THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2008
Village Honors Niles Baseball On 50 Years
Niles officials expected to recognize the 50th Anniversary of Niles Youth Baseball in addition to approving a water rate increase, bids for tree trimmings and plantings and a bid for the 2008 Sidewalk, Curb and Gutter Program at last night's (Tuesday) village board meeting.
Niles Baseball League, a not-for-profit organization was established Aug. 6, 1958, dedicated to the instruction, promotion and support of youth baseball.
The proclamation that was read by Mayor Nicholas Blase recognizes the adults who donate their time and energy and also the children who are developing in ways by participating in the program.
The anniversary will be celebrated with a number of events in Niles during the months of May through August.
Trustees also expected to approve a 9% water increase effective June 1.
The City of Chicago has already raised its rates in 2008 by 15%. Chicago officials have announced another 15% increase in 2009 and a 14% increase for 2010.
According to village officials, in order for the Village of Niles Water Fund to continue to support its expenses and provide for future infrastructure needs, elected officials requested the June increase.
Board members also expected to approve this year's Tree Trimming Program in the amount of $90,000 and this year's Tree Planting Program in the amount of $52,000.
The tree trimming work will begin July 1 and continue through Dec. 1. The contract is for area-wide block trimming of parkway trees throughout the village.
The contractor is responsible for collection and disposal of all wood, brush and debris generated as part of the tree-trimming project.
The area to be trimmed is divided into six zones. The contractor will begin in Zone 1 and proceed in order to the remaining zones until all available funds are expended.
In addition, the contractor is responsible for any damage to private or public property and will make all necessary repairs immediately, according to village officials. If, in the opinion of the director of Public Services, repairs are not made in a timely or satisfactory manner, the village reserves the right to make any necessary repairs and deduct the costs from any money due to the contractor.
In regards to the Tree Planting Program, 150 trees are expected to be planted within street parkways or in other readily accessible public property.
Trees for fall planting must be planted in the fall of 2008 no later than November 30. Trees for spring planting shall be planted in the spring 2009 as soon as weather conditions permit.
Lastly, board members were expected to approve the bid for the 2008 Sidewalk, Curb and Gutter Program to Schroeder and Schroeder, Inc. in the amount of $188,043. The program has two facets: Permanent replacement and temporary repair. Priority is based on such factors as severity of damage, the amount of pedestrian traffic, and the proximity to schools, parks, bus stops, and hospitals. Defective residential curb, gutter, and sidewalks are prioritized. All sidewalks within the village's right-of-way are eligible for temporary repairs whenever qualifying conditions are met.