And A Happy New Year!

Well, it's a good thing this little penquin doesn't live in Elburn, because his feet wouldn't be that "happy." His feet would be downright "toasty" with the balmy snow-free weather we have been experiencing in Elburn.

The year 2006 was a good year in Elburn, and many things were accomplished by your village government. Here's a short list:

• Our Metra commuter service started last January.
• Our two WRT trace radium removal facilities went online.
• We began a stormwater infiltration and inflow study.
• We studied several pedestrian overpass options.
• A new building commissioner was hired.
• Structural ditch repairs were completed at our WWTP.
• We helped negotiate Kaneland impact fees for a small corner of future LaFox.
• We received a $16,200 railroad safety grant from the ICC.
• A national night out against crime cookout was held.
• A special census set our population at 4721.
• Our Building and Zoning Department moved downtown.
• Meadows Phase 2 senior condominiums were approved.
• New motor controls were installed at the WWTP.
• New magna rotors and scum skimmers were installed at the WWTP.
• $175,000 of sidewalk repairs were completed.
• Our two Prairie Valley North water towers were cleaned and coated with mold inhibitor.
• A Kenmar Woods annexation agreement was approved.
• A new community service officer was hired.
• A new administrative assitant was hired.
• Jewel began construction on their new store.
• We purchased two squad cars and one "very sharp" police pickup.
• We purchased three small pickups for our building department.
• And, our Metra station building was completed.

I am very proud of the accomplishments of our village staff. I am also truly humbled to serve with an exceptional village board. Our village board consistently takes the needs and wants of our entire community to heart. They set the broader goals, and let the village staff do the work.

It sounds so simple, but in reality it's a political rarity. We all owe our village board a debt of gratitude.