City Council Update
City Addresses Complaints of Semi-Trailer Truck Parking in Neighborhoods
The City Council approved an ordinance prohibiting any semi-trailer truck cab, with or without an attached trailer, to park overnight on any public right of way, street, parkway or sidewalk within the city. This is in response to increased violations and complaints. Council also approved increasing the fine from $31 to $100 for the first violation, and $250 for each subsequent violation.
Council Approves Purchase of New Ambulance and Fire Ladder Truck
Over the last two years, the City has invested more than $2.74 million in new fire equipment and vehicles to enhance the fire department's ability to deliver services, which benefits the health and safety of our community.
At its recent meeting, Council approved the purchase of a new ambulance to replace a 2006 unit. The City operates four ambulances (compared to three in 2020) based on our high volume of medical calls.
Council also approved the purchase of new $1.4 million ladder truck to replace Tower 61 located at Station 61 on River Road, which has served Des Plaines well since 2007, clocking in nearly 100,000 miles.
These purchases are the final pieces of a multi-step plan to restructure the fire department’s deployment model and deliver enhanced safety and response, as well as maximize efficiencies of staffing and operations. Other recent purchases include:
- $223,000 for new mini-rescue squad (currently being built; will be put into service later this year).
- $790,000 for Squad #63, a state-of-the-art multi-functional squad put into operation in November of 2021. It has the capability to fulfill the roles of multiple units all in one unit. It is deployed citywide for all working fire responses, extrication responses and all specialty team responses, in addition to responding to normal day-to-day incidents as dispatched.
In case you missed it, Fire Chief Dan Anderson takes us on a tour of the new Squad #63 and explains the operational changes at the department in this edition of Des Plaines Connection.
Council will meet again on Tuesday, Jan.18. The agenda will be posted here. Watch the meeting live.
2021: A Year In Review
What a year 2021 has been! Join us in looking back at the moments that defined our City this past year. Here’s to looking forward to what 2022 will bring. We wish you and your families a happy and healthy year!
Check it out here!
Cook County Vaccination Requirements for Eateries, Entertainment Venues and Fitness Centers
In response to the current COVID-19 surge of cases and hospitalizations in suburban Cook County, the CCDPH is requiring customers to restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and fitness facilities in the county to show proof of vaccination. Please direct your questions and/or concerns directly to the Cook County Department of Public Health and to report a COVID-19 related issue or complaint, complete this form and a member of CCDPH will contact you.
Illinois Vax Verify System Now Offers SMART™ Health Card Vaccination Verification
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has launched the SMART™ Health Card which allows users to download a QR code which can be used to easily confirm your COVID-19 vaccination status at businesses, events and other locations.
The QR code can be downloaded or kept in Apple Wallet and presented for COVID-19 vaccination verification. Businesses wanting to verify vaccination status can download the SMART Health Card Verifier App on Apple AppStore and Google Play store.
The card is part of the State’s Vax Verify online system that allows Illinois residents 18 years and older to check their COVID-19 vaccination record. Vax Verify can be accessed at idphportal.illinois.gov.
The verification system follows best practices to protect confidential health information. In order to download proof of vaccination, residents will go through a brief, one-time identity verification process to gain access to their immunization history. Immunization records are kept confidential and only the individual, or the individual’s parent or guardian if the individual is younger than 18 years, can access their vaccination history. Some individuals with very common names will need to take additional steps to securely prove their identities.
On this episode of Des Plaines Connection, Media Services Director Jennie Vana explains how to navigate the City's new website and what improvements were made with YOU in mind. Visit desplaines.org to see the new and exciting additions for yourself!
Des Plaines Connection - A Closer Look At The New Website
Watch Our Latest Videos
January Reminders
- The City will pick up bare holiday trees through Jan. 7 and LRS will pick up trees through Jan 14.
- 1/17 City offices closed
- 1/18 City Council Meeting 7 p.m. (Tuesday Meeting)
Visit desplaines.org and check out our calendar to see what’s happening at the City and around town.
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