Arlington Hts. flood relief might be in budget

Without making any promises, Village Manager Bill Dixon indicated Monday night that the village's flood victims should look to the village's capital improvements budget for any relief.

Four people spoke about the issue at Monday's village board meeting, and the board will discuss proposals for the budget next month, he said.

Dixon said the village has a responsibility to residents of all areas and not just the ones who “make the most noise.”

Jim Massarelli, Arlington Heights' director of engineering, said the village staff will meet with consulting engineers soon to look over the data the staff has collected on flooding in the village and to discuss possible options.

Village President Arlene Mulder said residents do not need to come to meetings to make their issues known but can call or send notes.

Marc Adelman, who has organized the victims of the July 23 deluge in the Westgate neighborhood west of downtown, said he has spent more than 10 hours attending four board meetings and has been allowed to speak a total of 12 minutes.

He asked again that residents who are not comfortable speaking be allowed to cede their three minutes to another resident.

He also called again for the village to call meetings to discuss only flooding — and to pass out leaflets to inform residents.

He also complained about the occasions when residents' comments are not heard until late in the meetings.

“It's not encouraging for citizens to come forward and address the board,” Adelman said.

Mulder, however, said making exceptions in meeting policy leads to more exceptions.

Rosemary Harth said the Arlington Heights park board is considering asking residents for a $48 million tax hike to improve four major parks, but she thinks ending flooding so children can be safe in their homes should be a higher priority.