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1. Who is responsible for reseeding after parkway tree removal?

If a parkway tree requires removal, the City will remove the tree, grind the stump, back-fill with black dirt, lay seed and apply the first watering for the seed they lay. The City will not replace or lay seed/dirt over landscaping or "hardscaping" (bricks, stones, retaining walls, etc.) around the tree.

2. Where can I find information about getting my parkway tree removed/replaced?

Each spring the Public Works Department seeks approval from the City Council for the reinstatement of the Parkway Tree Replacement Program, through which homeowners and the City share the cost of replacing parkway trees. Upon Council approval, the updated available trees, guidelines, and eligibility information will be posted to the City website on the Parkway Tree Program page. All trees purchased through the program will be planted in the spring, to allow for the best chance of survival. For more information on the Parkway Tree Replacement and a list of available trees and pricing, click here.

3. Why was my parkway tree trimmed?

The United City of Yorkville's Public Works Department is responsible for the maintaining of trees in City parkways. Parkway tree trimming is conducted periodically to ensure limbs will not obstruct the safe passage of pedestrians and vehicles alike. Parkway trees are trimmed to a height of 13' on the side of the tree nearest the street and 8' on the side of the tree nearest the sidewalk. This maintenance is performed on a 5-7 year rotation of the entire town. Homeowners may request tree trimming/maintenance for a tree in their parkway here.

4. When is the next large brush pick-up?

Small brush in compliance with the Groot collection criteria may be placed out for collection weekly on your normal trash collection day between April 1 - November 30. Please contact Groot directly with any questions regarding this collection at 630-892-9294. 

The United City of Yorkville conducts 3 scheduled large brush pick-ups annually. These collection dates are scheduled for the Monday of the last full week of April, June and October, and are for brush and branches that are ineligible for collection through Groot. In order to be eligible for collection, large brush items placed out for pick-up must be placed parallel to the curb no later than 7:00 AM on the Monday of collection. Large brush items placed out for City collection are not to exceed 6" in diameter or 10' in length - no whole shrubs, bushes, or trees will be collected. Any large brush not within the size limits, not out by 7:00 AM on Monday morning, brush mixed with leaves or other debris, and/or not stacked properly will not be collected by Public Works. No return trips will be made for collection.

5. Why is leaf pick-up so early in the season?

In order for the Public Works Department to complete leaf pick-up throughout the entire city prior to snowfall, collection dates must begin in early November. The City allows one week for collection on the north side of the Fox River, one week for collection on the south side of the river, and has reserved the 3 days prior to Thanksgiving as a buffer for mechanical or weather-related delays. After this time, the likelihood for significant snowfall increases to a point where it is no longer practical for the City to employ trucks for leaf collection that need to be ready for plowing. Groot will continue to collect yard waste, including leaves in 33-gallon kraft bags, through the last the first full week of December.  For questions on Groot's collection, please contact them directly at 630-892-9294.

6. Who is responsible for water basin/retention pond maintenance?

All water basins/retention ponds aside from those in Greenbriar, Sunflower Estates, and Fox Hill subdivisions are maintained and controlled by the developer or by the Home Owner's Association (HOA), depending on the stage of development of the subdivision. All common space for Caledonia subdivision is now maintained by the HOA.

7. Does the City provide mosquito control?

While the City does not spray for mosquitoes, Public Works does treat water catch basins/retention ponds with long-lasting mosquito larvicide pucks. For all other water basin/retention pond maintenance questions please refer to "Who is responsible for water basin/retention pond maintenance?" above.

8. How do I find out if my street is on the Road to Better Roads list for repairs this year?

The most up-to-date information on the street repair/maintenance schedule can be found on the Public Works page dedicated to the Road to Better Roads Project. To view current information, click here.

9. How do I submit a claim to the City for damage to my vehicle as a result of hitting a pothole?

All claims must be submitted to the City Administration Department in writing, and must include the following:

• a brief description of what happened, including the date, time, damage incurred, and any documentation you have
• pictures of damage (if possible)
• copy/copies of all repair bills incurred as a result of the damage

Once all of the above information has been submitted in writing to the City Administration Department, all claims will be turned over to the City's insurance company for evaluation and determination of acceptance or denial of the claim. The City defers all decisions and judgement of claims acceptance or denial to the City's insurance company. The City does not make the decision to approve or deny any claims and holds no authority to overturn decisions rendered by the insurance company.

10. Does Yorkville have train horn quiet zones?

At this time there is no plan to establish train horn quiet zones within the City. The Federal Railroad Administration - Department of Transportation (FRA) enforces federal requirements regarding the use of train horns at public crossings. The FRA required pattern for blowing the horn is two (2) long, one (1) short, and one (1) long sounding horn, repeated as necessary until the locomotive clears the crossing. Establishing quiet zones not only creates a public safety risk but also is a burden to taxpayers to renovate crossings to meet the strict standards for quiet zones and maintain them.

For more information regarding FRA regulations and train horn quiet zone costs please download the FRA Guide to Quiet Zones PDF here.

11. Does Public Works rent meters to hook up to fire hydrants?

The City does not rent out meters, nor does the City allow for hookups to hydrants. Should you require City water for building/development projects without an existing metered account, you will need to hire, rent, or bring your own tanker to the Public Works building (610 Tower Ln) and collect water there.

12. What is the order in which streets will be plowed after snowfall?

The City has an approved snow plan. Outlined in the plan is the order in which snow operations including removal and street treatment such as salting are prioritized. This order is determined by traffic volume, starting with the most heavily traveled streets. Therefore, main arteries and roadways are first, secondary streets such as those in subdivisions are next, and afterwards cul-de-sacs, alleys, sidewalks, and parking lots are completed. In cases of heavy snowfall, when cul-de-sacs are plowed, cul-de-sacs will be plowed one-lane, one-pass until more heavily traveled streets have been cleared and remain clear.

13. Is there a time limit to reporting mailbox damage as a result of a plow truck striking my mailbox?

Yes, residents seeking reimbursement for damage to their mailbox as a result of a direct hit from a snow plow must report damage within three (3) days of the occurrence. Reports submitted within the three-day timeline will be inspected by a Public Works representative. If the determination is that the City is responsible, residents will be reimbursed up to $132.00 for materials to replace the mailbox. Reimbursement may be submitted to the City after the homeowner installs a new mailbox and it is inspected by a Public Works representative. If it is determined that the City is not responsible, it will be the homeowner's responsibility to replace the mailbox following City standards. To report mailbox damage click here.

Quite often damage is a result of the weight and force of snow coming off of a plow blade coupled with less than favorable condition of mailbox connections and posts. To avoid damage as a result of snow strike, remember to perform regular maintenance on your mailbox and post. Mailboxes and posts are subjected to the elements, and wear down with exposure. Coming into winter, always check to make sure that you have a sturdy post that is not showing any signs of wear at the connection to the box and where the post is set in the ground. If your post is older or showing signs of wear, consider replacing it before winter comes. Mailbox installation guidelines can be viewed here.

14. Mailbox reimbursement due to snow plow damage is set at $132.00, can I appeal for a higher reimbursement?

The $132.00 reimbursement amount was determined by City Council. Without Council action to increase the dollar amount, there is nothing staff can do for any adjustments.