News from the Village of Woodridge

Woodridge received a Gold designation from the national SolSmart program for making it faster, easier, and more affordable for homes and businesses to go solar. This designation recognizes Woodridge for taking bold steps to encourage solar energy growth and remove obstacles to solar development. To receive designation, cities and counties make changes to their local processes to reduce the time and money it takes to install a solar energy system. This includes evaluating local permitting processes, as well as planning and zoning procedures. Woodridge received an extra special designation award for the Village’s excellence in solar installation inspections. The Village has outlined solar processes and published information on its designated Village Solar Guide website. You can view the Village’s awards on our Solsmart Community Page.

Woodridge Police Department Hosting National Night Out Event on August 3rd

National Night Out Against Crime is celebrated annually on the 1st Tuesday in August by Law Enforcement Agencies across the United States. The Woodridge Police Department invites you and your family to join them on Tuesday, August 3, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Woodridge ARC Pavilion (8201 S. Janes Ave.) to show your support for crime and drug prevention in Woodridge.

This free event is open to all residents and is meant to promote police-community partnerships; crime, drug and violence prevention; safety; and neighborhood unity. Expect to receive free giveaways, squad car demonstrations for the kids, and updates about crime data and prevention.

National Night Out is designed to 1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness 2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts 3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships 4) Send a message to criminals letting them know neighbors are organized.

DuPage County Experiencing Substantial COVID-19 Community Transmission

DuPage County’s COVID-19 community transmission is now at Substantial level per Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The recent rise in cases and hospitalizations is likely attributed to the more contagious Delta variant which has now become the more predominant variant across the country. The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) strongly endorses the recently updated CDC masking guidance which recommends everyone, including fully vaccinated individuals, wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas with substantial and high transmission. Read the full press release online.

Village Accepting Applications for Crossing Guard- Edgewood School

The Village is accepting applications for a Crossing Guard currently assigned to the Edgewood School area. Training and equipment are provided by the Police Department. There are two shifts per day which include 7:45 to 8:45 AM and 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM. No duty on all school holidays and vacations. Salary is $20.00 per shift. $40 per day for two shifts. Please see the job description and application at the Village of Woodridge Human Resources website.

Plan Commission Meeting on August 2, 2021 To Consider Three Cases

On Monday, August 2, 2021, at 7:00 p.m., the Plan Commission will consider the following cases:

Garage Variance – 7652 Woodridge Drive: The homeowner of 7652 Woodridge Drive is seeking a variance to enlarge a detached garage to approximately 815 square feet. The total permitted per Village Code is 660 square feet. (Continued from the June 21, 2021 meeting due to the tornado).

Speculative Warehouse - 2240 75th Street: Consideration of an application by N3 Properties, Inc. requesting approval for a final subdivision and planned unit development plan & plat for a 100,000+/- square foot speculative warehouse with associated improvements. (Continued from the June 21, 2021 meeting due to the tornado).

Public Hearing - 1920 Boughton Road: Consideration of an application by Bonnie Joy Pappas for a major amendment to a Regional Planned Unit Development for landscaping modifications at 1920 Boughton Road due to right-of-way acquisition by the DuPage Department of Transportation for the widening of 87th Street.

More information, including how to submit a public comment, can be found on the Plan Commission webpage.

Employee of the Quarter - Officer Tom Hogan

Chief Brian Cunningham of the Police Department nominated Officer Tom Hogan for his outstanding service to the community, specifically in dealing with a person who has a history of mental health issues. Tom was involved in multiple incidents with the same person and was able to get him assistance via a mental health evaluation. In addition to this case, Officer Hogan has become a subject matter expert in mental health law and procedures for the Woodridge Police Department and also surrounding fire departments. Officer Hogan was nominated for his dedication to mental health interventions.

Entry-Level Police Officer Recruitment

The Village of Woodridge is seeking applicants to establish an eligibility list for full-time police officers. Hiring will begin immediately from this Eligibility List once it is posted. The starting salary is $65,000. The application deadline is August 5, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. Candidates are required to attend and/or view the mandatory orientation session. The orientation session will be held virtually and details will be supplied at a later time. Your exam will be offered and proctored electronically, with multiple sessions offered. All testing sessions will be offered during business hours within the week of September 5th – it is your responsibility to ensure you have the flexibility to test during this week and during business hours. For minimum requirements and application information, visit IOS Recruitment or contact at (888) 784-1290. Additional information is available on the Village of Woodridge Human Resources website. Note: applications and required documents will be accepted by IOS Recruitment only.

Now Hiring - Building Inspector

The Village of Woodridge is seeking applications for the position of Building Inspector in the Community Development Department. Under the direction of the Building Commissioner, the building inspector performs full plans reviews, inspections for all project types and supports customer service activities from project submittal to completion. This position interacts with the public and staff with a heavy emphasis on providing superior customer service. Please see the job description and application at the Village of Woodridge Human Resources website.

Position Responsibilities

Reviews plans, specifications and calculations to determine compliance with all applicable ordinances, codes and regulations to ensure sound construction practices. Prepares detailed plan review letters/correspondence to identify deficiencies or approvals.
Conducts inspections and enforces the Village’s building codes, property maintenance code and zoning ordinances for residential, multi-family, commercial, and industrial property.
Assists with management of Village’s residential rental programs.
Keeps inspection records and prepares reports for permit tracking, permit review and inspection activities.
Makes independent decisions and exercises independent judgment in the absence of specific policies and/or guidance from superiors but within the limits defined by the supervisors.

Woodridge Reforestation Efforts

While the Father’s Day tornado that impacted Woodridge was devastating in so many ways, one visible impact has certainly been on the wooded nature of that area of the community. Even during the initial phase of the clean up, the Village has been working toward the plans for replacing the over 300 parkway trees that were lost along with helping residents with reforestation for the countless private property trees as well. The Village has compiled a comprehensive reforestation plan, outlined in further detail here.

Woodridge Rotary Mini Triathlon Seeking Volunteers

The Woodridge Rotary Mini Triathlon is back for 2021! Join the Woodridge Rotary Mini Triathlon Race Crew on Sunday, August 8! Volunteering for just a few hours will help out the 300 expected athletes participating in this year's modified event (Main Event Only) and the Woodridge Rotary's mission to help those in need in Woodridge and worldwide. Interested volunteers can sign up at the Rotary Mini Triathlon Volunteer website.

The LWV of Downers Grove-Woodridge-Lisle's 100th Anniversary Celebration

The League of Women Voters of Downers Grove, Woodridge and Lisle is celebrating 100th Anniversary of its founding at Hummer Park on August 8, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. Woodridge and its surrounding communities have benefited from the League’s efforts for the past 100 years in voter registration, education and promoting citizen participation in democracy. For more information visit their website.

2021 DuPage County Expungement Clinic

The 18th Judicial Circuit Court is hosting a DuPage County Expungement Clinic. The clinic will provide free legal assistance to individuals seeking to clear their criminal record. Volunteer attorneys will consult on available options, prepare the documents to request an expungement or sealing of eligible records, and provide guidance on the process from start to finish. The registration deadline is August 13, 2021 for the clinic which will be held at the DuPage County Administration Building, 421 North County Farm Road, in Wheaton on Saturday October 2, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. More information, including the application, can be found online.

Pace Accepting Public Comment on Strategic Vision Plan: Driving Innovation

Pace is pleased to announce the release of a new strategic vision plan titled Driving Innovation. A draft version of this plan is currently posted on Pace’s website. Many important initiatives are identified and discussed in this document. Your review and any feedback on this plan would be appreciated.

Public comments on the plan are currently being accepted through August 20, 2021, and will be considered in anticipation of Pace’s board of directors adopting the plan in the fall of this year. Comments beyond this date are also welcome, as Pace considers Driving Innovation a living document and may be updated going forward as needed and can be sent to Driving.Innovation@PaceBus.com.

Lisle-Woodridge Fire District Accepting Applications for Fire District Board of Trustees (BOT)

Are you interested in serving your community? The Lisle-Woodridge Fire District Board of Trustees seeks a community-minded person to serve on the Fire District Board of Trustees (BOT). The BOT have the power to supervise, control, regulate and manage the Fire District and to make and enforce all necessary ordinances, and rules and regulations for the proper management of the Fire District. The DuPage County Board Chairman appoints members of the Board of Trustees. Trustees serve three (3) year terms and require reappointment by the County Board Chairman. Interested candidates are required to complete the DuPage County Application Form for Appointment. The deadline for applications is August 1, 2021.

IN AND AROUND WOODRIDGE

Summer Concert: Jessie's Girl: Bring your lawn chairs and listen to some live music at Seven Bridges Park and hosted by Woodridge Park District, on Wednesday, August 4 starting at 7:00 p.m. This is a free event. For more information visit here.

Virtual Great White Shark Program: Talk to a shark research expert and get involved with shark and ocean conservation. Pre-register to attend a virtual program, live from the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy and hosted by the Woodridge Public Library, on Thursday, August 5 at 7:00 p.m.

Win a Backpack! Checkout Challenge: Just in time for school, borrow 10 or more items when you visit the Woodridge Public Library for a chance to win a backpack during the Checkout Challenge, which runs through August 13. See details and backpacks online.

College of DuPage Frida Kahlo: Timeless: The Cleve Carney Museum of Art and the McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage will host one of the largest private collections of original artwork by Frida Kahlo in a multifaceted exhibition entitled Frida Kahlo: Timeless. On view June 5 – September 6, 2021, the exhibition is presented by Bank of America and will be the most comprehensive presentation of Kahlo’s work displayed in the Chicago area in over 40 years.