 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 guests online: 8
 members online: 0
 You are an anonymous user. You can register for free by clicking here
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|  | |
|
|
|
|
|
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 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Greetings,
I hope that all of you had a safe and enjoyable summer!
Hopefully by now you have adjusted to school being back in session and all of the daily routines that are associated with the school year.
Please do not try to make up for the increased demands on your time by multi-tasking while driving. I had the pleasure of meeting the operator of a minivan that was loaded down with her young kids. I stopped her while she was texting and driving. She would put her reading glasses on as she switched her attention from the roadway to her cell phone and then remove them when she was ready to concentrate on driving again. However, she was driving the entire time! Occasionally she would have to divert her attention to her three lively children who were in the back seat. After several minutes of observing her driving distracted, I initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle.
At 35 miles per hour a vehicle travels just over 51 feet per second. Just to put things into perspective, pick up you cell phone and send somebody you love a text that says, "DRIVE SAFE!". (Not while you are driving...) How long did that take? It took me approximately ten seconds. During which time if I had been driving I would have traveled approximately 500 feet or 1/10th of a mile. Some of you may justify texting while driving by saying, "I only text at red lights." This is no better and is often the cause of accidents when a distracted driver tries to text those last few words as the light is changing to green. The driver typically starts to take their foot off of the brake and moves forward with traffic. Inevitably the vehicle in front of them stops while they are still finishing their message. Bang!
Also, remember there is no cell phone usage in school or construction zones. This includes voice communications.
DRIVE SAFE!
Lt. Rick Robertson #950
Aurora Police Department
Area 3 - Bureau of Neighborhood Policing
1200 E. Indian Trail Road
Aurora, IL 60505
Office: 630-256-5312
Cell: 630-688-9140
Professional, Courteous, Police Service
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Posted by RickRobertson on Oct 01, 2011 - 06:18 AM (10 Reads)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Greetings,
Technology is a wonderful thing. I fully embrace it and enjoy the many electronic gadgets that come along with it. I know that there are many of you that share my appreciation for these things that we thought were science fiction not that long ago. Twenty years ago who would have ever thought that you would be able to have a cellular phone, smaller than the size of a deck of cards, and be able to make calls, search the internet, check emails, etc. With this technology came the era of social media and web blogs.
Email has become an everyday method of communication for so many of us. Social media is a great way for people to meet and stay in touch. Recently it has been credited with the ousting of an authoritarian regime and the formation of democracy in the Middle East, as well as several other uprisings. There are millions of people around the world that are sharing information on Facebook and Twitter. The Aurora Police Department is in the process of joining these information sharing venues. This will be a great place for the Department to communicate with you about community information, crime prevention, wanted persons, and various other law enforcement related issues.
It has been my experience that many of you are already communicating about many of these things on your own Facebook and Twitter accounts or by mass emails. Much of this information is great stuff to pass along to your neighbors, friends, and family. However, I have been contacted on a few occasions by people who were inquiring about a crime that they heard about via their electronic communications and the facts were not accurate. In fact they were embellished quite a bit. Due to the ability of these inaccurate facts to reach so many residents so quickly, it resulted in a number of phone calls and took quite some time to straighten out. I have also learned of a couple of crimes, a bicycle theft and a vehicle burglary, that were not reported to the police but rather commented on in an email chain.
I encourage all of you to share information about issues in our neighborhoods and City. I also encourage all of you to be responsible while sharing this information. If you have a question about a particular issue you can contact your alderman or myself and we will provide you with any information that we can. If you were the victim of a criminal offense or you have information about a crime, please call the Aurora Police Department at 630.256.500 or 911. Simply put, the best way to notify the police about a crime is the old fashion telephone.
Respectfully,
Lt. Rick Robertson #950
Aurora Police Department
Area 3 - Bureau of Neighborhood Policing
1200 E. Indian Trail Road
Aurora, IL 60505
Office: 630-256-5312
Cell: 630-688-9140
Professional, Courteous, Police Service
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by RickRobertson on Oct 01, 2011 - 06:18 AM (11 Reads)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Greetings,
I hope that everyone is enjoying their summer!
In the past I have written about the fact that reported crimes are at unprecedented lows. That is not to say that there is not any crime! In looking at those offenses that are reported, many of them are property crimes of opportunity. One of the ones leading the charge is bicycle theft. And almost all of these are preventable! You have heard it before... Have your children put their bicycles in the garage and close your garage when you are not present!
Kids are out enjoying their summer break and riding their bicycles to visit with friends. Unfortunately, leaving their brand new bicycle in the front yard is an invitation for a would be thief. Educate your children not to leave their bicycle in plain view. If your house is the one where children congregate for the day, invite them to put their bicycles in the backyard or a closed garage.
Unfortunately, all too often when a citizen reports a stolen bicycle they cannot provide a serial number. Without a serial number it is almost impossible to reunite you with your stolen property. We recover close to 200 bicycles yearly. Most of them are sent off to auction because their serial number is not listed as being reported stolen. Even worse, there are times when officers are out with a subject that they believe has a stolen bicycle and if the serial number is not reported as stolen the officer has little to no recourse.
With school out, many families find the opportunity to take a much needed vacation.
If you are planning that family vacation, remember the basics of crime prevention:
-have a few interior lights on timers
-utilize exterior lighting and/or motion lights
-have a neighbor collect your mail and any newspapers
-have a neighbor periodically ensure everything is secure
-store your valuable belongings in a safe or secret location
Whether you are staying home for your summer vacation or traveling abroad, do your part to ensure the your belongings are secure.
I wish you all a safe and happy summer!
Respectfully,
Lt. Rick Robertson #950
Aurora Police Department
Area 3 - Bureau of Neighborhood Policing
1200 E. Indian Trail Road
Aurora, IL 60505
Office: 630-256-5312
Cell: 630-688-9140
Professional, Courteous, Police Service
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by RickRobertson on Oct 01, 2011 - 06:18 AM (12 Reads)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Greetings,
Technology is a wonderful thing. I fully embrace it and enjoy the many electronic gadgets that come along with it. I know that there are many of you that share my appreciation for these things that we thought were science fiction not that long ago. Twenty years ago who would have ever thought that you would be able to have a cellular phone, smaller than the size of a deck of cards, and be able to make calls, search the internet, check emails, etc. With this technology came the era of social media and web blogs.
Email has become an everyday method of communication for so many of us. Social media is a great way for people to meet and stay in touch. Recently it has been credited with the ousting of an authoritarian regime and the formation of democracy in the Middle East, as well as several other uprisings. There are millions of people around the world that are sharing information on Facebook and Twitter. The Aurora Police Department is in the process of joining these information sharing venues. This will be a great place for the Department to communicate with you about community information, crime prevention, wanted persons, and various other law enforcement related issues.
It has been my experience that many of you are already communicating about many of these things on your own Facebook and Twitter accounts or by mass emails. Much of this information is great stuff to pass along to your neighbors, friends, and family. However, I have been contacted on a few occasions by people who were inquiring about a crime that they heard about via their electronic communications and the facts were not accurate. In fact they were embellished quite a bit. Due to the ability of these inaccurate facts to reach so many residents so quickly, it resulted in a number of phone calls and took quite some time to straighten out. I have also learned of a couple of crimes, a bicycle theft and a vehicle burglary, that were not reported to the police but rather commented on in an email chain.
I encourage all of you to share information about issues in our neighborhoods and City. I also encourage all of you to be responsible while sharing this information. If you have a question about a particular issue you can contact your alderman or myself and we will provide you with any information that we can. If you were the victim of a criminal offense or you have information about a crime, please call the Aurora Police Department at 630.256.500 or 911. Simply put, the best way to notify the police about a crime is the old fashion telephone.
Respectfully,
Lt. Rick Robertson #950
Aurora Police Department
Area 3 - Bureau of Neighborhood Policing
1200 E. Indian Trail Road
Aurora, IL 60505
Office: 630-256-5312
Cell: 630-688-9140
Professional, Courteous, Police Service
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by RickRobertson on Oct 01, 2011 - 06:18 AM (8 Reads)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From CN website:
Maintenance: CN crews will be repairing and renewing the at grade road crossing at Wolf's Crossing (95th Street) the week of May 30. Wolf's Crossing will be closed at the railroad tracks from 8 a.m. Tuesday, May 31 through Saturday, June 4.
A complete road closure will be required for the duration of the project. A detour route utilizes 111th Street to the south, 248th Street to the east and Heggs Road to the west. Detour signs will be posted.
-Alderman Lewandowski
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by aelewand on Oct 01, 2011 - 06:18 AM (13 Reads)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Greetings,
Last month I wrote about traffic related matters and asked for your help to make our streets as safe as possible for other motorists, bicyclists, and children that may inadvertently find themselves in the roadway. Thank you in advance for your efforts to avoid distracted driving!
Now that the weather is getting warmer and we are seeing an increase in foot traffic through the neighborhoods. This typically leads to an increase in "residential burglaries." This is a seasonal crime trend that occurs every year at this time. Just as vehicle thefts spike at the beginning of the winter when people leave their unattended vehicles running. Just to clarify, residential burglaries include thefts from attached garages. And that is exactly what far too many of these residential burglaries are... thefts from attached garages with open overhead garage doors. What is being stolen? Usually bicycles, but on occasion a GPS or other items from a vehicle that is parked in the garage and left unlocked. Simply put, most of them are crimes of opportunity that could be avoided!
I know that is convenient to leave your garage open when you are going in and out of your house to spend time in your yard. I understand that it is nice to leave the overhead doors open for easy access to kids toys and yard tools. However, if you are not going to be out in your front yard, please close the doors. If you get your lawn mower out (Yes, it is that time again!) and begin cutting the grass, don't leave the garage open while you are mowing the backyard. When you are getting ready to settle in for the evening, the dishes are loaded in the dishwasher, the kids are done with their homework, and the television is beckoning; open the door from your house to the garage and confirm that you have closed your overhead garage doors. There are times when all of us will forget to close our garage door. This is where "neighborhood watch" comes in. We all watch our neighborhood and by that I mean we watch out for our neighbors. If you look out your window and notice your neighbors garage door is open when you are going to bed, call them and let them know. If it is during the day and you are pretty sure that nobody is home; call them, call the police, go over and close it for them if you feel safe to do so.
I understand that there are despicable persons among us that are not deterred by closed and locked doors alone. Alderman Mervine witnessed this first hand on a sunny April afternoon when he observed three young men that appeared to be up to no good. What is no good? They were walking down the sidewalk when two of them disappeared behind a house and the third appeared to be acting as a look out. The two subjects that went to the rear of the house forced open a door and made entry to the residence. Had Alderman Mervine not been in his "neighborhood watch" mode he may have simply dismissed this suspicious activity and went on his way. However, he called the police and the three subjects were chased down, arrested, and charged with residential burglary. To make things even better, the three subjects were known to the police and suspected to be involved in criminal activities. This was the day it was confirmed, they were "bad guys." That is exactly what good neighbors do. The police like to catch bad guys! Unfortunately, far too often, we respond to a burglary that has already occurred and a neighbor tells us that they saw a vehicle or persons that they did not recognize at the house and they either did not think anything of it or they did not want to bother us. Nobody knows your neighborhood like you do! You know when things do not "look right." Do not simply think to yourself that it is probably nothing and go on about your business while your neighbor is being victimized.
As far as vehicle burglaries are concerned, collectively as a City we are doing better at locking up our cars. That is the good news. The bad news is we are still leaving valuables (GPS units, laptops, etc.) in plain view for would-be vehicle burglars. There are those that feel as though the risk of breaking your car window is worth the reward of your valuables. The overall number of vehicle burglaries is pretty consistent, but the number of unlocked cars being burglarized is down and the number of those having their windows smashed is up. A locked vehicle is only half of the equation to decreasing vehicle burglaries. Take your valuables with you or lock them in your trunk!
In closing: You are hereby appointed to Neighborhood Watch! Consider yourself on duty!
Respectfully,
Lt. Rick Robertson #950
Aurora Police Department
Area 3 - Bureau of Neighborhood Policing
1200 E. Indian Trail Road
Aurora, IL 60505
Office: 630-256-5312
Cell: 630-688-9140
Professional, Courteous, Police Service
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by RickRobertson on Apr 23, 2011 - 09:26 AM (47 Reads)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Greetings,
Now that Spring is here and we are beginning to experience some warmer temperatures and sunny days, everyone will be looking forward to enjoying some time outdoors. The Aurora Police Department wants everyone to enjoy their favorite outdoor activities while doing so as safely as possible. We also want you to be as safe as possible while traveling about the City.
There will inevitably be an increase in children outside riding their bicycles or playing ball and of motorists driving to and from activities. With this in mind, please re-familiarize your younger children with basic safety rules as they pertain to not chasing balls into the street, crossing roadways, and bicycle safety. If you have you have young drivers in your household, remind them that during the first year they have their driver's license or until they are 18 years of age, they can only have one passenger who is under the age of 20 in the vehicle with them. The exception would be brothers and/or sisters of the driver. All drivers, both new and experienced, should remember that it is illegal to text message while operating a motor vehicle on the roadway. This includes composing, reading, and sending any type of electronic messages while driving in traffic. Driving in traffic includes being stopped in traffic if the vehicle is not in park or neutral. Cellular telephones should not be used by first year drivers under 19 years of age or by any drivers in school and construction zones.
Distracted driving is the cause of numerous accidents within our City on a daily basis. Please remember that the aforementioned laws are not the only distractions. I have read many accident reports where the narrative stated that the at fault driver was answering a phone call, changing CDs in the radio, or picking up something that they had dropped on the floor of the car. While you are operating a motor vehicle, stay focused on driving for your safety and the safety of those around you.
I hope all of you have a safe and happy Spring!
Respectfully,
Lt. Rick Robertson #950
Aurora Police Department
Area 3 - Bureau of Neighborhood Policing
1200 E. Indian Trail Road
Aurora, IL 60505
Office: 630-256-5312
Cell: 630-688-9140
Professional, Courteous, Police Service
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by RickRobertson on Mar 29, 2011 - 05:24 PM (41 Reads)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beacpn News Article, 11 March 2011
AURORA — Allan Lewandowski is Mayor Tom Weisner’s choice to fill the vacant 9th Ward seat on the Aurora City Council.
Weisner’s recommendation will be considered by the City Council at its Committee of the Whole meeting Tuesday.
Lewandowski said he already has a jump start on the role and attended the Illinois Department of Transportation meeting Thursday on the Route 34 railroad crossing issue, which involves the 9th Ward.
“I’m trying to get my feet wet and get involved,” Lewandowski said.
The 9th Ward seat on the city’s far southeast side has been vacant since December when former Alderman Leroy Keith resigned because he had taken a new job and was moving out of town.
“My goal in this process was to respect the will of 9th Ward residents by choosing a candidate whose views on city government were similar to those of Alderman Leroy Keith,” Weisner said.
A friend and neighbor of Keith’s, Lewandowski said he worked on the former alderman’s campaigns. Keith recommended Lewandowski to finish the remainder of his term.
“Knowing that he trusted me with the ability to take that over, I am ready to go and take on the opportunity,” he said.
According to a city release, Lewandowski has spent the past 17 years working as a senior database administrator/technical senior infrastructure architect for Aon Hewitt, where he manages enterprise applications for his company’s clients.
Lewandowski, 47, said he plans to focus on attracting and keeping businesses in the 9th Ward, especially during hard economic times
After moving to Aurora 12 years ago, Lewandowski has served on his homeowners’ association board, volunteered at Oswego East High School sports events and is a member of the St. Charles Sportsmen Club. He also has volunteered his time with Habitat for Humanity, the city release said. He is married with two daughters.
Lewandowski will fill out the remainder of Keith’s term, which expires in 2013.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by AldermanKeith on Mar 11, 2011 - 06:56 PM (68 Reads)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
It has been my honor and pleasure to represent you as the 9th Ward Alderman over the past 7-½ years. There have been some very rewarding times, and some times that weren’t that great but I always did what I thought was best for the most. We will miss Aurora and all the good people who live here. If I had one word of advise to pass on, it would be to get involved. Don’t wait for something bad or upsetting to happen, by then it is too late.
Mayor Weisner will appoint my replacement. He will ask anyone that is interested to submit an application. The applications will be reviewed, interviews will be conducted for a selected number and Mayor Weisner will make a recommendation to the City Council. The Council will then vote on the individual. The appointee will then fulfill my remaining two years as the 9th Ward Alderman.
The process of selecting and appointing my replacement may take a few months. My home office phone number of 630-375-9375 will be deactivated as of 31 December. I will maintain my AldermanKeith@aol.com email account for a few months to help with the transition to the new Alderman. If you have an issue that needs to be addressed by the City, you have a few options. I would first suggest you contact the Customer Service Center and if that doesn’t help, contact the Aurora Alderman’s Office. I have provided the phone numbers below.
Customer Service Center: 630-256-INFO (4636)
Alderman’s Office: 630-256-3020
I have one more City Council meeting on 21 December. My resignation is effective as of 31 December and I will continue to be your Alderman until then; so unless there is a need to contact you with any further information, this will most likely be the last email you receive from me. I wanted to thank everyone for all of the emails, phone calls and letters of thanks. It has been a humbling experience.
Good luck in all of your future endeavors.
Leroy Keith
Alderman, 9th Ward
City of Aurora
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by AldermanKeith on Dec 19, 2010 - 07:49 AM (48 Reads)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The number of emails I have received over the past week overwhelmed me. I apologize if I did not respond to your email but please believe me; I read each and every one of them. Many of you asked about a going away party or a chance to meet with me one last time. I would really like to thank each of you for your support over the past 8 years so if you can find the time, please stop by the Tavern Off the Fox on Friday, 17 December between 6:00 and 8:30 PM.
Leroy Keith
9th Ward Alderman
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by AldermanKeith on Dec 12, 2010 - 07:03 AM (42 Reads)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tonight, 7 December 2010, I submitted my resignation as Alderman for the 9th Ward, effective 31 December. I have accepted a new job in Atlanta and will be moving south on 28 December.
Over the past 8 years, I have had the opportunity to meet some of the best people in the world; people who truly care about their community, the neighborhoods, their friends and their family.
The decision to leave did not come easy. My wife and I discussed it many times beginning back in July. After weighing all the options and considering the new job offer, the opportunity was just too great to pass up.
I will be returning to Atlanta to take a job with the Department of the Army, and will be managing an Expeditionary Force Forensic Laboratory.
I will take whatever steps I need to take to make sure the next 9th Ward Alderman continues to maintain and communicate with you through the 9th Ward Web Site. We have worked too hard and too long to build this line of communication. To let it go to waste.
Good luck to everyone and if you are ever in Atlanta, give me a shout.
Leroy Keith
Alderman, 9th Ward
City of Aurora
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by AldermanKeith on Dec 07, 2010 - 09:18 PM (80 Reads)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One of the greatest joys of this season is the opportunity to give back to the community, and to wish you the very best for the New Year.
5th Annual Open House to Benefit Hesed House
Thursday, December 2, 2010:
· 7:00pm to 9:00pm
· Community Center at Fire Station 8 on McCoy at Gregory (3770 McCoy Drive, Aurora, Illinois 60504)
· Stop by and meet your fellow neighbors, have some free snacks and donate to a local, worthy cause!
Requested Items to donate:
cough drops, cold medicine, deodorant, shampoo, unwrapped gifts, diapers, baby wipes, razors, new underwear/socks, brownie mix, soup, gift cards from Walmart or Jewel. Checks made out to "Hesed House" are tax deductible.
About Hesed House:
· Hesed House is a non-profit organization serving the less fortunate in the Fox Valley area.
· To Volunteer at Hesed House, call 630.897.2156 or visit www.hesedhouse.org
· Hesed House currently serves over 200 occupants including infants, children, and adults
Please consider helping any way you can! If you are unable to attend but would still like to donate please contact Kris Harvey at 630.898.8287 or grenokris@aol.com for more information.
Thank you and have a very safe, happy and wonderful holiday season!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by AldermanKeith on Nov 29, 2010 - 04:35 PM (37 Reads)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Are you looking to make a difference in your community? Do you have 30 minutes to spare? Volunteer Stop Light Chaperones are needed for morning and afternoon shifts at WVHS. Before school starts and at dismissal, community volunteers are posted to assist WV staff in supervising student crossings. Interested volunteers are requested to contact Kris Harvey at kriseharvey@aol.com by Wednesday, October 20, 2010. It’s easy, it’s fun! No supplies are needed; however, you are required to complete a screening check through District 204 (you will receive the forms at registration). Volunteers will need to complete a waiver, http://www.ipsd.org/Uploads/news_30652_1.pdf required to attend a brief training session on October 21, 2010 at 9:00 am in Room 180 at WV and will be asked to sign-up for two shifts each month. Shift times are M-Fri 7:00 am-7:30 am, M, T, Th, and Fr 2:10 pm-2:35 pm and Wednesdays from 1:50 pm-2:20 pm. The schedule will vary if there is early dismissal. With your assistance, we can complete a volunteer schedule to address safe crossings through the 2010-2011 Academic Year. So Volunteer-You'll be glad you did!
LINK for waiver: http://www.ipsd.org/Uploads/news_30652_1.pdf
LINK to original request: http://ipsdweb.ipsd.org/News.aspx?id=30652
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by AldermanKeith on Oct 16, 2010 - 04:31 AM (47 Reads)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The City of Aurora’s annual free, fall leaf collection will start the week of Monday, Oct. 18, and will last through Friday, Dec. 3.
Leaves must be put into a 30-gallon Kraft paper yard waste bag and placed at the curb on the residents’ regular garbage pickup day. Garbage stickers will not be required for leaf disposal.
Yard waste collection also will end Dec. 3. Yard waste, such as grass clippings, weeds and brush; and branches and limbs less than a ½ inch in diameter, must be placed in a 30-gallon Kraft paper yard waste bag weighing a maximum of 60 pounds, with a waste sticker attached. The stickers used for yard waste are the same used to dispose of garbage. However, yard waste mixed with garbage or yard waste put in a garbage can or plastic bag will not be collected.
Residents looking to dispose of tree branches and limbs should cut them down to ½ to 4 inches in diameter and 2 to 4 feet in length. They may be placed unbundled at the curb without a waste sticker. Branches less than a ½ inch in diameter are considered yard waste and must be placed in a Kraft paper yard waste bag with a waste sticker attached. Branches and limbs must be put in neat, manageable piles with the cut side of the limbs facing the street. Brush that is found in unorganized piles will not be collected. If a contractor is used to cut down branches, it is the responsibility of the contractor to remove and dispose of that material. Unbundled brush collection will end Friday, Nov. 5.
Leaf collection, yard waste and unbundled brush collection takes place on residents’ regular garbage collection day and should be placed at the curb by 6 a.m.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by AldermanKeith on Oct 14, 2010 - 05:55 PM (82 Reads)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aurora residents can give their two cents on proposed changes impacting the City’s peddler ordinance, which includes unsolicited newspaper and marketing material delivery, at a public hearing next week.
The hearing will be held after the Aurora Committee of the Whole meeting, which is scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19, in the 5th Floor Conference Rooms A&B at City Hall, 44 E. Downer Place.
The ordinance is designed to protect residents against fraudulent solicitation and give them the right to decide what canvasser or material is allowed on their private property. Proposed modifications center on new permit requirements for newspaper companies distributing publications in Aurora.
During recent months, the City has continued to receive complaints from residents about unsolicited newspapers and marketing materials being left on their property despite clearly posted “no soliciting” signs. In response to these concerns, the City is exploring new no solicitation requirements for newspapers and other marketers.
The City is considering requiring entities looking to solicit or distribute publications in Aurora to apply and receive a permit. If approved by the City Council, newspapers and marketers will be prohibited from delivering their publications to vacant homes, residents who decline the newspaper, homes with clearly posted “no soliciting” signs and if the materials are left in an unsecure manner that could lead to littering. Materials also may not be left on parked cars.
Violators of the ordinance are subject to be fined or banned from doing business in Aurora for up to one year.
Residents who want to comment on the proposed changes are encouraged to attend the public hearing. After the hearing process is concluded, the community feedback will be used to shape the ordinance revisions, which will then be reviewed by the City Council for approval.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by AldermanKeith on Oct 12, 2010 - 07:02 PM (40 Reads)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The City continues to purchase the necessary right of way needed to improve the city utilities and widen Eola Road from Montgomery Road to Keating Drive. We have purchased, or have contracts pending to purchase, about 60% of the needed property. Funding for this project has been and will continue to be an obstacle that we must be prepared to address.
The Eola Road project is the number one priority capital project in the City. The City Staff has done an outstanding job in positioning this project to qualify for various local, state and federal funding sources. We are very optimistic that funding will be available and this project will finally be completed. Every day, thousands of people are funneled through this choke point causing traffic backups and forcing people to find alternate routes resulting in neighborhood cut through traffic.
Over the past few months, I have received complaints about the number of semi-trucks using Eola Road and the additional noise they generate. The complaints that I have received have come from residents whose homes back up to Eola Road, specifically between Keating Drive and Hafenrichter Road. In an effort to address the problem and implement a solution, I approached the City and asked that Eola Road be restricted for semi-truck traffic. A review of our ordinances revealed that Eola Road is classified as an arterial street and by ordinance all arterial streets are considered truck routes. We were left with two options; change the classification of Eola Road or enact an exception to the existing ordinance. Alderman Mervine (8th Ward Alderman) and myself joined forces and hoped to gain the support of other council members to make whatever changes needed to be made. During the process, our Engineering Staff became concerned about changing the classification of Eola Road and felt that in doing so, could possibly jeopardize the local, state and federal funding sources that were being considered for the widening project. Simply put, Eola Road qualifies for the external funding as an arterial road but may not as a residential street.
On 5 October, I participated in a meeting to explore our options, consider all of the possibilities and decide how we would proceed. Although there can be no guarantees and nothing is etched in stone, the City Staff was very confident that the external funding sources would be available for the widening project as long as Eola Road remained classified as an arterial road; but conversely, there were some concerns that the funding would be jeopardized if we did anything at this time to change or alter that classification. Alderman Mervine and myself both agreed that our higher priority at this time was getting the roadway widened and that the secondary issue of semi-truck traffic would have to be addressed at a later time or in a different manner.
I know that some residents will not agree with this decision but more than 15,000 cars a day pass through the Eola Road choke point. The aggravation and the safety issues caused by the choke point clearly outweigh the additional noise caused by about 70 semi-trucks a day, with a good portion of those being local service trucks. We are looking at other options that will not jeopardize our road widening funding but still reduce the noise issues of the semi-trucks.
So, when can we expect Eola Road to be widened. The time line is still a moving target, but if all continues to progress as expected, the utility work will begin in 2012 with the road actually being widened in 2013.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by AldermanKeith on Oct 09, 2010 - 08:14 AM (133 Reads)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In concert with the City's Electronic Recycling day on 20 November, myself, Alderman Mervine (8th Ward) and Alderman Elmore (10th Ward) have made arrangements to have two high capacity document shredding trucks pre-positioned on the site.
The electronics and shredding trucks will be located at the McCoy Firestation located at the intersection of McCoy Drive and Gregory St. The event begins at 9 AM and will end promptly at 1 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by AldermanKeith on Oct 05, 2010 - 06:18 PM (72 Reads)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Today, 10.05.10, at approximately 1100hrs, a subject attempted to gain entry into a residence under fictitious circumstances in the 2600 block of Carriage Way.
The subject knocked on the door and advised the homeowner that he was from Comcast cable and needed to check the cable line in the basement. The resident was suspicious due to the fact that she does not have Comcast cable. She asked to see the subject's work identification and he refused. She then closed the door and called police. Officers responded to the area, but were not able to locate the subject. A report was generated.
The subject was described as a male Hispanic with sunglasses. He was wearing a tool belt. No vehicle was observed.
These types of scams usually occur during daytime hours, the offender poses as an utility worker or as an estimator for some type of service, such as replacement windows. Typically, after the subject is granted entry, they keep the sole resident occupied while other accomplices enter the now unlocked door and steal valuables from unoccupied rooms. After the accomplices exit the residence, the fictitious worker then finishes his business and leaves.
The resident in this situation acted prudently and denied the subject entry when he failed to present a valid company identification card. She then immediately called police.
I would like to encourage all residents to do the same if they are ever faced with a similar situation. It is also a good idea to leave a locked screen door between you and anyone who you do not know. If there is ever a "gut" feeling that something is not right, do not open your door at all and call police.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by AldermanKeith on Oct 05, 2010 - 06:16 PM (34 Reads)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Article from the Aurora Beacon News, 29 Sep 2010
AURORA — A pair of far East Side aldermen have proposed restricting truck traffic on Eola Road south of New York Street.
But the city’s efforts to get federal funding to widen that very road could be a dealbreaker.
Aldermen Leroy Keith, 9th Ward, and Rick Mervine, 8th Ward, have teamed up to ask for this restriction. Eola Road was not built to withstand the amount of truck traffic it gets, Mervine said, particularly as many truck drivers use Eola as a shortcut to avoid Routes 30 and 59.
“We just resurfaced Eola Road (last year), and we don’t need to go back and repave it again and again because trucks want a shortcut,” Mervine said.
Mervine said both aldermen have received complaint calls from residents about traffic, safety and noise. Mervine said the city can’t do anything about Eola Road north of New York Street, as DuPage County controls it. So at Tuesday’s meeting of the Government Operations Committee they asked to ban through-traffic trucks south of New York, down to Wolf’s Crossing Road. Local deliveries, Mervine said, would be an exception to the rule.
The problem only gets worse between Montgomery Road and Keating Drive, Mervine said, where Eola narrows to two lanes. The city has been working for years to widen that stretch of road and is in the process of buying necessary properties and securing federal funding.
According to Traffic Engineer Eric Gallt, it’s exactly that process that could present a roadblock. Gallt said he is still researching the issue, but he believes should the city ban trucks on Eola, it would change the road’s classification to a residential street, and the city would not be eligible for federal dollars to widen it. Aurora has asked for close to $1 million for the project, he said.
Gallt said he would have a definitive answer to that question by the committee’s next meeting on Oct. 12. Both Mervine and Keith said they would not move forward with their request if it would cost them federal funding for the widening project. Both have been pushing for a widening of Eola for years, and Mervine referred to it as his “No. 1 priority.”
“We will not do anything to stop or to jeopardize any funding that might be available,” Keith said. “Without federal funding, (the widening project) won’t happen in this economy.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by AldermanKeith on Sep 29, 2010 - 06:46 PM (138 Reads)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In order to put to rest a number of rumors and to hopefully calm the concerns of many people, I wanted to forward this message to you. The following is in regards to a reported sexual assualt that recently took place.
There has only been one criminal sexual assault that occurred in the Oakhurst Forest Preserve area.
It appears as though this incident keeps getting re-circulated and passed on as another offense.
The facts of this criminal sexual assault as are as follows:
Kane County Forest Preserve Police are investigating a sexual assault that occurred on Saturday, 08/28/2010 at 1330 hours in the community garden plots at Oakhurst Forest Preserve, located at 1680 Fifth Avenue (Fifth Avenue and Waterford Drive).
The offender is described as a male, black, approx 30 years of age, height: 5'09" with a stocky build. The victim described the offender as stocky by fat and muscle.
The offender was driving a green 1998-2001 Pontiac Grand Prix, 4-door.
Anyone with additional information should contact Kane County Forest Preserve Investigator Patti Bowker at 630-973-0630.
Please pass this information along to all.
While this is an isolated incident, I would still like to remind everybody to practice good personal safety habits and call the police for any suspicious activity.
Respectfully,
Lt. Rick Robertson #950
Aurora Police Department
Area 3 - Bureau of Neighborhood Policing
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by AldermanKeith on Sep 09, 2010 - 04:59 PM (64 Reads)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
· Drive Now, Text Later
(Oct 01, 2011)
· Communication
(Oct 01, 2011)
· Bicycle Thefts
(Oct 01, 2011)
· Communication
(Oct 01, 2011)
· CN railway crossing closure (Wolf's Crossing Road)
(Oct 01, 2011)
· Neighborhood Watch
(Apr 23, 2011)
· Wishing you a safe Spring!
(Mar 29, 2011)
· Mayors Appointment
(Mar 11, 2011)
· Last Goodbye
(Dec 19, 2010)
· One last get together
(Dec 12, 2010)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
