Politics & Government
Village of Downers Grove Celebrates 2012 Accomplishments
The village council heard a recap of last year's major awards and recognitions during its Dec. 18 meeting.
The village of Downers Grove wrapped up 2012 with a recap of its major awards and recognitions.
During the village council's Dec. 18 meeting, Emergency Operations Coordinator Mary Pratt presented a roundup of major accomplishments during the past year, including awards won for comprehensive planning, engineering work and public transportation.
"Downers Grove is very lucky," Pratt said. "We have very dedicated employees who, through their efforts, have enhanced the village's position as a leader."
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Pratt attributed the village's many awards to "hard work, dedication and taking advantage of opportunities."
"The dramatic drop in the economy over the past few years was an opportunity for Downers Grove," Pratt said. "This was an opportunity for change, an opportunity for innovation, and a time to look at our operations and our services in an uncommon way. Change is never easy and it's very, very challenging. Our village employees embrace the challenges that come with change."
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2012 Awards and Recognitions
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement: Stormwater Improvement Project at 2nd Street and Cumnor Road
The ASCE awarded the village the 2012 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award for its work on the naturalized basin and stormwater improvements at 2nd Street and Cumnor Road. The award is presented each year to engineering projects that "exhibit the greatest engineering skills and represent the greatest contribution to civil engineering progress and mankind," according to the ASCE website.
READ: Downers Grove Praised for Stormwater Improvements at 2nd and Cumnor
American Planning Association's 2012 Daniel Burnham Award: Downers Grove Comprehensive Plan
The Illinois chapter of the American Planning Association (APA-IL) selected the Village of Downers Grove as the recipient of the 2012 Daniel Burnham Award for excellence in a comprehensive plan.
The plan, adopted in October 2011 by the village council, illustrates a vision for the physical character of Downers Grove as it develops in the next 15 to 20 years. It offers guidance on a wide variety of issues, including economic development, infrastructure, recreation, environmental impacts and public safety.
READ: Downers Grove Comprehensive Plan Recognized as Best in State
Top Transit Communities by DePaul University's Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development
Downers Grove was selected as the No. 7 top transit suburb of Metropolitan Chicago, according to a study released in July by the Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development based at DePaul University in Chicago.
Downers Grove finished one spot below Wheaton and one spot ahead of Naperville, with La Grange getting top honors.
The DePaul University team considered 45 measurable factors to rank the best transit suburbs based on their station buildings and platforms; station grounds and parking; walkable downtown amenities adjacent to the station; and degree of community connectivity to public transportation, as measured by the use of commuter rail services.
READ: Downers Grove Named a Top Transit Community
Top 100 Energy Saving Communities
The Citizens Utility Board (CUB), a non-profit, nonpartisan organization that represents the interests of residential utility customers across Illinois, named Downers Grove to their list of Top 100 Energy Saving Communities. Downers Grove was ranked number 26, according to kilowatt hours saved by residents who participate in CUB's Energy Saver program.
READ: DG Ranked High Across Illinois in Energy Saving
Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, Government Finance Officers Association (GOFA)
The village received the GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation award for the 2012 Municipal Budget document. It marked the third consecutive year that Village Finance Director Judy Buttny and staff were recognized with the award, the only national awards program in governmental budgeting.
Excellence in Financial Reporting for Annual Financial Report, Government Finance Officers Association (GOFA)
National Fire Protection Association's Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year: Marsha Geisler, Downers Grove Fire Department
Illinois Fire Alliance Educator of the Year: Marsha Geisler, Downers Grove Fire Department
Mothers Against Drunk Driving Hero Award: Nick Linklater, Downers Grove Police Department
Village staff also presented at a number of professional conferences and had numerous articles published. For a complete list of accomplishments, visit the village website.
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