|
 Message from Mayor Goczkowski
Fall is in full swing, and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. With cooler weather on the way, curbside leaf collection will be wrapping up soon. Now is a great time to finish your seasonal yard cleanup.
After Thanksgiving, it’s time to get into the holiday spirit! Our annual Holiday Tree Lighting takes place Friday, December 5 at Metropolitan Square in downtown Des Plaines. Enjoy food trucks, live entertainment, and festive activities as you countdown to the lighting of the tree.
The next day, Saturday, December 6, head to the Des Plaines Public Library for the Winter Fair & Trolley Tours. More details on both events can be found later in the newsletter. I’m looking forward to celebrating these festive favorites with you.
In the meantime, please share this e-news with your family, friends, and neighbors, and encourage them to subscribe. If I can be of assistance to you, please feel free to contact me at 847-391-5301 or agoczkowski@desplainesil.gov.
Yours in service,
Andrew Goczkowski
|
|
|
On the Agenda: November 17 City Council Meeting
City Council will meet on Monday, November 17, at 7 p.m. A few noteworthy items from the agenda include:
- Consideration of Approval of the 2026 Budget for the City of Des Plaines
- Consideration of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 4 of Title 7 of the City Code to Impose Regulations on Electric Bicycles and Other Motorized Mobility Devices
- Consideration of a Proposal and Execution of a Consulting Agreement with Blue Strike
Environmental, Inc., for Consulting Services for the Update of a Comprehensive Sustainability Plan for the City of Des Plaines
For more details, visit the City's website here and watch the livestream here.
Thanksgiving Closures and Service Updates
City offices will be closed on Thursday, November 27, for the Thanksgiving holiday, and on Friday, November 28, the day after Thanksgiving. Refuse collection will be delayed by one day due to the holiday schedule.
|
|
Mark Your Calendar for Hometown Holiday Fun
Holiday Tree Lighting
Friday, December 5 | 4 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Metropolitan Square
Enjoy live entertainment, community group performances, and festive activities for the whole family at Metropolitan Square in downtown Des Plaines. Take photos with Santa and the Grinch, and don’t miss the magical moment as we light the holiday tree at 6:30 p.m. to kick off the season.
Visit desplainesil.gov/holidaylighting to learn more.
|
|
|
Winter Fair & Trolley Tours
Saturday, December 6 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Des Plaines Public Library
Shop your way through the indoor artisan market featuring talented local makers, enjoy festive activities, and soak up the spirit of the season.
This event also includes historic trolley hosted by the Des Plaines History Center. All trolley tour spots are currently filled. You can find out more and join the waitlist at desplainesil.gov/winterfair.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Guests can drop off letters to the North Pole and submit ideas for the City's annual Name a Snowplow contest at both the Holiday Tree Lighting and the Winter Fair.
|
|
|
|
Rake in the Last Week of Yard Waste Pickup
As the leaves settle and colder weather approaches, the City is wrapping up yard waste operations. LRS’s last week of yard waste collection will be November 24–29. The City’s residential bulk curbside leaf collection is separate from the refuse service’s weekly yard waste pick up and will continue into the first week of December for some zones (weather permitting).
All residents may also drop off leaves at the Public Works facility at 1111 Joseph J. Schwab (Campground) Rd. through December 19. Drop-off hours are 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visit desplainesil.gov/leafcollection for more details.
Canadian National Railway Crossing Repairs at Touhy Avenue
Touhy Avenue Closed November 14 through November 20
The Canadian National Railway Company is making repairs to the railroad crossing at Touhy Avenue. To replace the tracks and adjacent pavement, Touhy Avenue will be closed between Mannheim Road and Greco Avenue. Work will start at 9:00 am on Friday, November 14, and conclude by 6:00 pm on Thursday, November 20.
A posted detour will encourage motorists to use Mannheim Road, Oakton Street, and Des Plaines River Road.
Motorists should anticipate delays and allow additional time for trips through the area. Drivers are encouraged to pay close attention to detour signs in the work zones, obey posted speed limits, and remain alert for workers and equipment. For more information, you can call the Canadian National Railway Company at 1-888-888-5909.
|
|
Upcoming Meetings and Reminders
-
11/17 - City Council Meeting | 7 p.m. at City Hall
-
11/24 - Final Week of LRS Curbside Leaf Collection | Check website for details
-
11/27 - Thanksgiving Holiday | City Offices Closed
-
11/28 - Day After Thanksgiving | City Offices Closed
-
12/01 - City Council Meeting | 7 p.m. at City Hall
-
12/05 - Holiday Tree Lighting | 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Metropolitan Square
-
12/06 - Winter Fair | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Des Plaines Public Library
|
|
City of Des Plaines
Phone 847.391.5300 |
1420 Miner Street
Des Plaines, IL 60016 |
|
|
|
