Homer Township Communicator

Homer Township
Elected Officials
Vol 1, Issue 1 February 2013
Online edition available at
www.homertownship.com
The current team of officials were elected in May 2009
and their terms of office expire in May 2013
Homer Township Communicator
2012 Township Year in Review
The Homer Township Supervisor summarizes another successful year for our community!
SupervisorPam Meyers
Office: (708) 301- 4534
[email protected]
AssessorKaren Szynkowski
Office: (708)301-8166
[email protected]
ClerkLinsey Sowa
Office: (708) 301- 7042
[email protected]
Highway CommissionerMike DeVivo
Office: (708) 301-0246
[email protected]
Homer Township Trustees
Ed Kalas
[email protected]
708-712-1789
Vicki Bozen
[email protected]
708-417-2158
John Kruczek
[email protected]
815-955-9265
Christina Neitzke
[email protected]
708-712-0940
Supervisor, Pam Meyers
Nearing the end of our elected term of office, on behalf of the Town Board; Assessor’s Office; Highway Department and the personnel of Homer Township, it
has been a privilege and an honor to have served our community. The Town
Board recently saw change as Linsey Sowa transitioned from her elected position
as Trustee, now appointed as Clerk. Ed Kalas was appointed Trustee; joining
Trustees Bozen, Neitzke and Kruczek on the Board.
With pleasure to report for the fourth consecutive year the tax levy requests were
submitted at the same budgetary levels without an increase. Along with other
implemented cost saving measures this has resulted in a reduction to the Township portion of your 2011 property tax bill. Homer Township achieved a Standard and Poor’s AA stable, long term credit rating in 2012 based upon its efficient management and fiscal practices. This prominent rating facilitated the refinancing of the Senior Housing Bond at rates resulting in substantial monetary
savings and a reduction to the bond debt repayment schedule by four years. The
30 unit senior housing rental facility managed by the township is fully occupied
with rental incomes sufficient to abate taxes and cover the bond payments.
In 2009 after the collapse of the Township maintenance building alongside the
Old Town Hall we began our term with insufficient funds to reconstruct a new
building. Upon implementing cost cutting procedures and budget restraints, an
accumulation of funds needed to carry out the reconstruction of the building
without borrowing was achieved. The building construction began in the fall and
will soon be occupied. In 2012 we continued sponsoring community events
which provide local social activities that foster a sense of camaraderie and promote local commerce. We experienced immense success with the Township’s
thirteenth Independence Day Parade; the 2nd annual Homer Community Festival;
4th Homer Harvest Days event; children’s Halloween Party and Homer Seniors
Christmas Party. These events are made possible with the help of numerous volunteers, donors, officials, organizations, employees and the support received
from our residents—thank you. Plans for 2013 are already underway!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Q&A WITH- TRUSTEE ED KALAS
2012 Year in Review
1
Ed Kalas was nominated to fill a vacancy in the Trustee
Position in December 2012 by the Township Board.
3
College Scholarships Available
3
Electronic Recycling
4
Announcements from the Clerk
Q: What made you decide to become a Trustee?
5
Early Voting hours
A: I have always wanted to be involved in local government, and now that my kids
are older I have the time. I have lived in Homer for over 20 years, and I want to give
back to our community and be accessible to the residents.
6
Township Assessor’s Corner
Q: Besides Trustee, what is your occupation?
7
From the Desk of The Highway Commissioner
8
Open space Committee Update
A: I have over 25 years of experience in mortgages and real estate. I am also an
elected Homer Township Republican Precinct Committeeman in Precinct 7, which
includes Pebble Creek.
9
Homer Township Contacts
Definitely Open Space and Parks and Recreation. I think it is important that our parks and
10
Sendra Storybook Park
everyone in our facilities. I also sit on the Homer Community Fest Committee, and have
11
Q&A Trustee Kalas
Q:
Q: What projects in the Township are you most excited to get involved in?
open space are accommodating to the young and the old, and that there is something for
been involved in that event since it began a few years ago.
How do you like to spend your free time?
A: With family, I have four children; I try to spend lots of time with them. I am also trying to
12
Township Elected Officials
The communicator is also available on the web at:
www.homertownship.com
Look for the next edition in late March.
Have information you would like to include in the communicator?
For comments or questions please contact
Township Clerk, Linsey Sowa at (708)301-0522
get the homeowners association back together in Pebble Creek/ Woodbine. I was a member of it in the past, but it has not met in years.
Q: So you were nominated to be a Trustee, what does that mean?
A: Yes, Steve Balich, former Clerk was elected to County board, and then Trustee Linsey
Sowa was nominated to fill his spot as Clerk. I replaced her in December 2012. As with all
your Homer Township Trustees and Clerk, my name will be on the primary ballot in
February.
To Contact Trustee Ed Kalas you may email him at
[email protected] or call him at 708-712-1789
Storybook Park Coming to HT
The Homer Glen Foundation and Homer Township Public Library
partner with Homer Township to give Sendra Park a face lift.
Parks and Recreation
Once upon a time three community organizations joined forces to promote
literacy and physical fitness in Homer Township. The Homer Glen Foundation has
united with Homer Township and the Homer Township Public Library on a revitalization plan for Sendra Park. The three entities are working together to update
the park with a Storybook theme. The first phase will include the creation of a StoryWalk® Trail that will entertain young walkers as they travel the existing pathway.
Children will be able to follow a story from beginning to end by reading each page
of a book that is displayed at reading stations
along the way. A portion of each display will also
provide recommendations for exercise activities
to promote good health. The library’s Youth Services Director, Jody Olivieri, was looking for a
location in the community to install a StoryWalk®
Trail. “This is a perfect location,” said Olivieri.
“There is an existing trail that is just the right
length.” Its proximity to the library is also an advantage. “We plan to incorporate the StoryWalk®
Trail into our youth programming,” stated Olivieri. The library intends on updating the featured
book on a regular basis.
Sendra Park is located in Woodbine subdivision.
The park equipment was originally installed over
fifteen years ago. The second phase of the project
will include replacing the exercise stations. “New
equipment will provide people of all ages with the opportunity to improve balance,
strength, flexibility, and cardio fitness,” said Homer Township Supervisor Pam
Meyers. “Residents can take full advantage of exercising in the fresh air.” Rounding
out the project are plans for benches, a bicycle rack, a drinking fountain and landscaping.
The Homer Glen Foundation is accepting donations and sponsors for the
Sendra “Storybook” Park Project. Foundation President, Laurel Ward said, “We
would like to see the StoryWalk Trail and exercise equipment funded and installed
by next spring.” Additional plans are being made to update the playground with
storybook-themed equipment.
Donation information can be found on the organization’s website
www.homerglenfoundation.com.
The StoryWalk® Project was originally created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier,
VT and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg Hubbard Library.
College Scholarships Available
Township Officials of Illinois to offer seven $1,500 scholarships to
graduating High School Seniors in 2013
Clerk, Linsey Sowa
The Township Officials of Illinois Scholarship Fund has announced that they
will award seven $1,500 scholarships in 2013 for graduating high school seniors who will attend Illinois Colleges or Universities. The Township Officials
of Illinois has been providing scholarships to Illinois students since 1998,
awarding over $246,000 to 145 students.
Homer Township is a proud and active member of the Township Officials of
Illinois and would love to help our local students earn funding for college!
Students interested in applying must submit a letter requesting consideration
of their application, complete a short application, write a 500 word essay on
“The Role of Township Government in Today’s Society and in the Future”
which shall include an interview with a local Township Official, a high
school transcript, and two letters of recommendation. Deadline for application is March 1, 2013.
Further information, including the application, is available on the web at:
http://www.toi.org/Events/documents/2013ScholarshipApp.pdf
Those interested may also contact the Homer Township Clerk, Linsey Sowa
by phone at (708)301-0522 or via email at [email protected].
______________________________________________________________
_Electronic
Recycling
THE HOMER TOWNSHIP HIGHWAY
DEPARTMENT IS HAPPY TO OFFER
ELECTRONIC RECYCLING FOR
RESIDENTS.
14400 W. 151ST STREET
TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND THURSDAYS
FROM 8 AM - 3 PM
708-301-0246
PLEASE STOP IN THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
ONLY
OFFICE
BEFORE DROPPING OFF ANY ELECTRONICS.
Announcements from the Township Clerk
Homer Township Contacts
New Homer Township Clerk to extend Early Voting Hours for February
26, 2013 Consolidated Primary Election
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
14350 W. 151ST STREET
HOMER GLEN, IL 60491
708-301-0522
Clerk, Linsey Sowa
For the first time in Homer Township history, voters will have
the opportunity to cast a ballot on a Saturday! Recently appointed Township Clerk, Linsey Sowa has decided to extend office hours to afford the
public easier access when early voting. While election laws stipulate that
the Local election Authority cannot conduct voting hours beyond those
of the County Clerk’s Office voting hours; the Homer Township Clerk is
pleased to extend its office hours to accommodate additional options for
voters. Early voting will take place from Monday February 11th thru Saturday February 23rd, at the Homer Township Administration Building
located at 14350 W. 151st Street.
THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING IS HOME TO THE OFFICE OF TOWNSHIP
ADMINISTRATION STAFF, TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR, TOWNSHIP CLERK, AND
TOWNSHIP ASSESSOR.
ASSESSOR’S OFFICE
708-301-8166
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
14400 W. 151ST STREET
HOMER GLEN, IL 60491
708-301-0246
The Township office will now be open for extended hours on
Saturday Feb 16th & 23rd from 9:30am-11:30am; Friday February 15th
from 9am-6pm, and Monday thru Friday from 9:00am-4:00pm thereby
omitting the previous mid day break in hours from the schedule. It
should also be noted that this extension of voting hours will be at no additional cost to the tax payer because work schedules will be adjusted to
enable the additional hours without requiring overtime wage fees.
Sowa hopes this new schedule will provide a service requested by
residents. In the past voters were unable to early vote during their lunch
breaks or their work hours overlapped with the established early voting
hours. Evening, Saturday, and extended business hours will hopefully
ease the burden for some members in our community.
Clerk Sowa felt it important to offer additional services and encourages everyone to exercise their right to vote. In addition to early and
regular voting, the Clerk and Township offer a host of other services including voter registration. Additional information is available at the
Township website: www.homertownship.com or by telephone at
708.301.0522.
THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT IS HOME TO THE OFFICE OF THE
HIGHWAY COMMISSIONER, THE DEPARTMENT OFFICE MANAGER,
THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT GARAGE AND FLEET.
OLD TOWN HALL
16057 S. CEDAR ROAD
LOCKPORT, IL 60491
THE OLD TOWN HALL IS THE
MEETING PLACE FOR THE
HOMER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF
TRUSTEES, THE ANNUAL
TOWN MEETING, AND FOR
THE HOMER TOWNSHIP
PLANNING COMMISSION. IT IS
ALSO AVAILABLE FOR RENTAL
BY
TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS,
AND IS THE FREQUENT MEETING LOCATION FOR
TOWNSHIP AND OTHER LOCAL
COMMITTEES AND ORGANIZATIONS.
Open Space Committee Update
Chairman, Bill Karn
The committee is working with the local Home Depot who
expressed an interest in helping with the farm house part of our project.
They had approximately ten department managers inspect the building to
determine what materials and volunteers they could provide. They made a
number of suggestions so they can approach corporate management for
funding. We are presently reviewing damage caused by vandalism to the
Trantina Farm House since this has caused a number of problems which
must be resolved before Home Depot can proceed. They have requested
that we review our future use plans which may encourage their corporate
headquarters to provide the necessary funding.
If you or someone you know in the construction trade who would like to
join our committee please let Pam Meyers know.
We need all the help we can get.
Early Voting Hours
For the February 26th Consolidated Primary election are scheduled
at the Township Administrative Offices as follows:
Monday February 11th - 9:00am-4:00pm
Tuesday February 12th -Office Closed for Observance of Lincoln’s
Birthday, No Early Voting
Wednesday February 13th - 9:00am-4:00pm
Thursday February 14th - 9:00am-4:00pm
Friday February 15th- 9:00am-6:00pm
Saturday February 16th - 9:30am-11:30am
Sunday February 17th - Office Closed, No Early Voting
Monday February 18th - Office Closed for Observance of President’s Day, No Early Voting
Tuesday February 19th- 9:00am-4:00pm
Wednesday February 20th- 9:00am-4:00pm
Thursday February 21st- 9:00am-4:00pm
Friday February 22nd - 9:00am-4:00pm
Township Assessor’s Corner
From The Desk of the Highway Commissioner
About Exemptions
Winter, or Lack of, and Construction Updates
Assessor, Karen Szynkowski, C.I.A.O.
General Homestead Exemption -For tax years 2012 and 2013 this exemption
is $6,000.
Homestead Improvement Exemption
This is a four year exemption which prevents the Township Assessor from increasing your assessment due to additions or improvements to your property.

A maximum of $25,000 of assessed value or $75,000 "Market Value" may
be deferred under this program.

The property has to be the taxpayer's principal residence.

Two different improvements on the same property can run concurrently as
long as $45,000 is not exceeded.

The Township Assessor's office initiates this exemption.
Senior Homestead Exemption -This exemption lowers the equalized assessed
value of your property by $4,000, and may be claimed in addition to the General
Homestead Exemption.
Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Exemption -This exemption freezes the
assessment on your property if your total household income is $55,000 or less.
Must have fulfilled a property residency requirement as explained on the application
form,

Be age 65 or older.

Have a maximum household income of $55,000. This household income
includes that of all persons using the property as their principal dwelling
place on January 1 of the tax year.
Additional ExemptionsSenior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program
Senior Citizens Circuit Breaker Grants
Disabled Persons' Homestead Exemption
Disabled Veterans' Standard Homestead Exemption
Returning Veteran Homestead Exemption
To get further information on the Exemptions above stop by the office or
give us a call at (708) 301-8166
Commissioner, Mike DeVivo
It would appear that winter, at least for the first half of our snow season, has
been cancelled. As of Friday, January 11, 2013, we have yet to see an inch of
total snowfall for our area. This condition will more than likely change and everyone should know that we are prepared. With this warmer than normal winter,
we are expecting and drivers should be aware of rain/freeze conditions that can
happen with little or no warning in a short period of time.
As with every winter season, there is a snow parking ban on all Homer Glen
and Homer Township Roads when there are two or more inches of snow until
our snow removal process is complete. The Will County Sheriffs will be issuing
tickets for snow parking violations. We are also asking residents not to plow,
shovel or use snow blowers to place snow from their driveways and sidewalk
onto the roads. This will create an unsafe road surface condition for traffic and
may cause an accident.
The Homer Township Road District has been moving forward with our
plans to improve the intersection of 151st and Parker with Traffic Lights and
Turn Lanes. Homer Glen has been awarded an 80/20 CMAQ (Congestion
Mitigation and Air Quality) Grant this past September. That will fund 80% of
the$1.2 Million Project. The remaining 20% will be funded by our existing
Road & Bridge Budget without any additional taxes to the residents. The Road
District has already acquired the necessary Right-of-Way for the improvements
and is now working with ComEd to relocate utilities to make room for the multiple lane intersection. Bids are now being prepared and should be awarded in
late fall or early winter of 2013 with the project beginning in the spring of 2014.
We are confident that this project will be complete and help meet the demands
of increase of traffic once major construction begins on 159th Street.
For questions or further information please stop by the office or give us a
call at (708) 301-0246