Berkeley

Village of

FROM THE MAYOR'S DESK

Village President Michael A. Esposito

The month of July featured fun and exciting events in our Village. The Village Picnic and Car Show on July 11th provided great entertainment for families and friends with food, music, and rides. The Music in the Park concerts which ran for three Wednesday nights in July, extended the summer activities with music from Chicago Express, the Lucy Ariana Duo, and Banjo Buddies. Thank you for coming out to enjoy the community and visit with your fellow residents. I would also like to thank our many sponsors and participating businesses that made these events possible.

In July, the Village recently completed the installation of decorative lightpoles east of Wolf Road along St. Charles Road. The installation of these poles was partially funded through the Village’s tax increment financing (TIF) district which was established in 2001 to improve the viability of the St. Charles Road commercial corridor. Investing in the TIF district has and will continue to increase sales tax revenue and therefore decrease the Village’s reliance on property taxes. In February, the Village used this TIF funding to purchase 5544 St. Charles and will be demolishing the building in the near future to encourage redevelopment of the site. Although economic development opportunities are far and few between during this trying economy, the Village will continue to plan and prepare for future redevelopment opportunities.

I would like to take a moment to thank our residents for embracing the new recycling program. Participation in the recycling program has dramatically grown which will help to stabilize the long-term costs of refuse disposal. In the short term, the Union Pacific Foundation has graciously provided the Village with an $11,000 grant to support the recycling program. These funds will be used to defer increases for an additional year.

Last but not least, I would like to acknowledge the hard working employees of the Village’s Public Works Department. During the June storms, this crew of five led by Superintendent Larem, worked vigorously to deter flooding and remove fallen trees and brush. Especially during these difficult economic times, the Village Board and I are proud that all of our Village operations, including Public Works, have been run extremely efficiently which has helped to address the Village’s annual struggle of increasing costs and decreasing revenues. These Village employees will not only improve Village operations but will result in an annual savings of nearly $60,000. The Village has and will continue to explore ways to cut costs and reduce the overall tax burden on each individual resident.

The warm weather is here and I would like to invite you to come out and participate in the fun and exciting events that take place in our Village. This summer, come out for the free “Music in the Park” on Wednesday nights, the annual Village Picnic and Car Show, numerous Park District and Library activities, and plenty of block parties and garage sales throughout the Village. Also, don’t forget to take advantage of the wonderful Prairie Path for walking, jogging, and bicycle riding.

I would like to take this opportunity to announce that the Union Pacific has awarded the Village of Berkeley with an $11,000 grant to support our new recycling program. This grant will be used to offset a portion of the new cart program. Remember, under the new recycling program, your recyclable material will be collected every other week.

Finally, please take note of the newly published Fiscal Year 2010 –2011 Budget. The Village Board and I are aware that the recent water and sewer fee increases have been difficult. However, this Fiscal Year, the Village Board and staff are committed to pursuing ways to decrease costs and improve upon the many other services offered to our residents. We appreciate your loyalty to our Village during these difficult economic times.

As with nearly all local governments, the Village continues to struggle to maintain service levels with consistently declining revenues and increasing costs. As the Village Board prepares to pass the Fiscal Year 2010- 11 Budget set to begin May 1st, the Village will be faced with difficult decisions in order to balance the budget. Although the Village has adequately planned for necessary capital improvements, declining revenues including sales tax, local use tax, income tax, replacement tax, and permit fees have forced the Village to reduce its operating budget by more than 10%. In addition, Governor Quinn’s proposed budget for the State of Illinois calls for an additional $120,000 reduction in revenues for the Village. Should this occur, the Village would need to make adjustments to address this permanent revenue reduction.

To stabilize the Village’s costs for water and sewer operations, the Village Board recently made the difficult decision to increase the fees for water and sewer service. Due to the hardship placed on residents and businesses during this recession, the Village Board had elected to absorb significant increases in water and sewer operation costs. These cost increases were a direct result of water rate increases passed by the City of Chicago and infrastructure improvements performed for the Village of Melrose Park and Hillside-Berkeley Water Commission. However, the Village can no longer afford to absorb these increases.

On a lighter note, the Village is pleased to announce a new recycling program that will substantially improve recycling in the Village and help to stabilize long-term costs for refuse collection. In response to resident concerns, over the last several months the Village Board has been working to develop a program to replace the current “recycling bag/co-collection” program. The new program will include a separate cart for recycling that will be delivered to your home on Earth Day (April 22nd).

The Village Board and I are confident that brighter economic times are ahead. Until then, we appreciate your patience and support.

STATE OF THE VILLAGE REPORT 2009

It is difficult to believe that the first decade of the new millennium is already behind us. During 2009 the Village Board and dedicated Village staff have accomplished many important projects that have improved your Village and the quality of life that we all enjoy in this community. The projects have been accomplished despite a constant struggle to sustain service levels with declining revenues. Below are some of the highlights of the past year. Also included are some of the challenges that the Village will be facing in 2010.

COMMUNICATION

   During 2009, the Village continued to improve resident communication. Once again, residents were provided with an opportunity to meet and interact with members of the Village Board through the monthly Coffee and Conversation program. In addition, the Village implemented a communitywide messaging system that has allowed the Village to send important phone and text messages to residents throughout the Village. The Village also improved access to Village information through a redesigned website at www.berkeley.il.us and two electronic messaging signs along St. Charles Road.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

   The Village of Berkeley welcomed several new businesses during 2009 including Nour & Co. Hair Design specializing in Egyptian hair design and Dollar General with 9,555 square feet of retail space. In May 2009, the Village hosted the 2nd Annual Transportation and Economic Development Forum to bring the concerns of all of our local businesses to the attention of state, county, and local government officials. During this forum, the Village’s new comprehensive plan was also discussed and is now in the final stages of preparation.

CAPITAL PROJECTS

   In 2009, the Village initiated and completed the construction of the new 12,000 square foot Public Works facility located at the corner of McDermott and Wolf Roads. The construction of the facility was entirely funded from the Village’s Capital Projects Fund and debt was not incurred to complete the project. The new facility has freed up space in the Village Hall necessary for Police Department operations.

   By the end of 2009, the Village also completed Phase 2 of a drainage and road surface improvement program. With the completion of this phase, nearly two-thirds of the Village’s roads have been repaved since 2007. Finally, this winter the Village purchased a second trackless vehicle to assist with sidewalk snow removal. Following the removal of snow on all Village roads, the Public Works Department has used this equipment to remove snow from the sidewalks along St. Charles Road and other commercial and residential sidewalks throughout the Village as time and weather permit.

FUN IN BERKELEY CONTINUES

   Once again, the Berkeley Fire Department held anAnnual Dance to raise funds to support fire services. This successful event allows the Village to maintain one of thefinest departments in the area at a minimal cost to taxpayers. Other fun and successful events held this past year include the Berkeley Youth Baseball Parade, Car Show and Picnic, Music in the Park, Boys and Girls Club 5K Walkathon, Boy Scouts Pancake Breakfast, Fire Department Night at the Races, Thanksgiving Turkey Shoot, Fire Department Open House, Free Family Skate Nights, and Holiday Fest.

VILLAGE OFFICIALS

   In May and again in December, Chief Timothy Griffin retired from the Village. Retiring from the Chief of Police position in May after thirty years of service, Chief Griffin assisted the Village as Acting Village Administrator until the position was filled in December. Chief Griffin’s years of dedicated service have not gone without notice.

   Upon Chief Griffin’s retirement, Commander Joseph Patti was promoted to Chief of Police. Since 1984, Chief Patti has served the Village and he will continue to ensure the safety of our community by leading the dedicated officers of the Police Department.

   In December, Jennifer Johnsen was appointed Village Administrator. Administrator Johnsen’s primary duties include overseeing all administrative, finance, building, zoning, and economic development functions for the Village. Administrator Johnsen comes to Berkeley with past service at the Village of Clarendon Hills.

   In May, the Village also welcomed Peggy Stanko as Village Clerk. Clerk Stanko replaced Janice McCulloch who served as the Village’s loyal and knowledgeable clerk for thirteen years.

   Lastly, in 2009, the Village enhanced code enforcement efforts by hiring full-time Code Enforcement Officer Gary Williams. This code enforcement officer position has and will continue to addresses property maintenance issues in the Village by assisting residents with code compliance.

VILLAGE FINANCES and UPCOMING CHALLENGES

Once again, the Village received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting for the FY 08-09 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. Less than three-tenths of one percent of all municipalities with a population under 25,000 receive this award for achieving the highest standards in government accounting and financial reporting.

   While the Village fiscal resources are well managed, revenue and service challenges lie ahead. As with other local and state governments, the Village has felt the delayed effects of the slowing economy on revenues. Sales, income, local use, motor fuel, and utility taxes as well as permit fees and interest revenue have all declined as the economy and housing market continue to struggle. During the next fiscal year, the Village will be challenged to maintain high quality services while responding to declining revenue.

   In 2010, the Village will also be challenged to sustain water operations without additional revenue. Over the last several years, the Water Fund has experienced significant increases in expenditures due to water rate increases passed on from the City of Chicago to the Hillside-Berkeley Water Commission and onto the Village of Berkeley. Moreover, infrastructure and capacity improvements for Melrose Park have resulted in significant increases in water operation costs. For the last two years, these increases have placed the Water Fund into a deficit position and revenue options must be reviewed in 2010 to address these increased costs.

   Now that the Public Works space at the Village Hall has been vacated, this year the Village will be exploring the appropriate steps needed to create a more functional space for the Police Department within the Village Hall. Planning for the space will be conducted with a focus on providing adequate space for critical Police Department operations while incorporating safety, security, and accessibility requirements into the building.

   During 2010, the Village will also continue to work to improve residential recycling services. Over the last several months, the Village has been working to create an alternative recycling program that will not create an undue hardship for the residents of Berkeley. The Village is hoping to make significant improvements to the program beginning this spring.

   Although much was accomplished in 2009, it is evident that tough challenges lie ahead for the Village of Berkeley. Together with your Village staff, the Village Board will continue to prudently manage the future progress and growth of our community. The Village requests your patience and support, and wishes our residents and businesses the very best during these trying times.

Sincerely,

Tony Esposito

FROM THE MAYOR'S DESK

	Berkeley 5819 Electric Avenue - Berkeley, Illinois - 60163

	Village of FROM THE MAYOR'S DESK Village President Michael A. Esposito The month of July featured fun and exciting events in our Village. The Village Picnic and Car Show on July 11th provided great entertainment for families and friends with food, music, and rides. The Music in the Park concerts which ran for three Wednesday nights in July, extended the summer activities with music from Chicago Express, the Lucy Ariana Duo, and Banjo Buddies. Thank you for coming out to enjoy the community and visit with your fellow residents. I would also like to thank our many sponsors and participating businesses that made these events possible. In July, the Village recently completed the installation of decorative lightpoles east of Wolf Road along St. Charles Road. The installation of these poles was partially funded through the Village’s tax increment financing (TIF) district which was established in 2001 to improve the viability of the St. Charles Road commercial corridor. Investing in the TIF district has and will continue to increase sales tax revenue and therefore decrease the Village’s reliance on property taxes. In February, the Village used this TIF funding to purchase 5544 St. Charles and will be demolishing the building in the near future to encourage redevelopment of the site. Although economic development opportunities are far and few between during this trying economy, the Village will continue to plan and prepare for future redevelopment opportunities. I would like to take a moment to thank our residents for embracing the new recycling program. Participation in the recycling program has dramatically grown which will help to stabilize the long-term costs of refuse disposal. In the short term, the Union Pacific Foundation has graciously provided the Village with an $11,000 grant to support the recycling program. These funds will be used to defer increases for an additional year. Last but not least, I would like to acknowledge the hard working employees of the Village’s Public Works Department. During the June storms, this crew of five led by Superintendent Larem, worked vigorously to deter flooding and remove fallen trees and brush. Especially during these difficult economic times, the Village Board and I are proud that all of our Village operations, including Public Works, have been run extremely efficiently which has helped to address the Village’s annual struggle of increasing costs and decreasing revenues. These Village employees will not only improve Village operations but will result in an annual savings of nearly $60,000. The Village has and will continue to explore ways to cut costs and reduce the overall tax burden on each individual resident. The warm weather is here and I would like to invite you to come out and participate in the fun and exciting events that take place in our Village. This summer, come out for the free “Music in the Park” on Wednesday nights, the annual Village Picnic and Car Show, numerous Park District and Library activities, and plenty of block parties and garage sales throughout the Village. Also, don’t forget to take advantage of the wonderful Prairie Path for walking, jogging, and bicycle riding. I would like to take this opportunity to announce that the Union Pacific has awarded the Village of Berkeley with an $11,000 grant to support our new recycling program. This grant will be used to offset a portion of the new cart program. Remember, under the new recycling program, your recyclable material will be collected every other week. Finally, please take note of the newly published Fiscal Year 2010 –2011 Budget. The Village Board and I are aware that the recent water and sewer fee increases have been difficult. However, this Fiscal Year, the Village Board and staff are committed to pursuing ways to decrease costs and improve upon the many other services offered to our residents. We appreciate your loyalty to our Village during these difficult economic times. As with nearly all local governments, the Village continues to struggle to maintain service levels with consistently declining revenues and increasing costs. As the Village Board prepares to pass the Fiscal Year 2010- 11 Budget set to begin May 1st, the Village will be faced with difficult decisions in order to balance the budget. Although the Village has adequately planned for necessary capital improvements, declining revenues including sales tax, local use tax, income tax, replacement tax, and permit fees have forced the Village to reduce its operating budget by more than 10%. In addition, Governor Quinn’s proposed budget for the State of Illinois calls for an additional $120,000 reduction in revenues for the Village. Should this occur, the Village would need to make adjustments to address this permanent revenue reduction. To stabilize the Village’s costs for water and sewer operations, the Village Board recently made the difficult decision to increase the fees for water and sewer service. Due to the hardship placed on residents and businesses during this recession, the Village Board had elected to absorb significant increases in water and sewer operation costs. These cost increases were a direct result of water rate increases passed by the City of Chicago and infrastructure improvements performed for the Village of Melrose Park and Hillside-Berkeley Water Commission. However, the Village can no longer afford to absorb these increases. On a lighter note, the Village is pleased to announce a new recycling program that will substantially improve recycling in the Village and help to stabilize long-term costs for refuse collection. In response to resident concerns, over the last several months the Village Board has been working to develop a program to replace the current “recycling bag/co-collection” program. The new program will include a separate cart for recycling that will be delivered to your home on Earth Day (April 22nd). The Village Board and I are confident that brighter economic times are ahead. Until then, we appreciate your patience and support. STATE OF THE VILLAGE REPORT 2009 It is difficult to believe that the first decade of the new millennium is already behind us. During 2009 the Village Board and dedicated Village staff have accomplished many important projects that have improved your Village and the quality of life that we all enjoy in this community. The projects have been accomplished despite a constant struggle to sustain service levels with declining revenues. Below are some of the highlights of the past year. Also included are some of the challenges that the Village will be facing in 2010. COMMUNICATION During 2009, the Village continued to improve resident communication. Once again, residents were provided with an opportunity to meet and interact with members of the Village Board through the monthly Coffee and Conversation program. In addition, the Village implemented a communitywide messaging system that has allowed the Village to send important phone and text messages to residents throughout the Village. The Village also improved access to Village information through a redesigned website at www.berkeley.il.us and two electronic messaging signs along St. Charles Road. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The Village of Berkeley welcomed several new businesses during 2009 including Nour & Co. Hair Design specializing in Egyptian hair design and Dollar General with 9,555 square feet of retail space. In May 2009, the Village hosted the 2nd Annual Transportation and Economic Development Forum to bring the concerns of all of our local businesses to the attention of state, county, and local government officials. During this forum, the Village’s new comprehensive plan was also discussed and is now in the final stages of preparation. CAPITAL PROJECTS In 2009, the Village initiated and completed the construction of the new 12,000 square foot Public Works facility located at the corner of McDermott and Wolf Roads. The construction of the facility was entirely funded from the Village’s Capital Projects Fund and debt was not incurred to complete the project. The new facility has freed up space in the Village Hall necessary for Police Department operations. By the end of 2009, the Village also completed Phase 2 of a drainage and road surface improvement program. With the completion of this phase, nearly two-thirds of the Village’s roads have been repaved since 2007. Finally, this winter the Village purchased a second trackless vehicle to assist with sidewalk snow removal. Following the removal of snow on all Village roads, the Public Works Department has used this equipment to remove snow from the sidewalks along St. Charles Road and other commercial and residential sidewalks throughout the Village as time and weather permit. FUN IN BERKELEY CONTINUES Once again, the Berkeley Fire Department held anAnnual Dance to raise funds to support fire services. This successful event allows the Village to maintain one of thefinest departments in the area at a minimal cost to taxpayers. Other fun and successful events held this past year include the Berkeley Youth Baseball Parade, Car Show and Picnic, Music in the Park, Boys and Girls Club 5K Walkathon, Boy Scouts Pancake Breakfast, Fire Department Night at the Races, Thanksgiving Turkey Shoot, Fire Department Open House, Free Family Skate Nights, and Holiday Fest. VILLAGE OFFICIALS In May and again in December, Chief Timothy Griffin retired from the Village. Retiring from the Chief of Police position in May after thirty years of service, Chief Griffin assisted the Village as Acting Village Administrator until the position was filled in December. Chief Griffin’s years of dedicated service have not gone without notice. Upon Chief Griffin’s retirement, Commander Joseph Patti was promoted to Chief of Police. Since 1984, Chief Patti has served the Village and he will continue to ensure the safety of our community by leading the dedicated officers of the Police Department. In December, Jennifer Johnsen was appointed Village Administrator. Administrator Johnsen’s primary duties include overseeing all administrative, finance, building, zoning, and economic development functions for the Village. Administrator Johnsen comes to Berkeley with past service at the Village of Clarendon Hills. In May, the Village also welcomed Peggy Stanko as Village Clerk. Clerk Stanko replaced Janice McCulloch who served as the Village’s loyal and knowledgeable clerk for thirteen years. Lastly, in 2009, the Village enhanced code enforcement efforts by hiring full-time Code Enforcement Officer Gary Williams. This code enforcement officer position has and will continue to addresses property maintenance issues in the Village by assisting residents with code compliance. VILLAGE FINANCES and UPCOMING CHALLENGES Once again, the Village received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting for the FY 08-09 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. Less than three-tenths of one percent of all municipalities with a population under 25,000 receive this award for achieving the highest standards in government accounting and financial reporting. While the Village fiscal resources are well managed, revenue and service challenges lie ahead. As with other local and state governments, the Village has felt the delayed effects of the slowing economy on revenues. Sales, income, local use, motor fuel, and utility taxes as well as permit fees and interest revenue have all declined as the economy and housing market continue to struggle. During the next fiscal year, the Village will be challenged to maintain high quality services while responding to declining revenue. In 2010, the Village will also be challenged to sustain water operations without additional revenue. Over the last several years, the Water Fund has experienced significant increases in expenditures due to water rate increases passed on from the City of Chicago to the Hillside-Berkeley Water Commission and onto the Village of Berkeley. Moreover, infrastructure and capacity improvements for Melrose Park have resulted in significant increases in water operation costs. For the last two years, these increases have placed the Water Fund into a deficit position and revenue options must be reviewed in 2010 to address these increased costs. Now that the Public Works space at the Village Hall has been vacated, this year the Village will be exploring the appropriate steps needed to create a more functional space for the Police Department within the Village Hall. Planning for the space will be conducted with a focus on providing adequate space for critical Police Department operations while incorporating safety, security, and accessibility requirements into the building. During 2010, the Village will also continue to work to improve residential recycling services. Over the last several months, the Village has been working to create an alternative recycling program that will not create an undue hardship for the residents of Berkeley. The Village is hoping to make significant improvements to the program beginning this spring. Although much was accomplished in 2009, it is evident that tough challenges lie ahead for the Village of Berkeley. Together with your Village staff, the Village Board will continue to prudently manage the future progress and growth of our community. The Village requests your patience and support, and wishes our residents and businesses the very best during these trying times. Sincerely, Tony Esposito FROM THE MAYOR'S DESK