Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Prairie Lakes Community Center
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

In attendance: 19 residents; Alderman Matt Bogusz; Jason Bajor, City Manager, Timothy Oakley, Director of Public Works and Engineering

Introduction, Ald. Bogusz
New series of Ward meetings, “Des Plaines 101” will focus on specific topics
Attendees will become better informed
Attendees will be able to inform neighbors about issues

Presentation on “Engineering 101” by Timothy Oakley
See Powerpoint file

Questions from Residents answered by Mr. Oakley

Will permeable concrete be used more often in Des Plaines?
Yes, the “green alleys” are in test phase. As they are proven to work, the concrete will be used in more alleys and other rights-of-way that are not heavily traveled as dirt can fill the porous spaces, making it ineffective.

Will more street lighting be installed in Des Plaines?
The tradition in Des Plaines has been to illuminate residential intersections and commercial areas. The city does not fund street lighting. Most street lighting is developer-funded.

Will anything be done with traffic signals?
The city owns only one traffic signal—at White and Oakton. All other signals are controlled by IDOT. Des Plaines will be painting signals black for aesthetics.

Water pools at Third and Prairie during storms, and Public Works employees arrive to do something with the sewer that alleviates the problem. What are they doing?
They could be rodding or using a T-Valve; however, there isn’t a valve in that intersection. Will look into issue. Residents should clean debris off sewer covers to assist with proper drainage.

Why do sanitary sewers back up?
Due to defects in the household systems. The city recommends that anyone with sewer backup problems should install “overhead plumbing.” One resident confirmed that this resolved the problem in her home.

Why is there more flooding since the Deep Tunnel project?
The reason for the flooding has to do with higher rainfall amounts. The Deep Tunnel project is not complete because a reservoir has not yet been built for the tunnel to empty into.

What is the lifespan of residential streets?
The cycle of a street’s lifespan begins in 10-15 years with resurfacing; with resurfacing again in another 10-15 years, and then reconstructing after the next 10-15 year time. Street conditions are given ratings by Public Works. 

After Mt. Prospect Rd. was redone, why did they recently put holes back in?
Mt. Prospect cut out holes in the concrete and filled them in again. This was concrete patching on bad areas that had settled.

How long are road contractors responsible for their work?
1 year; longer if an extended warranty was purchased.

Is Des Plaines preparing for the effects on weather of global warming?
More revenue would be needed for capital improvements.

When will Dempster Ave. at the River be finished?
There was a delay due to a design change. It has been resolved, and construction should be complete this week.

Questions from residents answered by Mr. Bajor

How much is the budget down?
Due to a decrease in sales tax from merchants and car dealers, the budget is down $2.5 million. The size of government is large and currently not sustainable with the budget we have. Tough decisions will need to be made on day-to-day expenses. Adequate staffing will be implemented. Beautification is still important in order to attract businesses and increase revenue. Casino revenue will be used to improve streets and pay off debt service.

If a gas tax of 1-2¢ is implemented, how will it benefit us?
A tax increase from the current 2¢ per gallon to 4¢ (Park Ridge has 4¢ per gallon) will directly fund street improvements. An increase will not shut down businesses or affect consumer choice.

How much will a property-tax increase mean to homeowners per month?
A 1% increase on a $300,000 home will equal $2 per month.

What about red-light cameras?
Other communities who have failed at this endeavor have looked at where to make revenue first. Des Plaines will look at safety issues first using traffic studies to determine the most unsafe intersections, then install. Implementation of the ticket process will be reasonable and judicious.

Has a new fire chief been brought in to reduce the work force?
No, he was the best possible candidate. Life safety is a priority. The new chief will assist with determining the most efficient way to run the department including the deployment of various apparatus, the number of firefighters sent on calls, and early retirement options for staff so that firefighters will not lose jobs.

Why is the Sysco retention pond still full? (Ald. Bogusz). An update is coming out this week.

Informal poll of audience

Should Des Plaines implement a gas tax to fund street improvements?
Yes (13)
No (6)

Should Des Plaines implement the use of red-light cameras to improve public safety?
Yes (10)
No (9)