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THE FRANKFORT V ILLAGER THE NEWSLETTER OF THE VILLAGE OF FRANKFORT VOL. 11 • AUGUST 2014 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Frankfort is a community that is firmly founded in volunteerism. Our residents donate countless hours to assist various social, civic, and charitable organiza- tions. This summer my family and I were asked to assist the Kiwanis organization in their effort to raise funds for the annual Fourth of July fireworks presentation. My wife Alice, my three children JP, Allei, and Joey, collected donations at the corner of Nebraska and Route 45 on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. At the end of the day we had collected nearly $1,200, but the experience shared by our family was priceless. Nearly every car that drove by waved or exchanged a smile. Some confessed to leaving their wallet at home only to return a short time later to donate. Senior residents talked about the rich past of the Kiwanis in our community, and younger motorists talked about the fun From Our Family to Yours By Jerry Ducay, Administrator Continued on page 23 Projects in Frankfort Frankfort is currently engaged in planning or executing a larger than normal number of construction and land use projects. The most visible construction projects are the addition of a public meeting room and board room at our Village Administration Building on Nebraska Street and the addition of a water tower on 80th Avenue. Administration Building Addition The administration building addition will cost $6 million and will result in a public meeting room for homeowner associations, community groups and the government, as well as additional office and storage space. We have the cash to pay for the project, which should be completed next spring. Water Tower Two new wells and iron filters will accompany the water tower times they enjoy at Main Park. Everyone spoke of our town and our community events with a sense of pride and enjoyment. Finishing our day of collections, my family and I could not help but feel a sense of nostalgia. Our feet were tired, but our hearts were full. The friends and neighbors with whom we enjoyed a passing moment at a busy intersection reminded each of us of what our community is all about. If you are looking for a family activity that brings your family closer, volunteer. Frankfort has many wonderful organizations that need your support. Setting aside time to help others, you may find, helps yourself as well. Trustee Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Frankfort’s Uniqueness . . . . . . . . 5 Planning for the Future. . . . . . . . 7 Village Events . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12 Fall Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . Insert Library Expansion . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Mayor’s Message By Mayor Jim Holland

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Page 1: VILLA THE FRANKFORT GER · 2016-12-06 · Frankfort Police Department Lower Level 20602 Lincoln-Way Lane Frankfort, IL 60423 Village Board meetings are held on the first and third

T H E F R A N K F O RTVILLAGERTHE NEWSLETTER OF THE VILLAGE OF FRANKFORT VOL. 11 • AUGUST 2014

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Frankfort is a community that isfirmly founded in volunteerism.Our residents donate countlesshours to assist various social,civic, and charitable organiza-tions. This summer my familyand I were asked to assist theKiwanis organization in theireffort to raise funds for the annual Fourth of July fireworkspresentation. My wife Alice, mythree children JP, Allei, and Joey,collected donations at the cornerof Nebraska and Route 45 on abeautiful Saturday afternoon. Atthe end of the day we had collected nearly $1,200, but theexperience shared by our familywas priceless. Nearly every carthat drove by waved orexchanged a smile. Some confessed to leaving their walletat home only to return a shorttime later to donate. Senior residents talked about the richpast of the Kiwanis in our community, and youngermotorists talked about the fun

From Our Family to YoursBy Jerry Ducay, Administrator

Continued on page 23

Projects inFrankfort

Frankfort is currentlyengaged in planning or executing a

larger than normal number ofconstruction and land use projects. The most visible construction projects are theaddition of a public meetingroom and board room at ourVillage Administration Buildingon Nebraska Street and the addition of a water tower on80th Avenue.

AdministrationBuilding AdditionThe administration buildingaddition will cost $6 million and will result in a public meeting room for homeownerassociations, community groupsand the government, as well asadditional office and storagespace. We have the cash to payfor the project, which should becompleted next spring.

Water TowerTwo new wells and iron filterswill accompany the water tower

times they enjoy at Main Park. Everyonespoke of our town andour community eventswith a sense of prideand enjoyment.

Finishing our day of collections, my familyand I could not help but

feel a sense of nostalgia. Our feetwere tired, but our hearts werefull. The friends and neighborswith whom we enjoyed a passingmoment at a busy intersectionreminded each of us of what ourcommunity is all about.

If you are looking for a familyactivity that brings your familycloser, volunteer. Frankfort hasmany wonderful organizationsthat need your support. Settingaside time to help others, you may find, helps yourself as well. �

Trustee Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Frankfort’s Uniqueness . . . . . . . . 5

Planning for the Future. . . . . . . . 7

Village Events . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12

Fall Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . Insert

Library Expansion . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Mayor’s Message By Mayor Jim Holland

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VILLAGE OF FRANKFORT

Mayor.......................... Jim HollandVillage Clerk ................. Keith OgleVillage Trustees .............................

Cindy Corso HeathRobert J. Kennedy

Todd MorganMike Stevens

Dick TrevarthanDoug Walker

VillageAdministrator............. Jerry Ducay

Administration Office432 W. Nebraska StreetFrankfort, IL 60423Phone: (815) 469-2177Fax: (815) 469-7999www.villageoffrankfort.com

Village Board RoomFrankfort Police DepartmentLower Level20602 Lincoln-Way LaneFrankfort, IL 60423

Village Board meetings are heldon the first and third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m.Meetings are available on cable TV and online at www.villageoffrankfort.com.

Special meetings and standing committee meetings are scheduled monthly, or on an as-needed basis, and areannounced. The public is invited to all meetings.

THE FRANKFORT VILLAGERis circulated three times yearly to residents and businesses in theVillage of Frankfort. Circulation iscurrently 7,200.

Statement of Purpose: To informthe community of issues, policies,and personalities pertaining to government in our village.

Masthead By.............. Vicky Cullen

VILLAGE NEWS AUGUST 2014

Beware, Someone May Be WatchingBy Robert Piscia, Asst. Administrator and Finance Director

Recently, US Bank took oversome of the Charter One branches in our area. The Villagehad an account with Charter One,so I had to change over pertinentinformation in order to properlyaccess the account. One of the features that was not immediately available was mobileor internet banking. It was veryfrustrating having to actually gointo the branch to verify recentactivity. It was amazing to thinkhow reliant we have becomeusing the internet to conduct ourfinancial affairs. We make purchases, pay bills, and accessour accounts every day, hopingthat our money stays safe.

However, I had the opportunityto talk to a member of the Boardof Directors of a local bank, andhe advised that almost daily theirinstitution is apprised of variousways thieves are committingfraud. If you are using the internet to conduct business (asmost of us do), it is important totake steps to protect your assets.

One of the most common waysthieves gain access to personal

information is through “phishing.” Criminals will send an email that looks legitimate,informing the customer thathe/she is a victim of fraud. Theemail will request the person tocall a toll free number or click on a link to verify account information. Unwittingly, the victim is actually directed to afraudulent site or number, providing the perpetrators withthe very information the personis trying to protect.

Be aware that banks, credit cardcompanies, government agencies,and others will not have you contact them via informationdirectly contained in an email.You should always find a contactinformation number for the institution that is separate fromthe one contained in the correspondence, in order to verify if you are a victim of fraud.

Some other steps to perform forprotecting your finances are:• Don’t use the same passwordfor all your accounts. It makesyou vulnerable if your one password is accessed.

• Examine your bank and creditaccounts regularly to check forpossible fraudulent activity.

• Inspect your credit score regularly to insure there is nofraud. Many people use creditmonitoring companies as anextra step in safeguarding their account information.

• Shred any important documents. Don’t throw

2

Continued on page 17

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AUGUST 2014 VILLAGE NEWS

Trustee Talk: Trevarthan’s TipsThe “Six P’s” of Landscape Installation

By Trustee Dick Trevarthan

I have hadthe pleasureof serving theFrankfortarea as alandscapeprofessionalfor more than30 years.

During that time, I have overseenthe installation of a wide array oflandscape improvement projects.In an effort to assist residentslooking to undertake landscapingendeavors, large or small, I offerthe “six P’s” (planning, permit,plat, parties, process, and plantings) or “tips” to help expedite the process. These tipsare intended to help those purchasing a newly constructedbuilding or home, as well asthose simply looking to enhancean older home in need of new landscaping.

PLANNING: Proper planning isan essential part of any landscap-ing installation. Start landscapeplanning while you are buildingyour new home. Hire a landscapearchitect or a landscape contrac-tor with an in-house architect.Start early in the process.

PERMIT: The property owner isresponsible for obtaining aVillage of Frankfort landscapepermit. This permit is essential to ensure that final grading,drainage, and zoning standardsare being followed. The permit-ting process protects your homeand those of all your neighbors.

PLAT: All landscaping plansshould be overlaid on your lot’splat of survey. This documentshould include grade planningelevations that are approved bythe Village as part of the sitedrainage plan. Note: For newhomes, I wouldn’t close on themortgage until proper soil is onsite for final grading. All landscaping must be designed tomaintain the approved drainageplan and should have the Village’sfinal “ok” before any landscapingwork is started.

PARTIES/PARTICIPANTS: Ifyou choose to bid out the initialplans, be sure that all partiesunderstand what is expected ofthem. It is best to outline theresponsibilities of all parties in acontract document. The landscape contractor shouldexplain how warranties work.

PROCESS: Have open communi-cation with the architect early,and often. Concept drawings

should be used in the beginning.In the end, a finished master planis necessary to start the project.Tell the architect all the wantsand needs you have, even if youplan to phase the project in over a couple of years. Planscould include a vegetable garden,flower garden, children’s playground, dog run, swimmingpool, bath house, patio (brick orconcrete), sprinkler system, andnumerous other considerations.

Mark out driveways and side-walks, along with the main frontentrance and rear patio. You needto have open communication withall contractors before, during, andafter the work is completed.

PLANTINGS: The landscapecontractor should store all plantmaterial at a nursery or at theplace of purchase. Having anunderstanding of material size,color, texture, and planting procedures for your home is also

3

Trustee DickTrevarthan andPublic Worksemployee Cesar Mirelesinstalled plantings atKansas andOak Streets.

Continued on page 22

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VILLAGE NEWS AUGUST 2014

through our Police CadetExplorer program and have goneon to become members of apolice department. This job hasallowed them to get some real on-the-job training, while allowing the Police Department to keep Certified Police Officerson the street ready to handlecalls. The CSO’s provide an extraset of eyes and hands that benefitthe community and police department.

This is just one more example ofthe many programs we continueto provide to give the citizens ofFrankfort the best services available. �

vehicles; and directing traffic.Their handling of these jobsallows Police Officers to be ableto quickly return to patrol duties and be readily available for emergency calls. Other functionsof the CSO are to aid in facilitating department operationsby taking past tense reports at the station for victims needingdocumentation; to deliver itemsto the crime lab, village attorneyand the courts which had beendone by our officers, taking timeaway from patrolling the village.They primarily work on week-ends, during regular businesshours, and are assigned to assistwith special events.

Many of our CSO’s have come

Community Service Officers(CSO’s) have become a vital partof the Police Department and theVillage of Frankfort. These youngmen and women perform a valuable role that allows theVillage to continue to provide ahigh level of police service andadditional conveniences to ourresidents that many other villageshave discontinued. You may haveseen these officers walking thePlank Trail, patrolling commercialareas, assisting citizens gettinginto cars when they get lockedout, or just out walking, talking,and helping people. The main wayto tell a CSO from a sworn PoliceOfficer is by the light blue shirtthey wear. These officers are notfull-fledged police officers, butthey do have the ability to issueparking tickets and village ordinance violations.

CSO’s main purpose is to assist inthe operations and functions ofthe police department by handlingprivate property and non-injuryaccidents; assisting officers withprocessing arrestees; respondingto fire assist calls that are of anon-emergency nature; assistingwith disabled or lockouts of

What Is a Community Service Officer?By Police Chief John Burica

CSO RyanDuncanassists aresidentwith avehiclelock out.

4

Frankfort Township Food PantryFrankfort Township’s food pantry assists people in the Township who are experiencing difficult times.

Food donations are always welcome and may be dropped off at theFrankfort Township Office, 11000 W. Lincoln Highway.

For more information, please contact Jodi Gallagher-Dilling at (815) 806-2761.

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AUGUST 2014 VILLAGE NEWS

number of new towers that wouldotherwise be constructed to meetthe growing demand for mobilevoice and data services.

One of the more unique leasearrangements is the GraineryTower downtown. The property is privately owned but leased to the Village in exchange formaintenance and improvementsin the area. This agreement created the opportunity to fundthe much needed facelift to theGrainery shops three years ago.The improvement created animmediate impact, and improve-ments paid for themselves withinthe first year. Today, revenue fromthe agreement continues toenhance Frankfort’s budget andsuppresses the need to considerchanges to the overall revenuestructure. By almost every measure, Frankfort sets itselfapart by breaking the mold. Doingso enables the Village to be moreresponsive and do more projectsall at a lower cost than a moretraditional setting. Each small

piece, done just a little differently,combines to create what you seeand feel every day: a place whereuniqueness is the culture and thenorm is not what you mightexpect. �

Frankfort is synonymous with theword unique. Its distinctive architecture, exciting family-oriented community events, top-tier schools, historic downtown, long-term fiscalapproach and more all contributeto create a community like noother.

You might not realize the uniqueness extends well beyondthese more tangible features ofFrankfort. Frankfort’s publicworks department regularly completes projects that push thelimits of even the most talenteddepartments around. Just a fewexamples of their work includeseveral downtown improvementslike the new stage, paver designs, and the Grainery shopsrenovation a few years ago.Currently the staff is completingrenovations to the Village Hall,preparing for the connection ofthe new addition. Completingthese projects “in-house” not onlysaves money, but also expandsthe number of projects the Villagecan complete.

Even in the most mundane areasof the operation, you find strategies that keep Frankfort atthe front of the pack. For example, Frankfort leases spaceatop its water towers for mobilecommunication equipment. Whileleasing space for this purpose ishardly unique, tenacious leasenegotiations preserve high marketrents and contribute over$300,000 to the bottom line eachyear. This policy also limits the

Uniqueness Is the CultureBy Jeff Cook, Director of Development Services

5

The newlyrebuilt Breidert Greenstage was dedicated onJune 22, 2014.

StreetResurfacingSchedule

The following streets arescheduled for resurfacingthis fall:

• Aberdeen Road(Dover Circle to west end)

• Rider Way, Rider Court,Franklin Avenue(Locust St. to Maple St.)

• 92nd Avenue(Nebraska St. to FranklinAve.)

• Sangmeister Road(Public Works Drive)

• McDonald Lane, FirthCourt, and Timber Lane

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VILLAGE NEWS AUGUST 2014

flooded areas.

To help avoid creating any flooded areas, avoid raking leaves into the street; insteadbring them to the edge of the curb for collection. When anylandscaping is being considered,make sure to have a landscapepermit so an inspection can catchany potential storm system blockage. Any assistance fromresidents to clear minor debrisfrom inlets or curbs is alwaysappreciated. If you notice anyblockages in ditches or drainsthat could be significant, pleasereport them to Public Works sothey can be addressed.

Even when all drains are clear,another contributing factor toblockage is the amount of rainthat falls in a short period of time. Ponds may form in back-yards or streets to allow thestorm system to “catch up” as it’sdesigned to do.

Should you have questions orconcerns regarding the stormdrain system, please contact theVillage of Frankfort Public WorksDepartment at (815) 469-2177, or via the Village website atwww.villageoffrankfort.com. �

Blockages could include leavesraked into the street in the fall,landscape material that may havewashed in during a rain event, ortrash that has collected on theinlet. Another way water drainage can be restricted is byback yard landscape berms, fencing, or gardens located in thedrainage way. All these ways can reduce the ability of rain toenter the storm drain, causing

The Village of Frankfort has experienced several 100 year rainevents over the past couple ofyears and again this year. Whenweathermen refer to the term 100 year rain event, it would convey to most that these heavy rains do not occur very often.Unfortunately, the term and definition don’t match. The 100year rain event is defined as thepercent of a chance that a certainamount of rain will fall in a twenty-four hour period in a givenarea, not a rain that will onlyoccur every one hundred years.This definition also applies to the500 year rain events as well.

All developments are required tobe designed to handle these rainevents. These designs includeopen ditches, underground stormdrains, and detention/retentionponds. In the design for the stormdrain system, inlets are locatedalong the pipe to allow the waterto drain to the ponds. Inlets canbe located along the curb to collect rain water from the streets,or in back yards to collect waterbetween homes and businesses.

For the storm system to workproperly, it is important to keepthe drains clear of any blockage.

The Importance of Open Storm Drains By Terry Kestel, Superintendent of Public Works

Incorrect raking example: This leafpile extends over the curb into thestreet, blocking the flow of drainage.

6

Correct raking example: This leafpile extends up to the curb,

not impeding drainage flow to the storm system.

2014 Leaf Collection ProgramThe Village will provide six free curbside leaf collections this year. Leaves will be picked up once a week

from October 20 to November 24.

Branch & Yard Waste CollectionThe last scheduled day for Village provided branch pick-up service is October 13. NuWay Disposal will continueyard waste and branch pick-up through November. Branch bundles must be tied with string in a size that can be handled by one man. Bundles and yard waste bags must have a yard waste sticker affixed to them for pick-up.

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AUGUST 2014 VILLAGE NEWS

Planning for the Three C’sBy Darrin Yount, Utilities Director

Municipal utilities commonly planfor the future needs of theirwastewater system by developingwhat is called a Facility Plan(“Plan”). The objectives of this 20-year Plan are to assess the utility and recommend improve-ments to take care of the “ThreeC’s.” The Three C’s are capacity,compliance, and condition. First,there is an assessment of the current and future capacity needsto meet the demands of the community. Next, the utility’s ability to be compliant with current and future regulatoryrequirements established by theIllinois Environmental ProtectionAgency (IEPA) is analyzed.Finally, the condition and usefullife of the facilities are evaluated.All of this information is compiledinto a document, and then various options are presented tobest meet the needs of the ThreeC’s year by year over the next 20 years.

The Village of Frankfort hasrecently developed a new Facility

Plan for its wastewater utility.The reason a new Plan is needednow is because the existing Planis 21 years old, there are newIEPA regulations that will requirewastewater treatment plantupgrades, and some of our facilities are at or will be at theend of their useful life within thenext 20 years.

The Plan evaluated many options,but three options were deemedmost feasible. These optionsinclude: 1) Maintain all threewastewater treatment plants(WWTPs), 2) close the WestWWTP and transfer the flow tothe Regional WWTP while rehabilitating the North WWTP,or 3) close the West WWTP andthe North WWTP and transfer theflows to the Regional WWTP. ThePlan recommended the secondoption because it had the lowestoverall 20-year cost (~$47M) and the lowest cost in the first

Aerial photo of the Regional WasteWater Treatment Plant located on

Lincoln-Way Lane.

five years (~$20M). This recommended option calls for theWest WWTP to be converted intoan excess flow/transfer pumpingfacility, which will greatly reduceits footprint and presence in thecommunity.

At the writing of this article, theVillage Board is reviewing thePlan, the options, and the recommendation. The Plan willneed the Village Board’s approval,which is expected in late summeror early fall of this year.

If you would like to learn moreabout this Plan, you can arrangeto see the full Plan by calling(815) 469-2177, or by stopping by the Village AdministrationBuilding at 432 W. NebraskaStreet. �

7

The Frankfort Villager newsletter has won another Communicator Award of Distinction from the International Academy of the Visual Artsfor its 2013 fall edition. Newsletter designer Vicky Cullen at On Time Design, Inc. submittedthe award-winning publication for consideration.

Villager NewsletterWins Excellence Award

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VILLAGE NEWS AUGUST 2014

Columbus and Frankfort JayCee’sare always eager to “pitch in,” orask the question “How can Ihelp?” They have partnered withthe Village on many communityevents such as Movies on theGreen, Rib Cook Off, Fourth ofJuly and Winter on the Green, inaddition to sponsoring their individual events.

As residents of Frankfort, I’msure many of you volunteer yourtime through one of the variouscivic organizations. THANK YOUfor contributing to the communityspirit of Frankfort and givingback throughout the year! �

“Frankfort Ambassadors” to theover 250,000 visitors during theLabor Day weekend and worktirelessly to insure everyoneenjoys our beautiful communityand the event. All of the civic andHOA groups “give back” to thecommunity with proceeds theyreceive during this annual eventand “pay it forward” through theirexample.

However, it’s not only during Fall Fest where Frankfort’s community spirit shines brightly.Throughout the year, civic organizations like the KiwanisClub, Lions Club, Knights of

As we near Fall Fest, we’rereminded of the high level ofcommunity spirit that embodiesFrankfort. Throughout the year,civic organizations, homeownerassociations, boy, girl, brownieand Cub Scout troops, musicboosters, and service organiza-tions (to name a few) volunteertheir time and energy to increaseawareness for their organizationsand help those in need withfundraising efforts (check outVillage Administrator JerryDucay’s article in this issue of TheVillager).

By far, the largest volunteer effort and show of communityspirit is the annual Fall Fest.Approximately ten different civicorganizations man the food courtat the Fall Fest; the BETA Team,consisting of eleven civic organizations and/or homeowner associations (and approximately300 volunteers), hosts the entertainment tent; the Fall Festparade, parking lots, informationbooth, and various Fall Fest areasare all manned by volunteers.These volunteers act as

Community Spirit in FrankfortBy Mary Canino, Manager of Community Relations

Knights of Columbus served up popcornsnacks for a Movie on the Green event.

Kiwanis Club members attended theCountry Market and distributed promo-tional literature on the organization.

8

Lions Club members braved the elements during one of the Winter on the Green events.

Hydrant Flushing ScheduleSeptember 15 through October 24

Hydrant flushing details are online atwww.villageoffrankfort.com

under “Live” and “Village Services.” Check it out!

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Hi, my name is ChristopherDempsey. I am the CodeEnforcement Officer for theVillage of Frankfort. I enforce theVillage of Frankfort’s Code ofOrdinances general regulations,which encompass residential,commercial, and industrial properties. Residential complaintsof the past have included:unkempt landscaping, abandonedvehicles in driveways, animalcomplaints, and residents or contractors performing workwithout a permit. On the commercial side, I perform business license inspections,check business premises for landscape maintenance, and verify no signs are posted illegallywithout a Village building permit.

AUGUST 2014 VILLAGE NEWS

Building Department NewsBy Christopher Dempsey, Code Enforcement Officer

On the industrial side, I makesure businesses are keeping upwith their approved zoningapprovals, landscaping, and outside building maintenance.

Enforcement efforts are regulatedthrough the InternationalProperty Maintenance Code.Adopted as part of the local Codeof Ordinances, this regulationdefines the appropriate

9

“Build In/Build Out”Village Administration Building Expansion

You may have noticed somechanges when you visited theFrankfort administration office on Nebraska Street. As you know,the building is under constructionto add a village boardroom andcommunity room. Those expansion plans are highly visibleas you drive down Nebraska.However, you may also havenoticed that there is constructioninside the current Village administration office. These renovations are occurring as adirect result of the new expansionand entail the rearrangement andreconfiguration of various officeareas. The inside improvementsallow for enhancements to be

made to various conference/meeting rooms and more efficientwork flow in the office areas. OurPublic Works staff is busy makingthese improvements by constructing walls and painting.Staff is engaged in cleaning filesand reorganizing. All these efforts

compliance for a plethora of different issues. Some commonareas within the regulationinclude homeowner’s lawn notbeing properly maintained, chipping paint on homes, andweeds and dead trees on theproperty. Property maintenancealso includes inspecting vacanthomes and lots in need of weedand grass cutting and ensuringsigns are not posted within thevillage limits without a permit.

When a code violation is encountered, my intention is totalk about the issue with the resident or business owner andwork with them to bring theirproperty into compliance with

continue through the normalwork day schedule of activities.

The next time you stop in to payyour water bill or meet with staffmembers, take a few moments toobserve the renovations, andplease “Pardon Our Dust.” �

Public Works summer interns pulled up the old carpeting in the large conference/meeting room.

Continued on page 15

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VILLAGE NEWS AUGUST 2014

10

Breidert GreenCorner of White & Kansas Street in downtown Frankfort

5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.Bring blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy these free outdoor concerts

Sunday, September 7Keith Scott(Blues)

Sunday, September 14Gritman & Moran

(Multi-Genre Acoustic)

In case of inclement weather, concertswill be held at the Frankfort Park

District Founders Center, 140 Oak Street

Sponsored By:The Village of Frankfort

The Frankfort Chamber of Commerce

Join UsEvery Sunday

Through October 26

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Fall MarketHours BeginSeptember 7

10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Country Market 2014

Visit www.villageoffrankfort.com under “Quick Links”for a detailed listing of vendors and events!

Special Fall Events:• Munchkin Market• October 12 & 19 - Pumpkin Give Away

& Carving• October 6 - Chef Demo

The Frankfort Country Marketis a grower's only market featuring:• Locally Grown Produce & Vegetables• Homemade Prepared Foods• Gourmet Products

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AUGUST 2014 VILLAGE NEWS

11

Residents Enjoy “Night Out” Event

Breidert Green in downtownFrankfort was filled with familiesand Frankfort’s Finest, ready toenjoy the Village of Frankfort’s7th annual “Night Out AgainstCrime” event on Tuesday, August5. Sponsored by the FrankfortPolice Department, the event featured 500 free hotdogs fromBuild-A-Bun sandwich shop;water provided by the LionsClub; snow cones, games andinflatables; demonstrations bythe Frankfort Police and Fire

the Village of Frankfort, FrankfortArea Jaycees, and the FrankfortLions Club. All proceeds benefitted the Jaycees and LionsClub organizations and served as a fundraiser for their organizations.

The judges for the event this yearwere accomplished chefs andrestaurant owners from Frankfort.Jim Garofalo, owner of Kup a JoeCafé; Matt Grisetta, chef fromWhite St. Café; and Vicky Shaulk,Manager from Durbin’s. Livemusic was provided by Marty “BigDog” Mercer, who entertained thecrowd with Blues from the VillageGreen stage.

Winners of the contest for were:

1st Place: Blue Island BBQ Co.from Blue Island

2nd Place: 9 Piggies BBQfrom Frankfort

3rd Place: Full Slabsfrom New Lenox

Over 700 rib lovers crowded downtown Frankfort on Saturday,August 2, for Frankfort’s 6thannual “Amateur Rib Cook-Off.”Nineteen contestants fromFrankfort, New Lenox, TinleyPark, Oak Forest, Mokena, BlueIsland and surrounding areasused special spices and sauces toperfect the ideal rib for the cook-off. The competition continues to draw new contest-ants as well as repeat favorites.The event was co-sponsored by

Frankfort Amateur Rib Cook-Off a “Sizzling” Success

“9 Piggies BBQ” from Frankfort won2nd place in the rib event.

Crowd Pleaser: South Side Pit Menfrom Oak Forest

“Once again, the rib cook-off has exceeded expectations and is proving to be a favoriteevent in Frankfort. Thanks to the Frankfort Jaycees and theFrankfort Lions Club for theirexcellent support and enthusiasm to make this event a success. We look forward tonext year,” commented Mayor Jim Holland. �

Frankfort’s Finest attended in forceto support the “Night Out” event

at the Green.

Departments, music, “Touch aTruck” program, and more. Also

The Frankfort Police team,“Blue Line BBQ,” was a fierce competitor in the cook-off.

new this year was the Kids’ PoliceAcademy.

Mayor Holland welcomed everyone and thanked PoliceChief John Burica and OfficerLeanne Bender for their efforts tocoordinate Frankfort’s version ofthis national event.

“The event’s success is in largepart due to all the great sponsorswho helped make it happen,”commented Chief Burica. �

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12

JOIN THE CELEBRATION!Old Plank Road Trail 5K Run/Walk

Saturday, October 4, 2014Breidert Green in Downtown Frankfort (Kansas & White Streets)

Schedule of Events(Subject to change without notice)

8:30-9:00 a.m. Pre-Race Registration atBreidert Green & Activities

9:15 a.m. Pre-Race Presentation & Warm Up

9:30 a.m. Start Time of 5K Run/Walk

10:30 a.m. Awards Presentation

Registration Is RequiredFEE: $15 Pre-Registration (Pre-Register by September 26, 2014); $20 Day of Event

Applications and course are posted on website, www.villageoffrankfort.com,under the Calendar of Events for October 4.

Online registration is available at www.villageoffrankfort.com.Click on Oct. 4 on the Event Calendar on the Home Page and click “Register”.

FRANKFORT LIONS CLUBTraditional German Fest

with Brats, Pretzels and “Warsteiner” German Beer

Ticket includes admission for 2 persons to the beer tent and is includedin the $10,000 drawing at 11 p.m.

Food & Beverages will be available for purchase during the festivities.

AUGUST 28, 2014 (Thursday before Labor Day)Entertainment By: Peter from the Bier Stube & Die Musikmeisters Band

6:30 p.m. in the Beer Tent • Downtown Frankfort • Tickets: $20 Advance / $25 At DoorCall (815) 682-8283 or Visit www.frankfortlionsclub.com

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No One Allowed in Entertainment TentUnder Age 21 After 6:00 PM

The B.E.T.A. Team, Inc. is a coalition of Frankfort civic groups and homeowner associationswhose volunteers organize, manage, and work the entertainment tent at Frankfort's Fall Fest.Proceeds from B.E.T.A. are donated back to the Frankfort community in the form of projects

chosen by each organization. Recent projects have included improved community landscaping,new subdivision entry signs, athletic field improvements, school band equipment purchases,

park and trail benches, public drinking fountains, and college scholarships.

Entertainment Tent Located at Oak & Kansas Street - Downtown Frankfort

The Entertainment Tent is sponsored by the B.E.T.A. Team, Inc.(A partnership of local civic and homeowner’s organizations)

Friday, August 29Five Guys Named Moe (Classic Rock & Roll)

7:30 PM to 11:00 PM

Saturday, August 30Leadfoot (Bluegrass)1:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Midlife Crisis (60’s Until Today)7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Sunday, August 31Timing’s Everything (Popular Music)

1:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Funhouse (Classic Rock from the 80’s)7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Monday, September 1The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club (Rock)

1:00 PM to 5:00 PM

BEER/FOODTent Food Served By:

Lincoln-Way East High School Music Boosters(Pizza Slices, Nachos, Beef Sandwiches, Chips,

Water & Pop)

Friday: 7:00 PM to 10:30 PMSaturday: 10:30 AM to 11:00 PMSunday: 10:30 AM to 11:00 PMMonday: 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM

ADMISSIONFriday Night: $5.00

Saturday through Monday:Before Noon FREE

Noon until 6:00 PM: $2.006:00 PM until Closing: $5.00

Children under 12 FREE (until 6:00 PM)

ENTERTAINMENT TENTAT

FRANKFORT FALL FESTAugust 29, 30 & 31, & September 1

Thursday, August 28Lions Club German “Wurst Festival”

Tickets Available for Lions Club Night from a Lions Club Member ($20 Advance)or at the Door ($25)

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COMMUNITY NEWS AUGUST 2014

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Carnival ScheduleOne North White Street Parking Lot

The Fall Festival is a special time for the Village of Frankfort and the Frankfort Fire District Foundation. For over 30 years, the Frankfort Firefighters Association/Foundation has sponsored the carnival.

The 2014 carnival hours are:

Day Date Hours Promotion Hours and Prices

Wednesday August 27 5 - 9:00 pm POP All Hours $23Thursday August 28 5 - 9:00 pm POP All Hours $23Friday August 29 5 - 9:30 pm Special Needs Day 4 - 6:00 pmSaturday August 30 12 - 9:30 pmSunday August 31 12 - 9:30 pmMonday September 1 12 - 5:00 pm

POP (Pay One Price unlimited ride band)

2014 Regular Ticket Prices 1 Coupon $ 1.25(Rides accept 2 - 4 coupons) 22 Coupons $25.00

55 Coupons $60.00

During the Labor Day weekendfestivities, the Frankfort Fire District

will provide additional staffingat first aid stations on

Kansas and White Streets,Kansas and Hickory Streets, and atStation No. 1 on Nebraska Street.

Fall Fest Street Closures at a Glance

The FrankfortKiwanis Club

is soliciting nominationsfor its

FrankfortCommunity Award.

Nominations andselection criteria are

available atfrankfortkiwanis.com.

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Fall Festival, will return LaborDay Weekend (August 30 –September 1). Once again theFestival footprint will includeover 300 artisan booths, dailyentertainment, the carnival, con-cessions, a parade on Sunday,local shopping and more! Festival details are posted atwww.frankfortfallfestival.info. If you would like to get involvedand volunteer for the 2014“Everyday Super Heroes”Frankfort Fall Festival, please callthe Chamber at (815) 469-3356.We greatly appreciate all the support we receive from our volunteers and community partners, who help make ourevents enjoyable and successfuleach year! �

AUGUST 2014 COMMUNITY NEWS

complete listing of all upcomingChamber and member sponsoredactivities and their contact information.

The Frankfort Chamber’s biggestevent of the year, the highly anticipated 46th Annual Frankfort

The first half of 2014 kept theFrankfort Chamber of Commercevery busy. Along with the help ofparticipating members and community friends, we enjoyedhosting many Business AfterHours; Meet, Greet and Networks;the Chili Cook-Off; Pub, Grub andNetwork; Ribbon Cuttings; theCommunity Showcase; Concertson the Green, and the annual GolfOuting. Thirty-five new memberswere also welcomed aboard andintroduced to the assortment ofnetworking opportunities that ourChamber has to offer promotingour local businesses.

Our calendar of events will keepits momentum as we continueinto the fall and winter. Visitwww.frankfortchamber.com for a

Chamber Gears Up for Their Annual Fall Festival By Karen Blake, Executive Director

Concerts on the Green chairs JudyHerder and Pam Griffin posed withThe Legacy Girls at the concert held

on Sunday, July 20.

15

10th Annual Ice Cream SocialSunday, August 24, 2014

4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Frankfort Founders Center140 Oak Street • Frankfort

FREE Admission(Includes one FREE Culver’s ice cream sundae,

compliments of the Frankfort Preservation Foundation)

Donations to benefit the Foundation are gladly accepted.

Pies supplied by Enrico’s • Music by the LWE Jazz Combo

Featuring the “PieLympics” at 5:15 p.m.(PieLympics teams please register in advance withChip at (815) 370-8811 or [email protected].)

Frankfort Preservation FoundationHosts Ice Cream Social

Village regulations. The intent isnot to write tickets for a code violation, but to give the residentor business owner a fair amountof time to rectify the situation.

If you experience a problem witha neighboring property, feel freeto call me at (815) 469-2177 withthe address of the property, and Iwill investigate the claim and takecare of it as quickly as possible. If it is a lawn maintenance issue, I can usually have those types ofproblems resolved within 48hours.

Interested residents and businessowners are also invited to accessour Code of Ordinances online atwww.villageoffrankfort.com. �

Building News, from page 9

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COMMUNITY NEWS AUGUST 2014

The new English class,Collaborative English 4, beganin August giving senior studentsanother option toward their four year English graduationrequirement.

The Mandarin Chinese course isin its second year, and studentscontinue to do well. Teachersworked over this summer continuing to develop the coursesequence. Lincoln-Way District210 offers five language choices:Spanish, French, Latin, German,and Mandarin Chinese.

The Learning Independence forEveryday (L.I.F.E.) TransitionProgram is also off to a good startwith 30 students participating.Teachers are Jan Smith, JoshKreske, and Megan Wells.

The L.I.F.E. Transition Program is a district program designed to meet the individual needs of students with significant disabilities who have met theirgraduation requirements but continue to need more intensiveinstruction in the area of transition. The program offersdaily living skills, personal andsocial skills, and vocational skills.

On behalf of the Board ofEducation, faculty and staff, Iwant to thank the Frankfort community for its continued support of the Lincoln-Way HighSchool District 210. To receiveour monthly e-Newsletter, pleasecontact Stacy Holland at [email protected]. �

The 2014-2015 school year hasgotten off to a good start. We welcomed back approximately7,100 students to our four highschools this year, along with 470faculty members excited aboutteaching. I am proud to say that87% of Lincoln-Way teachers havemaster’s degrees or above.

We congratulate Dr. AimeeFeehery, Director of Instruction,for completing her doctoraldegree from Illinois StateUniversity. Aimee has worked forthe Lincoln-Way High SchoolDistrict 210 for 20 years. Shebegan her career teaching Englishat Lincoln-Way East High School.

Spotlight on EducationBy Dr. R. Scott Tingley, Superintendent of Lincoln-Way High School District 210

16

The 2014Lincoln-WayEast MarchingGriffins participated in a local paradethis summer.

Miss Your Favorite Program on Channel 6?All FCTV programs are available to watch on your iOS devices(i.e, iPad, iPod, iPhone). Just visit www.villageoffrankfort.com,click on the “FCTV ON DEMAND” logo, select the program

you’d like to watch, and enjoy!

Be the first to know when new videos are posted on “FCTV ONDEMAND.” Sign up for notification directly to your email!

NEW

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AUGUST 2014 COMMUNITY NEWS

New District 157-C SuperintendentReaches Out to Community

By Dr. Maura J. Zinni, Frankfort School District 157-C Superintendent of Schools

It is a real privilege to be your new District 157-C superintendent! I am very proudto be part of this high-achieving,progressive district that alwayshonors its history and puts thechildren first. I am excited to usewhat I have learned through mypast experience and education to continue to build upon District157-C’s “Tradition of Excellence.”

In joining the 157-C leadershipteam, I have outlined my entryplan with three immediate goals:to develop a strong collaborativerelationship with the SchoolBoard built on mutual respect

and trust; to become familiarwith the people, programs and partnerships that represent the Frankfort School District community; and to increase district effectiveness and efficiency while ensuring continued high performance andsupport to our schools.

I am making it a point to concentrate on quickly and effectively listening to and learning from a wide range ofstakeholders directly involvedwith the district’s vision for educational excellence. I amworking closely with the Board

of Education, administrators andstaff, as well as reaching out toour school families and theFrankfort community which areso vital to the success of our students.

We will continue to keep an openline of communication with thecommunity through our website,www.fsd157c.org, quarterlymailed newsletters, press releasesto the local newspapers, in person at school, and communityevents. I have already had thepleasure of meeting with ourexcellent school administratorsand staff, and I look forward tomeeting our student families andcommunity members soon. Watchfor District 157-C as we again participate in the Frankfort FallFest Parade!

I so appreciate the opportunity toserve as your new superintendentand look forward to a greatschool year for our students,schools and community. �

17

District 157-C Board ofEducation with newSuperintendent Dr. Maura J.Zinni. (l-r front) BoardSecretary Edie Adamski, BoardPresident ChristopherMcFadden, Board VicePresident Patrick Usher. (l-r back) Board Member MikeTurner, Board Member CariAnn Mills, Superintendent Dr.Maura J. Zinni, Board MemberGina Briese, Board MemberDr. Brian Sasso.

doubt, verify possible fraud. Thetime it takes to navigate your institution’s automated phone system will be well worth it.

Finally, speaking of internet banking, the Village of Frankfortencourages residents to take advantage of our direct debit feature for paying their water

them away.• Be careful when making purchases online. Be cautious ifyou are directed to an unknownsite to finalize your transaction.

Ultimately, we must all be vigilantwhen it comes to our personaland business finances. When in

bills. This service will save youthe trouble of writing a check andmailing or dropping it off at theVillage Administration Building. If you are interested in this service, please contact our UtilityDepartment at (815) 469-2177. �

Beware, from page 2

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District 161 Introduces New Learning InitiativesBy Barb Rains, Superintendent of Summit Hill District 161

This year we welcomed 3,300 students in Summit Hill District161 to two very exciting pro-grams. The Action Lab program,our college and career readinessinitiative, is in place to promotereal-world science, technology,engineering, and math conceptsfor 7th and 8th-grade students atSummit Hill Jr. High. Studentshave the opportunity to explorefuture fuels, robots, engines, electronics, and flight modules.They work in pairs as a team toaccomplish projects, write observations, and create severaldesigns based upon a particularmodule. Students apply theknowledge acquired from theircore classes to demonstrate higher level thinking and reasoning throughout each module. The initiative wasdesigned to generate interest forfuture fields of study. Summit Hill Education Foundation(SHEF) generously supported the initiative through the purchase of three modules at a

cost of $10,700.

The District’s new technologyintegration initiative is in place topromote the use of technology inreal-time learning. Each schoolnow has a technology teacherwho works together with theclassroom teachers to include atechnology component in dailylessons. Carts of 30 tablet computers were purchased andfunction as mobile labs for useduring technology integrationtime throughout the school day.

The college and career readinessinitiative and technology integration initiative are linked tothe District 161 School BoardGoal for Student Achievement,which is to improve studentachievement by developing andimplementing a challenging curriculum.

We look forward to sharing ourstate achievement results withour school community in the near future and continuing our conversation with our schoolcommunity. �

Student MakenziePietrzak, a former4th grader at Dr.Julian Rogus School,works on a powerpoint presentationon the State ofColorado.

Your Opinion Counts!Let us know your thoughts, concerns, or suggestions on ways to improve our village. Let us know about acts ofpeople who deserve special recognition. The Village will review submissions for appropriate response and action.

Dear Village Board, ______________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address & Phone (optional)_______________________________________________________________________

Drop the completed form off at the Village Administration Building or mail to:Village Board, Village of Frankfort, 432 West Nebraska Street, Frankfort, IL 60423

or logon to www.villageoffrankfort.com and click on “Contact Us.”

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Frankfort Public Library Districtto Break Ground on Expansion Project

By Pierre Gregoire, Library Director

Thanks to effective planning bythe Library Board of Trustees andefficient budgeting, the FrankfortPublic Library District will breakground this summer on a 9,000square foot expansion of thelibrary and extensive enlarge-ment of the parking lot.

Frankfort residents have indicated for some time that thelibrary had a profound need formeeting room space, dedicatedclassroom, and a children’s program area separated from theadult library users. We have identified funding availablethrough an annual Building andMaintenance Fund and severalyears of moderate reserves, toallow construction of this muchneeded expansion.

The Library Board of Trusteesapproved the hiring of OlivieriBrothers Architecture andEngineering Firm at the Boardmeeting on Thursday, January 23.The design includes: meetingroom space for 200 people whichcan be divided; public computerarea separated from the main

flow of traffic in the building; alearning lab for providing educational classes and hands-onknowledge resources; a quietreading area separated from thehustle and bustle of a modernlibrary; and three additional studyrooms for individual or smallgroup work. All of the space planning is devoted to patron use.

No additional taxes are needed tofund this expansion. The Librarypaid off the bonds for the 1998expansion in January, 2013 and will allocate funds from our annual levy to pay for the building.

The Library and the Friends of

the Frankfort Public Library will be engaging in focusedfundraising to provide any extra features to make the space thebest possible for meeting theneeds of the community.

We look forward to breakingground this summer and to openthe expanded space in spring of2015. Please stop by the library tosee elevation drawings of the newspace. We are delighted to beworking toward our mission: The Frankfort Public LibraryDistrict enriches the communitythrough innovation, imagina-tion and information, inspiringand empowering individuals toexplore excellence. �

Conceptual renderings of theFrankfort Public Library’s

9,000 square footbuilding expansion project

to be completed inspring of 2015.

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COMMUNITY NEWS AUGUST 2014

No “Trick” to Making Halloween a Real “Treat”!By Dennis Merz, Fire Prevention/Public Information Officer

As summer comes to an end, we look forward to Fall Fest.Carnival information is availableon the Frankfort Fire ProtectionDistrict website, www.frankfortfire.org and page 14 of thisnewsletter.

Please join us for a special 9-11memorial service. The event willtake place during the “Cruisin’Frankfort” car show, Thursday,September 11, 2014, on BreidertGreen at 7:00 p.m.

Halloween is a cherished tradition, but the excitement ofthe night can cause children toforget to be careful. There is nota “trick” to making Halloween areal “treat” for the entire family.The major dangers are not fromwitches or spirits but rather fromfalls and pedestrian/car crashes.Four times as many children aged5-14 are injured while walking onHalloween evening comparedwith other evenings of the year.Falls are the leading cause ofinjuries among children onHalloween. Remember “KidsDart, Drive Smart.” Some important tips: Costumes shouldbe short and snug. Eye holes inmasks should be wide to providefull view. Drivers can see glow-in-the-dark costumes orattached reflective tape or stickers on clothing. Trick-or-treat in a group, cross streets atcrosswalks or intersections, andmake sure parents check treatsbefore eating any.

With the cooler weather

approaching, we begin to thinkabout using our furnace and fireplaces. We need to make surethey are working properly. Leavefurnace work to the experts. Youshould have them checked andcleaned regularly. Some thingsyou should know: Keep trash andcombustible storage away fromthe heating system. When usingthe fireplace, make sure that thescreen or glass doors are closedto prevent a spark from flyingout. Never use a flammable liquidto start the fireplace.

As you begin to plan and preparefor all of your family festivities,we would like to remind you of afew kitchen safety tips. Do notwear loose fitting clothing whilecooking, and be careful not toreach across a burner at any time.Garments with long drapingsleeves, or lightweight sheermaterials, can catch fire simplyby brushing against a hot burner.

Keep handles of pots and pansturned in so they are not accidently bumped, and little children cannot reach them. Useoven mitts when removing itemsfrom the stove or oven. If you aresimmering, baking, or boilingfood, check on it regularly anduse a timer, or take somethingfrom the kitchen with you as areminder. Have activities thatkeep kids out of the kitchen during this busy time. Games,puzzles or books can keep thembusy.

Please visit our web sitewww.frankfortfirebureau.orgfor additional safety tips, upcoming events, and links tokids’ activities.

Please remember when changingyour clocks (fall back one hour),don’t forget to change yoursmoke and carbon monoxidedetector batteries. �

20

Daylight Saving Time EndsNovember 2 at 2:00 A.M.Set clocks back 1 hour

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AUGUST 2014 COMMUNITY NEWS

(September 20), Senior FallLuncheon (October 2), Pirate &Pixie Party (October 13),Halloween Haunting (October17), Howl-A-Woof (October 18),and both the 21st Annual HolidayCraft & Vendor Show and CraftyKids Day (November 8).

“6 on 6” Passing Flag FootballLeague (September 16 - October18) is a new, exciting fall leaguefor boys and girls aged 8-10 yearsold. The Frankfort FootlightsDance Program welcomes a newdance instructor, Mrs. JenniferWard, to the Frankfort ParkDistrict this fall. Ages three years

Frankfort Park District Fall Family FunBy Tom Carstens, Executive Director

Come join the fun at the 5thAnnual Back to School Bash onFriday, August 22, from 5:30 to8:00 p.m. at Commissioners Park.Celebrate the start of school asthe summer season winds downwith games, music, concessions,rides on the Little Obie Train, play at Fort Frankfort, and in theSplash Park.

Many programs and events havebeen planned this fall at the ParkDistrict that will keep you active.Popular and new fall specialevent line-ups include: FamilyFall Campfire (September 19),Thunder Surge Adventure Run

through high school can sign upfor Ballet, Tap and Hip/Hop Jazz(September 15 -December 6) andmeet “Mrs. Jen.”

Looking for a preschool programfor your child? The FrankfortPark District offers excellent preschool/early childhood programs for children ages two to four years. All preschool programs run from September2014 to May 2015, and are held atPuent Educational Building.Registration is taking place nowat the Founders CommunityCenter.

For complete details of all theprograms and events listed above,see the fall brochure available atthe Founders Community Center.Become a “Fan” of the FrankfortPark District on Facebook forspecial announcements and up-to-date news. Don’t forget tosign up for our E-newsletter atwww.frankfortparks.org. Comejoin the fun! �

Dancers in the FrankfortFootlightsDanceProgram at the FoundersCommunityCenter DanceStudio.

21

Village HalloweenTrick or Treat

Hours

Friday, October 314:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.

Frankfort Police Department’sSafety Trunk or Treat

Saturday, October 2511:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. • Breidert Green

E.F. Bucko Costume Paradestarts at 11:00 A.M.

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Frankfort Square Park District – 40 Years and CountingBy Jim Randall, Executive Director

The Frankfort Square ParkDistrict (FSPD) was incorporatedin 1974 by a small group of determined and dedicated residents for the purpose ofmeeting the recreational needs of friends and family, and establishing parks by acceptingopen space available from homedevelopers.

As the FSPD celebrates 40 yearsof service to the community, thePark Board of Commissionersand staff are reflecting back onopportunities the agency has provided to its residents. As withall similar agencies, parks, programming, and facilities havebeen enjoyed and supported byresidents. Unique to the FSPD isthe ability to support high schoolstudents through scholarshipopportunities.

After acquiring Square Links Golf Course, the Park Boarddetermined that the facility couldbe used to institute a golf tournament, designed to raisefunds for a college scholarship

program. In 2006, the AnnualCollege Scholarship GolfTournament was launched, andthrough the generosity of localbusinesses and FSPD vendors,$74,000 has been raised, enablingthe district to award 74 graduating seniors with $1,000scholarships.

This year, the Park Board wasapproached by Lincoln-Way North High School students, participants in the J. Kyle BraidLeadership Program. The students asked the Park Board to

consider funding the program,which develops leadership, conflict resolution, coping strategies, and teamwork -learned skills that benefit theschool and community. The FSPDwill solicit other communitygroups to join in the effort tokeep this valued program operational for its positive and far-reaching impact on today’syouth and tomorrow’s leaders. �

COMMUNITY NEWS AUGUST 2014

Steve Cancialosi,friend and longtimesupporter of theFSPD’s CollegeScholarship GolfTournament, picturedat hole #7.

22

important. The architect shoulduse color, texture, and size inplanning the overall design of thelandscaping.

Your efforts to enhance the landscaping of your property arevery much appreciated. Our community is a beautiful mosaicof colors and textures made

possible by the individual effortsof residents such as you.

I hope the above information is helpful in planning your landscaping project. Once thelandscaping matures, additionalprocedures will come into playfor maintaining its health foryears to come.

Note: An excellent pamphlet entitled Water Conservation forLandscape Purposes, outlininghelpful tips for maintaining lawnsand landscaping, is available atthe Village Hall free of charge. Itis also on the Village websiteunder LIVE/Resident Resources. �

Trustee Talk, from page 3

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at 80th and Steger. The total costwill be $6.7 million. When finished next spring, the projectwill benefit the whole communityby adding storage and pumpingcapacity for fire fighting anddrought conditions. It will alsobenefit southeastern residents by bringing them a second watersource and more stable waterpressure. Impact fees on newconstruction and your monthlywater bills provide adequate cashfor this project.

Police RangeA less obvious construction project came about because ourpolice need a place for weaponstraining and because we couldsave a significant amount oftrucking expense by providingnearby land for the excess dirtfrom the village hall addition project. We had the excess dirtdumped into the general shape of a firing range on village property just off Center Road,north of Laraway. We are nowconsidering whether to take thesteps necessary to complete apolice training range.

Steger and St. Francis RoadImprovementsSteger Road improvements areentering the final planning stage

and we should see improvementsto Steger Road from Scheer toRoute 45 begin within two years.While we have $1 million in grantmoney to improve the bridge overUnion Ditch, we continue to fileapplications for the widening ofSt. Francis Road in that area.Actual improvements are stillyears away.

Waste Water TreatmentPlantsWe recently completed a plan thatshows the future needs of our

AUGUST 2014 VILLAGE NEWS

Mayor’s Message, from page 1 waste water treatment plants over the next twenty years. Theplan shows that we have adequate sewage processingcapacity for the future, but someof the machines at our plants arewearing out and none of our three plants will be able to meetthe new regulatory requirementsthat are coming from our federalgovernment. The plan presentsconstruction options and the costvaries from $47 million to $54 million, depending on choicesthat we make. We don’t have thatmuch money in the bank, so weeither borrow money or wespread the work out over the 20 year period so that we can accumulate enough cash to payfor the work. The trustees, staffand engineers are weighing thebenefits and problems with thevarious options. It appears to methat no matter which option wechoose, there will have to be amodest increase in utility rates. In a related issue, we are not able to practically meet the new EPA standard for the amount of Chloride (salt) that can be discharged into Hickory Creek.We are working with engineersand regulators to find a solution.

Bike TrailsOne of our many applications forbike trail grants was approvedand funding is in place to extendthe bike trail along the east sideof Pfeiffer from the Old PlankRoad Trail to Sauk Trail. We continue to apply for bike trailgrants along Sauk Trail, HarlemAvenue and other locations in thevillage.

Two new wells and iron filters willaccompany the water tower at 80th andSteger. The total cost will be $5 million. Continued on back page

23

The administrationbuilding additionwill cost $6 million and willresult in a publicmeeting roomfor communitygroups and thegovernment.

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PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGEPAID

PERMIT NO. 130FRANKFORT, IL

TO: POSTAL CUSTOMERFRANKFORT, IL 60423

432 W. NEBRASKA STREETFRANKFORT, IL 60423

VILLAGE NEWS AUGUST 2014

Route 45Thanks to a state grant securedby State Representative Kosel,Route 45 will be resurfaced fromColorado Street to 191st Street.

AnnexationsConcerning land use projects, werecently annexed over 700 acresof land southeast of Frankfort.The land is located on several different parcels and all of it iscurrently farm land. In the future,the land might be used for industrial or retail development.This type of development on theannexed property can help ourcurrent residents by bringing inmore in tax revenues than isrequired in services, thus reducing the upward pressure on

residential taxes. The annexa-tions will also lead to proper utility planning for this area nearInterstate 57. We also annexedthe land on which RiversideMedical Center plans to build adoctor’s office at Steger andRoute 45.

Land PurchasesIn another land use issue, theVillage has acquired four parcelsat the corner of White Street and Elwood, and the Village is scheduled to close on the purchase of the Fra MilcoCabinet Company property atSmith and Elwood. The trusteesand I decided to purchase thesedowntown properties for the people of Frankfort because webelieve that by consolidating the

lots and suggesting uses, we canattract a developer who will purchase the properties and build a quality addition to ourdowntown. We realize that thismay take many years, and untilthe right proposal is made, wewill improve the appearance ofthe properties by eliminating thestructures or repairing them.

Please call me, any of yourtrustees, or village staff members,if you have questions or suggestions about our projects.We will continue to make ourdecisions based on what each ofus believes is best for the community. �

Mayor’s Message, from page 23

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