Loading...
Vol. 13, No. 2 - May 1992KISSING ZONE May,1992 Vol.13 No. 2 ITS TIME FOR VEHICLE STICKERS You will soon receive in the mail your computer cards for vehicle stickers. Please complete and return them by mail or drop them off at the Village Hall. Stickers must be displayed by July 1st on all vehicles registered in Deerfield. After that date, they cost 50% more. Please note that: - If you are 65 by July 1st, your first vehicle is only $1.00. - Even if you do not receive a computer card, or you are waiting for State plates, your vehicle needs a sticker by July 1st. • - Transfer stickers are $1.00. If you change cars after July 1st, all you need do is fill out a new application and we'll give you a new sticker. SPRINKLING RESTRICTIONS The Illinois Division of Water Resources requires that municipalities using Lake Michigan water must restrict lawn sprinkling between May 15th and September 15th. Accordingly, Deerfield's regula- tions during this period are: "Even numbered addresses may sprinkle on even numbered dates from midnight to noon and from 6 P.M. to midnight. Odd numbered addresses may sprinkle on odd numbered dates from midnight to noon and from 6 P.M. to midnight." Fines for violators are $25 per occurrence for residents and $100 for non-residential properties. These restrictions apply only to lawnsprink ling. "SIDEWALK SALE" For the past 20 years, Deerfield has offered a sidewalk replacement program whereby it shares, on a 50/50 basis, repairs to public sidewalks along residential properties. This has been a very popular service with our residents, and one that we would like to encourage others to take advantage of. By combining several sidewalk replacement projects under one bid, the Village can secure far better prices for this work than if they were contracted for individually. More importantly, we will do all of the work, from preparing the specifications to awarding the job and guaranteeing the quality of the work. We are fortunate again this year to have very favorable unit prices: $2.65 per sq. ft. This amounts to $66.25 per slab (5x5' square) for sidewalk separated from the street by a parkway and $39.75 per slab (30" square) for carriage walks... sidewalks along the curb. Under the 50/50 program, residents would pay one-half these amounts (as low as $19.88 and no higher than $33.13) for each slab replaced. More specifics of the program can be obtained through our Public Works Department (317-2490). Ask about our Curb Replacement Program as well. All residents are urged to check the sidewalk in front of their homes. Together, we can make sidewalks safer for pedestrians and, at the same time, enhance the appearance of your property. HYDRANT FLUSHING Beginning in May, Public Works will flush all hydrants in the Village. You will receive a hand -delivered notice before we begin in your area, but here is some advance information. Flushing will be done on Tuesdays through Fridays. DO NOT do laundry on those days between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Hydrant flushing stirs up rust and you don't want that in your washer. Also, if there is any discoloration in your faucet water, let it run for a few minutes and it will clear up. Flushing is necessary to make sure all hydrants are in good working order in case of emergencies. BUDGET MESSAGE Preparation and adoption of the annual budget is always an important process but, this year, it takes on even more significance in light of problems with the overall economy and continued public pressure for less taxation at all levels of government. Our 1992-93 budget reflects these concerns as we adopt a financial plan to meet our goal of providing high qual ty municipal services at the lowest possible cost. 0 The combined total budget is $16,538,609. The increase over last year's budget is due principally to the Wilmot Road construc- tion project and the water rate increase imposed by Highland Park. With those exceptions, this budget holds the line on spen- ding without sacrificing the quality of current programs and services. There will be no increase next year in personnel. In fact, a part-time position in public works has been eliminated. To remain competitive in the municipal market, there will be a 4% increase in the employee salary plan. However, as part of that settle- ment, employees will pay a portion of the dependent health insurance premium, a long-established practice in the private sec- tor which more and more public entities are incorporating in their wage and benefit plans. The 1992-93 budget will continue the Senior Subsidy Housing Program and the combined effort with the Deerfield Park District to provide basic services essential to our seniors. Also continued are the 50/50 sidewalk, curb and tree replacement programs which encourage a shared responsibility for infrastructure improvements that benefit both the Village and the homeowner. Special emphasis will be given this year to sidewalk replacement in an effort to improve pedestrian safety. Although a specific amount has been budgeted, the Village is prepared to match whatever interest is shown by Deerfield residents. This budget reflects the 20% water rate increase imposed by Highland Park on January 1, 1992. To date, we have avoided a costly legal suit in our efforts to obtain a wholesale rate. Further action will be taken pending a response from Highland Park on our latest proposal to resolve the issue. In the interim, however, the Village must increase its rate from $1.75 to $2.05 per hundred cubic feet. This is the first increase since 1986, and will amount to approximately $10.00 per quarter for the average residential water user. Both sewer and scavenger service rates will remain the same. Our contract with Laidlaw Waste Systems will expire on December 31 st. In light of the community's extremely positive response to recycling, and our plans to expand that program, we expect that terms of the new contract will be favorable. Capital projects scheduled for 1992-93 are: Completion of Phase II of Robert York Avenue; continuation of the Street Rehabilitation Program; new traffic signals at Lake Cook Road and Carlisle Avenue; Bridge Rehabilitation; Wilmot Road reconstruction with utility improvements; maintenance and repairs at the Water Reclamation Plant; and an East Side Lift Sta- tion sanitary sewer line. Many of these capital projects are possible due to the Village having leveraged its funds with Federal monies and Tax Increment Financing funds. It represents the Village's commitment to maintain its basic infrastructure which. if deferred, will only result in increased costs at a later date. Mayor Daley's comments following the flooding incident iri; Chicago demonstrate the plight of all municipalities which ignore their physical plant. Deerfield's Capital Budget has been successful in addressing these needs on a regular basis. We are pleased to project a 1992 property tax levy that is 1 % less than last year's. This is possible despite the fact that several increases in the tax levy are due to forces beyond the control of the Village. Statutory pension requirements and other State mandated programs oftentimes preempt our efforts to hold the line on property taxes. As it is, real estate taxes collected by the Village are used only for scavenger service, pensions, street maintenance and debt service (which is principal and interest paid on outstanding bond issues). Furthermore, unlike many neighboring communities, Deerfield does not have a Utility Tax, Real Estate Transfer Tax or Home Rule Sales Tax. Property taxes make up only 16.8% of total Village revenues. More importantly, it should be noted that the Village receives on- ly 9.2% of the total real estate tax bill. As illustrated on page 4g in the budget document, an actual tax bill for a single family residence in Deerfield shows that, of the $4,040.14 paid in 1990, the Village received $373.74. Also worthy of highlighting, for the period 1985-1990, the dollar amount received by the Village actually decreased from $409.21 to $373.74. For the second consecutive year, the Village released surplus funds from the Lake Cook Tax Increment Financing District. The amount distributed to local government agencies this year was $6.6 million (over $8 million was reallocated last year). This is significant new revenue for these taxing districts which, if they follow the Village's example, could be used to reduce their pro- perty tax levies. Residents should ask for and receive an accounting from these agencies of how these windfall revenues are to be spent. Deerfield's total outstanding General Obligation debt of $12,195,254, payable from property taxes, is 2.5% of its total assess- ed valuation of $489,019,552. When considering that non -Home Rule communities are allowed a ratio of 8.6%, the Village, as a Home Rule community, can be especially proud of its low debt service obligations. In presenting this budget for fiscal year 1992-93, the Board of Trustees and I restate our commitment to sound financial management in serving the needs of the community. We are indeed fortunate to be in an excellent financial position, having lived within our resources for many years. In performing our job, we are grateful for the support of the many volunteers that serve on various boards and commissions, whose input is extremely valuable to our decision -making. Through this concerted effort, Deerfield will continue to maintain its tradition of a responsible community, responsive to its citizenry. BERNARD FORREST Mayor April 20, 1992 STREET IMPROVEMENTS 50150 PARKWAY TREE PROGRAM The following streets are scheduled for rehabilitation • this summer: - Fairview Avenue (Lake Cook to Hackberry) - Wincanton Drive (Warwick to Dimmeydale) - Eastcanton and Westcanton Courts - Wilmot Road (Greenwood to North) - Phase II Robert York Avenue (South of Deerfield Road) Also, the final surface course will be placed on the streets which have had storm or sanitary sewer projects completed recently: - Kipling Place - Longfellow Avenue (Hermitage to Byron) - Deerfield Road (Kipling to Oxford) - Central Avenue (Appletree to Pine) We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this work may cause you. SCAVENGER SERVICE REMINDERS - Garden Waste will only be picked up if it is in paper bags with the Deerfield logo. They should be placed at the curb on Tuesdays prior to 7:00 A.M. Bundled Brush will be collected on the FIRST TUESDAY of each month. The bundles can not be more than 4' in length and 30" in circumference. Memorial Day - Due to the holiday, scavenger service will be one day later this week - Wednesday, May 27th and Saturday, May 30th. +++ BLOCK PARTY RULES While the Village encourages neighborhood block parties, there have been some problems which require attention. If you would like to schedule a block party; stop at the Village Hall and complete an application form. The Village will be happy to work with residents provided temporary street closings are done properly. • BLOOD DRIVE The next blood drive will be on Sunday, June 7th at the Jewett Park Community Center. Some time between 8:00 A.M. and noon, you could give the give of life. Drop in or, if you prefer, make an appointment by calling 298-9660. If you are interested in sharing half the cost of a new tree for you parkway, give us a call at 945-5000. We'll send you information on the program and an order blank. Orders are taken during the summer and the trees planted around the middle of October. The trees are balled in burlap, guaranteed for a year and planted by our Public Works personnel on Village right-of-way. NEW WARNING SIRENS The Village is in the process of upgrading its outdoor warning system by installing new sirens that will provide better coverage for the entire community. When completed, the sirens will be activated by radio signal from the dispatch center at the police station. The sirens are sounded for 2 minutes to alert people that a tornado has been sighted in the Deerfield area. If you hear the sirens, take cover immediately. (Remember, sirens are tested at 10 A.M. on the first Tuesday of each month). FAMILY DAY NEEDS HELP! One of the things Deerfield is most known for is its Family Day Celebration on the 4th of July. Our community has prided itself on the volunteer efforts and individual contributions to keep this two-day event a perennial favorite. The Family Day Committee needs your help to ensure the success of this year's celebration. Your next utility bill will include a letter requesting donations and volunteers. Please be generous. Get involved with your fellow residents and help keep this great tradition going strong. +++++++ DO'S AND DON'TS..... Do ............... get a building permit before erecting that fence, repairing the roof or any other structural change to your house. Don't.......... allow the contractor to erect his business sign in your front yard while performing work. It is against the law. Do .............. trim your bushes and trees which overhang the public sidewalk. Don't.......... put your garden waste (or any garbage containers for that matter) at the curb before sundown on the day before your pick-up. Do .............. get a license for your dog. Don't.......... let your dog run loose, use the parks as toilets, or sit outside and bark until your neighbor calls us. REAL ESTATE TAXES As stated in the Mayor's Budget Message on page 2, the Village anticipates its 1992 tax levy (our request for property tax money) to be lower than last year's. In addition to that good news, and since you soon will be • receiving your property tax bill, we thought it would be helpful to describe (and illustrate) what portion of the property tax bill the Village receives and how it is spent. As indicated in Figure A, the Village receives only 9.2% of the property tax payments. Figure B illustrates the uses of the Village's portion of property taxes. FIGURE A FIGURE B The point we wish to make is that very little of your tax bill is used for basic operations. As you can see, the largest portion is for debt service to retire previous bond issues needed for street and utility improvements in recent years. The other significant portion of the levy is the result of State mandates on such items as pensions and solid waste. All revenues in the General Fund (the basic day to day operating fund of the Village) are derived from non -property tax revenues such as: Sales Tax, State Income Tax, ordinance violations, and permit fees. Unlike many communities, Deerfield does not have a Utility Tax, Real Estate Transfer Tax or Home Rule Sales Tax to support its General Fund. VILLAGE OF DEERFIELD 850 Waukegan Road Deerfield, Illinois 60015 Fire Department..............................911 Fire Department Non -Emergency ............945-4066 Police Department ............................911 Police Department Non -Emergency ..........945-8636 Village Hall..............................945-5000 BERNARD FORREST, Mayor TRUSTEES Marvin W. Ehlers Edwin B. Seidman James L. Maroviti Vernon E. Swanson Harriet Rosenthal Michael Swartz Robert D. Franz, Village Manager Marjorie Emery, D-Tales Editor % Printed on Recycled Paper Printed at SPS, The Printing Company, Inc. (708) 498-6126 Bulk Rate U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 1 Deerfield, Illinois CAR/PRE-SORT POSTAL CUSTOMER DEERFIELD, ILLINOIS 60015 so May 1992 Happy Spring HOME SECURITY How secure is your home? It takes more than a good solid door and a lock to make a home secure. It's impossible to crime proof your home, but it is possible to increase the security of your home at little or no expense. Sometimes all it takes is rethinking our approach to crime prevention. Here are some suggestions to help. OUTSIDE YOUR HOME First, start by standing outside and look at your home, not as a homeowner but like a criminal. Ask yourself if you could get in and out quickly and undetected. Here are some things to look for: • LANDSCAPING Overgrown limbs, bushes, or landscaping could block a neighbor or passerby from observing someone in your yard. If windows and doors are concealed it could allow a criminal time to work undetected. • LIGHTING Criminals avoid the. spotlight. Porches, yards, and all entrances to your home and garage should be well lighted. The wattage should be sufficient to light the area, but not so bright that it casts light intrusively into a neighbors home or on their property. • DON'T INVITE TROUBLE M Most criminals aren't the "professionals" that people perceive them to be. For the most part they are opportunistic, looking for obvious signs that no one is home. Here are some things to think about: - When you drive past your home can you see valuables such as silverware or heirlooms easily from the street? - Leaving behind a dark home with just an outside light on may attract attention instead of acting as a deterrent. When you leave your home... - is there a paper in the driveway? 41 - are you expecting any deliveries? If so, will dry cleaning or other deliveries be left hanging on the front door or on the front stoop? - Is the garage door left open revealing an empty garage? INSIDE YOUR HOME • DOORS Remember to lock your doors. As basic as this sounds there are still homeowners that don't lock their doors. Nation wide approximately 50% of the burglaries that occur happen at residences that are left open. Your door should fit its frame tightly with no more than a 1/8 inch clearance between the door and frame. Is the gap too big? Bolt a sturdy metal strip to the doors edge. You boost your protection and save energy. Any hardware dealer can show you the type of strip to use. When people think about securing their doors, they often stop with the front and back doors. Don't forget basement, patio, or other doors that connect to the outside. A door that is often overlooked is the door from the garage into your home. Make sure this door as well as others are strong, equipped with good locks - and always locked. Take special precautions with sliding glass doors because they are easy to open. Several types of locks are made especially for sliding glass doors. Or bolster the existing lock by placing a solid strip of wood or a broom handle in the track of the closed door. That helps block the door even if the lock is jimmied. Thieves may also try to lift the door off its tracks. Adjust the rollers so the door cannot be lifted off and consider installing screws along the upper track of the door. Leave enough room for the door to slide, but not enough to lift the door off its tracks. • LOCKS For exterior doors a deadbolt lock provides good protection. The bolt should extend at least 1 inch. To increase the security of the lock, check and see if the strike plate is attached to the door frame with screws that measure at least 3 inches. Don't rely solely on key -in -knob locks. They are easily opened with a credit card or screwdriver. Chain locks are also poor protection because they can be forced open by simply Pushing against the door. REPORTING SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES Give the police department a call when... - Neighbors are on vacation or out for the evening and there's something suspicious happening at their home. - You see someone unfamiliar walking through back yards, or someone sitting in a car in a isolated area of your neighborhood. - Someone rings your doorbell and the person doesn't appear to have a legitimate reason for being there. - A car has made several passes through your neighborhood with no apparent destination. Don't form preconceived opinions about what a criminal looks like or what type of car they drive. Successful thieves may even go so far as to rent a car to blend into the area. Whether it's one of the situations we previously described or something else that strikes you as being auspicious, give us a call. Calling us promptly can mean the difference between a crime being successfully committed or a criminal being successfully apprehended. Lets all work together to keep Deerfield one of the safest communities in Illinois! If you have further questions about crime prevention or if you're interested in getting some of your neighbors together for a crime prevention presentation, give the police department a call. Non Emergency 945-8636 Emergencies 911 Deerfield Police Department Chief of Police Richard C. Brandt 850 Waukegan Road Deerfield, Illinois 60015 "Police Beat" edited by Officer Eric Lundahl Some information provided by the Ill. Criminal Information Authority �).