May 2015 VILLAGE PRESIDENT ROBERT “BOB” KOLOSH Village of Thornton News and Views Village Hall 115 East Margaret Street Thornton, Illinois 60476 Phone (708) 877-4456 Fax (708) 877-4458 www.thornton60476.com Hours Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 12pm I would like to take this opportunity to let all of our residents know that the Village has always maintained a strong commitment to transparency. All of our meeting agendas, packets and minutes are online for all to view. Agendas and packets are always posted on Fridays before any meeting. I would like to apologize to those who feel that we are not transparent enough. A few years ago, Homewood approached the Village notifying us of their intentions to close their portion of Brown Derby Road. They were in discussion with Menards about expanding north and east of their property. Unfortunately, sharing a road with another municipality is not ideal. Despite our objections, our Village has no authority to tell an- other community what they can or cannot do with their infrastructure. With that closure inevitable by Homewood, Thornton would have a road to nowhere. Between that time and the present, Village officials have had ample time to do their homework and exhaust every possible solution that would not lead to road closure. Once it became apparent that Homewood would no longer allow Brown Derby Road to provide access to Halsted Street, the Village began negotiating a Sales Tax Sharing Agreement with Homewood to appropriately compensate us for the inconvenience. As the Village continued negotiating, it is important to note, that the Village Board was reg- ularly updated on the status of negotiations. At our Monday Board meeting, the Village Board approved an Intergovernmental Agree- ment with Homewood and also passed a Menards Purchasing Agreement. The Intergov- ernmental Agreement includes the closing of Brown Derby Road and a lucrative Sales Tax Sharing Agreement. This Sales Tax Sharing Agreement consists of a 65% increase of Menards new sales figures because of expansion. The Menards Purchasing Agree- ment includes a contract for sale of land to Menards for the purchase price of $406,000. The land will still remain part of Thornton and will generate commercial property taxes every year. While the Village is pleased that this agreement will limit your property tax burden, make no mistake about what has occurred: We have made the best of a bad situation, one which we did not ask for nor did we support. I can speak confidently for all Trustees who approved the Agreements in stating all of us would prefer that Brown Derby Road remain open. Knowing, however, that the road was being closed regardless of our wish- es, the only responsible course of action was to maximize some benefit from this unfor- tunate situation rather than watching the road close with nothing to show for it. We respect and appreciate all concerns that have been brought to Village officials. Whether you stopped by in person, e-mailed or called, I want you to know that your cares and concerns were heard. We assure you that many of those concerns were al- ready addressed in the preparation time before this vote was taken. However, because of time restraints, it was impossible to extend the deal further. Continued on page 2
Transcript
May 2015
VILLAGE PRESIDENT ROBERT “BOB” KOLOSH
Village of Thornton News and Views
Village Hall
115 East Margaret Street
Thornton, Illinois 60476
Phone (708) 877-4456 Fax (708) 877-4458
www.thornton60476.com
Hours
Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 12pm
I would like to take this opportunity to let all of our residents know that the Village has
always maintained a strong commitment to transparency. All of our meeting agendas, packets and minutes are online for all to view. Agendas and packets are always posted
on Fridays before any meeting. I would like to apologize to those who feel that we are not transparent enough.
A few years ago, Homewood approached the Village notifying us of their intentions to close their portion of Brown Derby Road. They were in discussion with Menards about
expanding north and east of their property. Unfortunately, sharing a road with another municipality is not ideal. Despite our objections, our Village has no authority to tell an-
other community what they can or cannot do with their infrastructure.
With that closure inevitable by Homewood, Thornton would have a road to nowhere.
Between that time and the present, Village officials have had ample time to do their homework and exhaust every possible solution that would not lead to road closure.
Once it became apparent that Homewood would no longer allow Brown Derby Road to
provide access to Halsted Street, the Village began negotiating a Sales Tax Sharing Agreement with Homewood to appropriately compensate us for the inconvenience. As
the Village continued negotiating, it is important to note, that the Village Board was reg-ularly updated on the status of negotiations.
At our Monday Board meeting, the Village Board approved an Intergovernmental Agree-ment with Homewood and also passed a Menards Purchasing Agreement. The Intergov-
ernmental Agreement includes the closing of Brown Derby Road and a lucrative Sales Tax Sharing Agreement. This Sales Tax Sharing Agreement consists of a 65% increase
of Menards new sales figures because of expansion. The Menards Purchasing Agree-ment includes a contract for sale of land to Menards for the purchase price of $406,000.
The land will still remain part of Thornton and will generate commercial property taxes
every year.
While the Village is pleased that this agreement will limit your property tax burden, make
no mistake about what has occurred: We have made the best of a bad situation, one
which we did not ask for nor did we support. I can speak confidently for all Trustees
who approved the Agreements in stating all of us would prefer that Brown Derby Road
remain open. Knowing, however, that the road was being closed regardless of our wish-
es, the only responsible course of action was to maximize some benefit from this unfor-
tunate situation rather than watching the road close with nothing to show for it.
We respect and appreciate all concerns that have been brought to Village officials.
Whether you stopped by in person, e-mailed or called, I want you to know that your
cares and concerns were heard. We assure you that many of those concerns were al-
ready addressed in the preparation time before this vote was taken. However, because
of time restraints, it was impossible to extend the deal further.
Continued on page 2
May 2015
VILLAGE PRESIDENT Robert “Bob” Kolosh
VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR Doug Beckman
CLERK/COLLECTOR Debbie Pisarzewski
DEPUTY CLERK,
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT & WEBMASTER Melissa Doud
BUILDING DEPARTMENT Building Commissioner
Dave Habecker Electrical Inspector
Bernie Lubawy
TREASURER Arlette Frye
ATTORNEY Scott Dillner
ENGINEER James Hus
Robinson Engineering
NEWSLETTER EDITORS Sharlee Dunlop Melissa Doud
Village Hall
115 East Margaret Street
Thornton, Illinois 60476
Phone (708) 877-4456 Fax (708) 877-4458
www.thornton60476.com
Hours
Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 12pm
Continued from page 1
When will Brown Derby Road close and what are the next steps? Now that the Agreements have been made, there will be an application submitted to IDOT, who will then analyze all data and determine if the road can even be closed. (If this step was done first, it would have weakened our bargaining with Homewood.) There is no time frame as of yet as to when IDOT will begin conducting their investigation. Also, any suggestions or necessary changes required by IDOT will be at the cost and responsibility of Home-wood.
We should receive the payment of $406,000 by the end of this fiscal year and begin receiving tax sharing payments in 2017-2018. Property tax payments will begin one year after sale. The Village plans to reinvest the lump sum into our future for overdue infrastructure improvements. These improve-ments will carry long term benefits to our community.
Our goal is to keep taxes as low as possible. The combination of costs to keep Brown Derby open and possible revenues lost are too great. This would include installing a traffic light at Brown Derby and Ridge Road, repaving due to joint disrepair and yearly maintenance fees, all to the cost of the taxpayer. As I said earlier, this was the best possible deal we could have made given the circumstances. Whether offering support or constructive criticism, you have again proven your commitment to and love for our community. My of-fice is always open if anyone would like to talk. I can be reached by phone or by appointment at the Village Hall.
On a lighter note, I would like to congratulate and introduce David Hudson, Debra Paris and Bo Kaye as our new Village Trustees and Judy Diekelman, Mark Ferris, Carolyn Hundt and Margaret Ellis as our new Library Trustees!
We are inviting all Village Veteran’s to our first Veteran’s Memorial Breakfast. Please see the back of this newsletter for more information.
Take Care,
Bob
May 2015
Take a look around!! The daffodils and tulips are blooming away; and my hostas are peeking out of the ground, too. Looks like spring is here!!!
Village Wide “Spring Clean-up” Garage Sale is scheduled for May 16, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Residents in Thornton do NOT need a permit for this day; although, if you are extending your garage sale to any day before or after, then you must purchase a permit for $5.00 at the Village Hall. Please call the Clerk’s office to register your sale. F.Y.I. - the fall Village Wide Garage Sale is ten-tatively set for September 12.
Recycle and Yard Waste Stickers are available at the Clerk’s office for no charge. Please be considerate of your neighbors – when walking your pets, clean up any messes they may leave behind.
Water rates per 1000 gallons beginning May 1: $9.07 south of toll way and $10.41 <500,000, and $9.44 > 500,000 north of toll way.
Vehicle Stickers for 2015-2016 go on sale June 1. Watch for your yellow notices that will be coming in the mail the end of May. Absolutely no vehicle stickers will be sold before June 1. Remember, your new Thornton vehicle sticker must be displayed on your windshield by June 30.
Prices are as follows:
Passenger Vehicles, Vans, SUV's $20.00
B Plate Trucks (8000 and less) $30.00
D-K Plate Trucks (8001-32,000) $75.00
L-Z Plate Trucks (32,000-80,000) $90.00
Senior Vehicles (limit 2 per household) $5.00
Disabled Citizens (limit 1) $5.00
Motorcycles $15.00
RV's $35.00
Transfers $5.00
See everyone at the Memorial Day Parade!!!
Debbie & Melissa
VILLAGE CLERK DEBBIE PISARZEWSKI
MEETING SCHEDULE
Village Committee Meet-
ings are held on the first
and third Mondays of
every month at 7:00pm.
Village Board Meetings are
immediately following at
7:30pm.
The Planning and Devel-
opment Commission
Meetings are held on the
second Wednesday of the
month at 7:30pm.
Police and Fire Commission
Meetings are held
quarterly.
All meetings are held in
the Board Room of the
Village Hall.
Open to the Public.
Village Hall
Board Room
115 East Margaret
Street
Visit us at www.thornton60476.com
for agendas and
meeting packets.
Board of Trustees
Ernest “Bo” Kaye
Kim Atkinson
Tom Ehlers
Joseph Pisarzewski
David Hudson
Debra Paris
Village of Thornton Historical Society
114 N. Hunter St.
Officers elected for 2015-2016
Janet Sanders, President Sue Hanson, Vice Pres. Debbie Paris, Secretary Marge Loitz, Treasurer
The museum is open every Saturday May through October 1 - 3 p.m. New summer exhibit: "Items from the Attic"
We are always interested in any artifacts pertaining to the history of Thornton. (eg restaurant,
business, school, sports, household items, politics etc.) If you have an item of interest, please call 877-6569 or 877-6310.
Quarry tour reservations are being taken for 2019.
May 2015
Our Mission: The Thornton Police
Department exists for the purpose of protecting life
& property, and to maintain social order within the carefully prescribed ethical & constitutional limits.
Through a cooperative effort we will provide
citizens & visitors to the community with
professional police services, always with the
emphasis on the continued sensitivity to
the communities needs & concerns for all.
TTHORNTON POLICE DEPARTMENT
Glenn Beckman, Chief of Police 700 Park Avenue
(708) 877-2531 Non-Emergency
(708) 877-4440 Records (708) 877-5525 Fax
Office Hours: Monday - Friday
8am - 4pm Saturday 9am - 12pm
SUMMERTIME TIPS
During the summer months it is important to make sure your pets have plenty of
water if being left alone for extended periods of time. If your dog goes missing call
the police department; the department houses any dogs that are captured when they are found running loose throughout the Village. Dogs are held up to three
days before being transferred to an animal shelter facility.
Children will be out of school so they will be spending more time playing in yards,
walking around town and riding their bicycles. Drivers need to pay extra close at-tention, especially in our residential areas as young children will often chase a ball
or toy out into the street without looking for cars.
As a final reminder, Village ordinance prohibits parking on or across a sidewalk.
When families are out for a walk or kids are riding around the block on their bikes
they should not have to go into the street where it is unsafe to get around parked
cars. Please help us promote safety by parking vehicles properly throughout the Village.
Participants Welcome! Call Homer 877-1494
2nd Annual
Wolcott Way 5K
Laps for Literacy
May 30th 9AM Participants: $10 for Wolcott
Students, $25 for Adults
Entry Fee, T-shirt & BBQ in-cluded. Register by May 11
to receive a shirt.
Register online at www.wolcottway5k.com
Help Out!
Volunteers are vital to our suc-cess! Donate your time to our
Sharlee Dunlop, Director of Parks and Recreation Amy Potwin, Assistant Director
701 Highland Ave
(708) 877-4454 (708) 564-5078 Fax
SUMMER HOURS BEGIN JUNE 1ST
Hours
Monday - Friday 9am - 8pm
Saturday 9am - 1pm
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Pinochle every Thursday 1:00pm
Hand & Foot every Friday 5:00pm
Alcoholics Anonymous
FREE Senior Fitness Center (62+)
Spanish to English Conversa-tion Class every Wed
12:00pm
PARKS AND GROUNDS
Charles P Nason Park, Highland Avenue
Diekelman Park, North Kinzie Street
Marian Mikrut Memorial Park, Pawnee Drive
Hubbard Park, 102 N Hubbard St.
Skate Park, Park Avenue
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Memorial Tree Project
K-9 Training Academy
T.O.P.S.
Recycling
Party & Conference Room Rentals (new pricing!)
Pavilion Rentals
Table and Chair Rentals
KODENKAN ACADEMY OF
MARTIAL ARTS
Youth Jujitsu ages 5+ Saturdays 10AM
Adult Jujitsu T-TH 7:00PM and SAT
Tuesdays: May 19 & 26 5:30 PM
Wednesdays: May 6, 20 & 27 10:00 AM
Thursdays: May 7, 21 & 28 5:30 PM
Bring your mat!
9th Annual Market begins June 17 8AM - 2PM Every Wed rain or shine!
Vendors Wanted!
Applications still available!
Field Trip Camp MWF 10AM-2PM
Ages 7-12
June 16-July 31st
Super Saturdays! Refreshments provided!
Free Family Fun!
July 18th 1-3pm
Kickball at Hubbard Park
August 8 1-3pm
Sand Volleyball at Nason
Park
September 12 1-3pm
Softball at Hubbard Park
Zumba with Bea
6:30pm T/TH
Zumba with Kristen
5:30 Mon
Youth Zumba 5:00 Thu
Knee High Camp
T-TH 9AM-12PM
Ages 3-6
June 17-July 30
Summer Spanish
Basic and Conversation
Begins June 10
Ages 8-12
$60.00
Teeny Tiny Camp T-TH 10-11:30AM
Ages 2-3
July 14-30th
May 2015
Our Mission: To provide the citizens of
Thornton with fast, effective and professional fire, rescue and medical services through the use of trained personnel and quality equipment. We
continually strive to
prevent the loss of life, personal injury and
property damage through public education and
emergency responsiveness. We will render our services with
pride and personal commitment to the
individuals in need of aid.
THORNTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
David Habecker, Fire Chief Joe Eaker, Assistant Fire Chief
115 E Margaret Street
(708) 877-4459 Non-Emergency
SUMMER GRILLING There’s nothing like outdoor grilling; it’s one of the most popular ways to cook food. But, a grill placed too close to anything that can burn is a fire
hazard. They can be very hot, causing burn injuries. Follow these simple
tips and you will be on the way to safe grilling.
SAFETY TIPS
Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from
under eaves and overhanging branches.
Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat.
Never leave your grill unattended.
Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
If you ever detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas at the tank and don't at-
tempt to light the grill until the leak is fixed.
CHARCOAL GRILLS:
Be sure to use starter fluids designed for charcoal barbecue grills.
Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because
the flame can flashback up into the container and explode.
Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report
any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately.
Supervise children around outdoor grills.
Dispose of hot coals properly - douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to
ensure that the fire is out. Once they are cool, ashes and coals should always be
placed in a metal container with a tight lid. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.
FACTS
July is the peak month for grill fires.
Roughly half of the injuries in-volving grills are thermal burns.
BOOK CLUB AT THE THORNTON LIBRARY!
Children in grades 2nd and 3rd, 4th and 5th, and 6th through 8th For more information, contact Kathy Dejnowski at 877-2579 or [email protected].
STORYTIME AT THE THORNTON LIBRARY!
Every first and third Mondays from 1:00 to 2:00pm in the Children’s Library. For more infor-mation, contact Angie Enright at 877-2579 or [email protected].
Our Mission: To provide a wide range of vital community services to the residents of Thornton in a professional and effi-
cient manner.
Full Time Staff:
Bryan Roberts
Regan Ruchala
Part Time/Seasonal Staff:
Richard Kingery
S pring is finally upon us and so is our annual tree planting program! The Public Works Department is now taking orders for trees to be planted in
the parkway in front of your residence. Weather permitting; the department hopes to begin the planting in June. With that in mind, the deadline for plac-ing your order is May 30th .
The homeowner is responsible for 50% of the cost of the tree. This year’s cost will remain the same as last year. Seventy dollars ($70) covers the tree, deliv-ery, planting, supplies and maintenance. The Public Works Department will also maintain and water the tree for thirty (30) days after the planting. It then becomes the homeowners’ responsibility to continue the maintenance of the tree.
Your choice of trees is the Autumn Blaze Maple, the Cleveland Pear, or the Deborah Maple. The Autumn Blaze Maple turns a bright red color in the Fall. The Cleveland Pear is a non-fruit bearing tree that flowers in the Spring. (The Cleveland will be slightly smaller than the Maples when full grown.) The Debo-rah Maple has an oval-rounded form with bright red leaves emerging in the fall that turn to a maroon color and then finally a dark green by mid-summer.
If you are interested in having a tree planted in the parkway in front of your home, please come to the Village Hall to sign up and pay your fee. Trees can-not be planted in the parkways of State or County owned roads. *The Village reserves the right to substitute a similar species of tree, based on availability.
