lieutenant Eric Biskup at (708) 345-0433 or email ebiskup@ westchester-il.org

Waste not, want not

S chool D i S trict

PUBLIC WORKS

Village branch collection for April will be the week of Monday, April 10-14th

May’s collection will be the week of the 1st – 5th

June’s collection will be the week of the 5th – 9th

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 feet 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.

Landscapers & tree services are responsible for their own brush disposal. Please note the following schedule for branch pickup:

MONDAY: From Mannheim Road west to Wolf Road and from Canterbury south to Windsor-including both sides of

Windsor Drive. Also Waterford, Waverly, Camelot and Concord.

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

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.

Weekly yard waste collection by Waste Management will begin on your first regular collection day in April.

Waste Management – 1-800-796-9696

• If your garbage, recycling, or yard waste was not picked up on your regular day, please call Waste Management directly.

• If you would like to request a new garbage or recycling receptacle, please call Waste Management directly.

• If you have large items that will not fit in you receptacle (couch, chair, table, etc.,) please call Waste Management directly to schedule this collection.

The Waste Management’s “At Your Door Special Collection” service will pick up electronics, unwanted-potentially hazardous, and hard-to-recycle items from your home.

That number is 1-800-449-7587.

The full list of items may be found at www.wmatyourdoor.com/residential.

Public Works

Parkway tree trimming by Sinnott Tree Service will continue this month.

Westchester Yard Waste/Branch Pickup

Village branch pickup occurs on the first full week of the month from April through November, unless otherwise noted.

Yard waste stickers are available free of charge at the Public Works Department and Village Hall, limit two per person.

All brush must be put out on the front parkway no later than 7:00 a.m. on the designated pickup day. Branches can be up to 7 feet 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. Public Works Crews will only pass through a designated pickup area once due to time schedule and other workload responsibilities.

Thursday and Friday are Open Load days for pickup of any brush that will not fit through the chipper, such as logs, stumps,

and large limbs.

Please make every effort to cut oversized limbs/stumps for one employee to lift and to remove the dirt from the root ball to allow for pickup. Landscaping contractors are responsible for their own brush pickup and disposal.

Schedule for Public Works Branch pickup:

- Monday: From Mannheim Road west to Wolf road and from Canterbury south to Windsor-including both sides of Windsor Drive. Also, Waterford, Waverly, Camelot and Concord.

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

- Wednesday: From Roosevelt Road north to the expressway and from Gardner

Restoration of parkways that have been damaged by sewer/ water excavations and snow plow damage will resume this spring, as weather permits.

The Public Works Department has been filling potholes with cold patch throughout the winter months, weather permitting. Please call Public Works at 708-345-0041 to report potholes.

The Village of Westchester Awarded Urban Forestry Funding

Westchester, Illinois. April 2023 — Westchester has been awarded a $15,000 grant to complete a tree inventory and develop a management plan for our urban forest.

The funds are provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Urban and Community Forestry Partner Grant Program, and administered by The Morton Arboretum and the Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI).

Westchester Tree Replacement Program

A Village ordinance amendment passed in October 2021 is allowing the Village to replant trees on parkways where tree removal has taken place, due to disease, storm damage, or premature death. As such, the Village has been doing this on eligible parkways for three plantings now, at no cost to the resident. This replacement

program does not allow for residents to choose the species of tree planted, the location, the amount of trees planted, nor are residents able to opt-out of having a tree planted in the Village parkway in front and/or side of their residence.

If you would prefer to choose the species of the tree to be planted, this can be achieved through our 50/50 program. The resident can choose the tree from a list provided by the Village, and will share half of the cost of the tree and planting with the Village. To request a 50/50 tree, please call the Public Works Department at 708.345.0041.

Westchester Sidewalk Replacement Program

The Village will replace public sidewalk trip hazards this fall. We also offer a 50/50 shared cost sidewalk replacement program if the public sidewalk in front and/or on the side of your residence is in poor condition, but does not qualify as a hazard. If you would like to replace it for any reason the Village will share the cost with you.

Please call Public Works at 708.345.0041 to have an evaluation done, and to register for squares. Both programs are first come, first served.

As always, residents are asked to call Public Works at 708.345.0041 or the Police (after 3:30pm M-F & on weekends) 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.