2014 SummerQuarterly Newsletter I Volume 70 - Summer 2014
Comed Rate Increases
Summer Calendar
2014 Polo Season
O B newsO B BAK ROOK
160293 NEWSLETTER r1.indd 1 6/2/14 1:33 PM
2 www.oak-brook.org | Summer 2014
2 POLO SEASON MAtChES
2014 Season Themes and ticket pricing
3 PRESIDENt’S MESSAGE
Message from Dr. gopal Lalmalani
4 FROM thE MANAGER’S DESK
Transitions
5 POLICE
Distracted Driving, Pedestrian Safety, &
more
6 FIRE
outdoor grilling, CPr Classes, & ISo 2
Classification
7 PUBLIC WORKS
Summer Irrigation rates & Sprinkling
8 COMMUNItY DEVELOPMENt
Development Update
9 SPORtS CORE
Sports Core Update & Taste of oak brook
10 LIBRARY
Summer Events, what’s Happening
11 FINANCE
Village Pension obligations
12 BACK COVER
2014 Polo
INSIDE THIS NEWSLETTER
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
ELECTED OFFICIALS/
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
gopal Lalmalani, M.D., M.b.a | President
Charlotte k. Pruss | Clerk
Don adler | Trustee
John baar | Trustee
Michael Manzo | Trustee
Mark Moy, M.D. | Trustee
gerald wolin | Trustee
asif Yusuf | Trustee
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
DEPARTMENTS
Police, Fire, EMS Emergency: 9-1-1
butler government Center general
Information: (630) 368-5000
Village Clerk: (630) 368-5052
Village Manager: (630) 368-5026
Community Development: (630) 368-5101
Economic Development: (630) 368-5022
Engineering: (630) 368-5130
Fire Non-Emergency: (630) 368-5200
Library: (630) 368-7700
Police Non-Emergency: (630) 368-8700
Public works: (630) 368-5270 water billing: (630) 368-5090
Sports Core administration (630) 368-6400
bath & Tennis (630) 368-6400
oak brook golf Club (630) 368-6400
CONNECT WITH THE VILLAGE
website | www.oak-brook.org
Facebook | “Village of oak brook”
Twitter | @oakbrookVillage
regular meetings of the Village board are held
on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month
at 7pm, with the exception of the fourth Tuesday
of the months of June, august and December.
Videotaped broadcasts of Village board
meetings air on Comcast Cable Television,
government access Channel 6 or 110
Mondays at 7pm and online at
www.youtube.com/oakbrooktv
Questions or comments? Contact us.
Editor: Cathy Doczekalski
cdoczekalski@oak-brook.org
Content Manager:bethany burns
bburns@oak-brook.org
2014 OAK BROOK POLO
oak brook Polo Season, which starts off with an inaugural
match at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 6th. as we build up to
the start, you’ll soon be seeing polo posters around town,
promotional materials at the Taste and neighboring parades,
special deals online, additional details released on Facebook,
Twitter, the Village’s website, and the July cover of Hinsdale
Living!
we are excited to announce that the Village of oak brook
board has approved the following match dates for the 2014 Polo Season.
Match Dates and themes:
• Sunday, July 6th (1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. matches)
Hat Day- Wear your favorite hat to Oak Brook Polo
• Sunday, July 13th (1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. matches)
Family Day with Ronald McDonald House Charities of chicago land
and Northwest Indiana
• Sunday, August 10th (1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. matches)
Classic Car Day- Hollywoos Returns to Oak Brook
Cars from yesterday and today!
• Sunday, August 17th (1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. matches)
British Polo Day- The Union Jack Flag will be flying, plenty or red,
white, and blue as well as PIMMS Chukkers
• Sunday, September 14th (1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. matches)
Argentina Day complete with music, dancers and more from Argentina
ticket Information:
resident tickets are available for $15. residents will need to show their drivers
license when purchasing tickets in-person. Individual tickets are available for
$25 pre-event/$30 event-day price and individual VIP tickets are available for
$65 each online at www.oak-brook.org/polo. Tickets are also on sale now at
the following locations:
• Village Hall: Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Oak Brook Public Library: Monday – Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.;
Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Oak Brook Golf Clubhouse: Monday – Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
(Tickets may also be purchased prior and during the polo matches at this
location.)
OAK BROOK news
160293 NEWSLETTER r1.indd 2 6/2/14 1:33 PM
Summer 2014 | www.oak-brook.org 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Village President
(630) 368-5012
glalmalani@oak-brook.org
A MESSAGE FROM thE PRESIDENt
gopal g. Lalmalani, M.D., M.b.a.
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Summer has finally arrived, and it will be an exciting time
in oak brook! we have the annual Taste of oak brook
on Thursday, July 3 from 4 to 9pm at the oak brook Polo
Fields. Come sample food from some of our finest eating
establishments, enjoy the entertainment and stay for the
fireworks!
Next up to enjoy over the summer is the 2014 Polo
season! The Polo Committee, under the guidance of
kathy Maher, Jim Pehta, beverly Taylor, and bob Sanford,
has been working very diligently to prepare for another
great season. Polo Matches are set for Sundays: July 6th,
July 13th, august 10th, august 17th, and September 14th
(rain dates august 24th and September 21st). Information
on ticket prices and sponsorships are included elsewhere
in this newsletter and at www.oakbrookpoloclub.com. I
hope to see you at the Polo matches!
our new Fire Chief barry Liss began on May 15 and is
adjusting well to the oak brook community. He comes
to oak brook with over 34 years of experience from
Skokie and I am confident he will take the oak brook Fire
Department to the next level. other exciting news in the
Fire Department, the Insurance Services organization,
commonly known as I.S.o., has upgraded oak brook to
a Class 2. The new classification puts oak brook into an
elite class of Fire Departments across the country. This
reclassification could mean reduced insurance rates for
businesses, although that is up to individual insurance
companies. and even more great news comes from
the Fire Department. on May 21 the oak brook Fire
Department was presented with the first runner up for
the Dr. Joseph Hartmann award for medical excellence
on ambulance calls. This is a very prestigious award, as
Dr. Hartmann is a renowned cardiologist (with special
interest in emergency medical services) who I have had
the honor of knowing closely since 1978.
as you may know, our long-time Village Manager David
Niemeyer is leaving oak brook after many years of
exemplary service. The Village has engaged an executive
search firm to help the Village Manager Search Committee
recruit a new Village manager. This committee consists
of all our Trustees, two residents: Tom Cygan and Harry
Peters, and will be chaired by yours truly. During the
interim period, art osten, Jr. is our acting Village Manager.
You have probably heard by now that ComEd increased
their electric rates in June. oak brook has an electric
aggregation program available to residents and some
businesses. we have a contract with Verde Energy USa for
2014 with a rate of 5.18 cents per kilowatt hour compared
to the new ComEd rate of 7.596 cents per kilowatt hour.
residents who are not already enrolled in the program
should contact the Village of oak brook at 630/368-5164
to join the program and save substantial amount of
money. If you have another supplier, check your contract
for early termination requirements.
as always, the Trustees, the staff, and I are available to you
at all times. Feel free to call, email or meet any of us if you
have any thoughts and concerns. we are here to serve
you.
kind regards,
160293 NEWSLETTER r1.indd 3 6/2/14 1:33 PM
It is with excitement and sadness that I recently announced my
resignation to the Village Board after 7 years as Village Manager.
I recently accepted the position of Village Manager of Tinley Park.
I grew up in the south suburbs, still have family in the area, and
have previously held other manager positions in communities in
the area. I will miss Oak Brook and the great relationships I have
developed with many of you. This is an outstanding community
and managing Oak Brook has been one of the highlights of my
career.
The Village Board is conducting a nationwide search for a new
manager and hopes to have that person on board in the next
couple of months. In the meantime, let me introduce Art Osten, Jr.
who has been appointed Interim Village Manager.
I am honored to have been selected as the Interim Village
Manager and bring thirty years of experience in municipal
government as well as Masters Degrees in Public Policy
& administration and Urban & regional Planning. Local
government is a noble profession and my passion is to help
municipalities become better places to live, work, and play. My
primary job for the time being is to provide oversight of Village
operations for the Village board and ensure that all existing
programs continue to move forward. This includes regular
meetings with staff, committees, and community groups such
as the Chamber and Homeowners association; familiarizing
myself with the community and municipal operations; and
working on projects and issues such as Polo 2014, pension
funding, intergovernmental agreements, pedestrian walkways,
and policy manual updates. Soon the budget process will
start. It is all very enjoyable and I am quite busy.
working with the Village board and Staff I also hope to have the
opportunity to build upon oak brook’s many accomplishments
under Dave’s watch. by integrating the perspectives of those
impacted with subject matter experts in a mutually agreed
upon process we can generate the best possible solutions and
follow-up measures to every challenge and opportunity we
face. oak brook is blessed with an abundance of high caliber
businesses, very well-informed and helpful residents and
elected officials, and a strong municipal staff. That combination
is what makes it possible to provide high quality, cost-effective
services to the community and continue oak brook’s tradition
as one of the premier communities in the region.
I enjoy meeting community members and staff, so please feel
free to call or visit whenever you have any questions or ideas
about oak brook’s municipal services or just to say hello.
-art osten, Jr
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR SPECTACULAR SUMMER
WEEKEND RATES VISIT OAK BROOKHOTELS.COM.
THIS WEEKEND DOSOMETHING DIFFERENT.
The Hotels of Oak Brook now offer you more great
ways to fill a summer weekend than ever before
with our great weekend packages, world class
shopping and plenty of family-friendly dining options.
Plus, the Hotels of Oak Brook put you in the middle
of all the action with easy access to:
Brookfield Zoo
Morton Arboretum
DuPage Children’s Museum
Chicago Botanic Garden
Legoland Discovery Center
HYATT LODGE
630.568.1234
DOUBLETREE
CHICAGO — OAKBROOK
630.472.6000
CHICAGO MARRIOTT
OAKBROOK
630.573.8555
RESIDENCE INN
BY MARRIOTT
630.571.1200
4 www.oak-brook.org | Summer 2014
From the Manager’s Desk
BY DAVID NIEMEYER
David Niemeyer
Village Manager
(630) 368-5026
dniemeyer@oak-brook.org
160293 NEWSLETTER r1.indd 4 6/2/14 1:33 PM
DISt RAC t ED DRIVING POLICE AUXILIARY UNIt
one of the new initiatives the Police Department will be
implementing this year is the creation of a Police auxiliary
Unit. at my request, the Village board passed the ordinance
creating the Police auxiliary this past March. The Police
auxiliary Unit will be made up of trained, certified fully
sworn police officers that are available for special events,
emergencies, or disasters to supplement the regular police
officers. by Illinois State Law, these officers must possess
the same training and certification as our regular full time
officers but they cannot take the place of full time police
officers. They will be a great addition to the department,
especially during some of our major summer events and
during the busy holiday shopping season. The Police
Department is in the process of reviewing applications and
hopefully will have the unit ready to go by the Taste of oak
brook.
PERSONNEL UPDAtES
Since the last newsletter we experienced a couple of
personnel changes. Long time dedicated employee and
former DarE officer, Sergeant MaryJo Nugent announced
her retirement in March. The board of Fire and Police
Commissioners filled the void by promoting Detective ben
kadolph to the rank of Police Sergeant and hired new recruit
officer Mark bellich. officer bellich is attending the Chicago
Police academy Metro Class and will graduate late Summer.
Congratulations to Sergeant Nugent on a well deserved
retirement and to Sergeant kadolph and officer bellich on
their new positions.
Summer 2014 | www.oak-brook.org 5
Police
BY JAMES KRUGER
James k ruger
Police Chief
(630) 368-8710
jkruger@oak-brook.org
News
This past January, the Illinois general assembly enacted
the new distracted driving law prohibiting the use of
handheld phones while driving. as many of have probably
seen, voluntary compliance with this new law has not been
forthcoming. The Police Department has been making the
enforcement of this law a priority over the past few months.
april was National Distracting Driving awareness Month
and our officers conducted several awareness campaigns,
especially near brook Forest Elementary School. Please be
cautions when driving and using a cell phone and make
sure to use a bluetooth device unless you are stopped on
the side of the road or are reporting a bonafide emergency
to 9-1-1.
PEDEStRIAN AND BICYCLE
t RAFFIC
Now that we have finally made it to the warmer Spring and
Summer months, we are beginning to see an increase in
pedestrian and bicycle traffic in our neighborhoods. as an
annual plea, I would like to remind everyone to please be
alert. Pedestrians should walk against traffic and bicyclists
should ride with the flow of traffic. because of the lack
of sidewalks pedestrians should walk single file, as close
to the roadway edge as possible and wear light colored
clothing. Motorists must give pedestrians the right of way
when cross the street, however pedestrians should remain
vigilant and make eye contact with drivers prior to crossing.
“Please be cautious when driving and
using a cell phone .”
160293 NEWSLETTER r1.indd 5 6/2/14 1:33 PM
hOW OLD DO YOU hAVE tO BE tO
tAKE A CPR CLASS?
OUtDOOR GRILLING
ISO 2 CLASSIFICAtION
6 www.oak-brook.org | Summer 2014
hOW OLD DO YOU hAVE tO BE tO
ISO 2 CLASSIFICAtISO 2 CLASSIFICAtISO 2 CLASSIFICA IONFire
BY GARY CLARK
“July is the peak month for grill
fires.”
Safety & Information
b arry Liss
Fire Chief
(630) 368-5204
bliss@oak-brook.org
outdoor grilling in the summer months is one of the most
popular ways to cook food. Did you know that more than half
of home grill structure fires begin on either a courtyard terrace
or patio or an exterior balcony or open porch? according to
the National Fire Protection association (NFPa), July is the
peak month for grill fires. Placing a grill too close to anything
that can burn is a fire hazard. Take the necessary precautions
this summer when cooking food outdoors on a grill
•Use your grill outdoors (not in your garage.)
•Keep your grill at least fifteen feet away from your home,
deck railings and flammable items, and make sure it’s not
under eaves or branches.
•Place your grill on a flat, non-flammable surface.
•Clean the grill grate with a sponge and dish washing soap,
and remove rust with a wire brush. remove grease from the
grill.
•For propane grills, put a light soap and water solution on the
gas tank hose and look for bubbles, which would indicate a
leak. If there is a leak, have the grill serviced by a professional
•Don’t use gasoline, alcohol or kerosene to light your grill.
Never add lighter fluid or other flammable liquids once the
coals have been lit.
•Never leave the grill unattended.
•Always have a competent person attend to the grill.
•Keep children and pets away from the general area when
grilling. This way, there’s no chance of a burn injury.
•If you smell gas while grilling, immediately get away from the
grill and call the fire department.
•Close the grill lid and vents tightly.
•Don’t move the grill or remove the coals for at least 48 hours.
•Let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal
container.
Before
Here at the oak brook Fire Department, we offer basic life support
programs to teach people how to respond to emergencies at
a basic level. Through the american Heart association we offer
CPr, CPr with aED, Healthcare Provider, and First aid courses. we
even offer a SMILE (Saving More Illinois Lives through Education)
program. Sometimes, children would like to attend these courses
with a friend or family member. Parents often ask what a suitable
age for training would be to learn CPr. Firstly, children can and
should learn basic First aid, CPr and how to use an aED. The age
at which the information can be retained and understood, is
going to vary with the child. However, this type of training can be
good for kids as young as 8 or 9 years old. Simply being able to
recognize an emergency and call 911 is often enough.
However, children also have the ability to recognize when
someone has difficulty in breathing, seizures or chest pain.
be sure to encourage their learning efforts and praise their
accomplishment, as their success can literally make the difference
in someone else’s life. To learn more about the classes we offer,
please contact bob robertson, Pub Ed Director at (630) 368-5220
or (630) 368-5224.
During
After
on May 5, 2014, the oak brook Fire Department received
notification that the department will be reclassified by the
Insurance Services organization (ISo) as a Class 2 community.
The Department is now ranked among the top 1.5 percent of
all departments across the United States for its fire protection
capabilities. Nationally, of 49,010 rated departments, there are only
750 departments comparable to the oak brook Fire Department’s
Public Protection Classification.
The ratings are based on a scale that evaluates multiple criteria of
the department: personnel, equipment, the water system, training
and communications, which is provided by DuComm. “The
reclassification of oak brook as a Class 2 community is a strong
indication of the great department we have and will help oak
brook remain a premier community for residents and businesses,”
said Village President gopal Lalmalani.
The ISo Public Protection Classifications are used by the
insurance industry to estimate insurance costs for businesses and
homeowners within the community. The new Class 2 rating will
reflect insurance rate changes for businesses within the oak brook
community, and may affect the rates of some homeowners as
well. businesses and residents should check with their individual
insurance companies to determine if they will benefit from this
reclassification.
The upgrade in the Village’s classification reflects the ongoing
cooperation within the Village’s Fire and Public works Departments
as well as with surrounding area fire departments in sharing
services, equipment, training and personnel.
For further questions about the new ISo 2 classification, please
contact battalion Chief Jeff Marciniak at 630-368-5210
160293 NEWSLETTER r1.indd 6 6/2/14 1:33 PM
News
FROM thE DIRECtOR’S DESK
Public works and Engineering are already in full “summer
mode.” Scheduled 2014 oak brook improvements include
repaving 35th Street (east of IL-83), Commerce Drive
(including installation of sidewalks, and golf Drive.
The Village will also be continuing pedestrian access
projects around the oakbrook Center, including enhanced
crosswalk markings, improved pedestrian signals, and
sidewalks. water main improvements in York woods will be
completed this year with replacements taking place along
bradford Lane, Dover Drive, windsor Drive. water main
replacement along a portion of Harger road will also be
accomplished.
Your patience and forbearance with construction activities is
much appreciated. If there are any issues with construction,
please let us know at the Engineering Department (630-
368-5130). The Public works crews have gotten well into the
Summer tasks including: sign replacement, street painting,
drainage structure maintenance, and repair of landscape
damaged by winter utility digs. Please let us know if there
are any Public works issues we should be addressing (630-
368-5270). Some other useful information:
The Flagg Creek water reclamation District recently
established a policy for metered water used for irrigation by
oak brook residents. The Seasonal Irrigation Cap Program
restricts the sewer user charge during the seasonal period
to a maximum limit of 1.5 x the average “winter” use.
To be eligible for the program, the residential user must
complete a Seasonal Irrigation Cap Program application
and submit the application to the District. an application
fee of $20.00 is required for administrative set-up of the
cap. only one application for such cap and meter will be
allowed per calendar year per residence. The program
gives some flexibility to residents in choosing the time
period eligible for the seasonal cap. For more information
please visit the Village web site at www.oak-brook.org . For
businesses, a similar program is available. Contact Public
works Department (630-368-5270), for details.
as summer approaches you should keep in mind the water
conservation requirements found in our Village code.
Landscape watering is permitted as follows:
1. odd-Numbered Street addresses: Tuesday, Thursday and
Saturday _ six o’clock (6:00) a.M. until ten o’clock (10:00)
a.M. and six o’clock (6:00) P.M. until ten o’clock (10:00) P.M.,
provided that newly seeded areas as well as planted sod
may be sprinkled at any time on any day for a maximum
period of two (2) weeks from the date of installation.
2. Even-Numbered Street addresses: wednesday, Friday
and Sunday _ six o’clock (6:00) a.M. until ten o’clock (10:00)
a.M. and six o’clock (6:00) P.M. until ten o’clock (10:00) P.M.,
provided that newly seeded areas as well as planted sod
may be sprinkled at any time on any day for a maximum
period of two (2) weeks from the date of installation.
Hand-Held watering Devices: Hand-held watering devices
(including watering cans) may be used at any time on any
day.
SUMMER IRRIGAt ION SEWER
RAtE
SPRINKLING RESt RICt IONS
Summer 2014 | www.oak-brook.org 7
Public Works
BY MICHAEL HULLIHAN
Michael Hullihan
Director of Public w orks &
Engineering
(630) 368-5270
mhullihan@oak-brook.org
“water conservation requirements
can be found in the Village code.”
160293 NEWSLETTER r1.indd 7 6/2/14 1:33 PM
Community Development
BY ROBERT KALLIEN
DEVELOPMENt UPDAtE
Information
“There are many ongoing improvements underway at oakbrook Center”
•Permits for three (3) new residential homes were issued.
approximately 40 single-family homes are now in various
stages of construction.
•A permit for one (1) residential demolition was issued.
•Permits for 45 residential alterations were issued.
•A total of 129 building permits were issued. This represents
an 18 percent increase from first quarter 2013 figures.
•573 building inspections were conducted by Community
Development building Inspectors. This represents a 19
percent increase from first quarter 2013 figures.
•The estimated value of all new construction was
$30,553,650. This represents a 6 percent increase from first
quarter 2013 figures.
•Building permit fees collected totaled $429,706. This
represents a 28 percent increase from first quarter 2013
figures.
First Quarter Building Permits and Inspections
Commercial/Office Projects (Current)
oakbrook Center – There are many ongoing improvements
underway at oakbrook Center. work continues on the
common areas including landscaping, signage, interior
lighting and water features.
• Pirch opened its new 30,000 square foot store last
month. This is the first store Pirch has opened
outside of California.
• Permits were recently issued for the first two glass
pavilions that were included in the approved
Planned Development last year.
• Porsche has started a $250,000 interior alteration
project.
• The Coach store is working on approximately $400,000
of interior renovations.
• athleta is nearing completion of its $500,000+
construction and may be opening later this month.
• Neiman Marcus began its construction in January with
$3.7 million in renovations.
• Lord and Taylor completed its $3.5 million in renovations
this quarter.
Latisys Data Center located on Swift Drive has started its
$10 million renovation.
Le Meridian hotel. The $21+ million revamp of the 172-
room hotel is ongoing. The exterior skin of the building
has dramatically changed. ownership is anticipating being
open to the public on July 24, 2014.
Commercial/ Office Projects (In Planning)
The oak brook Court development located at 1500 16th
Street will soon be home to two new retail tenants; binny’s
and The great Escape. binny’s will occupy the Container
Store space and the great Escape will occupy the border’s
space. with these two new tenants, the center will be now
be over 75 percent occupied.
•Staff is working with the John Buck Company to bring
a new restaurant; the Urban barbecue to the Clearwater
development.
•The Village Board recently approved a development
agreement with the Duchossois group, to facilitate the
redevelopment of the former Follett site located at 1818
Swift road for a new 270,000 sq.ft. Headquarters for the
Chamberlain group who will relocate to oak brook from
Elmhurst. This project will also involve the acquisition and
demolition of the three small office buildings (Dameritech)
that are located at 300-310 windsor Drive. Upon completion
of the new HQ building, Chamberlain anticipates moving at
least 750 employees to oak brook.
•Jim Nagle, the new owner of the Drake Hotel continues his
interior renovation of the facility.
•The Grotto Restaurant located in the Oak Brook Promenade
has closed. NaI Hiffman, the owner of the project is working
with potential tenants to reoccupy the space.
•Granite Partners property (northeast corner of York and
I-88). Several months ago, Lincoln Properties met with
Village Staff to discuss the proposed a development of this
vacant site for 300-400 apartment units. after discussing this
proposal, the Village indicated that due to density, access
and other site development issues, it could not support
such a development of this size/scale. The developer has
now contacted DuPage County about building the project
as an unincorporated development. To date, no formal
plans have been submitted to the County for review.
8 www.oak-brook.org | Summer 2014
r obert k allien
Director of Community
Development
(630) 368-5101
rkallien@oak-brook.org
160293 NEWSLETTER r1.indd 8 6/2/14 1:33 PM
Sports Core
BY TREY VANDYKE Information
SPORtS CORE UPDAtE
“Memberships are still
available for purchase.”
TASTE OF
OA KBROOK
P R E S E N T ED
B Y McDonald’s
201131313 TASTE OF OAK BROOK
Thursday, July 3, 2014
From 4-9 PM
Fireworks Display at Dusk
Oak Brook Polo Fields Join us for Food & Fireworks!
Entertainment
Restaurants
For the latest information
please visit www.oak-brook.org
or call (630) 368-5005.
Sam Fazio
Breakfast Club
DJ X
Kids Activities
Meet Ronald McDonald * Face Painting
Oak Brook Park District Activity
Stilt Walkers * Balloon Artists * Petting Zoo
Additional Information
Onsite parking will be available for $10/vehicle with
additional lots walkable from nearby areas.
Rain date for the fireworks display only is July 4th.
Scan to
learn more
about the 2014
Taste of
Oak Brook.
Devon Seafood + Steak * Freshii * Tuscany
Labriola Bakery Cafe * Paul’s * Kona Grill *
Shree Restaurant * Pinstripes * Gibson’s Bar &
Steakhouse * Real Urban BBQ
Spring came late to the Sports Core this year. However, all
outdoor activities are now in full swing. Memberships are
still available, so please feel free to call for more information.
Dean Hoskin has joined our staff to supervise recreation
at the oak brook bath & Tennis Club. additionally, we are
pleased to note that greg Spencer has returned as our
Head Tennis Professional and that Cindy Jones returns as
our Head Swim Coach. additionally, Pga golf professionals
gary Pinns, Dan kochevar, Ian grant, Claudine boettger, Jeff
kawucha, and John Perna all return as well. all of these staff
members are ready, willing, and able to take your sporting
life to the next level. Please feel free to contact them to
create a plan for your success.
as always we encourage you to use our beautiful clubhouse
facilities for your next corporate event, or even a personal
event such as a wedding, shower or birthday party. Contact
Tammy Perri at (630) 368-6442 for availability and rates.
The Sports Core is the community’s backyard. Please come
and enjoy it.
This Fourth of July, please leave fireworks to the professionals.
Every year there are too many burn injuries involving
sparklers and other gunpowder explosives. Sparklers burn
at high temperatures (1800 degrees!) and the thin hot
wires can cause serious harm—especially in the hands of
children. Fireworks not only burn hands and fingers, but
damage eyes, faces, ears and bodies. and fireworks lighting
up the sky without a clear distance from your home may
light the cedar shake roof of your home or neighbor’s home
on fire. Come to the Taste of oak brook instead, and let the
professionals light up the sky. Having fun is staying safe!
Summer 2014 | www.oak-brook.org 9
Trey VanDyke
Sports Core Director
(630) 368-6420
tvandyke@oak-brook.org
BY TREY VANDYKE
This Fourth of July, please leave fireworks to the professionals. This Fourth of July, please leave fireworks to the professionals.
Every year there are too many burn injuries involving Every year there are too many burn injuries involving
sparklers and other gunpowder explosives. Sparklers burn sparklers and other gunpowder explosives. Sparklers burn
at high temperatures (1800 degrees!) and the thin hot at high temperatures (1800 degrees!) and the thin hot
wires can cause serious harm—especially in the hands of wires can cause serious harm—especially in the hands of
children. Fireworks not only burn hands and fingers, but children. Fireworks not only burn hands and fingers, but
damage eyes, faces, ears and bodies. and fireworks lighting nd fireworks lighting
up the sky without a clear distance from your home may up the sky without a clear distance from your home may
light the cedar shake roof of your home or neighbor’s home light the cedar shake roof of your home or neighbor’s home
on fire. Come to the Taste of oak brook instead, and let the rook instead, and let the
professionals light up the sky. Having fun is staying safe!professionals light up the sky. Having fun is staying safe!
160293 NEWSLETTER r1.indd 9 6/2/14 1:33 PM
oak brook Library launches its Paws to read summer reading
program for children and Dog Days of Summer for adults on
June 2nd. During the next two months, the library will host
a range of free activities for children, teens, and adults that
encourage and support a love of reading. Participants also can
win prizes for reaching their reading goals.
we’ve planned a wonderful program for kids to make the
library a great place to “paws” and discover what’s available
for their enjoyment. we have recently added 45 video games
to our collection. On June 7th, Ac•Rock, an a cappella rock
‘n’ rock group will entertain courtesy of the ann Ingrisano
Memorial Fund.
Themed events include a k-9 demonstration on wednesday,
June 11th, a bricks 4 kidz Leo Event on June 25th, and Scales
and Tales animal encounters on July 18th. The Friends of the
oak brook Public Library have graciously donated, once again,
gift cards to barnes and Nobles as prizes.
There’s also a serious side to summer reading. research has
shown that reading over the summer prevents summer
reading loss. Studies also indicate students who read
recreationally outperformed those who don’t. Students read
more when they can choose materials based on their own
interests.
our library is committed to lifelong learning and educational
enrichment for all families.
registration starts June 2nd. To learn more about the summer
adventure at the library, please call or check out the library’s
website at www.oak-brook.org/library.
Library
BY SUE MADORIN
Calendar and Events
DIRECt OR’S REPORt
SPRING CALENDAR
Saturday, August 2 at 2:00 pm Robyn Viston
robyn is a known as an accomplished and popular Chicago
area vocalist, pianist, accompanist, as well as a respected
piano educator. She has put together a program of standards
from Cole Porter, Irving berlin, george gershwin and some
familiar broadway tunes! Sponsored by the Friends of the oak
brook Library
10 www.oak-brook.org | Summer 2014
Sue Madorin
Library Director
(630) 368-7706
smadorin@oak-brook.org
Thursday, August 21 at 7:00 pm The Sandwich Generation: Balancing Aging Parents and Busy Families.
what happens when your parents start to decline and you are
faced with the realization that they need more care than you
are capable of providing? Perhaps you are looking at retiring
yourself, what should you be doing to prepare? Learn what
options are available to address present and future needs. The
Senior resource alliance of Chicago- land is a panel of experts
in the areas of finance, estate planning, housing and health
care options. Join us as we discuss the challenges facing the
“Sandwich generation.”.
Saturday, June 28 at 2:00 pm
The History of Polo
kathy Maher will present the rules as well as the history of
polo in oak brook.
Saturday, July 5 at 2:00 pm
Phil Passen: Old-Time American Music.
american roots music shines in this program of songs and
tunes running the gamut from fast and lively, to slow and
lovely, to haunting and plaintive. There will be some familiar
folk tunes and some not so familiar, but the beautiful sound
and versatility of the dulcimer shine in this captivating
performance. Sponsored by the Friends of the oak brook
Library
Thursday, July 10 at 6:30 pm Alzheimer’s Education Program.
The alzheimer’s association is coming to the library to give an
educational program on alzheimer ’s disease. This program
focuses on the 10 warning signs of serious memory loss. It
includes a basic overview of alzheimer’s disease and covers
risk factors, diagnosis, and the benefits of early detection.
Don’t miss this crucial program.
Saturday, July 18 at 2:00pm Scales and Tales
This education performance encourages participants to touch
and ask questions about any of the tame animals brought
to the library. This creates a fascinating show, tailored to
the audience. beth wagner and Emilia Marchan are both
professional trainers and animal handlers. They will discuss
that gaining knowledge about these animals leads to the
truth about them. Sponsored by the Friends of the oak brook
Library
Monday, August 11 at 7:00 pm
The Daydream.
This music group’s performance will consist of original songs
from their CD. The songs are fun, engaging and very musical.
attendees can expect an interactive presentation using sing-
alongs, props, humor and maybe even some gymnastics.
Sponsored by the Friends of the oak brook Library
Saturday, August 2 at 2:00 pm Robyn Viston
robyn is a known as an accomplished and popular Chicago
area vocalist, pianist, accompanist, as well as a respected
piano educator. She has put together a program of standards
from Cole Porter, Irving berlin, george gershwin and some
familiar broadway tunes! Sponsored by the Friends of the oak
brook Library
160293 NEWSLETTER r1.indd 10 6/2/14 1:33 PM
Sharon Dangles
Finance Director
(630) 368-5072
sdangles@oak-brook.org
Finance
BY SHARON DANGLES
Information
FINANCE REPORt
“Studies show a much higher
contribution than expected for 2014. ”
an actuarial study of the Police Pension Fund and Firefighters’
Pension Fund is performed annually in order to monitor the
funding progress of the two funds as well as determining the
Village’s contribution for the coming year.. This year, the village
hired new actuaries and the studies were performed by Foster
& Foster for Police and Eisenberg associates for Fire.
•In total the Village contributed $2.3 million to the Police and
Fire Pension Funds in 2013.
•The 2014 studies completed resulted in a much higher
contribution than expected. Total contribution of $3,388,085
to police and fire based on the village’s actuary reports, which
would result in being over budget by $1,066,605.
•The average funded ratio in surrounding communities
(Hinsdale, Elmhurst, Naperville, wheaton, and Downers grove)
is 67% for Police and 65% for Fire pension plans.
•The funded status of the plans for Oak Brook as of December
31, 2013 is 70% for Police Pension and 56% for Fire Pension.
The actuarial report for the Fire Pension Fund, provided by
Eisenberg associates, shows a total increase of approximately
$614,000 from last year. This is attributed to the following:
•The annual cost for active employees increased by $105,000
due to the change in mortality assumptions not reflected on
last year’s report.
•The cost for retirees, disabled, and change in assumption
regarding spousal ages resulted in an increase of $421,000 not
reflected on last year’s report.
•Member contributions were $10,000 less than expected in the
prior year due to lower payroll.
•The balance of the increase is due to mid-year interest
adjustments.
•We can expect the village contributions to increase 2.75%
annually going forward.
•For 2014 and 2015, the village can most likely utilize it’s
cash reserves and still be within the six month cash reserve
policy.
•In future years the village needs to consider ways to reduce
expenditures and/or find new revenue sources.
The village contracted with new actuaries and they came up
with a reasonable set of assumptions that differed from the
actuary that the village had been utilizing for decades.
The Foster & Foster actuarial report prepared on behalf of the
village for the Police Pension Fund shows a total increase of
approximately $300,000 from last year. This is attributed to the
following:
•Administrative and expenses of $31,000 was added to the
actuarial calculation, whereas in the prior year, none of these
expenses were taken into account by the prior actuary.
•Change in the payroll growth assumption resulted in an
increase of $85,000. Foster & Foster used 2.75% and the prior
actuary used 3.75%. according to Foster & Foster, there should
be a spread of .50% - 1.00% between the salary increase
assumption and the payroll growth assumption, which is why
it was set at 2.75%.
•The payroll growth assumption determines how you’re paying
off your unfunded liability. The higher the rate, the more you
are pushing the liability down the road. If the payroll growth
assumption was set higher, the village would have an even
higher negative amortization and the unfunded liability would
continue to grow.
•There were changes made to the marital, retirement and
disability assumptions.
Summer 2014 | www.oak-brook.org 11
Pensions
What changed from this year to last year?
How does this affect the Village?
Can this pension problem be fixed?
•Pension reform is needed at the State level due to these
benefits being mandated by State law (40 ILCS 5 – articles 3 &
4). The Village is a member of the Pension Fairness for Illinois
Communities Coalition.
•Require public safety employees to contribute more toward
the cost of their pension.
•Adjust cost-of-living-increases from the current 3 percent so
they are “right sized” and not compounded annually.
•Reset the retirement age for public safety employees from 50
to 55.
•Require 35 years of employment to take advantage of
maximum pension benefit.
There has been much discussion in the media as it pertains to
pensions and the need for pension reform in the State of Illinois.
The Village board will be discussing the pension’s unfunded
liability and other pertinent factors at a future meeting.
160293 NEWSLETTER r1.indd 11 6/2/14 1:33 PM
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160293 NEWSLETTER r1.indd 12 6/2/14 1:33 PM