Winnetka Village Council
REGULAR MEETING
Village Hall
510 Green Bay Road
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
7:00 PM
AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
- Bid #13-006: 2013 Street Rehabilitation Program
- Additional Fee - Stormwater Utility Feasibility Study
- Oak Street Water Main, Bid #013-003
- Stormwater Monthly Summary Report
- Evaluation of
Winnetka Avenue Underpass Study Area Improvements
- Winnetka Stormwater Program and Financing
- Ordinance M-6-2013: Disposition of Surplus Vehicles & Equipment - Introduce / Adopt
- Hubbard Woods Planter Program
- 429 Sheridan Road, Zoning Variation
To see the Agenda Packet, click here.
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Share Your Image of Wonderful Winnetka and
Have your Photograph Featured on our New Website
The Village invites resident photographers - professional or amateur - to submit your best photographs of the Village's natural beauty, historic spots or central social settings, as well as photos of people enjoying the quality of life in Winnetka. Winning photos will be featured on website pages and other Village publications.
The Grand prize is a $100 gift certificate to a Winnetka business of the winner’s choosing. A $25 gift certificate will be awarded to the first place winner in each Category. Photos must be entered in one of five categories that illustrate why Winnetka is wonderful: 1) People; 2) Nature/Wildlife; 3) Raising Families; 4) Doing Business; 5) Historic Places/Social Hubs.
Read contest rules. Download a model release form.
Submit a photo by clicking here. Please include the category and a title for the photograph in the subject line, and also provide your name, address and phone number in the email body.
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Sanitary Sewer Testing Project
The Village has contracted with Baxter & Woodman to perform inspections and testing in sections of the Village’s sanitary sewer system. Manhole inspections began on Tuesday, May 7, in the Fuller Lane area and will continue north and west from there.
The manhole inspections will take about two weeks to complete. Smoke testing is anticipated to start at a later date - with advance notice provided to residents.
Baxter & Woodman field personnel will carry company identification and will be wearing high-visibility vests. Please call the Public Works Department (847-716-3568), with any questions.
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Fire Hydrant Flow Testing
Monday, May 20 from 8 AM – 2:30 PM, the Village will flow test hydrants on Heather, Hickory, Hazel, Sumac, Boal Pkwy, Bell and Auburn. Signs will be placed in the areas to be tested. To see a map of the testing areas for the next week or so, click here.
During flow testing, sediment accumulations are removed from the water system. You may notice water discoloration for a brief period after the flow test in your area – while the water is safe to drink, it can discolor laundry – run the faucets for several minutes or until the discoloration subsides. If the water does not become clear after this procedure, please contact the Water Department at 847-716-3558.
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Green Bay Road – Winnetka Avenue
Traffic Signal Improvement Project
Construction on the intersection has been halted, due to the discovery of an abandoned underground storage tank. While Village Staff works to resolve this issue, the contractor will prepare an updated schedule. New updates will be shared as they become available. Contact the Public Works Department with questions at 847-716-3568, or schen@winnetka.org
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Willow Road Redevelopment Project
The work planned for Willow Road for the next week includes the continued relocation of utilities and installation of temporary traffic signals. Removal of medians will begin, starting west of Waukegan Road and working east. Lane closures are already in place to accommodate this work. Please note that the actual start dates and activities may change due to weather, utility, permitting approvals, or other contractor conflicts.
More detailed construction work and traffic conditions can be tracked at http://northfieldwillowroad.blogspot.com/ or Facebook at Willow Road Construction Project or Twitter @willowroadcp.
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Winnetka Landmark Preservation Awards
The Winnetka Landmark Preservation Commission is now accepting applications for its annual awards program. The program seeks to honor those construction projects in the Village that have helped preserve the history and character of the Village. The program has three categories of awards: Restoration, Rehabilitation, and New Construction.
If you believe your recent improvement project helped to preserve the historic character of Winnetka, please consider applying. Applications are available from the Department of Community Development at Winnetka Village Hall, 510 Green Bay Road, or by clicking here. Questions can be directed to Mike D’Onofrio at 847.716.3526 or mdonofrio@winnetka.org.
Application deadline is Friday, May 24th.
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Electric Department Performing Line Clearance
(Tree Trimming)
The pruning of trees near overhead utility lines is important for public safety and reliable electric utility service. Trees are a leading cause of power outages. Asplundh Tree Experts has been hired to perform line clearance work for the 2013-14 budget year. All contractor personnel and vehicles should be clearly identified with the company name. In addition to preventative maintenance trimming of overhead lines, crews from Asplundh Tree Experts will be available to assist Village line crews during storm restoration events.
Questions concerning the contractor's activities should be directed to the Water & Electric Department at 847-716-3558.
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Urban Land Institute
TAP 1
Summary Report
On March 19, 2013, the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Chicago presented an Executive Summary of the first Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) – focusing on a commercial assessment of Winnetka’s three business districts (Indian Hill, Elm Street, and Hubbard Woods). After initiating the process with data gathering – including a Shopper Survey and outreach to community stakeholders – the first of two TAPs, focusing on a commercial assessment, was held in February at the Winnetka Community House.
The Panel of eight ULI members – all having significant commercial, real estate, or development backgrounds – spent two days in intensive work sessions. During the TAP, panelists toured the study area, interviewed over 100 stakeholders, held a community-wide reception, conducted a peer-community focus group, and began analyzing data and outlining recommendations. The information from TAP 1 will directly feed TAP 2, which focuses on implementation of a long-term revitalization strategy for the commercial districts.
The Urban Land Institute is an international nonprofit education and research institute. Its Technical Assistance Panel Process draws upon ULI member expertise to provide creative and practical solutions to land use challenges in communities across the Chicago region and beyond. To learn more about the TAP 1 Scope of Work, click here. To view the March 19 ULI Executive Summary Presentation, click here.
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SWANCC Provides Electronics Recycling
Since 1999, The Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) has provided environmentally-responsible electronics recycling. To see a list of accepted items, click here, or visit SWANCC’s Green Pages directory. Microwaves, home appliances, shredders, dehumidifiers, humidifiers and air conditioners will not be accepted.
The Village of Winnetka hosts a permanent electronics collection location for listed items at the Public Works Yards, 1390 Willow Road. Hours are: Tuesdays from 10 AM – Noon and Thursdays from 1 – 3PM.
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Fiscal Transparency
The Village of Winnetka strives for fiscal transparency and makes financial information regarding the operations of the Village available for review. Please click here to access this information.
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VILLAGE'S SHARE OF PROPERTY TAX BILL - 13.26%
To see the Finance Director’s agenda report containing a breakdown of the 2012-2013 property taxes and fees, click here.
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Web Site HIGHLIGHTS
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Council Meetings Rebroadcast on Cable TV
Winnetka viewers can watch Council Meetings on Comcast Channel 10 and on AT&T Uverse Channel 99, at 7 PM every night. Council Study Sessions will air Mon-Tue-Fri at 2 PM on Comcast Channel 10. Meeting videos may also be viewed on demand on this website by clicking on the "Council" tab and selecting "Meetings Webcast."
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Emergency Notification via Telephone
CODE RED
The Winnetka Police and Fire Departments have contracted with a rapid response phone network that allows the Village to quickly send messages to the phone numbers of any Winnetkan in case of emergency, such as the August 23, 2007, storm. To register your landline and cell phone numbers for Village emergency calls, please click here. For more information please call the Police Department at 847-501-6034.
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Foreclosure Notices
Foreclosure notices for the Village of Winnetka should be sent to:
Ed McKee, Finance Director
510 Green Bay Road
Winnetka, IL 60093
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Recycle My Fridge Program
If you have a refrigerator or freezer in working condition that is 10-30 cubic feet, you may be eligible for a $35 rebate and free pickup of your unit. For information and to schedule a pickup, call 877-341-2313, or visit RecycleMyFridge.org.
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FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams at Work in Cook County
Inspectors from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have begun meeting with disaster applicants and are reviewing damage caused by severe storms and flooding last April. Winnetka residents who flooded are eligible to apply for this Federal funding; however, the only way to determin if you are eligible for assistance is to register with FEMA. If you have not yet registered, you can do so by: visiting http://www.disasterassistance.gov/; via smartphone at http://m.fema.gov/; or calling 800-621-3362 (or TTY at 800-462-7585).
To see what to expect during a FEMA home inspection, click here. To read an important fraud awareness update, click here.
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Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 27 at 10 AM
The Winnetka Park District and the Village of Winnetka invite residents to the annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 27. The Parade begins at 10 AM on the corner of Glendale and Elm, and ends with a ceremony at the Village Green.
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Winnetka Caucus Spring Town Meeting
On May 15th, newly elected Village President Gene Greable gave the Village’s annual address at the Winnetka Caucus Spring Town Meeting. To see his presentation and speech, click here.
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Sanitary Sewer Back-Up Prevention Program
Discontinued March 5, 2013
As part of the Public Works Department Budget presentation on February 13, 2013, the Village Council reviewed the Sanitary Sewer Back-Up Prevention Program, which was originally implemented in 2006. The Prevention Program was offered by the Village to single-family homeowners, with homes constructed prior to 1970 (when the Village began to require installation of overhead sewers in new construction). Property owners meeting the eligibility requirements could apply for reimbursement of a portion of the costs to install either an anti-back-up device or overhead sewer. Since program inception, the Village had processed 39 participants through the Program—totaling $210,000 in funding. The Public Works budget proposed an increase in program funding to $50,000 for fiscal year 2013-14. However, at the March 5, 2013 Village meeting, the consensus of the Council was to process those residents who were eligible and had already applied for funding and then to discontinue the Program. The funding will be reallocated toward improving the overall sanitary sewer system. Therefore, the only funds that remain for reimbursement are those already allocated to Program participants.
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Summary of Council Meetings Dealing with
Stormwater Mitigation Efforts
To visit the Village's dedicated stormwater management website, click here.
For a comprehensive history of Council actions on stormwater, click here. For an extensive FAQ, click here. To download the sanitary sewer survey, click here.
May 14, 2013: The Village Council heard the final report from Municipal & Financial Services Group (MFSG) on the stormwater utility feasibility study that began in late 2012. MFSG recommended a stormwater utility as the preferred method to fund the stormwater improvements being considered by the Village, as a utility fee provides improved equity, fiscal accountability, and a dependable revenue stream. Further, MFSG recommended the Village establish a uniform stormwater fee, based on impervious area for individual parcels (calculated on multiples of 3,400 square feet of impervious area). Finally, it was suggested that the Village fund a level of service including operations and maintenance as well as current capital projects, using 30-year debt to be repaid from the utility fund. The Village Council accepted these recommendations and decided to proceed with a utility fee to finance 100% of stormwater improvements. The Village Council next plans to review and determine the stormwater project elements and total program scope at its May 21, 2013 Regular Meeting.
A copy of MFSG’s PowerPoint presentation is available here. A copy of Staff’s report and MFSG’s written recommendations is also available here. Please see past Council meeting summaries for other MFSG reports.
April 18, 2013: Public Works Director and Village Engineer Steve Saunders provided the Village Council with the Stormwater Monthly Report. The Village has received verbal approval from the Forest Preserve District of Cook County for improvements to the Winnetka Avenue Pump Station. The project will be a modification of the Village’s existing permit, since Staff satisfied the District’s concerns about landscaping and visual impact. Mr. Saunders reported that the engineering is virtually complete for the two Northeast Winnetka projects (Spruce Outlet- Lloyd Park and Tower/Foxdale), and that he anticipates bringing these projects back for Council approval in the next several weeks. Staff is also close to scheduling neighborhood meetings with those potentially impacted by the Northwest Winnetka projects—possibly in late June. Saunders stated that the Sanitary Sewer Evaluation approved by the Council earlier in the month will begin with manhole inspections once the weather is drier.
March 12, 2013: Municipal & Financial Services Group (MFSG) presented Stormwater Utility Feasibility Study Workshop #3 at the Village Council Study Session. The final workshop outlined a revised fee analysis, developed from Council input throughout the process, and then turned attention toward Utility Implementation Considerations. Levels of service associated with a stormwater program (such as operations & maintenance and capital components), the source of program funding (property taxes, a utility fee, or a combination thereof), and the component elements of a stormwater fee, as discussed in Workshops #1 and #2, were the basis of MFSG’s fee analysis. The revised analysis showed detailed impact of the funding scenarios previously discussed on individual parcels within the Village—considering both 20- and 30-year bond repayments. MFSG also addressed a number of potential implementation issues for the Village to consider should it decide to use a stormwater utility, including evaluation of credits and incentives, billing methods, and appeals. To see the staff report, click here. To review the MFSG Workshop 3 PowerPoint Presentation, click here.
February 19, 2013: Public Works Director and Village Engineer Steve Saunders provided the Village Council with the Stormwater Monthly Report. He noted that the report is a brief update, as much of the current focus has been on the Stormwater Utility Feasibility Study. Details of the Feasibility Study process can be found in the February 12, 2013 Study Session materials. Saunders explained that both the Tower Road/Foxdale and Lloyd Park/Spruce Street improvement plans are proceeding and will be ready for review and bidding in the spring. It was also noted that engineering for Greenwood/Forest Glen in Northwest Winnetka is approximately 75% complete. Additionally, Staff continues to prepare required permit applications for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. The next Stormwater Monthly Report will be presented at the March 19, 2013 Regular Village Council Meeting.
February 12, 2013: At its regular Study Session meeting, the Village Council participated in the second workshop for the Stormwater Utility Feasibility Study. Consulting firm Municipal & Financial Services Group (MFSG) presented a preliminary rate and fee analysis. The Workshop centered on the evaluation of property tax and stormwater utility rate methodologies—including how they might be structured in Winnetka and best practices utilized in other Illinois communities. The financial model developed by MFSG illustrates revenues necessary to support the scope of projects currently contemplated by the Village, while conceptually identifying tax and fee implications for all property owners. Ultimately, this process assists in decisions related to equity and cost-efficiency, as well as benefit of proposed stormwater improvements. The Village anticipates MFSG will conduct Workshop #3 at the March 12, 2013 Village Council Study Session. While the Council will not be making a final decision on the funding mechanisms on that date, MFSG will present considerations for implementation of a utility and discuss impacts on the Village’s General Fund. Click here to see the staff report from Workshop #2. Click here to review the MFSG Workshop 2 PowerPoint Presentation.
January 15, 2013: Public Works Director and Village Engineer Steve Saunders provided the Village Council with the Stormwater Monthly Report. He noted the follow-up Staff is preparing related to the Stormwater Utility Feasibility Study. Comments and questions from the Council will be addressed at the beginning of Workshop #2 (at the February 12 Council Study Session). Additionally, he updated the Council on the three projects in north Winnetka that have been authorized—including Lloyd Outlet, Northwest Winnetka (Greenwood/Forest Glen), and Tower/Foxdale. The Village has applied for the necessary permits for the projects and engineering is proceeding. Saunders estimated it is feasible that construction could begin in May or June of 2013. In a related matter, the Council also authorized staff to award work for the Tower Road Duct Bank Relocation. This work is required to resolve a utility conflict for future stormwater improvements and is expected to be complete by May, 2013. Further information on this project will be forthcoming, especially as it relates to Tower Road closures.
January 8, 2013: At the Village Council Study Session, consulting firm Municipal & Financial Services Group (MFSG) conducted the first of three planned workshops related to the ongoing Stormwater Utility Feasibility Study. MFSG has been tasked with helping the Council evaluate financing options and methods for the improvements currently under consideration—including the evaluation of the potential to fund improvements using a stormwater utility. The first workshop focused on Level of Service—addressing possible elements of a stormwater program and level of service scenarios illustrative of funding requirements. MFSG also presented initial financial modeling that identifies and reflects costs associated with each stormwater program element. The financial model is a key tool in beginning to compare and contrast the impact of funding improvements via stormwater fees or incremental property tax increases. The Village anticipates MFSG will conduct the second workshop, discussing Rate and Fee Analysis, at the February 12, 2013 Village Council Study Session. Click here to review the Agenda Report and MFSG Workshop 1 PowerPoint Presentation.
The Village Council welcomes residents' input regarding stormwater mitigation efforts. Therefore, we have opened a new
e-mailbox to receive your comments directly:
Stormwatercomments@winnetka.org.
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Northwest Municipal Conference
2013 Legislative Program
Winnetka is a member of the Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC), a regional council of government serving Chicago’s north and northwest suburbs. The organization advocates on behalf of local government and encourages intergovernmental cooperation. As part of this mission, the NWMC identifies issues that discourage economic development and impede local government units, and proposes practical solutions to these issues.
To see the NWMC’s 2013 Legislative Program, click here.
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State Legislator Contact Info
In June of 2011, legislative redistricting based on the 2010 U.S. Census was signed into law by Governor Quinn.
Winnetka was moved from the 10th Congressional District to the 9th District. A very small portion of the Village remains in the 10th District – Scott Street EAST of Green Bay, and Old Green Bay Road.
Senator Daniel Biss - senatorbiss@gmail.com
Rep. Robyn Gabel – robyn@robyngabel.com
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Visit Websites of the Village's Other Taxing Agencies
Winnetka Park District
New Trier Township
Winnetka/Northfield Library District
New Trier High School
Winnetka School District 36
Avoca School District 37
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Battery Recycling Program
The Public Works Department is partnering with the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) to offer a battery recycling program, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM at the Public Works Yards, 1390 Willow Road.
Rechargeable, NiCd, NiMh, lithium ion, lithium polymer or household alkaline batteries will be accepted. Residents please note: Each rechargeable battery (lithium,NiMh and NiCad) must have masking tape on contact points or be placed in an individual zip-lock plastic bag. If you have any questions, please call 847-716-3568.
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Crime Prevention Videos
Click here to view the videos.
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