PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

 FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Automatic Water Metering

2. Buffalo Boxes

3. Emerald Ash Borer

4. Frozen Water Pipes

5. Hydrant Flushing

6. JULIE

7. Mailbox Installation

8. Mosquitoes

9. Mowing

10. Mulch

11. Parkway Tree Trimming

12. Sidewalk Repair

13. Snow & Ice Control

14. Street Maintenance

15. Streetlight Maintenance/Repair

16. Street Sweeping

Automatic Water Metering

§         What exactly is automatic meter reading (AMR)? 

Automatic meter reading gives the meter reader the ability to read meters without entering your home. The meter reader uses a van, equipped with a recorder, which receives a radio signal from the electronic transmitter attached to the water meter on the inside of your home 

§         What powers the reader?

A small nickel cadmium batter powers the very small radio transmitter on the inside of the black meter reading box.

§         Will the battery need to be replaced in the future?

Approximately 8-10 years after installation, the battery will need to be replaced. 

§        What are the benefits of having this type of system?

This system allows the Village to get accurate, actual inside meter readings with no inconvenience to the homeowner.  The AMR readers are much more accurate than the older, outside remote registers that were previously utilized.

§         Will the radio signal interfere with any of my appliances, such as computers, TVs, etc.?  

The AMR meter is only activated when interrogated by a meter reader outside the home.  The radio transmission is activated for only a fraction of a second per month.  The radio transmission should not interfere with any other devices.      

Back to Top

Buffalo Boxes

§         What is a Buffalo box? 

The Buffalo-type valve box (B-box) is the shut-off valve that allows the Public Works Department or a plumber to shut off water to your home under emergency circumstances.  It is usually located in the parkway area of your lot, (the area between the curb and sidewalk). 

§         Will Public Works raise/lower the Buffalo box in my parkway? 

Yes.  Under some circumstances the ground around the B-box may settle, causing the B-box to protrude above grade, which creates a trip or mowing hazard, or the B-box may become buried below grade.  The B-box should always be up to grade and accessible in case of emergency.  If your B-box is not accessible or protrudes too high above ground, please contact us so that the necessary repairs can be made. 

Back to Top

Emerald Ash Borer

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera:Buprestidae), which is native to Asia, is a bright green beetle, no larger than a penny. First discovered in Michigan in 2002, it has since been responsible for the death and decline of millions of ash trees in the Midwest.  If not controlled, it could potentially wipe out the ash tree species in North America.  

Emerald Ash Borer was discovered in Carol Stream in November, 2007.  To learn more about the Emerald Ash Borer, click on the following link: 

Frozen Water Pipes

§         How can I prevent my pipes from freezing?

At the start of the winter season, insulate those pipes that are most susceptible to freezing, such as those in outer walls, attics and crawl spaces.  Seal any leaks that allow cold outside air into a pipe gallery.  Disconnect garden hoses and shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets.  And make sure you know how to shut off your home's water service - in case of emergency.

When the weather turns frigid, if you have faucets located next to an outside wall, let hot and cold water trickle from those faucets.  Open cabinet doors to allow heat to warm pipes under the sink.  Make sure your thermostat is never set below 55 degrees.  

§         What can I do if my pipes freeze?

If you have low water pressure or no water at all to a particular faucet, the pipes in that area may be frozen.  Bring warm air to the area by opening cabinet doors to allow heat to warm pipes under sinks.  Seal any leaks that allow cold air into pipe gallery.     

If there is no water or low pressure throughout the house, check the area where the meter is located.  Make sure there are no cold drafts blowing on the pipes, and warm the temperature of the room to help thaw pipes.   

If pipes have burst, please call us [during working hours at (630) 871-6260--after hours call 911]. Then call a plumber and your insurance agent to inspect whatever damage has occurred.  Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch.  Be careful of potential for electric shock when working in or around standing water.

Back to Top

Hydrant Flushing

§         Why are fire hydrants flushed? 

Public Works crews flush hydrants in order to remove iron oxide and other naturally occurring minerals that have settled at the bottom of mains during periods of low water demand.  These minerals are the reason for occasional incidents of discolored water.  Our crews solve this problem by opening hydrants to allow water pressure to flush out oxides and sediment until the discoloration disappears.  Because the Village’s water system is close-looped, every household, business and industry may be impacted, regardless of the location of the flushing. 

§         When does flushing occur?  Will I be notified? 

Flushing is ordinarily conducted in the spring.  A notice is posted in the Carol Stream Correspondent to notify residents of flushing.  Crews also post hydrant-flushing signs in the service area where they are working to notify nearby residents.  The annual hydrant program is a standard water utility practice that ensures safe, clean and clear water throughout the year.

Back to Top

J.U.L.I.E.

Have you noticed an area in your yard where someone has placed colored flags or painted lines on your lawn?  Do you wonder what’s going on?  These marks identify underground utilities.  Each color identifies a different type of utility line and aids excavators so they do not damage those lines (see chart below).  The Public Works Department marks water lines, sewer lines and streetlight cable.

Residents who are digging in their yards for landscaping or construction purposes should always remember to call JULIE (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators) at (1-800-892-0123) before digging.  J.U.L.I.E. provides a free service to call for the locating and marking of underground utility facilities. 

So why are there marks in your yard?  Are you having cable installed?  A patio poured?  A fence built?  Your yard landscaped? Your contractor would call JULIE for any of these reasons  - and quite a few more.  If you still have questions about JULIE locate markings, call the Carol Stream Public Works Department at (630) 871-6260, and we’ll try to help. 

Back to Top

Mailbox Installation

§         Does the Village have regulations regarding placement of mailboxes? 

The Village's policy states that a properly installed mailbox is 42 inches above the ground with its face at least one foot behind the back of the curb.  (See mailbox installation diagram below).

Back to Top

Mosquitoes

§         Does the Village have a program to spray for mosquitoes? 

The Village has a contract with Clarke Mosquito Control to provide mosquito abatement services within the village.  This service includes regular spraying for adult mosquitoes and pond and catch basin spraying.  If you have further questions about mosquito control, call Clarke's Illinois Mosquito Hotline at 1-800-942-2555. 

For information on West Nile Virus, and what you can do to protect yourself, click on the link below:

If you find a dead crow or blue jay on your property, please call the DuPage County Health Department at (630) 682-7979 x 7046.  Because crows and blue jays appear to be more sensitive to West Nile Virus, the Health Department will collect them for testing.  

Back to Top

Mowing

§         What areas of the Village does Public Works mow? 

Public Works maintains many of the rights-of-ways and retention/detention ponds in Carol Stream.  However, there are also ponds and rights-of-way within the Village that are maintained by other local governmental bodies, such as DuPage County and the local school and park districts.  If you have concerns or questions about a particular area, please contact us. 

 §         How often does the Public Works Department mow these areas?

Every effort is made to maintain a once-a-month mowing schedule during the mowing season, but sometimes in periods of rainy weather, the ground in these areas becomes too soft to mow safely with our heavy equipment.  This may lengthen the time between mowing dates. 

Back to Top

Mulch

§         Does the Village have mulch available for residents? 

Yes, the Village offers free mulch to residents whenever it is available.  You may pick up as much as you need for your own use from the mulch pile, which is located near the water tower on Morton and Lies Road, next to Fire Station #3. 

Please be aware that this mulch is not of the garden center variety.  It is a byproduct of parkway tree maintenance.  Therefore, the mulch may contain sticks and twigs.  It is not of uniform size and has not been dyed.   

Back to Top

Parkway Tree Trimming Program

There are thousands of trees located in parkways, which belong to the Village.  The parkway is generally the area in front of your home between the curb and the sidewalk.  The Public Works Department maintains these trees, and they are trimmed periodically to allow for safe passage of vehicles and pedestrians.  We do not trim for aesthetic purposes (to make the tree appear more visually attractive).     

§         How often does the Public Works Department trim parkway trees?

Our plan calls for parkway trees to be trimmed once every six years.  If you are aware of a parkway tree or trees that require trimming or maintenance, please contact us. 

Back to Top

Sidewalk Repair

§         Will the Public Works Department repair the public sidewalk in front of my house?  

That depends upon the condition of the sidewalk.  The Public Works Department makes an effort to maintain public sidewalks in a manner that allows for safe travel by pedestrians.  Sidewalks that are severely spalled or have an offset of one inch or more are considered a trip hazard and will be repaired or replaced.  If you observe an area that might constitute a pedestrian hazard, please contact us. 

Back to Top

Snow & Ice Control

§         How soon after a snowfall do plowing and salting operations begin? 

Depending on the weather forecast, brine or salt operations may begin in advance of a snowstorm; otherwise they will begin shortly after a one-inch snow accumulation.  Once called out for service, snow removal staff begins plowing and salting according to established routes, which make optimum use of manpower, equipment, salt and sand supplies. 

§         Why does it take so long for the Public Works Department to plow my cul-de-sac?

Higher priority is given to local arterial and collector streets because they direct motorists to county and state roads, as well as federal interstates, and therefore, affect the greatest number of people.  After these priority roads become passable, crews begin to plow local streets, dead ends and cul-de-sacs. 

§         Does the Village impose a wintertime street parking ban?

Village ordinance prohibits parking of any vehicle on a Village street 12 hours after a snowfall of one inch or more to allow for curb-to-curb plowing.  Curb-to-curb plowing insures proper drainage of snowmelt and prevents ice patches from forming on the streets from snow-clogged storm drains.  A parking ban remains in effect until streets and curbs have been completed cleared of snow. 

§         Why can’t the Public Works Department’s snow removal staff prevent snow from discharging in front of my driveway during plowing operations?

The Public Works Department, like most suburban highway maintenance departments, uses angle plows to remove snow from streets.  The major advantage of an angle plow is that it enables snow removal staff to rapidly and efficiently respond to a snow callout request.  With a side-angle plow design, it is IMPOSSIBLE to prevent a windrow of snow from forming in front of a driveway entrance.  Though it is an acknowledged inconvenience, curbside discharge of snow is a necessary trade-off for initiating a rapid response for snow removal service for our residents.

§         Is it legal to shovel snow from a sidewalk or driveway entrance into the street? 

No.  Chapter 12, Article 3 of the Village Code prohibits any obstructions on a street or adjacent right-of-way that would interfere with efficient snow plowing operations, impede traffic flow or create a danger to motorists, or whose placement may result in injury to persons or property.  Snow placed illegally in the street may be compacted and may harden into ice patches, creating a safety hazard.  For the safety of the motoring public, the Village asks its residents to refrain from shoveling their snow onto the street. 

 §         Will the Village replace my mailbox if it is hit by a snowplow?

Only if the mailbox has been installed as per Village guidelines.  The Village will not replace an improperly installed mailbox.  For proper installation instructions, see Mailbox Installation.

§  Why do I sometimes see parallel rows of white, chalky lines on the pavement in the winter?          

These lines are the result of anti-icing procedures (also referred to as pre-salting or pre-wetting the streets).  This is a proactive approach to prevent the bond between snowfall and pavement; to expedite the plowing operations; and to minimize the use of salt.  In the past, salt was added after snow began to accumulate to break the bond between the snow and the pavement. 

Anti-icing is accomplished by spraying a liquid salt brine (salt dissolved in water) to the roadway prior to the commencement of a snowstorm or weather conditions that would present icing conditions.  Anti-icing provides snow removal crews sufficient time to mobilize to add additional deicers as necessary.  Demonstrations have shown that these procedures can actually reduce the overall utilization of road salt, which is not only a cost savings but an environmental advantage to reducing the amount of road salt runoff into the storm water system. 

§  Why is there a flag attached to the fire hydrant in front of my home?        

Flag markers are placed on fire hydrants in winter to assist the fire department in locating hydrants buried in the snow.  Tampering with or removing these markers will prolong the time it takes firefighters to locate a hydrant in an emergency.  Residents who have a fire hydrant on their property are asked to remove snow from around the hydrant.  

§         The snow plow truck damaged my garbage cans.  Will the Village reimburse me for this?

No.  On garbage collection days, residents are asked to keep their refuse and recycling containers on their private property.  Refuse or recycling containers placed in the street, which are then damaged by a plow or salt truck will not be replaced by the Village.

§         Does the Public Works Department plow all streets in the Village?

 The Village does not provide plowing or salting services on state or county roads that run through the Village.  If you have questions or complaints about services on state or county roads, please see the chart in Street Maintenance:

Back to Top

Street Maintenance

§         Which Streets in the Village does the Public Works Department maintain?

The Public Works Department maintains only Village-owned streets.  State or county roads that run through the Village are not maintained by the Public Works Department.  If you have questions or complaints about services on state or county roads, please contact the following:  

Back to Top

Streetlight Maintenance and Repair

The Village of Carol Stream maintains streetlights on all Village-owned streets.  If you are aware of a streetlight that requires maintenance or repair, please contact us.  

Back to Top

Street Sweeping Program

The Village of Carol Stream has over 100 miles of streets.  The Street Sweeping program provides for sweeping streets on an area-by-area basis from April through October, weather permitting.  We strive to sweep each street in the Village on a monthly basis. Please contact us if you notice a problem in a particular area. 

Back to Top

Village of Carol Stream
Copyright © 2005.  All rights reserved.
Revised: December 18, 2007