Editor’s note: Ryan DeProsperis of the Ups In Downers Grove blog has agreed to post here at the DGreport on an occasional basis. Here is his report on yesterday’s State of the Village speech by Mayor Ron Sandack. Welcome, Ryan!
The State of the Village at the Jan. 13 Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon gave a look back at 2009 and goals and aspirations going forward for the Village in 2010. Mayor Sandack spoke at the event, giving a review of the Village’s budget process and the necessity to change the Village budget at the same time that residents are reviewing their personal budgets.
Here’s a review of achievements for the Village throughout a difficult environment in 2009: 
The Mayor presented ways in which the Village cut back, both as a necessity and creatively. For example, in 2009, the fleet service for public works was enhanced by the following:
- Reduction of 15 vehicles
- Scheduled maintenance for the vehicles was established to promote longevity
- Using nitrogen gas for tire inflation improving gas mileage
- A reduction in age of older vehicles
- Using alternative fuel in 95 vehicles within the public works fleet
In 2009, the Village completed 22 major infrastructure projects, the most visible being Prairie Ave, Rogers Street, and coming up for completion in 2010 are Washington Park and McCollumb Park improvements.
TCD3 was also a major part of 2009, requesting input from local Downers Grove Residents for future improvements in infrastructure.
Downers Grove will also welcome DeVry and the Dover Corporation to the Village in 2010 as a result of their desire to relocate in 2009.
Ziegler Automotive is also establishing a car dealership at 2311 Ogden Ave, where Downers Grove Dodge was previously located.
In 2010, the Village will make it a priority to work on many environmentally conscious projects, among them analyzing and improving recycling throughout the village, eliminating diesel vehicles, reducing streetlight electricity used, establishing the use of solar panels for utility pumping stations and researching the benefits of rainwater collection. Primarily, this will be the focus of the Environmental Concerns Commission throughout 2010.
The mayor also spoke of the establishment of the Comprehensive Plan Committee, and the need for the Village to update their Comprehensive Plan.
In 2010, the village plans to complete 29 infrastructure projects, totaling approximately $29.5 million.
He stressed the desire for the village to up it’s customer service to the residents in 2010 and to ‘do more with less.’
In conclusion, Sandack introduced and acknowledged the Village Staff, whom typically are not recognized for their public service. A nice touch for those that work behind the scenes, providing a lot of the services that we as residents have come to expect.
Sandack’s speech lasted approximately 20 minutes.
- Ryan M. DeProsperis
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