Spring/Summer 2018

The Official Newsletter of the Village of Machesney Park

The Village VoiceCENERGY POWER TO LAUNCH COMMUNITY SOLAR PROJECT IN MACHESNEY

O n March 5th, the Village Board approved a Special Use Permit for a community solar project to be developed at the intersection of Perryville Road and Vaughndale Drive. This project is made possible through a public-private partnership between the Village and Cenergy Power. The recently-enacted Future Energy Jobs Act by the State of Illinois also provides additional incentives for this project. The 13-acre project will feature small solar panel modules that will generate solar energy that can be sold to local business subscribers. The 6-foot motorized solar panels will slowly follow the direction of the sun throughout the day in order to capture a maximum amount of solar energy.

The Village, who owns the 13-acre property, plans to enter into a 21-year lease with the company to generate additional revenues for the Village and to make low-cost energy available to businesses. Construction on this project could begin as early as this summer.

Cenergy intends to formulate agreements with local public-sector entities and businesses to provide low-rate solar-generated energy. Solar energy from this project will not be available to residents at this time, however initiatives for green energy are growing in popularity throughout the United States and may be available at some point in the future.

Feel free to contact the Community Development Department at 815-877-5432 with any questions you may have about this project.

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VAUGHNDALE DR

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PROPOSED MV PAD(QTY.: 2ea.)

PROPOSED POI

PROPOSED CHAIN LINK FENCE (TYP.)

PROPOSED 20' WIDE CHAIN LINK GATE(QTY.: 2ea.)

PROPOSED GROUND MOUNT SOLAR SITE

EXISTING OVERHEAD LINE (TYP.)

PROPOSED 6' HIGHCHAIN LINK FENCE

SOLAR MODULESSINGLE AXIS TRACKERWITH ±60° TILT

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SOLAR POWER SYSTEM SITE LAYOUT

VICINITY MAP

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MACHESNEY PARKCORNER OF N PERRYVILLE ROAD AND VAUGHNDALE DRIVE, MACHESNEY PARK, IL 61115

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SITE

PROPOSED SOLAR POWER INSTALLATION

TYPICAL TRACKING RACK DETAIL NOT TO SCALE3

MODULE: JAPAN SOLAR, JS-325U-PI72, 325W. TOTAL: 7,488 MODULES.

TOTAL STRING: 416 (18 MODULES/STRING).

TOTAL RACK: 90 (72 MODULES/RACK). 16 (54 MODULES/RACK). 04 (36 MODULES/RACK).

INVERTER: 32 UNITS - SUNGROW STRING INVERTER SG60KU-M (60.0 KW).

RACKING SYSTEM: SINGLE AXIS NEXTRACKER.

FENCE: 6' HIGH CHAIN LINK.

TOTAL AREA: 11.12 ACRES (APPROX. INSIDE PERIMETER FENCE).

TOTAL CAPACITY: 2,433.6000 KW-DC (STC).1,920.0000 KW-AC (NAMEPLATE).

General Location Map - Special Use Permit for Public Utility - 7740 Perryville Rd.

What’s Inside...

Yard of Distinction Program & Solicitors Permits . . . . . . .Page 2

Building Better Neighborhoods . . . . . . . . . . .Page 2

Public Works . . . . . . . . . .Page 3 & 7

2018 Road Construction . . .Page 4

Community Development . .Page 5

Planning & Zoning . . . . . . . .Page 6

Building Permits & Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 6

Code Enforcement . . . . . . . Page 7

Public Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 8

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of this newsletter.

2 | Spring/Summer 2018

Yards of Distinction ProgramBeautification for 2018

Again in 2018, Machesney Park is sponsoring the Yards of Distinction Program. This program is an encouragement for all residents to spend extra time and energy to maintain and enhance a beautiful yard. Each month during the summer, a residential home in each district and one business village-wide will receive this distinction. An attractively designed lawn sign will be awarded with each recognition. The sign can be permanently retained by the homeowner and displayed in successive years as the resident continues to participate in this beautification program.

Neighbors, relatives and passersby are encouraged to nominate a favorite yard. Please call Village Hall at 815-877-5432 or email Clerk Lori Mitchell at lorim@machesneypark.org to submit a nomination. Village Trustees will judge the submissions and winners will be announced at the second Board Meeting in June, July and August.

Solicitors Must Have PermitsAll persons, businesses and organizations wishing to solicit in the Village of Machesney Park for any money, funds or contributions are required to obtain a permit. Upon permit approval, commercial solicitors will be issued permanent ID cards and will be required to keep them displayed at all times. Residents, if someone comes to your door to solicit and is not wearing one of these badges, please call the Non-Emergency Police at 815-282-2600 to report them. It is important that you call as soon as possible so that these people can be located and directed to obtain the proper permit. Noncommercial and charitable organizations are not required to obtain a permit, but are required to abide by the Do Not Knock Registry addresses. All solicitors are prohibited from soliciting at any location listed on the “Do Not Knock Registry,” or from any location with a sign posted prohibiting solicitation. If you would like your address to appear on the Do Not Knock Registry, please contact the Village Hall for a registry application.

The Village's Single Family RehabBuilding Better Neighborhood Program

The Building Better Neighborhood rehab grant program for 2017-2018 is well underway. This program was made possible by a grant provided by the Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund. It allows the Village to assist low-income residents with remodeling and bringing homes current with today's building codes. The grant provided funding for the Village to assist eight homeowners with improving their homes. Currently, three homes are under construction with two more set to begin this summer. The application process for the 2017-2018 program has already been closed and property owners were selected through a lottery drawing last summer. The Village is hopeful that the State of Illinois will offer more funding in the future to continue this program. In the event that the Village receives grant funding, we will notify residents through this newsletter and we will send out press releases through the local media outlets.

Concrete WashoutsOne of the most overlooked erosion control measures and a serious source of ground water contamination is something called “concrete washout” which is the residue and contaminants from washing concrete trucks, pumps, mixers, chutes, hand tools, and wheelbarrows. This type of waste is highly alkaline, contains high levels of chromium, and is corrosive. When not managed properly, concrete washout can pollute surface water and groundwater by changing its pH, increasing the toxicity of other substances, and reducing water clarity.

How to manage concrete washout: Do not dump concrete washout on the ground or allow it to enter storm drains, open ditches, streets and waterways. Washout facilities should only be for chute and tools washing. Truck washout and remaining concrete should be taken back to the plant. Washouts should be large enough to contain liquid and concrete waste generated by wash- out operations. Keep washout areas a minimum of 50 feet from storm drains, open ditches and water bodies and install signs for locating the washout. Washout facilities must be cleaned or new facilities constructed and when the washout container is 75% full. Under no circumstances should a washout facility be allowed to overflow. Washout disposal should only take place after the liquid has had enough time to harden and can be properly disposed of with other construction waste.

Spring/Summer 2018 | 3

Street Repairs

The Village’s Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining the Village’s streets, including the roadway surface, sidewalks, curbs, streetlights, signage and storm sewers. Village crews make street repairs on an ongoing basis, as deficiencies are discovered.

Residents are encouraged to report potholes or other street surface issues to the Public Works Department by calling us at 815-877-5432. The Village Public Works crew does its best to promptly respond to all requests but we appreciate your patience. Please keep in mind that any work done within a roadway can be very dangerous activity for our employees so please be cautious and slow down when driving past Public Works crews working on the streets.

Public Works continued on page 7

UPDATES FROM PUBLIC WORKS

Mosquito Control

Clarke Mosquito will be contracted to monitor our area through-out the summer and determine the optimal time to spray the Village to control the mosquito population. In a typical season Clarke will spray an adulticide 2-3 times a year. Additionally, they will treat the Village’s drywells and catch basins with a larvicide to help control the mosquito population before they hatch.

Adulticides and larvicides are both approved for use by the EPA. Treatments are applied at rates that minimize exposure and risks to people and the environment. Adulticides and larvi-cides can be used for mosquito control programs to help control the spread of west nile and zika viruses without posing risks or concern to the general population or to the environment when applied according to the pesticide label and by a licensed contractor.

Contracted treatments can only control the mosquito population to a certain level. Here are some ways you can help to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds: Dispose of old tires, buckets, ceramic pots and other containers on your property that collect rain water or pool morning dew. Fill in tree rot holes and hollow stumps that hold water. At least once per week, empty standing water from decorative containers, including birdfeeders, on your property. Clean clogged roof gutters, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug up the drain to the downspout. Flooded roof gutters are easily overlooked but can produce hundreds of mosquitoes each season. Turn small plastic swimming pools upside down when not in use. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used. A neglected swimming pool that is left for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to infest an entire neighborhood. Be aware that mosquitoes may also breed in the water that collects on swimming pool covers.

If residents have any questions about the treatment or control of mosquitoes, please feel free to Clarke Mosquito at 1-800-942-2555 or visit their website at WWW.CLARKE.COM.

4 | Spring/Summer 2018

2018 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

PAVEMENTRECLAMATION &/ORRECONSTRUCTION

FINAL SURFACECOURSE

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ROAD CONSTRUCTION 2018 Capital Improvements

For the 2018 construction season, the Village is planning to resurface 4 miles of roadway. In addition, the Village is also planning a bike path improvement along a portion of Mitchell Road and a variety of road reconstruction and infrastructure projects (see illustration below). The Village continues to rely on revenues from the 1% Road Fund Sales Tax and Utility Tax to pay for these important improvement projects. The Village thanks you for your support and your patience throughout the construction season. If you have any questions regarding any of the Village’s roadway projects, please contact the Public Works Department at 815-877-5432.

Destination Machesney Check out

The latest Destination Machesney contest winners are:

It’s easy to enter our contests and there are no purchases necessary! Follow @DestinationMachesney on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, and share the contest posts when you see them. As a follower, you will get inside information on discounts, promotions, and coupons from Machesney Park businesses. It’s free to follow us and fun to participate!

COMMUNITY

DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

Spring/Summer 2018 | 5

National Night OutAugust 7th, 2018

This year’s National Night Out event will be held on Tuesday, August 7th. National Night Out is an annual community building campaign that promotes police community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between residents and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. The time and location of this year’s National Night Out event are to be determined. Please watch for up-dates on the Village’s website at http://machesneypark.org, or call 815-877-5432 to inquire.

Village welcomes new businesses

The Village strives to make Machesney Park an attractive place for new businesses. Please visit these businesses who are opening stores in Machesney…

Follow @DestinationMachesney on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to get inside info on new businesses coming to Machesney!

1419 West Lane Road

6901 Forest Hills Road

7144 N. Perryville Road

1025 West Lane Road

1586 West Lane Road

Non-Domesticated Animals

Occasionally, residents inquire about whether or not they are allowed to keep animals on their properties. These requests range from pot-belly pigs to ducks and miniature goats. The keeping of chickens is the most common inquiry.

Five years ago, the Village Board considered a proposal to allow residents to raise chickens in residential areas. This proposal was not approved, and as a result, chickens are allowed only on agriculturally-zoned properties. The sounds and smells of these animals and their ability to roam were among the many things that the Village considered at the time.

Just recently, the Village Board voted to further restrict non-domesticated animals on agriculturally-zoned properties. Going forward, a property must be zoned in the Agricultural

District, AND must be at least 15-acres in size in order to be allowed to have bees, horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, cattle, swine, livestock, or poultry (which includes chickens, ducks, and geese).

Please note that miniature breeds of these animals, such as miniature goats or pigs, are also considered as non-domesticated farm animals by the Village and are not allowed to be kept on residential properties.

Before you consider buying that adorable little pig, boarding your own horse, or keeping hens for eggs, please be aware of these Village regulations. These types of animals are only allowed on 15-acre lots that are zoned in the Agricultural District. If you have any questions about these regulations, please contact the Village Community Development Department at 815-877-5432.

6 | Spring/Summer 2018

ZONING APPROVAL &

REGULATING DEVELOPMENT

Improving Building Permits and Inspections

In an effort to provide improved service to residents and businesses, the Village is making changes to our process for building permits and inspections. Permits will still be issued at Village Hall and residents can continue to expect great service from the Village staff. Last October, the Village began contracting with the City of Loves Park to perform our building inspections. The Village will not be raising building permit fees as part of our service improvements.

The Village will also be utilizing new technology to assist us in tracking building permits, inspections, and code enforcement cases. Our goal is to someday provide residents with the opportunity to apply for building permits and schedule inspections on-line.

Please note that the Village recently updated our building codes; all construction will now be reviewed under the 2015 ICC International Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Residential, Energy Conservation, Life Safety and Property Maintenance Codes.

All construction projects in the Village require building permits. If you have any questions about applying for building permits or would like to know more about our newly-adopted building codes, please visit our website or contact the Community Development Department at 815-877-5432. We look forward to serving you.

Ordinance Reminders…With the spring and summer seasons fast approaching, the Village recommends that residents take some time to inspect their homes and consider completing any necessary home maintenance projects that will result in extending the life of your home while positively influencing the overall health of your neighborhood.

Spring controlled yard waste burning is approved ONLY between APRIL 1st-30th. Curbside leaf vacuuming is scheduled to begin in April, as well as curbside pick-up of yard waste in designated yard waste bags or in containers clearly marked with an “X”.

Unregistered Recreational or Off-highway Vehicles - dirt bikes, four-wheelers, ATVs, side-by-sides, and other similar vehicles are prohibited from operating on private property and public right of way.

Vehicle Parking – Vehicles parked outside on private property in the Village must be parked on a paved surface. In front yards, this area includes paved driveways or properly maintained existing gravel driveways. If your gravel drive-way is in a state of disrepair and it is more grass than gravel, it is no longer a permitted as a parking area (you are not allowed to add more gravel). All driveways and parking lots must be paved with either blacktop or concrete. And please remember that a driveway permit is required when you pave your driveway.

Inoperable Vehicles – Vehicles parked outside of a garage must display a valid license plate and have a current vehicle registration sticker. All cars and trucks must be physically operable and be roadworthy. Inoperable vehicles are at risk for being stickered by the Sheriff’s Department with a “Removal Order” and towed from the property if not corrected within 10 days.

If you have any questions regarding any of these requirements, please contact the Community Development Department at 815-877-5432.

Erosion and Sediment ControlIt is important that residents and contractors obtain an erosion and sediment control permit from the Village for any project that disturbs more than 100 sq. ft. of soil. Soil disturbance occurs when projects such as new driveways are installed, foundations for structures are poured, or when patios are paved. Soil erosion and sedimentation are major contributors to waterway pollution that can also clog pipes and pollute ponds, lakes and wetlands. Residents who are planning to complete projects, such as those mentioned above, are required

to contact the Public Works Department and provide an erosion control plan. Erosion control typically includes the installation of silt fencing surrounding the limits of the area of soil disturbance to prevent erosion and runoff.

The Village does not intend to prevent you from making improvements to your properties. Rather, our goal is to help you comply with any rules that may apply to your project, such as erosion control. Please note that the Village could issue fines for non-compliance at a minimum of $250 per day for violations to the erosion and sediment control ordinance. If you have any questions or concerns about setting up or maintaining an erosion plan, please contact the Public Works Department at 815-877-5432.

CODE ENFORCEMENT CORNER

Garbage CollectionGarbage day is Friday in the Village. Please do not place your cans out for collection any earlier than Thursday, and return the cans by no later than Saturday.

Garbage StorageGarbage must be stored at all times in an approved container in your side or rear yards. Do not store garbage outside in bags. Doing this will help prevent litter in your neighborhood, and with warmer temperatures it will prevent smelly trash.

Spring/Summer 2018 | 7

Improper storage of waste containers

Properly stored waste containers

Public Works continued from page 3

Improper vehicle parking Improper vehicle parking

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Sent from my iPhone

Summer Safety Tips

Are you planning a vacation this summer? Even during short trips like camping over the weekend, it’s important that residents take steps to keep their homes safe and secure. Here’s a list of several simple preventative measures to protect your home while you’re traveling.

Ask a friend for help - Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your home or apartment while you are out. If you are comfortable giving them a key, allow them to access your home occasionally and ask them to make sure that the doors and windows are locked. While they are checking in, advise them on the location of your water heater and ask them to check for leaks (there’s nothing worse than coming back from a vacation to find water damage).

Limit your use of social media - Try not to tip-off criminals on your whereabouts by posting status updates that you are on a beach somewhere in Florida. Save your photos and post them after you return.

Lighting - if possible, put your lighting on timers. Exterior lights should only be on during the night and interior lights should be scheduled to turn on and off as normal in order to maintain the appearance of occupants.

Suspend your mail and newspapers - Remember to make a few calls and suspend delivery of your mail and newspapers. Nothing says “I’m not home” like a pile of newspapers sitting out front of your house and an overflowing mailbox.

Remove your spare key - That plastic rock isn’t fooling anyone. If a burglar figures out you’re away on vacation, it’s likely that they will poke around your porch, look in the potted plants, and lift up the mat in search of a spare key.

These simple tips will help to deter burglars and allow you to have peace of mind while you are taking that hard earned vacation this summer.

School Zone Safety

PUBLIC SAFETY

Joe SeiptsTrustee - District 1

Jake SchmidtTrustee - District 2

James KiddTrustee - District 3

Aaron WilsonTrustee - District 4

Erick BeckTrustee - District 6

Terri BaileyTrustee - District 5

Steve JohnsonVillage President/Mayor

Village of Machesney Park President and Board of Trustees

2017 - 2019

300 Roosevelt RoadMachesney Park, Illinois 61115

Ensuring the safety of children is everyone's responsibility - It is important for drivers in or near school areas to be aware of traffic laws and constantly be alert to the presence of children. School traffic may be congested and confusing; drivers must exercise as much caution as possible.Following the DO'S of School Zone Traffic Safety

School zones. Be aware of established twenty (20) mile-per-hour school zones. Plan ahead. Allow enough time to pick up children at a pre-designated location. Speeding and unsafe driving endangers everyone.Put your phone down. That text or phone call can wait until you reach your destination. Don’t distract yourself with Facebook updates or checking the scores from the game while you are driving.

Slow down around school buses. School buses make frequent stops. Buses are equipped with stop signs and stop bars that extend from the vehicle to let other drivers know that kids are loading the bus or are being dropped off.Be aware of crossing guards. Watch for crossing guards and obey them when they stop traffic to allow children to cross the street safely.

Following these simple steps will help to keep children safe as well as money in your pocket. Violating traffic laws or disobeying signage on a school bus can result in large fines. Please remember that ensuring the safety of children is everyone’s responsibility!