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Municipal Services

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1. What are the guidelines for memorial ribbons on parkway trees?

The Village recognizes the community solidarity that is demonstrated by placing memorial ribbons on parkway and private trees. There is some concern, however, about the potential health impact on the trees - particularly when the use of materials like plastic can contribute to the formation of mold, mildew or trunk rot. Therefore, the Village is outlining a simple set of guidelines for residents wishing to place memorial decorations on parkway trees:

• Decorations shall be limited to a single ribbon made of cloth, wrapped around the primary trunk of the tree at chest height. No plastic bags or other material may be used
• Any ribbon placed shall not weigh more than 1.5 lbs and shall not have any additional decorative items beyond that which is printed on the material
• No decorations shall be placed on any branches or secondary trunks of the tree
• The Public Works department reserves the right to remove any decorations on parkway trees at its discretion, if the decorations are determined to negatively impact the health, shape or aesthetic of the tree
• All ribbons located on private property may remain at the discretion of the property owner

2. What do I have to do to have a Block Party?

It is necessary for the Village to be aware of the date, time and location of a block party in order to provide for the safety of the attendees, as well as contingency plans, if an emergency arises in which the street on which the party is held would be ordinarily used for access.

Current Village policy requires that any block desiring to hold a block party obtain a permit not less than one week in advance of the event. The permit is granted simply by filling out the block party Consent Form and paying the $50 deposit. The form is available at the Village Hall or online here. Print the Consent Form, get it filled out by your neighbors and return it to the Public Works Department. The Public Works Department will process the permit, notifying the Fire and Police Departments of the scheduled event. The $50 deposit is required for the orange cones and will be returned when the cones are picked up by the Public Works Department. On Friday afternoon preceding the weekend event, the Public Works Department will deliver the necessary orange barricade cones to a designated person for use during the block party. The cones will be picked up by the Public Works Department on Monday morning following the event. Any further concerns should be directed to 708-246-1800, Ext. 200.

3. When is hydrant flushing conducted?

Every spring the Village tests the water flow and pressure for all fire hydrants. Water discoloration may occur during the testing process; however, the discoloration is harmless. Running water from a fixture located in the lowest level of your home, until it is clear, should alleviate discoloration. Avoid doing laundry or using the dishwasher until the water is clear. Hydrant flushing is scheduled by neighborhood association and daily updates are available at (708) 246-1800, Ext. 305. Residents may also receive updates by subscribing to announcements from the Department of Municipal Services at Notify Me.

4. Does the Village pick up branches?

The Village only picks up branches following a severe storm. Fallen branches should be moved to the curb no later than 48 hours following a storm. If branches have not been picked up residents should follow up with the Public Works Department no later than one week following a storm event. 

If branches are moved to the curb as a result of a snow storm, residents should contact the Public Works Department as soon as possible to notify the location of the branches. All regular tree trimmings must be disposed of through the yard waste program.

Refuse & Yardwaste Guidelines

5. How can I get a load of mulch?

Mulch is available year-round to residents outside the Public Works Garage, located 1440 Hillgrove Ave. If supply permits, truckloads of mulch (approximately three cubic yards) are available for delivery in the spring. Residents may request a delivery by calling the Public Works Department at (708) 246-1800, Ext. 200 or send an email to jpesek@wsprings.com .

 

6. What are the parking restrictions during snow removal?

When snow begins, residents should make every effort to remove parked cars from streets. Clear streets allow Village staff to salt, and later plow when snow accumulates beyond two inches. It is illegal to park on any street for 12 hours after a snowfall of four or more inches.

7. When is the Village's Leaf Removal Program?

The village removes leaves from residential streets beginning in late October and ending the first week of December. Leaf removal begins as early as 6:00 AM and may continue into the evening. In early October, an informational postcard is mailed to residents explaining the leaf removal program and schedule. Residents may also receive information on the program by subscribing to announcements from the Department of Municipal Services at Notify Me. Only leaves should be raked into the gutter. Other landscaping materials such as plants, grass, branches or pumpkins should not be raked into the street. Residents parking on residential streets should exercise caution during this time as hot automobiles can easily ignite large piles of leaves.

During the removal process, residents can call the Leaf Hotline, 708-246-1800, ext. 305, for daily schedule updates.

8. What do I do if my sewer backs up into my home?

If a home is experiencing a sewer backup into the basement, the Public Works Department will respond by checking the main sewer line for any blockages or problems. If the main sewer line is free of blockages, then the department will recommend the homeowner contact a licensed plumber to investigage the backup in the property sewer connection. During business hours (M-F/8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.), please contact Public Works at (708) 246-1800 x 200. After business hours, call the non-emergency number for the Police Department at (708) 246-8540.

9. My street light is not working. Who do I contact?

Both the Village of Western Springs and ComEd repair the street lights in the Village. The street lights repaired by the Village include the lights in the downtown business district and the neighborhoods of Springdale, Fairview Estates and Commonwealth. The remainder of the Village is maintained by ComEd.

When a street light maintained by ComEd is burned out, a Request for Repair needs to be sent to ComEd. Anyone can fill out the form online at www.ComED.com. It is not necessary to contact the Village to report a burned-out ComEd street light.

For lights maintained by the Village, please report the burned-out light to Public Works at (708) 246-1800, Ext. 200 or through our online request system.

10. I would like a new tree on my parkway. Who do I contact?

The tree replacement program allows residents to replace parkway trees and share the cost with the Village. A parkway tree replacement form needs to be completed and submitted in early February to ensure an April planting. Residents are prohibited from planting their own tree in the parkway. Permission is needed for the specific location, spacing and species. Please call (708) 246-1800, Ext. 200 or email jpesek@wsprings.com to be placed on the tree replacement list.

11. How do I report a water main break?

The Department of Public Works is available to repair water main breaks 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you know of a possible water main break during business hours (M-F/8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.), please contact Public Works at (708) 246-1800 x 200. After business hours, call the non-emergency number for the Police Department at (708) 246-8540.

12. Are there watering restrictions during the summer months?

There are no restrictions for water usage during the summer months; however, residents are asked to voluntarily observe conservancy.

13. Does the Village have a cost-sharing program for sidewalk replacement?

The Village will replace an existing sidewalk square with a vertical displacement trip hazard of 1 1/4" or more at no cost to the resident. Cracked sidewalks that do not meet the trip hazard requirement can be replaced with the resident paying 60% of the Village's contractor's price. If you are interested in replacement of an existing sidewalk square, please contact the Public Works Department at (708) 246-1800, Ext. 200. Replacement is done in the summer and requests made after commencement of work will be placed on the list for replacement the next season

14. Who is responsible for water and sewer services?

The Village maintains and operates the main sewer and water services throughout the Village. All connections from a private residence or business all the way to and including the connection to the water or sewer main are the responsibility of the resident. Municipal Code

15. I have damaged curb in front of my home, can the Village replace it?

The Village does not have a formal curb replacement program, staff from the Municipal Services Department, (708) 246-1800, Ext. 200, can come out and inspect any damaged curb or gutter upon request.

Curb and gutter will only be replaced if it is determined to impede the flow of storm water and if funds are available for replacement.

16. The tree in my parkway has an "X" on it. What does this mean?

If a tree in the parkway has a green "X", this means the tree will be trimmed by the Village through the tree trimming program. If a tree has a red/orange "X", this means the tree is dead or diseased and will be removed.

17. How are the trees in the parkway trimmed?

Parkway trees greater than 7 inches in diameter are trimmed of dead, dying, diseased, interfering, objectionable and weak branches, every five years by a contractor hired by the Village. Smaller trees are regularly trimmed by Village crews of branches that are identified as hazards of 4" or greater in diameter.

Residents may request permission from the Public Works Department to hire a certified arborist or forester to trim a tree in front of their home. Qualifications and contractor information must be submitted to the Public Works Department for review and permission must be granted in writing by the Public Works Department if any private trimming is to be allowed.

To submit a request to have the Village Forester inspect a tree, please use the online form or contact (708) 246-1800, Ext. 200.

18. ComED is trimming trees in my area, what does that mean?

Per state statutory requirements ComED is required to perform vegetation management in all areas where its utility lines reside to ensure system electrical reliability. Tree trimming and in some cases the removal of trees by ComED and its contractors is permitted to take place on Village right of way and on private property.

The Village does not oversee ComED's vegetation management practices and ComED has discretion to manage vegetation in and around utility easements near its systems.

ComED is required to notify affected customers and property owners with (i) a statement of the vegetation management activities planned, (ii) the address of a website and a toll free telephone number at which a written disclosure of all dispute resolution opportunities and processes, rights, and remedies provided by the electric public utility may be obtained, (iii) a statement that the customer and the property owner may appeal the planned vegetation management activities through the electric public utility and the Illinois Commerce Commission, (iv) a toll-free telephone number through which communication may be had with a representative of the electric public utility regarding the vegetation management activities, and (v) the telephone number of the Consumer Affairs Officer of the Illinois Commerce Commission. The notice also stated that circuit maps or common addresses of the area to be affected by the vegetation management activities are on file with the local municipal or county office.

Notices for tree trimming and other management practices from ComED will be posted on the Village's website as they become available. Questions pertaining to ComED's tree trimming practices should be directed to ComED at 1-800-334-7661 or at the link below. ComED's Right Tree, Right Place Program

19. I would like a new tree on my parkway. Who do I contact?

The tree replacement program allows residents to replace parkway trees and share the cost with the Village. A parkway tree replacement form needs to be completed and submitted in early February to ensure an April planting. Residents are prohibited from planting their own tree in the parkway. Permission is needed for the specific location, spacing and species. Please call (708) 246-1800, Ext. 200 or email rtiritilli@wsprings.com to be placed on the tree replacement list.