Saturday, November 5, 2011

McHenry County Pertussis Outbreak Grows To 38 Cases

Another school, St. John Lutheran, Algonquin, has been added to the growing list of schools reporting pertussis cases.  Several schools on that list have reported an increase in the number of students affected with the contagious illness (as follows) –

CARY (31)
Cary-Grove High School (25),
Cary Junior High School (2),
Deer Path Elementary (3),
Briargate Elementary. (1)

CRYSTAL LAKE (5) 
Bernotas Middle School (1),
Lundahl Middle School (4)

ALGONQUIN (1)      
St John’s Lutheran Church and School (1)

LAKE IN THE HILLS (1)
Martin Elementary (1)

TWO VACCINATION CLINICS HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED
Saturday,  November 5 (9am-1pm)  
Algonquin Township Building,
3702 U.S. Hwy 14,
Crystal Lake

Wednesday, November 9 (3pm-7pm)
MCDH’s Crystal Lake office,
100 N Virginia Street
Crystal Lake

The cost is $50 per individual.  Medicaid is accepted for individuals aged 11-18.
A current card must be presented.

The vaccine cost is $15 for those aged 11-18 who are uninsured and underinsured, and uninsured adults aged 19 and older who meet income requirements.

Preventive Measures:
Frequent hand washing, respiratory hygiene (i.e., covering the mouth, coughing into tissues, disposing of tissues properly) and staying home when ill are important practices to limit the spread of infection.  Students who are receiving antibiotics need to remain at home for five (5) days to complete the course of treatment.  Returning to school earlier could allow pertussis to spread. MCDH reported 51 cases of pertussis in 2009 and 9 cases in 2010.

Pertussis is highly contagious and easily spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing.  Symptoms such as cough, runny nose, sneezing and low-grade fever can last several weeks and lead to complications like pneumonia, encephalitis or pulmonary hypertension. 

Pertussis is especially dangerous for infants who are not fully immunized (until 4-6 years old), those who are immune compromised, and older persons. If you or your child have symptoms or questions on whether the vaccine is needed, contact your physician. 

For more information on pertussis, visit www.mcdh.info or call MCDH’s hotline at 815-334-2800.

Time To Consider Time

 It’s time to fiddle with time again.

Yes, Daylight Saving Time—or daylight wasting-- as some call it—is ending at 2:00 a.m. local time Sunday. If one stays up until that time, you will be going to bed at 1:00 a.m.

That's right, Saturday night the clocks are turned back in most of the country.
Of course, most folks will do the job before hitting the sack Saturday night, even though the change doesn't become official until 2 a.m. Sunday local time.

There will be a few who will forget. You can recognize them because they'll be an hour early for church, golf or whatever.

Residents of Hawaii, most of Arizona and some U.S. territories don't have to change, since they do not observe daylight-saving time.

Daylight-saving time returns the second Sunday in March 2012.

Depending upon how the situation is viewed, it could be good or bad. In many years past we didn’t worry about what time it was and even as a teen we didn’t have to worry about a legal curfew, only dealing with irate parents if the time of arriving home was later than the time we were expected to be in the house.

There are some areas that do not recognize Daylight Saving Time such as most of Arizona, and some U.S. Territories, so they don’t have the same worries. Unless they are traveling to other parts where Daylight Saving Time is recognized.

There is a good side to this event. Public safety officials say this a good time to put a new battery in the smoke alarm, no matter where you live.

Of course, as expected farm animals do not recognize daylight saving time, so farmers who have to milk cows have other concerns.

Relax, it's finally time to reclaim that hour of sleep you lost last spring.

No Fast Track At Social Security

Despite the Social Security Administration's longstanding goal of reducing the number of pending disability cases, very recent SSA data show that these matters continue to head in the opposite direction,  reaching 771,318 by the end of September.

The increase -- up 9.3% from what it was a year ago -- marked the fifth straight quarter that the  number of these cases has increased. These disturbing trends regarding SSA's faltering efforts, noted by TRAC in two previous reports, thus appear to be continuing. (TRAC is Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University.)

In testimony to Congress on July 11, Commissioner Michael J. Astrue  re-emphasized that "[e]liminating our hearings backlog and preventing its recurrence remains our number one priority."

Since these new cases are only beginning to reach the decision stage, it is too early to determine their ultimate impact on decision times. But nationally, average processing times rose for the first time for cases disposed of during September. In addition, almost half (46 percent) of all hearing offices saw their average hearing times increase as compared with the previous month, and nearly one in four have had rising processing times for at least a year.

More details on pending SSA disability cases and processing times nationally and for each region and hearing office can be found in the TRAC report and accompanying free user app at:
http://trac.syr.edu/tracreports/ssa/266/

To keep up with TRAC, follow us on Twitter @tracreports or like us on Facebook:

Words of Wisdom


"These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman."

 --Thomas Paine

MCC's Children's Learning Center Has Openings

Openings for Fall 2012 preschool program currently exist for the following:
  • Three-year-old morning preschool program that takes place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday
  • Four-year-old preschool program takes place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
  • Five-year-old afternoon preschool program from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. 
Tuition is $190 per month for the five-year-old program; $114 per month for the three-year-old program. Register in person in the Children's Learning Center office, room C115, online at www.mchenry.edu/clc, or by phone by calling (815) 455-8555.

For more information or to set up a center tour, contact Taliashia Borders, director of the Children's Learning Center at (815) 455-8555 or by e-mail at tborders@mchenry.edu

Friday, November 4, 2011

Siamese Cat Wants To be A Chihuahua

The full details given at Raue Center For The Arts Saturday.
The friendly feline Skippyjon Jones takes the stage at 11:00 am on November 5 at Raue Center For The Arts. Skippyjon Jones is not your ordinary kitten. This Siamese cat wants to be a Chihuahua. His imagination takes over and he becomes El Skippito Friskito, the greatest canine sword fighter in Mexico! This show is ideal for children pre-kindergarten through second grade.

Based on the hit book series by Judy Schachner, the live show incorporates all the adventure and fun. Don’t miss your chance to see your favorite storybook character come to life. Tickets are $25, $22 and $19 and going quickly!  Be sure to get yours now by visiting www.rauecenter.org or the Box Office at 26 N. Williams Street or by calling 815.356.9212.  This show is sponsored by Centegra Health System, McHenry County Living, RFP Photography, Inc. and Yellowbook.

Other family-friendly shows you can look forward to in our 11th season include The Nutcracker Ballet on December 17 and 18, Freedom Bound (presented by Mad River Theatre Works) on February 3 as well as another story time favorite, Clifford The Big Red Dog—Live! on March 16.

About Raue Center For The Arts
Raue Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 11 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic, downtown Crystal Lake, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter and twitter.com/RaueCenter.

Graduation For Six From New First Offender Diversion Program

Louis A. Bianchi, McHenry County State’s Attorney, announces that the first group of six participants of the First Offender diversion program are scheduled to graduate this month.

The First Offender program was developed to preserve judicial resources by reducing the number of felony cases before the criminal courts while rehabilitating offenders with little or no criminal history.

Defendants charged with non-violent, non-drug related offenses may apply for the program and request to have an independent panel of citizens decide their punishment outside of court.

Conditions may include public service, drug and alcohol counseling, anger management counseling, completion of a GED or other educational program, restitution to a victim for damages, a fine and any other terms deemed appropriate by the panel.

Participants who successfully complete the conditions graduate from the program and have their charges dismissed.  Participants who who fail to complete the conditions, return to felony courtrooms and face felony convictions. 

Since the program’s inception on September 1, 2010, 75 applicants have been admitted to the program, $61,683 has been collected in restitution for victims and 2,655 hours of public service work has been assigned.  Only four participants have been terminated from the program due to non-compliance. Susan VanDiggelen, of the State’s Attorney’s Office serves as the Program Coordinator. 

Annual Health Department Anti-Tobacco Media Design Contest

The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) 8th annual Anti-Tobacco Media Design Contest for McHenry County high school and college students. Is underway.

Since 2004, the contest has sought to highlight local talent while educating the community of the ill health effects of smoking and secondhand smoke.  Students can work as individuals or as partners.  The theme this year is secondhand smoke, with a focus on “smoke-free parks”.  Contest rules and entry forms are available on the MCDH website (www.mcdh.info). 

Entries are judged on originality, peer appeal, and simple, colorful design.  Making the final selection are teens from McHenry County Reality Illinois Anti-Tobacco Advocacy groups, and MCDH’s Health Promotion staff. 

Three designs will be chosen.  Winning entries will have the student’s name, design and school name displayed on billboards and community posters throughout McHenry County.  Past winners have included students from the following schools – Woodstock High School, Johnsburg High School, Marengo Community High School, Crystal Lake Central High School, Cary Grove High School, McHenry County College and Crystal Lake South High School. 

Entry deadline is November 30th.  This project was made possible by funds received from the Illinois Department of Public Health.   For more information about the contest, call MCDH 815-334-4525.

Want A Green Household? Plan To Attend Green Living Expo Saturday

Discover how local green businesses and organizations can help you make your household more energy efficient, naturalize your landscape, find green gift ideas for your holiday shopping and make your lifestyle more earth-friendly at the free Green Living Expo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5 at McHenry County College (MCC). The college is located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake. 

The Green Living Expo takes place in the MCC Gym/Multi-Purpose Room and will feature more than 60 businesses and organizations sharing green products and services to the community. Families can watch demos from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on green products that promote healthy lifestyles, save money and help the environment.

Visitors can register for drawings for free green products and services that will be given away at 2:45 p.m. Winners need not be present to win.

“The free Green Living Expo is an opportunity to inform McHenry County residents, businesses and local agencies about the green businesses and organizations in their own backyard and to inform them about the positive impact these groups can have on their lives and their community,” said Pat Dieckhoff, sustainability specialist at MCC.

Running concurrently with the Green Living Expo is the 2011 Bioneers Conference in the college’s conference center and commons area in Building B. The conference features speakers on innovative add: eco-topics, including Bill Wilson, co-founder of Midwest Permaculture, who will present a talk on sustainable land use design. Eco-sessions will cover the smart grid, local food, water issues, earth ethics, and climate change. 

The Green Living Expo is free to the public. 

The Bioneers Conference is $30 for adults and $20 for students and the cost includes lunch. A $5 fee is added for registering at the door. To register with a credit card over the phone, call the MCC Registration Office at (815) 455-8588. A Bioneers registration form and program schedule, along with a list of sponsors can be found at www.mcbioneers.com

For more information, email conferencecenter@mchenry.edu or call or email Kristine Emrich at (815) 479-7570 or Pat Dieckhoff at (815) 479-7817.

McHenry County Has A Water Resources Action Plan

The McHenry County Board recently approved the McHenry County Water Resources Action Plan (WRAP). This plan was developed over a two and a half year time period using a consensus building approach with McHenry County municipalities, townships, and other interested stakeholders. 

The plan underwent an additional two years of review by the County Board’s Natural and Environmental Resources Committee.  The Plan is vitally important because the County is solely dependent on groundwater for all of its potable water needs, with no other options available. 

Studies suggest that areas in Northeastern Illinois and McHenry County may experience water supply shortages as early as 2030.  In an effort to plan for the future and guard against supply shortages, McHenry County engaged in a comprehensive effort to study its Groundwater.  In 2007, McHenry County hired a Water Resource Manager and initiated the development of a comprehensive water resources plan.  The Water Resources Action Plan is predicated on the importance of cooperative planning and the significance of building a strong base of scientific knowledge.

While developing the WRAP, McHenry County engaged in four scientific projects by partnering with state and federal agencies. McHenry County has invested nearly $2 million dollars of county, state and federal funds to complete these projects.

Projects include:
  • 3-D Hydrogeological Modeling (ISGS)
  • Groundwater Flow Modeling (ISWS),
  • Installation of and real-timing of 41 Observation Wells,
  • 2 Stream Gauges
  • Precipitation Gauges (USACE, USGS, and ISGS)
  • Water Quality Sampling (USGS).   
In March, the United States Geological Survey launched the McHenry County Hydrologic Information Website to track the real-time information: 
http://il.water.usgs.gov/data/McHenry/index.php

The data are collected and transmitted on an hourly basis to record the short and long-term hydrological condition of the County.  The data gathered from this project will be used to develop and refine a groundwater-flow model to assist with future groundwater management decisions

View the entire plan here
For more information on the McHenry County WRAP, please contact Water Resources Manager Cassandra McKinney at 815-334-4213 or clmckinney@co.mchenry.il.us.

Congressman Manzullo Co-authors Assistive Legisation For U.S. Commercial Satellite Manufacturing

U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo (R-IL) has joined Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA) and seven other colleagues in introducing bipartisan legislation that would lift excessive export controls from the U.S. manufacturers of commercial satellites and components so they can sell more of their products overseas and create more American jobs.

The Safeguarding United States Satellite Leadership and Security Act of 2011 (H.R. 3288) would restore the President’s ability to determine what export restrictions should apply to commercial satellites and related components.  It would also prohibit any such exports to China, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Sudan, or Cuba. The legislation is part of Manzullo's American Jobs Agenda.

In 1999, in the wake of revelations that two American companies provided unlicensed technical assistance to China’s space launch program, Congress mandated that all U.S. satellites and components be licensed as weapons under the United States Munitions List (USML) by the Department of State, severely hampering exports of American-made commercial satellites even to our closest allies.

This action was intended to safeguard U.S. satellite technology from reaching China and deny them the ability to launch foreign commercial satellites; in 1999, all foreign commercial satellites had U.S. components, which allowed the U.S. to forbid their launch by Chinese rockets.

Unitended Consequences
Now, however, this Congressional action is causing unintended consequences that completely undermine this goal.  U.S. satellite and satellite-component manufacturers are currently in danger of having their products “designed-out” of foreign satellite systems.

This harms U.S. international competitiveness because current U.S. satellite export control policy provides a perverse incentive to encourage the launch of “U.S.-free” satellites outside of the U.S. to avoid the hassle of dealing with the USML. There are several other nations that manufacture commercial satellites and they all do not have similar export restraints.  

“Before 1999, the U.S. share of global satellite manufacturing was 75 percent. But over the past 10 years, it has averaged 44 percent because of Congress’ overreaction in shifting commercial satellite export licensing decisions to the highly restrictive munitions list.  That action provided a competitive advantage to foreign satellite makers at the expense of American manufacturers and American workers,” said Manzullo, who Chairs the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific.

“This legislation provides a balance that will bolster both our national and economic security and give our satellite manufacturers an opportunity to sell again on a level playing field.”

Manzullo voted against the 1999 law that moved commercial satellites to the restrictive Munitions List and he has been a leader in Congress in the effort to modernize U.S. export controls to improve national security while allowing American manufacturers to sell more of their products overseas and create jobs.

Manzullo formed the Export Controls Working Group in 2007 and was instrumental in convincing the Bush Administration to clarify federal requirements for exporting civil aircraft parts and components (Section 17c of the Export Administration Act), an action that increased U.S. aerospace exports by billions of dollars annually.

For his work, Manzullo was awarded the coveted Wings of Liberty Award from the Aerospace Industries Association.  Following Manzullo’s initiative on 17c, the Obama Administration is expected later this week to publish in the Federal Register the proposed rule for controlling aircraft items (“Category 8”) on the “dual use” Commerce Control List (CCL) that no longer warrant control on the Munitions List.

Drivers Ed Course Geared For Those Over 50

AARP Driver Safety Program Class
Sponsored by and to take place at
GRAFTON TOWNSHIP
10109 Vine Street, Huntley
Monday, November 21st, and Tuesday, November 22
From 9:00 am to 1:00 pm each day

You will receive a certificate of completion that, under Illinois law, entitles a 55+ years driver to a reduction in auto insurance premiums for three years (please check with your insurance company for the exact discount and the correct procedure to obtain it).

This comprehensive course is designed especially for drivers 50 and above, but all drivers are welcome to participate. Participants learn how to operate their vehicles more safely in today’s increasingly challenging driving environment and receive a thorough review of the “rules of the road,” with an emphasis on safety strategies of defensive driving. You will also find out how to safely adjust your driving to compensate for age-related changes in vision, hearing and reaction time.

It is a two-day course; participants must attend both classes. Available in a classroom setting, the course is open to AARP members and non-members of all ages, and there are no tests.

All participants must pre-register. To register for the class mail a check made out to AARP for $14 to Grafton Township Supervisor, Linda Moore,
PO Box 37,
Huntley, IL  60142
AARP members get a $2 discount
Veterans And Family Are Free In November

For more information, please contact Township Office at 847-669-3328. This program is coordinated by the Grafton Township Supervisor Linda Moore.  Snacks and drinks during the class are sponsored by Bickford Senior Living

Shredding Event On Saturday

Invite To McHenry County Residents

Bring documents that need to be destroyed to a free Shred Day being held at McHenry County College by the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County.

When:  Saturday, November 5
Time:    10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
                             Where:  McHenry County College Parking Lot D
        Located near the MCC greenhouse

The two-goal of the sponsors is to provide McHenry County citizens an opportunity to destroy documents in a safe and secure manner while also helping the environment by recycling the shredded paper.

Volunteers will be on hand to help transfer boxes from vehicles to the truck.  All documents will be transported in locked totes in a secured truck that is monitored by a GPS tracking system from McHenry County College to AMS Store and Shred’s secured facility with 24/7 surveillance cameras that carry a 90 day retention.  Once the documents arrive at the facility they will be destroyed and recycled.  All participants will receive a Certificate of Destruction on the Shred Day. Please note that this event will NOT be able to accommodate shredding for businesses.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 41-year-old 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.  For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393

Christmas Shopping Contest In Crystal Lake

Now that Halloween is over, it’s time to think about another upcoming holiday. This one is the last holiday in the year—Christmas.

The City of Crystal Lake is bringing back the Gift Certificate Program through an “I Shop Crystal Lake” contest for shoppers

Following prior successful holiday gift certificate programs, the City of Crystal Lake is bringing back a contest to award consumers for shopping Crystal Lake this holiday season.

This year’s I Shop Crystal Lake Holiday Gift Certificate Contest provides shoppers who submit receipts for $200 in purchases with an opportunity to win gift certificates valued at between $50 and $1,000.

By shopping at any one of a combination of Crystal Lake businesses between November 1 and December 31, shoppers can enter the contest by submitting a completed entry form and receipts for $200 in purchases during this time period. On January 3, 2012, the City will draw winners from the entries and award the winners with I Shop Crystal Lake gift certificates in the following amounts:

(1)  Grand Prize of $1,000
(10) Second Prizes totaling $100 each
(20) Third Prizes totaling $50 each.

I Shop Crystal Lake gift certificates can be redeemed at any Crystal Lake businesses.

In contrast to previous gift certificate programs, the City has made it easier to enter the contest this year. Any purchases at businesses in the Crystal Lake City limits are eligible – taxable or nontaxable. Additionally, the City has lowered the purchase threshold amount to $200. Previous programs required shoppers to spend $300 in taxable purchases to apply.

The holiday gift certificate contest will be the first of three bi-monthly gift certificate contests that the City will offer. The Holiday contest will run from November 1 through December 31 and a New Year contest will run from January through February. A Spring contest will take place from March through the end of April. Each bi-monthly contest will provide a total of $3,000 in prizes.

The entry form and information regarding the contest can be obtained at www.IShopCL.com or by visiting City Hall during regular businesses hours (8:00 am to 5:00p.m.) Monday through Friday. Telephone inquiries may also be directed to 815-356-3615

Social Security Backlog Problems

Despite the Social Security Administration's longstanding goal of reducing the number of pending disability cases, very recent SSA data show that these matters continue to head in the opposite direction, reaching 771,318 by the end of September.

 The increase -- up 9.3% from  what it was a year ago -- marked the fifth straight quarter that the number of these cases has increased. These disturbing trends regarding SSA's faltering efforts, noted by TRAC in two previous reports, thus appear to be continuing.

In testimony to Congress on July 11, Commissioner Michael J. Astrue reemphasized that "[e]liminating our hearings backlog and preventing its recurrence remains our number one priority."

Since these new cases are only beginning to reach the decision stage, it is too early to determine their ultimate impact on decision times. But nationally, average processing times rose for the first time for cases disposed of during September. In addition, almost half (46 percent) of all hearing offices saw their average hearing times increase as compared with the previous month, and nearly one in four have had rising processing times for at least a year.

More details on pending SSA disability cases and processing times nationally and for each region and hearing office can be found in the TRAC report and accompanying free user app at: http://trac.syr.edu/tracreports/ssa/266/

To keep up with TRAC, follow us on Twitter @tracreports or like us on Facebook:
http://facebook.com/tracreports

Crystal Lake Library Closed Friday Morning

The Crystal Lake Public Library will be closed on Friday, November 4 from 9:00 a.m. to noon for Staff Training. The Library will open to the public at 12:00 noon

Words of Wisdom

"An unlimited power to tax involves, necessarily, a power to destroy; because there is a limit beyond which no institution and no property can bear taxation."

--John Marshall

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Walk-in Flu Shot Clinic Open Next Tuesday

Before the holidays arrive, get a flu shot to protect yourself and your family.  McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) encourages an annual flu shot for everyone 6 months and older as the best protection against influenza. 

A walk-in flu clinic has been scheduled for mercury-free shots for adults and children 9 years and older on Tuesday, November 8 from 7:30am-9:30am at St. Barnabus Church, 8901 Cary-Algonquin Road, in Cary. 

 A limited amount of pneumonia vaccine ($60) is also available for those who have not received one previously.  Cash and checks accepted ($30 for flu vaccine); Medicaid and Medicare Part B accepted for both vaccines.

Flu is a serious and contagious illness – even healthy people can get it.  The vaccine protects not only you but those around you like pregnant women, young children and the elderly who are especially at risk for complications from the flu. 

Simple ways to protect yourself also include covering your cough, washing your hands and staying home when sick.  For more flu information, call 815-334-4510 or visit www.mcdh.info.


Words of Wisdom

"A universal peace ... is in the catalogue of events, which will never exist but in the imaginations of visionary philosophers, or in the breasts of benevolent enthusiasts."

 --James Madison

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Government At Work

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3
8:30 a.m. Planning & Development Committee of McHenry County Board –
Meeting in the County Board Office, Administrative Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

A couple interviews are slated for appointment to the McHenry County Housing Commission.

The committee is also t consider a resolution authorizing acceptance of a Technical Assistance Grant from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, a contract with Camiros, LTD for Developing a Neighborhood subarea Plan, and an emergency Appropriation to the FY 2011 Planning and Development Budget, not to exceed $80,000.

A resolution is being presented for approval by the committee authorizing approval of the McHenry County 2012 Annual Action Plan for HUD Programming. 

Words of Wisdom

"Our peculiar security is in the possession of a written Constitution. Let us not make it a blank paper by construction."
 --Thomas Jefferson, letter to Wilson Nicholas, 1803

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Wednesday Evening Government Meeting

7:30 p.m.—Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commission –
Meeting in the Crystal Lake City Hall, 100 Woodstock Street

A hearing on the Comprehensive Land use plan and map is being continued to the December 7 Commission meeting.

Petitioners coming before the Commission are:
Hare – 85 S. Oriole Trail—
Forrest and Helga Hare at 95 S. Oriole Trail are seeking a Special Use Permit for a detached accessory structure greater than 600 square feet. This is an n addition to an existing garage. The request is to allow the addition to be as close as 28 inches from the side property line instead of the required five foot side yard setback

The existing garage is a two-story structure and the addition would also be two stories. The addition is t be used for storage of equipment.

Iron Hand, LLC, 5831 Northwest Highway
This establishment plans to open their business classified as a “drinking Place” in the former Great Escape store located on Northwest Highway, east of Main Street. The property was granted a SUP to allow a lounge (Buzz Lounge) with dancing on Friday and Saturday nights within the suite. The Buzz Lounge has closed.

Although the property is located at 5831 Northwest Highway, access to the property is from Rosenthal Drive and Heritage Drive. Currently another tenant in the building is Halloween Express. They have occupied 22,000 square feet of space from around September to November for the past several years.

According to indications from the petitioner, there may be gaming equipment such as a pool table, golden tee, electronic darts etc. The petitioner also is planning to add a kitchen on site.

Sage YMCA, 701 Manor Road
This petition was continued from October 19 meeting and is for a final PUD Amendment for an electronic message center sign.
This property was recently purchased by the YMCA Metro Chicago and existing wall signage was amended through sign permits to illustrate new ownership and Sage sponsorship.

The request is to install a free-standing monument sign near Manor Road. The sign will be illuminated and contain an electronic message center.

Crystal Lake Bank and Trust, 5100 Northwest Highway
A request is being made for a Final PUD Amendment and Special Use Permit to allow an electronic message center sign.

The property is located at 5100 Northwest Highway, at the northwest corner of Route 14 and Pingree Road. It was the location of Amcore Bank.

Now Crystal Lake Bank is requesting to be able to replace the existing free-standing sign with an electronic message center.

Main Street Apartments – E. Main Street, N. Congress Parkway
The petition was continued from October 19 Commission meeting. The petitioner is requesting annexation of the property along with a Comprehensive Plan Amendment, rezoning to R-3-PUD.A conceptual review for a 71 unit apartment development is being proposed.

The original plan for the property which was presented in 2007 was for B-3, O, M-L and M zoning with a subdivision for five commercial lots.
This is the property where trees were recently removed in order to better market the property. With the review by the City, the highest quality species were saved.

County Transportation Committee Meeting

Wednesday, November 2
8:15 a.m.—
Transportation Committee of McHenry County Board—
Meeting in the McHenry County Division of Transportation, Main Conference Room, 16111 Nelson Road, Woodstock.

A couple presentations will start off the meeting. These are regarding Randall Road and Alden Road.

Several resolutions are being presented: One for approving a construction engineering services agreement for the Illinois Route 31 at Virginia Road and Klasen road project.

A second resolution is approving an intergovernmental agreement with the State of Illinois for the construction of the Illinois Route 31 at Virginia Road and Klasen Road project.

A resolution is also being presented setting the 2012 meeting dates for the Transportation Committee.

Whooping Cough Cases Increase In McHenry County

32 cases of pertussis (whooping cough) reported in McHenry County

In an attempt to curb the rising cases of pertussis (whooping cough), McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is partnering with Dominick’s Pharmacy to offer Tdap (Tetanus, Diptheria, and Pertussis) walk-in vaccination clinics at the following locations –

Saturday, November 5
 9:00 am-1:00 pm;
Algonquin Township Office,
3702 U.S. Highway 14,
Crystal Lake

Wednesday. November 9
3:00 pm-7:00 pm;
McHenry County Department of Health
100 N Virginia Street
 Crystal Lake

MCDH and Dominick’s pharmacy will be offering Adacel® (pharmaceutical name for Tdap), which is the vaccine recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for preventing whooping cough. 

 Those eligible include individuals 11 years or older not vaccinated with Tdap in the last 10 years. 
Children 18 years and younger must be accompanied by a parent and provide an up-to-date vaccination record. 

Vaccine quantity is limited.
The cost is $50; Medicaid is accepted with reduced fee for uninsured, underinsured and income eligible.

Thirty-two (32) cases of pertussis have been confirmed as of October 31, with 25 cases being reported from Cary-Grove High School. 

Other schools include Cary Junior High, Deer Path Elementary and Briargate Elementary, Crystal Lake’s Lundahl Middle School and Martin Elementary in Lake in the Hills.

MCDH is providing weekly updates to physicians, school officials and local hospitals.  MCDH reported 51 cases of pertussis in 2009; 9 cases in 2010.

HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF PERTUSSIS IN OUR COMMUNITIES BY GETTING VACCINATED. 
 Pertussis (whooping cough) is a highly contagious disease and is generally transmitted person to person while coughing or sneezing. Whooping cough can last for several weeks and eventually lead to complications like pneumonia, encephalitis or pulmonary hypertension.

 In case of infants, this disease may lead to brain damage which can eventually cause death. Some of the most common symptoms include cough, runny nose, vomiting and sneezing. These symptoms may start appearing after the incubation period which is typically 7-14 days.

Frequent hand washing, respiratory hygiene (ie, covering the mouth, coughing into tissues, disposing of tissues properly) and staying home when ill are important practices to limit the spread of infection. 

Students who are receiving antibiotics need to remain at home for five (5) days to complete the course of treatment.  Returning to school earlier could allow pertussis to spread. Contact your physician if you or your child has symptoms or questions on whether the vaccine is needed. For more information, call MCDH’s hotline (815-334-2800) or visit McHenry County Health Department 

Crystal Lake Council Matters ForTuesday Evening

7:30 p.m.—Crystal Lake City Council
Meeting in the Council Chambers, at the Crystal Lake City Hall, 100 W. Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake.

An annexation request for a proposal for what is known as Main Street Crossing Apartments is being referred to the November 2 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting for zoning consideration.

The petitioner is planning a 72 apartment unit complex on property east of Main Street at the end of Exchange Drive.

A proposed Ordinance is being presented to the Council for approval designating as surplus various pieces of equipment. The list identifies surplus vehicles and non-utilized pieces of equipment as compiled by the Administration, Public Works, IT, Police, and Fire Rescue Department.

The auction, to be administered by Obenauf Auction Service, Inc. is to be sold through a public on-line bidding process.

Festival of Lights Parade
Time to prepare for this annual event which is slated to take place Friday, November 25 beginning at 5:30p.m. until the end of the parade. The Council is being requested to approve the necessary traffic restrictions for the parade. The parade will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Parking restrictions will be required as follows:
Both sides of Caroline Street between Woodstock Street and Crystal Lake Avenue
Both sides of Paddock Street between Williams Street and Walkup Avenue
On the south side of Woodstock Street between Grant Street and Williams Street
On both sides of Williams Street between Woodstock Street and Crystal Lake Avenue
The first two parking spaces on the east side of Grant Street just north f Crystal Lake Avenue
These restrictions will begin at 5:30 p.m. and continue until the end of the parade.

The parade participants will line-up at City Hall and utilize the far east entrance/exit off of Woodstock Street into City Hall parking lot.

The parade route is as follows
Exit City Hall turning right on Woodstock Street
Turn left on Caroline Street
Turn left on Crystal Lake Avenue
Turn left on Grant Street
Turn right on Woodstock Street and
Turn right on Williams Street

The parade will end at the corner of Williams Street and Crystal Lake Avenue by the Downtown Christmas Tree.

Parade vehicles at the end of the parade will follow the return route by continuing straight on South Williams Street, turning right on Paddock Street and then right on Caroline Street back to City Hall.

The Downtown Crystal Lake organization is requesting no parking restrictions on both sides of Caroline Street between Woodstock Street and Crystal Lake Avenue.

Curran Martial Arts Academy
Planning to be located at 110 West Woodstock Street where training for general martial arts, Jui Jitsu, Muay Thai kickboxing, wrestling and a weight/work-out gym area can be located.

The building, formerly an industrial use building is now used by a number of different groups including Senior Services, office use, and manufacturing.

The site was to be the location of a 57-unit townhome development which has not been constructed and has received a continuance until 2013.

The Planning and Zoning Commission did recommend approval of the request for the martial arts use with a variation that applies only to this tenant. The parking lot is to be restriped within six months to ensure the striping is visible and customers have a clear understanding on where to park. Additionally, a fence is to be installed along the west property line to protect the apartments from lights and other late night activity.

New Retailer and Manufacturer Job Creation and Investment Programs
Just when the City Ordinance for the Retailer Façade and Commercial Tenant Improvement Program was working for the benefit of the City, the State of Illinois had to make changes.

The matching grant program has attracted new business to the City as well as offered incentives for existing businesses to upgrade.

Recent State legislation requires that any improvements funded by a public body are deemed “public work” and as such the recipient of any grant must pay prevailing (union) wage on the improvement project. That adds at least 15%, and as much as 40%, cost to the project. As a result the $10,000 grant is greatly reduced.

Applications for two businesses were withdrawn and one application by Chen’s King ok has been suspended due to the sizeable impact that paying prevailing wage would have on these projects. It seems that also means that many jobs are lost.

City staff has found a way to reimburse businesses for creating jobs instead of making improvements. Or the business can be reimbursed for furniture, fixtures and equipment. So the City has prepared new eligibility criteria to meet the City’s intent for implementing incentives for business expansion or relocation to Crystal Lake.

Proposed Text Amendment For Gasoline Signs
A text amendment to be presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission that would allow gas stations to have Electronic Message Centers (EMC) with certain requirements. The Planning Commission has been engaged in a number of requests for variations for these signs, generally for gas stations. If the Council adopts the proposed amendment being presented, there would be no need for a gas station to pursue a Special Use Permit for such a sign.

Upgrade of Traffic Signals at Route 31 and Three Oaks
An intergovernmental agreement between IDOT and the City is to result in the upgrade of the intersection traffic signals at this location. The improvement is to be completed in early2012.

Snow Removal – Downtown Crystal Lake
There are some problems regarding snow removal from sidewalks in downtown Crystal Lake. As a result the City is proposing an Ordinance requiring removal of snow and ice in the area or be fined. There are also remedies if the fines are not paid.

Electricity Supply
The City is offering information regarding the question of whether the City should have the authority under public Act 096-0176 to arrange for the supply of electricity for its residential and small commercial retail customers who have not opted out of the program.

This proposal is the result of legislation being signed by Governor Quinn in 2009. This new law allows city Councils to transfer their residents’ and small business owners’ electric accounts to alternative electric suppliers. Municipalities many times select to do this in hopes they may secure a lower electrical rate for their residents and small business owners.

Municipal aggregation is a strategic means of leveraging the buying power of many. It has been determined that 15 Northern Illinois Municipal Collaborative communities have already completed the entire aggregation process. They reportedly have locked in 20-25% lower electrical supply rates for their residents, with average savings of $175 per year per household.

A presentation on this was recently provided for the McHenry County Board. So far there has been no action taken by the governing body.

In order to find out more about this proposal, the Illinois Commerce Commission has added an Offer Comparison Matrix to its “Plug in Illinois” website at PluginIllinois.org This allows residential electric customers in the ComEd service territory to more easily compare their electric supply options.

A referendum would have to be held. In 2011 24 communities in the ComEd territory placed referendums on ballots with 21 of these approved including Oak Brook, Lincolnwood, Grayslake and Oak Park.

If Crystal Lake placed the matte on the ballot for the March 20 election, the question would substantially be: “Shall the City of Crystal Lake have the authority to arrange for the supply of electricity for its residential and small commercial retail customers who have not opted out of such program?”

If the referendum fails the City would not operate an aggregation program and, instead resident would be able to individually opt-in.