News Briefs

Join The Discussion On The Proposed FY20 Budget

The Proposed FY20 Budget will be reviewed and discussed over multiple meetings in an open, transparent and participative process. The budget aligns everyday operations and Village resources with the priorities outlined in the Long- Range Plan and Comprehensive Plan. The Village Manager’s Budget Message has a summary of key points and the complete review and approval schedule. Join us for the next budget discussion on Tuesday, November 12, at the Village Council Meeting, which starts at 7:00 p.m.

Police Chief Accepts New Position

Village Manager David Fieldman announced today that Police Chief Shanon Gillette will be resigning after more than 26 years of law enforcement service with the Village. His last day with Downers Grove will be December 1, 2019. Gillette has accepted a position as Chief of Police for Florence, Arizona.

“It’s been a great privilege to serve alongside an incredible team and the department is in very good hands. My family has always wanted to move to the southwest and I’m looking forward to meeting everyone in Florence and applying my skills in a new community,” Chief Gillette said.

“Shanon’s strong management skills and practical experience as a police officer helped lead the department to achieve new milestones, including re-accreditation with excellence through CALEA,” Village Manager Fieldman said.

Throughout his career, Chief Gillette has held a variety of positions, assuming increased responsibilities and progressive management experience with every facet of the police department. He has served as a Community-Oriented Policing Officer, Field Training Officer, Detective, Patrol Sergeant, Administrative Sergeant, Lieutenant of Operations, Lieutenant of Investigations, Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator, and Deputy Chief of Administration.

In 2016, Chief Gillette graduated from the FBI National Academy at Quantico, VA, where he received advanced leadership training for law enforcement executives. As a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, he was honored with the Center for Public Safety’s Franklin M. Kreml Leadership award.

A permanent or interim Chief of Police will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Village extends best wishes to Chief Gillette and his family as they open this new chapter in their lives.

Peace Poster Contest Winners

At the November 7, 2019 Village of Westmont Board Meeting, the Westmont Lions Club announced the winners of their annual Peace Poster Contest. The three winners were Ayla Elsner from Westmont Junior High School, Autumn Schumerth of Holy Trinity Catholic School, and Yana Kuzmanova from Westview Hills Middle School.

Two of the students talked about the inspiration and meaning behind their Peace Poster. Their presentations can be viewed on the Village of Westmont YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com

Pictures of the contest winners receiving their awards can be viewed in the Village of Westmont Photo Gallery: Peace-Poster-Contest-Winners

The three winning submissions will now compete in a regional and State-wide competition. Selected artists and their entries will be invited to visit the United Nations in New York.

Wicked West Fest Contest Winners

At the November 7, 2019 Village of Westmont Board Meeting, Wicked West Fest awards were presented to various contest winners.

PUMPKIN SMASHING EXTRAVAGANZA

Coordinated by the Westmont Communications Department and the Environmental Improvement Committee, this year’s event had more than 20 competitors. The award for “Best Splatter” was presented to Liam Creighton from Make-A-Wish Illinois, the title of Pumpkin Smashing Queen was awarded to Annie Delano from the Westmont Library, and Zach Chorney from Westmont Public Works was presented with the title of “Pumpkin Smashing King”. Village Trustee Steve Nero received an honorable mention for being one of two people in the contest to hit the bullseye. The Pumpkins Smashing Extravaganza was created several years ago to promote pumpkin composting in Westmont. This year, our pumpkin composting program collected a total of 265 pumpkins, which was more than 1 ½ tons.

Pictures of the Pumpkin Smashing winners can be viewed in our Village of Westmont Photo Gallery: Wicked-West-Fest-Contest-Winners

SCARECROW CONTEST

Hosted by the Westmont Chamber of Commerce, the Scarecrow Contest had a record turnout this year. Dynamic Perception Dance Company was the winner in the Dance Studio Category, First Midwest Bank won in the Business Category, Aspired Living of Westmont received the first place award in the Health Services/Care Businesses Category, Active Childcare won the Created by Children Category, and the Wild Family was awarded first place in the Family Category.

Free Leaf Collection In November

Through our contract with Waste Management, the Village of Westmont offers free leaf collection during the month of November. Starting the week of November 4, residents can put out unlimited kraft paper bags of leaves free of charge next to their garbage on their scheduled garbage pick up day. Only kraft paper yard waste bags can be used for this free program. Grass clippings and other yard waste are not permitted with this program and must continue to have a yard waste sticker placed on the bag or container.

Westmont does not have a curbside leaf pick-up program. Please do not rake your leaves into the street as they will not be collected and this may result in a fine.

If you are putting out branches for pick-up, branches must be bundled with twine and adhere to the size requirements. Requirements for brush and yard waste can be found on our website here: https://westmont.illinois.gov/index.aspx?NID=221

Yard waste stickers can be purchased at Village Hall, 31 W. Quincy St .; Bales Ace Hardware, 20 E. Quincy St .; Jewel-Osco, Cass & Ogden. For more information, contact Waste Management at wm.com or 800-964-8988.