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Village Headlines
- Secretary of State's Office Returning to the Burr Ridge Village Hall July 31st
- Village Receives Numerous Complaints Regarding Solicitation for the "Burr Ridge Police Association"
- Village Board Endorses Energy Savings Program
- Village Establishes Donation Program
- Village Board Approves Design Scheme for County Line Road/I-55 Bridge Enhancements
- Police Department Participating in New Program to ID Suspects
- Foreclosure Notifications
Secretary of State's Office Returning to the Burr Ridge Village Hall July 31st
Skip a trip to the Secretary of State’s Office. It’s coming to you! The Secretary of State Mobile Driver Services Facility is coming to the Burr Ridge Village Hall on Tuesday, July 31, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Any Illinois resident can attend. The mobile facility can renew licenses and State ID cards up to one year in advance of their expiration date. They will also offer vision screening, duplicate and/or corrected drivers’ licenses, new identification cards and vehicle renewal stickers. Anyone over the age of 65 can obtain a free state ID, good for life. Otherwise, standard fees apply. The only service the mobile facility cannot offer is a road test. Anyone over the age of 75 is required to take a road test when renewing a driver’s license. To learn more about identification requirements, fees and services visit the Secretary of State’s web site at www.cyberdriveillinois.com. For directions to or information about the Village of Burr Ridge call (630) 654-8181.
Village Receives Numerous Complaints Regarding Solicitation for the "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, the union that represents the Village’s Police Corporals and Sergeants, is once again soliciting residents and businesses for contributions under the guise of the Burr Ridge Police Association. 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. In fact, the terms of their 2010-2014 collective bargaining agreement strictly prohibit Burr Ridge Corporals and Sergeants from soliciting or assisting in any way in the solicitation of any person or entity for contributions on behalf of the Burr Ridge Police Department, the Village of Burr Ridge or for any person or entity affiliated in any way with any police organization. Burr Ridge Police Department Corporals and Sergeants are further prohibited from using or assisting others in the use of the Village’s name, shield or insignia, communication systems, supplies and materials for solicitation of any type or kind.
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:
- The Village completed negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement that provides for an increase in the maximum salary for Police Officers of 7.25% over a four-year period.
- Effective May 1, 2011 the current salary range for a Police Corporal is $59,383.10 to $86,943.08. Effective May 1, 2011, the current salary range for a Police Sergeant is $65,824.36 to $95,464.11. All Corporals and Sergeants are at the top of the pay range.
- Salaries for Corporals and Sergeants will increase again by 2.50% beginning May 1, 2012.
- In addition, on average Corporals and Sergeants earn over $10,000 per year in overtime.
- Burr Ridge Officers, Corporals and Sergeants participant in an excellent pension plan that allows them to retire as early as age 50 with 20 years of service. $564,520 of property tax dollars paid to the Village of Burr Ridge are devoted to paying police pensions.
- The Village pays 90% of employee and 75% of dependents’ health and dental insurance for each employee. In addition, the Village pays for a $50,000 life insurance policy for each employee.
- The Village supplies each Officer with a weapon, bulletproof vest and uniforms upon employment, and an additional $650 per year in the form of a uniform allowance.
- Based on requests from our Officers, the Village budgeted $5,060 in education/tuition reimbursements for Police Department employees in fiscal year 2011-12. Also, the Police Department’s training budget for fiscal year 2011-12 is $15,130.
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 please contact Steve Stricker, Village Administrator, at (630) 654-8181, extension 2000.
Village Board Endorses Energy Savings Program
Burr Ridge residents and small businesses can lower their electric bills. In lieu of pursuing municipal electric aggregation, a costly and time-consuming process, the Mayor and Village Board of Trustees have endorsed the Energy Savings Plan (ESP) offered by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus. Anyone who chooses to opt-in to this program can begin saving 18% on the electric supply portion of their energy bill as early as the next billing cycle. Enrolling in the ESP is fast and easy. Have your Com Ed account number ready and visit www.cleanaircounts.org. Participants will also receive four energy-saving Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs when they sign up.
“You’ll still receive one monthly bill from Com Ed, you’ll still call Com Ed when the power goes out and they’ll still service your lines, but you’ll be paying less,” said Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso.
Most consumers believe that businesses and households must purchase electricity from Com Ed and that Com Ed provides the best pricing on energy. What most consumers don’t know is that, in 2009, the Illinois Legislature passed the Illinois Power Agency Act, which allowed the aggregation of the municipal electric load. In doing so, the legislationenabled residential and small business customers to secure less costly electricity from designated Retail Electricity Suppliers.
But where else can consumers purchase their electric supply and how do they choose? “Certainly there are several competitors in the marketplace today and making an educated choice can seem a little overwhelming. That’s why the Village Board decided to endorse the Energy Savings Program through the Metropolitan Mayors’ Caucus and its supplier, Integrys Energy Services,” stated Mayor Grasso, adding “this way, Burr Ridge residents and businesses can be assured this is a reliable, reputable supplier.”
While many communities are investigating municipal aggregation “opt-out” programs, many will not begin experiencing savings until August, 2012, at the earliest. That’s part of the reason the Village Board instead voted to pursue the ESP “opt-in” program. “Municipal aggregation would have required significant staff and financial resources. We believe the ESP is the most cost-effective option and it offers the added benefit of allowing consumers to start saving today, rather than eight or more months from now” stated Mayor Grasso.
Savings through the ESP are guaranteed through June, 2013. After that time, customers can elect one to return to Com Ed or continue with a third-party supplier such as Integrys. The ESP program participants are guaranteed to pay less than if they stay with Com Ed.This program is being offered through the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Clean Air Counts Campaign (CAC). Clean Air Counts is a six-county Chicago regional initiative that supports communities, businesses, civic organizations and residents seeking to improve air quality through voluntary programming that aims to significantly reduce smog-forming pollutants and energy consumption through voluntary programming. It is supported by The Chicago Community Trust, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Village of Burr Ridge became a member of the CAC Campaign in 2006.
Village Establishes Donation Program
The Village of Burr Ridge Burr Ridge is a very special place due, in large part, to the generosity of others. From time to time, residents and businesses, appreciative of Village services, offer to make a donation. In response, the Village has created a donation program and “Wish List” that identifies specific areas of need. Click here to view a copy of the donation brochure and the Village's "Wish List". The items identified on this list will assist the Village of Burr Ridge in its continuing efforts to deliver high-quality municipal services to the community.
To further assist us in our efforts, a not-for-profit foundation is being established at no cost to residents. This independent foundation will coordinate fund-raising efforts. More information will be announced shortly. In the meantime, tax-deductible donations can be directed to a specific department or program, for an item on our Wish List or in general to the Village of Burr Ridge. We are also happy to discuss any ideas you have but do not see here. Combining your support with our time and energy will foster a greater sense of community spirit and civic pride. For more information, please contact Gary Grasso at (630) 654-4500 or Village Administrator, Steve Stricker, at (630) 654-8181.
Village Board Approves Design Scheme for County Line Road/I-55 Bridge Enhancements
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are planning to replace the County Line Road bridge over I-55 at a total cost of $6 million. After several months of planning, the Village Board recently approved design concepts for enhancements to the bridge project, slated for 2013. Village staff is currently working with both IDOT and the FHWA to include these design elements in their project plans. This rare opportunity will better identify downtown Burr Ridge from I-55 and create a more attractive entryway for all Village residents and businesses. The Village’s enhancements to this project are being funded by a $1.8 million dollar grant through the State of Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program. The 20% contribution ($362,500) of local funding required as a condition of the grant is being paid for by the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund. These Hotel/Motel Tax Funds are collected from taxes paid when guests stay at a Burr Ridge hotel, so no resident tax dollars are being used for the project. The expenditures from the Hotel/Motel Fund are reviewed by an advisory panel consisting of staff and representatives of the local hotels, who have been supportive of the project. As a non-home rule community, State law allows the Village to use these funds only for tourism-related programs and beautification within the Village; Hotel Motel tax funds and cannot be used for operating costs such as police or public works personnel.
Police Department Participating in New Program to ID Suspects
In an effort to help resolve criminal cases involving Identity Theft, Retail Theft, Credit Card Fraud, and various other crimes, the Burr Ridge Police Department recently began using the internet website www.IDThisPerson.com. www.IDThisPerson.com was created to assist Law Enforcement in identifying suspects or persons of interest related to criminal activity. Those helping identify subjects on the site can receive a $25 reward. Every day images of unidentified suspects or persons of interest are added to the IDThisPerson.com website by Law Enforcement. The public can view these images and provide identifying information about the subjects in an anonymous format. Every year there are billions of dollars in losses directly related to Identity Theft. There are also over 1 billion dollars in annual losses by businesses due to Retail Theft. Citizens ultimately pay for these losses since costs are typically passed on to consumers. The Burr Ridge Police Department encourages citizens to visit IDThisPerson.com to help ensure the success of this partnership. Inquiries can be directed to Deputy Chief Tim Vaclav at 630-323-8181 extension 5010.
Notices of foreclosures and confirmation orders should be sent to the following address:
Village of Burr Ridge
7660 County Line Road
Burr Ridge, Illinois 60527
Attention: Karen Thomas, Village Clerk
Identity Theft Prevention Program for Utility Billing Accounts
Effective immediately, the Village will enforce Red Flag Rules to all utility accounts. The Federal Trade Commission issued these regulations for all municipalities as a way to detect, prevent, and mitigate identity theft. Any resident requesting to setup a water account is now required to come to the Village Hall, present a valid Driver’s License or Government Issued State ID, and complete an application. In regards to existing water accounts, a resident should have their account number and the date & amount of last payment made, available when calling regarding information about their account. Questions? Call the Finance Department at (630) 654-8181, ext. 203.
2012 Downtown Events Schedule |
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Learn more by visiting our sister site www.BurrRidgeEvents.com |
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2012 Concerts on the Green Jun 8 - The Steve Cooper Orchestra (Big Band) Jun 15 - The Neverly Brothers(Oldies) Jun 22 - The Connexion Band (Variety) Jun 29 - The Flat Cats (Jazz) Jul 6 - 1969 (Classic Rock) Jul 13 - Pamela Rose & Windy City Country (Country/Western) Jul 20 - Guitarra Azul
(Latin Guitar) Jul 27 -
Billy Elton (Billy Joel/Elton John Tribute) Aug 3 -
The Moods (Motown) Aug 10 -
Tropixplosion (Caribbean) Aug 17 - ABBA Salute (ABBA Tribute Band) |
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2012 "Classics at the Center" Car Show Saturay, June 16, 2012 Entry Fee: $10/show car People's Choice Awards for the top vote-getters in two categories: Classic Cars (25+ years) and Contemporary (under 25 years). Space is limited. Preference given to previous participants. To register your vehicle please contact the folks at Corvette Mike at (630) 230-0441. Special thanks to our other sponsors: Codilis & Associates, Convergence Technologies, Global Luxury Imports and Integrated Project Management, Inc. |
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Farmers' Market Thursdays, June 14 - September 13, 2012 Admission & Parking: Free Organized by the Burr Ridge Park District With 30+ vendors, kid's activities and lunches-to-go, the Burr Ridge Farmers' Market is the place to be! Organized by the Burr Ridge Park District, this market has a variety of vendors and activities to suit all tastes. The market is held at the north end of the Village Center on and around an area called the "Village Green." The Village Center is located one block east of the County Line Road/Burr Ridge Parkway intersection south of I-55. Use the address 701 Village Center Drive, Burr Ridge, IL 60527 for online mapping tools. Click here for directions. Vendors and patrons - please contact the Burr Ridge Park District for more information at (630) 920-1969. |
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Codilis & Associates P.C. Burr Ridge 5k Run/Walk All net proceeds benefit Turning Pointe Autism Foundation Saturday, June 23 Organized by Right Fit Sports & Wellness Hundreds of runners throughout the Chicagoland area will participate in the 8th annual "Run the Ridge" 5K Run/Walk & Kids' Dash on Saturday, Jun 23, 2012. This year's USATF certified race is presented by Codilis & Associates P.C., and all net proceeds from the race will benefit Turning Pointe Autism Foundation in Naperville. The race will start and finish at Burr Ridge Parkway at County Line Square. The race begins at 8 a.m. Participants can register at www.active.com or www.right-fit.com. The cost is $35/person. Entrants will receive a t-shirt and goodie bag with giveaways from local businesses. The event includes a variety of complimentary family friendly activities including a free kids 100 yard dash, moon jump, balloon artist, games and activities. Dayna Huor will entertain the crowd with a martial arts demonstration before and after the race. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ROAD CLOSURES For the safety of the racers, the Burr Ridge Police Department will block vehicular traffic in the areas listed below. It is strongly recommended that if you must access or exit this please do so before to 8 a.m. or after 9 a.m.
Call the Burr Ridge Police Department at (630) 323-8181 for questions about road closures. To learn more about the event visit BurrRidgeEvents.com.
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Jingle Mingle Saturday, November 17 Admission & Parking: Free Event Partnerships are available. Please contact Lisa Scheiner at the Burr Ridge Village Hall for more information. (630) 654-8181 x. 2010.
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| Partnership opportunties are available for these events. Please call the Village Hall at (630) 654-8181 for more information about the event and its coordinating agency. | |
Village Publications
To reduce expenses, a bi-monthly printed newsletter will no longer be sent to every household in Burr Ridge. A small copy will be printed in-house for pick-up at the Village Hall. Residents can also view the newsletter here. Residents without interenet access or those who are home-bound may contact the Village Hall and make special arrangements.
Going forward, newsletters will be available in mid-March, May, July, September and November. The Village will send its annual report to every household with the January water bill. If you are not a water customer look for it in a separate mailing. The Village Board and Staff appreciate your understanding.
Burr Ridge Briefs Newsletter
Burr Ridge Briefs Annual Report (annual newsletter)
Community News
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.
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 2000.
Coyote Encounters & Prevention Measures
Reported sightings of coyotes have increased in the Chicagoland area.
The Burr Ridge 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 trees are torn down coyotes cling to whatever woodland areas they find. The coyote habitat has become fragmented 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.
The 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 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.
Prevent Coyote Encounters
- Like other wildlife, we need to understand they are living next to us because their natural habitat is disappearing.
- The leash law is enforced not only because it is a village ordinance, but also for the safety of your pets. It not only protects them from encounters with wildlife but from other domestic animals as well. We often have incidents of dogs being bitten by other dogs running loose.
- Do not provide food sources for the coyotes. Do not attempt to feed coyotes. Keep trash securely contained. Do not leave any outside food for pets. Clear away any brush or wood piles to deter smaller wildlife from residing there. Consider fencing in yards. Install motion light sensors. Animal proof decks and porches to prevent raccoons, opossum, skunks and other small wildlife from residing there. This is like a buffet table for the coyote which makes him return to this yard over and over again.
- Teach your children to respect wildlife as well as not approach them. Do not leave small children unattended. Unfortunately, a child may perceive the coyote as a dog and may think of petting him.
- Never leave smaller pets unattended. Larger dogs may be perceived by the coyote as a threat. Always have a responsible person walk your leashed dog. If a coyote does approach, act aggressively, make loud noises, throw rocks, spray with a hose, etc. Although the response may not be immediate, the coyote will leave. If the coyote approaches, it is out of curiosity.
- It is unrealistic to think we can rid our urban areas of coyote, raccoons, opossum, skunk, or other wildlife. Even if 5 or 10 coyote are removed, there are countless others that migrate or are born every year. Studies conducted by DNR and the Cook County Wildlife District have shown that coyotes attempt to return to the habitat they were removed from.
- We, as intelligent human beings, need to learn to live in harmony with all our wildlife friends and realize that we have displaced them.
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.