City of West Chicago, Illinois

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Community Asked to Support Students in Assisting At-Risk Veterans

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West Chicago Elementary School District 33, in partnership with the City of West Chicago, the West Chicago Public Library District, and the West Chicago Park District, is organizing a special community drive to provide support for at-risk Veterans and their families in the surrounding region.

This community drive is dedicated to collecting essential items, including general household goods and hygiene supplies, in preparation for Veterans' Day on Saturday, November 11. All donations will be directed to the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton for distribution.

The coordination of this drive is led by Evonne Cruz, a music teacher at Gary Elementary School. When asked about the inspiration behind the initiative, Cruz stated, "The initiative aims not only to assist our Veterans, who have made significant sacrifices for each of us, but also to foster a deeper connection between our students and military service members."

To strengthen the connection between students and military service members, 5th grade student leaders will be orchestrating and promoting donation drives at the School District leading up to Veterans' Day. Additionally, several students from Gary Elementary School have contributed their artistic talents to create pieces of artwork expressing gratitude to military members for their service. These artworks will be included with the multiple donation containers distributed at various schools and throughout the community.

"We hope that the community can rally behind our students so that we can all work together to support those who have given so much for us," stated Cruz.

Items Needed:

While the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans' Freedom Commissary always appreciates items from their move-in housing supply list, the following items are currently in high demand:

  • Dish Soap
  • All-Purpose Cleaner and Spray
  • Garbage Bags (13-gallon)
  • Deodorant (Men's and Women's)
  • Paper Products (Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Kleenex)
  • Body Wash (Men's and Women's)

Where to Donate:

Students from various Elementary School District 33 schools will be encouraged to donate items at their respective schools throughout the month of October. Residents and organizations interested in contributing to this worthy cause can also donate items at the following locations:

  • West Chicago Park District's ARC Center at 201 W. National Street
  • West Chicago Public Library at 118 W. Washington Street
  • West Chicago City Hall at 475 Main Street

For questions or more information, please contact cruze@wego33.org or communications@westchicago.org.

City’s Utility Superintendent Receives Operator of the Year Award

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The City would like to congratulate its Utility Superintendent, Rocky Horvath, who recently received the Operator of the Year award through Illinois Potable Water Supply Operators Association (IPWSOA).

As stated by IPWSOA, the "Operator of the Year" award is the highest professional honor operators can receive in recognition of service and performance in the waterworks industry. The award is eligible to hundreds of water operators from municipalities and water districts throughout the state who operate facilities that use surface water or groundwater as their water source, or purchase water from another source and distribute it to consumers.

Award recipients are eligible only by nomination from their peers within the field, and are rated on the overall operation of the systems they manage, including the treatment facility, distribution system, and overall operations.

In response to the award announcement, the City’s Public Works Director, Mehul Patel, provided the following statement.

“This is a huge achievement for Rocky, and a proud moment for the City. While he has humbly deemed this a team recognition, it is truly an individual achievement as the nomination for the award must come from his peers in the industry. I am delighted that Rocky is receiving this well-deserved recognition.”

About the Illinois Potable Water Supply Operators Association (IPWSOA)

The Illinois Potable Water Supply Operators Association (IPWSOA) was formed in the fall of 1931 by the Illinois Board of Health. The IPWSOA organization consists of water operations professionals with the common goal of delivering clean, safe, potable water to residents across Illinois. Operators meet with peers and regulatory officials regarding health and safety issues for drinking water, new laws and rules, potable water production, distribution, monitoring, and the competent operation of drinking water facilities.

City Approves Community Park Master Plan for Kerr-McGee Site

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During its meeting on Monday, September 5, the City Council approved the Community Park Master Plan developed by Upland Design Ltd. after extensive work with City staff and community members. This Plan outlines the various phases that will span over an extended timeframe to bring to life a new park at the former Kerr-McGee site.

The initial phase of establishing a natural planting area is expected to commence in one to two years, and should be completed prior to the full remediation of the site. Once the full remediation has been completed, the balance of the property will be turned over to the City for further improvements as funding allows.

Subsequent phases will encompass the installation of amenities, including trails, parking lots, a sensory garden, a playground, a challenge course, a pickleball and tennis court, picnic pavilions and shelters, as well as a multi-use field.

For more information about the on-going development of this site, please visit https://westchicago.org/kerrmcgee.

New Ordinance Requires Pet Leashes; Substantial Fines for Owners of Aggressive Animals

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On September 18, in response to a rising number of occurrences of dogs roaming without a leash and an increase in dog-related biting incidents, the West Chicago City Council adopted a new ordinance that mandates animals to be secured at all times. Additionally, the law establishes a tiered fine structure for owners of pets involved in attacks on people or other animals.

Under the new regulations, owners of any animal are required to restrain their pets with a leash, keep them within their own property or that of a consenting individual, place them in a crate or cage, or confine them inside a vehicle.

Furthermore, pet owners could face substantial fines if their animals engage in behaviors such as chasing, barking at, or biting people, vehicles, or another animal. These fines are no lower than $500.00 for the initial offense; $1,000.00 for the second offense; $1,500.00 for the third offense; each up to $50,000.00. These penalties are separate from any costs associated with the damages and injuries suffered by a biting victim as mandated by the County.

Despite the existence of relevant ordinances in DuPage County, the City has introduced these additional measures to reinforce responsible pet ownership within its own jurisdiction. These newly enacted rules, coupled with applicable County ordinances, aim to address concerning trends while also ensuring that the City remains a safe community for all individuals and their pets.

Business Community Update: August 2023

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The City of West Chicago welcomed the following new businesses to the community in August 2023.

  • Nuevo Estilo is a beauty salon located at 178 W Washington Street, Suite C
  • Creative Feeling LLC is a new personalized gift retailer located at 128 Main Street.
  • PrimeWay Auto Carrier LLC provides auto carrier transportation services and is located in the Roosevelt Center at 245 W Roosevelt Road, Bldg 15, Unit 125.
  • inc-sys is located at Roosevelt Center (245 W Roosevelt Road) and provides IT Consulting Services.
  • Enerlites Inc is a Lighting Controls & Wiring Devices Wholesaler located at 1330 W Washington Street.
  • Floor Coverings International of West Chicago is located at 1275 W Roosevelt Road, Suite 116 and is a Flooring Retailer & Installer.
  • Amirjon Trucking Corp is located at Roosevelt Center (245 W Roosevelt Road) and is a Trucking Company.
  • All Dreams Banquet is located in the newly renovated space at 170 W Roosevelt Road, Unit 102 and is a Banquet Hall/Event Venue.
  • 630 CNC Inc is a Machine Shop for Metals & Plastics located at 1006 Carolina Drive.
  • Industrial Solutions Unlimited LLC has relocated to another unit at the Roosevelt Center (245 W Roosevelt Road) and Supplies Conveyor Belts & Parts.