The Village of Skokie reminds residents that the deadline for filing for federal disaster aid due to the recent floods is December 2nd. No claims for property damage repair will be accepted after that date. 

 

Skokie officials are specifically urging homeowners affected by the floods to determine if their furnaces or heaters were damaged. "If you had flooding in your basement caused by the September 2008 rain event, be sure to check your furnaces and heaters are properly working."

 

For more information on how you can file a claim with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) please visit www.FEMA.org or call toll-free 1.800.621.3362.

 

  

For more information, contact:

The Village of Skokie

5127 Oakton Street

Skokie, IL 

Phone: 847.673.0500

Website: www.skokie.org

 

  

 

The Skokie Plan Commission is revising zoning codes to allow property owners to install wind turbines to generate their own electricy.

 

"The development of alternate energy sources is a worthwhile public goal,'' said Skokie Plan Commissioner Kimberly Porter. "Current zoning regulations are silent with regards to standards relating to the locatio nand use of wind energy systems.''

 

The amending to the Village's zoning code would require homeowners to apply for installation of wind turbines and set noise and safety specifications. Homeowners would be able to install wind turbines to offset the cost of commercial electricity, and would be able to sell any excess electricity to the local utility.

 

The zoning revisions are expected to be considered by the Village Board early next year.

 

 

Courtesy of Skokie News, Thursday, November 13, 2008 

  

 

The Village of Skokie government cares about its citizens. Every month the Health Department has free or low-cost clinics that aid citizens in pursuit of good health.   For more information, contact the Health Department at 847.933.8252. Or visit http://www.skokie.org/DirectoryOfHealthServices.cfm for a complete list of the Village's health services.

 

December's schedule includes:

 

Blood Drives 

* Dec. 7th: Blood Drive, from 8am to noon, at Temple Beth Israel, 3601 Dempster

* Dec. 19th: Blood Drive, from 2 to 7:30pm, at Skokie Village Hall, 5217 Oakton, Skokie.   

 

Scheduled Services

* Diabetes Screening:

December 9th, 9am to noon

Requires advanced registration.

 

* Hearing Screening:

Dec. 19th, 9am to noon

Requires advanced registration. 

 

* Immunization Clinics:

Dec. 10th, 1:30 to 4pm

Dec. 24th, 1:30 to 4pm

Requires advanced registration.

 

* Lead Screening:

Dec. 3rd, 2 to 4pm

Fee: $18. Requires advanced registration.

 

* Nicotine Addiction Seminar:

Dec. 17th, 7 to 9pm

Requires advanced registration.

 

* Nutrition Clinic:

Dec. 11th, 9am to 1pm

Requires advanced registration. 

 

* Nutrition Lecture: "Scale Down! Eat Right!"

Dec. 11th at 2pm 

 

* Well Child Clinic:

Dec. 16th, 8:30am to 3pm

Requires advanced registration.

 

Ongoing Services

* Blood Pressure Screenings at 5127 Oakton Street:

Tuesdays, 3 to 4:45 pm

Wednesdays, 9 to 10:30 am and 5 to 8pm

Thursdays, 3 to 4:45pm

 

* Body Composition Analysis:

Mondays, 2 to 4:30pm

Wednesdays, 5 to 8pm 

Thursdays, 9 am to noon

Fee: $4. Requires advanced registration.

 

* Cholesterol Screenings:

Mondays, 9am to 1pm

Thursdays, 1 to 4pm

Fee: $5

 

* Immunization Clinics:

Tuesdays, 9am to noon

Wednesday, 5 to 8pm

Requires advanced registration. 

Lead Screenings:

Wednesdays, 5 to 8pm

Fee: $20

 

*  Lipid Profile Screenings:

Mondays, 9 am to noon

Wednesdays, 5 to 8pm

Thursdays, 9am to noon

Fee: $12. Requires advanced registration.

 

* Tuberculosis Skin Testings:

Tuesdays, 1 to 4:45pm

Fridays, 9am to 1pm

Requires advanced registration.

  

 

 

 

I want to sincerely thank each and every person who provided their support to my campaign for re-election. Because of you, we were victorious on Nov. 4.

 

I also want to tahnk all of my volunteers who invested their time and energy into forming a winning campaign team. All of your  help truly made a difference. I could not have won without all of your hard work.

 

I consider it a real honor and a privilege to serve this district in Springfield. I take great pride in being your independent voice and fighting for the issues that you care about. As we move forward into another legislative session, I will remain committed to passing meaningful legislation that enhances the quality of life in the 17th House District and throughout Illinois.

 

Once again, thank you for the honor of serving you in Springfield.

 

Beth Coulson

State Representative, 17th District

 

Courtesy of the Skokie Review Thursday, November 13, 2008

The Office of Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky is available to assist the Latino/Latina community with issues that you may be experiencing with a variety of federal agencies. We are also here to listen to questions, ideas or fustrations regarding the federal government.

 

 

Our office will answer your questions and/or find solutions relating to:

 

• Immigration
• Federal Subsidies
• Military issues
• Public Housing
• Social Security
• Benefits for Veterans
• Medicare
• Postal Issues

 

 

 

Come meet Taina I. Rodríguez, Constituent Advocate for Congresswoman Schakowsky, the first Wednesday of every month. She is available from 7 to 9pm in the west lobby of the Skokie Public Library.

 

 

The U.S. Census Bureau is interviewing for temporary part-time census jobs for the 2010 Census. Thousands of census takers are needed to update address lists and conduct interviews with residents. Bilingual speakers are encouraged to apply.

 

Qualifying tests will be held at the Willow Park Fieldhouse, 2600 Greenwood, Glenview on the following dates and times:

November 19th and November 21st at 10:30am.

November 18th and November 20th at 1:30pm.

 

Every decade the U.S. Census Bureau conducts a count of the nation's population. The results help determine your representation in government, such as how federal funds will be spent in your community on roads, parks, housing, schools and public safety. Census takers play a vital role in ensuring communities receive proper funding from the federal government.

 

Most positions require employees to be able to speak English, and to have a valid driver's license and use of a vehicle. Public transportation may be authorized in certain areas. Employment eligilibility must also be verified so bring a U.S. passport, birth certificate, Social Security card and state driver's license or ID.

 

Census jobs are excellent for retirees, college students, persons who want to work part-time, persons who are between jobs, or just about anyone who wants to earn extra money while performing an important service for  communities. "The pay is good, the hours are flexible, and the work is close to home," the Bureau declares.

 

Call 1.866.861.2010 to find out more information, or to determine other times and locations to take the qualifying test.

Or visit http://www.census.gov/hrd/www/jobs/fo.html

 

 

 

He wants to spread kindness. So Skokie resident Norman Kozak addressed the Village's Human Relations Commission October 23rd in an effort to bolster support for his idea of a "Skokie Kindness Day." Mr. Kozak spoke to the board for 20 minutes about the benefits in implementing the special day. Talks and promotion of the idea are ongoing.

 

 

 

The Village of Skokie is proud to be a part of "Clean Air Counts," a Northeastern Illinois regional initiative to reduce ozone-causing emissions, thereby improving air quality and enabling economic development. You can visit Skokie's 'Going Green" page at http://www.skokie.org/Green.cfm.

 

Clean Air Counts is a collaborative effort between the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, City of Chicago, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5, and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. This multi-year initiative seeks to achieve specific and significant reductions in targeted smog-forming pollutants and major reductions in energy consumption.

 

Businesses and individuals can join online at http://www.cleanaircounts.org/registration/registration_intro.aspx

 

Among the strategies that Clean Air Counts advocates are:

* Using efficient lighting.

* Creating high-efficent buildings as advocated by the federal government's "Energy Star" program.

* Purchasing "Energy Star" office equipment.

* Replacing old gas cans for lower-polluting new cans.

* Encouraging gas-operated lawn equipment "buy-back" events.

* Using low "volatile organic compounds" (VOCs) in construction, cleaning supplies and paint.  (You can get more information on VOCs at http://www.cleanaircounts.org/campaigns/buildingproducts102006.pdf)

* Encouraging 'natural landscaping."

* Reducing diesel emissions by installing cleaner filters.

* Reducing driving time by individuals and employees and encouraging the use of public transportation.

 

 For information about joining, contact:
 CLEAN AIR COUNTS

 177 North State Street, 5th Floor

 Chicago, IL 60601

 Email:  info@cleanaircounts 

The Village of Skokie's annual Assist-A-Family program collects gift certificates and financial donations for Skokie families in need each holiday season.  The Human Services Division interviews each family that applies for the program and encourages them to return for more counseling.  Only the very neediest Skokie families and children are selected as program participants.  The Assist-A-Family program provides gift certificates to purchase food, household necessities and gift items for each child served by the program.  For more information on donating to this program, please click here or call the Human Services Division at 847/933-8208. 

Skokie residents recently received property tax bills, many of which were significantly higher than in previous years. According to an analysis conducted by the Village, the average property tax bill increased by 13%. Village of Skokie property taxes have been frozen for 17 consecutive years. In 1990, the Village board pledged to freeze property taxes for five years.

 

Through conservative budgeting and strategic economic development, the Village Board has extended the property tax freeze for an additional 12 years. In 1990, the Village received $15.4 million in property tax revenue; in 2007, the Village received this exact same amount. Cook County's triennial reassessment is reflected in the most recent property tax bills. Skokie's value as a whole increased by 17%, with individual property assessed valuations increasing from 14.6% to as much as 64.7% The Village of Skokie is but one of 15 taxing jurisdictions on a property tax bill.

 

Other jurisdictions include Cook County, elementary and high school districts, the Skokie Park District, Oakton Community College, etc. Elementary and high school districts account for nearly 67% of an average property tax bill, and tax caps do not apply to referendum-approved increases.

 

While Skokie has successfully kept its property taxes frozen since 1990, the Village has no control over other jurisdiction's taxes, the Cook County property tax assessment process or the impacts of tax and assessment appeals by homeowners and businesses, all of which combine to impact the total amount of property taxes paid by Skokie residents and businesses. For more information, please click here.

 

Property owners should ensure that they receive any property tax exemptions for which they are eligible, such as a homeowner exemption, long-time home occupant exemption or senior citizen exemption. Please contact the Niles Township Assessor's Office at 847/673-9300 or visit www.nilestownshipassessor.com for more information.

Last week, severe storms hit our area and flooded hundreds of homes and businesses. My home and many of my neighbors were among those impacted. In order to help families and business owners recover from the devastation, I took immediate action. To receive federal assistance, there are essential steps that must be taken.

 

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is required to submit a preliminary assessment to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regarding the level of damage. Due to the fact that the administration was delaying in completing this important process, I filed House Resolution 1531 on Monday which urges IEMA to complete and submit its preliminary damage assessment for the flooding that occurred in the our state during September to FEMA as soon as possible.

 

I am pleased to announce that the Preliminary Damage Assessment has begun by IEMA, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Governor has sent a letter to President Bush to declare Cook and six other counties as disaster areas. A federal disaster declaration would provide for various types of assistance including low-interest loans, grant money for temporary residence, home repairs, medical or dental care, funeral expenses, and future storm prevention projects.

 

As we work to replace what was lost and repair what was damaged, I want you to know I am committed to securing any and all assistance possible for those in need. I will continue to keep you updated on my progress and will email you with all federal assistance information as I receive it.

 

As always, do not hesitate to contact my district office at (847) 724-3233 with any questions or concerns you may have.

 

Sincerely,

   

 

 

 

 

Elizabeth Coulson

State Representative – 17th District

 

 

Tree damage by the ash borer infestation has made it necessary for Skokie to request more than $11,677 for a grant to pay for replacement plantings. As many as 225 ash trees have been slated for removal. Public Works Director Max Slankard said that Village staff recently removed 75 ash trees and is in the process of planting 90 new trees. The area along Crawford Avenue from Old Orchard Road to Oakton Street has been hit particularly hard. Courtesy of the Skokie Review, May 8, 2008.

Don't pollute by throwing old medications in the trash or flushing them down the toilet. Instead, you may bring them to the Skokie Health Department during normal business hours at the Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street. Please leave the label with the name of the drug on the bottle so it can be logged for proper disposal. Personal information can be blotted out or cut from the label to protect your privacy. Call the Skokie Health Department 847.933.8252 for more information.

Park Districts in Evanston, Glenview and Morton Grove each received $400,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grants due to State Rep. Elizabeth Coulson's (17th District) efforts. Open space will be preserved and recreational opportunities will be enhanced in these communities for the benefit of all.

Beginning Saturday, May 3 and continuing through Saturday, October 25, 2008, Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street, will be open on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. until noon. The building is open for Finance Department transactions only, including vehicle sticker sales that begin on June 1. Regular Village Hall hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Skokie Caucus Party has elected Pramod Shah as vice chairman and Angeles "Jelly" Carandang as treasurer reflecting the more diverse make-up of the village. Although minorities are serving in various capacities throughout the village government, the board is still comprised of Caucasians. With the next Village Board election in 2009, this is expected to change. Shah maintains that "the party is opening up for members of diverse backgrounds." The Caucus Party recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Courtesy of the Skokie Review, March 27, 2008.

Officials at the Wilmette and Evanston water treatment plants that supply water to Skokie say the recent reports of pharmaceutical drugs found in drinking water do not warrant additional testing of the local supplies. Close attention is being paid, however. Nabil Quafisheh, assistant superintendent of Wilmette's plant, said "We do a lot of different testing, but there are thousands upon thousands of those chemicals, and what are you going to test for and how far?" Quafisheh said the risk is very minimal and that the waste water of Chicago and surrounding suburbs flows away from Lake Michigan, through the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. Courtesy of the Skokie Review, March 27, 2008.

A new zoning commission is being formed to review the current zoning scheme for Skokie to study major changes made to the village's comprehensive plan. The Village Board will give a final vote on Monday, March 24, 2008. Corporation Counsel Pat Hanley said the commission will doncut public meetings and hearings and will make recommendation when necessary. The review of the comprehensive plan should be completed before March 31, 2009. Courtesy of the Skokie Review, March 20, 2008.

Local consumer activist Lisa Lipin is more than pleased with the passage of a tough bill which overhauls the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and includs increases their budget over the next four years. Skokie resident Lipin became involved in consumer protection advocacy when she experienced a near tragedy with her son and a yo-yo water ball toy. The bill calls for setting new limits on the levels of lead paint in children's toys, protection for whistle-blowers, and addresses safety standards for all-terrain vehicles and portable gas cans. Courtesy of the Skokie Review, March 20, 2008.