2017 WinterO BAK ROOKnewsQuarterly Newsletter I Volume 83 - Winter 2017
189173 Winter r5.indd 1 12/21/17 1:39 AM
2 WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG | Winter 2017
OAK BROOK news
3 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Message from Dr. Gopal Lalmalani
4 FROM THE MANAGER’S DESK
Message from Rick Ginex
4 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
Stay Connected
5 POLICE
In The News
6-8 FIRE
Enjoy a Fire Safe Holiday Season
9 DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Economic Development Update
10 -11 LIBRARY
Calendar & Events
12 POLO NEWS
Oak Brook Polo Club Awarded the
2018 USPA Board Of Governors and
Annual Member Meeting
13 PUBLIC WORKS
Snow and Ice Control
14 FINANCE INFORMATION
Comprehensive Annual Financial
Report
14 SPORTS CORE INFORMATION
Golf News
15 BATH & TENNIS CLUB
INSIDE THIS NEWSLETTER
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
ELECTED OFFICIALS/BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Gopal Lalmalani, M.D., M.B.A | President • Charlotte K. Pruss | Clerk
John Baar | Trustee • Philip Cuevas | Trustee • Michael Manzo | Trustee
Moin Saiyed | 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
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
189173 Winter r5.indd 2 12/21/17 1:39 AM
Winter 2017 | WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope everyone had a happy and healthy Holiday season and I
wish everyone all the best for the upcoming New Year!
Now that winter has arrived, why not come and enjoy some
of the fabulous indoor programs offered at the Library or
enjoy a nice leisurely meal at one of Oak Brook’s finest dining
establishments.
This past year, the Village welcomed the openings of several
new restaurants. They included Michael Jordan’s Restaurant,
Rock Sugar Southeast Asian Kitchen, Roka Akor, a Japanese
steak, sushi and seafood restaurant and the new 14,000-square-
foot dining “District” at the Oakbrook Center Mall which
features ten new eateries located on the upper level adjacent
to the AMC Theaters. Additionally, we saw the beginning of the
Rush Medical/Surgical Complex, the opening of the Duchossois
Group and the 144 room Hyatt House Hotel, the approval of
Carvana, where vehicles can be purchased on-line with two
(2) delivery options and the renovations to the Sears Store to
accommodate KidZania, a children’s entertainment business.
The Village Board and I remain committed to conservative
spending while continuing to invest in our community and
providing superior services to our residents. However, the State
of Illinois passed a budget this year that included a reduction
in the distribution of income tax revenues to municipalities of
10% resulting in loss of revenue of ~ $75,000 to our General
Fund. The State also imposed a 2% “collection fee” on locally
administered non-home rule sales tax resulting in another loss
of ~ $110,000 to the Infrastructure Fund. Despite these and
other economic challenges as well as the spiraling costs of
pensions, the Village enters Fiscal Year 2018 in a stable financial
footing. On December 12, the Village approved a Budget for
2018 which included healthy reserves of $16.9 million dollars,
which amounts to 9.2 months of operating expenses. This
reserve exceeds the required financial policy of the Village
of maintaining a cash balance of six months of operating
expenses in the General Corporate Fund. I remain committed to
opposing new taxation of any kind (including the Food and
Beverage tax), as well as opposing real estate/property tax.
Finally, I am happy to report to you that last month I proposed,
and the Board unanimously approved, the establishment of the
Sports Core Advisory Committee. This new standing Committee
will be made up of 9 residents of our Village, chaired by Ms.
Angie Lopez, and will report to the Board on any and all issues
within our Sports Core so as to enhance this precious amenity
for our residents who use our facilities.
The Trustees, the staff, and I are always available to hear your
thoughts, ideas, or concerns at all times. Kindly feel free to call,
email or meet any of us. We are all here to serve you.
Have a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
Kind regards,
Village President
(630) 368-5012
glalmalani@oak-brook.org
Gopal G. Lalmalani, M.D., M.B.A.
189173 Winter r5.indd 3 12/21/17 1:39 AM
Dear Friends and Residents:
It has been a very busy few months as we wrapped up the
end of the year for the Village. The Board recently held three
Committee Workshops. One was on the Sports Core and two
were related to the 2018 budget. The Public Hearing on the
2018 budget and its approval was held at the Dec. 12th Board
Meeting.
On December 5, 2017, Chief
James Kruger received the Law
Enforcement Official of the Year
Award from the Illinois Security
Professionals Association at their
56th Annual Awards Gala in
Chicago. Several of our staff, as
well as Clerk Charlotte Pruss and
I attended the luncheon. We are
very excited and proud of Chief
Kruger’s work and recognition.
Recently, our Human Resource Generalist left the organization
for the private sector. As Village Manager, one of my main
responsibilities is to balance the needs of the organization and
realize alternative ways to function in a more effective manner.
In filling this position, I promoted our Deputy Clerk, Kathy
Vonachen to the new position of Human Resource Manager/
Deputy Village Clerk. Additionally, Rose Kane became the new
Administrative Coordinator. The combination of duties and
the elimination of an administrative position realized a savings
of over $84,000.
This year’s Polo season appeared to be a very successful one.
As you know, James Drury Partners, operating as Pineoak
Partners, has been managing polo for the last two years. The
Village has already begun discussions with Pineoak Partners
for the 2018 season as next year will mark the 40th Anniversary
since the last U.S. Open Polo Championship was played in
Oak Brook. We are pleased that Pineoak Partners has led the
resurgence and growth of Polo in Oak Brook and the Chicago
area.
Finally, we are coming into our snow season. Our Public Works
staff is already preparing for the snow season and has begun
preparing our fleet for road clearing and salting operations.
I want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. I look
forward to our continued success in 2018.
Jim Fox
Director of Information
Technology Services
(630) 368-5174
jfox@oak-brook.org
Information Technology Services
BY JIM FOX
STAY CONNECTED
Technology keeps us informed
and in touch like never before.
Think about the technology
we use every day compared
to 20 years ago: e-mail,
instant messaging, pocket cell
phones, SMS (text) messaging,
PDAs. . .the list goes on. We already know this technology can
increase connectivity and productivity, but did you know they
can also save lives during an emergency? The Village of Oak
Brook uses a mass notification system designed to keep Village
residents and businesses informed of emergencies and certain
community events.
The system utilizes the telephone companies’ 911 database and
is able to contact land-line telephone numbers, whether listed
or unlisted. If the call is picked up by an answering machine,
the system will leave a recorded message. If the number called
is busy or does not answer, the system will redial the number in
an attempt to deliver the message.
By registering with this system, Village residents and businesses
can also add additional contact points such as cell or business
telephone numbers. Text messages may also be sent to cell
phones, e-mail accounts and hearing impaired receiving
devices.
To register with the system please visit the Village website at
http://www.oak-brook.org/303/Mass-Emergency-Notification
4 WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG | Winter 2017
From the Manager’s Desk
BY RICCARDO F. GINEX
Riccardo F. Ginex
Village Manager
(630) 368-5026
villagemanager@oak-brook.org
189173 Winter r5.indd 4 12/21/17 1:39 AM
The Partnership for Drug Free Kids has a parent guide at http://
medicineabuseproject.org/assets/documents/Parent_talk_
kit_2014_.pdf that offers some good advice to parents. There
are also resources on the teen misuse of prescription pain
medications as well. It is a well-known fact that one of the
main causes of opioid abuse is over prescribed use of an opioid
pain reliever after a sports injury. Another great resource is
the Robert Crown Center in Hinsdale, who was also an early
partner of law enforcement to bring educational programs to
area high schools.
As we combat the opioid epidemic, I also want to alert you
to an attempted move by the Illinois General Assembly to
legalize recreational marijuana in the upcoming session. The
Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, along with the Illinois
States Attorney’s Association with the help of our own States
Attorney Robert Berlin, The Illinois Sheriff ’s Association
and Sheriff Zaruba are working hard to combat the false
information being put out there by the proponents looking
at the fast money and not the real effects this would have on
our communities and especially our children. The proponents
believe legalization will make it safer, “since people are
smoking anyway” and regulation will remove the criminal
element. But law enforcement has seen in states where it has
been legalized that the grey market still exists to get around
the higher price and taxes, childrens’ emergency room visits
are up from ingesting edible cannabis that looks like candy,
and fatal crashes related to cannabis use are up. We ask that
everyone contact their state representatives and senators to
vote no on legalization. Should you have any questions on this
or would like to help in the fig t, please email or call my office
for more information.
Have a safe winter season. Thank you.
Winter 2017 | WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG 5
Police
BY JAMES KRUGER
News
Over the last couple of months, the opioid crisis has hit the
national consciousness as President Donald Trump declared it
a public health emergency. Every day, more than 90 Americans
die after overdosing on opioids. The misuse of and addiction
to opioids—including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and
synthetic opioids such as fentanyl—is a serious national crisis
that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that
the total “economic burden” of prescription opioid misuse
alone in the United States is $78.5 billion a year, including the
costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and
criminal justice involvement.
Nearly fi e years ago, DuPage County law enforcement and the
Coroner’s Office recognized this issue as the number of deaths
attributed to opioid overdose in DuPage County began to
rise. There was a realization that this problem was far reaching
and affected all age and socioeconomic groups. We saw that
there was no community immune from the problem, and law
enforcement would not be able to solve it alone. Due to the
leadership and forward thinking in DuPage County, we began
the DuPage County Narcan Program bringing together law
enforcement, prosecutors, coroner, and health department to
deploy the first countywide law enforcement narcan program
in the country, http://www.dupagehealth.org/EPR/dnpinfo.
So far this year in DuPage County alone, there have been 75
deaths and 120 narcan saves through September as compared
to 78 deaths and 148 saves in all of 2016.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in late November that he
had been “dubious” of a 2016 law that effectively took away
the Drug Enforcement Administration’s most potent weapons
against distributors and manufacturers of prescription opioids
and he would support new legislation to expand the agency’s
arsenal. “Today we are facing the deadliest drug crisis in
American history,” Sessions said. “We’ve never, ever seen the
death rates that we’re having today — 64,000 died last year.”
So what can we do right now? There are many resources out
there to explain to parents on how to talk to their children.
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 | Winter 2017
OAK BROOK FIRE
DEPARTMENT
ANNOUNCES ITS
FIRST CITIZEN’S
FIRE ACADEMY
The Citizen’s Fire Academy (CFA) is a new part of the Oak
Brook Fire Department’s Fire Prevention and Public Education
division, designed to give participants insights into how
fi efig ters/paramedics perform their duties, as well as how
the Oak Brook Fire Department serves the community.
This new program consists of classroom instruction and
discussions, with a primary focus on hands-on exercises that
include a variety of physical activities including but not limited
to standing, climbing, lifting, bending and crawling. All are
welcome; no one is excluded based on physical limitations.
Participants must be at least 18 years of age.
There is NO COST to anyone who participates in the academy.
The seven (7) week program consists of weekly 3-hour
sessions, including a graduation ceremony. Instructors are
certifie fi efig ter/paramedics, officers, supervisors, and other
department personnel with expertise in various areas. Areas
of instruction include, but are not limited to fi e suppression,
emergency medical services, CPR, firs aid, fi e prevention, fi e
investigation, specialty teams and much more.
Classes are scheduled to begin March 7, 2018 and will meet
every Wednesday at the Oak Brook Fire Department’s Training
Room from 6:30 pm until 9:30 pm.
Anyone interested must submit an application which can be
found on the Fire Department’s web site. Participants must
meet the following criteria:
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must live, work, or be associated with the Village of Oak
Brook
• Have no felony arrests or misdemeanor convictions
A background and criminal history check will be conducted on
all applicants. The Oak Brook Fire Department reserves the right
to exclude any applicant from consideration or participation.
Enjoy a Fire Safe Holiday Season…
A joyous season is a fi e safe season. First and foremost, we
want you to help us keep your home and property safe by
preventing the common, ordinary ways of how a fi e can start
in your home, destroy your belongings, and harm your loved
ones. According to the National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA), “The top three days for home candle fi es are New Year’s
Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.” The top three months for
heating fi es occurring in the home are December, January,
and February. NFPA’s “Project Holiday” provides a wealth of
safety information to help ensure the holiday season is a safe
one. Please see below for some tips and suggestions on how
to continue to have an enjoyable fi e safe holiday season. For
more information from NFPA, please visit http://www.nfpa.org.
Enjoy a fi e safe holiday season. This winter, we wish all of our
resident’s peace, joy, and a prosperous New Year and many
more fi e safe holiday’s thereafter.
Have your furnace checked. Once a year, hire a professional
to inspect and/or service your home’s furnace.
Have your Chimney and Vents checked. Fireplaces produce
creosote, which may ignite. If you light fi es frequently, you will
need a chimney sweep service at least once a year. Please make
sure you are using dry and seasoned wood which produces
less smoke. (Don’t burn trees, wreaths or wrapping paper in
the fi eplace.)
Test all smoke alarms. Make sure batteries are new and are
in working condition. Replace smoke alarms which appear to
be too old, have an expiration date, or are just not working
properly. Add smoke alarms in bedrooms, kitchens, and the
laundry room if necessary.
Use a screen for your fi eplace. Tempered glass or a metal
screen helps protect sparks findin their way out and burning
a hole in your carpet or sofa.
Don’t leave candles alone. Candles
can set the mood for relaxation, and
that is how they are forgotten or
knocked over by kids or pets. Light the
candle only when you plan to occupy
the room. Blow the candle out prior to
leaving the room.
Safety & InformationFire
BY BARRY LISS
Fire
BY BARRY LISS
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Winter 2017 | WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG 7
Space Heaters need Space. Keep children and pets at least
three (3) feet away from a space heater. This will prevent
injury or even burns. Do not place space heaters near curtains,
tablecloths or fabrics. Before purchasing a space heater, check
for a tip-over switch, thermal protection system, as well as a
power light.
Fire Extinguisher’s Save Kitchens. Store one under the
kitchen sink and in the hall closet near the bedrooms. Make
sure you purchase an ABC fi e extinguisher in which A is for
paper, wood and trash; B is for grease and flammabl liquids,
and C is for small electrical fi es. Water does not help a grease
fi e and can make it worse, much worse. Keep baking soda
close by in case of a pan fi e. Keep lids handy to put on top of
pots and pans that get too hot. Lids also help tremendously
when needing to smother a fi e inside of a pan on the stove.
Always turn the gas or electric off firs before using the fi e
extinguisher.
Practice an escape route. Have a fun, family fi e drill. Teach
your family to crawl to the nearest exit from every room. Show
them how to stop, drop, and roll if their clothes were to ever
catch on fi e.
All household members should know 9-1-1. You have heard
the stories—the four-year-old who saved his grandmother’s
life with a 9-1-1 call. In a fi e, every person in the home can be
a potential hero if they know what to do.
~Holiday Safety~
This is an issue that burns brightest from late November to
mid-January. This is the time when families gather and parties
are scheduled. Placing up decorations is one of the best ways
to get into the spirit or mood, but many injuries are also the
result of decorating. Take some basic precautions this holiday
season so that you and your family and friends remain safe and
injury free. You may be able to enjoy the holiday instead of
sustaining an injury.
• “Angel hair,” made from spun glass, can irritate your eyes
and skin; always wear gloves or substitute non-flammabl
cotton.
• Spraying artificia snow can irritate your lungs if inhaled;
follow directions carefully.
• Decorate the tree with your kids in mind; move ornaments
that are breakable or have metal hooks toward the top.
• Always use the proper step ladder; don’t stand on chairs or
other furniture.
• Lights are among the best parts of holiday decorating;
make sure there are no exposed or frayed wires, loose
connections or broken sockets.
• Plants can spruce up your holiday decorating, but keep
those that may be poisonous (including some Poinsettias)
out of reach of children or pets; the national Poison Control
Center can be reached at (800) 222-1222.
• Make sure paths are clear so no one trips on wrapping
paper, decorations, toys, etc.
~Gift Related Safety Tips~
We’ve all heard it’s important when choosing
toys for infants or small children to avoid
small parts that might prove to be a choking
hazard. Here are some additional gift-related
safety tips:
• Select gifts for older adults that are not heavy or awkward
to handle.
• Be aware of dangers associated with coin lithium batteries;
of particular concern is the ingestion of button batteries.
~Candle Safety~
Thousands of deaths are caused by fi es, burns
and other fi e-related injuries every year, and
12% of home candle fi es occur in December,
the National Fire Protection Association reports.
Increased use of candles and fi eplaces,
combined with an increase in the amount of
combustible, seasonal decorations present in many homes
means more risk for fi e.
• Never leave burning candles unattended or sleep in a room
with a lit candle.
• Keep candles out of the reach of children.
• Make sure candles are on stable surfaces.
• Don’t burn candles near trees, curtains or any other
flammabl items.
Safety & InformationFireFire
189173 Winter r5.indd 7 12/21/17 1:39 AM
8 WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG | Winter 2017
~Turkey Fryers~
While many subscribe to the theory any fried food is good—
even if it’s not necessarily good for you—there is reason to be
on alert if you’re thinking of celebrating the holidays by frying
a turkey.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports there
have been 168 turkey-fryer related fi es, burns, explosions or
carbon monoxide poisoning incidents since 2002. CPSC states
672 people have been injured and $8 million in property
damage losses have resulted from these incidents.
The National Safety Commission discourages the use of turkey
fryers at home and urges those who prefer fried turkey to
seek out professional establishments or consider a new oil-
less turkey fryer. Please follow these precautions when using
a turkey fryer:
• Set up the fryer more than 10 feet from the house.
• Find fl t ground; the oil must be even and steady to ensure
safety.
• Use a thawed and dry turkey; any water will cause the oil to
bubble furiously and spill over.
• Fryer lid and handle can become very hot and cause burns.
• Have a fi e extinguisher ready at all times.
~Food Safety Tips~
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides
some holiday food safety tips. Here are a few:
• Do not rinse raw meat and poultry before cooking.
• Use a food thermometer to make sure meat is cooked to a
safe temperature.
• Refrigerate food within two hours.
• Thanksgiving leftovers are safe for four days in the
refrigerator.
• Bring sauces, soups and gravies to a rolling boil when
reheating.
• When storing turkey, cut the leftovers in small pieces so
they will chill quickly.
• Wash your hands frequently when handling food.
Traveling for the Holidays? Be Prepared.
Many people must travel during
the holiday season by car. Although
automobile injuries are widespread
throughout the year, many alcohol-
impaired fatalities occur during the
holiday season. In 2013, 343 people
died on New Year’s Day, 360 on
Thanksgiving Day and 88 on Christmas
Day, according to Injury Facts 2015. Alcohol-impaired fatalities
represented 31% of the totals.
• Use a designated driver to ensure guests make it home
safely after a holiday party; alcohol, over-the-counter or
illegal drugs all cause impairment.
• Make sure every person in the vehicle is properly buckled
up no matter how long or short the distance being traveled.
• Put that cell phone away; distracted driving causes one-
quarter of all crashes.
• Properly maintain the vehicle and keep an emergency kit
with you.
• Be prepared for heavy traffic, and possibly heavy snow.
Remember, when guests are staying in your home, make sure
areas have night lights or easy-to-reach lamps in case they
need to get up during the night. Whether you are visiting
someone else’s home or you have guests in your home, make
sure all medications are kept up and away and out of sight
from young children.
Fire
BY BARRY LISS
Safety & Information
Barry Liss
Fire Chief
(630) 368-5200
bliss@oak-brook.org
189173 Winter r5.indd 8 12/21/17 1:39 AM
Development Services
BY TONY BUDZIKOWSKI
Information
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE – WINTER 2017
FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK
It’s been a productive year for the Development Services
Department and building permit revenues have exceeded
$2,000,000 in 2017. New commercial projects that have
opened their doors this year include Michael Jordan’s
Restaurant, Rock Sugar Southeast Asian Kitchen, Hyatt
House and the restaurants at the “District” in Oak Brook
Center. The “District” includes Potbelly, Cilantro Taco Grill,
Stan’s Donuts and Coffee, Greek Kitchen, Nando’s Peri-Peri
Chicken, Pie Five Pizza, Porkchop, David’s Tea, DMK Burger
Bar and Freshii. Several other noteworthy projects are
currently in the permitting and construction phases and
are expected to be coming in 2018. I am looking forward
to another productive year in 2018 and I’d like to wish Oak
Brook’s residents and business community a healthy and
happy holiday and New Year.
Carvana – planned development of a 1.0 acre
site at 720 Enterprise Drive that would raze
an existing office building and redevelop the
site with a 7,700 square foot pre-owned auto
retailer. The Carvana business model relies
on the purchase of vehicles on-line with
two (2) delivery options. A customer can
have the vehicle delivered directly to their
home or they can pick it up at the vending
machine at their brick-and-mortar store
in Oak Brook. The Village Board approved
the Planned Development Ordinance for
Carvana at their meeting on November 14th
and building permit plans were submitted in
late November for review. It is anticipated
that the project will be completed and
operational by Fall 2018.
Rock Sugar Southeast Asian Kitchen –
the Village Board approved a special use
permit for an outdoor dining area consisting
of 64-seats in mid-July 2017 for Rock Sugar
restaurant located at 2022 Spring Road
(adjacent to the Cheesecake Factory) in the
Oakbrook Shopping Center. The restaurant
will showcase the cuisines of Thailand,
Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and
India. The restaurant will be operational and
open for business the week of December 5th.
Winter 2017 | WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG 9
Tony Budzikowski
Director of Development Services
(630) 368-5104
Tbudzikowski@oak-brook.org
189173 Winter r5.indd 9 12/21/17 1:39 AM
Italian Composer Giuseppe Verdi: His
Life and Opera
Sunday, January 21 @ 2 pm
Join opera enthusiast Young Kim for an
entertaining and informative look at the
preeminent composer, his life and his work.
Whether you’re a regular opera goer or an opera novice,
you’re sure to learn something new.
6 Critical Mistakes to Avoid When
Planning for Retirement
Wednesday, January 24 @ 7 pm
Most people spend the majority of their working careers
saving money so they can retire when and how they want,
but there is a big difference between saving for retirement
and actually planning for it. These 6 critical mistakes
can have a detrimental impact on the outcome of your
retirement, but are avoidable with proper planning. You will
learn some unique and effective strategies to improve your
retirement outcome.
Embrace the New Year with Meditation
Saturday, January 27 @ 2 pm
In this busy, fast-paced world, peace seems
like an elusive commodity. Join long-time
meditator Renate Lanotte, MS LCSW for this
engaging workshop offering effective techniques that
can reduce stress, enhance relaxation and promote inner
growth.
FEBRUARY
A New Birth of Freedom
Sunday, February 4 @ 2 pm
Join us for a “firs -hand” account of Mr. Lincoln’s
experiences of U.S. history through the end of
the Civil War in 1865. Mr. Lincoln is portrayed by
Kevin Wood, a professional Lincoln presenter
who bears a remarkable resemblance to “the
Great Emancipator” and who is extremely knowledgeable
about his life and times.
Cooking Demonstration: Indian
Soups
Sunday, February 11 @ 2 pm
Keep out the chill this February with a bowl
of warm, homemade soup full of in-season
ingredients demonstrated by Indrani Hausner of monbool
cooking school. Samples will be provided. Recipes will be
announced closer to the program.
LIBRARY NOTES
As evidenced by the list of programs here, the Oak Brook
Public Library is more than just books. Do you need
help with the new tablet or smartphone you got for the
holidays? Schedule a one-on-one learning session with
one of the Library’s knowledgeable reference librarians.
They can assist you in setting up the device, downloading
an eBook, or just give you some helpful tips. And while you
are talking to them, ask about the electronic databases the
Library offers. For instance, did you know you can have free
access to Morningstar Independent Investment Research?
All it takes is a valid Oak Brook library card for you to unlock
all the useful investment tools to help grow your financial
portfolio. If you haven’t signed up for a library card yet,
bring a photo ID and proof that you live in incorporated Oak
Brook and the Library staff will be happy to issue you one.
Do you have a toddler in the family? Sign them up for one
of the exciting story times that Youth Services department
offers. The story time will include books, music, and a craft.
Do you appreciate art? The Oak Brook Art League is now
displaying member paintings in the Library’s meeting
room. This ongoing exhibit brings warmth to the room and
a sense of community to the Library. So as you can see, the
Library is more than just books. However, not to forget the
books, the Library’s Winter Reading Programs for both kids
and adults start when the Library opens after the New Year.
We are giving great incentives for completing the reading
logs. So come to the Library this winter, whether it be for
the books or the other offerings; you won’t be disappointed!
WINTER CALENDAR
JANUARY
Tai Chi for Beginners
Wednesday, January 17 @ 10 am
Tai Chi incorporates slow, deliberate movements,
meditation, and breathing exercises to help your circulation,
balance, and alignment while restoring energy. This is a
low-impact martial art with amazing benefit . Sponsored
by Body & Brain in Westmont.
Library
BY JACOB POST
Calendar and Events
Jacob Post
Head Librarian
(630) 368-7706
jpost@oak-brook.org
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Dave DiNaso’s Traveling World of
Reptiles
Saturday, February 17 @ 2 pm
Join us for an up-close, live and extremely
“hands-on” experience as you learn about
reptiles and amphibians from around the
world. An enjoyable experience for all ages! Registration
required!
Medicare 101
Tuesday, February 27 @ 7 pm
David Wylly of the Medicare Solutions
Network will detail what Medicare covers,
what it doesn’t, and your options for additional coverage.
He will also discuss Medicare Supplements, Part D Drug
Prescription coverage and Advantage Plans.
Social Security: More Than Meets
the Eye
Wednesday, February 28 @ 7 pm
If you are going to collect Social Security benefits in the
next 10 years, join Jim Flanagan of Bentron Financial Group
for this lively and informative discussion. In this session, you
will learn more about the benefits of taking Social Security,
when to take it, how working impacts it, taxation on it, and
spousal Social Security.
MARCH
French Battlefields: The Defense
of Bastogne
Saturday, March 3 @ 2 pm
The 101st Airborne Division’s heroic
denial of the crucial Belgian transportation hub of Bastogne,
to attacking German forces during the Battle of the Bulge
and the charging advance of elements of General George S.
Patton Jr.’s US Third Army to break the enemy encirclement,
have entered legendary status in military history. Less
recognized was the stubborn resistance by overwhelmed
infantry and armored units at key road junctions in Belgium
and Luxembourg. Without their willingness to sacrifi e all in
holding their ground, the defense of Bastogne would have
never happened. Join battlefield expert Robert Mueller in
reviewing the exciting defeat of Hitler’s 1944 Winter Offense.
Women of World War II: On the
Front Lines and On the Home
Front
Sunday, March 4 @ 2 pm
During World War II, American women
took on many new roles, both in the military and as civilians.
One of the civilian avenues was through the American Red
Cross Clubmobile program, which was essentially a mobile
club, featuring doughnuts, coffee, and good old American
girl-next-door friendliness, all served up at the front lines
in Europe, Southeast Asia, India, and Australia --wherever
the troops were to be found. Join local author Barb Warner
Deane to learn more about this fascinating chapter in
American history.
Take Control of Your Medical
Decisions
Wednesday, March 7 @ 7 pm
When you are faced with a medical
crisis or long-term illness, knowing
which decisions are the right ones to make can be difficul
and confusing. Join Robert McNutt, M.D. in this interactive
session designed to empower you to make informed
medical decisions that are best for you. Dr. McNutt is a
clinician, researcher, teacher, decision analyst, former
medical editor and decision-making consultant. He is CEO
of YouChooseMedical, LLC and author of Your Health, Your
Decisions.
Shamrock Ragsters
Sunday, March 11 @ 2 pm
Come and hear the pub-shaking music
of the Shamrock Ragsters! Listen as they
play the hits of Dixieland, Bluegrass,
Irish, and Celtic tunes with traditional folk instruments
including banjo, fiddl , mandolin, tin whistle, Irish flu e,
guitar, bass and trumpet. You don’t want to miss this rip-
roaring performance!
Senior Solutions: Finding Care and
Housing for You or Your Loved One
Tuesday, March 13 @ 7 pm
The many housing and care options
available for today’s seniors can be confusing. What are
the differences between Independent Living and Assisted
Living? What should one look for while touring a living
community? How much do they cost? Rick Graffa na,
owner of Senior Solutions, will answer these questions and
more about housing for seniors in transition.
The Early Settlers of Oak Brook
Saturday, March 24 @ 2 pm
Join miller and historian Jim Nibeck
from the Graue Mill and Museum to
learn about the history of Oak Brook
and its earliest settlers.
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Press Release, December 12, 2017.
Earlier this Fall, the United States Polo Association® (USPA),
the official governing body of the sport of polo in the
United States, awarded its 2018 USPA Board of Governors
and Annual Member Meeting to Oak Brook Polo Club in Oak
Brook, Illinois, and the Chicagoland polo community.
The annual Board of Governors and Annual Member
Meetings will be held from Wednesday, September 19
to Saturday, September 22, 2018, at the Hyatt Lodge on
McDonald’s Corporate Campus in Oak Brook, Illinois. The
USPA Fall Meetings are one of two annual meetings held
every year. The USPA Spring Meetings are held in Wellington,
Florida, prior to the U.S. Open Polo Championship® every
April, while the USPA Fall Meetings are held in different polo
communities throughout the U.S.
“We are honored to be hosting the 2018 USPA Board of
Governors and Annual Member Meeting at Oak Brook
Polo Club next year,” said USPA CEO Bob Puetz. “I grew up
and learned to play polo in the Chicago area, and enjoyed
playing polo professionally at Oak Brook Polo Club for over
a decade. I am thrilled with the progress Oak Brook and the
other local Member Clubs have made towards making the
Chicago area a prominent location for American polo once
again, and look forward to sharing this great venue with
Board Members, Club Delegates, guests and staff.”
The USPA Board of Governors, Committees, Subsidiary
Boards, Club Delegates, Members and Staff will gather to
hold a variety of meetings, discussions and presentations to
review the progress and health of the sport throughout the
United States and abroad, as well as debate and vote on key
issues and policies affecting the game of polo.
The hosting of the 2018 USPA Fall Meetings corresponds
with Oak Brook Polo Club’s 40th Anniversary since the last
U.S. Open Polo Championship was held in Oak Brook, Illinois,
in 1978 between teams Abercrombie & Kent and Tulsa. In
honor of this history, the Oak Brook Polo Club in coordination
with the USPA, is working on a hosting U.S. Open Alumni
Match on Sunday, September 23, 2018, on Oak Brook Polo’s
Prince of Wales Field located at 2606 York Road in Oak Brook,
Illinois to close out the 2018 Season. Players and sponsors
interested in participating should contact Oak Brook Polo
Club’s Managing Director, Daniel O’Leary via email doleary@
oakbrookpoloclub.com or phone (312) 448-4693.
“We are honored and thrilled to be awarded these meetings,”
said Jim Drury, President of the Oak Brook Polo Club. “It our
objective to work with the Village of Oak Brook to heighten
the visibility and excitement of polo in Oak Brook and once
again become a national and international polo destination.
These meetings are an example of our recent success
and gives us the platform to re-introduce Oak Brook as a
competitive polo market in the Mid-West.”
The Oak Brook Polo Club was home to U.S. Open Polo
Championship for over two decades from 1954 to 1978,
making it the home of elite professional polo in the United
States. In those 22 years, the Oak Brook Polo Club won six
U.S. Open Polo Championships (1960, ’64, ’65, ’67, ’71 and
’73).
“We are very excited that once again, the United States
Polo Association will hold their annual fall meetings and
play polo in Oak Brook, says Gopal Lalmalani, Village of Oak
Brook President. This five-day event will highlight Oak Brook,
restore polo as a signature event and bring hundreds of
visitors to our Village where they will stay in our hotels and
visit our wonderful Oakbrook Center Mall. We congratulate
the Oak Brook Polo Club on this wonderful achievement.”
About Oak Brook Polo Club
Founded in 1922 by legendary businessman, Paul Butler,
the Oak Brook Polo Club is an American Polo treasure and
one of the oldest polo clubs in the United States. It was
once the sport’s epicenter for elite professional polo in the
United States and served as home to the U.S. Open Polo
Championship for twenty-four straight seasons and other
prestigious international and national polo tournaments. For
decades, the Club has been a popular Sunday tradition and
social scene known for entertaining Hollywood celebrities,
dignitaries, royalty and Chicago’s distinguished. Today, Oak
Brook Polo Club hosts several Sunday matches and continues
to attract thousands of fascinated spectators who marvel at
the athleticism and majesty of this timeless sport.
Club Contact:
Daniel O’Leary
Oak Brook Polo Club
Managing Director
doleary@oakbrookpoloclub.com
312.448.4693
Oak Brook Polo Club Awarded the 2018 USPA Board Of Governors and Annual Member Meeting
12 WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG | Winter 2017
Polo News
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Winter 2017 | WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG 13
News
SNOW AND ICE CONTROL
The goal of the Village’s Snow & Ice Control program is to
mitigate vehicular and pedestrian hazards caused by the
accumulation of snow and ice on all Village maintained
streets and parking facilities owned by the Village.
To assist in achieving this goal, the Village is divided
into five (5) separate routes. These routes were created
due to geography location, lane miles of pavement, and
specialized equipment needs. Each route is assigned
sufficient equipment and man-power to clear all snow, curb
to curb, within eight hours after a typical snow event has
concluded. Typically, this objective is reached; however,
there are times when it cannot be. This is usually due to
the amount of snow (over 8”) and/or type of snow (heavy
wet snow requires more truck passes to clear than light dry
snow).
Following are the routes, the areas included in each route,
and the primary streets within each route. In order to
facilitate plowing operations, and to open up streets where
the most benefit will result, the “Primary” streets are cleared
of snow/ice first, followed by secondary streets and cul-de-
sacs/dead ends.
Public Works
BY DOUG PATCHIN
FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK
Winter is upon us and gives us all an opportunity to enjoy the great indoors. There are a few things we should look at to insure
that there are no unwanted surprises in the Spring. Gutters and downspouts should be inspected to insure that periods of
snow melt don’t cause ice-damming along gutter lines. Similarly, area drains and sump discharges should be cleared. Now is
a good time to make sure furnaces, including filters, are serviced. Chimneys of active fireplaces should also be inspected. The
biggest concern for Public Works will be snow and ice control, here are some notes on how we go about it:
Primary Streets
Jorie Blvd., Spring Rd., Harger Rd., Commerce Dr.,
22nd Str. (Rt. 83 to Clearwater only), 16th Str.,
Enterprise Dr., Castle Dr., Windsor Dr., Forest Trail,
Woodland Dr., Timber View Dr., Timber Edge Dr.,
Timber Trail, & Yorkshire Wood loop.
Dover Dr., Sheffield Ln,*, H t Club Dr.,
Hunt Club Ln.*, Forest Glen Ln., Windsor Dr.,
Bradford Ln.*, Wood Glen Ln.,
Mockingbird Ln., Regent Dr., Kimberly Circle*,
Concord Dr., Kingston Dr.
Spring Rd. (south), Madison, Wood, St. Francis
Circle, Adams Rd., Acorn Hill Ln., Trinity Ln., 35st.
35th, Saddle Brook Dr., Hambletonian Dr.,
Fairview Ave., Royal Vale Dr., & Baybrook Ln.,
Avenue Loire, White Oak Lane
* Only portions of these streets are considered Primary.
Area
ROUTE 1
Commercial,
Timber Trails,
Merry Ln., &
Yorkshire Woods.
ROUTE 2
York Woods, Hunt
Club, Woodside
Estates, & Forest
Glen
ROUTE 3
Brook Forest
ROUTE 4
Fullersburg, Trinity
Lakes, & Robin
Hood Ranch
ROUTE 5
Saddle Brook, &
Ginger Creek
There are a few other items of particular importance you
should note.
• Although the Village does not have Village wide restrictions
on parking on streets during snow storm events, it is
advisable to keep your vehicles in your driveways until
plowing operations have been concluded. Vehicles parked
on the street make it more difficul for snow plow operators.
Additionally, due to the weaving around parked vehicles,
significa t piles of snow can remain on the pavement.
• Many roadways that bisect the Village are not the
responsibility of the Village to maintain. The Illinois
Department of Transportation has the responsibility for:
22nd St. (from the I-294 bridge, west to Rt. 83) also, Rt.
83, and Butterfield Rd. The DuPage County Division of
Transportation has: Meyers Rd., Midwest Rd., 31st St. and
York Road south of Dover. Should you need to contact either
of these agencies, their numbers are: Illinois Department of
Transportation, Oak Brook Yard: 630-832-7330 and DuPage
County Division of Transportation: 630-682-7321
• If you have a snow plowing service clear your driveway,
please advise them to make sure they deposit the snow
onto the parkway behind the curb or edge of pavement.
In many cases, this is not done and when our plow trucks
come back around, whatever snow they have left in the
street will certainly be plowed back into your driveway
approach.
Doug Patchin
Director of Public
Works & Engineering
(630) 368-5272
dpatchin@oak-brook.org
189173 Winter r5.indd 13 12/21/17 1:39 AM
Sports Core
BY SEAN CREED
GOLF NEWSLETTER
As we look at the end of fall golf and the golf season as
we know it in Oak Brook, our eyes are now on the fast
approaching holidays.
We hope to keep the golf course open for as long as the
weather permits, keep in mind there will be days that we
will have to close to keep the course as pristine as we can
for the spring 2018 season.
Stay tuned to email blasts and our website for course
conditions and tee times,
From all of us at Oak Brook Golf Course, thank you again for
a great year of golf. Wishing you and your families the best
of the Holidays and a Happy New Year.
Jason Paprocki
Finance Director
(630) 368-5070
jpaprocki@oak-brook.org
14 WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG | Winter 2017
Sean Creed
Golf Club Manager
(630) 368-6460
screed@oak-brook.org
COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT
State law requires the Village to prepare a complete set of
audited financia statements following the close of each
fisca year in the form of a Comprehensive Annual Financial
Report (CAFR). The CAFR is presented in three main sections.
The introductory section includes a financia overview and
an organization chart. The financia section includes the
Village auditor’s report, management’s discussion and
analysis, audited basic financia statements and notes
thereto, and the underlying combining and individual
fund financia statements and supporting schedules. The
statistical section sets forth selected unaudited economic,
financia trend and demographic information for the Village
on a multi-year basis.
The Village’s fisca year 2016 CAFR has been awarded the
Certific te of Achievement for Excellence in Financial
Reporting from the Government Finance Officers
Association, marking the 39th consecutive year this award
has been received. The 2016 CAFR is located on the Village
website in the Finance section for review. Please contact
the Finance Department at (630) 368-5000 if you have any
questions or comments regarding this document.
The Village President and Board of Trustees continue to
remain vigilant regarding the financia operations. During
2016, the Village’s General Fund (main operating fund)
experienced an increase in fund balance of $2.8 million,
which was better than expected. The 2016 budget planned
for a slight increase of $11,665 as part of a balanced
budget. For 2016, General Fund revenues were $1.5 million
Finance Department
BY JASON PAPROCKI
over budget and expenditures were $2.0 million under
budget. The financia policy of the Village is to maintain
a cash balance reserve of at least six months of operating
expenditures. By the end of 2017, the total General Fund
cash reserves are projected at $16.9 million, which is equal
to 9.2 months of operating expenses.
2018 Proposed Budget
The 2018 Proposed Budget was discussed at the Village’s
budget workshops on November 2nd and 8th in the Samuel
E. Dean Board Room. The fina 2018 Budget was approved
at the December 12th Regular Board of Trustees meeting.
Both documents, as well as the 2018-2022 5-Year Plan, can
be found on our website for review.
Water Rate Increase
Water rates are scheduled to increase 7% effective January 1,
2018. The residential rate will increase from $9.35 to $10.00
per 1,000 gallons and the non-resident rate will increase
from $11.04 to $11.81 per 1,000 gallons. The monthly fi ed
charge of $10 per account will remain unchanged.
The rate increases were recommended as part of a water
rate study that was performed in 2015. A copy of the full
study can be found on the Village website at: http://www.
oak-brook.org/186/Water-Rates.
189173 Winter r5.indd 14 12/21/17 1:39 AM
Winter 2017 | WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG 15
800 Oak Brook Road | Oak Brook, IL 60523 |www.oak-brook.org/weddings | 630.368.6442 | mlong@oak-brook.org
Our incredible venue includes some of the most
astounding indoor or outdoor visual elements in
architecture and nature. The unparalleled
qualities begin with a towering 35-foot vaulted
ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows, commanding
spectacular views of the wooded acres, lush
landscaping and the sparkling pond with fountain
creating an aura of sophistication unique to our
space and community. Our astonishing venue is
ready and waiting for you to express your
imagination and share in your vision.
Winter 2017 | WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG 15
180430 Winter Newsletter r1.indd 15 12/20/16 6:22 AM
800 Oak Brook Road | Oak Brook, IL 60523 | www.oakbrookbathandtennis.com| 630.368.6440 | mlong@oak-brook.org
Join us for an exciting year at the pool and tennis
courts for the 2018 season! We already have
exciting socials planned including a Murder
Mystery Dinner and an award winning Circus/
Magic Act as featured on the Tonight Show and
HBO’s series, Treme. For returning members,
please make sure to renew your membership by
the new early bird special deadline of April 1.
189173 Winter r5.indd 15 12/21/17 1:39 AM
LIVE STREAMING — VILLAGE BOARD MEETINGS
Live streaming of Village Board meetings is now available.
The Village Board typically meets the second and fourth
Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. Live streaming can be viewed
via the Village’s website at www.oak-brook.org under the Government heading, then go to Village Board, and then to
Live Stream. If you have questions regarding this, please
contact Charlotte Pruss, Village Clerk, at 630/368-5052.
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
189173 Winter r5.indd 16 12/21/17 1:39 AM