Administration

Town Hall Meeting to Discuss Village's Financial Future Scheduled for Tuesday, April 27 at 7:00 PM

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Gittel) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:00:00 +0000

The growing financial problems the Village faces now and in the years ahead, some options and solutions, is a topic that has been reviewed by special Village Sub Committees over the past months. Information has also been shared with residents through President Gougler's briefings and letters in the Village Newsletter available on the website, http://www.northfieldil.org/ and via E-News. To further engage residents and to hear your comments and questions on the Village's critical financial issues, a Town Hall meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the Village Hall Council Chambers, 361Happ Road. Save the date! All residents are encouraged to attend.

Daylight Savings Time Begins Sunday, March 14

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Gittel) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:52:00 +0000

Set clocks ahead one hour on Sunday morning. Instead of 6:00 AM it will be 7:00 AM.

Resident Comments Needed by March 19 for Public Record of IDOT'S Willow Road Process

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Gittel) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:50:00 +0000

IDOT has begun its Context Sensitive Solution (CSS) process on future improvements to Willow Road. The overall process for conducting its studies is generally referred to as "Phase I" or "Preliminary Engineering." On March 4, 2010, IDOT held an Open House at the Renaissance Hotel in Northbrook to gather public comments regarding Willow Road from residents of Northfield, Northbrook, Glenview and Winnetka. If you were unable to attend the Open House to provide your comments, you are encouraged to submit your comments on improvements to Willow Road by March 19 to IDOT on their website, http://www.willowroadfuture.org/ so they will be included in the project record for the first public meeting.

It is especially valuable to provide comments to IDOT now as they are developing the scope of the project studies. Phase I studies must include those originating from within the Northfield section as well as those issues from outside the project limits which impact the Northfield section. "Click here" for additional information on this process and the next CAG meeting date.

Workshop Meeting on Proposed Village Budget for FY2010-2011 Moved to March 9 at 6 PM

noreply@blogger.com (Northfield) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:00:00 +0000

The Village Board Committee of the will discuss the budget on Tuesday, March 9 at 6:00 p.m. in the Village Hall Council Chamber, 361 Happ Road. The fiscal budget includes capital projects, equipment replacement as well as proposed departmental budgets. The Village invites all residents to this important workshop. Click here to see a copy of the proposed budget. A copy of the proposed budget is also available for public inspection at the Village Hall.

Cook County Approves Expanded Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Program

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Gittel) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:10:00 +0000

At a meeting this week, the Cook County Board authorized the Circuit Court of Cook County to enter into contracts for an expanded Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Program expected to begin operation at the end of March. The three contracts include services for legal aid and mediation, housing counseling services and community outreach. The program is aimed at addressing the continuing high foreclosure rate. Under the program, homeowners who have pending foreclosures in the Circuit Court of Cook County will be given an opportunity to meet with on-site counselors and on-site attorneys free of charge. Housing counselors will assist homeowners who may be eligible for a loan modification and the attorneys will help homeowners determine if there are any remedies available to stop the foreclosure. If one exists, an attorney will be appointed to represent the borrower in eligible cases. For more informaton regarding this program, contact the Mortgage Foreclosure Case Management Coordinator, at 312-603-3291.

March-April Village Newsletter Now Available

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Gittel) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:04:00 +0000

To read the March-April 2010 Village Newsletter with important information including the date of the Village-wide Clean-Up Day, click on "Newsletters" and "March-April 2010 edition" or sign up to get the newsletter via E-News. After signing up it will be sent directly to your computer via email. Don't miss out on important news and dates!

Northfield Twp. to Again Host Monthly Recyling Events beginning March 27

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Gittel) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 20:46:00 +0000

Northfield Township will again be hosting monthly recycling events beginning, Saturday, March 27 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Northfield Twp. Road District Garage, 1928 Lehigh Avenue in Glenview and this year the recycling program has been expanded. Township residents can take advantage of this free recycling program by dropping off the following items: Art supplies, Batteries (all types), Bikes and toys (usable condition), Cell phones/pagers, Clothing (usable condition), Computer hardware, Engine oil, Eyeglasses, Flags, Household paint (oil and latex), Hydraulic Oil, Ink/toner cartridges, Metal, Therapeutic medical equipment, Tires, and Transmission fluid. Also, on-site document shredding will be provided by Opportunity Secure Data Destruction.

New for 2010, through a partnership with Abt Electronics, residents can now drop off televisions, electronics and styrofoam at the township recycling events. For additional information about recycling, visit the township website, www.northfieldtownship.com or call the Twp. Road District Garage, 847-724-7055 or the township office, 847-724-8300.

Monthly recycling events are planned for the following dates:
3/27, 4/17, 5/15, 6/19, 7/17, 8/21, 9/25 and 10/23 - all from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Twp. District Garage, 1928 Lehigh Avenue in Glenview.

Willow Road - Where is this Project and How to Find Out the Latest Information

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Gittel) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:00:00 +0000

The Village is committeed to keeping Northfield residents and businesses updated on what is happening regarding Willow Road with information on its Traffic and Transportation meetings as well as information from IDOT. You can stay informed by clicking on the box "Keeping Up On Willow Road" on this home page. In addition, IDOT has set up a direct website, http://www.willowroadfuture.org/, where they are providing an explanation of Context Sensitive Solutions, the process, as well as IDOT's Community Advisory Group (CAG) meeting dates, plans, training materials and communications with the communities impacted by the study (Northfield, Glenview and Northbrook). Take a few moments to find out what is going on with Willow Road and to be part of the process.

2010 Census Questionnaire to Arrive in Homes in Mid-March

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Gittel) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:00:00 +0000

One of the shortest and an easy-to-fill out Census questionnaire will be arriving in the mail beginning in mid-March. It contains 10 questions pertaining to name, gender, age, race, ethnicity, relationship and homeownership status of each individual residing at a particular address as of April 1, 2010. Title 13 of the U.S. Code protects the confidentiality of all your information and violations are a crime that carry severe penalties. The U.S. Census Bureau collects this information to determine how more than $400 billion is allocated to local and state governments and other groups over the next 10 years including schools, job training centers, hospitals, emergency services, senior centers and bridges, tunnels and other public works projects. Census information also determines which States gain or lose representation in theU.S. House of Representatives. The goal of the 2010 Census is to count everybody, count them only once and count them in the right location. Take a few minutes to complete this very important questionnaire and help shape the decisions that affect our community over the next 10 years. Participation is not just important...it is mandatory. Forms not returned by mail will be followed up on by a visit from a census taker. For more information, visit the 2010 Census website at www.census.gov/2010.

If you are interested in a temporary, part time job as a census taker, which offers good pay, flexible hours and paid training, call the toll-free hotline, 1-866-861-2010.

Long Range Financial Planning Sub-Committe Report Focuses on Serious Financial Issues Facing the Community

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Gittel) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 18:15:00 +0000

Click here to read the complete Long Range Financial Planning Sub-Committee's Report which provides insight into the financial problems facing the Village and trends over the next five years presented to the Board on October 20, 2009. Following presentation of the report, President Gougler asked the Sub-Committee chaired by Trustee John Chapin to continue their work in helping to identify "solutions" to the serious financial issues brought about by lower revenues, tax caps and inceasing expenses. At their February 2 meeting, the Sub-Committee reviewed four options for solving the debt issue: 1) cutting staff and Village services by 20%; 2) raising property taxes through a referendum; 3) accessing the merits of becoming a home rule community through a referendum; and 4) consider strategic restructuring, consolidation of services and/or expanded intergovernmental agreements. The Sub-Committee selected option 3 and a Task Force has been formed to study this option in greater detail. Their first meeting will be held Tuesday, February 23 at 4:59 p.m. at the Village Hall.

A town hall meeting has been set for all residents to hear more about the economic impact on Village finances, the solutions the Committee has studied to get the Village on a successful long term financial course and to hear comments and questions from residents. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 27 at 7:00 PM in the Village Hall Council Chamber, 361 Happ Road. Mark your calendar and plan to attend this important meeting!

Sign Up for the Village Newsletter via E-News to Continue to Receive Bi-Monthly Issues

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Gittel) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:00:00 +0000

To save on the cost of printing and postage, the Village has discontinued printed newsletters except for a few special newsletters. To continue receiving the Village Newsletter, visit the Village website, http://www.northfieldil.org/ and click on "Newsletter" to read it on line or to print out a copy or, sign up for "E-News" on the Village website. A copy of the newsletter will be emailed directly to you via your computer. To begin the process, click on the "E-News" box on this page and type in your email address . This will take you to a form where you can subscribe to receive the Newsletter and other news you have an interest in. As news becomes available in the areas you select, you will automatically receive an email update sent to your computer. In addition to the Northfield News, you can receive news in categories such as Public Safety, News from the Village Board, Hot Topics and, Construction Updates and Road Closures. E-News also allows you to update your email address, send emails to others you think would want to know the news and, you can un-subscribe if you find the categories or the E-News program is not effective for you.

If you do not have a computer and/or you are unable to receive the Newsletter in this manner, please contact the Village Hall, 847-446-9200 x2231.

Keep Rivers and Streams Flowing to Prevent Flooding

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Gittel) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:00:00 +0000

The Village would like to remind residents to do their part to prevent flooding by not dumping landscaping or any other debris in the area rivers and to clear leaves, branches and dirt away from storm/sewer drains. Leaves and branches clog up rivers and drains and prevent water from flowing properly resulting in water overflowing the banks in various areas. Residents who hire landscaping companies are also reminded to let them know not to dump in the river. The Village has received complaints about landscapers dumping material in the Middlefork Branch of the Chicago River. Please let your landscaper know they must remove any landscaping material from your property. Anyone caught dumping debris in the river can be ticketed and/or fined.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago's Small Streams Maintenance Program (SSMP) works in cooperation with municipalities to remove stream debris. In 2009, approximately 34,550 cubic yards of debris was removed from small streams. Last year Northfield with the help of SSMP was successful in removing numerous blockages in the North Branch of Middlefork of the Chicago River south of Winnetka Road. In total, 6,695 cubic yards of debris were removed from the North Branch that flows into Chicago. The District expects to expand its SSMP program to include erosion control projects to stabilize banks and prevent blockages that can lead to flooding.

To report small stream blockages near your home and to submit a blockage clearing request, go to http://www.mwrd.org/. Citizens, civic groups and high school/college students that would like to volunteer to keep local rivers and streams clear of debris can participate in the program called Watershed Action Volunteer Efforts (WAVEs). Check the website, http://www.mwrd.org/ for more information.

Villages Continue Efforts to Lease Unused UP Tracks for Bike/Walking Trail

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Gittel) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:00:00 +0000

Following completion and approval by the Board of the Feasibility Study in early 2008, which indicated the various steps that could be taken to turn the Union Pacific railroad right of way into a walking/biking path through the four communities of Glenview, Wilmette, Northfield and Northbrook, the Skokie Valley Trail Committee sent letters, emails and made phone calls to Union Pacific to determine their interest in leasing the right of way under a rail banking agreement for an extension of the Skokie Valley Trail. Because there has been no formal response from Union Pacific to the Committee's request, the four communities held a meeting in July 2009 with representatives from the four Village Boards as well as with State Representatives Elaine Nekritz and Beth Coulson to discuss how to move the project along and how to determine Union Pacific's interest. Various strategies were discussed at the meeting and it was determined that the State and Board representatives would use their contacts to further gauge Union Pacific's future plans. An alternate approach or Plan B which the four communities are considering is the use of Commonwealth Edison's right of way versus Union Pacific's, however this was not addressed in the Feasibility Study. Efforts to meet with Union Pacific to discuss leasing the right of way continue.

State of Illinois Emergency Contact Information

noreply@blogger.com (i46xJIJK) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:23:00 +0000

The State of Illinois is offering Illinois instruction permit, driver's license and identification card holders to enter their emergency contact information into a voluntary, secure database. Starting in August 2009, in the event of a motor vehicle crash or other emergency situation where a person is unable to communicate directly, law enforcement may access this database to help them reach the person's designated emergency contacts. Click the link to start the process. http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/ecd/home.html

Northfield to Receive $200,000 from State for Stormwater Projects

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Gittel) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:12:00 +0000

17th District Representative Beth Coulson recently informed the Village of Northfield that she was successful in getting $200,000 allocated from the State Capital funds to help Northfield with stormwater projects. A series of projects were identified by the Village's consulting engineer of Gewalt Hamilton Associates Inc., who conducted a comprehensive stormwater study in 2008. During that study, heavy flooding occurred in September when storms dumped an historic rainfall on the area of 8.54 inches in a 72 hour period. The stormwater study helped identify potential projects to minimize flooding throughout the Village's stormwater sewer system. The $200,000 Northfield will receive will be allocated partially from new revenue sources the State has identified that are being established to help fund capital projects throuoghout the State. This comes at an ideal time for many municipalities whose own capital budgets have been significantly reduced by revenue losses and higher expenses.

Food Pantry Donations Needed during Difficult Economic Times

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Gittel) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Volunteers at a local food pantry have written to call attention to the on-going need for food donations at local food pantries at Northfield and New Trier Township offices. During the Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas holidays many people donated ; however, now that the holidays are over donations have fallen to next to nothing but the need is great.

With more and more people losing their jobs or working part time and with many senior citizens losing income from their investments, members of the community including clubs, organizations, church and temple groups are being asked to continue giving throughout the year. Cans of vegetables, soups, fruit, seafood, chili, ravioli, pastas, rice are welcome as well as boxed mashed potatoes, cereals, and noodles and other pastas.

One example of recognizing the need and doing something to help was demonstrated by a Northfield Senior Center member who contacted the Highland Baking Company in Northbrook which agreed to help by donating day old bread which has a shelf life of five days. Volunteers of the Senior Center pick up six cases of bread every Monday morning and deliver them to New Trier and Northfield Twp. food pantries.

You can help others too! Contact the Northfield Twp office on where to drop off your food pantry donations. Go to www.visitourmall.com/NorthfieldTownshipFoodPantry to be linked to their site or find out where to drop off donations in New Trier Township at http://www.newtriertownship.com/ . Your donations are always appreciated and really make a difference!

Recycling Your Small Electronics at the Village Hall

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Gittel) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Northfield provides an opportunity for residents to displose of small electronics including old cell phones, DVD's, game consoles, MP3 players, digital cameras, digital video recorders and laptops/notebooks. White Plastic recycling containers have been placed in the front lobby of the Village Hall, 361 Happ, and the Public Works/Fire-Rescue building at 1800 Winnetka Road for the convenience of residents in disposing of these items. Tax donation letters are available on the bins and can be picked up at the time of drop off. Items are collected by Recycling Avenue, a service of Avenues to Independence, a non-profit organization formed to save the environment by recycling donated, small electronic items that it collects and disposes of in a proper manner while providing jobs for physically and mentally challenged persons. Items not accepted: computer monitors, printers, personal computers and toner cartridges.

The Village Hall is open 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday and the Public Works/Fire-Rescue building is open 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday.

Stormwater Drainage Report Presented at Dec. 1 Village Board Meeting Available Via Link

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Gittel) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 22:00:00 +0000

The Stormwater Report discussed at the Monday, December 1, 2008 Village Board meeting as presented by engineering consultant Pat Glenn of Gewalt Hamilton Engineers is available by going to the following link on your computer: http://maps.gha-engineers.com/NSPIR/ or by clicking on "Flood Issues" picture and then "Stormwater Drainage Report."

Who to Call for Power Loss and Other Problems

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Gittel) — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 22:58:00 +0000

ComEd, 1-800-334-7661: For electrical outages (no lights or other electricity).

NICOR Gas, 1-888-642-6748: To report a natural gas odor.

AT&T, 1-888-611-4466 (repair): For downed telephone lines or dead phones.

Comcast Cable, 1-866-594-1234: For Cable TV service problems, burial of cable wires, internet or phone service problems (if service provided by Comcast).

Waste Management, 1-800-796-9696: For waste/recycling, landscape waste pickups, special pickups and commercial size dumpsters.

Northfield Public Works Dept, 847-441-3810: For water/sewer problems.

Northfield Fire-Rescue Dept., 911 for Emergencies; 847-446-2131 for Non-Emergencies: For fires, medical emergencies, ambulance.

Northfield Police Dept., 911 for Emergencies; 847-446-2131 for Non-Emergencies. For burglaries, suspicious persons or activity, accidents, gun incidents and other illegal or criminal activities.