VILLAGE PRESIDENT, ROBERT “BOB” KOLOSH

Village of Thornton Newsletter

Village Hall

115 E Margaret St Thornton, Illinois 60476 Phone (708) 877-4456

Fax (708) 877-4458

www.thornton60476.com

Hours Monday - Friday

9am - 5pm Saturday

9am - 12pm

VILLAGE PRESIDENT Robert “Bob” Kolosh

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR Doug Beckman

CLERK/COLLECTOR Debbie Pisarzewski

DEPUTY CLERK

Patti Ott

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Kathie Parise

VILLAGE ATTORNEY Scott Dillner

VILLAGE TREASURER Arlette Frye

VILLAGE ENGINEER James Hus

Robinson Engineering

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Ernest “Bo” Kaye

Kim Atkinson

Tom Ehlers

Joseph Pisarzewski

David Hudson

Debra Paris

Visit us at www.thornton60476.com Meetings are open to the public.

Village Committee Meetings are

held on the first and third Mon-

days of every month at 7:00pm.

Village Board Meetings are imme-

diately following at 7:30pm.

The Planning and Development

Commission Meetings are held on

the second Wednesday of the

month at 7:30pm.

The Village is proud to announce the official ribbon cutting for Thorncreek Senior Living on Thursday, November 17th. Local, State and Federal elected officials have all been invited to attend and see the beautiful 46 unit building. The experience at Thorncreek also includes a fitness room, game room, library, community room and garden. All the units have their own balcony with many having views of Thorn Creek and the Wampum Woods Forest Preserve. Village staff welcomed the new residents with a Q & A meeting on Wednesday, October 12th (see picture below).

By the time of this publication, the infrastructure improvement program that in-cluded water main replacement on Water St. and new road surfaces on Water, Hunter & Maria should either be completed or very close to completion. The Vil-lage apologizes for any inconvenience this may have caused those residents. The Village continues to prioritize infrastructure improvements and make the repairs as funds become available.

I would like to recognize Police Chief Beckman, Deputy Chief Szabo, K-9 Officer Houts and his partner Geronimo for hosting a successful citizen meet & greet on Wednesday, September 21st. Many citizens attended and it was an extremely in-formative meeting. The next Mayor’s meet & greet will be held on December 10th at the Village Hall from 9a.m. to 10:30a.m. A representative from Com Ed will also be in attendance to answer questions about their Smart Meter program. As a re-minder, Mayor’s meet & greets are held quarterly and are always advertised on the Village’s website (www.thornton60476.com)and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/villageofthornton/). We will soon be welcoming 2 new businesses to town; Transport Finishes is mov-ing into the previously owned ICS building on Canal St. and Plumbwerks Inc. is moving into the location where Philips Electric was on Wolcott St. Both businesses are remodeling the locations to meet their needs and should be open for business soon. The Soltis Family Distillery is still making progress and recently passed their State of Illinois licensing inspection. Thanks to our entire Village staff for bringing the new businesses to town.

Finally, please make special note of the article on page 3 regarding the Thornton Res-ervoir. Also, there are inserts for the Senior Driveway Pro-gram application and the Hol-iday Happenings schedule. Additional applications and schedules will be available at Village Hall and the Commu-nity Center.

I hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday season,

Bob

November 2016

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VILLAGE CLERK

Debbie Pisarzewski, Village Clerk/Collector

Patti Ott, Deputy Clerk

115 E Margaret St

Thornton, Illinois 60476 Phone (708) 877-4456

Fax (708) 877-4458

From the Clerk’s Office

Can you believe this is the last newsletter before Christmas!! What happened to summer?

Holiday Happenings is being held December 2, 3 and 4. On Friday night at the Village Hall, Mayor Kolosh will be overseeing the lighting of the Village Christmas tree(s) after the parade through town; and maybe we can get Santa Claus to lead us all in a Christmas carol or two. There will also be a flashlight candy cane hunt, and hot chocolate and cookies with Santa at the Fire Department. (Please see the Holiday Happenings schedule for details.)

Your next water bill is scheduled to be mailed on November 15 and will be due on December 5. Remember, all water bills are mailed; and even if you don’t receive your bill through the mail, it is still due on the 5th. (Mailed the 15th of every odd month, due the 5th of every even month). If you call the Clerk’s office, we will be happy to let you know how much the bill is if you didn’t receive it.

FYI, with the Holidays approaching, the Village Hall will be closed November 24, 25 and 26 for Thanksgiving; December 23, 24, 25 and 26 for Christmas (it’s a weekend), and on January 2 for New Years.

Now that the November election is done, we can look towards our local elections to be held on April 4, 2017. Thankfully, we won’t have to put up with so many political commercials!! In the Village of Thornton we have the mayor, the clerk, and three trustee positions open; and the Li-brary Board has four positions open. If interested in any of these positions, please go online to http://elections.il.gov and search for Information on Local Election Officials. This website con-tains a lot of information!! The filing period for candidates seeking election at the Consolidated Election in April, is December 12-19, 2016. Library Board and Village Board candidates need to file their petitions, statements of candi-dacy and economic interest statements at the Village Hall. (Contact School District 154 for School Board information.)

We would like to be among the first to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!!

Debbie and Patti

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MAYORS FROM THORNTON, HOMEWOOD, AND SOUTH HOLLAND UNITE TO ADDRESS RESERVOIR ODORS

Working together in a prioritized and concentrated manner, Mayor Robert Kolosh from Thornton, Mayor Rich Hofeld from Homewood, and Mayor Don De Graff from South Holland met recently with David St. Pierre, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD), to discuss immediate and effective solutions to the odors occurring in the vicinity of MWRD’s Thornton Reservoir. St. Pierre provided valuable insight regarding the initial challenges presented in operating such a large tunnel and reservoir system and committed to the implementation of a series of odor mitigation improvements, several of which are already in process.

According to St. Pierre, “MWRD is well aware of the odor issues, having received a good number of initial calls from local businesses and residents immediately after the reservoir initially went online in 2015. After the creation of an internal task force, several short-term actions were taken at that time by MWRD to ensure that the problem was minimized. Consequently, the beginning of the Thornton Reservoir’s first full summer proved uneventful.”

In July of 2016, the southland area received up to 6” of rain in a very short duration event. Per MWRD’s assess-ment, this massive amount of water feeding into the reservoir displaced air in the deep tunnel system and pushed the air out of the tunnels at a rate which overwhelmed the short-term mitigation actions taken previously. This rain event resulted in numerous complaints from the displaced air and generated odor readings at MWRD monitoring stations. Similar problems were experienced with another torrential rain event in August of 2016 and unfortunately, in a number of lesser rain events leading into the fall season.

Because the initial mitigation procedures have proven to be insufficient, St. Pierre and MWRD officials have since commenced the revision of their existing operating plans. These short and long term measures include the follow-ing:

MWRD has utilized the Transitional Reservoir water (west lobe of quarry) to freshen the water in the Thornton Reservoir (north lobe of quarry). This operating strategy, when enacted, has reduced odor levels below detection in the Thornton Reservoir, accounting for the success between the spring and the recently discov-ered problems.

MWRD immediately installed odor monitoring systems around the perimeter of the reservoir to measure and

detect system effectiveness. The detection system will be used in the long term to activate misting mecha-nisms that will neutralize odors in the air before leaving the tunnel system.

MWRD designed and is in the process of installing additional misting mechanisms around the perimeter of the

reservoir and also at two drop shaft locations. These mechanisms are currently under construction and will be in service December 1, 2016.

MWRD installed landscaping around the perimeter of the Thornton Reservoir to act as a wind block year round

to minimize the winds which can carry odor from the site. Solar powered circulators are being used to oxygenate the water in the reservoir which, if oxygenated, will cre-

ate an odor buffer at the surface. The number of units required has nearly tripled, from 7 to 20, in order to ensure that this technology will be effective. These additional units will be installed during the winter of 2016-17 as the reservoir needs to be dry to do so.

Upon observing the severity of the problem over the last several rain events, St. Pierre conveyed that additional im-mediate actions are being taken by MWRD:

MWRD has entered into an emergency contract to install temporary misting mechanisms at drop shaft locations with high odor readings.

Operating procedures have been modified to close gates, pump down and flush the tunnel system completely,

dispelling odor causing debris that is trapped in the tunnels. MWRD has adjusted odor call response protocols to ensure responsiveness to residents, to track the odor source

effectively, and to properly mobilize odor neutralizing resources to offending site locations.

Executive Director St. Pierre reiterated to each Mayor that “MWRD will continue to monitor and evaluate the measures taken and adjust as needed to minimize odor emissions from the system. MWRD offers its apologies for the odors that have been generated from the system here at the onset of its operations. Because the Thornton Reservoir is part of a large, comprehensive system, which provides significant benefits to all residents in the south-land area, it will take some time for the District to better understand how to fully and effectively operate it for all purposes, including odor elimination. MWRD will continue to strive to operate the system better and to employ all reasonable efforts to eliminate the odors.”

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TTHORNTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

Glenn Beckman, Chief of Police Charles Szabo, Deputy Chief

700 Park Avenue

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8am to 4pm (708) 877-2531 Non-Emergency

(708) 877-4440 Records (708) 877-5525 Fax

The Police Department would like to remind all residents of two ordinances that involve snow re-moval and snowfall parking. The two ordinances can be found on the village website.

SNOW REMOVAL ORDINANCE

Section 10-1-16 of the village code states: A. No property owner, occupant or other person shall move or permit to be moved snow

or ice from private property onto the streets, highways, alleys or public ways within the Village. B. Penalty. Any person found in violation of Section (a) shall be fined not more than thirty

dollars ($30.00) for the first violation, sixty dollars ($60.00) for the second violation in any twenty-four (24) month period, one hundred twenty dollars ($120.00) for the third violation in any twenty-four (24) month period, two hundred forty dollars ($240.00) for the fourth violation in any twenty-four (24) month period, and four hundred eighty dollars ($480.00) for the fifth and subse-quent violations in any twenty-four (24) month period.

2” SNOWFALL PARKING BAN ORDINANCE

Section 9-4-2-2 of the village code states: Every owner, lessee or other person having charge of any motor vehicle in the village shall re-move said vehicle from any street or highway within the geographical limits of said village in ac-cordance with the following provisions:

Each time a snowfall of two (2) or more inches occurs, said motor vehicle shall be removed with-in two (2) hours from the time the snowfall accumulates to the extent of two (2) inches.

The said motor vehicle shall be removed from the street or highway until the snow removal oper-ations of the village are completed and the snow is removed from said street or highway.

For each succeeding snowfall of two (2) or more inches the provisions referred to in (A) and (B) herein shall apply.

Penalties:

For every violation of the provisions of this section the owner, lessee or other person having charge of said motor vehicle shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than fifty dollars ($50.00) for each offense, payable to the clerk of the village.

For each subsequent violation of the provisions of this section the owner, lessee or other person having charge of said motor vehicle shall be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each offense, payable to the clerk of the village.

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TTHORNTON RECREATION & COMMUNITY CENTER

Hours

Mon & Thu 9am - 9pm

Fri

9am - 10pm

Saturday 9am - 1pm

FREE PROGRAMS

M.A.T. (Moms and Tots) Playgroup every Tuesday 9-

11am ages 0-3

Pinochle every Thursday 1:00pm

Hand & Foot every Friday 5:00pm

Alcoholics Anonymous

Senior Fitness Center (62+)

Scout Meetings

PARKS AND GROUNDS

Charles P Nason Park, Highland Avenue

Walter Diekelman Park N Kinzie St

Marian Mikrut Memorial Park, Pawnee Drive

Hubbard Park, 102 N Hubbard St.

Skate Park, Park Avenue

Memorial Park NW corner of Williams and Eleanor St

COMMUNITY SERVICES

K-9 Training Academy

T.O.P.S.

Recycling

Party, Conference Room, Field and Pavilion Rentals

Table and Chair Rentals

First Aid Equipment Rentals

Sharlee Dunlop, Director of Parks and Recreation Amy Potwin, Assistant Director

701 Highland Avenue

(708) 877-4454 (708) 564-5078 Fax

thorntonrec@yahoo.com

FITNESS CENTER BOGO! BUY ONE MONTH GET ONE FREE LIMIT 3

NOVEMBER THROUGH MARCH 31, 2017

ZUMBA WITH KRISTEN! Youth Zumba Ages 5+

Thursdays at 5:00 pm

Adult Zumba

Mon - Wed 5:30-6:15pm

Beginning November 14th

Register ASAP!

Adult and Youth Martial Arts Classes

Call for more info.

FIVE PLAY WEDNESDAYS $5.00 per person begins at 2:30 PM

TURKEY TIME November 16 Ages 3-9

NERF WAR November 30 Ages 6-11

COOKIE DECORATING December 7 Grades K-8

TYE DYE December 14

Ages 7+ Bring a white T shirt

OPEN GAME ROOM December 21 Grades K-8

NAIL PARTY January 11 Grades K-8

Bird Seed Crafts January 18 Ages 4+

Senior Bingo Lunch

December 12

January 9

February 13

March 13

April 10

May 8

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THORNTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

David Habecker, Fire Chief Joe Eaker, Deputy Fire Chief

Art Schweitzer, Assistant Fire Chief

115 E Margaret Street (708) 877-4459 Non-Emergency

(708) 877-1506 Fax

Carbon Monoxide is a Silent Killer; Poisoning Cases Increase during Winter Season

Each year in America, more than 150 people die from accidental non-fire related carbon mon-oxide (CO) poisoning associated with consumer products. These products include faulty, im-properly-used or incorrectly-vented fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, stoves, water heaters and fireplaces.

Understanding the Risk

What is carbon monoxide?

CO, often called "the silent killer," is a gas you cannot see, taste, or smell. It can be created when fossil fuels, such as kerosene, gasoline, coal, natural gas, propane, methane or wood do not burn properly.

Where does carbon monoxide come from?

CO poisoning can result from faulty furnaces or other heating appliances, portable generators, water heaters, clothes dryers or cars left running in garages.

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, nausea and drowsiness. Exposure to undetected high levels of carbon monoxide can be fatal.

CO Precautions

Have fuel-burning heating equipment (fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, wood stoves, coal stoves, space heaters and portable heaters) and chimneys inspected by a profes-sional every year.

Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home. The CO gas can kill people and pets.

Make sure all fuel-burning vented equipment is vented to the outside to avoid CO poison-ing. Keep the venting for exhaust clear and unblocked.

If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Never run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open.

Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow and debris.

Only use barbecue grills outside, away from all doors, windows, vents and other building openings. Some grills can produce CO gas. Never use grills inside the home or the gar-age, even if the doors are open.

Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from all doors, windows, vents and other building openings to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the home.

If Your CO Alarm Sounds

Immediately move to a fresh air location (outdoors or by an open window or door). Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for.

Call 9-1-1 from a fresh air location (outdoors or by an open window). Remain at a fresh air location until emergency personnel arrive to assist you.

Please don’t hesitate to call the Fire Department non-emergency line: 877-4459 if you need further information.

Half of holiday decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close

to a heat source.

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THORNTON PUBLIC WORKS

Bryan Roberts, Interim Superintendent

321 E Harriet Street Office Hours: Monday – Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm

After hours: Call Lynwood dispatch 708-758-4744 ext. #1 Maintenance tech is on call 24 hours, 7 days a week.

(708) 877-4462 (708) 877-1627 Fax

Residential Water Freezing Policy: The Village of Thornton is committed to providing high-quality services to its residents in a responsive and cost-effective manner. Cost-effectiveness also includes fairness amongst all tax-payers. Homeown-ers are ultimately responsible for repairs/maintenance to their own homes. The Village recognizes that extreme emergencies may arise, but homeowners should do their best to properly prepare for such emergencies and look into available coverage if needed.

Purpose

The purpose of this section is to establish policies for a standardized response by all Village employees in the event a homeowner contacts the Village for assistance in the case of their water line freezing up.

Thawing Frozen Lines

The Village will not attempt to unthaw any frozen water line. Nor will the Village pay for a contracted company to come out and thaw a frozen water line. The Village shall upon the request of a homeown-er, give information regarding current licensed plumbers that may provide such assistance.

Providing Water Service

In the event that a homeowner’s water line freezes and the homeowner requests emergency assistance to provide water from the Village, the Village will do the following:

The Village will assist in finding an agreeable neighbor that is willing to supply water to the affected homeowner.

The Village will hook up the affected residence to the residence that is supplying the water.

The Village will take a water meter reading at the time of the hook up and again at the time of the disconnection. The amount of water used by the supplying household from those readings will be credited to the supplying household.

The maximum amount of time the Village will keep an affected house hooked up to a supplying house is 10 business days. This should provide an affected homeowner with enough time to have the frozen water line mitigated.

The Village will not credit any household for running water in their residence to prevent water lines from freezing. This is considered preventative maintenance and all homeowners are expected to do what they feel is necessary to prevent potential problems at their own residences.

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BULK RATE

U.S. Postage

P A I D

Thornton, IL

60476

Permit No. 8

POSTAL CUSTOMER

THORNTON, ILLINOIS 60476

HOLIDAY DECORATING CONTEST

Sponsored by the Holiday Happenings Committee

Judging begins December 1st in these categories:

CREATIVE

MOST LIGHTS

TRADITIONAL

Two prizes awarded in each category. Winners will be

announced at the Thornton Historical Society Open House on Sunday, December 4 from 2-4pm.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS SCHEDULE INSIDE!!