Early Voting Begins Monday March 25th

PLEASE VOTE EARLY........Starting Monday, March 25 until Saturday, April 6, all early voting is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can vote at the Lake County North Shore Health Center at 1840 Green Bay Rd. in Highland Park. Phone number is 847.984.5323 .

Kim Stone is my #1 vote for City Council

Along with fiscal responsibility and core service support, our community leadership and commitment to our Environment is of great importance to me. While I am supporting three City Council candidates that care about the environment, only Kim Stone has demonstrated strong passionate leadership on the subject.

Almost a year ago our City Council had a chance to promote 100 percent Green Power and still slash the cost of electricity with our aggregation process. Only myself, Jim Kirsch, and Paul Frank voted to support this renewable energy alternative. The Mayor and 3 Councilman found reasons not to go green and supported the BROWN option. This showed me who was willing to stand up and make a difference. Kim Stone has a true and solid commitment to support our community's commitment to the environment and that is why she will be my 1st vote when I cast my ballot.

Kim Stone will be the strong and passionate environmental voice that Highland Park needs on City Council. During my 20 years on City Council, I advocated on behalf of the environment, as did Joyce O’Keefe before me.  With my departure for County Board, we need someone who can provide environmental leadership on the Highland Park City Council, protecting and preserving our natural resources for future generations.  Kim Stone is that person.  With 20 years of professional experience on issues ranging from energy efficiency and renewable technology to pollution prevention to transportation, Kim Stone has the knowledge and commitment we need on City Council.  In addition to her environmental background, Kim has experience managing tight budgets and will ensure that the City uses taxpayer money efficiently and effectively. Please join me in voting for Kim Stone.

The way I see things...

April 9th is the Election Day that voters will choose who fills my seat for the past 20 years on the Highland Park City Council. My respect for the citizens of this town is enormous and I am enthusiastically endorsing Kim Stone to sit in that seat for the next four years. Please support and vote for Kim Stone.

I have endorsed others for the City Council, Park District, School Boards, and have my opinion on the referendum being floated by 113. I do have four signs on my lawn if you wish to look at 2157 St. Johns Ave.......

If anyone would like to discuss my views on these endorsements or subjects please call me at 847.831.0373 or 847.456.6933. My email is stevemandel@comcast.net if you would prefer to email me.  PLEASE VOTE, the earlier, the better!!!

How Lake County Can Help Us?

On April 11th and April 24th, the County Board will be reviewing the data from the public to tweak our Strategic Plan. As you may know, the two priorities I have adopted in my first year on the board is to work with Chairman Lawlor to adopt a better regional governance model to increase efficiency and reduce costs as well as set up a county driven sustainability leadership model.

In past public discussions these themes have shown strong public support. To be able to achieve these goals starting with consensus of the board is required. Our strategic plan process will give all of us and the staff direction to spend monies and delegate staff time over the next several years. I look forward to the April meetings being a launching point for these endeavors and will give you updates as we proceed.

Sign Up.. for my County Newsletter

Please sign up for my Lake County Newsletter at my County Website. Or I can sign you up if you email me at stevemandel@comcast.net . This newsletter will inform you of current news, web links, meetings, etc. It will also include Forest Preserve items and personal comments as I fine tune the format.... PLEASE SIGN UP..

Property Taxes Grow and Increases Stress

In 2013 there will be increased property taxes for schools (112 and 113), our city, and additional costs of water, sewer, and many other costs associated in living at my residence. How much more can you take before your savings are gone or at a minimum cause concern about the future security of your life.

While I have been in government for 20 years now beating the drum of new governance models that reduce costs, very little has been done to change the framework of current government models. This being said, I always support maintaining our buildings and assets that produce the services we require. Yes, we have reduced staff and now have several bare limbs(departments) on the tree (government), but it is time to plant a new smaller tree (government) that does not have bare limbs (departments) and does not grow to the size of past and current trees (governments).

While my wife Linda and I still have a small margin of funds to encumber increased costs of property taxes, many residents have exceeded those limits and many of us have immense stress added to our lives by increases in government costs. Also, the reality is I do not want to pay more! Actually, I want to pay less for the services I receive! I know there are many economically comfortable folks that have the dollars to pay more, but a large portion of the current population are on a reduced or fixed income and just can't take anymore. HOW WILL GOVERNMENT RESPOND?

The answer is reducing administration, consolidation, outsourcing, shared services, a contribution defined pension system, and a willingness of elected officials to spend the time needed to create a framework that changes governments,.......... AND the WILL to fight through the adversities that are coming to accommodate major change. At the County, I will continue to cultivate new governance models.

ZUZU? REALLY?

When I saw the NEON SIGN and heard what happened at City Hall I was very surprised. How can we allow anyone to put a sign like this one that is contrary to the code up and then condone those actions. Maybe someone can tell me under which standards this was allowed?

This sign is ugly and does not belong in our community. Are we Las Vegas or Ohio street in downtown Chicago? Just my opinion and I have not had the pleasure of reading the packet or staff report but I would say this City Council was moved by the "Billy" thing and not the proper standards of our design review ordinance and code...... Shame, Shame, Shame....  Bet you folks are missing me now!! Right!

Winchester House and Senior Care

One of the first issues I was challenged on when I ran for Lake County Board was my position on rebuilding Winchester House, a nursing home located in Libertyville and owned by the County.

Over the next few months we will be studying the options of how to replace the facility and continue to offer a safety net to those Lake County seniors that do not have money to afford decent care.

What I am learning is that the dynamics of this care is changing by the hour and careful thought and analysis are required to come up with a solution that will carry us well into the future. Assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing have all been redefined with a focus on specialty care and the dollars available from Medicare, Medicaid, and overall changes to federal laws. What use to be a nursing home visit or residence is now more specialized on more acute care.

Anyway, I am just getting into this stuff and will write more about the decision points in the future.

Density Proposal Increase for Downtown

Keep your eye on what is being discussed at the City about changing the zoning in our downtown. I attended a meeting last night with the Plan Commission, Design Review, and the City Council where I was stunned to see a recommendation that was clearly pointing towards tripling the unit density, raising heights of buildings to 60+ feet and 5+ stories, and reducing parking requirements some 25+%.

Now, when this process started .... I was excited about visioning and master planning for our downtown (currently focused on Sunset foods and North of Elm). All had agreed that some adjusting of zoning needed to occur so additional density could occur within a modest increase in volume of buildings in these B4 perimeter sites. This adjustment would allow owners to use modestly increased bulk to promote redevelopment of these underutilized areas that could become contributing to our community.

What I heard last night could just simply take the lid off of our zoning and push the pedal to the medal on uncontrolled development regulations. I guess it is figured that since it is so hard to make money on any development, certain folks are desperate enough to allow almost anything!

Then again, maybe it is just SOME HP folks that want more of everything and don't appreciate the level of excitement us old timers can handle.  Seriously, the quality of life for us folks that live here and have business here needs to be thoroughly examined on how any change impacts the rest of us. Traffic, retail competition, small town ambiance, and public costs associated with increased development must be evaluated. We must be sure the pill we take for the current slow economy is not a poisoned one. Stay Tuned!!

Happy Holidays and New Year

Just wanted to pass a message of thanks for the support this year concerning my public service and wish everyone a great holiday.

Especially during these times when we are reminded about violence, poverty, and the overall struggles of mankind, reflection and action of how we can help each other is not a bad thing.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year.

Steve

December 20th Round Up

Food Composting will go Citywide on January 1st with a winter seasonal biweekly pickup through March. First 250 signors will receive a free kitchen compost pail, compostable bags, a 33 gal rolling cart, and a 50/50 cost split of normal $30/3mo. cost reduced to $15/3mo. In April this program will be merged into landscape pickup and be pay-as-you-throw by sticker. Sign up NOW by calling 847-272-4145.  City HP press release...

Holiday Recycling Extravaganza Event will take place again on January 5th from 8am - 12noon at our Public Services Campus 1180 Half Day Road. Recycle Electronics, Styrofoam, Fluorescent, and Household Batteries. Learn more on Extravaganza Flier Link!!

Lake County passed a balanced budget with a Zero % levy increase. YEA! The Burden on our taxpayers is great and while still in the shadow of the recession we need to pull back spending and reduce the costs to our residents... NOT raise them! Governance should begin with that thought!

County Elects New Chairman Aaron Lawlor and Five new Board Members take the Oath of Office.

Want to know what is going on with Lake County Traffic?? Check out PASSAGE and be Traffic Intelligent! Along with the online link there are Apps for phones and IPads.

Wow! Lake County is a Whole New World!

On December 3rd I took off my City Council hat and put on one hat as your Lake County Board Member and another hat as a Commissioner of the Lake County Forest Preserve District. While I could never be finished with the workings and policy of the City of Highland Park, I am very excited to embark on my new positions up in Waukegan and Libertyville.

Up in Waukegan I have been given my new locker, mail cubby shelf, and badges to show I am official. I have been assigned to the Rules, Financial and Administrative, and Health and Community Services Committees for Lake County. For the Forest Preserve I am the Vice Chair of Legislation and a member of the Land Acquisition and Preservation Committee.

The Boards are made up of 21 individual member districts (reduced from 23 prior to Dec 3rd) and I represent (District 11) a great majority of Highland Park, all of Highwood, and a slice of Deerfield. I am excited about working with this new bunch of elected officials I am serving along side. Us 5 new Elected have been received very warmly and my expectations to promote a progressive governance agenda seems to be well received by many.

LCTV is a great communication center for you to learn about Lake County.  County Board meetings are Online as well as the LCFPD meetings. In the future not only will I bring up current issues we are discussing on the boards but would like to attempt to educate you on the services, assets, and functions of Lake County and the LCFPD.

STAY TUNED!!!

Last City Council Meeting

Last night was my last City Council meeting sitting as Mayor Pro Tem and Councilman for the City of Highland Park. I want to thank Mayor Nancy Rotering and my fellow Council members for all their kind words that they expressed and the friendship they have shared with me.

Sitting on the Council for my 20th year has been a great experience with many rewards. Having the support of the community and the citizens over the past 20 years and as recently expressed in my Lake County Board victory election, has been one of the finest gifts I have ever received.

I have always been impressed by the dedication and heart felt allegiance to our citizens by the four mayors and many Councilman I have served along side over the past two decades. I have learned and grown as a public servant understanding the methods that have achieved good outcomes for our community within our City Council Partnership.

From the bottom of my heart I want to thank my family, the citizens, and my fellow City Council members over my 5 terms for their support and contribution to making Highland Park a great community and putting a big smile on my face!

Steve

Veterans Day

As I think of all the help and support we receive from fellow citizens, we must never forget the sacrifice and commitment of our Veterans that have put it all on the line for our freedom. Paying tribute to these soldiers is something I am grateful we do as well as consider their welfare off the battlefields when they come home.

The ability to go where we wish, say what we feel, and believe what we know should never be taken for granted. Our soldiers play a prominent role in preserving our life in this great country, I wish them all well, and thank them for their service.

Vote for Steve Mandel for County Board

If you haven't early voted, I am asking you to Vote for Steve Mandel for Lake County Board  Tuesday Nov. 6th. Most of you know who I am and the many things I have done during my years of public service on the City Council of Highland Park. If you need a refresher please go to my website at stevemandel.com and read through my blog entries dating back to 2006.

The main reasons I am asking you to vote for me is I wish to provide leadership countywide on:

   -Working for new models of collaborative governments to
     reduce the cost of government.
 
   -Getting a fair share of the county services in proportion to the
     tax dollars we pay.

   -Building environmental sustainability networked between
     our communities.

   -Enhancing government transparency and communications
     to our residents.

My years of experience with government finance, land use, communications, environmental initiatives, county government, human services, and direct connection to the residents have given me the tools to be successful as your Lake County Board Member. I will also continue to be the most accessible elected official by email or by phone (847.456.6933 cell / 847.831.0373hm).

Please Vote Tuesday November 6th and urge all your family and friends to do the same. Call them, Email them, and remind them that if we want to make a difference we need to elect leaders that care about us and will be responsive to our wishes, needs, and welfare. Please vote!
Thank you for your consideration,
STEVE

A few days until ELECTION DAY

Early Vote Now! through November 3rd at the North Shore Health Center (behind Sunset Foods) 1840 Green Bay Road. Please pass the word about Steve Mandel for Lake County Board. Polls are open Monday-Friday 9:00 to 4:30 and Saturday 9:00 to 2:00. YOUR vote is very important and the turnout is going to be very HIGH!

Visit www.stevemandel.com to learn more and forward my website to all your friends.  Learn more about my public record and achievements. I am also a 100% Pro-Choice candidate. Along with many links and information about me, listen to my Debate (fast forward to time 2:14:15 for County Board) and link to my blog where I have published since 2006.

Please Forward to your friends and email to your newsletter lists to promote our campaign and insure a victory on November 6th. Our opponent is working very hard and it is up to you to continue to network so I am elected to the Lake County Board on NOV 6th. Please call with any suggestions, questions, or requests. Only a few days left and time is short. Please Help!

Steve

847.831.0373 home
847.456.6933 cell

September 29th Roundup

City budget discussions are being discussed at neighborhood meetings with the Mayor and will be held throughout the month of October. Information is also available on our "know your city budget" city website and our budget page.
Greentown Highland Park is coming October 17-19 and hope you will take part in this great three day event. Greentown Kicks off on October 17th at 7pm at Ren. Place with the movie Waste Land. Learn about the conference from HP Greentown press release and learn about the schedule of events and register at the Highland Park Greentown Website.
Recycling containers are on the way to our Central Business District and Train Stations soon. They are the same design as trash containers but will be a dark green color with different lids...long time coming!!
Bike Walk Plan (draft form) was passed unanimously creating benchmarks to get folks out of their cars and in non-motorized modes of moving. The Greenways Plan and Greenways Brochure does barely survive this new policy document but needs revision to update connections and importance of the Lakefront and other natural destinations.
PTAD Parents the Anti-drug work with our High School parents to help educate on best practices of informing our children about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. In response to recent events and tragedy within our communities the following letter was released. As parents, we can't make choices for our children but can continue to push good information and demonstrate good choices.

One month until Election Day

Along with a presidential race, congressional race, state senator and representative race, there are a few Lake County races including mine for Lake County Board. I am running in the new Lake County Board District 11 which is about 85% of Highland Park, Highwood, and one Moraine precinct in Deerfield. The district area is currently represented by Anne F. Bassi and Michelle Feldman which have both decided not to run for re-election. The responses I have received has been all good and am very excited to move my public service to the County level.

The three main bullet points of my campaign are as follows: First, I want to continue my quest on creating a new government model that shares services, creates efficiencies, and reduces the overall tax and fee burden on our public. Second, work on a more regional methodology to promote our sustainability and environmental work creating partnerships and stakeholders. Third, push for transparency, open government, and more integration of citizen involvement.

If you want a sign for your lawn or want to send friend to friend cards to voters please contact me at stevemandel@comcast.net or call me on my cell at 847.456.6933.

Historic Preservation Demo Delay imposed

In 1998 we passed a law that gave authority to the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) to put a  hold on a tear down of a historically significant home when the demolition permit is requested.  If the residential structure is shown to be significant, the petition is reviewed by the HPC for determination of a demolition delay. To put a demo delay on a residence is serious business and rarely used. The HPC can impose a six month or one year delay on a demolition to give more time for a buyer to emerge to live in the significant residence.

This past week a resident and his buyer appealed a decision of the HPC to put a one year demolition delay on a residence described as a poster child for preservation by the Chairman of the HPC. The City Council upheld the HPC decision by a 4-2 vote under the eyes of a full Council chamber.

As property values have dropped significantly it becomes much harder enforce these delays. I do however believe we should still attempt to get folks to buy and maintain these historic significant structures and not let them simply be torn down without a second chance.

Recycle First. Trash Last....

SWALCO has launched a brand-new recycling campaign, “Recycle First. Trash Last.” The campaign encourages all Lake County residents to place a priority on recycling first, and trashing what’s left. Instead of immediately thinking about throwing away that empty shampoo bottle, for example, ask yourself “is that recyclable?” (The answer, by the way, is yes!) For a full list of what is accepted in Lake County, click here.Through this campaign, we hope to redefine the way you view trash and recycling. Recyclable materials are valuable resources and should not be buried in a landfill. Our hope is that Lake County residents will start recycling far more, and throwing away far less. After all, according to the U.S. EPA, more than 75% of most of what you are trashing COULD be recycled. We challenge you to transition from a mindset of pulling recyclables out of the trash to, ideally, pulling trash out of the recycling. And we ask that you to make recycling a regular part of your daily routine. While many residents in Lake County already do a good job at recycling, we can always do better. Check out the campaign at www.RecycleFirstTrashLast.org and learn more about curbside recycling in Lake County, the campaign and what you can and cannot recycle.

Join the SWALCO E-List » JOIN NOW

Theater Memo of Understanding

It seems like a century ago we bought the Highland Park Theater after 100's of  hours of meetings with business leaders, citizens, theater and marketing professionals, and in depth talks with Writers Theater moving into the space. Then the recession hit .  .  .  .  . Now several years later the theater is now closed, dark, unused, and a current blister on the greatest Central Business District on the North Shore. 

About a year ago Our NEW City Council put out an Request for Proposal to redevelop this property so that it again could be a contributing part of our great downtown. The market is showing signs of improvement and there is interest from a company called Alcyon, LLC to revitalize the theater property into a 500-600 seat mixed-media theater and mixed use development. The development includes a 45 unit leed gold residential and 10k commercial use component along with the NEW Alcyon Theater. Funding would include folding back some of the tax money from the proposed development back into the project costs.

The City Council will be voting on a MOU to give this developer an exclusive right for six months to propose a development on this property. The property is the HP theater and the lot to the East. The plan is to build a multi deck parking structure on the North side of Central. Along with parking within the new structure, the entire project will not only replace the parking where the development would go, but proposes adding 90 spaces.

Now understand this is just a proposal and not a done deal. The City Council will be vetting this proposal through our commission process which will include many public meetings prior to any final action from the City Council. We also have engaged Gruen Gruen & Assoc. to analyze the economics of the proposal before we get started in earnest.

I am very excited about this project and to work with these folks to bring the Highland Park Theater back to life, providing more living alternatives in our CBD, and adding to the economic engine that imports tax dollars from outside our city to REDUCE our property tax burden.

Remember, over the past 20 years we have grown our sales tax revenues (many $$$'s from outside HP) almost two fold while lowering our City Tax rate by about 50%.  We have done that by investing in our business community and cultivating the entertainment/restaurant culture we now see thriving in our downtown and I am excited to add to that mix. I am sure there will be many different opinions as we move forward and get the facts.
HOPEFULLY all good stuff from this new proposal for our community

Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Update

I just attended the 2012 Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Cities Initiative annual conference where I represented our Honorable Mayor Nancy Rotering as I had represented our two previous Mayors since 2003.

The United States and Canadian representatives have joined on a mission to advance the protection and restoration of the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence waterways. Some of the big issues discussed were invasive species, Asian Carp barriers, shale gas, runoff, and water diversion.

Asian Carp is considered a major threat to the Great Lakes and movement has grown from temporary electric barriers to permanent land barriers of the water ways. Several options have been floated and discussions are occurring.

Water diversion was discussed as a request of the City of Waukesha of Wisconsin is ripening and the GLSLCI will have to weigh in on the facts of the case producing more concrete standards for this and future judgements. The Compact, passed by the US Congress and signed on by all Great Lake States prohibits New water diversions outside of the watershed. There are exceptions like the US Supreme Court ruling that allows 2.1 Billion gallons per day for Illinois. Recently allotted Lake County water diversions, I assume, fall within this Supreme Court Case allocation.  Questions arose like do we allow diversions to increase sprawl or just in the case of health concerns of existing inland water supplies? Much more to come.......

Many people look out over Lake Michigan and just don't understand the need for a comprehensive and restrictive plan for the future. With Billions of folks on our planet and over 40 million currently depending on this water supply (Great Lakes= 21% of fresh water), we better look hard at the water quality and existence. Bottom line is that preserving our waters, restoring our waters, and ensuring those efforts in a sustainable fashion forever is the mission here and we need to keep our eyes wide open to continue to develop an action plan to fit the mission and support human life.


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July 2nd Roundup

Highland Park Historical Society will host the Auto Historica XII on July 21st... Cool Cars!

Electric Aggregation in Highland Park offers a Green Power choice for residents.

July 4th festivities start at 9:30 with Children's Bike and Pet parade followed with the Independence Day Parade at 10am. Sunset Park will host Fourth Fest from 11am-2pm. Battle of the Bands concert will start at 6pm at Wolters Field to be followed by fire works at dusk.

2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) is available for inspection and talks about all the finances of the City of Highland Park.

Council approved an ordinance to make it illegal to drop off people on Lambert Tree, St. Johns and adjoining neighborhood streets adjacent to Ravinia Festival during concert hours. Cars will be ticketed.

Battle of the Bands Rockin.....Port Clinton

Had a great time with Bitter Jester's Nicolas D. at Port Clinton this past Friday being one of the judges for Battle of the Bands. We had a incredible turnout with the entire square packed to the edges. Mayor Rotering and Terri Olian were in attendance along with my fellow judges Lori Flores Weisskopf and Steve Ragsdale. We had a great time and the musicians were really kicking out those notes.. . Nicolas hosts a great event and hats off to you buddy!!!

On a side note. . . . . . we need to move on the reconstruction of the fountain area. I liked the idea that we replace the fountain with an open 360 stage. We were presented a wonderful concept last year by the Port Clinton bunch I thought refurbished Port Clinton nicely. These enhancements would provide excellent marketing value to our core business district. 

Update on Park District / City of HP Meeting

Just wanted to report in. . . . . that the Mayor, Scott Meyer, Cal Bernstein, myself, and staff had a great joint City / Park meeting. We talked about the Highland Park Country Club ownership getting resolved by end of summer and a host of issues that deal with acquisition, stairway at Park Ave. beach rebuild, and ordinance conflicts with maintenance of trails. One of the main issues was working together on sustainable approaches to government and how we could reduce costs by merging some facilities and operations. Big plus if we can get this stuff done!!

Next step was for staff to work together and come up with ideas from our visioning session and share it with our respective boards.... Very pleased at the attitude and vision of all my fellow elected's on this front.

Is the Library under the authority of the City Council?

For many years on the City Council our relationship with the library was smooth and predictable. When the library had a need they would approach the City Council and we would direct staff to work out solutions that fit within the City Council's budget guidelines for the City of Highland Park. Several years ago when we were falling into a recession the City Council was approached by the library board with a 10+ million dollar addition. The City Council did not approve of the plan asking that the library board look at phasing or to simply focus on rehabilitation of existing structure.

In a total surprise to me the library staff and board took offense to our directive reaching out to a attorney to discuss autonomy and legal recourse against the City Council because they thought we were interfering with their mission and authority. After some heated back door discussions they took our direction and have put forward a plan that is phased and focuses on rehabilitation, core infrastructure, and realignment of services aligned with the new electronic media. Bravo!

While City Council refused to levy more taxes on our citizens as the library board requested, we moved to spend down our 50% cash reserves instead. They were again offended that we would not drastically increase the library levy. They did not seemingly understand the economic burden our citizens and business were under and why should they? They are not elected or in any way accountable for their actions to the citizens of this community since they are appointed by the Mayor and ratified by the City Council. Yes, they are accountable just to the City Council and that is why we need to clarify their roles in respect to the City Council.

While I was Quebec City representing the Mayor at the Great Lakes conference I had heard this issue was discussed. Our library needs to work with our staff as does our other departments to flush out every and any efficiency within our municipal government. When the City Council approved spending of the rehabilitation and renovation funding I recall a condition being moved by the entire City Council to stipulate that our City Manager would flush out all efficiencies.

This idea and drum beating of independence and autonomy by the library is ludicrous and needs to come to an end. The Library Board does work under the City Council at our pleasure and authority. If the City Council can't put an end to this controversy it should be presented to the citizenry for a vote on determination as it should not be fuzzy or ambiguous anymore about roles, responsibility, and authority. We need to define our relationship in specific terms so future discussions have a reliable framework.

Sign up for Composting Pickup!

Sign up for the Highland Park Composting Pilot Program if you have a Thursday garbage pick up day! Remember, only the Thursday Pickup Day can participate in this Composting Pilot Program. First 125 folks that sign up will get 50% off the ...$40 total price for four months, a free kitchen composting pail, free compostable bags, and a 35 gallon curbside roll out container.

 

SIGN UP AT THE LINK BELOW AND GET THE DISCOUNT PRICE AND FREE STUFF if your one of the first 125 people!

Highland Park Composting Project Sign-up Page

Water Plant Upgrade Concerns

When we first approached the discussion of upgrading our water plant in 2002 a few issues were brought up. The first issue was that with new technologies emerging we could remove some micro organisms from the water to make the water safer (the reality is statistically a very very small degree of safer water). Lets be perfectly clear on this issue- our water standards meets and exceeds our federal and state standards and is very safe and healthy to drink. Secondly, we could increase capacity so we would not have problems supplying water during high demand dry times like we are currently experiencing.

Since 2002 the project's cost has over doubled while the size of the project has decreased by double digit percentages. We are currently looking at total costs a little short of 40 million. Our past city manager, in his wisdom, started purchasing items prior to the project bidding against my vote and advice. This was done to be sure all items were fabricated and ready to go prior to the start of construction and assure us a timely construction process. But, as history now tells us the bids came in well over the projected costs yet we are saddled with the past commitments and payments of millions.

One item that comes to mind is the several million dollar electric upgrade that we were told was needed for the increased electrical current use that could reach 150% of current needs. In a recent  presentation the reality of those needs were presented as only 120%. Other discrepancies from past to present was past representations that with our current sand system the plant upgrades would only cost in the range of 10 million, but in recent presentations that number has ballooned to a few million shy of 30.

With all this going on I am having trouble understanding reality and trusting the information we are currently receiving and would suggest an audit of these ridiculous swings in assumptions and prices. I have also suggested we look at bidding out the operations of the plant with upgrades since the process could be effected with different styles of management and efficiencies could save us $$$'s.

Anyway, myself, Councilman Naftzger and Frank seem most reluctant to move forward with this project  but a majority of the City Council seemingly wants to proceed. Councilman Kirsch has always promoted this project on the grounds of health safety which I have strongly disagreed. We have very safe water and this change to micro filtration will only increase water quality in the smallest of percentages. The facts are that our water currently exceeds all federal and state standards and mostly all adjoining communities' use our current technology and have chose not to convert to micro filtration.

May 18th Roundup

Greentown Highland Park is moving along with dates set for October 18th and 19th at the Art Center of Highland Park as well as our Community House. We are looking at having movies, healthy and local grown foods, and many speakers to motivate us into action.....
Annual Festival of Fine Craft will be held on June 22 - 23, 2012. Great event I would suggest we all attend. The Art Center which shares our Cultural Arts Campus with the Community House is located between Park and Elm on Sheridan Road.
Our City Recycling Dropoff accepts Electronics, Fluorescent bulbs, Styrofoam, household batteries on Tuesdays and Fridays from 7am-1pm at our Public Service Campus at 1180 Half Day Road.
Ravinia Business District is the subject of a new street scape design, utility evaluation and planning to move forward to create vibrancy and provide a foundation for improvements. Ravinia Neighbors Association has taken a lead role in this endeavour.
Honored some great citizens, younger and older, for their great environmental work. Rebecca Grill (trout release), Howard Hill(Presidential Innovation Award), [Jonny Cohen, Tommy Mills, Griffin Rutstein(Greensheids project team)] Thank you for providing this leadership!!
The house on 1864 Green Bay (property between Sunset foods and Elm) was bought by the City for possible reconfiguration of roadway entrance into Renaissance Place Garage.



and

Over 200MPG in my Nissan Leaf

Getting over 200MPG with my real-time metering. My All Electric Leaf under the City's Aggregation rate of 4.836 cents/kw gets about 168MPG. Yes, here are the facts..... I have been paying 2 cents a KW for electricity after 1am using my Leaf's charger and my real time metering. For this Calculation I will use the HP aggregation cost of 4.836 cents / kw plus 4.9 cent equipment charge. My carwings says I am getting 4.1 miles per kw. If I drive 15000 miles per year the cost would be 356 dollars. YES>>> $356 dollars. Now if you drive a 30mpg gasoline auto and pay $4/gal for gas the same 15000 miles driven, it will cost you $2000... So lets see Gas Vs Elec. , 30MPG vs 168MPG and $2000 Vs $356. I made my choice, what is yours?