News Briefs: Survey seeks input on Oak Park website

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Updated: February 2, 2012 4:11PM

Survey seeks input
on Village website

The Village is asking citizens how they use the official municipal government website www.oak-park.us. A simple online survey is among the first steps toward redesigning the website to improve navigation and content. The survey will be available until 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27. Go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/VOPWeb to take the survey.

Water conservation
input asked; Jan. 31

With the City of Chicago dramatically increasing charges to communities for Lake Michigan water, Oak Park is launching a community-based effort to create a water conservation and use efficiency plan. The effort, which will rely heavily on citizen input and participation, will begin with a focus group scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 31, at Village Hall, 123 Madison St. The goal is to create a plan that will focus on water supply issues to promote efficient water use and conservation in the community. The final plan could be a model for other communities with similar water supply issues.

The City of Chicago, which supplies Lake Michigan water to Oak Park and nearby communities, raised rates 25 percent in 2012. Rates are scheduled to rise another 15 percent each year in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

For more information on the plan, call (708) 358-5778 or e-mail sustainability@oak-park.us.

Mind parking rules
when it snows

The Village has specific rules that govern parking when it snows — rules that are enforced seven days a week, including holidays. Residents are urged to monitor local forecasts and plan accordingly.

When a snow emergency is declared by the Public Works Department, all parking is prohibited on the main streets posted as snow routes. Parking on other streets is restricted to one side from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. in residential areas and from midnight to 8 a.m. in designated commercial districts, the side determined by the odd/even date.

To find out if snow-related parking restrictions are in effect, call (708) 358-SNOW / (708) 358-7669 for a recorded message. Cable television subscribers can tune into VOP-TV www.oak-park.us/Village_Manager/VOP_TV6.html, broadcast on Comcast channel 6 and AT&T channel 99. Residents who sign up at www.oak-park.us/notifyme will be alerted by text and e-mail.

The snow emergency parking rules and a list of frequently asked questions are posted at www.oak-park.us/snow.

Be neighborly:
shovel sidewalk

Keeping the Village walkable after a heavy snowfall requires everyone to take responsibility for the public sidewalk abutting their property. Village ordinance requires sidewalks to be cleared within 24 hours following a snow, sleet or freezing rain event. The shoveling requirement applies to both business and residential property owners.

Anyone who has difficulty shoveling may call (708) 358-5700 or e-mail publicworks@oak-park.us for assistance. Anyone who would like to volunteer to help others in the community clear their sidewalks is urged to call or send an e-mail as well.

Warming centers
open if needed

Anyone needing relief from the cold can visit one of two warming centers in the Village. West Suburban Medical Center, Erie Street at Austin Boulevard, is open from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Rush Oak Park Hospital, 500 S. Maple Ave., is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours may be extended when weather conditions warrant.

To find out if the warming center is open after hours, call West Suburban Hospital at (708) 763-6747 or Rush Oak Park Hospital at (708) 660-6000. If transportation is needed, call the Oak Park Police Department’s nonemergency number (708) 386-3800.

Volunteer: Medical
Reserve Corps

Volunteers are being sought for the Oak Park Medical Reserve Corps, which began a new training cycle this month. Working with and supporting the Oak Park Department of Public Health, the Medical Reserve Corps relies on experienced health professionals and others who volunteer their expertise in times of need such as an influenza epidemic, chemical spill or other emergency. MRC volunteers also assist in promoting disease prevention, improving health literacy and enhancing emergency preparedness.

For more information on training, how to join and to learn more about the corps, e-mail health@oak-park.us or visit www.medicalreservecorps.gov.

Voter registration
underway now

Oak Parkers planning to vote in the spring federal and state primary elections can register through Tuesday, Feb. 21, at Village Hall, 123 Madison St. Registration is offered from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday in the Village Clerk’s Office. Voter registration requires two types of identification, at least one with the current address. A drivers license or picture ID is preferred, along with an additional item such as a lease or utility bill.

Early voting is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., from Monday, Feb. 27 through Thursday, March 15. Registered voters do not need a reason to vote early.

Election Day is Tuesday, March 20. For more information, call (708) 358-5670 or e-mail clerk@oak-park.us.

The Boogers live in concert

It’s time to Shake, Shimmy & Shout for a good cause! First United Nursery

School invites you to rock out to Children’s recording artist “The Boogers”

benefitting the FUNS Tuition Assistance Program. Tickets available in

advance for $ 10 pp / $12 pp at the door, Children under 2 are free. So,

grab your kids and maybe your neighbors kids too...put on your dancing shoes

and come join the fun!

Where: First United Church located at 848 Lake St. Oak Park, IL

When: Saturday January 28th @ 4pm

Hosted by: First United Church Nursery School

Contact Joan White @ 708-848-4910 for more information or tickets.