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Vol. 4, No. 1 - Jun 1983KISSING ZONE June, 1983 Vol. 4, No. 1 FLOODWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN The following is a status report on the various projects relating to the.flooding experienced in Deerfield during 1982: ARMY CORPS STUDY The United States Army Corps of Engineers released its study in early June, recommending that retention basins be constructed in both Bannockburn (Duffy Lane and the Tollway) and on Lake -Cook Road (west of Pfingsten Road extended). Also recommended is a retention basin along the Middle Fork in the area of Libertyville. The esti- mated construction costs of the three basins is $11,209,900. Following a ninety day public re- view period, this report will be forwarded to Washington for review by several Federal agencies _and, hopefully, Congressional authorization of funding. Admittedly, there is a good deal of • work ahead of us, but the findings of this study represent a significant step in the right dir- ection. BANNOCKBURN SITE To date, the Lake County Forest Preserve District and the Village of Bannockburn have not agreed on the conditions for allowing the use of the Duffy Lane/Tollway site for a retention basin. Both agencies agree that they are close to re- solving their differences, but Bannockburn's approval is necessary in order for the Forest Pre- serve District to negotiate with the land owner. CREEK CLEANING The contractor has completed all but a small portion of the project. The Union Drainage District is reviewing funding options for a regular maintenance program to keep the creek clear and free of debris. Recently, the District adopted ordinances that provide severe penalties for anyone dumping debris into the creeks. MIDDLE FORK An interim Board has been formed for Union Drainage District #1 (the portion of the Middle Fork south of Deerfield Road) which will concentrate on cleaning the creek similar to the work completed on the West Fork. An election for this Board will be conducted by Lake County next Fall. CONSULTANT ENGINEER STUDY Baxter & Woodman is conducting field work which will determine the cause of and lead to solutions for the storm and sanitary sewer problems experienced in various sections of the community. Four students have been hired by the Village to help gather data in connection with this work. Residents are en- couraged to work with these people if information about your property is required. FLOOD ADVISORY COMMITTEE Recently, the Committee filed several reports on various aspects of the flooding problem. Recommendations range from the Vil- lage's undertaking the construction of retention basins to providing loans to homeowners for floodproofing of individual properties. The Mayor and Board of Trustees are reviewing these • recommendations prior to further discussions with the Committee. The Board acknowledged the dedicated work of this seven member group and encouraged them to continue in,helping imple- ment their recommendations. We'll continue to keep you up-to-date on all of the developments as things happen. Flooding subjects are of interest not only to those residents who suffered damage last year but to all of us in the Village! A THING OF BEAUTY — VILLAGE CENTER DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION 7 At the April 18th Board meeting, Mayor Forrest ;...- presented .�� the bronze beautifica- tion plaque to Mr. Henry Schmidt of the Bakery. This award recognizes the improv- ed appear- ance of the building and grounds, which contributes to the beauty of the Village. The plaque has been put on the wall inside the Bakery for everyone to see ... since we couldn't take a picture of the baked goods, you can check them out personally! AND THE RAINS CAME ... After the soggy Spring we had, many of our resi- dents have a deeper understanding of the prob- lems confronting farmers! Rain delayed Public Works from getting the garden plots plowed and ready for planting. When we finally got it all set, the farmers moved right in! This has been a frustrating experience but it's consoling to think of all the tomatoes, zuccini, cucumbers and other produce that will be canned and put on the shelves for the winter months! JOIN THE SWAT TEAM! Better yet, stamp out mosquitoes before they get to the swatting stage. With all the water standing in yards, providing breeding places, we'll all have to get busy and eliminate them. Check your yard carefully.... clean clogged roof gutters, get rid of receptacles that hold water (cans, bottles, tires, holes), empty the kids' swimming pool weekly - in general, do a little outside housecleaning. Mosquitoes only develop in water and water standing just a few days can produce a crop of mosquitoes. Who needs them? DON'T THROW THAT AWAY ... Recycle it! Take your papers, cans and bottles to the recycling center on Osterman Avenue, just east of the railroad tracks. We all have to pitch in to reduce the amount of waste which the scavenger picks up because solid waste is becoming more and more of a problem. It's sur- prising how much volume these three items add up to when everyone makes it a point to recycle them. And used oil can be deposited in the con- tainers at the Public Works garage on Elm Street. This Commission, more familiarly known as the "VCDC" has 9 members, appointed for three year terms, and meets on the first Wednesday of the month. The VCDC is the recommending body for matters which pertain to the Village Center - which includes the business district and sur- rounding areas. The members are: Tom Whaley, Chairman Richard Longtin Mrs. Dorothy Collins Dr. Ronald May Robert Ducharme Alan Meyer Robert Kraemer Mrs. M. Saltarelli There is presently one vacancy on the VCDC. If you're interested in serving, contact the Village Hall. WE'LL DRINK TO THAT!! The Safe Drinking Water Act and the Illinois Pollution Control Board require that the owner or operator of a public water supply notify the consumers that the potable water supply is sampled and tested, in accordance with manda- tory procedures. Here is our report to -.you. • for fiscal 1982-83: 310 potable water samples were tested and all were found to be llll safe. "Safe" means that the water con- tains no substance or organisms which are or may be injurious to a person in normal health who ingests the water. We get Lake Michigan water from Highland Park. It's chlorinated, fluoridated and treated at their filtration plant. The hardness of the water is 7.5 grains per gallon or 130 ppm. Water costs you $1.13 per 750 gallons. Putting it another way, it's 37t per ton. ************* DETAILS ABOUT D-TALES We printed the first issue of D-TALES in July of 1980 and it has been issued quarterly since then. This is Volume 4, Number 1. It took a while before people really read each issue but now that it's become a habit, we're going to do six issues a year. So, in February, April, June, August, October and December, watch for your copy... unless something catastrophic hap- pens which would cause us to vary the schedule. • In answer to your question: the escalator is located at Sara Lee. BUDGET MESSAGE *he annual budget review process provides the Village Board with the opportunity to evaluate both the quantity 9 P P 9 PP Y q Y and the quality of services offered to Deerfield residents and businesses. There are very few private firms that are engaged in enterprises which vary as widely in nature and scope as those of municipal government. The demand for increased services continues while, at the same time, there are growing constraints on the revenue sources needed to provide them. As your elected representatives, we must closely scrutinize all expenditure proposals to assure that the services requested and approved are provided within acceptable levels of cost. The combined total budget ,for 1983-84 is $8,006,233. Revenues projected for the next year must keep pace with Increasing expenditures, resulting in an increase in real estate taxes of approximately 5.2%. Deerfield, which is a home rule municipality, currently receives 8.8% of the total property tax bill. With the exception of the Library tax rate (which, by law, must levy through the Village), all rates of the Village are below the rate limits established by the State of Illinois - even for non -home rule communities. Sales tax receipts are estimated to be $1,420,000. This sizeable and very important revenue source reflects our continued efforts over the years to broaden the tax base while still maintaining the residential character of the community. Again this year, there will be no increase in the number of full time personnel. However, in order to remain com- petitive in the muncipal market, there will be a 5.5% increase in base wages for all employees. During the flooding disasters of 1982, we observed (under the worst of circumstances) just how dedicated and hard-working are our employees. They are the Village's greatest resource and must be compensated fairly for their efforts. This year, the 50/50 side walk and curb program will be expanded to encourage more participation by residents. This is a unique opportunity both to share and to reduce costs of improvements that benefit both the Village and the individual property owner. The Village will continue the Senior Subsidy Program with a $15,000 allocation for that purpose. Even though senior housing is now a reality in Deerfield, there are a number of elderly who still need financial assistance. This program provides a means of retaining as residents those who have made signifi- cant contributions to Deerfield in the past and now need our help to remain residents of the community. Due to a reduction in funding from West Deerfield Township, the Village must allocate an additional $15,000 to retain the Youth Social Worker employed in the Police Department. We are very proud in Deerfield of our Youth ervices and will continue to give a high.priority to youth related programs. It should be noted, however, that con- iderable help is provided by volunteers such as the Drug Awareness Group that has not only helped Deerfield in youth related activities but has also given our programs national attention. As provided by contract with the City of Highland Park, the Village will receive an automatic increase in water rates this year, which must be passed along to the residents. The average quarterly water bill should increase by approximately 12% as a result of this rate change - the first rate increase in three years. Also budgeted in the Water Fund is a study to determine possible alternative sources of water supply. Scavenger rates must also be increased during the next fiscal year. The contract with Theta.Systems, Inc., calls for an an- nual rate increase based on a percentage of the Consumer Price Index. We continue to experience severe funding problems in our Motor Fuel Tax budget. The 1983-84 budget projects monthly State allotments of approximately $19,000. Unfortunately, we are moving toward significant future deficits in this fund. Smaller cars and other fuel conservation measures, along with the decrease in. our popula- tion, have resulted in declining MFT revenues in recent years. It is possible, however, that the State will increase the gasoline tax within the near future, thereby increasing municipalities' monthly allotments. In addition to the regular maintenance program, two major street projects are being funded in this budget. By leveraging local MFT funds, the Village will receive 70% Federal funding for: 1) the reconstruction of Wilmot Road between Deerfield and Lake -Cook Roads and, 2) the resurfacing of Deerfield Road between Park Avenue and Wilmot Road. More than any other item in the budget, capital improvement projects require extensive planning and discussion. This dialogue is needed in order to prioritize our long-range plans and to determine how they might be financed. Last year, in a separate budget message, I called attention to the need for the Village to finance a Street Improve- ment Program estimated to cost over $2 million. However, even before the funding issue could be resolved, the Village experienced the July, 1982, flood that cost homeowners in excess of $6 million in private property damage. Again in December, serious flooding occurred in the Village, clearly*showing the need for extensive im- provements to our local storm and sanitary sewer systems. Since then, the Village has retained an engineering consultant to study the entire system and to provide pre -design engineering recommendations for im- rovements. The overbank flooding problems in the Village are beyond the jurisdiction and resources of Deer- lield. This is a multi -jurisdictional problem involving the Federal Government, State of Illinois, Lake County, three Drainage Districts, and several municipalities. Deerfield alone is spending considerable time and money in ad- dressing our local flooding problems while, at the same time, vigorously pursuing implementation of the North Branch Floodwater Management Plan. Earlier this year, the Village Board loaned $200,000 to the Union Drainage District to clean the West Fork ditch. The Board has made the resolution of the storm and sanitary sewer prob- lems its number one priority, and intends to determine in fiscal year 1983-84 a means of financing the projects to meet this objective. DEERFIELD FAMILY DAYS - JULY 3rd and 4th TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION - "STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER" SUNDAY, JULY 3rd - DEERFIELD HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC FIELD 5:00 - 6:30 P.M. - Texas Barbecue Dinner 6:30 - 8:30 P.M. - Drum and Bugle Bands Tickets: $4.00, Adults; $2.00 Children (13 and under) Advance sale: $3.00, Adults; $1.50 Children (13 and under) -Starting June 27th Advance tickets on sale at local banks, Jewels and Village Market AFTER DARK - FIREWORKS MONDAY, JULY 4th - JEWETT PARK BUILDING AND GROUNDS 7:00 - 10:30 A.M. - Pancake and/or Lox and Bagle Breakfast 8:00 A.M. - Mini -Marathon (starts at Walden School) 8:00 - 9:30 A.M. - Flower Show entries accepted at Community Center - all age groups 8:30 - 4:30 P.M. - Arts and Crafts Show, Park Grounds 9:00 A.M. - Dog Show, Field House Patio 9:30 - 5:00 P.M. - Children's Rides and Games, Park Grounds 9:00 - 4:30 P.M. - I -Dent -A -Kid by Deerfield Police Finger Printing, Park Grounds 9:00 - 4:30 P.M. - Petting Zoo, Park Grounds 10:35 - 11:45 A.M. - Appalachian Swing, Field House Patio 11:00 - 4:30 P.M. - Flower Show, Community Center NOON - PARADE 1:30 P.M. - Family Field Events, Park Grounds 1:30 - 4:30 P.M. - Continuous Live Entertainment, Patio Discounted tickets for all events will begin June 27th, at local banks, Jewels and Village Market. Entry blanks for the Mini -Marathon are available at the Village Hall, Sports Huddle and Shelby's. For schedule of all ball games, consult the official program. HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!! �,- VILLAGE OF DEERFIELD 850 Waukegan Road Deerfield, Illinois 60015 Fire Department .....................945-2121 Police Department ...................945-2131 Village Hall.........................945-5000 BERNARD FORREST, Mayor TRUSTEES Jerold L. Heisler Edwin B. Seidman Stephen 0. Jackson Vernon E. Swanson Cynthia Marty J. Robert York Bulk Rate U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 1 Deerfield. Illinois CAR/PRE-SORT POSTAL CUSTOMER DEERFIELD, ILLINOIS 60015 Printed at Standard Printing Service, Inc. (312) 498-6126 However, the flooding of 1982 in no way lessens the need for the Village to address its street problems. As A most communities the age and size of Deerfield, our public facilities (particularly streets, sidewalks and curbs) continue to deteriorate at an alarming rate. At the same time, the Village has deferred the "Access Avenue" im- provement that has been studied and recommended by the Village Center Development Commission. This proj- ect is essential in resolving some of the severe traffic problems and parking deficiencies in the downtown area. It is hoped that a portion of this expenditure can be funded with Federal money under the Federal Aid Urban System Program. Nevertheless, this project has had sufficient study. It is critical that the improvement begin this fiscal year, using a combination of both public and private financing. In 1983, we must decide a means of financing the street, flood control and sewer inadequacy problems. We can ill afford to defer these improvements any longer if we intend to maintain the reputation of Deerfield as a desirable place both to live and work. Because of our excellent bond rating and extremely low general obligation debt, the Village has several financing options available to it. We will also explore the possibility of making loans to residents for flood control improvements on private property. This has been suggested by the Flood Advisory Committee and will be considered along with other projects recommended by that group and by our engineering consultant. A major bond issue could be sold and/or a utility tax imposed. The proposed improvements and the methods for financing them will be explored in various public meetings prior to our deciding on a course of action. Each year, the Village must allocate money for the principal and interest on outstanding debts. In relation to our annual budget, and compared to other taxing bodies, the allocation for this purpose in the 1983-84 budget, in the amount of $588,113, is a rather small percentage of our annual expenditures. Deerfield's total General Obligation debt is 1.2% of our assessed valuation. When considering that non -home rule communities are allowed a ratio of 8.6%, the Village - as a home rule community - can take pride in its very low debt service obligations. In summary, the budget is the work of many people, both elected and appointed to serve you, the residents of Deerfield. I commend the Village Trustees and Staff for their concerted efforts to budget within our financial resources. We in Deerfield are indeed fortunate to be in a sound financial position. Our objective will be to maintain , that position while continuing to provide the high quality services our residents have come to enjoy and expect. BERNARDFORREST Mayor MUNICIPAL BUDGET. The 1983-84 annual budget for the Village of Deerfield provides $8 million for the balanced provision of public ser- vices to the community during the current fiscal year. The budget process affords the Village Board the oppor- tunity to review and evaluate our operations, both existing and proposed, in a manner intended to achieve the best return for the dollars expended. The following charts illustrate the various revenue sources of the Village and how this money is allocated by function: — --- I....... ...... I.IK Fr.F.rq T.. 11.01 I c..e e.l..e. II.... O, ..... II.. Nun1U1a LIu T. U.11 / / LAKE NTY vILLACE OF COUDEERFIELO 3.11 PARK 1.11 DISTRICT 4T MISCELLANEOUS S.11 SCHOOL 015TRICT IN IS.11 SCHOOL DISTRICT 111 11.11 • REVENUES EXPENDITURES Ell Public Works 46.2% PROPERTY TAX DOLLAR The Village of Deerfield receives 8.8% of your tax dollar, and the Library receives 2.7%. Since the law requires that the levy for the Library be included in the Village's levy, this totals 11.5% for the Village and Library. PATIENCE AND FORTITUDE OVER THE BACK FENCE ... Those are the two main requisites- during the construction period on Wilmot Road! You'll be happy to know that the work is on schedule. First the 8" gas main had to be relocated to the east side of the street. After that, work was started on the roadway. The west side will be done first, then the east. Here's what you can expect when it's completed: - New surface - New curb and gutter - Improved drainage - Exclusive right turn lanes both at Deerfield Road and Lake -Cook Road - New traffic signal at Deerfield Road - Modified signal at Lake -Cook Road We anticipate that the roadway will be ready by the end of September. Then the landscap- ing and final clean-up will be done ... and we can all go for a drive! As for Deerfield Road, this project is not of the same magnitude, but it will certainly be IF an improvement. It will be overlaid from Park Avenue to Wilmot Road. The traffic sig- nal at the Maplewood crossing will be upgraded and moved to the Deerfield -Chestnut intersec- tion. There will be some inconvenience but the end result will be worth the aggravation. Since we are getting Federal and State help in these projects, we can't delay Deerfield Road until Wilmot Road is finished so we'll forge ahead and get them both done as quickly as possible. CURB PAINTING PERMIT We've issued a permit to Dan Wolf and Charles Sokolow to paint street addresses on the curbs throughout the Village. This will be done'ac- cording to Village specifications, and might prove invaluable to you in case of a fire or police emergency. While it's doubtful that these students will be able to complete this project throughout the Village, they will try to cover the areas where this service is most needed.. YOU'RE AN OLD TIMER IF ... You remember when there was a private resi- dence where the Village Hall is located..... and the owners had a fruit stand out on what is now the Village Hall lawn. This pre -dates 1956, when the Village Hall was opened. Between issues of D-TALES, we get phone calls asking if we'd relay messages to you from your IIIIIIIIII�Ili next door neighbor, who'd like to complain but doesn't want to hurt your feelings. These are the accumulated gripes for this issue: - Please don't throw your grass clippings in the street. They clog the inlets and, when the monsoons come, this impedes the drainage. No one wants basement flooding! - Please stop putting your trash at the curb before sundown of the night before your pick- up. It makes the whole block look tacky. - Keep your cat out of your neighbor's yard. There are bird lovers who really resent the predatory nature of cats. - What can we say about dogs? This is a constant problem. Don't let your dog run... take him or her for a walk on the leash and be SURE you've had the rabies inoculation! GRANNY CROSSING SIGN We've had an inquiry from New York City about the new Granny Crossing sign. There's a possi- bility that they might use our sign at locations where they have Senior Housing facilities. We would, of course, have our copyright logo on the signs. Well, even if they decide not to use it, we were flattered by the inquiry. IDENTI-KID PROGRAM The Police Department has initiated a program to fingerprint children at the request of the parents. We will have a fingerprinting booth in Jewett Park on Monday, July 4th, from 9 to 4:00 P.M. (except during the parade). This free program is sponsored by the Deerfield - Lincolnshire Rotary Club. Prints will be given to the parents. _Also, Officer Friendly will talk with the schools about fingerprinting children during -his Fall visits to the elementary schools.