2016 SpringO BAK ROOKnewsQuarterly Newsletter I Volume 76 - Spring 2016
173335 Spring Newsletter r6.indd 1 3/1/16 1:40 AM
2 WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG | Spring 2016
OAK BROOK news
3 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Message from Dr. Gopal Lalmalani
4 FROM THE MANAGER’S DESK
Message from Rick Ginex
4 VILLAGE CLERK
Message from Charlotte Pruss
5 POLICE
In The News
6 FIRE
Spring is Here
8 DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Development Update
9 SPORTS CORE
Sports Core Activities
10 LIBRARY
Spring Calendar
12 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Outdoor Warning System
11 FINANCE
2016 Budget Approved
14 PUBLIC WORKS
Spring 2016
15 OAK BROOK BATH & TENNIS
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 • Edward Tiesenga | 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 President: (630) 368-5012
Village Clerk: (630) 368-5052
Village Manager: (630) 368-5026
Development Services: (630) 368-5101
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, except no fourth Tuesday meetings in the months of June, August and
December.
Live streaming of Village Board meetings now available. 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: Donna Bettin • dbettin@oak-brook.org
173335 Spring Newsletter r6.indd 2 3/1/16 1:40 AM
Spring 2016 | WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Village President
(630) 368-5012
glalmalani@oak-brook.org
Gopal G. Lalmalani, M.D., M.B.A.
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and are
enjoying the warmer temperatures as we move into the
spring season.
At the December 8th meeting, the Village Board approved
a balanced budget for 2016. The projected cash balance for
2016 in the General Corporate Fund is $12.8 million which
is equal to 7.1 months of operating expenses. This is $2.0
million above our financial policy which is to maintain at
least six months of operating reserve. Needless to say, the
financial health of the Village is strong, and we will continue
to operate the Village without a general real estate tax, or
any other new taxation of any kind.
As you all know, our Sports Core Director and PGA
Professional, Trey VanDyke has retired after 25 years of
dedicated service to the Village of Oak Brook. Before
Trey VanDyke left the Village, he was very instrumental in
assisting the Sports Core Long Range Planning Committee
in reorganization of our Sports Core facilities. Over the
last six months, the Sports Core Long Range Planning
Committee under the leadership of Trustee John Baar has
met several times to discuss the direction of our operations.
Three options for the operation and management of the
Sports Core were given an in-depth review. They included: a
management proposal from the Oak Brook Park District, the
possibility of an outside management company operating
the facilities, or conduct an internal staff reorganization to
operate the Sports Core. After a several public meetings,
the Village Board unanimously decided to move forward
with an internal staff reorganization. This reorganization
will include having some key staff move into different
positions, revise the way our fee structure is handled for our
Bath & Tennis memberships, privatize the Tennis aspect of
our Sports Core and hire a new Community Events Manager
to oversee our operations at the Bath & Tennis facility. We
feel this is the right direction for us to take and appreciate
the effort of our staff to step up and take on these new
responsibilities.
Looking forward, the Village Board has agreed to outsource
Polo for the 2016 season to the professionals and we are
working with various individuals to make this happen. The
annual Taste of Oak Brook is on the calendar again for July
3rd, with our spectacular fireworks display co-sponsored by
the McDonald’s Corporation.
Finally, it is at this time of year that the Oak Brook Park
District solicits the athletic directors of 9 public and private
High Schools that serve the residents of Oak Brook and are
asked to nominate an outstanding senior girl and boy as
the Athlete of the Year. This award program was initiated
by Paul Butler 41 years ago and has been awarded by the
Oak Brook Presidents Club since 1974. Athlete winners
receive an individual Certificate and Award and their names
are engraved on a perpetual trophy which is on permanent
display at the Oak Brook Park District Family Recreation
Center in Oak Brook.
Finally, please know that the Village Trustees, our staff, and
I are available to you at all times. We are here to serve you.
Feel free to call, email, or see me if you have any feedback,
ideas or concerns.
Kind regards,
173335 Spring Newsletter r6.indd 3 3/1/16 1:40 AM
Dear Friends and Residents;
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and we all
look forward to an early spring.
Several new personnel transitions have taken place since the
beginning of the year. Doug Patchin, who has worked for the
Village in the Public Works Department for the past 37 years,
was appointed as the Village’s new Public Works Director
at the January 12th Board meeting. Doug Patchin began
his career with Oak Brook as a part-time mechanic in 1978.
He has held the position of Public Works General Foreman/
Superintendent for the past 22 years. Doug replaced Michael
Hullihan, who left the Village in August to take the position
of Executive Director of the DuPage County Forest Preserve
District. Doug possesses a great deal of valuable work history
and experience within the Village. I am very excited to have
him as our new director.
Also, our Sports Core Director and PGA Professional, Trey
VanDyke has retired after 25 years of dedicated service to the
Village of Oak Brook. He made many friends while employed
here at the Village and will be greatly missed. Trey’s work was
instrumental in several of our community events also. The
Taste of Oak Brook, fireworks, polo and several community
events could not have been accomplished without his
support. We all wish him the best in his new endeavors.
Before Trey left the Village, he was very instrumental in
assisting the Sports Core Long Range Planning Committee
with the re-organization of our Sports Core facilities. Over
the last six months, the Sports Core Long Range Planning
Committee met on a number of occasions to discuss the
direction of our operations. The Village Board decided
unanimously decided to move forward with an internal staff
reorganization. This reorganization will promote another
long-time employee, Sean Creed to the position of Golf Club
Manager/Superintendant and our Assistant Golf Professional,
Jeff Kawucha, to Head Golf Professional. Additionally, in the
very near future, the Village will hire a new Community Events
Manager to oversee our operations at the Bath & Tennis facility.
Included in the organization is the revision of our fee structure
for our Bath & Tennis memberships. The new structure will
privatize the Tennis aspect of our Sports Core. The Village
Board feels this is the right direction for us to take and I
appreciate the effort of our staff to step up and take on these
new responsibilities. Information on the new fee structure
will be coming out in our Sports Core Brochure during the
next few months.
I am very excited about all these new personnel transitions
and welcome each of them to the management team of the
Village.
Village Clerk
BY CHARLOTTE PRUSS
Oak Brook residents, in order to register to vote at the upcoming General Primary Election on March 15, 2016, you must
meet these qualific tions:
• You must be a United States citizen
• You must be at least 18 years old on or before the next election (OR for a General Primary, must be 17 and will be 18 by
the General Election)
• You must live in your election precinct at least 30 days before the next election
• You must not be convicted and in jail
• You cannot claim the right to vote anywhere else
You must register at least 28 days prior to an election in order to vote in that election. You can register online at DuPage
County Election (https://ova.elections.il.gov/) or in person at Designated Early
Voting Sites in DuPage County or at the Election Commission office. When
registering, be sure to bring two forms of identific tion with you, one of which
must have your correct address on it. Early Voting Sites can be found on the
Village Website, www.oak-brook.org under the Clerk’s Office – Elections. If you
have any questions please feel free to call The Village of Oak Brook, Village Clerk,
Charlotte K. Pruss at 630-368-5052.
4 WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG | Spring 2016
From the Manager’s Desk
BY RICCARDO F. GINEX
Riccardo F. Ginex
Village Manager
(630) 368-5026
villagemanager@oak-brook.org
Charlotte Pruss
Village Clerk
(630) 368-5052
173335 Spring Newsletter r6.indd 4 3/1/16 1:40 AM
IN THE NEWS
Another traffi safety concern has been the use of electronic
communication devices. Several years ago the State of
Illinois passed the no texting law, and then January 1, 2014
the requirement to use hands free electronic communication
devices went into effect. Voluntary compliance with this law
seems to be coming very slow when you compare it to the
seatbelt laws over the past twenty years. State law asserts in
625 ILCS 5/12-610.2 that a person may not use a handheld
device unless it is an emergency, parked on the side of the
road, or in stopped traffi and the car is in park or neutral.
A driver under the age of 19 who holds a graduated drivers
license cannot use a wireless telephone, hands free or not,
unless it is an emergency to call 911. Hands free does not
mean holding the phone in your hand on speaker, it means
not holding the device at all. Another law that has been
on the books for years as well is 625 ILCS 5/12-610 which
prohibits the use of headset receivers on both ears, and
only allows a device in one ear. Distracted driving continues
to be a very big concern, especially as the weather warms
up and pedestrians, bicyclists as well as motorcycle riders
start to share the road. Please drive safely and help us keep
Oak Brook a safe place.
Spring 2016 | WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG 5
Police
BY JAMES KRUGER
News
One of the important components of our mission to keep
the community safe is traffi safety. At first blush, many
of you may equate that point with issuing traffi citations,
but let me assure you that is just a small but visible part
of what we do. Traffi safety is a three pronged approach,
the Three E’s comprised of education and engineering as
well as enforcement. As part of the educational approach,
the Police Department has launched a new initiative to
encourage compliance and strengthen our social media
presence. Throughout the week, our department social
media specialist will put out information about areas in the
community where we will be paying closer attention for
certain traffi violations. This may seem counterproductive,
but in reality, it is a strategy to increase compliance with
traffi laws and increase our social media footprint. You’ll
be able to keep up with some of our efforts and remind
yourself to drive carefully, and be part of our social media
network so that when something serious happened in
the community we will be able to reach an even greater
audience. We hope that you will follow us on Twitter and
Facebook and encourage others as well.
There are some other traffi safety concerns that are not
only a matter of law, but also a matter of driving etiquette.
Over the past several years, it seems that the motoring
public has become a little less cordial. One of these areas
is turns and the use of turn signals. The Illinois Compiled
Statutes, 625 ILCS 5/11-801 requires drivers when making
a left or right turn to do so as close as possible from the
corresponding side of the roadway, and turn into the
corresponding lane. 625 ILCS 5/11-804 requires the use of
turn signals either 100 or 200 feet (depending if they are
in a residential or commercial area) continuously prior to
making the turn. Section 11-804 also requires a driver to use
their turn signal to indicate an intention to change lanes or
start from a parallel parked position in addition to making
a turn. This is also a very good idea when maneuvering
in one of our many retail and commercial parking lots.
Alerting the surrounding motorists of your intention is not
only practicing courtesy but also defensive driving.Follow me on Twitter: @chiefkruger
Follow us on Twitter: @oakbrookpolice
Follow us on FaceBook:
@oakbrookpolicedepartment
James Kruger
Police Chief
(630) 368-8710
jkruger@oak-brook.org
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6 WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG | Spring 2016
Fire
BY BARRY LISS
Safety & Information
SPRING IS HERE!
As spring approaches, thoughts turn to enjoying the
outdoors and cleaning up from the long harsh winter. Nature
is undergoing a fresh start, and so are we homeowners,
ready to tackle long-neglected projects, such as do-it-
yourself home repairs and yard work. The following Spring
Safety Tips involve a variety of health and safety hazards
that can be avoided with the proper precautions. Keeping
a few safety tips in mind may help you have a safer more
enjoyable spring.
Indoor Safety
Overloaded circuits and extension cords pose a real fi e
threat. Misusing electrical cords (such as running them
under rugs, or putting them in high traffic areas) or overuse
of power strips can result in electrical fi es, which account for
thousands of fi es each year. Replace frayed wires or cords
immediately. If you see overloaded wall sockets, disconnect
some of the appliances and fin a better location. Remove
any cords running under carpeting or rugs. Do a quick check
of all rooms in your home to make sure no cords are trapped
against walls (where heat can build up).
• While in the midst of spring cleaning, dispose of those old
cans of chemicals, paints, and insecticides. Make sure to
wear rubber gloves and follow the safety directions on the
cans, bottles, and/or packaging. Dispose of any items that
are leaking, expired or that look bad. Never mix multiple
chemicals together in a container prior to disposing. And,
never place solutions into the trash, down the kitchen
sink, or down a drain. If you don’t know how to dispose of
the liquid, seek outside advice. The household solutions
and pool chemicals you have decided to keep, should be
properly marked and stored under lock and key, away
from children’s reach.
• Remove all fi e hazards, including stacks of rags,
newspapers and magazines. Pay special attention to the
spaces around your furnace, hot water tank, fi eplace,
space heaters and dryer, as well as under the stairs.
• When cleaning windows, make sure all open easily to the
outside, in case of fi e.
• Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 13
When changing the time on your clocks, also check
smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Ensure
they are working and change the batteries if necessary.
Perform maintenance such as cleaning and dusting
as per manufacturer’s instructions. Remember proper
placement of smoke alarms, ensuring they are installed
within 15’ of every area of your home used for sleeping
purposes.
• Review and practice your home escape plan. Know at
least two ways out of every room, if possible.
• Replace or clean your furnace fil er. A dirty fil er can lower
the efficie y of the heating/cooling system, increase
heating costs and potentially cause fi es.
• Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air fil er. Keeping
this clean of cooking grease will help keep a stovetop fi e
from spreading.
• Always have a multi-purpose fi e extinguisher accessible.
Make sure it is Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed.
• Check your water heater. If you have a gas-fi ed water
heater, check to make sure it is venting properly. Light a
match next to the vent and wave it out (don’t blow it out).
See if the smoke is pulled up into the vent. If it isn’t, have
a professional inspect and repair it. Otherwise, carbon
monoxide and other combustibles can build up in the
home.
• Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space
under the dryer. Poor maintenance allows lint to build up
in the exhaust duct and cause fi e.
• Replace all extension cords that have become brittle,
worn or damaged. Exposed wires may cause arcing, which
will produce heat and can start a fi e. Keep appliances
and their power cords away from water or a heat source
because this will damage the cord’s insulation.
Outdoor Safety
• More than 90,000 people visit the emergency room each
year due to ladder mishaps. Here are a few safety tips:
~ Read the manufacturer’s instructions that come with
your ladder. They contain guidelines for weight and
height limits as well as for the proper use of their
product.
173335 Spring Newsletter r6.indd 6 3/1/16 1:40 AM
Spring 2016 | WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG 7
~ When using ladders, check for safe and proper
placement. Be aware of any obstructions, overhead
wires, electrical, cable, phone and tree branches.
~ Inspect the ladder before using it to make sure there are
no loose or broken rungs.
~ Make sure the ladder is the right height for the job.
Many accidents happen when people overextend their
reach because their ladders are too short.
~ Never stand on a ladder’s bucket shelf.
~ Avoid using a metal ladder near electrical sources.
• Check cords and outlets for fraying or exposed wiring on
all electrically operated equipment.
• On gas operated equipment, check fuel lines and
connectors for leaking fuel. Never use or store gasoline
indoors. Make sure gasoline and cleaning fluids are well
marked and stored in a cool, dry place away from the
house and out of the reach of children and pets. Use
only approved containers for gasoline storage. Never use
gasoline to clean skin, clothes, auto parts, or floor .
• When filling gas powered tools, equipment, and
recreational vehicles such as motorbikes, remember to
operate under direct adult supervision, outside, do not
overfilland fillonly when the motor is cool. Store gasoline
in a cool place away from the house in a detached garage
or shed, and always in an approved safety can.
• Keep gasoline and all flammable liquids away from
children!
Spring Weather
Spring weather can be unpredictable. Spring is the time of
year when many things change—including the weather.
Temperatures can flu tuate dramatically. Thunderstorms
cause most of the severe spring weather. They can bring
lightning, high winds, tornadoes and floodin .
Prepare your family members for the possibility of severe
weather. Tell them where to seek appropriate shelter as
soon as they are aware of an approaching storm. Practice
your emergency plan. Show family members where the
emergency supplies are stored, and make sure they know
how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity in your home.
Prepare for storms, flood , and tornadoes as if you know in
advance they are coming, because in the spring, they very
likely will.
Here are some general safety tips to follow and items to
collect for an emergency safety bag:
• A battery-operated flashlig t, a battery-operated NOAA
Weather Radio, and extra batteries for both.
• An emergency evacuation plan, including a map of your
home and, for every type of severe weather emergency,
routes to safety from each room.
• A list of important personal information, including:
~ telephone numbers of neighbors, family and friends
~ insurance and property information
~ telephone numbers of utility companies
~ medical information
• A first aid it may include:
~ non-latex gloves
~ assortment of adhesive bandages
~ antibiotic ointment
~ sterile gauze pads in assorted sizes
~ absorbent compress dressings
~ tweezers
~ scissors
~ adhesive cloth tape
~ aspirin packets (81 mg each)
~ first aid instru tion booklet
• A 3–5 day supply of bottled water and nonperishable
food.
• Personal hygiene items.
• Blankets or sleeping bags.
• An emergency kit in your car.
Unfortunately, few of us receive advance notice of a severe
weather event. Often by the time we are aware of an
approaching storm, we have little to no time to prepare.
We do know that when spring arrives, thunderstorms, high
winds, tornadoes, and floods a e real possibilities.
Barry Liss
Fire Chief
(630) 368-5200
bliss@oak-brook.org
173335 Spring Newsletter r6.indd 7 3/1/16 1:40 AM
Development Services
BY ROBERT KALLIEN
Information
Development Update –
February 1, 2016
• On January 26, 2016, Rush Medical Center received final
approval on its request to construct a 103,000 square
foot medical outpatient building which will focus on
orthopaedic care and include an ambulatory surgery
center and a four-level, 485 space parking structure on
vacant land located at 2011 York Road. The project will
now require the review and approval from the State
of Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board.
Subject to receiving those approvals, construction is
expected to begin in May 2017.
• On January 26, 2016, the Janko Development Group
received final approval on its request to construct a
144-room Hyatt House Hotel and future 4,500 square
foot restaurant at 210 22nd Street. The applicant may
not construct a drive-thru for the restaurant until such
time the Village Board approves such construction. The
next step in the process would be for the applicant to
demolish the existing one story office building now
located on the property.
Department Reorganization
Beginning January 1, 2016, the Community Development and Engineering Department’s of the Village have been
consolidated to create a new “Development Services Department.” Community Development Director Robert Kallien will
oversee this new Department.
Over the coming months, steps will be taken to fully integrate all processes and work activities into a single operating
Department. Until that work is complete, our primary telephone contacts will remain as:
• building permits and inspections or code enforcement matter .....................................630-368-5101
• zoning, planning, Plan Commission or ZBA ............................................................................630-368-5106
• engineering matter for drainage, flood plain or planned onstruction project ........630-368-5130
8 WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG | Spring 2016
Robert Kallien
Director of Development Services
(630) 368-5107
rkallien@oak-brook.org
173335 Spring Newsletter r6.indd 8 3/1/16 1:40 AM
UPCOMING CALENDAR
Sports Core
BY SEAN CREED
Information
Spring is on its way and our staff is busy developing
plans for some exciting summer fun! We are happy
to announce that we have an excellent Sports Core
coaching staff. Returning this season will be Cindy
Jones, Head Swim Coach and Greg Spencer, Head Tennis
Professional. Our PGA Golf instructors include Jeff
Kawucha, Claudine Boettger, Ian Grant and Gary Pinns,
and they will be at the Golf Course to assist you with
your golf lesson needs.
We hope you will be pleased to see the improvements
staff has been working on over the winter months. The
golf course pro shop has a new look and we will be
hosting a spring clearance sale once the golf course is
open.
Check out the different membership options for Bath
& Tennis Club that will be available for you to take
advantage of in 2016. The Sports Core brochure will be
out shortly with all the details included.
Spring is a busy season for Bath & Tennis Clubhouse
rentals but we still have dates and times available
for you to host your birthday or graduation parties,
wedding or baby showers or your business meetings.
Whatever your space needs may be, give our staff a call
to see if this space is for you!
We look forward to a wonderful 2016 season at the
Sports Core.
SPORTS CORE ACTIVITIES
Bath & Tennis Club Pool Opens Expected Date Saturday, May 28th
Taste of Oak Brook Sunday, July 3rd
Oak Brook Polo Season June - September
Spring 2016 | WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG 9
Sean Creed
Golf Club Manager
(630) 368-6460
screed@oak-brook.org
Giant Golf Demo Day Expected Date Wednesday, May 4th
Golf Club Driving Range Opens Expected Date April 1st
Bath & Tennis Club Discounts Deadline Early Bird Special – May 13th
173335 Spring Newsletter r6.indd 9 3/1/16 1:40 AM
Library
BY SUE MADORIN
Calendar and Events
Plant & Take: Herb Pots
Saturday, April 30 @ 2 pm
Just because spring hasn’t fully
sprung doesn’t mean you can’t
satisfy your green thumb! Seeds,
pots, and decorations will be
provided. Come prepared to plant
and paint.
MAY
Medicare 101
Thursday, May 5 @ 7 pm
Medicare can be confusing. David Wylly of the Medicare
Solutions Network will be presenting this educational
seminar to get you up to speed on what Medicare covers,
what it doesn’t, and your potential out-of-pocket exposure.
We’ll discuss Supplements, Advantage Plans, Part D
Prescription Coverage, and cost-saving strategies for the
years ahead.
Chicago’s Sweet Candy History
Sunday, May 15 @ 2 pm
The city has called itself the Candy Capital of
America since the turn of the century. Join
Leslie Goddard and learn some of the history
behind tasty treats such as Brach’s caramels,
Mars Snickers bars, Wrigley’s gum, Cracker
Jack, Curtiss Baby Ruth bars, Tootsie Rolls,
Frango Mints, and Dove chocolates. Explore
what made Chicago such a powerful location for these
candymakers. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Sentimental Journey Concert
Sunday, May 22 @ 2 pm
Sentimental Journey features the vocals
of Nora Drysch performing standards
ranging from the 30s to the early 60s,
showcasing various artists, tempos, and
languages, accompanied by a full sound
of recorded background instrumentation.
This one-hour musical excursion to
the past includes more than a dozen
vocal numbers interspersed with musically-related trivia
questions as well as a free door prize raffle. Sponsored by
the Friends of the Library.
SPRING CALENDAR
10 WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG | Spring 2016
MARCHGiving Up the Ghost: Workshop & Book SigningSaturday, March 19 @ 1 pm
Where do our loved ones go after death?
What happens to them? Karen Schultz, a
licensed clinical social worker, medium and
author, will be discussing these topics from
her popular book, Giving Up the Ghost.
DIY Paper FlowersSunday, March 20 @ 2 pm
Celebrate the first day of spring
by creating your own bouquet
of fl wers! The best part is they
will never wilt. All supplies and
instruction provided. Limited
space, so sign up now!
APRILClassical Concert: Gina Fiore Saturday, April 2 @ 2 pm
An award-winning performer, Gina
Fiore received first place honors for
her talent competition at Northern
Illinois University. Gina holds a
Bachelor of Music Education Degree
and Performance Degree in Violin and
Piano. Join her for an afternoon of
classical tunes. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Downton Abbey: The Real Lady Catherine
Saturday, April 16 @ 1 pm
Lynn Rymarz shares the story of Lady
Catherine, Countess of Carnarvon.
Hear the fascinating true story of how
Catherine Wendell, an American-born
woman, met and married the Sixth
Earl of Carnarvon, and made a life for
herself and her family in Highclere
Castle, which is the setting for Downton Abbey. Sponsored
by the Friends of the Library.
A Matter of the Heart
Sunday, April 17 @ 2 pm
Dr. Hariman, the former head of
cardiology at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital,
will address care of the heart and general
heart concerns.
173335 Spring Newsletter r6.indd 10 3/1/16 1:40 AM
LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S
MESSAGE
For libraries, April is perhaps the most important month of
the year because we get to celebrate how great libraries
are. According to the Pew Research Center, Americans
strongly believe in the value of libraries. They are the place
to come to research and invest in the newest ideas and
technologies. Libraries do transform people, their lives
and their communities. That is the theme for this year’s
celebration of National Library Week, an annual event that
this year falls from April 10-16. Look for a complete schedule
of happenings as we draw closer to that date.
April is also the month in which our Friends of the Oak Brook
Public Library hold their annual used book sale. Mary Ann
Nunez, who spends hundreds of hours each year sorting
and selecting from our community’s generous donations,
puts on one of the finestsales in Illinois. The sale will feature
anywhere from 8,000 to 10,000 titles and will be held in the
Library’s Friends Meeting Room. Pricing is unbelievably low.
Thursday, April 21, marks the first day of the sale. There is a
$5 charge per person to enter the sale early from 12-4 pm.
However, if you are a Friends member (hint, hint) you can
get in free all day. For those dealers with scanning devices,
the admission charge is $10. After 4 pm admission is free for
all, as it will be on Friday and Saturday. The Friends accept
either cash or checks.
From March 14-April 23, the Friends also sponsor a silent
book auction with the items on display in the Library Lobby.
These present an opportunity to acquire specially picked
and grouped items. The bids are made on clipboards. It is
always fun to see who will win what at the last moment,
noon on April 23. Often we have competing individuals
dueling it out to the end.
On Sunday, May 1, the Evergreen Concert will feature Bella
Voce, a Chicago-based chamber chorus that specializes in
classical a cappella music. The concert will be held at 3 pm
in the Friends Meeting Room with refreshments afterwards.
The Friends present the Evergreen Concerts twice a year to
rave reviews. The doors will open for seating about 2:30 pm.
We hope to see you there.
American Doughboys in the First World War
Saturday, May 28 @ 2 pm
Robert Mueller will be addressing
America’s participation in “the
war to end all wars”, taking a
trip across the battlefields of
Northern France to describe
the events, people, and places
of America’s contribution to the
defeat of the German Kaiser. Famous engagements such
as Belleau Wood, Cantigny, St-Mihiel, and Meuse-Argonne
are reviewed with images of what the battlefields look
like today. We end by relating the enormous changes that
the confli t brought to warfare, society, and populations
around the world. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Spring 2016 | WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG 11
Sue Madorin
Library Director
(630) 368-7706
smadorin@oak-brook.org
173335 Spring Newsletter r6.indd 11 3/1/16 1:40 AM
Information Technology Department
BY JIM FOX
OUTDOOR WARNING SIREN SYSTEM – SEVERE WEATHER ALERTING
The Village of Oak Brook operates 4 outdoor warning sirens,
which are strategically placed throughout the Village. These
sirens form an overlapping pattern to effectively alert the
public to emergencies such as severe weather emergencies.
The Village tests its outdoor warning sirens at 10:30 a.m. the
first Tuesday of each month, so if it’s testing time and the
weather is clear, it’s just a test.
What to do if you hear a siren:
1. Be alert. The severe weather warning siren consists of a
3 minute steady siren blast.
2. Seek shelter immediately.
3. Turn on your radio for further information.
Note: Residents should not call 9-1-1 to find out why sirens
are sounding. Only dial 9-1-1 if you need to report an
emergency.
Important: The Village does NOT sound an “all-clear” signal.
If the sirens are activated again, it generally is because a new
threat or warning has been issued. A secondary activation
does not mean it is safe to come out of shelter areas.
The purpose of the outdoor warning siren system it’s
designed to be heard outside - sirens are not intended to
penetrate inside residential and commercial structures.
Warning sirens only have an audible footprint of one to two
miles, meaning that you have to be within that distance
(in any direction) of the siren in order to be able to hear
it. Keeping that in mind, during the rain and hail that
oftentimes accompanies many severe storms, it becomes
even harder to hear a siren at a distance. Wind speed and
direction also will affect that sound range.
Outdoor warning sirens exist for one purpose only – to
alert people who are outdoors that something dangerous
is happening, and that they should go inside. Once inside,
people should use a radio or the television to get current
and updated information.
Ultimately, while outdoor warning sirens can be instrumental
in warning citizens who are outdoors about impending
danger, residents who are already inside need to depend
on other options to stay updated on impending danger.
Indoor warning siren options -- if you are indoors, use
a radio, television or a special National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio to get
specifics on potentially dangerous weather events. Like
a smoke detector, a weather radio waits in standby mode
until a warning is issued. When the National Weather
Service issues a warning, weather radios in businesses and
households throughout the threat area automatically alarm
and broadcast the warning, allowing people to take the
appropriate actions. Portable models also are available for
use outdoors or when traveling.
Jim Fox
Director of Information
Technology
(630) 368-5174
jfox@oak-brook.org
12 WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG | Spring 2016
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Finance
BY SHARON DANGLES
Information
FINANCE REPORT
2016 Budget Approved
The 2016 Municipal Budget was approved by the Village
Board on December 9, 2015. The 2016 Budget is a fiscally
responsible financial plan that will enable the Village to
continue to provide the community with high quality
municipal services and special events that enhance the
quality of life of all residents and meet the needs of the
business community.
There are a number of internal and external factors that we
take into account when compiling the municipal budget.
Several issues the Village faces are increased pension
obligations, rising health care costs, possible revenue
reductions by the State of Illinois, and the funding of
vehicles, equipment, and capital improvements.
The Village’s General Corporate cash reserve balance
deserves some special mention as it continues to be
an important aspect in the Village’s position of fiscal
strength. The financial policy of the Village is to maintain
a cash balance reserve of at least six months of operating
expenditures in the General Corporate Fund. The projected
ending cash balance for 2016 in the General Corporate Fund
of $12,808,988 is equal to 7.1 months of operating expenses,
which is $2.0 million above the six month operating reserve
requirement.
The 2016 budgeted revenues are $49 million, a 2.3%
increase from the 2015 Budget. This is mainly due to the
increase in water rates as budgeted in the Water Fund. The
2016 revenues include $23.8 million in the General Fund,
which is where many of the Village’s day-to-day operations
are funded. Sales taxes for the General Fund account for
more than half of the General Fund revenues. They are
projected to be $12.6 million or 2.5% higher than last year.
The Village collected over $12 million in general sales tax for
2015, which was the highest received in history dating back
to the 1990’s.
The total spending is $51.4 million, a decrease of $1.7 million,
or 3.2% from the prior year. This is mainly due to a decrease
in major capital improvements in the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund
and Water Fund. The Village is projected to end December
31 with a healthy cash balance for all funds in the amount
of $24.1 million. It’s common practice for certain funds
to reserve money over a period of time before expending
them on major capital projects. The use of proper planning
ensures the Village does not incur debt.
Major capital improvements for 2016 are:
• Improvements to 22nd St. (Salt Creek – I-294) for $1.2
million in 2016 (another $1.2 million in 2017), which is
partially offset by a grant.
• Annual paving program, $4.5 million
We will continue to evaluate our operations to make certain
we are providing services to our citizens and corporate
business partners as effici tly and economically as possible.
Thank you to everyone for their continued commitment in
making Oak Brook a great community to live and work.
The 2016 approved Budget and Five Year Plan are available
on the Village’s website. Please feel free to contact me with
any questions.
E-Billing
Water customers can sign up to receive their water bill
electronically by email. The electronic bill generated
looks just like the bill a customer would receive in the
mail. Customers will receive their bill one to two days
earlier since the bill does not have to be forwarded
and processed for mailing. Delinquent Notices will still
be processed, printed and mailed. If you would like to
participate in this program, please email waterbilling@
oak-brook.org and include the following information:
• Service Address
• Water Account Number
• Telephone Number
• Email Address
Sharon Dangles
Finance Director/
Assistant Village Manager
(630) 368-5072
sdangles@oak-brook.org
Spring 2016 | WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG 13
173335 Spring Newsletter r6.indd 13 3/1/16 1:40 AM
SPRING 2016
This winter Public Works has been busy with snow and
ice removal, and removing Ash trees lost to the Emerald
Ash Borer. Staff removed approximately 100 trees. During
spring restoration, tree stumps will be ground, then dirt
and seed will be added to level offparkways. Replacement
trees will be scheduled for fall planting.
With the weather warming, it’s time to take care of some
simple, yet important housekeeping tasks. Homeowners
should do a “walk around” inspection of their yard. Make
sure drainage pathways that take water away from
foundations are pitched away from your home and clear
of debris. Keep drainage in mind during the upcoming
garden and spring clean-up season. Avoid trapping
water against your home’s foundation with too much soil
or mulch. Gutters, downspouts, and area drains have a
tendency to collect debris over the winter. Now is a great
time to ensure these drainage features are clog-free and
running free.
As spring is fast approaching, Public Works would like
to update residents on upcoming street improvements
scheduled for 2016
Street receiving resurfacing are:
• Acorn Hill Lane, Washington Street and Wood Road
• Bath & Tennis Drive
• Camden Court and Tower Drive (Water Tower Area)
• Clearwater Drive
• St. Stephens Green
• Camelot Drive
Streets receiving signifi ant reconstruction:
• Avenue Lorie
• Mockingbird Lane
Spring is also a good time to check timers and scheduling
of your home’s irrigation system.
As a water conservation reminder, outdoor watering is
permitted as follows:
Odd-Numbered Street Addresses
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Even-Numbered Street Addresses
Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
6:00 AM until 10:00 AM & 6:00 PM until 10:00 PM
WATERING IS PROHIBITED ON
MONDAY
Watering cans or hand-held watering devices may be used
at any time on any day.
Customers with private wells are encouraged to utilize
their wells for all outside watering purposes.
Newly planted sod or seed may be watered for a maximum
period of two (2) weeks from the date of installation. Please
notify the Village’s Water Department at 630 368-5270.
14 WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG | Spring 2016
NewsPublic Works
BY DOUG PATCHIN
Doug Patchin
Director of Public
Works & Engineering
(630) 368-5270
dpatchin@oak-brook.org
173335 Spring Newsletter r6.indd 14 3/1/16 1:40 AM
Oak Brook Bath & Tennis
Spring 2016 | WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG 15
Sports Core
Oak Brook Bath & Tennis
The official date for the opening of the pool is Saturday, May 28. Swim team gets underway with team try-outs
and open practice starting Tuesday, May 31-Thursday, June 2 for returning and new swimmers. We would love
for you to come and try us out! More information about swim team can be found out on the Village website.
We have new swim programs for members and non members to join for the season.
The Youth programs are: The Adult programs are:
-Dive lessons -Master Swim
-Snorkeling for kids -Water Aerobics
-Aqua Zumba
-Discover Scuba Diving
We also added a new Co-Ed Volleyball program for Adults on Fridays from 6pm-7:30pm. Come check it out!
Target date for the opening of the
tennis courts will be Saturday, April 30.
The Pro-Shop will be open on a limited
basis. Please check for times.
We have many programs for members
and nonmembers to enjoy our well
maintained Har Tru clay courts.
We offer Junior, Women’s and Men’s
programs throughout the season.
173335 Spring Newsletter r6.indd 15 3/1/16 1:40 AM
PRESORTED
FIRST CLASS MAIL
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
OAK BROOK, IL
PERMIT NO. 19
Village of Oak Brook
1200 Oak Brook Road
Oak Brook, IL 60523-2255
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