MAYOR

ROBERT E. LEE, JR.

The More We Change, the More We Stay the Same

Greetings Berkeley residents and businesses!

The inevitability and opportunity of change will be the theme of this article as we approach summer of 2018. The world changes every day and Berkeley is certainly no exception. The ability, preparedness, willingness and foresight to adjust to the times goes a long way to sustained success for any organization.

June of 2017 was a very important time for the future of Berkeley as the 5 year strategic planning session was facilitated with input and guidance from the Village of Berkeley Board

of Trustees, Administrative staff, Police and Fire Chiefs, Public Works Superintendent and other key staff and personnel. I am very pleased to report that the vision and opportunities conceived by our 5 year strategic plan was formally presented to the intergovernmental and civic partners of the Village of Berkeley on April 30th in the Bicentennial Room of Village Hall. By all accounts, our plan and vision seemed to be well received as we realize that growth and advancement takes a team effort with partners that share a similar vision of what Berkeley is and can be.

The most interesting findings during our strategic planning process was the overlapping goals of the previous strategic plan penned in 2006. Among those goals were the redevelopment of Village Hall facilities on Electric Ave, the relocation and construction of a modern Public Works Facility, implementation of Advanced Life Support (ALS) in the Fire Department and the search for a better use of the retention pond on the northeast section of town. The Village Hall and Public Works facility were both completed by 2013. ALS was phased-in over the last few years, being fully implemented in 2016. The retention pond is now the proposed location of the Village of Berkeley Flood Mitigation Project slated to begin construction this summer. As you can see, the goals and implementation take years to bring to fruition, changes overlap leadership and personnel, but with proper planning and a shared vision change can eventually become reality. Embracing that change becomes our greatest opportunity.

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Succession planning is also a key component to growth, transition and opportunity for organizations and the people who serve the organization. Chief Phil Smith served the Berkeley Police Department and the Berkeley community for 4 years. The day that Chief Smith was sworn in, he made a commitment to the Board of Trustees that his successor would be ready to step into his role when the opportunity presented itself. As of May 1st, Chief Smith accepted the position of Chief of Police for the Village of Montgomery, IL. Fulfilling his obligation to the Berkeley community, Chief Smith made good on his promise by mentoring a successful transition process within the organization. It was with great pride and confidence that on May 1, 2018, I appointed former Operations Commander, Timothy J. Larem, as the Village of Berkeley’s newest Chief of Police.

Tim Larem has spent his entire public safety career with the Village of Berkeley as a candidate, Patrol Officer, Sargent, Commander of Operations and now Chief of Police. Tim is a lifelong Berkeley resident who is fair, compassionate, decisive, leads by example, has a firm grasp of confidence in his organization and will be a strong leader within the Village of Berkeley and for the Berkeley Police Department. Thank you Phil and Tim for your commitment to the Berkeley community and to the safety of those you serve.

The appointment of Chief Larem is an example of being prepared for change. Change always seems to arrive a bit premature and with planning, change presents the opportunity to grow from within. Tim joins Joe Wagner as the second Village of Berkeley department head to have advanced within the organization. Succession planning creates continuity, saves both time and money and gives all employees an equal opportunity to strive to be the best at their profession while preparing themselves to be ready for an opportunity that may present itself.

May 1st also marked the beginning of our new fiscal year. Many thanks to Village Administrator Rudy Espiritu, Assistant Administrator Brandiss Martin and all departments for working with the Board of Trustees in preparing this year’s budget. Staff was faced with a difficult task when challenged with increasing costs and escalating salaries while state income tax revenue to Berkeley has declined coupled with other flat lining revenues from the last several years.

In spite of challenging fiscal responsibilities that we face with our general fund, we as a municipality have implemented some aggressive plans that are funded by outside revenue sources as well as a healthy capital project fund to pay for infrastructure improvements. Guided by strategic planning both past and present, we stand ready to turn this latest challenge in to an opportunity for progress and many busy days ahead.

Respectfully,

Robert E. Lee, Jr. Robert E. Lee, Jr. President of the Village of Berkeley

Robert E. Lee Jr. Village President

Maria M. Rivera Village Clerk

Sherry Graf-Stone Village Trustee

Raymond Grenier Village Trustee

L.W. Hammar Village Trustee

Jerry Perez Village Trustee

Diane Salemi Village Trustee

Herb Washington Village Trustee

Rudy Espiritu Village Administrator

Brandiss J. Martin Assistant Village

Administrator

Timothy J. Larem Chief of Police

Mike Kuryla Fire Chief

Joseph Wagner Public Works

Superintendent

Ellen Hurley Deputy Village Clerk

Anita Arroyo Berkeley Matters

Village of Berkeley Annual Academic

Applications can be downloaded or picked-up at the Village Hall, 5819 Electric Avenue. Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 13, 2018 for the 2018-2019 school year, late applications will not be considered. Download a copy of the application from www.berkeley.il.us and return it to the Village Hall.

Check local businesses, professional organizations, and service organization for other scholarship opportunities. Do not forget about the human resources department if employed, some companies pay for part, or all, of their employees’ college tuition costs or extend scholarship opportunities to immediate relatives of employees.

Scholarship offers financial aid from $500-$3,000 for income eligible residents of Cook County who demonstrate academic achievement, career potential and educational motivation. Must submit a complete scholarship application with all required documents and provide proof of residency and income eligibility. The application is available on-line at www.cedaorg.net. Deadline, Friday, June 8, 2018 at 5:00 p.m.

pets, special needs, medications, health issues, layout of the residence and any other useful information for emergency responders. Setting this up is very simple at www.smart911.com . Are you interested in the Village’s crime statistics? Every month the Berkeley Police Department Monthly Report can found at the Village’s website at www.berkeley.il.us. Officer Len Norek typically provides specifics at BNW monthly meeting blotter as well. To apply for a block captain’s position, contact Officer Norek for an application, a training guide and after approval, a credential badge. Future meetings at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall:

Date Topic June 13 Magnificent Mutts to discuss animal control and safety July 11 Summer safety August 1 Sponsoring Music in the Park August 7 “National Night Out” BNW will hold a fundraiser to honor

the Berkeley Police Department, further details to follow Contact us: Email: berkeleyneighborhoodwatch@outlook.com Facebook: berkeleyneighborhoodwatch Berkeley PD: Officer Norek at 708- 449-8226 or lnorek@berkeley.il.us Mail: PO Box 769, Hillside, Il. 60162 Remember to display BNW decals which can be obtained at the Library, Village Hall and Police Station.

cholarship

Recently Berkeley Neighborhood Watch (BNW) held a meeting for residents to familiarize them with the new Cook County Smart911 system presented by the Sheriff’s communications supervisor Cathy A. Ryan. Smart911 allows residents to set up an account to list emergency contacts, household members including

Join us for upcoming events and becoming a member! BCGC will be holding the Annual Spring Fest on June 9th from 12 p.m.-2 p.m. at the BCGC garden grounds. On June 19th BCGC will hold a member meeting at 6:30 p.m., weather permitting location will be determined at BCGC grounds or Library.

The fun continues in July! On the 17th Club member BBQ and bird house craft. BCGC will be sponsoring Music in the Park with the Village of Berkeley on the 25th. Then on August 12th join us at the Family Fun Fest once again. To close off August on the 21st, the club members will hold a fun and educational workshop at 6:30 p.m., weather dictated location BCGC grounds or Berkeley Public Library.

Beautify Berkeley Program

This is the 3rd year of our Beautify Berkeley Program! We are so proud of our neighborhood that we want to promote and show appreciation to our residents and businesses that have invested significant efforts into maintaining well-manicured lawns and curb appeal. As a reminder from your Community Service Officer, maintain your grass below six inches. Any grass or weeds higher than the allowable six inches is will be issued a citation. May to October of each month, Village of Berkley personnel will be making a recommendation to the Village Board for those properties that are well maintained. At one board meeting a month, the Board will select the winner and award them with a prize. At the end of the program season, all of the winners from the previous months will be entered into a drawing for a grand prize winning. If you’re up for the challenge, all you have to do is keep your properties manicured and wait for us to make contact with you each month. For more information on the Beautify Berkeley Program, visit our website at www.berkeley.il.us. The Village President and Board of Trustees are very excited to be able to reward the residents and businesses that make it a priority to maintain their properties looking their best!

The Berkeley Legion and Auxiliary would like to thank Village President Lee, the residents of Berkeley and all others who helped with our recent Poppy Days Campaign. Thanks to all of you we have surpassed our goal this year allowing us to do more for the hospitalized veterans. Post 1016 really enjoy being out in the community distributing the poppies, we get to see all of our neighbors and community residents. All who saw us were friendly and happy to help the veterans.

Please come and visit us at our tent at the Family Fun Fest the 12th of August at Berkeley Park across from the Village Hall. We look forward to seeing all of you and having a chance to chat. Come and enjoy the food, drink, friends and of course the day.

VILLAGE HALL 5819 Electric Avenue

Berkeley IL, 60163

OFFICE HOURS Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Telephone:

708-449-8840

FAX: 708-449-6189

POLICE DEPARTMENT 5819 Electric Avenue

Berkeley IL, 60163

Emergency Phone: 911

Non-Emergency Phone: 708-449-8224

FAX: 708-449-8660

FIRE DEPARTMENT 5819 Electric Avenue

Berkeley IL, 60163

Emergency Phone: 911

Non-Emergency Phone: 708-449-9444

FAX: 708-449-2557

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1201 Wolf Rd.

Berkeley IL, 60163

Telephone: 708-449-8840

FAX: 708-449-6189

American Legion Post 1016

Miss Poppy, Sahrya Lanenga, will do a great job this year and we give her a great big thank you for her efforts. Our essay winner, Diego Yanez will do a great job again, reading his essay at the Memorial Day Ceremony. Memorial Day Ceremonies here in Berkeley are true community events, so many residents come out to remember those who gave their lives so that we can live in a free country.

June slows down for us but gives us a chance to get ready for the State Convention in July. New policies and officers are elected for the coming year. The National Convention is in Minneapolis this year from August 24 thru 30.

Understanding: Basement Back-Ups

Berkeley has two different underground flowage systems; the sanitary system and the storm water system. The sanitary system carries waste water via bathrooms, dishwashers, sinks, washing machines and other simple waste producing necessities. Eventually finds its way to a treatment facility. The storm system, enters a completely separate set of underground pipes through basins and street curb drains, discharging untreated water into nearby creeks and rivers. Polluted runoff is the nation’s greatest threat to a clean-water environment and a major concern for the Village of Berkeley and its residents. Sewer backup - properties within the Village have only one connection to the sanitary sewer system through the private sanitary lateral. These laterals represent direct connections to the sanitary collection systems meant to convey wastewater from the home and ultimately out of the Village. The municipal sanitary system is regularly maintained throughout the year. However, when a blockage occurs, or when the systems are overloaded during heavy rains, a sewage backup can impact a home or business.

For ways that YOU can help visit www.berkeley.il.us

Public Works Department

Each year, the Village of Berkeley purchases nearly 275 million gallons of water from the Hillside-Berkeley Water Commission and distributes it to over 1500 water customers within our community. Monitoring the consumption of our water takes a combination of technology that transmits water data electronically from a meter that tracks the water used in a home or business. Within the system, large quantities of water meters have been in service for over 15 years and have reached the end of their useful lives. As water meters age, they often lose accuracy, resulting in non-revenue water loss when water gets past the reading device unmeasured. A proactive replacement program has been devised to replace aging meters to ensure more accurate readings and billing. How Do They Work? All water meters currently have a wireless device that transmits meter readings to a handheld device used to capture data each month. Public Works staff will replace the old water meter and re-connect the transmitting device to the new unit in each home or business. In order to replace the meter, staff members will need access to your property. In instances where replacements become more complex, the Village will ask the licensed plumbers of Water Resources, Inc. to complete the new installation. What Should You Expect? During each visit, a Public Works staff member will attempt to make contact at your home during the day to replace the water meter. Each visit may take about 30 minutes to complete. If a resident or business owner is not available when a staff member arrives, a letter detailing a request for appointments will be left behind. Public Works will make visits Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and will seek to schedule Saturday appointments once a month between 8:00 a.m. and noon. What Can You Do? The replacement program is set to begin in May. Village Code states that it is the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain the water pipes and valves within their homes. Public Works staff is only present to replace the meter and cannot perform any other plumbing related duties. It is asked that residents and business owners begin to locate their water meters and clear the area for ease of access. Clearing space ahead of time will reduce the inconvenience and allow staff to get in and out of your home efficiently. Water meters are typically located in a basement or utility area, although some are located in the parkway of select residences. Someone 18 years or older must be home during each visit. If your meter is not accessible, you will be given instructions on how to alleviate the obstruction and a re-scheduled visit will be arranged.

More Questions? The Village of Berkeley sincerely appreciates your help in making this replacement project a success. For questions about the Water Meter Replacement Program, please visit the Village website at www.berkeley.il.us, stop by Village Hall at 5819 Electric Avenue or contact the Village at 708-449-8840.

GOOD TO KNOW

Tornado Sirens are tested on the first Tuesday of each

month

Board Meetings are scheduled for the first and

third Tuesday of each month and are held in the Village Hall Bicentennial

Room at 6:30 p.m.

Plan Commission / ZBA Meetings are scheduled for the fourth Tuesday of each

month at 6:30 p.m.

Economic Development Commission Meetings are scheduled for the second Tuesday of each month at

6:30 p.m.

When your side of town is scheduled for Brush Pick-Up, it is also your turn for

Recycling Pick-Up

BY THE NUMBERS

Roy Strom (Refuse, Recycling and Yard Waste)

708-344-5000

ComEd (Electrical Provider)

1-800-EDISON1

Nicor (Natural Gas Provider)

1-888-642-6748

Proviso Township Residents Assistance 708-449-4300

When the weather starts to become more pleasant, it is only natural to want to be outside to absorb as much as possible. When you are relaxing in the backyard, one of the highlights of that evening is a safely built and watched fire. When enjoying your fire only use dried firewood. One of the quickest ways to aggravate the neighbors is to produce thick low hanging smoke caused by fresh cut wood, yard clippings and plastics. Three simple rules for outside fires

1. Safe location, fires should be at least 15 feet away from any structure or combustible exposure.

2. Start the fire safely, fire pits should not be any larger than 3 feet x 3 feet and covered to prevent embers from traveling and possibly causing fires elsewhere.

3. Extinguish the fire when done, Remember to extinguish fires when you are done for the evening.

Outside fire pits and chimneys are meant to take delight and pleasure in. Unfortunately, they are also the reason for accidental mishaps that have caused destruction an injury. Contact the Berkeley Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau at 708-234-2645, if you have any questions.

Proviso Township Assessors Office Assessor Steven Zawaski and staff will be at the library on August 7 at 5:00 – 7:00 pm to answer community questions and assist with paperwork on real estate tax appeal. Don’t miss your chance for more information! (Registration required) Graphic Novel Club: Back by demand. The library will once again host a graphic novel club for teens and young adults, every other Friday starting June 22 through August 3, at 4:30 pm. There will be discussions, activities, movies/episode showings and more. The first meeting will be June 16 at 4:30 p.m. Ages 13+. Science Days: Come explore science at the library this summer where learning is always an adventure. June 12, July 10, and August 7 at 2:00 PM. Intended for children 7 and up. Drop-in Kids Craft: We’ve got fun Father’s Day craft project for kids! Join us June 16 at 11:30 am - 12:30 pm. Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult. Bedtime Math Challenge: Let your kids take the bedtime math challenge by either logging on to their website and completing the daily math question, or coming into the library and completing a daily math challenge. For every 30 math challenges completed, earn the chance to be entered into a special raffle drawing! Ages 5 – 13.

Reoccurring Favorites Adult Book Group: June 13, July 11, and August 8 at 7:00 pm. Story Times: Mondays at 10:30 am starting June 4 and Tuesdays at 6:00 pm, starting June 5th. [Bi-lingual story days on Tuesday - June 12, July 10 & August 7 at 6:00 pm]. Ages 2 – 7, accompanied by a parent

Little Bits for Tweens: July 3 at 2:00 pm. Ages 8 – 12. Registration is required – seating is limited! Game Design & Bloxels: June 19 and July 31 at 2:00 pm. Ages 8+. Registration is required – sign up early

Summer Reading is back, eight weeks of reading and activities for adults, teens, and youth. Our theme this year is ‘Reading Takes you Everywhere’. There will be loads of exploration and creating programs planned and weekly prizes for youth and chances for all to win fun prizes! Registration June 2nd with a special ‘Dinosaur Encounter’ program and Kids’ Drop-in-Craft at the library. Summer reading runs through August 11th

Library Programming & Technology

Berkeley Public Library 1637 Taft Avenue – Berkeley IL, 60163 Phone: 708-544-6017 / FAX: 708-544-7551 Monday - Thursday 10-9 / Friday 10-6 / Saturday 10-5 www.berkeleypl.org

Holiday Closure Wednesday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day Dinosaur Encounter Join us at the library on June 2 at 1:00 – 2:00 pm, for a highly visual and very entertaining presentation of author, Janet Riehecky, shares her collection of more than 50 fossils and museum-quality replicas of real dinosaur bones! Intended for children 5 and up. Register early as seating is limited! The Life of Alexander Hamilton Historian Jim Gibbons returns to the library to take you on an exploration into the life of one of America’s most talked about founding fathers. From his skyrocketing in popularity and fame to his sudden downfall due to scandal and ultimately, his tragic death. You will not want to miss this riveting story of Hamilton’s life on July 14 at 1:00 – 2:00 pm! Intended for ages 10 and up. Registration is required – seating is limited!

Birds of Prey Join us at the library on Tuesday, July 17 at 5:30 – 6:30 pm, as a representative from the Trailside Museum of Natural History in River Forest shares a special presentation on birds of prey. A guest owl will be at the program! Intended for all ages. Registration is required – seating is limited!

Art Club Join us this summer as we pursue creativity at the library! Patrons are welcome to bring their own visual art projects or partake of the club’s daily themes. The library will provide basic art supplies and still lifes. All ages are welcome! Saturdays: June 23rd, July 7, July 21 and August 4 at 2: – 4:00 pm; Mondays: June 25 and July 9 at 3:00 – 5:00 pm

Lunch Time Movie Days Join us Tuesdays this summer, June 12 through August 7, at 12:00 pm, as we show a family-friend [PG] movie. We’ll provide the free popcorn, you bring a lunch. Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult. Computer Classes If you are looking to learn basic computer skills [emailing, downloading, word processing] please join us for this class! Half of the class will be spent building general knowledge and skills, with the latter half of each class being available for attendees to ask questions and work through their own specific difficulties. June 21 and August 7 at 6:30 pm. Registration is required – limited to 6 attendees! This program is intended for adults.

Adult Coloring Need some time to relax and enjoy yourself? Then please join us at the library for this stress-free and relaxing evenings of coloring on June 27 & July 25 at 6:30 pm. This program is intended for ages 16+. Light refreshments will be served.

Tween Snack Craft Join us on Saturday, July 28th, at 1:00 pm as we use every day snacks to create edible pieces of art. Ages 8 – 13. Registration is required – seating is limited.

Tween Tie-Dye Craft Day Want to turn something drab into something beautiful? Bring a white or very pale colored cotton item of clothing or bedding to the library on June 30th at 1:00 pm and you will do just that as you learn to tie dye. Ages 13 – 19. Registration is required – seating is limited.

SAVE THE DATE: SEPTEMBER SOCIAL SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 8th

The Berkeley Citizen’s Police Association (BCPA) sends congratulations and well wishes to our new Chief of Police Department, Tim Larem. We also send our thanks and fond farewell to Chief Phil Smith for his role in the community and introducing the Citizens Police Academy.

Berkeley Citizens Police Association was formed by the first graduating class of the Academy in order to continue working with the police department and assisting in different areas. You may have seen us directing traffic at events like the baseball parade, family picnic, etc. This year we hope to be more involved as summer approaches.

At this time we have open enrollment for the next Academy session coming soon. This course offers an inside look at the workings and methodology of police officers. This involves anything from a routine traffic stop to a full out riot situation. To sign up for this free course, you must be living or working in Berkeley, over 18 years old, and register by completing the attached form and mail it to Officer Kevin Manetti, Berkeley Police Dept. 5819 Electric Ave. Berkeley, IL 60163 (or drop it off at Village Hall).

PERSONAL INFORMATION Last Name: First Name: M.I.:

Date of Birth: Telephone #:

DL Number: SSN#:

Address:

City/State/Zip

PLEASE RETURN TO THE BERKELEY POLICE DEPT.

ATTN: OFFICER MANETTI

Village of Berkeley 5819 Electric Avenue Berkeley, IL 60163

Berkeley Police Department Citizens Police Academy