Electric Department Performing Line Clearance Tree Trimming
Pruning trees near overhead utility lines is important for public safety and reliable electric utility service, since trees are a leading cause of power outages. The Village has contracted with Asplundh Tree Experts has been hired to perform line clearance work for Village; all personnel and vehicles should be clearly identified with the company name. In addition to preventative maintenance trimming of the overhead lines, crews from Asplundh Tree Experts will be available to assist Village line crews during storm restoration events.
If you have any questions concerning the contractor’s activities, please call the Water & Electric Department at (847) 716-3558.
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Municipal Electric Aggregation
On March 20th, voters across the state voted on referendums to permit their municipality to purchase electricity from a supplier other than ComEd. This approach, known as municipal electric aggregation, allows communities to purchase electricity directly from an alternative electric supplier.
For municipalities that elect to purchase electricity from another source, ComEd continues to deliver the electricity, handle service calls and maintain the electric system. Based on current market conditions, residents in these municipalities may see savings on the supply portion of the electric bill. The current ComEd electric supply rate is 7.733 cents per kilowatt-hour. All other charges - for distribution facilities, metering, and franchise fees - remain in effect.
Electric Aggregation is not an option for Winnetka residents, since the Village owns and operates its own electric system. Wholesale power is purchased through the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA). Power supplied to member communities is sourced from IMEA- or member-owned fossil fueled generation (60%), long-term cost based contracts (19%) and short term market purchases (21%). Approximately 5% of the members’ energy requirements are provided from a long term contract for wind energy generated in Lee and Dekalb counties.
With the recent media attention on municipal aggregation and electric rates, it is important to note that the Village maintains local control of our electric system operation and rates. In the recent past, the Village benefited from this system, as it resulted in noticeably more reliable electric service to our customers when compared to many of our neighbors during the 2011 summer storms.
If you have additional questions on municipal aggregation, please contact the Water & Electric Department at (847) 716-3558.
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Winnetka Police Department Does NOT Solicit Donations
Some residents report receiving calls for donations from the Winnetka Police Department. These calls are not from Winnetka employees, and the Winnetka Police Department does not benefit from these donations. For more detailed information, click here and then scroll down the page.
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Winnetka's Sales Tax Rate is currently 8.25%
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Consumer Alert: Costs are not Greater to
Remove Trees
Infested with
Emerald Ash Borer
Beware of tree care companies that charge a higher fee to cut down and remove a tree because it is infested with Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). For more information on tree care scams, click here.
Symptoms of EAB infestation include: Woodpecker Holes, Chipping or Cracking of Bark, Suckering Sprouts, Dieback of Tree, etc.
Residents who have Ash trees on their property, especially if the tree is showing symptoms of infestation, are encouraged to contact the Forestry Department at 716-3535.
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SWANCC Rolls out Educational Videos on Youtube
Visit the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) on Youtube to view informational videos about recycling, disposing of household chemical waste and programs for dealing with special materials. To see the videos, click here. To download informational flyers about these topics, click the links below:
Battery Recycling
CFL Recycling
Pharmaceutical/Sharp Disposal
Mercury Thermometer Recycling
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Village Hall Renovation
As you may have noticed, Winnetka’s Village Hall is being restored and rehabilitated. The Council Chambers rehabilitation has been completed and all Village meetings are being held once again at Village Hall, 510 Green Bay Road.
The operations of the Finance Department have been moved to the construction trailer located in the parking lot to the south of Village Hall; you may go to the trailer to pay utility bills, buy parking permits, vehicle stickers and dog licenses.
As a part of this project, the parking lot to the south of Village Hall has been closed to all but essential contractor parking. The Village apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and thanks everyone in advance for their patience for the duration of the construction project.
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Review the 2012 NWMC Legislative Program
As a member of the Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC), Winnetka partners with 42 other north and northwest suburban municipalities to ensure that our voices are heard by legislators in Springfield. To see the NWMC’s 2012 Legislative Program, click here.
The Village encourages residents to support these efforts by contacting their elected representatives in Springfield. To see the contact information for your State Senator and Representative, click here.
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Web Site HIGHLIGHTS
Foreclosure Notices
Foreclosure notices for the Village of Winnetka should be sent to: Ed McKee, Finance Director
510 Green Bay Road
Winnetka, IL 60093
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Council Meetings Rebroadcast on Cable TV
Winnetka viewers with Comcast service can watch Council Meetings on Channel 10 every weeknight at 7 PM and on Channel 18 M-F-Su at 7AM or 7 PM. Meeting videos may also be viewed on demand on this website by clicking on the "Council" tab and selecting "Meetings Webcast."
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Explore the Willow Road Study Website
To see a copy of the final report from IDOT"s 2007-08 study of Context Sensitive Solutions for the Willow Road corridor (between Edens / Waukegan) click here. To see a report about the Community Advisory Group's (CAG) recommendations, click here.
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Crime Prevention Videos
Click here to view the videos.
Emergency Notification via Telephone
The Winnetka Police and Fire Departments have contracted with a rapid response phone network that allows the Village to quickly send messages to the phone numbers of any Winnetkan in case of emergency, such as the August 23, 2007, storm. To make register your landline and cell phone numbers for Village emergency calls, please click here. For more information please call the Police Department at 847-501-6034.
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Village Provides Interactive Mapping
The Village is proud to make an internet mapping service available on its website. The service allows users to search for information in Winnetka regarding school districts, recycling day pickup, voting locations, etc. Aerial photography is also available, plus links to Google Maps Street View and Microsoft Live mapping. The mapping service can be accessed in the Quick Links section under 'Interactive Village Map,' or by clicking here.
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Visit Websites of the Village's Other Taxing Agencies
Winnetka Park District
New Trier Township
Winnetka/Northfield Library District
New Trier High School
Winnetka School District 36
Avoca School District 37
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State Legislator Contact Info
With redistricting completed in Illinois, all of Winnetka is now in the 18th House district - the Village's place in the 9th Senate and 9th Congressional districts has not changed.
Senator Jeffrey Schoenberg – senator@jschoenberg.org
Rep. Robin Gabel – robyn@robyngabel.com
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PACE 2012 Budget Summaries
If you would be interested in viewing a a summary of the Pace Transit 2012 Budget, click here.
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Illinois State Police Sex Offender Information: http://www.isp.state.il.us/sor/
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Public Safety Pensions
In the fall of 2008, the Illinois legislature implemented public safety pension reforms. One of the law’s provisions requires that - prior to adopting the annual property tax levy - the Village Council receives a report from it Public Safety Pension Boards describing the health and performance of the pension plans. In compliance with this provision, the Village Police and Fire Pension Boards have submitted their 2011 reports to the Village Council. To see the reports, click here.
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Village Council Passes Pension Reform Resolution
Last fall, the Village Council approved Resolution No. R-31-2011 Urging the Illinois General Assembly and Governor to Adopt Public Employee Pension Reform to Mitigate the State-wide Pension Crisis. To read the staff report, resolution and letter to State elected officials that accompanied the resolution click here. To see contact information for State elected officials, click here.
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Village President's Message to Gov. Quinn
Urging Pension Reform
Click here to read President Tucker's letter to Gov. Quinn urging the Legislature to enact pension reform for current public employees and retirees.
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Document Destruction Event
Saturday, May 19, 2012
1390 Willow Road
9:00 - 11:00 AM
As a courtesy to residents who have sensitive documents to recycle, the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County, (swancc.org) will provide a Document Destruction Event on Saturday, May 19th from 9 – 11am at the Public Works Yards, 1390 Willow Rd. The event is free and residents are limited to six banker-size boxes or grocery bags per vehicle. Paper clips and staples do not need to be removed, but please have your ID ready, as staff will be checking each vehicle. Workers will help take paper out of vehicles and place in carts. The documents will then be loaded into a shredding truck on site. The paper will be cross-shredded, baled, and recycled. Residents from SWANCC member communities may participate in events in any community.
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Fiscal Transparency
The Village of Winnetka strives for fiscal transparency and makes financial information regarding the operations of the Village available for review. Please click here to access this information.
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Village Council Passes 2012-13 Budget, Rate Resolutions
After holding a public hearing on March 8th, the Village Council approved the FY2012-13 Budget at its March 20th meeting. The budget is austere and fiscally sound, and it is estimated that a typical Winnetka resident with a $20,000 property tax bill will pay $120 more for municipal services next year. To see the Finance Director’s agenda report containing a breakdown of the new property taxes and fees, click here.
To see the 2012-13 Budget Overview Presentation, click here.
To see the 2012-13 Budget, click here.
VILLAGE'S SHARE OF PROPERTY TAX BILL - 13.26%
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Summary of Council Meetings Dealing with
Stormwater Mitigation Efforts
- At the April 17th Council Meeting, Village Engineer Steve Saunders reported that: (i) the sanitary sewer survey is underway, with the aim of recording at least three significant rain events in order to garner the necessary data; (ii) engineering proposals have been received for the development of a stormwater master plan and Village staff hopes to bring recommendations to the Council in the near future; (iii) engineering is underway for the proposed Tower Road relief sewer and the new Lloyd Place outlet sewer, and once preliminary plans are complete, information will be provided to the community for its comment; (iv) the northwest portion of the Village is being studied further in order to refine the proposals for the area formerly known as the Greenwood study area; and (v) the Village’s coastal engineer has developed four proposals that will be reviewed by staff next week
- At the April 3rd Council meeting, Mr. Saunders reported that: (i) Winnetka, with help from the Center for Neighborhood Technology, has applied for grant funding on behalf of the Villages of Glenview, Niles and three Chicago neighborhoods to support a multi-jurisdiction stormwater planning effort; (ii) In an effort to keep Sanitary Sewer Survey costs down, the Village will meet with the MWRD this week in an effort to get some of the meters for the survey installed in their interceptors; (iii) Four proposals have been returned in response to the RFP for a Stormwater Master Plan consultant, and recommendations will be forthcoming in a few weeks.
- March 8, 2012: Mr. Saunders reported that Village Staff has developed an RFP to assist in developing a Stormwater Master Plan to guide the Village in planning, financing, constructing and maintaining improvements to its storm and sanitary sewer systems. He said a recommendation for awarding the contract is expected to be presented at the April 17th Council meeting. The Council also awarded a contract to Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. to provide detailed engineering plans, specifications and construction estimates for improvements at the Spruce Street and Lloyd Park Outlet areas.
- February 21, 2012: Mr. Saunders reviewed the proposals received in response to an RFP for coastal engineering in conjunction with the Lake Michigan outfall portion of the proposed Willow Road tunnel project. The Village Council voted to authorize staff to enter into an agreement with Baird & Associates to perform the coastal engineering work. Also at that meeting, the Council voted to award a contract to Strand Associates, Inc. to complete flow monitoring, data analysis and provide recommendations to address inflow and infiltration in Winnetka’s sanitary sewer system.
- February 7, 2012: Mr. Saunders reported that the Village is working in cooperation with the MWRD on a demonstration project with UIC students to identify methods to reduce stormwater runoff. He said staff would provide a review and recommendation of a consultant to conduct the sanitary sewer evaluation at the February 21st meeting. Also to be discussed at that meeting: the Lake Michigan outlet aspect of the proposed tunnel project, which will require the input of a coastal engineering consultant.
- January 17, 2012: Mr. Saunders reviewed timelines detailing progress made to-date and future planned actions, and he reported that representatives from CBBEL met with the Executive Director of the MWRD to discuss permit requirements. He said the Director has determined that once the Village received joint permit approval from the IEPA, IDNR and US Army Corps of Engineers, the MWRD permit would be approved by staff, rather than the Board.
- January 10, 2012: Mr. Saunders updated the Village Council about meetings with the MWRD and informed them that an RFP for a sanitary sewer study had been issued. He said the upcoming capital improvement plan will contain significant stormwater improvement elements.
- December 20, 2011: Mr. Saunders reported that a recent meeting with the Illinois EPA went well, and said the permit process for the proposed tunnel project is a lengthy one – an estimated 18 months is needed for approval.
- December 13, 2011: Mr. Saunders asked the Council to authorize staff to solicit proposals from qualified engineering firms for conducting a sanitary sewer evaluation survey for the Village.
- December 6, 2011: Public Works Director Steve Saunders reviewed progress made in preliminary meetings with the Army Corps of Engineers and revealed that the soil boring tests show only clay underneath the proposed tunnel’s path, not rock. The Council approved additional funding for the Sanitary Sewer Anti-Backup Program, due to increased interest in the program in the wake of the July flooding.
- November 15, 2011: Mr. Saunders distributed tunnel project summary and a timeline for the stormwater and sanitary sewer improvements; updated the Council on meetings with elected official, other government agencies and the Union Pacific Railroad about applying for the necessary permits to undertake the proposed tunnel project; and reported on preliminary meetings with public utilities along the route of the proposed project.
- November 8, 2011: The Council heard a presentation from the Village’s Finance Director and financial consultant Kevin McCanna of Speer Financial. Different scenarios for funding stormwater projects were discussed and staff was asked to further refine the project timeline and financing comparisons.
- November 1, 2011: Village Engineer Steve Saunders and Village Manager Rob Bahan reported on preliminary meetings with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, saying that no significant concerns were expressed. Other agencies that need to be brought on board include the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers.
- October 18, 2011: The Council reviewed the Preliminary Survey Results of the Village-wide survey of basement flooding during the July storm and discussed the Guide to Flood Protection in Northeastern Illinois prepared by The Illinois Association for Floodplain and Stormwater Management.
- October 11, 2011: The Council considered the CBBEL Flood Risk Reduction Assessment, and there was a consensus to continue to explore the Lake Michigan Outlet tunnel option. CBBEL was asked to prepare a critical path schedule and Staff was asked to begin firming up the engineering for the smaller study areas and to continue studying financing options.
- October 4, 2011: The Council considered potential service enhancements, such as assisting with residential flood-proofing assessments to help evaluate drainage problems and potential solutions for property owners.
- September 20, 2011: Village Engineer Steve Saunders updated the Council on the status of conversations with the Park District and reported about the responses to the sanitary sewer survey. The Council adopted an ordinance increasing the amount of the assistance available to owners of homes built prior to 1970 who wish to install a backflow preventer or overhead sewer.
- September 13, 2011: Village Trustees reiterated their intent to keep stormwater and sanitary sewer flooding issues their first priority. President Tucker emphasized that as soon as items relating to these matters are ready for the Council's consideration, they will be placed on the agenda and noted that there are other items of business to be dealt with in the meantime. Manager Bahan referred Winnetkans to the aggressive timetable put forth at the August 16th meeting.
- September 6, 2011: President Tucker and Manager Bahan reported on conversations with the Winnetka Park District and New Trier Township regarding possible opportunities to pursue open space for future detention.
- Over the summer, the Council passed a Resolution waiving permit and inspection fees associated with storm related repairs, to assist residents in recovering from the extensive damage caused by the storm and flood of July 22-23.
To view the reports mentioned above, as well as a compilation of documents pertaining to stormwater mitigation efforts, including an extensive FAQ, please click here. To download the sanitary sewer survey, click here.
Flood Protection Guide
The Guide to Flood Protection in Northeastern Illinois is published by the Illinois Association for Floodplain and Stormwater Management, and contains information about what to do during a flood, and steps to take in the aftermath of a flood. To download the Guide, click here.
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Stormwater Input Welcomed !
The Village Council welcomes residents' input regarding stormwater mitigation efforts. Therefore, we have opened a new
e-mailbox to receive your comments directly:
Stormwatercomments@winnetka.org.
We encourage all residents to share their thoughts and suggestions. Although we will be unable to respond personally, your emails will be reviewed and forwarded in their entirety to the Village Council.
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Starting January 1, 2012, Electronics Will No Longer
Be Collected With Residential Waste
The State has enacted legislation that bans all televisions and computer monitors from being put in Illinois landfills. Recently, Governor Quinn signed additional legislation that expands the number of banned electronic products to include the following items:
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Computers – PCs, Laptops + Monitors
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DVD Players, DVR/Cable Boxes/Satellite Receivers
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Fax Machines
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Mobile Phones
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MP3 Players, PDAs
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Computer Peripherals (Mice, Keyboards, Drives)
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Printers, Scanners
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TVs, VHS Players
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Video Game Consoles
To provide a convenient and environmentally-sound recycling alternative for all banned electronics, the Village, in partnership with Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) and Supply-Chain Services, Inc. (SSI), has established an electronics recycling drop off site at the Winnetka Public Works Yards - 1390 Willow road.
Items will be accepted Tuesdays between 10:00am – Noon and Thursdays between 1:00 – 3:00pm. Only residential items listed can be accepted. Do not bring household hazardous waste or home appliances such as microwaves, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, air conditioners or other unlisted items.
Electronics from businesses institutions or schools will not be accepted. Please do not drop-off electronics other than during the posted dates and times. Thank you for your cooperation!
For a list of additional recycling opportunities, visit SWANCC’s Green Pages directory at swancc.org.
For more information about the new legislation, click here.
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Recycle My Fridge Program
The Village’s wholesale electric supplier, Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA), has launched a refrigerator/freezer recycling program for residential customers in member communities.
The refrigerator or freezer must be in working condition, 10-30 cubic feet in size, owned by the resident, and picked up from the residential address listed on the billing account. Program participation is limited to residents served by the Village of Winnetka. As a thank-you, the resident will receive a $35 prepaid credit card within four to six weeks after the collection.
For more information on the program or to schedule a free pick-up time, call 877-341-2313 or visit RecycleMyFridge.org.
If you have a non-functioning appliance, please call the Public Works Department at 716-3568 to schedule a special refuse collection
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Winnetka Provides Electronic Recycling Program
The Winnetka Public Works Department is happy to partner with the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) to provide free electronic recycling to residents. The program will run until 500,000 lbs. of material has been collected.
Discarded electronics will be accepted at the Public Works Yards at 1390 Willow from 10:00 AM – Noon on Tuesdays, and from 1:00 – 3:00 PM on Thursdays.
Items that will be accepted include: computers and peripherals, DVD players, fax machines, mobile phones, MP3 players, game consoles, zip drives, printers, televisions and VHS players.
Further details are available by clicking here. For additional recycling and waste reduction programs or events, visit www.swancc.org or call 847.724.9205.
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Battery Recycling Program
The Public Works Department is partnering with the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) to offer a battery recycling program, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM at the Public Works Yards, 1390 Willow.
Rechargeable, NiCd, NiMh, lithium ion, lithium polymer or household alkaline batteries will be accepted. Residents please note: Each rechargeable battery (lithium,NiMh and NiCad) must have masking tape on contact points or be placed in an individual zip-lock plastic bag. If you have any questions, please call 716-3568.
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Proposed Adjustments to UP North Line Schedule
The Village has been advised that Metra proposes to adjust the Union Pacific North Line schedule to better reflect the actual running times of trains, taking into account heavy loading at certain locations. These adjustments are expected to begin on January 29th and are available for review at metrarail.com. (Click on Recent News to see proposed timetable and how interested persons can submit their comments.)
Information about the Metra bridge reconstruction project on the UP North Line can also be found on the Metra website.
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