RMFD ‘Safe Seniors’ Program to Provide Free Smoke Detectors, Carbon Monoxide Alarms 60th Celebration The Rolling Meadows RMFD officials purchased 2,200 smoke and Continues with Fire Department will CO alarms for the Safe Seniors program March 14 St. Pat’s provide free smoke with a $45,000 grant from the Federal detectors or carbon Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Dinner, Auction monoxide alarms to The City’s 60th Anniversary celebra - “We hope to install these smoke detectors residents ages 65 and tion continues with Irish feasting and and carbon monoxide alarms in as many older, as part of a tar - dancing Saturday, March 14, when senior homes as we can,” Lt. Marvin says. geted public awareness the Rotary Club of Rolling Meadows “It offers us an opportunity to meet face- program to help them stay safe hosts its annual St. Patrick’s Day Din - to-face with our residents, and provide in their homes, Lieutenant Jim Marvin ner and Auction, 6 – 10 p.m., at the potentially life-saving information about reports. Rolling Meadows Community Center fire safety and injury prevention.” (3705 Pheasant Drive). Through the Department’s Safe Seniors Senior residents who would like to receive a Program, firefighters will: One lucky guest will take home a free smoke or CO detector may contact the grand prize “Pot of Gold” worth up • Conduct an onsite safety survey at seniors’ Rolling Meadows Fire Department at 847- to $2,500. homes to identify potential injury risks. 397-3352 to schedule an appointment. Dinner tickets are $30 per person and • Deliver information on fire prevention. Facts About Home Fires will be available through March 9. • Install free smoke detectors and/or car - Smoke detectors have been proven to Only 100 tickets for the “Pot of Gold” bon monoxide (CO) alarms. reduce the risk of fire death by 50%, prize raffle ($50 each) will be sold. • Focus on fall prevention. …continued on page 2 To purchase tickets, contact Public Works Director Fred Vogt (847-963- 0500 or [email protected] ) or Rolling Flashback: Barn Served as Gathering Place Meadows Park District Director Amy Rolling Meadows Historical Society mem - Charlesworth (847-818-3220 or bers recall how this barn was a focal point [email protected] ). for community gatherings during the City’s formative years. It was where City Council and other important meetings were held, and also served as the first site of Commu - nity Church of Rolling Meadows. What sits on this site today? Turn to page 2 to find out.
Contact City Officials: City Hall Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday MAYOR and CITY COUNCIL SERVICES Mayor: Tom Rooney ...... 847-392-2254 Fire & Police Emergency ...... 911 1st Ward Alderman: Mike Cannon ...... 847-925-8919 Fire Non-emergency ...... 847-397-3352 2nd Ward Alderman: Len Prejna ...... 847-776-9442 Police Non-emergency ...... 847-255-2416 3rd Ward Alderman: Laura Majikes . . . . . 847-577-3746 Public Works ...... 847-963-0500 www.facebook.com/ cityofrollingmeadows 4th Ward Alderman: Brad Judd ...... 847-902-3248 Finance/Utility Billing Questions ...... 847-394-8500 5th Ward Alderman: Rob Banger, Jr...... 847-818-1663 Community Development ...... 847-506-6030 www.twitter.com/ 6th Ward Alderman: John D’Astice ...... 847-409-9367 Senior Handyman Program ...... 847-506-6030 @CityofRM1 7th Ward Alderman: Tim Veenbaas . . . . . 847-385-1425 ComEd ...... 1-800-EDISON-1 Find Us on the Web: City Manager: Barry Krumstok ...... 847-394-8500 Curfew . . . Sun. – Thurs. 11 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. Midnight www.cityrm.org Kimball Hill 5th Grader Wins 60th Anniversary City Seeks Veterans for Vehicle Sticker Design Competition Memorial Day Parade Congratulations to Rolling Meadows resi - Nearly 60 designs were submitted for the The Rolling Meadows Veterans Com - dent – and budding artist – Paige Cosico, competition, which was open to all Rolling mittee is seeking resident veterans a 5th grader at Kimball Hill Elemen - Meadows students in grades 3 – 8. and their family members to join this tary School, for creating the win - Entries were judged by members year’s Memorial Day Parade and ning entry in the City’s 60th of the City’s “Celebrate 60!” observance, Saturday, May 23. Anniversary vehicle sticker Committee. competition. The City will also host its annual For designing the winning Veterans Dinner Friday, May 22. Paige’s design, a hand- entry, Paige received a drawn representation of commemorative plaque. Committee members maintain a reg - the City’s Carillon Tower, Her family was presented istry of all Rolling Meadows veterans was publicly unveiled at a with $125 in gift cards who have participated in past February 26 community from Meijer and Jewel/Osco. Memorial Day ceremonies to honor birthday party that marked those who have served. Veterans who Photos from the February 26 the beginning of Rolling Mead - have not previously registered – and birthday party will be published ows’ 60th Anniversary celebration. would like to be part of this year’s in the April issue of e-NEWS & VIEWS , The drawing will be available later this events – may contact City Hall at which will be posted on the City’s Web - year as a commemorative vehicle sticker. 847-394-8500. site in late March.
Jewel Donates $2,500 to Support Local Student’s Continuing Education The Jewel/Osco on Kirchoff Road will present a $2,500 grant to a Rolling Meadows High School student at the end of this school year to help defray the cost of his or her continuing education. “We are extremely grateful for Jewel’s support. As one of the City’s original businesses, Jewel has served generations of Rolling Meadows residents and become an integral part of our commu - nity,” explains Lori Ciezak, Assistant to the City Manager. “Now, with its very generous $2,500 donation, it has boldly announced its continued support for our City’s future generations.” Jewel, which has served Rolling Meadows customers since the 1950s, is among the growing number of organizations support - ing the City’s 60th Anniversary celebration. The list includes the To learn more about ways to support Rolling Meadows’ 60th Rolling Meadows Park District, Rolling Meadows Chamber of Anniversary celebration, contact Lori Ciezak at 847-394-8500 or Commerce, Jewel/Osco, Meijer and Harper College. [email protected] .
Free Smoke, Carbon Monoxide Detectors …continued from page 1 Flash Forward! according to data compiled by the Carbon Monoxide Facts National Fire Protection Association Known as the silent killer, carbon (NFPA). More than two-thirds of all monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless home fire deaths occur in situations gas produced by burning fuels such as where there is not a working smoke oil, kerosene, natural gas and wood. It is detector. the leading cause of poisoning death in the Unites States, according to the NFPA. House fires can cause tremendous dam - age and suffering: In 2011 alone, fire Illinois law requires that all homes – single departments across the U.S. responded and multi-family units – have a CO detec - to roughly 370,000 home structure tor within 15 feet of every sleeping room. fires. These resulted in $6.9 billion in Fire Department officials urge residents to Today, the Kirchoff Road barn site is home to the property damage, 13,910 injuries and test their smoke detectors each month, mixed-use Riverwalk development, which offers a more than 2,500 deaths – an average of following the manufacturer’s instructions, blend of downtown businesses and residential condos. seven per day. and replace the batteries twice per year.
2 • March/April 2015 • News & Views Oscar-Nominated American Sniper Cast, Crew Mark Your Calendars Members Have Strong Rolling Meadows Ties Farmers & Food American Sniper , director Clint Eastwood’s In addition, Iraq War vet - Trucks Returns for Academy Award-nominated film that has eran and long-time broken box office records since its release Rolling Meadows resi - Third Season May 23 last December, boasts two cast and crew dent Bryan Anderson has Rolling Meadows’ popular Farmers members who have strong ties to Rolling a small acting role in the & Food Trucks program will begin Meadows. film. It marks the latest its third season Saturday, May 23, addition to Anderson’s Former resident Robert Bryan Anderson during the City’s annual Memorial TV and film resume, Lorenz, who grew up in Day observance. which includes roles in Hawaii Five-O , Rolling Meadows and CSI: NY and HBO’s The Wire . Held Saturdays, attended Central Road May 23, June School and Fremd High Anderson, who served two tours of duty 27, July 25, School, served as one of in Iraq, was injured in 2005 by an impro - August 22 Robert Lorenz the film’s producers. vised explosive device (IED) that cost him and Sep - American Sniper is one of both legs and his left hand. Today, Ander - tember 40 films* in which Lorenz has served as a son serves as spokesperson for USA Cares, 26, each producer or assistant director, including a non-profit dedicated to helping post- event will The Bridges of Madison County , Letters from 9/11 veterans in times of need. feature a Iwo Jima and Million Dollar Baby . *Source: Internet Movie Database variety of locally-grown produce, freshly-prepared menu items offered by onsite food trucks, and a wide City Welcomes 89 New Businesses in 2014 selection of home goods, health and Rolling Meadows welcomed 89 new busi - beauty products, hand-made jewelry, nesses to the City in 2014, which help clothing, art and more. expand available shopping options for residents, diversify the City’s tax base and This year’s program will also feature a reduce reliance on residential property special Friday, June 19 evening event taxes to fund services, City Manager at Community Church of Rolling Barry Krumstok reports. Meadows, 2720 Kirchoff Road. Additions to the City’s robust restaurant Residents who wish to volunteer for and retail sectors were joined by compa - this year’s program may contact Lori nies that specialize in professional serv - Ciezak, Assistant to the City Man - ices such as home health care, website ager, at [email protected] or 847- 394-8500. design and Internet marketing. High- Grande Jakes employees celebrate the Mexican restau - technology providers, including informa - rant's 2014 grand opening at 5500 New Wilke Road. Vendors who are interested in partic - tion technology (IT) and telecommunica- attract new businesses that expand ipating will find additional informa - tions firms, also put down roots in opportunities for residents,” Krumstok tion and registration forms on the Rolling Meadows last year. explains. “Continued diversification of City’s Website, www.cityrm.org . the City’s tax base minimizes the burden “The City’s well-established reputation as Farmers & Food Trucks on residents to fund essential City serv - a business-friendly community helps 2015 Schedule* ices and reduces our risk in the event of Saturday, May 23 an economic downturn.” Friday, June 19** From independent merchants to Fortune Saturday, June 27 500 corporations, Rolling Meadows is Saturday, July 25 home to many of the world’s leading Saturday, August 22 companies, including Northrop Saturday, September 26 Grumman (aerospace and defense tech - *Saturday events to be held 10 a.m. nology), Capital One (financial services), – 2 p.m. in the City Hall parking lot Komatsu America (e arth-moving and (3600 Kirchoff Road) construction equipment), Methode Electronics (custom-engineered, applica - **Friday program will take place 4 – tion-specific products and services), and 8 p.m. at Community Church (2720 Jason Lensink Allstate, 3338 Kirchoff Road, joins down - Weichai America (diesel engine manu - Kirchoff Road) town Rolling Meadows' ongoing revitalization. facturer).
News & Views • 3 • City of Rolling Meadows March 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1234567Economic Development Zoning Board of Adjudication Hearing 14th Annual Dr. Seuss Committee , 6 pm Appeals , 7:30 pm, (Parking), 2 pm, City Hall Celebration, 10:30 am- Plan Commission , 7:30 pm, City Hall 12:30 pm & 1:30-3:30 pm, both at City Hall Rolling Meadows Library.
Daylight Saving Time 89Board of Fire & Police Crime Stoppers , 10 Creating Your Own 11 Adjudication Hearing , 12 13 St. Patrick’s Day 14 Begins . Clocks “spring” Commissioners , 9 am, 5:30 pm Legacies & Lores , 1 pm, City Hall Dinner & Auction , ahead one hour. Replace City Hall City Council Meeting , 6:30-7:30 pm, Community 6-10 pm, Community Center batteries in your smoke and 7:30 pm, both at City Hall Center (3705 Pheasant (3705 Pheasant Drive). carbon monoxide detectors. Drive). Hosted by the Rolling Hosted by Rotary Club of Meadows Park District. Rolling Meadows & City’s Celebrate 60! Committee 15 16 City Council 17 18 Adjudication Hearing 19 Water bills due 20 21 Committee of the Whole , (Red Light), 2 pm, City Hall 7:30 pm, City Hall
St. Patrick’s Day 22 Police Pension Board , 23 City Council Meeting , 24 25 26 27 Lunch with the 28 3:30 pm, City Hall 7:30 pm, City Hall Bunny, 11:30 am-1 pm, Park Central (3000 Central Road). Hosted by the Rolling Meadows Park District
29 Yard Waste 30 31 Collection Begins Early refuse set-out ends Monday, March 30. Early Refuse Set-Out Ends Per City ordinance, residents should place refuse at curb after 6 pm the evening prior to scheduled pick-up.
April 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1234Adjudication Hearing Keep updated on City news with Rolling Meadows’ (Parking), 2 pm, City Hall electronic newsletter, E-News & Views , pub lished in February, April, June, August, October and December. Each newsletter is archived on the City's Website, www.cityrm.org . Good Friday 56789Economic Development Zoning Board of 10 11 Committee , 6 pm Appeals , 7:30 pm, Plan Commission , 7:30 pm, City Hall both at City Hall
Easter 12 Board of Fire & 13 Crime Stoppers , 14 15 Adjudication Hearing , 16 17 18 Police Commissioners , 5:30 pm 1 pm, City Hall 9 am, City Hall City Council Meeting , 7:30 pm, both at City Hall
19 Water bills due 20 City Council 21 22 Adjudication Hearing 23 24 Salt Creek Cleanup 25 Committee of the Whole , (Red Light), 2 pm, City Hall 7:30 pm, City Hall
Earth Day 26 27 City Council Meeting , 28 29 30 7:30 pm, City Hall
City of Rolling Meadows • www.cityrm.org • 4 25-Year Veteran Thomas Gadomski Named Police Commander; Officers Michael Fior, Matthew Weiglein Promoted to Sergeant Thomas Gadomski, a 25-year member of Cmdr. Gadomski has also served as an evidence technician, juvenile officer, and the Rolling Meadows Police Department, investigator with the regional Major Case as a member of the Police Department was promoted to Commander in January, Assistance Team (MCAT) and the North - Honor Guard. Police Chief Dave Scanlan reports. ern Illinois Police Alarm System’s (NIPAS) Sgt. Fior has also served with MCAT’s vio - Emergency Services Team. Also promoted were new Sergeants lent crimes unit, and as an Emergency Michael Fior and Matthew Weiglein, who He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Services Team (EST) and Special bring a combined 38 years of law enforce - Behavioral Sciences from National Louis Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) member ment experience to their new positions. University and an Associate’s Degree in with NIPAS. Law Enforcement from Oakton Com - “Commander Gadomski, and Sergeants Sergeant Matthew munity College. He is a graduate of Fior and Weiglein, possess impeccable Weiglein Northwestern University’s School of records of excellence when it comes to Sgt. Weiglein’s 13 years Police Staff and Command. serving Rolling Meadows residents,” of experience with the Chief Scanlan says. “They have embraced Sergeant Michael Fior Rolling Meadows Police their new responsibilities with the same Sgt. Fior joined the Department includes professionalism and pride they have dis - Rolling Meadows Police Matthew Weiglein serving as a member of played throughout their careers. I offer Department in 1997, the Motorcycle and my congratulations on their promotions - after serving three years Bicycle Patrol teams, and as a field and my thanks for their dedication to with the Cook County training officer. He began his career in protecting this community.” Sheriff’s Department. He Cicero, where he served as field train - Michael Fior has served as a detective, ing officer, K9 officer and as a certified Commander Tom Gadomski gang unit officer, field training officer, firefighter. Since joining the Depart - ment in 1989, Cmdr. Gadomski has served as a RMPD Informational Seminar Draws Nearly 150 Residents patrol officer, investigator, and sergeant. He is the Police Chief Dave Scanlan and Social Services Outreach Specialist Natalia Mercado Department’s liaison to discussed the Rolling Meadows Police Department’s approach to building trust through Rolling Meadows Crime its community policing efforts, during a free seminar that drew nearly 150 residents Tom Gadomski Stoppers, and plays a key to City Hall in late January. The seminar, co-hosted by Chicago-based attorney role in organizing community outreach Rocio S. Becerni, also covered recent changes to immigration laws and policies. programs such as National Night Out.
Planning Home Improvement Projects? Community Development Department Permits Protect Homeowners’ Investment Residents planning home improvement projects ing, patios, back yard sheds and fencing. this spring have an important ally in the Rolling State mandates for energy efficiency and lead-based paint removal Meadows Community Development Depart - also require permits for projects such as window replacement, and ment: the Department’s permit process helps for remodeling work in homes built before 1978. property owners protect their investment and maximize its value by guarding against poor Residents who are not sure whether their project will require a Valerie Dehner workmanship that does not meet City safety permit may contact the Community Development Department at codes, Director Valerie Dehner reports. 847-506-6030. Detailed information on the permit process, including application forms, is available on the Department’s “Tradespeople, such as electricians and plumbers, are certified Webpage, www.cityrm.org/rmcd . by local or state authorities for a reason – to protect cus - tomers,” she explains. “The City’s permit process is no differ - ent. Issuing permits for a particular project allows the City to Common Projects That Require Permits: schedule inspections to verify all work is performed properly and according to code.” • Air conditioning • New window installation • Fencing • Patios and decks Most projects – from hot water heater installation to structural • Heating • Roofing additions – require a permit. Other common home improvement • Hot water heater • Siding projects where permits are required include new siding and roof -
City of Rolling Meadows • www.cityrm.org • 5 Early Voting for April 7 Term Limits Help City Election Begins March 23 Achieve Consistency without Early voting for the April 7 Consolidated Election will be available to residents Complacency Monday, March 23 – Saturday, April 4, at by Mayor Tom Rooney the Cook County Circuit Courthouse (2121 Euclid Avenue, Rolling Meadows) Well, Rolling Meadows, it’s Some argue that term limits can lead, and the Palatine Township Center (721 not yet official, but it looks at any given time, to an unhealthy level South Quentin Road). Residents who like you’re “stuck” with me of leadership turnover. On the contrary, plan to cast ballots, but have not voted in as your mayor for the next I believe that Rolling Meadows finds previous elections, must register by Tues - four years – and with the current itself in an ideal situation: a consistent day, March 10. Council for the next two years. That’s City Council even under term limits. because there are no opponents for This year’s ballot will feature uncontested The five candidates on this year’s ballot the five of us who are up for election races for Rolling Meadows Mayor and four include a mayor who will be serving in April. City Council seats. Mayor Tom Rooney, 1st his final term, two aldermen who can Ward Alderman Mike Cannon and 5th I’m not sure how much of that phe - only run for one more term, and two Ward Alderman Rob Banger will each earn nomenon is due to residents’ approval alderman who are eligible for just two a second four-year term, after first being of our efforts and how much might be more terms. Looking ahead a bit fur - elected in 2011. 3rd Ward Alderman caused by voter apathy. We always ther, the three aldermen whose current Laura Majikes, who was appointed in like to believe that there’s plenty of terms expire in 2017 are also nicely 2012 to succeed former Alderman Larry the former, but we know there’s at staggered – two are serving their sec - Buske, will be elected to her first full term least some of the latter. ond terms and one is in his first term. on City Council. 7th Ward Alderman Tim Whatever the reasons, I believe that In the meantime, our next two years Veenbaas, appointed to Council last sum - the long-term interests of the City serving on City Council will be marked mer to complete the term of James Larsen, continue to be served – even in this by a level of consistency often witnessed will also be elected to his first full term. uncontested election. We’re a commu - in towns that don’t have term limits. For more information on the April 7 nity that imposes term limits on our There is a fine line between healthy con - election, contact Deputy Clerk Ginny elected leaders, so we experience sistency and healthy change. Here in Cotugno at 847-870-9007 or cotugnog@ more frequent turnover on the Coun - Rolling Meadows, we are currently cityrm.org . Additional information is cil than many other cities. enjoying the best of both worlds. available on the Cook County Clerk’s Website, www.cookcountyclerk.com .
Longtime Fire Department Training Officer Appointed City Fire Marshal Palatine Rural Fire Protection District emergency calls in select areas of Palatine Assistant Chief Scott Mohr, who served as Rural’s jurisdiction. joint Training Officer for the Rolling Ongoing collaboration between Rolling Meadows, Palatine and Palatine Rural Meadows, Palatine and Palatine Rural Fire Departments for three years, was have already delivered joint operations appointed City Fire Marshal after Council guidelines and expanded resource-shar - established the position in January. ing opportunities to improve service. Chief Mohr’s appointment is the latest “In today’s era of limited resources and example of the Rolling Meadows Fire budgetary constraints, it is essential to Department’s ability to expand opera - deliver value for taxpayer-funded serv - tional efficiencies through partnerships ices. Chief Mohr’s appointment as Rolling with neighboring departments, Fire Chief Assistant Chief Scott Mohr's appointment as City Fire Meadows Fire Marshal continues our Scott Franzgrote reports. Marshal follows collaborative efforts to improve training track record of finding creative ways to (shown) and resource-sharing between departments. As outlined in a series of existing agree - improve and expand services without the potential for fire” and “maintain the ments between the three departments, need for additional staff,” Chief Franz - health, safety and general welfare of all Chief Mohr will devote 20 hours per grote explains. concerned,” according to the Fire Depart - week to leading the City’s Fire Prevention The Fire Prevention Bureau’s mission is to ment’s Webpage ( www.cityrm.org/rmfd ). Bureau and its fire code enforcement perform fire inspections of all City build - responsibilities. In return, RMFD battal - For more information contact the Fire ings and occupancies to “reduce the ion chiefs provide incident command for Department at 847-397-3352.
6 • March/April 2015 • News & Views