SkokieNews - Cookie Walk, New Deputy Police Chief, and More

The latest news from the Village of Skokie

November 7, 2023

It’s Winter Weather Preparedness Week!

Snow, ice and cold temperatures create difficult conditions for everyone, but winter is easier when we all pitch in and do our part!

Be winter ready: To increase awareness of winter hazards and to help keep roads, sidewalks and public ways safe and accessible for all community members this upcoming season, the Village issued important reminders as part of Winter Weather Preparedness Week, November 5-11.

Meet Our New Deputy Chief of Police

The Skokie Police Department and the Village of Skokie are pleased to announce the appointment of Denise Franklin as deputy chief of police. Franklin, a 20-year veteran of the Skokie Police Department, was sworn in at the Skokie Village Board of Trustees meeting on Monday night.

Words from Chief Baker: “Deputy Chief Franklin brings more than two decades of law enforcement experience to this important role, and has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to strengthening Skokie’s police-community partnership.”

Village Clerk Pramod Shah Announces Retirement

Skokie Village Clerk Pramod Shah on Friday announced his retirement from the Skokie Village Board after 14 years of service. Clerk Shah’s final day in office will be January 3.

Words from Mayor Van Dusen: “Pramod embodies the phrase, ‘Skokie Welcomes Everyone,’ and has dedicated his time in office to ensuring that Skokie Village Hall is a welcoming environment offering best-in-class municipal services to all who visit.”

Apply to be Village Clerk: Are you interested in being considered for the position of Village Clerk? Complete the online application by December 15, 2023. View the job description (PDF) with position responsibilities.

Village Board Set to Extend Property Tax Freeze for 33rd Year

Did you know: The Skokie Village Board of Trustees adopted a five-year property tax freeze in 1991, which remains in effect today! The Village Board is considering a 2023 property tax levy of $15,456,695 – the same dollar amount as in 1990.

A shrinking share: While the Village’s property tax levy dollar amount has remained the same, the Village’s share of an average Skokie property tax bill is now less than 6 percent, compared with 16 percent in 1990.

Real savings: Had the Village’s property tax levy been adjusted yearly for inflation, the average Skokie household would pay $322 more in 2023.

Join Us for the Downtown Skokie Holiday Cookie Walk!

Support local Skokie businesses while enjoying unique holiday cookies along the way! The inaugural Downtown Skokie Holiday Cookie Walk will take place on Saturday, December 2, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at participating downtown businesses.

RSVP: Tickets are $25 and proceeds support the Skokie Community Foundation.

Diaper Donation Drive Continues through November 10

The Village’s Commission on Family Services is hosting a diaper donation drive through November10. All donations will benefit the Niles Township Food Pantry, which serves local families in need. View ways to donate.

Reminder: Have Leftover Candy Wrappers?

The Village has placed a candy wrapper recycling box from TerraCycle at Kneads and Wants Bakery, 8042 Lincoln Ave. Once you finish treating yourself, stop by during business hours and deposit your candy wrappers in the drop-off box.

Note: Candy wrappers cannot be recycled through the Village’s curbside recycling program. Please keep them out of your recycling bin.

Provide Input on Illinois Transportation Planning

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is updating its Long-Range Transportation Plan, a strategic roadmap that outlines transportation goals, objectives, and planned investments over 20 to 30 years. Take the survey to provide your input.

Did you know: Most major roads in Skokie, including Church Street, Crawford Avenue, Old Orchard Road, Touhy Avenue and more, are under the jurisdiction of IDOT or Cook County, and these entities are responsible for snow removal and maintenance. View the Village’s roadway jurisdiction map (PDF).

Growing Skokie’s Tree Canopy

This week, the Village’s Public Works Department wrapped up its fall parkway tree program, planting more than 200 trees throughout Skokie.

Prioritizing sustainability: As part of the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget, the Village Board allocated $147,000 for tree plantings – an increase of 75 percent from the previous year. The funding will help the Village achieve its Environmental Sustainability Plan goal of increasing canopy coverage to 31 percent by 2040.

Room to grow: The Village recently received a $327,000 grant from the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program to increase tree planting in the coming years.

Have a new tree? Get tips to help it thrive.

News from Health and Human Services

Medication Disposal To End at Village Hall

Effective December 1, Skokie Health and Human Services Department will no longer accept medications for disposal due to the Drug Take Back Act, which requires that medications be disposed of at locations that can accept both controlled and non-controlled substances.

Alternate Disposal Sites:

The following locations accept controlled and non-controlled substances, but do not accept liquids, powders, or sharps/needles.

Cook County Courthouse, 5600 Old Orchard Rd., Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
MWRD O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant, 3500 Howard St., Daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (see security guard at the gate)
Walgreens, 3945 Dempster St., Daily, 8 a.m. to midnight (this Walgreens location only)
Skokie Police Department, 7300 Niles Center Rd., Daily, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Health and Human Services Department will continue to accept sharps.

Get Resources to Lower Your Gas Bill

Nicor Gas will hold a free virtual energy assistance fair this Wednesday, November 8, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Register in advance.

What you’ll learn: Uncover energy-saving opportunities, discover billing resources, and engage with organizations to connect you with essential services.

Help is available: The Village’s Health and Human Services Department can help you submit applications for Nicor Sharing, Energy Aide and Shield of Caring programs. For LIHEAP assistance, use CEDA's Partner Intake Site Locator.

Reduce Your Risk of Falling

Did you know that every year, one in three older adults suffers a fall? While the risk of falling increases with age, there are things you can do to minimize it.

Steady your stride: Join Oak Street Health and Advocate Lutheran General Hospital for tips to stay active and healthy and reduce your risk of falling this Thursday, November 9, 1 p.m., at Oak Street Health, 4120 Dempster St., in Skokie. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP by calling: 847-779-6407.