April 2019 ■ NewSkokie - the award winning municipal information source

in this issue2 Fire Department Award

2 Vehicle License Update

3 Skokie’s Spring Greening

3 8000 North Project

4 Anti-Litter Initiatives

6 State of the Village Program

7 Police Department

Promotions

8 Alternative Energy Program

12 2020 Census

Skokie Public Works Department Earns Fourth Reaccreditation

The Skokie Human Relations Commission invites all Skokie residents and those working in Skokie to join the fifth annual Skokie Stand Against Racism on Thursday, April 25 beginning at 10:30 a.m.

All are welcome to join with others in standing on Skokie streets as a visible reminder that racism affects all of us, and that Skokie will continue to build racial equity and stand against all forms of racism.

You can plan to stand with others at the following locations: Oakton Street from Lincoln Avenue west to Niles West High School, Gross Point Road near Oakton Street or along Gross Point Road near Church Street and along Lawler Street, or stand on the sidewalk wherever you are in the community.

There is no cost to participate, but participants are asked to register by visiting standagainstracism.org.

Once registration is complete, Stand Against Racism materials will be available. ■

At the February 19, 2019 Village Board meeting, the Skokie Public Works Department received re-accreditation from the American Public Works Association (APWA). The Public Works Department first received APWA accreditation in 2003, being only the twelfth public works agency in the United States to receive accreditation. With this credential for Skokie Public Works, Skokie became the first municipality in the country to have professionally accredited Fire, Police and Public Works Departments, plus the distinction of having a state-certified Health Department. The Skokie Public Works Department was reaccredited in 2006, 2010, 2014 and now in 2019.

In a presentation to the Village Board, APWA President Dave Lawry noted that Skokie Public Works was 100 percent compliant with the rig-

orous APWA accreditation standards that range from administration and personnel to engineering practices, refuse management and more. In total, there are more than 500 stan-dards in the APWA Accreditation manual, of which over 400 apply to Skokie Public Works. Throughout the reaccreditation process, Public Works staff reviewed every aspect of operations,and participated in a fall 2018 site visit by an APWA ac-creditation team.

“APWA accreditation is a mark of professionalism by a public works agency and that they have made the commitment to continuous improvement and delivery of public services,” said Lawry. He also noted that accredited agencies generally have safer operations, and praised Skokie for being in 100 percent compliance. In this reaccreditation

cycle, Skokie Public Works was recognized for having four model practices that demonstrate exemplary or unique service delivery to the community in the areas of human resource management, equipment and fleet management, street cleaning planning and

parks, grounds and forestry. Congratulations to Public Works Director Max Slankard, Assistant to the Public Works Director George Issakoo and all of the Public Works Department staff who work hard for the community each and every day throughout the year! ■

Join the Community to Stand Against Racism on April 25

Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen Stands Against Racism with a group from

Lincoln Junior High School

2 | NewSkokie ■ April 2019 ■ www.skokie.org

village

NotesFire Department Receives Award for Smoke Alarm and Education Programs

Changes to 2019 Annual Vehicle License Renewal Fees and ProcessThere will be several changes to the Village’s annual vehicle license renewal process in 2019, including having 2019 stickers displayed by August 1. Also:

• The cost will increase to $40 for all passenger ve-hicles, with additional fees for trucks and trailers. After August 1, the fee increases by 50 percent.

• Through July 31, vehicle licenses purchased through the Village’s online system will recieve a $5 discount. After July 31, discounts will not apply for online purchase.

• Online vehicle license purchases will begin on Saturday, June 1, 2019 .

• In-person vehicle license purchases will begin on Monday, June 3, 2019 at Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street.

• Residents who purchased zone parking stickers in the past will be able to purchase the 2019 stickers by mailing the renewal form or by re-newing online. Zone parking stickers cost $2 each and online purchases are not subject to discount.

• All vehicles will be required to display 2019 vehicle licenses and, if applicable, 2019 zone parking stickers by Thursday, August 1, 2019.

Additional details on changes to the vehicle license renewal process, including instructions on online purchasing, will be published in the May/June 2019 edition of NewSkokie that will arrive in homes during late April, 2019.

Information also will be posted on www.skokie.org in coming months and distributed in Skok-ieNews, the Village’s electronic newsletter. To sign up for SkokieNews, see the link on the home page at www.skokie.org. ■

On February 12, 2019, the Skokie Fire Department was recognized by the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance (IFSA) and Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) for the Department’s outstanding contributions to fire safety education and installation of smoke alarms within the Village of Skokie over the past year.

At the beginning of 2018, the nonprofit IFSA and OSFM launched the Be Alarmed! smoke alarm installation program, a fire safety education and smoke alarm installation initiative administered cooperatively between the two organizations. The program distributes fire safety educational materials and 10-year, concealed-battery smoke alarms to participating fire departments in the State of Illinois. Departments then distribute the educational materials and install smoke alarms in at-risk homes within their communities. Both the educational materials and smoke alarms are provided to fire departments at no cost as a result of funding from both the IFSA and OSFM.

“We are excited to be able to partner with the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and State Fire Marshal’s Office in providing these 10-year battery smoke alarms to our residents,” said Skokie Fire Department Deputy Chief Kathleen Furgala. “Fire can spread through a home in a matter of minutes, and smoke alarms can give residents the warning needed to get out safely.”The alarms through the Be Alarmed! program are free to community residents, but must be installed by trained fire department personnel.

“The Skokie Fire Department did a tremendous job educating their residents on fire safety in 2018,” said Illinois Fire Safety Alliance Executive Director Philip Zaleski. “In total, the Skokie Fire Department installed 168 10-year battery smoke alarms in 50 homes as a result of their participation in the Be Alarmed! program.”

For additional details on the Village of Skokie Fire Department’s in-home fire safety inspection and smoke alarm installation programs, please contact the Department at 847/982-4700, or via email to smokedetectorprogram@skokie.org. ■

Mayor George Van Dusen, Village Manager John Lockerby, Interim Fire Chief Jeffrey Hoeflich and Deputy Fire Chief Kathleen Furgala receive award from representatives of both the Office of the Illinois

State Fire Marshal and the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance.

The 8000 North project being constructed on the northwest corner of Lincoln Avenue and Oakton Street in Downtown Skokie is a mixed-use development that will feature a 153-unit, 12-story luxury apartment building and ground-floor retail space. The develop-ment also includes a six-story parking garage with 73 public parking spaces for the development and Downtown Skokie visitors plus 192 private resident parking spaces. The residential building will offer studios, one and two bedroom units along with a number of three-bedroom residences on the twelfth floor.

The building’s rooftop amenity level includes a fit-ness center, great room with fireplace, outdoor barbecue area, coffee lounge, garden areas and other ameni-ties – including views of the Chicago skyline - for build-ing tenants to enjoy.

Phase I of the 8000 North Development, which began in fall 2018, was recently completed. This construc-tion phase included installa-tion of nearly 100 caissons at approximately 60 to 70 feet in depth to support the garage and residential build-ing foundations.

In addition, all underground utilities have been installed

and the foundations for both the residential building and parking garage are in place.

With all of the Phase I work now complete, the project awaits additional govern-mental approvals before

moving to Phase II which will include vertical con-struction of both the garage structure and residential building. Building occupan-cies are expected to begin in mid-2020.

For more information and updates on the 8000 North develop-ment, please visit www.skokie.org. ■

2 | NewSkokie ■ April 2019 ■ www.skokie.org NewSkokie ■ April 2019 ■ www.skokie.org | 3

village

NotesSkokie’s Spring Greening - April 14, Niles North High School Recycle Latex Paint, Tires, Batteries, Electronics and Much MoreSkokie’s annual Spring Greening, a community recycling event that promotes a sustainable lifestyle, will be held on Sunday, April 14, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Niles North High School, 9800 Lawler Avenue, Skokie. The event features a drive-through reuse/recycling drop-off that will accept many different types of items, including rechargeable batteries (no alkaline batteries, please) and:

• Ink and toner cartridges

• Clothing and shoes

• Prom dresses and accessories

• Bicycles and sports equipment

• Vehicle tires

• Eye glasses and hearing aids

• Baby supplies

• Books, CDs and DVDs

• Fluorescent bulbs

• Paper for both shredding (limit three boxes) and recycling,

• Latex paints

• Cardboard

• Fire extinguishers

• American flags

• Holiday lights and extension cords

• Scrap metal and propane canisters

• Medications

Please note that there are some restrictions on what kinds of items will be accepted. For a complete list of items that are accepted at the event and restrictions on some of the items, please visit

www.skokiespringgreening.org/recyclereuse-dropoff/. Due to declining participation, there will be no indoor fair at the 2019 program. Skokie’s Spring Greening is presented by the Skokie Park District, Skokie Chamber of Commerce, Skokie Public Library, Village of Skokie and Niles Township High School District

219. The event began in 2011, with over 950 vehicles dropping off household items in 2018.

For a complete list of accepted items and restrictions, or to volunteer for the event, please visit skokiespringgreening.org. ■

8000 North Project Update

The 8000 North development team, on the site with Mayor George Van Dusen, includes renowned architects from Lucien Lagrange Studio, Pamela Self

Landscape Architects, General Contractor W.E. O’Neil and several other preeminent development professionals.

4 | NewSkokie ■ April 2019 ■ www.skokie.org

village

NotesSkokie’s Anti-Litter Initiatives

Earth Day Challenge! No Plastic Bags for 100 Days

Yard Waste Collection Begins

On Earth Day, April 22, the Village kicks off a 100-day campaign to promote the reduction of plastic bags in our day-to-day lives. Here are a few sobering statistics:

• 18 billion pounds of plastic waste pollutes the oceans each year.

• 40 percent of plastics produced are used just once.

• In the U.S., almost one disposable plastic bag per person is used and thrown away each day.

There are small steps each of us can take to reduce our use of plastic bags and make a difference in the environment. When only buying a few items at the grocery store or pharmacy, challenge yourself to not take a bag when checking out. Bring your own bags when stocking up on groceries and toiletries. Through Wednesday, July 31 - 100 days from Earth Day - the Village and its partners will promote the use of reusable bags in local grocery stores and pharmacies. Let’s all take action in Skokie to make a difference in this global problem. Next time, bring a reusable bag. Reduce - Reuse - Recycle! ■

The Village’s seasonal, weekly yard waste collection program resumes on Wednesdays from April 3 through November 13, 2019. Grass clippings, stumps, sod or dirt will not be collected. Yard waste that will be collected includes brush trimmings, thatch from raking and older flower or vegetable plants.

These materials must be placed in a 30-gallon bio-degradable paper yard waste bag. The Village will not collect any materials prepared in plastic bags. Note that on weeks with a holiday (Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day), yard waste collection takes place on the Saturday following the holiday.

For more information contact the Public Works Department at 847-933-8427 or visit www.skokie.org/RefuseRecycling.cfm. ■

Earlier this year, Village Manager John Lockerby convened a Litter Task Force to develop strategies for reducing the amount of litter on Skokie streets, parks, sidewalks, trails and other outdoor areas. The 14-person task force, chaired by Skokie resident Jeffrey Burman, includes residents and business owners in addition to a representative from the Skokie Park District along with several Village officials and staff members. Task Force meetings are scheduled through June 2019, with a report of recommendations to be presented to the village manager.

After just a few meetings, task force members are already taking action. For example, the Skokie Park District recently requested litter clean-up assistance from soccer leagues, baseball teams and other affiliate groups that use the District’s outdoor facilities. Park District staff is providing plastic bags for the litter clean-ups that will take place at the conclusion of sporting events.

At a recent meeting, the task force reviewed litter abatement measures already in place in the community, including:

Adopt-A-Street Program Organizations can adopt a minimum one-fifth mile section of roadway and commit to picking up litter from the area at least twice each year.

The Village will recognize the group for their commitment and efforts by placing a sign with the organization’s name on the designated street. The program launched in spring 2018, and 10 groups are already participating:

• Charles River Laboratories

• Cub Scout Pack 968

• MCC Academy Girl Scout Troops 40121 and 40142

• Fairview School

• Hillel Torah

• Old Orchard Junior High School

• Service Master by Zaba

• Skokie Caucus Party

• Skokie Public Library

• Turning Point Behavioral Health Care Center

Thanks to these groups for working to keep Skokie clean and beautiful! For more information or to sign up for the program call Public Works at 847/933-8427 or email info@skokie.org.

Clean, Green Skokie! Annual litter clean up where groups sign up to clean litter from a designated area of the

community. This year, Clean, Green Skokie! takes place between April 5 and 29, and the Village provides litter clean up kits to all registered groups. One group that cleans will have a tree planted in their honor at the Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park. To register or for more information, call the Village Manager’s Office at 847/933-8257 or email info@skokie.org.

Skokie Public Works Skokie’s dedicated Public Works crews clean litter from various high-profile areas of the community, including the Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park, and landscaping contractors servicing Village property also clean some areas.

Property Standards Division During routine travels throughout the community, and when they receive a complaint about a specific property, the Village’s Property Standards Division inspectors will issue citations to property owners with littered property. To contact the Property Standards Division about a problem property, call 847/933-8224 or email info@skokie.org.

All Skokie residents and businesses have a duty to keep the community clean. Please do your part! ■

village

Notes

NewSkokie ■ April 2019 ■ www.skokie.org | 54 | NewSkokie ■ April 2019 ■ www.skokie.org

2019 Community Block Grant ProgramThe Village of Skokie recently conducted a series of public hear-ings to determine its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects for Program Year 2019-20. The Village receives CDBG funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Develop-ment (HUD) each year to use for a variety of capital improvements, housing rehabilitation, and social services that principally benefit low/moderate-income Skokie residents. An open, competitive application process is conducted by the Village each year to de-termine the most worthy funding requests. The CDBG program is designed to primarily fund capital improvements and rehabilitation activities.

The entitlement grant amount for Program Year 2019-20 is not known at this time; however, Vil-lage staff is estimating $550,000 based on funding received in recent years. The Village also will re-program an estimated $100,000 in grant funds that have not been spent from previously completed projects. The total budget is es-timated to be $650,000. Service activities will receive the maximum funding allowed by CDBG program regulations, while construction projects will receive most of the program funding. The remaining budget will be applied to CDBG administration costs. Adjustments to the budget may be necessary once the Village’s funding alloca-tion is known.

The following are the Village Board-approved activities, funding allocations, and descriptions of each project or activity. Orga-nizations denoted with an * will provide a minimum 25 percent match toward project costs.

Program Administration and Assessment of Fair Housing ($100,000) Funding is expected to be divided between administration and fair housing assessment activities.

Home Improvement Pro-gram ($50,000) Owner-occupied home repair. Low/moderate-income households are eligible to receive grants up to $12,000 to pay for building materi-als or contractors’ services.

Affordable Housing Initia-tive ($54,500) Support affordable housing in Skokie. Projects may include property acquisition and building improvements.

Street Resurfacing ($200,000) Resurface Davis Street (between Gross Point and Skokie Bou-levard), Carol Street (between the CTA Station and Skokie Boulevard), and the south half of Madison Street (between Skokie Boulevard and Kenton Avenue), all located within low/moderate-income residential neighborhoods.

Sidewalk Grant Program ($3,000) Grants for low/moderate-income homeowners who participate in the Village’s 50/50 sidewalk replace-ment program.

Turning Point ($25,000) Replace a rooftop HVAC unit, and install automatic door operator systems for the men’s and women’s restroom entrances, serving the Turning Point mental health services building at 8324 Skokie Boulevard.

SHORE ($20,000) Replace HVAC system-related equipment in the Lois Lloyd/Administration Center at 8350 Laramie Avenue.

CJE SeniorLife ($30,000) Accessibility, safety, and energy-efficiency upgrades in the com-munity wing of the Village Center senior housing apartment building at 5140 Galitz Street. Projects may include remodeling the men’s and women’s restrooms, and the replacement of fire-rated doors and light fixtures.

Asian Human Services – ADA Exam Table ($5,000) Purchase and permanently install an ADA exam table for the AHS Skokie Clinic at 8800 Lockwood Avenue.

Search ($18,000) Install an ADA-accessible ramp and landing for a supportive living residence on Central Park Avenue.

Orchard Village ($18,000) Replace existing windows of a group home on Floral Avenue.

Thresholds on Church ($9,000) Replace HVAC units serving a two-unit community support residential building on Church Street.

Thresholds on Wright ($35,000) Replace kitchens serving a two-unit community support residen-tial building on Wright Terrace.

Social Worker ($39,500) Offset the costs of a Village Social Worker position in the Human Services Division at 5127 Oakton Street.

Jewish Child and Family Services ($4,000) Offset costs for providing as-sistance to low/moderate-income Skokie residents affected by un-employment/economic hardship. JCFS is located at 5150 Golf Road.

Asian Human Services – Dental Services ($7,000) Offset staff costs related to provid-ing dental care to low/moderate-income Skokie residents. AHS is located at 8800 Lockwood Avenue.

Meals at Home ($3,000) Offset staff costs related to program administration, including two meals per day, plus options for well-being checks and shop-ping assistance services. MaH is located at 1123 Emerson Street, Suite 213, Evanston.

Metropolitan Family Ser-vices ($6,000) Offset staff costs related to general counseling services for low/moderate-income Skokie residents. MFS is located at 5210 Main Street.

PEER Services, Inc. ($5,000) Offset staff costs related to provid-ing substance abuse treatment services to low/moderate-income Skokie residents. PEER is located at 906 Davis Street, Evanston.

Children’s Advocacy Cen-ter ($3,000) Offset staff costs related to provid-ing child and family advocate/counselor services that support low/moderate-income Skokie child abuse victims and their non-offending family members. CAC is located at 255 Revere Drive, Northbrook.

Continued on page six

village

Notes

6 | NewSkokie ■ April 2019 ■ www.skokie.org

On Friday, May 10, 2019, the Skokie Chamber of Commerce will host the annual “State of the Village” breakfast meeting at which Mayor George Van Dusen will provide an overview of the abundance of economic development projects and other important initiatives underway in the community.

The event is held at the Evanston Golf Club, 4401 W. Dempster Street, Skokie, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. While the event is open to the public and both Skokie Chamber member and non-member businesses, advance registration is required and fees apply. The attendance fee is $45 per person or $320 for a table of eight before May 3, 2019.

The Village of Skokie videotapes Mayor Van Dusen’s address which airs on SkokieVision cable channels 17 (Comcast) and 25 (RCN) beginning the week following the event.

For additional information on the “State of the Village” breakfast meeting or to register, please call the Skokie Chamber of Commerce at 847/673-0240 or email events@skokiechamber.org. ■

May 10 State of the Village Program

2019 CDBG Program (continued from page five)The Harbour, Inc. ($3,000) Offset staff costs related to provid-ing services that meet the needs of runaway, neglected, and home-less Skokie youth. The Harbour is located at 1440 Renaissance Drive, Park Ridge.

North Shore Senior Center ($8,000)

Offset staff costs related to providing long-term case manage-ment and counseling services for

Skokie’s low/moderate-income homebound elderly and their families. NSSC is located at 7900 Milwaukee Avenue, Niles.

Youth and Opportunity United ($4,000) Offset staff costs related to provid-ing after school and summer programs for youth from Lincoln and Old Orchard Junior Highs and Edison Elementary. YOU is located at 1911 Church Street, Evanston.

Alternate #1: SASI ($3,000) Offset staff costs related to the administration of the Senior Con-nections Program, if $570,000 in entitlement funding is awarded. SASI is located at 1123 Emerson Street, Suite 200, Evanston.

Alternate #2: Center for Enriched Living ($2,000) Offset staff costs related to the administration of assisting disabled Skokie residents seeking employ-ment, if $583,334 in entitlement

funding is awarded. CEL is located at 280 Saunders Road, Riverwoods.

For further information about the programs and services listed here, as well as a complete de-scription of each grant, contact Planner/CDBG Ad-ministrator Carrie Haber-stich at 847/933-8447. ■

Let’s Talk @ Lunch Explores RacismWe can learn through racism (instead of around it) by sharing a common language and deepening our understanding by looking at events and institutions through a racial equity lens.

An opportunity for us to learn together as coworkers is the “Let’s Talk @ Lunch” program, facilitated by YWCA Racial Equity Director

and Skokie resident,Eileen Hogan Heineman. Let’s Talk @ Lunch is held at Skokie Village Hall!, 5127 Oakton Street, on the third Tuesday of each month at 12 p.m. All are welcome to attend and bring a brown bag lunch.

Articles the group has discussed at Let’s Talk @ Lunch include:

• The Case for Reparations by Ta-Nehisi Coates

• White people have a race — but everyone flips out when we talk about it by Jenée Desmond-Harris

• Letter to My Son by Ta-Nehisi Coates

• What’s Wrong with Cul-tural Appropriation? These 9 Answers Reveal Its Harm by Maisha Z. Johnson

For more information on Let’s Talk @ Lunch, contact the Human Ser-vices Division at 847/933-8208. ■

There have been a number of recent promotions in the ranks of the Skokie Police Department. At the February 19, 2019 Village Board meeting, Skokie Police Officers Sean Gibson, John Oakley and Brandi Shelton were all promoted to the rank of Sergeant. At the next Village Board meeting on March 4, 2019, Sergeants Jesse Barnes and John Moersfelder were promoted to the rank of Commander.

Both Commanders Barnes and Moersfelder each have more than a decade of service to the Skokie Police Department, with numerous assignments in various divisions of the Skokie Police Department. Commander Barnes has led many investigations for both the Skokie

Police Department and other regional investigative task force groups. For the past several years, Commander Moersfelder has led the Crime Prevention/Community Relations Unit. Under his leadership, the Village’s National Night Out held in early August has become a much-celebrated community event with thousands of Skokie residents attending to learn more about crime prevention, interact with Skokie Police officers and participate in fun activities designed to bring the community together. He also has been very involved in growing the Village’s Neighborhood Watch Program. ■

6 | NewSkokie ■ April 2019 ■ www.skokie.org

public safety

Notes

NewSkokie ■ April 2019 ■ www.skokie.org | 7

Police Department Promotions

Left: New Skokie Police Commanders Jesse Barnes and John Moersfelder.

Right: Police Chief Anthony Scarpelli, Board of Fire and Police Commissioners Willard Evans, Jr., and Beryl Rabinowitz congratulate new Skokie Police Sergeants Sean Gibson, John Oakley and Brandi

Shelton.

Safety Tip: Always Carry an IDWhether you are out walking your dog, hiking in a nature preserve, pumping iron at the local gym or training for the next marathon, it is important to be safe. Not only should you be aware of both your surroundings and people around you, it is wise to carry some form of identification with you in case of an emergency. There are several options available to provide your personal information if you become incapacitated or unconscious:

• Carry your ID with you.

• Provide a friend or family member with your anticipated route and expected return time, and check in when you return home.

• Install an “In Case of Emergency” (ICE) App/Icon on your phone. Apple products, as well as Androids, offer varying ICE options for smartphones. Some apps contain the bare minimum including emergency contact numbers and basic medical information. Others allow smartphone users the ability to include several contact numbers and detailed medical histories: treatments, conditions, and prescriptions. Like any other safety item, these apps are only useful if you have your “working” phone with you.

• Wear a dedicated ID. There are multiple companies that have tailored IDs that are meant to assist emergency personnel identify individuals in the event of a medical emergency. On the internet and in sporting goods stores, there are a variety of options to choose from: wrist bands in both nylon and silicon in several different colors and sizes, ankle bands, shoe tags, and traditional dog tags.

• Whichever type of ID is chosen, the wearer should be certain to

include emergency contact numbers and relevant medical information. A birthdate, health history, allergies, blood type and hometown may also be helpful.

Carrying a cell phone adds a level of safety by providing means of contacting emergency services and potentially storing (ICE) contact information. But be careful to not allow phone use to become a distraction from awareness of your surroundings. Even if you work out with others, the chance of them knowing your emergency contact information and health information in the heat of the moment could be slight even if you are close friends.

Finally, prior to starting any new work out regiment or increasing the intensity of your workout routine, you should always seek the approval of your primary care physician. Be safe out there! ■

village

NotesThe Village Board recently:

Approved an ordinance to utilize alternate sources of funds to cover nearly $3 million in annual interest and principal payments for several bond series. Rather than levy property taxes for this purpose, as is allowed by ordinance, the Village Board abated $2,922.058 in property taxes; the required bond principal and interest payments will instead be covered by tax increment financing, telecommunicatons taxes and federal interest rebates. Since 1990, the Village has maintained a longstanding policy of freezing the property tax levy in the amount of $15,456,695. Over the 28 years of this self-imposed property tax freeze, the Village’s share of an average Skokie property tax bill has decreased from approximately 15.2% in 1990 to less than 7% in 2018.

Approved an ordinance amending chapters 26 and 46 of the Skokie Village Code to regulate body art establishments and body artists. The amendments provide greater local oversight to ensure training in blood-borne pathogens as well as to license body art establishments and body artists, including registration with the Illinois Department of Public Health and full compliance with the Tattoo and Body Piercing Establishment Registration Act. The ordinance limits to eight the number of body art establishment permits in the community at any given time, and requires all body artists to show proof of Hepatitis B vaccination.

A contract in the amount of $33,302 was awarded to M.E. Simpson Company for the annual leak detection survey of the Village’s water distribution system. When leaks are detected, repairs are made to conserve water, maintain water quality and reduce unaccounted flow. ■

Village Board Action

The Village Board meets the first and third Mondays of each month, except in the case of a holiday. Meetings begin at 8 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street.

Watch Village Board Meetings live on SkokieVision Cable Television (Channel 25 on RCN systems, Channel 17 on Comcast systems). The Board Meetings also are re-broadcast at noon and 8 p.m. on the Thursday, Saturday and Tuesday following a Board Meeting.

Upcoming MeetingsAll meetings are held at Village Hall (5127 Oakton Street).

Board of Trustees April 1, 15

Plan Commission April 4, 8

Appearance Commission April 10

Zoning Board of Appeals April 3, 17

Alternative Energy Program for HomeownersLearn all about the latest tips on alternative energy and the latest trends and options for using alternative energy at a free seminar on April 9, 2019, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at in the Business Center at the Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton Street.

The session will feature information on solar energy, geothermal energy, the increasingly popular wind power and other options for using alternative energy sources that can add to your home’s value and reduce its total energy use.

Speakers include Peter Gorr, Illinois Solar Energy

Association solar ambassador, and Steve Marciani, Planning Supervisor, Village of Skokie. They will provide information on sources for alternative energy, give tips on working with the Village and local contractors and also advise on locations of nearby charging stations for electric cars.

The event is co-sponsored by the Skokie Telecommunications and Technology Commission and Sustainable Environmental Advisory Commission. ■

With an estimated 24,000 trees throughout the community, Skokie has been designated as a Tree City for over 30 years. Skokie meets all Tree City USA requirements, including having a forestry department, which is a function of the Public Works Department. Tree City USA also requires that every designated Tree City have a tree care ordinance, allocate funding for tree care and hold an Arbor Day ceremony and proclamation on or around the last Friday in April of each year. The public is invited to attend the 2019 Arbor Day ceremony, a family-friendly event that will be held on Friday, April 26 at 10 a.m. on the grounds of the MCC Academy, 9301 Gross Point Road.

The Arbor Day ceremony will include a reading of the Arbor Day proclamation, comments about the importance and value of trees by Mayor Van Dusen and Village Forester Elizabeth Zimmerman, as well as the planting of at least one new tree on the school grounds. The Arbor Day ceremony is hosted by the Village of Skokie, the Village’s Beautification and Improvement Commission and the Skokie Park District.

For more information, please contact the village forester at 847/933-8427 or visit www.skokie.org. ■

April 26 Arbor Day Celebration

8 | NewSkokie ■ April 2019 ■ www.skokie.org

health

Notes

Rat Control in Skokie

The Value of Skunks

Don’t Touch That Bat! Did you know that bats in Illinois can carry rabies? Never touch a bat, even if it appears to have died, and don’t try to catch bats if they are inside.

Rabies is a serious illness, and pets or people can become infected with rabies from contact with bats. Because dogs and cats may catch bats, it is

important to have your pet vaccinated to protect them against rabies.

If you or your pet has contact with a bat, or you find a bat in your home or on your property, contact the Animal Control Division at 847/933-8484. ■

The Skokie Health Department is offering “Courage to Quit”, a six-week program designed to help you quit smoking. This program has proven success – people are more likely to quit and stay smoke-free after participating in “Courage to Quit”. Classes will be held Monday evenings at 7 p.m. at Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street, on the following dates:

Mondays: April 1, 8, 15, 22

Mondays: May 6, 13

There is a $15 fee for the entire session. Registration is required.

For more information, call the Health Department at 847-933-8252 ■

Stop Smoking!

Skunks are gentle animals that come out at night. If you encounter a skunk simply walk away. You can also clap your hands, stomp your feet or talk in a loud voice and the skunk will quickly leave the area.

Skunks perform a great benefit in our neighborhoods by devouring an enormous number of insects. They are especially beneficial to gardeners because they consume many pests and typically leave the fruits and vegetables alone. Skunks also dig up yellow jacket and wasp nests in the ground, eating the insects and larvae.

To deter skunks from living on your property, remove all piles of debris and repair damaged

areas on structures to eliminate potential burrowing sites. If you have found a skunk burrow on your property, you can encourage the skunks to move elsewhere. Place ammonia soaked rags in the burrow, then cover the burrow with dirt. This should be done for three days. If these efforts fail, call Skokie Animal Control for help.

It is illegal to trap animals unless you have a permit from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

For more information please contact the Skokie Health Department at 847/933-8252. ■

The Village of Skokie has an aggressive rat control program that includes inspections for rats, treatment of burrows and ensuring that preventive measures are in place.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to report rat sightings to the Health Department at 847/933-8484, or by using an online form at www.nomorerats.org

Rats live in areas where there is food, water and shelter. Infestations can be prevented by bagging garbage securely in containers, picking up fallen birdseed, cleaning up after dogs, and maintaining property.

To learn more please review “Preventing Rats in Skokie” at www.skokie.org/ratcontrol ■

NewSkokie ■ April 2019 ■ www.skokie.org | 98 | NewSkokie ■ April 2019 ■ www.skokie.org

10 | NewSkokie ■ April 2019 ■ www.skokie.org

Unless otherwise noted, all clinics are held at the Health Department, 5127 Oakton Street. Clinics marked with an (*) require advance registration. Proof of Skokie residency required for all clinics. For more information call 847/933-8252.

*** New Clinic Schedules ***Adult/Child Vaccinations* Mondays from 9 a.m. to noon. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays. March 6 and 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. Call for vaccine fees.

Well Child Clinic* Monday, April 15 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Diabetes Screening* Mondays from 9 a.m. to noon. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m. $5 fee.

Adult Hearing Screening* Friday, April 12 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Lipid Profile Screening* (Total Cholesterol, HDL, Triglycerides, LDL, Cholesterol/HDL Ratio) Mondays from 9 a.m. to noon. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m. $15 fee

Blood Pressure Screening* Mondays from 9 a.m. to noon. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m.

TB Skin Testing* Mondays from 9 a.m. to noon. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m. $10 fee.

Lead Screening* By appointment only. $25 fee.

Courage to Quit* Six-day session: Mondays, April 1, 8, 15 and 22; May 6 and 13, 7 to 8:30 p.m. $15 fee.

Health Happenings

Senior Health Insurance Program Consultations available for new and existing Medicare beneficiaries to learn about their health care benefits. Selected dates, by appointment only.

Rules of the Road Review for driver’s exam. Monday, April 1 from 9:15 a.m. to noon.

Low Vision Support Group April 9 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Skokie Public Library.

Hearing Loss Support Group Monday, April 15 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Skokie Public Library. No meeting in February.

Simple & Living Will/Durable Power of Attorney Program for low-income seniors. Free consultation with fee charged by attorney if services rendered.

Family Caregiver Support Group Please contact Ben Ellenson at 847/424-5661 or bellenson@nssc.org if you would like to attend. April 24 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Humanities Discussion Group Each Monday at 9:30 a.m. at

Oakton Community Center (holidays excluded). Different topics are discussed. For more information, call 847/674-1500, ext. 2700. No membership required.

German is Fun! This is a group is for all German language speakers, from native speakers to beginners. Thursdays, April 4 and 18 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Oakton Community Center.

Medicare 101 Presentation Informative presentation provides an overview of Medicare benefits, including how to enroll in all parts of Medicare and choose the options available to make the coverage work best for you. April 11 at 1 p.m. Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton Street. Call 847/674-1500 to register.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration Program A program on current therapies and medications for macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss, will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2 to 4 p.m. at the Skokie Public Library, Petty Auditorium.

Human Services ActivitiesUnless otherwise noted, all events are located at Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street. Call 847/933-8208 for more information or to register. Please note that the Skokie Human Services Division is now located in Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street.

CPR Schedule Refuse & Recycling Collection Schedule

CPR class is Saturday, April 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Skokie Fire Station 17, 8157 Central Park Avenue.

Residents and non-residents: $40 non-refundable fee. Please call the Skokie Fire Department at 847/982-5340 for program information and schedule.

NewSkokie ■ April 2019 ■ www.skokie.org | 11

Yard Waste Collection2019 yard waste collection begins Wednesday, April 3 and occurs every Wednesday until November 13. On weeks with a weekday holiday (Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day), yard waste collection occurs on Saturday.Refuse CollectionIf you live on the north side of Greenleaf Street or north of Greenleaf Street, refuse is collected on Monday and Thursday. If you live on the south side of Greenleaf Street or south of Greenleaf Street, refuse is collected on Tuesday and Friday. Recycling CollectionTo find out which day your recycling is collected and what items are recyclable, please visit www.skokie.org.For more information please visit www.skokie.org or call the Skokie Public Works Department at 847/933-8427.

Calendarcommunity

NewSkokie ■ April 2019 ■ www.skokie.org | 11

Calendarcommunity

Social Security 101: Planning for Retirement Tuesday, April 2, 6:30 p.m.

Young Steinway Concert: Sidney Lee, Violin and Myroslav Mykhailenko, Piano Sunday, April 7, 3 p.m.

On Climate Change Monday, April 8, 7 p.m.

Hidden Movie Gems Wednesday, April 10, 7 p.m.

African-American Women Composers: Looking Back and Looking Forward Sunday, April 14, 3 p.m.

Local Author Showcase: Lisa Goodman-Helfand Thursday, April 18, 7 p.m.

Library Closed April 21

Networking with LinkedIn Wednesday, April 24, 3 p.m.

Better Together Book Discussion: The Deepest Well Thursday, April 25, 7 p.m.

Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre Sunday, April 28, 3 p.m.

Summer Discounted Pool Passes Pool passes go on sale April 1. Skokie residents buying passes before April 30 receive a 20 percent discount and a free Splash Pass good for five visits to either the Skokie Water Playground, 4700 Oakton Street or Devonshire Aquatic Center, 4400 Greenwood Street.

Golf Season is Here! Both the Sports Park Golf Range, 3459 Oakton Street, and Weber Park Golf Course, 9300 Weber Park Place, open for the season on April 1 and remain open daily, weather permitting.

Fiddler on the Roof , Jr. The Devonshire Playhouse Young Performers present nine-time Tony-Award winning Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. from April 6 through 14. Call 847/674-1500, ext. 2400, for times and tickets. Devonshire Cultural Center, 4400 Greenwood Street.

Bunny Breakfast & Egg Hunt Families can enjoy breakfast and pose for pictures at 9:30 a.m., followed by crafts and a free raffle. Free egg hunts at 10 and 11 a.m. Event for all ages; children under age two are free. Pre-registration for all required. April 13, Oakton Community Center and Park, 4701 Oakton Street.

Skokie’s Spring Greening Join us for this green community recycling fair with reuse and recycling drop off options. Visit skokiespringgreening.info for a list of acceptable items. April 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Niles North High School, 9800 Lawler Avenue.

Spring Flea Market Another person’s trash might be your treasure! Sellers pay a small fee. April 27, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oakton Community Center parking lot, 4701 Oakton Street.

Earth Day Celebration: Eco-Heroes Find out how unsung heroes use their powers for the earth’s good. Food and native plants for sale. April 28, 1 to 4 p.m., Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4650 Brummel.

Skokie Park DistrictFor more information on Park District programs, call 847/674-1500 or visit www.SkokieParks.org.

Skokie Public Library For more details on library events, visit www.skokielibrary.info.

Located at 9501 Skokie Boulevard. For performance dates and information visit NorthShoreCenter.org or call 847/673-6300.

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie

Landladies In the Northlight Theatre Through April 20

North Shore Center’s Feature Series 2018-2019

Paula Poundstone In the Center Theatre Saturday, April 6, 8 p.m.

Give ‘Em Hell, Harry! In the Center Theatre Saturday, April 13, 7 p.m.

Leo Kottke In the Center Theatre Sunday, April 14 , 7 p.m.

Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra presents Inspiration In the Center Theatre Sunday, April 28, 3 p.m.

Village of Skokie5127 Oakton Street Skokie, Illinois 60077

******ECRWSS*****POSTAL CUSTOMER

SKOKIE, IL

CAR-RT-PRESORTPresorted Standard

US Postage PAID

Skokie, ILPermit No. 307

Village of Skokie

NewSkokie is printed on 50% post-consumer recycled content paper with vegetable-based

ink.Copyright © 2019

Managing EditorAnn E. Tennes info@skokie.org

Assistant Editor/LayoutNicholas A. Wyatt

One Year Until the 2020 Census! For more than two centuries, every 10 years the Census Bureau has undertaken the momentous task of counting every person in the United States.

The decennial census is a chance for every person to be counted - giving voice to Skokie and the people who live here. Demographic and other census data are behind many aspects of our daily lives, informing decision makers about roads and infrastructure, health care, schools, jobs and businesses, political representation and so much more.

The Village will be supporting the Census Bureau’s goal of counting everyone once, only once, and in the right place, and its steadfast commitment to protecting the confidentiality of all data it collects. This is an obligation that remains among our highest priorities for the 2020 Census.

The upcoming decennial census will be unlike any of the 23 conducted before. In addition to the self‐response form that will be sent to every household in the Village, for the first time, an online response option will be made available to much of the U.S. population.

Watch for more information over the next year about the 2020 Census and opportunities that might arise for ways to help Skokie achieve a 100 percent count. ■

Village of Skokie

www.skokie.org1660 AM SkokieCouncil/Manager Government Since 1957

Officials:MayorGeorge Van Dusen

ClerkPramod C. Shah

TrusteesMichele L. BrombergKaren Gray-KeelerRalph KleinRandall E. RobertsEdie Sue Sutker Ilonka Ulrich

ManagerJohn T. Lockerby

CounselMichael M. Lorge

Phone Numbers:Emergency9-1-1

Crime Tip Hotline847/933-TIPS (8477)

Information847/673-0500

Fire Non-Emergency847/982-5300

Police Non-Emergency847/982-5900

Citizens Assistance847/933-8480

Departments Village Hall 847/673-0500

Citizens Assistance847/933-8480

Civil Engineering847/933-8231

Clerk’s Office847/933-8203

Community Development847/933-8223

Economic Development847/933-8446

Planning847/933-8447

Health Department/Personal Health847/933-8252

Animal Control847/933-8484

Environmental Health847/933-8484

Human Services847/933-8208

Public Works847/933-8427

Signs and Street Lights847/933-8232

Village Manager’s Office847/933-8210

Water Billing847/933-8418