Run for the Lisle Library Board of Trustees - 4 Seats Up for Election in 2015

Like the Village of Lisle, the Lisle Library District likes to keep a tight reign on who is considering running for Trustee on the Lisle Library Board. In Spring 2015, four (4) of the (7) seats on the Board of Trustees are up for election for 4-year terms. A majority of the Board could potentially be replaced!

Until now, if you were interested in running for a position as an elected Trustee of the Lisle Library Board you needed to go into the Library personally to pick up a candidate packet. Your name is kept on a tracking list. The candidate packet is not available for download on the Lisle Library website.

Sounds a lot like the means used by the Village of Lisle to kept tight control on our local government for years by requiring folks to pick up candidate packets in person and SIGN a form to obtain the information.

                                                               .....................

 - Perhaps you've read about some of the tax increases and wasteful spending at the Lisle Library?

 - Perhaps you've read about some of the lack of transparency and open government issues at the Lisle Library?

 - Perhaps you are wondering why in the digital age libraries are not downsizing and consolidating (college libraries are) instead of growing, expanding and raising taxes?

 - Perhaps you've noticed how libraries have been trying to justify their existence by offering free arts & crafts classes, free meeting rooms, free everything (well, not really free, just "included" in your property tax bill)?

 - Perhaps you are concerned that the Lisle Library acquired and is holding two vacant parcels of land and there is no disclosed plan for the future use of the now tax-exempt land?

                                                            ..........................

This year, Lisle Watchdog is going to make it easy for you to consider running for office at the Lisle Library without showing your cards.

Here is a link to the Lisle Library Trustee Candidate Packet which we obtained yesterday.
The Lisle Library provided it the same day we requested it.

2015 Candidate Packet - Trustee, Lisle Library District 

Petitions are due December 22, 2014 by 4PM at the Lisle Library

Reference:
Tracking List 2015 Candidate Packet Trustee Lisle Library 

Incumbents (2)
 - Tom Hummel
 - Richard Flint

Potential Candidates (2)
 - Jane Doyle
 - Don Krause

Village of Lisle Board of Trustees - Three Seats Up for Election in Spring 2015

For years, the Village of Lisle has used a political strategy to track who is gathering petitions to run for office.

If you are interested in running for office, the Village provides you with a "Candidate Packet" that you not only have to pick up in person at Village Hall during regular business hours - they also make you SIGN for a copy.

We are calling "B.S." and Lisle Watchdog is going to put an end to this practice this year. Right Now.

On the taxpayer-funded Village of Lisle website, you will find this announcement:
(3 clicks from the home page)

   Candidate packets will be available in the Village Clerk’s Office beginning 7:00 AM on Tuesday, September 23, 2014. Nominating petitions may not be circulated prior to this date. 

All that's missing is a link to the candidate packet, right? Mere oversight? Nope.

The Village of Lisle wants you to come into the office and SIGN for a numbered packet.

Why?
 - Because the incumbents want to be prepared?
 - Because staff wants time to help recruit the "right" people for the Board?
 - Because the harder it is to obtain the information, the less likely busy people like you will run for office?
 - Because they want to stifle public participation?

Here's a better idea. Post the packet online.

How easy is it to post the candidate packet online? Pretty darn easy.
The Village of Lisle provided a copy of the packet less than 2 hrs after we asked.
We did not need to go in and sign for it.
We did not need to wait a week for a FOIA response.
(We are still waiting for the Lisle Library & Lisle Park District to provide a copy of their candidate packets)

There is no requirement under Illinois Election Law for folks to sign and pick up a candidate packet in person from a public body. In fact, all the necessary forms are available from the State Board of Elections. No need to tip your hand that you are collecting signatures or exploring a run for local office.

Do you want to run for Village of Lisle Trustee? Lisle Watchdog is going to make it easy for you.

Here is a link to your packet to run for Trustee for the Village of Lisle.
2015 Candidate Packet - Trustee, Village of Lisle 

Last Day to File:  December 22, 2014 5:00 PM 

Ref: 
Village of Lisle Packet Pick-up signature sheets. Numbered Packets with date of pickup. 

Packets have been picked up by: 
 Incumbents - (3)
     - Mark Boyle
     - Bob Mandel
     - Cathy Caweizel
 Potential Challengers: (5)
      - Daniel Patt
      - Nadine Solomon
      - Kristy Grau
      - William Wonais
      - Marjorie Bartelli

Village of Lisle Hands Out $3,400 "Gifts of Public Funds" for Personal Benefit

PUBLIC FUNDS MAY NOT BE USED FOR PERSONAL BENEFIT

The starting point for any analysis concerning the misuse of public funds begins with the principle that public funds must be expended for an authorized public purpose. An expenditure is made for a public purpose when its purpose is to benefit the public interest rather than private individuals or private purposes.

Once a public purpose is established, the expenditure must still be authorized. 

A public official possesses only those powers that are conferred by law. An Illinois public official only has the authority to authorize expenditures of public funds for a public purpose. 

The Illinois Constitution states that public funds may only be expended for a public purpose.

The prohibition against using public funds for personal purposes does not mean that no personal benefit may result from an expenditure of public funds. For example, the payment of a public employee’s salary confers a personal benefit on the employee, but it is an legal expenditure of public funds because it is procuring the services of the employee for public purposes.

The misuse of public funds occurs when the personal benefit conferred by a public expenditure provides no public benefit. The salaries of elected and appointed officials are set by state and local laws. Augmenting the salary of elected and appointed officials with gifts of public funds has no public purpose. 

VILLAGE OF LISLE "GIFTS OF PUBLIC FUNDS"

Lisle Watchdog asked the Village of Lisle to provide copies of records that included the "public purpose" of the expenditure of $3,400 in "gift cards" purchased between July 24, 2013 and April 28, 2014. 

The Village responded that they had no records that contained the public purpose and/or public benefit for the expenditure of $3,400 in public funds to purchase gift cards.

Unlike the previous year, this year the Village Board did NOT give themselves gifts nor did the staff purchase gift cards for themselves this year. The gifts purchased last year for staff, the Mayor and Trustees were included on their W2's as taxable income as required by law. Salaries for Mayor and Trustees are set by Village Code. 2013 W2's for the Village Board show that each was paid more than the salary set by Ordinance due to the gifts they gave themselves. 

Last year the Village gifted $5,350 in public funds. 

This past year, the number reduced to $3,400 as the staff and elected officials did not get gifts this time around. The total amount of public funds expended by the Village of Lisle on GIFT CARDS for individuals without any public purpose exceeds $8,700. 

2014  - $ 3,400 "Gift Card" Expenditures for Personal Benefit: 

$ 500  Gift Cards Pizzaria Bombola 4/21/2014. 

          Personal Use: 

              $ 100 - Jeff Simeral 

              $ 100 - Larry Rogers

              $ 100 - Ed Young 

              $ 100 - Brett Lauten

              $ 100 - Barb Sasssen.

$ 450   Gift Cards Yerbabuena Restaurant 4/22/2014

           Personal Use: 

              $ 50 - Tracey Cook 

              $ 100 - William Murray

              $ 100 - Richard Brom

              $ 100 - Thomas Marcet

              $ 100 - Denniss Hoornstra

$ 700   Gift Cards Tairyo House 4/22/2014

           Personal Use: 

             $ 100 - Kitty Murphy

             $ 100 - Charles Rego

             $ 100 - Richard Thorn

             $ 100 - Richard Gaven

             $ 100 - Daniel Patt

             $ 100 - Maragret Sima

             $ 100 - Kevin Montgomery

$ 700   Gift Cards Chef Paul Bavarian Lodge 4/22/2014

           Personal Use:

             $ 100 - Pat Caweizel

             $ 100 - John Mueller

             $ 100 - Lee Herrara

             $ 100 - Diane Lauriden

             $ 100 - David Heysen

             $ 100 - Chuck Johnwick

             $ 100 - Yvonne Daniels

$ 900   Gift Cards Chinn's 34th Street Fishery 

           Personal Use:  

            $ 100 - Richard Brink

            $ 100 - Randy Russell

            $ 100 - Michael Suirek

            $ 100 - Lou O'Brien

            $ 100 - Richard Cooke

            $ 100 - Bret Richter

            $ 100 - Joe Knott

            $ 100 - Scott Fotre

            $ 100 - Tom Maschmeier

$ 105.95  Gift Card Jewel Food Store 8/15/2013

            Personal Use:

            $ 100 - David Duusoi Khan

$105.95  Gift Card Jewel Food Store 12/3/2013 

            Personal Use:

            $ 100 - Jay Dave

REFERENCES:

(1) State Statute: Illinois Municipal Code.
(65 ILCS 5/3.1-50-5) (from Ch. 24, par. 3.1-50-5) 
    Sec. 3.1-50-5. Establishment. All municipal officers, except as otherwise provided, shall receive the salary or other compensation that is fixed by ordinance. Salaries or other compensation shall not be increased or diminished so as to take effect during the term of any officer holding an elective office. The salaries, fees, or other compensation of any appointed municipal officer, not including those appointed to fill vacancies in elective offices, may be increased but not diminished so as to take effect during the term for which the officer was appointed. (Source: P.A. 87-1119.)


(2) Village of Lisle Code.

As soon as possible after the original appointment of members of said planning and zoning commission or upon the appointment of a new member for the remainder of an unexpired term, the president shall designate a chairman of the planning and zoning commission subject to confirmation by the corporate authorities. Said commission may have a secretary, a staff or both, and such other officers as may in their judgment be necessary. All members and all officers of said planning and zoning commission shall serve without compensation with the exception of the secretary, who may receive such compensation as may be fixed from time to time by the corporate authorities and as may be provided for in the annual appropriation ordinance. (Ord. 2003-3451, 4-7-2003, eff. 5-1-2003)

(3) Illinois Constitution 

ARTICLE VIII. SECTION 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
    (a)  Public funds, property or credit shall be used only
for public purposes.
    (b)  The State, units of local government and school
districts shall incur obligations for payment or make
payments from public funds only as authorized by law or
ordinance.
    (c)  Reports and records of the obligation, receipt and
use of public funds of the State, units of local government
and school districts are public records available for
inspection by the public according to law. (Source: Illinois Constitution.)

(4) You Owe Me - Study University of California.
In a series of experiments, we show that, even without incentive or informational effects, small gifts strongly influence the recipient’s behavior in favor of the gift giver, in particular when a third party bears the cost. Subjects are well aware that the gift is given to influence their behavior but reciprocate nevertheless.

Alarm Sounds: Lisle Woodridge Fire District Fails to Respond

We are not talking about a fire alarm. 

We are talking about a "financial alarm" first raised over two (2) years ago. 

The alarms went off - but the Lisle Woodridge Fire Department did not respond.  

No one responded.

(1) Crowe Horwath Sounds First Alarm

Back in 2012, DuPage County hired Crowe Horwath to conduct an assessment of 24 agencies whose governing body board members are appointed by the county. The five (5) trustees of Lisle Woodridge Fire District board are appointed by the County Board Chairman with the advice and consent of the County Board. LWFD Trustees earn a salary of $4500/year to attend one meeting per month. LWFD trustees also receive additional compensation in the form of pension contributions and life insurance, per the total compensation disclosure posted on the LWFD website. 

Yes, it is quite disturbing that the LWFD board which levies about $20 Million in property taxes annually is appointed  - not elected by the people. 

  

Crowe Horwath issued their final report "DuPage CountyAssessment of Boards and Commissions" on May 20, 2012.  

Crowe Horwath sounded the first Lisle Woodridge Fire District "Financial Alarm."

***  No one responded.

(2) Moody's Sounds Second Alarm

In June 2014, Moody's downgraded the Lisle Woodridge Fire District's rating.  

Moody's: 

"The Aa3 issuer rating reflects a recent trend of underfunding annual pension payments, highlighting the financial risk stemming from the district's elevated pension liabilities and statutory requirements that require the district to fully fund its employer contributions. Additionally, the rating incorporates the district's sizeable tax base located in Du Page County (Aaa) in the Chicago (Baa1 negative) metro area; sizable operating reserves and healthy cash balances; and manageable debt profile with a minimal direct debt burden and no expectation to issue additional debt in the foreseeable future. The A1 rating on the GOLT Notes is notched once off the district's issuer rating and reflects the inherently weaker security, which does not benefit from a dedicated property tax levy."

Moody's also cited financial challenges of the LWFD:

- Multi-year trend of material tax base depreciation.

- Exposure to underfunded defined benefit pension liabilities coupled with a recent trend of underfunding pensions relative to actuarial standards. 

***  No one responded.

(3) Taxpayers Sound Third Alarm

Who do taxpayers hold accountable for the declining financial situation of the LWFD?

Back in May 2012, Crowe Horwath had warned DuPage County of the financial decline and risks of the Lisle Woodridge Fire District:

"The Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District is considered a stable organization that is showing indications of decline if it does not act soon to develop plans to ensure its sustainability, to establish fund balance reserve policies and to develop a formal capital plan. The District must also address pension and OPEB funding issues to manage these costs to ensure they do not escalate out of control."

Crowe Horwath's final report included these recommendations:

Develop a Financial Plan

• We recommend that the District complete further analysis and prepare a long-term financial plan. 

The District’s net assets have declined by over $2.750 million in the past several years. Current and unknown economic concerns could place future financial constraints on the District. This District will have to consider future pension and OPEB financing issues and provide a plan to address these costs that have increased significantly over the past few years. A long-term financial plan is important for the District to understand the steps necessary to stabilize its financial condition.

The District relies heavily on property taxes, therefore, Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL) or “tax caps” limit the annual growth of the District’s primary revenue source to the consumer price index. We recommend that the District consider property tax caps within a long-term financial plan to better understand the circumstances necessary to accomplish its financial goals. Therefore, a long-term financial plan is needed to better understand the parameter it is under.

Develop Capital Plan

• We recommend that the District evaluate its capital program and document its needs in a formal multi-year capital improvement plan. 

The District includes one year of its capital projects vehicle replacement and facilities improvement funds within the annual appropriation. A multi-year capital improvement plan will help the District to understand its significant capital needs in the short and long-terms and will provide more information for decision makers. The Capital Plan should also include an evaluation of equipment needs based on an evaluation of the potential for equipment sharing with other municipalities and fire protection districts."

Lisle Watchdog submitted a FOIA on Sept 29, 2014 for a copy of the Long-Term Financial Plan prepared in response to Crowe Horwath's 2012 recommendations. 

LWFD responded that they did not have a long-term financial plan. 

*** Nothing was done.

Three Alarm LWFD Financial "Fire"

The financial situation at the LWFD has now reached "Three Alarm" status. 

Sounding the alarm: (1) Crowe Horwath, (2) Moody's, (3) Taxpayers.

Who will respond to the alarm? 

Submittal Waivers? Application for Proposed Downtown Lisle 6-Story Apartment Complex Postponed: Incomplete Application

WAIVERS? What waivers?

On Sept 2, 2014, Lisle Watchdog submitted a FOIA to the Village of Lisle for ALL of the application materials for the proposed downtown apartment complex submitted by Marquette. We specifically listed any and all reports and supplemental materials. A lot of code-required reports and studies were not submitted. See Below.

The Village did not provide a copy of any record submitted by Marquette seeking WAIVERS of application requirements -  Not one single record: no email, no memo, no letter.


APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

  Elevations. Missing North elevation. Note the use of stucco (drivit) and hardy board siding. Three stories of brick maximum (this would be a clue that the construction may be wood frame above the second floor)

  Preliminary Final Engineering Plans - existing conditions plan, utility plan, demo plan and grading plan. preliminary drawings dated 8/08/14.

  Overall Plan - PUD landscape plans dated 8/08/14.

  Final PUD - final PUD plat documents extent of vacation of public street and notably omits height of each proposed building,

  Project Data

  Preliminary Plat

  Plat of Vacation

  Boundary Topographic Survey 

  Public Hearing Application - application was submitted on 8/11/2014

 ** Findings of Fact  **- This is an important document and the project cannot be approved without it.

    Developer asserts, without factual evidence, that this project is necessary for the public convenience at this location. The developer asserts that the proposed project is "mixed-use" when only a nominal 5% of the proposed built square footage is dedicated for retail use; the remaining 95+% is for 206 apartments and apartment parking. This is not a mixed-use building. Developer asserts that the addition of one new restaurant at this location will turn downtown Lisle into a restaurant destination. It was not a restaurant destination when Vini's and Del Debbio's were still open, so why will one new restaurant change it? The developer would like us to believe that the 95% apartment use is "secondary" to the 5% retail use of the proposed complex. The developer wants us to believe that this is an "urban setting"...
    The entire document is a real stretch to say the least.

  FOIA Response Sept 9, 2014   - Note all the missing items from the PUD application.

  Letter of Intent Feb 17, 2014  Village would not release the letter of intent until Sept 10. It expired 90 days after it was signed.

  FOIA Denial Feb 18, 2014 Village denial of FOIA for copy of the letter of intent. This is when the village set the price of the property. All the closed meetings after this time called under the guise of "setting the price for sale of real property" were probably Open Meeting violations.

  Purchase Contract - not submitted with application

  Traffic Impact Study - not submitted with application

  Kane DuPage Soil & Water Conservation Opinion - not submitted with application

  Market Study - not submitted with application

  School Impact Study - not submitted with application

  Tax Impact Study - not submitted with application

  Environmental Impact Study - not submitted with application

Missing the Golden Opportunity in Lisle

Looking back...

This Lisle Watchdog Blog was written in May 2013. 
Not much has changed in a year.. 
Did we miss that "Golden Opportunity"?
___________________________________________


Lisle Flood: Golden Opportunity or Disaster?
May 10, 2013 

Golden Opportunity
Local and State officials told hundreds of homeless and exhausted flood victims that the April 18 flood event "is a golden opportunity," further enraging the already angry and frustrated crowd gathered at a special meeting last night at Trinity Church in Lisle.

Officials explained that those flood victims with flood insurance may be eligible for a $30,000 grant to elevate their homes and fill in their basements to comply with current storm water regulations that apply to their damaged homes built in the 100 year flood plain.

But first, President Obama must make a declaration that Lisle, DuPage Co and several other Illinois counties are a federal disaster area. Congressman Bill Foster, who represents the southeastern portion of Lisle, explained that the White House declaration could come within days or as long as a few weeks. Foster explained that once approved, "limited" assistance could be available from FEMA - including grants and low interest loans. Foster cautioned that there are many exclusions in FEMA assistance. Congressman Roskam, who represents most of Lisle including the areas most impacted by the flood, was not present.

The 50% Rule

The National Flood Insurance Program requires that the Village to inspect all of the flood damaged homes that lie within the flood plain. Lisle officials estimated that 400 homes will be inspected.
Once inspected, Village staff is estimating the cost of repairs. If the cost of repairs due to the recent flood plus the cumulative  cost of any and all repairs done on the property since 1992 exceeds 50% of the fair market value of the building, then the property owner is required to either elevate the structure to two feet above the 100 year flood level or demolish the home. Eventually, all homes would reach the 50% threshold. The Village does not have a set date for homeowners to complete the work to elevate their homes - a range of 6 months to 4 years was mentioned as a possible consideration for a future Board discussion.

The Letter

Once inspections and costs of damages are determined, the Village issues the property owner a "Damage Assessment Letter." The letters categorize the damage as:

1.  No Flood Damage
2.  Flood Damage, Not Substantially Damaged
3.  Substantially Damaged

http://www.villageoflisle.org/home/index.asp?page=10&recordid=1049

Village officials estimated that 100 letters have been completed and  11 of the 100 are "Substantially Damaged"

Several residents took issue with the accuracy of the cost estimate of the repairing damage that is prepared by Village staff. One woman questioned the estimated cost of $10,000 to replace 5 basement windows that were not broken and still operate. When Lisle officials explained that she can appeal the estimated cost of damages by hiring an architect or contractor to prepare a cost estimate, the crowd cheered when she retorted "Why do  we have to carry the burden of contesting unreasonable repair costs?"  

IDOT Bridge Construction at St Joseph's Creek

At the time of the flood, IDOT had construction crews installing sheet piling to facilitate the construction of a new bridge on Rt 53 over St Joseph's Creek. IDOT officials said the construction crews stopped work early on April 17 due to the rain and the sheet piling work was not completed. During the flood event residents conveyed their observations of the accumulation of debris at the sheeting. Residents vehemently disagreed with IDOT engineers initial assessment that the sheeting was not a contributing cause to the flooding in the St. Joseph's Creek area. One 35 year resident said that this is the first time his property flooded and attributed it to the IDOT bridge construction as St Joseph's Creek did not overflow the levy. ID engineers did acknowledge that their studies did not include the effects of debris.

The Village hired a local firm to review IDOT's report. 
Unfortunately, it appears the Village did not hire a Licensed IL Professional Engineer.

http://www.villageoflisle.org/docs/2013-05-07_st_joseph_creek_at_il-53_flood_study.pdf

No Money to Fix the Levees

In the early morning hours of April 18, 2013 the East Brnch of the DuPage River overflowed the top of the existing levees an event that was a known risk with potentially devestating consequences.
Back in 2005 DuPage County paid to have engineering work on levee maintenance completed.
From the DuPage County:

River Dumoulin Flood Control Project - Property Reimbursement

Village of Lisle

The River Dumoulin Flood Control Project is comprised of several different project components. A total of four pump stations will be constructed along the East Branch between Lacey Avenue and Burlington Avenue in Lisle. In addition, several areas of the levee system will be raised to their original design elevation. In order to repair the levee, permanent easements will be needed from property owners along the length of the levee. These easements are needed for access and construction and to make sure that structures or plantings are not placed on the levee in the future that would affect the integrity of the levee. DuPage County has an IGA with Lisle to reimburse property owners up to $1,500.00 for the permanent easements required for the levee repair project.

Now 8 years later, the Village as yet to acquire easements from the 55 property owners along the river to access and repair the levee. One Lisle resident asked Mayor Broda if the Village brought their check book to the meeting, because the 55 owners are in attendance and need the money and are willing to sell a permanent easement to the Village.

Audible moans and gasps were heard when Broda responded that the Village does not have the funds to purchase the easements from the 55 property owners. Total cost to acquire the 55 easements is $82,500.
Not only does the Village not have the funds to acquire the easements, the Village does not have the funds to do the levee maintenance once the easements are acquired.

No Storm Water Master Plan

To make matters worse, the repair would be limited to restoring the levee to a height corresponding to a 50-year flood level, not a 100-yr flood level. It doesn't appear that the Village has a long range master plan for village-wide storm water infrastructure improvement projects to manage a 100 yr flood.

No Notification

Lisle police and fire officials dodged the repeated question as to why residents were not notified at 4 am when the flood conditions reached a crisis level. A Lisle police officer conveyed a state of frenzy and numerous 911 calls.  A deputy chief from the Lisle Fire Department described the process of calling in help from other stations and rescue efforts at nursing homes. One trustee said the Village did indeed notify residents  - at 9 am.  One angry resident retorted that he did not appreciate a call from the Village some 5 hours after the peak flood to tell him what he already knew.
Another Lisle man who lost his car because he did not receive notification early enough to move it to higher ground said that not only did he not get notification - he has received no help at all from the Village.  He concluded by saying, the Village did manage to make sure he got his water bill. 

Buy-Outs

State officials also mentioned the possibility of a buy-out program for homes that are substantially damaged and have flood insurance. The buyout would be funded 75% by FEMA with the remaining 25% coming from local and/or state sources. The buyout process could take as long as two years for homeowners to see cash.

Next steps …

More than half of the residents stayed until the meeting wrapped up at 11 pm. The Village has offered to  meet with effected residents individually to review the their costs estimates for damages and to expedite the construction permit process. Village would not commit to additional trash pickups for flood soaked furniture, drywall and appliances.

Lisle Officials Dancing Away Thousands of Your Tax Dollars

30% of children in Lisle Schools are at Poverty Rate and this is what Lisle Officials do...



While our property tax bills are soaring and serious and important issues go unaddressed (including: alarming increasing poverty rates in our Lisle schools, crippling pension crises at local and state levels, aging Lisle population, decreasing retail tax revenue in Lisle, people moving out of Lisle, and an absence of any plan to mitigate the single worse infrastructure problem in Lisle - i.e.  flooding) our local officials from the Village of Lisle, the Lisle Park District, the Lisle Library and the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District prioritized the spending of $3,140.00 of our tax money for $80 tickets for themselves and their chosen guests to forget all their troubles and "have fun with friends and dance the night away" at the "Luau in Lisle" dinner dance. 

* It should be noted that several local elected/appointed officials attended this event but not all of them used taxpayer money - some purchased their own tickets. 

"Luau in Lisle" 

An illegal tax-payer funded "fun" night out on the town.  Alcohol included (open bar). 
No government business conducted. No public purpose. 
No authority to use public funds for this purpose. $80/person. 

                               Lisle Mayor Broda (left) and guest at 'Luau in Lisle' (facebook)

The Lisle Chamber of Commerce hosted a "Dancing with the Chamber Stars" luau-themed dinner dance at the Hilton Naperville-Lisle on February 7, 2014, 6 pm - 11 pm.

Lisle Chamber Board President Kitty Murphy (who also happens to be an appointed Lisle official on the Lisle Planning & Zoning Commission) described the event: 

 "This event is a first-class exciting evening with hundreds of people and alot of laughs!" 

                                         Lisle Planning & Zoning Commissioner and Chamber Board 
                                          President Kitty Murphy (left) at 'Luau in Lisle' (facebook)

Tom Althoff, Lisle Chamber CEO (who also happens to be a recently-appointed Lisle Woodridge Fire District Trustee) described the event: 

"This annual event features amateur dancers paired with professional instructors who prepare for this exciting event. It includes a silent auction to benefit the Chamber along with a gourmet dinner and beverages and entertainment. It is truly a highlight of the year."

                                          Lisle-Woodridge Fire District Trustee and Chamber CEO 
                                                  Tom Althoff at 'Luau in Lisle' (facebook)

The event was advertised in the January 2014 edition of the tax-payer funded "Neighbors of Lisle" publication:

"The highlight of the winter season will be the annual Lisle Chamber Dinner Dance featuring amateur dancers with professional instructors...This very popular program will have a luau theme this year and will include appetizers and open bar, dancers, dinner with wine service, silent auction and raffles, and some great music from our very popular D.J."

                                        "Neighbors of Lisle" publisher, former Chamber Board 
                             President, & Village of Lisle vendor Paula Gleason (center) at "Luau in Lisle"


Summary of Tax-Payer Funded Expenditures for "Luau in Lisle" 

  $    500.00 Sponsorship - Village of Lisle
  $  1,280.00 Tickets - Village of Lisle 
  $  1,200.00 Tickets - Lisle Park District 
  $     80.00 Tickets - Lisle Library District 
  $     80.00 Tickets - Lisle-Woodridge Fire District

  $  3,140.00 TOTAL 



Village of Lisle Expenditures


The Village of Lisle paid $500 for a "sponsorship." The Village obtained 2 "free" tickets with the event sponsorship which documents state were used by Mayor Broda and his wife. The Village purchased an additional 16 tickets at $80/each. The Village stated that no goods or services were provided to the taxpayers for this expenditure of funds. The Village FOIA Officer Kristine Curran also stated in an email that the Village had no records that contained the public purpose of the expenditure of these funds, no records that contained any public business conducted at this event paid for with public funds, and no records that contained the statutory authority for the Village to expend public funds for this event. Total expenditure $1,780.00

Taxpayers purchased tickets for the following people:

• Mayor Joe Broda & guest
• Clerk Tim Seeden & guest
• Trustee Mark Boyle & guest
• Trustee Brad Hettich & guest
• Trustee Bob Mandel & guest
• Trustee Tony Carballo & guest
• Village employee, Manager Jerry Sprecher & guest
• Village employee, Police Chief Dave Anderson guest
• Village employee, Admin. Services Director Eric Ertmoed & guest

                           Village Clerk Tim Seeden (right) and guest at the "Luau in Lisle" (facebook)

                                Village Trustee Brad Hettich (left) and guest at "Luau in Lisle" (facebook)


Lisle Park District Expenditures

The Lisle Park District purchased 15 tickets at $80/each. The Park District expenditure for this event was disguised in the monthly board voucher logs as an expenditure of $1,200 for "public relations." Park District Director and FOIA Officer, Dan Garvy initially stated that the public purpose of the expenditure of funds was for "professional conferences, seminars" but quickly back-peddled to a purpose of an "outing" when pressed for copies of the seminar/conference materials. The Park District also had no records that contained the public business conducted, had no record of the goods and services provided to the taxpayers for this expenditure of public funds for and "outing". The Park District did not provide any records that contained the statutory authority for the District to expend public funds for this event. 
Total expenditure $1,200.00

Taxpayers purchased tickets for the following people:

• Commissioner Don Cook & guest
• Commissioner Margaret Hough & guest
• Commissioner Neil Buchelt & guest
• Commissioner David Richter & guest
• Commissioner Kari Altpeter
• Park District Director Dan Garvy & guest
• Park District employee Lisa Leone & Park District vendor Roger Leone
• Park District employee Mike Toohey & guest

                           Lisle Park District Commissioner Neil Buchelt (right) at 'Luau in Lisle.' (facebook)

                           Lisle Park District Commissioner Margaret Hough (right) at 'Luau in Lisle.' (facebook)


Lisle Library Expenditures

The Lisle Library District purchased 1 tickets at $80/each which was purchased for Library Trustee and Board President Richard Flint. The Library Director, Shannon Halikias was only government official to accept $149.00 of gifts  - a "free" ticket (value $80.00) to the event plus a "free" hotel room for the night (value $69.00). The Library also had no records that contained the public business conducted, had no record of the goods and services provided to the taxpayers for this expenditure of the public funds. The Library did not provide any records that contained the statutory authority for the Library to expend public funds for this event.  Total expenditure $80.00

                          Lisle Library Director Shannon Halikias (right) at 'Luau in Lisle.' (facebook)


Lisle Woodridge Fire District Expenditures

The Lisle-Woodridge Fire District purchased 1 tickets at $80/each which was purchased for Chief Thomas Freeman who has announced that he will be retiring this year. The LWFD also had no records that contained the public business conducted, had no record of the goods and services provided to the taxpayers for this expenditure of the public funds. The LWFD did not provide any records that contained the statutory authority for the District to expend public funds for this event. Total Expenditure $80.00


*Records were provided to Lisle Watchdog by the Lisle Citizens Research Group.

• Lisle Park District Documents 
• Village of Lisle Documents
• Lisle Library Documents 
• Lisle-Woodridge Fire District Documents

The Flood Lawsuit: Class Action Against the Village of Lisle

One day shy of the one year anniversary of the April 18, 2013 flood, Farmer's Insurance filed a "class action" lawsuit against the Village of Lisle, DuPage County and nearly every other municipality in the County.

Lisle Watchdog has obtained an official copy of the entire 60-page complaint. Click HERE.


Counts Against Village of Lisle

1. Breach of 745 ILCS 3-102(a) because the Village of Lisle breached its duty to the Plaintiff to safely maintain and operate its stormwater sewer(s) and/or sanitary sewer(s) proximately causing sewer water invasions into it's Plaintiff's properties which directly and immediately resulted in property damage to its Plaintiff subclass on the Occurrence Date.

2. Breach of 745 ILCS 2-103(a) because the Village of Lisle breached its duty to its Plaintiffs to remedy sewer defects which created unreasonable safe conditions hazardous to its Plaintiffs, proximately causing sewer water invasions into its Plaintiff's properties which directly and immediately resulted in property damage to its Plaintiffs subclass on the Occurrence Date.

3. Violation of the Taking Clause of the Illinois Constitution, being Article 1, Section  15, and the Taking Clause of the U.S Constitution, being the Fifth Amendment, because the Village of Lisle misappropriated its Plaintiff's properties for a public use as the Village of Lisle's sewer water detention and/or retention basins without just compensation proximately causing sewer water invasions into its Plaintiff's properties which directly and immediately resulted in property damage to its Plaintiffs subclass on the Occurrence Date.

"Sewer Water Invasion" is defined to mean: Stormwater and/or sanitary sewer water intrusion onto and/or into a Member of the Plaintiff's class home, building, business and/or other real and/or personal property.

                                                    click image to enlarge.


Class Action

Farmer's is seeking "class action" to include the following parties that suffered property and/or other economic loss arising frm a stormwater and/or sanitary sewer water invasion on April 17-19, 2013 as Plaintiffs:

1.  Property Insurance Companies
2.  Insureds of these Property Insurance Companies
3.  Property owners


Key Facts of the Complaint

The complaint alleges that Village of Lisle conducted studies and knew of key dangerous and hazardous defects in the stormwater system and the sanitary sewer system. The complaint further alleges that the Village of Lisle failed to provide safe and adequate mitigation stormwater storage and that the Village failed to provide safe and adequate barriers such as temporary or permanent levees  to protect the Plaintiff's property from damage.


Next Steps

An appearance is scheduled for July 15, 2014, 9:00 am, Room 2016, DuPage Courthouse.


Looking Back

Chicago Tribune July 23, 2013
"Lisle officials said the flooding that occurred in April likely caused their community the greatest dollar amount of damage in the state, considering suburban property values as compared to land in rural areas.

"I can't begin to imagine what you're going through with your house, because certainly the longer you wait, there's potential for additional damage," said Hettich."

Lisle Patch March 2011 
"Young said the levees have not been repaired for many years and the Village Board has been trying to address this. "I am concerned that they haven't been repaired and if they should breech, that would be catostrophic," Young said."

East Branch DuPage River Study July 2012
Existing conditions assessment of the East Branch River Levee and Recommendations for Levee System Design, Levee System Maintenance, and Levve System Operations.

Ten Things Mayor Broda Failed to Tell the People of Lisle  - Part 1 Jan 2014
"The Village has no master plan to fix the river levees and no stormwater management plan to address a 100 yr flood."

Special Flood Meeting July 2013 (starting 1:58:00)
"We know the levees are two feet low in some places..."  - Lisle engineer M. Kalsted