villager - Village of Frankfort

Transcription

villager - Village of Frankfort
VILLAGER
Villager News August 16_Layout 1 8/9/16 3:59 PM Page 1
THE FRANKFORT
VILLAGE OF FRANKFORT NEWSLETTER
Mayor’s Message
By Mayor Jim Holland
AUGUST 2016
Ever Wonder How Things Get Done
In Frankfort?
By Jerry Ducay, Administrator
Fiscal Responsibility
Your trustees and I accept the
fiscal responsibility that you
have given to us. We understand
that you charge us with making
decisions about how to best
spend your tax money for the
betterment of our community.
Each January, the Village Board
and staff hold a public planning
meeting at which your elected
officials present programs and
priorities that we believe will
best serve our constituents in the
coming year. The staff makes
revenue estimates that are
expected to be a little below our
actual revenues and over the
next few months, during a series
of meetings, each department
recommends the best way to
spend their limited funds to meet
the programs and priorities of
the representatives of the people.
At another series of public
meetings the Village Board,
citizen committee members and
staff review and adjust these
spending proposals until we
have a realistic and well thought
Continued on page 19
Have you ever wondered how
things get done in the Village of
Frankfort? While it seems obvious
that change is happening all
around us, it is less obvious how
it is actually taking place. The
results are apparent, but the effort
behind the scenes can be less so.
Understanding the mechanisms of
governing requires a peak behind
the curtain. That perspective is
necessary if you truly want to
know “how things get done” in
Frankfort. Before we begin it is
important to note - if you are
expecting to find a single “great
Oz” you will be disappointed.
The Village of Frankfort is a living,
breathing, community that is in a
constant state of transformation.
The Mayor and Village Board set
the agenda, or direction, of this
transformative process. They
identify specific goals/objectives
for everything from finance to
garbage collection. They are the
voice of the residents, adjusting
their directives to meet the ebbs
and flows of the community
dynamic. Assisting the Mayor and
Board in this endeavor is a team of
100 staff members. Each staff
member has a specific set of
expectations that they undertake
on a daily basis in service to the
community. Some staff members
work directly with the public while
others serve in a more supportive
role. Regardless, each plays an
integral part in the performance of
the group overall.
Of the supporting cast, one group is
worthy of special recognition. This
group plays an essential supporting
role that is often overlooked and
over utilized. They oversee and
advise a litany of projects, equipment purchases, and legislative
action – often reviewing volumes
of reports to assist in the decision
making process. They are asked to
meet in the evenings for hours on
end. Who are these exceptional, and
often unnoticed, public servants?
They are your fellow neighbors
who volunteer to serve on one of
Frankfort’s 15 committees. All but
two of these committees are
unpaid, and the two that are paid
receive a pittance of compensation.
While committee terms are oneyear, many of these volunteers have
served multiple years in a variety
of capacities. They are the true,
unsung, heroes that make up the
foundation of this municipality.
Continued on back page
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Trustee Talk ………………… 3
New Normal ………………… 6
Facility Plan ………………… 7
Fall Festival Guide ……… Insert
Villager News August 16_Layout 1 8/9/16 3:59 PM Page 2
PAGE 2
VILLAGE OF FRANKFORT
Mayor ………………… Jim Holland
THE FRANKFORT VILLAGER
Traffic Advisory
By Rob Piscia, Assistant Village Administrator
Clerk . ……………… Adam Borrelli
indicated that stop signs are not
effective in reducing vehicles
speeds.
Trustees .……Cynthia Corso Heath
Robert J. Kennedy
Keith Ogle
Mike Stevens
Richard Trevarthan
R. Douglas Walker
Administrator………… Jerry Ducay
Administration Building
432 W. Nebraska Street
Frankfort, IL 60423
Phone: (815) 469-2177
Fax: (815) 469-7999
www.villageoffrankfort.com
Village Board Room
Village Board meetings are held
on the first and third Monday
of each month at 7:00 p.m.
in the Administration Building.
Meetings are available on
cable TV and online at
www.villageoffrankfort.com.
Special meetings and standing
committee meetings are scheduled
monthly, or on an as-needed basis,
and are announced. The public is
invited to all meetings.
THE FRANKFORT VILLAGER
is circulated three times yearly to
residents and businesses in the
Village of Frankfort. Circulation is
currently 7,200.
Statement of Purpose: To inform
the community of issues, policies,
and personalities pertaining to
government in our village.
AUGUST 2016
In the Village of Frankfort, Mayor
Holland and the Board of Trustees
promote interaction between
residents, administration and
staff for input regarding ongoing
projects and issues. Frequently,
citizens request assistance with
traffic problems within their
neighborhoods. These requests
are usually forwarded to a staff
committee called “Traffic
Advisory”.
The Traffic Advisory Committee
membership includes the Village
Administrator, Assistant Village
Administrator, Police Chief,
Deputy Police Chief, Public Works
Superintendent, Building
Supervisor and Utilities Director.
Topics that are often addressed
include: speeding vehicles, traffic
signage requests, parking
problems, etc. Residents with
concerns are encouraged to attend
the committee meeting to provide
background information on the
issues and work with staff on
potential solutions.
The most frequently requested
traffic control device by our
residents are stop signs. Most often
the issue focuses on vehicles
speeding through their neighborhood in excess of the 25 mph speed
limit set by Village ordinance.
Multiple traffic studies have
According to a study by Cornell
University, “The placement of one
or more stop signs to slow traffic
will often have the opposite effect.
Drivers will go faster between the
signs to make up for “lost” time. In
addition to speeding, the drivers
will need to accelerate and
decelerate for each sign. A constant
vehicle speed is generally safer for
both vehicles and the other users
along a highway.” Additionally, in
the Manual on Uniform Traffic
Control Devices (MUTCD) which is
a document issued by the Federal
Highway Administration (FHWA)
of the United States Department of
Transportation (USDOT) to specify
the standards by which traffic
signs, road surface markings, and
signals are designed, installed, and
used expressly prohibits the
installation of stop signs for the
purpose of speed control (Section
2b.05). Therefore, most requests for
stop signs are not recommended
because they do not meet the
proper warrants.
In most cases, the Traffic Advisory
Committee works with the
residents on education because
violations are often committed by
other people for the same
neighborhood. Staff departments,
especially, the Police Department,
will assist with this process by
conducting speed studies, special
details or enforcement. While the
Committee and the residents may
not always agree on the outcome
of a particular issue, the most
important facet is to find the best
long term solution.
Villager News August 16_Layout 1 8/9/16 3:59 PM Page 3
AUGUST 2016
THE FRANKFORT VILLAGER
PAGE 3
Trustee Talk: Working Together to Keep Frankfort “Green”
Landscaping
in Frankfort!
As part of the
Route 30
reconstruction
and expansion
that concluded
in 2013, the Village of Frankfort
required enhanced median and
parkway landscaping along the
corridor between Harlem Avenue
and Wolf Road. In exchange for the
enhancements funded by the state,
Frankfort agreed to manage the
maintenance of portions of the
landscaping permanently. After the
landscaping warranty work by
IDOT expired, the Village of
Frankfort was tasked with the
oversight and maintenance of the
Route 30 corridor. This will be an
ambitious undertaking to enhance
the overall beauty and add a
personal touch.
The Village of Frankfort has
developed a multi year management plan to maintain the current
landscape quality along Route 30
medians (the landscaped area in
the center of the road). This
maintenance includes plant and
turf grass maintenance as well as
fertilizer and weed control
treatments. When areas are in need
of mulch or landscape improvements, Frankfort’s Public Works
staff will insure these areas are
maintained and updated. Plants
will be replaced as necessary in the
Spring and Fall, the best time for
replanting. Our Public Works
Department will also be working
with the businesses along Route 30
to explain their responsibility
regarding landscape maintenance.
As I’ve mentioned on many
By Trustee Dick Trevarthan
occasions, the Village is continuing
to replace the diseased ash trees
along the parkways with a variety
of trees to enhance the community.
I ask our residents to also continue
to replace ash trees on their private
property with various species of
trees. Locust, maple, coffee trees
and swamp white oaks are some of
the tree varieties planted. It’s
important to remember to regularly
water new trees for healthy
growth.
This ambitious undertaking
presents an exciting opportunity to
showcase the pride of Frankfort
and the quality nature of our
community. As Route 30 is a major
thoroughfare bisecting our
community, it is imperative that
the roadway landscaping reflect
the high standards exemplified in
the landscaping maintenance put
forth by our residents and local
businesses.
Along with hired mowing by a
contractor, the Village will replace
and annually plant more trees
and perennials. We must practice
“IPM” (Integrated Pest
Management), which means how
much damage areas can take from
disease, insects, salt, etc. It is too
costly to have a preventive
chemical maintenance program
along Route 30. Only time will tell
the longevity of the plants, trees
and shrubs under the conditions of
Route 30. Maintenance of existing
materials planted by IDOT must be
completed at a cost to Frankfort.
The Village recently published an
informative pamphlet entitled,
“Working Together…Route 30
Landscape Maintenance”. It does
a great job of explaining the
Village’s role regarding Route 30
landscaping maintenance.
As a last thought, I would like to
thank all the residents who
continue to improve their landscaping, water their lawns and
plants–working together to keep
Frankfort “Green”.
Frankfort Among Safest Cities
In Illinois
According to a recent study by
“ValuePenguin”, the Village of
Frankfort ranked number 5 in
mid-sized cities (population 15,00030,000) in its listing of safest cities
in Illinois. Frankfort ranked #28 in
the overall safety rating.
“ValuePenguin” analyzed the
latest FBI crime reports of 291
communities with populations of
at least 5,000 for the study. The
score takes into account violent
and property crime.
“Our police department works very
hard on safety and security for
our residents. They are constantly
looking for ways to improve
communication to our residents to
increase their efforts for a safe
community,” commented
Frankfort’s Mayor Jim Holland.
The entire report can be accessed at
http://www.valuepenguin.com/
2016/safest-places-illinois.
Villager News August 16_Layout 1 8/9/16 3:59 PM Page 4
THE FRANKFORT VILLAGER
PAGE 4
AUGUST 2016
Buying on-line – Beware!
By John Burica, Chief of Police
Need to clean out your house?
Need some extra cash? Nowadays
you can download an app and sell
anything from gym shoes to a car
or your house on-line. There are
many apps that can be downloaded
to your phone and with a few
photos and a self-evaluated worth,
you are now an entrepreneur.
Although this sounds great and
easy to do, you need to remember
that you have no idea who is on the
other end of the sale.
If you are making a transaction
on-line or from an app, be sure to
know exactly what you’re buying
and have an agreed upon price
before you meet. If you are paying
on-line, be sure to use a credit card
and refrain from using a debit card.
Credit cards usually have safeguards or limited responsibility for
fraudulent purchases or activities,
and although a debit card may
have some protections too, banks
may freeze accounts or require you
to open a new account to prevent
further fraud.
sounds too good to be true, it
probably is. Always remember that
unless there is a reason such as the
item is too large to bring out of
your home, always refrain from
inviting a buyer to your home.
You should try to not go alone to
the transaction location, bring a
second person with you if possible.
Only meet a potential buyer or
seller in a public place - such as the
new Frankfort Police Internet
Exchange area located on the south
side of the Police Station, 20602
Lincoln-Way Lane or a shopping
center. It’s best to talk to a potential
seller or buyer on the phone before
purchasing or selling if possible.
Trust your instincts; if something
doesn’t seem right don’t complete
the transaction. Always remember
the Golden Rule - If the deal
Don’t Forget to Vote!
General Election - November 8, 2016
Vote by Mail Applications:
Qualified registered voters in Will County
are eligible to cast a
“Vote By Mail” ballot. Ballots are available at the
Frankfort Village administration office,
432 W. Nebraska or from the
Will County Clerk website (thewillcountyclerk.com).
The Village of Frankfort will conduct Early Voting
at 432 W. Nebraska Street on the following dates:
Monday–Friday Only
October 24 - November 4 from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
On-line purchases can be great
deals and a way to make a few
dollars for unwanted items. It is
important that you keep safety in
mind and take some simple
precautions to stay safe and
vigilant. For more information on
our Internet Exchange Area visit
the Frankfort Police Department,
call is at (815) 469-9435 or email at
[email protected].
Frankfort Police
Department’s
Safety Trunk or
Treat
Saturday, October 29
11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Breidert Green
E.F. Bucko Costume
Parade
starts at 11:00 A.M.
Village Halloween
Trick or Treat
Hours
Monday, October 31
4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.
Villager News August 16_Layout 1 8/9/16 3:59 PM Page 5
THE FRANKFORT VILLAGER
AUGUST 2016
PAGE 5
Uninvited Guests In Storm System
By Terry Kestel, Superintendent of Public Works
drains are cleared and the storm
system can continue to operate
properly.
There are 80 miles of storm drains,
170 detention ponds, and
numerous storm inlet and outlet
structures throughout the Village
of Frankfort that make up the
storm drain system. This system is
designed to collect the rain water
during a rain event and hold it so it
can be released slowly back into
the waterway. Keeping the storm
inlet and outlet structures open is a
vital part of the storm system
operating properly.
Every so often industrious little
animals take the opportunity to
make the storm system their home.
I am referring to Castor Canadensis,
more commonly known as the
North American beaver. This
animal needs to create flooded
areas to build a home and have a
food source. This is where the
Village storm system becomes a
possible location for them. They
simply dam up the outfall structure
to raise the water level and begin
to look for food. The food source
for the beavers is branches. With
As fall approaches, the beavers
begin to prepare for winter by
selecting a site to build their home.
Should Village residents notice any
areas in the Village storm system
being dammed by beaver activity
please notify the Public Works
Department at (815) 469-2177.
the water level raised they can now
easily chew off trees and branches
and pull them into the water to the
lodge that they have built for
winter.
Unfortunately, the beaver’s
activities don’t allow for the Village
storm system to work properly,
therefore creating potential flooding areas. Because of this the
Village hires a licensed trapper to
remove them from the pond. Once
the beavers are removed, the
2016 Leaf Collection Program
The Village will provide five free curbside leaf collections this year.
Leaves will be picked up once a week from
October 24 to November 21.
Branch & Yard Waste
Collection
The last scheduled day for Village provided branch pick-up service is
October 17. NuWay Disposal will continue yard waste and branch
pick-up through November. Branch bundles must be tied with string in
a size that can be handled by one man. Bundles and yard waste bags
must have a yard waste sticker affixed to them for pick-up.
Daylight Saving
Time Ends
Sunday, November 6
at 2:00 A.M.
Set clocks back 1 hour.
Do you have a question
or comment for the
Village Board
during the live
Village board meeting?
Just email [email protected]
during the meeting!
Villager News August 16_Layout 1 8/9/16 3:59 PM Page 6
THE FRANKFORT VILLAGER
PAGE 6
AUGUST 2016
The New Normal
By Jeff Cook, Director of Development Services
the site sells itself and attraction
should not require a hard sell. But
the large space will likely require
being split into two more manageable sized tenant spaces. I recall
saying that about the Dominick’s
building too, so don’t go placing
any wagers just yet.
Crews set up shop to begin work on the Emagine Theater
at the former Dominick’s building on LaGrange Road.
I’m used to hearing that government gets in the way of business.
But lately, it seems the market’s
“new normal” of cautious optimism
is putting up enough hurdles of its
own. On the one hand, there are
more commercial development
projects in the hopper than we’ve
had in some time. On the other, the
business process has tempered their
pace to near frustration at times.
When I wrote last issue about
Emagine taking over the former
Dominick’s space, never did I think
I’d be writing my next article when
confirmation of the sale finally
came through. While the delay was
most likely attributable to working
through the corporate process of a
massive organization like Safeway,
time has a way of creating doubt
regardless of facts. Surely you’ve
heard rumors questioning if the
deal was ever going to go through.
As I write, confirmation of the real
estate closing is hot off the wire.
While Emagine’s delay is understandable, another hot project
continues to try getting started.
Market West, or you may know it
as the Buona Beef project, is the five
acre site on LaGrange across the
street from Mariano’s. When the
sale closed in June 2015, it appeared
the project would move forward
right away. But the dance to sign
up tenants and fully finance
construction became a challenge
with other competing sites
attempting to lure away tenants
like Potbelly Sandwich Works.
Although such competition is
healthy overall, it’s hard not to
yearn for the boom days when
construction couldn’t start soon
enough, with or without tenants.
The Crown Centre’s outlot received
development approval twice, but a
shovel has yet to hit the ground.
The latest rendition is a retail
manifestation of the formerly
approved office site, proposed to
include Pop’s Beef.
Existing space like the Sports
Authority in the Prairie Crossings
shopping center will face its own
challenges. Not from construction,
financing or government, but
simply because there are few 35,000
square foot businesses looking to
expand in the marketplace. Given
its prime location and co-tenants,
These examples all indicate the
time between development
approval and construction is
lengthening, but maybe it’s better
for us all. In the end, only the most
stable projects make it to
construction and hopefully it’s
also a sign of continued stability in
the financial sector. By press, I’m
hopeful we will have new
information on these projects, but
as we’re seeing, this is the new
normal and it may just take a little
patience.
Frankfort
Township
Food Pantry
Frankfort Township’s
food pantry assists people
in the Township
who are experiencing
difficult times.
Food donations are always
welcome and may be
dropped off at the
Frankfort Township Office,
11000 W. Lincoln Highway.
For more information,
please contact
Jeannine Hetfleisch
at (815) 806-2761.
Villager News August 16_Layout 1 8/9/16 3:59 PM Page 7
THE FRANKFORT VILLAGER
AUGUST 2016
PAGE 7
Five (5) Years of Planning Lead Us to This Moment
By Tony Minette, Director of Utilities
In 2011, your Village Staff began
the process of assessing the
condition and long term viability of
your three (3) wastewater facilities.
After a two (2) year assessment, it
was clear that our wastewater
plants were decreasing rapidly in
efficiency, exceeded their useful
life of operations, and were ill
prepared to meet future regulatory
changes. This assessment lead to
the decision to create a long range
facility plan in order to address
these very issues.
In 2013, the Village of Frankfort
Utility Department initiated a long
range facility planning process
with its consultant Baxter and
Woodman in order to provide us
with a number of options. After
more than a year of planning, a
final draft of the Facility Plan was
officially adopted in 2014.
Throughout the next year your
Board debated the proper course of
action mainly looking at two (2)
options: rehabilitate all (3) plants or
close the Village’s West Sewage
Treatment Plant (located south of
Colorado Avenue between Ohio
Road and Tanglewood Lane) and
Groundbreaking at the new west pumping station; (pictured left to right:
Trustee Mike Stevens, Tony Minette (Utilities Director), Rob Piscia (Asst. Village
Administrator), Zach Brown (Asst. Utilities Director), Jerry Ducay (Village
Administrator), Trustee Cindy Heath, John Craven (Utilities Foreman),
Trustee Dick Trevarthan, and Ruben Maross (Utilities Foreman).
the North Treatment Plant (located
just west of the intersection of
Evergreen and Spruce Drive in
Frankfort Square). This would
result in the consolidation to one
treatment plant at the Village’s
regional plant located just north of
Lincoln-Way East High School.
On July 13, 2016, construction
Hydrant Flushing Schedule
September 19 through
October 28
Hydrant flushing details are online at
www.villageoffrankfort.com
under
“Live” and “Village Services.”
Check it out!
began on the Laboratory located at
the Regional Plant site and after
five (5) years of planning, we have
finally broken ground on the largest
infrastructure project this Village
has ever undertaken. In addition to
the work taking place at the
Regional Plant, residents can expect
construction to also begin on the
aforementioned pump stations by
the end of this July.
While the projects are only in its
infancy, this is a very big step in the
beginning of what should be an
exciting next five (5) years.
Anyone with questions regarding
the Facility Plan or upcoming
construction projects is encouraged
to contact Tony Minette, Director
of Utilities, or Zach Brown,
Assistant Director of Utilities at
(815) 469-2177.
Villager News August 16_Layout 1 8/9/16 3:59 PM Page 8
THE FRANKFORT VILLAGER
PAGE 8
AUGUST 2016
Sales Tax vs. Property Tax
By Jenni Booth, Director of Finance
Two of the Village’s major revenue
sources are sales taxes and property
taxes.
Sales Tax Revenue
$5,793,993
$5,443,093
$6,075,003
$4,833,163
$4,692,591
Looking back over the past five
fiscal years, sales taxes have
increased every year.
FY12
FY13
FY14
FY15
FY16
Property Tax Extension
$2,979,987
$2,855,672
Conversely, the Village’s share of
the property tax bill has typically
decreased over the last five levy
years. (Note: The 2015 levy
extension increased slightly due
to growth within the Village.)
$2,728,072
2011
During this timeframe the Village
has reduced the property tax rate
from .3392 to .3388 or .0001 per
year. The decrease in the rate
coupled with the decrease to the
Village’s equalized assessed value
(except for the 2015 tax year as
mentioned earlier) has resulted in
less property tax revenue for the
Village. This reduction in property
tax revenue has caused the Village
to rely less on property taxes each
2012
$2,697,111
2013
year and more on sales tax
revenues. The increased sales tax
revenue has allowed the Village to
continue to provide quality services
even though our property tax
revenue has decreased.
As we consider our long-term
financial plan, we find ourselves
asking various questions when it
comes to the Village’s revenue
sources. Can the Village afford to
continue decreasing the Village
property tax rate? Will the upward
2014
$2,736,071
2015
sales tax trend continue? Let’s hope
it does, but let’s have a plan in
place just in case it doesn’t.
I am confident with the proactive
nature and forward thinking minds
of the elected officials, staff and
citizen committee members, we
will plan appropriately and
continue to have balanced budgets
and provide quality services
despite the economic changes that
come our way.
Information Flow Continues with Website Streaming
By Mary Canino, Manager of Community Relations
Village website, www.villageof
frankfort.com in full HD quality
24 hours a day! In addition, the
Village board meetings can now be
watched “live” from the Village
website on your computer and/or
phone as opposed to just “live” on
Comcast channel 6.
Frankfort Community Television
(FCTV) has been busy providing
improved ways to communicate
information to FCTV viewers and
residents. A new FCTV feature
introduced this summer is website
streaming! Now you can view
FCTV programming from the
Accessing the new feature is
easy–visit www.villageof
frankfort.com and click on the
button “FCTV LIVE STREAM” on
the home page.
Don’t forget, you can also subscribe
to “FCTV ON DEMAND” updates
and receive new videos when they
are released by clicking on the
“FCTV ON DEMAND” banner.
In addition to “FCTV ON
DEMAND” and traditional channel
six television viewing, the “FCTV
LIVE STREAM” options provides
another opportunity for viewers to
stay up to date on Frankfort
community events, Village board
meetings, and resident information
through public service announcements and promos.
Villager News August 16_Layout 1 8/9/16 3:59 PM Page 9
AUGUST 2016
THE FRANKFORT VILLAGER
PAGE 9
Busy Year for the Chamber!
By Alicia Joebgen, Executive Director
packed! We are fortunate this year
to be holding our Meet, Greet &
Network meetings at the Village
Hall (third Tuesday) each month.
Attendance here too has seen
record numbers with 50–75
businesses attending monthly.
If you get a chance, come check
this out, it’s free and we always
welcome new and interested
businesses. We are proud to
continue providing Concerts on
the Green to the community each
Sunday evening throughout the
summer. The concerts too are
seeing record numbers!
The Frankfort Chamber of
Commerce has had a busy year!
We have welcomed 48 new
members in 2016 alone! As a result,
attendance at our many events has
been markedly increased. From the
Chili Cook-Off (February) to the
sold out Pub! Grub! Network!
(April) our events have been
The highly anticipated Frankfort
Fall Festival will make its debut
again for the 48th year this Labor
Day Weekend (Saturday, September
3 – Monday, September 5). This
annual attraction is the largest
event the Frankfort Chamber
organizes and we are very
privileged to showcase over 300
artisan booths, daily entertainment,
the carnival, concessions, the
Sunday parade and numerous local
shopping and dining experiences
throughout the Festival footprint
and beyond. The success of this
event is attributed to the dedication
and strength of our volunteers and
community partners. If you would
like to join our Festival team and
be part of the 2016 “Happy Days”
Frankfort Fall Festival, please
call the Chamber at 815-469-3356.
Additional Festival details are
available at www.frankfortfall
festival.info.
There are additional events and
attractions the Frankfort Chamber
of Commerce will continue to
deliver, welcoming member and
community participation. A
complete listing is always accessible
at www.frankfortchamber.com.
The Frankfort Chamber sincerely
appreciates the support of our
members and the community for
all the activities that we proudly
produce throughout the year!
Your Opinion Counts!
Let us know your thoughts, concerns, or suggestions on ways to improve our village. Let us know about acts of
people who deserve special recognition. The Village will review submissions for appropriate response and action.
Dear Village Board, ___________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address & Phone (optional) ____________________________________________________________________________
Drop the completed form off at the Village Administration Building or mail to:
Village Board, Village of Frankfort, 432 West Nebraska Street, Frankfort, IL 60423
or logon to www.villageoffrankfort.com and click on “Contact Us.”
Villager News August 16_Layout 1 8/9/16 3:59 PM Page 10
PAGE 10
THE FRANKFORT VILLAGER
AUGUST 2016
ENTERTAINMENT TENT
AT
FRANKFORT FALL FEST
September 2, 3, 4 & 5
Five Guys Named Moe (Classic Rock & Roll)
7:30 PM to 11:00 PM
Saturday, September 3
Tent Food Served By:
Lincoln-Way East High School Music Boosters
(Nachos w/Cheese, Beef Sandwiches, Chips,
Water & Pop)
Midlife Crisis (60s Until Today)
7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Monday: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Timing’s Everything (Popular Music)
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Friday Night: $6.00
Friday, September 2
Saints ’N Sinners (60s & 70s)
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Sunday, September 4
Beer/Food
Admission
Saturday through Sunday: (Before Noon FREE)
Noon until 6:00 PM: $2.00
6:00 PM until Closing: $6.00
Funhouse (Classic Rock from the 80s)
7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Monday, September 5
The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club (Rock)
Noon to 4:00 PM
Monday: (Before Noon FREE)
Noon until Closing: $2.00
Children under 12 FREE (until 6:00 PM)
No one allowed in Entertainment Tent under age 21 after 6:00 PM.
The B.E.T.A. Team, Inc. is a coalition of Frankfort civic groups and homeowner associations whose volunteers organize, manage,
and work the entertainment tent at Frankfort's Fall Fest. Proceeds from B.E.T.A. are donated back to the Frankfort community
in the form of projects chosen by each organization. Recent projects have included improved community landscaping,
new sub-division entry signs, athletic field improvements, school band equipment purchases, park and trail benches,
public drinking fountains and college scholarships.
Thursday, September 1, 2016
6:00-10:30 PM
At the Beer Tent on Kansas & Oak in Frankfort
Live Music: Peter Hoffmann.
Food: Bier Stube (Brats, Strudel & German Beer)
Grand Prize $10,000
Ticket includes admission for 2 adults and
entry in the drawing at 10:30 p.m.
Advance Tickets: $20 / $25 At Gate • Visit www.frankfortlionsclub.com or call (815) 683-8283
Villager News August 16_Layout 1 8/9/16 3:59 PM Page 11
THE FRANKFORT VILLAGER
AUGUST 2016
PAGE 11
Frankfort Firefighters Foundation
Fall Fest Carnival
August 31 - September 5, 2016 • One North White Street Parking Lot
The 2016 carnival hours are:
Day
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Date
Hours
August 31
September 1
September 2
September 3
September 4
September 5
5 - 9:00 pm
5 - 9:00 pm
5 - 9:30 pm
12 - 9:30 pm
12 - 9:30 pm
12 - 5:00 pm
Promotion Hours & Prices
POP All Hours
POP All Hours
$25
$25
Special Needs Day 3 - 5:00 pm
Friday Only
POP (Pay One Price Unlimited Ride Band) - Wednesday & Thursday Only
2016 Regular Ticket Prices
(Rides accept 2 - 4 coupons)
STREETS
White Street
(Kansas to Elwood)
Bus Route Drop Off
at White Street
Oak Street
(Kansas to Elwood)
Ash, Oak & Hickory from
Kansas to Nebraska
1 Coupon
22 Coupons
55 Coupons
$ 1.25
$25.00
$60.00
Fall Fest Street Closures at a Glance
WED (8/31)
THUR (9/1)
No Parking 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM
(Until Fest Begins)
No Parking 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM
(Until Fest Begins)
No Parking
4:00 PM
Kansas, Elwood, Nebraska
(Linden to Elsner), Center,
White, Sauk Trail, Smith,
Old Frankfort Way, E & W
Bowen, Carpenter, McDonald
Curfew
SAT (9/3)
SUN (9/4)
White Street Closed
(Elwood to Nebraska)
MON (9/5)
Closed for Fest
Closed for Fest
Restricted Parking 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
&
Other Areas of No Parking at Any Time
Controlled Access 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
to Downtown Area
Nebraska & Rt. 45,
Old Frankfort Way & Rt. 45,
White & Rt. 45
Parade
FRI (9/2)
Access Only to Vehicles with Valid Frankfort Sticker
Under 16
9:30 PM Every Day
12:45 PM – 4:00 PM
No Entry to Downtown
In Effect at 10:00 PM for Those Under Age 21
Villager News August 16_Layout 1 8/9/16 3:59 PM Page 12
PAGE 12
THE FRANKFORT VILLAGER
JOIN THE CELEBRATION!
Old Plank Road Trail 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Breidert Green in Downtown Frankfort (Kansas & White Streets)
AUGUST 2016
NEW R
O
Posted UTE
on
Village
Websi
te
Schedule of Events
8:30-9:00 a.m. Pre-Race Registration at
Breidert Green & Activities
9:15 a.m.
Pre-Race Presentation &
Warm Up
9:30 a.m.
Start Time of 5K Run/Walk
10:30 a.m.
Awards Presentation
Registration Is Required
FEE: $15 Pre-Registration (Pre-Register by September 23, 2016); $20 Day of Event
Applications and course are posted on website, www.villageoffrankfort.com,
under the Calendar of Events for October 1.
On Line Registration is available at www.villageoffrankfort.com.
Click on Oct. 1 on the Event Calendar on the Home Page and click “Register”.
Frankfort Country Market
Continues Every Sunday
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Downtown Frankfort
Fall Market Hours Begin September 11
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
The Frankfort Country Market
is a grower's only market featuring:
• Locally Grown Produce & Vegetables
• Homemade Prepared Foods
• Gourmet Products
Villager News August 16_Layout 1 8/10/16 11:50 AM Page 13
AUGUST 2016
THE FRANKFORT VILLAGER
PAGE 13
Frankfort Amateur Rib Cook-Off A Huge Success
Crowds enjoy a variety of ribs at the
Rib Cook Off.
Over 600 rib lovers crowded
downtown Frankfort on Saturday,
August 6, for Frankfort’s 7th annual
“Amateur Rib Cook-Off.” Sixteen
contestants from Frankfort, Palos
Heights, Orland Park, Oak Forest,
Mokena, Worth, Chicago and
surrounding areas used special
spices and sauces to perfect the
ideal rib for the cook-off. The
competition continues to draw
new contestants as well as
repeat favorites. The event was
co-sponsored by the Village of
Frankfort, Frankfort Area Jaycees,
and the Frankfort Lions Club. All
proceeds benefit the Jaycees and
Lions Club organizations and
serves as a fundraiser for their
organizations.
The judges for the event this year
were Richard Lewis (JayCees 85th
State President), Mary O’Connor
(KCBS certified) and Jeannine
Smith (KCBS certified). Live music
was provided by Marty “Big Dog”
Mercer, who entertained the crowd
with blues from the Village Green
stage.
Winners of the contest for 2016
were:
1st Place: BUCi
Contestant #3 – from Chicago, IL
2nd Place: Blowin’ Smoke
Contestant #13 – from Mokena, IL
3rd Place: Veterans Q
Contestant #14 – from Hampshire,
IL (first time in the Frankfort Rib
Cook Off)
Crowd Pleaser: South Side Pit Men
Contestant #4 – from Oak Forest,
IL.
Frankfort’s “Night Out Against Crime” Draws Large Crowd
The 9th annual “Night Out Against
Crime” was held in downtown
Frankfort on August 2. Sponsored
by the Frankfort Police Department,
the event featured games and
inflatables, demonstrations by
the Frankfort police and fire
departments, music and a “Touch
a Truck” program. The crowds
enjoyed 500 free hotdogs during
the event. New this year was a
“Police Scavenger Hunt” providing
interaction between the youngsters
in the crowd and the Frankfort
police officers.
Trustee Doug Walker and Police
Chief John Burica welcomed everyone and thanked Officer Leanne
Bender for her efforts to coordinate
Frankfort’s version of this national
event. “It is important for any
Large crowds gathered at the Green for
this year’s Nite Out event.
healthy community to have a
strong working relationship with
their police and fire departments.
This event provides an opportunity
for our residents to meet our police
officers, ask them questions,
and talk with them in a relaxed
Trustee Doug Walker and Frankfort
Police Chief John Burica
joined hundreds during the Night Out
Against Crime event.
atmosphere. It certainly is a
pleasure to meet so many families
from our growing community. We
look forward to next year’s event,”
stated Chief Burica.
Villager News August 16_Layout 1 8/9/16 3:59 PM Page 14
THE FRANKFORT VILLAGER
PAGE 14
AUGUST 2016
Lincoln-Way Update
Village of
Frankfort
Mobile App!
By Taryn Atwell, Community Relations Director, Lincoln-Way District 210
While maintaining and improving
opportunities for students, LincolnWay will continue to work toward
increasing transparency while
stabilizing the finances of the
district. A new website, the
Skyward software, and enhanced
social media initiatives will all
contribute to streamlined
interaction with parents, students,
and community members in 20162017. By continuing to facilitate
student success and increased
communication, the Board of
Education, District 210 administration, and Lincoln-Way faculty are
determined to move forward
together into a revitalized, new
school year.
The newly combined Lincoln-Way
Marching Band continues to set
the example of unity and forward
movement. Their upcoming
performances will take place at
Frankfort Fall Fest (September 4,
2016) and the Manhattan Parade
(September 5, 2016). The District
is incredibly proud of the maturity,
initiative, and optimistic
enthusiasm displayed by these
young musicians.
The state’s decision to fund the
SAT this year will be an asset to
District 210 students. Every junior
will take this state-funded exam
during the school day on April 5,
2017, and students will be able to
use this test with “home court
advantage” as a college entrance
exam. Since ACT scores at LincolnWay have been among the state’s
best, and have increased steadily
over the years, those numbers will
translate favorably to the content
areas of the SAT. The 2016-2017
testing changes by ISBE will
certainly be beneficial for families
and students in District 210.
Download a free mobile app
from iTunes (Apple products) or
Google Play (Android products)
and stay connected to the
Village with your mobile device!
Search “Village of Frankfort”
to download the free app!
You’re on the go
and so are we!
As the school year begins,
Lincoln-Way continues to provide
our students with educational
opportunities that will foster
successful futures. The Board of
Education, administration, and
faculty embrace the optimism and
promise of this school year and
look forward to building upon
the rich tradition of student
success.
Frankfort Preservation Foundation & Frankfort Historical Society
host
12th Annual Ice Cream Social
Sunday, August 28, 2016 • 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Frankfort Founders Center • 140 Oak Street • Frankfort
FREE Admission • FREE Ice Cream Sundae
FREE Music - Frankfort Brass Band, Side Kixx Quartet
FEATURING: Pie Eating Contest (adults and children) • Pies supplied by Enrico’s
Pre-register for pie-eating contest with Chip at (815) 370-8811 or [email protected]
Villager News August 16_Layout 1 8/9/16 4:00 PM Page 15
AUGUST 2016
THE FRANKFORT VILLAGER
PAGE 15
Students enjoy using science, technology, engineering
and math skills
By Dr. Maura J. Zinni, Superintendent of Schools, Frankfort School District 157-C
to solve real-world problems,
enhancing logical and systematic
thinking, and stimulating creativity.
Honing their STEM skills, Grand Prairie
Elementary School second grade
students built a tower to support a
marshmallow inspired by the book
“Iggy Peck, Architect.”
District 157-C students are honing
their STEM (science, technology,
engineering and math) skills
through initiatives at all schools.
Chelsea Intermediate School third,
fourth, and fifth grade students
participated in STEM challenge
activities that were interdisciplinary, which helped students learn
to make meaningful connections
among the various disciplines.
They built solar powered cars and
participated in jet toy, straw rocket
and skimmer challenges. Chelsea
School is also planning on
expanding after-school learning
opportunities for the students with
a focus on enhancing STEM
experiences. The students will be
involved in exploratory learning
and participate in hands-on,
authentic opportunities that will
promote working collaboratively
At Grand Prairie Elementary
School, second grade students used
their STEM skills to engineer a
rescue device to retrieve a toy bear
that got stuck down a “well” using
only using pipe cleaners, straws,
Popsicle sticks, one rubber band,
tape, and scissors. The activity
was in conjunction with the book
“Stuck” by Oliver Jefferies.
Small groups of students were
also charged with using their
engineering skills to build a
freestanding tower that could
support a marshmallow using only
20 noodles, one yard of string, and
one yard of tape. The activity was
inspired by the book “Iggy Peck,
Architect” about a boy who loves
to build.
district’s K-8 Science Committee
and administrators, the Board of
Education approved a new science
adoption for the 2016-17 school
year. The Education Foundation
and outside grants will support
hands-on materials for the new
science adoption that correlates to
the Next Generation Science
standards and Common Core
standards.
Chelsea Principal Dr. Sharon
Paver-Nepote stated, “Our focus
is to tap into children’s innate
curiosity of the world. We want
to provide them with stimulating
opportunities to expand their
knowledge and understanding
of how science, technology,
engineering, and math play an
important role in the world around
them.”
Following extensive research by the
A 9/11 Tribute Concert Event
ALWAYS REMEMBER
Frankfort Brass Band
In conjunction with
U.S. Route 66 Concert Band
Sunday, September 11
5:00 to 7:30 PM
Breidert Green – Downtown Frankfort
Patriotic & American Music
Villager News August 16_Layout 1 8/9/16 4:00 PM Page 16
THE FRANKFORT VILLAGER
PAGE 16
AUGUST 2016
District Plan for Student Achievement
to focus on classroom assessments
By Barb Rains, PHR, Superintendent of Summit Hill District 161
The District has reached a point in
our Plan for Student Achievement
to be able to focus deeply on
classroom assessments and student
learning. The building blocks to
reach this level were put in place
over the last five years:
• Our building infrastructure is
being updated to fiber optic
connectivity.
• We have curricular resources
that address the new Illinois
Standards for Learning.
• We have readily available
technology for students and staff.
• Technology integration in student
learning is becoming seamless.
development opportunities for
staff and administration.
• We have a conduit for
parent/community involvement
via the Superintendent Advisory
for our Board goals.
In preparation for this deep focus in
2016-17, administrators and teacher
leader teams have been receiving
training from the Regional Office
of Education. We will continue
addressing the topic of assessments
throughout the 2016-17 school
year with teachers and parents.
Discussion topics will include the
value of homework, grade
weighting, standards-based
learning, grades in Power School,
and the terms “formative” and
“summative” assessments.
Solar panel energy project underway at Summit Hill Jr. High
The District was awarded a grant
from the Illinois Clean Energy
Community Foundation for solar
panels at Summit Hill Jr. High. The
Solar Panel Energy Project will
allow our students the opportunity
to utilize solar data collected
on-sight to be actively engaged in
the Next Generation Science
Standards.
Like us on Facebook!
District 161 has developed its
presence on Facebook. The page
is available via a link on the
District homepage, www.summit
hill.org.
• We offer numerous professional
FEMA Mobile App Available!
The latest version of the FEMA
mobile app has several features to
support individuals before, during,
and after a disaster.
App features include:
• Weather Alerts: Sign up for
National Weather Service alerts
for up to five different U.S.
locations to stay updated on
severe weather forecasts
impacting family and friends.
• Preparedness Information:
Receive tips to survive natural
disasters and customize your
emergency checklist.
• Safety Reminders: Set reminders
that will alert you when it’s time
to change smoke alarm batteries,
replenish emergency supplies
kits, and practice your family’s
emergency communications plan.
• Disaster Resources: If a disaster
occurs, search for shelters and
Disaster Recovery Centers in
your area.
To download app, visit FEMA
Mobile App webpage.
Villager News August 16_Layout 1 8/9/16 4:00 PM Page 17
AUGUST 2016
THE FRANKFORT VILLAGER
PAGE 17
Frankfort Park District - Community Survey Results
By Gina Hassett, Executive Director
This past spring, the Frankfort Park
District conducted meetings and
distributed surveys regarding the
construction of a new community
recreation center. The goal was to
gather input on the proposal, and
to get feedback on how the District
was meeting the needs of its
residents. Based on information
gathered, the Park District Board
voted unanimously NOT to place a
bond measure on this fall’s ballot
to fund a Recreation Center. A copy
of the survey results is available
online. The District remains
committed to developing alternative strategies to meeting our
community’s indoor recreation
needs. The Board welcomes your
continued input.
provides a new fitness opportunity.
To see photos of these projects
and the summer events offered by
the District visit our website and
Facebook page.
This summer, the District made a
number of improvements to the
parks. New playground equipment
and landscaping were installed at
Lincoln Meadows Park. With
funding from Operation Playground, fitness equipment was
installed along the Old Plank Trail
near Michele Bingham Park which
There are many recreational
opportunities available this fall at
the Frankfort Park District.
Resident registration for programs
begins August 22 and can be
completed in-person or online.
Upcoming Events
• Family Fall Campfire September 23
• Senior Fall Luncheon - October 4
• Halloween Haunting - October 21
• Holiday Craft & Vendor Show November 12
• Dinner with Santa - December 2
For more information on the
Frankfort Park District, visit
www.frankfortparks.org or contact
the office (815) 469-9400 and
follow us on Facebook. Come Join
the Fun!
Miss Your Favorite Program
on Channel 6?
All FCTV programs are available to watch on your iOS devices
(i.e, iPad, iPod, iPhone). Just visit www.villageoffrankfort.com,
click on the “FCTV ON DEMAND” logo, select the program
you’d like to watch, and enjoy!
What’s on FCTV?
A complete listing of channel six programming can be accessed
at www.villageoffrankfort.com, under “Quick Links.”
Villager News August 16_Layout 1 8/9/16 4:00 PM Page 18
THE FRANKFORT VILLAGER
PAGE 18
AUGUST 2016
F.A.N. For All at Lincoln-Way North
By Jim Randall, Executive Director, Frankfort Square Park District
revenue they may generate.
Providing space for these events
would limit resident access and
usage for F.A.N. members and local
groups and organizations that
schedule team practices and games.
Although a door may have closed,
a window of opportunity for all
residents of Lincoln-Way District
210 has opened.
Beginning September 6th, the FSPD
will expand F.A.N. programming,
Frankfort Square Park District
Activities at North, with daily
morning and evening hours and
bi-weekly midday hours at the
North campus. Access to the field
house, cardio equipment, freeweight room, and gymnasium
guarantees something for everyone.
This expanded access was made
possible through an intergovernmental agreement between
LWCHSD and the FSPD, enabling
affordable opportunities to as
many residents as possible.
FSPD staff member greeting patron
checking into the F.A.N. program at the
North Campus field house for an
evening of fitness opportunities.
The FSPD received many requests
for usage from a variety of
community, private non-profit, and
for profit organizations. Currently,
exclusive of use of the North field
house, gymnasiums, and athletic
fields is not available. The purpose
of F.A.N. is not to host tournaments
or special events, no matter what
Although F.A.N. and the North
campus cannot accommodate every
group and organization at all the
facilities and fields for the entire
Lincoln-Way area, East, Central,
and West are still available for
resident usage, and should be
considered as able to meet group
and/or organization needs.
For more information on the
Frankfort Square Park District,
please visit our website at
www.fspd.org, contact the park
office at (815) 469-3524, or become a
fan of our Facebook page.
Frankfort Public Library District
By Pierre Gregoire, Library Director
At fifty years of age, The Frankfort
Pubic Library District is anything
but retiring! FPLD celebrated this
spring with a great Retro Fun
Run of 5K enjoyed by over 200
participants and celebrated
throughout the community. The
library is profoundly grateful for
the generous assistance given by
Chief John Burica and the Frankfort
Police Department, The Frankfort
Fire Protection District, The Village
of Frankfort and the wonderful
donations received from patrons
and community businesses making
this celebration a great success!
The library began its current fiscal
year on July 1, 2016. We have
gotten lean to accommodate our
new facility and are engaged in
redefining the form, function and
fillings of the library. Since opening
the new addition of meeting rooms,
study rooms, computer lab and
classroom/maker space, we have
seen dramatic increases in
attendance for programs and
classes. The circulation of materials
however has seen little change. We
take this as a confirmation of the
identification of the needs for
meeting and study space by the
2014 Strategic Planning Committee.
Accessibility of space has enabled
the library as of July 1st to offer
meeting room space for use by
businesses and other for-profit
enterprises. This will additionally
add much needed revenue. The
ease of access to materials as before,
through the consortium of over
80 libraries throughout northern
Illinois known as SWAN, provides
close to 48-hour availability of
materials by online, in person or
voice request. We haven’t introduced drones yet but our Outreach
Department is engaged daily in
visiting home schools, day care
centers, active retirement and house
bound patrons. This service is now
available having transitioned from
service to the schools by the
bookmobile.
We hope you will enjoy the
many celebrations at the library to
come!
Villager News August 16_Layout 1 8/9/16 4:00 PM Page 19
AUGUST 2016
Mayor’s Message, cont. from page 1
out budget or plan for the year
which begins on May 1.
See governmental expenses chart below.
Your public safety is the Village
Board’s highest priority. Police
department activities represent
nearly one-half the governmental
budget. Street maintenance, snow
plowing and public property
maintenance from our public works
department are the second highest
governmental expense. Planning
services, building inspections and
code enforcement are included in
the general government category.
See governmental revenues chart
below.
Sales tax is our most significant
revenue source. The sales tax rate in
Frankfort is 7%. It is the lowest in
the Chicago region and lower than
any of our neighboring villages.
Frankfort receives 1% of consumer
purchases. We thank our residents
for continuing to shop in Frankfort.
Planned governmental expenses
for the fiscal year,
May 2016 to April 2017:
THE FRANKFORT VILLAGER
While property tax is our second
largest income source, increasing
sales tax revenues have enabled the
Village Board to lower Frankfort’s
portion of your property tax bill
each year. If the value of your home
stayed the same or decreased, then
the property tax you pay to
Frankfort has decreased. We are
doing our part to control property
taxes, even though the Village of
Frankfort represents only 4% of
your total property tax bill.
Income tax is our third largest
revenue source. This is the revenue
that state legislators and the
Governor periodically threaten to
eliminate or reduce, which would
quickly transfer the state’s budget
problems to local communities
while doing nothing to solve the
problem for the people of Illinois.
Notably absent in the revenue
picture is a revenue for garbage
collection. All other nearby
communities charge a fee for
Planned governmental revenues
for the fiscal year,
May 2016 to April 2017:
PAGE 19
garbage collection which provides
them with a significant additional
revenue source. In Frankfort the
$1.4 million garbage bill, which is
more than 10% of the governmental
budget, is paid for from sales tax,
property tax and other sources.
You will note that the primary
governmental revenues are over
$700,000 more than the primary
governmental expenses. At the end
of the year, we transfer the excess
revenues to the capital fund. From
this fund, we purchase new
equipment, replace sidewalks and
upgrade roadways. We recently
used capital funds to pay cash for
the addition to the village hall with
no need for borrowing. The capital
fund is budgeted to spend over $3
million this year. Many projects are
multi-year projects and utilize
funds that were set aside years ago.
Frankfort’s utility, or water and
sewer operation, is owned by the
people of Frankfort. Because the
utility provides water and sewer
services to almost as many people
outside the Village limits as inside,
we operate it as a separate business
enterprise. Taxes collected by the
Village are used for governmental
purposes and not for the utility.
Water and sewer fees collected by
the utility are used to operate the
utility and are not used for
governmental purposes.
Continued on back page
Villager News August 16_Layout 1 8/9/16 4:00 PM Page 20
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PERMIT NO. 130
FRANKFORT, IL
PAID
432 W. NEBRASKA ST.
FRANKFORT, IL 60423
TO: POSTAL CUSTOMER
FRANKFORT, IL 60423
Mayor’s Message, cont. from page 19
Utility revenues are over $2 million
more than the utility expenses.
Sewer and water operations are
extremely capital intensive. The
excess revenues are transferred to
the utility capital fund where they
are used to replace aging water
mains, pumps, valves and other
equipment.
This year we begin a $61 million
multi-year improvement to our
waste water treatment facilities.
Proper stewardship of our
waterways, new Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) Rules
and aging equipment require our
community to invest. We have been
consulting with engineers, the EPA
and others for over four years to
plan the improvements. We will
need to borrow money to complete
the project. We have increased
sewer rates 10% to cover some of
the initial costs. We have planned
several more sewer rate increases
over the next four years to cover
the total cost of the project.
Fortunately, we have been able to
secure initial financing at a very
attractive 1.86% interest rate with
no associated fees or other hidden
costs. The loan is from the Illinois
EPA and is subsidized by a portion
of your federal tax money.
Frankfort has no bonded debt. We
have several Illinois EPA loans that
will be covered by water and
sewer fees. All of the numbers in
this article, as well as many more
numbers, are available on our
website, www.vofil.com. We believe
that we are managing your money
thoughtfully and properly. This
December we will begin our
budget process again. If you have
suggestions or comments about
Village revenues or spending,
contact me or any of the trustees
at (815) 469-2177 or through our
website. We want to hear from you.
We know it is your money and we
know that you expect us to be
responsible with it.
Ever Wonder, cont. from page 1
Getting things done is often a
complicated process fraught with
bureaucracy. It requires caution
mixed with expediency – simplicity
with a dash of complexity – and a
whole lot of common sense.
Bringing a diverse team together to
manage this community is key to
our success. Together, we embrace
different ideas and perspectives to
remove all but the best ideas. We
debate and cajole, assessing each
proposal against our commitment
to a standard of quality. In the end
we set our course and move
forward. That’s how we get things
done in Frankfort – now you
know.