Village Newsletter
The Village of Bartlett publishes a bi-monthly newsletter. The newsletter is mailed to all Bartlett residents approximately the first week of even months. Also, be sure to check out our online community calendar for information about upcoming events.
Local Heroes
Bartlett Hills Golf Club and several community members recently were recognized as outstanding supporters of Special Olympics Illinois with a 
Maggiano’s Hero Award. Amy Kaylor and Sandy Hutchens of Special Olympics nominated Bartlett for its efforts and for being the longest standing host of an event in this area. Golf Pro and General Manager of Bartlett Hills Golf Club Bob Gavelek accepted the award along with members of the Bartlett community – Jack Babel, Diane Dubois and Ruth Beckner.
The Village of Bartlett has hosted the Special Olympics Illinois Northeastern/Area 2 Winter Games (Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing) at Bartlett Hills since 1984. The event was initially brought to Bartlett by members of Living Lord Lutheran Church and was supported by the Bartlett Lions Club, Boy Scouts and Bartlett Woman’s Club. This has always been and continues to be a community event with the majority of volunteers being Bartlett residents.
The clubhouse and course are used for Winter Games with Course Superintendent Kevin DeRoo grooming and setting trails for skiing and snowshoeing. DeRoo makes sure the athletes have the best conditions for competition.
In 1995, Gavelek suggested holding the area golf tournament at Bartlett Hills Golf Course and, 16 years later, this event has grown from 10 players to 75. Gavelek also makes time for Special Olympics golf lessons for athletes and follows some of “his” players’ golf careers.
For the past nine years, Bartlett Hills has also hosted a Special Olympics Christmas Dinner & Fundraiser.
Out and About
at the Open House & Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, 3/11
Lions Pancake Breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon
Police Open House from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Bartlett Lions Club will be flipping pancakes at the Fire Barn, 218 S. Main Street. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for kids and free for those younger than 5 years old. Tickets are available from any Lions Club member or at the door.
Promptly at 9 a.m., join the Police 
Department in front of Village Hall for the raising of the flag and the start of this year’s FREE Open House. Please bring a nonperishable food item for the Wayne and Hanover Township food pantries. Needed items include macaroni & cheese; canned tuna/chicken; soup; cereal; pancake mix/syrup; hamburger helper; peanut butter/jelly; instant potatoes; paper goods; and laundry detergent.
Open House visitors can tour the entire police facility, including the firing range, where you can see TASER demonstrations and the latest equipment being used. You can also visit the jail/booking area, sit in a police car, play Baggo, learn how to properly install car seats, talk with traffic officers about the new IDOT Yellow Dot Program, or take a ride on a Segway. A community favorite is meeting K-9 Brewster and handler Officer Kmiecik!
Bartlett’s Dispatch Center 911 DuComm will provide information about SMART911, and Hanover Township and Wayne Township can tell you about services for both Cook and DuPage County. Then grab a balloon and head off to get a child Identi-Kit from New York Life, or meet with the Department of Natural Resources and get questions answered about coyotes, skunks, fox, or deer.
Officers will be available throughout the department to answer any questions you might have, so fill yourself up with pancakes and join the Police Department at the Open House.
at Bartlett Hills Golf Club
Craft & Vendor Show
Saturday, 2/11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More than 50 new crafters and vendors for your Valentine Day shopping. Admission is $1 or FREE with donated canned and dry goods to benefit Hanover Township Food Pantry. Limited tables still available for vendors. Raffle proceeds will benefit Bartlett Veterans Memorial Foundation. Please call 630-213-3103 or email mgearhart@vbartlett.org for more information.
Bartlett Hills Bridal Showcase!
Sunday, 2/12 from noon to 3 p.m.
Meet with the area’s top wedding professionals to help put the final touches on your big day! Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Ticket price includes champagne punch, hors d’oeuvres, gift bag and two guests! There also will be hourly fashion shows and raffle giveaways! Limited table space still available for vendors. Call 630-213-3103 or email evan@bartletthills.com to pre-register or for more information.
Friday Night Fish Fry
February 24 to April 6, Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m.
The Grill Room at Bartlett Hills will be closed until mid-March, with the exception of the Friday Fish Fry. Bartlett Hills will continue to provide banquet service, so call the food and beverage staff at 630-213-3103 to book parties, meetings and special events. You can also visit www.bartletthills.com for info.
Electricity Aggregation on March Ballot
If you’ve checked the mail recently, you’ve seen advertisements from companies offering energy savings if you switch from ComEd. That’s because Illinois residents are now able to pick their own third-party electricity supplier. New state law also gives municipalities the ability to seek lower electricity costs on behalf of residents and small businesses (using less than 100 KW of demand) through aggregation.
What are the steps for electrical aggregation?
At its November 15 meeting, the Village Board opted to pursue aggregation for Bartlett by putting a referendum on the March primary ballot. If the referendum passes, the Village will go through a public bidding or proposal process to select an electricity supplier for the entire Village.
Can I opt-out of the program?
Under the program, almost all Village residents and small businesses would be included unless they specifically choose not to be. This is the best way to achieve maximum rate savings.
However, if the referendum passes and after a contract is approved, notice would be sent to residents allowing them to opt-out.
How does ComEd fit into the picture?
Regardless of which company is actually producing the electricity, ComEd would remain as the distributor. Residents who choose to stay in the program would continue to receive a monthly bill from ComEd. The only difference will be a different name in the “power supplier” line of the bill and hopefully a reduced “amount due” line. ComEd would also continue handling resident complaints and respond to outages.
When would aggregation take effect?
Because the process for municipal aggregation requires a referendum to be passed and a public bid or proposal process, residents and small businesses included in the program should not expect to see savings in their electric bill until late summer or fall of 2012.
What if the referendum does not pass?
If voters do not approve the referendum question, ComEd will continue to be your provider for electric supply, unless you independently choose an alternate energy supplier.
Are there other choices?
If you have already signed up for a third-party electricity provider on your own, you will not be included in the aggregation program. You may, however, opt-out of the program you have selected and join the Village’s program.
In the meantime, residents and small businesses also can join the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus’ Clean Air Counts energy savings program. Clean Air Counts is an initiative to voluntarily improve air quality in the Chicago Metropolitan region and Bartlett is a member.
Clean Air Counts has already secured electricity pricing with Integrys Energy that is 20% cheaper than ComEd’s current production rates. The program runs through June 2013 and guarantees that the rates offered by Integrys Energy will never be more than ComEd’s during this time.
For more information about the Clean Air Counts program or to sign up, please visit www.cleanaircounts.org and click on the Energy Savings Program with Energy Choices icon.
Residents interested in choosing a third-party electricity provider should read all of the terms and conditions and be aware that many program agreements, including the Clean Air Counts agreement, have an early termination fee. For more information regarding electricity aggregation, please contact Assistant to the Village Administrator Steven Bosco at 630-837-0800.
EDC to Hear Video Gaming Input
In July 2009 the State of Illinois enacted the Video Gaming Act, which allows video gaming at establishments that have a valid liquor license. The Village of Bartlett is inviting residents and businesses to attend the next Economic Development Commission meeting to provide input on video gaming in Bartlett.
The EDC meeting will be on Monday, February 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Village Hall Council Chambers, located at 228 S. Main Street.
Did You Know? |
Flood Protection
FLOOD HAZARD AREAS
The Village of Bartlett has some floodplain areas. On the 
northwest side of town is the Brewster Creek Tributary. In the middle of town there is some floodplain in the Wayne Grove Forest Preserve. The northeastern part of the Village has the Brewster Creek floodplain, which flows to the West Branch of the DuPage River floodplain.
Information on whether your property is in the 100-year floodplain can be obtained by coming into the Village of Bartlett Building Department. Maps are available for viewing, as well as other flood-related information. Contact the Village of Bartlett Building Department, 630-837-0800 for further assistance.
NATURAL & BENEFICIAL FUNCTIONS
Floodplains play a valuable role in providing natural benefits to the Village of Bartlett and the surrounding area. Floodplains that are relatively undisturbed provide open spaces and aesthetic pleasure, as well as function for active processes, such as filtering nutrients.
Wayne Grove Forest Preserve and Hawk Hollow Forest Preserve floodplains are used to filter farm chemical run-off so that these areas can maintain biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability. Both floodplains contain historic and archeological sites that provide opportunity for education. Both enhance waterfowl, fish and other wildlife habitats and provide feeding/breeding grounds. And lastly, both floodplains provide natural erosion control and open space so further flooding damage does not occur.
FLASH FLOODS
Flash-flooding is the general type of flooding caused by heavy rain events. A flooding event 
can occur with 2 to 4 inches of rain in a 3 to 4 hour time period on some streets throughout the Village. Several detention areas may rise during these events. However, all of the Village streets are designed to additionally store stormwater for a period of time.
The Village experienced a record rain event in September of 2008; almost 9 inches of rain occurred in less than a 24-hour period. The Village has made several drainage improvements since then and is continually making improvements in the community.
DRAINAGE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
As simple as it may sound, keeping smaller ditches and streams free of debris can dramatically improve the run-off capacity of low-lying areas and can greatly reduce the occurrence of blockage that significantly contributes to flooding.
It is illegal to dump materials into a required waterway and violators may be fined. If you see someone in the act of dumping or see debris in one of Bartlett’s watercourses, please contact the Village Public Works Department at 630-837-0811.
PROPERTY PROTECTION MEASURES
If your property is susceptible to flooding, there are many flood damage reduction measures you can employ.
• Watertight seals can be applied to brick and block
walls to protect against low-level flooding.
• Utilities, such as heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters and other major appliances can be elevated to higher floors in the structure or
onto raised platforms.
• Temporary measures, such as moving furniture and other valuables to higher floors or sandbagging exterior openings, will also help.
• Elevating or relocating the entire structure may also
be a feasible option.
FLOODPLAIN PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
All development within the 100-year floodplain (not just construction of buildings, but filling, excavation, fences, etc.) requires a Village Development Permit. Applications must be made prior to doing any work in a floodplain area.
Please contact the Village Building Department, 630-837-0800, to receive all the information you need to properly develop in the floodplain. You may report any illegal development activities to the above number as well.
FLOOD INSURANCE
If you do not have flood insurance, talk to your insurance agent. Most 
homeowner insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. Flood insurance is only available to communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Because of Bartlett’s floodplain management programs, which attempt to protect property owners from multiple flooding hazards, the Village is part of the NFIP. Bartlett residents are able to obtain flood insurance. Additionally, because the Village participates in FEMA’s CRS program, flood insurance premiums are discounted.
Be sure to check your policy to ensure you have adequate coverage. Typical policies cover the building structure, but not the contents. Contents coverage can also be obtained by asking.
There is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance coverage becomes effective. Plan ahead; do not wait until a flood is predicted before purchasing flood insurance. If you are building inside the floodplain and are using a federally regulated lender/bank for a loan, the purchase of flood insurance is mandatory.
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT/DAMAGE
If the cost of improvements to a building or the cost to repair damages (from any cause) to a building exceeds 50% of the market value of the building (excluding land value), the NFIP requires that the entire building be brought up to current floodplain management standards. Building improvement projects include exterior and interior remodeling, rehabilitation, additions and repair and reconstruction projects. Please contact the Village of Bartlett Building Department at 630-837-0800 for further information.
FLOOD WARNING SYSTEM
Many times, flooding of streets and parking lots in Bartlett can be predicted, allowing ample time for preparation and evacuation. However, in the event of a flash flood due to a large rain event, there may only be hours to execute a plan.
Once the Bartlett Police and Bartlett Fire Protection District are notified of an oncoming flood event, the Village’s Emergency Alert System will be activated. The Village can send a Code Red or mass emergency notification system alert to the entire Village or a specific neighborhood. Community alerts and additional safety information will also be posted to the Village website and cable television station.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Here are some additional resources for flood-related issues in the Village of Bartlett:
•FEMA.govwebsite
• Village Hall, 630-837-0800
• Floodplain FAQ page on the Village website
• Bartlett Public Library
FLOOD SAFETY |
Carbon Monoxide, a Winter Threat
Local fire departments see an increase in carbon monoxide (CO) incidents in winter months, when snow and ice can block furnace vents and air intakes. Drifting snow has the potential to block vents, causing the furnace or water heater to stop operating. Some newer, high-efficiency furnaces have automatic shutoffs for when the vents are blocked, but many furnaces don’t. If they fail to shut down, carbon monoxide may back up in a home.
After any snowfall, inspect the area around the furnace and hot water heater vents. Vents and intake pipes should have a 3-foot clearance from snow, shrubs or other obstructions. Water heaters and dryer vents also should be cleared of snow to prevent possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
Here are some other tips for protecting yourself and you family from this deadly gas:
•Do have your heating system, water heater and other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
•Do install a battery-operated CO detector in your home and check or replace the battery regularly. If the detector sounds, leave your home immediately and call 9-1-1.
•Do seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseous.
•Don't use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage.
•Don't run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open.
•Don't burn anything in a stove or fireplace that isn't vented.
•Don't heat your house with a gas oven.
Water & Sewer Rates
Effective January 1, 2012, water rates will increase 13% and effective May 1, 2012, sewer rates will increase 9%. The water rate as of January 1 is $6.36/1,000 gallons. As of May 1, the sewer rate for a Cook County resident will be $0.77/1,000 gallons + a minimum usage charge of $9.21. DuPage County residents will pay a sewer rate of $1.94/1,000 gallons + a minimum usage charge of $10.85.
Water Rate as of 1-1-12 |
Sewer Rate as of 5-1-12 |
|
| Cook/Kane Counties | $6.36/1,000 gallons | $9.21 + $0.77/1,000 gallons |
| DuPage County | $6.36/1,000 gallons | $10.85 + $1.94/1,000 gallons |
The impact on an individual customer will depend on their consumption. After May 1, once both rate changes take effect, a Cook County resident using 6,000 gallons per month will have a combined water and sewer bill of $51.99 and a DuPage County resident will pay $60.65.
All Bartlett residents who are age 65 and older and who are responsible for the payment of their own water charges are eligible to receive a 10% discount.
Refuse Service
According to the Village's agreement with Bartlett’s refuse hauler, Allied Waste/ Republic Services, there has been an adjustment to refuse collection rates as of January 1, 2012. The adjusted prices are as follows:
Single Family curbside -- $21.30/month
Multi-Family curbside -- $19.18/month
Multi-Family centralized -- $11.50/month
Yard Waste bags -- $14.85 per 5-bag bundle
Senior citizens, age 65 and older, are eligible to receive a 10% discount off their monthly service rate.
As of January 1, the disposal of computers, televisions, and other electronic devices is banned from Illinois landfills. Under the new state law, electronic waste (E-waste) must be recycled by a registered collector, recycler and/or manufacturer.
While Republic Services will continue providing regular waste and recycling
collection, it will no longer provide curbside pickup for your electronics. The type of E-waste that will not be picked up includes: computers and monitors; printers and scanners; laptops; keyboards and mouses; fax machines; video and game consoles; TVs; cable and satellite receivers; recorders; mp3 players; DVD players and small scale servers.
Bartlett Police Citizen Survey
The Bartlett Police Department strives to provide the highest level of service possible for its citizens. To accomplish this goal and to evaluate the courtesy, efficiency and effectiveness of the department, we would like your input on the job that we are doing. Please take a few minutes to download & complete police survey.
Please mail the completed survey to: Bartlett Police Department, 228 S. Main Street, Bartlett, IL, 60103 or deposit in the grey drop box in the Village Hall parking lot. Please provide an address, phone number or email address if you would like to be contacted by the department.
Thank you for your time and interest in helping the department improve its service to the community.
Here Come the Diesels!
Did you know the very first diesel locomotive engine put into service by the Northwest Suburban Mass Transit 
District in 1974 was christened the “Village of Bartlett?” Visit the Bartlett Depot Museum to discover the story behind this engine, which was used by riders on what was then the west line of the Milwaukee Road’s suburban Chicago commuter service.
In the photo above, the newly constructed Village of Bartlett engine rolls into town for its dedication ceremony on April 7, 1974.
The Depot Museum, located at 100 W. Railroad Avenue, is open Tuesdays, noon to 7 p.m., Thursdays, noon to 6 p.m. and the first Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon. The museum, which has free admission, features rotating exhibits that highlight Bartlett’s rich rail heritage.
All Aboard for Free Craft Fun!
he Bartlett Depot Museum, 100 W. Railroad Avenue, invites children and their parents to stop by from 9 a.m. to noon on the first Saturday of each month for a free make-and-take craft. There is no registration necessary, but supplies are limited.
Saturday, February 4 - Kids embellish and personalize a heart-shaped box. This is a perfect gift for you to keep or give to a special Valentine!
Saturday, March 3 - Celebrate the return of spring to Bartlett. Paint a floral sun catcher wreath to hang in your window.
From the Archives |
 |
Since the 1700s, cards expressing love and caring have been sent on Valentine’s Day. The Victorians turned these greetings into lavish love notes with the addition of flowers, lace, and winged cupids. Vintage Valentines from the museum’s collection will be on display and serve as inspiration. Call 630-837-0800 for additional information. |
Make Earth Day, an Action Day
Come one, come all, come clean up your community! The Village, in cooperation with the Bartlett Park District, will be holding a community park clean-up day on Saturday, April 21 from 9 a.m. to noon. Residents, civic groups and businesses, are invited to celebrate Earth Day with this clean-up effort. For more information or to sign up for this event, call Scott Skrycki, 630-837-0800. Bags and gloves will be available through the Village.
On the same day, from noon to 4 p.m., the Bartlett Park District will host its annual Earth Day celebration at the James “Pate” Philip State Park Visitor Center, 2054 W. Stearns Road. There will be hands-on activities, wildlife demonstrations and much more. For information on how to be involved with this free event, through sponsorship, participation or as a volunteer, call 847-608-3100.