March 2016 Village of Westchester Newsletter

Village of

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Here we are in March 2016 and at the risk of not jinxing us, I’m happy that the Groundhog was right so far. We are experiencing a very mild winter in comparison to last year. Not enough to make any of the “snowbirds” from town stay home, but enough for us to enjoy not having to shovel snow on a regular basis. My hope is to have very little, preferably none, snow from here on out. This statement is being written mid-February with a 50 degree weekend coming up and I know you will agree with me that it is just what the doctor ordered.

CALLING ALL SENIORS: YOU ARE INVITEDI would like to invite you to the annual Senior

Breakfast scheduled to be held on Friday, March 11, 2016, in the Globe Resource Center at St. Joseph High School, 10900 Cermak Road. The event will begin promptly at 8:30am and will conclude at 10:30am. All Village department heads will be available for questions and commentary as to future projects and events being discussed for fi scal year 2017, which begins May 1 2017. A light

breakfast will be served. Please contact Ms. Katy Finn at 708-345-0020 extension 294 or at kfi [email protected] to make your reservation. Seating is limited.

HAPPY 100th BIRTHDAY, EDA! On February 16, 2016, Mrs. Eda Gimino, a

long time resident of Westchester, turned 100 years young. I, along with Village Manager Janet Matthys, Finance Director Maureen Potempa, and Management Assistant Jessica Spencer dropped in on Eda on her special day to wish her a Happy Birthday on behalf of the entire Village. We were in good company with Eda’s family including her son Chuck, daughter Mari-Ann and son-n-law John Mellin. Once inside Eda’s home, we could not miss all of the cards and letters Eda received from all her friends. A special letter was prominently displayed from Pope Francis recognizing her longevity and faithfulness to her Catholic faith. Eda told us she received similar letters from President

From the Desk of The President

POLICE DEPARTMENT

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PARK DISTRICT

PROPERTY TAXES

SCHOOL DISTRICT

CALENDAR

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See PRESIDENT, page 6

We want to welcome our new Police Chief Steven L. Stelter. Chief Stelter was sworn into offi ce at the February 9th Board Meet-ing. Steve had a great show of support from the Village Board, Westchester Police Department personnel, local police depart-ment dignitaries and his family. Pictured from left to right: Village President Sam Pulia, Retired Lagrange Police Chief Michael Holub, Brookfi eld Deputy Police Chief Ed Petrak, Chief Stelter, Brookfi eld Police Chief James Episcopo, Western Springs Police Chief Pam Church, LaGrange Park Police Chief Ed Rompa, Lyons Police Commander and Westchester Board of Police and Fire Commissioner Brian Kuratko and Elmhurst Police Chief Michael Ruth.

WestchesterMarch 2016 Newsletter

Westchester in Pictures2 MARCH 2016

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Fire DePartment4 APRIL 2014

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1) At 11:07am on January 20, 2016 a Garage Burglary was reported on the 10100 block of Cermak. Person(s) unknown gained entry into a locked garage and stole a snow blower and miscellaneous tools.

2) At 4:22pm on January 24, 2016 a Criminal Damage to Auto was reported on the 700 block of Gardner. The resident reported that person(s) unknown had broken out the front, side and rear windows of their vehicle.

3) At 10:07am on January 26, 2016 an Attempted Burglary was reported on the 900 block of Hull. The vehicle owner reported that unknown person(s) had attempted to gain entry to their locked vehicle. Minor damage was reported but nothing was missing from the vehicle.

4) At 12:13pm on January 27, 2016 a Felony Retail Theft was reported at Mariano’s located at 3020 Wolf Road. A female was

arrested for the theft after being stopped for removing $231 in liquor without paying.

5) At 3:45pm on January 28, 2016 a Theft was reported at the Panera Bread located at 11215 Cermak. A woman reported that after paying for her food, her wallet was missing.

6) At 6:28pm on February 7, 2016 a Burglary to Auto was reported on the 10900 block of Roosevelt Road.

A male was observed by the vehicle owner as attempting to gain entry to a vehicle. Although entry was gained it did not appear that anything was taken from the vehicle.

7) At 8:34am on February 20, 2016 a Criminal Damage to Vehicle was reported on the 1500 block of Portsmouth.

The vehicle owner reported that an unknown person threw a brick at the front windshield of their vehicle causing damage.

Police blotter

New police chief announcedWestchester is happy to announce that Steven L. Stelter has

been appointed as the new Police Chief. Steve joined the department on Monday, February 8th. Steve has 36 years of experience in law enforcement. He served as the Police Chief for the Village of Brookfield

from 2007-2015 and was with the DuPage County Sheriff’s Department from 1979 – 2007 (left as Deputy Director of the DuPage County Auto Theft Task Force.)

He holds a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice and a Masters Degree in Public Safety Administration from Lewis University.

He graduated from the Northwestern University Staff and Command Training in 2000 and the FBI National Academy in 2010.

He is a veteran of the US Army serving in the Military Police Corps.

He served as the President for the West Suburban Chiefs of Police Association 2012 – 2014 and currently serves as the 4th Vice President for the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.

During his time in Brookfield, Steve introduced “Shop with a Cop”. A program that helps 15 kids with families that have economic hardships to shop at Walmart for Christmas gifts for family and loved ones.

With donations and help from community members the event is a great success.

The children are escorted to Walmart with a motorcade complete with sirens and excited kids!

Chief Stelter resides in Lombard with his wife of 29 years, Laura.

They have two children, Jacob 25 and Rachel 23 and a grandson, Peyton who is 2 years old.

In his spare time, Steve likes to be outside whether it be golfing or working out he is an outdoors man!

Please join us in welcoming Steve to the Village of Westchester. We are confident he will be a valuable addition to the Westchester Police Department.

Police DePartment

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Barack Obama’s wife Michelle and from Governor Bruce Rauner. One of Eda’s favorite cards pointed out that she has been alive for 36,525 days! Quite an accomplishment! Wishing you continued health and happiness, Eda!

WELCOME POLICE CHIEF STEVEN STELTER

Steven Stelter was officially sworn in as Westchester‘s new Police Chief at the February 9th Board meeting. Steve has 36 years of experience in law enforcement. He served as the Police Chief for the Village of Brookfield from 2007-2015 and was with the DuPage County Sheriff’s Department from 1979 – 2007 (left as Deputy Director of the DuPage County Auto Theft Task Force.) He holds a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice and a Masters Degree in Public Safety Administration from Lewis University. He graduated from the Northwestern University Staff and Command Training in 2000 and the FBI National Academy in 2010. He is a veteran of the US Army serving in the Military Police Corps. He served as the President for the West Suburban Chiefs of Police Association 2012 – 2014 and currently serves as the 4th Vice President for the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. Please join the Village board in welcoming Steve to Westchester!

FIRE DEPARTMENT PROMOTIONSFire Lieutenant George Taylor has

been promoted to Fire Captain and Firefighter Scot Stauber has been promoted to Fire Lieutenant. Captain Taylor and Lt. Stauber were officially sworn in at the February 9th Board meeting. Congratulations, gentlemen!

KUDO’S TO WESTCHESTER POLICE DEPARTMENT

During the week of February 15, 2016, the Village had a rash of parked vehicles being broken into. Officials were told 19 vehicles had been broken into and had items removed from inside. ALL OF THE VEHICLES WERE KEFT UNLOCKED by their owners. The arrest was made of a suspect whose picture was taken as a result of one of our residents having video surveillance around his home. Although an arrest was made, it amazes me that after all of the warnings and comments telling residents to LOCK their cars upon exiting and NOT to leave any valuables in plain sight inside the vehicle that it is still happening.

In fact, a vehicle was stolen and found dumped in Maywood that the owner

had left the keys in the ignition while parked. Leaving the vehicle unlocked, and especially with the keys in it, is inviting a thief to take advantage of you and your property. Please heed the additional conversation on the topic and “BE SMART and LOCK”…Sam

HONORING RETIREMENTJerry Malek, Village Mechanic, retired

on February 29th. He was honored at a luncheon and recognized in appreciation and recognition of his twenty-six years of service and dedication to the Village of Westchester. Best wishes, Jerry!

CUB SCOUTS TOUR POLICE DEPARTMENT

Cub Scouts from Cub Scout Pack 73 were treated to a safety lesson and a tour of the Police Department by Officer Rob Verber on Thursday, February 11th. The boys learned some valuable safety tips from Officer Rob. After an interesting tour of the Police Department, including the cell blocks, I am sure they will never want to spend a night at “the Westchester Inn”.

FLINT, MICHIGAN WATER QUALITY ISSUES

I’m sure all of you have been following with some interest the drinking water situation in Flint, Michigan, and the recent law suit filed against the City of Chicago about water main repairs and lead levels. What type of pipes and service lines are connected to your home from the main village water lines here in Westchester?

Answer: The vast majority of service lines throughout the village are LEAD lines installed when your home was originally built, during the building boom after World War II. State law changed the requirement from lead to copper after 1991.

We are not alone with having LEAD lines throughout our community. Westchester, like the majority of communities in Cook and Du Page County, receives water from Lake Michigan through the filtration process operated by the City of Chicago in which chlorine is added to the water to remove any contaminants.

Get Ahead of Lead! Get the Lead Out of Drinking Water

Lead is a metal found naturally in the environment. It has also been widely used over the years in gasoline, house paint and plumbing fixtures. The amount of lead that is released into the environment each year has been greatly reduced by less use of leaded gas, starting in the mid-1970’s. Laws

forbidding the use of lead in house paint (1978) and lead in plumbing solder (1986) have helped as well. Still, lead can be a problem, especially in older homes.

Why is lead a concern?Lead can enter people’s bodies in

the food they eat, the air they breathe and the water they drink. A person is exposed to a substance when it enters their body. Lead can be harmful to health and cause problems when it builds up in the body. Too much lead in the human body can cause serious damage to the brain, nervous system and red blood cells. Pregnant women and young children are at the greatest risk even when their exposure is to low levels of lead for short periods of time. Young children between the ages of six months and six years are more likely to suffer health problems from lead exposure. Too much exposure to lead can result in lead poisoning. Lead poisoning can slow a child’s physical growth and mental development and can cause behavior problems, mental retardation, kidney and liver damage, blindness and even death.

What is the level of lead in public drinking water supplies?

In July of 1991, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established an action level for lead in public drinking water at 15 micrograms per liter, which is the same as 15 parts per billion (ppb). Water suppliers must routinely test household tap water to check lead levels. If lead levels in the water are above the EPA action level and cannot be quickly corrected, the water supplier is required to notify homeowners and take steps to reduce lead levels in the drinking water.

Should I be concerned about lead if I use a private water source for drinking water?

Even with a private drinking water supply (e.g., well, spring, cistern), there may still be a concern about lead in your water. If you live in a structure that was built before 1986, then the plumbing may contain lead pipes, lead solder, or lead materials. The lead in these pipes can dissolve into your drinking water.

Is there lead in bottled drinking water?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established a maximum contaminant level of five micrograms per liter for lead in bottled drinking water. Bottled water suppliers must routinely test their water supply for lead.

How does lead get into the water we drink?

Lead in drinking water usually results from the use of lead pipe in water systems or leadbased solder on water pipes. Water in the plumbing system can dissolve lead from pipes and solder. This is called leaching. Soft, corrosive

or acidic (low pH) water is more likely to cause leaching. Water left standing in the pipes over a long period of time also increases leaching. The longer the water stands in the pipes, the greater the possibility of lead being dissolved into the water. Stray electrical currents from improperly grounded electrical outlets or equipment also may increase the level of lead in drinking water. And pipes that carry drinking water from the source to homes can contribute lead to the drinking water, if the pipes were constructed or repaired using lead materials.

Can I lower the lead in my water?Yes, the amount of lead can be easily

lowered in most cases. To reduce the amount of lead in water:

Run the tap until water is cold to the touch before using it for drinking or cooking. This is especially important after the water has been standing in the pipes overnight or over many hours. (The flushed water can be saved for watering house plants, washing dishes or general household cleaning.)

Use only cold tap water for cooking, drinking or making a baby’s formula. Hot water is more likely to leach lead from pipes and solder.

Check household plumbing for lead-based pipes or solder. A plumber can help.

Use only lead-free materials in all plumbing repairs or new faucets and pipes. The use of lead solder in plumbing was banned in New York State in 1986. Ask the plumber to show you the label from any solder packaging being used. It should state that the solder is lead-free.

Water Quality Report Each year the City of Chicago sends

every village a water quality report that we are required to provide to consumers regarding the drinking the water. We print the report and deliver it to your door. The last report was contained in our June 2015 Newsletter. The water quality report, called the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) is available on our website www.westchester-il.org for your review. At the top of the report are certain abbreviations which I have listed below to make you understand the report a little bit better:

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): The highest level of contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG): The level of a

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drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL): The highest level of a drinking water disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.

Highest Level Detected: This column represents the highest single sample reading of a contaminant of all the samples collected in this calendar year.

Range of Detections: This column represents a range of individual sample results, from

lowest to highest that were collected during the CCR calendar year.

Date of Sample: If a date appears in this column, the Illinois EPA requires monitoring for this contaminant less than once per year because the concentrations do not frequently change. If no date appears in the column, monitoring for this contaminant was conducted during the Consumer Confidence Report calendar year.

Action Level (AL): The concentration of a contaminant that triggers treatment or other required actions by the water supply.

Treatment Technique (TT): A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

ND: Not detectable at testing limits. N/A: Not applicable.

Locational Running Annual Average (LRAA): The average of 4 consecutive quarterly results at each monitored sample location. The LRAA should not exceed 80μg/L for TTHM and 60 μg/L for HAA5.

The report states that our tap water has met all of the USEPA and State of Illinois drinking water health standards.

Under the heading of LEAD/COPPER, the report indicates the date sample was taken was between 06-01-2012 and 09-30-2012 and revealed 1 test site of 30 tests performed exceeded the allowable limit. Samples are required to be taken every 3 years. That being the case samples were taken during the same period in 2015 and the results will be contained in the 2015 report due out this June 2016.

I have spoken directly to the EPA Regional Director mid February and requested that the EPA require

sampling once a year. He indicated that the EPA is presently reviewing their procedures as they do every 6 years and is working with the NATIONAL DRINKING WATER ADVISORY COUNCIL and are in the process of reviewing their recommendations during their amendatory process.

The village of Westchester is required to take Lead Samples from 30 locations in the village the last being taken in July 2014. We are also on a 3 year testing cycle. I have recommended to our board at the February 23, 2016 Village Board meeting that we conduct a sampling as soon as practicable instead of waiting until 2017 our next required test date.

I have also instructed the Superintendent of the Broadview Westchester Joint Water Agency (BWJWA) Paul Dowd to retest all of the facilities the agency serves. The locations tested were the Cuyler Pump Station in Oak Park which is the farthest east point where Chicago Water is pumped from. Other tests were made at Hines Veterans Administration Hospital, Madden Mental Health Center, Loyola Hospital, and the taps going to the Villages of Westchester and Broadview. The samples were submitted to Suburban Labs in Geneva, Illinois, and at the time of this writing all of the samples were found to be in compliance with EPA standards.

INFORMATION IS KNOWLEDGEI have done some research on my

own and would like to share some of the information I have located from the EPA, State of Illinois Department of Public Health, and the National Drinking Water Advisory Council.

LEAD: If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The Department of Water Management, City of Chicago, is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can

minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

In response to a Chicago Tribune article indicating that the “City fails to warn Chicagoans about lead risk in tap water,” I have asked our Village of Westchester Water Operator in Charge, Vince Smith, what our operating procedures are when a water leak, main break, or a required dig takes place exposing a lead service line. Service lines are lines connected to our water main usually through a “Buffalo Box” where the individual water shut off valve to the residence is located. If you are looking for it on your homes it is a round 4 inch metal cap usually located on the parkway. The cap allows access to a shut off valve several feet underground.

Vince, a state certified licensed water operator, provided the following:

The procedure for removing lead service lines when there is a lead service line or a partial lead/copper line from the village water main to the Buffalo Box.

* Once the line is exposed we use a tubing cutter to make a clean cut on the service line itself.

* The lead line is typically removed from the water main to the b-box.

* The old line is then replaced with a new copper line. The new copper line is run from the water main to just beyond the B-box.

* The new copper line is tied into the existing service using a copper to lead fitting. This is a compression fitting that is made of non lead material.

* The new copper line is then run to the shut off valve using flared fittings, on both sides. The valve and new fittings are made of non lead material.

* The new copper line is then run from the shut off valve to the water main. These are tied together using flared fittings as well. These fitting are also made of non lead material.

* Before the service line is put back in service, the resident is told to turn on their utility sink or the nearest fixture to the water meter. If that fixture has an aerator it is advised for it to be removed. The resident is then told to run the water for five (5) minutes to clear and particles that may have been disturbed during the repair in the line. This precaution is taken to flush anything out of the line that may affect the quality of water or internal plumbing system.

Phosphates added to the drinking water by the City of Chicago create a protective barrier between the lead pipe and water that flows through it. Chicago has been proactive in researching lead in drinking water since the 1970’s. The Chicago

Department of Water Management (DWM) has been in compliance with LCR action levels since 1992, mainly due to successful blended phosphate use.

For more information regarding this topic:

http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.isawwa.org/resource/resmgr/w a t e r c o n 2 0 1 2 - t u e s d a y - p d f /tuewqpot130.pdf

Our Public Works Director Robert Lewis has included additional information in the Public Works section of this Newsletter.

How can I test water for lead?Certified commercial laboratories

can test for lead in drinking water. Westchester uses the services of the Suburban Laboratory located at 1950 Batavia Ave. (Rt. 31) Geneva, Illinois. Suburban Labs ask that you please visit their web site at www.drinkingwaterlabs.com for testing instructions and prices. For questions they can be reached at 1-630-262-3600.

As always, our two Certified Water Operators Vince Smith and Wally Wiza can be reached at the Public Works Department at 708-345-0041.

Consumer BewareUnscrupulous businesses have been

caught using tests or selling filtering devices that have not been found to be effective. Use only approved laboratories for testing.

What do the laboratory results mean?

If the test results of your drinking water show lead higher than 15 parts per billion, then your local health department can advise you on what to do. If the results are for what is called a “first draw” sample, these results probably represent what was sitting in the pipes overnight and the best action is probably to run the water until it is cold before using it. If you have results from a “flush” sample, they are likely to represent what you would be drinking; the proper response to an elevated level in that case would be to identify and remove the lead source or treat the water.

How do I know if someone in my family has high blood lead levels?

Lead in drinking water is only one possible source of lead in the body. Since our biggest concern is for small children, a Illinois State regulation calls for universal screening of all children at about age one and age two for blood lead levels. It is important to identify an elevated level of lead in a child as early as possible to reduce or remove the source of exposure, before any long-term health problems occur. Pregnant women should also discuss with their physicians the need



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for blood lead testing. If you have any questions about testing for lead in drinking water or if you want advice on how to lower the lead levels in your drinking water, contact the local health department for your county. The Illinois Department of Public Health can also provide information about lead. For more information about control of lead in public water supplies, call IDPH at 1-217-782-3517 or 1-866-909-3572 / http://sis.nlm.nih.gov/enviro/lead.

NATIONAL DRINKING WATER ADVI-SORY COUNCIL

Is bottled water safer than tap water?

Bottled water is not necessarily safer than your tap water. EPA sets standards for the drinking water provided by public water systems; the Food and Drug Administration sets bottled water standards based on EPA?s tap water standards. Bottled water and tap water are both safe to drink if they meet these standards, although people with severely compromised immune systems and children may have special needs. Some bottled water is treated more than tap water, while some is treated less or not treated at all. Bottled water costs much more than tap water on a per gallon basis. Bottled water is valuable in emergency situations (such as floods and earthquakes), and high quality bottled water may be a desirable option for people with weakened immune systems. Consumers who choose to purchase bottled water should carefully read its label to understand what they are buying, whether it is a better taste, or a certain method of treatment. More information on bottled water is available from the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) (www.bottledwater.org/), which represents most US bottlers.

Are lead standards for bottled water different than for public water systems?

Yes, they are actually very different standards. People have many questions about the issue of lead in drinking water and it is very important to understand the regulations designed to protect people from lead exposure through water.

For bottled water, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Standard of Quality (SOQ) has a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 5 parts per billion (ppb) for lead. Exceeding this level triggers an automatic recall of the bottled water product. Both

spring and purified bottled water must meet the FDA standards.

Purified bottled water is treated by

reverse osmosis and/or distillation. Both of these processes will remove lead. Purified bottled water may be sourced from private groundwater wells, a spring, or from a public water system. However, when sourced from public water systems, it is not just tap water in a bottle. Once this water enters the bottled water plant, several processes are employed to ensure that it meets the FDA’s purified water standard. These treatments may include one or more of the following: reverse osmosis, distillation, micro-filtration, carbon filtration, ozonation, and ultraviolet (UV) light. The finished water product is then sealed in a bottle under sanitary conditions and sold to the consumer.

The U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA) has an “action level” (not an MCL) of 15 ppb for lead. A public water supplier’s “action level” response is only mandated when more than 10 percent of residences sampled show first draw water lead levels in excess of 15 ppb. (“First draw” refers to water that flows from the tap when it is first opened, for example, in the morning after residing in the pipes overnight. It is the water thought to contain the highest levels of lead, if present, and is the kind of sample required by the EPA Lead and Copper Rule.) There is no requirement that these sampled locations include daycare, school, or nursery facilities. Exceeding this EPA action level triggers public notification, corrosion control monitoring and treatment. Such treatment may include adding calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate (soda ash), and/or other chemical corrosion inhibitors to water at the treatment facility, allowing a protective layer to build up inside distribution pipes and prevent lead from coming into contact with the water.

MAYFAIR CELL TOWER HEARINGDolan Realty Advisers LLC, a real estate

company representing SBA TOWERS VI, LLC has resubmitted an amended application regarding their request to install a cell tower at Mayfair Park. The application reduces the height of the cell tower from 115 feet to 85 feet. The amended application will be presented as required before a joint meeting of the Village of Westchester Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals. The date of the joint meeting is March 21st at 7:00 pm and will be held in the Village Board room.

This meeting is open to the public for comment/testimony. All interested parties are welcome to attend.

WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY PARK DISTRICT CELL TOWER

Back on March 27, 2007, the then Westchester Village Board approved a Special Use Permit following a public hearing by the Village Planning and Zoning Commissions for the construction of a Cell Tower at the Westchester Community Park 10201 Bond Street. The Communications tower was disguised as a flag pole and is visible at the park district site (See Ordinance 07-1721; 07-1722.)

I have attached several web sites that may offer answers to questions you may have regarding the topic:

American Cancer Society http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/othercarcinogens/athome/cellular-phone-towers

Health Effects of Cell towers RE Energy

https://www.fcc.gov/engineering-t echno log y/e lec t roma gne t i c -compa t ib i l i t y - d i v i s i on / rad io -frequency-safety/faq/rf-safety

http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/radio-frequency-safety

Telecommunications Act of 199642 USC 332 (c) (7) (B) (iii)42USC (c) (7) (B) (i) (II) (iv)

HOME RULE REFERENDUM ON THE MARCH 15, 2016 BALLOT

Westchester residents: In case you missed the blurb in the last newsletter, the Village of Westchester has put a referendum question on the March 15, 2016 Ballot. The question you will see is as follows:

To the Voters of the Village of Westchester

“Shall the Village of Westchester become a home rule unit?”

Yes/No

Communities like Westchester with a population under 25,000 must hold a referendum in order to establish home rule.

As elected officials, I am told we can only supply facts surrounding HOME RULE and not spend monies to support or defeat any referendum issue. I will do my best to walk that fine line in this article. As voters YOU have a responsibility to become informed by doing your own due diligence whether it be for any candidates, referendums, or any time you exercise your right to vote. Do NOT become disenchanted as it is easy to say voting does NOT matter because it does!

DILLON’S RULEDillon’s Rule is the cornerstone

of American municipal law. Under Dillon’s Rule, a municipal government has authority to act only when :

(1) the power is granted in the express words of the statute, private act, or charter creating the Municipal corporation;

(2) the power is necessarily or fairly implied in, or incident to the powers expressly granted; or

(3) the power is one that is neither expressly granted nor fairly implied from the express grants of power, but is otherwise implied as essential to the declared objects and purposes of the corporation.

Dillon’s Rule is used in interpreting state law when there is a question of whether or not a local government has a certain power. Judge Forest Dillon, the Chief Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court expounded this famous rule, which was quickly adopted by state supreme courts around the nation.

In the case of HOME RULE there are many factors to consider. Below are a few.

For Home RuleLocal citizens can select the form of

government they prefer.Local communities are diverse, and

home rule allows local citizens to solve their problems in their own fashion.

Reduces the time that a state legislature devotes to “local affairs.”

Places the responsibility for taxation where it belongs— on the local elected, not on state, officials.

State officials do not “second guess” local officials.

“Liberal construction” of home rule provisions reduces court interference in local policymaking and administration.

Against Home RuleAllows local officials to act in an

arbitrary and capricious fashion.Results in a lack of uniformity among

units of government.Local citizens whose preferences are

not met cause the state legislature to spend more time on local affairs.

Local units with control over their finances will undercut the revenue base of the state government.

Local units with authority to make and administer their own public policies would make it very difficult for the state government to address problems that cut across jurisdictional boundaries or require the action of multiple jurisdictions.

Some critics say a downside is that home rule gives communities greater taxing powers because state tax-cap rules don’t apply to them. Some have also argued that it can give community leaders the potential to



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abuse powers.

With Home Rule, the Village is able to be more flexible with the Hotel/Motel tax. The 1% tax we collect from the Hampton Inn on Cermak Road could be put into the General Operating Fund instead of being used to promote tourism.

Elected officials represent you. Being the President of the Village, I could easily explain why more revenue is needed to run the Municipal Corporation. As a resident who pays taxes just like you, I could always argue the need for paying less in taxes, fees, etc.

Referendums are for the people to have a say in what their elected governments can or can’t do.

As you recall, several years ago, the Village had a referendum question on the ballot to approve a Non-Home Rule Sales Tax (NHRST) Referendum for a 1% sales tax increase to fund infrastructure improvements. You overwhelmingly approved the referendum and we are now receiving approximately $630K in additional sales tax monies each year that we are using to fund our necessary infrastructure repairs and improvements.

Millions of dollars of bonds have been sold to complete the street replacement programs, water mains, storm and sanitary sewers and maintenance over the past few years that would not have been possible had the referendum not passed. Flood prevention has been a high priority in improving our infrastructure and maintenance through the purchase of expensive equipment. The monies collected from the NHRST and other revenue sources have been used as promised. Hopefully, you have been noticing these projects and realizing we are spending your money in the most effective and efficient manner.

PROPERTY TAX BILLSYou have all received your 1st tax

installment statement, as we all have, which coincidently was due last week on Tuesday, March 1st. The tax bill was for the Tax Year 2015 (January 1 – December 31, 2015) and not for 2016.

Out of the total bill, between 13.3% - 14.9% (depending on whether you reside in School District 92.5 or School District 93) of your property tax bill comes directly to the Village of

Westchester Municipal Corporation. This bill is only the 1st installment, which is estimated at 55% of the total 2014 tax bill. We will receive the 2nd installment sometime in August. The 2nd installment spells out how much goes to each taxing body for the entire 2015 tax Year. District 92.5 or District 93 public schools. Proviso West H.S., and the Triton Community College District take the biggest chunk of your tax dollars, and the remainder of your taxes fund other governmental agencies such as the Park District, the Library, Cook County, the Des Plaines Valley Mosquito Abatement District, etc. The monies the Village receives are allocated through our annual budget, which we are currently in the process of working on. Having a village budget is necessary to support the services we receive from the Police Department, Fire Department, Public Works Department, Community Development Department and Administration.

Property taxes are reported as revenue in the Village’s General Fund. The General Fund is responsible for funding the payroll and benefits for the majority of the employees. As a service organization, personnel costs account for somewhere in the 80 to 85% range of total General Fund expenditures. Mandated pension payment contributions based on state actuarial computations are also paid from your property tax bill. Presently our police and fire pension funds are hovering in the high 60 and low 70 percentiles. Our Finance Director Maureen Potempa has put together a pie graph showing where you property tax dollars are being spent contained in this newsletter.

ST.JOSEPH H.S. PROPERTYMany a rumor has circulated

throughout the Village that the St. Joseph Property has been sold to a developer who is building Section 8 Housing which will directly impact the property values of homes in Westchester.

A representative from MICHAELS DEVELOPMENT COMPANY (Michaels) appeared before the Village Board on December 15th at our Committee of the Whole (COW) Meeting to present a CONCEPT PLAN with the focus of SENIOR HOUSING. Mr. Hume An, Vice President of Acquisitions & Development of the Midwest Region of Michaels tendered their vision for the property, and wanted to know if the Village would be receptive of their concept before they proceed further.

Westchester has no Senior Housing

Developments and I’m sure you are

aware several concepts have come before the board in the past and have faltered due to lawsuits from the Save the Prairie Society and the housing market crash of 2007.

The original Michaels concept

presented is to retain the original St. Joseph H.S. structure and remodel the main building with 96 housing units, and the old convent with 23 housing units. Of the units, 21 are Studios, 77 are 1-Bedroom, 21 are 2-Bedroom units, totaling 119 units. There is 17,776 square feet of building (gross). In a recent phone conference, Mr. An indicated to the Village Manager that they are revisiting the initial plan and intend to provide fewer studio units and more one and two bedroom units, based on feedback from the Village Board.

The proposal is for an age restriction minimum of 55 years old. Michaels indicated they were seeking funding grants from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) as well as other sources. Based on my information IHDA has certain requirements regarding income levels for low and moderate housing. Board concern did surface about the possibility of having a site that would not be conducive to the expectations and character of the Village. It was suggested that a 62 or older clientele be the standard, and the suggestion of ownership vs. rentals be explored.

As this was an initial CONCEPT and the property had not been purchased as yet these items were committed to just discussion points.

I am told the developers are making a presentation before the 92.5 School Board at its March meeting to introduce the concept plan and inquire regarding access for a possible 2nd entrance onto Canterbury from the old St. Joe parking lot.

Other than what I have mentioned, no plans have been submitted for permitting or approval. The project would have to appear before the Plan Commission, with proper notification for public comment/hearing and if variations are being sought, the plan must also come before the Zoning Board of Appeals before it gets to the Village Board. We will keep you informed as we have additional information.

I did mention at the December 15th COW Meeting that I, along with our Community Development Director ,attended the Ribbon Cutting of the Senior Suites of Bellwood and were very impressed with the building and amenities being offered to their

independent living seniors. That development, located just north of the Bellwood Village Hall and the former site of the Memorial Park District Pool did receive funding/tax credits from IHDA, and the housing authority of Cook County.

SORROW IN OUR MIDSTMr. Emerick “Rick” Yurkovich, age 75,

passed away on February 19 2016. Rick was the loving husband of Mary and father of Village Trustee Thomas Yurkovich, Broadview Police Officer David Yurkovich, Donald Yurkovich and Ann Yurkovich Formanski . The Yurkovich family are long time residents of the village. Mr. Yurkovich was a devoted family man to his wife Mary, his children and grand children. A staunch supporter of St. Joseph H.S., he could be always found on the sidelines supporting all of the “Charger Teams.”

On February 24, 2016, another long time resident, Mr. Michael Anthony Malpier, passed away at the age of 97. Mr. Malpier served our country in WWII as a Navy Seaman. Upon his return from his military service he was instrumental in the formation of the Westchester Fire Department in 1954 as he served as its Assistant Fire Chief. He served the Westchester Fire Department for 33 years. Mr. Malpier was preceded in death by the passing of his wife Gladys. Mr. Malpier and his relatives have been residing in Westchester from the earliest of time when the village was being formed. Mr. Malpier has two daughters, Pamela (Don) Blasing and Marcia (Rob) Wasmund, five grandchildren and seven great grand-children.

The whole village wishes to express our condolences to the families and friends of Rick Yurkovich and Mike Malpier. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you.

WHAT THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE IS ASKING THE LEGISLATURE TO PASS THIS SESSION

Municipalities Announce “Moving Cities Forward” Legislative Package

Municipal leaders across the state today outlined a comprehensive legislative reform package titled “Moving Cities Forward” geared towards driving more efficiencies that would maintain the health of local governments which are crucial to Illinois’ economy.

In conjunction with the Illinois Municipal League (IML), mayors across the state are calling for necessary solutions that can no longer be deferred, especially in the midst of the continued budget impasse at



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the statehouse. The reform package includes automatic appropriation authority (motor fuel tax, 9-1-1, use tax and gaming revenues), home rule eligibility expansion, workers compensation reform, prevailing wage exemptions and public safety arbitration reform. IML points out many of these issues have been long championed by mayors, while some are intended to address problems that have been exacerbated due the budget impasse.

“The ‘Moving Cities Forward’ legislative proposal is crucial to maintaining fiscal solvency for municipalities across the state,” said Brad Cole, executive director of IML. “Mayors have been advocating for these solutions for a number of years, but the continued budget impasse coupled with our tough economy has made matters more difficult on a local level. We hope leaders can come together to recognize the tough decisions their mayors have already made and to give local governments the ability to provide important services in a more efficient manner.”

While these certainly aren’t new priorities, there is a definite sense of urgency to reach a solution in light of the state’s problematic budget and financial outlook.

“Mayors and local leaders face challenges very similar to those of our state government, and we want the ability to address these issues in a way that empowers local government,” said Tom Gray, village president of Chatham and IML board president. “Moving Cities Forward contains immediate reforms that will permit local governments to creatively solve issues and govern with a community’s unique interests in mind.”

Many local leaders have expressed concern that the current situation at the state capitol will negatively impact local budgets, and in many cases, this scenario is already ringing true. Karen Darch, village president of Barrington and IML board first vice president echoes the importance of this legislative package. “Uncertainty statewide is negatively impacting our local budgets, and for many years, we’ve seen our local leaders have to make difficult decisions to remain financially sound,” she said. “Immediate reform is needed, and the necessary solutions we are proposing can no longer be deferred.”

IML appreciates the leadership demonstrated by the Governor and the General Assembly last year in providing local funding at a critical hour. IML believes this package will help alleviate these issues in the future.

“Moving Cities Forward” Priorities Automatic Appropriation Authority

for Local Funds The common sense approach to

managing local revenue sources (motor fuel tax, 9-1-1, use tax and gaming revenues) is to put the distribution power back into the hands of local governments – and make that a seamless approach with automatic distributions to local entities. Currently, these fund distributions are dependent upon the state budget process even though these are non-General Revenue Funds and do not affect state government budgets. “Moving Cities Forward” recommends policy reform eliminating the need for annual appropriation enactments.

Expansion of Home Rule Eligibility Municipal leaders across the state

support expanding home rule eligibility to include communities of 5,000 residents and above. The current Illinois Constitution only grants automatic home rule status to municipalities in excess of 25,000 residents, or to municipalities that pass a local home rule referendum. Currently there are 211 home rule governments in the state, and if passed, the expansion would elevate another 173 communities to home rule status.

Public Safety Arbitration Reform Arbitrators are rendering decisions

in labor disputes that compel local governments to offer wage and benefit awards that exceed available revenues. What’s needed is more transparency in the arbitration process and a requirement that those decisions be based on actual revenues available to the city. The current process has led to financial hardships on local governments including budgeting difficulties, service reductions and employee layoffs.

Local Control Over Prevailing Wage Decisions

Municipalities are in favor of locally-elected boards and councils establishing exemptions up to a certain dollar amount for which prevailing wage rates would not be required. IML supports an update to the policy to allow the opportunity to establish cost reductions for projects currently covered by the Prevailing Wage Act, as well as exemptions for certain types of work entirely.

Workers’ Compensation Reforms

Employers are already faced with ever-increasing costs for doing business, and current workers’ compensation policy has only contributed to the “It’s hard to do business in Illinois” mentality. IML members are in support of reducing employer costs by amending Permanent Partial Disability benefit payouts, lowering the number of weeks that benefits are paid for shoulder injuries by clarifying the definitions of “Man as a Whole” and requiring arbitrators and/or the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) to strictly adhere to American Medical Association (AMA) guidelines when determining permanency ratings under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act.

These issues are just a few of the priorities unveiled in “Moving Cities Forward”. Please visit the IML website at www.iml.org for more information regarding these IML legislative priorities, as well as IML’s additional areas of focus listed below:

Automatic Appropriation Authority for Local Funds

Expansion of Home Rule Eligibility Constitutional Amendment to Limit

Future State Mandates Public Safety Arbitration Reform Pension Cost Relief and Structural

Reform Opt Outs for Future Unfunded

Mandates Affecting Communities With Fewer Financial Resources

Local Control Over Prevailing Wage Decisions

Workers’ Compensation Reforms Annual State Review of Mandates

ABOUT THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE

The Illinois Municipal League is the statewide organization representing local communities throughout Illinois. Founded in 1913, IML has worked continuously for the benefit of all 1,297 municipalities in Illinois to provide a formal voice on matters involving common interests. The governing board is comprised of Mayors and Village Presidents throughout the State of Illinois.

TRITON COLLEGE TO HOST 2 JOB FAIRS

Job seekers will have two opportunities to connect with dozens of Chicagoland employers during a pair of upcoming job fairs at Triton College’s River Grove campus.

Hospitality & Culinary Job FairEmployers from hotels, restaurants

and non-profit organizations will participate in the Hospitality & Culinary Job Fair on Wednesday, March 9. Companies that will be represented include Chipotle, Brookfield Zoo,

Medinah Country Club, Levy Restaurants at Wrigley Field, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place and more. The event will run from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in Room B-204/210 (B Building) of the Triton College Student Center.

Seasonal Summer and More Job FairCompanies will recruit for seasonal,

part-time, full-time and internship opportunities at the Seasonal Summer and More Job Fair on Thursday, March 31. Some of the companies participating include Shedd Aquarium, Verizon Wireless, Village of Rosemont and Sheraton Suites Chicago. The fair will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Triton College’s Student Center Cafeteria.

Both job fairs are open to community members and free to attend. Job seekers should bring multiple copies of their resume to provide to potential employers. Triton College is located at 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove, Ill. For more information, call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3789, or email [email protected].

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAYSt. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on

March 17th. St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and the Irish. He was born about 389 A.D. in Northern Wales, which at that time may have been part of England or Scotland.

St. Patrick is of (Roman) Descent St Patrick was born Maewyn Succat

in Scotland, son of Calphurnius and Conchessa Succat, Maewyn’s father was a ROMAN Citizen, and highly placed Roman Administrator, when Britain was part of the Roman Empire.

Saint Patrick had an adventurous life. He was captured by pirates at the age of 16. The Irish pirates brought him to Ireland to tend the flocks of a chieftain in Ulster. Six years of slavery made him a devoted Christian. He escaped to France and became a monk. In 432, a vision led him to return to Ireland as a missionary bishop. He brought Christianity to Ireland and taught there for 29 years. He used the shamrock, a 3 leaf clover (Ireland’s national flower), to explain the Blessed Trinity. St. Patrick founded 365 churches, baptized over 120,000 people and consecrated 450 bishops.

Many tales have sprung up about this popular saint. One of the most popular legends was how he charmed all the snakes of Ireland down to the seashore to be drowned by the water. According to some Irish writings, St. Patrick died on March 17, 461 A.D. The anniversary of his death is celebrated as St. Patrick’s Day. It’s interesting to note that the shamrock clover flowers around that time of year.



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The first official celebration of St. Patrick’s Day in the United States occurred in Morristown, New Jersey in 1780. It was authorized by George Washington. Today St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated by the Irish as well as many Americans with parades, parties, wearing of green, Irish songs and jigs. People wear green on this day to represent the lushness of Ireland - The Emerald Isle.

HAPPY ST. JOSEPH DAYSince 1870, when Pope Pius IX

decreed Joseph as the patron saint of the Church and March 19th as St. Joseph Day, Catholics have used the day to reflect on Joseph’s faithfulness, dignity and obedience as the father of Jesus and husband of Mary. Your own observances can reflect the serious nature of the day or follow traditional ways of celebrating. Alternatively, you can take a lighthearted and family-oriented approach to your celebration of St. Joseph’s Day.

Feasts at St. Joseph’s TableSt. Joseph’s Day is Saturday March 19,

2016. Many Sicilians believe that St. Joseph saved the people of Sicily from a famine in the Middle Ages, and to this day, many prepare a special feast to show their gratitude. In modern times, the traditional St. Joseph’s Table recreates that feast. Serve Italian specialties at your observance in honor of St. Joseph’s miracle, such as zeppole, a cream puff made with sweetened ricotta cheese, and fava beans, which legend has it sustained the Sicilians during the famine (www.ehowplus.net/how_2125593_celebrate-st-josephs-day.html).

I have been reminded by a local mayor that St. Patrick, being the son of parents who were living in the Roman Empire and his father a Roman citizen when he was born, is Italian… I read some articles on the web which mentioned the fact that the Italian and Irish Flags are very similar except for the red/orange color. Maybe this is the reason my Irish wife Maureen and the Italian me get along so well (LOL).

If you have not heard as yet ,the Divine Infant Parish is hosting a St. Patrick/ St. Joseph dinner on Saturday March 12 2016. Corned beef and cabbage from Harrington’s and sausage and peppers from Gatto’s. Nothing could be finer…

EASTER SUNDAY IS EARLY THIS YEAR FOR WESTERN CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

Easter always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the vernal equinox. Some years show Western Christian churches and Eastern Orthodox churches celebrating Easter on different dates. For a more detailed explanation why some Easter dates differ between Western and Eastern churches, check out “A Tale of Two Easters”.

A Tale of Two EastersWhy one faith and two celebrations?

by Borgna Brunner Easter is not only a movable holiday

but a multiple one: in most years Western Christian churches and Eastern Orthodox churches celebrate Easter on different dates. In 2015, for example, Easter was celebrated on April 5 by Western churches and April 12 by Orthodox churches. But in 2014, the two celebrations occurred on the same date, April 20.

The theological inconsistency of two Easters has remained a thorny problem for the Christian Church. “It has long been recognized that to celebrate this fundamental aspect of the Christian faith on different dates,” states the World Council of Churches, “gives a divided witness and compromises the churches’ credibility and effectiveness in bringing the Gospel to the world.”

A Simple Formula, Complicated Interpretations

The formula for Easter—”The first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the vernal equinox”—is identical for both Western and Orthodox Easters, but the churches base the dates on different calendars: Western churches use the Gregorian calendar, the standard calendar for much of the world, and Orthodox churches use the older, Julian calendar.

That much is straightforward. But actually calculating these dates involves a bewildering array of ecclesiastical moons and paschal full moons, the astronomical equinox, and the fixed equinox— and that’s in addition to the two different calendar systems.

When Is a Full Moon Full?The two churches vary on the

definition of the vernal equinox and the full moon. The Eastern Church sets the date of Easter according to the actual, astronomical full moon and the actual equinox as observed along the meridian of Jerusalem, site of the Crucifixion and Resurrection.

Relation to PassoverThe Eastern Orthodox Church also

applies the formula so that Easter always falls after Passover, since the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ took place after he entered Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. In the Western Church, Easter sometimes precedes Passover by weeks.

Why One Faith and Two Easters?

The Western church does not use the actual, or astronomically correct date for the vernal equinox, but a fixed date (March 21). And by full moon it does not mean the astronomical full moon but the “ecclesiastical moon,” which is based on tables created by the church. These constructs allow the date of Easter to be calculated in advance rather than determined by actual astronomical observances, which are naturally less predictable.

This division between the Eastern and Western Churches has no strong theological basis, but neither is it simply a technical skirmish. As the World Council of Churches has noted, much of Orthodox Christianity is located in the Middle East, where it has frequently been the minority religion, and in Eastern Europe, where until recently it faced hostility from communist governments.

The emphasis on honoring tradition and maintaining an intact religious identity was therefore crucial. Seen in this context, changing the rules governing its most important religious holiday chisels away at the foundations of an already beleaguered religious heritage.

Reconciling East and WestA meeting organized by the Council

of World Churches (in Aleppo, Syria, March 5–10, 1997) proposed a solution thought to be favorable to both East and West: both methods of calculating the equinox and the paschal full moon would be replaced with the most advanced astronomically accurate calculations available, using the meridian of Jerusalem as the point of measure. Since that meeting, however, no further progress has been made and the problem remains.

UNWANTED, EXPIRED PILLSI have recently read an article that I

thought I would share that would really highlight why you should properly dispose of old unwanted, expired pills that we all may have in our homes. It has been brought to my attention that some pre-teens and teens may be participating in a “Pharming” or “Pharm Parties.” You may ask what is a Pharm Party? It is a gathering of youths who go into their parents or grandparents pill medications and remove a few not to be detected. Over the counter medications can also be purchased and used in a similar fashion. Once the pills are obtained the teens get together at a friend’s house and put the pills collected into a bowl. The bowl is passed around and the pills are taken out one by one, ingested, until they are gone.

Unbelievable, right? Wrong! These events may be taking place and we

do not even know about it. Just think about it. With all the medications out there for a myriad of medical problems and those same pills for high blood pressure, heart problems, and you name it being taken improperly. The combination of many medications could cause irreparable damage to many vital organs, and even cause death.

Coincidently while researching the topic I read a disturbing article in the Chicago Tribune regarding what happened to a woman who combined two doctor prescribed medications and had a serious reaction causing her skin to blister off her face. I could just imagine what risk these children are putting themselves through by the experimentation of combining drugs with many side effects and warnings they have no clue of.

I found this article confirming this is happening right under our noses on the website philly.com entitled “The dangers of ‘pharming parties’ written by Anna Nguyen, Healthy Kids blog Editor ”.

Many parents aren’t aware of the dangers of “pharming” parties and fail to talk to their teens about the dangers of abusing prescription drugs, according to a recent review article in the journal Contemporary Pediatrics. While teens abusing prescription drugs is not a new problem, there have been increased concerns that “pharming” parties are growing trend. The term seems to come about in the early to mid-2000s. At a pharm party, kids bring whatever pills they can get their hands on and may not be sure about what they have on hand. The pills are thrown into a communal bowl and the participants grab handfuls to consume, often washing them down with alcohol. This dangerous game can lead to death as it did for Corey Stauzo in 2007, according to article.

We asked the authors of the article, Renee Turchi, MD, MPH, an associate professor at the Drexel University School of Public Health and College of Medicine, and Susan Solecki, MSN, FNP-BC, PNP-BC, a clinical assistant professor in Drexel’s College of Nursing and Health Professions to tell us more about pharming parties and how parents can talk to their kids about them.

Do you feel like this issue is under the radar for my parents and caregivers? Why has it become a growing concern?

Unauthorized use of pharmaceutical and over-the-counter drugs by teens is a growing national problem. About 2.3 million kids, ages 12-17, abused prescription drugs in 2003, according to Columbia University’s National Center on Addiction and Substance



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Abuse. A survey from the National Institute on Drug Abuse survey estimates that there’s been a 25 percent increase each year since 2001 in the use of sedatives and barbiturates among high school seniors.

Many parents have no idea that their child is addicted to these drugs. In some cases, they are relieved when they find out that their child is abusing prescription drugs rather than smoking pot or doing heroin. However, prescription drugs can be more potent than street drugs.

Heroin sold on the street may be 10-40 percent opiate, but pharmaceutical-grade Vicodin could be 10 times more powerful an opiate than heroin.

How can parents talk to their children about the dangers of these “pharming” parties and prescription drug abuse?

It is critical that parents always create open and safe places for their children to discuss these issues. It would be appropriate for parents to discuss openly with their children that they may be exposed to parties where pills are passed around and educate them to the dangers and harmful effects of taking non prescribed medications.

What are some signs a teen may be abusing prescription drugs?

Experts report that it is difficult to identify a teen who abuses prescription drugs because these medications are odorless, can be easily hidden, and may not manifest with unusual behavior such as stumbling or slurred speech. However, the following signs from Helpguide.org may help parents distinguish between the normal, often volatile, ups and downs of the teen years and the red flags of substance abuse:

• Having bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils; using eye drops to try to mask these signs

• Skipping class; declining grades; suddenly getting into trouble at school

• Missing money, valuables, or prescriptions

• Acting uncharacteristically isolated, withdrawn, angry, or depressed

• Dropping one group of friends for another; being secretive about the new peer group

• Loss of interest in old hobbies; lying about new interests and activities

• Demanding more privacy; locking doors; avoiding eye contact; sneaking around

What are the most commonly abused drugs at these parties?

One study of intentional drug abuse in teenagers and children ages 6 to 19 revealed that 38 percent of intentional

drug abuse involved non-prescription drugs, with dextromethorphan, caffeine, antihistamines, and non-prescription stimulants identified as the most commonly abused non-prescription drugs.

How are these teens obtaining these pills? Should parents be keeping medications locked up?

It’s estimated that about 70 percent of all people who abused prescription pain relievers obtained them from friends or relatives, often without permission. Parents should keep medicine cabinets locked and keep prescription drugs out of reach or range for both their children and their friends who may be visiting their home. Children and youth should also be educated about the dangers of sharing or keeping their own medication stored safely. For example, medication used for ADHD is becoming increasingly abused at camps and on college campuses.

How should we dispose of unused, unwanted, or expired medications?

You can drop off all of your unused, unwanted, or expired medication at the Westchester Village Hall Lobby 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Westchester has been a leader in the area of the disposal of unwanted medications. A drop box has been located in our lobby for the past 5 years. As written in prior newsletters, do NOT flush these items down the toilet.

Although diluted, putting anything that enter the waters of the United States, especially medications, could be hazardous to our health.

By flushing these drugs down into the sewer system, citizens are contributing to the pharmaceutical pollution that is harming aquatic ecosystems and entering the food web. More information on the topic can be found at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/healthy_kids/The-dangers-of-pharming-parties.html#WoUmpgDLpVTguKUJ.99.

FROM THE BOARDAt the January 26th Village Board

Meeting, the following items were approved under the Consent Agenda:

Approval of the Record of Bills ending 01-21-16 in the amount not to exceed $1,279,726.03

Approval of Minutes of the December 15, 2015 Village Board Meeting, of the December 15, 2015 Committee of the Whole Meeting, of the December 15, 2015 Executive Session, of the January 12, 2016 Committee of the Whole Meeting and minutes of the January 12, 2016 Executive Session

An Ordinance Amending the Westchester Municipal Code Establishing the Amounts of Compensation for the Village President,

Village Clerk and the Village Trustees for Terms Commencing in May 2017 and Thereafter

A Resolution Approving and Authorizing Change Order No. 4 to a Contract Between the Village of Westchester and Berger Excavating Contractors, Inc. for Services Related to the Mayfair Reservoir Expansion Phase II Project

A Resolution of the Governing Body of the Village of Westchester Authorizing the Execution and Delivery of a Master Equipment Lease-Purchase Agreement with PNC Equipment Finance, LLC, as Lessor, and Separate Lease Schedules Thereto for the Acquisition, Purchase, Financing and Leasing of Certain Equipment within the Terms Herein Provided; Authorizing the Execution and Delivery of Other Documents Required in Connection Therewith; and Authorizing All Other Actions Necessary to the Consummation of the Transactions Contemplated by this Resolution

A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement Between the County of Cook and the Village of Westchester Regarding the Sheriffs Work Alternative Program (SWAP)

A Resolution Regarding Illinois Department of Transportation Right of Way Permits

At the January 26th Village Board Meeting, the following items discussed under Active Agenda:

A Resolution Approving an Employment Agreement between the Village of Westchester and Steven L. Stelter, as Chief of Police

At the January 26th Village Committee of the Whole Meeting, the following items discussed under New Business:

Department of Transportation Surface Transportation Program Funding - Balmoral Avenue from Canterbury Street to Roosevelt Road

Intergovernmental Agreement with Westchester Park District for Special Events

7 Day Tow Ordinance One-Way Streets – Divine Infant

School

At the January 26th Village Committee of the Whole Meeting, the following items discussed under Old Business:

Contract Status – Radio Read Meters Contract Renewal – Alliance Turf

Management Snow Removal – Sidewalks Shared Sanitary Lateral Policy

At the February 9th Village Board Meeting, the following items were approved under the Consent Agenda:

Approval of the Record of Bills ending 02-04-16 in the amount not to exceed $932,944.44

Approval of Minutes of the January 5, 2016 Executive Session

Approval of Departmental Monthly Reports: Community Development Department, Police Department, Fire Department, and Public Works Department

An Ordinance Amending Chapter 20, Entitled “One-Way Streets” of Title 11, Entitled “Vehicles and Traffic” of the Westchester Municipal Code

An Ordinance Amending Chapter 18.42, entitled “Planned Unit Development”, of Title 18, entitled “Zoning”, of the Westchester Municipal Code

A Resolution Authorizing the Submittal of an Application for a Roadway Improvement for Balmoral Avenue through the Surface Transportation Program, with a Preliminary Cost Estimate of $1,055,032

At the February 9th Village Board Meeting, the following items discussed under Active Agenda:

An Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of a Lawn Maintenance Contract with Alliance Turf Management for the Sum of $36,000.00

A Resolution Approving and Authorizing the Execution of an “Intergovernmental Agreement Westchester Park District – Village of Westchester for Special Events”

A Resolution Approving Change Order No. 1, in the Amount of $118,930.00, to an Agreement Between the Village of Westchester and HD Supply Waterworks, LTD.

A Resolution Approving Change Order No. 4, in the Amount of $143,670.59, to a Contract Between the Village of Westchester and Berger Excavating Contractors, Inc. for Services Related to the Mayfair Reservoir Expansion Phase II Project

At the February 9th Village Committee of the Whole Meeting, the following items discussed under New Business:

Recommendation to Deny Petition PC-15-0004 for a Special Use for a Wireless Telecommunication Tower and Antenna at 2700 Mayfair Ave, Westchester (Dolan Realty Advisors, LLC, Petitioner)

Bid Results – Crestwood Meter Installation

Mayfair Pump Station Report Vehicle Sticker Rate Structure Quarterly Financial Report (Quarter

Ended January 31, 2016)

At the February 16th Special Board Meeting, the following items were discussed:

General Fund – Planning Commission & Zoning Board of Appeals; Community Development; Emergency Management; and Fire Department

E-911 Fund


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