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Animal Control (Clerks)

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1. How do I report a wild animal?

Per policy, the Village of Westmont does not address issues regarding local wildlife unless there is the possibility of immediate threat to public safety. The Village of Westmont does not respond to wildlife sightings including coyotes, skunks, and beehives. In general, it is the policy of the Village of Westmont to leave natural wildlife activity undisturbed.

In the event that nuisance wildlife inhabits your private property or otherwise directly affecting your personal well being, you may consider contacting the following local agencies to assist.

DuPage County Wildlife/Animal Control - 630-407-2800
Willowbrook Wildlife Center - 630-942-6200
Ace Animal Control - 630-620-9888
Animal Encounters - 630-355-7880
Wildlife Police, Inc. - 630-789-9453

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Commuter Parking (Clerks)

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1. I ride the train to work. Where can I park?

A parking permit is required to park in the commuter lots. On weekdays no permit is required to park in the “Zone A” lot after 9:30 a.m.

There is free weekend parking in the commuter lots on Saturday and Sunday. Overnight parking is allowed at the parking meters on West Burlington Avenue, requiring $2.00 in quarters for 12 hours.

METRA owns the commuter parking lots located at the Westmont Train Station. We are required by our agreement with METRA to administer the parking in a non-discriminatory manner. This means that no preferential treatment can be given to residents or non-residents.

Permit Parking: The commuter permit parking is divided into the following three zones and is paid for quarterly usage. The amount charged is $75.00 per quarter.

Zone A: Located on the south side of the tracks; Starts west of the Train Depot Building at Grant St. and runs west to Adams St.

Zone B: Located on the north side of the tracks and runs from Lincoln St. west to Williams St.

Zone C: Located next to the building at 37 W. Quincy St., two lots west of Village Hall. (Village owned lot restricted to Westmont residents only).

2. How can I obtain a parking permit?

All applicants must start with Zone B parking. No exceptions. To put your name on the waiting list for a Zone B permit please call the Clerk’s Office. At the current time, there is no fee to be placed on the list. We will notify you via a postcard when parking is available. Your name is removed from the waiting list if you choose not to return this postcard with your payment within the date stamped on the postcard.

Village of Westmont
Clerk’s Office
31 W Quincy Street
Westmont, IL 60559-1865
630-981-6220

3. Where can I park if I don't have a permit?

You may use the metered parking. The meters are located north of the tracks, on Burlington Ave. starting at Williams St., which is to the west of the Zone B permit parking area. These are 12 hour meters which require $2.00 in quarters.

The following local churches may have some commuter-parking spaces available. Please call them direct to check on availability:

Holy Trinity Catholic Church..........................….630/968-1366
Bethel Lutheran Church............................……...630/968-3232
1ST United Methodist Church..........................…630/969-0649

4. Is Handicap parking available?

There is Handicap parking on both sides of the tracks near the depot building. A permit is required to park in the handicap commuter areas. The fee for the permit is $75.00 per quarter, and you must also display Handicap license plates or a valid Handicap hang tag.

5. I received a commuter parking permit, how do I display it?

The parking permit provided shall be hung from your vehicles rear-view mirror at all times, or a ticket will be issued. IMPORTANT: Each vehicle must be parked head in.

6. How do I renew my Lot B commuter parking permit?

You must have your quarterly permit renewal in by the 15th day of the last month in the current quarter in order to guarantee that you get a permit for the next quarter. You may renew in advance for as many quarters as desired. We will mail you the permits in advance of the due date.

? PLEASE NOTE: YOUR PARKING PERMIT IS SOLD TO SOMEONE ON THE UPGRADE LIST IF YOU DO NOT RENEW BY THE 15TH OF THE FINAL MONTH OF THE QUARTER.

We encourage you to use the Night Deposit Box located in front of the Train Station Depot on West Quincy Street as the Village of Westmont is not responsible for parking permit renewals lost, or delayed in the mail.

7. Can I transfer my commuter parking permit to someone else?

This parking Permit is non-transferable. It remains the property of the Village of Westmont, to be used only by the person to whom it is issued. In case of a domestic dispute, the person with the renewal stub will be presumed to be the rightful owner of the permit and entitled to renew it.

8. I no longer need my permit, can I get a refund?

Refunds will only be given for any full, unused months, remaining on permit.

9. How do I replace a lost commuter permit?

A replacement (only one per quarter) for a lost permit is available at the Clerk’s Office for $5.00.

NOTE: Anyone found abusing this option, i.e. using the replacement permit to park a second vehicle, will lose their parking permit.

10. How can I obtain a commuter parking permit for Zone A?

Compliance with these rules is very simple and will result in an orderly transition from Zone "B" to Zone "A": You just have to remember to renew your Zone “B” permit on time to maintain your place on the upgrade list.

The following steps must be performed:

1. You must have a valid Zone "B" permit to get on the upgrade waiting list.

2. Prepayment of $75.00 is required. The date on your cash register receipt will determine your place on the waiting list.

3. You will stay on this list until upgraded or you ask to be removed from the list.

4. You will be notified by mail or phone, when a Zone “A” permit is available.

5. You must make payment on your Zone “B” permit within the allotted time or your name will be removed from the upgrade list.

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Dog Licenses (Clerks)

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1. Does the Village of Westmont require dog licenses?

A license is required to keep a dog within the Village limits. All dogs, six months of age or older, must be licensed.

2. When do I need to purchase a dog license?

Dog licenses are due by July 1st of each year, or within ten days of becoming the owner or keeper of the dog that is at least 6 months old. There is a $2 charge for these licenses. Licenses are good for one year.

3. Where do I purchase the dog license?

The dog license may be purchased through the Clerk’s Office. They may be purchased…

By Mail: Send a completed copy of the Dog License Application, a check payable to the Village of Westmont and a current certificate of rabies vaccination to: Village of Westmont, Clerk’s Office; 31 West Quincy Street, Westmont, IL 60559

In Person: Bring a completed copy of the Dog License Application, cash or a check payable to the Village of Westmont and a current certificate of rabies vaccination to: Village of Westmont, Clerk’s Office, 31 West Quincy Street, Westmont, IL 60559

Yellow Drop Box: Deposit completed copy of the Dog License Application, a check payable to the Village of Westmont and a current certificate of rabies vaccination in the yellow drop box located in front of the Westmont Train Depot and we will mail you your receipt and your license.

4. Are cats required to have a license?

No. Not at this time.

5. Are licenses required for service dogs?

Yes. License tags are issued free of charge to the owners of dogs trained and serving as a guide dog for a blind person, a hearing dog for a deaf person, or a service dog for a mobility-impaired person.

6. Is there a limit to the number of dogs I can own?

No more than three dogs over two months of age are permitted to be kept per household. Dogs are not permitted to run at large.

If a dog is impounded by the Village, the owner has three days to redeem the animal through payment of all license and other required fees together with the cost of keeping such animal and the cost of advertising, if any. There shall be a fine assessed of $10.00 for the first offense, $15.00 for the second offense, and $25 for the third offense (within one calendar year).

It is the duty of the pound keeper to humanely dispose of all unredeemed animals not sooner than the end of the third day.

7. Are owners required to pick up after their dogs?

Dog owners are responsible for the removal of any excrement deposited by their animal from any public or private property.

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FOIA

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1. What is a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request?

The purpose of the Freedom of Information Act is to ensure that all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government, and other official acts and policies of those who represent them as public officials.

The principle mandate of the Act provides that each public body, upon submission of a written request, shall make available to any person for inspection, or to provide copies of any requested records that are subject to disclosure under the Act. Not all records are subject to disclosure, and the Act provides a number of exemptions.

This Act is not intended to be used to violate individual privacy, nor for the purpose of furthering commercial enterprise (there are further rules covering commercial requests), or to disrupt the duly-undertaken work of any public body independent of the fulfillment of the rights of the people to access information (5 ILCS 140/1). The Act does not require the Village to create new records or to answer questions other than through the production of records.

2. Has there been an update regarding laws pertaining to FOIA requests?

On Jan. 1, 2010, changes to the State’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) went into effect governing the disclosure of government records to the public.

3. How do I make a FOIA request?

The Village has an official FOIA request form. This form can be obtained three ways:

In person at the Village Clerk’s Office, Village Hall, 31 W. Quincy,
In person at the Westmont Police Department, 500 N. Cass Avenue, and
On-line from the Village Website by following the links: Departments / Clerks / Documents and forms.

Per FOIA rules, the Village must accept and process all written requests that are submitted.

4. What’s the difference between a FOIA request for a general public record and a FOIA request for the Westmont Police Department?

Some requests for information are in regard to general public records that are filed with the Clerk’s Office. Other information requests are in regard to records that are kept at the Police Department. To assist with processing, the Village of Westmont recommends that all general public record FOIA requests be submitted directly to the Village Clerk’s Office at the Village Hall, and that all police-related FOIA requests be submitted directly to the Police Department. All FOIA requests submitted will be processed per FOIA guidelines regardless of where the request is turned in. Both the Village Clerk’s Office and the Police Department have official FOIA Officers who can assist with questions and request processing.

5. Can a FOIA request be denied?

Yes. Some information is considered private by FOIA standards and are therefore not released to the public. The Village Clerk’s Office will notify the requester within five (5) days of receiving the request that the information will not be made available to the public, the reason for the denial, and the staff member(s) who officially denied the request.

6. What is the charge for a FOIA request?

There is no charge or fee to submit a FOIA request. There is no charge for receiving an electronic copy of a document. Per FOIA law, the first fifty, 8 ½ X 11, black and white, print paper copies are free of charge. Each additional black and white copy will be .15 cents per page. Persons making requests that require other forms of duplication (color copies, large-format prints, compact disks, etc.) are charged for the material costs used in the duplication of the record. There will be no charge for staff time or internal labor.

7. How long does the Village of Westmont have to respond to a FOIA request?

Response to requests for public records must be fulfilled within five (5) business days after the day that request has been received. There are some exceptions to this rule depending on the size of the request.

8. Can a denied FOIA request be appealed?

Yes. Under FOIA rules, citizens may appeal a FOIA request denial. The appeal of this request must be made in writing directly to the Public Access Counselor at the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, 500 S. Second Street, Springfield, Illinois 62705. The phone number for this office is (217) 558-0486. The Public Access Counselor’s decision is reviewable under the Illinois Administrative Review Law.

For more information regarding general public records FOIA requests, please contact the Village of Westmont Clerk’s Office at 630-981-6220. For more information regarding police record FOIA requests, please contact the Westmont Police Department at 630-981-6300.

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Garage Sales (Clerks)

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1. How do I sign up for a Garage Sale Permit?

Residents must personally register for a permit at Village Hall. The fee is currently $5.00. (Checks, Cash, Visa & MasterCard accepted)

Village Hall – Clerk’s Office
31 West Quincy Street
Westmont, IL 60559-1865
630-981-6220

2. Can I have more than two garage sales per year?

No person or organization may conduct more than two (2) garage sales in any twelve (12) month period.

3. How early in the day can I conduct a garage sale?

Garage sales are permitted between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

4. Can I have a garage sale for more than one day?

Garage sales may be conducted for a period of no more than three (3) consecutive days.

5. Can I place advertising signs on the parkways?

No direction or advertising signs shall be posted on any public property within the Village limits except on the property of the person or persons conducting the sale.

6. Am I limited to what items I can sell?

Only personal or household goods may be offered for sales at any garage sale.

7. Can a homeowner’s organization conduct an association-wide garage sale?

Yes. Organizations must post a refundable $25.00 deposit in addition to following the aforementioned rules.

8. What happens if I do not display a Garage Sale Permit?

Penalties for violating this ordinance shall not be more than $100.00 per day.

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Garbage and Water (Clerks)

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1. I am purchasing a home in Westmont, how do I set up service?

Call the Village Clerk’s Office/Water Billing: 630-981-6220 or visit us 31 W Quincy Street, Westmont, IL 60559-1865

In addition to setting up your account, the Clerk’s Office will:
* Provide a resourceful complimentary Village calendar.
* Contact Waste Management for the delivery of recycling bins for residents.
* Contact the respective sanitary district to establish your sewage account.

2. I am selling a home in Westmont, how do I cancel service?

Contact the Clerk's Office at least 3 days in advance of your closing date.

Call the Village Clerk’s Office/Water Billing: 630-981-6220 or visit us 31 W Quincy Street, Westmont, IL 60559-1865

In addition to canceling your account, the Clerk’s Office will:
* Contact the respective sanitary district to terminate your sewage account.

3. I am renting property in Westmont, how do I set up service?

Residential renters are required to place a $50.00 deposit in order to set up water & garbage service in their name.

Commercial property renters are required to place a $60.00 deposit in order to set up water service in their business name. Contact Waste Management 1-800-796-9696 to set up disposal service.

Residential and Commercial deposits will be applied towards your final bill. Credit balances will be refunded via check.

4. What are the current water fees?

All water rates are billed at 1,000 gallons. First 1,000 gallons an additional $5.00 fixed connection service fee.

In Village:
Residential…………..…………..…...…$7.36 per thousand gallons.
Commercial & Multi-Family………….. $8.36 per thousand gallons.

Outside Village Limits:
Residential…...................................$ 9.89 per thousand gallons.
Commercial & Multi-Family…..………$ 10.89 per thousand gallons.

5. What are the current garbage fees?

Residential bi-monthly rate:...............$25.16
Senior residential bi-monthly rate:......$18.88

Refuse stickers................................$1.61 per sticker.
Yard Waste stickers.........................$2.86 per sticker.

6. What day is my garbage & recycling scheduled to be picked up?

Map link provided below:

Pickup Schedule:
Westmont provides a comprehensive solid waste collection program. Three vehicles collect materials on each pick up day. One truck picks up garbage, another picks up recyclables and a third truck picks up yard waste (April 1st to November 30th).

The Village contracts these services through Waste Management (800)-796-9696.

Pickups are made once per week in each quadrant of the Village. Wednesdays are reserved for commercial/business pickups.

Residents should place their garbage, recyclables and yard waste out for pickup on the evening before their collection day. (Recycling is picked up every other week. Please see recycling FAQ)

Holiday Pickup Schedule:
During the year, there will be five holidays on which garbage, recycling, and yard waste will not be collected.

Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
New Year’s Day

During these weeks, collections will be made one day late from the observed holiday through the end of the week, with the final pickup day being Saturday. Recycling and Waste Calendar and Service Schedule

7. When will I get billed?

Residential accounts are billed bi-monthly.
Commercial accounts are billed every month.

Day 1 Bill is mailed.
Day 20 Total bill amount is due.
Day 21 10% late charge is assessed.
Day 26 Late notice mailed.
Day 33 Shut-off notice is mailed.
Day 45 Termination of service.

8. How do I apply for a senior citizen garbage discount?

Only on the garbage service not water. Garbage collection service is provided by Waste Management, Inc. under contract with the Village of Westmont. Seniors age 65 or older may receive a 25% discount , offered by Waste Management, on their owner occupied single family residence garbage bill by filling out the provided application form, provide proof that they are the owner of the property and that they are at least 65 years old. You must actually reside in the house to receive the discount. Garbage collection questions should be directed to the Village Clerks Office at 630/981-6220 or Waste Management, Inc. at 800-796-9696.

9. How can I pay?

Payments are accepted at the Clerk’s Office Cashier Window or use the 24 hour Depository Box located on Quincy Street, 100 feet west of the Westmont Train Station Depot.

Remittances made before 7:00 a.m. are credited to the prior day; after that time, payments are credited to the current day’s business.

To pay in person (Checks, Cash, Visa & MasterCard):

Please come to the Village Hall, located at:
31 West Quincy St.
Westmont, IL 60559-1865

To pay by mail: (Please use the enclosed envelope.)
Village of Westmont
31West Quincy Street
Westmont, IL 60559-1865

Please write your account number on your check and make the check payable to the Village of Westmont. DO NOT SEND CASH. Using the envelope provided with your bill include the remittance portion of your bill along with your check.

If you use online banking, please use the Village hall address and remember to include your complete account number:
31 W Quincy Street
Westmont, IL 60559-1865

To pay via the the internet click on the Make A Payment button and follow the instructions.

Payments are accepted at the Clerk’s Office Cashier Window or use the 24 hour Depository Box located on Quincy Street, 100 feet west of the Westmont Train Station Depot.

Remittances made before 7:00 a.m. are credited to the prior day; after that time, payments are credited to the current day’s business.

Direct Debit is available. Visit the Village Clerk’s Office or download the application from our website.

10. Late payment or non-payment?

A 10% late fee will be added if payment in full is not received by the due date. Failure to receive the bill does not excuse the penalty charge. Should your account remain delinquent after the 44th day, your service may be discontinued without further notice. A $70.00 Turn-on fee and payment of the delinquent amount is required in order to restore service.

11. Is there a fee for checks returned "Not Paid?

Yes. A $50.00 service fee will be added to all checks returned "Not Paid" for any reason.

12. Who can I contact to answer other Utility Billing questions?

Questions about your usage, bill amount of final water bill:
Call the Village Clerk’s Office/Water Billing at 630-981-6220

Questions about water quality or service problems:
Call Public Works: Water Division at 630-981-6272

Questions about late payments:
Call Village Clerks: Collectors Office at 630-981-6220

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Police

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1. Can I park on the street in front of my home overnight?

Yes and No Westmont local ordinance (78-308) prohibits the parking of vehicles on village roadways between the hours of 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM. Residents may call in to the police department to request permission to park overnight due to exigent circumstances such as an overnight guest, disabled vehicle, driveway repair etc. Residents are limited to seven nights of permission within a six month period (Jan-Jun, Jul-Dec). Permission above seven times may be given at the discretion of the police department depending on the exigent circumstance.

2. How can I pay a parking violation?

Parking violations may be paid through the mail using the envelope provided or in person at the Westmont Police Department, 500 N. Cass Avenue. Payment in the form of cash and checks (made payable to the Village of Westmont) will be accepted. Unfortunately we do not accept credit cards for parking violation payments.

3. I received a Red Light Violation notice, what is this?

The intersection of Cass Avenue and Naperville Road is equipped with traffic monitoring photography and video equipment. When a violation of a red traffic signal occurs, it is captured and reported to us by the system. All violations are reviewed by police officers to be approved for a violation notice. Violation notices are sent to the registered owner of the vehicle committing the violation. Click here for more information regarding the Red Light Photo Enforcement program.

4. What are the hours the Westmont Police Department open?

The Westmont Police Department lobby is open daily Monday thru Friday, from 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. The lobby is closed on Saturday, Sunday, and village observed holidays that fall on a weekday. After hours citizens can reach the emergency dispatch center through the use of a call box located inside the vestibule of the main entrance (Cass Ave.) side of the police station.

5. What is an Administrative Towing Fee?

Administrative towing fees are charged when an arrest is for one of the following offenses:

• Driving with a suspended or revoked drivers license;
• Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs;
• Driving with an expired drivers license without proof of valid liability insurance, or;
• Driving with no valid driver’s license.
  

Administrative Towing Fees and Vehicle Seizure information.

6. What is the non-emergency telephone number to the Westmont Police Department?

The Administrative telephone number to the police department is 630-981-6300.

7. Where can I view a list of registered sex offenders?

A listing of registered sex offenders can be viewed by going to the DuPage Sheriff’s Office Offender Watch site.  By entering an address, you can view the location of registered offenders that may be residing in the area.

8. Where do I go to appear for an Administrative Hearing?

Administrative hearings are conducted at the Westmont Village Hall, 31 W. Quincy Street, Westmont, IL. Hearings are generally assigned and held on the third Tuesday of each month, and alternate each month between day time and evening sessions. List of scheduled dates and times for Administrati

9. Where do I go to appear in Traffic Court?

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Traffic Court for minor traffic offenses is located inside the American
Legion Hall located at target="_blank">4000 Saratoga Avenue, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515. 
Court dates for Westmont Police Department cases are assigned to
Wednesday’s at 1:00 PM.

10. Where is the Westmont Police Department located?

The Westmont Police Department is located at 500 North Cass Avenue. It is approximately 1-1/2 blocks south of Ogden Avenue at the corner of Traube Street and Cass Avenue. Police Department Location Information

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TIF District - Tax Increment Financing

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1. What is a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District?

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a redevelopment tool authorized by State statute to help revitalize distressed areas by eliminating certain blighting conditions and instituting conservation measures in order to encourage private investment and to enhance the tax base. TIF originated in California in 1954, and is currently in use in some form in 48 states. It is a concept designed for municipalities of all sizes. There are over 400 Illinois communities that currently utilize TIF.

2. Will a TIF District in my area create a new tax?

TIF districts do not create taxes, but instead, create a mechanism that allows municipalities to utilize tax revenues to specifically target a business district that has been identified as being in need for revitalization.

3. What does a TIF District in my area mean to me?

Overall, the goal of a TIF district is to revitalize and redevelop a struggling business district. Successful TIF districts will result in creating opportunities for existing businesses as well as encourage new businesses to come to Westmont. This may result in greater investment in the appearance of our South Westmont Business District, as well as generate more tax revenue for the community.

4. How does a TIF District work?

Normally, property is taxed by several different governmental jurisdictions: the municipality, school districts, county, park district, etc. The taxes levied are allocated to each district in accordance with its tax rate. Under TIF, the increase in property taxes that result from new development are all allocated to the TIF fund. All taxing districts continue to receive property taxes based on the value of the property prior to the establishment of the TIF district (the Base EAV).

5. What can TIF funds be used for?

The improvements which may be funded through TIF are defined by State law and may include such items as:

• Roadway, stormwater and streetscape improvements;
• Relocation and demolition costs;
• Facade improvements, building rehabilitation;
• Land assembly;
• Infrastructure and utility extensions and enhancements;
• Costs of construction or rehabilitation of housing for low- and very-low income households; and
• Job training.

6. What are some of the most common myths concerning TIF Districts?

• MYTH 1 - PROPERTY OWNERS WOULD RECEIVE A TAX BREAK.
Property owners pay the same amount of property taxes they would have paid had they been outside of the TIF District, including any increases that result from increases in property value, or from tax rate increases from the various taxing districts.

• MYTH 2 - SCHOOL DISTRICTS WILL BE DEPRIVED OF REVENUES DURING THE LIFE OF THE TIF DISTRICT.
First, a school district, as well as the county, the municipality, and all other taxing bodies continue to receive the full amount of the taxes that they have levied on the “Base EAV” during the life of a district. Secondly, TIF districts can create money for schools. In Illinois, school districts continue to receive all the tax revenue they were entitled to before creation of a TIF district. Although schools usually lose General State Aid when assessed valuations increase, the incremental growth in property values within a TIF district is excluded from the property tax base when the State of Illinois calculates the amount of aid it awards to a school district. Therefore, the “poorer” a school district is, the more it stands to gain from having a TIF District.