Lisle panel weighs options after Oakview residents press over high bills and service

The Village of Lisle Committee of the Whole on Sept. 15 took public testimony from Oakview residents and discussed sixteen alternatives to address high water bills and service issues tied to Illinois American Water.

Residents described long-running problems with water service and high bills and asked the board for action. "I've been a resident of Lisle since 1969," Laurel Myers said during public comment. "They have threatened to turn off my water if I do not let them come in." Ed Stanley, who said he first encountered the Oakview water issue in 1967, urged the board not to give up and said, "please do not give up on us. I thank you." Blake Trail told the board he had repeatedly contacted the village and said, "for his $200 salary, he could reach respond to the taxpayers," and added, "If you if you wanted a threat, I would say that the news is gonna be at the house tomorrow, so you guys better have some good answers." Several other homeowners described bills that have doubled over a decade and the cost of even minimal water use.

Village Manager Jeff Cook reviewed a draft analysis titled "Water and Sewer Systems Analysis of Alternatives," noting the document lists 16 options and remains a work in progress. "The overall objective of this effort was to engage in a fact finding effort and produce a communication that all parties can…