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Vol. 15, No. 2 - May 1994• KISSING 11k9/1 S HE _ May 1994 Vol.15 No. 2 VEHICLE STICKER TIME You will soon receive in the mail your computer card applications 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 vehicle registered in Deerfield. After June 30th, 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 bavCihe sticker by July 1st. Call us if you have a Pr.,blem. *** 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. No property owner is allowed to sprinkle between noon and 6 P.M. on any day. This applies ONLY to lawn sprinkling. Fines for violators are $25 per occurrence for residents and $100 for non-residential properties. *** IN THIS ISSUE: * Schedule for Plaza Pleasures * 1994-95 Budget Message * Summer Construction Projects * Memorial, Day Festivities 50/50 SIDEWALK PROGRAM 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. We are fortunate again this year. to have a very favorable unit price: $2.65 per sq. ft. This amounts to $66.25 per slab (5' x 5' sq.) for sidewalk separated from the street by a parkway; and $39.75 per slab (3' x 3' sq.) 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. 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. The application deadline is May 31st. More specifics of the program can be obtained through our Engineering Department (317-2490). Ask about our Curb Replacement Program as well. PARKWAY TREES 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 burlap, guaranteed for a year and are planted by our Public Works personnel on Village rights -of -way. BUDGET MESSAGE Among the many fine traditions associated with Deerfield, none is more important to the community than its track record of sound finan- cial management. From the municipal bond markets to the Government Finance Officer's Association, which has awarded Deerfield to — consecutive Excellence in Financial Reporting awards, Deerfield enjoys a solid reputation in local government finance. The hallmark' that reputation has been a concerted effort over the years to hold the line on taxes without sacrificing the high level of municipal ser• vices that our residents and the business community have come to expect and enjoy. The 1994 - 95 budget continues that tradition. The combined total budget is $16,805,340, 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. The 1994 - 95 budget will continue the Senior Subsidy Housing Program and the combined effort with the Deerfield Park District to pro- vide basic services essential to our seniors. Also continued are the 50/50 sidewalk, curb and tree replacement programs which encour- age 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 specific amount has been budgeted, the Village is prepared to match whatever interest is shown by Deerfield residents. To remain competitive in the municipal market, there will be a 3% increase in the employee salary plan. As a service provider, the Village's largest single operating cost relates to personnel, representing 51 % of total operating expenditures. We pride ourselves in hir- ing and retaining qualified people who care about their performance and take pride in their work. Following a detailed study of the police dispatch operation, the budget includes authorization for hiring two additional full-time and three additional part-time communication operators for expanded emergency dispatch services. The number of calls, level of activity and new requirements for emergency medical dispatching warrant this increase in manpower. Negotiations with the Village of Bannockburn and the Deerfield -Bannockburn Fire Protection District (both for whom we dispatch) resulted in their paying 56% of these additional costs. I am pleased to report that the Village will have no increase in the 1994 real estate tax levy. This is particularly noteworthy ro.4§l t1 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 tnhe Village are used only for scavenger service, pensions, street maintenance and debt service (which is principal and interest paid on out- standing bond issues). Furthermore, unlike many neighboring communities, Deerfield does not have a Utility Tax, Reallsta eTr sf'er Tax or Home Rule Sales Tax. Property taxes make up only 17.8% of total Village revenues. More importantly, it should be noted that the Village receives eay-+,845.5 of the total real estate tax bill. As illustrated on page 2 - 7b in the budget document, an actual tax bill for a single familyv srdenceir Deerfield shows that, of the $4,657 paid in 1993, the Village received $398. For the fourth 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 $5.9 million (bringing to $26 million the total reallocated over the last four years). This is significant new revenue for these taxing districts which, if they follow the Village's example, could be used to reduce their prop- erty tax levies. Residents should ask for and receive an accounting from these agencies of how these windfall revenues are to be spent. Consistent with our objective to improve and maintain our sanitary sewer system, it will be necessary to increase the sewer rate from $1.35 to $1.55 per hundred cubic feet. This will amount to approximately a $20.00 increase per year for each homeowner. We do not anticipate any change in water rates. We pledge to continue our efforts in this next fiscal year to negotiate a bulk user rate from the City of Highland Park as well as to develop a plan for sharing costs of future water system improvements needed for both communities. Once again this year, we are proposing a rather ambitious, but essential, Capital Improvement Program. Three major projects are planned: Deerfield Road resurfacing east of Waukegan Road which will include a new traffic signal at Carlisle Avenue; reconstruction of Osterman Avenue between Waukegan Road and Jonquil Terrace, including extensive utility improvements; and the Deerfield Road Bridge rehabilitation, a project for which we have acquired State funding. The Village has earned a very favorable AA+ bond rating, an accomplishment shared by less than 1% of all municipalities. Deerfield's total outstanding net General Obligation Debt of $11,339,884, payable from property taxes, is 2.07% of its total assessed valuation of $547,603,297. When considering that non -Home Rule communities are allowed a ratio of 8.6%, the Village, as a Home Rule commu- nity, can be very proud of its low debt service obligations. In presenting this budget message, my 25th as Mayor of Deerfield, the Board of Trustees and I restate our commitment to sound finan- cial management practices in serving the needs of the community. In performing our job, we are grateful for the support of the many vol- unteers who serve on various boards and commissions, whose input is extremely valuable to our decision -making. Through this con- certed effort, we will maintain our tradition of a community that is representative of and responsive to its citizenry. BERNARD FORREST Mayor April 18, 1994 The Village of Deerfield 1994 Entertainment Series SATURDAYS 10:30 A.M. (unless otherwise indicated) May 7 Flower Sale & Ventriloquist, Chuck Field (9:00 a.m.) *Deerfield Community Nursery School May 21 Junior High Night & Taste of Deerfield (7:00 p.m.) *Ed Debevic's Restaurant Jun 4 Storytelling/Mime by Chris Fascione *Prudential Preferred Properties Jun 11 High School Night & Taste of Deerfield (7:00 p.m.) *Firstar Bank Jun 18 Craft Fair/Demonstration & Children's Show *Village Music Store Jun 25 Magic by Jeff Fredrickson *Carlson Travel Network Jly 2 None of the Above (Rock Band 7:00 p.m.) Jly 9 Folk Songs by Anita Silvert Jly 18 Juggling by Mike Vondruska *Standard Parking Co. Jly 23 Downtown Merchants' Exhibit Jly 30 Children's Songs by Joel Frankel Aug 8 The Brame Experience (Rock Band 7:00 p.m.) Aug 13 Animal Show by Bill Hoffman *Coldwell Banker Aug 20 Multiplex Fitness Presentation *Multiplex Aug 27 Farmer's Market Day (8:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.) THURSDAYS 7:00 P.M. (unless otherwise indicated) Jun 2 Bob Gand & His Orchestra with Lana Rae *Village Music Store Jun 9 Nightcrawlers (Blues Band) *Firstar Bank Jun 18 Wilmette Community Band *Post -Newsweek Cable Jun 23 Hummers & Strummers *McDonald's Restaurant Jun 30 Northbrook Pops Swing Orchestra *Firstar Bank Jly 7 Blue Light Special (R&B, Country, Rock) *Marriott Suites Deerfield Jly 14 The Starting Line Up (Oldies Rock Band) *Firstar Bank Jly 21 Bopology (Jazz & Vocals) " Jly 28 Blooding Hearts (New Country Band) Aug 4 Harmony String Quartet Aug 11 Changes (Rock & Country Band) *Firstar Bank Aug 18 Sweet Adelines ('Women's Barbershop 7:30 p.m.) Aug 25 Lake Shore Harmony Four *Firstar Bank HOLIDAYS 10:30 A.M. Memorial Day - Big Band Sound of Deerfield *Firstar Bank July 4 - Deerfield Community Band *Firstar Bank *sponsors GENERAL SPONSORS (as of April 11) Borders Books & Music Dean Witter & Companies Laidlaw Waste Systems Lindemanns Pharmacy Matas Corporation Premark International Savings of America Bank Walgreens Water Works Pool & Spa Zengeler Cleaners The Village Plaza Is located at the southwest corner of Deerfield & Waukegan Roads. HYDRANT FLUSHING HOME IMPROVEMENTS Beginning in May, Public Works will flush all hydrants in the Village in order to make sure they are in good working order in case of emergencies. I 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. MEMORIAL DAY PARADE Our American Legion Post will conduct its annual Memorial Day program and parade on Monday, May 30th. It will begin at 10 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. +++ VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Residents interested in serving on a Village board or commission should call 945-5000 and request an application form. And, while you are in the mood, the Family Day Committee can always use help! WATCH FOR VILLAGE NEWS ITEMS ON CABLE CHANNEL 3 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 Printed on Recycled Paper Printed at SPS, The Printing Company, Inc. (708) 498-6126 Spring's arrival often brings a flurry of home improvements, most of which require a building permit from the Village. They are required to assure that work will be completed safely and in compliance with all Village codes. Remodeling and construction projects such as: room additions, electrical and plumbing work, fences, fireplaces, patios and decks, roofing, siding, sewer repairs, pools and driveways all require a permit. Play it safe and call the Building Division at 945-5000 before you begin work. And, please remember that contractors are not allowed to put their business signs in your front yard while doing work on your property. STRUCTURES IN PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY The Village recently passed an ordinance reinforcing its policy regarding "obstructions" in the parkway (area adjacent to the street). For safety reasons and because most of these areas have undergound, _ utilities, property owners are not allowed to instal_' decorative landscaping (railroad ties, boulders), fences, sprinkler systems and other similar items within the public right-of-way. BUY IN DEERFIELD SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MERCHANTS Bulk Rate U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 1 Deerfield, Illinois CAR/PRE-SORT POSTAL CUSTOMER DEERFIELD, ILLINOIS 60015 THE FOLLOWING PROJECTS ARE SCHEDULED FOR THIS SUMMER: Deerfield Road Resurfacing (Waukegan Road to the eastern boundary) and CONSTRUCTION intersection/traffic signal improvement AHEAD at Carlisle Avenue Deerfield Road Bridge Rehabilitation (just east of Deerpath Drive). This work will necessitate only one lane of traffic which will be controlled by a temporary traffic signal Osterman Avenue Reconstruction (Waukegan Road west to Jonquil Terrace) We apologize in advance for any inconvenience these projects may cause you. They are all essential to a safe and effective street system. SPRING CLEAN UP Our sixth annual Clean Up/Fix Up Day will be held on Saturday, May 14th. In addition to asking property owners to spruce up their own property, we're asking for volunteers to donate a few hours that morning to help clean up the Village Center. Local businesses, service organizations and individuals are invited to meet at the Village Plaza at 10 A.M. We'll give you a broom, a rake or simply a bag to pick up trash. You'll be making a great contribution to your Village! BLOCK PARTIES While the Village encourages neighborhood block parties, certain rules must be followed. If you are planning a get-together, 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. SARA LEE REDEVELOPMENT In March, the Village Board approved the preliminary plan of OPTIMA, Inc. for a 400 unit residential development on the 52 acre Sara Lee site. OPTIMA now has to complete engineering drawings before returning to the Village for final plan approval. It is expected that work will soon begin on demolition of the existing structure. The next issue of D-Tales will include more specifics on the proposed development. SCAVENGER/RECYCLING REMINDERS You can recycle junk mail as long as there are no "windows" in the envelopes. Also, cardboard and corrugated boxes can be recycled only if they are "broken down". This means you must fold them at all the seams so that they are manageable (2 X 2 squares). Landscaping experts recommend that grass clippings should be left on the lawn, not bagged. Make sure that you secure those newspapers on Friday mornings. Your neighbors do not want yesterday's news in their yards. Scavenger service will be one day later than usual (because of Memorial Day) the week of May 30th. +++ TORNADO SEASON Tornadoes occur in our area more frequently this time of year. The warning sirens in Deerfield are sounded for 2 minutes when a tornado has been sighted in the area. - When you hear the sirens, take coy:; r_ immediately. (Remember., sirens are tested at 10:00 a.m. on the first Tuesday of each month). +++++ GARAGE SALES A permit is needed to hold a garage sale. There are regulations on the number of sales per year and signage for the event. Stop in the Department of Community Development or call 945-5000. YOUR FEEDBACK IS NEEDED The Village has begun the process of considering the renewal of its current agreement with Post- Newsweek Cable Company. In order to seek public comment about cable TV service in general and the cable company itself, the Deerfield Cable Advisory Board (CAB) has -established a Speakers' Bureau to address community, civic and religious organizations. If your group would like to host a presentation from the CAB, please call Gerald Smith at 945-5000. +++ ++++++ VOFiF* P B at IE�O ,, o 1 c e e cE: OLI May 1994 Have A Great Spring! The Hidden Crime Domestic Violence One out of every four women in this country will suffer some kind of vio- lence at the hands of her husband or boyfriend. Very few will tell anyone - not a friend, a relative, a neighbor, or the police. Victims of domestic violence come from all walks of life - all cultures, all income groups, all ages, all religions. They share feelings of helplessness, isolation, - guilt, fear and shame. All hope it won't happen again, but of- ten it does. Are you abused? Does the person you love... • "Track" all of your time? • Discourage your relationships with family and friends? • Prevent you from working or at- tending school? . • Anger easily when drinking? • Strike you or the children? • Use or threaten to use a weapon against you? • Threaten to hurt you or the chil- dren? If you find yourself saying yes, it's time to get help. There are no easy answers, but there are things you can do to protect yourself. • Call the police. Assault, even by a family member is a crime. • Leave, or have someone come and t stay with you. If you believe that you and your children are in danger - leave immediately. • Get medical attention from your doctor or a hospital emergency room. Don't Ignore the problem • Talk to someone. Part of the abuser's power comes from se- crecy. Victims are often ashamed to let anyone know about intimate family problems. Go to a friend or neighbor, or call one of the numbers listed below. • Plan ahead and know what you will do if you are attacked again. Have you hurt someone in your family? • Accept the fact that your violent be- havior will destroy your family. • Take responsibility for your actions and get help. • When you feel tension building, get away. Work off the angry energy through a walk, a project, a sport. • Call a domestic hotline or ask about counseling services available through some of the numbers listed below. Where to get help • The Village of Deerfield Youth and Social Services Section 945-3210 • "A Sale Place" 249-5147 "A Safe Pace" has a support group that meets in Deerfield Telephone Scams Continue in Deerfield Telephone scams continue to occur in Deerfield. The most recent two cons oc- curred in late March and early April. In March a local business received a phone call from a person who identified himself as an Illinois State Trooper. The caller said that an executive of the com- pany had been involved in an accident out of state and was in need of bond money. The caller gave instructions for money to be wired via a money -gram service. The money was subsequently picked up by an unidentified person near Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The employee that was named by the caller was in fact out of town but was not involved in an accident and did not request the money. The other incident involved a caller who contacted two local businesses and iden- tified himself as a Deerfield Police Offi- cer. The man was soliciting funds for bullet-proof vests for Police Officers. We would like to once again remind res- idents to check out all claims before wiring money and remember that the Deerfield Police Department does not solicit for funds. Open House! Mark your calendars and keep some time open for us on Saturday May 21st 10A.M. until 1P.M. We're going to open our doors and provide demonstrations for the public during those hours. Displays will range from an Emergency Services Team van, heli- copter, a police dog and Police Service displays.