2012 Annual Report2012 Annual Report

“A great and friendly little town!” ~ Rod Leedham

President’s Message

The Village Board and I am very pleased to present the 2012 Annual Report to the community. Resident input continues to be a

crucial component of Village operations and something the Board and I strongly consider when making decisions on behalf of the community.

This year, I am proud to report that the Village changed some procedures to facilitate public input and implemented several items desired by the residents of Montgomery after receiving public input. Throughout this report, you will read feedback received from residents on some of the Village’s major initiatives including:

Creation of a new Village website that features online bill pay, a citizen request module, over 300 pages of new content and increased government transparency.

Implementation of a new solid waste and recycling contract offering covered recycling carts to all Village residents.

Expansion of several Village events, including the Tree Lighting event, to offer more opportunities for businesses to participate.

The launch of a three-pronged outreach initiative to strengthen relationships between the Village and local businesses.

During fiscal 2012, the Village received the Governor’s Hometown Award for work on Settler’s Cottage, our ninth consecutive award for Excellence in Financial Reporting and an Excellence in Landscape Awards for our naturalized stormwater detention basin plantings. It also was an honor to have Montgomery’s basins and stormwater guidelines featured in an article in the Municipal Water & Sewer magazine.

Sincerely, Marilyn Michelini, Village President

Marilyn Michelini Village President

Andrew Kaczmarek

Trustee

Matthew Brolley Trustee

William Keck

Trustee

Stan Bond Trustee

Denny Lee

Trustee

Pete Heinz Trustee

Jeff Zoephel

Acting Administrator

“Thank you for the great idea of a photo contest! I think it is wonderful to see Montgomery try to get everyone involved!

~ Wendy Greenslade

Methods of Communication

The bi-monthly Village newsletter is mailed to every address in Montgomery six times a year and is also available online. Residents

can receive updates quickly and easily through Facebook, Nixle and e-blast messages. Frequent press releases provide information for inclusion in area newspapers.

Residents can sign up on the Village website to receive press releases, agendas and other news via email as soon as they are issued. The website also offers the ability to submit questions, requests and complaints using online forms.

The Village Board changed their policy in order to facilitate public input at Board meetings.

Facebook is a new way for the Village to communicate with residents. At the end of fiscal 2012, Montgomery’s Facebook page had 849 followers, 548 more than last year. The Village posted 331 updates on Facebook and received 339 questions and comments from residents on Facebook.

New Website

The Village hosted a series of events to solicit community input for the Village’s new website. This included a website photo contest and a community workshop. The winning photos from the contest are featured in a slide show on the home page of the website.

The Village created a Website Team with repre-sentatives from each department to work on the design of the new website and create content.

On December 9th, the Village launched its new website with over 300 pages of new content. New features include electronic news, a mobile application and an e-payment module. Another important feature is a citizen request tracker module that allows users to submit requests or report concerns 24 hours a day.

www.ci.montgomery.il.us

“I think it looks wonderful! Online bill pay, FABULOUS!” ~ Denise Agolcer

Development and Code Enforcement

This past year, several new businesses opened in Montgomery. Riverstone Restaurant on Montgomery Road and Gray’s Mill in the

downtown each offer new dining options. Advance Auto and Sprint opened in a new building at the corner of Douglas and Route 30. Settlers Landing is under new ownership and received a facelift this year. Planet Fitness opened in Settlers Landing in April and is a great addition to the shopping center. Brian & Sons brought their HVAC business to Montgomery. Two long-time Montgomery businesses also did significant expansions this year: Gusto Packing and Coffman Truck Sales.

Village staff continues to work closely with the Montgomery Economic Development Corporation to attract new businesses to Montgomery and to support existing business. Currently staff is working on a possible Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District for the Orchard Road corridor in order to attract development in that area.

Code Enforcement staff continues to enforce Village ordinances regarding property standards, grass height, signage, fencing and other issues in order to keep the Village clean and attractive.

A new three-pronged initiative was launched this year to strengthen ties with the business community. This includes a Business Broadcast news service that provides information to companies, Business Bonding meetings with established businesses and Business Breakthrough meetings with businesses that are brand new to Montgomery.

In response to requests from businesses, the Village Board voted to change the sign ordinance to allow businesses to use inflatable devices as advertising tools.

“We are happy to be here in Montgomery. Everyone at the Village has been great to work with!”

~Jim Lekatsos, Planet Fitness

Green Initiatives

This year, Montgomery was recognized for its efforts to improve air quality with a Silver Award from the Clean Air Counts Energy Saving Program. Montgomery’s efforts so far include the adoption of ordinances that promote heat island reduction through landscaping, require high efficiency outdoor lighting and ban leaf burning. The Village also implemented many energy-saving features in the design of the new Village Hall.

The Village Board approved a Solar Energy Ordinance that addresses the use of solar panels in the Village.

Montgomery offers battery drop-off for recycling at the Village Hall and the Police Department. In addition, the Village began offering monthly drop-off recycling events for car fluids, electronics, batteries and metal.

The Village’s Water Conservation Ordinance is in effect May 1st through September 1st of each year. This restricts watering to early morning and late evening hours on alternate days. The Village also participates in the Northwest Water Planning Alliance.

To help with water conservation, the Village coordinated the sale of rain barrels to collect rain water for reuse in watering lawns and landscaping.

Stuart Sports Complex

In February, the Village Board gave final approval for a plan to expand the Stuart Sports Complex, paving the way for four new ball fields with lights and eleven new soccer fields to be built. The expansion covers 135 acres at the south end between the current park border and Route 30. Of the eleven full-size soccer fields, five would be designated as “flex” fields to be used for a variety of activities. Other highlights of the master plan include:

A permanent restroom and concession structure near the ball fields with associated parking.

A 280-vehicle parking lot and drop-off aisle to serve the sports fields at the northeast area of the site.

A 320-vehicle parking lot and drop-off aisle to serve the eight soccer/flex fields at the southern area of the site.

Asphalt paths, primarily around the ball fields.

Native plantings in areas of storm water management/bioswale areas.

A 15-acre dog park with a 30-vehicle parking lot.

The Year in Review Electronic Recycling is a new program

that started in 2011. Items collected include all electronics (anything that plugs in),

car fluids, batteries and metal of all kinds. Six collection events were held in FY12.

The Village hosted three Concerts in the Park with a special event preceding each one. These pre-concert events included free line dance lessons, a free ice cream social and Fays BBQ dinner (sponsored by the Chamber of Com-merce). All concerts were well attended with between 200 and 300 people.

The Village continued its monthly senior lunch-eons. Presentation topics included Hix Bros. Music, a presentation on Abraham Lincoln and Old Time Radio. Approximately 40‐60 seniors attend monthly. Dime Jingle games were also held monthly, with 15-20 seniors typically participating.

The 8th Annual River Run sponsored by the Village and Engineering Enterprises, Inc. raised $3,000 for Hesed House, Inc.

NEW WEBSITE

The Village held the 27th Annual Montgomery Fest. The 2011 Car Show boasted 151 vehicles and hundreds of additional visitors. The new Diaper Dash added an element of fun as babies raced across a mat. The event also featured the popular food vendors, a carnival, parade and music that people look forward to each year.

Montgomery’s Historic Preservation Commission continues to coordinate two Community Garage Sales each year.

The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony (cosponsored by the Chamber of Commerce) was attended by more than 700 residents in December. This year’s event was expanded to include a Festival of Trees with attendees able to vote for their favorite tree. Twenty businesses participated by providing a uniquely decorated Christmas tree.

In March 2012, the Village hosted its first Easter Egg Hunt in conjunction with Community Christian Church. Well over 1,000 residents came to hunt for eggs, decorate cookies, visit the Easter Bunny and try to win a cupcake in the cake walk.

“Thank you, Village of

Montgomery, for your Facebook

posts. I have them sent to my phone as text messages so I am always in the know as I am out and about!”

~ Dustan Daniel

Finance Department

In 2012, the Village received an award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting (PAFR) from the

Government Finance Officers Associations (GFOA) of the United States and Canada. This is a prestigious national award recognizing conformance with the highest standards for preparation of state and local government popular reports.

The Finance Department has also received a Certificate of Achievement from GFOA for the ninth consecutive year for their Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The Finance Department continues to strive towards financial excellence.

This year the Village has drastically updated its budget document, including more information, graphs, charts and user-friendly language. This budget document will, for the first time, be submitted for the GFOA Budget Award.

“Attainment of the Certificate of Achievement represents a significant accomplishment by a

government and its management.” ~ Government Finance Officers Association

2011 2012

$469.33 $476.27

General Fund Revenue Per Capita

2011 2012

$469.33 $476.27

$434.19

$476.26

General Fund Per Capita

Revenue Expenditures

New Employees

Ten new employees were recruited and hired during the past year to replace

employees who retired or otherwise resigned their positions. The new employees are:

Lauren Stott Administrative Intern

Marsha Riess Dispatcher

Jenny Rizo Dispatcher

Laura Rouse-DeVore Code Enforcement Officer

Ruth Maloy Deputy Clerk

Linda Chomiak Customer Service Rep

Juan Bustos Maintenance Worker I

Adam Hake Water Plant Operator

Allen Duncan Fleet Mechanic

Daniel Gonzalez Police Officer

The Village also benefited during the year from two unpaid workers who assisted with general clerical duties in the Finance and Community Development Departments at the Village Hall. They were placed at the Village Hall through a work training program and were paid by that agency. Each of them worked 40 hours a week for six months for a total of 2,080 hours.

Another unpaid worker was placed at the Village Hall for several months while she was on light duty from her regular employment. These unpaid workers helped to complete many projects that could not have been accomplished at current staffing levels.

Promotions

Ed Pfaff was promoted to become the Village’s first Arborist in May 2011.

Cory Kennedy was promoted from Maintenance Worker I to Maintenance Worker II.

Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer Mike Klupar was promoted to manage the inspection and code enforcement functions.

After the resignation of the Director of Community Development in September, that department was reorganized. Rather than fill the position with a new director, Assistant Village Administrator Jamie Belongia was assigned to manage the department.

In 2012, the Deputy Chief position that had been vacant since 2010 was filled by promoting Sergeant Armando Sanders.

Police Officer Elizabeth Palko was promoted to Sergeant in April 2012.

In April, Director of Finance Jeff Zoephel was appointed Acting Village Administrator.

“The tour you gave us was awesome! You were so kind and patient with the kids and allowed us to tour some parts of

the station rarely seen! We really appreciate it!” ~ Susan Ozsvath

Protect and Serve

In July 2011, the Police Department launched Nixle, a resource tool that allows the Police to send text messages to advise the

community of special circumstances and traffic related incidents.

The Police Department participated in several events during the year to help raise funds for Illinois Special Olympics. These included Cop on Top, Tip a Cop at Red Robin, Hoops for Troops and the Polar Bear Plunge.

This year, the Police Department implemented the Too Good for Drugs Program at Krug and Nicholson Elementary Schools.

Two Police Department employees, Ashley Mauer and Jackie Bily, were assigned to the Village’s Website Team. They created and designed the Police Department’s pages on the new Village website. The website launched with informational outlets for residents and many online forms, such as child seat checks, vacation requests and traffic complaints.

The Police Department created a new Employee of the Year program. Dispatch Center Supervi-sor Ada Rippinger was nominated and received the award for 2011.

The Montgomery Police Department participated in several national or county-level initiatives:

The national Click It or Ticket campaign focused on seat belt usage.

Kane County’s No Refusal Super Bowl Weekend campaign cracked down on Driving Under the Influence.

The Police participated in the National Drug Take Back initiative to collect potentially dangerous substances from citizen’s medicine cabinets for proper disposal.

In addition, the Police are helping to promote the FBI’s new Child ID App for iPhones. This app can help distribute critical information on a missing child to Police Departments, increasing the chances of bringing the child home safely.

“Thank you for keeping our history alive!

You’ve done a great job.” ~Deborah Heroux

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) maintains and oper-ates Settler’s Cottage, a small museum located in front of the Village

Hall. The HPC’s only source of revenue comes from several fundraisers it conducts each year. These include the annual Car Show at Montgomery Fest and the sale of engraved brick pavers that are laid in a walkway around Settler’s Cottage. During the past year, the HPC raised $5,390 to be used toward preservation activities, such as the Cemetery Walk and ongoing maintenance of Settler’s Cottage.

HPC volunteers solicit donations of historic items and photos that relate to Montgomery’s past. This year 627 items were donated. The photos and artifacts are catalogued and entered into the museum software program. These items are then used to create the displays for Settler’s Cottage. Dedicated HPC volunteers donated 928 hours of work this year.

Each October, the HPC organizes a Cemetery Walk at Riverside Cemetery. This has grown into a popular event, and this year’s Cemetery Walk had record-breaking attendance with nearly 400 visitors.

One highlight of the year was that the Settler’s Cottage restoration project was selected for a prestigious Governor’s Hometown Award. This award recognizes the hundreds of hours of volunteer effort that went into pre-serving the house, raising funds to restore it, completing the restoration work and setting it up as a museum that is open to the public, as well as the other community outreach activities conducted by the HPC. Repre-sentatives from the HPC and the Village traveled to Springfield to receive this award in October 2011.

“We were very pleased with the response we received  

in ge ng potholes repaired in our subdivision.   

Kudos on a job well done, all the way around!” 

~ Alan Lay 

Water Division

The Village received official notification from the Illinois Public Health Association, Division of Oral Health, that the Village’s water

system maintained perfect compliance in 2011 for twelve consecutive months in accordance with the state of Illinois Fluoridation Law. This achievement is a reflection of the expertise and diligence exhibited by the Water Plant operations staff. This marks the eighth year in a row that the Village has received this recognition.

In response to reports of rusty water in a section of the Boulder Hill subdivision, the Village Board voted to do an engineering study to identify sections of water main that may need to be replaced.

The Board also authorized a water rate study in conjunction with these efforts. The water rate study will help to determine the proper water rates needed to pay for this potential water system upgrade. 2011 2012

3.8582.455

Average Water Pumped Per Day (Millions of Gallons)

2011 2012

49

46

Water Main Breaks

Water Treatment Plant Rehab

The Lime Softening Water Treatment Facility Rehabilitation Project has been substantially completed. This project included steel repairs and protective coating restoration of surfaces within the main treatment rooms, including all pipes, pipe supports, vessels, building walls and columns. Also, several minor modifications were made to the treatment plant to extend service life of treatment equipment and increase the efficiency of operations.

The water treatment facility, located at 891 Knell Road, provides softened potable water to the majority of the Village consumers located in the central region of the community. The plant was constructed in 1989, and some of the components within the facility and its coating system (paint) had reached the end of their service life. While regular maintenance prolonged the service life, the level of effort required to restore the plant was beyond normal maintenance. Immediate painting was needed to avoid substantial structural repairs due to accelerated corrosion. Improvements were identified and prioritized to restore the operational and structural integrity of the plant.

The project cost approximately $1,275,000 and was funded by an IEPA Public Water Supply Revolving Loan with a 1.25% interest rate and a 20-year repayment term. This project represents a commitment by the Village of Montgomery elected officials and staff to provide high quality, softened, treated water that meets all of the EPAs standards for drinking water to its businesses and residents.

Streets Division

The Streets Division concentrates on maintaining and repairing infrastructure improvements. Typical duties include street and sidewalk repairs (including street sign replacement, pot hole repairs, retrieval of deceased animals from public rights-of-way, and street striping), grounds maintenance, snow and ice removal, brush and leaf pick-up, storm sewer and sanitary sewer main repairs, tree trimming and mosquito control.

As a follow-up to the $10,000 grant awarded to the Village of Montgomery by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus for the removal of trees due to the Emerald Ash Borer infestation, the Village removed and replaced approximately 100 trees in November and December 2011. Major tree trimming was also accomplished in some of the newer subdivisions.

The Village was the recipient of the 2012 Excellence in Landscape Awards Silver Award for ecological planting presented by the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association. Specifically, the award recognized Pizzo and Associates’ management of the Arbor Ridge naturalized stormwater basin, which was the first basin to implement the Village’s naturalized stormwater basin guidelines.

Solid Waste and Recycling

The Village negotiated a trash and recycling agreement with Allied Waste/Republic Services for five years. While some provisions remain the same, trash collection is now spread over four days. Residents can now discard one large household item weekly without a sticker, and larger, covered recycling carts were provided to all residents.

Beautification Committee

The Holiday Decorations Contest was brought back in December 2011. Residents nominated the homes this year, with Committee members selecting over 40 award winners. In March, approximately 50 bluebird houses were placed throughout the Village, primarily near naturalized stormwater basins. Committee members and volunteers also refurbished the Village’s “Welcome to Montgomery” entrance signs. The signs were reinstalled, with planter boxes at the base of a few of the signs, to further the Committee’s mission of making Montgomery beautiful.