Passing it on

Chicago water rate hike hits Bridgevew

By Steve Metsch

The Bridgeview Village Board had no choice but to pass on to residents a water rate hike imposed by Chicago, officials said.

At the board’s July 1 meeting, village trustees voted 6-0 to increase the water rates by 2.75 percent.

The new rates will be:

$8.93 for each 1,000 gallons of water up to 500,000 gallons

$7.26 for each 1,000 gallons in excess of 500,000 gallons up to 1 million gallons

$5.95 for each 1,000 gallons in excess of 1 million gallons

The minimum water charge will be set at $26.79 per month per user.

Village Trustee Michael Pticek, who heads the finance committee, said the hike, “Reflects the raise in our rates from the city of Chicago. We pass it on yearly.”

After the meeting, Mayor Steve Landek said the increase for residents comes to 2.75 percent, which matches the increase charged by Chicago to Bridgeview.

“It’s passed along,” Landek said of the water rate hike.

The board also approved raising the sewer rate to $1.78 for 1,000 gallons for the first 2,000 gallons, and $1.08 per 1,000 gallons in excess of 2,000 gallons. The minimum charge will be $3.56 per dwelling and/or commercial unit.

“As our rates are raised …” Pticek noted.

In other business, the board unanimously approved the appointment of firefighter Zachary Aloiso from the personnel board’s eligibility list.

The board also approved an intergovernmental agreement to participate in the Township of Lyons’ 2020 Summer Employment Work Program, as it has for several years.

“We’ve participated in this program before,” Landek said “We already have a couple of people in the program. It saves us money and gives them (each) 20 hour a week to work.”

The board tabled action on a new scavenger service plan that would offer reduced prices for seniors age 65 and older and for those who bought their dwelling unit prior to Jan. 1, 2007.

In public comments, the board heard from resident Judith Venard, of the 7300 block of 80th Street, who requested installation of a speed bump in that block.

There’s been a problem with motorists speeding down 80th Street from Harlem Avenue to Oketo Avenue, she said. Venard is worried about the safety of children and others.

“I’m sure you’ll see a speed bump out there,” Landek said.