Wheeling Village News

Wheeling.Com is not
affiliated with the
Village of Wheeling

Wheeling Village News
July/August 1998 Edition

Let the Gala Begin!

The final countdown is under way for the 1998 "Wheeling on the Move" Independence Day celebration.

The festivities will kick off with "Taste of Wheeling" at 4 p.m. on July 4th in the big tent between Village Hall and Wheeling Park District. Participating local restaurants will feature fare typical of their menus, ranging from burritos and tapas to Mexican pasterias and Italian sausage.

The "Taste" will be accompanied by Larry Bember's Big Band Orchestra playing music of the 50s and 60s, featuring vocalist Carol Bennitt.

Games and a face painter will occupy the children.

The traditional July 4th parade will start at 6 p.m. at K-Mart on Dundee Road. The route will take the floats, bands and other participants east on Dundee Road, then south on Wolf Road to Heritage Park.

The finale will occur at 9:15 p.m. with a fireworks extravaganza at Heritage Park.

"We want to thank all the businesses and residents for their donations toward the 4th of July activities," said Trustee Judy Abruscato, who heads the 4th of July Committee.

Village Gets a Deal: Crash Truck for 3 Bucks

It's a big, lumbering hulk that looks more like it should float than run on highways. But run it does. The 17-ton crash truck, CT24, can clock 0-60 m.p.h. in 25 seconds. Fully loaded. With 1,000 gallons of water, including 130 gallons of foam concentrate.

Obtained from the now closed Glenview Naval Air Station under a three-year lease-purchase arrangement with the Village of Glenview, CT-24 cost Wheeling just a dollar. It will cost another dollar for each of the two additional years.

Currently valued at $175.000. the truck would have cost nearly half a million dollars if purchased new. The purchase culminated a seven-year search for a crash truck from the Federal Government as part of the Base Closure Act.

The Village is responsible for fire protection at Palwaukee Airport, just four minutes away from the main firehouse on Dundee Road, where the unit is stationed. "It's one of those things we hope we don't have to use," said Fire Chief Keith MacIsaac, "but if we do, the crash truck will let us handle special situations more effectively than using conventional fire-fighting tactics."

Community Development Department

While it has no vehicles with flashing lights, the Wheeling Department of Community Development is nonetheless a significant and important presence in the Village. It might be called the "Quality of Living Department."

The department maintains quality standards for construction projects, ensures public health and safety through inspections, and promotes the appearance of the Village. It also runs programs for the Village's senior community.

Director Mike Klitzke oversees 19 full- and part time staff members who deliver services within three divisions: Building, Housing and Zoning; Planning; and Senior Citizens Services.

The Building, Housing and Zoning Division acts as an on-the job partner and consultant on residential and commercial property renovations. The Division's plan reviewer and deputy building official, Dan Ozanich, a licensed architect, advises property owners about permit requirements so that buildings and grounds are safe and meet current standards.

Permits also provide access to highly qualified, licensed experts. Retiring Director of Building, Housing and Zoning Tom Fennell, also a licensed staff architect, explained: "We supply building, plumbing and electricity professionals to protect people from unsafe or substandard work."

"But we don't do building plans," Klitzke interjected. "That's the job of engineers and architects. People come to us with plans, and we guide the effort according to existing codes."

Part of that effort involves regulating land use and building specifications, such as setbacks and height. And Building, Housing and Zoning's two state-licensed sanitarians inspect all grocery stores and restaurants, public swimming pools and elevators.

Through the Village's Mutual Property Improvement Program, the Division provides financial assistance—up to $5,000—to property owners to tear down vacant or dilapidated buildings. "It provides support for property owners to pay for demolition and promotes a positive Village image," Fennell said.

The staff in the Planning Division evaluates the appearance of proposed land uses by keeping an eye on demographic shifts, economics and traffic. In this role, the Division develops transportation plans, including the construction of bike paths. It even works to encourage desirable businesses to relocate within the Village.

The Division helps put on the "face of the Village" by acting as a liaison to the Plan Commission, and overseeing two financial programs to keep the Village attractive.

One such effort is the Residential Rehabilitation Program, which provides loans to qualified residents. "We arrange long-term, interest-free, deferred loans to help homeowners fix up single-family homes," said Klitzke. "Applicants must meet certain qualifications, including income limits. The loans are payable only when the property changes hands and range from several thousand to $25,000."

It falls to the Planning Division to review plans and, jointly with the Finance Department, handle financial data for the Village's Tax Increment Finance District, which finances new properties along Milwaukee Avenue from Strong Avenue to Manchester Drive. The Village provides development bonds, which owners repay through tax adjustments.

Beyond construction concerns, the Planning Division gives Mother Nature a helping hand. With 30 percent of the village in a flood-hazard area, COD administers the Village flood protection program. It also shares responsibility with the

Public Works Department for planning Wheeling's forestry program. "The tree-planting program is an example of our interest in residents' quality of life," said Klitzke. "1998 is the eighth year Wheeling has been named a Tree City USA."

Across town, the Senior Citizens Center is a part of Community Development, too. Coordinator Nancy Janssen detailed the varied educational, recreational and social programs for members. "We have wellness programs—such as yoga and exercise—and another to communicate with frail seniors. The center coordinates an intergenerational program with fourth-graders at Walt Whitman Elementary School. We provide trips to points of interest. Plus, we offer a full range of services at the Pavilion."

Janssen's work, along with Klitzke and the rest of his staff, is done behind the scenes. Their goal, said Klitzke, is "to do whatever it takes to make Wheeling a better place to live . The Community Development Department is a partner to residents and businesses. A well-planned community is a desirable place to be."

Meet Michael J. Ktitzke

A registered professional engineer, Mike Ktitzke has been director of the Wheeling Department of Community Development for 11 years. He joined the department as an engineer in 1979.

Before that, he was a civil engineer with the City of Chicago. He has taken additional courses in planning and zoning management and economic development.

Mike brings a broad educational background to his present position. He received his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. He was awarded a master of public administration degree from Roosevelt University in Chicago in 1992.

He is a member of the national Association of State Floodplain Managers and the Illinois Association for Floodplain and Stormwater Management, which he chaired in 1990-1992.

Mike has received various awards for outstanding service and his work in the field of floodplain management.

A member and past president of the Wheeling Rotary Club, Mike is active in civic activities in his hometown of Libertyville. He volunteers in youth baseball and football programs and has been president of Libertyville Boys Club since 1994.

Hazardous Waste Day Draws Throng of 1,700

They came from all over—from Wheeling to Antioch, from Schiller Park to the state of Ohio. More than 1,700 vehicles waited in line in Wheeling on Saturday, April 25, to drop off a cornucopia of chemicals. Gasoline-oil mixes. Paint thinners. Turpentine. Household spray cans. Acids. Batteries. Insecticides. Cleaners. Swimming pool chemicals. And lots of other stuff that needed professional help.

It was the second time that the Village, in conjunction with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has hosted Hazardous Waste Collection Day—with unforeseen results this time. No one anticipated more than 2,000 households to be represented (some depositors took items for neighbors and friends). The Village of Wheeling, with support of the Solid Waste Agency of Cook County, Village of Buffalo Grove and Wheeling Park District had asked IEPA to conduct a major collection for the first time since 1 995.

Water WiseIy; Not Too Well

The big lake just off Chicago's shoreline emits a false sense of security: the water supply seems to be unlimited. But there's a problem. It's not just the volume of H2O seemingly available but the growing number of people using it. A booming population and an expanding business and industrial base are placing pressure on what's available, requiring urban planners to look seriously at ways to stretch supplies as far as possible.

For that reason, the Wheeling Department of Public Works is offering a guideline of "Good Watering Practices" when caring for your yard and garden.

1. Be sure to water the things that should be watered. Concrete and asphalt don't need to be sprinkled.
2. Plants love water—but not too much. Don't flood them repeatedly, day after day. They need time to absorb the water and make use of it.
3. Water deeply when you do water, but an inch a week is plenty. Any more can force lawns to develop shallow roots, subjecting them to damage from heat and drought.
4. The best time to water is early in the morning, not when the sun is high or it's windy. You want the water in the ground, not lost to evaporation.
5. A thick topping of mulch around plants will help them retain the water they do need. And it sharply reduces your watering chore.

During July and August, you may notice water pressures slightly below normal. It will be only a small reduction due to maintenance work at the Lake Cook receiving station, which delivers Lake Michigan water. It will be easy to minimize any decrease in pressure by observing the annual restriction: no nonessential watering between noon and 6 p.m. during the summer.

Fire Dept. Seeks Life-Saving Thermal Imaging Camera

Wheeling Fire Department is building a fund to pay for a thermal imaging system. This is a hand-held camera that allows fire fighters to see through dense smoke in a search for survivors. The cost for the camera is $18,000.

Donations to "Village of Wheeling, Fire Imaging Fund" may be made in person or mailed to Wal-Mart, Store 1735, 1455 Lake-Cook Road, Wheeling, IL 60090, attention: Suzie Dahl. Funds can also be donated at Village Hall. For information or to view videotape demonstrating how the camera works, call Wal-Mart at 847.537.5090.

Community Calendar

Residents are invited to attend public meetings of the following Village boards and commissions . Most meet in the Village Hall Council Chambers (unless otherwise noted).

Village Board—Mondays, 7:30 p. m.

Plan Commission—Second and fourth Thursdays of the month, 7 p.m.

Human Rights Commission—Second Tuesday of the month, Village Hall lunch room, 7:15 p. m.

Zoning Board of Appeals—Second Tuesday of the month, 7:30p.m.

Senior Citizens Commission—Third Monday of the month, Pavilion Senior Center, 10 a.m.

Fire and Police Commission—Third Tuesday of the month, Fire Department Conference Room, 7p.m.

PalwaukeeAirport Commission—Third Wednesday of the month, 7:30 p.m., Airport offices, 1020 South Plant Rd.

July 1998
4—July 4th celebration. 4 p.m., "Taste of Wheeling," Village commons; 6 p.m., parade; 9p.m., fireworks, Heritage Park.
7—Economic Development Commission, 8 a.m.
8—Blood Drive. 2:30-8:30p.m. Village Hall. Information: LifeSource at 847-803-7848.
9—Ethics Board, 7:30 p.m.
27—Roving Workshop, Board of Trustees, Chelsea Cove Clubhouse, 300 Denoyer Trail
28—Board of Health, 7 p.m.

August 1998
10—Roving Workshop, Board of Trustees, Lexington Commons Clubhouse, 587 Lexington Drive
12—Special Events Committee, 7 p.m.
24—Wheeling "Shareholders" town meeting (Wheeling: 2000 update), Chevy Chase Country Club, 1000 N. Milwaukee Ave.
31—Palwaukee Airport Commission joint meeting, 7 p.m.

Health Services for Children

The Wheeling Community Resource Center is offering free physical and dental examinations for children of families that qualify for free or reduced-cost lunch programs. They must live in Wheeling and attend District 21 schools or Wheeling High School.

Students entering kindergarten, 5th grade, and 9th grade or those participating in sports programs may have physical examinations at Holy Family Medical Center, 201 E. Strong Ave. in Wheeling. Eligible students need to obtain a voucher for the exams at the Community Resource Center, 210 N. Wolf Rd.

Qualified students in grades 3-12 can have sealants applied to their teeth without charge. Sealants, accompanied by regular brushing and flossing, protect teeth from decay. Parents can make an appointment for their children at the Community Resource Center. This program is cosponsored by the Cook County Department of Public Health and the Community Resource Center.

Safety First

The Board of Trustees passed a new ordinance authorizing police to stop motorists not wearing their seat belts. State law requires that everyone in a motor vehicle be buckled up. However, police can write a citation only as part of a "stop" for other violations, such as speeding. The new Village ordinance changes that. Anyone driving through Wheeling may be stopped solely for not wearing a seat belt. subject to a $100 fine.

Lower Curfew Age

In a separate action, trustees lowered the curfew age to apply to anyone under 17 years old. Anyone underage is required to be off the street by 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and by midnight on weekends. The change came in response to an appeal by three students from Wheeling High School, who pointed out that other municipalities in the Northwest suburbs observe a curfew for those under 17. The ordinance previously applied to anyone below age 18.

"Brooms and Blooms" Takes in the Trash

Fifty community volunteers spruced up Milwaukee Avenue on May 30. They filled bag after plastic bag with paper left over from the recent road construction, plastic containers and miscellaneous debris. Fanning out north and south from Dundee Road, the volunteers, aided by Village staff and trustees, spent three hours at the task.

Simultaneously, beautification crews planted dozens of flowers at "Village of Wheeling" signs at the north, east and south ends of town and sowed flowers at Heritage Park.

The last activity of the "Brooms and Blooms" event was the unfurling of several new banners, like the one pictured at left, planned for the lamp standards along Milwaukee Avenue. The banners will feature different themes throughout the year, depending on the season.

"Brooms and Blooms" Day was the first of a number of activities planned by the Plan and Appearance Review Commission headed by longtime Village resident Ken Brady. A second cleanup day is planned for this fall.

The commission is also spearheading efforts to create a park on the now-empty northeast corner of Milwaukee and Dundee Roads.

This site created and maintained by:
Byte Me! Computer Sales and Service, Inc.