News & Events

Village Headlines

• Pathway Commission Completes Long Range Plan
• Police Facility Construction Underway
• Identity Theft Prevention Program for Utility Billing Accounts

Pathway Commission Completes Long Range Plan

Beginning in 2007 and at the direction of the Board of Trustees, the Pathway Commission began preparation of a comprehensive pathway and sidewalk plan for the Village.  Preparation of the Plan began with a review of all existing sidewalks and pathways in the Village and identification of all possible new sidewalks and pathways.  That list was analyzed, cut, added to, and otherwise modified to come up with a final list of sidewalk and pathway projects.  Each project on the master list was evaluated based on a long list of criteria.  Those criteria are listed on the tables in the Plan.  The master list was divided into three categories with the first category being projects that are high priority and are unlikely to be constructed by developers.  The second list of projects are also highly desirable but that may be constructed by developers or are located in areas that are currently not in the Village.  The third list is projects that are deemed less essential or would require grant funding to ever be considered.

The Plan also includes a history of the Pathway Commission and the Village budget pathway fund.  The goal of the plan is stated and may be summarized as “connecting schools, parks, and other community facilities”.  Finally, the plan provides a written outline of the process for approving new sidewalk projects.  That process, which includes public hearings by the Pathway Commission with a recommendation to the Board, is already followed but the Plan puts the process in writing.  Adoption of the plan will provide a framework for future decisions by the Pathway Commission and Village Board regarding expenditures of pathway funds and construction of new pathways and sidewalks.

To view a copy of the Plan, click here.

Police Facility Construction Underway

Construction on the recently approved Police Facility is underway. The facility will be located at 77th and County Line Road, just south of the existing Village Hall/Police Station. We will be building a much needed police facility to

provide better police services to the residents of Burr Ridge at a very favorable price.” said Mayor Grasso. “The ceremony marks the end of many volunteer hours and we thank the Space Needs Committee and staff for their hard work and dedication to spending taxpayer dollars wisely and carefully.  As a result, we are constructing a beautiful facility that nicely complements the existing Village Hall while meeting the Department’s needs today and in the future.”  The Village Board of Trustees recently awarded a $5,014,359.94 million contract to Harbour Contractors for the construction of the facility.  The bid was nearly $1 million under the architect’s estimate, creating a golden opportunity for the Village to build the much-needed Police facility at a substantial discount, while at the same time taking advantage of historically low short-term financing rates.  The new 19,000 square foot police facility, designed by Williams Architects, will address several deficiencies in the existing facility.  Built in 1986, the facility lacks training facilities and proper interview rooms, has inadequate space for evidence storage and the Investigations Division, and needs dedicated space for evidence processing, records management and an armory to securely store weapons.

Identity Theft Prevention Program for Utility Billing Accounts

Effective immediately, the Village will enforce Red Flag Rules to all utility accounts.  The Federal Trade Commission issued these regulations for all municipalities as a way to detect, prevent, and mitigate identity theft.  Any resident requesting to setup a water account is now required to come to the Village Hall, present a valid Driver’s License or Government Issued State ID, and complete an application. In regards to existing water accounts, a resident should have their account number and the date & amount of last payment made, available when calling regarding information about their account. Questions? Call the Finance Department at (630) 654-8181, ext. 203.

Village Publications

Burr Ridge Briefs Newsletter

• November, 2009
• September, 2009
  • Halloween Safety Flyer
  • Tree Program Information and Order Form
• July, 2009
• May, 2009
• March, 2009
• November, 2008
• September, 2008
  • Halloween Safety Flyer
  • Tree Program Order Form (please note, the program will return in September, 2009)
• July, 2008
• May, 2008

Burr Ridge Briefs Annual Report (annual newsletter)

• 2009 (coming soon)
• 2008
• 2007

Community News

• Veterans Memorial
• Solicitation Complaints
• Coyote Encounters & Prevention Measures
• Latex Paint Recycling

Veterans Memorial Update

Solicitation Complaints

The Village has received multiple complaints from residents that they are being solicited over the telephone and in-person for donations under the guise of the "Burr Ridge Police Association."  Some residents have reported threats and other aggressive behaviors by these solicitors and have requested police assistance on numerous occasions.  If residents or businesses are being threatened or unduly pressured they should dial 9-1-1 for assistance. 

It is our understanding that the Metropolitan Alliance of Police, under the guise of the "Burr Ridge Police Association", is once again soliciting residents and businesses for contributions.  Please be aware that neither the Village of Burr Ridge nor the Burr Ridge Police Department is involved in or condones this action.  The "Burr Ridge Police Association" is essentially a local affiliate of a police union known as the Metropolitan Alliance of Police (M.A.P.).  Members of the Burr Ridge Police Department are not allowed to participate in solicitations of this type.

Any contribution to this organization (M.A.P.), as with any other, should be made freely and openly on the basis of an informed, individual choice and should not be made as a result of undue pressure, lack of understanding of the nature of the group, misrepresentation or any other form of harassment. If residents or businesses have been contacted by this organization and feel that they have been misinformed or harassed in any way, it is suggested that they call the organization and ask for their money back. Also, it is suggested that they ask for the name of the person to whom they are speaking, so, if misstatements are made, they can be attributed back to those individuals responsible.

Burr Ridge has a fine and dedicated Police Department. Please be assured that they are well paid, well equipped and well trained.

Residents and businesses should keep these facts in mind when asked to make a contribution for specific purposes. If you have any questions regarding this matter, or feel that you have been unduly pressured into making a contribution, please contact Steven Stricker, Village Administrator, at (630) 654-8181, extension 100.

Coyote Encounters & Prevention Measures

Reported sightings of coyotes have increased in the Chicagoland area. 

The Burr Ridge Police Department is releasing this safety information in the event a verified sighting should occur.  The coyote has adapted to living on the borders of urban areas because it is no longer a hunted animal. It has lost its fear of humans because of this. As trees are torn down coyotes cling to whatever woodland areas they find. The coyote habitat has become fragmented so the area where coyotes are often sighted may seem unusual.

They are sometimes seen during daylight hours predominately from dusk to dawn. Coyotes are often described as having a German Shepard-like appearance. They have long-thin legs, tapered muzzle and long pointed ears. Their fur ranges from dull yellow to gray. Adult males weight approximately 25-40 pounds while the females are smaller. The peak of their breeding season is late February to early March. In April and May, the pups are born with an average of 5 to 7 in a litter. Scientists have identified 11 different kinds of vocalizations, making them great communicators. Although they normally live in packs, they can live alone, in pairs or in a temporary family group.

The majority of the coyote diet consists of small rodents, rabbits, and mice; however, they sometimes do eat birds, reptiles, fish, and deer carcasses. This may be why they wander into yards. Spilled birdseed attracts animals which then attracts the coyote. Areas with abundant tall grass offer the coyote not only protection but also a large food source because of the smaller wildlife that co-exists there. When their preferred food source is scarce, they may eat berries, insects, and even garden vegetables. Pet food left out at night not only feeds raccoons and opossum but their hunter as well, the coyote. In this sense, the coyote maintains a control on the wildlife population.

Small dogs left unattended and off leash can fall victim to a coyote but soon discarded when it is discovered they are not part of their regular diet. Unfortunately, because of the dog’s size and/or health, they may incur serious injury. Their chance of survival does increase if the animal is found shortly after the incident. Too often, because the animal was unattended, the owner may not even realize it is missing or where it was left behind.

Prevent Coyote Encounters

• Like other wildlife, we need to understand they are living next to us because their natural habitat is disappearing. 
• The leash law is enforced not only because it is a village ordinance, but also for the safety of your pets. It not only protects them from encounters with wildlife but from other domestic animals as well. We often have incidents of dogs being bitten by other dogs running loose.
• Do not provide food sources for the coyotes. Do not attempt to feed coyotes. Keep trash securely contained. Do not leave any outside food for pets. Clear away any brush or wood piles to deter smaller wildlife from residing there. Consider fencing in yards.  Install motion light sensors. Animal proof decks and porches to prevent raccoons, opossum, skunks and other small wildlife from residing there. This is like a buffet table for the coyote which makes him return to this yard over and over again.
• Teach your children to respect wildlife as well as not approach them. Do not leave small children unattended. Unfortunately, a child may perceive the coyote as a dog and may think of petting him.
• Never leave smaller pets unattended. Larger dogs may be perceived by the coyote as a threat. Always have a responsible person walk your leashed dog. If a coyote does approach, act aggressively, make loud noises, throw rocks, spray with a hose, etc. Although the response may not be immediate, the coyote will leave. If the coyote approaches, it is out of curiosity.
• It is unrealistic to think we can rid our urban areas of coyote, raccoons, opossum, skunk, or other wildlife. Even if 5 or 10 coyote are removed, there are countless others that migrate or are born every year. Studies conducted by DNR and the Cook County Wildlife District have shown that coyotes attempt to return to the habitat they were removed from.
• We, as intelligent human beings, need to learn to live in harmony with all our wildlife friends and realize that we have displaced them.

The question has also been asked as to why the police department will not capture and remove these animals. According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, trying to reduce and control the coyote population will not work. The void created by a coyote’s death or removal will be filled within three to four weeks. Coyotes are also intelligent animals and very difficult to catch in a live trap. Traps successfully used to capture coyotes are “snare” or “leg hold” traps which are dangerous to children as well as adults. Unless an animal has demonstrated aggressiveness toward a human or a domestic pet, the coyote should be left alone. In the event of aggressiveness, an Illinois Department of Natural Resources licensed trapper should be contacted to address the problem animal.

If you observe any animal that appears to be injured, sick or displaying aggressive behavior, please call the Burr Ridge Police Department at 630-323-8181 or 911. 

Latex Paint Recycling

Do You Have Unwanted Latex Paint?  Residents can drop off their unwanted latex paint during the designated summer collections. The usable latex paint will be filtered and reblended into a variety of colors, types and finishes.  Residents, businesses, schools, churches, and community groups can obtain five gallon buckets of the quality-recycled paint for free during the week. Bring it to the DuPage County Latex Paint Recycling Facility at the DuPage County Public Works Woodridge Wastewater Treatment Facility located at 7900 S. Route 53, in Woodridge. 

Do You Need Paint?  DuPage County is offering Free Recycled Latex Paint to residents, businesses, schools and community groups.  Usable latex paint that is dropped off by residents during designated collections is inspected, sorted, filtered and then reblended into five gallon buckets of recycled paint.  The end product is a quality-recycled paint available in a variety of colors, types and finishes.  Residents can pick up recycled paint during the designated summer pick-ups. Residents, businesses, schools, churches and community groups can obtain five gallon buckets of quality recycled paint free at the DuPage County Public Works Woodridge Wastewater Treatment Facility located at 7900 S. Route 53 in Woodridge.

For more information on this program, call the DuPage County Public Works Department at (630) 985-7400.