NRU Accomplishments
** With Leadership, planning and infrastructure: **
Grants $5,593,236
Received 23 Grants for a total of $5,593,236
Additional 5 Grants Sponsored that are awaiting funding for $6,744,000
The Board and Staff worked with our Lobbyist to secure some of the grants
** Finance **
The Village Board has invested in strengthening the Village’s financial position by increasing our financial reserves (rainy day funds) by 44% for general operations and 31% for our water system in the last four years. Thus, the Village is now better prepared for financial downturns. Additionally, we have been fiscally responsible and exceeded obligations in funding of all pensions.
The Village received its first Moody’s credit rating upgrade in December 2023 and received praise in the rating report for our commitment to investing in our financial health.
** Police Department **
Received the Cops grant and hired three new officers. Staffing from 22 sworn officers to 28.
Committed to training.
** Fire Department **
Moved to in-house paramedics
Promotion of Lt. to Deputy Fire Chief for succession planning
Committed to training
Hired first female FF
** Formed the Green Initiative Committee **
Installed Permeable Pavers
Flood Control incentives
Electronic recycling curbside and drop off
Applied to become a Tree City
** Strategic Plan for Village **
Community Input
Surveys and focus groups on recreation and comprehensive land group
Also participated in strategic plan with Komarek School
** Transparency **
Video all Village Board Meetings
Formal agenda packet
Village website is up to date along with Government Facebook page
Competitive bid process on projects
Coffee with the Mayor – held quarterly. Open forum for residents to bring up any topic or concern. The Mayor and Board address and resolve.
In response to residents’ concerns, held a property tax seminar with the Cook County Assessor’s Office with a great turnout from the community.
Utilizing Facebook, Community Alerts, Newsletter, keep community informed.
** Recreation Department **
Events for the Community – 100 Year Celebration, Autumn Fest, Winterfest, Senior Breakfast.
Recreational Programs for all ages, sport leagues, summer camp, along with amazing trips.
Partnership with WSSRA to offer a wide variety of recreational programs for persons of all ages with disabilities.
Fun Guide online and delivered to residents.
** Infrastructure **
Refurbishment of the Standpipe.
Maintain streets, alleys and sewers.
** Safety **
Water safety
Rodent abatement
License Plate Readers
Lead Service Line
** Building Department and Economic Development **
Reconstructed the building department and hired a Community Development Director
Listening to resident concerns, improved on code enforcement
Worked with and welcomed more than 35 businesses to the Village with ribbon cuttings. Some of the businesses include: Aldi, Amazon Fresh, Hustle Hard Athletics, My Secret Salon, Boba Heaven, Ultimate Furniture, and Tide Laundromat.
Joined the North Riverside Park Mall on a special ribbon cutting after the Mall invested $9 million to improve the shopping experience.
Many more businesses slated to open in 2025 including Duchess Dispensary, Pollo Comparo, and Discount Tires to name a few.
** Community Compassion **
For three years have participated in Christmas in Proviso Event. Worked with the schools that serve North Riverside children to identify families in need. Working with surrounding towns, local government officials, and Amazon Fresh to make the event possible.
Enhanced Neighborhood Service Committee to better serve residents.
** Mayor’s Youth Scholarship Program **
Awarded $94,000 from 2021 to 2024
** Proud Little League Sponsor **