Westchester Village of - MARCH, 2023
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Village of
Westchester
MARCH, 2023
ELECTION 3
POLICE
DEPARTMENT 5
FIRE
DEPARTMENT
7
CODE RED 8
LIBRARY 12
SCHOOL
DISTRICT 13
GROW 24
2 MARCH 2023
MARCH 2023 3
From the desk of Acting Village President Nick Steker
Election season puts a buzz in the air
There is no doubt that there is a buzz in the by the Mayor or Village President. The President is $15,000. residents count on the manager to provide
air with the upcoming April election. This Village President and six Board members How can council-manager government complete and objective information about
is by far one of largest pools of candidates adopt policy, but it is the Village Manager benefit my community? local operations, discuss the pros and cons of
that I can ever remember running. This is a that delivers the government services A city, town, or county benefit from the alternatives, and offer an assessment of the
good thing. I am glad to see people willing based on the policies. Westchester’s form council-manager form of government in a long-term consequences of their decisions.
to step-up and try to be the change they are of government CANNOT be changed by a number of important ways: Appointed managers serve at the pleasure
seeking in their community. It is easy to post, Board or Village President and can only be 1. Political power is concentrated in the of the governing body. They can be fired by
gossip, or point to what you see as missteps changed by the voters through a referendum. entire governing body. The mayor and a majority of the council, consistent with
or mistakes, but until you are in the seat you The International City/County Management council share legislative functions local laws, or any employment agreements
cannot see it through the same lens. I will Association (ICMA) provides some common 2. Policy making resides with elected they may enter into with the council. The
be moving back to my elected position as questions and answers regarding this. officials, while oversight of the day-to-day manager makes policy recommendations
Trustee for my remaining two years and will How does the Village Manager form of operations of the community resides with to the council for consideration and final
continue to serve with Trustees Slavic and government work? the manager. In this way, the elected officials decision. The manager is bound by whatever
Morales. The rest of the Board will be new The elected Board of Trustees represent are free to devote time to policy planning action the council takes, and control is always
faces in new positions. Good luck to all. I their community and develop a long- and development in the hands of the elected representatives of
look forward to working with you. range vision for its future. They establish 3. The manager carries out the policies the people.
With the recent retirement of our Acting policies that affect the overall operation established by the elected governing body What is the role of the Village Board?
Village Manager Greg Hribal, the Board of the community and are responsive to with an emphasis on effective, efficient, and The Village Board is the community’s
unanimously selected Dawn Wucki- residents’ needs and wishes. To ensure that equitable service delivery legislative and policymaking body. Power
Rossbach as the new Acting Village Manager these policies are carried out and that the 4. Because decisions on policy and the is centralized in the elected council,
for the next 120 days. By the conclusion of entire community is equitably served, the future of the community are made by the which, for example, approves the budget
the 120 days, the new Village Board will have governing body appoints a professional entire governing body rather than a single and determines the tax rate. The council
been seated and can appoint a permanent manager based on his/her education, individual, council-manager governments also focuses on the community’s goals,
person for the position. Dawn comes highly experience, skills, and abilities (and not their more often engage and involve their major projects, and such long-term
recommended from her previous employers political allegiances). If the manager is not residents in decision making. Residents considerations as community growth, land
which include, the Village of Maple Park, responsive to the governing body, it has the guide their community by serving on boards use development, capital improvement
where she served as Village Administrator. authority to terminate the manager at any and commissions, participating in visioning and financing, and strategic planning.
Dawn also served as Business Manager time by a majority vote. and strategic planning, and designing The council hires a professional manager
for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office with What is the role of the Village President? community-oriented local government to implement the administrative
budgetary control over $72 million dollars In Village Manager form of government services. All of Westchester’s Commissions responsibilities related to these goals and
in funds. Dawn started her professional communities, typically the Village President and Boards have been filled over the past supervises the manager’s performance. A
career in Carpentersville where she served is a voting member of the city council who few months with motivated, community- Village Trustee has little more authority than
as Acting Village Manager and Community presides at council meetings, represents oriented individuals who bring much insight any other individual citizen. Westchester
Development Director. Dawn’s diverse the city in intergovernmental relationships, to their positions. Village Board members are part-time and
background made her an excellent candidate appoints members of citizen advisory What is the role of the Village Manager make $5,000 annually.
for the position, and we look forward to her boards and commissions (with the under council-manager government? Examples of other local municipalities that
meeting all of you. advice and consent of council), facilitates The manager is hired to serve the council are manager/council forms of government
With any election cycle comes the age- communication and understanding and the community and brings to the local include Brookfield, Lagrange, Lagrange Park,
old question about what does the Village between elected and appointed officials, government the benefits of his/her training Elmwood Park, Western Springs, Naperville,
President do? What does the Village Manager and assists the council in setting goals and experience in administering municipal Villa Park, Riverside, Lombard, Oak Park,
do? What does the Board do? Westchester and advocating policy decisions. The or county projects and programs. The Northlake, Maywood, Lyons, Hinsdale,
is a Village Manager form of government. Village President does NOT run day to day manager prepares a budget for the council’s Elmhurst, and Downers Grove.
The Village Manager’s Office administers operations of village staff and is only a PART- consideration; recruits, hires, terminates, https://www.iml.org/file.cfm?key=14434
municipal government activities on a day- TIME position in Westchester. He or she and supervises government staff; serves as
to-day basis and coordinates the operations does NOT appoint any department heads. the council’s chief advisor; and carries out
of ALL the departments. This is NOT done The yearly salary for Westchester Village the council’s policies. Council members and
LOCAL ELECTIONS - APRIL 4
For more information please visit the • Dana Bax (Public Servant Party of Write- in Candidates: • Travis Morris (Public Servant Party of
Village of Westchester, or the Cook County Westchester) • Greg Hribal Westchester)
Clerk’s websites. • Sophia Collins (Independent) • Lowell Seida • Vanessa Sanchez (Public Servant Party
Village of Westchester Website: https:// Village of Westchester Village Westchester Public Library of Westchester)
westchester-il.org/government/village- President Candidates Board Candidates • Michael O. Wright (Public Servant Party
clerk/elections On the Ballot: On the Ballot: of Westchester)
Cook County Clerk’s Office Website: • Tracy Jennings (Public Servant Party of • Greg Christoff (Independent) • Gia Marie Benline (Independent)
https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/ Westchester) • Christine Kuffel (Independent) • Victoria Vann (Independent)
elections/current-elections/view-all- •Daniel “Danny” Maldonado Write-in Candidates: • Ryan Wright (Independent)
candidates (Independent) • Stephanie Pedersen • Kevin Canfield (Independent)
Village of Westchester • Kevin R. McDermott (Independent) Village of Westchester Board of • Peter Marzano (Independent)
Clerk Candidates • Edward S. Lezza Jr. (Independent) Trustees Candidates • Sherby J. Miller (Independent)
On the Ballot: • David S. Galandak (Independent) On the Ballot:
4 MARCH 2023
2-1-1 service
Chicago and suburban Cook County residents now have
access to a local 2-1-1 service—changing the landscape
for how we meet the needs of our neighbors. 2-1-1 is a
free, 24/7/365 service that connects people with essential
health and social service support and information during
times of non-emergency crisis and for everyday needs.
*The 2-1-1 call center is not currently live, but will be
available this winter.*
Important for residents: Call 9-1-1 for emergencies.
Call 3-1-1 or call your city or village office for municipal
or local government services if 3-1-1 is not available in
your community
Call 9-8-8 for the suicide and crisis lifeline.
For more information, visit; https://211metrochicago.
org/?mibextid=Zxz2cZ
What 2-2-1 Is
• Easy to access, free helpline for citizens.
• Information and Referral Resource helping people
connect to food, housing, utility payment assistance,
health care, transportation, child care, employment,
mental health, disaster information and assistance, and
much more.
• Go-to resource for any essential health and social
service needs, using easy to understand, accurate
information while delivering a user friendly experience.
PUBLIC WORKS
Village branch collection will resume and snow plow damage will resume this Program the plows by Public Works. If the snowfall
the week of Monday, April 10-14th spring, as weather permits. The Village will replace public sidewalk is continuing, the restriction is in place
May’s collection will be the week of the The Public Works Department has trip hazards this fall. We also offer a until Public Works completes the plowing
1st – 5th been filling potholes with cold patch 50/50 shared cost sidewalk replacement for the day. Please check the signs at the
June’s collection will be the week of the throughout the winter months, weather program if the public sidewalk in front corners of your block.
5th – 9th permitting. Please call Public Works at and/or on the side of your residence is in If you reside on a Secondary route, there
Yard waste collection by Waste 708-345-0041 to report potholes. poor condition, but does not qualify as a is no parking Sunday, Monday, Wednesday
Management will begin Monday, April Westchester Tree Replacement hazard. If you would like to replace it for and Friday on the even numbered house
3rd Program any reason the Village will share the cost side and no parking Tuesday, Thursday
Waste Management – 1-800-796-9696 A Village ordinance amendment passed with you. and Saturday on the odd numbered house
• If your garbage or recycling was not in October 2021 is allowing the Village Please call Public Works at 708.345.0041 side after 2 inches of snowfall. Please
picked up on your regular day, please call to replant trees on parkways where tree to have an evaluation done, and to register check the signs at the corners and center
Waste Management directly. removal has taken place, due to disease, for squares. Both programs are first come, of your block for guidance. (This includes
• If you would like to request a new storm damage, or premature death. As first served. ALL side streets not designated a Primary
garbage or recycling receptacle, please such, the Village has been doing this on VILLAGE SNOW RESTRICTIONS snow route.)
call Waste Management directly. eligible parkways for three plantings now, Public Works crews keep our streets free If you have a Fire Hydrant on your
• If you have large items that will not fit in at no cost to the resident. This replacement of snow and ice during the winter months. parkway, please help keep the hydrant
you receptacle (i.e. couch, chairs, tables, program does not allow for residents to Please assist us by observing the clear of snow so that the Fire Department
etc.,) please call Waste Management choose the species of tree planted, the following: may easily access the hydrant in case of
directly to schedule a special collection. location, the amount of trees planted, nor • Place garbage cans 3 feet behind the an emergency, and so that the snow plows
The Waste Management’s “At Your are residents able to opt-out of having a curb line- do not place them in the street. may quickly identify the hydrants while
Door Special Collection” service will pick tree planted in the Village parkway in front • Do not shovel or blow snow back into plowing.
up electronics, unwanted-potentially and/or side of their residence. cleared streets. Public Works crews work hard to keep
hazardous, and hard-to-recycle items If you would prefer to choose the • Please observe the “NO PARKING the Village streets clear and safe during
from your home. That number is 1-800- species of the tree to be planted, this can SNOW ROUTE” signs. these long winter months. We appreciate
449-7587. The full list of items may be be achieved through our 50/50 program. -The snow portion of the signs will your cooperation & please drive carefully!
found at www.wmatyourdoor.com/ The resident can choose the tree from a be enforced after 2 inches of snowfall As always, residents are asked to call
residential. list provided by the Village, and will share between December 1st and March 31st. Public Works at 708.345.0041 or the Police
Public Works half of the cost of the tree and planting If you reside on a Primary designated (after 3:30pm M-F & on weekends) if an
Parkway tree trimming by Sinnott Tree with the Village. To request a 50/50 tree, SNOW ROUTE, after 2 inches of snowfall unusual amount of water is visible in the
Service will continue this month. please call the Public Works Department you must remove all vehicles from the street or parkway. This could be a main
Restoration of parkways that have been at 708.345.0041. snow route. Vehicles must stay off the street break or water leak that requires our
damaged by sewer/ water excavations Westchester Sidewalk Replacement until the streets are cleared thoroughly by immediate attention.
P olice
MARCH 2023 5
Stop for the
school bus
There have been numerous complaints
from the Westchester School District and
other School Bus services that vehicles are
traveling around Stopped School Busses
that have the STOP ARM out and lights
flashing while the busses are either loading
or unloading children.
School Busses are equipped with video
camera systems that record thus proving
that vehicles are in violation of Illinois State
Laws regarding very dangerous hazard to
our Children’s safety.
The penalty for this violation is very stiff.
If an Officer observes the violation and
stops a car, issues a citation, the driver
MUST appear in court and speak with
the Judge. The Officer will give testimony
stating that the vehicle and driver passed
the School Bus. The Officer most likely
will also have camera footage from the
Police vehicle, body worn camera and
the School Bus video that will all show the
violation. A conviction in court will result in
a suspension of your Driver’s License and a
fine of at least $300.00 for the first offence,
$1000.00 plus community service in the
amount set by the Court for any violations
after that.
If you are not stopped by an Officer at
that time, you did not get away with it.
The School Bus video system did capture
footage of your violation and the registered
owner of the vehicle will be receiving a
notice and a fine which varies based on the
amount of previous violations.
STOP for the School Bus!
It will only take a minute of your time. It’s
not worth the safety of our Children.
6 MARCH 2023
WPTC news
February raced by so quickly, it is hard to believe we are in March
already!! There are many exciting events coming again this month;
most notably, the return of TRIVIA NIGHT on the 31st! Gather your
team or sign up individually for this fun-filled night. Please see our
Facebook Page or Website for more information.
March also brings our next WPTC meeting on the 1st and a couple
of restaurant fundraisers. We have Mattone’s on the 2nd and Panda
Express on the 14th.
Last month students enjoyed our fun-filled Valentine’s parties
at WPS and WIS; as well as the WMS Valentine’s dance. WIS also
celebrated its mid-year mark with Popcorn Day! We appreciate the
volunteers that make these memorable moments possible. Your
support of the WPTC during our fundraisers is greatly appreciated.
February’s Nothing Bundt Cake Spirit Week and Jason’s Deli were
certainly delicious ways to show support.
Please remember the WMS School Store has returned and will be
open once a month!! Dates will be announced on our Facebook page
and announcements are made during school to remind the students.
Keep an eye out for upcoming events and Volunteer opportunities!
Worship Schedule for March
at Faith Lutheran Church,
1124 Westchester Blvd.
March 1 Lent Midweek service 3:00 p.m.
March 5 Divine Service at 9 a.m. with prayers
for Healing, Consolation and Hope Following
Forum in not an Join us for prayers to heal our broken hearts,
endorsement of
bodies and mind. Though we suffer, we cannot
be crushed because Jesus loves us and stands by
us. If you need prayers, please come. If you know
any candidate a friend or family member who needs a healing
touch and especially those without Christ, invite
them. The service is about 15 minutes (a good
The Westchester Community start). Bible Study at 10:15 11 a.m, Service of
Church, UCC, is committed to helping Scripture, Prayers and Preaching at 11 a.m.
our community be a healthier place. March 8 Lent Midweek service 3:00 p.m.
To this end, we are very glad to host March 12 Divine Service at 9 am Bible Study
any forum that invites all candidates at 10:15 am Service of Scripture, Prayers and
and gives our community a forum Preaching at 11 a.m.
to meet and then make informed March 15 Lent Service at 3 p.m.
decisions about candidates. March 19 Divine Service at 9 a.m. Bible Study
The church does not endorse any at 10:15 a.m. Service of Scripture, Prayers and
candidate at any time. Preaching at 11 a.m.
This allows us to host events for the March 22 Lent Service at 3 p.m.
benefit of the entire community. March 29 Diving Service at 9 a.m. Bible Study
at 10:15 am Service of Scripture, Prayers, and
Preaching at 11 a.m.
• Ruth Beierwaltes 708-531-0630 or email at
ruthbeierwaltes@hotmail.com
• Pastor Prentice: 708-650-4082
F ire
MARCH 2023 7
March is ‘Severe Weather
Preparedness Month’
F i r e C h i e f M i k e M av rogeorge
In Illinois, on any given week we
could see blue skies, thunderstorms,
and torrential rainfall. The changing
weather is second nature to many
of us, but as the calendar flips from
winter to spring, it is important
to not become complacent about
severe weather threats that exist in
our state. a storm impending weather and post-event tiple ways to receive notifications
As part of Severe Weather Pre- • Know the various weather watch- information for all types of hazards and updated information about
paredness Month, the Westchester es/warnings/advisories including natural (earthquakes), severe weather warnings. FEMA
Fire Department is encouraging our Know the difference between a environmental (chemical spills) offers a free mobile app that pro-
community to prepare for severe watch and a warning and act ac- and public safety hazards (AMBER vides fast and reliable weather alerts
weather. “Making our residents cordingly: alerts). When an alert is issued for from the National Weather Service
aware of severe weather hazards the programmed area, the device (NWS). The app can be tailored to
and how to prepare for them is Thunderstorms can produce dam- will sound a warning alarm tone fol- offer alerts for up to five different
important. We encourage all our aging winds, deadly lightning, large lowed by the essential information. locations nationwide. The mobile
residents, businesses, and schools to hail, flash flooding and tornadoes. The information provided in these app can also help you locate open
build a kit, practice your plan and Illinois averages about 64 tornadoes alerts will guide you through the ap- shelters and critical disaster re-
be better prepared. During a vil- each year. Tornadoes that strike at propriate protective measures. sources near you in the event of an
lage-wide disaster, there could be a night are even more dangerous, like emergency.
significant delay in first responders the 2021 Father’s Day EF-3 tornado The Village of Westchester uses
reaching you, so being prepared for that struck DuPage County. the CodeRED Emergency Noti- For more information about what
that possibility is critical.” said Fire fication System. The CodeRED® to do before, during and after se-
Chief and Emergency Management The National Weather Service and Emergency Notification System is vere weather, please visit:
Director Mike Mavrogeorge. state and local emergency manage- a high-speed telephone communi-
We encourage all Westchester resi- ment officials strongly encourage cation service the Village uses to Westchester CodeRED Registration:
dents to: people to have a National Oceanic notify residents and businesses of https://www.westchester-il.org/
• Update your family communica- and Atmospheric Administration an emergency situation. We encour- news/code-red-notification-system
tions plan (NOAA) All Hazards Weather Ra- age all residents to register for the Illinois Emergency Management
• Make a severe weather prepared- dio with battery backup. These ra- CodeRED system. Agency (IEMA): www.Ready.Il-
ness plan dios can be programmed to receive linois.gov
• Build an emergency preparedness alerts for specified counties to keep Families are constantly on the go. It NWS Chicago: https://www.
kit you and your family apprised of is critical for people to have mul- weather.gov/lot/
• Identify your safe place to during
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S chool D i strict
MARCH 2023 1314 MARCH 2023
MARCH 2023 15 Ranked #1 mortgage broker in Illinois by Scotsman’s Guide in 2020 & 2021
16 MARCH 2023
Village sticker contest winners announced
The Village of Westchester and Westchester Westchester who donated Target Gift Cards in this artwork is represented by the tree
Ecological Commission (GROW) would to each of the three winners. which is very beautiful in every season.
like to congratulate the three winners that The Winning Entry in the 6th - 8th Grade Congratulations Diana Lepak.
participated in the 2023 Village Sticker art was titled: “The Beautiful Summer of The Grand Prize Winner whose drawing
Contest. Westchester”. The description she gave will be the 2023 Village of Westchester Village
The contest was opened to all students in was, “this shows what summer feels like Sticker, his art was titled, “My Friends at the
District 92 1/2 and three were chosen for in Westchester”. It has dogs, butterflies, Park”. The Description he gave was, “This
each age group. We would like to thank are birds, bees, plants and trees of Westchester. is a picture of me and my friends, enjoying
two Judges, Bethany Alexander and Bill Ernst Congratulations Milena Schoff. the weather and playing in the park.”
both Westchester Residents who are involved The Winning Entry in the 3rd - 5th grade Congratulations Sebastian DeGuzman.
in nature their entire lives. We would also like art was titled: “Nature is Always Beautiful”.
to thank Dig Right in Landscaping out of The description she gave was, “nature
B y M i l e n a S c h off
B y D i a n a L e pa k
B y S e bast i a n D e G u z ma n
Village sticker prices
Residents who own an antique vehicle and have a State of Illinois
antique license plate will now be able to purchase a $11 annual village
license fee rather than paying the $37 passenger vehicle fee. The
Village Board decided vehicles with State of Illinois antique plates are
meant to travel infrequently on the streets and should not be required
to pay the same fee as regular passenger vehicles that frequently use
the Village’s streets. Residents are reminded that they must purchase
a vehicle license for all vehicles housed in Westchester, as well as
for all vehicles that are registered through the State of Illinois with
a Westchester address. For example, vehicles that may be used at a
second residence that are registered to their Westchester address
are required to have a Westchester vehicle license. All vehicles on
Pelham St and Gardner Rd an additional “P” Parking Sticker - no
additional charge. Commercial Parking $75.00 (one per address)MARCH 2023 17
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