Vol. 14, No. 2 - May 1993•� �¢erfie�c��
KISSING
ZONE
May,1993 Vol.14 No. 2
NEW VEHICLE STICKER APPLICATION
A`newly formated (and more convenient) computer
card for Village stickers will be mailed to you by
mid -May. Please return it (along with your
payment) by mail or drop it off at the Village Hall).
Stickers must be displayed by JULY FIRST on all
vehicles registered in Deerfield. After July 1st,
there's an additional 50% added to the cost of each
sticker. Seniors (those who are 65 by July 1st) are
charged only $1.00 for the first vehicle.
Should you fail to receive the computer card, or if
you're waiting for your state plates, you still need to
Save the sticker by July 1st. Call us if you have a
problem.
We advise getting the computer cards in the mail
PDQ. Who wants to pay an extra 50%?
"SIDEWALK SALE"
For over 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.
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
'he appearance of your property. More specifics of
the program can be obtained through our Public
Works Department (317-2490). Ask about our Curb
Replacement Program as well.
�i SPRINKLING RESTRICTIONS
The Illinois Division of Water Resources requires
that municipalities which use Lake Michigan water
must restrict lawn sprinkling between May 15th and
September 15th.
Here's how it goes: Even numbered addresses may
sprinkle on even numbered dates from midnight to
noon and/or from 6 P.M. to midnight. Odd
numbered addresses on odd numbered days.
This applies ONLY to lawn sprinkling. Fines for
violators are $25 'per occurrence for residents and
$100 for non-residential properties.
BUDGET MESSAGE
Each new fiscal year provides us an opportunity to evaluate past performance and to anticipate and plan for the future. By doing
so, we are able to learn from our experience as we prepare for the challenges ahead. Indeed, we are fortunate in Deerfield to have
a reputation as a community that has balanced the relationship between strong heritage and inevitable change. The Village re�
mains committed to maintain that tradition as we approve a financial plan for the next fiscal year.
The combined total budget is $15,951,833, an amount arrived at following an extensive budget review process that began in
January and ends with tonight's public hearing and final action by the Village Board. As in previous years, the operating budget is
planned over a three year period, while the capital budget consists of a five year planning schedule.
I am pleased to note that the total budget is 3.5% less than last year's due to reduced capital costs and the very favorable rates
negotiated in our new scavenger contract. There will be no increase next year in personnel. In fact, by combining functions within
departments, two part-time positions have been eliminated and a full-time position converted to part-time. To remain competitive
in the municipal market, there will be a 4.85% increase in the employee salary plan, part of a two-year settlement negotiated in
early 1992. However, the net increase to employees will be less since they will pay a larger portion of their dependent health in-
surance premium.
I
The 1993-94 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.
Renewed emphasis will be given again this year to sidewalk replacement in an effort to improve pedestrian safety. Although a i
specific amount has been budgeted, the Village is prepared to match whatever interest is shown by Deerfield residents.
There will be no increase in utility rates or any fees charged by the Village. More importantly, the Village's 1993 real estate tax
levy —that is, the actual dollar amount —will be slightly lower than last year. This is possible despite the fact that several in-
creases in the tax levy are due to forces beyond the control of the Village. Statutory pension requirements and other State man-
dated 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 18.8% of total Village revenues. More importantly, it should be noted that the Village receives only
9% of the total real estate tax bill. As illustrated on page 2-4e in the budget document, an actual tax bill for a single family
residence in Deerfield shows that, of the $4,366.16 paid in 1992, the Village received $391.61.
For the third consecutive year, the Village released surplus funds from the Lake Cook Tax Increment Financing District. TAS
amount distributed to local government agencies this year was $5,463,436 (bringing to $20 million the total reallocated over the
last three years). This is significant new revenue for these taxing districts which, if they follow the Village's example, could be us-
ed to reduce their property tax levies. Residents should ask for and receive an accounting from these agencies of how these
windfall revenues are to be spent.
A major part of our capital budget is the Street Rehabilitation Program. In the last ten years, the Village has improved 34 miles of
street, approximately half of our 70 mile system. Decisions on street improvements are based on a rating system whereby objec-
tive criteria determine where improvements are most needed. Additionally, we have been successful in coordinating a number of
storm and sewer projects with street reconstruction and resurfacing, thereby stretching our budget dollars.
Other capital projects scheduled for the next fiscal year include: Waukegan Road Streetscape Improvements designed to make
the Village more attractive and safer for pedestrians; equipment repairs at the Water Reclamation Plant; a new salt storage facili-
ty south of the public works garage; and engineering fees for the improvement of Osterman Avenue between Waukegan Road
and Jonquil Terrace scheduled for construction in 1994.
I
The Village has earned a very favorable AA+ bond rating, an accomplishment shared by less than 1% of all municipalities.
j Although we have always timed our bond sales to secure the lowest interest rate possible, the municipal bond market is such
that we are able to refinance a portion of our outstanding debt at a savings in excess of $800,000 over a twelve year period. Deer -
field's total net General Obligation debt of $11,182,000, payable from property taxes, is 2.14% of its total assessed valuation of
$522,438,968. When considering that non -Home Rule commuinties are allowed a ratio of 8.6%, the Village, as a Home Rule com-
munity, can be especially proud of its low debt service obligations.
In summary, this budget is the work of many people, both elected and appointed to serve you, the residents of Deerfield. It
represents a good balance between what are oftentimes competing priorities: tradition and change; basic needs and expanded
programs; new services and available resources. 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. They prove very convincingly that government in Deerfield is not a spectator sport, but rather a
friendly and open process in which anyone who chooses can participate.
r
BERNARD FORREST
Mayor
April 19, 1993
I
STREET IMPROVEMENTS
The following streets are scheduled for rehabilitation
,,Ois summer:
Elmwood (Stratford to West End) t
Linden (Stratford to Chestnut) CONSTRUCTION
Meadow (Stratford to West End) AHEAD
Woodland (Wilmot to Stratford)
Wincanton (Dimmeydale to Woodvale)
Also, the final asphalt surface course will be placed
on Wilmot Road (Greenwood to North Avenue).
We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this
work may cause you.
LET'S SPLIT IT!
If you'd like to have a tree for your parkway, we'll
go 50/50 with you, and we'll let you choose the
variety from our list of trees. Sound good? Call us
at 945-5000. We'll send you the information on the
program and an order blank. You make the choice
and send us your check.... that's all there is to it until
about October when you'll need to mark the location
where you'd like it planted. Trees are balled in
4urlap, guaranteed for a year and are planted by our
ublic Works personnel on Village rights -of -way.
HERE ARE A FEW DO'S AND DON'TS FOR YOU!
DO..... trim your bushes and trees which
overhang the sidewalk. The walkers
and joggers will be most appreciative.
DO..... be sure to get a building permit before
you start on those home improvements
like roof repairs or erecting a fence.
DO..... get a license for your dog! And DO be
a good Dog- Neighbor! Which brings us
to a few DON'TS!
DON'T..... let your dog run loose, remember that
public property is just that - - - it's not
a bathroom, for your pooch! And teach
your dog not to bark - it drives your
neighbor bananas!
DON'T..... put your garden waste or garbage at
the curb before sundown of the day
before your pick-up.
DON'T..... allow a contractor to put his business
sign in your front yard while doing
work on your home. That's a NO NO!!
"RECYCLE YOUR LAWN"
Landscaping experts recommend, and our Energy
Advisory and Resource Recovery Commission
agrees, that grass clippings should be left on the
lawn, not bagged. Forget those long held beliefs that
grass clippings smother the grass. In fact, they
decompose rapidly and provide many of the same
nutrients found in commercial fertilizers. The
clippings will also reduce water loss from the lawn,
promoting better growth by keeping the soil
temperature cooler.
If leaving the grass on the lawn after
each mowing seems too much to you,
collect your clippings every third time
you mow. Recycle them by using
them as mulch around plants and
vegetables.
"Recycling your lawn" offers not only the benefit of
healthy grass, but helps with the larger
environmental issue - reduction of the waste stream.
If everyone does their share, the problem will be
more manageable.
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
Our American Legion Post will conduct its annual
Memorial Day program and parade on Monday, May
31st. It will begin at 10:00 A.M. in Jewett Park,
followed by a parade along Waukegan Road to the
cemetery. Afterwards, there will be musical
entertainment in the Village Plaza.
DOWNTOWN BEAUTIFICATION
HYDRANT FLUSHING
The next phase of our Streetscape Program is
scheduled for this summer on both sides of
Waukegan Road within the Village Center. This
improvement will be similar to that done at the
Plaza.... sidewalk and pavers (that's the brickwork),
street lights and trees.
MARK THIS DATE
SATURDAY, MAY 15th will be Clean-Up/Fix-
Up Day. Work is scheduled from 10:00 A.M. to
noon, but you can work longer if you like! Both
Caruso and Shepard Junior Highs will have
volunteers working with Village crews to pick up
trash and sweep sidewalks within the Village Center.
Merchants will be sprucing up their buildings and
improving the appearance of the downtown area.
YOU can do the same at your home .... and you can
also volunteer to help by calling the Village Hall.
We'd appreciate it!
LAKE COOK ROAD STUDY
The Cook County Highway Department, which is
responsible for Lake Cook Road, is completing a
traffic study of Lake Cook Road from Route 41 to
the tollway. Their consultant's findings and
recommendations on possible improvements will be
displayed at a public hearing scheduled for
Thursday, May 20th from 2 to 8 P.M. at the Marriott
Suites Hotel (west of the tollway, south of Deerfield
Road).
Residents are encouraged to stop by, observe the
exhibits, and comment on them.
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
John H. Neuberger Vernon E. Swanson
Harriet Rosenthal Michael Swartz
Robert D. Franz, Village Manager
Marjorie Emery, D-Tales Editor
%4 Printed on Recycled Paper
Printed at SPS, The Printing Company, Inc. (708) 498-6126
Beginning in May, Public Works will
flush all hydrants in the Village. You
will receive a hand -delivered no11"T-01
,
before we begin in your area,
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.
HOW ABOUT VOLUNTEERING?
As always, the Family Day Committee really needs
help. Your next utility bill will include a letter from
them, requesting donations and volunteers to help
them get the celebration out of the planning stage.
They have a job tailor-made for you and your
talents!
TORNADO SEASON
-r
Tornadoes occur in our area more
frequently this time of year. The i
warning sirens in Deerfield are
sounded for 2 minutes when a tornado
has been sighted in the area. When
you hear the sirens, take cover
immediately. (Remember, sirens are
tested at 10 AM on the first Tuesday
of each month).
Bulk Rate
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Permit No. 1
Deerfield, Illinois
CAR/PRE-SORT
POSTAL CUSTOMER
DEERFIELD, ILLINOIS 60015
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09)
May 1993 Happy Spring!
Springtime
Parties
Graduation parties, school dances
and get-togethers seem to be a
more common occurence in the
upcoming months. Here are a few
suggestions for parents who plan on
hosting a party.
1. A parent should be at home and
visible during the party. Many parties
take place when parents are away from
home.
* A parent can bring in snacks and
non alcoholic beverages. Not only will
your presence help keep the party
running smoothly, but it will also give
you an opportunity to meet your teen's
friends.
* Invite other parents to help.
2. Do not offer alcohol to guests
under the age of 21 or allow guests to
use drugs in your home. You may be
brought to court on criminal charges
and/or have to pay monetary damages
in a civil lawsuit if you furnish alcohol
or drugs to minors.
* Be alert to signs of alcohol or drug
use by teens.
* Guests who try to bring in alcohol or
drugs or who otherwise refuse to
cooperate with your expectations
should be asked to leave.
* Notify the parents of any teen who
arrives at the party drunk or under the
influence of any drug to ensure the
teen's safe transportation home. DO
NOT LET ANYONE DRIVE UNDER
THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR
DRUGS.
3. Set the ground rules with your
teen before the party.
* This will give you both a good
opportunity to express feelings and
Bicycle Safety
In past issues of "Police Beat" we
have written about bicyclists
exercising caution and adhering
to the "Rules of the Road". This issue
we would like to talk about safety for
your bicycle. Bicycles can be just as
big of an investment as some
appliances you have in your home. For
that reason it's important to protect
your bike. We hope these safety tips
will help.
* Lock your bicycle every time you
Two Second
Rule
Most rear end collisions are
caused by the vehicle in back
following too closely. Whether
you are traveling on an interstate or
around town, remember this rule. To
determine a safe following distance,
select a fixed object on the road ahead
such as a sign. When the vehicle ahead
of you passes the object, count "one -
thousand -one, one -thousand -two." You
should not reach the object before you
finish counting to one -thousand -two.
The two -second rule applies to your
speed when you are on a good roadway
and during good weather conditions. If
the road and/or weather conditions are
not good, increase your distance to a
four or five -second count. If you are
being tailgated, move to another lane
and allow the other vehicle to pass.
Remember to always drive defensively,
plan ahead for the unexpected.
The following page has a chart that
suggests distance to speed.
Inside This Issue
1 Springtime Parties
2 Bicycle Safety
3 Two Second Rule
4 Did You Know?
5 -BB Guns
0,
Police Beat
Springtime Parties
let your teen know what you expect.
4. Plan to have plenty of food and
non alcoholic drinks on hand.
5. Plan activities for the party with
your teen prior to the party.
6. Do not allow any guest who leaves
the party to return.
* This will discourage teens from
leaving the party to drink or use drugs
elsewhere and then return to the party.
7. Limit party attendance and times.
* Know who is expected to attend. It
is important to discourage crashers.
* Avoid open -house parties. It is
difficult for parents and teens to keep
control over this kind of party.
* Set time limits that enable teens to be
home by the legal curfew. Curfew
hours are enforced
Sun. - Thr. 11 P.M. to 6 A.M.
Fri. & Sat. Midnight to 6 A.M.
8. Notify the police when planning a
large party.
* This will help the police protect you,
your guests, and your neighbors.
* Discuss with the police an agreeable
plan for guest parking.
'9. Notify your neighbors that there
will be a party.
* Remember that noise carries
especially well on warm ,summer
nights. Be considerate of others needs
ie. neighbors with small children.
If your teen is attending a party:
1. Know where your teen will be.
2. Contact the parents of the party
giver.
3. Make sure your teen knows when to
be home.
4. Know how your teen will get to and
from the party.
5. Be awake or have your teen awaken
Bicycle safety
must leave it unattended. Don't make
the mistake of leaving it unlocked and
unattended for even a short period of
time.
* Invest in a good quality lock and
chain. Use a high quality lock and case
hardened chain or high quality cable to
lock your bicycle. Avoid locks which
can be easily picked or broken and
chains and cables which can be easily
cut with wire cutters.
* When locking your bicycle wrap the
chain through the frame and both
wheels. Then secure it to something
immovable.
* Don't leave your bicycle in your yard
or driveway. Put your bicycle in the
garage, out of sight.
* Be sure to register all of your
family's bicycles with the police
department. We register bicycles every
spring at the local grade schools or you
can always stop by the police station
and pick up a registration form.
* Remember the business districts in
town have bike racks available.
Bicycles should be locked up in the
racks provided, rather than in front of
the stores.
Did You Know?
I That within 10 days of changing yo
ne or address you are required by law
Sy the Secretaryof State in writing of
change.
That wearing a headset while
ig is prohibited.
) That it is unlawful to operate any
ind system (radio, tape player or disc
yer) at a volume that can be heard 75
t or more from a vehicle being driven
a highway.
2
Two Second Rule
Vehicle
Approx. Feet Vehicle
2 Second Rule
Speed
Will Travel in 1 sec.
Distance
25 m.p.h.
37 ft.
74 ft. back
35 m.p.h.
52 ft.
104 ft. back
45 m.p.h.
66 ft.
132 ft. back
55 m.p.h.
81 ft.
162 ft. back
BB Guns
As a safety reminder to parents we
wanted to take a moment and
write about BB guns. BB guns are
sometimes mistakenly thought of as a
toy. BB guns and pellet guns are
capable of inflicting personal injury
and causing property damage. We
encourage parents to consider carefully
the practical use of BB guns.
The Village of Deerfield prohibits the
possession, carrying and use of BB
guns in public. This also includes the
discharge of the weapon in your back
yard.
When weapons like BB guns are used
we encourage well supervised, safe and
legal use of them. However the
practicality of such a weapon being
used in Deerfield is limited.
By now you probably have noticed that
Police Beat has received a new look.
We hope you like it!
Police Beat Published by:
Deerfield Police Department
850 Waukegan Road
Deerfield, II. 60015
Chief of Police Richard C.
Brandt
Edited by: Ofc.,Eric Lundahl