Village of Westchester March 2023 Newsletter

Village of Westchester

From the desk of Acting Village President Nick Steker

Election season puts a buzz in the air

There is no doubt that there is a buzz in the air with the upcoming April election. This is by far one of largest pools of candidates that I can ever remember running. This is a good thing. I am glad to see people willing to step-up and try to be the change they are seeking in their community. It is easy to post, gossip, or point to what you see as missteps or mistakes, but until you are in the seat you cannot see it through the same lens. I will be moving back to my elected position as Trustee for my remaining two years and will continue to serve with Trustees Slavic and Morales. The rest of the Board will be new faces in new positions. Good luck to all. I look forward to working with you.

With the recent retirement of our Acting Village Manager Greg Hribal, the Board unanimously selected Dawn WuckiRossbach as the new Acting Village Manager for the next 120 days. By the conclusion of the 120 days, the new Village Board will have been seated and can appoint a permanent person for the position. Dawn comes highly recommended from her previous employers which include, the Village of Maple Park, where she served as Village Administrator. Dawn also served as Business Manager for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office with budgetary control over $72 million dollars in funds. Dawn started her professional career in Carpentersville where she served as Acting Village Manager and Community Development Director. Dawn’s diverse background made her an excellent candidate for the position, and we look forward to her meeting all of you.

With any election cycle comes the ageold question about what does the Village President do? What does the Village Manager do? What does the Board do? Westchester is a Village Manager form of government. The Village Manager’s Office administers municipal government activities on a dayto-day basis and coordinates the operations of ALL the departments. This is NOT done

by the Mayor or Village President. The Village President and six Board members adopt policy, but it is the Village Manager that delivers the government services based on the policies. Westchester’s form of government CANNOT be changed by a Board or Village President and can only be changed by the voters through a referendum. The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) provides some common questions and answers regarding this.

How does the Village Manager form of government work?

The elected Board of Trustees represent their community and develop a longrange vision for its future. They establish policies that affect the overall operation of the community and are responsive to residents’ needs and wishes. To ensure that these policies are carried out and that the entire community is equitably served, the governing body appoints a professional manager based on his/her education, experience, skills, and abilities (and not their political allegiances). If the manager is not responsive to the governing body, it has the authority to terminate the manager at any time by a majority vote.

What is the role of the Village President?

In Village Manager form of government communities, typically the Village President is a voting member of the city council who presides at council meetings, represents the city in intergovernmental relationships, appoints members of citizen advisory boards and commissions (with the advice and consent of council), facilitates communication and understanding between elected and appointed officials, and assists the council in setting goals and advocating policy decisions. The Village President does NOT run day to day operations of village staff and is only a PARTTIME position in Westchester. He or she does NOT appoint any department heads. The yearly salary for Westchester Village

LOCAL ELECTIONS - APRIL 4

For more information please visit the Village of Westchester, or the Cook County Clerk’s websites.

Village of Westchester Website: https:// westchester-il.org/government/villageclerk/elections

Cook County Clerk’s Office Website: https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/ elections/current-elections/view-allcandidates

Village of Westchester Clerk Candidates

On the Ballot:

• Dana Bax (Public Servant Party of Westchester)

• Sophia Collins (Independent)

Village of Westchester Village President Candidates

On the Ballot:

• Tracy Jennings (Public Servant Party of Westchester)

•Daniel “Danny” Maldonado (Independent)

• Kevin R. McDermott (Independent)

• Edward S. Lezza Jr. (Independent)

• David S. Galandak (Independent)

President is $15,000.

How can council-manager government benefit my community?

A city, town, or county benefit from the council-manager form of government in a number of important ways:

1. Political power is concentrated in the entire governing body. The mayor and council share legislative functions

2. Policy making resides with elected officials, while oversight of the day-to-day operations of the community resides with the manager. In this way, the elected officials are free to devote time to policy planning and development

3. The manager carries out the policies established by the elected governing body with an emphasis on effective, efficient, and equitable service delivery

4. Because decisions on policy and the future of the community are made by the entire governing body rather than a single individual, council-manager governments more often engage and involve their residents in decision making. Residents guide their community by serving on boards and commissions, participating in visioning and strategic planning, and designing community-oriented local government services. All of Westchester’s Commissions and Boards have been filled over the past few months with motivated, communityoriented individuals who bring much insight to their positions.

What is the role of the Village Manager under council-manager government?

The manager is hired to serve the council and the community and brings to the local government the benefits of his/her training and experience in administering municipal or county projects and programs. The manager prepares a budget for the council’s consideration; recruits, hires, terminates, and supervises government staff; serves as the council’s chief advisor; and carries out the council’s policies. Council members and

residents count on the manager to provide complete and objective information about local operations, discuss the pros and cons of alternatives, and offer an assessment of the long-term consequences of their decisions. Appointed managers serve at the pleasure of the governing body. They can be fired by a majority of the council, consistent with local laws, or any employment agreements they may enter into with the council. The manager makes policy recommendations to the council for consideration and final decision. The manager is bound by whatever action the council takes, and control is always in the hands of the elected representatives of the people.

What is the role of the Village Board?

The Village Board is the community’s legislative and policymaking body. Power is centralized in the elected council, which, for example, approves the budget and determines the tax rate. The council also focuses on the community’s goals, major projects, and such long-term considerations as community growth, land use development, capital improvement and financing, and strategic planning. The council hires a professional manager to implement the administrative responsibilities related to these goals and supervises the manager’s performance. A Village Trustee has little more authority than any other individual citizen. Westchester Village Board members are part-time and make $5,000 annually.

Examples of other local municipalities that are manager/council forms of government include Brookfield, Lagrange, Lagrange Park, Elmwood Park, Western Springs, Naperville, Villa Park, Riverside, Lombard, Oak Park, Northlake, Maywood, Lyons, Hinsdale, Elmhurst, and Downers Grove.

https://www.iml.org/file.cfm?key=14434

Write- in Candidates:

• Greg Hribal

• Lowell Seida

Westchester Public Library Board Candidates

On the Ballot:

• Greg Christoff (Independent)

• Christine Kuffel (Independent)

Write-in Candidates:

• Stephanie Pedersen

Village of Westchester Board of Trustees Candidates

On the Ballot:

• Travis Morris (Public Servant Party of Westchester)

• Vanessa Sanchez (Public Servant Party of Westchester)

• Michael O. Wright (Public Servant Party of Westchester)

• Gia Marie Benline (Independent)

• Victoria Vann (Independent)

• Ryan Wright (Independent)

• Kevin Canfield (Independent)

• Peter Marzano (Independent)

• Sherby J. Miller (Independent)

2-1-1 service

Chicago and suburban Cook County residents now have access to a local 2-1-1 service—changing the landscape for how we meet the needs of our neighbors. 2-1-1 is a free, 24/7/365 service that connects people with essential health and social service support and information during times of non-emergency crisis and for everyday needs.

*The 2-1-1 call center is not currently live, but will be available this winter.*

Important for residents: Call 9-1-1 for emergencies. Call 3-1-1 or call your city or village office for municipal or local government services if 3-1-1 is not available in your community

Call 9-8-8 for the suicide and crisis lifeline. For more information, visit; https://211metrochicago. org/?mibextid=Zxz2cZ

What 2-2-1 Is

• Easy to access, free helpline for citizens.

• Information and Referral Resource helping people connect to food, housing, utility payment assistance, health care, transportation, child care, employment, mental health, disaster information and assistance, and much more.

• Go-to resource for any essential health and social service needs, using easy to understand, accurate information while delivering a user friendly experience.

PUBLIC WORKS

Village branch collection will resume 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

Yard waste collection by Waste Management will begin Monday, April 3rd

Waste Management – 1-800-796-9696

• If your garbage or recycling 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 (i.e. couch, chairs, tables, etc.,) please call Waste Management directly to schedule a special 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 1-800449-7587. 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.

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.

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.

VILLAGE SNOW RESTRICTIONS

Public Works crews keep our streets free of snow and ice during the winter months.

Please assist us by observing the following:

• Place garbage cans 3 feet behind the curb line- do not place them in the street.

• Do not shovel or blow snow back into cleared streets.

• Please observe the “NO PARKING SNOW ROUTE” signs.

-The snow portion of the signs will be enforced after 2 inches of snowfall between December 1st and March 31st.

If you reside on a Primary designated SNOW ROUTE, after 2 inches of snowfall you must remove all vehicles from the snow route. Vehicles must stay off the street until the streets are cleared thoroughly by

the plows by Public Works. If the snowfall is continuing, the restriction is in place until Public Works completes the plowing for the day. Please check the signs at the corners of your block.

If you reside on a Secondary route, there is no parking Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the even numbered house side and no parking Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday on the odd numbered house side after 2 inches of snowfall. Please check the signs at the corners and center of your block for guidance. (This includes ALL side streets not designated a Primary snow route.)

If you have a Fire Hydrant on your parkway, please help keep the hydrant clear of snow so that the Fire Department may easily access the hydrant in case of an emergency, and so that the snow plows may quickly identify the hydrants while plowing.

Public Works crews work hard to keep the Village streets clear and safe during these long winter months. We appreciate your cooperation & please drive carefully! 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.

Stop for the school bus

There have been numerous complaints from the Westchester School District and other School Bus services that vehicles are traveling around Stopped School Busses that have the STOP ARM out and lights flashing while the busses are either loading or unloading children.

School Busses are equipped with video camera systems that record thus proving that vehicles are in violation of Illinois State Laws regarding very dangerous hazard to our Children’s safety.

The penalty for this violation is very stiff. If an Officer observes the violation and stops a car, issues a citation, the driver MUST appear in court and speak with the Judge. The Officer will give testimony stating that the vehicle and driver passed the School Bus. The Officer most likely will also have camera footage from the Police vehicle, body worn camera and the School Bus video that will all show the violation. A conviction in court will result in a suspension of your Driver’s License and a fine of at least $300.00 for the first offence, $1000.00 plus community service in the amount set by the Court for any violations after that.

If you are not stopped by an Officer at that time, you did not get away with it. The School Bus video system did capture footage of your violation and the registered owner of the vehicle will be receiving a notice and a fine which varies based on the amount of previous violations.

STOP for the School Bus!

It will only take a minute of your time. It’s not worth the safety of our Children.

WPTC news

February raced by so quickly, it is hard to believe we are in March already!! There are many exciting events coming again this month; most notably, the return of TRIVIA NIGHT on the 31st! Gather your team or sign up individually for this fun-filled night. Please see our Facebook Page or Website for more information.

March also brings our next WPTC meeting on the 1st and a couple of restaurant fundraisers. We have Mattone’s on the 2nd and Panda Express on the 14th.

Last month students enjoyed our fun-filled Valentine’s parties at WPS and WIS; as well as the WMS Valentine’s dance. WIS also celebrated its mid-year mark with Popcorn Day! We appreciate the volunteers that make these memorable moments possible. Your support of the WPTC during our fundraisers is greatly appreciated.

February’s Nothing Bundt Cake Spirit Week and Jason’s Deli were certainly delicious ways to show support.

Please remember the WMS School Store has returned and 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 and Volunteer opportunities!

Forum in not an endorsement of any candidate

The Westchester Community Church, UCC, is committed to helping our community be a healthier place. To this end, we are very glad to host any forum that invites all candidates and gives our community a forum to meet and then make informed decisions about candidates.

The church does not endorse any candidate at any time.

This allows us to host events for the benefit of the entire community.

Worship Schedule for March at Faith Lutheran Church, 1124 Westchester Blvd.

March 1 Lent Midweek service 3:00 p.m.

March 5 Divine Service at 9 a.m. with prayers for Healing, Consolation and Hope Following 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. The service is about 15 minutes (a good start). Bible Study at 10:15 11 a.m, Service of Scripture, Prayers and Preaching at 11 a.m.

March 8 Lent Midweek service 3:00 p.m.

March 12 Divine Service at 9 am Bible Study at 10:15 am Service of Scripture, Prayers and Preaching at 11 a.m.

March 15 Lent Service at 3 p.m.

March 19 Divine Service at 9 a.m. Bible Study at 10:15 a.m. Service of Scripture, Prayers and Preaching at 11 a.m.

March 22 Lent Service at 3 p.m.

March 29 Diving Service at 9 a.m. Bible Study at 10:15 am Service of Scripture, Prayers, and Preaching at 11 a.m.

• Ruth Beierwaltes 708-531-0630 or email at ruthbeierwaltes@hotmail.com

• Pastor Prentice: 708-650-4082

March is ‘Severe Weather Preparedness Month’

In Illinois, on any given week we could see blue skies, thunderstorms, and torrential rainfall. The changing weather is second nature to many of us, but as the calendar flips from winter to spring, it is important to not become complacent about severe weather threats that exist in our state.

As part of Severe Weather Preparedness Month, the Westchester Fire Department is encouraging our community to prepare for severe weather. “Making our residents aware of severe weather hazards and how to prepare for them is important. We encourage all our residents, businesses, and schools to build a kit, practice your plan and be better prepared. During a village-wide disaster, there could be a significant delay in first responders reaching you, so being prepared for that possibility is critical.” said Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Mike Mavrogeorge. We encourage all Westchester residents to:

• Update your family communications plan

• Make a severe weather preparedness plan

• Build an emergency preparedness kit

• Identify your safe place to during

a storm

• Know the various weather watches/warnings/advisories

Know the difference between a watch and a warning and act accordingly:

Thunderstorms can produce damaging winds, deadly lightning, large hail, flash flooding and tornadoes. Illinois averages about 64 tornadoes each year. Tornadoes that strike at night are even more dangerous, like the 2021 Father’s Day EF-3 tornado that struck DuPage County.

The National Weather Service and state and local emergency management officials strongly encourage people to have a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) All Hazards Weather Radio with battery backup. These radios can be programmed to receive alerts for specified counties to keep you and your family apprised of

impending weather and post-event information for all types of hazards including natural (earthquakes), environmental (chemical spills) and public safety hazards (AMBER alerts). When an alert is issued for the programmed area, the device will sound a warning alarm tone followed by the essential information. The information provided in these alerts will guide you through the appropriate protective measures.

The Village of Westchester uses the CodeRED Emergency Notification System. The CodeRED® Emergency Notification System is a high-speed telephone communication service the Village uses to notify residents and businesses of an emergency situation. We encourage all residents to register for the CodeRED system.

Families are constantly on the go. It is critical for people to have mul -

tiple ways to receive notifications and updated information about severe weather warnings. FEMA offers a free mobile app that provides fast and reliable weather alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS). The app can be tailored to offer alerts for up to five different locations nationwide. The mobile app can also help you locate open shelters and critical disaster resources near you in the event of an emergency.

For more information about what to do before, during and after severe weather, please visit:

Westchester CodeRED Registration: https://www.westchester-il.org/ news/code-red-notification-system

Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA): www.Ready.Illinois.gov

NWS Chicago: https://www. weather.gov/lot/

Village sticker contest winners announced

The Village of Westchester and Westchester Ecological Commission (GROW) would like to congratulate the three winners that participated in the 2023 Village Sticker Contest.

The contest was opened to all students in District 92 1/2 and three were chosen for each age group. We would like to thank are two Judges, Bethany Alexander and Bill Ernst both Westchester Residents who are involved in nature their entire lives. We would also like to thank Dig Right in Landscaping out of

Westchester who donated Target Gift Cards to each of the three winners.

The Winning Entry in the 6th - 8th Grade art was titled: “The Beautiful Summer of Westchester”. The description she gave was, “this shows what summer feels like in Westchester”. It has dogs, butterflies, birds, bees, plants and trees of Westchester.

Congratulations Milena Schoff.

The Winning Entry in the 3rd - 5th grade art was titled: “Nature is Always Beautiful”. The description she gave was, “nature

Village sticker prices

Residents who own an antique vehicle and have a State of Illinois antique license plate will now be able to purchase a $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. 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. All vehicles on Pelham St and Gardner Rd an additional “P” Parking Sticker - no additional charge. Commercial Parking $75.00 (one per address)

in this artwork is represented by the tree which is very beautiful in every season.

Congratulations Diana Lepak.

The Grand Prize Winner whose drawing will be the 2023 Village of Westchester Village Sticker, his art was titled, “My Friends at the Park”. The Description he gave was, “This is a picture of me and my friends, enjoying the weather and playing in the park.”

Congratulations Sebastian DeGuzman.