Q: Why are the benches downtown all facing the wrong way? A: Urban planning is a tricky business! According to the experts a bench facing the street is a bus stop so wherever a bench could face green space instead of the road it was turned inward. Those facing the roadway are either an actual bus stop or are located where they are removed from the street by a parkway or green space. The intent is that the benches will provide a rest area for shoppers in the renovated downtown business district over the coming years and visitors can "sit and people watch" rather than look only at passing traffic. Q: Where do I go to register to vote? A: Please stop by City Hall and ask to see our City Clerk Judy Mackey. Q: Where do I pay my water bill? A: Payments made be made in person by cash, check or credit card by mail or visiting the Zion City Hall at 2828 Sheridan Road in Zion, IL 60099. Q: Do I need a City Sticker? A: Yes. City stickers are required and are issued every two years. The next series is scheduled for Spring 2003. Please contact (847) 746-4005 for details. Q: What will Onyx pick up? A: The City of Zion has a contract that requires Onyx to pick up any and all items placed out for trash. However, these items MUST BE IN AN APPROVED CONTAINER. For items too large for the container or for one driver to physically pick up you must call Onyx at (847) 623-3870 prior to pick up and notify them of the situation. White goods are picked up on Wednesdays and homeowners are allowed up to one cubic yard of “do-it-yourself' remodeling debris at no extra charge. It must be containerized or tied in bundles limited to four feet and 50 pounds. You must call the Building Department at (847) 746-4018 for any of the listed situations to avoid being ticketed by an inspector for the excess trash at your address. Q: Where do I get an approved container? A: 90-gallon wheeled carts/containers are available for lease at $1.31 per month or $50 for purchase by calling (847) 746-4005 during regular business hours. A smaller 65-gallon version is available under special circumstances for the same cost. The carts are delivered through Onyx normally 2 – 3 weeks after the order is placed. Q: Do I need a permit? A: If it requires a hammer or a shovel you probably need a permit. This is a general rule of thumb to consider and a simple call to our office at (847) 746-4018 can eliminate costly mistakes. Many permits are available at little or no cost and are required in an effort to ensure your safety and that of your neighbors. For any project requiring digging, please contact J.U.L.I.E. for free utility locations at 800-892-0123. Q: How do I find out if a property is in Zion or zoned for my business? A: The department is responsible for processing applications for annexation and re-zoning through the Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals. Please contact Director John Jones for information related to your particular property (847) 746-4018 Q: How can I get involved? A: The City of Zion Web site contains detailed information about all the various committees and volunteer opportunities in town. This information is on the “Volunteers” page. Q: Does the City of Zion charge for rescue calls? A: The city does bill Medicare and Medicaid as well as private insurance providers to be able to afford the high costs of responding to an emergency call. No individuals are billed for this service. Q: Are there any grants for businesses in Zion? A: The city is sponsoring the Façade Grant Program to assist owners or tenants of Zion storefronts in updating their appearance and addressing any code violations. For more information on this program and eligibility please contact Delaine Rogers at (847) 746-4015.