1. law, govt and politics

Mayor’s Message...
October 2014
Status Report
Village
of
Elwood
Illinois
I want to let residents know about some upcoming grant projects that will make the
village safer and more secure.
One important project currently under design is the realignment of St. Louis Street at
Route 53. Those of us who travel St Louis Street regularly know that it crosses Route 53 at a diagonal. The configuration makes it difficult for cars to pass there, and adds to safety concerns at
the state route. The village of Elwood has been granted $735,000 from the Federal Highway
Commission (FHA) for realignment at St. Louis Street. In addition, we will be submitting an application to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) for a $200,000 safety grant to help
with this important safety project. I would like to thank State Representative Larry Walsh Jr. for his assistance and
sponsorship of the DCEO grant opportunity.
Another grant opportunity which will help secure the village is through the Federal Emergency Management (FEMA). This grant would allow us to update our lift stations and prevent future flooding during major rain
events. This year, we accomplished the necessary projects and flood planning needed for reinstatement in the National Flood Insurance Program. Next year we hope to secure FEMA grant funds for the final phase of our longterm storm water management plan.
By continuing to seek available grant funding, the village is pursing necessary projects in a fiscally responsible way. The Board of Trustees and I understand that this is the only way to maintain Elwood’s low municipal tax rate while continuing to move forward as a community.
Established 1873
401 E. Mississippi Ave.
P.O. Box 435
Elwood, IL 60421
815-423-5011
villageofelwood.com
Village President
William Offerman
Village Trustees
Doug Jenco
Francis “Bud” Jones
Don LaPaglia
Dean Lowrance
Mary Matichak
Jasen Melahn
Village Clerk
Pat Buchenau
Sincerely,
William Offerman
ICC, IDOT, Union Pacific, Elwood: Close Walter Strawn Crossing
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ICC reports crossing even more dangerous now, despite sheriff monitoring.
CenterPoint objects to closure; wants state’s most dangerous rail crossing to remain open.
Elwood Police Chief calls for public safety without further delay
Elwood leaders implore full truck access to I-55 route.
For the first time since the state began investigating
safety concerns at Illinois’ most dangerous rail crossing, Union Pacific Railroad (UP), the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) and the Village of Elwood
are in agreement about the need for immediate action. During an October 7 ICC hearing in Chicago,
all four entities urged an administrative law judge to
temporarily close the crossing at Walter Strawn
Road. In response, intermodal facility operator CenterPoint Properties “seriously objected” to the closure, forcing the judge to delay action and, instead,
schedule an evidentiary hearing.
The closure recommendation was made after ICC
staff revealed that Walter Strawn gate arms have
been struck nine times since August 22, the date
when the agency installed cameras at the crossing
(The cameras also recorded a near collision between
a train and a truck that ran the gates.). ICC, staff noted that cameras recorded an increase in gate strikes
from previous months, in spite of in-person monitoring by part-time sheriff’s deputies posted at the
crossing. The ICC established law enforcement monitoring at Walter Strawn in response to CenterPoint’s
insistence that such a measure would improve safety
there and without regard for Elwood Police Chief
Fred Hayes’ testimony that such monitoring has
proven ineffective. In fact, an Elwood police car,
posted to monitor to the crossing earlier this year,
actually recorded a gate arm crash.
“All of the parties believe that the only way to prevent more accidents at the crossing is to close it –
except for CenterPoint – and everyone involved is
on the same side and has agreed to the temporary
closing – except for CenterPoint – which clearly
only has an interest in protecting its profits over public safety,” said Elwood Police Chief Fred Hayes.
Truck traffic at the Walter Strawn rail crossing massively exceeds its permitted capacity which prompted the ICC to open an investigation nearly a year
ago. Initially, Elwood officials alleviated the problem by redirecting traffic flow within the Elwood
BNSF terminal. Although that move did regulate the
traffic to acceptable levels, CenterPoint forced a
court-ordered injunction against Elwood preventing
any changes to the Walter Strawn traffic plan. This
all-or-nothing injunction will frame the ICC’s decision at Walter Strawn. The October 7 hearing
marked the first time that ICC staff, IDOT and UP
voiced support for closure as the only safe option for
the Walter Strawn crossing.
“It’s been a frustrating wait as other entities discovered and finally acknowledged what we in Elwood
have known for some time. I greatly appreciate that
UP, ICC and IDOT did their due diligence, accepted
that the Walter Strawn crossing is unsafe and moved
for an immediate fix,” said Elwood Mayor William
Offerman. “This has been a terrible waste of time
and money for everyone involved, and I hope CenterPoint and Will County come to their senses and
realize that other entities will not put lives at such
great risk for the sake of financial or political gain.”
The administrative law judge scheduled an evidentiary hearing on Oct. 29 to consider the temporary
closure of the crossing and other traffic flow adjustments.
SEE WALTER STRAWN CLOSURE P. 2
WALTER STRAWN CLOSURE
Continued from page 1
Elwood leaders continue urging the use of the newly-designed interchange at Interstate 55 and Arsenal Road for easy access to the Elwood International Port. The original Elwood facility plan and the
interchange were designed specifically for this traffic flow. Similarly, Joliet’s intermodal facility was designed to take traffic through
Joliet roadways. In spite of municipal agreements, the massive overload at Walter Strawn crossing IS man-made, as subsequent Will
County actions blocked much of the overweight permitting at Arse-
nal Road and closed off truck access on Joliet roadways. Reversal of
these and other Will County actions would restore the intended traffic flow.
If the Walter Strawn crossing is closed, it’s likely an overpass/grade
separation study will begin. Representatives from UP spoke at the
ICC hearing about the potential study. They agreed such a project
would help, but rejected Walter Strawn Drive as a workable location
for an overpass/grade separation.
Village roads renamed
By action of the Elwood Board
of Trustees, two village roadways have been renamed.
Baseline Road has been officially replaced with the name Elwood International Port Road.
Signs have been replaced.911
and USPS were notified of the
changes 6 months ago, along
with IEPA and Will County
EMA.
Currently a name change for
CenterPoint Drive is in process.
The new name for that road is
Walton Drive. The change will
take effect in approximately 60
days.
The changes were made in order
to clearly identify roadways
within Elwood’s Deer Run Industrial Park. The board hopes
to make these routes identifiable
for navigation systems and distinguish them from misleading
signage posted along state
routes.
The move is part of Elwood’s
ongoing effort to serve Deer Run
users responsibly and respond to
the area’s unique routing challenges.
ELWOOD’S POLICE CHIEF FRED HAYS (right) represents the
Illinois Police Chiefs Association and Village of Elwood at the Illinois State Fair with State Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka.
VOTING INFORMATION
NOVEMBER 4, 2014 GENERAL ELECTION
EARLY VOTING DATES AT ELWOOD VILLAGE HALL
401 E. MISSISSIPPI AVE.
Oct 20-24; Oct. 27-31 and Nov. 3
Early Voting hours are 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Voting Hours: Tuesday, Nov. 4 Elwood Village hall 6 am-7 pm
APRIL 7, 2015 CONSOLIDATED ELECTION
Petition packets for the consolidated election can be picked up at the Elwood Village Hall, 401 E. Mississippi Avenue starting
September 23, 2014 at 9:00 am. The petition packets can be filed for 1 four year term for Village Clerk and 3 four year term
Trustee positions. The filing of the petitions begins December 15, 2014 at 9:00 am and ends December 22, 2014 at 5:00 pm.
Mortgage Relief Project event to be held in Joliet
If you are struggling to hold onto your
home, behind on mortgage payments or
nearing Foreclosure, the Illinois Mortgage
Relief Project can help. Take advantage of
programs to help lower your mortgage,
avoid foreclosure and keep your home.
Learn more at your local Mortgage Relief
Project outreach event:
Saturday, October 25, 2014
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (registration until noon)
Joliet Township High School – West Campus, 401 N. Larkin Avenue, Joliet IL 60435
Free housing counseling is available. You
will also learn how to recognize the tell-tale
signs of mortgage fraud. To register for the
event or for more Mortgage Relief Project
information, please call toll-free at 1-800532-8785 or visit www.idfpr.com.
Please bring the following items to the
event:
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Mortgage Statement
2012 & 2013 W-2 & tax return with all
schedules
Copy of rental agreement, if necessary
2 months of recent paystubs
Budget of household expenses
Documentation of other income
2 months of recent bank statements
All Recent Utility Bills
If you are self-employed, a Profit/Loss
statement for the past 6 months
Don’t worry if you do not have all the docs
on the day of the event. You can still meet
with a HUD-Certified counseling agency or
your lender and get the process started.
The event is sponsored by Governor Pat
Quinn’s Office; Illinois Housing Development Authority; Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
(IDFPR); Illinois Department of Employment Security; and Attorney General Lisa
Madigan’s office and hosted by State Senator Pat McGuire, State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, State Representative Emily
McAsey, State Representative Lawrence
Walsh Jr, State Representative Tom Cross,
and State Representative Natalie Manley.
EPD offers child safety seat inspection
Did you know the Elwood Police Department has Nationally Certified Child Safety Seat Technicians who will check your safety seat
at the police station? Officers Randy Lightfoot and Jennifer Leddin
obtained certification by attending a 32-hour course established by
the National Child Passenger Safety Board.
The Elwood Police Department offers residents free child safety seat
inspections by appointment. Child safety seat inspections are critical
to ensuring that the Village’s youngest residents are protected when
in a motor vehicle. If you are interested in having your child safety
seat inspected, please contact Officer Lightfoot or Officer Leddin by
calling the Police Department at 815-424-1090.
Why are Child Safety Seat Inspections so important? Motor vehicle
crashes remain the leading cause of death of children, ages 3 to 14.
Many of these deaths can be prevented through the proper use of
child safety seats. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA), properly installed child safety seats can
reduce fatal injury by 71 percent for infants and by 54 percent for
toddlers, ages 1 to 4.
The problem is most parents and caregivers are unaware of the risk
to children when they are not properly restrained in child safety
seats. According to a
recent study, 96 percent
of parents and caregivers believe their child
safety seats are installed
correctly, but NHTSA
research shows that
seven out of 10 children
are improperly restrained, putting them at
risk for serious injury or
death in a crash.
The child seat check normally takes one half-hour per seat. Parents
and caregivers are asked to bring the owner's manuals for both their
vehicle and child restraint seat. Although not mandatory, parents and
caregivers are also asked to bring the child using the seat to ensure
proper fit. Child restraints can also be installed for expectant families. Please remember to buckle up - every one - every time!
ELWOOD CRAFT GROUP
Location: Elwood Village Hall Basement
Cost: $4-Includes all supplies
November 21
1:30-3:30 p.m.
Blood Drive
at Elwood Village Hall
November 20th
2:30pm - 6:30pm
401 E. Mississippi Avenue
November Crafts:
Beaded Sleeve Pin & Greeting Cards
pre-register by Nov. 16
Participants must preregister by calling
Barb, 815-423-6576 or June, 815-423-6510.
Maximum enrollment is 21. List will be compiled on a first-come basis.
The Craft Group is seeking donations of embellishments such as ribbon, yarn, beads, lace flowers, buttons, etc. Anyone clearing out their
craft/sewing room can donate items during craft time.
Annual Christmas Craft Fair
Elwood PTO is looking for Crafters & Vendors for their annual Christmas
Craft Fair December 12th & 13th. If interested please give Danielle a call 815423-5809 or email [email protected]
Elwood PTO is also seeking raffle basket donations. If you or your business
would like to donate a basket for our raffle that would be great. The basket
raffles are one of our biggest PTO fundraisers. Contact Danielle, baskets need
to be turned in by November 20th.
We will have 6 blood draw stations
on hand to ensure there will be no
wait for those who would like to donate. Make an appointment time by
calling 815-423-5011. Your donation helps a local patient in need.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP TWILIGHTERS
-NEW MEMBERS WELCOMETo join, simply attend an upcoming meeting. All residents of Jackson Township 55 or over are encouraged to participate. Membership fee is $15/year and includes year-round community activities.
The Twilighters meet on the first Thursday of each month at 1 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at Elwood Church,
101 n. Chicago St. in Elwood.
EDDM MAILER
PERMIT #7
POSTAL CUSTOMER
Also...Join us for
Halloween Activities
at Lloyd Erickson
Park!
5-7 p.m.
Trunk or Treat
6 p.m.
Cookout & Bonfire
7 p.m.
Movie in the Park
CAPITAL CHRISTMAS TREE
&
LIGHTING CELEBRATION
NOVEMBER 12, 2014
5:30-8:30 PM
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will stop in Elwood on
its way to Washington D.C.! Area residents are invited to come out and see the 60-70 foot tall People's
Tree and “celebrate the spirit of the season and the
forests that connect us all,”
This is a unique honor for Elwood, and we will host
our annual Lighting Celebration to coincide with the
tree’s brief stay in Elwood.
Stop by Elwood Village Hall, 401 E. Mississippi Ave.,
to see the tree and participate in village Christmas
activities…
 5:30-8:30 See Santa, Enjoy refreshments, Make
crafts, Play games, Try photo booth!
 6:30
Celebrate Village Christmas Lighting.
 6:30-8:30 Ride the Miracle Express through
Elwood’s lighted downtown.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP ANNUAL TOY DRIVE
Again this year we will be taking donations of toys for our Jackson Township Families in need. If you would like to help out a local
family by either dropping a toy off at the Village Hall or Elwood Church that would be great. We will also have tags available (with
child’s age, size and wish list if you would like to buy shoes or clothes) around November 1st. Tags will be at The Village Hall, Elwood Church Hall, Java Jills, or you can contact Danielle directly for children’s information: 815-423-5890 or email [email protected]. We will need all the toys and presents by December 6th. Contact Danielle for information: Thank you for giving this
holiday season. Peace to all.