VOP Fall 2013

Volume 31 - Number 4

Fall 2013

Trustee Edward G. Schussler Public Works and Engineering Committee Chair

Where did the warm weather go? Winter is just around the corner. Public Works is prepared for what fall and winter weather brings and asks that residents do their part in maintaining a safe environment for all. It's Raking Season! Residents are strongly encouraged to utilize Waste Management's col- lection for guaranteed leaf collec- tion throughout the fall season. Please do not rake or blow leaves into the street. Leaves raked or blown into the street can cause stormwater inlets to become clogged. Clogged inlets do not allow rainwater to drain properly and will cause dangerous street flooding. Where leaves are found to be piled onto the street pavement, the homeowner or occu- pant will be ticketed as appropriate. Call Public Works with any ques- tions and/or concerns at (708)403- 6350 or check the village website for more information at www. orlandpark,org. By working together, we can ensure a happy and safe holiday season for each and every resident of Orland Park. When It Snows… Dig Hydrants Out From the Street

To help firefighters should an emergency occur, possibly at your home, dig a path to the fire hydrant in front of your house FROM the street. Dig out around the fire hydrant, too. If firefighters can see a hydrant when they arrive at a house fire, they can get to it more quickly. Adopt the fire hydrants near your home and be sure that they are accessible at all times. Report Potholes To report a pothole in the Village of Orland Park, please call 708- 403-5010 or sign onto the village’s website at www.orlandpark.org. A link to the Public Works Depart- ment’s pothole reporting option appears on the opening page. Simply provide your name, address and phone number as well as the locations of the pothole(s), includ- ing the nearest cross streets. If the pothole is not within the village’s jurisdiction, Public Works will notify the responsible agency, the township, county or state. Restorations Explained When a property is damaged because of a water main break or sewer repair, a common concern of the resident is, “When will it be restored?” The minimal time before resto- ration begins is approximately three (3) months. This time is needed

to allow the ground to settle and fill the voids created by excavating. Weather also has a bearing on how fast the ground will settle. Adding water (rain, sprinkling) is helpful but too much will hinder the pro- cess by making a mud hole of the site. Remember that the time of year when the excavation occurs could lengthen the restoration period. For example, if an excavation oc- curs in late fall or early in the win- ter, the restoration will have to wait until spring in order for the frost to dissipate. This allows the ground to settle and dry out, making it possi- ble to level off the site. Once the excavation site is re- stored, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to water it to ensure its growth. If you have any questions or con- cerns, call Village of Orland Park Public Works at (708) 403-6350.

www.orlandpark.org

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