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 guests online: 10
 members online: 0
 You are an anonymous user. You can register for free by clicking here
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Welcome to the Ninth Ward Web Site
| Welcome to the Ninth Ward Web Site. I have created this web site to serve two purposes. It will provide information and create a communication network for the residents of the Ninth Ward. Keeping people informed not only provides information about ongoing issues but also provides them with the necessary information to make educated decisions. Communication is the key to success for any organization. With the ability to communicate through this web site we will be able to speak as one community. When you couple information with communication you have a well-informed, organized group of individuals ready to voice their concerns, opinions and desires. When we speak as one we will be heard. I encourage you to register with the web site and become an informed member of the Ninth Ward. Take pride in our area of Aurora and be a part of the group of individuals who govern our lives. I give you my promise your e-mail addresses will not be distributed to any outside organizations. If you need to contact me I can be reached at my home phone number of 375-9375 or by e-mail at AldermanKeith@aol.com.
Alderman Leroy Keith |
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The City, through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act/Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block grant funds, will be offering the "Residential Energy Savers Program", with applications available starting on Monday July 26th. All homeowners in Aurora will be eligible for the grant. There will be an application process after which a certified auditor will complete a free Energy Audit of the home. Recommendations on ways to increase the homes energy efficiency will qualify for matching grant funds up to a maximum of $3,500. Anyone interested in the program can attend a 6 PM meeting on 26 July on the 5th Floor of the Aurora City Hall located at 44 E. Downers Place.
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Posted by AldermanKeith on Jul 22, 2010 - 12:17 PM (36 Reads)
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I have spotted two larger breed male dogs w/o tags and clearly not neutered walking southward along Barrington toward Hoffman. The fist appeared to be a weimeraner-like dog, and the second appeared to be a bull terrier. I noted with the second dog that he was not aggressive, but not approachable either, much like that of a wild or untamed animal. One should note that Aurora Police do not address animal control issues and animal control does not have the means for a 24 hour response. Incidentally I reported the second sighting and never got a return call.
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Posted by wolfestevenf on Jul 16, 2010 - 04:56 PM (16 Reads)
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The City of Aurora has initated an electronic recycling program with the Saturday 17 July being the first day.
Drop-off electronics recycling will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the city's Customer Service Center rear parking lot, 3770 McCoy Drive. Other drop-off dates will be scheduled in the future.
A variety of electronic goods will be accepted, including: computers and peripherals (PCs, monitors, printers, scanners, modems, tapes, discs, CD drives, cables, keyboards, mice, and plotters); entertainment equipment (TVs, VCRs, DVD players, camcorders, cameras, stereo equipment without speakers, game players and joysticks); and office equipment (telephones, cell phones, pagers, answering machines, typewriters, calculators, adding machines, fax machines, shredders, copiers, and postage meters).
Microwave ovens will be the only kitchen appliance accepted. Toasters, coffee makers, and other appliances will not be taken.
The recycling drop-off will be staffed, but residents will have to unload their materials themselves.
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Posted by AldermanKeith on Jul 15, 2010 - 10:15 AM (24 Reads)
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In 2009, the City of Aurora underwent a major organizational restructuring in an attempt to reduce staffing levels and personnel expenses. Staffing levels were reduced across all services with the exception of Police and Fire.
When economic conditions require a reduction in manpower, there is always a fear that the provided services will be reduced or at least delayed. A majority of the services provided by the City are services that take place behind the scenes and unless something breaks or goes wrong, we normally don’t pay any attention to them. However, services such as snow removal, city provided electrical service repairs (street lights, traffic signals), street maintenance, building and permit inspection services, and storm water management are services that we might see on a routine basis.
I have posted a new 9th Ward survey question on the 9thWard Web Site and would like your feedback on the City provided services over the past 6 months. Please answer the poll question and leave a comment if you are so inclined.
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Posted by AldermanKeith on Jun 24, 2010 - 06:27 AM (37 Reads)
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Allied Waste has notified me that they will be observing the 4th of July Holiday on Monday July 5th; therefore, garbage collection services for that week will be delayed one day.
Leroy Keith
Alderman, 9th Ward
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Posted by AldermanKeith on Jun 24, 2010 - 05:44 AM (30 Reads)
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Article from the Aurora Beacon News June 21, 2010
By ANDRE SALLES
Kermit the Frog was wrong. These days, it's easier than ever being green.
You can get organically grown foods just about anywhere. Recycling has become a household word and is offered wherever you go. Power-saving light bulbs are now available in stores near you.
And you can now get renewable energy in your home, if you want it. The city of Aurora has joined up with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and an Illinois company called BlueStar Energy Solutions in an effort to get as many Aurorans as possible to switch over to green energy.
They're calling it the Green Power Challenge, and by the end of the year, Aurora leaders hope to have 2,600 more renewable energy accounts in the city.
But what exactly is renewable energy, and how does it work?
First, it's not exactly really green energy -- BlueStar is not taking electricity created by wind farms or other renewable sources and bringing that energy directly to your home.
According to Lon Johnson, director of residential solutions for BlueStar, the electricity the company buys is the same electricity bought by ComEd, from the same national power grid. According to Johnson, the problem with green energy is there just isn't any way to transport it directly from one place to another without pumping it into the grid, where it then mixes with electricity from every other source.
So technically, the power you're getting from BlueStar is the same power you'd get from ComEd.
Then what's the difference? Renewable energy certificates.
Energy certificates
Let's say you own a wind farm, and you sell the energy it produces. Because you own a renewable energy producer -- one that doesn't use up natural resources -- you're also authorized in Illinois to make and sell renewable energy certificates.
Each certificate is proof that one megawatt-hour of energy was generated from a renewable source. They're verified by an independent agency -- in BlueStar's case, a company called Green-e -- and then sold to companies and consumers who want to support green energy.
According to Johnson, BlueStar gets its certificates from wind farms in Texas. They then bundle the energy and the certificates together and sell them for one price -- which, Johnson says, right now is 5 percent less than ComEd's rate.
So what are you buying when you sign up with BlueStar? You're getting the same power you'd get through ComEd, but you're also getting a certificate for each megawatt-hour you buy. That, Johnson says, allows you to claim you're buying 100 percent renewable energy -- you have proof that the equivalent amount you bought was produced through green means.
If you want, though, you can also buy the certificates from ComEd, or from other sources, and stick with the electric service you have. Except for the 5 percent rate decrease (for this year, at least), the effect will be the same.
Part of a movement
So why should you buy renewable energy certificates? If you care about how electricity is generated and want to see more wind farms and other forms of renewable energy, this is a way to show your support. The money raised through these certificates helps to defray the higher costs of renewable energy.
According to Alexis Cain, environmental scientist with the EPA, fossil fuels are responsible for 40 percent of the country's greenhouse gas emissions. The more people who support renewable energy, he said, the more renewable energy there will be.
"If we can get more communities to follow (Aurora's) example we can significantly change how electricity is generated," he said.
If that's something you're interested in, log onto www.gogreenaurora.com or www.bluestarenergy.com for more on Aurora's Green Power Challenge.
You can get more info on renewable energy certificates, and where to get them, at the EPA's site, www.epa.gov/grnpower/gpmarket/rec.htm.
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Posted by AldermanKeith on Jun 21, 2010 - 06:30 AM (70 Reads)
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I wanted to post a portion of an email that I received from a 9th Ward Resident. The email tells the story of what happens when people take action.
Mr. Keith,
I just wanted to drop you a quick message to inform you of what happened in my neighborhood last night (actually early this morning). I live on Whitethorn Drive. I was awakened by my doorbell ringing at about 3:00am this morning, when I opened the door I was surprised that there was an Aurora Police officer there. Instantly I thought the worst, nothing good can come out of the Police at your door at that time of the morning. He informed me that there was a string of car burglaries and my car was one of the cars that was hit. He asked me to step outside look in my car and give him a list of all that was missing. It was at that time that he told me he caught one of the thieves and to follow him down the block to his squad car where I could ID all of my belongings. I instantly went from a state of anger and feeling violated to a state of relief. The fact that they more or less caught this guy in the act was amazing to me. After talking with the officers I learned that the police were notified by a phone tip from a neighbor about suspicious people in the area. I know there are Community Policing Officers but I think their needs to be more of an effort between the police and citizens to develop real neighborhood watch systems. I am guilty myself of being lax in my vigilance, being too comfortable in my "safe" suburban neighborhood setting, out of sight out of mind I guess. The system worked perfectly this time and I'm sure it works perfectly on many other occasions that most of us are not ever aware of, the truth of the matter is most of us don't really want to know, we want to think that our families and belongings are always safe. This was an eye opening experience for me and I intend on informing my neighbors and making sure everyone is aware of what happened.
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Posted by AldermanKeith on Apr 29, 2010 - 05:28 AM (97 Reads)
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For a couple of years now, I have discussed on this web site the requirement of a backflow device for all cross connections to the Aurora water supply system, and the need for them to be inspected on an annual basis. These requirements come from state legislation and are passed down to the cities as unfounded mandates. That means that any lawn irrigation systems, hot tubes, decorative ponds...... must be inspected. The City is in the process of creating a city ordinance that formalizes the state requirements. Once passed, if the City becomes aware of a cross connection that has not been inspected, the water supply to that home will be terminated until the backflow device is inspected by a qualified inspector.
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Posted by AldermanKeith on Apr 19, 2010 - 03:22 PM (94 Reads)
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I attended a neighborhood meeting on Thursday night and had the opportunity to speak with one of Aurora’s Community Oriented Police (COP) Officers. The COP Officers are assigned to specific Districts within City and act as somewhat of a liaison with the residents. They also pay close attention to crime trends, reported criminal activity and conduct proactive police operations in an effort to prevent crime versus being reactive to reported crimes.
One of their Crime Prevention efforts involves walking through neighborhoods and making residents aware of things that the residents are doing that make them a target for criminal activity. Some of you may have received a late night knock on your door alerting you that your garage door had been left up or that personal property had been left out. Recently the COP officers walked through a neighborhood and issued about 100 crime prevention notifications dealing with personal property being left inside cars parked on the street or in the driveway. In one incident, the Officers found a car with two laptop computers, a GPS unit and about ten dollars in change just sitting in the car in open view. The resident might as well have put a flashing sign on the car that said “Break in and steal my property.”
It is a shame that we have to do certain things to protect our property and prevent a crime from occurring but such is the case. When we do things to make it harder for a criminal to commit a crime, or remove the value of committing the crime, the chances of being a victim of a crime are greatly decreased. We are the first line of defense for ourselves. It doesn’t take a lot of effort but the benefit is huge.
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Posted by AldermanKeith on Apr 03, 2010 - 08:58 AM (97 Reads)
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Over the past several months, the Aurora Fire Department has responded to 3 separate fire incidents on Dorothy Drive on Aurora’s East Side. All of these fires have been related to bathroom vent fans.
The homes in this area are approximately 18 years old and, as such, there are components, such as bath vent fans, which may be ending their useful life cycle. Bath vent fans are exposed to moist heated air and changes in temperatures due to their location in attic spaces. These fans rely on air flow across the electric motor to keep them cool. A common component to fail is the motor bearing. This, coupled with a buildup over time of lint or dust on the motor, can cause overheating. It can send a spark that may ignite the dust and plastic housing, resulting in a fire in the ceiling/attic area.
If you have a bathroom vent fan that is making a grinding or squealing noise, it should not be operated. Any older fan should not be left running unattended for an extended period of time. The NFPA reports that fans in 2003-2006 were involved in approximately 3,700 home fires per year, resulting in an average of 16 civilian deaths, 126 civilian injuries, and $94 million in direct property damage. Bathroom fans were responsible for 50% of these numbers.
Questions can be directed to the Aurora Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau at (630) 892-9001. For emergencies, always dial 9-1-1.
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Posted by AldermanKeith on Mar 21, 2010 - 08:51 AM (138 Reads)
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The Aurora Police Department has announced new telephone numbers for all police employees and divisions effective immediately.
While the number for police emergencies, 911, of course, does not change, the department has established a new non-emergency telephone number of 630-256-5000. Even though the former non-emergency telephone number, 630-859-1700, will continue to be answered until the city’s 911 Center moves into the new headquarters, officials encourage citizens to use the new non-emergency number. They reiterate that 911 should be used only in instances of immediate threats to personal safety or property.
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Posted by AldermanKeith on Mar 21, 2010 - 08:49 AM (120 Reads)
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The below listed companies have either violated Chapter 32 of the Aurora Code of Ordinances or Title 18 of the United States Criminal Code by illegally depositing some form or advertisement or handbill onto the private property of another:
Ramirez Services - Multi year violator. Placed flyers on homes posted as No Solicitors.
United Lawn & Sealcoating - Multi year violator. Placed flyers on homes posted as No Solicitors and when contacted, denied that they were in violation of the City Ordinance. Acted as they didn't care.
Mr. Mulch - Placed flyers on homes posted as No Solicitors and when contacted, acted as if they didn't care what the city ordinances said
Salinas Services - Placed flyers on homes posted as No Solicitors. Salinas is a 3 year repeat offender. They obviously don't care and don't get it
5S Company - Placed flyers on mailboxes - Not Registered
United Lawn and Sealcoating - Left flyers on homes posted as No Solicitors
European Cleaning Maids - Placed flyers on mailboxes - Not Registered
Calderon Landscaping - Left flyers on homes posted as No Solicitors
CLN Landscaping - Left flyers on homes posted as No Solicitors, Habitual Offender
Jeff’s Lawn Care and Landscaping - Left flyers on homes posted as No Solicitors - Not Registered
Romero's Services - Left flyers on homes posted as No Solicitors, Habitual Offender
SVS Services - Left flyers on homes posted as No Solicitors - Not registered
RJ's Home Remodeling - Left flyers on mailbox
Elan Home Improvement - Threw flyer w/rock into front yards
B&B Maids Inc. - Threw flyer w/rock into front yards
Gonzalez Services & Sealcoating - Left flyers on homes posted as No Solicitors
BSC Enterprises - Left flyers on homes posted as No Solicitors
Dupage Turf - Left flyers on homes posted as No Solicitors
GA Landscaping - Left flyers on mailbox
Grasshopper Lawn Care - Left flyers on homes posted as No Solicitors
Just Right Lawn & Concrete Services - Left flyers on homes posted as No Solicitors
All Cleaners - Left flyers on homes posted as No Solicitors
Vazquez's Landscaping - Left flyers on mailbox
Vazquez's Seal Coating - Left flyers on mailbox
Salinas Services - Left flyers on homes posted as No Solicitors
Top of the Line Services - Left flyers on homes posted as No Solicitor
Basement 2 Finish - Left flyers on homes posted as No Solicitor
Splash Painting - Left flyers on mailbox
Service Master Lawn Care - Left flyers on homes posted as No Solicitor
Prime Cut Landscaping - Threw bag with flyer and rocks into front yards
JM Landscaping - Left flyer on homes posted as No Solicitor
Four Brothers Landscaping - Left flyer on homes posted as No Solicitor, No permit
Santilli's Fantasy Patio and Landscaping - Threw bags of mulch on driveways, no permit
Salinas Services & Sealcoating - Left flyer on homes posted as No Solicitor
Mendoza Services & Sealcoating - Left flyer on homes posted as No Solicitor
Midwest Funding Bancorp - Left flyer on homes posted as No Solicitor
Guardian Pest Defense - Left flyer and knocked on doors of homes posted with No Solicitor signs, Sales person was rude
Shore Line Landcare - Left flyer on mailbox
Safeguard Construction Company Inc - Left flyer on doors of homes posted with No Solicitor signs
Kuipers Family Farm - Left flyer on doors of homes posted with No Solicitor signs
Adrians Sealcoating - Threw bag with rocks and flyer on driveway of a home posted with a no solicitor sign
Ayala's Lawn Care - Left calling card on mailbox
Grasshopper Lawn Care - Left flyer on mailbox
M.G. Landscape Service - Left flyer on mailbox
Garcia's Services Inc - Left flyers on doors of homes posted with no solicitor signs
GreenTee Lawn Care - No permit and left flyers on doors of homes posted with no solicitor signs
Lawn Sharks - Threw bag of rocks with flyer in driveway
Caroline & Sean Cleaning Service - Left flyers on mailboxes
Ed's Rosewood Lawncare Left flyers on doors of homes posted with no solicitor signs
Shiny Home CLeaning Service Left flyers on mailboxes
Munoz Services Left flyers on doors of homes posted with no solicitor signs
Ramirez Services Left flyers on doors of homes posted with no solicitor signs
Vazquez's Landscape Left flyers on doors of homes posted with no solicitor signs
J&E Services and Sealcoating Left flyers on doors of homes posted with no solicitor signs
Sanchez Fence Left flyers on doors of homes posted with no solicitor signs
Xtremo & Fast Sealcoating Left flyers on doors of homes posted with no solicitor signs
Flores Services and Seal Coating and Flores & Sons Landscaping left flyers on doors of homes posted with no solicitor signs
Home Sweet Home Solutions left flyers on mailboxes and homes posted with no solicitor signs
Munoz Services and Sealcoating left flyers on doors posted with no solicitor signs
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Posted by AldermanKeith on Mar 21, 2010 - 08:33 AM (195 Reads)
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AmeriCorps is a federally funded initiative often referred to as the "domestic Peace Corps." Participants provide service to communities through established organizations, helping neighborhoods meet educational, public safety, environmental and other unmet human needs by focusing on youth and seniors. All program instruction is free of charge; organizations are encouraged to purchase course materials for each student to gain an optimal learning experience. The following courses are currently being offered:
Community Disaster Education
First Aid and CPR Certification
Family Caregiving
First Aid for Little People
Kid Fire Stopper
Home Alone
Water Habits are Learned Early
Scrubby Bear
These courses are offered to church groups, schools, private organizations and not for profit groups. For more information contact Jason Schultz at SchultzJa@usa.redcross.org or 708-547-6516.
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Posted by AldermanKeith on Mar 14, 2010 - 10:15 AM (120 Reads)
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Ordinances
Introduction
This brochure covers the most commonly asked questions about laws dealing with cats and dogs in the City of Aurora.
It will cover 13 sections in Chapter 9 which contains the Laws about cats and dogs. This brochure does not list all the provisions of each section and is written in common English to make the laws easier to understand. To receive a copy of the entire Chapter 9 (written in legal terms), call the City of Aurora Animal Control at (630) 897-5695. Any Animal Control Officer can enforce and write citations for violations.
Section 9-2: Limit of Animals
There is a limit of four (4) domestic animals per household. This would only include two (2) dogs and two (2) cats. This would only apply to dogs and cats. The only exception to this section is if prior to March 2000, you had 3 of one species.
Section 9-3: Registration of Dogs and Cats
A city registration tag is required of every person who owns a dog or cat within the City of Aurora. The tag may be purchased at the City of Aurora Animal Control & Care Facility. License tags will need to be displayed at all times on the collar of the animal.
Section 9-8: Rabies Vaccination
All dogs and cats that are four (4) months or older should be vaccinated for rabies. This should be done at your veterinarian once a year. The vaccination tag should be worn by your pet at all times.
Any dog or cat that has not been vaccinated for rabies would be declared a public nuisance and may be impounded by order of the Animal Control Manager or his/her designee.
Section 9-10: Animal at Large
It is a violation to permit any dog or cat to be at large. At large means an animal not under the physical control of a person by a leash. At large also means a dog not confined to the property of its owner by a fence.
It is also against the law to tie, chain or tether a dog so it has access to public property or another person's property.
Persons who use “invisible fencing” to keep their animal contained must display on their property adjacent to the public right of way a sign which shows that the animal(s) are contained by the “invisible fencing”.
The fencing must be set back from the public right away a minimum of four (4) feet. An Animal Control Officer may impound any dog or cat that is at large. In addition to impoundment, the officer may issue a citation to the pet owner.
Section 9-11: Animal Disturbing the Peace
It is unlawful for any owner of an animal to allow such animal to bark, howl, cry or make other frequent noise to disturb the peace and quiet of any place, family, person or neighborhood.
Section 9-12: Nuisance Feeding Prohibited
Feeding of any cat by any means, including hand feeding or setting out of food left attended or unattended, will be declared a public nuisance.
Section 9-13: Bites and attacks, vicious animals
It is the duty of every owner of an animal to prevent such animal from biting or attacking any person, animal or property of another. Any animal without provocation, or attacks will be declared a nuisance, may be impounded by the Animal control Manager or Animal Control Officer.
The Animal Control Manager may allow the owner to retain ownership but only with restrictions placed on the owner in writing.
Vicious animals must be confined indoors by its owner or if confined outside only in a sided enclosure (four sides and roof). If the enclosure does not have a floor the sides of the enclosure must be embedded into the ground no less than two(2) feet deep.
A vicious animal is not permitted to leave the property without prior written approval of the Control Manager or his/her designee. If permission is given the animal must be muzzled and restrained by a leash and the control of the owner.
Owner of a vicious animal must display on their property a sign indicating “WARNING - VICIOUS ANIMAL KEEP AWAY”. A similar sign is also to be placed on the exterior of the enclosure where the animal is kept.
The sign must be visible from the public right of way and from fifty (50) feet from the animal's enclosure. A vicious animal must be spayed or neutered at the owner's expense, within thirty (30) days of the when the dog or cat was deemed vicious.
Within ten (10) business days of the animal being declared vicious, the owner must provide proof of liability insurance, including coverage of claims arising from the conduct of the owner's animal, in an amount not less then $100,000.00. The insurance company must notify, the Animal Control department not less than thirty (30) days prior to cancellation of coverage.
Any violation of this section could result in the impoundment of the animal and it being declared a public nuisance. The owner would have no right to redeem the animal.
Section 9-14: Dangerous Animals
No person shall own, keep or harbor within the City:
1. Any snake, reptile, lizard that could injure a person by bite, poison or constriction.
2. Any lion, tiger, cougar, jaguar, panther, bobcat, mountain lion, lynx, ocelot, leopard or any hybrid thereof.
3. Any wolf, coyote, jackal, fox, wild dog, or hybrid.
4. Bear or bison.
5. Any rodent weighing more than one (1) pound, with the exception of guinea pigs.
6. Any monkey, gorilla, chimpanzee or ape-like primate.
Section 9-17: Removal of Excreta
The owner of every animal will be responsible for the removal and sanitary disposition of excreta deposited by his animal. When walking a dog the owner must have on their person suitable means for the removal of such excreta.
Section 9-19: Humane Care for Animals
Every owner must provide for each of their animals:
1. Sufficient quantity of good, wholesome food and water.
2. Provide Shelter and protections from the weather.
3. Veterinary care when needed.
4. Humane care and treatment.
Section 9-20: Cruelty to Animals
It is against the law to beat, torment, overload, over work, abuse or intentionally cause mutilation or inhumane death. Cruelty includes leaving a dog outside without food, shelter and water. Leaving any animal in a motor vehicle, trailer or other enclosure which may place the health of the animal in a threatening situation due to exposure to heat or cold is prohibited.
Section 9-21: Animal Fighting
Fighting of animals or maintaining a location where animals fight is prohibited. No person should attend any activity involving a fight, for the purpose of sport, wagering or entertainment of animals.
Section 9-27: Fees
City Registration
Spayed/Neutered Animals:
· 1 yr.-$3
· 3 yr.-$6
· Lifetime-$18
Unaltered Animals:
· 1 yr.-$6
· 3 yr.-$12
· There is no lifetime tag for unaltered animals
Impoundment Fees:
· First and Second Offense-$20
· Third and Fourth Offense-$35
· Fifth Offense-$50
· Sixth Offense-$100
· Emergency fee-$30.00 (for impounding an animal after normal business hours) plus $15.00 Microchip fee
Fees are per animal
Daily Boarding Fee
$10.00/day/animal
Release of Ownership
· Aurora resident - $30
· Non-resident - $60
For animals whose owners live outside the city limits, the owner will pay twice the fee.
The Animal Control Manager and the Animal Control Officer(s) are deemed peace officers and may prepare and serve citations either in person or by certified mail.
Whenever a violation of this chapter is observed by the Animal Control Manager or Animal Control Officer, they may request a hearing before the City of Aurora Administrative Hearing Officer.
The penalties for violating any provisions of the Animal Control Ordinance may result in fines ranging from $100.00 to $10,000.00 for each offense.
DON'T LITTER. PLEASE SPAY OR NEUTER
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Posted by AldermanKeith on Feb 09, 2010 - 04:15 PM (213 Reads)
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Over the past few years a number of commercial service providers and retail outlets have opened in the smaller retail centers along Eola Road, Frontenac Road and Montgomery Road. Some of these business owners were experienced small business men/women who had the necessary skill sets to hit the ground running when their doors opened for business. Others were entrepreneurs who were testing new ideas or realized that there was a need for a specific service or retail outlet but weren’t real familiar with the small business world and didn’t know exactly what the local consumer would want.
As consumers, we have expectations of the quality of service and products that we receive from each of these businesses. When those expectations are not met, we simply choose not to patronize the business and move to another service provider. We all have different tolerance levels. Some will not return to a business with one bad experience while others will give the business a couple of tries. Whatever your personal tolerance level is, I think it is worth noting that we all have bad days from time to time. It is also important to understand that as time passes and these new businesses progress through the initial start-up processes, things will change for the better, or at least they should.
I don’t want to be specific about any particular business, but I am personally aware that one business owner went through more than twenty employees the first year that the business was open just trying to find the right employees. There is a learning curve involved when a new business is opened. That learning curve is increased when the owner of the new business is also new to the small business world. What is important is that the owner makes the necessary changes to satisfy the local consumers.
This is where we as the consumer come into play. If you have abandoned one of our local businesses because of poor service or products, think about giving them another chance. I know that some of them have made some major improvements in their services. New staff has been hired, management changes made, priorities shifted and business models adjusted. Some of these changes were made because the owner realized there was a problem and others were made because the consumers voiced their concerns. The end result has been better service and a better experience for the consumer; and that equates to a successful business.
Give them another chance. You might find that things have gotten better. It is important to support our local businesses. It doesn’t look good to new home-buyers or prospective business owners when they see retail centers with empty units and in today’s economy, every little improvement helps.
Leroy Keith
Alderman, 9th Ward
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Posted by AldermanKeith on Feb 07, 2010 - 07:47 AM (169 Reads)
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The following were a part of a story published by the Aurora Beacon News on 31 December 2009. The Aurora Police Department was listed as the source of the data:
A comparison of crime statistics in Aurora between 2009 and 2008. Statistics are as of Dec. 21, 2009.
• Major crime categories that saw decreases
Arson: Down 34.4 percent
Motor vehicle theft: Down 22.8 percent
Criminal sexual assault: Down 22.1 percent
Burglaries: Down 15.7 percent
Robberies: Down 10.4 percent
Aggravated assault: Down 3.2 percent
• Major crime categories that saw increases
Thefts: up 0.1 percent
Homicide: Four in 2009, two in 2008
• Traffic crashes
Down 15.5 percent -- 4,797 crashes in 2009; 5,679 crashes in 2008
• Shootings
Down 15.6 percent -- 92 in 2009; 109 in 2008
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Posted by AldermanKeith on Dec 31, 2009 - 05:38 AM (155 Reads)
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Garbage stickers will increase from $2.35 to $2.60 on 1 January 2010, per the contract agreement between the City of Aurora and Allied Waste.
The environmental refuse fee will increase from $3.00 per unit (per household per month) to $3.35 per unit, and from $2.00 to $2.25 for senior citizens age 65 or older. The refuse charges are included in residents’ water bills. The fee covers unlimited recycling as well as curbside brush and leaf collection and natural Christmas tree collection.
Resident are encouraged to mail in old stickers, a check for the difference in cost between the old stickers and the new, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
Allied Waste of Aurora
1565 Aurora Avenue Lane
Aurora, IL 60505
The exchange program will run from 15 December 2009 to 28 February 2010. Allied Waste will accept old stickers at the curb for the first two weeks of January.
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Posted by AldermanKeith on Dec 30, 2009 - 05:46 PM (293 Reads)
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With 2009 just about behind us, I wanted to take a few moments and report to the residents of the 9th Ward how the 9th Ward Funds were spent. In 2009, each Ward Alderman received $580,000 to be spent on various capital, infrastructure and neighborhood improvement projects. Each year, the members of the 9th Ward Committee conduct a series of meeting to discuss such projects, which are then budgeted for and completed.
In 2009, one project and two programs were suspended due to the economic conditions. The project involved the landscape design and public improvement of the center median and parkway areas of Eola Road from Keating Drive to Wolfs Crossing. The design work was undertaken but when the estimated cost to complete the project was in excess of $80,000, I just couldn’t justify that expenditure at this time. The landscape designs were put on a shelf and can be dusted off later when our economy turns around. The two programs that were suspended were the free Neighborhood Garbage days and the Block Party grant program. Each one of these programs could be resurrected at a later time, but it won’t be in 2010.
In 2009, a total of $544,466.65 was spent as follows:
$4502.00 - Smith Engineering Company - Eola Landscape Design
$540.00 - Shred-It - Free document shredding event
$335.00 - PC DataNet - 9th Ward Web Site maintenance and domain
$8555.00 - Aurora Sign Corp - New Message board sign for Georgetown Elementary School
$2000.00 - Georgetown Relief Effort Neighborhood Organization - Grant for Operations
$472,362.45 - Geneva Construction - Neighborhood Road Resurfacing Project
$7100.00 - Additional costs associated with the installation of street lights along Farnsworth Road . This project was a 2008 budget item with a carryover
$4195.00 - Radar Sign Company - Purchased a new solar powered radar sign that can be moved from neighborhood to neighborhood to remind drivers of their speed
$35,887.00 - Geneva Construction – Asphalt bike path repairs
The balance of the $580,000 was carried over in the Ward Fund Balance.
In 2010, the Ward Funds were reduced to $75,000. At the same time, the largest expenditure of ward funds, neighborhood road resurfacing, was placed back into the hands of the City staff, to be funded differently in the years to come. I anticipate receiving approximately $200,000 additional funding to be spent on road resurfacing. I have already identified what I feel are the eight worst neighborhood streets in the 9th Ward and asked our Engineering Division to give me an estimate on resurfacing those streets in 2010. If $275,000 will cover the costs, the eight roads will be resurfaced. If not, we will adjust accordingly. I have carried over $150,000 from the 9th Ward Fund balance into the 2010 budget to pay for a traffic light at Montgomery Road and Normantown Road. The installation of a traffic light at this intersection is long overdue and it looks like we may receive some grant funding from a Congestion Mitigation Grant.
I will ask the Ward Committee to consider granting the Georgetown Relief Efforts Neighborhood Organization $1500. This organization has done a lot of good things and is very efficient in helping the old Georgetown Neighborhood. Their efforts have made a difference and although we will reduce their grant amount, their efforts will not be noticeably reduced.
Projects in 2010 will be very limited and 2011 won’t be any better. Every dollar spent will have to be justified by its return to the residents of the 9th Ward.
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Posted by AldermanKeith on Dec 22, 2009 - 02:15 PM (192 Reads)
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Weather forecasts calling for significant snowfall are prompting Aurora Police to remind motorists that wintertime driving requires extra precautions behind the wheel— especially slowing down and driving defensively.
Police say that speed reduction in the ice and snow can go a long way in cutting down the number of accidents that typically accompany bad weather. Motorists should pay special attention on bridges, overpasses, and intersections, where slick spots may form. They add that headlights and windshield wipers should always be used, and that windows should be cleared of snow, ice, and frost before driving a vehicle. In addition, a professional mechanic should inspect vehicles regularly to assure they’re in good driving condition.
Aurora Police are also reminding residents of the city’s snowfall ordinance, which was enacted to assure safe and effective snow plowing. It dictates the towing of any vehicle parked on a public street or alley during or after a snowfall of two inches or more. Failure to comply can lead to a ticket and vehicle tow that will cost a minimum of $150.00, plus applicable storage and release fees, depending on the time of the infraction. City streets and alleyways are not considered plowed until the lane of traffic nearest the curb has been cleared. Last winter, Aurora Police towed hundreds of vehicles that were in violation of the snowfall ordinance. Police also remind motorists to be extra careful when interacting with snow plows on city streets. Drivers should stay a minimum of 75 feet behind the plows and should never attempt to pass them.
Winter weather also tends to spike the number of vehicles that are stolen while left running unattended. Police say these present a prime opportunity for thieves who have the ability to steal the vehicles in a matter of seconds. Although it may be inviting to make sure a car is warm before leaving home, police ask motorists to use common sense and to not leave the vehicle running unattended— whether or not the doors are locked. They point out that, even with the doors locked, a window can easily be broken giving a thief access to the running vehicle. Police say that, frequently, stolen cars and trucks are used in the commission of other crimes such as drive-by shootings and hit-and-run accidents. They also say that many insurance companies will not cover losses due to the negligence of the owner— including leaving a vehicle running unattended. Police officers can also issue citations if they come across an unattended, running motor vehicle on public property.
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Posted by AldermanKeith on Dec 08, 2009 - 12:32 PM (181 Reads)
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Myself and 8th Ward Alderman Rick Mervine have coordinated with the Fox Valley Park District and the 204 School District in an effort to create two public garden plot areas. One plot will be located near the Gombert Elementary School and the other near the Georgetown Elementary School. We had this ready to go last year but we were not able to locate an individual or group of individuals who would volunteer to help with the planning and provide operational oversight for each of the plots during the growing season. If this is something you are interested in please drop me an e-mail at AldermanKeith@aol.com or call my home office number of 630-375-9375.
Leroy Keith
Alderman, 9th Ward
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Posted by AldermanKeith on Dec 04, 2009 - 06:44 PM (206 Reads)
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· Residential Energy Savers Program
(Jul 22, 2010)
· Caution: Large, un-fixed & un-tagged strays dogs.
(Jul 16, 2010)
· Electronic Recycling Program
(Jul 15, 2010)
· Have you noticed any changes in the City provided services?
(Jun 24, 2010)
· Garbage pick up for 4th of July Week
(Jun 24, 2010)
· Aurora wants homes to Go Green
(Jun 21, 2010)
· Letter from a 9th Ward Resident
(Apr 29, 2010)
· Cross Connections to Public Water Supply Lines
(Apr 19, 2010)
· Don't be a victim of a crime
(Apr 03, 2010)
· Aurora Fire Department Issues Public Safety Alert
(Mar 21, 2010)
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| Thursday, November 05 |
| · | Aurora Police Arrest Car Burglars in the 9th Ward (0) |
| Wednesday, October 28 |
| · | Crime Free Housing Classes for Landlords (0) |
| Sunday, September 27 |
| · | Two Small 9th Ward Accomplishments (0) |
| Thursday, September 10 |
| · | Comcast's Digital Enhancement Program (0) |
| Wednesday, August 26 |
| · | Synergy Insurance, Inc (New Business in the 9th Ward) (0) |
| Thursday, August 20 |
| · | Illegal Solicitors (0) |
| Monday, August 10 |
| · | Solicitor Do Not Call List as of 10 August 2009 (2) |
| Thursday, July 30 |
| · | Suspicious Individual (30 July 2009) (0) |
| Tuesday, June 30 |
| · | Speeding. It's dangerous for everyone. (2) |
| Saturday, June 20 |
| · | CN Train derails and explodes in Rockford (2) |
| | Older Articles |
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