Dear Residents:

Now that the holidays are over, we would like to wish all of you and your families a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2020.

Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: The symptoms of CO poisoning include: dizziness,nausea, headache and coughing, irregular heartbeat, and pale skin with cherry red lips and ear tips. If you suspect CO poisoning, get fresh air, stay outside, and call 911 or the local fire department. Properly working smoke detectors also save lives.

Stopped School Buses: Do not pass a stopped school bus if the red stop sign is extended:

Security: If you park your car in the driveway, do not leave valuables in plain view and always lock your vehicle. Keep the garage door closed even if you are in the back yard.

Update Phone Info: Many people are using a cell phone. as their primary phone and have eliminated the land line. It would be very helpful if the information was updated in the event the city or we need to contact you. Please call Margareth Balan at city hall, who is with the water department with your current info. (598-3400 extension 1106).

Right Turn on Red: You must make a complete stop before turning right at a stop light. You could receive a ticket if there is vehicle motion before making a turn.

Blocking Sidewalks: It is a local ordinance and a state law that sidewalks cannot be blocked. Please be aware that there are many more children and walkers today using the sidewalk. The law is very clear… please do not block sidewalks.

Refuse Containers: Both garbage and recycling bins cannot be stored in the front of your property. Any garbage or recycling container can only be put in front of your house for pick up 24 hours before your scheduled day. Containers must be kept in your garage,yard, or on the side of your home.

Support our Troops: Please remember our soldiers with snacks and other sundries while they are away from their families protecting our country. There is a wonderful list at parks and city hall for needed and wanted items. There is a box at the Community Center for any donation.

Fly American Flag: Our freedom is protected by those who serve in the Armed Forces. Please consider flying the American Flag to show support and patriotism:

Allied Waste: Some of the items which can be picked up at no additional charge are furniture, washing machines and dryers, microwaves, hot water heaters, lamps, mattresses, carpet rolls cut into no more than 4 foot lengths, refrigerators, air conditioners, small freezers, passenger car tires, electronics such as televisions and computers. You must call Allied Waste for a free pick up. (708-385-8252)

Scams: Our society is changing so please be aware of unsavory people attempting to take unfair advantage of people, especially seniors. Be aware of phone scams, identity theft, strange or unfamiliar e mails. Individuals are getting very creative when attempting to get your information and/or money. Call our police station to either report or to get guidance on how to handle some of these situations. Do not send money or give credit card information even if the individual says it is for a member of your family. Scams are ruining peopleʼs lives and affecting credit and bank accounts. There are scams concerning the F.B.I. and I.R.S. and many other agencies. Be aware of unscrupulous people attempting to take advantage of good citizens. Please consider some of the following ideas:
-do not open an e-mail you are not familiar with
-do not answer, or hang up the phone if you donʼt know who is calling
-donʼt open your door if you are not expecting company
-if you are notified that a family member is hurt, or needs money. or is in jail, call another family member for confirmation before you do anything.

Strangers or strange vehicles: If you see anything suspicious that warrants a call to 9-1-1, please have the situation checked out by police. This includes work done on your property by utility companies. Society has changed; no matter where you or your family go, please be aware of your surroundings. If you observe anything at home, walking, or getting into your car, or anyone acting in a suspicious way, call 9-1-1 to have the situation checked.

Police Department: With the police department open from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday, call 598-2992 for general information. For water main breaks etc. call 598 -2151 after 5:00 P.M. and on weekends and holidays. For any emergency. call 9-1-1.

Special Watch: All residential streets have a 20 m.p.h. limit. The school zone limit is strictly enforced when children are present. Contact us if you feel the speed limit and stop signs are being ignored and we will request a special watch. If the problems continue to occur after the watch, do not hesitate to alert us.

Important phone numbers: City Hall is 598-3400. Community Resource and Parks is 430-4500. Police is 598-2992, and emergency is 9-1-1. After hours and weekends call 598-2151 for Police.

House Check and Vacation Watch: Our police department provides a very nice service to our residents. If you will be gone from your home for an extended time, call the station. A vacation watch can be provided.

Identity Theft: It is all too common to hear about identity theft problems. It can be troublesome for a long period of time. CALL POLICE IF YOU THINK THERE IS A PROBLEM.

Emergency Lights: The OPTICOM (Traffic Preempt System) is a small light over the intersection warning that an emergency vehicle will be approaching. Please be alert!

Food Pantry: If you are having a difficult time with medical problems or loss of a job, call Beth at Savior Divine Church (598-4434) at 10040 88th Avenue. for food assistance.

Vehicles: All vehicles parked on residential property must be registered (with current plates) and operable (no flat tires). No vehicle shall be parked on the grass, gravel or other improper extensions next to the driveway. All vehicles must be parked on the delineated driveway.

Street Parking: No parking on city streets between 2:00 and 6:00 A.M. unless you call the police department to get permission for night parking.

Snow: If 2 or more inches of snow is on the ground, no vehicle can be parked on the street. Please do not shovel snow into the street. Consider shoveling your sidewalks. Children as well as adults must walk in the street if the sidewalks are not cleared.

Caution: Do not use ovens for heat and keep space heaters away from anything flammable.

Dryer Vents: Be aware that lint buildup can cause fires.

Addresses: City ordinance #917 requires all homes and businesses have their addresses clearly visible from the street. Numbers cannot be less than 3 inches high.

Anonymous Information: Occasionally we are advised of information in the way of phone calls or letters. It is difficult if we canʼt contact you after we receive them, so always leave your name, address, and phone number. Your name will be kept confidential.

Yard Waste: Yard waste pickup will resume the first week of April until the last week of November. Yard waste stickers are available at City Hall with no charge.

PATSE: This special bus is for seniors and the disabled who have doctor appointments, shopping, hair appointments etc. Call 430-3822 for more information. Service is available weekdays from 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. by appointment.

Tornado Sirens: These sirens are typically designed to warn people who are outside that severe weather is approaching. If you are in a structure, be aware of the weather and move to a safe location.

Senior Water Program: Seniors can pay for actual water usage as opposed to the basic minimum fee. Come to City Hall to enroll or call 598-3400 for information.

Vehicle stickers: No fee vehicle stickers are available at City Hall.

Safety: No matter what time of year consider having outdoor lights to illuminate your property and possibly timers on lights inside your home. Lock windows and doors and be aware of suspicious activity. If you see unfamiliar vehicles or individuals, call 911 so they can be checked. Also the police department provides a great service of a vacation watch while you are away.

Neighbors: Please check on neighbors, especially the elderly, during extreme cold or hot conditions.

Senior Discounts: Fairplay in Hickory Hills offers a 5% discount on purchases up to $30 on Thursday.

City Council Meetings: Meetings are held on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Committee meetings begin at 6:30 and council meetings begin at 7:00. The public speaking portion of each meeting comes at the beginning.

Thank you ever so much for keeping us informed and being the Best Residents

Second Ward Aldermen

 

Pauline A. Stratton

Mark Brachman

430-2240 (pstratton@paloshillsweb.org)

710-9844 (m.brachman@sbcglobal.net)