Our New Year's Resolution:

A Healthier West Chicago

 

As we research and develop our Healthy West Chicago Action Plan, our community is discovering the power of working together. Healthy West Chicago takes direct aim at the obesity epidemic through the efforts of more than 15 partners, as well as people who work and live in West Chicago.

 

A survey of more than 580 West Chicagoans last summer showed that people believe healthy eating and an increase in exercise is extremely important (93% of respondents), but only 28% of respondents said that West Chicago is a "healthy" or "very healthy" place to live. We've got lots of work to do.

 

Last fall and winter, 10 community forums invited parents, faith-based communities, members of our School Districts, seniors, and Park District staff to share their ideas. Ideas generated so far include enhancing and growing our Farmer's Market and Community Garden Program. Others have suggested new ideas for adult recreational sports, including a new softball tournament between faith communities. Our community has an extensive bike trail network, but West Chicagoans say they want to integrate biking into everyday life by making biking safer and easier to get to places around town including downtown, schools, stores and more. Another big idea: encourage restaurants to showcase Mexican culture through delicious, healthy menu choices.

 

 

West Chicago Park District Executive Director, Gary Major,  is pleased with the progress being made. "Our role with the Healthy West Chicago initiative is to identify the needs of our community and to meet those needs," he said.

 

Next steps: Expect to hear about a brand new Healthy West Chicago Community Action Plan and Report Card being rolled out in 2015.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR ADULTS   Jan 1 - City Hall Closed Jan  9 -  Artist Reception Jan 9 - Late Night at the Museum Jan 17 - Art Share Saturday Jan 22 - Local Music Night/Soup               and Bread Jan 29 - Healthy West Chicago               Community Forum Jan 31 - Coffee with the Mayor Feb 6 - Artist Reception Feb 6 - Late Night at the Museum Feb 26 -  Local Music Night/Soup                and Bread Feb 28 - Coffee with the Mayor                 A committee is forming to begin plans for downtown West Chicago's annual celebration of spring, Blooming Fest, scheduled for May 16, 2015. The event is a perennial favorite among gardeners, crafters and downtown enthusiasts.  Vendors, hand-crafters and volunteers are needed and are encouraged to contact Krista Coltrin at kcoltrin@westchicago.org. Vendor registration forms are now available at www.westchicago.org.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR KIDS   Jan 3 - Reading to Rover Jan 6 - Three King's Day Jan 10 - Winter Reading Program Kick-Off Jan 13 - Whooo's Ready for Kindergarten? Jan 15 - It's a Mammoth! Jan 16 - Puzzle Day Jan 18 - LEGO Block Party Jan 19 - Frozen Sing-Along Jan 20 - Whooo's Ready for Kindergarten? Jan 24 - Books for Breakfast Jan 27 - Whooo's Ready for Kindergarten? Jan 28 - Walk Like an Egyptian Feb 3 - Whooo's Ready for Kindergarten? Feb 6 - Friday Movie Matinee Feb 8 - Tea Time Knitting Feb 10 - Whooo's Ready for Kindergarten? Feb 14 - Vikings!  Lords of the Sea Feb 16 - Monster Mania! Feb 18 - LEGO Robotics Feb 19 - Chinese New Year Celebration Feb 28 - Books for Breakfast   For details visit www.westchicago.lib.il.us or call (630) 231-1552. .............................................................................    Jan 16 - Family Night Open Gym Jan 25 & 26 - Variety Show Auditions Feb 12 - Craftin' with Cupid Feb 20 - Family Night Open Gym Feb 21 - Variety Show Feb 28 - Daddy/Daughter Date Night   For details visit www.we-goparks.org or call (630) 231-9474.

 

City Services

Message from the Mayor 

 

 

Happy New Year, we're off to a great start. There is nothing better than the satisfaction that comes from living within our means, maintaining a high level of service to our customers, and starting the year with a balanced budget.

 

At its December 15th meeting, the City Council approved the 2015 Annual Budget, which totals $41,029,100 and is a decrease of 6.60% as compared to the 2014 Budget, as amended; specifically, the General Fund, which is the all-purpose governmental fund that includes the operations of the municipality not accounted for in a separate fund, reflects an increase of ­­­­­­­3.42% as compared to the 2014 Budget, as amended. The change in the General Fund is primarily due to the large increase in the price of road salt ($148,000) and contributions to the Police Pension Fund which increased by $420,000.

 

We have followed a five-point strategy as outlined in the City Council's Budget Policy that aims to reduce operating expenses, meet our reserve requirements, identify and implement new revenue sources, increase our economic development focus and maintain and improve City services. All components of this strategy have been achieved.

 

There are no tax, fee or rate increases and also no service reductions proposed in the Budget; and the property tax levy is proposed to remain the same for the fourth year in a row - great outcomes for you, the customer.

 

Looking ahead, the City is in the preliminary stage of searching for a consultant to assist with the creation of a City-wide strategic plan to guide decision-making over the next three to five years.

 

I would like to thank the City Council, Finance Committee, senior management and their staff for their continued hard work, dedication and stewardship of the public dollar.  

 

Respectfully, 

 

   

Mayor Ruben Pineda

 

Late Night at the Museum

Date: Friday, January 9, 2015

Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

 

Late Night at the Museum

Date: Friday, February 6, 2015

Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

 

A new installment of A Sense of Place features the story of a West Chicago family who, for the last 100 years, has owned a property on Main Street and has supported the growth of the downtown. Read about the Lellios family at www.westchicago.org.

The exhibit will focus on those families important to the story of Oakwood Cemetery, including the McConnells, who donated the land for the cemetery, and those families who served on the various Oakwood Cemetery Committees such as the Haywards and Hills, among many more. The exhibit will include histories of all three West Chicago cemeteries and runs through March 2015.

Cruisin' by Judith Horsley

Gallery 200 opens its new year with guest artist Judith Horsley as the January Featured Artist. An Opening Reception will be held from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. on January 9, 2015. During the opening reception, string musician Dejan Kralj, will treat guests to a variety of sounds. Refreshments will be served. Judi's work will be on display for the entire month of January. Judith is well known locally. Credits include Bloomingdale Park District juried shows, Cantigny InFocus, Chicago Flower and Garden Show, DuPage Forest Preserve District Staff and Volunteer Art Exhibit, Arts Fiesta (now Blooming Fest), awards at DuPage County Fair exhibit, and has been selected for the Public Art Banner Project several years in a row. 

Noteworthy

 

The Thorium Action Group/Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation Scholarships, administered by the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, are available to graduating high school seniors who reside within School District 94 of West Chicago, Illinois. 

 

Scholarships are awarded to students who will be furthering their education at an accredited college, university, vocational, or trade school during the 2014-2015 academic year on a full-time basis.
 

All students with a grade point average of "C" or better are encouraged to apply as the awarding of these scholarships is not solely contingent upon grades or grade point averages.  Financial need is not a requirement.

 

Scholarship Application Forms are available through February 3, 2014 and may be obtained online at: www.communityfoundationfrv.org/scholarshipprogram.asp.