Saturday, April 27, 2013

Annual Park District Bike Sale

The Crystal Lake Park District is hosting its Annual Used Bike Sale on Saturday, May 11! This is a good chance to sell your used bikes or buy some bargains for the whole family. Bikes are in high demand, so sellers are encouraged to gather their bikes and bring them over to the early check-in times listed below. 
To ensure we offer satisfactory bikes, we reserve the right to refuse any items that do not meet our specifications. In addition, the Park District is not responsible for lost or stolen equipment. All sales are final.
Location: Rotary Building at Veteran Acres, 431 N. Walkup, Crystal Lake
Fee for selling: 25% of sale
(Bikes must be priced for at least $5)
 Seller Check-in Times: 
Friday, May 10      5-7 PM
Saturday, May 11      9-10:30 AM
 Sale:
Saturday, May 11      10:30 AM-12:30 PM
 Reclaiming of unsold items: 
 Saturday, May 11      12:30-2 PM

Crystal Lake Library Closed On Mother's Day

The Crystal Lake Public Library will be closed on Sunday, May 12, 2013 for Mother’s Day.  The Library will re-open to the public at 9:00 am Monday, May 13, 2013.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Waste Disposal Options After Flooding

Residents will need to consider a variety of solid waste disposal options after last week’s flooding as not everything can be thrown to the curb for pickup. Disposal of items that typically cannot be picked up in a regular collection include hazardous household items such as fuel, cleaners and paint, electronics, large appliances, furniture, tires, landscape waste and even sandbags that many residents used to hold back flood water. McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) offers the following tips

As many communities have designated waste haulers, contact you waste hauler directly to confirm waste removal services and the cost of disposal. In some cases, special arrangements may need to be made with the waste hauler for large quantities and bulk items.

View the recently published “2013 McHenry County Green Guide” http://www.mchenry.edu/recycling/greenguide.pdf for a comprehensive list of disposal and recycling options.
Thousands of sandbags were distributed. McHenry Township will pick up those sandbags delivered to its residents. Sandbags that did not contact flood water can be reused. If sandbags made contact with flood water, do not reuse in children’s sandboxes or gardens. Flood water contaminated sandbags can be disposed of as regular trash to permitted landfill. More information at MCDH 815-334-4585. County Planning & Development recommends flood water sandbags not be emptied in wetlands or flood plain areas. Call for questions 815-334-4560.
Burning of construction debris, trash and garbage is prohibited. See restrictions in County ordinance http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/departments/health/pdfDocs/ENV/Solid%20Waste/burning%20flyer10-10.pdf. Also see restrictions that may be in place in your municipality.
Private homes whose well cap was submerged during the flood can have their well water tested for free from the Health Department. Once flood waters have receded, residents should flush the well, disinfect it, and then take a water sample. Sterile water testing bottles must be used and are available; for a complete list of pick up locations, visit the MCDH webpage
 www.mcdh.info
A residential electronics and recycling “extravaganza” is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, from 8am-1pm, at the McHenry County Government Center campus (West parking lot), 2200 N Seminary Avenue, Woodstock. A flyer detailing accepted items is posted www.mcdh.info.

More details on clean up and disinfection is available at http://www.idph.state.il.us/floodinfo/index.htm. . For more information about floodwater clean-up and recovery, call MCDH’s Environmental Health Division at 815-334-4585

Guidelines For Septic Systems Impacted During Flooding

The McHenry County Department of Health offers the following guidelines for residents whose septic systems were impacted during the recent flooding
.
Should I continue to use my septic system if it is underwater?
No. Septic systems that are underwater will not function properly and must not be used.
What alternatives are there if my septic system is underwater?
The best option is to find other housing until the flood waters recede and it has been confirmed that your septic system is functioning properly. See the McHenry County Housing Assistance Guide. Check with your insurance agent regarding your coverage or contact the American Red Cross at 877-597-0747 or 312-729-6278.
If other housing is not available, or when working at your property, it may be possible to use a portable (ie, camper toilet) or chemical toilet temporarily. It is important that the portable toilet be maintained to prevent nuisance conditions and must be emptied into a community sewer system. The use of a portable or chemical toilet is a temporary measure until flooding levels go down and you can return to living in your home again.
What do I do if I don’t know where all of the components of my septic system are located?
Historical permit records will show the type and location of your septic system. Call the McHenry County Department of Health for records after 2/1/03 or the McHenry County Department of Planning and Development. If not records are available, an Illinois licensed private sewage disposal system installation or pumping contractor may be able to assist you in locating the components of your system. See list of contractors.
Are there any other safety hazards I should be aware of with a septic system?
Yes. Septic systems typically consist of pre-treatment tanks followed by some type of seepage system. Under flooded conditions, lids to tanks may come loose, exposing an uncovered vault. Aeration units and lift stations contain pumps and electrical components. When flooding occurs, this could create an electrical hazard. Do not walk through flood waters or use extension cords in flooded areas to provide electricity to these types of units.
How do I protect my septic system from damage during the clean-up process?
Don’t drive your car over the septic system area. Try to avoid any work on or around the disposal field while the soil is still wet. These activities will ruin the soil conductivity.
What if my septic system isn’t working after the flood waters go down?
Contact an Illinois licensed private sewage disposal system installation contractor to evaluate the system and determine what repairs may be needed.
More information is available at the McHenry County Housing Assistance Guide http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/departments/planninganddevelopment/Documents/HousingBooklet.pdf.
Contact MCDH if you have additional questions or visit www.mcdh.info.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Solid Waste Options For Consideration Following Flooding

Residents will need to consider a variety of solid waste disposal options after last week’s flooding as not everything can be thrown to the curb for pickup. Disposal of items that typically cannot be picked up in a regular collection include hazardous household items such as fuel, cleaners and paint, electronics, large appliances, furniture, tires, landscape waste and even sandbags that many residents used to hold back flood water.  McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) offers the following tips:
As many communities have designated waste haulers, contact you waste hauler directly to confirm waste removal services and the cost of disposal. In some cases, special arrangements may need to be made with the waste hauler for large quantities and bulk items.
View the recently published “2013 McHenry County Green Guide” http://www.mchenry.edu/recycling/greenguide.pdf for a comprehensive list of disposal and recycling options.
Thousands of sandbags were distributed.  McHenry Township will pick up those sandbags delivered to its residents. Sandbags that did not contact flood water can be reused. If sandbags made contact with flood water, do not reuse in children’s sandboxes or gardens. Flood water contaminated sandbags can be disposed of as regular trash to permitted landfill. More information at MCDH 815-334-4585. County Planning & Development recommends flood water sandbags not be emptied in wetlands or flood plain areas. Call for questions 815-334-4560.
Burning of construction debris, trash and garbage is prohibited. See restrictions in County ordinance http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/departments/health/pdfDocs/ENV/Solid%20Waste/burning%20flyer10-10.pdf.  Also see restrictions that may be in place in your municipality.
Private homes whose well cap was submerged during the flood can have their well water tested for free from the Health Department. Once flood waters have receded, residents should flush the well, disinfect it, and then take a water sample. Sterile water testing bottles must be used and are available; for a complete list of pick up locations, visit the MCDH webpage www.mcdh.info.
A residential electronics and recycling “extravaganza” is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, from 8am-1pm, at the McHenry County Government Center campus (West parking lot), 2200 N Seminary Avenue, Woodstock. A flyer detailing accepted items is posted www.mcdh.info.
More details on clean up and disinfection is available at http://www.idph.state.il.us/floodinfo/index.htm. .  For more information about floodwater clean-up and recovery, call MCDH’s Environmental Health Division at 815-334-4585

Conservation District Seeks Citizen Advisory Committee Candidates

McHenry County Conservation District is accepting applications for three members for their Citizens Advisory Committee to serve three-year terms.

Applicants should have a background relevant to the environmental issues of the District and be able to attend quarterly and special call meetings. 
Committee members are appointed by the Conservation District Board of Trustees to monitor the interests of county residents; explore opportunities that will enrich and support the District’s mission; participate in the District’s Master Site Plan process; identify opportunities for new activities, services and programs to engender public support; and conduct background analysis and research on projects assigned by the Board of Trustees. 
Applications can be found on the District’s website MCCDistrict.org/Get Involved, and are due Thursday, May 16. Interested persons can forward applications, by May 16th, to MCCD@MCCDistrict.org or mail/drop off at Brookdale Administrative Offices, 18410 US Highway 14, Woodstock, IL 60098, M–F, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 

Distinguished MCC Alumni Awards

McHenry County College and the Friends of MCC Foundation are pleased to announce the recipients of the inaugural 2013 Distinguished Alumni Award. After a thorough review process, the following individuals were selected as this year’s recipients: Mary Beth Siddons of McHenry, president of ITW Food Equipment Group-Service (Ohio); Andrew Zinke of Woodstock, undersheriff of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office; Kimberly Keefe of Rockford, real estate broker, RE/MAX Plaza in McHenry; Steve Rankins of McHenry, senior vice president of corporate lending at First Midwest Bank in McHenry; and Matthew Lemke of Lakewood, owner of Summit Wealth Strategies in Crystal Lake.
MCC’s distinguished alumni are evidence of the community college serving as an educational stepping stone for students as they prepare themselves for successful careers.
These distinguished alumni are among a growing list of community college alumni throughout the U.S. who include renowned astronauts, doctors, business leaders, artists, government leaders, athletes and scientists. The McHenry County College Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes the accomplishments of MCC alumni who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in their chosen profession and have made a positive impact on their community. The inaugural alumni class will be honored at a reception and award ceremony, sponsored by Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, on Thursday, April 18 at McHenry County College.
“Our alumni are a significant part of our community, and they have given their time, talent and resources to help move the College forward,” said Dane Walkington, Development Coordinator for the Friends of MCC Foundation. “This ceremony will be an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and the role that the College has played in their success.”
The Distinguished Alumni Awards criteria includes that the candidate be a former MCC student, achieved success of an exceptional nature within his or her chosen field or profession, and has made a positive impact on his or her community through leadership and/or volunteering. For complete details and biographies of the award recipients, visit www.mchenry.edu/alumni.

True Friendship Depicted At Raue Center For The Arts "Steel Magnolias"

Williams Street Repertory is proud to announce rehearsals are underway for the final production of their second season: "Steel Magnolias" The show opens Friday, April 26 at 8pm on stage at Raue Center For The Arts in Historic Downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois. Additional show dates are: April 27, May 3, 4, 10 and 11 at 8:00 pm and May 11 at 3:00 pm.
Robert Harling wrote the heartfelt play that is based on the true story of his sister’s battle with diabetes. In its searing depiction of a group of gossipy southern ladies in a small-town beauty parlor, the play is alternately hilarious and touching — and, in the end, deeply revealing of what it truly means to be a friend when the chips are up or down.
WS Rep graciously welcomes Kimberly Berg Sanders on board as the show’s director. Sanders began as a dancer/performer with Judith Svalander and attended high school from Crystal Lake Central High School. She transitioned into directing while in college and upon graduating she became a member of the Chicago Center Theatre Ensemble for 5 years. Sanders, who went to school for education, has directed shows at both Prairie Ridge High School and New Trier High School, and now currently teaches English at Cary-Grove High School.
When asked to describe the show Sanders explained that Steel Magnolias, put simply, is about “needing a strong support group to lean into your fears.”
Bringing to life these iconic women are Amanda Flahive (Annelle), Hannah Dawe (Shelby), Kate Hein (Truvy), Kellee Stall (M’Lynn), Shannon Mayhall (Clairee), and Regina Belt (Ouiser).
Behind the scenes, the crew includes Richard Kuranda (Founding Artistic Director) and T. Paul Lowry (Producing Director) as well as Pat Henderson (Stage Manager), Rebecca Lowry (Set Designer), Dan Gallagher (Lighting Designer), Aaron Quick (Sound Designer), kClare Kemock (Costume Designer), Teri Jackson (Props Designer), Steven Spera (Light Board Op) and John Dwyer (Sound Board Op).
The theatre company also presented The Fantasticks, The Rocky Horror Show, It’s A Wonderful Life: A Radio Play, Company, and Short Stories and Tall Tales of the American Hero this season.
Over the past year Raue Center has attracted regional and national attention from media powerhouses like the Huffington Post, Playbill.com and BroadwayWorld.com.
Steve Cochran of WIND Fox Radio praised WS Rep calling its work, “Challenging, provocative and, oh yeah… Fun.”
Rick Kogan of WGN also had rave reviews of Raue Center and WS Rep saying, “You must, must see this amazing work at this beautiful theater. Outstanding.”
Steel Magnolias  tickets start at $29. Group pricing is available! Tickets can be purchased online at WWW.WSREP.ORG, WWW.RAUECENTER.ORG or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. This show is sponsored by Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, BMO Harris Bank and RFP Photography, Inc. The second week of shows is also sponsored by Countryside Flower Shop and Garden Center. Thank you to the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation and the MacArthur Fund for Arts & Culture at The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation.
About Williams Street Repertory
Williams Street Repertory (WS Rep) is a 501(c)3 non-profit production company in-house at Raue Center For The Arts.  WS Rep is a theatre company dedicated to sustaining an artistic process of innovative and emotionally charged work, telling diverse stories with an ever growing company of well-respected local, regional and national artists.  The inaugural season included The Rocky Horror Show, Santaland Diaries, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change and Run to the Capulets, Raise up the Montagues. For additional information, visit wsrep.org, facebook.com/wsrep and twitter.com/wsrep.

Green Drinks Group Will Gather on May 1st, 2013

The public is invited to Green Drinks McHenry County on Wednesday, May 1st from 5pm-7pm at Duke’s Alehouse & Kitchen, 110 N Main Street in Crystal Lake. Head upstairs at Duke’s for info and inspiration, business and pleasure. Come talk about “greening” the future with others. Must be 21 to purchase alcohol - non-alcoholic drinks are available, of course!
This month is a game show! Come play "Stump the Experts". Some of the county’s most knowledgeable recycling people will be on hand to answer your most obscure recycling questions. (Can I recycle regular light bulbs? What about unmarked plastic bags?) Bring your questions - they'll try to find answers!
And on May 1st, from 3pm to 5pm, Duke's will be donating 10% of your dinner tab to a local environmental group! Come to Green Drinks early and make your green dollars go even further.
There will be an information table set up, and you are welcome to bring information about your green products and services each month to share. Additional parking is available at the train station.
To be added to their email list, send a note to: GreenDrinksMC@gmail.com or “like” the group on FaceBook www.FaceBook.com/GreenDrinksMcHenryCounty

Explanation Of Transparency And Ethics In Local Government

Transparency and ethics in local government will be explained at a seminar sponsored by the McHenry County State’s Attorneys Office. The seminar, slated for May 2 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in McHenry County College Luecht Conference Center, Building B, Main Campus, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake
Topics featured are geared to Illinois Freedom of Information Act, Illinois Open Meetings Act and Illinois Public Officials Prohibited Activities Act.
The seminar is open to all newly elected officials, incumbents, and the general public and will include presentations by attorneys from the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office as well as the Illinois Attorney General Attorney’s Office on compliance with the various pertinent laws mentioned above.
Each public body faces different challenges and issues, transparency and a strong ethical foundation are essential to all governmental bodies. The State’s Attorney’s Office strives to ensure that the citizens of McHenry County find their local officials to be trustworthy and receptive to the needs of the community.
It also seems pertinent that the public understand their rights as well as the rights of the public bodies regarding transparency.

Words Of Wisdom

"If there be a principle that ought not to be questioned within the United States, it is, that every nation has a right to abolish an old government and establish a new one. This principle is not only recorded in every public archive, written in every American heart, and sealed with the blood of a host of American martyrs; but is the only lawful tenure by which the United States hold their existence as a nation."
--James Madison, Helevidius, No. 3, 1793

Government At Work

 THURSDAY, APRIL 25—
10:00 a.m. – McHenry County Coordinating Council –
Meeting in Room B and C of the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.
This group is comprised of representatives from 21 different organizations and government entities which would be involved in assisting in any disaster that would hit McHenry County.
Two presentations are scheduled for the meeting including Dave Roth of the Lutheran Child & Family Services of Illinois regarding Response and a presentation by Logan Drizd/IPEM –Program Manager, Emergency Preparedness & Response – Walgreen Co...

1:30 p.m. – McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals –
Meeting in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.
A zoning hearing is scheduled for a requested conditional use permit to allow horse racing events with food and merchandise vendors at the events on property located at 2740 Tomlin Road, Marengo. 

6:30 p.m. – McHenry County College Board, Final Meeting of the present board.
Meeting in the College Board Room, McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake.
The first of two meetings taking place is the meeting of the retiring Board. Dr. Tony Mikva, Vice President of Student and Academic Affairs will provide information regarding manufacturing programs and space needs for the Board’s consideration.
Other matters the retiring Board will handle include approval for the payment of bills, and all other necessary business in order to close the current board year.

McHenry County College Board – Organizational Meeting of New Board-
Immediately following the conclusion of the first meeting.

Four new members will be installed including Student Trustee Michele Lambert and three newly elected trustees including Chris Jenner, Molly Walsh, and Thomas Wilbeck who were recently elected to the board.
Other matters to be handled will be the election of Board officers, set meeting dates, appoint a treasurer, attorney and the board structure, as well as other necessary board representatives. One important matter is the setting meeting dates.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Solid Waste Disposal Options For Flood Debris

Residents will need to consider a variety of solid waste disposal options after last week’s flooding as not everything can be thrown to the curb for pickup. Disposal of items that typically cannot be picked up in a regular collection include hazardous household items such as fuel, cleaners and paint, electronics, large appliances, furniture, tires, landscape waste and even sandbags that many residents used to hold back flood water.  McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) offers the following tips:
As many communities have designated waste haulers, contact you waste hauler directly to confirm waste removal services and the cost of disposal. In some cases, special arrangements may need to be made with the waste hauler for large quantities and bulk items.
View the recently published “2013 McHenry County Green Guide” for a comprehensive list of disposal and recycling options.
Thousands of sandbags were distributed.  McHenry Township will pick up those sandbags delivered to its residents. Sandbags that did not contact flood water can be reused. If sandbags made contact with flood water, do not reuse in children’s sandboxes or gardens. Flood water contaminated sandbags can be disposed of as regular trash to permitted landfill. More information at MCDH 815-334-4585. County Planning & Development recommends flood water sandbags not be emptied in wetlands or flood plain areas. Call for questions 815-334-4560.
Burning of construction debris, trash and garbage is prohibited. See restrictions in County ordinance http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/departments/health/pdfDocs/ENV/Solid%20Waste/burning%20flyer10-10.pdf.
Also see restrictions that may be in place in your municipality.
Private homes whose well cap was submerged during the flood can have their well water tested for free from the Health Department. Once flood waters have receded, residents should flush the well, disinfect it, and then take a water sample. Sterile water testing bottles must be used and are available; for a complete list of pick up locations, visit the MCDH webpage www.mcdh.info.
A residential electronics and recycling “extravaganza” is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, from 8am-1pm, at the McHenry County Government Center campus (West parking lot), 2200 N Seminary Avenue, Woodstock. A flyer detailing accepted items is posted www.mcdh.info.
More details on clean up and disinfection is available at http://www.idph.state.il.us/floodinfo/index.htm. .
For more information about floodwater clean-up and recovery, call MCDH’s Environmental Health Division at 815-334-4585.

Words Of Wisdom

"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."
 --Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1795

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Sixteenth Blazier Run For The Arts Coming May 5

Raue Center’s Bob Blazier Run For The Arts 5K Run/Walk is in it’s sixteenth year, and this year the event will expand to include a Corporate Challenge! This 5K event honors Bob Blazier’s unparalleled community accomplishments and benefits Raue Center – a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois. The event takes place on May 5, 2013 at 8:00 am.
The Bob Blaizer Run For The Arts Corporate Challenge is designed to help companies foster healthy lifestyle choices and a commitment to wellness, all while participating in a fun and exciting competition. All fitness levels and abilities are welcome to participate in the challenge! 
In addition to being an excellent opportunity for exercise and camaraderie amongst your staff, the event is a great chance for networking and it gives your company an opportunity to expand its social awareness.
Interested? It’s easy. Get as many employees, business partners, friends and family together as possible to compete for fabulous prizes in 3 categories: Greatest Overall Number of Participants, Highest Percentage of Participants and Most Team Spirit. To even the playing field companies will be divided by employee size. To get started, or to learn more about the benefits of participating visit www.rauecenter.org for a registration form. 
If you are unable to participate in our corporate challenge please consider making a tax-deductible donation. To make a donation please contact Alexandra McMillin at amcmillin@rauecenter.org or 815.356.9010x21.
This event is sponsored by presented by EISENMANN and sponsored by Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, Centegra Health System, CL Graphics, Countryside Flower Shop and Garden Center, Crystal Lake Park District, Georgio’s Chicago Pizzeria and Pub, Home State Bank, Northwest Herald, Sage Products, Inc. and RFP Photography, Inc. If you are interested in becoming a Corporate Sponsor of Bob Blazier Run For The Arts please contact Melissa Thomfohrda at mthomfohrda@rauecenter.org or 815.356.9010x17.

Government At Work

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24-
8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Board Public Health and Human Services Committee –
Meeting in the Count Board Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.
The Committee is to interview five individuals seeking appointment to one seat on the McHenry County Mental Health Board.
1:30 p.m. – McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals hearing—
Hearing is being held in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.
A hearing is scheduled on Seegers property in Dunham Township for zoning change from Agricultural District to Light Industrial District.
7:00 p.m. – Valley Hi Operating Board—
Meeting in the Valley Hi Nursing Home, 2406 Hartland Road, Woodstock.
Ralph Sarbaugh is to provide a presentation to the Board regarding finances, followed by the FY 2013 Financial goals for the Nursing Home.
Old business to be considered includes an update on unionization, IDPH annual survey preparations; RUG's Based Reimbursement System Update and Illinois Managed Care Update.

Proposed State Legislation To Reduce Misuse Of Welfare System

Normal... House Republican Leader Tom Cross and House Republican lawmakers unveiled a package of legislation designed to reduce fraud and misuse of the state’s welfare system today. The lawmakers were in Normal Tuesday to announce their legislation with State Representative Dan Brady (R-Bloomington).
The welfare reform package focuses on reducing the fraudulent use of LINK cards (food stamps), the misuse of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (cash) benefits, and preventing criminals from receiving welfare benefits. The goal of the legislation is to save taxpayer dollars and preserve benefits for those most in need.
“The General Assembly needs to pass strong welfare reforms now to put a stop to the waste, fraud and abuse of the welfare system,” said Rep. Adam Brown (R-Champaign). “With 4.7 million Illinoisans on welfare, more than one-third of our citizens are receiving taxpayer-funded benefits. Welfare costs are skyrocketing while Illinois faces an ongoing fiscal crisis. We must work to reverse this trend.
House Bill 133 ensures that a person using a LINK card is the authorized user. The proposal would require all LINK cards to display a photo of the cardholder to ensure that the person presenting it at the checkout counter is the same person who is entitled to use it. The names of all secondary users will also be placed on the card. Secondary users will be required to show a valid photo I.D. before they can use the card.
“This program is so important to those in need that we must make sure people who are not entitled to benefits are not fraudulently obtaining them. Putting photographs on the LINK cards is one way we ensure that the intended benefits go to the intended recipients,” said Dan Brady (R-Bloomington)”
House Bill 2784 guarantees that cash assistance benefits are used for the basic needs that they are intended for. TANF benefits are intended to provide financial assistance to help pay for basic needs such as food, shelter, utilities, and other necessary expenses, however under current law a person is free to spend this cash without restrictions. The legislation would prevent TANF benefits from being used to purchase alcohol, lottery tickets, firearms, and other specified goods and services.
“The TANF program is designed to assist those families that simply need a little help,” said Rep. Pam Roth (R-Morris). “Unfortunately there are those that abuse this system and use the benefits to purchase non-essential items such as lottery tickets, alcohol, concert tickets, gambling games, and even movie rentals. House Bill 2784 will ensure that TANF benefits are being used for their intended purpose, for families that need a helping hand.”
House Bill 3174 and House Bill 2490 would prevent criminals from receiving aid. These bills would suspend public aid and benefits to inmates at State correctional facilities and recipients with outstanding warrants.
“The reason we are all here is to make sure that those who deserve these vital services, receive these vital services,” said Rep. Barb Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake). “We are in the middle of a financial crisis here in Illinois. We cannot ask our public servants, teachers, and taxpayers to carry the load of Illinois’ debt while criminals are receiving state benefits.”
“These are common sense proposals that need to be considered in Springfield during this spring session,” said House Republican Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego). “We need to make sure that our system is not being abused so that the people, who need these services most, have access.”

Words Of Wisdom

"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."

 --Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1795

Government At Work

TUESDAY, APRIL 23—
7:00 a.m. McHenry County Mental Health Board Finance Committee--
Meeting in the Mental Health Board Main Floor Conference Room, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake.

The Board is to consider a review of the audit process and internal controls with the help of County Auditor Pam Palmer and assistant Jane Wacker.
Also review of key steps of CFY 14 Budget development process as well as fee for service contract process and utilization
.
The board is also to consider screening assessment and support services cost benefit analysis draft; status of family service and community mental health center receivables; and regarding the board meeting fiscal reporting process, format and reports.

Status of Family Service and Community Mental Health Center Receivables.
Financial reports for the period ending March 31, 2013 as well as legal bills are to be considered.

McHenry County Mental Health Board
Meeting at the same time in the same location, as the Finance Committee, the agenda calls for a discussion or comment on the Finance Committee agenda items.

9:30 a.m. – McHenry County Board Finance and Audit Committee—
Meeting in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Several interviews are scheduled for a Board of Review position to be filled for the Board term to expire May 31, 2015.

Also consider authorization for the re-Classification of an Assessment Specialist position in the Assessor’s Department from a part-time to a full-time position.

A number of resolutions are being presented for consideration including adopting an Ordinance of the McHenry County Conservation District as provided for in related legislation;

Resolution approving an engineering services agreement and appropriation funds for Construction Material Testing Services

Resolution authorizing acceptance of a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Trade Adjustment Assistance for McHenry County workforce Network
Two Resolutions authorizing acceptance of a modification to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Grants for the McHenry County workforce Network.
Discussion is also to be held regarding the presentation of the budget to the county board.

9:30 a.m. – McHenry County Zoning Hearing Officer-
Meeting in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Two matters are to be heard by the Board including:
A request on property in Algonquin Township for a variation to allow a setback of 26.98 feet instead of the required 40 feet from the right of way of Algonquin Road and to allow a setback of 2.80 feet instead of the required 30 feet along Rosemarie Street and further to allow a side yard setback of 6 feet instead of the required 10 feet from the East property line

The second request, also for Algonquin Township property is for a R1 to R1V for the Racana 
Trust. This variation is a request to allow an east side yard setback of one foot instead of the required ten feet setback; a front yard setback of ten fee instead of the required 18.4 foot modified front yard setback; the height for a detached garage to be 18 feet instead of the required fourteen feet; and the land coverage for accessory structures to be 18 feet instead of the required fourteen feet; and the land coverage for accessory structures to be six hundred fifteen square feet instead of the maximum five hundred seventy three square feet allowed.

3:00 p.m. – McHenry County Continuum of Care To End Homelessness—
Strategic Planning Committee—
Meeting in the Large Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.
This is the first meeting for this group which is to consider:

  • Identification of core priorities for McHenry County CoC as a whole
  • Identify funding priorities for ESG, CoC and DHS Funding
  • Overview of membership application and suggested revisions
  • Half-yearly overview of CoC bylaws and suggested revisions
  • Topical discussion of adding new members
6:00 – McHenry County Mental Health Board Search Committee—
Meeting in the Mental Health Board Main Conference Room, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake.
The Committee will hold a closed session teleconference discussion with the Meyers Group Search firm personnel to discuss identities and qualifications of potential executive director candidates.

There could be a motion to recommend candidates to the Mental Health Board for consideration to fill the vacant position of Executive Director.

7:00 p.m. – Lakewood Village Board –
Meeting in the Red Tail Golf Club, 7900 Red Tail Drive, Lakewood

The Board is to consider a request of approval for a Special Use Permit for Crystal Lake Ski Association to host Slalom Tournaments, Sunday, June 23 and Sunday August 4 from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The Board is to discuss and consider approving a preliminary Engineering Service Agreement 
 for Motor Fuel Tax Funds for Lakewood Road Lake Avenue STP Phase 1 Engineering in an Amount Not to Exceed $100,000.

The Board is also to consider approval of a four-year lease agreement with Burris Equipment for two tractors for RedTail Golf Club in an amount not to exceed $8,316.

A motion is being presented for Approval of a Four Year Lease Agreement with GPS Technologies, Inc. To Provide and Install 78 “to the green” GPS Tracking Systems to  RedTail Golf Club in an Amount Not to Exceed $31,902

Monday, April 22, 2013

Words Of Wisdom

"No free government was ever founded or ever preserved its liberty, without uniting the characters of the citizen and soldier in those destined for the defence of the state.... Such are a well regulated militia, composed of the freeholders, citizen and husbandman, who take up arms to preserve their property, as individuals, and their rights as freemen."
--Josiah Quincy, Jr., Thoughts on Standing Armies, 1774

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Government At Work

MONDAY, APRIL 22
8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Board Management Services Committee,
Meeting in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.
Four items are slated to be discussed, including,  
  • Cameras for the County Board Room
  • RFP for Mobil App 
  • Relocation of Veterans Affairs Commission Chiller Replacement/Repair for Government Center and Jail   

7:00 p.m.—McHenry County Board of Health, 
Meeting in the Department of Health Crystal Lake facility, 100 North Virginia Avenue.

6:00 p.m. -- A tour of the facility will precede the regular board meeting at 7:00 p.m.
The Board will be considering financial reports as well as renewal and new contracts for services to schools and municipalities.