Loading...
Vol. 46, No. 6 - November/December 2024Winter Celebration and Market Bring Seasonal Fun Deerfield’s Winter Celebration and Winter Market Return December 6-7 Enjoy a weekend of winter fun with the Village of Deerfield! The Winter Celebration kicks off the festivities on Friday, December 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Village Hall. The event will feature live ice sculpting, performances by the Deerfield High School Choraliers and Frozen Robins, roasted chestnuts and complimentary snacks and treats. A special thanks to Patty Turner Center, Italian Kitchen, Deerfield Auto & Tire and Deerfield BP for sponsoring the event. The celebration continues on Saturday, December 7, with the Winter Market, taking place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Patty Turner Center, 375 Elm Street. Browse a variety of craft and retail vendors, get into the holiday spirit with live music, enjoy food and activities for kids, and visit nonprofit booths. Highlights include a balloon artist, giant outdoor snow globe, Santa and a Polar Express train ride. The Winter Market is hosted in partnership with the Deerfield, Bannockburn, Riverwoods Chamber of Commerce. For more information please visit deerfield.il.us. D-Tales NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024 VOLUME 46, NO. 6 INSIDE Village News 2 Board Report 3 Board Action 3 Public Works Updates 4 Police Department News 5 Our Community 6 Meeting Schedule 8 4th Annual Winter Market 30 Vendors 6 Community Organizations 4 Live Performances 2 Downtown Tree Lighting November 27 Join Mayor Shapiro at Village Hall to watch the downtown come aglow in white holiday lights. Save the date for the Downtown Tree Lighting on Wednesday, November 27, from 4 to 5 p.m. in front of Village Hall. Enjoy holiday music and complimentary offerings from local businesses, including dog goody bags from Hollywood Feed, hot chocolate and coffee from Landmark Coffee, and treats from Shake Shack Deerfield. Join Mayor Shapiro as he lights the tree and downtown at 5 p.m., marking the start of the holiday season. Bring family and friends to this cherished community event and make lasting memories together! Remember to shop local this holiday season and support Deerfield retailers. Village News More Convenient Utility Bill System Online Introducing Invoice Cloud – the Village’s new utility billing portal. The Village of Deerfield is pleased to announce the launch of a new online billing and payment service through Invoice Cloud, offering customers greater flexibility to view and pay their utility bills online. Additionally, customers will have more choices to pay their bill, including by phone and by text. The new, easy-to-use payment portal provides customers with quick access to their account to view bills, check their balance, make payments and enroll in paperless billing. Features include an “at a glance” dashboard, securely storing payment information, and more automatic payment options including: choosing a specific day for payments to process, email reminders, and linking multiple accounts. Customers can view their current bill and make a one-time payment without registering. No action is needed by residents with existing ACH autopay. 2 COACH TONY KAMBICH PUTS THE ‘DEAR’ IN DEERFIELD Mayor Shapiro proclaimed October 18, 2024, Tony Kambich Day in the Village of Deerfield, honoring the incredible contributions of Tony Kambich, a beloved physical education teacher and coach. Former students from the 1960s gathered at Shepard Mid- dle School that day to recognize Tony’s upcoming 90th birthday and reflect on his profound impact on the community. Tony began his career with Deerfield Public Schools District 109 in 1960, inspiring countless students with a passion for physical fitness and sportsmanship. Beyond teaching, he served as Recre- ation Director for the Deerfield Park District and was a dedicated volunteer. Tony’s legacy of service and community spirit contin- ues to inspire generations in Deerfield. Visit deerfield.il.us or use the QR Code to share your ‘Dear’ in Deerfield story. Watch this space for updates. D-TALES DEERFIELD.IL.US 3 For complete sets of minutes for Village Board meetings or to watch meetings on demand, please visit deerfield.il.us. VILLAGE BOARD ACTION Approved an Ordinance authorizing a PUD for a transit-oriented development for Continental Properties consisting of a 254-unit rental development at the rear 10.79 acres of Deerbrook Shopping Center Approved an Ordinance authorizing a special use to permit the establishment of a Sky Zone in the Deerbrook Shopping Center Planned Unit Development (former Art Van space) at 120 S. Waukegan Road Approved an Ordinance amending Chapter 15 of the Municipal Code regarding arcades Approved an Ordinance authorizing a special use to permit the establishment of an animal pet resort at 649 Lake Cook Road in the Deerfield Depot Planned Unit Development Approved an Ordinance amending various sections of the Municipal Code to establish an administrative hearing system Approved a Resolution authorizing a grant to the DBR Chamber of Commerce Approved a Resolution authorizing purchase of Axon Tasers Approved a Resolution to award contract for 1101 Lake Cook Road development offsite water system improvements Approved a Resolution authorizing the purchase of a backup generator for 465 Elm Street (Public Works) Approved a Resolution authorizing a consent decree relating to 755 Kipling Place Approved a Resolution authorizing a contract with Jasculca Terman Strategic Communications for a crisis communications plan Approved a Resolution to award the contract for Meadowbrook Subdivision water system improvements Board Action Deerfield Park District For more information or to register for Park District programs, call 847.945.0650 or visit deerfieldparks.org. Get Fit. Be Well. Stay Healthy. From Nutritional Counseling and Seminars to an Accountability Series and Weight Loss Team Challenge, Sachs Recreation Center is a great way to get fit and stay active this winter! Check out sachsreccenter.org to view our newest classes and offerings as well as our membership options. The Park District Winter Program Guide will be available online October 23. Online and in-person registration begin at 9 a.m. for residents on November 12 and non- residents on November 18. Visit deerfieldparks. org to see what we offer for all ages! In November, Deerfield Family Theater presents their production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Caruso Middle School in Deerfield. Get your tickets now! deerfieldfamilytheater. org Deerfield Library All Library programs are free and open to the public. Register in advance by phone at 847.945.3311, online at deerfieldlibrary. org, or in person. Online program description notes program platform (online, in-person or hybrid). Welcome Winter with Yoga Friday, November 22, 2-3 p.m. Address the importance of self-care with a gentle yoga practice to stimulate new energies. Holiday Centerpiece Crafting Wednesday, November 13 & Thursday, November 14, 4:30-6:00 p.m. Ages 13+ Join us in creating a Thanksgiving centerpiece! KiDLS: Balloon Science Saturday, November 16, 10:00-10:45 a.m. Ages 5+ Float up, up, and away with these cool balloon challenges! Trains Saturday, December 7, All Day The North Central “0” Gaugers bring their popular Winter Wonderland model train run to the Library featuring Thomas the Tank Engine and snow. Approved a Resolution awarding purchase of firewall equipment and services Approved a Resolution approving Phase III engineering services contract for the Hazel Avenue Infrastructure Project Approved a Resolution awarding purchase of backup data storage equipment Approved an Ordinance authorizing a sign plan amendment for new wall signs, including a sign exception, for the office building at 570 Lake Cook Road Approval of a Resolution authorizing emergency tree removal HONORS AND RECOGNITIONS Walden Elementary School 2024 Destination Imagination Global Champions - Service Learning Promotion of Officer Sokorelis to Sergeant Promotion of Sergeant Pettorelli to Commander Promotion of Sergeant Tokarz to Commander Proclaimed National Hispanic Heritage Month Proclaimed Red Ribbon Week Community Calendar 4 Public Works Updates Village Snow Plowing Operations The Village’s Public Works Department is prepared for snow and is able to effectively clear Deerfield’s 67 miles of roadway quickly to make safe travel possible for all who use our streets. Keeping vehicles off the street assists plows and salt trucks in clearing the streets more effectively. As a reminder, vehicles cannot be parked on the street for 24 hours after two inches of snow have fallen, per Village ordinance. By Village ordinance, you may not deposit snow from your property onto the street or sidewalk. This can hinder safe passage of vehicles and pedestrians and make it harder for Village plow crews to keep streets clear. Please remember to shovel an extra area on your driveway apron or parkway to properly stage your refuse, recycling and compost bins for pick-up by Lakeshore Recycling. SNOW PLOWING BY THE NUMBERS 67 lane miles of roadway to clear per snow event 2,500 tons of road salt used per year 14 plow routes to clear per snow event 25 miles of sidewalk to clear per snow event near schools Adopt-A-Hydrant In the winter months, heavy snowfall makes finding and accessing fire hydrants difficult, and every second counts during an emergency. The Village is asking residents, business owners and community groups to consider participating in the Adopt-A-Hydrant Program. Participants get to name their hydrant to show their commitment to public safety. Participation involves the following: • Ensuring the adopted fire hydrant is clearly visible from the street. • Keeping the fire hydrant free of snow and ice. • Keeping clearance of at least three feet all around the hydrant. Please use caution when shoveling. • Keeping the hydrant free of grass, weeds and debris. For more information, visit www. deerfield.il.us or contact Communications Coordinator David Fitzgerald-Sullivan at dfitzgerald@deerfield.il.us or 847.719.7400. Fall Leaf Collection Continues The Village’s annual leaf collection program provides residents with an alternative for disposal of their autumn leaves. Residents who do not mulch or bag their leaves may rake leaves to the curb or carriage walk before their scheduled pickup day. The Village began collecting leaves on October 28 this year and will continue this service through November 27. Public Works Department crews will make one pass by all homes in the Village each week during the five-week program. The southeast quadrant is collected Mondays, southwest Tuesdays, northeast Wednesdays and the northwest on Thursdays. We ask that you do not put out leaves more than one day prior to your scheduled pickup day. Leaves should be raked in a long, neat row that does not exceed five feet in width. They should be raked as close to the curb as possible, so long as they are not placed in the street or on top of the carriage walks or sidewalk, as this causes safety hazards. If you have landscapers, please direct them to abide by the Village’s leaf collection guidelines. Crews will not follow the normal collection schedule during the week of Thanksgiving, but will still service every street in the Village. Therefore, it’s important to have your leaves out by Monday morning of this particular week. Prevent Damage to Mailboxes Mailboxes are sometimes damaged when snow storms affect Deerfield. If your mailbox is damaged or if you are planning to install a new one, please consult the guidelines on how to properly install a mailbox in a way that meets postal standards. The majority of mailbox knockdowns occur because the post supporting the mailbox has deteriorated or the mailbox was installed incorrectly. (See graphic to the left.) Per the United States Postal Service installation requirements, mailboxes should be positioned 41 to 45 inches from the road surface to the bottom of the mailbox and six to eight inches back from the curb. The post should be strong, but should be able to break away if struck by a vehicle that leaves the pavement. If you decide to install a new mailbox, contact JULIE by dialing 811 before you dig. This will allow you to identify where buried utilities are located. Excellence in Law Enforcement Award On September 8, Cook County Crime Stoppers announced Deerfield Investigations Commander Juan Mazariegos as the recipient of the “Excellence in Law Enforcement Award.” Juan was nominated by members of a Homeland Security Investigations Task Force (Chicago’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Unit) for his outstanding work locating and identifying numerous minors that were victims of online sexual exploitation and/or trafficking. Juan has been assigned to the task force on a part-time basis for approximately 17 years. ‘Cram a Cruiser’ November 23 The Deerfield Police Department will host its annual “Cram a Cruiser” holiday food drive designed to provide non-perishable food items for families in need throughout the county. This year the event will be held at Jewel, 16 S. Waukegan Road, on Saturday, November 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will benefit the Midwest Veteran’s Closet. We’re asking our generous community to donate non-perishable food items to support the cause. Suggested donations include non-expired canned fruit and vegetables, canned meat, macaroni and cheese, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, canned soups, chili or spaghetti sauce, brownie and cake mixes, coffee, water, powdered milk and juices. Help us “cram” several cruisers again this year and start the holiday season off right. Toy Donation for Lutheran General & Ronald McDonald House The Deerfield Police Department is once again collecting gifts for children undergoing treatment at Lutheran General Hospital and those staying at Ronald McDonald House while patients of Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital. This year marks the 14th year of collecting toys for children at Lutheran General Hospital and our 4th year for the Ronald McDonald House. Last year was a huge success as the Department was able to collect enough gifts/toys for both organizations. Donations of gifts and toys for all ages, from toddlers up to teenagers, will be accepted in the Police Department lobby. The only requirement is that they must be brand new, in their original packaging and unwrapped. For more information on wish list items or additional ways you can help spread holiday cheer, please contact Commander Juan Mazariegos at jmazariegos@deerfield.il.us. Beard It Up & Color for the Cure The Deerfield Police Department will participate in Beard It Up and Color for the Cure in the months of November and December to raise money in support of pediatric cancer research. First responders across the country will donate to flaunt their finest facial hair or most colorful nails in honor of the smallest warriors battling cancer. The Beard It Up and Color for the Cure campaigns are in their 7th year have raised over $766,000 with the help of law enforcement agency partnerships nationwide. For the last several years this has been the Department’s largest fundraiser, raising over $11,000 in 2023 alone. The Department looks forward to another successful partnership and campaign this year. For more information or to donate, contact Sgt. Brad Tokarz at btokarz@deerfield.il.us. Tech Support Scams Tech support scams are a widespread issue where scammers use scare tactics to trick you into unnecessary technical support services to supposedly fix device or software problems that do not exist. Software companies like Microsoft do not send unsolicited email messages or make unsolicited phone calls to request personal or financial information, or to provide technical support to fix your computer. If a pop-up or error message appears with a phone number, don’t call the number. Another way to spot a scam is if you are expected to pay via cryptocurrency like Bitcoin or gift cards. Police Department News The 2024 Deerfield Police Community Survey at a Glance Overall Feeling of Safety and Security in the Village Very Safe 54.19% Safe 44.93% Unsafe 0.88% Very Unsafe 0.00% Overall Quality of Service from Department Personnel Excellent 76.15% Good 16.51% Average 3.67% Fair 1.83% Poor 1.83% Overall Agency Performance Excellent 58.69% Good 33.33% Average 5.16% Fair 2.35% Poor 0.47% D-TALES DEERFIELD.IL.US 5 6 Our Community 6 safely. These differences require practice before you may feel comfortable taking your e-bike on the road. In the interest of safety for e-bike riders, motor vehicle drivers and pedestrians, e-bike riders should be smart and cautious while operating their e-bikes. Be sure you and your loved ones familiarize yourselves with the laws, regulations and responsibilities that come along with owning and operating e-bikes in the Village of Deerfield. E-bikes have different classifications with different rules for each and it is the rider’s responsibility to know what class their bike falls in and the appropriate Illinois Vehicle Code and Village Municipal Code. Education and awareness targeting e-bike users, particularly younger riders, could help mitigate the risks associated with e-bike, operation. It’s crucial to prioritize safety to protect yourself and others on the road. E-Bike Classes Class 1 E-Bike Low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches speeds of 20 mph. HAZEL AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT The Hazel Avenue Reconstruction Project will begin in early 2025. The project includes the entire replacement of existing water mains, full roadway reconstruction and sidewalk improvements along Hazel Avenue from Waukegan Road to Wilmot Road. This $9M project, which has been awarded nearly $5M in outside funding, started in 2020 with preliminary design and is now ready for construction. Residents are invited to a public meeting that is to be held on Tuesday, November 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the Village Hall Council Chambers. Village staff and the engineering team will be present to discuss the project timeline, impacts and specifics and will also be available to answer any questions afterwards. Updates on the project will be shared via the Village website and interested parties can sign up to receive email and/or text message updates on the project at www.deerfeld. il.us under “Notify Me” or at the QR code below. For more information, contact the Engineering Department at 847.317.2490. Electric Bike Regulations With electric bicycle (e-bike) popularity on the rise, it’s important to note the differences between e-bikes and traditional bicycles. E-bikes and e-scooters have electric motors that, in combination with pedaling, makes them faster than traditional bicycles. They weigh substantially more than traditional bicycles and are generally not as responsive if riders need to evasively turn or brake quickly. They can have varying types of controls for speed and come with gear selection, as well as front/ rear brakes, the function of which requires familiarity to synchronize and operate E-Bike Safety: Know the Law 6 Deerfield Parent Network is again partnering with Districts 113, 109 & 112 to bring best- selling author of Parenting In The New Age of Teen Anxiety,” John Duffy. Dr. Duffy will be presenting “Parenting in the Age of Anxiety” on Tuesday, November 19, from 7:30-9 p.m. in the Highland Park High School Auditorium. Dr. Duffy is a Chicago-based clinical psychologist, author and speaker specializing in parenting, relationships and personal growth. He will discuss the unique challenges that modern parents face in raising children, particularly in a world filled with digital distractions and heightened levels of anxiety. In addition, he will provide practical advice for parents to connect with and support their children and teens in navigating the challenges they face due to social media, academic pressures and mental health issues. Copies of the book are available for checkout at the Deerfield Public Library. D-TALES DEERFIELD.IL.US 7 Class 2 E-Bike Low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that can be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and cannot provide assistance when the bicycle reaches speeds of 20 mph. Class 3 E-Bike Low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 mph. E-Bike Safety Guidelines Follow Illinois Traffic Laws All motorized vehicles and e-bikes listed here are treated as vehicles and must follow Illinois Vehicle Code and Village Codes. This includes stopping at traffic signs and yielding the right-of-way. Driving on the sidewalk is not allowed. Protect Yourself Always wear a helmet to maintain safety. Know what kind of helmets support the specific speeds of your bike. The law requires bicycle riders 15 and under wear a helmet at all times. See and be Seen Be aware of vehicle traffic and drive predictably. Don’t weave in and out of traffic, and be courteous to pedestrians. You are not as visible to drivers as they are to you. If your bike doesn’t have built-in signals, use the appropriate hand signals. The Deerfield Parent Network Hosts Speaker on ‘Parenting in the the Age of Anxiety’ 850 Waukegan Road Deerfield, Illinois 60015 847.945.5000 I deerfield.il.us PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 1 DEERFIELD, ILLINOIS VILLAGE OFFICIALS Mayor Daniel C. Shapiro 847.719.7402 dshapiro@deerfield.il.us Trustees Robert “Bob” L. Benton 847.945.1570 rbenton@deerfield.il.us Larry Berg 847.719.7422 lberg@deerfield.il.us Jennifer Goldstone 847.719.7424 jgoldstone@deerfield.il.us Elaine Jacoby 847.644.3354 ejacoby@deerfield.il.us Rebekah Metts-Childers 847.899.1449 rmettschilders@deerfield.il.us Mary M. Oppenheim 847.948.9423 moppenheim@deerfield.il.us Village Manager Kent S. Street - 847.719.7400 kstreet@deerfield.il.us Village Hall/Police Department 850 Waukegan Road Deerfield, Illinois 60015 Switchboard and Finance 847.945.5000 Community Development 847.719.7484 Police non-emergency 847.945.8636 Public Works and Engineering 465 Elm Street 847.317.7245 847.317.2490 (Engineering) MEETING SCHEDULE For a complete list of meetings, please visit deerfield.il.us. Times/dates subject to change. November Board of Trustees Nov. 4 & 18, 7:30 p.m. Community Relations Commission Nov. 12, 6:30 p.m. Plan Commission Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m. Appearance Review Commission Nov. 25, 7:30 p.m. December Board of Trustees Dec. 2 & 16, 7:30 p.m. Community Relations Commission Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m. Plan Commission Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. Appearance Review Commission Dec. 30, 7:30 p.m. Postal Customer Deerfield, Illinois 60015