2018 WinterO BAK ROOKnewsQuarterly Newsletter I Volume 87 - Winter 2018
2 WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG | Winter 2018
OAK BROOK news
3 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Message from Dr. Gopal Lalmalani
4 FROM THE MANAGER’S DESK
Message from Rick Ginex
4 SPORTS CORE
Golf News
5 POLICE
In The News
6-7 FIRE
Particpate In The Next Citizen’s Fire
Academy
7 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
Technology Advisory Committee
8 REPUBLIC SERVICES
9 DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Economic Development Update
10 -11 LIBRARY
Calendar & Events
14 FINANCE INFORMATION
2019 Budget
12 ELECTION INFORMATION
13 PUBLIC WORKS
Snow and Ice Control
14-15 BATH & TENNIS CLUB
16 BACK PAGE
Communication Tower
INSIDE THIS NEWSLETTER
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
ELECTED OFFICIALS/BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Gopal Lalmalani, M.D., M.B.A | President • Charlotte K. Pruss | Clerk
Trustee • John Baar | Trustee • Philip Cuevas | Trustee • Michael Manzo
Trustee • Moin Saiyed | Trustee • Edward Tiesenga | Trustee • Asif Yusuf
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
Winter 2018 | WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We are fast approaching an always busy – but exciting – holiday
season! At this time of year, it is always good to look forward to
sharing time with family and friends but it is also good to look
back at the year coming to a close and to reflect on all the good
things that have happened in our Village in 2018.
Thanks to the dedication of several of our residents, the
Sports Core Advisory Committee is busy making plans for
improvements and updates of the Sports Core Amenities. The
Village had a successful partnership with the Oak Brook Park
District for the summer pool operations. As anticipated, pool
operations went smoothly and was a positive experience for all.
The tennis programs were very popular this year and court use
was very busy almost every day from Spring into Fall. The Bath
& Tennis Clubhouse rentals have never been busier with events
booked every weekend in 2018 and booking up fast for 2019
with some bookings into 2020. The addition of a new sign at
Bath & Tennis Club drive and heavy brush clean up along the
drive and pool area have received a lot of positive feedback.
Not to be outdone, golf as always, was just as busy. Updates
have begun on the golf clubhouse patio adding outdoor
seating, fire pits and a pergola. Updates to the Pro Shop will
begin in January.
The Oak Brook Public Library has had huge attendance numbers
at the events they held this past summer and continue to bring
in residents for continued library programs and reading fun!
This year we had another successful electric aggregation
program. Dynergy was selected as the supplier for a most
competitive term beginning October 2018 through October
2021 at a rate of $.07115 per/Kwh.
If you haven’t already visited Village Hall, the new addition to
the Police Department is completed along with the addition of
electric car charging stations in the east parking lot and new
landscaping along the Village Hall east side walkway.
During the Village’s 2010 water rate study, Chicago’s water rates
were projected to increase by a modest amount. However, in
2011 the new Chicago administration announced a 4-year rate
increase (25%, 15%, 15% and 15%) starting January 2012. This
high rate increase was justified by Chicago to pay for its aging
infrastructure which supplies water to the City and Suburbs.
The DuPage Water Commission (DWC) purchases water from
Chicago and then sells it to the DuPage County Municipalities
including Oak Brook. DWC also increased its water rates to
adjust for the Chicago increase as well as increases in its own
expenditures. Over the 4 years of increase, the Village did not
raise its water rates enough to keep up with the increases. The
difference was paid from the Village’s Water Funds healthy
reserve balance that we created.
During the 2015 rate study it was determined that the Village’s
water rates should increase by 10% (instead of 25%) in years
2016 and 2017 and a 7% increase in 2018. These increases
would help to rebuild the Water Funds reserve to meet the
future capital project needs. In 2018 these capital projects
included the system wide water meter and meter radio read
replacement and a comprehensive study of the water system
which will be used to prioritize future water main replacement
projects. At their December 11th meeting, the Village Board
reduced the increase in water rates to 5% for 2019.
Also at the December 11th Board meeting, after a long and
thorough review of the Jupiter Condominium Development,
the Village Board voted to approve the construction of the
luxury condominium project. The Village Board and our staff
worked diligently for our community to preserve our heritage
while simultaneously embracing this prestigious and modern
development.
The Village Board held two workshops in November on the
2019 Budget and discussed the major issues facing Oak Brook
as we move into a new fiscal year. The Village Board remains
committed to conservative spending while investing in our
community. Based on the budget which was approved, the
projected ending cash balance for 2019 in he General Corporate
Fund is $17.5 million, or 9.3 months of operating expenses,
which far exceeds our Village policy that requires us to maintain
a cash balance of 6 months of operating expenses.
Have a happy, healthy and safe holiday season!
Kind regards,
Gopal G. Lalmalani, M.D., M.B.A.
Village President
(630) 368-5012
glalmalani@oak-brook.org
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 Village Board held two
Committee Workshops related to the 2019 budget. The Public
Hearing on the 2019 budget and its approval was held at the
December 11th Board Meeting.
This was an incredibly busy year for our staff. We experienced
a number of retirements of long-time friends and employees
– 5 in the Police Department alone. Renovation to our Village
Hall with the new Police Department addition was finally
completed and provides increased security for our officers.
Our development within the Village brought us several new
exciting businesses, concepts and restaurants which included:
• The grand re-opening of Sears which featured Jaclyn Smith.
• The ground breaking for Carvana, where you can buy a
car on-line then pick it up at their newly built “car vending
machine” or have it delivered to your door!
• We saw an airplane being put into Kidzania at the Oakbrook
Mall, so children can have an incredible learning experience.
• The Lizadro museum began renovation of their new home
where our residents and visitors can gain appreciation for
the unique characteristics of the mineral world.
• Rock Sugar, Roka Akor and Shake Shack restaurants have
opened.
• The Village partnered with the Regional Transportation
Authority, the Greater Oak Brook Chamber and the property
owners on 22nd St. to begin a new shuttle service for their
employees.
• We entered into a successful partnership with the Oak Brook
Park District to manage our pool which led to one of our
most successful seasons to date.
• Constructed a new sign at the entrance to our Bath and
Tennis Club.
• Had another successful Taste of Oak Brook, and
• We viewed the conceptual redevelopment of the McDonald’s
Plaza by Hines.
This year’s Polo season continued be a very successful one.
Polo marked their 40th Anniversary since the last U.S. Open
Polo Championship was played in Oak Brook. 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 thank the Village Board for their support and our staff
for the incredible work ethic they display every year. Also, I
want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. I look
forward to our continued success in 2019.
Sports Core
BY SEAN CREED
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 2019 season.
Our patio project has been coming along, by the time spring
arrives next year it will have taken on a totally new look that
I hope everyone can enjoy. We are also looking forward to
having a new look in our golf pro shop which will include new
flooring, lighting, a new transaction counter and much more.
Stay tuned to email blasts and website for course conditions,
construction updates 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.
4 WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG | Winter 2018
From the Manager’s Desk
BY RICCARDO F. GINEX
Riccardo F. Ginex
Village Manager
(630) 368-5026
villagemanager@oak-brook.org
Sean Creed
Golf Club Manager
(630) 368-6460
screed@oak-brook.org
As the holiday shopping season is upon us, please remember
the following safety tips from the National Crime Prevention
Council:
• Do not buy more than you can carry. Plan ahead by taking
a friend with you or ask a store employee to help you carry
your packages to the car.
• Save all receipts. Start a file folder to keep all receipts together
and to help you verify credit card or bank statements as they
come in.
• Wait until asked before taking out your credit card or
checkbook. An enterprising thief would love to shoulder
surf to get your account information.
• Tell a security guard or store employee if you see an
unattended bag or package.
• Deter pickpockets. Carry your purse close to your body or
your wallet inside a coat or front trouser pocket.
• Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle.
Check the back seat and around the car before getting in.
• Do not leave packages visible in your car windows. Lock
them in the trunk or, if possible, take them directly home.
Should you see anything suspicious or out of place, please
do not hesitate to call 9-1-1. You can also send us an email at
crimetips@oak-brook.org for information that does not require
an immediate response. Thank you for helping us keep Oak
Brook a safe community.
Winter 2018 | WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG 5
Police
BY JAMES KRUGER
News
One of the great joys of serving as your Police Chief is working
alongside some of the most dedicated and professional police
officers I have ever worked with in my career. On October 5,
2018 at 3:51 A.M., our Officers responded to a traffic crash off
the ramp on I-88 at Rt. 83 where the vehicle overturned on
its roof. Upon the officer’s arrival, they observed the engine
compartment fully engulfed in flames and a female driver
trapped in the vehicle. While Officers Peterson and Walsh
used extinguishers to suppress the fire, Officer Baca utilized
his baton to break the back passenger window and Sergeant
Ramirez and Officer Marek then pulled the driver from the
vehicle to safety. Battalion Chief Clark stated that upon the Fire
Department’s arrival, the vehicle was fully involved in fire to a
point that would have most likely proved fatal had the driver
not been removed by responding officers. Besides my extreme
pride in the performance of what these officers did, I was able
to present them the Department’s Meritorious Service Honor
Award at the November 13th Village Board meeting. I know
that all of you join me in congratulating these officers for a job
well done.
As we say goodbye to Fall, the clocks have been turned back
and night time has rapidly begun at 5:00 P.M. It is vitally
important that motorists take extra care driving in our
community in the early evening when school aged children
and other pedestrians may still be out. Pedestrians should also
remember that they should walk against traffic, as close to the
curb or roadway edge as possible, and single file as a vehicle
approaches. Please drive safely.
On behalf of the men and women of the Police Department,
I would like to thank the Oak Brook Women’s Club for their
generous philanthropic gift to purchase collapsible stretchers
for all of our vehicles. The stretchers can potentially be a
lifesaving piece of equipment used to evacuate victims
from an in progress emergency. Once again, the Oak Brook
Police Department is grateful for this annual opportunity and
appreciates all the Women’s Club does to promote the Village
of Oak Brook.
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
6 WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG | Winter 2018
PARTICPATE IN THE NEXT
CITIZEN’S FIRE ACADEMY
The Citizen’s Fire Academy (CFA) is part of the Oak Brook Fire
Department’s Fire Prevention and Public Education division,
designed to give participants insights into how firefighters/
paramedics perform their duties, as well as how the Oak Brook
Fire Department serves the community.
The 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 nine (9) week program consists of weekly 3-hour sessions,
including a graduation ceremony. Instructors are certified
firefighter/paramedics, officers, supervisors, and other department
personnel with expertise in various areas. Areas of instruction
include, but are not limited to fire suppression, emergency
medical services, CPR, first aid, fire prevention, fire investigation,
specialty teams and much more.
Classes are scheduled to begin March 6, 2019 and meet every
Wednesday at the Oak Brook Fire Department’s Training Room
from 6:30pm until 9:30 pm.
Anyone interested must complete an application, which can be
found on the Village’s web site and 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.
New Apple Watch
There has been a rise of accidental 911 calls from
residents’ smart watches.
When Apple released its new watch about one year
ago, it came with a new feature that lets users press and hold a
button on the side of the device to call 911 for help. Since then,
911 call centers across the country, and in the Chicago area, have
been experiencing a problem with accidental calls.
When you wear the watch and bend at the wrist, it can put
pressure on the button which will then call 911. It takes about
three seconds of pressing the button for the call to go out. It will
also alert your emergency contact. The watch will then make a
loud beeping noise. Some people don’t know that this feature has
been activated on their device.
These accidental calls are happening more than people may
think. It can even be activated during sleep, when people wear
the watches to monitor their sleep habits. If they fall asleep on
the button in a certain way, it can force the watch to call 911. Calls
have been reported coming from people working out or even
driving.
If the watch calls, and no voice contact is received, 9-1-1-
telecommunication operators will attempt to call you back on
your cellphone. If you can, stay on the line and explain it was just
a mistake so they don’t have to send help.
There is a way to disable the feature on an Apple Watch:
• Go to the Apple Watch app
• Click “Emergency SOS”
• Click off “Hold Side Button”
As for the watch itself and the feature, some say it’s a great
resource.
A joyous season for the Village of Oak Brook is a fire safe season.
We want you to help us keep your home and property safe by
preventing the common, ordinary ways of how a fire 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 fires are New Year’s Day,
Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.” The top three months for heating
fires occurring in the home are December, January, and February.
Enjoy a fire safe holiday season.
Have your furnace checked. Once a year, hire a professional to
inspect and/or service your home’s furnace.
Have your Chimneys and Vents checked. Fireplaces produce
creosote, which may ignite. If you light fires 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
fireplace.)
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 fireplace. Tempered glass
or a metal screen helps protect sparks finding
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.
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.
Safety & InformationFire
BY BARRY LISS
Fire
BY BARRY LISS
Jim Fox
Director of Information
Technology Services
(630) 368-5174
jfox@oak-brook.org
Information Technology Services
BY JIM FOX
TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY
COMMITTEE
Village President Dr. Gopal Lalmalani will soon be creating a
new Technology Advisory Committee (TAC) that will provide a
community perspective on Information Technology (IT) within
Village Operations and to be an advocate for the Village’s IT
Strategic Plan.
The Technology Advisory Committee (TAC) will be an advisory
committee to the Village Board of Trustees and to the Village’s
Administrative Staff whose primary charge will be to support
the development of information technology goals and the
development of technology strategies.
The committee membership will include a combination of
Village residents, business community members, Village staff,
and a liaison from the Village Board tasked with encouraging
ideas and participation in technology adoption, policies,
and evaluate service standards within given resource levels.
Generally speaking, the high-level objectives of the TAC will be
to:
• Serve as a forum for the sharing of ideas, trends, and
perspectives in IT and their municipal applications.
• Offer Village residents possessing knowledge and experience
in relevant areas of IT the opportunity to provide the Village
Board and staff with feedback on such issues.
• Advise the Village Board and staff on current and proposed
IT-related projects, services, and methods of leveraging
technology to provide service to Village residents and
businesses.
• Provide technical expertise and act as a liaison between
Village residents and staff.
• Provide “vendor-neutral” recommendations regarding IT
solutions, where appropriate.
Committee members must live or work in the Village and
who can demonstrate, through their application materials,
that they possess a background in or a specific knowledge in
information technology.
It is anticipated that the TAC will work to improve our Village
Resident’s ability to gather accurate information, perform
transactions, and track progress on Village initiatives for
service. Specifically, TAC can provide value by:
• Recommending and/or identify IT-related policies for the
Village of Oak Brook.
• Review and address technology issues that affect a resident’s
ability to “do business” with or receive services from the
Village of Oak Brook.
• Recommend proposals for new technology and IT services.
• Recommend requests for funding to Village Administration.
• Recommend a Strategic IT Plan and review on a yearly basis.
If you are interested in becoming a member of this committee,
please check the Village of Oak Brook’s website www.oak-
brook.org for up-to-date on information on the Committee
formation and to obtain an application for appointment form.
Winter 2018 | WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG 7
Fire extinguishers save kitchens.
Store one under the kitchen sink and
in the hall closet near the bedrooms.
Make sure you purchase an ABC fire
extinguisher in which A is for paper,
wood and trash; B is for grease and
flammable liquids, and C is for small
electrical fires. Water does not help
a grease fire and can make it worse,
much worse. Keep baking soda close
by in case of a pan fire. Keep lids
handy to put on top of pots and pans
that get too hot. Lids also help tremendously when needing to
smother a fire inside of a pan on the stove. Always turn the gas or
electric off first before using the fire extinguisher.
Safety & InformationFireFire
Barry Liss
Fire Chief
(630) 368-5200
bliss@oak-brook.org
Practice an escape route. Have a fun, family fire 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
fire.
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 fire, every person in the home can be a potential
hero if they know what to do.
The Drastically Changing Recycling World
As many of us are becoming increasingly aware, recycling has
reached a crisis and this crisis is affecting recycling programs
nationwide, including Chicago and the surrounding areas.
Contamination has become rampant throughout local recycling
programs. This problem was recently compounded by China’s
decision to impose new acceptance criteria, effectively eliminating
end-markets for many recyclers. These factors have reached a crisis
point and they jeopardize the future of local recycling programs.
What is the new problem the world is having with recycling and
how did we get here?
In May of 2018, China suspended all imports of U.S. recycled
materials, regardless of quality. In June, the Chinese government
decided to again allow imports of recycled materials, but would
only accept contaminated recycling material at 0.5% of the total
material received. That means that China would virtually not
accept ANY recycled material that had any quantity of trash or
other material not recyclable in it.
Why is that an issue for the United States?
1) On average, the recyclables collected from an American
household have over 30% contamination (or waste). In most
cases, this is due to the lack of understanding of what should
and should not be recycled.
2) This means virtually overnight we cannot export recyclable
material collected and processed from local businesses and
consumers.
3) China was importing over 40% of ALL the recycled material
(even if contaminated) in the world, and was the largest
market for recyclables globally.
What is happening now?
Recycling companies no longer have the markets to sell their
recyclables to as they once did. The price people are willing to pay
for this oversupply is dropping dramatically. In other areas of the
country, this means that more and more of the material people
think is being recycled is ending up in our ever-shrinking landfill
space vs. being recycled.
Do we have any power to help change this recycling dilemma?
The answer is yes. Making a small effort at home can make a big
impact at the recycling facility. The recycling crisis requires that
consumers know what should be recycled, what should not be
recycled and how to recycle properly. That means paying close
attention to what can and cannot be accepted in our local
recycling program, and only put items in the recycling containers
that CAN be recycled. We know that it can be hard to tell what can
and should be recycled.
Know What to Throw:
If you are unsure if an item is recyclable or not, focus on these
materials:
• Paper and cardboard (flattened cardboard, newspapers,
magazines, office paper and mail)
• Metal cans (soda and soup cans)
• Plastic bottles and jugs (water bottles and other food and
liquid containers with lids on)
• Glass bottles and jars
What should NOT go into the recycling container?
Believe it or not, the most common contaminants we see in the
everyday recycling stream are:
• Plastic grocery bags and flexible packaging
• Styrofoam containers and packing material
• Plastic cups, utensils and take-out containers
• Pizza boxes, napkins or tissues soiled with grease or food
residue
• Scrap metal, clothes hangers and other metal objects
• Toys and plastic objects other than food or beverage containers
Trying to recycle unclean or unrecyclable materials causes
contaminants in the bales of clean recyclables that can cause
them to be rejected.
What Else Can NEVER Be Recycled?
• Tissue, paper towels or paper napkins
• Shrink wrap and composite packaging
• Food and beverage waste
• Paper coffee cups and lids
• Plastic # 6
• Plastic cases and storage containers
• K-cups
• Plastic strapping and rubber bands
• Window glass, mirrors, light bulbs, batteries, and cookware
• Batteries and electronics
Empty, Clean & Dry
Some items might be recyclable, but require a little extra handling
before putting the item into the recycling container. A perfectly
good item such as a cardboard box can be ruined when combined
with items that are wet or dirty, such as a half full bottle of
ketchup or ranch dressing. If you want to recycle your plastic food
containers, please take the extra steps to prepare your recyclables
for the recycling container – it’s as easy as: Empty. Clean. Dry.TM
Always make sure recyclables are:
• EMPTY of their contents;
• CLEAN of any residue (a quick rinse in the sink will do); and
• DRY before placing them in a recycling container.
It is better to have an item in doubt go into the landfill than
create problems at a recycling facility, and have an entire batch
or truckload of recyclable material go into a landfill because of a
dirty or unrecyclable item.
We hope this information is helpful. If we each do our part, we
can make a big difference in the recycling process. For more
information we invite you to visit:
www.recyclingsimplified.com
8 WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG | Winter 2018
Development Services
BY TONY BUDZIKOWSKI
Information
Construction projects are on-going throughout the year and
it’s helpful and important to understand the Village’s review
process. Here are a few tips from Bill Hudson, the Village’s
Building Official to help make your construction project go
smoother.
Protect yourself:
Remember the wise words of John Ruskin: “There is hardly
anything in this world that some man cannot make a little
worse and sell a little cheaper, and those who consider price
only are this man’s lawful prey.”
Before signing any home repair or remodeling contract over
$1,000, a person engaging in the business of home repair
and remodeling is required in Illinois to provide the customer
with a copy of the “Home Repair: Know Your Consumer
Rights” pamphlet from the Attorney General.
Let us help to protect you.
Get a permit when one is required. A permit is always
required, unless specifically exempted by the code. http://
www.oak-brook.org/DocumentCenter/View/6843/Building-
Codes-Adopted-and-Local-Amendments-2016-12-28?bidId
Work done without a permit is illegal and can present a
danger to you and your family. If a contractor tells you that
he/she can do the work “under the table”, remember “If they
will steal FOR you, they will steal FROM you.”
Make sure the contract includes a condition that payment is
made only after the portion of the work for which payment is
requested has been inspected and approved by village and
a copy of the report is submitted. The inspector will typically
leave two copies on site.
The Village employs trained professionals with years of
experience for the express purpose of protecting our
residents. You could hire an independent third-party
consulting firm to verify that the construction is done safely
and legally, but this is provided in the permit.
Be complete: The most important factor in shortening review
time is the completeness of the plans.
Applicants are advised to review zoning and building code
regulations, and check for any land use conditions that may
apply to the parcel.
Provide the fair market project value, at prevailing wage. You
may have utilized found materials and compensated your
cousin’s nephew’s brother’s friend with just a sandwich, but
that’s not the project value.
Provide enough information so that everybody; owner,
contractor, plan reviewer, & inspector can look at the
construction documents (with no prior exposure) and know
exactly what to expect for each item and detail.
If the property is in an HOA, please obtain association
approval for any exterior work.
If you are served by Flagg Creek Water Reclamation District,
please apply for a permit when doing any work.
Provide contacts:
• If the plans have been created by a registered design
professional (Architect or Engineer) the first point of
contact for corrections will be that professional.
• Names and licenses of Plumbers (055… & 058… State
licenses), Electricians (License from a testing jurisdiction
or ICC certification), and Roofers (State license).
Respond quickly:
When staff comments on a specific plan, applicants should
respond as quickly as possible. Submittals, both initial and
resubmittals are reviewed in a first-in-first-out basis. We
attempt to review all plans in a timely manner. On occasion
the responses are delayed and we receive a call asking
“What’s the hold up on my permit?”, and we frequently
reply that comments were sent out “X” weeks ago, and we’re
waiting for responses.
Take advantage of alternate review options:
There is a “Fast Track” option offered for smaller projects:
• Apply for a permit in the regular manner – be sure to
provide complete information.
• Request to schedule a fast track meeting with a plan
reviewer.
• Meet with the plan reviewer. If you have supplied
everything needed, the permit is typically ready to be
issued within 3-5 working days.
• There is a $75 additional fee for a fast track permit.
There is a “Phased Permit” option:
• Request a phased permit to do a portion of the project
before the full permit is issued, i.e. demolition.
• Staff does a quick review to see if there are any major
issues.
• Pay for the entire permit including the phased permit fee
(50% addition to the standard permit fee).
• Start work at your own risk.
Request a resubmittal meeting:
• Once comments have been received and corrections have
been completed, request a resubmittal meeting, where
all licensed design professionals resubmit their work in a
pre-arranged meeting. All required personnel must be in
personal attendance.
• There is no additional charge for this service.
Winter 2018 | WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG 9
Tony Budzikowski
Director of Development Services
(630) 368-5104
Tbudzikowski@oak-brook.org
how attendees can learn from his successes and mistakes
along the way.
Jazz Concert with Petra van Nuis
Sunday, January 13 @ 2 pm
The pairing of jazz vocalist Petra van
Nuis and guitarist Andy Brown is one of
those rare combinations where all parts seem to fit. Recent
performance highlights include the Chautauqua Jazz Party,
the Chicago Jazz Festival, the Cleveland Classic Jazz Party,
the Roswell Jazz Festival and several European tours. Petra
and Andy continue to spread their swinging sounds to
music lovers far and wide. Sponsored by the Friends of
the Library
Stock & Bond Investing
Wednesday, January 16 @ 10 am
A one-hour course in the basics of stocks
and bonds, with an emphasis on stocks,
for the student who wants to self-direct
their investments. No previous investing
experience is required and students of all ages are
encouraged to attend. Tim Lambert is a recent retiree with
42 years of experience in self-directed stock investing and is
not, nor ever has been, a financial advisor.
Understanding Alzheimer’s 101: A
Closer Look at Dementia
Wednesday, January 23 @ 10 am
Natalie McFarland, RN, BSN, Dementia Educator will explain
how to understand memory loss and the warning signs of
Alzheimer’s. Learn myths and facts about Alzheimer’s and
available treatment options. The presenters will offer free
“Memory Care Screening” appointments to those interested
in following up with them at a later time.
Curry Two Ways: Cooking
Demonstration
Saturday, January 26 @ 10 am
Are you afraid to try Indian food because
you don’t like curry? Let Indrani Hausner
from Monbool show you how not all curries are the same
and there is more to curry than you may think. She will be
demonstrating how to make Chickpea Tikka Masala and
Cauliflower Korma.
FEBRUARY
Lincoln as Storyteller
Saturday, February 2 @ 2 pm
Mr. Lincoln shares some of his favorite stories
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 the Youth Services department
offers. The story time will include books, music, and a craft.
Do you appreciate art? The Oak Brook Art League continues
to display 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 starts December 20 and runs through March 1.
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
Vagabonding Around the World
Tuesday, January 8 @ 7 pm
Brian Michalski works to educate and
inspire budding global nomads to serve
others, explore new places and pursue
opportunities near and far. He achieves this mission by
teaching vagabonds of various ages and backgrounds what
he has learned from his extensive travel experiences and
Library
BY JACOB POST
Calendar and Events
Jacob Post
Head Librarian
(630) 368-7706
jpost@oak-brook.org
10 WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG | Winter 2018
and jokes, and explains why he used these so often. You’ll
get a good dose of both the nation’s history and Mr. Lincoln’s
personal history. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library
Japanese Internment Camps
Tuesday, February 12, @ 7 pm
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, all
Japanese Americans living on the West
Coast were forced from their homes and
into relocation camps in remote areas of the country.
Among the over 120,000 Japanese Americans who were
incarcerated, over two-thirds were American-born, many of
whom were children. Historian and librarian Sarah Okner, a
descendant of internees, shares photos and details of daily
life in an internment camp, and the profound effects it had
on those living there.
Smarty Pants: The Big Balloon Show
Saturday, February 16 @ 1 pm
The Big Balloon Show is a one-of-a-kind
vaudeville style stage production featuring
magic, all-ages comedy, interactive
storytelling and of course, Smarty’s award-winning, larger
than life balloon props. Throughout the show, Smarty uses
his humor and balloons to excite kids about reading books
and exercising their imaginations. By the end of the hour
production, every audience member knows the library is a
very exciting place to visit!
Those Were the Days: Radio Players
West
Sunday, February 17 @ 2 pm
Join us for an afternoon of old-time radio
recreations. Radio Players West presents
two skits – a crime fiction story written
by Raymond Chandler that the audience can try to solve on
their own, and a comedy with Fibber’s famous closet gag.
A series of characters drop by and create humorous scenes
and fun entertainment.
Create a Healthy Lifestyle Through
Meditation
Tuesday, February 26 @ 7 pm
Treat yourself to some special time
to nourish your body, mind and
spirit. Empower your life by learning a simple meditation
technique that can be used daily for greater peace, energy
and well-being. Start incorporating this positive technique
in your life.
MARCH
Creative Cartooning Workshop for
Kids: How to Draw Superheroes
Saturday, March 2 @ 1pm
Professional cartoonist, Mark Anderson’s
Creative Cartooning class taps kids’ attraction to humor
and penchant for doodling — and teaches them to make
something great. They’ll have fun while learning a new skill.
In this interactive, one-hour hands-on class, kids aged 8-12
will learn to draw simple but awesome superheroes and
villains... and then decide what happens next!
Navigating the College Planning
Process
Tuesday, March 5 @ 7 pm
Experienced professionals from My
College Planning Team will share their
knowledge and expertise to guide you
through action steps you can take to reduce college costs
and still attend the college of your choice. Discover creative,
little-known financial and academic strategies to reduce
college costs while finding the best-fit college for your child.
Shamrock Ragsters
Sunday, March 10, @ 2pm
The Shamrock Ragsters will play the
hits of Dixieland, Bluegrass, Irish
and Celtic tunes with traditional folk
instruments including banjo, fiddle,
mandolin, tin whistle, Irish flute, guitar,
bass and trumpet. You don’t want to miss this rip-roaring
performance! Sponsored by the Friends of the Library
Young Kim: Classical House
Concert
Saturday, March 30 @ 2 pm
Young Kim returns to the Oak Brook
Public Library with another talented
trio including pianist, violinist and
cellist to perform beloved pieces from
Mozart, Beethoven and Piazzolla.
Winter 2018 | WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG 11
Jason Paprocki
Finance Director
(630) 368-5070
jpaprocki@oak-brook.org
12 WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG | Winter 2018
2019 BUDGET
The 2019 Proposed Budget was presented and discussed
during the Village’s budget workshops, which were held on
October 30th and November 5th in the Samuel E. Dean Board
Room. At these meetings, Village Department Directors
presented their respective 2019 goals and objectives, as well
as funding requests. The Village Board provided feedback
and direction on the proposed budget requests. Video of
these meetings is available on the Village’s website.
The final 2019 Budget was approved at the December 11th
Regular Board of Trustees meeting. The final 2019 Budget,
as well as the 2019-2023 5-Year Plan, can be found on our
website for review.
In addition, the Village is working on preparing a Budget
In Brief document for fiscal year 2019. The Budget In Brief
document is a high level, summarized version of the full
budget document. This document takes the 300+ page
annual budget and turns it into a 13 page, easy to read
summary. The 2019 Budget In Brief document will be
available on the Village’s website in late 2018 or early 2019.
The Village’s 2019 Budget will be submitted to the
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for
consideration of its Distinguished Budget Presentation
Award. The Village has achieved this award the past seven
Finance Department
BY JASON PAPROCKI
years and we believe the 2019 Budget continues to meet
the standards required by GFOA.
Water e-Bill and Autopay
You can opt to have your water bill emailed instead of
receiving a paper copy. To change your billing type, please
call (630) 368-5090 or email waterbilling@oak-brook.org
with your name, service address, water account number,
and email address. The bill will look the same as the one
you would receive in the mail and you will receive it one
to two days earlier than if it had been mailed. Delinquent
Notices and Shut Off Letters will still be printed and mailed.
The Village also offers customers the ability to pay their
water bills automatically. Each billing cycle, your payment
will be taken out of your designated bank account on the
bill due date. This will insure that your payment is never
late and you forego the hassle of setting up the payment
with your bank, or writing and mailing a check. To enroll,
please fill out the form located at: https://www.oak-brook.
org/185/Payment-Information.
ELECTION INFORMATION
There will be a Consolidated Election on April 2, 2019. If you have recently moved, be
sure to register to vote. Voter registration occurs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday
through Friday at the Butler Government Center. The last day to register to vote or to
transfer registration for the April 2, 2019 election here at the Village Hall is March 5,
2019. Residents may then register at DuPage County or Cook County Election Offices
or at a location designated by the elections authority for this purpose.
Early Voting will begin Thursday, February 21, 2019 thru Monday, April 1, 2019. Early
Voting sites and information is posted on the Village of Oak Brook website www.oak-brook.org or you may go the DuPage
County Election Commission site www.dupageelections.com to confirm the location where you should vote.
Vote by mail applications will begin on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 for any registered voter presently within the confines
of the United States, to make application by mail or in person to the election authority for an official ballot. Mailing and
delivery of absentee ballots will begin on Thursday, February 21, 2019.
Winter 2018 | 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 outdoors. 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,*, Hunt 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.,
35th Str.
35th Str., 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 difficult for snow plow operators.
Additionally, due to the weaving around parked vehicles,
significant 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
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
(630) 368-5272
dpatchin@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 venue is ready and
waiting for you to express your imagination and
share
in your
vision.
800 Oak Brook Road | Oak Brook, IL 60523 |www.oak-brook.org/weddings | 630.368.6442 | mlong@oak-brook.org
800 Oak Brook Road | Oak Brook, IL 60523 | oakbrookbathandtennis.com| 630.368.6440 | mlong@oak-brook.org
Photo credit:Becky Brown Photography
14 WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG | Winter 2018
BATH & TENNIS CLUB
Bonnie and Logan’s Elegant Winter Wedding
The Finer Details of the VanProyens’ Charming Wedding
Personalized Wedding Décor
Whether sitting by the double-sided stone fireplace
decorated with old family photos, lights, pinecones and
greenery or gazing out the floor-to-ceiling windows,
guests were enamored by natural beauty that surrounded
them and how the VanProyens used their unique style to
accentuate it. The 20 acres of natural woodlands were the
perfect backdrop to Bonnie and Logan’s wedding vision,
and we love how they used white, steel and eggplant linens
to bring the outdoors in.
On December 22, 2017, we had the pleasure of welcoming Bonnie and Logan VanProyen’s 165 guests to our charming space
where they chose to host their reception. Bonnie and Logan fell in love with the secluded rustic charm and exceptional
service that Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club offers. The warm and welcoming atmosphere of our historic clubhouse made
everyone feel right at home from the moment they arrived.
When guest depart down our winding road, it is always
hard to see them go. But we take great satisfaction in
knowing they will never forget the experience they had on
our majestic property.
We would be honored to help you map out your wedding
dreams at Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club as well. To take
advantage of all that our unique property and talented staff
offer, contact us online or give us a call at 630.368.6440.
From cocktail hour through dessert, each part of the VanProyens’ celebration was as memorable as they hoped.
Winter 2018 | WWW.OAK-BROOK.ORG 15
PRESORTED
FIRST CLASS MAIL
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
OAK BROOK, IL
PERMIT NO. 19
BUTLER GOVERNMENT CENTER COMMUNICATION TOWER
A new monopole communication tower is being built on the
grounds of the Butler Government Center. The tower under
construction is replacing a monopole tower that was originally
built in 2005 and currently supports cellular communication
equipment for two cellular communication providers in
addition to supporting the Village’s public safety emergency
radio equipment antennas.
The new tower being constructed by Verizon is
expected to be completed in early 2019 and will
support four cellular communication carriers; Verizon,
AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint. Once the new tower is
fully functional, the original tower will be removed.
The new tower will also continue to support the
Village’s public safety communication equipment.
Wireless devices have changed how many people
see, share and interact with the world. Though
users have the freedom to walk, drive and even
hike with their contacts and the internet at their fingertips,
cellphones, tablets and other devices are tethered to a network,
albeit invisible. To satisfy consumer demand for efficient and
reliable networks, wireless communication providers will need
to construct towers, antennas and other structures -- and they
come in many shapes and sizes. The new tower at the Butler
Government Center will provide additional service capacity
for Village residents & businesses, and allows the Village to
collect lease payments that help fund the programs that the
Village provides.
The Village Board has continued to support telecommunica-
tion companies’ efforts to expand the capacity and service
levels for our residents. This is important for the quality of
life as well as for business-related economic development
purposes. Any method of providing the service while
minimizing the visual impact has been encouraged by
the Board.
Village of Oak Brook
1200 Oak Brook Road
Oak Brook, IL 60523-2255