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Coyotes
November 11, 2010
Over the summer months, we received a number of reports at the Police Department of coyote sightings adjacent to the Carriages of Grosse Pointe. These occasional sightings did not cause alarm because the coyote was at a distance and responded by moving away from humans or did not come closer to walkers or users of the park. This is normal behavior for coyotes.
Later in the summer, we received reports and interviewed witnesses who observed several incidences where at least one coyote exhibited more aggressive behavior. In one incident, a resident reported having to make a great deal of noise using a baseball bat hitting it on the ground to scare a coyote away and in a second incident, a resident hit or nearly hit a coyote with a dog leash to chase it away. After these two most recent incidences, we contacted a service, which the Village has worked with previously, to address the situation.
After a review of the situation by the coyote service, several coyotes were removed. One of the coyotes was identified as the alpha male and the second was the alpha female that were suspected of the aggressive behavior. The service the Village used has been involved in urban coyote studies extensively in the Chicago area, having worked with the Lincoln Park Zoo, and with a number of suburbs.
We recognize that the habitat of the driving range and ComEd right of way is conducive to wild animals. There will be future sightings of coyotes in your area. Additional general information on coyotes is located on the Village’s web site. Please continue to report sightings of coyotes to the Police Department. We appreciate your efforts to keep sources of food, dog food and garbage, away from the coyotes. This will reduce the coyotes’ comfort with being near humans. If you have any questions, please contact me.
Consideration of an amendment to the Parking Ordinance
November 18, 2010 The Village Board has discussed the concept of limiting on-street parking to five hours on weekdays, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM in the Deerpath, Hawthorn Club, Stone Fence Farms, and Centennial Crossing Subdivisions. Over the past seven to eight years the Village has received periodic complaints from residents regarding individuals parking their vehicles in certain areas of the community early in the morning, walking to the Metra Station, taking the train presumably to Chicago, then returning late in the afternoon to pick up their cars. It is assumed that motorists do this either to avoid paying the $1.75 parking fee, or because it is easier than trying to exit the Metra Station onto US Hwy 45 during Rush Hour.
Initially, complaints were received from residents on Sussex Circle and Montclair Road within the Hawthorn Club Subdivision. However, since establishing 'No Parking' areas on those two streets, commuters have since expanded the perimeter and are now parking on streets within the Deerpath, Stone Fence Farms, and Centennial Crossing Subdivisions as well. It is estimated that approximately 12 commuter cars per day are parking outside of the Metra lot. Therefore, it has been suggested that the Village Board adopt a more global response to these issues by modifying the parking ordinance to limit on-street parking in these subdivisions to no more than five hours on weekdays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 PM.
The Village Board will be further discussing the proposed amendment during the December 21, 2010 Board Meeting. In the meantime, we welcome you to provide us with your thoughts concerning this matter. We appreciate you taking the time to provide us with your valuable feedback.
For questions and comments, please email MikeA@vhills.org.
ROUTE 572November 18, 2010
NOTICE PACE ROUTE 572: On Monday, December 13, PACE Bus will be ending bus service west of the Westfield Hawthorn Mall (Route 572). A possible alternative for Vernon Hills’ residents within Vernon Township is the Vernon Township Dial-A-Ride:
Available: Monday – Friday – 8:30AM – 3:30PM
One Way Fares: Disabled - $1.00
Senior - $1.00
Student - $1.00
Other - $2.00
Advanced Call In: At least one day in advance – 847-634-4600
Space is very limited, so please call 847-634-4600 at least one day in advance to check availability.
NEW BUSINESS OCCUPANCIES OCTOBER 2010 Westfield Hawthorn Center:
Bare Escentuals
Kids Club
Westfield Carts:
Shine
Bottlecap Buzz
Chicago Toy Co.
Ornamentshop.com
Vernon Plaza:
Salon 6
Rivertree Court:
Discovery Clothing
The busiest time of the year is again upon us. Don’t let the hectic pace of the season keep you from using good judgment and common sense. The Vernon Hills Police Department Crime Prevention Unit has the following simple suggestions to help improve your security, both at home and away, during the holiday season: WHEN PARKING –
WHEN SHOPPING
PROTECTING YOUR HOME
Let’s make this a safe and happy holiday season!
RECYCLING WORKS: The Recycling Association (IRA) and Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) invite you to attend a free training workshop introducing the new statewide Online Recycling Toolkit, developed by Shaw Environmental, Inc. The tool kit can be viewed one line at http://www.illinoisrecycles.org/
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