Villa Park forums to give more info on home rule

Whether you have questions, concerns or just want more details on Villa Park's efforts to gain home-rule authority, scheduled community forums can provide answers.

The first of four special evening public meetings this month will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Iowa Community Center, 338 N. Iowa Ave. Another session will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Community Recreation Building, 320 E. Wildwood St., followed by another at 7 p.m. Jan 30 at the Villa Park Public Library, 305 S. Ardmore Ave. A final forum is at 7 p.m. Feb. 4 at village hall, 20 S. Ardmore Ave.

Each forum will involve introductions, followed by a presentation by Village Manager Robert Niemann, a question-and-answer period and a wrap-up.

Villa Park, which had home-rule authority years ago but lost it by a voter referendum, is asking voters Feb. 5 to reinstate that authority.

Officials seek to establish a "Crime Free" program that would increase the village's authority to enforce property and building code violations. They also seek to initiate an inspection program for rental properties to ensure the units are safe.

"We feel it's very important for the future of the community to license and inspect and upgrade the properties," Niemann said.

Home-rule powers also would allow the village to increase local fines beyond $750 for some offenses.

The added authority of home-rule status also allows municipalities to increase property taxes, but Villa Park officials have vowed in a village resolution they will not do so if granted the powers next month. Trustees plan to reinforce that promise by passing another measure Monday that would make it easier for residents to get a referendum on the ballot to reverse any tax increase they do not support.

"It gives a check and balance to the residents," Niemann said. "We're trying to dispel the fear that it's about taxation. We're really looking for it as an enforcement tool."

Village President Joyce Stupegia adds: "I'm really hoping the residents come out to our public forums, ask questions and get informed. Once they understand what the board is trying to do, they'll see it's not for negative reasons but for positive reasons (like) crime prevention."

One-hour question-and-answer sessions also will be held prior to village board meetings on Monday, Jan. 21 and Jan. 28. They will begin at 6:30 p.m. at village hall. Mayors from nearby municipalities that recently gained home-rule powers will talk about benefits of the increased authority.

The home-rule issue also will be the topic of the monthly Coffee with Trustees from 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 2 at village hall.