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Vol. 46, No. 1 - January/February 2024A Message From Mayor Shapiro Let’s review last year’s progress and the new 2024 budget. As we look back at 2023, we have had a year full of successes and challenges. Our Board of Trustees approved several measures to foster economic growth within our community, resulting in substantial private investments. For example, the redevelopment of the former Barnes & Noble space will bring new residential apartment units and retail spaces in Deerfield Square. In addition, we established a new Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District to incentivize new life into our downtown area. There is ongoing deliberation on the creation of another TIF district along Lake Cook Road that could bring mixed uses to the 35 acres that currently has several empty office buildings. Our financial position remains very strong, and our Village taxes are relatively unchanged from last year, with most residents seeing a minimal increase of only about $20. We approved a $59 million budget for 2024, with no new debt, that invests $7,480,000 in our community’s capital infrastructure and ensures that we continue to provide the level of service that our residents and businesses expect. Similar to past years, we have achieved a Aaa bond rating and we pride ourselves on being good financial stewards of taxpayer money. Continued on page 2 D-Tales JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 VOLUME 46, NO. 1 INSIDE Dear in Deerfield 2 Board Report 3 Community Calendar 3 Public Works News 4 Police Department News 5 Our Community 6 Meeting Schedule 8 $59.7 Mil total 2024 Budget 19% revenue from sales taxes 16% revenue from property taxes $7.48 Mil investments in capital infrastructure 2 Village News current population. This has a direct impact on our strong housing demand. As a result, we expect to see new residential projects in 2024 along with a senior housing development, an affordable housing development, and more new businesses including Shake Shack and Floor & Decor. 2023 was not without its challenges. Our community’s awareness has been sharpened by the conflict in Israel and Gaza, along with the accompanying violence, affecting numerous residents. We stand as a community in solidarity against evil and bigotry. We will always take these and all of our challenges head on, and will continue to be resilient. We are a welcoming community and in doing so, we call out hate and support each other to make our community stronger. I look forward to 2024 and what it will have in store for all of us. It’s my honor to represent the Village of Deerfield as Mayor. Daniel C. Shapiro FAITH IN ACTION PUTS THE ‘DEAR’ IN DEERFIELD Faith in Action, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults, focuses on enabling individuals to age in place with dignity and independence. Offering assistance for non-driving seniors and aid during recovery from surgery, Faith in Action bridges the gap between self-sufficiency and needing spe- cialized care. In addition to practical services like transportation for medical appointments and errands, the organization provides a unique social support system. Operating in various local communi- ties, Faith in Action’s dedicated volunteers work behind the scenes, offering companionship, respite care, errand assistance and a range of services that contribute to the well-being and indepen- dence of older adults. To become a volunteer or to register for Faith in Action’s compli- mentary assistance, contact Executive Director Robbie Boudreau 847.721.8414, info@fiahelp.org or visit fiahelp.org. Visit deerfield.il.us or use the QR Code to share your ‘Dear’ in Deerfield story. Watch this space for updates. 2 Continued from page 1 This year, we welcomed several new businesses to the Village including: • Walgreens – 95 S Waukegan • Briarwood Park Dental – 95 S Waukegan • Athleta – 720 Waukegan • The Coder School – 827 Waukegan • Top Issue Sports – 829 Waukegan • Kids Empire – 405 Lake Cook • Garfield’s Beverage – 57 Waukegan • Brunch Café – 250 Lake Cook • Brick & Mortar- 807 Waukegan • Doctors of Physical Therapy – 190 Waukegan • State Senator Julie Morrison Office – 400 Lake Cook • Fixer – 405 Lake Cook Our kids are thriving at our excellent schools, and we remain one of the safest communities in the State. We recognize the value great schools bring to attracting new residents and retaining our D-TALES DEERFIELD.IL.US 3 For complete sets of minutes for Village Board meetings or to watch meetings on demand, please visit deerfield.il.us. VILLAGE BOARD ACTION Approved an Ordinance authorizing a Special Use to permit the establishment of a Floor & Decor Store in the Deerbrook Shopping Center Approved a Resolution Authorizing the purchase of one MT-7 Trackless Vehicle Approved an Ordinance authorizing Special Use to permit dwelling units above the ground floor at 728 Waukegan Road Approved an Ordinance adopting the budget of the Village of Deerfield for fiscal year beginning January 1, 2024 and ending December 31, 2024 Approved an Ordinance amending the Village of Deerfield wage and salary plan Approved a Resolution adopting a consolidated fee schedule for fiscal year 2024 Approved Resolutions for 2024 MFT street rehabilitation project and 2024 Rebuild Illinois Bonds street rehabilitation project Approved a Resolution approving the waiver of competitive bidding and purchase of ten police vehicles from Highland Park Ford and emergency equipment from Havey Communications Board Report Community Calendar Deerfield Park District For more information or to register for Park District programs, call 847.945.0650 or visit deerfieldparks.org. Winter Seasonal Programs start January 2 Fill your winter days and nights with activities and recreation! To view our Winter Guide and register today, visit deerfieldparks.org. Discovery Learning Center Registration Deerfield Park District’s Discovery Learning Center is a developmental play- based preschool program held at the Jewett Park Community Center. Registration for the Fall 2024-2025 school year begins online and in-person for new students on January 16. For more information, to schedule a tour or to check out our NEW options, call 847.572.2635 or visit deerfieldparks.org/ preschool. Summer Camps Summer Camp registration begins online and in-person for residents on January 16 and for non-residents on January 18. Check out the variety of options offered for the whole summer or for specific weeks and interests and fill your child’s summer with sports, adventure, swimming, friends, and fun! Deerfield Park District residents will be mailed a copy of our Summer Camp Guide. 2024 Permanent Tee Times Remaining tee times for the 2024 season at Deerfield Golf Club are available. Check deerfieldgolf.org for a list of available times. Deerfield Library All Library programs are free and open to the public. Register in advance by phone at 847.945.3311, online at deerfieldlibrary. org or in person at 920 Waukegan Rd. Online program description notes program platform (online, in-person, or hybrid). Barbie Trash and Refashion January 16 & January 17, 4:30-6 p.m., Youth/Teens 8-18 with an adult Use your leftover holiday wrapping paper, ribbons and bows to create a new outfit for Barbie. This is a program for youth and adults to work on a project together. Bring your own Barbies or use one of ours. Inside Chicago’s Intriguing House Museums January 17, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Adults Join historian Laurie Petersen for an illustrated talk about their owners, architects, and neighborhoods. ASL for Kids January 23, 4-5 p.m., Grades 1-5 Join the Chicago Hearing Society in fun-filled activities and learn some signs along the way. Family Concert: Little Miss Ann! January 27, 10-11 a.m., Youth All Ages with Adult, Family Friendly Get ready to dance along to award-winning musician Little Miss Ann! Trivia Night at the Library February 1, 7-8:30 p.m., Adults Think you know it all? Prove it! We will be using Kahoot for this lively in- person game. Snacks will be provided. Hidden Messages on the Underground Railroad February 27, 7-8 p.m., Adults Connie Martin will share the connections of Plantation songs with interpretations of lyrics used in regions of the South that signaled signs and tips that aided enslaved fugitives to find freedom. Approved an Ordinance increasing the number of sergeants and patrol officers in the Deerfield Police Department Approved an Ordinance levying taxes for corporate purposes for the 2024 fiscal year Approved an Ordinance abating a portion of the 2023 levy requirements for series 2011B G.O. Bonds Approved a Resolution approving the regular meeting schedule of the Board of Trustees for calendar year 2024 Approved a Resolution to award sewer lining contract Approved an Ordinance amending and revising the annual budget of the Village of Deerfield for the 2023 fiscal year Approved a Resolution convening the joint review board setting the time and place for a public hearing on the proposed Lake Cook Road Tax Increment Financing District Approved a Resolution authorizing the purchase of body cameras Approved a Resolution authorizing the purchase of investigation interview cameras HONORS AND RECOGNITIONS Recognized Telecommunicator Joe Heitz for 25 years of service at the Deerfield Police Department Proclaimed November as Native American Heritage Month in the Village of Deerfield 4 Fall Leaf Collection Roundup The Public Works Department began the fall leaf collection on October 30 and finished December 1. This year’s five-week total was 8,060 cubic yards, the largest volume since 2012-2013. In 2020, 2021, and 2022, a total of 7,100; 6,100; and 7,817 cubic yards in total were collected, respectively, during the course of the program. Residents are advised to use the compost bin provided by LRS for any remaining yard waste at no additional cost. A sticker is not required for yard waste placed in your compost container. The vehicles that operate the leaf vacuum have now been equipped with snow plow equipment for winter operations. Public Works Update Waukegan Road Resurfacing Project This spring, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is scheduled to begin the Waukegan Road (IL 43) resurfacing project from Lake Cook Road to Half Day Road (IL 22). Included in the $4 million project will be ADA improvements to various sidewalk locations, repairs to drainage structures, curbs and sidewalks, and grinding and resurfacing of the roadway. IDOT’s contractor will be required to use daily lane closures to perform this work safely, which may result in traffic delays at times. As the owner of Waukegan Road, IDOT will be managing the project, but the Village will be in coordination with both IDOT and their contractor throughout the construction. A project schedule has not been finalized, however the work is anticipated to begin in early spring and end in the fall. Winter Snow Plowing Operations The Village’s Public Works Department is prepared for snow and is able to effectively clear Deerfield’s 66 miles of roadway quickly to make safe travel possible for all who use our streets. Keeping vehicles off the street assists plows and salt trucks in clearing the streets more effectively. As a reminder, vehicles cannot be parked on the street for 24 hours after two inches of snow have fallen, per Village ordinance. Per Village ordinance, you may not deposit snow from your property onto the street or sidewalk. This can hinder safe passage of vehicles and pedestrians and make it harder for Village plow crews to keep streets clear. If you use a snow removal service, please instruct contractors to abide by Village regulations. Please remember to shovel an extra area on your driveway apron or parkway to properly stage your refuse, recycling and compost bins for pick-up by Lakeshore Recycling. Winter Tree Trimming The Village’s Public Works Department is responsible for trimming parkway trees for traffic clearance, to preserve the tree’s health and appearance, and to prevent possible damage to human life and property. The Village has established a cycle for the parkway tree trimming program. Deerfield is divided into quadrants with Deerfield Road as the north/south divider and Waukegan Road as the east/west divider. One of the quadrants in maintained each year. This year’s trimming will take place in the northwest quadrant. Trimming work is scheduled during the dormant season to avoid unnecessary damage or trauma to the tree. Trimming is done in accordance with professional standards and may include cutting lower limbs for clearance and thinning of the crown. For questions, contact the Public Works Department at 847.317.7245. 8,060 cubic yards 2023 7,817 cubic yards 2022 6,100 cubic yards 2021 Leaf Collection Special Concerns Program The Deerfield Police Department encourages you to register your loved ones of any age who experience autism, mental health or safety- related concerns in the Special Concerns Program. Individuals are invited to share information through a confidential form created by the Deerfield Police Department. The provided information will offer valuable insights to first responders and will be exclusively shared with emergency response personnel. Contact Telecommunicator Candace Hill for more details at 847.945.8636 chill@deerfield.il.us. Safe Driving Tips for Winter Weather As winter sets in, it becomes crucial to practice safe driving in unpredictable weather conditions. Here are some essential tips: • Come to a complete stop at stop signs, ensuring you halt before the white line. • Recognize that stopping distances increase significantly in icy and rainy conditions. • Reduce your speed and expand the space between vehicles when facing inclement weather. • Ensure your vehicle’s maintenance by examining the battery, tire tread, and windshield wipers. Keep windows unobstructed and verify the antifreeze levels regularly. MCAT 2023 Investigator of the Year Officer Stephen Cetnarowicz was recognized as the Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) 2023 Investigator of the Year. MCAT is a multi-jurisdictional team that investigates fatal and severe motor vehicle crashes throughout Lake County. Officer Cetnarowicz has served on the team since 2006 and was recognized for his hard work, dedication and continued contributions to the team. Avoiding Gift Card Scams Beware of deceptive tactics employed by scammers who initiate contact through calls, texts, emails or social media. Scammers often create a sense of urgency, claiming immediate payment is necessary to prevent consequences. Resist the pressure, take a moment to think and refrain from making any payments. Scammers often specify the type of gift card to buy and where to purchase it, directing you to platforms like eBay, Google Play, Target or Apple. They may even suggest specific stores such as Walmart, Target, CVS or Walgreens – this is a clear indication of a scam. Exercise caution when scammers request the gift card number and PIN. Providing these details allows scammers to access the loaded funds, even if you retain possession of the physical card. Refrain from divulging these numbers or sending photos of the card. Legitimate businesses or government agencies will never instruct you to buy a gift card to settle payments. Regardless of the claims made, such requests are indicative of a scam. For additional information, visit ftc.gov/ giftcards Police Department News D-TALES DEERFIELD.IL.US 5 Toy Collection and Delivery In December, the Deerfield Police Department gathered new, unwrapped toys for the children at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and Ronald McDonald House. Thirty oversized bags were packed with toys, and the contributions were delivered on December 20. Thank you to all donors. 6 Our Community 6 The Village’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Working Group has been diligently pursuing the goals of the 2021 Climate Action Report. The Report includes strategies to achieve the Village Board’s goal of reducing emissions by 45% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The Report recommends that the greenhouse gas (“GHG”) baseline be recalculated every four years. In 2023, the Working Group found that when compared to the 2017 GHG baseline, the 2021 GHG baseline reflects a 6% reduction in metric tons of carbon dioxide. Electricity and waste consumption were two notable areas of reduction over the four-year period. The Village’s year-round curbside composting program, implemented in 2021, was a major factor in diverting waste from the landfill and reducing carbon emissions. Renewable Energy In the summer of 2021, the Board of Trustees approved the electrical aggregation program with MC Squared Energy Services (MC2). In 2023, through this initiative, the Village utilized civic contributions and grant funds to purchase 24,000 kWh of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), offsetting 29% of Deerfield’s residential electricity consumption at no additional cost to residents. Moreover, this equates to offsetting the annual electricity consumption for 9% of the entire community, CURBSIDE COMPOSTING Since May of 2021, the Village has offered a year-around residential composting program, at no additional cost to residents. At the start of the program, the Village provided over 6,000 compost starter kits consisting of a kitchen countertop compost pail, compostable liner bags and educational fliers with composting best practices. In 2023, approximately 700 additional compost starter kits have been provided to residents. Given the positive outcomes of composting at special events like Harvest Fest and Food Truck Wednesdays last year, you can look forward to witnessing more of it in 2024. If you have yet to receive a compost starter kit, stop by the Village for a complimentary pale! The Village also worked with LRS to provide composting pilot programs at elementary and middle schools, an effort pursed by the Sustainability Commission. To learn more about the curbside composting program visit Deerfield.il.us/785/ compost-program or visit Village Hall to pick up a complimentary Compost Starter Kit for your home. when including residential, commercial and industrial sectors. EPA Green Power Community Deerfield earned a Community Partnership Certificate from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recognizing the Village’s commitment to utilizing electricity from renewable sources. This acknowledgment positioned Deerfield among 110 local governments spanning 14 states. The designation also grants Deerfield access to technical resources provided by the EPA. Keep an eye out for the new Green Power Community road sign provided by the EPA. Electric Vehicles With a focused commitment to advancing sustainability initiatives and minimizing Greenhouse Gas Working Group Sets Climate Goals A SustainableDeerfield Native Gardens The Village has undertaken the transformation of turf grass areas into native planting zones, pollinator gardens and rain gardens. A total of six locations across the Village have undergone this conversion, amounting to just over four acres. The establishment of pollinator gardens not only enhances visual appeal, but also fosters biodiversity, providing crucial habitats for bees, butterflies and other essential pollinators, and eliminates the need for mowing, thereby contributing to the overall health of the local ecosystem. 1020 W. Foster Ave. 6 DBR Chamber 2023 Businesses of the Year The Deerfield Bannockburn Riverwoods (DBR) Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2023 Business of the Year Award was presented to two local businesses in Deerfield. Deerfield Bank & Trust and KGH Autism Services were presented this prestigious award at the DBR Chamber of Commerce 96th Annual Holiday Luncheon in December. The DBR Chamber of Commerce presents this award annually to a Chamber member business that has shown outstanding service and/or products and has made a positive effect on our communities. Deerfield Bank & Trust, part of the Wintrust family, is a true community bank. Their commitment to the Deerfield community is demonstrated by their ongoing support of local businesses and civic organizations. They genuinely care about the people and causes they support and serve. Their professionalism and philanthropy are apparent each and every day. KGH Autism Services located in Deerfield, with a second location in Madison, Wisconsin has a mission to improve the quality of life for people with autism and their families. CEO Kim Hoehne and her team of expert therapists are effective, ethical, and have a true desire to help autistic children reach their potential. KGH supports job growth in our communities by employing and attracting clinicians from across the state and country. Whether it be through their strategic partnerships or participation in community events like the Deerfield Family Days Sensory Friendly Area, KGH enhances the lives of those affected by autism. D-TALES DEERFIELD.IL.US the carbon footprint, the Village has taken significant strides in promoting electric vehicle adoption and green practices. Since 2022, the Village has acquired and operationalized six fully- electric or plug-in electric hybrid vehicles that replaced gasoline powered vehicles, installed five electric vehicle charging stations at municipal facilities, and purchased its first electric lawn mower. Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World February 6, 7-8:30 p.m. Highland Park High School Auditorium In partnership with Deerfield Public School District 109, North Shore School District 112, and the Deerfield Parent Network, District 113 is hosting bestselling author Devorah Heitner, Ph.D., author of Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World. Devorah helps empower parents with strategies to help their kids navigate growing up in a world where nearly every moment of their lives can be shared and compared. All are welcome. The event is free but registration is strongly encouraged. 1020 W. Foster Ave. 7 850 Waukegan Road Deerfield, Illinois 60015 847.945.5000 I deerfield.il.us PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 1 DEERFIELD, ILLINOIS VILLAGE OFFICIALS Mayor Daniel C. Shapiro 847.719.7402 dshapiro@deerfield.il.us Trustees Robert “Bob” L. Benton 847.945.1570 rbenton@deerfield.il.us Larry Berg 847.719.7422 lberg@deerfield.il.us Elaine Jacoby 847.644.3354 ejacoby@deerfield.il.us Rebekah Metts-Childers 847.719.7423 rmettschilders@deerfield.il.us Mary M. Oppenheim 847.948.9423 moppenheim@deerfield.il.us William S. Seiden 847.719.7421 wseiden@deerfield.il.us Village Manager Kent S. Street - 847.719.7400 kstreet@deerfield.il.us Village Hall/Police Department 850 Waukegan Road Deerfield, Illinois 60015 Switchboard and Finance 847.945.5000 Community Development 847.719.7484 Police non-emergency 847.945.8636 Public Works and Engineering 465 Elm Street 847.317.7245 847.317.2490 (Engineering) MEETING SCHEDULE For a complete list of meetings, please visit deerfield.il.us. Times/dates subject to change. January Board of Trustees January 2 & 16, 7:30 p.m. Community Relations Commission January 9, 6:30 p.m. Plan Commission January 11 & 25, 7:30 p.m. Appearance Review Commission January 22, 7:30 p.m. Greenhouse Gas Reduction Working Group January 25, 3:00 p.m. February Board of Trustees February 5 & 20, 7:30 p.m. Community Relations Commission February 13, 6:30 p.m. Plan Commission February 8 & 22, 7:30 p.m. Appearance Review Commission February 26, 7:30 p.m. Postal Customer Deerfield, Illinois 60015 Appearance Review Commission Lisa Dunn, Ch.* Sherry Flores, Ch. Beth Chaitman ~ Amy Charlson Dustin Goffron ~ Jason Golub Troy Mock ~ Daniel Moons Amy Schneider* Board of Police Commissioners Paul Blakey, Ch. Rick Hiton ~ Linda Porter Mason Posilkin Board of Zoning Appeals Robert Speckmann, Ch. Leonard Adams ~ Michael Gold Mark Horne ~ Herbert Kessel* Matthew Kustusch Gary Thalheimer Cable & Telecommunications Commission Steven Robinson, Ch. JR Bailey ~ Alan Barasky John Chaput ~ Neil Charak Paul Davidson ~ Gregory Lapin Adam Simon ~ Ken Urbaszewski Cemetery Commission Michael Cramer John Allen Kenward* Paul Meintzer ~ Daniel Ziemba John Zobus Community Relations Commission Susie Wexler, Ch. Gil Antokal ~ Josh Duby Renee Graxirena ~ Jada Harris Judy Hoffman* ~ Bill Lundquist Gabriel Nagy* ~ Rebecca Ramsey David Rauen ~ Nisa Salins Drew Spiegel* ~ Brian Verisario Family Days Commission Angie Butera, Judy Geuder, Co-Chs Jillian Acuna ~ Philip Bettiker Michael Butera ~ Rick Cervarich* Jason Merel* ~ Johnathon Schallman Farmers Market Committee Nancy Anderson, Ch. Michael Becker ~ Barb Ferguson Andi Goldstein ~ Amy Heller Ann Holway ~ Joanna Hurley Sharon Jackson* ~ Pat Jester Tom Jester ~ Kim Kilchenmann Sally Lipson ~ Ingrid Marchevsky Carol Merrill ~ Sue Pollack Jane Riffel ~ Dave Wexler Fine Arst Commission Jeffery Marks, Ch. Stephen Anderson Rai Copeland-Keefe Dorothy Fiedler ~ Beth Mednick Steven Silver ~ Barbara Weisskopf Greenhouse Gas Reduction Working Group Mary Oppenheim, Ch. Donald Anderson ~ Camilla Dadey Elaine Jacoby ~ William Mertes* Victoria Street ~ Art Wilde Plan Commission Alan Bromberg, Ch. Lisa Crist ~ Jennifer Goldstone William Keefe ~ Sara Lubezny Blake Schulman Kenneth Stolman Police Pension Board Greg Hury, Pres. Mark Anfenson ~ Jordan Salins Brad Tokarz Sustainability Commission Donald Anderson, Ch. Amy Call ~ Richard Heller Karrah Krakovyak William Mertes* ~ Michael Shalen Deborah Tomez Volunteer Engagement Commission Susie Kessler, Ch. Lori Berk ~ Kate Neiman Joyce* Jonathan Kohl ~ Kevin Whitney (*No Longer Serving) Thank You 2023 Volunteers for Your Service to the Village If you are interest in volunteering on a Board or Commission, please contact the Village Manager’s Office at 847.719.7400 for an application.