2013-Spring

                                       Before                                                                   After

As we wrote this article, we are preparing for the first measurable snow event of the 2012-2013 winter season.  Before the snowfall, we had the longest stretch of snowless days since 1994.  However, we all know that can change in the Midwest and at the Road District we continually plan for winter storms.  We stand ready to do our duty to remove snow and ice in an effective manner in order keep the motoring public safe.  One such duty that allows us to accomplish this is to maintain of our fleet.  We frequently service our plows to meet design specifications.  In order to extend their life cycle, we stepped up our maintenance and sanded, primed and painted them.  Additionally, we frequently look for used vehicles and equipment that would support our commitment to the residents while maintaining a cost savings.  Last year, we purchased a used plow truck, which our skilled staff improved and updated to meet our current fleet.

                       Hillside Road Paving                                          Storm Sewer Tie-Ins

Late summer and fall improvements included the resurfacing of Hillside Road and a drainage project in the Northwest section of the Township.  The first was resurfacing of roadways, including Grove Lane, Francis Lane, Knoxboro Lane, Beaumont Lane and Hillside Road.  Second, we corrected the ditch along Hillside Road at Grove Lane.  Additionally, we installed three small sewer lengths in the Fielding Place Subdivision.  During the winter months these areas froze over and created a hazard.  The new sewer should alleviate the overland flow and contain it within the roadway drainage.  To see the next area billed for improvement please visit our website, www.palhwy.com.  In the Capital Improvements section you will find the location maps that outline the proposed improvements.  Also, be sure to stop back to get all your permitting forms and other useful information.

Yard Waste Program 2013:

This successful, annual program will resume on April 8, 2013 and will continue until November 26, 2013.  Weather permitting, in late March and early April, we will deliver 56 yard waste stickers to each household in the unincorporated areas.  These stickers are to be used on yard waste bags that you purchase for the following items: grass clippings, leaves, twigs, garden debris, weeds, stalks, vines, bark and wood chips.  If you have small brush or branches, please tie them with twine in bundles 4 ft. or less in length and 2 ft. or less in diameter.  By doing so, they will be more manageable for disposal.  Additionally, for your gardening use, we have compost (aged ground up yard waste) available for pick-up at the Road District facility, located at: 530 N. Smith Street, Palatine.  Please call 847-358-6336 for directions and hours.

Economic Diligence:

Of course the services we and every governmental body provide to you are not free.  Our services are paid through property taxes which you can find on your Property Tax Bill from the Cook County Assessor’s Office.  There are several ways to increase and decrease your portion of the services for the community that are paid through these taxes but basically, your taxes increase due to increased spending.  Lowering the property assessments has little impact on your tax bill unless local governmental agencies reduce their levies.  As part of the governing body of Palatine Township Road District, I the Highway Commissioner can only help to reduce your taxes by levying or asking for less money and in fact I have done so for this year.  This year I reduced our levy by $100,000, last year had no increase and the year before I lowered it $50,000.  It is also important to know that half of the funds we receive throughout the Township are prorated and given to the municipalities for use in their roadway improvements.  At the Road District we have an excellent staff of skilled workers that are capable to maintain your infrastructure needs and through prudent spending have been able to do so effectively.  It is a pleasure to serve you and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff, 847.358.6336.