City of Wheaton Trash and Recycling Update

The latest Press Release from the City of Wheaton:

Contact information: City of Wheaton, 630-260-2000 Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016

Updates on Garbage Sticker Exchange and Cart Delivery WHEATON, Ill. – Wheaton residents should note several important changes as the City transitions to a new garbage and recycling collection provider, Lakeshore Recycling Services, on Oct. 1. New Garbage Carts The registration period for choosing which size garbage cart you would like to use with the new program has ended. Lakeshore Recycling Services will begin delivering garbage carts the week of Sept. 19. If you did not select a cart size, you will receive a 35-gallon garbage cart. To exchange it for a 65-gallon or 95-gallon cart, call Lakeshore Recycling Services at 773-685-8811. You can exchange the cart at no cost until Nov. 30. Please DO NOT USE the new garbage carts until the week of Oct. 3. The current garbage service provider will not collect garbage in the new carts. Continue using your current garbage can or bags until the week of Oct. 3. Once the new program begins, you will no longer need to purchase garbage stickers for your weekly service, as you will be charged per pickup each time the Radio Frequency Identification tag in your new garbage cart is scanned. The new program will use stickers only for excess garbage (beyond what will fit in your cart), yard waste, organics (food scraps), leaves, bulk items, white goods and E-waste. Each sticker costs $2.75. Please see the City’s website to determine how many stickers are required for bulk items, electronics, etc., and note that carpet rolls require 2 stickers (not 5 stickers, as is stated in the brochure you received in the mail). Sticker Exchange Period The City is offering several options for what you can do with any extra Advanced Disposal garbage/yard waste and leaf stickers you have: Sticker Grace Period: Lakeshore Recycling Systems will allow you to use Advanced Disposal stickers through Oct. 14, but they can only be used for excess garbage (beyond what will fit in your new garbage cart), yard waste, organics (food scraps), leaves, bulk items, white goods and E-waste once the new program starts. You will still need to use the correct number of stickers for items required by the new program. (For example, an extra bag of garbage requires 1 sticker, and bulk items require 5 stickers in the new program. See the City’s website for the new program information.) Sticker Exchanges: If you would like to receive a refund for Advanced Disposal garbage/yard waste or leaf stickers that you don’t need, or if you want to exchange them for Lakeshore Recycling Services stickers, from Sept. 19 through Oct. 14, you can bring your unused stickers to: The Finance counter of City Hall, 303 W. Wesley St., from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, or 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Also, the following retailers will allow you to exchange Advanced Disposal stickers for Lakeshore Recycling Services stickers: Carlson True Value Hardware: 125 E. Front St. Jewel Food Stores: Danada Square West, Wheaton; 2031 N. Main St., Wheaton; and 599 Roosevelt Road, Glen Ellyn Mariano’s, 625 S. Main St., Wheaton Ultra Foods: 501 S. County Farm Road Walgreens: 1601 N. Main St.; 2020 S. Naperville Road   Recycling Carts You will continue to use the same blue recycling cart. In the next couple weeks, please leave your recycling cart out at the curb throughout your pickup day, as Lakeshore Recycling Services will be placing a sticker on the carts about what can/can't be recycled in the new program and attaching an identification tag needed for the new program. For more information about Wheaton’s new garbage and recycling program,visit the City’s website or Lakeshore Recycling Systems’ website. ###

Roofing Project Update

Back in 2010 our HOA had entered uncharted territory. We had a new board which was floundering and despite the objections of a small group of owners who purported to know better I was elected. Lucky me. My first challenge was to take on a botched reserve study.

An earlier board had begun a multi-million dollar roofing project, but really had no clue how to fund it. So the newer board was left holding the bag. They really didn't have a solid idea of how to do this, either. So they did the prudent thing, which was to commission a reserve study. This was the first independent study ever commissioned for this association. Somewhat disappointing for an association  more than 30 years old. Our management firm told us that "we could be opening pandora's box" and they were correct.

With no solution in sight, and with my perseverance our magnanimous owners allowed me to be elected.

One of my first chores in addition to coming up with a financial plan which worked was to determine how to complete the roofing project which was begun in 2003. Here is one of a number of summary charts I presented to the 15 or so owners who were willing to attend a HOA meeting in 2010 and stay for the presentation. I had figured out a way to do it, and accomplish everything else, too. And, without the purported 10% fee increases or special assessments. What is important about this chart is the fact that it predicted the completion of the roofing project in 2016. Lo and behold, we will complete it this year. My roof will be among the final group. It was designed for 18-20 years and is 23 years old. Yes, those earlier boards really did make this difficult.

Here is a cash flow diagram prepared and presented at the same time:

The Election is Coming

The election is coming. Are you thinking the one between the Hillary and the Donald? Yes, that will be an election of epic consequences.

However, I'm alluding to the election at our HOA.

Normally, we have fewer than 2 percent of our owners volunteer. They prefer to sit on the sidelines. Will this year be different? Who knows? We usually have one position vacant. I suspect that is the way it will be in 2017.

Yes, everyone wants a well run HOA, as long as someone else is doing the work.

It is no secret I did put my unit up for sale. We spend more than 6 months elsewhere and it won't make a lot of sense to own an unoccupied condominium. However, it could be a couple of years before we move on.

City of Wheaton - New Trash and Recycling Program

Here's an update from the city on the new trash and recycling program, effective October 1. 2016. I spoke with a representative of the contractor, but this email from the city covers it fairly well.

One concern some of us have is the size of the new containers. Our existing recycling containers are the smallest available at 35 gallons. Here's a photo of the three sizes of trash containers available under the new program. These MUST BE USED. The sizes are 35, 65 and 95 gallons. To see these, go to the Rice Lake Park complex, or the Ace Hardware on Main Street.

I did measure the carts because there is some concern that the larger won't fit inside our garages and may create a nuisance.

Here's the city email dated August 29, 2016

Follow Wheaton on Twitter Follow Wheaton on Pinterest City website Contact information: Lakeshore Recycling Systems, 773-685-8811, Ext. 0 Monday, Aug. 29, 2016 New Garbage/Recycling Program Update WHEATON, Ill. – The website for selecting your garbage cart for Wheaton’s new garbage/recycling program is currently unavailable, as Lakeshore Recycling Systems is performing maintenance. In the meantime, you can register for service and pick your garbage cart size by calling 773-685-8811, Ext. 0. Thank you for your patience. Here is some more information about the new program with Lakeshore Recycling Systems, which begins Oct. 1. What sizes are available for my garbage cart, and when will I receive it? You will have a choice between a 35-gallon, 65-gallon or 95-gallon garbage cart that will be delivered to your home between September 15 and October 1. Those same sizes are available for recycling carts. What is the cost of garbage and recycling collection with the new program? The weekly collection of garbage, recycling and yard waste/leaves/organics will be less expensive with the new program for most households. The following are the costs for the various cart sizes and services for each pickup: Garbage: 35 gallon: $1.43 per pickup                65 gallon: $2.86 per pickup                95 gallon: $4.29 per pickup  Recycling: 35 gallon: $1.17 per pickup                65 gallon: $1.17 per pickup 95 gallon: $1.12 per pickup Garbage/Organic Stickers Stickers will only be used for yard waste/organics, excess garbage outside of the cart and bulk items. Stickers can be purchased at the same retail outlets as they currently are at $2.75 per sticker. One (1) excess bag of garbage: 1 sticker = $2.75 Bulk Item (mattress, toilet): 5 stickers = $13.75 White Good (refrigerator, water heater): 10 stickers = $27.50   E-Waste single item:1 sticker = $2.75 E-Waste bundle (within brown paper bag): 5 stickers =$13.75 E-Waste TV or computer monitor: 10 stickers = $27.50 Miscellaneous Cart Fees Additional cart rental: $3 per month Cart delivery/exchange/removal fee: $25 (after first 60 days) Will I receive a new recycling cart? At least initially, you will continue to use the same City-issued recycling cart you use now. Lakeshore Recycling Systems will attach an RFID chip to your current recycling cart along with an informational sticker detailing items that can and cannot be recycled on the top lid starting August 29, 2016. Residents who wish to change the size of their recycling carts should call the Lakeshore customer service number: 773-685-8811. Will Lakeshore Recycling Systems take my old garbage container? Yes. You may keep your current garbage containers for home storage, or if you do not want them, Lakeshore Recycling Systems will recycle them on your regular collection day. Containers should be labeled “please take.” How does the RFID technology work? The garbage cart includes a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip that allows the garbage/recycling/yard waste trucks to wirelessly “scan” your carts each time they are picked up and emptied, or tipped, into a Lakeshore Recycling Systems truck. This allows you to continue to pay for only the amount you throw out or recycle, without the need to use stickers. What will stickers be used for with Lakeshore Recycling Systems? Stickers will not be used for weekly garbage and recycling collection. The same sticker will be used for excess garbage, yard waste/organics, e-waste and bulk items. If you have excess garbage that will not fit in your garbage cart, you must use a garbage/organic sticker for each bag outside of your cart. There is no limit to the number of excess garbage bags that will be collected. Garbage mixed with yard waste/organics cannot be collected. Can I still use Advanced Disposal stickers? Yes. They will be good through October 15, 2016 for excess garbage, yard waste, bulk items, white goods and/or e-waste. What about large pieces of garbage? Can I still put these out at the curb? Yes: Bulk items are items that are too large to fit into your plastic cart. Each bulk item requires 5 garbage/organic stickers attached to it. Carpet rolls must be no longer than 4 feet in length and 18 inches in diameter and require 5 garbage/organic stickers attached to each roll for collection. White goods, or appliances containing CFC, HCFC, PCB’s, mercury switches or other hazardous components (refrigerators, air conditions, humidifiers, etc.), require 10 garbage/organic stickers to be collected. All white goods will be collected by a separate truck at the end of the day. Do-it-yourself construction or demolition debris will require 5 garbage/organic stickers per stack or 35-gallon container. Stacks must weigh less than 50 pounds, be no more than 4 feet in length and up to 18 inches in diameter. 35-gallon containers cannot weigh more than 50 pounds. Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) products are flammable, toxic, corrosive or reactive, and can pose a harmful threat or damage to the environment when disposed of improperly. Items such as paint, pesticides, poisons, cleaning solvents, tainted gasoline, used oil and other automotive fluids are considered to be hazardous waste and should not be included with your regular garbage for disposal. For more information regarding disposal, call the DuPage County HHW Information Hotline at 630-407-6760 or visit www.dupageco.org. How does the food scrap/organics program work? A new option with the City’s garbage and recycling program will be the ability to recycle food scraps. Yard waste and organic material (food scraps) are collected at the curb from the first full week of April through the second full week in December. Each container or biodegradable bag can be a maximum of 35 gallons in size and 50 pounds in weight and must have one garbage/yard waste sticker attached in order to be collected. Grass clippings, brush, plant material and weeds are considered yard waste. Food scraps include fruits, vegetables, dairy, eggs, breads, grains, pasta, cereal, meat, poultry and seafood. Yard waste or food scraps stacked on top of a container will not be collected. Will the date and time of garbage and recycling collection change for me? No. Your collection day will stay the same. Will Lakeshore Recycling Systems pick up our Christmas trees? Yes. Christmas trees will be recycled during the first two weeks after the holiday at no charge. During this free two-week collection period, make sure trees are free of all decorations and are not in plastic bags. After the two-week collection period, you will need to attach 5 garbage/organic stickers to a Christmas tree to have it collected. How does Lakeshore Recycling bill us for garbage and recycling services? The City will continue to use the Pay-As-You-Throw program, but with NO stickers required for weekly garbage and recycling services. You will initially receive your monthly bill electronically, which you can pay online or by check. You will also have the option of automatically paying via ACH transfer from a bank account that you authorize. Lakeshore Recycling Systems is working on a pre-payment, auto-replenish billing system similar to that used for iPass by the Illinois Tollway Authority. What do I need to do? Call Lakeshore Recycling Systems at 773-685-8811, Extension 0. Provide the representative with the Verification Code you received in the mail on a postcard, or provide your address. Verify your household information, and select a garbage cart size. If you have other questions, contact Lakeshore Recycling Systems atwww.LRSrecycles.com or 773-685-8811.

City of Wheaton, 303 W. Wesley St., Wheaton, IL www.wheaton.il.us, 630-260-2000 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

It is that time of year for elections at BLMH

Once each year our HOA holds elections for the board. I'm currently the association president, and I will run again for office. Why not make a contribution for as long as I am here? If the owners choose otherwise, that's their prerogative and it will free me up to pursue other commitments.

I prepared my "Candidates Form" and sent it to management. My form is a mission statement. I have specific goals:

"NAME: Norman _____________  BLMH ADDRESS: _______________

QUALIFICATIONS: Purchased (closed) my unit in February 2002. Served on the board November 2010 to present. Proven track record. Current president of the BLMH board and also served as Architecture & Maintenance director. I have expert knowledge of this association, and of business operations as founder, president and systems engineer for several high tech industrial automation firms from 1978 to present. Expanded these businesses during severe recessions and never laid off or docked the wages of a single employee. Received extensive communications, leadership and human potential training and trained the trainers. As a volunteer I am the recipient of the BSA District Award of Merit “for rendering service of an outstanding nature at the district level; this is the highest award at the district level” and I successfully completed Wood Badge. Currently I am also a published and paid free lance writer (on retainer) on matters of personal finance, retirement planning and investment. I am an entrepreneurial case study in a published book on personal financial planning. I am an advocate of continuous learning and personal improvement.

Since 2010 I advocated responsible, appropriate and necessary fees which have allowed the work achieved to date and maintained reserves, currently above $1 million. I voted for the recent, lower fee increases using extensive fact based financial analysis of the current, changing situation while acknowledging 30 year future projections with condition analysis. This includes frequent condition surveys. I converted problems into opportunities, spearheaded or reactivated numerous programs and worked with or on the teams that got the job done, despite some great difficulties. I practiced proactive leadership to deal with the fireplace issue and liaised with the city on this matter. I realigned priorities and openly encourage others to join the board and committees. I prepared the “newsletter” for about 5 years, which expanded with responsible, concise articles on association finance, procedures, priorities, planning, maintenance and projects. Projects completed included the replacement of Lakecliffe with a street engineered for 30+ years of service. Other projects included the proactive replacement of about 300 feet of water mains, stream repairs, excess soil removal with sod installation, substantial rain water handling improvements throughout the property and as part of the roofing project and others specifically designed to handle standing water, remediate muddy areas and so on. The roofing project will be completed in 2016; about 70% of the roofs were completed in 6 years. Replaced numerous garage floors, decks, patios, driveways, portions of walks, bridges, etc. Documented and published the extensive issues with surrounding COD and Wheaton storm water systems.

POLICIES/OBJECTIVES: I am in favor of reasonable and appropriate fees using realistic and fact based knowledge of the condition of the infrastructure of the entire association, while acknowledging the value of our units and the financial impact of fees on our owners. I advocate creative solutions to keep fees as low as possible today and in the future. Expand the owner participation recognizing that these are volunteer positions and we all have other things to do, and I encourage all including younger people to join the board and committees and strengthen our community. We each do make a difference. I want to expand the possibilities for this association. I advocate the expanded use of technology in our association and improved communications. I want to maintain the grounds and streams, establish priorities, improve our planning, preparation, project management and cost accounting. Continue frequent reserve study updates recognizing the extensive work that has been done. Maintain continuity of maintenance and replacement programs and avoid suspending or stopping them; it is so very important to maintain momentum because incompletions will accrue and will become costly breakdowns for future owners to deal with next year and beyond. I want to strengthen our liaison with all professionals including with management and our contractors. Use engineering professionals to solve long term issues and realign priorities. Improve our liaison with the city, recognizing that we are at least 1.25%of the city population.

TIME CONFLICTS (working/retired, etc.): I am 70 years of age and I currently work part time and I do have other commitments. I also travel extensively, yet I met or exceeded all objectives and requirements for a board member 2010 to date."

Wheaton Gets an A+

Niche released its list of 2016 Best Suburbs to Live in Illinois. Wheaton was ranked #14 and was given an A+ rating. The summary stated "Wheaton is a suburb in Illinois with 53,406 residents. It has very high home values, high rent costs, and average unemployment levels. Its citizens generally have high education levels and high income levels."

There are other reasons to live in Wheaton. It is more manageable than nearby Naperville, which also got an A+. Wheaton is 11 square miles while Naperville is 39 square miles. To determine more about the rankings, one has to go to the "Show Details" on the Niche website. I've included a link at the end of this post.

Nearby Warrenville and Lisle also got high rankings and were also ranked higher than nearby Glen Ellyn, which received a slightly lower A grade. Nearby Lombard also got an A grade.

Wheaton was ranked #14 and Glen Ellyn #37. Here are the rankings and grades of communities nearby Wheaton and in DuPage County:

Naperville, Grade A+, #1
Wheaton, Grade A+, #14
Warrenville, Grade A, #24
Lisle, Grade A, #27
Glen Ellyn, Grade A, #37
Lombard, Grade A, #39

Itasca at #96 was the lowest ranked DuPage County community in the top 100. It was given an overall grade of A- and was #96. The lowest overall score in the top 100 was an A-.

Naperville was noted as having "very high home values [and] very high rent costs." Wheaton was noted as having "high home values [and] high rent costs."

Niche includes reader reviews. I got a chuckle from this one about Wheaton. Obviously, this was culled from something several decades old: "It can be a little "dry", both literally (no alcohol sale) and figuratively (with not many exciting options nearby). Otherwise though, it has a very "nice" feel to it and you can definitely enjoy yourself with some good friends." Niche gave Wheaton an A- for nightlife, and yes alcoholic beverages flow freely in many restaurants. However, there is not a single bar in Wheaton city limits. There are "taverns" which serve food and beverages and at least one establishment that describes itself as a "gastropub."

I also suggest readers go to the link at the end of the post to compare details. Here are some interesting differences between Naperville (Ranked #1)  and Wheaton (Ranked #14). I'd suggest that the difference in rankings is about weightings, and for many of the communities in the top 25, the details need to be scrutinized. For example, what's more important? Nightlife or Crime and Safety? Overall, Naperville and Wheaton are ranked very closely, but one is 39 square miles and the other is 11 square miles:

                                                         Naperville                     Wheaton
Cost of Living:                                        C-                                C-
Education (BS or higher):                        A+                               A+
Public Schools:                                        A+                               A+
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Real Estate (strength of market)               B-                                B-
Diversity                                                 A-                                B+
Health and Fitness                                   A                                 A
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nightlife                                                  A                                A-
Shortest Commute                                   B+                              A
Crime and Safety                                     B+                              A-
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Family Amenities (parks, libraries, etc.)     A                              A
Jobs                                                       B+                             B
Outdoor Activities                                    B-                             B-
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weather                                                     C+                              C+

Here is the link to the Niche website, and clicking on "show details" will give more details on the grading:

https://local.niche.com/rankings/suburbs/best-suburbs/s/illinois/

For more on the Niche website about Wheaton, go to this link:
https://k12.niche.com/t/wheaton-dupage-il/