Feb. 17 City E-News: City Council Preview, Election Season News and Public Safety Year in Review

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Message from Mayor Andrew Goczkowski

February is Black History Month. We use this time to honor the significant achievements that African Americans have made in shaping our country and community, while simultaneously recognizing their struggles for freedom and equality.

At the Feb. 6 City Council Meeting, we officially recognized Black History Month with a proclamation presented to Maine West High School's Black Student Union. Maine West's BSU works with other student groups to volunteer, create events, promote conversations about race and plan African American History month. Thanks to the students who were able to join us!

February is also Canned Food Month. Local organizations are participating in the February Food Fight sponsored by the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce to benefit the Self-Help Closet & Pantry. Whether it's in support of the food fight or just a donation made in one of the red barrels around town, your contributions are welcome. Find out more about the current needs of the food pantry here.

As always, feel free to contact me directly at agoczkowski@desplaines.org or 847-391-5301. Please share this E-News with your family, friends and neighbors and encourage them to subscribe.

City Council Preview

Council will meet on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. Here are some noteworthy items on the agenda:

• Each year, the City passes an ordinance called the Annual Appropriation Ordinance within the first quarter of each fiscal year. This ordinance specifies the sums of money deemed necessary to defray all expenses and liabilities for the calendar year 2023. Tuesday’s meeting will include a public hearing and the first reading of the ordinance.
• The consent agenda includes a few items of note including approval of intergovernmental agreements with Oakton College for forthcoming City-Hosted special events and approval of funding agreements with IDOT for Oakton Street side path improvements.

 Read the agenda here for more details and watch the livestream here.

Public Safety Year in Review 

Throughout 2022, the Des Plaines Police and Fire Departments were hard at work keeping you safe! Check out these videos to get a recap of the year’s highlights.

Des Plaines Police Year in Review  

Des Plaines Fire Department  Year In Review

In 2023, both departments remain committed to protecting the public's safety and building community partnerships.

City Offices Will Be Closed

City offices are closed on Monday, Feb. 20 in observance of Presidents Day. Refuse collection will follow its normal schedule.

FEMA National Flood Insurance Program

Des Plaines participates in FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), making flood insurance available for any property within City limits.

If you already have a flood insurance policy, check if you have contents and sewer backup coverage. During the kind of flooding that happens in Des Plaines, there is usually more damage to the furniture and contents than there is to building structure.

Call 847-391-5390 to request a floodplain determination letter for any property within the City, free of charge. Go to desplaines.org/flood for more information.

Mail Ballot Applications

Election season is underway. The April 4 consolidated election includes Ward 2, 4, 6 and 8 alderman seats and several other local items. If you're planning to vote by mail, you need to request a mail ballot by March 30. Learn more and request your ballot at the Cook County Clerk's website.

February Meetings & Reminders

• 2/20 Presidents Day - City offices closed. Normal refuse collection schedule.
• 2/21 Council Meeting 7 p.m. (Tuesday meeting)
• 2/25 Holiday light recycling at Public Works concludes.

Visit desplaines.org and check out our calendar to see what’s happening at the City and around town.

City of Des Plaines
Phone 847.391.5300

1420 Miner Street
Des Plaines, IL 60016