Fall/Winter 2016

The Official Newsletter of the Village of Machesney Park

The Village Voice

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MANAGING VILLAGE FINANCES

The Village of Machesney Park has a progressive, yet conservative approach to managing taxpayer’s money. The Village has limited funding sources, yet prides itself on providing quality services to residents, while maintaining a zero property tax. The Village also recognizes it’s our duty to keep the cost of doing business to a minimum, and therefore, our permit and inspection fees are among the lowest in the State of Illinois.

The primary revenue source, accounting for 44% of the Village budget, comes from retail sales tax, while 32% comes from state shared revenue, and the remainder from licenses and fees.

The Village takes a conservative approach to managing revenues that are used to provide public services. The Village provides public safety for residents, we maintain and improve infrastructure, and provide community development services. The Village also saves and invests for the future. A common misperception is that the Village is responsible for raising your property taxes each year. The Village works very hard to manage our resources appropriately in order to ensure that we don’t need to collect a property tax from residents.

The Village continues to move forward, increasing business growth, and making tremendous investments in infrastructure. With or without a State budget, I will strive to continue to make Machesney Park “the place to be, the place to go, and the place to stay.”

Sincerely, Jerry BolinVillage President

What’s Inside...

Things You Need to Know . . . . . . .Page 2

Development Corner . . . . . . . . . . .Page 3

Planning & Zoning . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4/5

Code Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6

Public Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7

Sheriff’s Department . . . . . . . . . .Page 8

Jerry BolinMayor

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The Village Voice

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW. . .

Election Season is ApproachingNovember Election: In order to vote in the November 8, 2016, Presidential Election, the last regular day to register is October 11, 2016 . However, there is a grace period whereby you may register at the County Clerk’s Office and vote the same day . The Grace Period Voting begins on October 12, 2016 and ends on November 7, 2016 . The Winnebago County Clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a .m . - 5:00 p .m . and is located at 404 Elm St ., Ste 104, in Rockford .

Consolidated Election: The Consolidated Election for Machesney Park will be held April 4, 2017 . Machesney Park residents voted in 2010 to become a nonpartisan community . However, if five or more individuals choose to run for any one office in the Village, there would be a primary to narrow the field of candidates to four . In this event the primary will be held February 28, 2017 . If there is no need for a primary, the date for Consolidated Election for all offices is April 4, 2017 .

Petitions for the Consolidated Election may be circulated after August 30, 2016, and the filing dates are November 21 through November 28, 2016 . Petition packets are available at the Village Clerk’s Office in Machesney Park or online at the Illinois Board of Elections website https://www .elections .il .gov .

Holiday Lighting ContestThe Village of Machesney Park encourages residents to bring holiday cheer to their neighborhoods by decorating their homes for the Annual Outdoor Holiday Decorating Contest.

Please call Village Hall at 815-877-5432 with nominations, entry forms are available at Village Hall and at www.machesneypark.org.

Nominations will be accepted November 20th - December 16th. The top three winners will be announced and awarded prizes at the Village Board Meeting on Monday, December 19th, at 6:00 p.m.

Annual Toy DriveFor the 8th consecutive year, the Village will be participating in the North Park Church of Christ/Helping Hands Pantry Annual Toy Drive. The Pantry serves over 400 local families in one month and gives those families the opportunity to provide Christmas gifts to children who might not receive gifts for Christmas. Donations of new unwrapped toys may be dropped off at Village Hall, 300 Roosevelt Rd. Monday - Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm now through December 9th.

Holiday Lighting Contest & Annual Toy Drive

Help With Refinancing Your Home

The Village is pleased to announce that the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is offering assistance to homeowners who are current on their mortgage payments but owe more than their home is worth . The program, called I-REFI, began August 1 for State of Illinois residents and allows homeowners up to $50,000 in federal assistance to reduce the balance owed on their mortgage and refinance into a new affordable loan based on the current market value of their home . I-REFI is designed to help homeowners who have been current on their mortgage payments for at least 12 months . Applicants must also quality for the new loan under IHDA’s income and credit requirements .

The requirements are: ♦ Current on your mortgage for at least 12 months ♦ Credit qualify for a new IHDA mortgage through a participating lender ♦ Be within IHDA’s income and home price limits ♦ Credit score must be at or above 640 ♦ Pre-assistance combined loan-to-value must be greater than 110% ♦ Post-assistance loan-to-value will be 90-95% For more information or for help getting started, call 1-877-456-8656 or visit www .ihda .org/irefi

DEVELOPMENT CORNER

The Village VoicePage 3

Village Celebrates Cheap Trick’s Heritage

In honor of Cheap Trick’s recent induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Village installed signs provided by Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau commemorating band-member Robin Zander, who at one time lived on Waterview Road.

Shoppers and the businesses in Machesney Park have a new way to stay connected . The Village of Machesney Park is rolling-out “Destination Machesney,” a social media-based marketing program that connects area consumers with special offers and information about products and services offered by Machesney Park businesses .

There is no cost to participate in Destination Machesney – for businesses or consumers . Businesses benefit by promoting information about their businesses on the Destination Machesney Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages . In turn, Destination Machesney followers get exclusive access to special offers from Machesney Park businesses .

The Village is proud to support local businesses who have made investments in Machesney Park, and Destination Machesney is a great tool to help businesses and consumers stay connected .

Destination Machesney supports local businesses and enhances the Village’s ability to provide essential government services to Village residents while maintaining a zero property tax .

The Village’s use of social media to promote local business is not a new concept . Destination Machesney evolved from the ‘Shop 173’ program to include businesses Village-wide, and is low-cost, measurable way for the Village to promote Machesney Park businesses .

The Village encourages everyone to make Machesney Park a destination for shopping, dining, and exploring all the great things that Machesney has to offer .

Consumers can find Destination Machesney on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram .

Destination Machesney Takes Flight

On July 25th, construction crews began construction on a new multi-use path along Alpine Road . The path improvements run along the west side of Alpine Road starting behind Lowe’s and going south to an area just north of the Schnuck’s at Harlem and Alpine Roads . Improvements have also been made along the east side of Alpine Road between Huskie Circle and Minns Drive . New path improvements within the Harlem High School Campus have been completed thanks to coordination with District 122 . This area of Machesney Park is often used by pedestrians as well as the Harlem High School Students, and the Village is excited to have the opportunity to provide improvements for the pedestrian and bicycle users . This project is being funded by the Village of Machesney Park and by a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant secured by the Village through the Rockford Metropolitan Agency for Planning . The path is considered a major link between the

Willow Creek Path and the Rock River Recreational Path and will enhance pedestrian safety in the area, particularly for students walking to Harlem High School . Construction on the path is expected to be completed by the end of the year .

Village Constructs Multi-Use Path Along Alpine Road

The newest Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood insurance rate maps took effect in February of this year . Since then, many homeowners have had questions about what these floodplain maps mean for their properties . This article will aim to answer some of the questions concerning FEMA’s new flood maps .

The aerial photo above shows flood delineations in and around Machesney Park . The floodway, shown in red, is where the deepest and fastest water flows during a flood event . The 100-year floodplain, shown in purple which also encompasses the red, is the area that is subject to a 1% annual chance of flooding in any given year . This means it’s likely that this area (the floodplain) will flood at least once over every hundred year period . There are several government agencies that oversee and regulate development in each of these areas . The Village is here to help residents understand the differences between each of the different flood zones and also to help navigate the requirements in these areas .

Why are there regulations for properties in the Floodplain?♦ To protect people and property. Floodplain management is about building smart . If we know of areas in the Village that will flood from time to time, regulations can help property owners make good decisions to protect their investments .♦ To make sure that federal flood insurance and disaster assistance are available. Without floodplain regulations, sometimes homes or businesses are unable to qualify for certain types of federal financial assistance or flood insurance . ♦ To save tax dollars. Every flood that occurs affects the Village’s budget . If we build smarter, we’ll have fewer problems to fix the next time the river or creeks rise . Federal disaster assistance does not automatically kick-in for all floods . And even when the President declares a disaster, the Village still needs to cover a lot of the costs of evacuation and clean-up .♦ To reduce future flood losses. The laws in Illinois are designed to protect citizens from future flood losses . The rules that make it illegal to build or construct anything in the floodway are in place because more development could increase or divert flood waters onto neighboring properties .

Properties located in the floodwayBoth the Village of Machesney Park and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) regulate development in the floodway . In some floodway areas, new construction is completely restricted . In all floodway areas, residents need to seek approval from the IDNR before the Village can issue any permits for new homes, building additions, garages, fences, sheds, pools, retaining walls, or any other project that increases impervious area or changes topography on a lot . Impervious surfaces are structures and pavements that do not allow water to easily pass through . Before the IDNR can issue a permit, they will want to verify that a project will not cause an increase to flood elevations and will not divert flood waters onto neighboring properties . Usually this means that new structures will have to be elevated with a flow-through foundation . After the IDNR has approved your permit, the Village can issue building permits for your project .

Properties located in the floodplainIf a property owner would like to build, expand, or relocate anything in the floodplain, the Village requires a floodplain development permit to ensure that the project will not raise or contribute to flood levels . Specifically, these properties need to have as much flood storage capacity after a construction project, as it had before construction commences .

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ZONING APPROVAL & REGULATING DEVELOPMENT How FEMA Flood Maps Affect Properties in the Village

100-Year Floodplain

Floodway

Continued on page 5

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The Village Voice

What does this mean for Machesney Park residents?A number of residents in the Village have been notified by their mortgage-holders that they may be required to carry flood insurance as a result of FEMA’s new flood insurance rate maps . This change was prompted because flood levels have risen since the maps were last updated 10 years ago . As a result, numerous properties throughout the Village are now located in the floodplain that previously were outside of the floodplain boundary .

The Village does not make determinations about whether or not you are required to have flood insuranceThat decision is entirely up to your lender, or, in cases where a property does not have a mortgage, the homeowner can decide whether or not to carry flood insurance independently . However, the Village can provide you with detailed flood maps, specific to your property, to demonstrate to your lender where your structure is located in the floodplain . In some cases, the floodplain may surround your home, but your first-floor elevation may be high enough above the base flood elevation of the floodplain . If you believe this to be the case with your home, a possible remedy may be for you to hire your own surveyor to do an elevation certificate to attempt to prove to FEMA that you should not be required to carry flood insurance .

Floodway Conservation Zoning District OverlayThe map to the right in orange is the floodway conservation zoning district overlay area that was established by the Village in 2011, and includes 215 lots within the mapped floodway of the Shore Drive area . These were the areas that were significantly affected during past flooding events . Properties that are currently located in the Village’s floodway conservation zoning district overlay are subject to restrictions that prohibit new structures .

Property owners in the overlay district cannot pursue any construction involving new or altered buildings, decks, fences, pools, or earthmoving, as this type of development could have an effect on neighboring properties or the ability for the area to handle floodwaters . If there is a project you wish to pursue, please contact Village staff to inquire if there are any possible options .

With FEMA’s newly-updated flood insurance rate maps, the floodway has increased . As a result, the Village recently proposed an expansion to the overlay district to coincide with the new floodway delineation, which would have expanded it further along the river . This proposal was withdrawn on July 25th. The Village is currently completing research to determine if the overlay should be expanded, eliminated, or remain as-is . All affected residents will be notified of any public hearings or proposed changes to the overlay .

The Village is here to help you navigate development requirements in the floodplainNo matter where you are located in the Village, please contact the Village prior to beginning any construction activities . If you have any questions about our floodplain regulations, or if you wish to see a detailed flood map for a particular property, please contact the Village’s Community Development Department at (815) 877-5432 .

How FEMA Flood Maps Affect Properties in the Village

ATTENTION - - FOR EVERY PROPERTY THAT IS ON WELL AND/OR SEPTICHealth Department Requirements

You will need to go to the Health Department prior to applying for a building permit . This includes the following:

Demolition ♦ Pole Barn ♦ Shed Remodel ♦ Addition ♦ New construction ♦ Detached garage Deck ♦ Porch ♦ Swimming pool ♦ Gazebo or any other accessory structure

The Health Department has to approve the location of the proposed project so that it doesn’t interfere the septic system .

401 DIVISION STREET - ROCKFORD, IL - 815-720-4000

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CODE ENFORCEMENT CORNER Recent Code Changes

In recent months, the Village has amended rules that apply to many residents in the Village . In an effort to keep everyone informed of these changes . Please review the following:

Unregistered Recreational or Off-highway Vehicles: Article III, Section 14.304Due to concerns regarding excessive noise and impact to public safety, the rules for recreational and off-highway vehicles in residential neighborhoods were reviewed .

Recreational and off-highway vehicles are any vehicles which are not designed for or registered for use on public roadways . This includes dirt bikes, four-wheelers, ATVs, side-by-sides, and other similar vehicles .

After discussing the matter at the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Planning & Economic Development Committee, the Village Board voted on April 4th, 2016 to restrict the operation of recreational and off-highway vehicles on private property .

Please note that there are several exceptions to these new rules, which would allow the following:♦ Unmodified golf carts that are legally operated on one’s property;♦ Properties that have been approved for the sale and service of these types of vehicles; and♦ Legitimate grounds maintenance uses such as mowing, plowing snow, spraying and fertilizing, landscaping, and other similar uses . ♦ You can also operate your recreational and off-highway vehicles when loading, unloading, and storing them .

Garbage Code: Chapter 14 & Chapter 30 The Village Board approved a variety of amendments to our requirements for managing garbage and trash in the Village . Many of these updates were overdue because of outdated ordinance language and were needed to stay up to date with the requirements of Rock River Disposal .

The notable changes which may impact residents are:♦ It is now a requirement of every residential household or multi-family building to have garbage service when inhabited;♦ All garbage and recyclables must be stored within an approved container; ♦ Garbage containers shall be stored on the side or rear of the home or building; and♦ All materials and containers which are put at the curb for collection shall not be placed at the curb more than 24 hours prior to collection and all containers must be removed from the curb within 24 hours after collection is complete .

► Residential - Approved containers for residential properties include 32-gallon (or larger) garbage cans or 33-gallon wheeled toters .

► Commercial - Approved containers for commercial properties include enclosed dumpsters that are adequately screened from view and not located within the front yard of a property .

► Bundles - Yard waste such as limbs, branches, overgrown weeds, and wood that cannot be placed in proper containers must be tied securely into bundles that do not exceed 5 feet in length .

These changes help to keep garbage and trash managed in a safe and sanitary manner . This also helps to prevent unsightly storage of waste materials which can have an effect on everyone’s enjoyment of their properties .

The Village remains committed to addressing code enforcement questions and concerns in a fair, practical, and timely manner; however we encourage residents to attempt to resolve their property maintenance concerns with their neighbors prior to contacting the Village . By building relationships with neighbors and expressing concerns in a polite manner, residents can work together to create beautiful neighborhoods .

Please contact the Community Development Department at (815) 877-5432 with any questions you may have.

Covered Patio Area at Stone’s Landing

enjoying the park amenities that the Village has added.”

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UPDATES FROM PUBLIC WORKS

The Village Voice

Snow and Ice Control

With fall rolling in, winter is just around the corner, and the Village’s Public Works Department is preparing for our snow and ice control services .

Due to the unpredictable and varying nature of snowfall events, it may appear that there are occasions when sections of the Village are plowed and/or salted before others . However, it is the Village’s responsibility to ensure that all roads are serviced to provide safe, accessible routes for all residents and businesses . The Village works with contractors before the season commences to develop routes that are designed to best utilize the available equipment and personnel in order to give the quickest, most effective service possible with our available resources . Varying conditions such as timing of snow events, moisture content, temperature forecasts and wind can all affect the timing, method and success of snow and ice control operations . There may even be times when it would be impossible to make progress during a snow event, and therefore, the Village may need to delay the commencement of snow removal operations so that we can focus on maintaining primary thoroughfares . Sometimes, it is necessary to pull crews completely off the road until a time when services can be more effective .

The Village sincerely appreciates your patience and cooperation throughout the winter and we will do our best to keep you informed of the status of operations during snow and ice events . Please reference the Village’s website, and follow our social media outlets, including Facebook (@VillageOfMachesneyPark) and Twitter (@ViMachesneyPark) for up-to-date information on the status of Village roadways . Please keep in mind that even with the best planning efforts, service levels can fluctuate due to the unpredictable nature and the intensity of snow events . The Village encourages you to stay informed and use caution during winter weather events . During snow events you should only travel if it is absolutely necessary . If you do travel, please use caution and drive safely .

Here are several situations that residents may encounter during the winter months:

Snow EmergencyA snow emergency is in effect anytime the Village experiences snowfalls in excess of 2 inches . During a snow emergency, parking is not allowed along any roadway until snow removal operations have been completed. Vehicles that are not removed from the roadway are subject

to enforcement actions, including fines . By prohibiting parking Village staff and contractors can more quickly and easily clear the full width of the roadway . The Village will notify residents of snow emer-gencies through social media and local news outlets .

Driveway ClearingAn unavoidable result of roadway snow plowing is a ridge of snow at the end of your driveway . Please keep in mind that contractors do not purposely place snow at the end of the driveway, and these piles are the result of the snow removal process . Contractors do their best to minimize these ridges but they cannot be avoided . NOTE: Residents are asked not to shovel or push snow into the roadway after it has been cleared, and the Village has the authority to issue a citation for this action.

Mailboxes At times, heavy snow or slush that discharges from a plow may affect your mailbox . Most mailboxes, if properly placed and installed, will hold-up to winter snow removal operations . However, in the event that a mailbox is damaged by a snowplow, please contact the Village within 10 days to file a damage claim form . Claims are only accepted for mailboxes found to be damaged as a result of direct plow contact . Mailboxes damaged by snow discharge or due to poor maintenance will be the homeowner’s responsibility .

If you have any questions regarding the Village snow removal operations, please contact Public Works at 815-877-5432 .

Rock River Disposal

Leaf VacuumingBeginning the week of October 14th, Rock River Disposal will pick-up leaves along the roadside on a weekly basis through the first week of December .

Residents are urged to take advantage of the leaf vacuum program as an alternative to burning in order to dispose of leaves from your yards . To utilize the program, residents are asked to place their leaves along the road edge so that vacuum trucks can collect the leaves . Leaves should be raked to an area away from gravel and off the roadway where trucks can easily reach them . Residents also can take advantage of regular pick-up during weekly yard waste removals . In that instance, please place your leaves in brown yard waste bags or garbage cans marked with an “X” through the first week in December .

Please check the Rock River Disposal website @ www .rockriverdisposal .com for pickup schedule updates . Questions about the leaf vacuuming program can be directed to Rock River Disposal at 815-965-2489 or the Village of Machesney Park at 815-877-5432 .

Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year for children, and the Village asks you to take steps to make sure it is also a safe time. Please consider taking the following basic safety measures this holiday:

♦ Choose bright costumes for your children and have them carry flash lights or glow sticks so they can be easily seen .♦ Plan your trick-or-treating route in a familiar neighborhood .♦ Make sure your children know your cell phone number and address in case they get separated from you .♦ Teach children to say “NO!” in a loud voice if a stranger tries to encourage them to go with them .♦ Make sure your older children go with friends and stay in a group .♦ Remind your children to be respectful to other people and their property . Halloween is not an open opportunity to vandalize private or public property .

300 Roosevelt RoadMachesney Park, Illinois 61115

From: JeanTo: Jean DavisonSubject: Fwd:Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2014 4:10:55 PM

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: Jean <jeanden@sbcglobal.net>Date: April 8, 2014 at 4:05:19 PM CDTTo: Jean Davison <jeanden@sbcglobal.net>

Sent from my iPhone

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The Village Voice

SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT Holiday Safety Tips

The Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays are one of the busiest travel times of the year in the United States. If you are planning to travel out of town during the holidays for any extended period of time, here are some tips to protect your house and property while you are gone:

♦ Have a neighbor or trusted friend watch your home, pickup your mail and shovel snow while you are gone . Nothing says “I’m not home” like a mailbox full of newspapers or a snow covered driveway or sidewalk .♦ Get an automatic timer for some of the lights in your home . If burglars see lights on, they assume someone is home . Consider putting outdoor holiday lights on a timer also .♦ Secure your doors and windows . Also put ladders or other items in a garage or shed so they can’t be used to access your roof or second floor . ♦ Avoid postings on social media that you are out of town or planning to take a trip . If you must do so adjust privacy filters so this information is not available to the public .♦ Consider investing in a home security system from a reputable dealer .♦ Don’t hide a spare key outside your house . Instead leave it with a neighbor or friend, if a burglar thinks you are not home they will check all the obvious hiding spots .♦ Let the police know you will be gone . You can call the Sheriff’s Department at 815-877-5519 and request a vacation check . We will obtain the necessary information and provide it to the Deputies so they can also keep an eye on your home .

If you are not going to be traveling over the holidays there are still several things you should do to keep your home and property safe:

♦ Make sure your gifts and valuables inside your home are not easily seen . Items or gifts in plain view can be tempting for would-be thieves . ♦ Break down boxes from large electronic items before putting them out to the curb . Don’t show thieves what you got for Christmas .

Remember if you have an emergency call 9-1-1.If you need a Deputy and it is not an emergency call 815-282-2600.

HolidayShopping Tips

While you are out shopping the many stores of Machesney Park, keep these things in mind for your safety.

▪ Park in a well-lit spot and lock your vehicle . Put any purchases in the trunk or otherwise out of sight .

▪ Stay alert and be aware of who is around you and what is going on .

▪ Avoid carrying large amounts of cash . Pay with a debit or credit card .