TheROSE The Official Newsletter of the Village of Melrose Park Spring 2017 A Message From Mayor Ronald M. Serpico MP Residents Work Together to Make Our Community a Place We’re Proud to Call Home! Dear Neighbors, Flowers blooming, trees budding, this can mean only one thing … it’s time for spring-cleaning. The concept of spring-cleaning began in America during the 19th century. Back then, March and April were considered the best months for dusting because it was getting warm enough to open the house up, but not warm enough for insects to be a problem. It was also the time of year when coal fur- naces didn’t run and you could wash the soot from your home. Speaking of spring-cleaning, it’s time for me to clean a few items off my desk that contain information you might find helpful. The first item on my list concerns a recent Chicago Magazine article in which Melrose Park was named one of the three best suburbs for first-time homebuyers. This honor was possible because of our residents’shared commitment to maintaining their property. This joint effort makes Melrose Park a great place to live, work and raise a family. Again, hats off to everybody for making this honor possible. As they say, “It Takes a Village.” The second item deals with our village’s appearance. I would like to enlist all of you in the ongoing effort to keep our village clean. You can help do this by letting us know about a broken streetlight, a pothole or any other infrastructure repair issue by Ronald M. Serpico visiting the village website at www.melrosepark.org and clicking on the Report AProblem tab along the top menu bar. After Mayor you click, please fill out the form that appears, which is then sent to the proper department to correct the issue. The third item on my spring-cleaning list is to inform you that there is no better way to dispose of all the unwanted items that you come across during your own spring-cleaning than to host a garage sale. The first weekend to conduct a Melrose Park garage sale is May 18-20. No village permit is required but there are garage sale regulations that must be observed. Please visit our village website at www.melrosepark.org for more information. My fourth item is to thank to all the people who volunteered for the April 8 Silver Creek Beautification Project. This event, held regularly since 2007, has earned Melrose Park the prestigious Governor’s Hometown Award. This is another example of our residents coming together in order to assure our com- munity remains a place that people and businesses want to call home. The fifth item on my desk has to do with an exciting new development that is helping us to better communicate with area residents. Thanks to Shout Outdoor Media, Melrose Park is now running public service announcements on a large electronic billboard on the south side of North Avenue just east of the railroad underpass (around 27th Avenue). We have recently posted messages about Election Day, the opening of the Dog Park and the Sidewalk Replacement Program. So keep your eye out for future messages on this billboard. Finally, the last item on my list is to issue this reminder: After all the cleaning is done, reward yourself with some delicious food, drinks and great music at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Feast – July 13-16; the Taste of Melrose Park – Sept. 1-3; and HispanoFest – Sept. 8-10. Now go grab the Windex, Swipes, Pledge and dust cloths and get cleaning. Sincerely, Check Out www.MelrosePark.org to Learn More About Our Community! Mayor Ron Serpico Interested in becoming a sponsor for this year’s Taste of Melrose Park? See Pages 30-35. 1 Resident Village of Melrose Park Response Ronald M. Serpico, Mayor Mary Ann Paolantonio, Village Clerk Trustees Dear Mayor Serpico... Words cannot express what my daughters and I are feeling in our hearts. Anthony J. Abruzzo • Jaime Anguiano We are so grateful for the wonderful United States Marine Corp flag that Arturo J. Mota • Sonny Nicotera you hung on the lightpole in front of our house honoring Bill. Anthony J. Prignano • Mary Ramirez Taconi Every time I look at it, it puts a smile on my face. What a great thing you have done honoring our military. I know Bill is looking down on us and feeling very proud. #’ Please also thank the Melrose Park Youth Commission for their part in this great tribute. • Sincerely, s Maria Galvin To Know Dear Melrose Park Trustee Arturo Mota... We would like to thank you here or there. We would like to thank you any- where! We would like to thank you in a boat, we would like to thank you Village Hall............................................(708) 343-4000 with a goat, in the park or at the zoo ’cause that was awfully nice of you! Hours – Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being our special reader! Birth Certificates • First Copy – $12, additional copies $2 each • With much gratitude, Death Certificates • First Copy – $14, additional copies $4 each The Staff and Students of Riley Elementary School Water, Tickets, Etc. Dear Mayor Serpico... Office of the Mayor .............(708) 343-4000, Ext. 4410 This note is a simple thank you to let you know how I appreciate the Police Emergency....................................................911 bridge. Non-Emergency.................................(708) 344-8409 I grew up in Melrose Park from a baby to 12 years old, Melrose Park Animal Control......................................(708) 344-8409 School. As a child, I heard wishes for a bridge from adults around me. Fire Emergency.......................................................911 It is wonderful not to have to sit for 10-15 minutes to cross. Non-Emergency.................................(708) 344-1210 My parents bought a home in Maywood when we moved. Public Safety/Homeland Security..........(708) 649-8000 I’d like to thank you in person and also see Tony Prignano after all these Library.................................................(708) 343-3391 years. We were friends. Maybe that will happen. • Sincerely, Public Works........................................(708) 343-5128 Mrs. Evelyn Perkins Scales (Now senior at 80 years old – smile!) Building and Code.................................(708) 343-4000 Dear Mickenzie Vertuno Memorial Fraternal Order of Police... Civic Center.........................................(708) 450-0555 Thank you for your recent gift of $1,650 to help save lives from cancer. Hall and Field Rentals, Sports, Etc. More people are surviving cancer today than ever before and continued Community Service .............(708) 343-4000, Ext. 4448 advances in prevention, early detection and treatment promise greater Senior Services ..................(708) 343-4000, Ext. 4448 hope for the future. Your donation makes our work possible. Taste of Melrose Park Your generosity is helping us invest in groundbreaking cancer research Dial A Ride............................................(708) 343-7047 to better understand, prevent, find and treat the disease, provide free, com- prehensive information and support to those facing cancer when and Proviso Township Assessor.................(708) 449-4304 where they need it, and educate people about steps they can take to Economic Development.........................(708) 865-8809 reduce their cancer risk or find it early, when it’s most treatable. Thanks to continuing support from caring donors like you, we are working to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. Contributions like yours Important Upcoming Dates have enabled us to help save more than 1.7 million lives in the United States in the past two decades. Together, our continued efforts are working Village Board Meetings......April 24, May 8 and 22, June 12 to prevent even more cancer deaths, as well as continue to improve the lives of individuals with cancer. Village Hall Holiday Closing........................................May 29 To learn more about our lifesaving mission, how you can get involved, or how we can help you stay well and get well, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit Senior Club Meetings...................................May 11, June 8 cancer.org anytime, day or night. Thank you for your support. • American Cancer Society 2 Congratulations to Melrose Park Mayor Ronald M. Serpico from the Illinois State Crime Commission on Being Selected as the Recipient of the LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AS MAYOR OF THE DECADE AWARD! Dear Mayor Serpico... Melrose Park Highlighted in The West Central Municipal Conference would like to thank you and Forest Park Mayor Anthony Calderone for your role as Water Rate Task Force co- Chicago Magazine as chairs and leadership related to water rates for suburban customers. • Richard F. Pellegrino, Executive Director West Central Municipal Conference One of the Best Areas for Thank You... First-Time Buyers Asincere thank you to all you dedicated people who stood outside of the polling places handing out flyers on election day and a special thank you to all you fine men and women who spent countless hours in front of the The village of Melrose Park is currently featured in the April 2017 issue of Village Hall during early voting. Chicago Magazineas one of the best areas in the suburbs for first-time buyers. Your efforts did not go unnoticed and you were certainly appreciated. Chicagolooked for neighborhoods and close suburbs that show ‘good appre- May I say to each and every one of you, “Thank you for being a friend.” ciation and low volatility for condos and small • Melrose Park Trustee Sonny Nicotera homes in the $150,000-$450,000 range,’and good, strong schools. Dear Mayor Ronald Serpico... The article recognized Melrose Park as a tight knit, blue collar western suburb community containing several generations On behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Eagles – Aerie 1952, of families living within a few blocks of each other. we would like to thank you for sending Tim Ude (Melrose Park Fire The median house sale price listed was $170,000 with two-bedroom brick Department) for the training in the CPR classes on Saturday morning, ranch homes going for approximately $185,000. March 18, 2017. Today’s crime rate for the village was also mentioned as actually being lower • Thank you, than in tonier nearby suburbs like Oak Park. Fraternal Order of Eagles – Aerie 1952 (Melrose Park) One Melrose Park resident quoted in the article mentioned how everyone Santo Flores, Trustee knows each other and says hello. Vidal Rios, Secretary For more on the story, visit www.chicagomag.com. 3 Melrose Park Village Hall News Village Hall Hours – 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday Birth Certificates Birth Certificates – $12 for first copy, $2 each additional copy. We only provide birth certificates if the individual was born at Westlake Hospital or Gottlieb Hospital in Melrose Park. Birth certificates can be only be obtained by the individual themselves, a parent, or legal guardian. A valid ID is required or in a legal guardian case, the proper documentation is required along with the valid ID. Death Certificates Death Certificates – $17 for the first copy, $5 each additional copy. Vehicle Sticker Information New stickers can be purchased at the Village Hall. Sticker fees are as follows: Passenger Plates – $30 for two years. Senior Citizen – One free per household for two years. Trucks – Good for one year only. Fee structure is as follows: B PLATE ..................$50 P PLATE.................$105 D PLATE ..................$75 Q PLATE................$105 F PLATE...................$75 R PLATE.................$110 H PLATE ..................$75 S PLATE.................$115 J PLATE...................$80 T PLATE.................$125 K PLATE ..................$80 V PLATE ................$135 L PLATE...................$90 X PLATE ................$145 M PLATE..................$95 Z PLATE.................$155 N PLATE ................$100 All vehicle sticker sales are final. No refunds will be issued. For additional information, please call the Village Hall at (708) 343-4000. 4 How Melrose Park Voted In the April 4 Contested School Board Elections FOR PROVISO TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 209 BOARD DANIEL J. ADAMS.............................1486 TERESA D. McKELVY .........................1382 JACQUELINE M. WALTON...................1183 BRIAN M. CROSS ..............................1174 Samuel Valtierrez.................................................................................632 Amanda J. Grant .................................................................................603 Arbdella “Della” Patterson ...................................................................420 Rodney Alexander ...............................................................................368 FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT 89 BOARD VERONICA BONILLA-LOPEZ .................1441 SALLY ALONDRA CASILLAS ................1372 REGINA RIVERS .................................1353 Kimberly A. Hopson .............................................................................280 FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT 88 BOARD MARILYN A. THURMAN .........................87 KATIE S. ROSS......................................82 BARBARA CONNER ................................79 DELPHINE POWELL ................................68 Maria D. Perez.......................................................................................60 Deborah L. Giles....................................................................................32 Dorothy C. Smith ...................................................................................27 April Falco..............................................................................................26 5 A Gracious Thank You from the A Message Melrose Park F.O.P. from The Melrose Park Fraternal Order of Police, Mickinzie-Vertuno Memorial Lodge 19, would like to graciously thank everyone who helped make their Annual Pancake Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, held on Sunday, April 9, a major success. Your continued support, helps raise funds that are given back to the community to Police Chief help those in need. Sam C. Pitassi Sam C. Pitassi Melrose Park Police Chief Visit the Melrose Park Police Department Website at www.melroseparkpd.com • For Melrose Park Police Department Police Department Notice General Information Regarding Weekend Parking • To Pay Tickets • To Obtain Police Reports EFFECTIVE NOW THROUGH NOV. 1, 2017. The website can be translated to Parking is permitted on both sides of the street (weekends only) Spanish and Polish. Fridays 6 p.m. through Mondays 9 a.m. Violators will be ticketed. 6 Melrose Park Fire Department NEWS Melrose Park Firemen’s Association Annual Golf Outing Friday, June 30, 2017 Rick Beltrame White Pines Golf Club and Banquets Melrose Park Fire Chief A Message 10 a.m. Shotgun Start from Fire Chief Rick Beltrame Drawing: Friday, June 30, 2017. Winner need not be present. 7 Annual Choose Your Ride. Silver Creek Clean Up Saturday, April 8 DRINK. – THANK YOU TO ALL – DRIVE. GO TO JAIL! Melrose Park The Annual Spring Silver Creek Clean Up was held on Saturday, April 8, Police 2017. Agreat turnout of volunteers helped clean all debris and landscape material from and around the creek revitalizing the water system and sur- Department rounding area. The ongoing commitment to preserving Silver Creek from members of our community will continue to strengthen and enhance our community. Thank you to all who helped support this annual event. 8 Village of Melrose Park Village of Melrose Park Dog Park Dog Park Hours – 8 a.m.-8 p.m., seven days a week throughout the sum- Public Works mer and fall months. The fenced-in Dog Park is located at 13th and Main Street. Dog Park licenses are available at the Village Hall. Please follow rules posted at the park. Report From the Desk of Gary Marine, Tree Planting Director of Public Works If you are interested in a tree for the parkway, we are now compiling a list for fall tree planting. To request a tree, please call the Public Works The Public Works Employees have been busy preparing for the spring Department at (708) 343-5128. season. All spring equipment is ready to go at a moment’s notice. The following are projected projects, ongoing projects and recently TV Pickup completed projects. Please call and make arrangements with the Public Works Street Annual Spring Silver Creek Clean Up Department for pickup before putting out your TV. The Annual Spring Silver Creek Clean Up was held on Saturday, April 8, 15th Avenue Closing– 2017. Once again the cleanup was a great success and many volunteers came out to help clean up the creek. This yearly cleanup revitalizes the Removal and Replacement of creek and the surrounding area. 15th Avenue Bridge Project Street Repaving 15th Avenue from North Avenue to LeMoyne will be closed now through The following streets are currently being repaved: October 2017 in order to remove and replace the bridge on 15th Avenue. • Division Street – Fifth Avenue to First Avenue Detour signs will be posted for the duration of the project. Local traffic will be • 16th Avenue – Main Street to Lake Street permitted for the Pan American Bank, Burger King and Brown’s Chicken. • 17th Avenue – Main Street to Lake Street 17th Avenue will be a two-way street from North Avenue to LeMoyne. All • 18th Avenue – Main Street to Lake Street residents of 17th Avenue from North Avenue to LeMoyne will be relocated • Rice Street – 15th Avenue to 11th Avenue for parking from the west side of the 1800 block to the east side for the duration of the project. Feeding Wildlife Attention Winston Park Area Residents – Please refrain from feeding wildlife, especially deer, around the Winston Park area. The food is attracting skunks and raccoons and they are becoming a nui- sance throughout this area. 50/50 Sidewalk Program 2017 The 50/50 Sidewalk Project will begin in the summer. If you would like to participate in this program and request replacement of sidewalk squares, please call the Public Works Department at (708) 343-5128 for more infor- mation. Mayor Serpico’s Residential Painting Program for Individuals 65 Years of Age and Older Mayor Serpico announced the village of Melrose Park will once again offer the free Residential Painting Program for individuals 65 years of age and older who reside and own a single family home in Melrose Park. Those who qualify and need light paint work around their homes – fences, garage doors, railings, etc., (no interior painting or no interior or exterior carpentry) – are encouraged to complete the MPPainting Program Request Form (at right) and mail it to: The Village of Melrose Park Public Works Attn.: Gary M. Marine, Director of Public Works 1000 N. 25th Ave. • Melrose Park, IL60160 The Public Works employees are always in full force, working to keep the village of Melrose Park clean and well-maintained. If you have a request, please feel free to call Gary M. Marine, director of Public Works at (708) 343-5128. 9 Village of Melrose Park Construction Notice Construction Hours No construction or alteration activities shall be carried on between the nighttime hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. On Saturday, no construction or alteration activities shall be carried on between the nighttime hours of 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. On Sunday and federal holi- days, no construction or alteration activities shall be carried on between the nighttime hours of 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. Construction and alteration activities on Sundays and federal holidays shall not be accompanied by loud or annoying noises except in the case of an emergency. Emergency operations necessitating deviation from this section shall not be initi- ated until special permission is obtained from the director of Public Works. Construction or alteration activities with regard to public improvements and public service utilities, shall be exempt from this section. Any person violating this section shall be fined not less that fifty dollars ($50), nor more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750), for each offense, and each day's violation of the same shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. For the Best in Seasonal Specials! Creative Decorative Landscaping • Shrubs • Fertilizer MARK’S • Flowers • Gardens • And More! QUALITY Call Today – (708) 681-3384 Free Estimates LANDSCAPING Everyone Has the Right to & CLASSIC Want to have the CONCRETE Live Where They Choose nicest lawn on the block? BORDERS In the exercise of its power to regulate for the protec- tion of the public health, safety, morals and welfare, it is declared to be the public policy of the village to assure fair housing and freedom from discrimination For Lawn Expertise throughout the community, to protect the community Call Mark’s Quality Landscaping from the effects of residential segregation by race, Village of color, religion, sex, physical or mental handicap, Residential and Commercial Melrose Park familial status or national origin, and to secure to its Customized Lawn Service Programs Also citizens the economic, social, and professional ben- Available Tailored to Fit All Needs and Budgets efits of living in an integrated and stable society. • Sod • Trees • Shrubs • Evergreens The Department of Housing and Urban • Gravel • Mulch • Boulders Development (HUD) Administers The Federal Fair Excellent pricing on lawn mowing • Bush Trimming Housing Act. and lawn care applications. Free Estimates Every first Monday of the month the Fair Housing Locally owned and operated. Call (708)681-3384 Review Board meets at 6 p.m. in the Village of Melrose Park (1000 N. 25th Ave.). If you feel you have Gift Certificates Available We Now Install Senior Citizen Discounts been discriminated in any way while renting, purchasing or selling a home Paver Brick Patios, you are welcome to attend our meetings to present your case. “Any Job – Big or Small, Walkways and We Do Them All! Village of Melrose Park Driveways James M. Vasselli, Office of the Village Attorney (708) 343-4000, Ext. 4487 10