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Below is a copy of the letter the Village RECEIVED from Com Ed on Monday, November 7. November 7, 2008
Honorable Gary A. Grasso Dear Mayor Grasso: I am writing to inform you of Com Ed's continuing need to perform vegetation management in Burr Ridge, address apparent misunderstandings about emergent vegetation management and restate our willingness to adjust our normal trimming practices at Burr Ridge's request. Com Ed is committed to the safety and reliability of service for our approximately 25,000 customers in Burr Ridge and nearby communities served by the 138,000 volt (138kV) line and other smaller voltage lines passing through Burr Ridge. Delays to vegetation management along the 138kV lines are the most significant reliability risks to these facilities. This summer, ComEd intended to perform this work at no direct cost to Burr Ridge residents. However, the Village's objections delayed our trim and removal plans along this rather limited route. As previously discussed, our vegetation management is conducted on five-year cycles to create minimal risk of contact with lines between major trimmings. We apply this approach across our entire service territory: clearing (trimming or removing) shrubs and trees in given areas beneath (wire zone) and adjacent (border zone) to lines without significant difficulty. This method allows for planting small trees within the border zones around our facilities. In the interest of public safety and service reliability, Com Ed cannot relinquish its responsibilities to remove or trim trees near the 138kV line, and elsewhere in Burr Ridge. There are serious personal, property, and reliability risks associated with electrical current jumping from this high voltage line to nearby tree limbs. For this reason, we urge you to reconsider Burr Ridge's objections to our vegetation management plans in the Village. Com Ed remains sensitive to Burr Ridge's concerns, and we will operate with residents' concerns in mind. It bears noting, however, that the Village's ability to control how Com Ed effectuates its responsibilities is limited by at least three factors: (1) Com Ed has express property rights on all the properties near the 138kV line. In several cases, Com Ed is the sole landowner of the property, and everywhere else Com Ed owns an express easement over which we control the extent of vegetation. Com Ed has communicated with the underlying property owners so they understand Com Ed's exercise of its property rights, particularly with respect to vegetation management, which is the primary reason these easements were acquired in the first place. (2) Com Ed has had an agreement with Burr Ridge since 2004 addressing tree trimming. Under this agreement, Burr Ridge and Com Ed accepted that tree trimming and tree removals would occur, allowing Com Ed to perform emergent tree trimming without prior notice or permits. Recent Village actions violate the letter and spirit of this agreement. No progress can be made in resolving our disagreements until the validity and terms of this agreement are reaffirmed. (3) State law provides that the ICC has jurisdiction over utility vegetation management practices. The Public Utility Act makes clear vegetation managements falls under the ICC jurisdiction. In short, Com Ed is obligated to provide the least cost and most reliable service possible to all customers, and is regulated by the ICC on how it does so. Burr Ridge's role in vegetation management is extremely narrow, and under no circumstances should it interfere with electrical reliability. Nonetheless, Com Ed provided Burr Ridge a fair and customized alternative to the scheduled vegetation management plan on the 138kV line. The plan called for more frequent and less significant trimming - per the Village's request. This would have satisfied most of the Village's concerns about Com Ed tree trimming. Per regulatory requirements, Com Ed would charge the additional costs associated with this plan to Com Ed customers in Burr Ridge as set out in Rider LGC, which localizes the cost of local regulatory requirements. Your letter of September 17, 2008, rejected this plan. Given Burr Ridge's negative response, Com Ed has not yet started the requested extensive tree inventory. Instead, we are preparing a five-year cycle tree-trimming plan for the 138kV line. This plan would describe the minimum level of trimming required to prevent tree contact, assuring the reliability of the line without additional attention during the five-year cycle. Because Burr Ridge seeks a tree-by-tree analysis not normally performed, there will be Rider LGC charges if the Village prefers such an inventory. Should Burr Ridge agree to this, we will initiate the inventory, and add these costs to the Com Ed bills of our Burr Ridge customers. Separately, the Village issued permits to remove trees and conduct landscaping approved by homeowners on three properties. Village personnel approved the permits after walking the property with Com Ed's vegetation management personnel. We believe our work at these locations will demonstrate that Com Ed's efforts can ensure reliability for our customers and satisfy the aesthetic concerns of adjoining property owners. Com Ed also is hopeful that the permit application for tree removal on properties we own will soon be granted. Despite the straightforward permit obligations set out in the recently adopted Burr Ridge Tree Ordinance, Com Ed's initial permit request on these properties was rejected, and Com Ed was informed significant additional information would be required before these tree removal permits would be approved. We are collecting the information requested, despite the significant time investment it requires. Rider LGC places the costs of Com Ed's efforts to respond to these additional permit requirements solely on Com Ed customers and Burr Ridge and not all Com Ed customers, so we hope that the Village will reconsider whether some of them are actually necessary or can be addressed in a less expensive manner. Like us, you value improved communication between Com Ed and the Village. We hope this correspondence indicates to you the seriousness with which we are treating these issues. We will continue to strive to communicate more effectively with you and your community so that everyone understands plainly and clearly why Com Ed must undertake tree trimming and removal in Burr Ridge. Finally, we wish to establish with this correspondence our understanding that Burr Ridge has given permission, in advance, to perform emergent trimming. The 2004 Burr Ridge Tree Agreement expresses that no notice be given for emergent trimming. More recently, your letter of September 17, 2008 stated such trimming was expected to continue. We appreciate the cooperation that ultimately we received, although we were not able to complete the required trimming until a week later than initially planned. Nonetheless, we believe Burr Ridge's standards for emergent trimming set out in the 2004 Tree Agreement remain appropriate. Please recognize that Com Ed cannot agree to delay emergency tree trimming that could impact public safety or electric service to our customers in Burr Ridge and surrounding communities while notices are drafted to Village personnel and permission is obtained. We look forward to furthering a constructive dialog on this and associated matters. As you have posted your letters to us on your website, feel free to post this response as well. I look forward to speaking with you soon. Sincerely, Fidel Marquez Below is a copy of the letter the Village sent to Com Ed regarding tree trimming that occurred on October 21st. Sign up for e-mail updates at SaveOurTrees@burr-ridge.gov.
Mr. Fidel
Marquez, Jr. RE: Emergent & Permit Trimming Dear Mr. Marquez, The events concerning emergent trimming along the 138kV transmission lines that occurred on Tuesday, October 21st, prompted me to call you to make sure we are “on the same page” moving forward as we try to resolve our outstanding issues regarding tree trimming along those lines in the Village of Burr Ridge. As you are aware, Commonwealth Edison crews arrived on the 21st to trim trees in three areas beneath the transmission lines without first notifying the Village. Because we had no knowledge of what was occurring, and one resident became understandably alarmed, we stopped the work. As you know, once we were informed of what Com Ed wanted to accomplish (trim trees that constituted potentially emergent threats to the lines), our Staff verified the need for the trimming with your contractors and worked with them to successfully complete the trimming at two of the three locations. You and I understand all too clearly that the lesson here is simply one of advanced communication. There is still considerable tension among our residents about Com Ed’s goals and I have urged them to contact us at the first attempts to trim or cut vegetation in our neighborhoods. If Com Ed Staff informs Village Staff ahead of time as to what your emergent needs may be, we will work with your crews and the affected residents to resolve those concerns during this period. In the meantime, it is my understanding that Com Ed is diligently working to create the comprehensive tree inventory that we have been discussing and that no other work, other than for emergency operations, will occur prior to completion of the tree inventory and its review and agreement by all parties. It is my understanding that trimming will then occur on a five-year cycle basis. We have agreed to allow Com Ed to work with individual residents to trim and remove trees on their properties as they request, as long as a permit is obtained that would be based on an approved re-landscape plan. As of this date, the Village has yet to receive any permit applications for individual residents. The only application we did receive was for work to be done on Com Ed property, between 81st and 83rd Streets, where the application called for clear-cut removal of all vegetation and replacement with grass seed. I concurred with denial of this permit because clear cutting is not consistent with all that we have been discussing over the course of the last several weeks. I understood our mutual goal was to preserve as much vegetation as possible while assuring reliable power to the area. This goal includes Com Ed’s property. We look forward to the completion of the tree inventory and to working with Com Ed to develop a comprehensive tree trimming program that will meet the needs of both Commonwealth Edison and the residents of Burr Ridge. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (630) 654-4500 or my cell (312) 498-3202. Very truly yours,
Attached is a copy of the tree trimming proposal received by the Village from ComEd on September 5th. Click here to view the information. Below is the text of the Village's letter to Com Ed responding to the proposal. Sign up for e-mail updates at SaveOurTrees@burr-ridge.gov.
Mr. Fidel Marquez, Jr. This letter is in response to the proposed Alternative Vegetation Management Plan that you submitted to the Village of Burr Ridge on September 5, 2008. The Village appreciates the fact that Commonwealth Edison has dropped its plan to pursue a tree removal program and agrees that the correct approach is to develop a comprehensive tree trimming program that takes into account the health of the tree, rather than simply line clearance. However, the Village cannot agree to the proposed plan in its current form, but would like to work with you to develop a mutually agreeable program. We believe that changes can and should be made to your September 5 proposal. While these changes are worked out, no action should be taken to disturb the trees, except on an emergency basis, throughout the remainder of 2008 and until a mutually agreed upon Vegetation Management Plan can be established. We would like your written assurance that this will be the case. We cannot agree that the Village and/or the residents should, in any way, be responsible for the costs associated with the implementation of a VegetationManagement Plan for the area in question. We believe that this is the responsibility of Commonwealth Edison and Commonwealth Edison alone. We also question the need for a more frequent trimming cycle than your normal five-year cycle and it is our position and belief that an assessment should be made on an annual basis, with minor follow-up trimming as may be necessary. We agree that a one-time baseline survey of all properties, tree species, vegetation and measured clearances must be performed. However, it is our position that this tree inventory must be comprehensive in nature and should include:
We agree that detailed clearance specifications must be developed. However, it is our position that these clearance specifications must be based on industry standards that can be proven and verified. With this in mind, we ask that Commonwealth Edison provide the Village with backup information to verify that the standards you proposed are, in fact, industry standards. Also, we believe that clearance standards should take into account the fact that the closer the trees are in line with the poles, the less likely they will come in contact with the actual 138 KV lines and be subject to the maximum sag and side sway. Finally, we do not agree that an arbitrary six-foot reliability factor should be included in the clearance standards. A “reliability” factor should be determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the individual trees involved, to take into account the simple fact that some trees grow faster than others. Once clearance standards are agreed upon, the key to success of the proposed Vegetation Management Plan will lie in how the trees are actually trimmed. It is our position that trimming specifications must take into account the overall health and aesthetics of the entire tree, not simply to accomplish line clearance standards. To this end, the plan should include comprehensive tree trimming specifications that will take into account what is best for each individual tree. The Village will also require that a representative of the Village be present at our cost when the trimming is performed, to ensure that proper trimming standards are adhered to. We agree that Commonwealth Edison can and should negotiate with individual homeowners in cases where the homeowner feels that certain trees should be removed. However, it is our position that Commonwealth Edison should maintain its tree/landscape replacement plan as originally proposed for those homeowners. We agree that careful thought must be given to the types of trees to be planted in the corridor in the future, taking into consideration the original size of the tree and anticipated growth factors. However, it is our position that trees should be allowed to be planted that can grow up to a maximum height of 25 feet. I am confident that a mutually agreed upon list of approved trees can be worked out. In closing, I believe that the Village of Burr Ridge and Commonwealth Edison have an opportunity to develop a comprehensive Vegetation Management Program for transmission lines that could be used as a model, not only throughout Commonwealth Edison’s service area, but throughout the country. We look forward to meeting with you at your earliest convenience to begin this process. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (630) 654-4500. Very truly yours, Gary A. Grasso Mayor The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has developed updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for the Cook County portion of Burr Ridge. Village records indicate that some properties in Burr Ridge may be impacted by the Federal Flood Insurance Rate Map revisions. Letters were sent in July and August to those residences. The Flood Insurance Rate Maps are the regulatory documents by which the FEMA assesses flood risk. If the revised maps indicate that your property is encumbered by the 100-year flood level (also know as “Base Flood Elevation”, or BFE), and if your mortgage is backed by Federal or Federally related financing, your lender may mandate that you procure flood insurance for your home. The 100-year flood level, or BFE, is based upon complex flood modeling which includes detailed evaluation of precipitation data, topographic data, and watershed characteristics. In some locations of the Village, the new calculation may indicate a higher or lower BFE than was indicated on previous Flood Insurance Rate Maps. As a result, the status of your property may change. If you own a large parcel and a portion of your lot is in the floodplain, but the structure of your home is at a higher elevation, you may be able to eliminate the insurance mandate by seeking a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) or a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA). The revised Federal Flood Insurance Rate Maps become effective on August 19th, 2008. Flood Insurance Rate Maps may be viewed at www.fema.gov/hazard/map/firm.shtm, or at the Burr Ridge Village Hall. If you would like assistance determining your flood insurance status, please contact the Village of Burr Ridge Engineering Division at (630) 323-4733. Sincerely, Emerald Ash Borer in Burr Ridge On Wednesday, July 30, 2008, the Village of Burr Ridge received confirmation from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), of the presence of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in Burr Ridge. On Friday, July 25, 2008, while doing a routine visual inspection of parkway trees, Village Arborist Gary Gatlin noticed a group of ash trees that were exhibiting signs of an Emerald Ash Borer infestation. The USDA was immediately notified and specimens of the adult EAB beetles were sent in for positive identification. The adult beetle specimens were collected from parkway trees on the 6400 Block of St. James Court in the Heatherfields subdivision. The Heatherfields subdivision is located on the northeast side of Burr Ridge, near Plainfield and I-294. The State of Illinois has the authority to require removal of all EAB infested trees but has never done so. At this time, State officials are allowing local municipalities to determine how to best respond to local infestations. There are currently no mandated policies on the removal of EAB infested trees. Burr Ridge will remove the infested ash parkway trees as soon as we can determine the extent of the beetle’s presence. Village officials and staff are currently preparing a formal plan that will address the needs of the community in the wake of this very destructive pest. Emerald Ash Borer is a small, metallic green beetle that is native to China. EAB is believed to have first arrived in suburban Detroit in wooden shipping material. The presence of EAB was discovered in Detroit in 2002. EAB has since killed millions of Ash trees in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. In the beginning stages, EAB can be difficult to detect. Since the beetles first laying eggs in the crown of the ash, infestation is often not noticed until it moves downward to the trunk, which can take several years. The most noticeable signs of EAB include dead or dying branches within the top of the tree crown, followed by sprouts growing from the trunk. If you suspect your ash is infested, contact the Village of Burr Ridge Forestry and Grounds Division at (630) 323- 4733 x 455. For more information on the Emerald Ash Border, visit www.illinoiseab.com, www.agr.state.il.us/eab, or www.emeraldashborer.info. Or, click on the links below to learn more.
Coyote Encounters and Preventable Measures Coyotes in Urban Areas During the past few months, sighting of Coyotes and Cougars have increased in the Chicago metropolitan area. Although the Village of Burr Ridge has had no verified sightings of either animal, the Police Department is releasing this safety information in the event a verified sighting should occur. The coyote has adapted to living on the borders of urban areas because it is no longer a hunted animal. It has lost its fear of humans because of this. As countless trees are torn down in every suburban town to make way for new construction, coyotes cling to whatever woodland areas they find. The coyote habitat has become fragmented due to this construction, so the area where coyotes are often sighted may seem unusual. They are sometimes seen during daylight hours predominately from dusk to dawn. Coyotes are often described as having a German Shepard-like appearance. They have long-thin legs, tapered muzzle and long pointed ears. Their fur ranges from dull yellow to gray. Adult males weight approximately 25-40 pounds while the females are smaller. The peak of their breeding season is late February to early March. In April and May, the pups are born with an average of 5 to 7 in a litter. Scientists have identified 11 different kinds of vocalizations, making them great communicators. Although they normally live in packs, they can live alone, in pairs or in a temporary family group. T he majority of the coyote diet consists of small rodents, rabbits, and mice; however, they sometimes do eat birds, reptiles, fish, and deer carcasses. This may be why they wander into yards. Spilled birdseed attracts animals which then attracts the coyote. Areas with abundant tall grass offer the coyote not only protection but also a large food source because of the smaller wildlife that co-exists there. When their preferred food source is scarce, they may eat berries, insects, and even garden vegetables. Pet food left out at night not only feeds raccoons and opossum but their hunter as well, the coyote. In this sense, the coyote maintains a control on the wildlife population.Small dogs left unattended and off leash can fall victim to a coyote, which may snatch them up. They are carried off, but soon discarded when it is discovered they are not part of their regular diet. Unfortunately, because of the dog’s size and/or health, they may incur serious injury. Their chance of survival does increase if the animal is found shortly after the incident. Too often, because the animal was unattended, the owner may not even realize it is missing or where it was left behind. Preventable Measures on Coyote Encounters
The question has also been asked as to why the police department will not capture and remove these animals. According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, trying to reduce and control the coyote population will not work. The void created by a coyote’s death or removal will be filled within three to four weeks. Coyotes are also intelligent animals and very difficult to catch in a live trap. Traps successfully used to capture coyotes are “snare” or “leg hold” traps which are dangerous to children as well as adults. Unless an animal has demonstrated aggressiveness toward a human or a domestic pet, the coyote should be left alone. In the event of aggressiveness, an Illinois Department of Natural Resources licensed trapper should be contacted to address the problem animal. If you observe any animal that appears to be injured, sick or displaying aggressive behavior, please call the Burr Ridge Police Department at 630-323-8181 or 911. Village Board Request for Unique Zip Code for Burr Ridge Denied The Village recently received notification from the Postal Service that its request for a unique zip code for the Village of Burr Ridge was denied. Village E-mail Alerts are Coming Soon! Would you like to receive weekly e-mail alerts from the Village of Burr Ridge with information on current and future events, programs and meetings? Sign up for E-Briefs by sending an e-mail today to enroll@burr-ridge.gov. Please include the words “E-Briefs” in your subject line and provide your name, mailing address and e-mail address in the content of the e-mail. Sidewalk Improvements Planned for 2008 The Village of Burr Ridge is pleased to report that substantial sidewalk improvements are scheduled for construction this summer. 2008 proposed sidewalk improvements will include the following projects: 83rd Street Sidewalk: A new sidewalk will be constructed on the south side of 83rd Street between S. Frontage Road and County Line Road. This project will be largely funded through federal grant funds which have been awarded to the Village for this purpose. The sidewalk is expected to be under construction in late spring, and completed by early summer. Plans will be available for public viewing; please contact Village Engineer, Paul May for more information (630) 323-4733. This project will also be presented at the March 13 Pathway Commission meeting, which will be held at 7:00 PM at Village Hall. County Line Road and 91st Street: A new sidewalk link will be constructed along the west side of County Line Road between Ashton Place and 91st Street. This sidewalk will connect the 91st Street pedestrian ways to the County Line Road sidewalk. Construction of this project is expected to commence in late Spring. 91st Street: Missing links in the 91st Street sidewalk will be constructed near Burr Ridge Middle School and at Garfield Avenue. This work is anticipated to be completed in late Spring, 2008 County Line Road: A new sidewalk will be constructed along the east side of County Line Road between Plainfield Avenue and Longwood Drive. Construction of this project is anticipated to commence in late summer. Village Receives Complaints Regarding Solicitation on Behalf of "Burr Ridge Police Association" Recently, the Village has received multiple complaints from residents that they are being solicited over the telephone and in-person for donations under the guise of the "Burr Ridge Police Association." Some residents have reported threats and other aggressive behaviors by these solicitors and have requested police assistance on numerous occasions. If residents or businesses are being threatened or unduly pressured they should dial 9-1-1 for assistance. It is our understanding that the Metropolitan Alliance of Police, under the guise of the "Burr Ridge Police Association", is once again soliciting residents and businesses for contributions. Please be aware that neither the Village of Burr Ridge nor the Burr Ridge Police Department is involved in or condones this action. The "Burr Ridge Police Association" is essentially a local affiliate of a police union known as the Metropolitan Alliance of Police (M.A.P.). Members of the Burr Ridge Police Department are not allowed to participate in solicitations of this type. Any contribution to this organization (M.A.P.), as with any other, should be made freely and openly on the basis of an informed, individual choice and should not be made as a result of undue pressure, lack of understanding of the nature of the group, misrepresentation or any other form of harassment. If residents or businesses have been contacted by this organization and feel that they have been misinformed or harassed in any way, it is suggested that they call the organization and ask for their money back. Also, it is suggested that they ask for the name of the person to whom they are speaking, so, if misstatements are made, they can be attributed back to those individuals responsible. Burr Ridge has a fine and dedicated Police Department. Please be assured that they are well paid, well equipped and well trained. For example:
Residents and businesses should keep these facts in mind when asked to make a contribution for specific purposes. If you have any questions regarding this matter, or feel that you have been unduly pressured into making a contribution, please contact Steven Stricker, Village Administrator, at (630) 654-8181, extension 100. Cook County Offers Free Prescription Discount Card Cook County has launched a prescription discount card program in association with the National Association of Counties (NACo) that offers average savings of 20% off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs. The Cook County prescription discount card offers significant savings for uninsured and underinsured residents of the County, and even those fortunate to have prescription coverage can use the card to save money on drugs that are not covered by their health plan. Who is it for? The Cook County prescription program cards may be used by all County residents, regardless of age, income or existing health coverage. There is no enrollment form, no membership fee and no restrictions or limits on frequency of use. Cardholders and their family members may use the card any time their prescriptions are not covered by insurance. What are the benefits? Participants of the Cook County prescription program will see an average savings of 20 percent on their prescription medicines. Cardholders are eligible for higher discounts on a three-month supply of some medications through mail service. Cardholders can also save on pet prescriptions at participating retail pharmacies.What is the cost? The Cook County prescription program has no enrollment cost or membership fee. The average savings is around 20 %. There is no cost to the county taxpayers for NACo and Cook Couty to make these cards available to residents. Where can I get a Cook County prescription card? Cook County prescription cards are available at the Burr Ridge Village Hall, 7660 County Line Rd., Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call (630) 654-8181 for more information or visit the County's website for a listing of distributors. To learn more, visit www.caremark.com/naco to look up a participating pharmacy, a price estimate for your prescription, check drug interactions or read news articles from leading health journals. You can also call toll free 1-877-321-2652. Veterans Memorial Committee Shares Progress Local residents may have noticed that the Burr Ridge Veterans Memorial fund raising “thermometer” located at Plainfield and County Line Roads has been moving up in recent months. The Committee has shared that it has raised nearly $200,000 towards its goal of $270,000. “We are delighted with the progress we have made toward this goal in the last year. We are so thankful for the many donors who have supported the Memorial,” shared Committee Chair Tim Vaclav. The project received two big boosts when it received the proceeds from the 50th anniversary celebration of the Village. This totaled approximately $50,000, raised through the sale of banners and the proceeds from the anniversary dinner/dance and raffle. “Like the committee, I, too, believe that all veterans from all branches of the military, whether they served during times of peace or conflict, deserve a Memorial in our community. It will be a very special place,” said Mayor Gary Grasso. A recent gift of $25,000, from Maurice “Hank” Greenberg, CEO of C.V. Starr & Co. in New York, helped moved the thermometer to the “Navy” level. Committee member, Stephen Zaher, an Army Ranger veteran of WWII, learned that Mr. Greenberg also served as a Ranger in the War. Zaher wrote him a letter about the Memorial and Mr. Greenberg called him. “He asked me if I knew the commanding officer of the 5th Battalion, to which I replied, Lt. Colonel Max Schneider,” said Zaher. Greenberg said, “You’re right!” I was just testing you to see if you were for real. I am going to send a $25,000 contribution.” This support has been most heartening for the members of the Committee and the drive is on to finish the fund raising soon. Donors of $1,000 or more will receive permanent recognition at the Memorial and donations of any amount are gratefully received. Commemorative bricks are available for purchase for $100. “We want to see that thermometer reach the top so we can get the construction going,” shared Vaclav who can be reached at 630-323-8181. Contributions may be sent to the Burr Ridge Veterans Memorial, 80 Burr Ridge Parkway, PMB #132, Burr Ridge, Illinois 60527. DuPage County Offers Free Prescription Discount Card DuPage County is pleased to announce the creation of a new and innovative program that will provide residents with some relief from the high costs of prescription drugs. This new program - called “DuPage Rx” - helps consumers save money on their prescription medications any time their prescriptions are not covered by insurance. What is DuPage Rx? DuPage Rx helps consumers save money on their prescription medications any time their prescriptions are not covered by insurance. The free cards are distributed by the County and may be used at any participating retail pharmacy. It’s important to note that the discount card is not insurance. Who is it for? DuPage Rx cards may be used by all County residents, regardless of age, income or existing health coverage. There is no enrollment form, no membership fee and no restrictions or limits on frequency of use. Cardholders and their family members may use the card any time their prescriptions are not covered by insurance. What are the benefits? Participants of DuPage Rx will see an average savings of 20 percent on their prescription medicines, depending on the drug and quantity purchased. Cardholders are eligible for higher discounts on a three-month supply of some medications through mail service. Cardholders can also save on pet prescriptions at participating retail pharmacies. What is the cost? DuPage Rx has no enrollment cost or membership fee. The cardholder pays the negotiated discount price or the pharmacy’s retail price, whichever is lower. The average savings is around 20 percent. Where can I get a DuPage Rx card? DuPage Rx cards will be available at the Burr Ridge Village Hall, 7660 County Line Rd., Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call (630) 654-8181 for more information or visit the County's website for a listing of distributors. To learn more, visit the County's website www.co.dupage.il.us or visit https://naco.advancerx.com to look up a participating pharmacy, a price estimate for your prescription, check drug interactions or read news articles from leading health journals. You can also call toll free 1-877-321-2652. Village Board Smoking Ban Ordinance BURR RIDGE VILLAGE CODE CHAPTER 44 SMOKING BAN – PUBLIC PLACES Chapter 44 added by Ordinance 1067, dated April 10, 2006 Sec. 44.01 - Findings A. Secondhand smoke, which contains 4,000 chemicals, 63 of which cause cancer, is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States, and the National Cancer Institute determined in 2000 (Monograph #10) that secondhand smoke is responsible for the early deaths of as many as 65,000 Americans annually. B. Numerous studies have found that tobacco smoke is a major contributor to indoor air pollution, and that breathing secondhand smoke (also known as environmental tobacco smoke) is a cause of disease in healthy nonsmokers, including heart disease, strokes, respiratory disease, and lung cancer. C. The Public Health Service’s National Toxicology Program has listed secondhand smoke as a known carcinogen (U.S. DHHS, 2000, citing Cal. EPA, 1997). D. The ills of smoking and secondhand smoke are well documented in all of the independent medical studies and secondhand smoke is particularly hazardous to elderly people, individuals with cardiovascular disease, and individuals with impaired respiratory function, including asthmatics and those with obstructive airway disease. E. Children exposed to secondhand smoke have an increased risk of asthma, respiratory infections, sudden death syndrome, development abnormalities, and cancer. F. The Americans With Disabilities Act, which requires that disabled persons have access to public places and workplaces, deems impaired respiratory function to be a disability. G. (1) The U.S. Surgeon General has determined that the simple separation of smokers and nonsmokers within the same air space may reduce, but does not eliminate, the exposure of nonsmokers to secondhand smoke; (2) the Environmental Protection Agency has determined that secondhand smoke cannot be reduced to safe levels in businesses by high rates of ventilation; (3) air cleaners, which are only capable of filtering the particulate matter and odors in smoke, do not eliminate the known toxins in secondhand smoke; (4) American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) bases its ventilation standards on totally smoke-free environments because it cannot determine a safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, which contains cancer-causing chemicals, and ASHRAE acknowledges that the technology does not exist that can remove from the air chemicals that cause cancer. H. A recently promulgated ASHRAE Position Document on Environmental Tobacco Smoke concludes that, at present, the only means of eliminating health risks associated with indoor exposure is to ban all smoking activity. I. The ASHRAE Position Document further concludes that no current ventilation, air cleaning or other technologies have been demonstrated to control health risks from environmental tobacco smoke exposure in spaces where smoking occurs. J. A significant amount of secondhand smoke exposure occurs in the workplace, and employees who work in smoke-filled businesses suffer a 25% to 50% higher risk of heart attack and higher rates of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer, as well as increased acute respiratory disease and a measurable decrease in lung function K. Smoke-filled workplaces result in higher worker absenteeism due to respiratory disease, lower productivity, higher cleaning and maintenance costs, increased health insurance rates and increased liability claims for diseases related to exposure to secondhand smoke. L. Numerous economic analyses examining restaurant and hotel receipts and controlling for economic variables have shown either no difference or a positive economic impact after enactment of laws requiring workplaces to be smoke-free M. Creation of smoke-free workplaces is sound economic policy and provides the maximum level of employee health and safety. N. Smoking is a potential cause of fires, cigarette and cigar burns and ash stains on merchandise and fixtures, and contributes to the economic damage of businesses. O. The Mayor and Board of Trustees find and declare that the purposes of this Chapter are (1) to protect the public health and welfare by prohibiting smoking in all public places and places of employment, and (2) to guarantee the right of nonsmokers to breathe smoke-free air which shall have priority over the desire to smoke. Sec. 44.02 - Definitions Open Air Dining Area: Any seating area within the Village open to the air that is accessory to a restaurant, hotel, cafeteria, club, or other public place engaged in purveying commercial food or beverage service where members of the public, members or guests are invited to sit and receive food and beverage service for a consideration. Outdoor Venue: Any outdoor theater, amphitheater, plaza, street, or other improved area that is used as a public venue or forum to which members of the general public are invited to listen, view or otherwise participate in an outdoor event within the Village. Park: Any public park or recreation area within the Village that is open to and used by the general public. Picnic: Any gathering of 6 or more persons, when a permit is issued to the group for such purpose by the Park District. Public Place: Any open air dining area (as defined herein), park (as defined herein), outdoor venue (as defined herein), or enclosed indoor area used by the general public and/or to which the general public is invited or permitted, or which serves as a place of employment, including but not limited to: A. Health care facilities, nursing homes, food service establishments, restaurants, taverns/bars, retail food stores, banquet halls, commercial establishments, indoor theatres, libraries, museums, concert halls, public conveyances, educational facilities, auditoriums, arenas, common or public areas of condominium buildings and health care facilities (including nursing home care facilities), Laundromats, public transportation facilities, marketing establishments, educational facilities, retail stores, convention facilities, bingo facilities, galleries, shopping malls, arenas and meeting rooms, polling places, school or other government buildings, offices and office buildings, factories, warehouses and other places of work. B. Restrooms, lobbies, reception areas, hallways, offices, elevators, and other common areas. C. Meeting places, meeting or conference rooms, cafeterias, room chambers, places of public assembly, offices used by more than one employee, residences (other than single-family detached homes) used as a day care facility. D. Taxis and vehicles of public conveyance. E. Facilities used for exhibiting a motion picture, stage, drama, lecture, musical recital or other similar performance. A public place does NOT include: A. Private single-family detached residences except where used as a day care facility. B. Rooms rented for the purposes of living or sleeping quarters. Sec. 44.03 - Village-owned Facilities All enclosed vehicles and facilities, including without limitation buildings and vehicles owned, leased or operated by the Village of Burr Ridge, shall be subject to the provisions of this Chapter 44 Sec. 44.04 - Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Smoking shall be prohibited in all enclosed public places and places of employment within the Village of Burr Ridge Sec. 44.05 - Prohibition of Smoking in Unenclosed Public Places and Outdoor Venues A. It is unlawful to smoke in the following unenclosed public places and/or events: 1. The seating areas of all outdoor arenas, stadiums and amphitheaters. 2. Public parks and recreation areas within 15 feet of any play area, any playground, or any scheduled activity group of any kind including but not limited to a game, show, party, event or similar activity, but excluding, however, parades and picnics. 3. School grounds. 4. Public sidewalks within 15 feet of a public entrance, but excluding any person who is temporarily in such area for the purpose of walking or traversing through such area. 5. Public sidewalks within 15 feet of an open air dining area, but excluding any person who is temporarily in such area for the purpose of walking or traversing through such area. 6. At any scheduled outdoor event to which the public is permitted or invited, including but not limited to games, shows, festivals, parties or any similar event or activity, excluding, however, parades and picnics. B. It is unlawful to smoke in or within 15 feet of an outdoor venue during the time that an outdoor event is taking place. Sec. 44.06 - Prohibition of Smoking in Open Air Dining. A. It is unlawful to smoke in any open air dining area. B. It is unlawful for the owner or other person in control of an open air dining area knowingly to permit smoking in that open air dining area. C. It is unlawful to smoke within 15 feet of an open air dining area. Sec. 44.07 - Reasonable Distance Smoking is prohibited within fifteen feet (15’) of any entrance to an enclosed area in which smoking is prohibited. Sec. 44.08 - Declaration of Establishment as Non-smoking Notwithstanding any other provision of this Chapter 44, an owner, operator, manager or other person in control of an establishment, facility or outdoor area may declare that entire establishment, facility or outdoor area as a non-smoking place. Sec. 44.09 - Non-retaliation No person or employer shall discharge, refuse to hire or in any manner retaliate against an employee, applicant for employment or customer because that employee, applicant or customer exercises any rights afforded by this Chapter or reports or attempts to prosecute a violation of this Chapter. Sec. 44.10 - Violations and Penalties A. A person who smokes in an area where smoking is prohibited by this Chapter 44 shall be guilty of an infraction, punishable by a fine not more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for the first violation, fifty dollars ($50.00) for the second violation and one hundred dollars ($100) for all subsequent violations. B. A person who owns, manages, operates or otherwise controls a public place or place of employment and who fails to comply with the provisions of this Chapter shall be guilty of an infraction, punishable by: 1. A fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100) for the first violation. 2. A fine not more than five hundred dollars ($500) for the second violation within one (1) year of the first violation. 3. A fine not more than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) for each additional violation within one (1) year and a sixty (60) day suspension or revocation of any permit or license issued to the person for the premises on which the violation occurred. C. Each day on which a violation of this Chapter occurs shall be considered a separate and distinct violation. Sec. 44.11 - Other Applicable Laws This Chapter shall not be interpreted or be construed to permit smoking where it is otherwise restricted by other applicable laws. Sec. 44.12 - Severability If any provision, clause, sentence or paragraph of this Chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstances shall be held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions of this Chapter which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Chapter are declared to be severable. Sprinkling Restrictions May 15 - September 15
The approach of spring means the beginning of lawn sprinkling restrictions that are required for all communities receiving water from Lake Michigan. Lawn sprinkling is permitted 18 hours per day, three days per week, with sprinkling hours regulated May 15 through September 15. We appreciate your full cooperation in complying with the following regulations governing lawn sprinkling:
At other times, lawn sprinkling is permitted in accordance with the schedule listed above. Water usage for activities other than lawn sprinkling, including car washing and the hand watering of vegetables, flowers and gardens is allowed any day at any time. Residents using private wells are not subject to lawn sprinkling restrictions but must notify the Police Department that a well is in use. Permits will be issued for more frequent lawn sprinkling only for new sod installations. Contact the Building Department at 654-8181, ext. 608 for information on how you can obtain a permit. Remember! Taking full advantage of hours when lawn sprinkling is permitted could result in higher bi-monthly water bills. For information on current water rates, read our Administrator's budget message regarding the debt service fund. You can now obtain a copy of the Employment Application online. Click here for the pdf file. Don't have adobe acrobat reader? Click here to download a copy. PLEASE NOTE: This application should not be submitted for Police Officer positions. See the listing below for more information.
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