Words Of Wisdom

"Dependence begets subservience and venality, suffocates the germ of virtue, and prepares fit tools for the designs of ambition. 
 --Thomas Jefferson

Today Is The day --

Recycling Drive accepts fluorescent tubes, electronics, Styrofoam™, more!

Today is the day -- December 8th,-- the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will conduct a recycling collection for fluorescent tubes, Styrofoam™, electronics, and batteries from 9 a.m. until noon at the Farm Bureau parking lot, 1102 McConnell Road, in Woodstock. They continue to collect certain items which are not usually accepted by curbside programs, and which would be harmful to the environment if put in a landfill.

The Defenders’ Recycling Drive accepts household batteries, car batteries, lithium and button batteries. The Defenders also collect fluorescent tubes, clean Styrofoam™, VHS & Cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, packing peanuts and re-usable, unpopped bubble wrap. A donation is requested for fluorescent bulbs and batteries that are brought in to offset the costs involved in processing these items.

Electronics, such as computers, phones, printers, clean microwaves, and electronic toys, are accepted. TVs and computer monitors will be accepted for a donation of $10-$35.

If you’d like more information about what the Defenders do,  go to def@owc.net

Walkup Road Work

North Leg:
Landscape restoration will continue into next week.  Foundations were poured Friday  for the traffic signal equipment to be installed at the intersection of Mason Hill Road and Crystal Lake Road.

South Leg:
Pavement striping was delayed Friday due to wet weather conditions. Striping will be completed Saturday 12/08 or Monday 12/10 weather permitting. Landscape restoration is scheduled to occur next week.

Recycling Fluorescent Tubes, Electronics, Batteries And More

Today is the day -- December 8th,-- the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will conduct a recycling collection for fluorescent tubes, Styrofoam™, electronics, and batteries from 9 a.m. until noon at the Farm Bureau parking lot, 1102 McConnell Road, in Woodstock. They continue to collect certain items which are not usually accepted by curbside programs, and which would be harmful to the environment if put in a landfill.

The Defenders’ Recycling Drive accepts household batteries, car batteries, lithium and button batteries. The Defenders also collect fluorescent tubes, clean Styrofoam™, VHS & Cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, packing peanuts and re-usable, unpopped bubble wrap. A donation is requested for fluorescent bulbs and batteries that are brought in to offset the costs involved in processing these items.

Electronics, such as computers, phones, printers, clean microwaves, and electronic toys, are accepted. TVs and computer monitors will be accepted for a donation of $10-$35.

If you’d like more information about what the Defenders do,  go to http://www.mcdef.org/

A Bit Of History

On this day-- December 7, 1941--in an early-morning sneak attack, Japanese warplanes bomb the U.S. naval base at Oahu Island's Pearl Harbor—and the United States enters World War II.

President Roosevelt and Secretary of State Cordell Hull knew a Japanese attack was imminent. Having received intelligence reports of intercepted coded messages from Tokyo to the Japanese ambassador in the United States, the president anticipated Japanese reprisals for his government's refusal to reverse economic sanctions and embargoes against Japan. The Roosevelt administration had remained firm in its demand that the Japanese first withdraw from China and French Indochina, which it had invaded in 1937 and July 1941, respectively, and renounce its alliance with fascist Germany and Italy.

But Japan refused, demanding that the United States first end the embargo on oil shipments vital for Tokyo's war machine. Although negotiations between the two nations continued up to the very last minute, Roosevelt was aware of a secret November 25 deadline, established by Tokyo, that confirmed military action on the part of the Japanese should they not received satisfaction from the negotiations. While forewarned, Washington could not pinpoint the time or place of an attack.

Despite initially objecting to war with America, Admiral Isoruku Yamamoto believed that if Prime Minister Hideki Tojo was determined to go to war, it was Japan who had to make a preemptive strike. Yamamoto studied the devastating November 1940 British attack against the Italian fleet at Taranto, and planned and led the sneak attack against the United States.

 Approximately 360 Japanese warplanes were launched from six aircraft carriers, reinforced by battleships, cruisers, and destroyers. The first dive-bomber was spotted over Pearl Harbor at 7:55 a.m. Hawaii time. It was followed by 200 aircraft, which decimated the American ships anchored there, most of which were only lightly manned because it was Sunday morning.

Among the 18 U.S. ships destroyed, sunk, or capsized were the Arizona, Virginia, California, Nevada, and West Virginia. More than 180 planes were destroyed on the ground and another 150 were damaged (leaving but 43 operational).

American casualties totaled more than 3,400, with more than 2,400 killed (1,000 on the Arizona alone). The Japanese lost fewer than 100 men.

In the short term, the Japanese goal of crippling U.S. naval strength in the Pacific, and thereby giving Tokyo free reign to gobble up more of Southeast Asia and the South Pacific in its dream of imperial expansion, was successful. But the war had only just begun.

Government At Work

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7--

8:15 a.m. McHenry County Board Public Health and Human Services Committee—

Meeting is cancelled

9:00 a.m. Crystal Lake Public Library-

Facility is closed until noon today for staff training

Congressman Walsh Offers Information On Fiscal Cliff Saturday

Congressman Joe Walsh – R-8th Congressional District, sends an invitation to join him 3:30 p.m. Saturday, December 8 in the Wauconda American Legion, 515 South Main Street, Wauconda.
He will be discussing the fiscal cliff and other important issues facing the nation.
More information regarding the invitation is available by calling his office at 847-973-9341.

Words Of Wisdom

"The multiplication of public offices, increase of expense beyond income, growth and entailment of a public debt, are indications soliciting the employment of the pruning knife." --Thomas Jefferson (1821)

Holiday Music Time In Crystal Lake

A Raue Center holiday tradition! Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Pops Concert provides quality orchestral music through festive combinations of contemporary and classic holiday music! Celebrate with family and friends to a carol sing-along. Plus, be on the lookout for a visit from that jolly fellow from the North Pole.

The orchestra is a group of 75 rostered professional musicians and is under the leadership of Music Director and Conductor Kirk Muspratt.

The Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra provides quality orchestral music through festive combinations of contemporary and classic holiday music.

The Orchestra is bringing that talent to the Raue Center, Crystal Lake, on Friday, December 7 beginning at 8:00 p.m...

The orchestra is a group of 75 rostered professional musicians and is under the leadership of Music Director and Conductor Kirk Muspratt.

In addition to combinations of contemporary and classic holiday music, participants will be able to celebrate with family and friends in a carol sing-along.

Besides, the jolly fellow from the North Pole may pay a visit to the sing-along.

Tickets start at $43. The Raue Center is located at 26 North Williams Street, Crystal Lake. This is the downtown area of Crystal Lake.

Invitation From Congressman Joe Walsh

Congressman Joe Walsh – R-8th Congressional District -- sends an invitation to join him at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, December 8 in the Wauconda American Legion, 515 South Main Street, Wauconda He will be discussing the fiscal cliff and other important issues facing the nation.

More information regarding the invitation is available by calling his office at 847-973-9341.

South Leg Walkup Avenue -- Paving

Words Of Wisdom

"The public cannot be too curious concerning the characters of public men." –

Samuel Adams, letter to James Warren, 1775.

McHenry County Seeks Attorneys For Public Defender Appointments

The Twenty Second Judicial Circuit of McHenry County is accepting applications from attorneys wishing to be considered for appointment as Special Public Defenders.

Criminal defendants are afforded the right of attorney representation regardless of whether they can afford it. When a defendant cannot afford representation, the McHenry County Public Defender’s Office is appointed to represent the defendant. When there is a conflict between the defendant and the McHenry County Public Defender’s office, it is necessary for the Court to appoint a Special Public Defender.

The court has five (5) such positions available for appointment.  Attorneys who are special public defenders can be appointed to adult misdemeanor and felony cases as well as juvenile delinquency and child protection cases. 

Successful candidates will enter into an “at will” relationship and receive an annual compensation in the amount of $37,000.00, which will be paid in monthly installments.

To be considered, interested attorneys must submit a cover letter and resume by 5:00 p.m. on November 30, 2012, to:

Twenty Second Judicial Circuit

Court Administration

Attn: Dan Wallis, Trial Court Administrator

2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Room 355

Woodstock, Illinois 60098

A decision regarding the filling of these positions will be made by December 15th and the appointments will take effect on January 1, 2013.  If there are questions regarding qualifications, the application process, etc., please contact Dan Wallis at 815-334-4385.

Government At Work-

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6 –

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Board Planning and Development Committee –Meeting is cancelled.
10:00 a.m. – McHenry County Coordinating Council –
Meeting in Room C, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock
This is a first meeting of the group with plans being made for future meetings. The next meeting is scheduled for January 24, 2013.

4:00 pm. –McHenry County Housing Commission Legislative Committee.
Scheduled meeting is cancelled

MCC Scholarships Available

The Friends of McHenry County College Foundation is offering 13 different scholarships for current and incoming MCC students who will enroll for the Spring 2013 semester
.
The scholarships vary in amount and type of award and include those based on need, merit and/or program of study. Scholarship categories include culinary, education, general, healthcare, horticulture, special needs, first generation and women in college.
The application deadline is Tuesday, Dec. 11 at 5 p.m. Scholarship applications and a complete listing of all the scholarships are also available at www.mchenry.edu/scholarships.

Applicants must print the application and return or mail it to the Friends of McHenry County College Foundation Office, Room A209 at MCC, 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14, Crystal Lake, 60012. Forms may not be submitted online.
 
 For more information, please call (815) 455-8721, email at foundation@mchenry.edu or visit the Friends of MCC Foundation in room A209 week of classes that begin Jan. 14, 2013.

Words Of Wisdom

"The plain import of the clause is, that congress shall have all the incidental and instrumental powers, necessary and proper to carry into execution all the express powers. It neither enlarges any power specifically granted; nor is it a grant of any new power to congress. But it is merely a declaration for the removal of all uncertainty, that the means of carrying into execution those, otherwise granted, are included in the grant."
 --Joseph Story, Commentaries on the Constitution, 1833 

Government At Work - Wednesday

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5 --
8:15 a.m. – McHenry County Board Transportation Committee –

Meeting is cancelled

8:30 a.m. McHenry County Board –

Meeting in the County Board Room.
This is an orientation meeting for the County Board.

8:30 a.m. McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission
Meeting in the Planning and Development Department Conference Room

County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The Commission is to consider the following:

Status of the Rural Intensive Survey

Survey - Status of Rural Intensive Survey

Municipal Liaisons

Buildings & Facades

Education

Public Relations

Special Programs

Budget - Grants

Staff Report

MCCD Liaison Report

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

ACTION ITEMS

Meeting Dates for Next Year

Adjournment

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Housing Commission Education Committee –

Meeting in the Planning and Development Department Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Consideration is to be given to old business matters of Fair Housing Poster Contest and People In Need Forum.

New Business to be considered is Fair Housing Training for Sub-recipients

9:00 a.m. – McHenry County Board Staff Plat Committee –

Meeting in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The Committee is to consider the review of two subdivisions, Westhaven and Lynn Manor, both located in Coral Township.

6:00 p.m. – McHenry County Gravel Advisory Council –

Meeting in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Old business matters to be considered include:
Update on trucking and transportation issues in the County
Update regarding the County's process of revising and consolidating its zoning, subdivision and sign ordinances, as well as various other development regulations to create a new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) including Council members' proposed changes to topographic mapping requirements

Proposals for Mobile Workshop in McHenry County during 2013 APA Conference:
The sand and gravel industry-from mining operations to reclamation

6:30 p.m. --McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission –

Meeting in the McHenry County Planning and Development Department Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Matters to be considered include:

Survey - Status of Rural Intensive Survey
Municipal Liaisons
Buildings & Facades
Education
Public Relations
Special Programs
Budget – Grants
Staff Report
MCCD Liaison Report

7:00 p.m. –McHenry County Health Department Animal Control Advisory Committee –

Meeting in the Animal Control Crystal Lake facility, 100 North Virginia Street, Crystal Lake.

The Committee is to:

Review of State inspections laws – Rescues, Breeders, PetSmart
Seized animals – October, November, December
Attendance at ISVMA Conference
Offsite events – November, December

New Business

Planning Committee – 2013 Prairie States Animal Welfare Conference
New flooring – cat adoption rooms
Information and Communications
End of Month Report

7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commission –

Meeting in Crystal Lake City Hall, 100 West Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake

Crystal Point Center – The petition is continued to the January 2, 2013 Commission meeting.

Jaster’s - 414 w. Virginia – public hearing

This petition was continued from the November 19, 2012 Special PZC meeting.

Special Use Permit for a drinking place and a variation from the required number of parking spaces.

Stephani-Dodaro - 55 E. Crystal Lake Avenue.
A public hearing on a Special Use Permit for a residential use on the first floor in the “B-4” Downtown District.

TGI FRIDAYS – Archway East – 835 COG Circle

PUD Amendment for changes to the site, exterior elevations and signage

Nine properties on State Street, Crystal Lake Manor.

The properties have been annexed to the City of Crystal Lake. A public hearing is being held to rezone the properties from “E” Estate to “R-2” Single Family Residential.

Government At Work

TUESDAY, DECEMBER –4

7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake City Council –

Meeting in the Crystal Lake City Council Chambers, 100 West Woodstock Street.

The consent agenda provides two items to be considered, including

Resolution designating certain financial institutions as depositories of the City of Crystal Lake, and
Resolution to approve the City Investment Policy.

A number of zoning and planning matters are being presented for consideration, including:

•  Milestones Therapy, 394 Federal Drive – Preliminary/Final Planned Unit Development for a medical office.
• Menards, 4850 Cog Circle – Final Planned Unit Development Amendment for outdoor sales, storage and display for a propane fueling station.
• 93 E. Berkshire Drive, Unit G – Use Variation and Special Use Permit for a nightclub without alcoholic beverages within the “M-PUD” zoning district.
• 215 Union Street – Simplified Residential Variation to allow an addition to the residence to encroach into the required front setback and be as close as 10 feet from the front property line.
• County Zoning Request, 9310 W. Route 176 – Conditional Use for the storage and light repair of commercial vehicles, equipment and recreational vehicles and allowing for the operation of trucking and landscape businesses; and variation to allow material bins to be located in yards abutting a street with a setback of zero feet  Bid award and resolution authorizing execution of an agreement for ambulance replacement.
•  Bid awards and resolution authorizing execution of purchase agreements for the provision of Liquid Chlorine, Liquid Hydrofluosilicic Acid and Ortho Poly Phosphate Bid award and resolution authorizing execution of a purchase agreement for the provision of clear southern rock salt.
• Bid award and resolution authorizing execution of a service agreement for the Water & Wastewater Treatment Plant Facility Painting with a 10 percent contingency for justifiable additions
• Ordinance amending Chapter 226, Article I, Possession of Cannabis, of the City Code.
  

Sing-Along Of Handel's Messiah At MCC

The McHenry County College chorus will perform in the Sing-Along of Handel’s “Messiah” at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9 at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake.

The MCC chorus will join the Voices in Harmony, with both groups accompanied by a 25-piece orchestra, under the direction of Steve Szalaj, MCC choral director, and Lauren Stoeck, associate director. Assisting conductor will be Paige Lush, Ph.D., band director at MCC. Featured soloists are: Kirsten Leslie, soprano; A.J. Wester, mezzo-soprano; Chad Cygan, tenor; and Rick Ziebarth, bass-baritone

Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for students and seniors. Children under 12 are free with a paying adult. Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more by calling the box office at (815) 356-9212. “Messiah” scores will be available for purchase at the concert.

For more information on MCC’s chorus, contact Michael Hillstrom at (815) 479-7814

Nominating Petition Filing Deadline For April Election Extended

Governor Quinn signed Senate Bill 3338 / Public Act 97-1134 (Harmon, D. / Currie, B.) into law on December 2, 2012.

This legislation moves the deadline for filing nominating petitions for the April 9, 2013, Consolidated Election from December 24, 2012, until December 26, 2012 at 5:00pm.

The Crystal Lake Park District will be accepting petitions for Park Board beginning Monday, December 17, 2012 at 8:30am.  The last date to file is Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 5:00pm.    The Crystal Lake Park District offices will be closed on December 24, 2012 and December 25, 2012. 

The Lottery for Simultaneous Filing will still take place on Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 10:00am at the Administrative Offices of the Crystal Lake Park District.  The last day to file objections to nominating petitions is now Friday, January 4, 2013

Financial Reporting Award For McHenry County

McHenry County has earned awards from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for two of its financial reports.  The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the County’s Fiscal Year 2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.  This award has been received for 14 consecutive years.

In addition, the County’s Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) received the Award for Outstanding Achievement for Popular Annual Financial Reporting, representing the 4th consecutive year of receiving this award

McHenry County Auditor Pam Palmer and Financial Reporting Manager James Bernier are primarily responsible for preparation of both the CAFR and the PAFR.  “The receipt of these awards supports the goal of my office to provide the citizens of McHenry County with relevant and timely financial information that is transparent and readily accessible.  The PAFR is especially useful to citizens, as it is a summary of the detailed CAFR, presented in a format that is easy to read and understand,” said Ms. Palmer.

The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program. For the PAFR, a government unit must publish the report to conform to program standards of creativity, presentation, understandability and reader appeal. 

The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 17,500 government finance professionals with office in Chicago, Illinois and Washington, D.C.

Citizens can view both the CAFR and the PAFR on the County’s website at www.co.mchenry.il.us under “Financial Reports”.

Words Of Wisdom

"Speak seldom, but to important subjects, except such as particularly relate to your constituents, and, in the former case, make yourself perfectly master of the subject."
--George Washington

Eight New Members Join McHenry County Board Monday

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3 –

8:15 a.m. – McHenry County Board Law and Justice Committee—

Meeting is cancelled.
 
9:00 a.m – McHenry County Board—

Meeting in the County Board Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

This is the organization meeting of the newly formed County Board following the November election. Nine new members will be sworn in. These include:

District 1-Yvonne Barnes and Nick Chirikos. Ms. Barnes previously served on the Board.

District 2-Carolyn Schofield

District 3-Joseph Gottemoller, Mary McClellan and Michael Walkup

District 4-Robert Martens, Sr.

Distrcit 5-Michael Skala

District 6-Michele Aavang

A temporary Chairman will be elected and a selection of terms for all members will take place.

Once the Chairman and Vice Chairman are selected,

A County Board Chairman and Vice Chairman are to be elected as well as the selection of County Board terms

The election of a chairman of the Board and a vice Chairman as well as temporary committee appointments will take place.

Also temporary committee appointments will be handled.

Health, Fitness And Nutrition Businesses Sought

Park Place, a Crystal Lake Park District banquet facility will be hosting the 1st Annual Health, Fitness and Nutrition Expo on Sunday, January 6, 2013 from 11 am-3 pm.
Health, fitness and nutrition related businesses, organizations or individuals are welcome to purchase a vendor booth for $125. A vendor information packet and registration form may be downloaded online at www.crystallakeparks.org.   Completed application and fee is due by December 6.

Vendor benefits include:

All event advertising provided by the Crystal Lake Park District (park district brochure, newspaper advertising, banner advertising, radio advertising)
Exposure to a large audience of health, fitness and nutrition minded individuals (admission to the expo is free)
Inclusion of your business or organization in welcome bag distributed to expo attendees
Lead list after the event

For further information call Lauren Thibodeau at the Park Place, (815) 477-587

Words Of Wisdom

"Speak seldom, but to important subjects, except such as particularly relate to your constituents, and, in the former case, make yourself perfectly master of the subject."
--George Washington