HOT ISSUES / HOT TOPICS facing Naperville and beyond!
This section is for issue-related stories, opinion letters from public officials and leaders in the community, occasional PN coverage of legislative meetings and workshops as well as news releases with information that could impact Naperville residents.
For the most part, news releases are posted in their entirety, unedited as received, and
do not necessarily state or reflect the views of PN. When issues are controversial, to be
fair, PN will post both points of view with the hope that readers will do their homework to
make educated decisions about issues and candidates.
Thanks for reading and paying attention to the issues and topics presented here.
Every day of the year is a time to pay attention and learn.
"The secret of education lies in respecting the pupil."
— Ralph Waldo EmersonRalph Waldo Emerson's "American Scholar" is a lengthy, thought-provoking oration that was delivered before the Phi Beta Kappa Society at Cambridge in 1837. His words are a reminder that conformity is the last thing we need for innovation and effective education. Consider Emerson's thoughts as you think about the future of education, resistance to change and the upcoming Primary Election on March 20, 2012.
City of Naperville / Streaming Online City of Naperville
Naperville Development Partnership passed resolution in support of Naperville Smart Grid Initiative Implementation
NAPERVILLE, Ill. — The Naperville Development Partnership (NDP) Board of Directors passed a resolution in support of the Naperville Smart Grid Initiative (NSGI) on Thursday morning, emphasizing that the upgrade to the City’s $360 million electric utility infrastructure is a solid benefit in the attraction and retention of businesses to Naperville.
“The Naperville business and development community stands firmly behind this project and the benefits it brings,” said Christine Jeffries, President of the Naperville Development Partnership. “Naperville businesses already enjoy some of the highest reliability and lowest electric rates in the Chicago area; and the efficiencies the smart grid will bring translate into even more direct savings for businesses. The Naperville Smart Grid Initiative is just another way Naperville is promoting a business-friendly climate and savings for its commercial utility customers.”
Throughout the past two decades, the City’s Department of Public Utilities-Electric has taken a leadership role nationally in deploying a continuous improvement model encompassing distribution automation, substation automation, automated metering infrastructure and a secure, robust fiber optic network. The NSGI is an innovative and important component of this ongoing process to upgrade the utility using digital technology and provide more efficient, cost-effective and reliable service to customers while empowering them with more information on their energy usage.
The resolution states that the NDP is charged with attracting and expanding business and industry in the City to create greater economy vitality and employment opportunities, and as such, the NDP relies on the high quality of City services, including electric power, to grow and attract these businesses. Because of this, the NDP has a vested interest in the City maintaining a strong and reliable electric system to meet the needs of existing and future businesses.
“The Naperville Smart Grid Initiative is the right move for our community and the right thing to do for our customers,” Community Relations Manager Nadja Lalvani said. “I am happy to report this project continues to move forward on time and on budget. Smart grid technology is the future of the utility industry, and Naperville is proud to be at the forefront.”
For more information on the NSGI, visit www.naperville.il.us/smartgrid.aspx. Sign up to receive the latest news on the NSGI via e-mail at www.naperville.il.us/enews.aspx. For more information on the City of Naperville, visit www.naperville.il.us. For more information on the NDP, visit www.naper.org.
–Received from the City of Naperville on Jan. 24
Smart Meter Awareness group will be heard in 18th Circuit Court
The Smart Meter Hearing in DuPage 18th Circuit Court is scheduled to begin at 9AM, Tues. Jan. 24.
The first hearing for review of the Naperville Electoral Board decision to object to the nonbinding referendum petitioned by the Smart Meter Awareness Group is set to begin in the courtroom of DuPage Judge Bonnie Wheaton, Room 2007, 505 County Farm Road in Wheaton. (Click "City Events" to watch the videos of the weeklong hearing streaming online.)
Update: Judge Bonnie Wheaton agreed with the Naperville Electoral Board's earlier decision to deny Naperville Smart Grid Initiative Referendum question for lack of signatures required by law.
–Posted Jan. 23 by PN
Italics Updated on Jan. 24
Editor's Note: No matter how you view the Smart Grid Initiative, the weeklong hearing regarding the petitions to place a nonbinding advisory referendum on the ballot in March provided some lessons in protecting the integrity of the ballot in the electoral process. Objections can occur when petitions appear irregular and not signed by registered voters in a designated district or city.
For access to the election ballot, petitions must be circulated and filed containing the required number of signatures of registered voters. The number of signatures required for each referendum or candidate will vary.
Simply put, if ever you circulate electoral petitions for whatever the reason, be sure to personally witness that only registered voters sign in the district noted on the petition. Be sure the person who signs is a registered voter and that no one signs a name for his/her spouse or children or parents who might be registered voters. Be sure to fill in every blank across the page of the petition with the proper information to eliminate the invalidation of the petition.
Pay attention and take time to become educated in the electoral process.
Due to redistrictiing and other reasons, petitions now are being challenged throughout Illinois and the nation to protect the integrity of the ballot as well as the possibility of voter and election fraud in the electoral process. More than ever, educated voters must be confident that when they go to the polls, every question and candidate on the ballot has been fairly nominated.
–Posted Jan. 13 by PN
Advisory referendum cannot be placed on the March 20 ballot
Naperville Smart Grid Initiative Referendum question was denied for lack of signatures required by law
By 1:13PM, Thurs., Jan. 12, Mayor George Pradel had read the final decision by the municipal officers of the Naperville Electoral Board that the petitions to place an advisory referendum on the ballot were short of the required 3,758 valid signatures from Naperville registered voters.
Watch the decision as read at the hearing with comments also by Naperville City Clerk Pam LaFeber and most senior Naperville City Council member Douglas Krause at www.naperville.il.us/granicus.html posted under "City Events and Educational Videos."
–Posted Jan. 12 by PN
Referendum Objection Proceedings will reconvene at
1PM Thurs., Jan. 12
Watch the video streaming in the archive of the one-hour session (1-2PM, Tues., Jan. 10) at www.naperville.il.us/granicus.html. Then at 1PM, Thurs., Jan. 12, the proceedings will be broadcast live and rebroadcast on government access TV station WCNC (Ch. 6 – WOW, Ch. 10 – Comcast, Ch. 99 – AT&T).
Referendum Objection Proceedings Continuing on
1PM Tues., Jan. 10
Naperville Smart Grid Initiative Referendum question hearing will be broadcast live
The City of Naperville informs residents and interested parties that the local electoral board will continue the Referendum Objection Hearing at 1PM on Tues., Jan. 10, in Council Chambers of the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St.
The proceedings will be broadcast live and rebroadcast on government access TV station WCNC (Ch. 6 – WOW, Ch. 10 – Comcast, Ch. 99 – AT&T) as well as streamed live and available for on-demand viewing on the City’s website at www.naperville.il.us/granicus.html.
Naperville Smart Grid Initiative Referendum question hearing resumes at 10PM, Mon., Jan. 9, in City Council Chambers
Naperville Smart Grid Initiative Referendum question hearing will be broadcast live
If you've been following the debate over smart meters in Naperville, you might want to tune into the Referendum Objection Hearing that will resume at 10AM on Monday., Jan. 9, in Council Chambers of the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St.
FYI: The continuation at 10AM Jan. 6 in City Council Chambers was brief and as the official meeting of the Electoral Board was about to adjourn, Attorney Doug Ibendahl still had unanswered questions. At that time, City Attorney Margo Ely said his questions would be addressed in five documents accepted as part of the record, all of which would be given to him following the adjournment of Friday's hearing. No arguments were heard on Friday. At Monday's hearing, possibly eight Naperville residents will be called to defend petitions they circulated to get a nonbinding referendum question concerning smart meters on the March 20 ballot.
Watch the the hearing at www.naperville.il.us/granicus.html posted under "City Events and Educational Videos."
–Updated Jan. 6 by PN
Following the first two-hour debate on Jan. 4 between attorneys–Attorney Doug Ibendahl, representing the Naperville Smart Meter Awareness group, and objector William Dawe’s attorney, Kevin McQuillan–during the first meeting of the electoral board on Tuesday afternoon, the three-member Naperville Electoral Board–Mayor George Pradel, Councilman Doug Krause and City Clerk Pam LaFeber– agreed to subpoena voting records from Will and DuPage counties and will meet at 10AM Fri., Jan. 6, to determine whether Dawe’s attorney will be allowed to subpoena as many as 17 petitioners to testify. The board will meet again at 10AM Mon., Jan. 9, to continue hearing the case.
The outcome of the hearing is expected to determine if the question will be on the March 20, 2012, election ballot to give residents a chance to vote about the City's 'smart' initiative, a "continuous improvement model" that has been progressing for nearly 20 years under the City of Naperville's municipality-owned electric utility for all 57,000 households within the city's boundaries.
The hearing was broadcast live and rebroadcast on government access TV station WCNC (Ch. 6 – WOW, Ch. 10 – Comcast, Ch. 99 – AT&T) as well as streamed live and available for on-demand viewing on the City’s Web site at www.naperville.il.us/granicus.html posted under "City Events and Educational Videos."
The hearing is dealing with an objection filed on December 27, 2011, by Dawe to the proposed advisory referendum question stating, “Shall the City of Naperville immediately and permanently stop the implementation of the $22 million smart meter project and dismantle all related equipment?” A petition was filed in November 2011 to place this nonbinding referendum question on the March 20, 2012, election ballot. Dawe's objection alleges the petitions contain signatures of non-Naperville residents and that the proposal asks two questions, both making the petitions invalid, according to his attorney.
Throughout the scheduled objection hearings, the Naperville Electoral Board consisting of Mayor Pradel, Naperville City Clerk Pam LaFeber and most senior Naperville City Council member Douglas Krause will evaluate the merits of the objection. City Attorney Margo Ely will advise the electoral board at the hearing. The public and media are invited and encouraged to attend.
FYI: A press release from the Naperville Smart Meter Awareness volunteers, under the leadership of Naperville Smart Meter Awareness Board of Directors, Kim Bendis (President), Jennifer Stahl (Secretary) and Board Members Amanda Rykov, Lisa Rooney and Tom Glass also encouraged residents to attend the hearing "that will determine if Naperville residents will ever get an opportunity to vote about the City's 'smart' initiative plans."
Again, the hearing will be broadcast live, on government access cable TV station WCNC (Ch. 6 – WOW, Ch. 10 – Comcast, Ch. 99 – AT&T).
–Posted Jan. 4 by PN
Naperville continues to lead Smart Grid Technology in the
State of Illinois; recent opposition will not affect scheduled
meter deployment
1:45PM, Fri., Dec. 30, 2011, NAPERVILLE, Ill. — The City Of Naperville’s Department of Public Utilities-Electric has received national recognition throughout the utility industry for the past two decades for its leadership in deploying a continuous improvement model encompassing distribution automation, substation automation, automated metering infrastructure and a secure, robust fiber optic network. The electric utility is an asset valued at $360 million, and like all major assets, must be maintained and improved to ensure customers receive the best service and value.
“Simply put, Naperville has been building a smarter grid before the term ‘smart grid’ was ever coined,” said City Manager Doug Krieger. “This is a needed infrastructure upgrade that will empower our customers with more information, data and options on how and when they consume energy. Much like the Internet has transformed how we bank, shop and purchase music, the smart grid will dramatically improve how our customers track and manage their electricity usage.”
City staff and contracted consultants have moved forward with the smart grid implementation over the past year and a half, after unanimous approval by the Naperville City Council. Early on, a small group of residents known as the Naperville Smart Meter Awareness Group has expressed concern with the project. City staff has expended significant resources in responding to hundreds of FOIA requests, emails, phone calls, group meetings and questions raised during public forum of City Council meetings. It is estimated that several thousand hours of staff time and resources has been dedicated to dispelling miscommunication, untrue statements and responses to this group dedicated to halting the project.
In its most recent effort, the Naperville Smart Meter Awareness Group has filed a federal lawsuit asking a judge to halt the project.
“We are confident that the case will ultimately be dismissed by the court system,” said City Attorney Margo Ely. “The Smart Meter Awareness Group has pursued their opposition to the City’s project in multiple forums, including frequent appearances at City Council meetings, numerous FOIA requests, appeals to the Attorney General and now a federal lawsuit. The lawsuit raises no new issues from the opposition. It simply has no merit.”
“The Naperville Smart Grid Initiative project remains on time, within budget and on course,” said Community Relations Manager Nadja Lalvani. “Even the Illinois State legislature is following the City of Naperville’s lead on adopting technology to ensure safe, reliable and efficient electric service to Illinois families by the recent approval of ComEd’s smart grid plans. This is absolutely the right thing to do for our customers.”
Lalvani continued, “Our project has gained national recognition for ground breaking advancements in customer engagement, including the Smart Grid Customer Bill of Rights, the Smart Grid Ambassador Program and our Customer Privacy and Advocacy Handbook, all of which can be found on the City’s website. Additionally, we are hosting a series of 14 community open houses throughout meter deployment to answer questions from our customers. The silent majority is extremely supportive of the smart grid project. ”
For more information on the Naperville Smart Grid Initiative, please visit www.napervile.il.us/smartgrid.aspx.
–Received from City of Naperville on Dec. 30, 2011
Smart Meter Awareness group files federal injunction to stop wireless smart meter deployment in Naperville, Illinois
4:40PM, Dec. 30, 2011, Naperville, Illinois - The Naperville Smart Meter Awareness group (NSMA) filed a Complaint for Injunctive Relief in United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division, (Case No 11-cv-9299) this morning. We are seeking a stay of the installation of smart meters in Naperville, Illinois, which is set to begin next week, until reasonable safeguards are in place and a common sense alternative option for customers is made available.
The Illinois Attorney General is currently investigating the City of Naperville for what appears to be clear violations of the Open Meetings Act. The Open Meetings Act is designed to prohibit secret deliberations and action on matters which, due to their potential impact on the public, should be discussed in public forum. Violations of this Act are a serious offense and calls into question all decisions made on the Naperville Smart Grid Initiative.
"An Open Meetings Act violation investigation associated with Naperville Smart Grid Initiative is a serious offense, and one that brings all decisions relating to this project into question. The city should not be allowed to move forward with this project," states Tom Glass, NSMA Board Member.
NSMA, residents, and business owners have engaged the city council and public utility for over a year and a half in hopes of persuading the council to halt the meter deployment and allow residents to weigh in. The Naperville City Council has repeatedly reminded members of the community they made the decision long before residents opposed this project.
Over 35 volunteers collected 4,209 signatures for a referendum that would allow residents to vote on whether the city should continue the installation or dismantle the smart meter project and its wireless communications network.
"We were hopeful that the city and utility leaders would take the referenda seriously. They have repeatedly said that only a small number of residents are concerned with this project. We showed them that is not the case," states Jen Stahl, a founding member of NSMA.
"It was a difficult decision to file in federal court. We have worked tirelessly for months advocating for caution and informed consent. The council continuously disregarded our concerns. We urged them to heed the warnings from across the country and shared real time examples of communities that are questioning the wisdom of mandated "smart" meters. When that did not happen, we obtained over 4200 signatures and filed a referendum that would allow residents to vote on this project. There have been attempts to block the referendum and council has stated they will not take it seriously anyway. It has become clear that our city officials are no longer acting in the public's best interest. They have failed to stop the project in the face of public outcry. Without adequate choice, we feel the council left us no other option," stated Kim Bendis, President of NSMA.
Councilman Bob Fieseler stated in response to the referendum filing that he was not in favor of halting the project until the residents voted in March and that if the majority of residents rejected the project, they'd have a tough decision whether to follow the will of the people or move forward anyway. (Naperville Patch, 11-16-2011, Swasko)
There is no federal mandate for smart meters. The Energy Act of 2005 states utilities should offer its customers the option of a smart meter. According to Bendis, this is an opt-in program that is being marketed as a mandated project.
"All residents should have the right to choose what technology is used in and on their home, especially when it is controversial and potentially harmful", states Bendis.
The City of Naperville put out a media release at 1:45 pm, approximately 15 minutes prior to the press conference, stating "Recent Opposition Will Not Affect Scheduled Meter Deployment". The Mayor and City Council were served the complaint at 2:00 pm today, Friday December 30, 2011.
Today's filing in United States Federal Court represents one of the first federal filings regarding smart meters. Other advocacy groups have also sought legal action. Additionally, a long awaited decision by PG&E recently gave customers the ability to keep their analog meters in California, an option Naperville residents have been denied.
The Federal filing and video of the press conference will be posted on the Naperville Smart Meters Awareness groups website. www.NapervilleSmartMeterAwareness.org
–Received from NSMA on Dec. 30, 2011
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In other words, as members of the community view issues...
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School District 203
TALK203: Capacity study public forum dates set; Draft Map #6 reviewed
On Wednesday, January 25 at the Enrollment Capacity Study committee meeting, a Draft Map #6 was introduced for review and feedback. The committee determined by consensus vote that this map should be presented to the community at-large at the public forums for additional input. While the ECS committee feels there are still options that can be explored before a final recommendation is considered, Draft MAP #6 represents a boundary reassignment plan that most closely meets the directive put before them by the Board of Education. That directive was:
The proposal developed must meet the District’s need to balance enrollments based on current and projected needs and provide for optimal utilization of facilities for the long-term.
Three criteria should be kept under consideration and drive the decisions:
Create the least amount of disruption for student
Preserve neighborhood communities whenever possible
Maintain “walking” status for students and optimize transportation for those students who require bussing
PUBLIC FORUM SCHEDULE
Public forums for review of the capacity and boundary revision plan will be held in each of the junior high schools according to the schedule listed below. These dates have changed from the original tentative schedule because the Enrollment Capacity Study (ECS) committee requested an additional week to review the draft maps and the feedback received following the release of Draft Maps #4 and #5.
The forums will include:
A brief history of the process to date
A presentation and explanation of Draft Map #6
An opportunity for the public to review Draft Map #6
A dialogue and exchange of comments/ feedback from the community
Comments from each of the five sessions will be compiled and presented to the ECS committee when they reconvene on Wednesday, February 15.
INFORMATION ABOUT DRAFT MAP #6 Enrollment Capacity Study maps
Draft Map #6 and the supporting documentation are being complied for web posting. A TALK203 announcing that the information has been posted will be sent out no later than Friday, January 26 at 3 pm.
Comments concerning Draft Map #6 may be sent to email address capacity@naperville203.org"capacity@naperville203.org and/or to the ECS committee member school representatives found here: Email Links for School Committee Representatives. Emails are compiled and forwarded to the committee members prior to their committee meetings for inclusion in the discussion.
Board of Education Business Meeting - January 23, 2012
Naperville Community Unit School District will hold a Business Meeting at 7PM on Mon., Jan. 23. The location will be Kennedy Junior High School, 2929 Green Trails Drive, Lisle, IL. INFO: www.naperville203.org. The meeting will be recorded by NCTV17 for rebroadcast according to the districts standing agreement with the station.
TALK203: Public Forums on Capacity Study
Public forums for review of the capacity revision plan will be held in each of the junior high schools according to the schedule listed below. Each public feedback night will include a presentation of map(s), with information, and allow for public input. All dates are tentative based on the progress of the committee in their review of the draft maps. Please note that while meetings are scheduled for each junior high, community members are welcome to attend any meeting. The same information will be presented at each session.
All Public forums are from 7-9PM. Revised schedule of dates:
January 30: Lincoln Junior High School
January 31: Washington Junior High School
NEW DATE: February 1: Jefferson Junior High School
NEW DATE: February 2: Kennedy Junior High School
February 8: Madison Junior High School
___________________________________________________________
For updated information and review of all draft maps, see links below.
While every effort has been made to work with our web site host provider to avoid an overload of their system, if you experience an error or delay upon downloading please do not continue to attempt a download. Wait until a time when their will be less traffic on the site. If errors persist, try to download using a different web browser.
Visit the Demographics and Enrollment Capacity web page for full details.
Comments that have been submitted via capacity@naperville203.org"capacity@naperville203.org have been forwarded to the Enrollment Capacity Study (ECS) Committee for review prior to Wednesday’s meeting. During this session, the committee will discuss the questions raised during this review period. In addition, questions, comments and suggestions submitted by the members after last week’s evaluation of the draft maps will be discussed and two more maps introduced for review.
This is all part of the work in progress being done by the ECS committee as they look to bring the best options for the district forward. It is important to remember that no recommendations have been made to the Board of Education. An update will be given to the Board of Education on Monday, January 23 during the regularly scheduled meeting. This is an opportunity to share the progress of the ECS committee. Again, NO recommendations will be made.
Because of the interest the community has in this process, the Board of Education meeting for Monday, January 23 will be held at Kennedy Junior High School to allow seating space for all who wish to attend. Meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be recorded by NCTV17 for rebroadcast according to the districts standing agreement with the station.
In the weeks following, district administration will hold public forum sessions at each of the junior high schools. During the public forums the draft map(s) will be presented with explanation, questions will be answered and feedback recorded.
Many questions concerning the placement of magnet programs, grandfathering and the transition plan for this process have been asked. These answers are dependent upon the final configuration of the boundary proposal.
Again, following the next meeting of the ECS committee, documents will be prepared and posted to the web site. We are trying to work with our web service provider to avoid an overload of the system. We ask that, if at all possible, please allow some time to pass between the receipt of the TALK203 notification and downloading of the documents. If you do encounter an error, wait a period of time and try again. Many people found that attempting to use the same web browser to retrieve the documents after experiencing an error caused further problems. Switching browsers appeared to solve the problem for most people.
Reports will be posted no later than 3:00pm on Friday, January 20 pending any unavoidable delays or outcomes from the ECS committee meeting. A Talk203 will be sent with notification of the posting.
Capacity study web page: http://www.naperville203.org/about/DemoCapacityPlan.asp
Received from School District 203, Jan. 17, 2012
Board of Education Meeting Agenda - January 9, 2012
The Board of Education of Naperville Community Unit School District 203 will hold a meeting at 7PM on Mon., Jan. 9, 2012, at the Administration Center, 203 W. Hillside Road, Naperville, IL. The Agenda is available on the link .
District 203 continues its record of high academic achievement and fiscal responsibility
QualityEducation203.org annually compares the top performing Unit Districts and High School Districts in the Chicagoland area to Naperville Unit District 203, using composite ACT scores and operating expenses as its parameters.
For the class of 2012, District 203 students, once again, achieved the highest composite ACT score of any Unit District (25.4, a district record). There are only four High School Districts whose students achieved higher ACT scores than District 203. Of note is how much more these four districts spent than District 203. Using the most current financial information for the four districts and their feeder schools, we find the average operational expenditures per pupil is 37% more than District203. Northfield Township District 225, whose students tied with District 203 this year, spent 42% more.
In the five years QualityEducation203.org has conducted this analysis, there has not been a district whose students achieved equal or higher ACT scores, but spends less than District 203.
Although we use ACT scores for our benchmark, we are not implying that we feel that high ACT scores are the only indicator of a quality education. We caution that discretion should be applied when comparing districts with minor differences in scores; variances of a few tenths of a point are not statistically significant. Further, districts with higher populations of low income students face greater challenges than those with fewer low income students.
For more information, including two detailed spreadsheets, read “What is the Best Educational Value in Chicagoland” at QE203.org.
Thom Higgins, tdhiggins@ameritech.net
Received Jan. 4, 2012
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School District 204 / Streaming Online www.204tv.org.
Open Letter to School District 204 Community regarding Budget
When I became superintendent three years ago, I shared with you that I would focus on student achievement, finances, and communication. I remain focused on those areas today. This fall, I was happy to share with you that student achievement is solid, with our students setting a record score on the ACT. We've also increased communication to you over the past three years, including creating transparency with on-demand videos available through www.204tv.org.
We have faced our greatest challenges in the area of finance. The state's funding formula is designed so the more a district receives in property taxes, the less it receives in state funding. We receive less revenue from property taxes per pupil than some surrounding districts. Therefore, we rely on the state for 13.25 percent of our budget. Over the past several years, the budget turmoil in Springfield has negatively impacted our district. During that time, we've had to cut $30.4 million from our operating budget in order to maintain a balanced budget. We have tried to do so with minimal impact to our students.
Unfortunately, when we look at next year's budget, we are facing familiar challenges. We are forecasted to have a $3.5 million deficit. When we add deferred projects that have been placed on hold for budget reasons over the past several years, including curriculum and technology needs, we are looking at an approximate $8.1 million deficit.
In order to achieve a balanced budget next year we need to cut our budget once again. Last month we asked the community for suggestions on ways to save money. We have received more than 500 responses from our parents and staff. The Citizens Financial Advisory Committee is reviewing those suggestions.
With each round of budget cuts over the past several years, we have tried to stay as far away from the classroom as possible. We are at the point where that is no longer possible. In January, administrators will present a list of possible reductions to the Board of Education. Our board will then have the very difficult decision of deciding how to balance the budget, keeping in mind what is best for our students.
I want to remind you that you can watch budget videos from the Board of Education meetings at www.204tv.org. I will continue to bring you updates as we move forward in the budget process.
Thank you for your continued support.
Kathy Birkett
Superintendent
Received Dec. 15, 2011
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Naperville Park District
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Archive of PN Commentary from 2011 and earlier
On Demand! City of Naperville and School District 204 offer streaming videos of public meetings, budget workshops and more online
During the past year, PN editors have become engaged with on-demand, online streaming videos on numerous occasions on Web sites provided by the City of Naperville and School District 204. We applaud these positive efforts that bring more transparency to local government for folks who want to watch (or re-watch) elected officials during public and open meetings, budgetary workshops and reviews, planning meetings and other programs of interest to the citizens.
When you consider that the definition of transparent government implies openness, communication and accountability, on demand streaming videos of pubic meetings give citizens opportunities to watch the procedures and process in their entirety, even when they have prior commitments at the time when the actual public meeting is being held.
Readers will find the archives for the City of Naperville meetings, workshops and some special events at naperville.granicus.com.
Indian Prairie Unit School District 204 meetings and workshops can be located online at
In our talks with the communications and technology folks who helped create these on-demand services, we discovered these online productions to be relatively inexpensive. Plus, at District 204, they have been learning experiences for the students who help with the videography.
What's more, on several occasions, City Council members have told us that since they began holding budget workshops in Council Chambers in clear view with live public broadcast, citizens have been more understanding about the process. The same has applied in School District 204.
All that said, we also think that transparency goes beyond public meetings. We would like to see all public officials be open, forth-coming, frank, straight-forward, available and candid behind the scenes as well as in clear view.
During the recent Consolidated Election campaign, we queried many of the candidates running for public office in District 203, Naperville Park District and College of DuPage regarding online video streaming of public meetings. Some of them had no idea of what the City of Naperville and School District 204 offered its citizens. It's our hope we enlightened some elected officials to welcome more sunshine.
Thanks to all candidates— incumbents and newly-elected—who will begin serving 4-year terms in May.
—PN, April 21, 2011
SECA 2011! The art of allocating SECA Grants was in the spotlight again
3-hour council workshop to consider commission's recommendations
The three-hour Special Events and Cultural Amenities workshop met on March 22, in City Council Chambers. In attendance were Councilmen Judy Brodhead, Bob Fieseler, Doug Krause, Kenn Miller, Mayor George Pradel, Councilmen Dick Furstenau, Grant Wehrli and Paul Hinterlong. Councilman Jim Boyajian was out of town.
To further set the stage, Community Grants Coordinator Katie Wernberg facilitated the workshop with City Manager Doug Krieger and Advisory Cultural Committee Chairman Brian Lynch available to answer questions.
The agenda notes available before the workshop provided information that the Advisory Cultural Commission had received 99 applications for a total of $3,623.431. In July 1, 2004, a 1 percent food & beverage tax began funding SECA.
Little did councilmen know when the fund was enacted that the revenue source would raise slightly more than $3 million annually. In March 2010 the city council voted to reduce the percentage of the 1 percent food & beverage tax for the SECA Fund by .25. Available funds for FY12 amount to $2,200,000. The difference between the revenue and requests is $1,423,431.
During the fall budget workshop, the public witnessed a consensus built among City Council members, including the mayor, to allocate $600,000 per year for the next three years to help pay down debt service ($1.8 million) on the Millennium Carillon from the city and park district.
Just minutes into Tuesday's workshop, as councilmen looked under the first listing, "Existing Agreements," consideration of the Commission's allocations began to come unglued. That's when the previous agreement to pay back the City with $600,000 per year for the next three years, also recommended by the Advisory Cultural Commission, was taken off the FY12 SECA Allocation Spreadsheet and placed in a "parkiing lot" until all the other grants were considered.
Two councilmen reiterated their discontent with the council's approval vote a year ago to lower the portion of the 1 percent food & beverage tax available for SECA. Other dissenting and approving views began to chime into the conversation.
After three hours of give and take— sometimes granting requests to groups that the 9-member commission had recommended not to receive funding for FY12— members of the City Council came up short $289.204. Now instead of $600,000 to begin paying back the city for its loan to the carillon, $310,796 remained in the parking lot. City Manager Doug Krieger noted that the sum of $289.204 would be added to the city's projected budget deficit of $700,000.
"We're further behind the 8-ball than expected," said Krieger, at which time Councilman Wehrli reminded him not to get ahead of the non-binding workshop and its 4-4 vote.
Without Councilman Boyajian's opinion, previously in support of the $600,000 pay back, the entire funding could change when it's time for the City Council to vote at an upcoming meeting.
That's why PN hesitates to publish any grant amount (Currently, other than the carillon debt pay back, the largest single grant is $200,000 for Century Walk.) for the 81 groups that preliminarily received allocations because those numbers all could change.
Throughout the year, "SECA" receives lots of lip service by residents in the community as it relates to the meaning of local culture. The workshop offered an opportunity to see the process as City Council members evaluated the recommendations from the Advisory Cultural Commission.
Approximately 60 members of the public attended the workshop, many of whom were waiting for part two which was to discuss the Water/Wastewater Rate Study.
SECA Update from City Council Meeting on April 6, 2011...Council members voted 5-4 to spend $600,000 per year for three years ($1.8 million total) in municipal Special Events and Cultural Amenities tax funds to retire the carillon’s line of credit.
The agenda and workshop packet are available to view at http://bit.ly/h9MSWN.
Early Voting runs Feb. 27 thru March 15 for Primary Elections
Early Voting began at 8:30AM, Mon., Feb. 27 and runs from 8:30AM to 4:30PM on weekdays and 9AM to Noon on Saturdays until 4:30PM, Thurs., March 15, in the Naperville Munciipal Center.
On Election Day, Tues., March 20, polls will be open 6AM to 7PM at designated precincts.
For a list of all the candidates running to serve local governing bodies, visit PN's Election Central / Voter's Guide.
What is "bullet voting"? Bullet voting is a tactic in which the voter selects only preferred candidates, despite the option to mark the ballot for several other candidates.
For instance, if five candidates are running for three seats, a voter may opt to vote for one candidate, even though he/she has the option to vote for "up to three." The three hopefuls who receive the most votes will be elected.
A bullet voter might choose only one candidate among a field of three or four hopefuls. Bullet voting likely happens most often when voters are unfamiliar with all the candidates; yet, want to make clear choices.
FYI... A Voice & a Vote: Eighth-grade student Megan Angell recently won the 2011 Judd Kendall VFW post-level contest for her Patriot Pen essay, earning $500. Her essay answered the question, “Does Patriotism Still Matter?” During Kendall Honors Award ceremonies on March 12 at the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, Angell read her essay, reminding the audience that a weapon of democracy is "a voice and vote."
Thank you! Thanks to all candidates who have the gumption to run for election and to serve. Thanks to all voters who become engaged and educated to elect the most qualified, responsible candidates, local citizens with skill sets to direct public policy and and approve multi-million dollar budgets.
—PN, Updated March 14, 2011
"The secret of education lies in respecting the pupil."
— Ralph Waldo EmersonEmerson's "American Scholar" is a thought-provoking oration that was delivered before the Phi Beta Kappa Society at Cambridge in 1837. His words are a reminder that conformity is the last thing we need for innovation and effective education. Consider Emerson's thoughts as you think about the future of education, resistance to change and the upcoming election.
League of Women Voters of Naperville supports at-large system
The League of Women Voters of Naperville supports the at-large system for electing members of the Naperville City Council. INFO: http://www.naperville.il.lwv.org/councilelections.html#s02
Submitted on September 2, 2010
PN SECA 2010 Fund overview...
Council allocated SECA Fund, sustained by food & beverage tax
On a recent weekend in March, members of the Special Events and Cultural Amenities Commission met both Saturday and Sunday to review applications for SECA Fund grants. Working with $2.9 million this next fiscal year, the commissioners selected their choices with written recommendations. Then on March 22, the Naperville City Council discussed the SECA allocations during a workshop held at the Naperville Municipal Center. A small number of representatives from organizations making 106 requests totaling $3.85 million were in attendance.
The workshop packet to view in Adobe Acrobat PDF format is online at www.naperville.il.us/emplibrary/Boards_and_Commissions/cc20100322p-workshop.pdf. The packet includes recommendations with rationale from the commission for the grants, funded from a citywide 1 percent food and beverage tax. FYI: Funds from SECA also cover $146,535 in city administrative costs.
By the end of the four-hour workshop, slightly more than $2 million in allocation grants had been preliminarily approved by Mayor George Pradel and seven City Council members. Councilman Grant Wehrli was absent, but his preferences were posted on the worksheet and referenced from time to time..
The council was dealing with less money for the SECA Fund after recently approving to reallocate 25 percent of the food and beverage tax revenue for its general fund next fiscal year that begins May 1.
OK. Though it may appear that this story jumps around a bit, the above info set the stage as councilmen reached consensus on using fund balances from previous years to pay off a $1.2 million loan the city had taken out to complete Moser Tower. City Manager Doug Krieger noted the city still has a $1.8 million line of credit on the carillon tower due in 2011.
Councilmen discussed a future that would encourage organizers of big events to find ways to reduce costs by using volunteers for site clean up and maintenance as well as traffic control, life safety and some levels of security.
The smallest grant, $200, was awarded to the Finish Line Solar Car Days, a one-time special event in June hosted by American Solar Challenge. American Solar Challenge also received a grant for $1,500 for another aspect of its event. By contrast, the DuPage Children's Museum received the largest grant for $250,000 to help cover operations.
After much discussion about the financial success and growth in size of Ribfest, the council will give $165,000 to Exchange Club of Naperville to help cover city services for its 4th of July weekend fundraiser that benefits groups that fight child abuse and domestic violence.
Councilmen also approved $150,000 for Century Walk Corp., far less than the $473,000 request for maintenance and plans for four other art projects, including at the Naper Blvd. Library a third Dr. Seuss sculpture. While councilmen appreciated the "outstanding" artwork, they opted to put plans for more on hold.
The Naperville Jaycees' Last Fling received $138,681 and the Naperville Development Partnership will get $115,000.
Meeting existing agreements, Riverwalk maintenance received $110,791 and the Naperville Municipal Band was granted $123,601.
At the end of the workshop, $146,485 remained available and untouched. Mayor Pradel asked for applause to show appreciation to the commission's volunteers who put dollar amounts on the applications. Indeed, it was a time-consuming and thoughtful exercise.
Editor's view since April 4, 2004, from a seat in the audience and at local restaurants regarding the SECA Fund: Just as artists, musicians, performers and event organizers, most members of Naperville's hospitality and restaurant industry are passionate about their craft in culinary arts. Our restaurants often are showcased during local fundraising events where they continually and generously give back to our community.
Since July 1, 2004, restaurants have collected the food and beverage taxes that become Naperville's Special Events and Cultural Amenities (SECA) Fund. Anyone who has ever worked in a restaurant knows it's tough work and a very satisfying industry for those with stamina to serve. Our local restaurants' chefs, managers, servers, bartenders, bussers, bar-backs, cooks, bakers and all experienced employees are the reason this fund is plentiful and available for local nonprofit groups.
Thank you for dining out in Naperville where you will often hear the front of the house and back of the house staff say, "It's a pleasure to serve you."
One of the challenges sure to face the SECA Fund is that some of the applicants/recipients of the fund appear to take it for granted. They almost act as though their nonprofit business or event is entitled to receive funding year after year. Others submit multiple requests. We've overheard applicants wonder had they asked for more, would their event have received more?
We also have concerns that the fund sometimes appears to be piddled away under the veil of "fairness to all" who apply. Why can't more of the fund be saved instead of seeming to promote an attitude of "use it because it's there"? Is this good public policy?
Special events such as the Memorial Day Parade, Municipal Band Concerts, Naperville Woman's Club Fine Art Fair, Last Fling, Last Fling Parade, Riverwalk Fine Art Fair, St. Patrick's Parade and Ribfest are proven cultural traditions that have long united the spirit of volunteerism and service in our community. They require city services, most of which are set by the City. We think these proven successes as cultural attractions--- as long as they continue to be successful and comply with the application process to receive city services---- deserve support of the SECA Fund, re-evaluated annually, as they were traditions (and recipients of city funding for public safety servcies and more) in place long before the fund was established in 2004.
We hope all grant applicants/recipients support the local restaurant community with their patronage, appreciation and appropriate tips.
It would be music to our ears to hear someone pay tribute to the hospitality industry in Naperville and to all patrons for providing this valued source of revenue to the city. Thank you for reading. And thanks for dining out in Naperville. Thanks for supporting the arts! Think dinner and the show.
Update to grants: During the April 7, 2010, City Council Meeting, the council voted to fund Ribfest for its full request.
City Council found ways to help balance Fiscal Year 2010-2011 Budget
New sources include residential trash collection fee, increased local gas tax, reallocation of a portion of SECA Funds and its reserve fund
The daily newspapers, editorial pages and interested residents have been following budget workshops since last fall. During that period the City Council sharpened its pencils to attack the budget line by line and find new revenue streams in attempts to balance its budget.
If you attended or watched on TV the March 15 City Council meeting, you saw the majority of members of the City Council approve a series of new revenue sources to help balance the city’s Fiscal Year 2011 budget, which begins on May 1, 2010.
For one, a 2-cent increase in the city’s local motor fuel tax was approved 7-1. Doug Krause voted "no" and Grant Wehrli recused himself because his brother is the attorney representing local gas station owners who did not want to see an increase. Also, council members voted 6-3 to implement a $2 per month residential refuse fee with Krause, Wehrli and Paul Hinterlong voting against it. The council also voted 7-2 to transfer of one-quarter of the Food and Beverage Tax (Special Events Cultural Amenities Fund) income to the General Fund. Mayor Pradel and Krause did not support it. In addition, the City Council voted to use a portion of the reserve fund cash to assist in closing the budget shortfall.
Krause denIed all three revenue options, saying that he preferred to use more of the reserve fund (taxpayer money) or raise property taxes, which are tax-deductable.
According to a press release received late Tuesday afternoon, "the City Council has worked diligently throughout the past five months to close a $14.1 million gap in the coming fiscal year’s budget. Council directed city staff to first implement internal cost saving measures. Following this action, a $5.5 million deficit remained. These new revenue sources will generate $3.1 million in additional funds and will be supplemented by $1.39 million from the city’s cash reserves, resulting in a total of $4.5 million. City staff will continue to examine ways to close the remaining $1 million.
“'These decisions were not taken lightly by the City Council,' City Manager Doug Krieger said. 'The Council has been judiciously considering all possible solutions to balance the city’s budget since last September. With a variety of recurring funding sources, Council was able to alleviate the need to increase property taxes and retail sales taxes. Naperville will remain competitive with surrounding communities.'"
The new fees begin May 1, 2010, and will be re-evaluated in two years to assess continued need. The 2-cent increase in the local motor fuel tax is in addition to an existing 2-cent local motor fuel tax, and income generated will be designated only for city roadway maintenance. The $2 per month residential refuse fee will be added to households’ monthly utility bills starting in May.
The transfer of one-quarter of the Food and Beverage Tax collected citywide will divert this money from the Special Events and Cultural Amenities Fund to the General Fund and will be re-examined by the Council in 2011.
For more information, visit www.naperville.il.us.
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Reaction of U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert to State of the Union Address on Jan. 24, 2012
Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13) tonight issued the following statement regarding President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address:
“Tonight, hardworking taxpayers wanted to hear how the President is going to roll up his sleeves, reach across the aisle, and work with Congress to create jobs now. Unfortunately, he seemed more focused on testing out campaign themes for his reelection, with great goals and no specifics. I don’t think that will satisfy Americans who are fed up with the games and the lack of leadership in Washington. People can see clearly where we are after three years, and they want a change in direction.
“Still, I walked away with hope for progress on several key issues, specifically the payroll tax cut extension, lowering the corporate tax rate, and a renewed focus on global U.S. competitiveness through scientific innovation. I also agree strongly with the need to develop a broad range of domestic energy sources to liberate our economy from dependence on volatile sources of foreign energy. These are areas where the President sent a strong message, and I look forward to working with him.
“Unfortunately, his vision on spending and tax reform lacked credibility. In his first State of the Union, the President promised to slash the deficit in half, but the last three deficits were the largest in history, and our debt has now outgrown the entire U.S. economy. Today, he asked for a broad array of new spending priorities and higher taxes to pay for it. If fairness is the goal, then we can’t just raise taxes on job creators. We need to generate revenue through growth by simplifying the tax code, closing loopholes, and giving taxpayers the financial certainty they need to plan for the future. We also need to end the regulatory nightmare of uncertainty and red tape that is paralyzing job creators. These goals are all part of House-passed jobs bills that are still awaiting action by the President and the Senate.
“The President was right when he said we need an American economy that works for everyone. But the policies and rhetoric of the last three years haven’t worked for anyone, and I’m disappointed that tonight we didn’t see something new from the White House.”
U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13)
Submitted Jan. 24, 2012
About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 145,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.
About Naperville Development Partnership (NDP): Incorporated in 1995, the Naperville Development Partnership is a public/private economic development organization that promotes business interests in the City of Naperville. The Partnership’s mission is to enhance the economic vitality of Naperville and maintain its outstanding quality of life through the retention and expansion of existing businesses as well as attracting new businesses to the community. The Partnership’s board of directors includes representation from leaders in the business community as well as the City of Naperville, School Districts 203 and 204, Naperville Park District, and the Naperville Public Library.
State of the Union Reply by
Gov. Mitch Daniels
