Winnetka Council Roundup: Officials Reach Out for Flooding Solutions

Missed the  meeting on Tuesday? Patch has you covered.

The Winnetka Village Council sped through a quick agenda on Tuesday night.

Ideas Being Explored for Flooding Prevention: Steve Saunders, public works director and village engineer, said a stormwater study will be available by the Oct. 11 council study session. In addition, at the council's Oct. 4 meeting, Saunders said there may be discussion of a program that would help homeowners evaluate their property to reduce the risk of future flooding. The village is also reaching out to the , Cook County officials, and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle to discuss places that flood water could be detained.

Trustee Gene Greable put out "a call to action" to the community, asking that anyone with expertise in engineering or with similar fields put in their two cents. Earlier in the meeting, the council voted to adopt an amendment to the village code about sanitary sewer backflow prevention devices. The village is now operating a program that increases assistance to property owners of homes built before 1970 when they install the devices.

Landmark Preservation Awards Given: Louise Holland, chairwoman of the Winnetka Landmark Preservation Commission, presented homeowners and architects in attendance with awards celebrating rehabilitation work on historic homes, as well as restoration on Centograph on the Village Green. Rehabilitation awards were given to:

• Eric and Ciny Mogentile, 10 Indian Hill Road
• Tim and Jeanne Murphy, 854 Lincoln Ave.
• Jim and Bev Ingle, 1161 Spruce St.
• Mike and Nicole Jakob, 1260 Spruce St.
• Chris and Alice Spahr, 717 Walden Road

Earlier:

Community House to Celebrate Centennial: All trustees supported a request by Holland, who is also a Winnetka Community House board member, to display large hand-painted stars on village public property in the upcoming year. The stars are part of a 100-year celebration of the Community House. Private citizens as well as businesses can sponsor a star, which will go to an artist who will donate his or her time, effort and paint to the project. The painted stars will then be displayed for a public gala before going to public property or to the sponsor. At the end of August, the stars will come back to be auctioned off. Trustee Arthur Braun said the idea is a "wonderful example of the community coming together." Eighteen stars are sponsored so far, with remaining sponsorships due near Thanksgiving. 

Absent from the Agenda: Village Manager Robert Bahan said the property maintenance code that was discussed, but not introduced, at the Sept. 6 meeting is not ready to bring back to the table yet. In addition, he said, affordable housing will likely come up again in November, after studies are completed.

Like us on Facebook to join the community conversation!