City of Berwyn / News Feed

2010 World Cup Summer Soccer (3/10/2010 9:40:26 PM)

2010 Day Camp (3/10/2010 9:22:48 PM)

2010 Youth Summer Pony Baseball (3/10/2010 7:39:25 PM)

Pee Wee Soccer (3/9/2010 8:00:00 AM)

Odgen Redevelopment Project / Registry Information (1/28/2010 5:00:00 AM)

Form of Notice of Availability of Interested Parties Registry

City of Berwyn, Cook County, Illinois
Ogden Redevelopment Project
As Proposed For Amendment

Notice is hereby given that the Mayor and the City Council of the City of Berwyn, Cook County, Illinois, have created an interested parties registry (the "Registry") for existing and proposed Redevelopment Project Areas, including the Ogden Redevelopment Project Area, as proposed for amendment. The Registry, together with the rules and regulations heretofore approved by the City for the Registry (the "Rules and Regulations"), is on file and available for public inspection during normal business hours at the Office of the City Clerk, City of Berwyn, 6700 26th Street, Berwyn, IL 60402. All interested persons may register with the City on the Registry as provided in the Rules and Regulations in order to receive information on the Redevelopment Project Areas or the approval of amendments to the redevelopment plan and project therefore.

/s/Thomas J. Pavlik
City Clerk, City of Berwyn

Berwyn Fire Dept to Conduct Citizens Fire Academy 2010 (1/7/2010 9:31:10 AM)

Press Release 1/6/2010

Berwyn Fire Department to Conduct

Citizens Fire Academy Class

The Berwyn Fire Department will conduct its 4th Citizen’s Fire Academy class this February. The twelve-week Academy meets 6:30pm to 9:30pm Thursday nights from February 4, 2010 through April 22, 2010 including (2) Saturday classes (8am-12pm) and affords participants the opportunity to learn the tactics and strategies involved in firefighting and rescue operations through both classroom and hands-on sessions.

The Academy exists to provide insight into the inner workings of the Berwyn Fire Department and to better inform the community it serves about the multitude of services it provides. Participants will have the opportunity to receive CPR certification and basic First Aid training, as well as the knowledge of how to react positively in the event of a fire or medical emergency and how to select and use the proper fire extinguisher. Highlights of the class include live fire training and the opportunity to “work” a shift and ride-along on emergency calls.

All Academy instructors are members of the Berwyn Fire Department and have attained a minimum certification of State of Illinois Firefighter Level III and, in most cases, much higher levels of certification and instruction have been attained. These highly qualified personnel are committed to providing information to participants in a professional manner, with the intent of providing individualized instruction to every participant. A realistic balance of classroom time and practical exercises makes the course both informative and interesting. To this end, class size is limited, allowing for good interaction between instructors and participants while maintaining a safe learning environment.

Involvement does not end at graduation. A very strong and active Alumni Association allows CFA participants to continue their educational and supportive roles with the Berwyn Fire Department.

Applications may be obtained by stopping by any of the firehouses or contacting Berwyn Fire Department at 708-788-2660 ext. 3298. If the current class is filled, applicants will be placed on a waiting list for next year’s Academy.

Truth In Taxation Document (1/6/2010 7:34:47 PM)

See the attached Truth in Taxation Document

Berwyn Teachers' Closet (12/11/2009 9:02:13 PM)

The goal.

We would like to serve the educational and creative needs of children in the City of

Berwyn by providing a unique means to offer free merchandise, donated from businesses and individuals, for teachers to use in their classrooms. Our goal is for every child in

Berwyn to have the school supplies they need to succeed in school.

The need.

The Teachers' Closet will help make a big difference to students of limited means whose families do not have the money for school supplies, as well as their teachers. Each teacher usually spends an average of $1,000 of their own money to purchase classroom supplies yearly.

The closet.

The Teachers' Closet will provide free school supplies to teachers in the City of Berwyn. To stock our closets, we will accept donations, and make everything available to teachers for use in the classroom. The closets will be housed at the Berwyn Park District (District 100 teachers) and The North Berwyn Park District (District 98 teachers).

Please help.

If you would like to donate to the closet please contact Alderman Michele Skryd or

Alderman Nora Laureto. The closet item list is attached. We will also accept gift cards to purchase the needed items.

Ald. Michele D. Skryd 708 788-6934 4thward@berwyn-il.gov

Ald. Nora Laureto 708 788-4097 8thward@berwyn-il.gov

Items for Berwyn Teachers' Closet

· Clipboards

· Underwear (girls and boys sizes)

· Binders

· Carpet squares

· Electric pencil sharpeners

· Pencils

· Red pencils

· Erasers

· 2 pocket folders

· Scissors

· Markers

· Dry erase markers

· Glue sticks

· Spiral notebooks

· Crayons

· Packing tape

· Chart paper

· Contact paper

· Sticky tack

· Ruled Index cards

· Manila folders

· Poster Board

· Rulers

· Winter Hats and Gloves (girls and boys)

Rebuilding Together -- Extended! (12/11/2009 9:29:16 AM)

Rebuilding Together * Metro Chicago (formerly Christmas in April) is a

volunteer organization that conducts a one-day free home repair program

to help improve the homes of low-income homeowners. This year residents

in the City of Berwyn will receive free repairs on National Rebuilding Day,

in April 2010. Apply now for assistance if you are interested, qualify as

low-income and own a home in the City of Berwyn.

See the attached PDF for more information.

Berwyn Mayor Introduces New Cable TV Program (12/1/2009 9:01:08 PM)

Berwyn Mayor Robert J. Lovero will be featured on a new half-hour weekly cable television program, "Meeting with the Mayor." The show can be seen each Tuesday on local access cable channel 19 at 9:30 PM, beginning Tuesday, 12/1/2009.

The first show in the series will present Lovero's "State of Berwyn" address which was presented during the recent citywide Neighborhood Watch meeting in the community room of the Berwyn Police Station. Lovero outlined his new administration's progress during its first six months in office, as well as current and future plans and programs.

Future shows will feature the work of each city department as Lovero talks with each department head. For more information, readers may call Berwyn City Hall at (708)788-2660. (END)

Neighborhood Watch Meeting (11/8/2009 2:00:00 PM)

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Neighborhood Watch Meeting
For All Berwyn Residents

Monday, November 02, 2009, 7p.m.
Berwyn Public Safety Building, 6401 W. 31st Street

Show your support for the Neighborhood Watch Program
YOUR ATTENDANCE IS VITAL.
BLOCK CAPTAINS, THIS MEETING IS A MUST !!!

Guest Speakers:

Mayor Robert Lovero“State of the City of Berwyn Address”

Berwyn Tactical Coordinator Roger Montoro
“Update of the New Gang Initiative”

Berwyn Community Development Block Grant Director Robert Dwan
“2010 Census”

Protect your FAMILY, HOME AND PROPERTY with the
combined effort of concerned neighbors. Remember, crime
prevention begins at HOME.

Halloween Party costume contest winners (10/29/2009 8:01:20 AM)

Ages 0 to 2 year olds

Most Creative/Original Fireman Joel Kon

Prettiest/handsome Raggedy Ann

Scariest Wolverine Octavien Sisk

Funniest Clown Miranda Perez

Ages 3 & 4 year olds

Most Creative/Original Shark Enjoli Villarreal

Prettiest/handsome Fairy Alyana Best

Scariest Vampire Halie Ray

Funniest Skeleton Carisma Rosales

Ages 5 to 6 year olds

Most Creative/Original Zombie Alex Rodriquez

Prettiest/handsome SWAT GUY Leonardo Jasso

Scariest Doctor Zombie Johan Chavez

Funniest Mario Brother Manuel Casildo

Ages 7 & 8 year olds

Most Creative/Original Witch Izabella Zuno

Prettiest/handsome Blue fairy Tanya Villareal

Scariest Saw Cristian Fitzsimmons

Funniest Boy in Shower Michael Morales

Ages 9 & 10 year olds

Most Creative/Original Spider girl Evangelina Gutierrez

Prettiest/handsome Bumble Bee Joanna Jasso

Scariest Jester Sering Perez

Funniest Als Pizza Guy Daniel Morales

Adult winner

Michelle Rodriguez

2010 Youth Basketball (10/22/2009 3:07:20 AM)

Youth Open Gym at the Rec (10/21/2009 10:09:19 AM)

Rebuilding Together Information (10/10/2009 10:36:37 AM)

Attention Berwyn Homeowners!

o Do you own a home?
o Are you elderly, disabled, or low-income?
o Do you need free help with home repairs?

Rebuilding Together * Metro Chicago (formerly Christmas in April) is a
volunteer organization that conducts a one-day free home repair program
to help improve the homes of low-income homeowners. This year residents
in the City of Berwyn will receive free repairs on National Rebuilding Day,
in April 2010. Apply now for assistance if you are interested, qualify as
low-income and own a home in the City of Berwyn!

You can request that an application be mailed to you by contacting us at:
(312) 201-1188 or download the attached file.

HYDRANT FLUSHING PROGRAM FOR FALL 2009 (9/30/2009 8:17:25 PM)

The Berwyn Fire Department will be conducting the flushing of hydrants starting Monday October 12, 2009 and ending October 23, 2009. Hydrants will be flushed from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm Monday thru Friday.

Residents may notice discoloration of water when flushing takes place in their neighborhood. Persons who experience discoloration of water can turn on their plumbing fixtures until the water runs clear. Run the water from a fixture that is located in the in the lowest level of your house. Do not do laundry during hydrant flushing in your neighborhood. Wait until you have clear running water before you start washing clothes. The hydrant flushing schedule is as folows:

Day 1 SOUTH of Burlington R.R. Tracks October 12, 2009

The following streets between East & Ridgeland Ave.

32nd, Fairfield, 33rd, Sinclair, 34th

Day 1 NORTH of Burlington R.R. Tracks October 12, 2009

26th Pky. between 26th St. & IC R.R. Tracks

26th Pl. between Home Ave. & IC R.R.Tracks

Riverside Dr. between 22nd St. & Harlem Ave.

29th St. between Kenilworth & Wisconsin Ave.

29th Pl. between Oak Park & Wisconsin Ave.

30th St. & 30th Pl. between Oak Park & Home Ave.

31st St. between Oak Park & Home Ave.

The following streets between East & Ridgeland Ave.

26th Pl., 27th St., 27th Pl., 28th St., 28th Pl.,

Day 2 Oak Park, Euclid October 13, 2009

Day 3 Wesley, Clarence, East October 14, 2009

Day 4 Scoville, Gunderson, Elmwood October 15, 2009

Day 5 Ridgeland, Cuyler, Highland October 16, 2009

Day 6 Harvey, Lombard October 19, 2009

Day 7 Grove, Kenilworth October 20, 2009

Day 8 Clinton, Home October 21, 2009

Day 9 Wenonah, Wisconsin October 22, 2009

Day 10 Maple, Harlem October 23, 2009

** RESPONSES TO EMERGENCY CALLS MAY ALTER SCHEDULE**

UPDATED INFO

Due to maintenance issues to the cities water supply system, the only hydrants that will be tested this fall (beginning October 12^th) will be north of 22^nd street, Harlem to Lombard. The schedule previously sent to you will be followed as far as which streets are to be tested on each specific day, the only change is that nothing will be tested south of 22^nd street.

2009 HOLIDAY LIGHT DECORATIONS FOR THE CITY OF BERWYN (9/29/2009 12:54:13 AM)

2009 HOLIDAY LIGHT DECORATIONS FOR THE CITY OF BERWYN

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS: Sealed Proposals will be received at the Office of the City Clerk, until the time and date specified below, for:

HOLIDAY LIGHT DECORATIONS

RFP packets are available at City Clerk's Office, City Hall, 6700 W. 26th Street, Berwyn, IL 60402.

ADDRESS PROPOSALS TO: Attention of the City Clerk’s Office, City Hall, 6700 W. 26^th Street, Berwyn IL 60402, on or before the bid opening local time and date specified below. Proposals shall be sealed and clearly marked on the front “Proposal for Holiday Light Decorations” FAXED PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

PROPOSALS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN: 12:00 p.m., on October 13^th, 2009 Proposers shall submit four (4) copies of their proposal.

Bids will be opened and awarded at the regularly scheduled City Council Meeting on October 13^th, 2009.

Triton College, Fall Family Fun Fest (9/18/2009 2:00:00 PM)

Triton College is hosting its

first ever Fall Family Fun Fest

on Saturday, Oct. 3, in the

beautiful Botanical Gardens.

Come on out for a full day of fall

activities the whole family will enjoy!

• Pumpkin Patch • Arts & Crafts

• Corn Maze • Straw Maze

• Horticulture and Wine Making

Demonstrations

• Taffy Apple Decorating

• Maggie the Mechanical Cow

• And More!

Additional details are available here: http://berwyn-il.gov/pdf/fallfestflyer.pdf

Cook County, H1N1 Information (9/16/2009 11:36:42 PM)

Please see the attached information packet from Cook County in regards to H1N1 influenza. This package is available to download from our website.

CDBG Annual Action Plan for PY 2009 (8/13/2009 7:00:00 AM)

CDBG Annual Action Plan for PY 2009

http://berwyn-il.gov/pdf/Annual%20Action%20Plan%20for%20PY%202009.pdf

City of Berwyn Action Plan 2009 (6/24/2009 5:00:00 PM)

The Community Development/Block Grant department is pleased to present the 2009 Action Plan. Please see the attachment with this posting to download the action plan in PDF format.

CDBG-R (6/4/2009 10:25:52 PM)

All citizens, public agencies and other interested parties are hereby given notice that the City of Berwyn Community Development Department has prepared a Substantial Amendment to the PY 2008 one-year Action Plan, which began October 1, 2008. The proposed amendment identifies projects that will be undertaken by the City of Berwyn to utilize $365,718 in supplemental CDBG-R funding awarded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The City of Berwyn intends to use the CDBG-R funding for infrastructure improvements exclusively in low- and moderate- income neighborhoods. The substantial amendment will identify infrastructure projects, including sewer, sidewalk, and street improvements, in neighborhoods that promote the vitality of adjacent commercial areas.

The City seeks public comments on its plans to use CDBG-R funds to meet priority needs identified in the Consolidated Plan. Copies of the Amended Plan will be available for a seven day (7) review period beginning May 27, 2009 at the City of Berwyn’s Community Development Department, located at 6420 W. 16^th Street, Berwyn, Illinois 60402. The Amended Plan was presented to the City Council on Tuesday, May 26, 2009, and will also be available for review in the City Clerk’s office, 6700 26^th Street, Illinois 60402, (708) 795-6850. An electronic copy will also be posted on the City’s web site (www.berwyn-il.gov).

Plesae see the attachment for more information.

Consumer Confidence Report, Berwyn Water Supply 2009 (6/4/2009 8:47:40 PM)

Dear Berwyn Water Customer:
The Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) rule requires all community water systems to provide reports to their customers on the quality of their drinking water. The City of Berwyn, in conjunction with the City of Chicago and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), is providing the required information pertaining to source water monitoring for the period January 2008 through December 2008.

The City of Berwyn has provided water that meets all the requirements of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) drinking water standards. The following reports are being provided to help you better understand the quality of the water you consume and use on a daily basis. Consumers with medical conditions may use the water quality analysis provided or request a City of Chicago complete water analysis, to consult with their family doctors. Others may learn ways to better protect their children from the effects of lead in our environment, or how to conserve water in our daily lives. A well-informed consumer is the best ally the City has in providing clean, safe water to its customers.
If there are any questions, or if additional information is needed, please contact Patrick Ryan, Director of Public Works,, at (708) 749-4700.

Please download the attached PDF file for the FULL REPORT

Military Kids -- Fishing Days Are Here (5/28/2009 12:56:38 AM)

The Family Program’s State Youth Coordinator is planning a series of fishing days throughout the

upcoming summer. There will be approximately 20 days, scheduled over 7 weeks, with sites located

throughout the state. The schedule for the first week of fishing days for our military kids has been

finalized and the registration form is attached. Please note that registration for the first week needs to

be in by May 29th.

The rest of the fishing days will be finalized soon and the registrations for those will follow shortly.

The proposed schedule is:

WEEK 1

June 3 Wolf Creek, Lake Shelbyville, Shelbyville

June 4 Weldon Springs State Park, Clinton, IL

June 5 Glen Oak Park Lagoon, Peoria

WEEK 2

June 8 Pike County/Siloam Springs State Park

June 10 Washington Park, Springfield

WEEK 3

June 17 Miller Park, Bloomington

June 18 Crystal Lake Park, Urbana

June 19 Fairview Park, Decatur

WEEK 4

June 23 Jones Lake at Kenneth Hall Park, East St. Louis

June 24 Gordon Moore Park Lake, Alton

June 25 Lake Lou Yeager, Litchfield

WEEK 5

July 8 Olney, IL

July 9 Veterans Park Lake, Mt. Vernon

July 10 SIU Campus Lake, Carbondale

WEEK 6

July 13 Chicago Park District Lagoons: Columbus Park and Gompers Park

July 14 Chicago Park District Lagoons : Jackson Park and McKinley Park

July 15 Will County/Joliet Park District

WEEK 7

August 4 Riverside Park, Moline

August 5 Levings Lake, Rockford

August 6 Lasalle/Ottawa

Registrations and/or questions/comments should be directed to the State Youth Coordinator, Patt

Miles, 217-761-3639, patt.miles@us.army.mil or Patt Miles, Camp Lincoln, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd,

Springfield, IL 62702

CEDA annouces opportunities for qualified general contractors (5/22/2009 12:57:34 AM)

CEDA annouces opportunities for qualified general contractors... please see the attached PDF for more details regarding this important annoucement.

BPD Awarded Traffic Safety Enforcement Grant (5/20/2009 2:00:00 PM)

The Berwyn Police Department has been awarded a Traffic Safety Enforcement
grant through the Illinois Department of Transportation Division of Traffic Safety.

The following information is from IDOT’s press release:

IMAGE Projects: Integrated Mini-Grant Enforcement Program consists of 5 enforcement campaign periods during the year. During the first and fourth campaigns, officers will concentrate on enforcement of all traffic laws with special emphasis on impaired driving violations. During the second and third campaigns, the emphasis will be on occupant restraint and during the fifth and final campaign, the emphasis will be on speed violations.

Public Information campaigns will be conducted prior to and immediately following each enforcement wave. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for Americans. In Illinois, 1,420 people were killed in crashes during 2002. The estimated economic cost of all crash related injuries and deaths in Illinois for 2002 was $8.5 billion. While Illinois’ current safety belt usage rate is 80.1 percent for drivers and passengers, the Illinois Department of Transportation estimates that nearly 7 out of 10 vehicle occupants who die in fatal crashes are not belted. The grant is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation and will be administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Division of Traffic Safety.

The Berwyn Police Department will be actively targeting impaired drivers, seat belt and speeding violators. The next enforcement period will be over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Several times during the enforcement period, the department will be implementing Seat Belt Safety Checks.

26th St. Construction Begins! (5/19/2009 4:42:07 AM)

Central Blacktop will begin work on 26th Street TOMORROW, May 19. Central will be repair approximately 500 feet of curb and gutter and resetting some manholes in the area. Milling of the road will immediately follow this work and then patching and paving will begin. Limits for this project are Harlem Avenue to Cicero Avenue, with all segments of work beginning on the Berwyn side.

Completion date for this contract remains August 31, 2009. It is hoped the project will completed in Berwyn well before this date

BERWYN - Roosevelt Road WM / Combined Sewer Improvements (5/13/2009 7:51:21 PM)

Project Update:

BERWYN - Roosevelt Road WM / Combined Sewer Improvements
Trine Project # 208124

See attached.

Senior Serivces June Calendar of Events (5/13/2009 6:30:00 AM)

The Senior Services Division of the City of Berwyn has released its June 2009 calendar of events. To view/print the calendar, please download the attachment posted with this notice.

Notice of Public Meeting, Roosevelt Rd, Streetscape Design Plan (5/6/2009 2:00:00 PM)

Notice of Public Meeting
Roosevelt Road

Streetscape Design Plan and Zoning Regulations

DATE: Wednesday, May 20, 2008

TIME: 7:00 PM

PLACE: St George Antiochian Orthodox Church

1220 60^th Court, Cicero

(Humphrey Avenue is north of Roosevelt Road in Oak Park, 60^th Court is south of Roosevelt Road in Cicero)

The Village of Oak Park, City of Berwyn, and Town of Cicero have joined together to revitalize a key 1.25-mile segment of Roosevelt Road between Austin Boulevard and Harlem Avenue. As part of this effort, the municipalities are inviting property owners, business owners, residents and neighbors to an important meeting regarding zoning regulations for this portion of Roosevelt Road, with an update on the streetscape design process.

This multi-jurisdictional effort is expected to result in development of a streetscape design plan and new zoning regulations, both of which are intended to improve the appearance, accessibility and function of the corridor. At the May 20^th meeting, the consultant team will present their draft form-based code overlay regulations for Roosevelt Road. Most important though, the municipalities and consultants will be there to answer your questions and listen to your thoughts, including your input on the proposed zoning regulations.

If you can’t join us on May 20th, we hope you will be able to join us at other meetings and events that will occur over the next few months.

Please visit www.rooseveltroad.com for information about upcoming meetings and project status and to view a draft of the proposed Form-based zoning code for Roosevelt Road. Also, you may send comments and/or questions about the project to comments@rooseveltroad.com.

Any questions about the meeting place or project please call:

Craig Failor [Oak Park] 358-5418,

Craig Pesek [Cicero] 656-3600, or

Anthony Griffin [Berwyn] 788-8100.

Komensky Newsletter (5/2/2009 11:26:46 PM)

Attached with this posting is the Komensky Newsletter for this upcoming month, posted in both English and Spanish.

Swine Flu FAQ (5/1/2009 1:46:04 AM)

Please see the attached frequently asked questions regarding the Swine Flu from the Chicago Department of Public Health

Substantial Amendment to the Consolidated Plan 2008 Action Plan for the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) (4/28/2009 9:32:55 PM)

Substantial Amendment to the Consolidated Plan 2008 Action Plan for the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP)

Grantees eligible to receive funds under the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) are required to complete a substantial amendment to their Consolidated Plan 2008 Action Plan. This form sets forth the required format for this substantial amendment. A completed form is due to HUD within 60 days of the publication of the HUD HPRP notice.

To aid grantees in meeting this submission deadline, the HPRP Notice reduces the requirement for a 30-day public comment period to no less than 12 calendar days for this substantial amendment. With this exception, HPRP grantees are required to follow their Consolidated Plan’s citizen participation process, including consultation with the Continuum of Care (CoC) in the appropriate jurisdiction(s). Grantees are also required to coordinate HPRP activities with the CoC’s strategies for homeless prevention and ending homelessness. To maximize transparency, HUD strongly recommends that each grantee post its substantial amendment materials on the grantee’s official website as the materials are developed.

A complete submission contains the following three documents:

1) A signed and dated SF-424,

2) A completed form HUD-40119 (this form), and

3) Signed and dated General Consolidated Plan and HPRP certifications.

For additional information regarding the HPRP program, visit the HUD Homelessness Resource Exchange (www.hudhre.info). This site will be regularly updated to include HPRP resources developed by HUD and its technical assistance providers.

The information collection requirements contained in this application have been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). This agency may not collect this information, and you are not required to complete this form, unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Information is submitted in accordance with the regulatory authority contained in each program rule. The information will be used to rate applications, determine eligibility, and establish grant amounts.

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to be 16 hours, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. This information is required to obtain benefits. To the extent that any information collected is of a confidential nature, there will be compliance with Privacy Act requirements. However, the substantial amendment to the Consolidated Plan 2008 Action Plan does not request the submission of such information.

Warning: HUD will prosecute false claims and statements. Conviction may result in criminal and/or civil penalties. (18 U.S.C. 1001, 1010, 1012; 31 U.S.C. 3729, 3802)

A. General Information

Grantee Name	City of Berwyn
Name of Entity or Department Administering Funds	Community Development Department
HPRP Contact Person (person to answer questions about this amendment and HPRP)	Robert Dwan
Title	Director
Address Line 1	6420 16th Street
Address Line 2
City, State, Zip Code	Berwyn, Il 60402
Telephone	(708) 795-6850
Fax	(708)749-9457
Email Address	rdwan@ci.berwyn.il.us
Authorized Official (if different from Contact Person)
Title	Mayor
Address Line 1	6700 27th Street
Address Line 2
City, State, Zip Code	Berwyn, Il 60402
Telephone
Fax
Email Address
Web Address where this Form is Posted

Amount Grantee is Eligible to Receive*	$559,545
Amount Grantee is Requesting	$559,545

*Amounts are available at http://www.hud.gov/recovery/homelesspreventrecov.xls

B. Citizen Participation and Public Comment

1. Briefly describe how the grantee followed its citizen participation plan regarding this proposed substantial amendment (limit 250 words).

Response:

The Community Development conducted three meetings to receive input for the 2009 Action Plan on March 20, 2009. At these meetings, held throughout Berwyn, the CDD also provided an outline of the HPRP requirements and solicited responses. All participants were also invited to a follow up meeting held at the Senior Center on April 9.

In addition to interested citizens, representatives of Cook County, The Alliance to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook County, Sarah’s Inn, Solutions for Care, Catholic Charities, West Suburban Pads, CEDA, Town of Cicero, Village of Oak Park and the Senior Advocate for Berwyn participated in the April 9 meeting. Participants in the meeting provided feedback on program design, eligible activities for HPRP funding, and began the development of a coordinated approach among the HPRP recipients in the western suburbs.

The draft Substantial Amendment was made available to citizens, homeless service providers, affected local governments, and other interested parties on April 29, 2009. A legal notice (attached) was published in the April 29 edition of Berwyn Life newspaper, informed citizens of the Substantial Amendments availability at both the Community Development Department and the City Hall. A copy of the Substantial Meeting was also posted on the City’s web site (http://www.berwyn-il.gov). The Draft Substantial Amendment (was) presented to the City Council at a Public Meeting held on April 28. The official public examination and comment period for the Substantial Amendment (is) April 29 –May 11.

2. Provide the appropriate response regarding this substantial amendment by checking one of the following options:

Grantee did not receive public comments.

Grantee received and accepted all public comments.

Grantee received public comments and did not accept one or more of the comments.

[to be completed after comment period]

3. Provide a summary of the public comments regarding this substantial amendment. Include a summary of any comments or views not accepted and the reasons for non-acceptance.

Response:

[to be completed after comment period]

C. Distribution and Administration of Funds

Reminder: The HPRP grant will be made by means of a grant agreement executed by HUD and the grantee. The three-year deadline to expend funds begins when HUD signs the grant agreement. Grantees should ensure that sufficient planning is in place to begin to expend funds shortly after grant agreement.

1. Check the process(es) that the grantee plans to use to select subgrantees. Note that a subgrantee is defined as the organization to which the grantee provides HPRP funds.

Competitive Process

Formula Allocation

Other (Specify: Designation in cooperation with the local continuum of care and an RFQ process.

2. Briefly describe the process(es) indicated in question 1 above (limit 250 words).

Response:

Berwyn’s developed its proposed approach to administering the HPRP jointly with the Alliance to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook County, and the Town of Cicero and Village of Oak Park, two neighboring jurisdictions receiving HPRP funds. To foster a coordinated approach, minimize overhead and simplify reporting and fiscal management, the group will identify three lead organizations with proven capacity in administering homeless prevention programs.

Beyond the three organization’s that will serve as leads to each of the three HPRP Cities, additional organizations will be identified to provide needed services through an RFQ process. Through this process, Berwyn will identify organizations that currently provide homeless prevention and re-housing services, and are active continuum members that participate in the areas Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).

3. Briefly describe the process the grantee plans to use, once HUD signs the grant agreement, to allocate funds available to subgrantees by September 30, 2009, as required by the HPRP Notice (limit 250 words).

Response:

Berwyn will work together with the Alliance and the other west suburban HPRP grantees to designate subgrantees and to develop memorandum of understandings that contain common program design elements and reporting standards. Berwyn will designate a lead agency that will serve as a portal to the local network of nonprofit organizations homeless prevention organizations. Once the agreement between HUD and the City is fully signed, Berwyn will execute memorandums of understanding (subcontract agreements?) with each organization that will provide services in Berwyn. Berwyn will complete all subcontracting agreements by September 30, 2009.

4. Describe the grantee’s plan for ensuring the effective and timely use of HPRP grant funds on eligible activities, as outlined in the HPRP Notice. Include a description of how the grantee plans to oversee and monitor the administration and use of its own HPRP funds, as well as those used by its subgrantees (limit 500 words).

Response:

Berwyn will execute subgrantee agreements that clearly define performance expectations and implement a monitoring plan that emphasizes accountability in performance, meeting of expenditure milestones, record keeping and reporting. The City intends to execute [one/two] year agreements with subgrantees with the goal of expending the vast majority of HPRP funds within two years. Remaining funds, or funds that are not being expended in a timely fashion, will be reallocated to ensure that 100% of funds are expended within three years.

The City will work closely with its subgrantees to ensure that their efforts remain targeted on reaching program objectives and that they remain in compliance with program requirements. Subgrantees will be instructed to invoice monthly using financial request forms that will be provided.

The City will meet with each subgrantee at start up, and at least quarterly during the initial year to ensure that the program is on track. Monitoring visits include review of client files for proper documentation for all eligible services received as well as a financial review. The City will also monitor expenditure rates monthly and will recapture funds that do not meet expenditure milestones. Invoices will be reviewed for proper documentation and that they are consistent with both the requirements of the Integrated Disbursement Information System (IDIS) and quarterly and annual HPRP reports.

D. Collaboration

1. Briefly describe how the grantee plans to collaborate with the local agencies that can serve similar target populations, which received funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 from other Federal agencies, including the U.S. Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, HohOMHomeland Security, and Labor (limit 250 words).

Response:

As municipalities working together, Berwyn, Cicero, and Oak Park will ensure that local agencies and our subgrantees work with ARRA-funded agencies serving similar populations to ensure that resources are targeted collaboratively. The coordinated intake and database management process will provide up-to-date information to ascertain client eligibility to access these resources, and case managers will refer individuals to available resources as appropriate.

The referral process will include such public benefit programs as TANF, food stamps, LIHEAP assistance, medical and disability assistance, and local EITC, IDA, and education tax credit programs. The grantees will coordinate with federal and state agencies receiving ARRA funds or facilitating their delivery.

2. Briefly describe how the grantee plans to collaborate with appropriate Continuum(s) of Care and mainstream resources regarding HPRP activities (limit 250 words).

Response:

The Continuum serves as a primary information and communication link regarding homeless and its prevention in Cook County. The grantees will attend Continuum meetings and provide periodic HPRP program updates, including the numbers served and types of assistance provided. The grantees will also confer with individual Continuum members to discuss such matters as referrals, case management, and service delivery. Berwyn and the other grantees will also work closely with the continuum to ensure that subgrantees enter beneficiary and accomplishment information directly into HMIS. The grantees will also work with the State of Illinois and the Alliance to End Homeless in Suburban Cook County to address barriers that may arise in accessing mainstream services and implement the HPRP program effectively in each community.

3. Briefly describe how HPRP grant funds for financial assistance and housing relocation/stabilization services will be used in a manner that is consistent with the grantee’s Consolidated Plan (limit 250 words).

Response:

Berwyn’s consolidated plan recognizes that the prevention of homelessness is a critical element of community and household stabilization. HPRP adds an important component to the consolidated plan’s comprehensive approach to homelessness and its prevention. HPRP will bolster existing efforts to provide public services and employment opportunities to special at-risk populations, such as the elderly, youth, and the disabled. HPRP funds will also expand the scarce resources that have been available for financial assistance and stabilization services under the City’s consolidated and action plans. These additional resources will reduce the stress on the City’s housing stock and ameliorate the need for emergency shelters.

E. Estimated Budget Summary

HUD requires the grantee to complete the following table so that participants in the citizen participation process may see the grantee’s preliminary estimated amounts for various HPRP activities. Enter the estimated budget amounts for each activity in the appropriate column and row. The grantee will be required to report actual amounts in subsequent reporting.

HPRP Estimated Budget Summary
	Homelessness Prevention	Rapid Re-housing	Total Amount Budgeted
Financial Assistance¹	$191,365	$127,576	$318,941
Housing Relocation and Stabilization Services²	$110,790	$73,860	$184,650
Subtotal (add previous two rows)	$302,155	$201,436	$503,591

Data Collection and Evaluation³	$27,977
Administration (up to 5% of allocation)	$27,977
Total HPRP Amount Budgeted⁴	$559,545

¹Financial assistance includes the following activities as detailed in the HPRP Notice: short-term rental assistance, medium-term rental assistance, security deposits, utility deposits, utility payments, moving cost assistance, and motel or hotel vouchers.

²Housing relocation and stabilization services include the following activities as detailed in the HPRP Notice: case management, outreach, housing search and placement, legal services, mediation, and credit repair.

³Data collection and evaluation includes costs associated with operating HUD-approved homeless management information systems for purposes of collecting unduplicated counts of homeless persons and analyzing patterns of use of HPRP funds.

⁴This amount must match the amount entered in the cell on the table in Section A titled “Amount Grantee is Requesting.”

F. Authorized Signature

By signing this application, I certify (1) to the statements contained in the list of certifications and (2) that the statements herein are true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I also provide the required assurances and agree to comply with any resulting terms if I accept an award. I am aware that any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or claims may subject me to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties. (U.S. Code, Title 218, Section 1001)

___________________________________________________ ___________________ Signature/Authorized Official Date

__________________________________________________

Title

South Berwyn School Districts -- Did You Know, Apr 2009 (4/22/2009 5:28:15 AM)

South Berwyn School Districts -- Did You Know, Apr 2009

English and Spanish versions attached

Hiawatha School News, Apr 2008 (4/22/2009 5:23:38 AM)

Hiawatha School News, Apr 2008

English and Spanish versions attached

Water Tank Repairs (RFP) (4/21/2009 6:02:44 PM)

Sealed Bids for the repair of the existing elevated water storage tank (EWST) and ground water storage tank (GWST) located at the City of Berwyn main Public Works and Engineering Facility located at One (1) Public Works Drive, Berwyn, Illinois 60402, will be received by the City of Berwyn at City Clerk’s Office, 6700 W. 26th St, Berwyn, Illinois 60402 until 1:00 p.m., local time, Monday, May 11, 2009. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the City Council meeting on night of May 12, 2009.

Contract Documents may be obtained for a non-refundable fee of $50.00 in cash or check payable to Camp Dresser & McKee Inc. for each set. CDM can be contacted by calling (312) 346-5000 or writing Camp Dresser & McKee Inc., 125 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 600, Chicago, IL, Attention: Mr. Edward McCall, P.E. Please include a contact person, address, email address, phone number and fax number. The address should preferably be at a location capable of receiving overnight deliveries should an addendum be necessary.

Mayor O'Connor Announces WebQA for Enhanced Residential Web Service (4/3/2009 1:00:00 PM)

For Immediate Release: April 2, 2009

Mayor O’Connor Announces WebQA for Enhanced Residential Web Service

BERWYN – Mayor Michael O’Connor announced today that the customer friendly WebQA program is “live” on the City of Berwyn web site to improve communication with City residents.

WebQA provides Berwyn residents with an easy access to common citywide questions and information. WebQA allows residents to search the data base for answers to their questions and if the question is not listed, they’ll be able to ask their question, which, in turn, be added to the ever expanding data base.

Additionally, residents can now submit service requests to the City, such as reporting a streetlight out, asking that a pothole be filled, having a tree trimmed. Once the request is submitted, both the resident and City have the capability to access and track the service request and its status.

Mayor O’Connor said “We hope our residents will use the site and provide us with their feedback so we can make the site as easy and friendly as possible. Our hope is that as WebQA grows and expands it becomes almost an extension of hours here at City Hall, where the answers to our resident’s questions are waiting for them. “

Emerson Newsletter - April 2009 (4/1/2009 10:27:20 PM)

The Emerson News -- English and Spanish editions for April 2009 are now online. Please see the attachments posted with this mesage to download the newsletter.

Baseball Parade 2009 (4/1/2009 12:00:00 PM)

On Saturday, April 25th, the Berwyn Recreation Department will be holding its Annual Baseball Parade. At this time, I would like to extend an invitation to the Mayor, all members of City Council, Department Heads, City Employees and the Police and Fire Departments to be a part of our Parade. The parade route is the same as last year. The Parade begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. from the El Strip between East Avenue and Elmwood
Avenue, proceeds south on Elmwood Avenue to Cermak Road; west to East Avenue, south on East Avenue to 28th Place and onto the fields at Baseball Alley. If you have any questions, please contact me at 788-2334. I look forward to seeing you!

Sincerely,
Joseph Belcaster
Program Supervisor
Berwyn Recreation Department

Berwyn Support Center is now ONLINE! (4/1/2009 9:35:55 AM)

The new Berwyn Support Center is now online and ready for use! Frequent visitors of this site should take a few minutes to create an account and begin using this service to contact us. Please take some time to visit; be sure to explore the frequently asked questions, service requests, and other features of this powerful site.

You're free to bookmark the Berwyn Support Center directly, for quick access:

http://www.berwyn-il.gov/bm_MyGOV.html

2009 Budget - Final (4/1/2009 6:27:24 AM)

Recently, the Berwyn City Council passed the 2009 budget. To view this document in its final form, please follow the link below.

http://www.berwyn-il.gov/pdf/Clerk/Proposed_2009_Budget-FINAL.pdf

The Reader's Choice: 16th St Theater (3/27/2009 6:20:45 PM)

Reader's Choice: 16th St Theater

Please see the attached article from the Chicago Reader. Berwyn's 16th St. Theater is hailed as one of Chicagoland's best performing arts centers in 2009.

Sidewalk Replacement Program (3/20/2009 11:16:43 PM)

The City of Berwyn has an extensive network of sidewalks that overtime can become susceptible to cracking and heaving. The City of Berwyn has developed a sidewalk cooperative program in order to replace and repair these deteriorating sidewalks in a timely fashion. Residents can partake in a voluntary Shared Cost Sidewalk program to share the cost of replacing such sidewalk squares in front of their homes. Sidewalk squares qualifying for this program have lifts of 1 ½ inches, cracked over 50% of the square, sunken causing drainage problems or are missing sections of concrete.

This program starts in mid summer. If you are interested in this program or would like to be added to the mailing list, contact Public Works at (708)749-4700, Monday through Friday between 7am and 3pm, or at pryan@ci.berwyn.il.us.

Seasonal Planting Invitations to Bid 2009 (3/19/2009 8:13:28 AM)

Seasonal Planting Invitations to Bid 2009

Komesky Principal's Newsletter March 2009 (3/19/2009 7:05:43 AM)

Please refer to the Komesky Principal's Newsletter March 2009 attached with this posting. English and Spanish versions are included.

Berwyn Declared a Quiet Zone (3/18/2009 5:00:00 PM)

Berwyn Declared a Quiet Zone! Please download the attached PDF to read the full-text press release from Congressman Dan Lipinski.

Pav YMCA: Calendar, Sports Leagues & Special Events (3/18/2009 3:30:00 PM)

REPRINTED FROM YMCA EMAIL. Please refer to the attached files for more detail information.

As the spring keeps on peeking through what has been a very challenging winter...The Pav YMCA is HEATING UP with great events, new programs and family-friendly activities!

Spring Session II registration begins this Wednesday, March 18, for current Pav YMCA members. Open registration begins on the 25th. Find our complete program brochure in the lobby or on line at www.PavYMCA.org.

5th-8th grade Girl's Volleyball League is forming and will begin playing April 5. Register your team today! See the attached flier for more info.

Men's 3-on-3 Basketball League starts April 6. Space is limited to six teams so get your registration in now! See the attached flier for details.

Spring Break Camp will be offered at the Pav YMCA April 13-17. Camp will feature a great variety of indoor and outdoor activities -- including field trips! Don't let this great program slip on by. Register your child today! For more info, see our current program brochure or call Mary Fehrman at ext. 34.

YMCA Healthy Kids Day is April 18th. Look for upcoming event announcements on some of the great activities we'll be hosting to help you and your child get up and moving into summer and a life-long commitment to health and wellness!

Pav YMCA's annual Spring Fun Fair is a great time for the entire family! This year, the fair will be held at the Pav YMCA on Saturday, April 25th, 12-4 p.m. Admission is only $5 per child and adults are free with paid child(ren). We'll have a bounce house, carnival games, crafts, prizes, face painting and more! See the attached flier for more info.

Please join us for the Pav YMCA's 2009 Teeter Award Celebration & Dinner Dance on Friday, May 8 at 6 p.m. -- featuring our second annual "Dancing with the Local Celebrities"! Tickets are only $50 each and are on sale now! Call to (708) 749-0606, ext. 13 to reserve your tickets today!

Wow! My fingers are out of breath after writing about all of the great things happening here at the Pav YMCA! Don't forget to join us for fun times and healthy living!

ComEd News Release (3/18/2009 4:58:19 AM)

Important information from ComEd is attached to this posting -- please read!

Early Voting in Berwyn (3/16/2009 4:58:20 PM)

Early Voting is now possible! To vote, please come to the City of Berwyn's City Hall located at 6700 W. 26th St., Berwyn, IL. For additional information, please call the City Clerk's Office. 708-788-2660.

What forms of identification can a voter use to prove identity and residency?

A voter needs two forms of ID, at least one of which must show the
address of the registration. These may include:

A valid and current Illinois driver's license
A valid and current state ID issued by the Illinois Secretary of State
A copy of a current and valid photo ID
A current utility bill with name and address
A current bank statement with name and address
A recent government check with name and address
A recent paycheck with name and address
A recent government document that shows the name and address

NOTE: During Early Voting, voters must provide a current and
valid government-issued PHOTO ID, such as a current Illinois
driver's license, current state identification card issued by the
Illinois Secretary of State or a current passport. This is an Early
Voting requirement under Illinois law.

Hours: Monday - Friday 9 am to 5 pm
Saturday 9 am to noon

Hiawatha School Principal Newsletter - March 2009 (3/12/2009 10:29:03 AM)

Hiawatha School Principal Newsletter - March 2009

English and Spanish versions are attached.

Seasonal Planting RFP 2009 (3/11/2009 9:00:00 AM)

Attached is the Seasonal Planning RFP for 2009. Please review all documents prior to responding to this project.

Illinois PBIS Network, Feb 2009 Update (3/9/2009 11:59:13 PM)

Please see the attached PDF for this important Illinois PBIX Network update from Feb 2009.

Roosevelt Road WM / Combined Sewer Improvements (3/6/2009 10:19:02 AM)

BERWYN - Roosevelt Road WM / Combined Sewer Improvements
Trine Project # 208124

Please see the attached spreadsheet for an updated project timeline.

South Berwyn School District 100, Feb 2009, Did You Know... (2/28/2009 4:00:00 AM)

South Berwyn School District 100

February, 2009

Did You Know…

Emerson –

· The Berwyn Police Department partnered with Emerson to support our PBIS program. The 5^th grade students had an opportunity to view a power point presentation that explores problem-solving, conflict resolution, and interpersonal relationship issues. An officer will be returning to educate our students on safe internet practices as well.

· The 2^nd grade class, along with several parent volunteers, braved the weather to explore the Brookfield Zoo. The students enjoyed this annual 2^nd grade event, despite the snowy conditions.

· Emerson students got a chance to brag about the smallest members of their families: their pets. Photos of pets line the hallways- initiating conversations and providing high-interest language opportunities for some students.

· The 4^th and 5^th graders are piloting a program called Responsive Classroom with their teachers. This program weaves social-emotional learning standards into the classroom, and provides the students with an opportunity to increase their sense of community, as well as be exposed to an interdisciplinary curriculum.

· Several Emerson staff members are using Calm Classroom techniques to relax, and refocus their energy (especially after lunch recess!). Several staff members will be more extensively trained in late February.

Heritage –

· The Heritage PTSA donated $1,500 towards the purchase of an additional smart classroom at our school. We truly appreciate their generosity and support!

· Heritage Middle School participated in a national event called "No Name-Calling Week" from January 26-30^th. Morning announcements, teacher badges, no name-calling themed lessons in Excel, and special PBIS tickets with a raffle at lunch were some of the ways that Heritage celebrated the week. Students and staff really embraced the event which allowed us to take one more step towards eliminating bullying in our school!

· Members of Caris Services were guests of Heritage Middle School for five days this past month. They presented up to date topics that our students experience in their lives every day. The students were very engaged in the topics and excited about the presenters. The topics included: character education, drug and alcohol abuse, goal setting, and many other topics. We look forward to having them come back again in March to present to the second group of health classes.

· Mrs. Machacek and Ms. Gardner have started a Twilight Book Club. Almost twenty-five 6^th-8^th grade girls enthusiastically attended the first meeting!

· Heritage Middle School students and staff again raised money for a great cause. Students and staff contributed over $550 to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

· Heritage Middle School students all participated in Lincoln’s 200^th birthday celebration by reciting the “Gettysburg Address” with students throughout the state. We hope that we will be part of the Guinness Book of World Records.

· Over 250 Heritage students were honored at a breakfast this month for being on the honor roll second quarter.

Pershing –

· Mrs. Senese’s 5^TH grade class set up “Trading Posts” to discover some of the goods traded on the Silk Road? They smelled the aroma of various spices, tasted dates, and viewed silken fabrics purchased in Asia. This provided an authentic and memorable learning experience about trade on the Silk Road!

· Ms. Tamez’s 3^rd grade students are working on research reports as they study the biographies of famous African Americans

· Ms. Digilio has all Pershing 3-5 grade students earning rice by playing educational games at FreeRice? The United Nations World Food Program is a partner to FreeRice and our students are helping in an effort to end world hunger. FreeRice has a custom database that contains knowledge questions at varying degrees of difficulty in math, science, geography, art history, and more. All questions answered correctly earn 10 grains of rice and in two weeks 147,626 grains of rice have been earned just at Pershing!!. Go to the Pershing website and join the fun!

· Pershing parents use their Target credit card and the school gets a donation of approximately $600 every year. Any donation goes directly to help our students!!! Thank you so much!!

· The Pershing PTA held a Sock Hop for all Pershing students and their families? A disc jockey turned on the tunes and Mrs. August, along with many other Pershing staff members, led the students in all the dances they had been learning in her PE class. You should have seen the fancy footwork!!

Irving –

The 2^nd graders took a wonderful educational field trip to the Robert Crown Health Center to learn about nutrition and staying healthy
The 2^nd graders have also been studying physical science and matter this month
Our 5^th grade team is studying hard so that they can be successful at the district Spelling Bee
Our 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th grade teachers and students are studying and preparing for the state ISAT tests coming in March
The PTA Book Fair was a great success this year with more than $500 in books going to our library and many more books for teacher classroom libraries
PTA Founders’ Night was jam packed with parents and students to see a magician perform illusions on a magical night
Visitors form Erickson Institute came to visit our pre-school program and left very impressed with the experience
The students learned about Lincoln’s Gettysburg address and Mr. Lane read it to all at 9:30 am when all the schools in Illinois did so as to be a part of the Guinness Book of World Records
Vision screening was conducted for all kindergarten, 2^nd, and 5^th graders last week

Komensky –

Did you know that Komensky teachers are helping to take our students’ education to a higher level through patriotic service learning and honoring the historical events that occurred the past couple of months?

In honor of Martin Luther King Day, students in every grade completed an MLK service learning project for members of our community. These included: making Valentine cards for our Fire Department, Crossing Guards, Nursing Home, and Police Department. Additionally, our older students collected used items to donate to animal shelters and books for our senior citizens.
Mr. Annoreno, 3^rd grade teacher, and Mrs. Rost, primary special ed teacher, planned and co-taught a week-long unit on Martin Luther King, Jr. They began the week by reading aloud, and discussing, Martin Luther King Jr., A Man of Peace by Garnet Jackson. When they got to the part in the book when Martin began to experience discrimination in his life, the class shared their feelings about being on the opposite sides of discrimination. The class also viewed a wonderful video tape Mr. A obtained through “Teaching Tolerance”, much like a documentary. It encompassed the whole Rosa Parks story, including all the events that followed. Students used a Kagan strategy to share reactions from the video. As an enrichment activity to the unit, the computer teacher, Mrs. Pierscionek, worked with Mr. A developing an inspiration web about Martin Luther King Jr.’s life. The unit ended with a whole group activity in which the students compared Martin Luther King Jr. to Barack Obama. Mr. A was amazed at the insights the students had.
The Presidential Inauguration was viewed live, school-wide. Students were 100% engaged in this historical event. Afterwards, students wrote reflections on their experience and several were allowed to read them over the PA at the conclusion of the day.
On Abraham Lincoln’s 200^th Birthday, students and staff participated in the nationwide challenge to beat the Guinness Book of World Records, for the most people reading The Gettysburg Address aloud simultaneously. The current record is 223,365 participants. Finally and perhaps most exciting, one of our fifth grade students, along with her mom joined Alderman Skyrd on a trip to the Governor’s Mansion to be part of the celebration of the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. They took a digital camera and will prepare a power point documentary of the trip to share with all of our fifth grade students

Piper –

· Each Piper family received a sign to display at their home identifying them as a “Proud Piper Family” and inviting residents to ask us about a great school. Piper’s email address is also listed for new arrivals to the District 100 area considering the choice of a fantastic public school education.

· Piper students have earned 103,480 grains of rice for needy families around the world and increased their reading, math and computer skills in the process. Students are able to log on to www.freerice.com. and with each correct answer, rice is donated to those in need around the world. What a great way to grow academically and socially! Thank you to the “Green Team”, Ms. Grimes and Ms. DiGilio for bringing this fine opportunity to our students.

· Piper’s 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th graders have formed “Reading Football Teams’’ to tackle the major reading skill areas. These teams compete for high scores in “Main Idea”, “Compare and Contrast”, “Sequencing”, “Prediction”, “Cause and Effect”, and “Inference”. What a fun way to hone our reading skills!

· February was Science month with the 3^rd grade visiting the Cernan Space Center at Triton College to study the solar system and the 4^th grade travelling to the Adler Planetarium to expand their knowledge of space. Science and Math Night drew over 400 people to Piper to view student science research projects and play interactive math games.

SBEF –

The South Berwyn Education Foundation continues to enhance and support the students of School District 100. In 2008 the SBEF funded:

· School grants ($1,000 for each school)

· The District 100 Newsletter

· Cultural arts programs ($1,000 for each school)

· Student of the Month Awards

· District 100 play

· Books and media ($1,000 for each school)

The SBEF members will be meeting soon to plan the budget for the 2009 school year. The next two fundraisers the SBEF has scheduled are the Cog Hill Golf Outing (July 17^th), and the Kelly Miller Circus (September 10^th). For more information about the SBEF, contact Dan Lane at 708-795-2334.

Bilingual Department–

The South Berwyn Bilingual Department has been very busy with the state exams ACCESS. This exam measures the English Language of the children in the program. They test in Listening, Reading, and Writing during the first session which finished January 30^th; the second session measures speaking in English, with this session ending February 20th. The results are received at the end of the school year and will be sent home at the beginning of the next school year.

The third meeting for the Bilingual Advisory Board took place at Emerson school on February 11th. Parent participation is very important and an opportunity to receive information of events of the school district.

Speech and Drama -

The District 100 West 40 Speech and Drama Team clinched the top scoring first place trophy at the West 40 Speech and Drama Fest that was held at Elmwood Park High School on Saturday, February 14^th.

Over 400 students from schools in our regional area participated in this 22nd annual Speech and Drama event. The 27 students of the District 100 team each participated in one of the ten drama events. Every District 100 participant earned a first place rating in his/her drama category.

The points received from each of the ten events 1^st place ratings comprised the total of number of points which earned District 100 to be the top trophy winners.

“Star” Team members from Freedom School: Molly Z.; Gio G.; Olivia W.; Alexis B.; Anita L.; Sierra R.; Cheyenne R.; Lindsey B.; Tony O.; Iridian H.; Melanie R.

“Star” Team Members from Heritage Middle School: Shannon B.; Esteban L.; Joe I.; Ashley Z.; Michelle C.; Mike C.; Becky H.; Alyssa G.; Ana R.; Daisy L.; Louise M.; Sarah C.; Sonia S.; Alexandra K.; Estrella G.; Carrie B.

“Star” Support: Mrs. R. Nicholson, coordinator of speech and drama events/coach; and coaches Mrs. B. Cowell, Ms. Joanna Moran, Ms. L. Platek and the fabulous families and friends of our District 100 participants.

Why does District 100 participate in performing arts?

Exposure to the performing arts can open new understandings between people with little in common, and a shared experience with one’s peers promotes maturity, perspective, and cognitive development.

This would not be possible without the strong support from the administration, parents, and staff and, of course, the commitment from our performing youngsters.

Board of Education –

The Board of Education has been very busy with our sub-committee work; just this past week we visited all 9 school facilities and found them to be in good shape. As our buildings continue to age, they were clean and bright! Students were engaged in learning and the hallways were beaming with children’s art work and projects. The Board continues to work with its Strategic Plan and is currently working with parent and community committees to finalize our Vision Statement.

Enrollment was stable this past month and our current number of students is 3636. We continue to complete residency checks on those in question.

We are proud of our Speech and Drama team for their 1^st place trophy in the West 40 competition, and our district Spelling Bee is on its way. Our band and choral ensembles will be performing spring concerts throughout the district.

Our Superintendent, Dr. Stan Fields has completed his halfway mark of his first year. We are very pleased with his accomplishments and look forward to an exciting finish to this school year.

As next month approaches and our staff is deep in preparation for ISAT testing, please assist us by providing a positive support system to our children. May we suggest a good night’s rest, a good breakfast, and some words of encouragement will reduce the stress to all.

The district is once again offering pre-school screening for all children 3-5 years of age. The dates for this screening are March 24, 25, and 26. Please call 795-2300, x4037, to make an appointment. This line will be available from February 23 – March 13.

Please visit our web site www.bsd100.org for all your school related information. As always, School Board meetings are open to the public. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact Joanne Zendol, President, Board of Education, at www.bdofed@bsd100.org.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING ~ FEBRUARY 23, 7PM (2/13/2009 9:04:02 PM)

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING ~ FEBRUARY 23, 7PM

Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) to Conduct Demonstrations
Berwyn, IL February 10, 2009 – The Berwyn Police Department will be holding a Neighborhood Watch Meeting, open to everyone, February 23rd at 7p.m. in the Police Station located at 6401 W. 31st Street.

Special Guest Speaker Lt. Carol Jaross, Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigator, (CSI) will conduct hands on demonstrations and attendees will be able to view some of the specialty equipment from the real CSI. Officer Joseph Fitzgerald, Berwyn Evidence Technician, will give us some Berwyn C.S.I. insight.
Police Chief Kushner will speak about the investigation of the Charles Lindbergh baby kidnapping. The Lindbergh baby kidnapping was among the most widely covered stories in history and we have some very rare crime scene photos of this tragic event in America’s history.

There will be time for the audience to have their questions and concerns addressed by Police and city officials.

For more information on this meeting or to become a block captain please contact:
Jeanmarie Hajer: 708-788-2660 ext. 3202 or email: jhajer@ci.berwyn.il.us

###

Mayor O'Connor announces much needed road repairs (2/11/2009 8:41:29 AM)

For Immediate Release: February 2, 2009

MAYOR O’CONNOR ANNOUNCES MUCH NEEDED ROAD REPAIRS

BERWYN – Mayor Michael O’Connor announced today much needed road repairs to 26th Street and East Avenue in Berwyn will take place this year.

Mayor O’Connor had requested the reconstruction of 26th Street (a state maintained roadway) in 2007 and had been told it would not occur until 2010. At the City’s urging, IDOT (Illinois Department of Transportation) has moved up the reconstruction to May of this year. Also, the WCMC (West Central Municipal Conference) which administers federal funding for secondary roadways has moved up the start date for the rehabilitation of East Avenue (Roosevelt Road to Cermak Road) from 2012 to the fall of 2009. This work is in addition to the resurfacing of alleys throughout the 1st and 3rd Wards and the Oak Park Avenue street light improvement project (Roosevelt Road to Cermak Road) scheduled for this year.

Mayor O’Connor said “We’re very pleased that our persistent petitions to IDOT has led to the 26th Street project being scheduled earlier and are grateful that the WCMC has come through for the necessary funding for East Avenue.”

###

Berwyn/Harlem Ave. Metra Platform Closing (2/11/2009 6:00:00 AM)

Please note: the Harlem Ave. Metra station/platform will be closed for repair work on WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11th 2009.

Commuters will not have access to the eastern portion of the platforms beginning on Feb. 11th.

Any questions regarding construction can be directed to Jim Powers at
(312) 907-1994 or Metra's construction inspector, Dan Orlich at (312)
907-4289.

Any questions regarding BNSF operations can be directed to Rose Lindsey at
(630) 692-6295.

Hiawatha School Newsletter (2/6/2009 10:20:09 AM)

Please see the attached PDF for the Hiawatha School Newsletter, January 2009. English and Spanish PDFs are available for download.

Early Voting Begins! (2/2/2009 7:00:00 AM)

Early Voting is now possible! To vote, please come to the City of Berwyn's City Hall located at 6700 W. 26th St., Berwyn, IL. For additional information, please call the City Clerk's Office. 708-788-2660.

What forms of identification can a voter use to prove identity and residency?

A voter needs two forms of ID, at least one of which must show the
address of the registration. These may include:

A valid and current Illinois driver's license
A valid and current state ID issued by the Illinois Secretary of State
A copy of a current and valid photo ID
A current utility bill with name and address
A current bank statement with name and address
A recent government check with name and address
A recent paycheck with name and address
A recent government document that shows the name and address

NOTE: During Early Voting, voters must provide a current and
valid government-issued PHOTO ID, such as a current Illinois
driver's license, current state identification card issued by the
Illinois Secretary of State or a current passport. This is an Early
Voting requirement under Illinois law.

Hours: Monday - Friday 9 am to 5 pm
Saturday 9 am to noon

Proposed Amendments to the Proposed 2009 Budget Document (2/1/2009 5:21:56 AM)

See file attached with this notice.

Superblock Amended Redevelopment Agreement Approved by City Council (1/30/2009 8:54:20 PM)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, January 28, 2009

SUPERBLOCK AMENDED REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT APPROVED BY BERWYN CITY COUNCIL

Berwyn, Ill – The Berwyn City Council approved an amended redevelopment agreement for Superblock on Tuesday, January 28, 2009. Superblock, also known as the historic Berwyn National Bank Building, is located on the corner of Cermak Road and Oak Park Avenue. The approval allows for the renovation and construction work of the site to begin in spite of the tough national economic conditions. “The City supports economic development and partnering with the development community to bring progress to Berwyn that is why the City was willing to change and adapt the development program to current economic conditions” stated Mayor Michael A. O’Connor.

The original agreement was approved last Spring but changes in the national economy caused the need to shift the development program and project financing. Changes to the original agreement bring the same high quality development to fruition but use TIF assistance in lieu of a Class L property tax exemption in order to jumpstart the bank rehabilitation work. Also, Healthcare Development Partners has been brought into the agreement to build a new Class A medical office with ground floor retail instead of the originally proposed residential condominium building. Resident Alderman Robert Lovero stated that “few transactions are expected to occur in the region during 2009 and being able to move forward on this project during one of the most challenging development climates in a generation is a testament to the City’s commitment to progress.”

The renovation of the Berwyn National Bank Building is estimated to begin in late Spring of 2009 with an expected completion date in the Spring 2010. Construction of a new mixed use building adjacent to the historic bank building will begin in the Fall of 2009. Rolando Acosta of Berwyn Center LLC and the developer of the bank building stated “Berwyn Center looks forward to commencing the rehabilitation of the Bank Building and to HD Partners exciting proposal on the vacant parcel. In combination, renewed vitality will be brought to this important corner in Berwyn.”

The Mayor stated previously that “The Berwyn National Bank Building is a very important landmark for the City of Berwyn. It is a testimonial to our culturally rich past, as well as an important symbol of our future development. By preserving the valuable Bank and at the same time integrating new commercial entities, we are able to maintain our historic identity while propelling development for the Cermak Road corridor.”

The Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC) is a non-profit economic development organization located in Berwyn, IL and includes over 200 business and individual members.

###

BPD Awarded Traffic Safety Enforcement Grant - Speeding (1/26/2009 10:22:28 PM)

The Berwyn Police Department has been awarded a

Traffic Safety Enforcement grant through the

Illinois Department of Transportation Division of Traffic Safety.

Speeding is one of the most prevalent factors contributing to traffic crashes. The

economic cost to society of speeding-related crashes is estimated by NHTSA to be $40.4

billion per year. Nationally, in 2004, speeding was a contributing factor in 30 percent

of all fatal crashes; and 13,192 lives were lost in speeding-related crashes. Also,

alcohol involvement is prevalent for drivers involved in speed-related crashes. In 2004,

40 percent of the drivers who had a BAC of 0.08 or more involved in fatal crashes were

speeding, compared with only 15 percent of the drivers with a .00 BAC involved in fatal

crashes. Only 14 percent of speed-related fatalities occurred on interstate highways.

Almost 6000 fatalities occurred on non-interstate roadways with speed limits under 55.

In Illinois, in 2004, excessive speed was a factor in 43 percent of all fatal crashes. In

addition there were 589 fatalities involved in speed-related crashes. The estimated cost

of all speed-related crashes in 2000 was approximately $1,568 million.

Many lives could be saved by changing public attitudes regarding risk taking behaviors

such as speeding, impaired driving, and the non-use of occupant protection devices. It

has been shown that highly visible enforcement programs focusing on these violations

offer the greatest potential for changing these behaviors.

Throughout the year Berwyn Police officers will be working

additional enforcement details targeting speeding and potentially

reckless drivers in an effort to reduce the number of traffic

crashes in our City. The next enforcement period will begin on

February 2 and run through March 1, 2009

BPD Awarded Traffic Safety Enforcement Grant - IMaGE (1/26/2009 1:00:00 PM)

The Berwyn Police Department has been awarded a

Traffic Safety Enforcement grant through the

Illinois Department of Transportation Division of Traffic Safety.

The following information is from IDOT’s press release:

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 5 through 24. In Illinois 1,248 persons were killed in 1,129 fatal crashed in 2007.

In 2005 there were 121,670 persons injured in crashes. The cost per death in 2005 was

$1,150,000 and the cost per nonfatal disabling injury was $60,500.

Many lives will be saved by changing public attitudes regarding the non-use of safety belts and child safety seats. It has been shown that visible enforcement programs focusing on these violations offer the greatest potential for changing these behaviors.

Project Objectives

The purpose of the integrated mini-grant enforcement (IMaGE) program is to reduce the incidence of motor vehicle crashes, and the resulting injuries and fatalities, through increased highly visible enforcement of occupant restraint, impaired driving and speed laws during the national and state mobilizations.

In order to achieve this purpose, the following goals have been defined:

1. To reduce the number of severe injury and fatal traffic crashes.

2. To increase enforcement of occupant restraint impaired driving and speed laws.

3. To achieve a higher use of safety belts, child safety seats and booster seats..

In the period of beginning December 19, 2008 and ending on January 4,

the Berwyn Police officers worked an additional 63 hours of traffic

enforcement.

Officers issued the following citations –

Speeding – 71

Seat belt of Child restraint – 87

Suspended, Revoked or Unlicensed Drivers – 12 arrests

Uninsured Motorists - 12

2008 Property Tax Exemption Forms Available Now (1/24/2009 5:07:01 PM)

2008 PROPERTY TAX
EXEMPTION FORMS

NOW AVAILABLE!

Cook County Assessor Jim Houlihan announced that Senior Freeze Exemption applications have been mailed to the 135,000 taxpayers who received the exemption last year.

The Senior Freeze Exemption is available to all Cook County homeowners who were born prior to, or in, the year 1943 and have total household incomes of $55,000 a year or less. Requirements also state that eligible seniors must have used their home as their primary residence and resided there January 1st of 2007 and 2008. This valuable exemption protects limited-income senior citizen homeowners from increases in the equalized assessed values of their properties. The Senior Freeze Exemption must be applied for annually.

In a continued effort to streamline the exemption application process, Assessor Houlihan announced last year that homeowners who received the Senior Citizen Exemption on their tax bills last year and did not sell their homes in 2008 do not need to reapply for the Senior Citizen Exemption.

Taxpayers who received the Senior Citizen Exemption last year will have the exemption automatically applied to the second-installment tax bills received this fall, and they do not need to take any further action. Last year, over 260,000 homeowners qualified to receive the Senior Citizen Exemption.

The Senior Citizen Exemption is available to all Cook County homeowners who were born prior to, or in, the year 1943 and use their home as their primary residence. This exemption entitles a senior to a reduction in the equalized assessed value of his or her property resulting in hundreds of dollars in tax savings. Taxpayers receiving the Senior Exemption will also automatically receive the Homeowner Exemption.

Forms for the Senior Exemption, Senior Freeze Exemption, Disabled Person’s Exemption, Disabled Veteran Exemption and Returning Veteran Exemption are available on line at www.cookcountyassessor.com.

While the Assessor is continuing his fight for Property Tax Reform in Springfield, he is persuing the renewal of the 7% Expanded Homeonwer Exemption and a Cook County Circuit Breaker Ordinance to provide relief to Cook County taxpayers during these difficult economic times. We will keep you informed regarding our efforts during the year.

SOUTH TRI REASSESSMENT INFO

The last township in the South Tri Reassessment will soon close.

Appeals for Bloom Township, the final South Tri Reassessment Township, are due by February 6, 2009.

2009 CITY REASSEMENT TO BEGIN

The triennial reassessment of the 8 City of Chicago Townships will be beginning soon. The city townships are: Rogers Park, Lake View, Lake, South Chicago, West Chicago, North Chicago and Hyde Park. Additional information will be forthcoming.

Local Government Websites

Cook County Assessor -Assessment or Exemption inquiries

Cook County Treasurer -Bill payment and tax sale information

Cook County Clerk -Redemption of sold taxes

City of Chicago -CTAC and various City sponsored programs

Senior Citizens' Neighborhood Watch Meeting (1/20/2009 11:00:00 PM)

January 20th
Police Station
6401 31st Street
11:30 a.m.
Light Lunch Provided
Program will start approximately 12:00 noon

Please see the attachment below for additional information.

RFP Notice of Cancellation (1/16/2009 12:52:09 AM)

The RFP issued December 24^th, 2008 has been cancelled due to changes in the overall plan. A new RFP will be issued by the City of Berwyn’s consulting engineer, Novotny and Associates in the near future.

Please contact Novotny and Associates at 630-887-8640 if you have any questions.

Thank you cooperation,

The City of Berwyn

Citizen Police Academy -- 01/14/2009 (1/14/2009 4:00:00 PM)

The Berwyn Police Department is proud to offer the Citizen Police Academy to
our residents. Designed to increase the understanding of the police department, the
academy is conducted over a 12 week period.

As part of the academy you will learn about:
• Criminal law
• Juvenile law
• DUI & traffic laws
• School based crime prevention
• Accompany a Police Officer on a 4 hour ride-along
• Sit with dispatchers while they are handling calls at the 911 Center
• K-9 Demonstrations
• Crime scene & arson Investigations
• Drug abuse
• Street Gangs
• ….and more

“Ever wonder why and how the Berwyn Police Department does or does not do what
you think the police should do? This program will open your eyes as well as your mind!

Learn and experience police work from the inside. Graduation from this program
allows you to be eligible to join the Berwyn Police VIP's Program, an all volunteer arm
of the Department that supports and assists the Police on a daily basis. I strongly
encourage Berwyn Citizens to take the class, experience first hand what a police
department does, then join the VIP's to further your community involvement and help
make a change for the future.”

Tom Covell
Volunteers In Policing Coordinator
Berwyn Police Department

Applications will be available beginning November 10th, at the front desk of the Berwyn Police
Dept., 6401 W. 31st St.

Class is limited to the first 30 applicants. Others will be put on waiting list for next class.

Completed applications must be returned to the Police Department by January 6, 2009.

Applicants must be a Berwyn Resident, 21 years of age with no felony convictions
or misdemeanor arrests in the past 12 months.

For more information please contact:

Unit Commander Ken Zolecke: 708 795-2101 or
Detective Joe Santangelo: 708 795-2151.

City of Berwyn's Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Review (1/10/2009 10:00:54 AM)

City of Berwyn's Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Review (CAPER),

The office of Community Development is pleased to present its annual CAPER -- Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Review plan. This plan covers the period of time between October 1st 2007 and September 30th 2008. The PDF is available for download from the CDBG website, or directly by following the link below.

http://berwyn-il.gov/pdf/CDBG_CoB_Consolidated_Annual_Performance_Eval_Review.pdf

Citizens Fire Academy 2009 (1/7/2009 7:59:44 PM)

Press Release 1/7/2009

Berwyn Fire Department to Conduct

Citizens Fire Academy Class

The Berwyn Fire Department will conduct its 4th Citizen’s Fire Academy class this February. The twelve-week Academy meets 6:30pm to 9:30pm Thursday nights from February 5, 2008 through April 30, 2008 including (2) Saturday classes (8am-12pm) and affords participants the opportunity to learn the tactics and strategies involved in firefighting and rescue operations through both classroom and hands-on sessions.

Involvement does not end at graduation. A very strong and active Alumni Association allows CFA participants to continue their educational and supportive roles with the Berwyn Fire Department.

Applications may be obtained by contacting Berwyn Fire Department Fire Chief Denis O’Halloran or Firefighter Rob Pilch at 708-484-1644. If the current class is filled, applicants will be placed on a waiting list for next year’s Academy.

Berwyn Life Article - 10-yr old carves out new niche in new land (12/30/2008 4:43:45 AM)

10 year old carves out new niche in new land, article from the Berwyn Life.

Written by Kristen Zambo, kzambo@mysuburbanlife.com

South Berwyn School District 100 -- Dec 2008, Did you know? (12/17/2008 10:26:07 AM)

School Berwyn School District 100

December 2008

Did you know?

See the attachment for interesting Did you know information about South Berwyn School District 100.

Parking Structure Groundbreaking - 12/11/2008 (12/11/2008 1:00:00 PM)

Groundbreaking scheduled for new parking deck
By Kristen Zambo, kzambo@mysuburbanlife.com
Berwyn Life
Wed Dec 10, 2008, 02:52 PM CST

Berwyn, IL -
A groundbreaking ceremony for a new Berwyn parking garage is scheduled from noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday in the Depot District.

The five-level parking deck is under construction at 3320 Grove Ave., near the corner of Grove Avenue and 34th Street. Construction began Dec. 2, and is scheduled for completion in December 2009.

Amy Crowther, director of chamber services for the Berwyn Development Corp., said
Wednesday the parking deck is budgeted at $12 million.

A reception with refreshments will be hosted at the Berwyn Development Corp., 3322 Oak Park Ave., after the groundbreaking.

According to BDC staff, the parking garage will contain 378 parking spaces. Of these, 300 are expected to be reserved for commuters, with 78 reserved for shopping patrons. The structure also will include about 15,000 square feet of retail space, which is slated for the ground level.

The existing municipal lot, which it will replace, has 86 spaces. During construction, these existing spaces will not be available for shoppers or commuters.

Sara Bratcher, an urban planner for the BDC, has said the organization has $2.4 million in grant money from the Illinois Department of Transportation and $435,000 from Metra earmarked to help cover the costs.

Source: Berwyn Life Newspaper http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/berwyn/calendar/x1049852276/Groundbreaking-scheduled-for-new-parking-deck

City of Berwyn 2009 Budget Draft Released (12/10/2008 8:30:00 AM)

At last night's City Council meeting, the City of Berwyn's Finance Department presented a draft of the City's 2009 budget. This document in its draft form is available for download via this annoucement.

To download, please follow this link:

http://berwyn-il.gov/pdf/Clerk/Proposed_2009_Budget-DRAFT.pdf

Roosevelt Road Utility Improvement Schedule (11/13/2008 8:00:00 AM)

Roosevelt Road Utility Improvement Schedule

- For scheduling concerns, contact Novotny & Associates, Inc. at: (630) 887-8640. Please allow 48 hours for a response.

- For 24hr EMERGENCY assistance, call: 630-892-8292

Please see the attached PDF as it outlines the Roosevelt Road Utility Improvement Schedule.

Crime Free Multi-Tenant Housing Ordinance (11/7/2008 6:00:00 PM)

The City of Berwyn recently passed a new ordinance requiring the licensing of all mixed use properties and any building having five (5) or more living units. A copy of the “Crime Free Multi-Tenant Housing Ordinance" is available to read here. In addition, a letter mailed to affected property owners detailing the specifications of this ordinance is available for you to download here. Additional materials posted online for your convenience include the Annual Exemption and Crime-Free Application form.

Dates for the remaining 2008 Crime Free Multi-Tenant Training classes are as follows:

November 8, 2008 0800-1600 hrs
November 18, 2008 1800-2200hrs
November 22, 2008 0800-1200 hrs
November 25, 2008 1800-2200hrs
November 29, 2008 0800-1200hrs
December 6, 2008 0800-1600hrs
December 9, 2008 0800-1200hrs
December 16, 2008 0800-1200hrs

E-Invitations for training classes were mailed out a few weeks ago; if you have not scheduled yourself for a session, please email or call to sign up. For additional information, please feel free to contact us via email at CrimeFreeMultiUnit@ci.berwyn.il.us or by telephone at 708-749-6540.

RFPQ - Testing Agency Services for the Berwyn Municipal Parking Structure Construction (11/6/2008 12:31:00 PM)

Request for Proposals and Qualifications - Testing Agency Services for the Berwyn Municipal Parking Structure Construction

See attachment.

Berwyn Parking Deck - Bidders' List (10/29/2008 1:00:00 PM)

To view the list of bidder responses for the Berwyn Parking Deck project, please see the attached PDF.

Berwyn Historic Preservation Commission - 10/29/2008 (10/28/2008 10:54:36 AM)

Berwyn Historic Preservation Commission
October 29, 2008
Public Hearing Agenda

See attachment

Comcast Newsmakers - Mayor O'Connor, 10/08/2008, Anti-Crime in Berwyn (10/27/2008 11:44:49 PM)

Comcast Newsmakers

Guest: Michael O'Connor
Title: Mayor of Berwyn
Topic: Anti-Crime
Date: 10/8/2008

Watch the streaming video courtesy of Comcast and YouTube at: http://www.berwyn-il.gov/bm_Mayor_2.html

Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting (10/21/2008 7:00:00 PM)

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2008

7:00 PM BERWYN CITY HALL

6700 W. 26TH ST. BERWYN

HOMEWERKS-VOIGT DEVELOPMENT LLC

6537-49 W. ROOSEVELT RD.

RE: VARIATION FOR A MIXED RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL BUILDING WITH 15-2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS, 5,400 SQUARE FEET RETAIL SPACE, & 37 OUTDOOR PARKING SPACES

Health Insurance Broker Annoucement (10/2/2008 9:00:00 AM)

This is a request for proposals from qualified firms to provide services for the City of Berwyn which shall include, but are not limited to an evaluation of existing health, dental, vision, life, and prescription services; recommendations as to the most cost-effective service delivery model; and consideration of supplemental insurance and/or other related health benefit programs. Service delivery models to consider include brokerage services, membership in multi-jurisdictional pools, and/or direct relationships with an insurance carrier or carriers. The City of Berwyn will receive proposals at the Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at 6700 W. 26th Street, Berwyn, Illinois 60402. Proposals will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. (local time) on October 31, 2008. Firms responding to this Request for Proposals must submit ten (10) copies of their proposals. Proposals must conform to the format specified below. Proposals must be enclosed in sealed envelopes.

The City Council reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals or to waive technicalities. Information concerning this call for proposals is available from Patricia Segel, Human Resources Director, 6700 W. 26th Street, Berwyn, Illinois 60402. Ms. Segel can be reached by telephone at the following number, (708) 749-6467, or via e-mail at psegel@ci.berwyn.il.us.

The documents constituting this request for proposals are listed below. Respondents are responsible for the completion of Sections II through VIII, in their entirety and in the order presented below. Missing information or proposals that are deemed by the City to be incomplete will not be considered for award.

City of Berwyn Newsletter (9/26/2008 6:00:00 PM)

City of Berwyn Newsletter

Read the newsletter on-line. This is a quarterly newsletter sent to homeowners with your water billing.

The newsletter in both English and Spanish is attached to this annoucement. See below.

Public Notice -- 09/23/2008 (9/23/2008 5:30:00 PM)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

CITY OF BERWYN, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that a public hearing will be held on September 23, 2008, at 5:45pm before the Mayor and City Council of the City of Berwyn, Cook County, Illinois, in the Berwyn City Hall, 6700 West 26^th Street, Berwyn, Illinois 60402 to consider the vacation of 250' x 3.08' of the west-side of Grove Avenue located approximately 25 feet north of the intersection of the first alley north of 34^th St and Grove Avenue (the “Property”).

The purpose of this public notice is to inform all interested parties about the public hearing and the proposal to vacate said public right-of-way before the City Council will consider an ordinance to vacate the Property, herein identified and legally described, as follows:

THE WEST 3.08 FEET OF GROVE AVENUE LYING EAST OF AND ADJACENT TO LOTS 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, AND 25, ALL IN BERWYN, A SUBDIVISION OF BLOCKS IN BLKS 4, 5, 12, 13, 20, 21, 28, 29, 34, 35, 36, & 39 IN LaVERGNE, A SUBDIVISION OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 31, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

The City of Berwyn is requesting the vacation of the Property, as part of its plan to construct a parking facility.

YOU ARE HEREBY invited to attend said public hearing and will be given an opportunity to be heard in respect to any issue pertaining to the proposed vacation of the Property. A map depicting the exact location of the Property is available for examination in the office of the City Clerk, Berwyn City Hall, 6700 West 26^th Street, Berwyn, Illinois 60402. In the event of questions, please contact Thomas J. Pavlik, City Clerk, Berwyn City Hall, 6700 West 26^th Street, Berwyn, Illinois 60402 or at 708.788.2660 or Sara Bratcher, Berwyn Development Corporation, 3322 South Oak Park Avenue, Berwyn, Illinois 60402 or at 708.788.8100.

/s/ Thomas J. Pavlik, City Clerk

Cermak Median Update (9/17/2008 8:08:26 PM)

Project Update

Monday, September 15, 2008

For more information contact: Kurtis Pozsgay

Berwyn Development Corporation

708-788-8100 | kurtisp@berwyn.net

Last week, after a City inspection team was on site at the construction of the Cermak Median, there was a problem identified with portions of the newly poured stamped concrete. With the concrete failing, the City requested that the problem be fixed immediately. The repair work will not significantly change the timeline of the project, with anticipated completion by mid-November. The repair work is the responsibility of the contractor to fix, with no additional cost to the City of Berwyn or its TIF dollars. The project team has also identified the cause of the problem and ensured that the remaining work has been done correctly and that there are no additional failing sections of concrete.

The median project includes the removal of the existing raised medians on Cermak Road and replacement with landscaped and paved medians. The design will complement previous streetscape improvements and will maintain a human scale along Cermak Road.

Demolition began during the week of July 21 after IDOT approved the project’s design and construction plans. Construction will be coordinated along the east end of the corridor so that the Houby Festival & Parade will not be interrupted. With an original project budget of $1.4 million, project bids came in under budget at $1.25 million after moving through a competitive bid process earlier in the year.

Novotny & Associates, the City’s engineering firm, is providing day-to-day construction management. Additional information on the Cermak median project in Berwyn, IL can be obtained through the Berwyn Development Corporation at (708) 788-8100.

Berwyn Reads! (9/12/2008 7:00:00 AM)

Berwyn Reads is Berwyn's first One Book, One Community initiative, a city-wide reading and discussion program that encourages all our residents to read the same book at the same time. The book is Paul Fleischman's Seedfolks and the kick-off (FREE BOOKS!) will be this Saturday, Sept. 20th from 1-4pm at Proksa Park. There will be hayrides between Proksa and the Depot District Oktoberfest.

About the Book:
In Seedfolks, Newbery Medal winner Paul Fleischman creates an urban garden that brings a new sense of hope and community to a bleak Cleveland neighborhood. Seedfolks consists of a series of first-person vignettes, each told by a different character.

Kick-off Activities:
The Proksa Park Garden Club will give tours of Proksa’s gardens from 3-4 p.m.

The Berwyn Park District will offer nature-inspired crafts for the kids 1-3 p.m.

Face Painting with Pamela Durkin A family performer of over 3 decades, Pam has traveled far and wide to be an Ambassador of good humor and good will. She thrives on coloring moods and attitudes. 1-3 p.m.

*Jerry Pohlen and Rita Maniotis will present their ideas on implementing recycling, renewable energy and energy conservation at all levels of state and local government. 1-2 p.m.

The Berwyn Public Library will hand out free copies of the novel and reading guide.

The Friends of the Library will serve refreshments. Enjoy a strolling violinist while visiting with neighbors and Friends.

The library and the Berwyn Art Council will host an auction of the centennial birthday cakes from 2-4 p.m. Proceeds will go to Berwyn schools’ art education programs. Cakes will be publicly displayed at Proksa Park September 15-20. Check out the cakes you might have missed displayed throughout Berwyn

Related Programs at the Berwyn Public Library:

*Reduce, Reuse, Recycle with Kay McKeen, Oct 9 at 7pm
*Composting with the University of Illinois Extension, Oct 23 at 7pm
*PBS Film and Lecture on Social Entrepreneurship, Nov 6 at 6:30pm

16th Street Theatre's adaptation of Seedfolks
Sat. November 15th at 11:00 am at the BPL
Sat. November 15th at 2:00 pm at the 16th Street Theater

Please consider inviting neighbors to a book discussion! The Berwyn Public Library can provide book discussion questions!

FLU SHOTS FOR BERWYN RESIDENTS (9/11/2008 1:30:25 AM)

FLU SHOTS FOR BERWYN RESIDENTS

Flu Shots will begin September 3rd & 4th and continue EVERY WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY until our supply is depleted.

10:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m
NO APPOINTMENT IS NECESSARY

COST: $25.00 Cash only ….OR
MEDICARE ELIGIBLE (Part B Coverage Only)
Must present Medicare Card at Time of Service

BERWYN PUBLIC HEALTH DISTRICT
6600 W. 26TH STREET
BERWYN, ILLINOIS 60402

**LIMITED TO RESIDENTS OF BERWYN ONLY

PROOF OF BERWYN RESIDENCY REQUIRED!!

See attached flier for additional information!

West Nile Info (9/5/2008 11:30:29 PM)

Please download this important annoucement regarding West Nile from the the Berwyn Health District.

Berwyn Housing Center (9/5/2008 12:19:52 AM)

http://www.berwynhousingcenter.org/

Call us to find a great convenient apartment at a reasonable price — (708) 749-RENT

The Berwyn Housing Center is a non-profit organization that offers free listings of apartments in a variety of sizes, styles, and rents in Berwyn, IL. Berwyn offers a wide range of choices from studio apartments to 3 bedroom apartments in apartment buildings and historic two and three flats.

We’re open according to the following schedule:

Tuesdays and Thursdays 11am - 7pm

Wednedays and Fridays 9am - 5pm

Saturdays 10am - 4pm

No appointment is necessary.

Berwyn is a great community to live in. Located in the heart of the historic bungalow belt, the community offers a combination of big city comforts like a vibrant arts community, great restaurants, and convenient shopping with small town touches like friendly neighbors and walkable neighborhoods. Living in Berwyn also provides you with plenty of opportunities and convenient access to the rest of the region via highways, arterial streets, Metra, PACE, and the CTA. Visit WhyBerwyn.com to learn more about all Berwyn has to offer.

Our staff will help you make your apartment search easy and hassle free.

VISIT US ON THE WEB AT http://www.berwynhousingcenter.org/

Roadside Safety Checkpoints -- Labor Day Weekend (8/19/2008 4:10:17 AM)

The Berwyn Police Department will conduct Roadside Safety Checkpoints throughout the City during Labor Day weekend. For more information, please download the attached flier.

Berwyn Begins Construction on Cermak Landscape Median (8/13/2008 2:01:54 AM)

Berwyn, IL -- Through support by the Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC), Berwyn Mayor Michael O'Connor and members of City Council have approved a proposal to create a landscaped median along Cermak Road. The project is fully funded by the Cermak Tax Incrementing Financing (TIF) restricted fund.

To read more, please download the attached PDF file.

2007 Annual Financial Report (AFR) released (7/17/2008 2:00:00 PM)

Please see the attached PDF for the 2007 Annual Financial Report (AFR).

Community Meeting to Discuss Proposed Methadone Clinic (7/16/2008 6:00:00 PM)

To All Concerned Residents and Business Owners

Proposed Methadone Clinic Approved!

Mayor O’Connor is opposed to the clinic and is holding a Community Meeting to answer questions and concerns about the Methadone Clinic approved by majority of alderman at council meeting.

What: Community Meeting to discuss proposed Methadone Clinic in the 3300 block of Grove Ave.

When: Wednesday, July 16th

Where: Municipal Parking Lot in the 3300 block of Grove Ave
.

Time: 6:00 PM

Invited are the alderman that voted for this clinic:
Nona Chapman, Michele Skryd, Mike Phelan, Robert Lovero

Also invited are the Assistant Director of the Clinic and the owner of the Building

Senior Club - Valentine's Day (7/11/2008 8:40:30 AM)

The Senior Social Club located at the Berwyn Public Library, 2701 S. Harlem Avenue, welcomes seniors age 55+ to join us for our ice cream social on Wednesday, July 23rd, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. We provide board games, cards, and puzzles, or just come to socialize and enjoy our refreshments. This social club is open to all communities. No registration is needed and no fee is required to join. For more information, call Diane at (708) 795-8000, x 3017.

Senior Advocate 2008 - Annual Report (6/20/2008 8:00:00 PM)

Senior Advocate, Frank Paduch, has released his annual report for 2008. The report is posted in PDF for review. Please contact Frank at FPaduch@ci.berwyn.il.us for questions, concerns, and comments.

Mayor O'Connor calls for residents to serve city on Berwyn Public Library Board (6/18/2008 8:56:37 PM)

For Immediate Release: June 18, 2008

Mayor O’Connor calls for residents to serve city

on Berwyn Public Library Board

BERWYN – Berwyn Mayor Michael O’Connor asks all interested residents of Berwyn to consider serving as a member of the Berwyn Library Board.

The nine-member Library Board sets general direction and provides oversight for the Berwyn Library, a unit of city government with more than 172,000 items in its collection and an annual budget of about $2.7 million. The Library Board meets once a month on the third Monday, and its members hold office for 3-year terms.

“One of the most important parts of any community is the public library, and in Berwyn we’re blessed with a wonderful institution. What I’m looking for are individuals who will bring their interest, expertise and civic spirit to improve and strengthen this vital city asset,” Mayor O’Connor said.

The Berwyn Public Library is housed at 2701 S. Harlem Ave. and is open 72 hours a week. People interested in a position as a Library Board member must be residents of the City of Berwyn and submit a cover letter and resume to: Berwyn City Hall, Attn: Mayor’s Office, 6700 W. 26th St., Berwyn 60402. Information can also be dropped off at City Hall during regular hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

More information is available at (708) 788-2660 ext. 3201.

Pet Registration & Vehicle Sticker 2008 Applications (6/16/2008 2:23:04 PM)

The City of Berwyn is pleased to present the 2008 Pet Registration & Vehicle Sticker applications. Please download the attached files and print as necessary. Please bring all applications into the City of Berwyn's City Hall for processing. Thanks!

Centennial parade kicks off Berwyn's 100th birthday celebrations in June (6/10/2008 5:00:00 PM)

For Immediate Release: June 10, 2008

Centennial parade kicks off Berwyn’s 100th birthday celebrations in June

BERWYN–Mayor Michael O’Connor, city aldermen, Centennial Committee Chairman Carl Reina and 90-year Berwyn resident Warren Ritzma, who served as the Grand Marshal, led a parade of 33 floats, eight bands and thousands of participants and onlookers in celebration of the City of Berwyn’s Centennial.

A color guard provided by the City of Chicago, followed by two mounted officers, stepped off from Cermak Road and Lombard Avenue at 2 p.m. The parade featured police cars and fire equipment from surrounding communities, several antique cars, as well as bands from Berwyn’s middle schools and floats by local businesses and organizations. The parade continued along Cermak to Riverside Drive and ended at Home Avenue on the campus of Morton West High School.

“We had perfect weather and a wonderful crowd to see all the hard work our Centennial Committee did in putting on a very impressive parade. It certainly was a great day to be a Berwynite,” Mayor O’Connor said.

The Centennial activities continue with a city-sponsored picnic on June 14 in Proksa Park and culminate with the Centennial Festival on the campus of Morton West at Harlem Avenue and Cermak Road beginning on June 18 and continuing to June 22. More information about all of Berwyn’s Centennial events is available at www.berwyncentennial.com.

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Mayor O’Connor joins Berwyn Postmaster at Centennial cancellation stamp ceremony June 6 (6/5/2008 12:00:00 PM)

For Immediate Release: June 4, 2008

Mayor O’Connor joins Berwyn Postmaster

at Centennial cancellation stamp ceremony June 6

BERWYN – Mayor Michael O’Connor and Berwyn Postmaster William Ruona will host a ceremony featuring special stamp cancellations with the Berwyn Centennial logo on June 6 at the Berwyn Post Office.

Beginning at 9 a.m., any item with a $0.42 stamp or higher denomination can receive a special hand stamp cancellation to mark the actual date of the City of Berwyn’s incorporation. There will be a tent outside the building for convenient drop-off of items to receive the hand stamp cancellation as a keepsake of the city’s Centennial Celebration. The Berwyn Post Office is located at 6625 W. Cermak Road and will be open until 7 p.m. Stamps and envelopes can be purchased inside.

“I appreciate Postmaster Ruona’s participation in our city’s Centennial events. Not only is the Post Office hosting the special stamp cancellation, but it sponsored an art contest involving the city’s children. Our Centennial is truly a citywide event to showcase Berwyn’s rich history that involves both young and old,” Mayor O’Connor said.

Four members of the Centennial Committee – Mayor O’Connor, Committee Chairman Carl Reina Sr., Berwyn Community Outreach Director Jeanmarie Hajer and Dawn Rinehart – served as judges of artwork drawn by third graders in Berwyn schools. Children were given the chance to draw a historic Berwyn landmark and submit their work for competition with other children throughout the city. Judging took place at the Berwyn Post Office.

The top three winners of the contest will be announced during a Recognition Ceremony on the Main Stage during the Centennial Festival at 7:30 p.m. on June 19. The Festival will be held on the campus of Morton West High School at Cermak Road and Harlem Avenue, beginning June 18 and continuing until June 22.

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PHOTO CAPTIONS

[berwyn po stamp cancellations 06-04-08]

From 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. on June 6, any item with a $0.42 can receive a special hand stamp cancellation with the Berwyn Centennial logo at the Berwyn Post Office, 6625 W. Cermak Road. A tent will be located outside the Post Office for convenient drop off of items for stamp cancellation.

[berwyn po art contest 06-04-08]

(From left) Community Outreach Director Jeanmarie Hajer, Berwyn Mayor Michael O’Connor, Centennial Committee member Dawn Rinehart and Committee Chairman Carl Reina Sr. look over artwork drawn by Berwyn third graders in a contest sponsored by the United States Postal Service to celebrate the City of Berwyn’s Centennial.

South Tri Reassessment Outreach (5/31/2008 2:54:58 AM)

From the Cook County Assessor's Office ...

NEW EXEMPTION

Legislation passed in Springfield last year significantly impacted the expiring 7% Expanded Homeowner Exemption, originally passed in 2003. Rather than providing uniform protection to all Cook County homeowners experiencing dramatic assessment increases for the duration of their triennial reassessment, the renewal legislation phased out the amount of relief provided annually. Limited relief was created for homewoners in particular situations.

Those who have lived in their home for 10 years or more may be eligible for additional property tax relief provided their total household income is under $100,000 in 2006. Homeowners do not need to contact the Assessor’s Office as applications will automatically be mailed to all Cook County residents who have not sold their home in the past ten years. Taxpayers will need to complete and return the notarized forms by June 23, 2008. A homeowner with a total household income of $75,000 or below will have an assessment increase limited to 7% over the prior year’s taxable value, with no maximum exemption amount. A homeowner with a total income greater than $75,000, but not exceeding $100,000, will have an assessment increase limited to 10% over the prior year’s taxable value , with no maximum exemtion amount.

The Long-Time Occupant Exemption cannot be received with the 7% Expanded Homeowner Exemption or the Senior Freeze Exemption. The most beneficial exemption will be applied to the property. The other new exemptions created by this legislation, the Disabled Persons’ Exemption, Disabled Veterans’ Exemption and the Returning Veterans’ Exemption, can be received with the Long-Time Occupant Exemption. Applications for these exemptions are available on the Assessor’s Website.

South Tri Reassessment Info

Reassessment notices for Berwyn Township were mailed on May 27, 2008. Appeals must be received by July 2, 2008.

Reassessment notices for Cicero and Oak Park Townships were mailed on May 16, 2008. Appeals must be received by June 25, 2008.

River Forest and Riverside Township appeals must be received by June 19, 2008.

Other Cook County Townships:

Rogers Park Township is open for appeals until June 17, 2008.

NEW EXEMTPION

________________________________________________________________________

South Tri Reassessment Outreach

The Cook County Assessor’s Office, working with local elected officials, will host one outreach per township during the appeal filing period.

Berwyn Township Reassessment Outreach

Wednesday - 6/11/08

7:00-9:00PM

VFW Hall

1535 Harlem

Berwyn

River Forest Township Reassessment Outreach

Thursday - 6/12/08

7:00-9:00PM

River Forest Township Office

8020 Madison Ave

River Forest

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Exemption Certificates of Error

Homeowners that have not received their money-saving exemptions may apply for a Certificate of Error. Exemption Certificates of Error can be issued for tax years 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Forms are available at www.cookcountyassessor.com

Local Government Websites

Cook County Assessor -Assessment or Exemption inquiries

Cook County Treasurer -Bill payment and tax sale information

Cook County Clerk -Redemption of sold taxes

City of Chicago -CTAC and various City sponsored programs

John Fallon – jmfallo@cookcountyassessor.com - 312.603.7850

Mary Wattman – mwattman@cookcountyassessor.com - 312.603.6862

Cook County Assessor's Office

Third Floor, 118 North Clark Street

Chicago, IL 60602

http://www.cookcountyassessor.com

Groundbreaking for new North Fire Station (5/29/2008 8:00:00 AM)

Mayor O’Connor, city officials attend official groundbreaking for new north side fire station

BERWYN – Berwyn Mayor Michael O’Connor, city aldermen and fire department personnel recently celebrated the official groundbreaking for a new north side fire station.

The state-of-the-art facility will serve the north side of Berwyn from Roosevelt Road to 26th Street. “The old station was more than 80 years old and needed to be replaced for some time now. I made it a priority to bring an updated fire house to the north side. By working with Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and our state Rep. La Shawn Ford to secure the grants, we’re making this new station possible,” Mayor O’Connor said.

The projected cost is $2.8 million, according to Assistant Chief Frank Simek, who is coordinating the construction project for the City of Berwyn. “It will be more modern with more office space and include an emergency operations center. The previous station was very small,” Simek said.

The north side fire house is scheduled for completion in December. Once opened, the City of Berwyn will once again be served by three fire stations with 67 fire department personnel and 18 medics. According to Simek, the Fire Department response time is rated at 99.6 percent (100 percent being the best).

“We’re justifiably proud of the work our department fire fighters do protecting our city. This new facility will only enhance our capabilities to keep Berwyn residents safe,” Mayor O’Connor said.

###

PHOTO CAPTION

[o-connor aldermen north side fire station groundbreaking 05-28-08]

(Front row) 7th Ward Ald. Robert Lovero, Assistant Fire Chief Frank Simek, 6th Ward Ald. Michael Phelan, Mayor Michael O’Connor, Fire Chief Denis O’Halloran and 4th Ward Ald. Michele Skryd sport hard hats during the recent groundbreaking for the new north side fire station.

Centennial Dinner Dance (5/23/2008 6:21:27 AM)

When: Friday, June 6, 2008
Cocktails 6:00 p.m.
Dinner 7:00 p.m.

Where: Skylite West Banquets
7117 Ogden Avenue, Berwyn

Cost: $50 per person
Steak dinner, open bar
Historical Displays

Proper dinner attire is required

See attached flyer for further information.

Mayor O'Connnor meets with Mayor Daley for transfer of historic Berwyn documents (5/15/2008 10:00:00 PM)

For Immediate Release: May 15, 2008

Mayor O’Connor meets with Mayor Daley

for transfer of historic Berwyn documents

BERWYN – Berwyn Mayor Michael O’Connor traveled to Chicago City Hall this week and obtained an important part of Berwyn’s history.

In his Fifth Floor office at City Hall, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley handed off to Mayor O’Connor documents related to Berwyn’s formation in 1901. The documents, which are in fragile condition, belonged to the Chicago Public Library. The documents contain information from the turn of the century, when Berwyn was still part of Cicero Township. Efforts by residents of the areas now known as Berwyn and Oak Park resulted in votes to formally separate the two from Cicero in 1901. Later, in 1908, the City of Berwyn was incorporated.

Berwyn Library Director Bill Hensley and Berwyn Historical Society President Lori Thielen enlisted the help of Mayor O’Connor to contact his counterpart in Chicago to work on making the transfer possible. Library Commissioner Mary Dempsey represented the Chicago Public Library. Joining O’Connor at the hand-off were Hensley, Thielen and Dr. Ralph Pugh a historical archivist at Illinois Institute of Technology. Pugh is working with the Historical Society to preserve the documents.

Mayor O’Connor returned Mayor Daley’s favor by giving Daley a copy of the official Centennial Recipe book, “Recipes & Memories,” a Berwyn Centennial polo shirt and a tote bag with the Berwyn Centennial logo. “The gifts we brought were a gesture of thanks to Mayor Daley. I appreciate his help in allowing Berwyn to get these valuable documents in time for our Centennial. Historical Society President Lori Thielen had been trying to get these items for almost a decade,” Mayor O’Connor said.

Berwyn is celebrating its centennial year with a parade on June 1 and a Centennial Festival running from June 18 to June 22. More information about Berwyn Centennial activities is available with Centennial Committee Chairman Carl Reina at (708) 788-2660 ext. 209.

###

PHOTO CAPTIONS (two photos attached)

[o-connor daley historical documents 05-15-08]

(From left) Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, Berwyn Historical Society President Lori Thielen, Berwyn Mayor Michael O’Connor, Chicago Library Commissioner Mary Dempsey and Berwyn Library Director Bill Hensley in Mayor Daley’s office during a transfer of historic Berwyn documents.

[o-connor daley centennial gift items 05-15-08]

(From left) Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, Berwyn Historical Society President Lori Thielen and Berwyn Mayor Michael O’Connor show off items celebrating Berwyn’s Centennial given to Daley by O’Connor during a visit to Mayor Daley’s office.

Fire Extinguisher Service Companies (5/8/2008 10:59:43 PM)

Please read this important letter from the Berwyn Fire Department regarding Fire Extinguisher Service Companies.

PDFs in both English and Spanish are attached.

Neighborhood Watch Newsletter - May 2008 (5/3/2008 6:45:04 AM)

Neighborhood Watch Newsletter - May 2008

Hydrant Flushing Program for Spring 2008 (4/10/2008 12:05:15 AM)

The Berwyn Fire Department will be conducting the flushing of hydrants starting Monday April 21 and ending Friday May 2, 2008. Hydrants will be flushed from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm Monday thru Friday.

Residents may notice discoloration of water when flushing takes place in their neighborhood. Persons who experience discoloration of water can turn on their plumbing fixtures until the water runs clear. Run the water from a fixture that is located in the in the lowest level of your house. Do not do laundry during hydrant flushing in your neighborhood. Wait until you have clear running water before you start washing clothes. The hydrant flushing schedule is as follows:

Day 1 SOUTH of Burlington R.R. Tracks April 21, 2008

The following streets between East & Ridgeland Ave.
32nd, Fairfield, 33rd, Sinclair, 34th

Day 1             NORTH of Burlington R.R. Tracks April 21, 2008

                         26th Pky. between 26th St. & IC R.R. Tracks
                         26th Pl. between Home Ave. & IC R.R.Tracks
                         Riverside Dr. between 22nd St. & Harlem Ave.
                         29th St. between Kenilworth & Wisconsin Ave.
                         29th Pl. between Oak Park & Wisconsin Ave.
                         30th St. & 30th Pl. between Oak Park & Home Ave.
                         31st St. between Oak Park & Home Ave.

The following streets between East & Ridgeland Ave.
26th Pl., 27th St., 27th Pl., 28th St., 28th Pl.,

Day 2  Oak Park, Euclid                            April 22, 2008
Day 3  Wesley, Clarence, East                  April 23, 2008
Day 4  Scoville, Gunderson, Elmwood        April 24, 2008
Day 5  Ridgeland, Cuyler, Highland            April 25, 2008

Day 6  Harvey, Lombard                           April 28, 2008
Day 7  Grove, Kenilworth                        April 29, 2008
Day 8  Clinton, Home                               April 30, 2008
Day 9  Wenonah, Wisconsin                    May 1, 2008
Day 10 Maple, Harlem                             May 2, 2008

** RESPONSES TO EMERGENCY CALLS MAY ALTER SCHEDULE**

Cook County Treasurer's Website (4/7/2008 8:07:04 AM)

In the past few months, the Cook County Treasurer's Office has revamped & expanded services provided by their website. You may utilize this valuable tool to handle most of your property tax needs. The Treasurer's Office can be reached online at http://www.cookcountytreasurer.com/.

16th Street Theater presents The Ascension Of Carlotta (4/4/2008 9:15:02 AM)

April 4th –May 4th (Thurs. - Sat) –

16th Street Theater presents The Ascension Of Carlotta

(For more info: www.16thstreettheater.org or 708-749-4900)

2008 Co-Ed Adult 16” Softball Tournament (4/3/2008 9:01:19 AM)

Let’s Play Ball for Charity!!! Please join Youth Crossroads, Inc. for our 4th Annual Co-Ed Adult 16” Softball Tournament. All proceeds for this event will support youth counseling, delinquency prevention and leadership services. Get your team together now, registration deadline is May 9th!!!

Neighborhood Watch Newsletter April 2008 (4/1/2008 9:00:00 AM)

The Neighborhood Watch Newsletter for April 2008 is online and ready to download. Access it here -- http://berwyn-il.gov/pdf/Neighborhood_Watch-Current.pdf

Stay safe!

Centennial Festival Contract & Registration Form (3/21/2008 1:27:43 PM)

Interesting in becoming a vendor for any of the Berwyn Centennial events? Please download the attached information and review.

Please mail or drop off any applications at City Hall, attn: Dawn Rinehart.

City Hall is located at 6700 W. 26th St.

ComEd Rate Relief Credit Disbursement (3/21/2008 1:15:36 PM)

In an effort to help customers transition to new rates that took effect in January, ComEd is initiating a rate relief package for Illinois consumers.

Former customers may also be eligible for relief, via a one·time, lump-sum credit based on their 2007 usage.

If you were an active ComEd customer between January 1st and August 31st
2007, you may fill out this form to apply for the lump-sum General Assembly Rate Relief Credit.

See the attached form. Please print out this out, fill out all the information below, and return it to ComEd at the address below to receive your lump·sum credit.

ComEd
Customer Care Center
Po. Box 805379
Chicago, II 60680-5379

Centennial Pins for Sale! (3/19/2008 8:51:51 AM)

Purchase your Centennial Pin!
$2.00

Purchase Pins at:
Reception Desk of City Hall
6700 W. 26th Street

Senior Services Ctr.
6420 W. 16th Street

Serendipity Antiques
6733 Stanley

North Berwyn Park District
1619 S. Wesley Ave.

For more information on the Centennial please
contact: 788-2660 ext. 209

RedSpeed Illinois (3/15/2008 4:13:27 AM)

Beginning November 9, 2007, red light cameras located at 26th Street and East Avenue and Cermak and Ridgeland Avenue will begin taking photos of red light violators as part of Berwyn’s program to promote intersection safety in the City. During the 30 day warning period, red light runners will be mailed a warning notice. Please review our frequently asked questions and warning release for more info.

Cook County Board of Review Re-Opens Appeal Process for Property Assessments (3/13/2008 8:00:00 AM)

The Cook County Board of Review would like to inform you that it has recently announced it will re-open the period to file property tax assessments and give taxpayers in 24 Chicago and suburban townships an additional two-week window to appeal their property tax assessments. The additional period to file complaints will be March 17-31, 2008. The affected townships include 5 in the City and 19 in the suburbs, many of which have just undergone the triennial assessment. The suburban townships include:

Berwyn Norwood Park

Bremen Oak Park

Calumet Orland

Cicero Palos

Elk Grove Proviso

Evanston Rich

Lyons River Forest

Maine Riverside

New Trier Stickney

Niles

You can go to www.cookcountyboardofreview.com to download the complaint form and obtain further details on this additional two-week filing opportunity. Also you may call the Board of Review at 312-603-5542.

For Berwyn-specific information, please contact the township assessor, Alan J. Kveton at 708-788-6600.

Centennial Wear for Sale (3/10/2008 8:00:00 AM)

Attached is information on items and prices for a variety of Centennial Wear. They will be sold at a few businesses in the near future but if you would like to purchase any please stop by City Hall and see Jeanmarie Hajer or Jynette Ayala. Items are in stock.

Contact information:

Jeanmarie Hajer
Director of Community Outreach
City of Berwyn
6700 West 26th Street
Berwyn, IL 60402
(708) 788-2660-X 290
fax: (708) 788-2567
JHajer@ci.berwyn.il.us

Jynette Ayala
jayala@ci.berwyn.il.us
788-2660 x 211 )

BerwynCentennial.com is online! (3/9/2008 12:00:00 PM)

The Berwyn Centennial Marketing Committee is proud to present the official Berwyn Centennial website. This site will showcase events and fundraisers for the Centennial celebration planned this year. Access it today at http://www.berwyncentennial.com/.

Thanks Antonio & Maggie! Great job on the site.

Centennial License Plates for Sale! (3/1/2008 1:30:00 PM)

Participate in the Centennial by purchasing these special event license plates and display on your vehicle for 60 days.

See the attached flyer.

For more information please contact:

Jeanmarie Hajer
jhajer@ci.berwyn.il.us

Jynette Ayala
708-788-2660 x211

Neighborhood Watch Newsletter - March 2008 (2/29/2008 10:48:57 PM)

This month's edition of the Neighborhood Watch Newsletter is now available! Feel free to download a copy today!

2008 Adopted Budget (2/21/2008 12:00:00 PM)

The 2008 Adopted Budget is online and ready to download -- http://berwyn-il.gov/pdf/Clerk/Proposed_2008_Budget-FINAL.pdf

EarthHour website -- http://www.earthhour.org (2/16/2008 5:20:39 AM)

Please make note of this important website that deals with a social action event to help make people aware of how we can reduce our effects on global warming. The site is called Earth Hour and can be accessed at http://www.earthhour.org.

W.E.D.G.E. -- Report Gang Activity Online (2/9/2008 4:39:42 AM)

The W.E.D.G.E taskforce has a new email system in place to report gang activity online. Send all reports to wedge@ci.berwyn.il.us and your email will reach every member of the taskforce.

Neighborhood Watch Newsletter (2/3/2008 8:01:58 PM)

The Berwyn Police Department, Neighborhood Watch program online.

Download it today!

Senior Services 2007 Report (2/1/2008 11:47:42 PM)

Attached you will find the Senior Services 2007 report.

Centennial Pins On Sale Now (2/1/2008 8:00:00 AM)

Centennial Pins on Sale

$2.00

City Hall Reception – 6700 W. 26th St.
Senior Services – 6420 W. 16th St.
Serendipity Antiques – 6733 Stanley

2006 Financial Statements (1/16/2008 7:00:00 AM)

Recently, the City of Berwyn completed the 2006 audit. Summary Financial statements are attached.

Berwyn Centennial Cookbook (1/3/2008 8:00:00 AM)

Berwyn will be celebrating its 100th birthday party June 6th 2008. To commemorate this historic event, the Berwyn Cenntennial Cookbook Committee will be preparing a taste-tempting cookbook featuring favorite recipes from members of our community. We are so excited to offer the opportunity for you to participate by
submitting up to three of your special recipes. Show us what you have to offer today!

Citizens Fire Academy 2008 (12/2/2007 5:37:38 PM)

Berwyn Fire Department
Citizens Fire Academy - 2008

Press Release
Application
Mission Statement
Authorizations - Waivers

Red Light Cameras in Berwyn (11/3/2007 12:00:00 AM)

Beginning November 9, 2007, red light cameras located at 26th Street and East Avenue and Cermak and Ridgeland Avenue will begin taking photos of red light violators as part of Berwyn’s program to promote intersection safety in the City. During the 30 day warning period, red light runners will be mailed a warning notice. Please review our frequently asked questions and warning release for more info.