Vol. 24, No. 3 - May 2002eerfield TA�\.IL,s
VEHICLE STICKERS
Computer card applications for vehicle stickers will
soon be in the mail. Please complete and return them
by mail or bring them to the Village Hall. The
stickers must be displayed on all vehicles registered
in Deerfield by JULY 1. After June 3&, there's an
additional 50% added to the cost of each sticker.
Seniors (those who are 65 by July 11) are charged only
$1.00 for the first vehicle.
If you don't receive your computer card, or if you're
waiting for your state plates, you still need to have the
sticker by July 1 '. Call us if you have any questions.
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
The American Legion Post will conduct its
annual Memorial Day program and parade on Monday,
May 27th. It begins at 10:00 a.m, in Jewett Park,
followed by a parade along Waukegan Road to the
cemetery
50/50 PARKWAY TREE PROGRAM
If you are interested in paying half the cost of a new
tree for your 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 are 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 WEBSITE
The. Village has redesigned its website. This new site
will provide residents and visitors with up-to-date
information, ease in navigation, and a "new look".
Check us out at www.deerfield-il.orQ.
May 2002 - VOL. 24 NO.3
SPRINKLING RESTRICTIONS
The Illinois Division of Water Resources requires that
municipalities which use Lake Michigan water must
restrict lawn sprinkling between May 15" and
September 15'h. Here are the procedures to be
followed: Even numbered addresses may sprinkle on
even numbered dates from midnight to noon and/or
from 6:00 P.M. to midnight. Odd numbered addresses
may sprinkle on odd numbered dates from midnight to
noon and/or from 6:00 P.M. to midnight. No property
owner is allowed to sprinkle between noon and 6:00
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.
CELLULAR PHONE TAX
You may have noticed a recent addition to your
cellular telephone bill that lists a Village of Deerfield
telecommunications tax (or local tax or some similar
language). This is not a new Village tax. This is the
result of state legislation recently signed into law
(Public Act 92-0526) that reinstates an existing 1%
infrastructure maintenance fee on cellular usage. This
fee has been in effect for a number of years and has
continually appeared on your land -based phone bills.
Due to a court case two years ago, the fee as it had
been charged was held not to apply to cellular. The
new law changed the language to provide for equal
treatment of land -based and cellular charges.
-------------------------------------------------
NEW SENIOR CENTER
Groundbreaking for the new Patty Turner Senior
Center is scheduled for 1:00 P.M., Saturday, May I I"'
i at Brickyards Park. All are invited to help launch this
building project jointly undertaken by the Village and
Deerfield Park District.
Summer 2002 Schedule
PLAZA PLEASURES
at the Farmers Market
�fi� lust a little note AAA
Join us at the FARMERS MARKET each Saturday motoiog for food ftieods & fun!
Saturdays Program times: *10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. -or- **10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
June 22 Hummers Er Strummers* (Ukelele) - Sponsored by McDonalds
,June 29 Wizz the Clown (Clowning/Balloons) 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
July 6 The Dooleys** (American/Irish Folksongs)
July 13 Dennis DeBondt* (Magician) - Sponsored by MASCK Restaurant
July 20 ,Joel Frankel** (Folksongs)
July 27 Truly Remarkable Loon* (Comedy Juggler)
- Sponsored by Walgreens
Aug. 3 Jammin' Daddies** (Oldies Rock `n Roll)
Aug. 10 Andy Head* Vuggler)
Aug. 17 Dave Rudolph's "Music, Mirth Er Mayhem"* (Interactive songs)
Aug. 24 Rope Warrior* (Spectacular Jump Roping!)
Aug. 31 Jodi Koplin's Jigglejam* (Interactive Songs)
- Sponsored by Amish Furniture Shoppe
Sept. 7 AC Rock** (A Cappella Rock) - Sponsored by Whole Foods Market
Sept. 14 Chicago Bluegrass Band** (Bluegrass)
Sept. 21 Rick Shandling's jazz Quartet** Oazz)
Sept. 28 Ronda Rae Er the Replays** (Folk/Rock)
The Village acknowledges with appreciation the participation by all our local —
merchants Er businesses for their generous contributions, sponsorship, and
support of Plaza Pleasures.
General Sponsors
Allura Fine jewelers; Amish Furniture Shoppe; Cherry Pit Cafe; Coldwell
Banker; Dear Franks; Deerfield Auto a Tire Clinic, Deerfield Review; F.U.N.
Cards; Koenig a Stre Realtors; MASK Restaurant; McDonalds; Parsons'
Nutrition Store; Stoney River Legendary Steaks; Upper Crust Bagels;
USBank Ma Firstar Bank); Walgreens; Whole Foods Market; and A. W.
Zengeler Cleaners.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO SHOP DEERFIELD FIRST.fi
IThe DEERFIELD FARMERS MARKET begins its eighth season on June 22nd and will
operate each Saturday morning until October 12th, from 7:00 a.m. to
12:30 p.m., rain or shine. The market offers the finest locally grown
fruit and vegetables (including organic); and specialty items such as
freshly baked breads and cookies, fabulous flowers, tasty maple syrup
and honey, salsas, and a variety of hand-crafted cheeses. The market is
located in the commuter parking lot at the northwest corner of
' Deerfield Road and Robert York Avenue. There's plenty of parking
along Park Avenue. For more information, call 945-5000 or e-mail us at topcarrots@aol. com.
Also, visit our website at www deer field-il. or / armmkt�fiarmersmarket. html.
Budget Dollar, Where It Comes From 2002-2003
2002-2003 BUDGET
Following three public meetings and a public hearing
on April 15th, the Mayor and Board of Trustees
approved a budget for the fiscal year beginning May
V. The $44,676,519 budget consists of $25,459,652 in
general operating expenses and $19,216,867 in capital
projects. The operating budget funds the day-to-day
basic services, while the capital budget addresses
major improvements to streets, sewer and water
utilities and other municipal assets.
The budget review process provides the Mayor and
Board of Trustees an opportunity to establish goals and
objectives in balancing the needs of the community
against available resources. Deerfield's excellent
financial condition has been validated by the many
awards received over the years from financial
institutions and the highest bond rating awarded
municipal governments.
The budget process was particularly challenging this
year due to the fall off in revenues from the hotel -
motel tax and local share of the state income tax, along
with a double-digit increase in health insurance costs.
However, by carefully controlling expenditures and
through the judicious use of reserves, the Village will
maintain and improve its high level of service to the
community.
Property Tax Dollar Apportionment (1)
2000 Tax Levy Collected in 2001
School District 1
34.6%
0
Village of Deerfield
5.4%
School District 113
29.2%
Aic Library
Yo
ict
,ntion District
.6%
(1) The Village is in several taxing districts. The illustrated
apportionment is generally representative of the Village as a whole.
Motel Tax Cash aalancerrrensfen
7.7% 12.9%
Stab Inmms Tax
5.4%
Munidpal Saba Tax
13.4%
Iabras! Eam4tgs
7.9%
Vi9pe Pmpeny Tax
10.1%
YUlapa, ONer Sewer Cluryes
15.7% 6.7%
Motor Fuel Tax
2.ox wear chap..
Vahile Si 14.6%
1.3%
Refuse Charges
2.7%
This Chart illustrates the major funding sources of the Village. Contrary to popular
opinion, property tax is less than 11% of the Village's funding sources
Budget Dollar, Where It Goes 2002-2003
Miscellaneous General Government
8.5% 12god
General Obligation L
13.2%
Police Includes Pensioi
22.8%
Water
17.1 %
Scavenger
5.2%
oaee1 8.6%
9.9%
The Largest use of the Village's resources is the Public Works Department.
The primary source of their funding comes from user charges. The second
largest user of the Village's resources is the Police Department.
Public Works (42.6%)- Water, Sewer, Street, Scavenger, and MFT
Highlights of the new budget include:
❑ No increase in the property tax levy or any other
fees.
❑ A 3.75% increase in wages.
❑ Hiring a Computer Systems Coordinator.
❑ Continuation of the Street Rehabilitation Program
(see separate article on construction).
❑ Funding for the new senior center in Brickyards
Park.
❑ Implementing a new Geographic Information
System.
❑ Funding an update of the Village's Comprehensive
Plan.
❑ Completion of the Waxer System Improvements at
Mitchell Park.
❑ Streetscape improvements in the two northern
quadrants of the Village Center.
❑ Intersection and signal improvements at Waukegan
Road and Osterman Avenue.
❑ Completion of the renovation work on the
Deerfield Police Department facility.
OEERFIELD
v
POLICE BEAT
POLICE
HOME IMPROVEMENT SCAMS
With warmer weather approaching, it is important to be
on the lookout for home improvement scams. Home
improvement scams are some of the most common and
frequent crimes that occur during spring and fall.
These are the times when most homeowners do the
majority of their home improvement projects. Some of
the most popular scams are driveway resealing, roofing
repairs and chimney repairs.
Statistics show the prime target for these scams will be
older residents, living along and unable to handle such
physically demanding repairs on their homes. Another
more sinister outcome to any of these scams can be
that the offender using the scenarios listed above gains
access to the home and steals directly from the
homeowner. The best way to prevent becoming a
victim to these scams is to only deal with legitimate
contractors that either you contact or come
recommended by a friend. Also, get a written quote
for repairs to be done prior to the work being started.
And most importantly, don't be afraid to call the police
if you think you have been the victim of one of these
scams.
DOG TO BE ON LEASH
No owner or any person entitled to the custody of any
dog shall permit the dog to be at large or confine the
dog in a manner so that it can escape and so be at large
without his permission, unless the dog is securely
confined upon a leash of sufficient strength not more
than three feet and accompanied by an able bodied
person capable of controlling the actions of the dog
under any circumstances.
VILLAGE OF DEERFIELD
850 Waukegan Road
Deerfield, Illinois 60015
WHAT TO DO IIF YOU LOSE YOUR PURSE OF
WALLET
The following is critical information to limit the
damage in the event you lose your purse or wallet. As
everyone always advises, cancel your credit cards
immediately, but the key is having the toll free
numbers and your card numbers handy so you know
whom to call. Keep those where you can find them
easily. File a police report immediately in the
jurisdiction where it was stolen ... this proves you were
diligent and is a first step toward an investigation.
Fire/Police Emergency ...................................... 911
Fire Department Non -Emergency ....................... 945-4066
Police Department Non -Emergency ..................... 945-8636
Village Hall ............................................ 945-5000
Public Works..........................................317-7245
Web Page ................................... www.deerfield-il.org
E-mail ................................. deermail@deerfield-il.org
STEVEN M. HARRIS, Mayor 940-7533
Call the three national credit-reporting organizations
immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and
Social Security number. This is probably the most
important thing of all to do. The alert means any
company that checks your credit knows your
information was stolen and they have to contact you by
phone to authorize new credit. The numbers for these
organizations are Trans Union 1-800-680-7289;
Equifax 1-800-525-6285; Experian (formerly TRW 1-
888-397-3742.
ALL NIGHT PARKING
No person shall park any vehicle on any street for a
period of time longer than thirty (30) minutes between
the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. of any day, except
physicians on emergency calls and those persons who
shall have received prior permission therefore from the
Police Department of the Village of Deerfield. Any
person desiring permission to park within the
prescribed hours shall contact the police department
and shall receive permission, except that no such
permission shall be granted for parking within twelve
(12) hours of a snowfall of three inches or more.
Permission shall be limited to the overnight parking of
twelve (12) vehicles, in the aggregate, to the members
of a single household during any twelve (12) month
period.
TRUSTEES
JERRY KAYNE 945-5320 DEREK RAGONA 945-2291 HARRIET ROSENTHAL 945-3545
WILLIAM S. SEIDEN 945-2442 VERNON E. SWANSON 945-0227 MATTHEW J. WYLIE 945-5149
ROBERT D. FRANZ, Village Manager
Printed on Recycled Paper
PRESORTED
STANDARD
U.S.POSTAGE
PAID
Permit No. 1
Deerfield, Illinois
POSTAL CUSTOMER
DEERFIELD, ILLINOIS 60015
•
Printed at SPS, The Printing Company, Inc. (847) 498-6126
SUMP PUMPS
BUSY CONSTRUCTION SEASON
Do you know where your sump pump water goes? If
it goes into a sewer pipe it is very important for you
and your neighbors to make sure it goes only into a
storm sewer pipe, otherwise it may cause basement
flooding. Rain or storm water has to be kept out of the
sanitary sewer where it can cause overflows or
"surcharging". If you are uncertain which sewer your
sump pump is connected to, please contact the public
works department either by phone (847-317-7245) or
e-mail (dfldpw a deerfigld-il.org) to make an
appointment with a sewer department representative.
MEETING SCHEDULE
The public is invited to attend Village
Commission meetings,
850 Waukegan Road.
change.
which take place at the
Dates and times a.
Wednesday, May 1st:
Village Center Development
Monday, May 6th:
Fine Arts Commission
Board of Trustees
Tuesday, May 7th:
Youth Council
Thursday, May 9"'
Plan Commission
Tuesday, May 14th:
Safety Council
Wednesday, May 15th:
Cable & Telecommunications
Tear Down Task Force
Monday, May 20th:
Board of Trustees
Appearance Review Commission
Thursday, May 23rd:
Plan Commission
Monday, June 3rd:
Board of Trustees
Wednesday, June 5th:
Village Center Development
Tuesday, June 11th:
Safety Council
Thursday, June 13th:
Plan Commission
Monday, June 17th:
Board of Trustees
Tuesday, June 18th:
Tear Down Task Force
Wednesday, June 19th
Cable & Telecommunications
Monday, June 24th:
Appearance Review Commission
Thursday, June 271h:
Plan Commission
Board and
Village Hall,
subject to
7:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
8:00 P.M.
It will be another busy construction season, with some
projects already underway. Streetscape improvements
are being installed along Waukegan and Deerfield
Roads in the northeast and northwest quadrants of the
Village Center. When completed this summer, they
will match the streetscape improvements made last
year in the south quadrants.
We recognize the inconvenience this causes both
businesses and customers and will do everything
possible to expedite the work. Please continue to
support these merchants during this construction
period.
Street resurfacing projects will begin in June on the
following streets:
Street
From
To
Robert York Avenue
Deerfield Road
Jewett Park Drive
Jewett Park Drive
Park Avenue
Waukegan Road
Park Avenue
Hazel Avenue
Deerfield Road
Greenwood Avenue
Waukegan Road
Railroad Tracks
Crestview Drive
Ferndale Road
Deerfield Estates
North Avenue
Chestnut Avenue
Wilmot Road
Also scheduled for this summer are traffic signal and
intersection improvements at Waukegan Road and
Osterman/Longfellow Avenues. Turning lanes for
north and southbound traffic will be installed to
eliminate the congestion at this location. It is expected
that this project will begin in June.
CABLE & TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMM.
(Sixth article in a series describing the various volunteer boards &
commissions which advise the Mayor and Board of Trustees)
The Cable & Telecommunications Commission
consists of nine members who advise the Village
Board on use of the Village's right-of-way by
telecommunications service providers, administer the
cable/ Public Access TV System, and resolve customer
service complaints from residents.
Currently, they are dealing with the AT&T
Broadband/Comcast merger. A public hearing was
held by the commission on April 8th to seek citizen
input on issues pertaining to cable TV service.
Members are appointed for three years and meet at
7:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month.
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION PROGRAM
Through four different types of exemptions, the Illinois
Homestead Exemption Program either reduces or
defers an increase in the equalized value of your
property. The net effect of these exemptions is to
lower the assessed valuation to which the tax rate is
then applied. Qualifications and application
procedures vary for each program
General Homestead Exemption. This exemption
lowers the equalized assessed value of your property
by $3500. To receive this exemption, you must have
lived on the property on or before January 1 of the tax
year.
Homestead Improvement Exemption. This
exemption defers for four years any increase in the
assessment of your property (maximum of $15,000)
due to an addition or other improvement to your home
for which the Township Assessor would add value.
The Township Assessor's office initiates the above
two exemptions.
Senior Homestead Exemption. This exemption
lowers the equalized assessed value of your property
by $2000, and may be claimed in addition to the
General Homestead Exemption. To receive this
exemption, you must:
➢ Have lived on the property on or before January 1
of the tax year.
➢ Have reached age 65 during the tax year.
➢ Apply for the exemption at the Township
Assessor's office. You will need to bring a copy
of the deed to the property and proof of age with
you when you apply.
Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead
Exemption. This exemption freezes the assessment of
your property, but does not freeze the tax rate. This
exemption may be claimed in addition to those
described above. Please note that the actual taxes
which you pay may continue to increase based upon
the amounts levied by the taxing bodies where you
reside (school districts, park district, village, township,
etc.) The filing deadline for this exemption is typically
mid -September of each year. To receive this
exemption, you must:
➢ Have fulfilled a property residency requirement as
explained on the application form.
➢ Be age 65 or older.
➢ Have a maximum household income of $40,000.
-' This household income includes that of all persons
using the property as their principal dwelling place
on January 1 of the tax year.
➢ Obtain an application for the exemption at the
Township Assessor's office. Your completed
application must be notarized and returned to:
Chief County Assessment Officer, 18 North
County Street, Waukegan, Illinois 60085.
Please note that these senior exemptions must be
renewed annually.
NATIONAL FAMILY PARTNERSHIP
As a practical suggestion for building assets in your
children to help them succeed, the National Family
Partnership (NFP) is promoting Asset #4. "Caring
Neighborhood." Youth are more likely to grow up
healthy when they experience caring neighbors in their
homes, at school, in the community and at houses of
worship. Three suggestions to help your child build a
relationship with a neighbor are: 1) Take a day trip
with a neighbor; 2) Invite a different neighbor for
dinner once a month; 3) Arrange for a get-together so
neighbors can meet and mingle. Ask a neighbor if they
would like help in doing lawn work, washing their car,
or cleaning the garage. Offer to do it with your child.
Some ways to achieve these goals are by spending time
outdoors in your neighborhood, in the front yard rather
than the back, go to the park, and throw a block party.
64% of District 109 students surveyed have this asset.
38% of District 113 students surveyed have this asset.
40% of students nationally have this asset.
As parents and neighbors, let's be proactive and
increase our children's assets together! To continue to
nurture your child, NFP highly recommends the book
"101 Things You Can Do For Our Children's Future"
by Richard Louv. Ask for it at the Deerfield Library.
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Don't forget to check with the Department of
Community Development to see if a permit is needed
before starting that home improvement project. Also,
remember that for any project of over $1,000, the
contractor must provide you with a pamphlet entitled
"Home Repair: Know Your Consumer Rights". This is
a very important document that will help you ask the
right questions in order to protect yourself and
minimize the possibility of any misunderstandings
about the work to be performed.
BLOOD DRIVE
The next blood drive is on Sunday, June 2nd between 8
a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Deerfield Park District
Community Center. No appointment is necessary.