Candidates To Share Views With Voters Monday Evening

Candidates for the McHenry County Sheriff and County Clerk will have the opportunity to share their views with the voters on Monday, October 25. This session is being held in McHenry County College Auditorium from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

For County Clerk

Mark L. Freund, Woodstock, Democrat

Katherine. Schultz (I), Woodstock, Republican

For County Sheriff

Mike Mahon, Lake In The Hills, Democrat

Gus Philpott, Woodstock, Green

Keith Nygren, Hebron, Republican

Splash Parks For Some Crystal Lake Parks

Splash parks offered a hot topic for discussion at Thursday evening's Crystal Lake Park Board meeting. Parks are being reviewed for upgrades and in some a splash pad is recommended for installation. Veterans Acres Park on Walkup Avenue is one of the parks planned for installation of a splash pad.

Commissioner Michael Walkup told his fellow Commissioners he did not think a splash pad was a good fit for this park as he views it as more of a passive use park with such as walking trails, fishing in the pond and viewing the prairie. "A splash pad includes screaming and squealing kids," Walkup noted. Other comments were made that the splash pad would be open only four months of the year, while other uses of the park are available year around.

Commissioner Angel Collins also noted that it is an added amenity to the park and is a specialty play area as previously discussed in planning for park upgrades.
The plan was approved by the three of the five present commissioners, Collins, Zellman, and Sexton. Walkup and Eric Anderson voted against the idea.

Another park upgrade was approved, this for Fetzner Park Playground. Bids were recently opened for the work which includes demolition of the existing playground area and the construction of a new modern and contemporary playground to replace it. Eight bids were received ranging from a low of $139,840 to a high of $210,110. Following a review of the bids received, the lowest bid as offered by Elanar Construction was accepted. Design Perspectives, Inc. the design firm retained by the Park District reported they have worked with this Company on a project for the City of Aurora and found the company to be satisfactory to work with.

Walk-in Flu Clinic Offered In Woodstock

McHenry County Department of Health has added another location to its walk-in flu clinic schedule for adults and children aged 9 and over. 

 In addition to the Marengo and Harvard clinics, residents can get a flu shot – no appointment needed – on Wednesday, November 3 from 3pm-6pm at its Woodstock office, 2200 N Seminary Avenue, Annex A.  The cost is $30.  Medicaid and Medicare Part B accepted. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anyone over 6 months of age should get a flu shot to protect themselves and their loved ones from the flu.  Much of the U.S. population is at high risk from serious flu complications either because of their age (younger than 5 or over 65), a medical condition like asthma, diabetes, heart conditions or because they are pregnant. 

The Health Department advises: "Don't wait to get a fllu shot.  Flu is a serious and contagious illness.  To reduce the spread of influenza, it is important to cover your cough, wash your hands and stay home if you’re sick."  

For a complete schedule of flu clinics, visit www.mcdh.info or call 815-334-4510.

School District 47 Consolidation Plans Not Appreciated By Neighbors of Former Power Conversion Products Property

Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commissioners, Wednesday evening,  were not enthused with the idea of using the former Power Conversion Products/Eltek Industries manufacturing facility at 115 Erick Street for District 47 operations.

The District desires to move the support services of the District into one location. This would include offices, warehouse, print shop, storage facilities and school bus maintenance and dispatch. These operations are currently in four locations.

The consolidation would require the expansion of parking needs towards the east and/or the possible relocation of a detention area located at the northwest corner of the property.

Consolidation would also provide a favorable financial savings for the district while increasing efficiencies within the support functions.

The facility would house 50 school buses and maintenance vehicles, as well as anticipated parking needs of bus transportation, maintenance and central office staff, so the present parking/storage area would need expansion toward the east with possible relocation of the detention area located at the northwest corner of the property.

Neighbors from the residential area nearby on the east expressed their concerns primarily having to do with the noise of the buses going in and out of the facility, also having to be run during extreme cold temperatures. Concerns were also expressed regarding the possible contamination of atmosphere from diesel fuel fumes with the buses coming and going from this location and being serviced at this location.

Likewise the possible needed illumination of the bus storage area was another concern expressed by neighbors. They also expressed some of the problems they experienced in the past with the property. One was the fact that when the facility was built, trees were to be installed to block the area from the residential area. That was not done.

Concerns were expressed regarding the buses coming in at various hours day and night and the fumes that would be emitted by the buses. It was also felt that property values would suffer with such a location near the residential area.

There were also concerns expressed that the use of the two way-radio communication system for the buses would interfere with residential television and other electronic devices.

It was also noted by Commission member Dave Goss that if the busses were being serviced in the building it would require a zoning change.

A concern expressed by many of the commission members was the close proximity of this facility to a city water recharge area and the possible contamination of that area.

There was also concern from Commission members that Erick Street could handle the traffic required for buses coming and going plus the possible delays the buses would be experiencing by the trains.

Other concerns expressed by the Commission concerned the expense needed to provide what is needed to make the site usable and to alleviate concerns of the neighbors.

The Commission was not willing to provide the go ahead for the intended use of the property. The City Council will get the report at the November 2 Council meeting.

Reminder About Voting

If you will be unavailable to go to the polls on Tuesday, November 2, or you just want to get the duty out of the way, you can vote in the "Early Voting" program. It's the same as going to your designated polling place on Election Day. The ballots are not counted until all the ballots are gathered after the polls close on November 2. Voters may vote at any one of the following locations. Residency location does not make a difference. On Election Day, voters must vote in the precinct of their residency.

Locations for Early Voting:

McHenry County Administration Building

667 Ware Road,

Woodstock

Now until Thursday October 28.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, October 27

8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Saturday October 23

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sunday October 24

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Algonquin Township Offices

3702 US Highway 14, Clerk's Office

Crystal Lake, IL

Now until Thursday, October 28

Monday thru Friday

8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 23

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

City of Crystal Lake

Municipal Complex

100 W. Woodstock Street-

Crystal Lake

Now until Thursday, October 28

Monday thru Friday

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 23

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 24

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Grafton Township

Huntley Park District

12015 Mill Street

Huntley

Now through Thursday, October 28

Monday thru Friday

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Saturday October 23

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Village of Lake in the Hills

Lake in the Hills Village Hall

800 Harvest Gate, Executive Conference Room

(Enter thru Board Room)

Lake in the Hills, IL

Now thru Thursday, October 28

Monday thru Friday

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 23

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, October 24

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

City of McHenry

McHenry City Hall

333 S. Green Street, Court Entrance Only.

McHenry

Now through Thursday, October 28

Monday through Friday

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday October 23

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sunday October 24,

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

McHenry Township Offices

3703 N. Richmond Road

McHenry, IL

Now through Thursday October 28

Monday through Friday

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

No Saturday hours

Nunda Township Offices

3510 Bay Road, Annex

Crystal Lake, IL

Now through Thursday, October 28

Monday through Friday

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

No Saturday hours.

Harvard Area

Dunham Township Office

107 Airport Road

Harvard, IL

Now through Thursday, October 28

Monday through Friday

9:00 am to 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 23

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Marengo Area

Marengo City Hall

132 E. Prairie St., Upper Chambers

Marengo, IL

Now through Thursday, October 28

Monday thru Friday

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 23

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The law prohibits voters from casting a ballot in early voting and then appearing at polling place to cast another ballot.

Crystal Lake Park District Board To Conduct Public Hearing This Evening

The Crystal Lake Park Board is conducting a public hearing this evening at the beginning of the regular board meeting which begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Administrative Building, One East Crystal Lake Avenue.

The hearing concerns the intent of the Board of Park Commissioners to sell $1.5 million of General Obligation Park Bonds also known as Alternative Revenue Source Bonds.

Following the hearing, the Board will convene for the regular meeting which includes matters of Fetzner Park Playground Replacement Bid Approval, additional professional services for Veteran Acres Playground/Splash Pad design, equipment purchase and Main Beach Traffic Signal Purchase.

PACE Bus Budget Hearing For McHenry County

There is another agency involved in budget making and hearings. PACE, the suburban Bus Division of the Regional Transportation Authority, is holding public hearings on its proposed program and budget for the year 2011 (January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011), the operating financial plan for 2012-2013, and the capital plan for 2011-2015.

The hearing for McHenry County services is

Wednesday October 27, 2010

4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Crystal Lake Municipal Complex

Council Chambers

100 Municipal Complex (W. Woodstock Street)

Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Persons wishing to comment on the proposed budget may present views orally at the public hearing or by submitting written material on or before the last date of the hearings, which is Thursday, October 28, 2010.

They may also access the PACE website at www.pacebus.com and go to the "Public Hearing Comment Form" areas. Copies of the proposed program and budget are available for public inspection at:

PACE

550 West Algonquin Road

Arlington Heights, IL

Individuals with disabilities who plan to attend these hearings and who require accommodations, other than transportation, in order to allow them to observe and/or participate in these meetings, are requested to contact PACE at 847-364-7223 option 3 (voice) or 874-364-5093 (TTY) ten days prior to the scheduled meeting.

Budget information will be available at most public libraries, as well s townships, city and village offices in the six-county PACE region. The document is also available via the Internet at www.pacebus.com by clicking on "About Pace" and selecting the link "annual Budget," followed by "2011 Annual Budget Document."

TRAFFIC ADVISORY FOR CRYSTAL LAKE AVENUE IN DOWNTOWN CRYSTAL LAKE

                                                   IMPORTANT NOTICE

                                        REGARDING CRYSTAL LAKE AVENUE

                                        IMMEDIATELY EAST OF MAIN STREET

The City of Crystal Lake Streets Division will be conducting road improvement work on Crystal Lake Avenue along the railroad tracks immediately East of Main Street.

This is taking place tomorrow, Thursday, October 21 beginning at 3:30 a.m. Work is expected to conclude by the end of the business day on Thursday.

Pending any weather-related work shutdowns, work will commence again Friday, October 22, 2010.

At no time during the roadwork will Crystal Lake Avenue be completely closed. However, the work may cause considerable delays as the road will be reduced to one lane for traffic, in each direction, with flaggers to direct motorists around the work zone.

Motorists are advised to find an alternative route, if possible.

Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Matters for Wednesday Meeting

Among the five public hearings the Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commission are expected to conduct this evening beginning at 7:30 pm is one for School District 47. It involves a conceptual plan review for a support service facility at 114 Erick Street. This is the former Power Conversion Products/Eltek Industries manufacturing facility.

The District proposes to consolidate the Districts support service functions including the Administrative offices, warehouse, print shop, storage facilities and school bus maintenance and dispatch. Currently these are located in four different locations throughout the school district. Consolidation of the services could save the district expenses, while increase efficiencies.

Other matters before the Commissio include: 

Lukas, 1764 Andover

Other matters to be handled by the Commission include a public hearing for a Simplified residential variation to allow a deck and pool attached to a house to encroach 11 feet within the required 20-foot yard setback. This is on property located at 1764 Andover Lane.

Donaldson-567 Larium Lane

A public hearing is scheduled for this property to allow a variation for a garage addition to be as close as two feet from the property line and for the combined interior side setback to be 16.3 feet.

Aaron's Sales-6107 Northwest Highway, Unit C

A special use permit is requested to allow outside storage of trucks. This is a new business to Crystal Lake offering rent-to-own financing for buyers of higher-ticket items such as furniture, appliances, and electronics. This new business will occupy 6,500 square feet of the building. Other tenants include Sprint, and Back to Bed. Aarons is also requesting a permit to allow vehicles to be parked overnight in the parking lot alongside the building.

Straight Shooter Gallery, 560 Beechcraft

This is a special use permit to allow Commercial Recreation for an indoor shooting range for handguns and rifles on the first floor. The second floor would provide for ancillary retail area and classroom area for training. .

The Planning and Zoning Commission meets in the City Council chambers of the Municipal Complex, located at 100 Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake. Meeting time is 7:30 p.m. 

McHenry County Board Puts Fiscal Year 2010-11 Budget On Display

The McHenry County Fiscal Year 2011 Budget is not yet finalized, that it is not adopted. This will not take place until the November 16 meeting of the Board.

The final proposed budget was adopted by the Board Tuesday evening and will be on display until the meeting of November 16.

That budget is approximately $6.9 million smaller than the Fiscal Year 2010 budget. As in the past McHenry County is continuing a consistently conservative approach to budgeting.

Developing this budget was particularly difficult for those dealing with the county finances. McHenry County maintains a consistently conservative approach to budgeting and again this year the budget is built on the Fiscal Year 2011 prudent revenue estimates. The County has responded to the reduction in revenues with corresponding reduction in expenses. A great deal of cooperation was received from the various departments in the county government complex.

In total, the County reduced its budget from $248,381,320 for Fiscal Year 2010 to $241,431,558 for Fiscal Year 2011. There are no dramatic cuts in services, but there are cuts in almost all areas of County Government. County Administration has lauded the cooperation received from the department heads in cutting wherever possible, without eliminating necessary services.

During the recent weeks, County staff has proposed additional cuts to a number of departments in the area of overtime. There are now approximately 40 positions that are "frozen" in the coming fiscal year. This means there are 40 fewer positions than were funded in Fiscal Year 2009.
The County has also moved forward with a plan to reduce contributions to a number of groups that have received financial assistance, but has done so in a manner that will not be devastating to any of them.

The Fiscal Year 2011 proposed budget does not include wage increases for any non-union employees and there are also several union groups who are not guaranteed a wage increase for the coming fiscal year.

MCDOT Preparing For Winter Driving

McHenry County Department of Transportation is preparing for the winter. The Transportation Committee of the McHenry County Board is being requested to approve the expenditure of $962,000 for the materials to provide clear roads during the coming winter. The three chemicals to be used include salt, Calcium Chloride and Geo-melt. Additionally, a Snow and Ice Policy is to be adopted providing the procedures to be used by the Department regarding clearing roads of whatever is sent by Nature.

The Committee meets Wednesday morning beginning at 8:15 in the Transportation Department Building, 16111 Nelson Road, Woodstock.

Government Business Taking Place This Evening

9:00 A.M.-The Finance Committee--

Of McHenry County Board of Health will consider the Fiscal Year 2011 budget at a 9:00 AM meeting this morning in Annex A of the McHenry County Government Center, 2200 Seminary Avenue, Woodstock.

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6:00 P.M.-Finance and Audit Committee--

Of the McHenry County Board is meeting to consider an amendment to the Development Block Grant Contracted Allocation Totals. This is to move funds for McCullom Lake East Side Drainage improvement contract.

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A Budget and Appropriation Ordinance is being presented to the full County Board at its 7:00 P.M meeting. The budget  totals $241, 431,558 in expenditures and the same amount for revenue. This is for the coming fiscal year December 1, 2010 through November 30, 2011.

Also the Ordinance providing for the levy of taxes is also being considered. The total amount is $77,807,910 providing for $36,275,000 for general county purposes and $41,932,910 for other purposes.

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Crystal Lake City Council will meet at 7:30 this evening. It is expected that the Council will approve the request from T-Mobil to locate a telecommunications tower on a City Wastewater Treatment plant property. The 139-foot stealth tower is to be disguised as a flagpole and will include a US Flag complete with lighting to highlight it.

This stand alone tower is expected to generate $375,654 for this fiscal year. If the City owns the tower, it is expected the income generated over a 20-year lease is $2,975,935. If T-Mobile retains ownership of the pole the city would receive approximately $2,050,089.

Budget Time For County Governments

9:00 A.M.-The Finance Committee--

Of McHenry County Board of Health will consider the Fiscal Year 2011 budget at a 9:00 AM Tuesday meeting in Annex A of the McHenry County Government Center, 2200 Seminary Avenue, Woodstock.

-0-

6:00 P.M.-Finance and Audit Committee--

Of the McHenry County Board is meeting at 6:00 P.M. to consider an amendment to the Development Block Grant Contracted Allocation Totals. This is to move funds for McCullom Lake East Side Drainage improvement contract.

-0-

A Budget and Appropriation Ordinance is being presented to the full County Board at the Board Meeting at 7:00 P.M. It totals $241, 431,558 in expenditures and the same amount for revenue. This is for the coming fiscal year December 1, 2010 through November 30, 2011.

Also the Ordinance providing for the levy of taxes is also being considered. The total amount is $77,807,910 providing for $36,275,000 for general county purposes and $41,932,910 for other purposes.

Culinary Showcase And Competition At MCC

Join McHenry County College and the local restaurant community at Taste of McHenry County, a culinary showcase and competition, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7 in the MCC cafeteria, Building B, 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14, Crystal Lake.

All ages are invited to view a premier cooking competition, featuring professional/student chef teams, from noon until 2 p.m. Other highlights include food tastings from area restaurants and special activities for kids.

The competition will include three teams of two students each, who will prepare a whole menu consisting of an appetizer, an entrée and a dessert. Each team has a professional chef as their mentor, available to answer questions, if needed.

 “I’m thrilled about the whole event,” said Chef Thomas Kaltenecker, CHE, MCFE, executive chef and instructor of culinary management at MCC. “I read the menus the students created, and it’s amazing how far they have come in our culinary program. This event will have just as much excitement as an ‘Iron Chef’ competition,” he said.

Participating restaurants include: Around the Clock Restaurant and Bakery, Benedict’s La Strata, Billy’s Beef, Brunch Cafe, Conscious Cup, Egg Harbor Café, Kiera Confections, Port Edward Restaurant, The Pizza Place, Tarts & Truffles, Thirsty Whale, Warsaw Inn, and more

Purchase tickets in advance online through 5 p.m. on Nov. 4 – general admission is $10, and the cost is free for children five and younger. Tickets also available for $13 at the door (cash or credit card only). General admission ticket holders will receive one complimentary ticket for a special drawing to win one free class in the MCC Culinary Management program, not including books, fees, uniform or knife set.

Proceeds will be used to establish a new Culinary Management scholarship for MCC students. Individuals or businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities may contact Kathrine Pfister at kpfister@mchenry.edu.

Sponsors of the event include: Ace Coffee Bar, Billy’s Beef and Catering, Centegra Health System, Golden Eagle Community Bank, Northwest Herald, Reinhart FoodService, and Star 105.5.

For more information and to sign up, visit www.mchenry.edu/taste.

Reminder About Voting

If you will be unavailable to go to the polls on Tuesday, November 2, or you just want to get the duty out of the way, you can vote in the "Early Voting" program. It's the same as going to your designated polling place on Election Day. The ballots are not counted until all the ballots are gathered after the polls close on November 2. Voters may vote at any one of the following locations. Residency location does not make a difference. On Election Day, voters must vote in the precinct of their residency.

Locations for Early Voting:

McHenry County Administration Building

667 Ware Road,

Woodstock

Now until Thursday October 28.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, October 20 and 27

8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 16

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 17

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Saturday October 23

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sunday October 24

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Algonquin Township Offices

3702 US Highway 14, Clerk's Office

Crystal Lake, IL

Now until Thursday, October 28

Monday thru Friday

8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 23

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

City of Crystal Lake

Municipal Complex

100 W. Woodstock Street-

Crystal Lake

Now until Thursday, October 28

Monday thru Friday

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 23

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 24

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Grafton Township

Huntley Park District

12015 Mill Street

Huntley

Now through Thursday, October 28

Monday thru Friday

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Saturday October 23

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Village of Lake in the Hills

Lake in the Hills Village Hall

800 Harvest Gate, Executive Conference Room

(Enter thru Board Room)

Lake in the Hills, IL

Now thru Thursday, October 28

Monday thru Friday

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 23

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, October 24

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

City of McHenry

McHenry City Hall

333 S. Green Street, Court Entrance Only.

McHenry

Now through Thursday, October 28

Monday through Friday

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday October 23

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sunday October 24,

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

McHenry Township Offices

3703 N. Richmond Road

McHenry, IL

Now through Thursday October 28

Monday through Friday

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

No Saturday hours

Nunda Township Offices

3510 Bay Road, Annex

Crystal Lake, IL

Now through Thursday, October 28

Monday through Friday

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

No Saturday hours.

Harvard Area

Dunham Township Office

107 Airport Road

Harvard, IL

Now through Thursday, October 28

Monday through Friday

9:00 am to 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 23

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Marengo Area

Marengo City Hall

132 E. Prairie St., Upper Chambers

Marengo, IL

Now through Thursday, October 28

Monday thru Friday

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 23

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The law prohibits voters from casting a ballot in early voting and then appearing at polling place to cast another ballot.

Government Meetings Today

2:00 PM—McHenry County College Board 

McHenry County College Board of Trustees will discuss Community Colleges at a 2:00 PM Special meeting Monday. The location is the Board Room of the College, 8900 US Highway 14, Crystal Lake.

5:30 PM-District 155 Board

District 155 Board will meet at 5:30 pm Monday in the Center for Education, One South Virginia Street, Crystal Lake. The Board is planning to consider the information obtained at boundary hearings held for Prairie Ridge and Cary Grove High Schools and finalize the recommendations.

7:00 PM-District 47

School District 47 Board of Education is meeting Monday evening at 7:00 PM in Canterbury School, 875 Canterbury in Crystal Lake. That agenda includes preparations for winter with consideration of snow removal bids.

Also to be considered is Tax Increment Financing for the District.