Eisenhower Update

Trustee Diana Carpenter (left) and President Joanne E. Trapani with U.S. Rep. Danny Davis in his Washington, D.C. office. Village officials recently traveled to Springfield and Washington, D.C., to personally convey Oak Park's concerns about the potential impact of the Illinois Department of Transportation's plans to expand the I-290 Eisenhower Expressway. Members of the Oak Park contingent focused their efforts on convincing officials, including representatives of the Federal Highway Administration, to insist that IDOT conduct a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to help ensure consideration of all potential impacts of the proposed highway expansion, a full evaluation of alternatives and continued public participation opportunities. The concept of capping the Eisenhower to reconnect the community from the divide created 40 years ago by the original highway also was discussed. Oak Parkers are urged to write state and federal officials and send copies of their letters to the Village to document the community's concern about the project. Send copies to the Village ManagerÕs Office, Village Hall, 123 Madison St., Oak Park, IL 60302.

Construction update

Contracts for more than $8,500,000 in public improvements have been awarded so far in 2002, as the construction season moves into full swing. Contracts and projects include the following:

• $2,637,000 for water and sewer main work scheduled to begin in late May.
• $1,094,000 for local street resurfacing scheduled to begin in late May.
• $500,000 for sidewalk replacement. Work on some 600 locations has already been completed, with another 600 locations scheduled for late summer.
• $1,290,000 to resurface Chicago Avenue, with work scheduled to begin in mid to late June.
• $2,938,000 to build a new water reservoir under Stevenson Park, with work scheduled to begin in late May.
• $840,000 for alley improvements, with work to begin in mid June.

As project start dates near, residents who live in areas most affected will receive a written alert, including start times and estimated completion dates, and a telephone number to call for the latest information. Parking permit holders affected by construction will be notified prior to work beginning and temporary alternate arrangements made. A special construction update telephone line -- 358.5701 -- also will provide regularly updated recorded messages on the largest projects around the clock. Residents who call during regular work hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, also can reach an operator for the latest information on any specific project. For more information, call 358.5700 or email publicworks@vil.oak-park.il.us.

Test for entry-level firefighters set

The Oak Park Fire Department will test for entry level firefighter-paramedics beginning at 9 a.m. sharp on Sat., June 22 at Oak Park River Forest High School, 201 N. Scoville Ave. Applicants must be 21 years old, a U.S. citizen, have a high school degree and be a state licensed emergency medical technician/paramedic prior to appointment as an Oak Park firefighter-paramedic. An orientation session before the test will include an overview of the job, including salary and benefits, and provide an opportunity for any questions potential applicants may have. Qualified applicants must bring a valid driver's license, birth certificate or proof of U.S. citizenship and a $10 application fee to the orientation. For more information, call 708.358.5650 or email hr@vil.oak-park.il.us.

Students Honored for Fostering Positive Human Relations

Fifty-seven Oak Park junior high school students have been honored for their sensitivity and actions in fostering positive racial and ethnic relations. Teachers and staff of Oak Park schools nominated students for the award, selecting those who demonstrate concerns for others and respect for individual differences. This is the 20th consecutive year of the award program, which is coordinated by the Oak Park Community Relations Commission, a 15-member citizen advisory group that works to foster successful racial integration and respect for human differences.

Award Winners  

Paul Baker	Georgia Hunter	Owen Reneau
Carlie Beach	Brianna Kelly	Patricia Richert
Erin Bracco	Blythe Keuning	Farren Rixter
Charlie Barrows	Chanelia Kidd	Sarah Rodts
Liam Bird	Torrance Johnson	Claire Sapko
Nia Brown	Jake Linne	Claire Saxe
Sarah Buhai-Jacobus	Amy Lutz	Eric Schwebach
Liz Callahan	Julie Macino	Grant Shepard
Taryn Cass	Alex Malhiot	Rebecca Spooner
Philipp Crisologo	Kim Martin	Matthew Streit
Claire Crossett	Paul Martin	Olimpia Szala
Ashley Cunning	Matthew McDonnell	Nesreen Tawfic
Alicia Delia	Matt Miniscalco	Nina Terebessy
Brittany DeZutter	Maya Minter	Sarah Wallace
Aaron Flemming	Sunny Mullins	Lu Wemhoff
Erica Gibbons	Liza Nunez	Erin Williams
Brittany Grace	Afia Ohemeng	Kiara Williams
Elisabeth Hausken	Bridget O'Neill
Steven Henneberry	Ashley Perisee
David Hibbler	Toma Pigli

Vehicle sticker renewals begin

New vehicle stickers must be purchased before June 30. The Office of the Village Clerk will be open until 7:30 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays and from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturdays throughout June for the convenience of residents. Regular hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stickers also can be renewed by mail. The 2002 sticker is $45 - $35 for residents 65 and over and the disabled. Fees increase $5 on the second day of each month beginning July 1. Vehicles not displaying a valid vehicle registration decal are subject to ticketing beginning July 1. The fine for not displaying a valid vehicle sticker is $21 and increases to $31 after 14 days. For more information call 358.5670 or email clerk@vil.oak-park.il.us.

Property inspectors on the lookout for violations

Building and Property Standards Department inspectors are continually checking single-family homes and apartment buildings with up to four units for maintenance and nuisance code violations as part of the Neighborhood Walk Program. For nuisance violations such as garbage, debris and overgrown brush, inspectors will leave a notice on the door as a reminder to clean up and remove the materials. But for building maintenance related code violations the homeowner will be notified by mail that the property is in violation of Village Code. Serious violations include deteriorating wood, sagging eaves, crumbling chimneys, missing downspouts, peeling paint, overgrown grass and trees, open garage doors, missing address numbers, and unsafe conditions such as rotted porches and stairs. If you receive a Neighborhood Walk violation letter please take care of your repairs within the time frame specified in your letter. If you need more time, contact the inspector who signed the letter to set up a maintenance schedule and budget. Any homeowner who fails to respond to a letter will receive a citation requiring a court appearance that could result in a fine of up to $750. For more information call 358.5444 or email building@vil.oak-park.il.us.

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Village of Oak Park

F.Y.I. for June 2002