Frequently Asked Questions

Click questions below to view answers.

• When is the Village Hall open?

  Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. - Noon. Only the Main Office and the Police Department are open on Saturdays.

• When are Village Board Meetings held?
  
  The Bartlett Village Board has regularly scheduled meetings on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The meetings are held in the Village Hall Council Chambers.

  Agendas and Minutes

• How do I find out what employment opportunities are available with the village?
  

  Visit our employment opportunities page.

• Where is the Bartlett History Museum?
  

  The Village of Bartlett operates a museum of local history. The museum is located in the Bartlett Village Hall and is open during normal Village Hall hours.

• I am getting ready to do some home improvements, do I need a building permit?
  

  Building permits are required for all construction and home improvement projects, regardless of whether the work is completed by the homeowner or a contractor. Construction projects include, but are not limited to, additions, exterior repairs, demolitions, fences, swimming pools, driveways, sidewalks, patios, decks, sheds, central air conditioning, dog runs, and electrical revisions. Building permits may be obtained from the Building Department, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A permit fee is charged to cover the cost of inspections. Project specification information sheets may also be obtained at the Main Office on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to Noon.

  Project specification sheets and permit applications for common home improvements are now available online.

• I am having a garage sale can I place signs on utility poles?
  

  No, signs are strictly prohibited on utility poles. A garage sale permit must also be acquired before a garage sale can be conducted, there is no charge for the permit. Garage sales are permitted between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. You may have two garage signs, one on the property conducting the garage sale and one somewhere else with that property owner's permission. Signs should not exceed four square feet (e.g. 2'x2' = 4 sq ft) and not more than one sign is allowed either on the premises or any other private property.

  Garage Sale Permits are available online.

• I am going on vacation can the police department keep an eye on my house?
  

  Yes, residents going on vacation should fill out a vacation watch request form and drop it off at the Bartlett Police Department. Daily premise inspections will be conducted until you return.

• How can I find out more about neighborhood watch groups in my area?
  

  Call the Bartlett Crime Prevention Officer at 837-0846.

• I would like to prevent solicitors from coming to my door, how can I stop them?
  

  Residents can elect to prohibit solicitors at their residence or place of business by posting a "NO SOLICITORS INVITED" sign at their main entrance door. The cards are available at the Main Office. Solicitors are also prohibited from going door to door before 9 a.m. and after 9 p.m. on any weekday or at any time on a Sunday or a state or national holiday.

• Do I need a vehicle sticker if I live in Bartlett?
  

  All vehicles including automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles housed in the Village of Bartlett must display a current vehicle sticker. Stickers may be purchased at the Main Office before June 30. After June 30 an additional late fee is charged. New residents or residents purchasing a new car have 30 days to purchase a sticker. Senior citizens are entitled to one free sticker per household.

• I just got a new dog do I need to purchase a license?
  

  Yes, every person owning or keeping a dog in the Village of Bartlett must register the dog with the Village and pay a license fee of $2.00. A rabies certificate is required for the purchase of dog license tags. All dog owners are required when walking their dog to hold the dog securely on a leash and to carry and use a pooper scooper.

• Who do I call to start my garbage pick-up?
  

  Each resident is responsible for arranging for their garbage collection with Republic Services (formerly Allied Waste). You can contact Republic Services at (847) 429-7370. Garbage is collected weekly on Tuesdays. Garbage should be placed at the curb no earlier than 6:00 p.m. on Monday. Empty containers must be removed from the curb no later than 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday. Garbage will not be collected on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. If one of these days falls on a Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday, collection service will be on Wednesday on that week only.

• How do I get rid of yard waste?
  

  Republic Services weekly yard waste collection begins on the first Tuesday in April and ends on the last Tuesday in November. All yard waste must be in the specially marked Republic Services bags. These bags cost $14.30 for a bundle of five. The bags are available at Village Hall and local hardware and grocery stores. You may not use generic yard waste bags. You pay for yard waste collection through the purchase of Republic Services yard waste bags rather than on your quarterly bill. You pay for what you use. Yard waste that is not properly bagged will not be collected. Republic Services WILL NOT collect filled yard waste bags that weigh more than 50 pounds.

  During the months of October and November, Republic Services provides a free leaf collection. Leaves can be placed in generic paper yardwaste bags and set at the curb on your regular collection day. Plastic bags are not accepted.

• I have been trimming some trees in my yard and need to dispose of the branches, how can I do that?
  

  The Village of Bartlett has a Brush Pick-up program that runs April through November. The collections begin on Monday but may take a few days to complete. Once crews have passed through the area, they will not return for any items placed out late. They will not be picked up until the next scheduled pick-up.

  Beginning on 1st and 3rd Mondays: Homes located south of the Metra/Soo railroad tracks and west of Main St./S. Bartlett Road. (Area A)

  Beginning 2nd and 4th Mondays: Homes located north of the Metra/Soo railroad tracks and east of Main St./S. Bartlett Road. (Area B)

  

  The Village of Bartlett chips brush (cut or broken branches) for single family residential areas from the beginning of April until the end of November, according to the schedule above. Brush pickup is one of the Village’s most popular programs from a resident participation standpoint and following a few rules will ensure speedy collection and safe working conditions for Public Works employees.

  Branches should be stacked neatly at the curb, cut ends facing the street, by the Sunday evening before collection. There are no call backs if you miss your collection day. Brush should not be left in the parkway between collection dates. Thorny bushes, logs and stumps must be stacked separately since they can cause injury to Village employees and equipment.
  
  * Branch Length - minimum of 2 feet long, maximum of 8 feet long. Must be less than 6 inches in diameter.
  * Brush must never be piled higher than 4 feet; this obstructs visibility for pedestrians & vehicles.
  

  The Bartlett brush removal program is for owners of single family homes performing work themselves, on their own property; private businesses, multi-family dwellings and townhouse owners with associations that do their maintenance are not eligible for brush pickup. In addition, brush generated by tree services, landscape contractors or other services procured by the homeowner are not eligible for this program. The homeowner must arrange for removal of any contractor-generated brush at their own expense.

  Brush piles that do not adhere to chipping requirements will be tagged by Village employees. The tag will explain why the brush pile was not removed and what steps the resident needs to  take to correct the problem.

  Garden debris, such as small sticks, evergreen clippings, grass clippings, weeds, leaves, soil, rocks, boxes and bags are not brush and will not be picked up by the Village. This type of garden waste must be placed in the specially marked Republic Services bags and placed alongside your household trash and recyclables for the weekly Republic Services collection.

  If you have any additional questions regarding the Village’s brush removal program, please call Public Works at 837-0811
  2011 Schedule

  	Area A	Area B
  	April 4 & 18 May 2 & 16 June 6 & 20 July 5 (Tues) & 18 Aug. 1 & 15 Sept. 6 (Tues) & 19 Oct. 3 & 17 Nov. 7 & 21	April 11 & 25 May 9 & 23 June 13 & 27 July 11 & 25 Aug. 8 & 22 Sept 12 & 26 Oct. 10 & 24 Nov. 14 & 28

• How do I get my water turned on or off?
  

  To begin or terminate water service, call the Village Hall at 837-0800. A monthly bill is sent for both water and sewer service. Water bills may be paid at the Main Office, by mail, or if paying by check, through the outside drop box located in the Village Hall parking lot. Water bills are due upon receipt. A penalty of 10% of the current bill is charged after the twenty-first of the month. A Senior citizen discount is available to individuals 65 or older.

• Does the water meter reader have to enter my home?
  

  No, the Village has replaced all of its water meters with drive-by radio-read meters, and it collects a read every month.

• Can I setup automatic payment of my water bill?
  

  Yes. You can have your monthly water and sewer bill payment automatically deducted from your checking or savings account. See the following handout for more information. Automatic Bill Payment Handout

• Can I pay my water bill online?
  

  Yes. You can pay your monthly water and sewer bill payment online at the Illinois E-Pay web site.

• When does the Village flush hydrants? or My water has suddenly become discolored?
  

  The Bartlett Public Works Department flushes all fire hydrants once per year, usually in April. This process removes iron deposits from the water mains and ensures that the hydrants are working correctly.

  The flushing may cause temporary water discoloration. Please check for discolored water before doing any laundry during the week the hydrants in your area are being flushed.

  Flushing in 2011 was done according to the following schedule:

  April 4 through April 14: Area 1 - north of Stearns Road
  
  April 15 through April 21: Area 2 - south of Stearns Road
  

• My neighbors grass is about eight inches long; is there anything I can do?
  

  If your neighbor does not respond to your concerns, contact the Village Hall. Village Code prohibits residents from allowing their grass or weeds to grow to exceed a maximum height of eight inches. The neighbor will be contacted and warned of his violation. If the violation continues, the lawn will be mowed and a bill will be sent to the violator.

• The mosquitoes seem really bad in my area, what can I do?
  

  Be sure to get rid of any standing water. If the problem persists contact Clarke Environmental Spraying at (800) 942-2555. Clarke is contracted by the Village for mosquito abatement in the DuPage County portion of the Village. If you live in Cook County, contact Cook County Mosquito Abatement at 847-537-2306.

  The Northwest Mosquito Abatement District, a separate taxing district, provides mosquito abatement services to northwest Cook County, including portions of Bartlett. To report standing water to the Northwest Mosquito Abatement District visit http://www.nwmadil.com/water%20source%20rpt.htm. This is a quick and easy link for Bartlett residents in Cook County who get their mosquito abatement from this district. 

  In DuPage County, the Village of Bartlett contracts with Clarke Mosquito to provide mosquito abatement services.Clarke Mosquito uses a four-part process to control the mosquito population.

  The first part of the program is aimed at identifying mosquito breeding sites. Drainage ditches, swamps, and areas of low or standing water are mapped. The objective of this step is to define, categorize, and measure the total number of larval development sits. Clarke uses this information to plan for and monitor the larval and adult mosquito population.

  The second part of the program involves surveillance and monitoring of the mosquito population. The distribution and density of mosquito species in relation to human populations are defined in order to control the threat of disease or nuisance. In many cases, brood prevention methods combined with the use of light traps measure mosquito population levels and prevent major infestations.

  The third part of the program involves the control of larvae. Clarke Mosquito Control treats breeding sites to prevent the development of adult mosquitoes. The larvicides used kill mosquito larva, thereby prevent their maturation into adult mosquitoes. The larvicides used by Clarke Mosquito Control degrade rapidly, leaving no accumulation in the soil, water, or air.

  The final step in Bartlett’s mosquito control program involves the control of adult mosquito populations. In cases where there are encephalitis alerts or when the nuisance factor becomes excessive, such as after a heavy rainfall that may cause new mosquito broods to hatch, Clarke Mosquito Control may use Ultra Low Volume cold aerosol misting to reduce the adult mosquito population. The need for this type of spraying is rare, because of the preventative steps taken by Clarke to control the mosquito population. The decision to spray is dependent upon the population of mosquitoes, as determined by light traps, and by resident complaints.As a result of this four-part program, there is no regular schedule for spraying.

  Clarke Mosquito Control maintains a call list to inform residents when spraying will occur. If you would like to be placed on this list, please call Clarke at 1-800-942-2555.

  For more information you can visit Clarke Mosquito control on the web at www.clarkemosquito.com or the Northwest Mosquito Abatement District at www.nwmadil.com.

• A street light is out on my street who should I call?
  

  If you notice a burned out street light please note its location and call the Bartlett Public Works Department at 837-0811 or use our online form to contact Public Works.

• Where can I register to vote?
  

  Village residents can register to vote at the Main Office located in the Village Hall. To register residents must be 18 years or older and have lived in their precinct for at least 30 days. Applicants must provide two forms of identification, one must show your current address and the other must be a government issued picture ID. Remember if you have moved (even within Bartlett) or changed your name, you must re-register to be eligible to vote.

  Voter registration forms are available online and can be mailed in.
  Cook County Residents
  Dupage County Residents

• How will I know there is a weather emergency?
  

  The Village of Bartlett is equipped with several warning signals to notify you in the event of an emergency. They are tested at 10:00a.m. on the first Tuesday of the month. Other than testing, the sirens will only be used if a tornado warning is issued. If you hear the siren, take cover immediately and turn on a radio or television for further information.

• It seems the weather siren goes off at least once a month, what is going on?
  

  The weather sirens are tested on the first Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. If you hear the siren at any other time, take it seriously, it means a tornado has been detected in the area. Go to the basement, or a lower level closet, bathroom, or interior hall. Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. If no shelter is available, go to the nearest ditch, ravine, or culvert. Lie flat and shield your head with your hands.

• What should I do if a Severe Tornado or Thunderstorm Watch is issued?
  

  A WATCH is designated when weather conditions suggest that a severe storm may develop. Watch carefully for danger signs and be ready to seek shelter quickly. Listen to a radio or television for the latest National Weather Service Bulletin.

• What is the difference Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning?
  

  A watch indicates that weather conditions are right for a tornado to develop. A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado has been detected in the area. The sirens will be sounded and you should find shelter immediately.

• What can you tell me about flooding in Bartlett?
  

  The Village of Bartlett has four drainage areas. The area west of Route 59 and north of Stearns Road drains toward a tributary of Brewster Creek. The central part of Bartlett and south of the Metra tracks drains toward the southwest, through Beaver Pond to Brewster Creek. The eastern portion drains south via Country Creek. Southeast and southern Bartlett drain toward the West Branch of the DuPage River. Country Creek is a tributary to the West Branch. If an extremely heavy storm event occurs, water from these creeks may flood adjacent property.

  During the Village’s growth from the 1970s to the present, development included the construction of storm water storage facilities, consisting of wet (retention) or dry (detention) storm water storage areas. Retention areas include the ponds and small lakes throughout the Village. Many detention areas also provide open space for recreation. All of these areas will store storm water runoff during a storm event and release it at a slow rate so as not to “overload” or flood areas downstream.

  Storm water storage facilities are designed to store runoff generated by a 100-year storm event. (Currently, a 100-year storm event is defined as 7.58 inches of rain in a 24-hour period.) Keep in mind that a 100-year storm doesn’t mean this storm occurs only once in 100 years, but that the likelihood of a storm of this magnitude occurring is 1% in any given year. It is possible to have 100-year storms two years in a row or even a month apart.

  Village Flood Services:
  The first thing you should do is check your flood hazard risk. Flood maps and flood protection references are available at Bartlett Public Library. You can also visit the Building Department at Village Hall to see if your property is in a mapped flood plain.

  Portions of some residential properties in Bartlett do fall within the limits of the flood plain. The Building Department can give you more information, such as past flood problems in the area. It also has a handout on selecting an architect, engineer or contractor who can provide technical information to correct problems.

  If you believe you may have a flooding problem, please contact Public Works, 630-837-0811 or the Building Department, 630-837-0800. A Public Works engineer or Building Department staff will visit your property free of charge to check any flooding problem and suggest ways to minimize flooding or reduce flood damage.

  Overhead Sewer Program
  If you have had a sewer backup problem, the Village has an overhead sewer program available. Overhead sewer service may reduce sewer backup problems.

  For homes without overhead sewers that have had sewer backups in the basement during heavy rains, a plug or standpipe can stop this if the water doesn’t get higher than one or two feet deep. These can be purchased at a hardware store for approximately $25 or less. For deeper sewer backup flooding, talk to a plumber about overhead sewers or a check valve.

  The Village continues to work with homeowners to provide overhead sewers or check valves. These measures are called floodproofing or retrofitting. More information is available from the Public Works Department.

  Important Note: Any alteration to your building and regrading or filling your property requires a permit from the Building Department.

  What You Can Do to minimize flooding:
  Several of the Village’s efforts rely on your cooperation. Here is how you can help:
  --Do not dump or throw anything into ditches or streams. Dumping in a ditch or drainage way is a violation of Bartlett Ordinance #99-98. Even grass clippings and branches can plug channels and prevent proper drainage. Every piece of trash contributes to flooding.
  --If your property is next to a ditch or stream, please help keep the banks clear of brush and debris. Public Works can remove major blockages, such as downed trees.
  --If you see dumping or debris in the ditches or streams, contact Public Works at 630-837-0811.
  --Always check with the Building Department before you build on, alter, regrade or fill on your property. A permit may be needed to ensure that projects do not cause problems on other properties.
  --If you see building or filling without a permit posted, contact the Building Department, 630-837-0800.
  --Check out the following tips on floodproofing, insurance and safety.

  Proper maintenance of the grading of your yard can minimize minor drainage problems and prevent more serious flooding conditions. Homeowners are responsible for maintaining the grading of their yard, including any features of the stormwater management system located within the yard.

  Following any rain event, stormwater may collect and form ponds in swales and low spots within yards. This can be a concern for many residents because it makes these areas of the yard unusable and brings concern about the grass. Typically, water can pond over grass for 72 hours before impacting the health of the grass.

  If you know a flood is coming, shut off the gas and electricity and move valuables upstairs. A detailed checklist prepared in advance helps ensure that you don’t forget anything.

  Village Flood insurance Rating
  The Village of Bartlett has continued to improve its classification in the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) and has earned deep discounts on flood insurance for Bartlett residents. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) the Village’s current CRS rating is 7. This means that Bartlett residents are eligible for a 15% premium discount for flood insurance policies and new federally guaranteed loans.

  The NFIP rating system was implemented in 1990 to recognize and encourage community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum standards. Under the rating program, the NFIP recognizes and adjusts flood insurance premium rates for communities that move to meet the three goals of the CRS: reducing flood losses; facilitating accurate insurance ratings; and promoting awareness of flood insurance.

  There are 10 CRS classes. Class 1 requires the most credit points and gives the largest premium reduction. Class 10 receives no premium reduction. Of the more than 1,000 communities that currently participate in the program, the vast majority have been rated as Class 9 and Class 8. A much smaller percentage fall within the Class 7 rating along with Bartlett, and only a rare few are Class 5 or higher.

  According to the FEMA report, Bartlett receives credits for its storm water management practices, its high regulatory standards, open space preservation, flood data maintenance, public education through the Bartletter newsletter and the ready availability of elevation certificates, flood maps and other flood-related information.

  Flood Insurance
  If you don’t have flood insurance, talk to your insurance agent. Homeowner policies do not typically cover flood damage. However, because Bartlett participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, you can purchase a separate flood policy. This insurance is backed by the federal government and available to everyone, even properties that have been flooded. There is a 30-day waiting period before it goes into effect.

  Some people purchase flood insurance as a requirement of their mortgage or home improvement loan. Usually these policies only cover the building’s structure and not the contents. During the kind of flooding that occurs in Bartlett, there is more damage to the furniture and contents than to the structure.

  If you have flood insurance coverage, check the amount and make sure you have contents coverage. Remember, even if the last flood missed you or you have floodproofed, the next one could be worse.

  Flood Safety

  Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you walk in standing water, use a pole or stick to ensure that the ground is still there.

  Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Never drive around road barriers.

  Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The number two flood killer is electrocution. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to the power company or the Village.

  Have your electricity turned off by the power company. Some appliances, such as television sets, keep electrical charges even after they are unplugged. Don’t use appliances or motors that have gotten wet unless they have been taken apart, cleaned and dried.

  Watch for animals, especially snakes. Small animals flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours. Use a pole or stick to poke, turn things over and scare away small animals.

  Look before you step.
  After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with slippery mud and debris, including broken bottles and nails.

  Be alert for gas leaks.
  Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Don’t smoke or use candles, lanterns or open flames unless you know the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated.

   

   

• How do I request public records under the Freedom of Information Act?
  

  Jim Plonczynski and Paula Schumacher are the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) officers for Village records.
  
  Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests must be in writing. Requests can be submitted to the Village of Bartlett by personal delivery, mail or fax.
  
  For your convenience, the Village has two forms available, one for general requests and one for Police Department requests. You can obtain a request form at the Village Hall Main Office, Police Department or Community Development Department or by using the links near the bottom of the Village's FOIA information page.