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2020 Letters
Dear Friends,
I would like to welcome you to our first edition of Advantages! This publication will provide an update to our residents highlighting the most important Village news and activities. We hope you enjoy it and find great value in its content. I encourage your comments and suggestions for making future editions even more useful. Additionally, regular information can be found through various sources including ACTV, our Addison Connected App, AddisonAdvantage.org, our Facebook page, our YouTube Channel, and Twitter.
This has been a year of drastic change to our everyday lives. Many of the activities that we have come to take for granted have been curtailed or eliminated. Because of COVID-19, we were forced to close the Village Hall to the public as we moved into a “virtual” world. Clearly, it hasn’t been business as usual.
The impact of the virus on the health and safety of our residents has been a major concern, just as the health and viability of our businesses has been. We have initiated COVID-19 educational programs, distributed information and supplies to our residents in efforts to minimize the spread, and we have provided financial relief to many of our businesses by abating licensing fees, relaxing restrictions on hours of operation, signage, and outdoor dining. As we head into the winter months, we will continue to provide support to our residents and businesses in overcoming the effects of the pandemic.
But there’s more to 2020 than COVID-19. We’ve seen remarkable growth in housing, new and significant growth in our industrial parks, and improvements to our infrastructure.
As for celebrating Addison, the annual tree lighting will be different this year, but the lights will be brighter than ever, and able to be enjoyed virtually. With the help of the Fire District and Police Department, Santa Claus will be visiting our neighborhoods on Saturday, Dec. 5 and 19. We’re already booking bands for the return of Rock ‘n Wheels 2021, and planning for the Addison/Shriners Parade on Aug. 29.
Addison is strong and resilient. We come together when facing adversity. We come together to celebrate our successes. 2020 has proven this to be true, and that is the Addison Advantage!
Respectfully,
Rich Veenstra
Oct. 21, 2020
To my fellow residents,
Yesterday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced that new mitigation guidelines will take effect throughout DuPage County beginning this Friday, Oct. 23. This is due to ongoing increased positivity rates in testing for COVID-19. These new mitigations are aimed at reducing the spread of the virus before our healthcare facilities become overwhelmed.
We all play a role in these efforts. It is incumbent on all of us to follow health guidelines, especially the 3 Ws: wash your hands, wear your mask, and watch your distance from others. Our region has seen a significant increase in the number of positive test results. While I’m happy to see the severity of cases waning – our hospitalization rate is low, compared to the number of actual cases – we need to slow the spread of COVID-19 by adhering to the Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines.
It is important for all of us to do what we can to help. Over the past few weekends, I have been joined by Village staff, representatives from District 88, and community volunteers in passing out free COVID-19 Essentials Kits, which include hand sanitizer, masks and educational materials. I’m asking you to do your part to ensure that you and all the members of your family comply with the health guidelines, and in doing so, insure the health and safety of our community.
As Mayor, I have a responsibility to watch out for the health and safety of our residents … but also for the health of our business community. These new mitigation guidelines will once again require restaurants and bars to limit their service to outdoors and carryout. In other words, this endangers the viability of these businesses.
As I’m sure you know, all restaurants have suffered during the pandemic. These new restrictions will be very difficult for them. I want to remind everyone that we have a wide variety of takeout options from our Addison restaurants, and I ask that you support them whenever you can. For a list of restaurants, visit ItHappensInAddison.com.
Please be careful, follow guidelines, and most of all, stay healthy!
Best wishes,
Rich Veenstra
Mayor
June 30, 2020
MESSAGE MAYOR RICH VEENSTRA:
The past few months have certainly been historic, if not chaotic. Because of Covid-19, we have all been forced to make dramatic changes to our daily lives. The economic hardships caused by the pandemic have affected virtually every sector of the country, and Addison is no exception. But as always, we have come together to help one another.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, School Districts 4 and 88 have worked with other local agencies to provide more than 250,000 meals to children who otherwise would have gone without lunches. The Addison Township Food Pantry, supported by donations of food, money, and manpower from the Village, local churches, and charitable organizations have been able to provide relief to nearly 600 families each week. Businesses, themselves hard hit by the quarantine, have found ways to support many of our charities whose resources have been depleted. I asked our Police Department to pay special attention to the needs of our senior population, a group most at risk, and they responded by creating a call list and began well-being calls several time a week to more than 250 residents.
The intergovernmental cooperation and coordination of resources between the Village, the school districts, the Fire Protection District, the Library and Park Districts, and the Township was truly remarkable. In addition to their normal activities, the Addison Fire District was instrumental in providing needed masks for the various agencies. And while Addison had a very high incidence of Covid-19 cases, through the diligent efforts of each of you in complying with the Board of Health guidelines, we went from a high of 254 active cases on May 25 to 34 cases on June 25.
Now, as we head into the second month of summer, our region of the State of Illinois heads into Phase 4 of Governor Pritzker’s “Restore Illinois” Plan. And with Phase 4, our lives will start to return to what has been described as a “new normalcy”. In addition to outdoor dining, restaurants will be able to begin serving indoors, albeit at reduced capacity, while other businesses will also be allowed to open months after being forced to close. I encourage you to patronize our local businesses whenever possible.
Addison has done exceptionally well in effectively dealing with Covid-19 and in complying with health department guidelines. But while optimism comes with the relaxing of the Governor’s executive orders, we must be cognizant of the fact that Covid-19 continues to be a real threat to our community. One needs only to look at other states to see that disregard to health department guidelines causes a resurgence of the virus and a need to return to more austere restrictions.
We have “flattened the curve” here in Addison, and as we continue to follow current health guidelines, the number of active COVID-19 cases will continue to decline.
I encourage all our residents to stay safe and healthy while looking forward to our fully restored future, because that future depends on what we do today.
Respectfully,
Rich Veenstra
VILLAGE OF ADDISON DEPARTMENT NEWS:
Administration Department
New Village Manager: At the May 4 Village Board meeting, Mayor Rich Veenstra nominated Joe Maranowicz as the new Village Manager; it was approved unanimously by the Village Board. Joe is a 20-year veteran of the Addison Police Department and has served as Deputy Police Chief of the Support Services Division since May of 2014. He has a Bachelor's degree in Management from DeVry University and a Master’s degree from Lewis University in Public Safety Administration. A new era for the Village of Addison has begun – congratulations, Joe!
Get "Connected": The Village of Addison has debuted a NEW mobile app, allowing better communication with our residents and improving response time to reported
problems. "Addison Connected," is now available in the Apple App Store and Google Play. Download it now to learn about businesses in the community, connect to social media, contact staff and elected officials, and report problems you see in the community.To download, search for “Village of Addison” in the Apple App Store or Google Play, or click on one of these links: Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/addison-connected/id1483963420?ls=1
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.civicapps.addisonvillage
Interested in Employment?: If so, please visit our Job Opportunities page and subscribe to be notified when new postings are available. All individuals wishing to apply for employment opportunities must complete a Village of Addison Application for Employment Form. Applications can be obtained at the Village Hall either in the Administration Department, Room 2100, or downloaded.
Applicants will be notified by letter of the test date for this position, where applicable. All completed applications must be directed to the Director of Human Resources/Risk Management, either via regular mail at 1 Friendship Plaza, Addison, Illinois 60101, emailed to KAugusewicz@addison-il.org, or submitted personally to the Administration Department, Room 2100 of the Village Hall by no later than the deadline given on the employment opportunity announcement. Applications submitted after the deadline will NOT be accepted. Only one application per person, per testing cycle is accepted.
Community Relations Department
Virtual Rock 'n Wheels: Thursday evenings won’t be the same this summer in Addison, due to the cancellation of the Rock ‘n Wheels summer concert series, but the Village of Addison hopes to give the community the chance to relive the memories with a “Virtual Rock ‘n Wheels” series on Addison Community Television.
Every Thursday in June, July and August, highlights from past Rock ‘n Wheels concerts will air from 7 to 9 p.m. While enjoying the great music and memories, residents are encouraged to enjoy some of the same great food that they would have experienced at the event, by patronizing an Addison restaurant for carryout or delivery. Addison Community Television can be seen on Comcast Cable Channel 6, AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, or can be streamed live.
“Virtual Rock ‘n Wheels” are scheduled in conjunction with the Village’s new “Get the Addison Appetite” campaign. This initiative helps remind residents of the wide array of offerings available at Addison restaurants. Residents can link to these venues at ItHappensInAddison.com.
Garage Sales and Block Parties: as the State of Illinois has progressed into Phase 4 of Governor Pritzker's "Restore Illinois" Plan, residents may now apply for garage sale and block party permits, while agreeing to abide by social distancing guidelines outlined by the State. Information about permits is available here.
Finance Department
Vehicle Stickers Go On Sale August 1: Vehicle sticker renewals will be mailed on or about July 30; if you do not receive your renewal form, you may download the form here to complete. Due to COVID-19, we are asking that you put your payment and form(s) in the White Drop Box outside Village Hall and we will mail your stickers. This will help alleviate the issue of too many people in Village Hall at one time and the inability to social distance.
White Drop Box: Located by the fountain just outside Village Hall, this drop box is a convenient way to drop off payments by check for utility billing, tickets, vehicle stickers or other fees. Place check and remittance stub in an envelope and drop off. Convenient, drive up, drop off, drive away. This helps with social distancing and avoiding the lines inside.
Water Shut Offs: Due to COVID-19, the Village has not been sending late notices or shut off letters. Please note that these two procedures will begin again as soon as the State allows us to do so. Please contact water billing at (630) 693-7570 if you need a payment plan.
Police Department
In light of the recent events the nation witnessed as a result of the crime that occurred in Minneapolis on May 25, we want to assure everyone that criminal acts of that nature have never occurred in Addison. We have highly trained professional police officers with incredible ethical standards.
The Addison Police Department is a nationally accredited police agency by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). CALEA is a not-for-profit, multi-national, public safety accrediting body. It’s dedicated to the development and maintenance of critical law enforcement standards. APD has been accredited since 2000, and have been accredited as a Gold Standard Agency since 2015. We are only the fifth agency in the State of Illinois to receive the Gold Standard, (the highest honor in CALEA). The Village Board and the Addison Police Department strive to achieve the highest standards in law enforcement, world-wide. Agencies that meet the established professional standards set by CALEA have demonstrated the following:
- Comprehensive and uniform written directives that clearly define authority, performance, and responsibilities.
- Continuous pursuit of excellence through annual reviews and other assessment measures.
- Independent review by subject matter experts that are not from the State of Illinois.
- Reports and analyses to make fact-based and informed management decisions.
- Community relationship building and maintenance.
Be assured that choke holds are NOT ALLOWED. Independent investigations are conducted for any officer-involved shootings and or death. Based on our high and rigorous standards to achieve accreditation, we will not experience an incident like that which occurred in Minnesota.
The Police Department Command Staff recently explained CALEA and Procedural Justice on Addison Community Television. You can watch the roundtable discussion here:
Please feel free to contact the administrative staff at the Addison Police Department to learn more.
Public Works Department
Sewer Division – Drainage Improvement, Meier's Farm
The Village of Addison sought a qualified consultant to perform a storm water analysis of the existing Meier’s Farm rear-yard ditch that conveys flow from Prairie Drive to Diversey Avenue. The primary purpose of the project was to provide a design and build specification to help with the drainage. The poor condition of the swale and overgrowth were seen during the initial investigation. A collapsing outfall culvert, and problems with the outfall structure were also noted.
The project consisted of improvements to the concrete drainage swale, and regrading of the basin. Copenhaver Construction Inc. was chosen to complete the construction through a formal bid process. In addition to reconstruction of the swale, a new catch basin and sewer pipe were installed at the south end of the project near Diversey Avenue. The removal and replacement of the concrete liner was completed using traditional open excavation methods.
SPECIAL NOTES/UPDATES:
Staff met with the homeowners of the subdivision before the project began and kept them informed of the project. During construction, there were periodic interruptions of normal traffic flow and equipment was stored on the street and parkway however all streets and sidewalks that were impacted were restored. The final walk through was completed on June 11 with minor corrections.
North Wastewater Plant – Anaerobic Digester Rehabilitation
The anaerobic digester at the North Wastewater Treatment Facility, located at 711 N. Addison Road, was originally constructed and placed into service in 1987. The digester is a process that utilizes bacteria to breakdown waste materials into two major forms a methane gas and digested bio-solids. 
Due to the aggressive gases contained in the digester, significant deterioration of the covers, piping, and equipment occurred.
The project consists of the replacement of the three metal covers, heat exchangers, sludge mixing system, piping, gas safety equipment and the waste gas burner system. When completed, the new system will cost less to operate, due the installation of more energy efficient pumps and equipment, and the re-use of bio-gas as an energy source. In addition, it will result in a much safer environment and a more efficient operation.
SPECIAL NOTES/UPDATES:
During construction, the Addison Recycling Center will be temporarily closed. Residents can bring items to Addison Township or the Elmhurst Public Works Facility quarterly. Please see each individual cities’ websites for dates, possible fees, and materials accepted.
Electrical/Forestry Division – Why is Piling Mulch again the Tree Trunk Bad? ("Volcano Mulching")
- Tree roots are designed to be in a moist environment, the trunk of the tree is not.
- The tree’s food travels immediately under the bark. Piling mulch up against the tree trunk can cause rot in the tree’s stem tissues, damaging the movement of food and causing the tree to decline.
- Trunk rots weaken trees & make opportunities for insect and other disease problems.
- Deep mulch piled on newly planted trees can cause:
- new root growth up into the mulch encircling the stem and causing future decline.
- excess moisture in the root zone which can stress the plant and cause root rot.
- the Village Forester to alert you with this notice
- How to properly mulch for a healthy tree
- Avoid placing mulch against the tree trunks.
- Apply no more than 2 to 4 inches of mulch, spread out in a saucer shape around the tree.
- Pull mulch back several inches from the stem so that the base of the trunk is exposed.
- Benefits of Proper Mulching
- Helps maintain soil moisture
- Reduces weed growth
- Eliminates damage from Lawn mowers and String trimmers
- Gives planting beds a well-cared-for look
- Can improve soil fertility, aeration, soil structure, and drainage over time
For more information, contact: Tim Tokarz, Village Forester, Addison Public Works 630 620-2020.
Community Development Department
PROJECT HIRE-ED
Looking for a new career?
As many are struggling to make ends meet, there are opportunities for a new career right here in Addison. Mayor Veenstra’s Workforce Development Committee helped develop an apprenticeship program that launched a year ago that connects job seekers with well-paying jobs in manufacturing. The company that hires you actually pays for your classes, while you also receive pay for your work. It doesn’t mean working during the day and going to school at night, but instead you do it all in 40 hours a week. Learn more about College of DuPage’s Project Hire-Ed today here.
June 4, 2020
May 28, 2020
Dear Friends,
It has been a long and difficult two months since the issuance of Governor Pritzker’s initial Shelter-in-Place order. We have all experienced loss, both personally and financially, as we struggle to overcome the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Our lives and our activities of daily living have been drastically altered as we struggle to find a new “norm”. We have been constantly bombarded by “breaking news”, ambiguous orders, and in some cases, fear mongering, all of which tend to distract us from our one and only goal … protecting the safety of our community.
To that end, I and the other leaders of our local taxing bodies have been virtually meeting three times a week to assess the Covid-19 impact on Addison, to distill and interpret the often confusing and misleading statistics that are released daily, to provide coordinated services such as the food pantry, senior outreach, lunch program support, and other assistance that may be required.
In response to questions that have been raised regarding the numbers of Addison Covid-19 cases being reported by the DuPage County Health Department, the following information may help to explain. There are nine communities included in the report that are in more than one county. Only the number of cases reported in DuPage are listed. As examples, on May 26, Aurora showed 267 cases when in fact they had a total of 2,980 cases. Naperville listed as 440, but the total number was 571. Hanover Park had 219 recorded, but their actual number was 654.
Another factor contributing to the confusion is that unincorporated areas are counted into the Addison numbers. We have several large unincorporated residential areas that are added to our Covid-19 count, but they aren’t counted into our census, so the cases per capita ratio is exaggerated.
As for the number of confirmed cases in Addison, statistics from the Health Department would suggest there is a correlation between the incidence of infection and the number of multiple family housing units in a community. In the early 1970’s there was a strong push by Village Officials to obtain “home rule” status which required growing the population to 25,000 residents. Their solution was multi-family housing. As a result, multi-family housing currently represents approximately 30 percent of all housing in Addison.
The Health Department also reported a correlation between the number of confirmed cases and ethnicity. The statistics are updated daily and can be found at https://www.dupagehealth.org/610/DuPage-County-COVID-19-Dashboard.
Our critical numbers would indicate that due to the efforts of our residents and businesses to comply with the Health Department guidelines, we are entering the downside of the “curve”. As of tomorrow, May 29, we will move to Phase 3 of the Governor’s reopening plan. We will once again, with restrictions, be able to enjoy outdoor dining at our local restaurants, visit our favorite salon or barber shop, shop at our local retail stores, or enjoy golf or tennis at our park facilities.
For those who still prefer to avoid social interaction, you can participate in our Wednesday evening promotions as part of our “Get the Addison Appetite” campaign, or our Thursday night “Virtual Rock ‘n Wheels”. Additional information can be found on our event web site, ItHappensInAddison.com. There you will find information about our local restaurants, as well as how to enjoy entertainment from past years' "Rock 'n Wheels."
As we all celebrate the beginning of a return to normalcy, it is incumbent upon each of us to remember that it was only through conformance to the Health Department guidelines and our respect for the health and safety of our families and friends that we were able to reach Phase 3. Now, more than ever, each of us must be determined to protect and support our community, and to comply with all health and safety recommendations, for only with that determination and compliance will we be able to end the pandemic and return to the freedoms and quality of life that Covid-19 has taken from us.
Be safe. Be smart. Stay healthy.
Rich Veenstra
May 1, 2020
It is my pleasure to share with our community some good news that is not related to COVID-19 or social distancing.
On Monday evening, I plan to submit to the Village Board the name of Joseph Maranowicz to fill the position of Village Manager.
Joe’s 20 years of experience in various leadership role within the Police Department, his energetic and positive approach in dealing with all aspects of his work assignments, his unique interpersonal skills, his ability to motivate and empower staff, and his deep commitment to the residents of our Village more than qualifies him to assume this new role.
As you may remember, upon the retirement of Manager Joe Block, I indicated that I wanted to take my time evaluating the duties of Village Manager itself, as well as candidates for the position. During that time, many of the duties of Manager were delegated to various staff members, including Joe.
In fact, in the past several weeks of this pandemic crisis, he has stepped up into a leadership role, ensuring our staff’s safety, as well as overseeing our community response.
It is unfortunate that the current situation doesn’t allow us to welcome him to this position with a public event, but I’m sure in the coming months, our community will see him in his new role and get to know him.
In the meantime, let me assure you, we have chosen the best man for the job.
Respectfully,
Rich Veenstra
March 30, 2020
Over the past two weeks, all of us have made drastic changes to our daily lives. Things we took for granted – going out for dinner and a movie, or spending time with extended family and friends – have been put on hold for the foreseeable future. These are sacrifices for all of us. But let me assure you, it’s worth it!
By now, you are probably well acquainted with the term “flatten the curve,” meaning working to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus by minimizing contact with others. This will allow overwhelmed health services to catch up, and allow those who need treatment to receive it.
I am so proud of our community and how it has responded to the closings of schools, workplaces and recreational facilities. Most everyone is taking the shelter in place order, and social distancing suggestions seriously.
For those who are frustrated by these inconveniences, I assure you, you are not alone. But please remember, these directives aren’t only for your protection – they are for the protection of others. This virus spreads very quickly, and you can infect others before you even realize you’ve been exposed to it. And while you might be healthy enough to fight it off, and recover quickly, others might not. Senior citizens are extremely susceptible to the virus. Those who have underlying medical conditions are as well.
Remember, these sacrifices are meant to save lives – the lives of your neighbors, friends and fellow community members.
To your good health,
Rich Veenstra
March 21, 2020
As you have no doubt already heard, Governor Pritzker has issued a “Shelter in Place” doctrine, effective at 5 p.m. today. Although this is for the health and safety of Illinois residents, it has increased the level of uncertainty for many in the community.
For the past week, most of us have already made drastic changes to our routines – limiting the amount of time we spend outside our homes, practicing social distancing, being more diligent about quarantining ourselves when sick, and increasing good hygiene. So, for most people, this new doctrine will not change what you are already doing.
You can still leave your homes to go to work. You can still shop for groceries and medicine. You can still go outside and get exercise.
Businesses that provide essential services to the community may still operate. In my opinion, that includes the vast majority of businesses in our community. In our industrial area, for example, we have businesses that manufacture products that are necessary for many government agencies, which are essential services.
So I want to assure you, the Village and Police Department will not interfere with residents who are behaving responsibly, and are continuing to help us manage through this serious, but short-term, situation.
Village operations continue, and we are here to help.
Sincerely,
Rich Veenstra
March 9, 2020
The safety and wellbeing of our residents is the top priority for us at the Village of Addison. It is rooted in everything we do, from providing clean drinking water, safe streets, law enforcement, etc. Which is why I want to assure you that our staff is closely monitoring the Coronavirus news, and working with the DuPage County Health Department to ensure that we are prepared if things should change.
Sincerely,
Rich Veenstra