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1. Why am I asked for my location when I call 911? Doesn’t the 911 center know where I am?

Unless you are calling 911 from your home phone, there is a good chance the 911 center doesn’t have your exact location. Therefore when answering a call, the Telecommunicator will ask the location where the incident is occurring, including the name of the town you are calling from. It is very important to know where you are and/or where the incident is occurring. If you do not know the exact street address, the next best location is the closest intersection. This information is needed on all 911 calls but especially wireless calls as there is no guarantee your initial wireless 911 call will route to the correct 911 center. 

2. Why am I asked so many questions by the 911 Telecommunicator? Doesn’t this delay the response to my emergency?

The Telecommunicator may ask you questions that you believe are irrelevant. Trust in the Telecommunicator’s training and experience, and they will guide you to provide the information needed by the police and fire departments to get you the quickest and most helpful response. There are multiple Telecommunicators working in the 911 center, and while you are being asked questions by one, someone else reading the information on a computer screen is actually dispatching the police and/or fire units based on the information you are providing.

3. Does my community have 311 service for non-emergency calls?

All non-emergency matters should be directed to the 10-digit non-emergency telephone number (847-251-2141), as 311 is only available in some locations, such as the City of Chicago and the City of Evanston.  

4. Why does the 911 Telecommunicator want me to stay on the phone when I misdial or change my mind about dialing 911?

Never just hang up.  You may have called 911 by accident, or your situation may have resolved itself, but it is important to let the 911 Telecommunicator know this. If you end the call abruptly, the Telecommunicators at the 911 center are going to assume that something has gone wrong and will either call you back or send help anyway. Some communities require the dispatch of police officers on any hang up calls. This will take away from the 911 center’s ability to take calls and dispatch services to on-going emergencies, so make sure the 911 call taker tells you it is OK to disconnect before you hang up. And keep in mind that the call taker can dispatch responders to your location without disconnecting from the call, so, until you are instructed to do otherwise, make sure to hold the line so that you can provide any necessary information or assistance to the 911 operator.

5. Is my 911 call answered by someone working in my community?

The responders who come to assist you are most likely from your community, but your 911 call is answered in a consolidated 911 dispatch center by trained professionals working outside of your community. Each 911 Telecommunicator receives in-depth classroom and hands-on training over an approximate 16-week training program. This training also includes geographic awareness and ride-alongs with those who serve your community to learn the area. In addition, all 911 Telecommunicators have access to highly detailed mapping technologies.

6. When calling 9-1-1 it is important to...

• Remain calm, and listen to the questions asked by the Telecommunicator
• Know your address and the location of your emergency. If you do not know the specific address, be sure to note the city or town you are in, major intersections or landmarks. Try your best to be specific.
• Don’t hang up until the Telecommunicator is ready to disconnect the call. 

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1. Will Kenilworth Police Officers still repond to my home and patrol our streets 24-hours per day after dispatch services are consolidated?

 Yes.  Nothing will change with regard to police patrol or response.  If a citizen requests a police response in the Village of Kenilworth, a Kenilworth Police Officer will respond as they currently do. 

2. If I call, will the consolidated dispatching center slow down the response rates for police and fire?

No. Calls will be routed the same way they are today.

3. Who will answer the 24-7 non-emergency phone calls to the existing Kenilworth Dispatch Center (847-251-2141)?

Kenilworth Police Department administrative personnel will answer the administrative phones and be available for walk in guests at the police front desk Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  All other hours, the administrative phone calls will automatically forward to the consolidated dispatch center.

4. Who will assist me at the Police front counter outside the business hours of Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.?

After standard hours, a trained dispatcher will have video and audio coverage of our lobby.    The dispatcher will have the ability to send a Kenilworth officer to the lobby, or provide other assistance through the service kiosk. 

5. Would the front door to the Village Hall be locked when the television monitor service is operating? If so, what if I feel threatened and would like to enter the building?

The Village Hall Lobby will remain un-locked. If the visitor is experiencing an emergency or immediate threat, they will be able to activate a door locking mechanism to provide safety and speak with a dispatcher on the monitor who will dispatch a Kenilworth Police Officer.  The dispatcher will be able to observe the lobby via video feed.

6. How will the Fire Department dispatching be affected by consolidation?

No change. Calls will be routed the same way they are today and services will still be provided by the Winnetka/Kenilworth Fire Department.

7. What will happen to the personnel currently employed in our dispatch center?

Staff who have not already found another position are given an opportunity to interview for the newly-created positions at the Consolidated Dispatching facility. Additionally, the Village intends to hire an employee to provide records functions, answer administrative phone calls and handle front counter walk-in business Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

8. How many employees will be hired for Consolidated Dispatching? Who will interview them and make the decision on who will be employed?

A total of 5 or 6 new dispatchers will be hired as Glenview employees by the Village of Glenview.  Glenview will be interviewing the dispatchers from our partnering communities first, in order to fill these positions.

9. What are estimated savings for Kenilworth?

Approximately $100,000 in annual operational savings.

10. Who will perform the ancillary duties currently handled by dispatching personnel, at what cost and when?

One administrative support position will be created in Kenilworth once dispatch services are transferred to Glenview. These personnel costs have been included in the overall net savings of consolidation noted in Question #9.

11. What will Kenilworth spend on new equipment and annual operating expenses for the consolidated dispatch facility?

Annual operating expenses will be $158,810 plus a one-time capital cost of $167,500.

12. How will the dispatchers know our community if they do not work here?

As in current practice all new hires go through extensive training, which includes a ride-along program so they can learn about the geography and nuances of Kenilworth.

13. Are there advantages to Consolidating Dispatch other than saving money?

Yes. At the Consolidated Dispatch Center there will be a call taker and a dispatcher to help expedite dispatch efforts and more effectively handle emergency situations.  Additionally, the Consolidated Dispatch Center includes built-in redundancy in case of a catastrophic event affecting the facility.  Currently, if the Village Hall Building were damaged in a natural disaster, the Village could not function fully in dispatch services.  Having a fully redundant dispatch center in Highland Park provides an extra level of back-up to keep emergency communications operational should the need arise. 

14. Where can I learn more about the Consolidated 911/Dispatch Feasibility Study?

The full report can be found online at: Kenilworth 911 Consolidation Feasibility Study (PDF)

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1. What are the Village's normal operating hours?

Village Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM but are closed in observance of the following holidays:

New Year's Day
President's Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Day after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day

The lobby is open 24/7 for access to the Police Department.  Payments and other documents can be dropped off after hours in a slot located on the right-hand side of the administration counter labeled "DROPBOX."

2. What types of payment does the Village accept?

We accept cash, check and credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX) at Village Hall. Residents who may be looking to make an online payment can do so through the online bill pay page.  Please note that a 2.75% processing fee applies to all credit and debit card payments made at Village Hall or online. 

3. I just moved to Kenilworth, is there anything I need to complete for the Village?

Welcome to Kenilworth! There are a few items you'll want to take care of, including transferring the water and sewer bill into your name and getting vehicle stickers for your car(s). Forms for those items, as well as other helpful information for new residents, can be found on our New Resident Guide page on our website. 

4. I'm moving, how do I transfer the water bill out of my name?

If you are moving, and need to transfer the water bill out of your name, all you'll need to do is fill out the Utility Services Stop Service form (PDF) and turn it into Village Hall. Village Staff will generate a final bill for you, using your stop service date, and transfer the account into the name of the new owners. 

5. How do I obtain property file records?

If you are interested in viewing property records, please submit a FOIA Request (PDF). Completed forms can be submitted electronically to info@vok.org or dropped off at Village Hall, 419 Richmond Road. Please allow time for a response. Under FOIA, responses can take up to 21 business days for commercial requests and five days for all other requests. 

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1. What is a TIF District?

A Tax Increment Financing District (TIF) is an area identified by the Village that is in need of redevelopment due to declining conditions and tax base.

Incremental increases to property taxes from within the district are reinvested in that area in an effort to stimulate improvements.

The goal is to provide a temporary financial stimulus to the redevelopment area that otherwise would not occur.

The planned redevelopment may be in effect for 23 years but can be retired sooner.

2. Why do we need a TIF?

Our Business District has been showing signs of decline for quite some time. A healthy Business District contributes more to property taxes, reducing the pressure on residential property taxes. Improvements have not come on their own and creating a TIF is a way to spur growth. A TIF District is the best tool to achieve the goal of improving the Business District.

3. What does a TIF district do?

A TIF district acts as an economic development tool to encourage revitalization and redevelopment within an area lagging in economic vitality. In a TIF district, the incremental growth in tax revenues based on improvements that grow a TIF District's EAV is directed solely to the TIF District. TIFs require a formal budget and annual audits to track expenditures and activity, which helps ensure that received funds are utilized to improve the district.

4. What doesn't a TIF district do?

The creation of the TIF district doesn't limit the budgets or taxing authority of other taxing bodies, grant the Village new authority to issue bonds, decrease tax revenues from current levels in the TIF District for other taxing bodies, or change the Village's obligation for public meetings, budgeting, and auditing of financial records.

5. How big is the TIF district?

• The area is relatively small at approximately 15 acres.
• It represents just 0.23% of the New Trier High School District's Equalized Assessed Valuation and 4% of the Village.
• It provides approximately $1,000,000 of tax revenues for all taxing bodies.
  • $411,613 to Joseph Sears School
  • $236,100 to New Trier High School District
  • $160,360 to the Village
• The Goal is to increase the health of the TIF District so the $1 million of support grows to $3.6 million over the life the TIF District.

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1. Can I park on the street overnight?

Generally, no, Village Ordinance prohibits street parking between the hours of 2:00 am - 6:00 am. We understand there are certain circumstances where it is not always possible to park a vehicle off the street. The Kenilworth Police Department grants overnight parking permission when these situations arise. Examples include home construction or overnight guests when there is no more room in the drive. If you should need to request parking permission, contact us at 847-251-2141, or submit a request through the online portal. Be sure to have the make of the vehicle(s), color, and license plate information.

2. I take the Metra Train to work daily. Where am I allowed to park?

Kenilworth has 3 parking areas designated for commuter use. To view the areas where you can park, check out the Business District Parking Map (PDF). 

Residents with a Village Vehicle Sticker are permitted to park in the commuter lots. Non-residents are required to purchase a Kenilworth Commuter Parking permit. Permits are available quarterly and annually. Permits can be purchased at Village Hall, or online. For questions please contact the Kenilworth Village Hall at 847-251-1666.

map of parking (PDF).

3. I received a parking ticket and don't believe I was at fault, what can I do about it?

If you wish to contest a parking ticket, you must come in person to the Kenilworth Police Department and request the ticket be assigned a court date. You will then be issued a court date at the Cook County Circuit Court in Skokie where you will appear before the presiding judge to contest the ticket.

All court date requests must be made in person within 10 days of issuance of the citation.

4. What happens if I don't pay a parking ticket I received?

If a parking ticket is not paid within 10 days of its issuance, a penalty fee will be imposed and in most cases is equal to the original fine amount. A late notice will then be sent, advising you of the ticket's status. If payment is not received within 30 days of the late notice, the ticket will be sent in for collection.

5. I think there should be a change in parking restrictions, how do those changes occur?

Parking sign requests are received regularly and each one is reviewed individually on its own merits. The proper deployment of parking signs is a critical component of the Village’s parking philosophy/plan. An improperly placed sign can create a hazardous situation, be confusing to motorists, or may simply displace rather than correct a problem. By comprehensively assessing each request we hope to effectively address the existing problem and to minimize other undesired consequences.

It is important to the Board of Trustees and the Village staff that we be responsive to the concerns of our residents. Processing requests for new or different parking signs is a service facilitated by the Chief of Police. Evaluating parking restriction changes is a multi-stepped process that will typically flow through the following steps:

      - Ensuring there is a consensus among a majority of the neighbors in the affected area that a change in parking restrictions is desired

      - Identifying/confirming the existence and duration of the underlying problem

      - Assessing the potential for any adverse impact a change in restrictions may have on the affected or adjacent streets

      - Charging the Police Department with preparing a recommendation designed to promote consistency with the overall parking plan surrounding the affected area

      - Presenting the request for change(s) to the Village Board of Trustees for consideration and possible implementation

Residents considering a parking restriction change are encouraged to contact the Police Chief to discuss the proposed change and to review the steps of the process.

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1. What are noise ordinance restrictions?

Village Ordinance prohibits any activity, outside prohibited days/times, which is attended with loud or unusual noise that disturbs the peace of another. This includes items such as lawn mowers, weed trimmers and power tools.

Construction activities are also prohibited outside the designated days/time under ordinance as well.

Bona fied emergencies and work ordered by the Village are exempt from this ordinance.

Prohibited days/times
Monday through Friday: prior to 7 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
Saturday: prior to 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
And at no times on Sundays or upon legal holidays.

Sec 23-1(15):

15. To engage or permit any agent or person (other than employees and independent contractors of the village and independent contractors of the State of Illinois or any agency thereof acting with express authorization of the village board of trustees) employed on premises owned or occupied in the village, to engage in any business, occupation, work or activity, including the use of any machine, tool or other apparatus, the use of which is attended with loud or unusual noise, which disturbs the peace and quiet of any individual, family or neighborhood, before the hour of 7 a.m. and after the hour of 6 p.m. on any day Monday through Friday, before the hour of 9 a.m. and after the hour of 5 p.m. on Saturday, or at any time on Sundays or on the following legal holidays: (New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day). Engaging in such business, occupation, work, or activity on Sundays and these legal holidays, or between the hours herein specified on week days, may be summarily abated by any officer of the village, and the failure of any person to cease and desist from such disturbance of the peace and quiet shall make such person or persons guilty of maintaining a nuisance and of disorderly conduct. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply: (1) in the event of a bona fide emergency to which construction workers must respond; or (2) to any work ordered or required by the Village.

2. Is the use of a Segway permitted in the Village?

In Kenilworth, there are no local ordinances specifically regulating the use of a Segway in the Village. Therefore, the only regulations applicable would be state laws.

Under Illinois State statute a Segway falls under the definition of an "electric personal assistive mobility device"

Every person operating an electric personal assistive mobility device upon a sidewalk has all the rights and is subject to all the duties applicable to a pedestrian. However, a person may not operate an electric personal assistive mobility device upon a public sidewalk at a speed greater than 8 miles per hour.

625 ILCS 5/1-117.7 - DEFINITION: Electric personal assistive mobility device.
A self-balancing 2 non-tandem wheeled device designed to transport only one person with an electric propulsion system that limits the maximum speed of the device to 15 miles per hour or less.

625 ILCS 5/11-1005.1 - Electric personal assistive mobility devices.
Every person operating an electric personal assistive mobility device upon a sidewalk or roadway has all the rights and is subject to all the duties applicable to a pedestrian. Nothing in this Section shall be deemed to limit or preempt the authority of any home rule or non-home rule unit of local government from regulating or prohibiting the use of electric personal assistive mobility devices.

625 ILCS 5/11-1412.2. Operating an electric personal assistive mobility device on a public sidewalk.
A person may not operate an electric personal assistive mobility device upon a public sidewalk at a speed greater than 8 miles per hour. Nothing in this Section shall be deemed to limit or preempt the authority of any home rule or non-home rule unit of local government from regulating or prohibiting the use of electric personal assistive mobility devices.

3. I am the victim of identity theft. What should I do first?

If you find yourself the victim of identity theft, stop by or call the Kenilworth Police Department to file a police report. Please bring all supporting documents with you.

IdentityTheft.gov is the federal government’s one-stop resource for identity theft victims. The site provides streamlined checklists and sample letters to guide you through the recovery process.

Visit them at
Identitytheft.gov

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1. How do I set up my refuse/recycling account?

To set up your refuse/recycling account, please contact Flood Brothers directly at 630-261-0400 or kenilworth@floodbrothersdisposal.com.

2. How often will my refuse/recycling be picked up?

Both refuse and recycling are collected once-per-week, on the same day. If you wish to have a secondary collection day each week, please contact Flood Brothers at 630-261-0400.

If you are unsure of your collection day, please view the collection map to find your zone and pickup day.

3. What can I recycle?

Approved materials can be found on our website by clicking here.

4. What if I live on an alley?

Residents who live on an alley are eligible for a reduced price in collection services. If you are interested in receiving the alley collection rate, please contact Flood Brothers directly at 630-261-0400.

5. Where is my recycling taken?

Flood Brothers takes the recycling to their transfer station and records the amounts coming in on a daily basis. Each month Flood Brothers will send the Village of Kenilworth a monthly report indicating recycling volumes.

6. How is the recycling diversion rate calculated?

The diversion recycling rate is calculated by adding the total monthly volume of refuse taken to SWANCC and the total monthly volume of recycling taken by Flood Brothers. The recycling amount is then divided by the total to give the percentage of diversion. Monthly reports can be found at Village Hall.

7. How do I dispose of larger items, such as mattresses or appliances?

Flood Brothers will collect one bulk item (mattresses, box springs, tables, chairs, and other discarded furniture) under 50 lbs. on collection days at no charge. Items that weigh more than 50 lbs. will incur a $25 per item charge. Flood Brothers asks that when disposing of items weighing over 50 lbs. to contact their office to arrange for a special pick-up at 630-261-0400.

Flood Brothers will also provide collection services for white good items (refrigerators, dishwashers, dryers, and other appliances) for a fee of $20 per item. Residents are asked to call Flood Brothers 24 hours prior to collection to schedule pick-up. 

8. What do I do with my yard waste?

Flood Brothers collects yard waste once a week, on Wednesdays, from April through November 30 each year. Yard waste stickers can be purchased at Village Hall at a rate of $2.50 per sticker. Yard waste stickers should be looped around the top of the bag. Residents may also sign up for a seasonal subscription service directly with Flood Brothers for up to eight units of yard waste per week for $200 per season. 

9. Will my refuse/recycling be collected on a holiday?

Flood Brothers does not collect on the following holidays:

• New Year's Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

All pick-up dates are delayed by one day for customers who are scheduled on the day of or following a holiday. For example: If your normal collection date falls on a Tuesday, your refuse/recycling will be picked up on Wednesday 

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1. I am concerned about speeding vehicles on my street, what can be done about it?

All too often when driving, motorists don't check vehicle speed. Oftentimes we assume we are operating within the limit, when in fact we are not. This stems from habit or inattention.

The Kenilworth Police Department has also purchased a portable speed monitoring display. This speed display can be placed in areas in which using the full-size speed trailer is difficult or not possible due to traffic concerns or the roadway configuration.

Residents with speed concerns are invited to contact the police department and speak with a supervisor to discuss a speed monitor request. The Kenilworth Police Department makes every effort to address safety concerns and will work with citizens in developing a solution.

speed limit and speed hump information (PDF).

2. What are the new changes in the Illinois Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program?

There are several phases to the Illinois GDL program:
- Permit Phase for Drivers 15 Years of Age
- Initial Licensing Phase for Drivers 16-17 years of Age
- Full Licensing Phase for drivers 18-20 Years of Age

Each phase contains its own restrictions and sanctions which are listed in a downloadable PDF brochure created by the Illinois Secretary of States office. Download and view this PDF brochure.