HIGHLAND PARK
Animal-control law may be revised
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City Council members this week discussed changes to Highland Park’s animal control ordinance in the wake of a pit bull attack in which a 14-year-old girl was injured.
The council had discussed a ban on pit bulls in May after a pit bull attacked the girl and left her with lacerations requiring hundreds of stitches.
When pit bull advocates vehemently protested, the council agreed to forgo the ban in favor of strengthening the animal control ordinance.
The proposed amendments to the ordinance include regulations for how dangerous or vicious dogs must be secured, and requiring owners of such dogs to secure up to $100,000 of liability insurance.
“I don’t like the idea that the government is going to tell me to get veterinary care for our dogs,” said Michelle Smith, a dog owner who participates in animal rescue programs.
— Kathryn Dill
LIBERTYVILLE
Board weighing tax-hike options
Libertyville officials are considering raising taxes on telecommunications, electricity and natural gas use to cover a dwindling budget surplus.
Finance Committee Chair Trustee Richard Moras addressed the Village Board Tuesday night about the state of the village’s general fund.
“Despite previous efforts of cutting over $2.5 million and about 13 positions that we have eliminated since 2002 … we’re rapidly approaching the critical point in this fund,” Moras said.
Village sales tax revenue, in decline since 2001, and continued deficits at the village-owned Family Entertainment Center and Golf Learning Center at the Libertyville Sports Complex have strained the budget, Moras said.
The general fund surplus is projected to run out in early 2010, officials said.
Officials on Sept. 8 plan to vote on a proposed series of tax increases.
— Kathryn Dill
MUNDELEIN
Federal grant eyed for sidewalks
Mundelein trustees this week discussed plans to spend $400,000 a federal grant program awarded the village to create a network of sidewalks allowing children to safely walk or bike to school.
Village Engineer Bill Emmerich stressed the sidewalks will be built on public property only, though in several cases this may require the removal of trees or fences that residents have installed on the public property adjacent their property.
Several residents pointed out that if the sidewalks are placed where preliminary staking indicates, they will be about 2 feet from homes, and make it impossible to park in driveways without obstructing the sidewalk, which is illegal.
“We are setting people up to fail,” said Trustee Terri Voss.
— Kathryn Dill
NORTHBROOK
Trustees bullish on financial future
Despite the state of the economy, Northbrook trustees shared highlights of a positive financial report for the village this week.
Village expenses in the fiscal 2009-10 budget are projected at more than $700,000 under budget, while the general fund deficit is expected to be about $55,000, officials said.
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Initial projections had the deficit at more than $400,000 for the year.
Most of these savings are due to five vacant administrative positions and lower than predicted road salt prices, officials said.
“I think Northbrook’s finances are in excellent shape,” said Director of Finance Jeffrey Rowitz.
Retail occupancy in town is about 90 percent, which is in line with historical averages, Trustee Michael Scolaro said.
Sales tax receipts are 5 percent ahead of their budget prediction, officials said.
— Tracy Yoshida Gruen
PARK RIDGE
City considering video poker ban
Park Ridge appears poised to ban video poker machines, but aldermen said this week that they need more answers about the new state law legalizing that kind of gambling.
More information about permit fees, potential tax revenue and funding for capital projects like sewers, and whether neighboring cities will ban video poker machines is needed before a decision can be made, Ald. Frank Wsol said.
The new state law allows up to five video poker machines at restaurants and bars where liquor is served, fraternal and veterans organizations, and truck stops, unless cities or counties specifically ban the machines.
— Jon Davis