Village Manager's Message

Last week we had a presentation from Kluber at the Committee of the Whole on their analysis of the condition of the Village buildings. The Village has a substantial list of deferred maintenance items and $3.4 million in upgrades needed over the next five years, assuming that we do nothing to address the efficiency of operation in the current buildings. More than one of the buildings exceeds the 60% threshold on the Facility Condition Index. The FCI is a measure of repairs needed divided by the appraised value of the property. Over 60% means that demolition may be a sensible option – however, a couple of the buildings in that state are on the National Register of Historic Places. As we head into the budget season we will be armed with better facts about our needs. 

On Thursday, May 16, we met remotely with Andy Duke, the lead instructor for the Local Government Leadership Academy. We worked out the logistics for the second class, which is Thursday, May 23. This is part of a larger strategy to develop a team that not only has leadership training but also has training in a common leadership language. The reaction to the first class was very positive. The participants also get to interact with people from other local municipalities. 

On Friday, May 17, we met with the GoGov Team to iron out some details on the citizen request management software. We talked about how to create new topics and how to modify topics to be routed through the correct department and people. We haven’t set a date yet, but the launch of the citizen app will be coming soon. This will allow citizens to send a request for service from their phone to look at a tree or to fill a pothole. We also had a meeting with BS&A who is working with the Village to install a new ERP system. It may be possible to feed the citizen requests from GoGov directly into the work order system of BS&A which will further streamline the process of responding to citizen concerns. 

I stopped by Cop on a Roof Top on Friday, May 17, and saw Trustee Patrick as well as Chief Rivas and several of his team.  I also timed it perfectly to get in the pictures Communications Specialist Riley Pillar was taking for the Village social media. This activity benefits the Special Olympics and Villa Park PD always has a good contribution to make when all is said and done. 

We initiated a review of our process for approving liquor licenses this week. Over the years it seems that the process has become somewhat disjointed, with communication steps between departments getting muddled. The first meeting addressed many of them. This will inform the licensing process in the BS&A software that will help manage the application process. Technology properly applied will increase efficiency in many ways.

I met with department heads individually and as a group at the Tuesday staff meeting last week.

Matt Harline, 

Village Manager

Free Summer Concerts

Join us for the Villa Park Summer Concerts, a fantastic family entertainment and dining experience! Every Thursday in June and August at Cortesi Memorial Park (318 E. Kenilworth) at 6:30 P.M. and every Wednesday in July at the Rugaard Gazebo on the Prairie Path. For full details and the list of bands, visit our website.

Lufkin Park Renovation and Community Recreation Center Construction Updates

We are excited about our new recreation center scheduled to open by the end of 2024, but first, we will kick off summer by opening the new Lufkin Park by mid-to-late June! Stay updated with both of these exciting projects on our website.

Cicada Coloring Contest

The Community F.U.N. Commission is hosting a cicada coloring contest until May 31. Coloring sheets and entry forms are available at various locations. Prizes will be awarded in each age group, and entries will be displayed at businesses around the village!

Villa Park Summer Festival

Join us on June 22nd in the Ardmore Business District for the Villa Park Summer Festival, an annual gathering to enjoy music, food and drinks, entertainment, local vendors, and more. This one-day event serves as a kick-off to summer and is organized by our Parks & Recreation Department. Get full event details here.

Annual Independence Day Parade

Don't miss the opportunity to sponsor or participate in the 4th of July Parade hosted by the Villa Park VFW Post 2801! The theme this year is "One Flag, One Nation." Sponsorships must be received by May 31st for a logo to be included. General parade participants must be submitted by June 14th. Learn more.

Post Your Garage Sale on our Website

It's that time of year again - garage sale season! If you're planning to host a garage sale, you'll be glad to know that you can easily promote it on our website. To get started, simply visit our website to learn more about the process and fill out the online form to submit your garage sale details.