- Bulletins
- Community Highlights
- Freedom of Information Act
- Early Warning System
- Internet Access
- Village Bus
- Refuse and Recycling
- Street Sweeping and Snow Removal
- Watering Restrictions
- Senate and Congrssional Information
- Elementary, High School, and College Districts
- Libraries
- Flag Etiquette
- Forestry
- Winter Preparedness
- 2009 Recycle Weeks
- Community Room Use Policy
- Some reminders for everyone
GARBAGE:
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- All yard waste, including but not limited to, grass clippings, leaves, twigs, tree limbs less than three inches in diameter, plants and flowers, shall be placed in paper bags or other containers as may be required by state law.
- No receptacles will be required to hold such Items as household appliances and furniture.
- Building materials, or materials left by contractors while building are not considered collectable materials by the village and must be disposed of by the building owner or contractor performing such construction.
Applications for energy assistance funds from the ComEd Cool Care initiative provided to the Illinois Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program are being taken by them until funds run out. Because summer electricity use may be significantly higher for most households, Com Ed Cool Care will help customers from developing significant past due bills who might risk disconnection and to assist those seeking to restore disconnected electrical service. This is a state and federally funded energy assistance program that assists households. Benefits are paid directly to the household’s electric utility. For more information CALL 1-866-674-6327.
- Illinois Military Family Relief Fund - More than 14,000 National Guard members and reservists from Illinois have been called to active duty since September 11, 2001, and sent to places such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
Many citizen soldiers who leave their civilian jobs, though, suffer a significant salary loss as a result of being called up, imposing serious financial hardships on their families.
To lend a hand to these families, the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund - now in its second year - provides financial assistance to these families to help with such expenses as rent, groceries or utility bills. A model for other states, the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund has helped more than 4, 600 families.
You can help our service men and women - and their families - by donating to the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund. All donations go directly to these families who have sacrificed so much.
To learn more or to make an online donation, visit www.OperationHomefront.org or call 866-417-8889. Or mail a contribution to:
Illinois Military Family Relief Fund
PO Box 8889
Springfield, Illinois 62791 - For information on the Village's future development plans please click on this link - Vandewalle & Associates Harwood Heights Information. The link has information on the Lawrence Avenue RFQ's, the Special Service Area (SSA) information as well as a special service area map.We have learned that some residents are receiving mail from different Police related organizations seeking donations on behalf of the Harwood Heights Police Department. We want all residents to know that the Harwood Heights Police Department does not seek donations through these organizations nor do we receive any funds from them. Although these organizations work within the law and some collect funds for worth while causes we want you to be aware that the Harwood Heights Police Department does not receive anything from them. If you have questions about this type of mail please contact the police department at 867-4353 or contact the Better Business Bureau at (312) 832-0500. You can also visit their web site at http://www.chicago.bbb.org/
- Storm water runoff is precipitation from rain or snowmelt that flows over the ground. As it flows, it can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants and deposit them into a storm sewer system or water body.
Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the water bodies we use for swimming, fishing, and providing drinking water.
Remember: Only Rain Down the Drain
To keep the storm water leaving your home or workplace clean, follow these simple guidelines:
- Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly.
- Repair auto leaks
- Dispose of household hazardous waste, used auto fluids (antifreeze, oil, etc) and batteries at designated collection or recycling locations.
- Clean up after your pet.
- Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on a lawn or other unpaved surface.
- Sweep up yard debris rather than hosing down areas. Compost or recycle yard waste when possible.
- Clean paint brushes in a sink, not outdoors. Properly dispose of excess paints through a household hazardous waste collection program.
- Sweep up and properly dispose of construction debris like concrete and mortar.
- The Village will be holding a hearing in the near future to adopt the proposed Comprehensive Plan. Please read the frequently asked questions for additional information. Plans and documents are available for viewing or purchase at the village hall. Your input is important to us.
- The Historical Committee is also sponsoring a Registry of Homes in Harwood Heights. Copies of official documentation that include the date of construction, original plats, deeds, etc., are required. The Historical Committee will prepare an album displaying photos of the homes.
For homeowners who supply copies of required documents, Certificates of Registry will be issued citing their home has been registered in our Historic Album of Homes in Harwood Heights.
Documents can be copied free of charge at the Village of Harwood Heights office, 7300 W. Wilson. The Committee can not accept or return original documents. Please submit copies of documentation and requests to the Historical Committee, attention Trustee Peggy Fuller, c/o the Village of Harwood Heights, 7300 Wilson Ave. - The Harwood Heights Welcome Wagon team is looking for volunteers. Enjoy meeting people? Please call the Village Hall 867-7200 to volunteer.
- Did you know that there is a number to call to report excessive airplane noise? When airplane noise bothers you, make some noise of your own...call the O'HARE NOISE HOTLINE 1(800)435-9569
- Are you a handy person? Mayor Fuller is looking for qualified handymen to refer to residents who need help with minor projects. Please forward your resume and references to Mayor Fuller.
Service Flag
- The Village of Harwood Heights Beautification Committee wants to show its respect and appreciation to our Armed Forces fighting in the War Against Terrorism by offering their families a Service Flag to exhibit.
The Service Flag was first displayed in the front windows of homes during World War I to signify a son or husband serving in the Armed Forces. The flag quickly became known as the "son in service flag" with each blue star indicating one family member. During World War II, the Department of War issued specifications on the manufacture of the flag as well as guidelines indicating when and by whom the Service flag could be flown or the Service Lapel button could be worn (an example of the flag can be seen hanging in the window of Mrs. Ryan's house in the movie Saving Private Ryan).
The Service flag is authorized for display by Americans to honor their family members who are serving in the Armed Forces of the United States during ANY period of war or hostilities.
Keep America proud of our Armed Forces by participating in this custom to honor our servicemen and women and to recognize and acknowledge the risk their families face while their loved ones fight to protect our freedom!
Please join us in reviving this almost forgotten tradition by displaying the flag, wearing the button, or telling your friends that have family members serving in the Armed Forces.
Harwood Heights residents having family members protecting our freedoms may request this Service Flag by calling the Harwood Heights Village Hall at 867-7200.
In 1984, the Illinois General Assembly enacted the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. The Act states that "all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts and policies of those who represent them as public officials and public employees..."
WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?
Some examples of the records available under the Act are: policy statements, ordinances, reports or studies, public contracts, the names, titles and salaries of public employees, and the voting records of all public bodies.
COST
The Act allows public bodies to charge reasonable fees to pay for copying costs. Public bodies may waive the fees if disclosure is in the public interest.
WHERE AND HOW CAN I OBTAIN THIS INFORMATION?
You can request to view or obtain copies of public records by seeing the Village Clerk at the Harwood Heights Village Hall, 7300 W. Wilson Avenue, Harwood Heights, Illinois 60706. Certain Police Department records can be obtained through this act at the Police Department. A form is available for you to complete and sign. Our FOIA form that you can download and print will be available online in the near future.
THE PUBLIC BODY'S RESPONSE
A public body has seven working days to respond after it received a written request for information under the Act. A public body may inform you in writing that it requires an additional 7 days to respond to a request for several reasons. The public body is required to disclose all records responsive to your request unless it can properly invoke an exemption provided in the Act. It is their responsibility to show the records are entitled to be exempt from disclosure.
DENIALS
A denial must be in writing, and must include the names and titles of everyone responsible for the denial. It must also give the reasons for denial. The denial must also include notice of your right to appeal the denial.
APPEAL
If you are denied access to information, you may appeal to the head of the public body. A letter to the head of the public body will start the process. Within 7 working days, the head of the public body must review the requested record, determine whether denial is proper under the Act and notify you of the determination.
If the head of the public body also denies you access, you may go to court for access to the records.
To read the Freedom of Information Act you can access it online at the Illinois General Assembly website.
You may print out a copy of the Freedom of Information Act form by going to the side navigation called FOIA Form on the Village's main page. To view the form and print it out you will need the Adobe reader which you can obtain for free at:
The Village of Harwood Heights is connected with Norridge and Norwood Park Township with an early warning system. This system is used to warn the residents of impending disasters such as tornados as well as other natural disasters and Civil Defense emergencies.
At 10:00 AM on the first Tuesday of each month the system is tested. If you should hear the warning at any other time please listen for instructions that will be broadcast over the system.
You can learn more about protecting yourself in the event of a disaster by going to the Cook County Sheriff Emergency Management Agency.
We do from time to time check the different providers to see if they are offering the connections in our town and report our findings here. We are not endorsing any of these companies or suggesting that you use them. All we wish to do is make the information available to you so you can make your own decisions. We do suggest that before signing any agreement that you read and understand all of the provisions of the agreement. If you have any questions call the provider and ask their representatives to explain it to you.
Currently, the following providers are offering high speed Internet access:
- Sprint is offering a high speed wireless Internet connection.
- Ameritech is offering a DSL connection.
For information on DSL and other Broadband access and locations available you can visit BroadbandDSLReports.com
Need help getting out of the house for errands and appointments? Give our Village Helper bus driver a call at (708) 280-7203 to be picked up.
Our bus can take you to where you want to go within the Village as well as the following areas outside the Village:
- Harlem & Irving Plaza
- Norridge Commons
- Harlem & Foster Plaza
Hours: Monday-Friday
8:00 AM - 2 p.m.
Saturday 8 to noon
Sundays, 7:30 am-1:30 pm (during winter months)
PACE also offers curb to curb transportation for disabled residents. Click here to learn more.
In keeping with the Village's desire to help the environment we have an ongoing curbside recycling program.
ALL RECYCLING MATERIALS MAY BE COMMINGLED A VILLAGE ISSUED RECYCLING CART
- Aluminum Cans, Trays & Foil (trays & foil must be cleaned)
- Steel Cans & Tins
- Aseptic Packaging & Gable Top Containers (milk & juice cartons)
- Glass Bottles and Jars - (clear, brown, green), no window glass, dinnerware or ceramics
- PET Soda, Water, & Flavored Beverage Bottles (#1 clear and green plastic resin)
- HDPE Milk & Juice Jugs (#2 clear plastic resin)
- HDPE Detergent & Fabric Softener Containers (#2 colored plastic resin)
- PVC Narrow Neck Containers Only (#3 plastic resin): such as health & beauty aid products, household cleaners
- LDPE Grocery Containers (#4 plastic resin): such as margarine tubs, frozen desert cups, six and twelve pack rings.
- PP Grocery Containers (#5 plastic resin): such as yogurt cups, and narrow neck syrup and ketchup bottles
- #7 APlastic Resin Narrow Neck Containers Only
- Plastic Buckets, such as kitty litter containers (5 gallon size maximum) no metal handles.
Notes:
- All containers to be emptied and rinsed clean
- No motor oil, insecticide, herbicide or hazardous chemical containers
- Plastic bags should be returned to the grocery or department store
- No plastic film (no plastic sheets, tarps or wrap)
- Expanded foam and clear polystyrene not accepted per joint advisory from the Illinois Recycling Association, Illinois Department of Commerce & Community Affairs, and Region 5 US Environmental Protection Agency
PAPER FIBER:
- Newspaper, including inserts (remove plastic sleeves)
- Cardboard (no waxed cardboard)
- Kraft (brown paper) bags
- Magazines, Catalogs and Telephone Books
- Office, Computer, Notebook & Gift Wrap Paper (no metal clips, spirals, binders)
- Chipboard (cereal, cake & food mix boxes, shoe boxes etc)
- Carrier Stock (soda & beer can carrying cases)
- Junk Mail & Envelopes (no plastic cards, stick on labels or unused stamps)
- Paper Back Books (no hard cover books)
Yard Waste
Yard waste is to be set out for pick-up in either a paper yard waste bag or in a 30-35 gallon plastic garbage container marked "Yard Waste." In the case of brush it is to be bundled not larger than 50 lbs., or longer than 5 feet in length. All grass clippings, garden waste, tree trimmings and leaves that are properly set out will be taken on garbage day. Whole trees, stumps, sod, dirt, rocks, and tree limbs over 2" in diameter will not be taken. Yard waste produced by a landscaper will not be taken. Yard-waste service runs from April 1 through November 30.
It is against Village Ordinance 50.55 to sweep, rake or place leaves in the gutter for pickup by the street sweeper. Violators may be cited for violating this ordinance.
Refuse
Containers
Garbage must be placed in a Village issued plastic garbage cart.
Burning of Refuse
The burning of refuse which includes leaves, yard waste, rubbish and any other form of garbage or waste material is prohibited.
Large Objects
Public Works cannot pick up large items that you throw away such as rugs, washers, dryers, or furniture. If you need these items disposed of you need to contact the Village's Waste Removal company.
Street Sweeping runs from April 1 to November 30. Please make sure you obey the street sweeping signs prohibiting parking from 8 AM to 4 PM so the street can be cleaned properly.
After 2" of snow no parking on even side of the street on even dates and no parking on odd side of the street on odd dates between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Vehicles in violation will be subject to ticket and tow. We have instituted a Snow Removal Hot Line that will let residence know if the ban is in effect. You can call 867-7605 to reach this hot line number. All residents will be receiving a flyer that contains additional information and Frequently Asked Questions that should help you.
The times where lawn watering is allowed are between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. then again between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.. For newly sodded or seeded lawns please contact the Village Hall at 708-867-7200 for additional information.
U. S. Senators
- Richard Durbin (D)
Washington Office: 332 Dirksen Office Building
Washington D.C. 20510-1302.......(202) 224-2152
Chicago Office: 230 S. Dearborn St. Room 3892
Chicago, Il. 60404.......(312) 353-4952/Fax (312) 353-0150
U. S. Representative
- Roland W. Burris
387 Rusell Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510
(202) 224 2854
Web Form: burris.senate.gov/contact/contact.cfm
- Chicago Office: (773) 244-2002
Jan Schakowsky - 9th Congressional District
Washington Office: 1027 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2111 M-F 9-6 EST
Park Ridge Office: 1420 Renaissance Dr. Suite 102
Park Ridge, IL 60068 Phone: (847) 298-2128 M-Th 9-5 CST
State Senator
- James DeLeo - 10th District
Springfield Office: Room 218
Capitol Building, Springfield, Illinois 62706
Phone: (217) 782-1035
Chicago Office Phone: 773-237-2525
State Representatives
- Michael P. McAuliffe- 20th District
Springfield Office: 2115-N Stratton Building
Springfield, Il. 62706......(217) 782-8182
Chicago Office: 6650 N. Northwest Highway
Chicago, Il. 60631.......(773) 792-0749/Fax (773) 782-1997
Elementary Schools
- District 79 - Pennoyer (708) 456-9094
- District 80 - Giles (708) 453-4847
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District 86 - Union Ridge (708) 867-5822
Union Ridge School
High School
- District 207 - Maine South (847) 825-7711
- District 234 - Ridgewood (708) 456-5880
College
- District 504 - Triton Junior College (708) 456-0300
The proper display of our flag is part of the United States Code (Title 36, United States Code (USC), Chapter 10 as amended by Public Law 344, 94th Congress Approved July 7, 1976). The following web sites will supply you with some wonderful information about our great flag and how to display it.
- The United States Code gives the actual code with illustrations to show how the flag is to be displayed.
- The Flag of the United States This site gives a wealth of information about our flag including its history, flag etiquette, and Frequently Asked Questions about the flag.
- The Home of Heroes site also supplies a good deal of information about the flag and its proper display
Tree Planting Program - Spring 2005
The Village of Harwood Heights is pleased to offer residents the opportunity to purchase trees for planting in the village parkway in front of their residence through our cost sharing program.
The Village will also allow residents who live in areas with little or no village parkway space to purchase tree(s) and have them planted in their front yard on private property.
A few points about this program:
- Placement and planting of tree(s) is subject to the location of utilities, existing trees, overhead power lines, site lines, and etc., final location and approval will be determined by the Village or its agents.
- All new parkway trees must be planted a minimum of 30 feet from existing trees.
- Resident pays a fee of $50.00 - please include with application.
- Trees are approximately 2" in diameter and 6-8 feet tall at the time of planting.
- Resident is responsible for watering and care of tree (instructions are attached).
- Trees planted in the front yard on private property become the responsibility of the homeowner. The Village will not service or trim trees planted on private property through this program.
- Trees will carry a one year guarantee, subject to inspection by the Village or its agents.
- At the time of planting, the Village will provide the delivery, planting labor and mulch.
Applications can be picked up at the Village Hall or by printing the online application by clicking here. To print the application click on the "Print" icon on your browser toolbar.
Tree Photos
The trees that are available (while quantities last) are:
- Adams Flowering Crabapple
- Snowdrift Flowering Crabapple
- Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac
- Flowering Autumn Blaze Callery Pear
- Autumn Flame Red Maple
- Autumn Purple White Ash
- Princeton Sentry Ginkgo
- Black Tupelo
- English Oak
To view a larger image of the photo click on the photo you wish to view
;) Adams |
;) Ivory Silk |
;) Callery Pear |
;) Red Maple |
;) Sentry Ginkgo |