Public Works Department - Operations

Streets

Lights

If you notice that a street light is out or witness damage to a street light, please call (630) 323-4733 to report its location and the pole number. You can also complete a service request to report the problem. If the pole or fixture has been damaged by an accident that has left wires exposed, there is danger of electrocution and your report is especially important. If the Village Hall is closed please dial 9-1-1 to report the matter. If there is a Village street light near your property (not a light or utility pole), you should contact the Village before beginning any digging in any utility easements where street light cable may be located along the front, side or rear of your property.

Maintenance

Maintenance of streets includes snow plowing, cold patching and street sweeping. If you notice a pot hole or areas of the road that need attention, please call the Public Works Department at (630) 323-4733. You can also complete a service request to report the problem.

Sweeping

Sweeping the streets clears the streets of leaves, mud and debris and helps to prevent debris from being washed into the storm sewers after a heavy rain.

Street sweeping usually begins in March weather dependant. The Operations Division sweeps all streets with curbs and gutters monthly with the exception of March, April, October and November when they are swept twice a month.  Each round of sweeping takes five or six days to complete.  Additional sweepings in some portions of town are required when there has been flooding, construction debris, excessive leaves, etc.   Last year we swept a total of 53 days, 286 hours, 1662 miles, and removed 86 loads of debris.

Residents can help us keep the storm sewers clear by refraining from raking leaves, and blowing grass clippings into the street. They should be bagged and removed by your waste service or used for mulch on your property.

Fleet Maintenance

In excess of 150 preventative maintenance functions are performed annually on the Village's fleet. The Streets/Storm Sewer (Operations) Division is reponsible for fleet maintenance, maintaining approximately 61 pieces of equipment which include:

• 3 cars
• 6 pick-up trucks
• 2 pieces of heavy equipment
• 3 generators
• 1 street sweeper
• 1 trailer
• 1 compressor
• 1 tractor
• 10 large dump trucks
• 2 SUVs
• 1 bucket truck
• 30 miscellaneous items (snow plows, spreaders, etc.)

Operating Functions Include:

• Prepare & develop specifications for fleet & equipment to be bid out for purchase
• Administer a preventative maintenance program for the Village's fleet & equipment
• Maintain a fleet, equipment & parts inventory
• Perform & overse all fleet & equipment repairs
• Perform paint & body repairs for the fleet & equipment
• Maintain one fueling station
• Perofmr & maintain fleet & equipment maintenance records
• Prepare retired vehicles for public auction

Snow Removal

Plowing Priorities

The first streets plowed are the main thoroughfares, followed by secondary streets, then cul-de-sacs. During multi-day snowfall events, it may be several days before snow is removed from cul-de-sacs; Public Works crews will be focusing efforts on keeping main thoroughfares safe.

Resident Responsibilities

• Shoveling snow from driveways onto the street is illegal and can result in roadway icing and disruption to the Village snow removal efforts.
• Residents and plowing contractors must avoid shoveling and/or blowing snow into the roadway.
• Private plow operators who are observed pushing snow into the roadway can be towed or ticketed.
• Parking on Village streets is prohibited during snowfall events of 2” or greater. Cars parked on the street during these events will be ticketed or towed.
• When a plow is approaching, please stay back from the roadway, and especially keep children away from the roadway as the plow approaches.

Driveway Windrows

Public Works crews work very hard to minimize plow deposits across resident driveways. However, despite our best efforts, it is not possible to completely eliminate snow deposits along the sides of roadways and across driveway aprons. This issue is especially difficult to minimize when plowing cul-de-sacs since there is often very little parkway space to place snow. We understand residents’ frustration at finding a windrow of snow across a newly shoveled driveway. Our plow operators take as much time and effort as possible to minimize this effect.

Mailbox Damage from Snowplows

Is your mailbox ready to stand up to the rigors of winter or is it loose, damaged or in need of repair? Please ensure that it is secure and in good repair. During snowfall events, it is not uncommon for mailboxes to be damaged by the force of snow as it comes off the snow plow blade. The Village is responsible for damage due to direct plow contact with a mailbox, but not liable for mailboxes which are damaged by the force of snow. To report damage to your mailbox, call the Village Hall or submit a Service Request.

Sod Restoration

Sod restoration begins in the spring and continues through the fall. Any right-of-way that was damaged from street repairs or snow plow damage will be repaired after proper settlement takes place and weather permits.

If you would like to report damage and a request for sod restoration, please complete a Service Request online or by calling the Village Hall during normal business hours.

Storm Sewers

Storm sewers are maintained by the Operations Division (Streets & Storm Sewers). Storm sewers are maintained regularly to allow water to flow freely through the system. If you notice any storm sewer clogged with debris or not flowing properly, notify the Public Works Department at (630) 323-4733 or complete a Service Request.