Notes From McHenry County Board Meeting

When the McHenry County Board met Tuesday (December 21), it was the first meeting of the board since the organization meeting of December 6, when the newly elected board members were sworn in. These included returnees of Anna May Miller, D-1, Kenneth Koehler, D-2, Barbara Wheeler, D-3, Pete Merkel and Sandra Salgado, D-4, Tina Hill, D-5, and Mary McCann, D-6.

New Board members included Robert Nowak, D-1, Donna Kurtz, D-2, Nick Provenzano, D-3, John Jung, D-5, and Diane Evertsen, D-6. Both Provenzano and Jung previously served on the board until 2008. Provenzano, a Republican was defeated by Democrat Kathleen Bergan-Schmidt by 1% of the total votes in the District. Jung also previously served on the Board until his defeat in 2008 by Democrat Paula Yensen in a 3.42 % vote gap in that district.

Recognition was made for Joey Perrone, Huntley Boy Scout Troop 167 for attaining the accomplishment of Eagle Scout. Also recognized was Phil Ulmer for his 39 years of service with the McHenry County Probation and Court Services Department.

Five zoning matters were easily approved including: a reclassification of A1 to A2 in Hebron Township; renewal of a reclassification from A1C to A1C Renewal for Prairie Aggregates in Riley Township; a reclassification from E3 to E3V in Nunda Township; reclassification from R1 to R1V in Nunda Township; and a reclassification of R1 to R1V in Burton Township.

A difficult zoning issue in McHenry Township was approved in a 19-5 vote. The property owner did begin some improvements without required permits. The Building and Zoning Department worked with the property owner to resolve the alleged hardship experienced due to the topography of the property, the need for a septic system, and the location of the existing home.

A resolution authorizing unfreezing of a Salary for a Firs Assistant State's Attorney and freezing a position for assistant attorney was delayed to the second Board meeting in February, with on quiet no vote heard.

Two matters involving resolutions for road work were approved; one for Blivin Street Bridge Traffic control and one for acquisition of Right-of-way for Highway Purposes on Johnsburg Road. Both involve eminent domain acquisitions.

Several resolutions regarding Workers Compensation Claim settlements were removed from the list for approval by Ms. Yensen who explained she would be voting against these as she did in the Human Relations and Management Services Committees.

She explained that she opposes it because there has been over $500,000 paid out in claims and they should have safety programs to reduce the claims and there will need to be a discussion with the Sheriff's Department in the future. She noted that the opposition vote is symbolic that the situation is not acceptable.  Three other members joined in the opposition vote including R. Donley, D-6, J. Heisler, and S. Breeden, both D-2.

Other matters presented by the Finance and Audit Committee for County Board approval were approved unanimously. Most involved matters to provide funding for needed supplies, maintenance and contracts needed by the County Government such as supplies and maintenance of technologies.

Approval was made for the authorization of Issuance and Sale of Recovery Zone Facility Bonds for Sage Products in Cary to be used for expansion of the business facility.

A number of routine actions were taken to transfer funds as necessary for accounting purposes including one to transfer $1,722.60 from the Treasurer Office Building Remodel Project back to the County General Fund. This amount was not used in the remodeling project.

A resolution for the purchase of 16 Police Pursuit Vehicles for the Sheriff's Department for $265,390 was among numerous authorizations for leases and appropriations

Two resolutions were approved by the Board regarding the McHenry County Emergency Operations Plan and the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan and continuation of Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee.

Two resolutions received approval for volunteer groups to clean litter from highway including Rancho Poker De Ases responsible for cleaning litter from Harmony Road from County Line Road to Harmony Road; and Edward Jones to clean Maple Street from Coral Road to Beck Road. This is part of the volunteer program known as Adopt-A-Highway.

Several Building Code Amendments are to be amended including 2006 International Building Code, 2006 International Residential Code and 2008 National Electrical Code. These were placed for review before they are adopted.

Walk-in Flu Clinics After Holidays

Due to the Christmas and New Year holidays, McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) will provide walk-in flu clinics for adults and children aged 9 and over from December 27-30 in its Woodstock office only (2200 N Seminary Avenue, Annex A).  No appointments are needed.  The cost is $30.  Medicaid and Medicare Part B accepted. 

It’s not too late to receive a flu shot as the flu season typically lasts until March.  Even if you’re healthy, the flu is highly contagious and you can spread the flu to classmates, co-workers and family members, including young children who are at greater risk for illness.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone aged 6 months and older to get a flu shot.  For individuals with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, and COPD, the flu can make these health conditions worse, causing serious complications which may require hospitalization. 

To reduce the spread of influenza, it is important to cover your cough, wash your hands and stay home if you’re sick.  Call 815-334-4500 to schedule flu shot appointments for children younger than 9 years of age.  For more information, visit www.mcdh.info or call 815-334-4510.

Lakewood Village Board Will Not Meet December 28

Lakewood Village Board will not meet as scheduled Tuesday, December 28. The next meeting of the Board will be Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at 7:00 pm. in the RedTail Golf Club, 7900 RedTail Drive, Lakewood.

MCC Winners In Collegiate Writers Festival

Four McHenry County College students won awards in three different categories, including two first place awards, at the recent 2010 Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Writers Festival at Morton College in Cicero.

The MCC awardees included: Veronica Gockenbach, of Lakewood, first place for her short fiction, “The Key and the Sword;” Michelle Kaden, of Harvard, second place in creative non-fiction for “Shoebox Racism;” Lynn Burghart, of Crystal Lake, honorable mention for her creative non-fiction, “The Sweater;” and Jennifer Irocky, of Lakemoor, first place for her poetry titled “The Trade.”

“The level of writing at the Skyway Competition is extremely competitive,” said Mark Waters, MCC English instructor. “Year after year MCC wins or places in more than one category.  Taking first in two of the four categories while placing second and honorable mention in another is a remarkable achievement. The overall achievement here is something to be proud of,” he said.

Other MCC writing finalists included: Poetry: Tanya Montgomery of Crystal Lake, Aliena Rogers of Marengo, Jennifer Roth of Wonder Lake and Jordan Salinas of Woodstock; Short Fiction: Sabrina Balabuszko of Crystal Lake, and Jennifer Roth; Creative Non-Fiction: Kaitlyn Daily of Crystal Lake, Megan Fayer of Crystal Lake, and Jenni Lebrecht of Wonder Lake.

The works of 80 students were judged by professionals in the areas of poetry, creative non-fiction, short fiction and drama. Carlos Cumpian, editor of March Abrazo Press and noted Latino poet, was the keynote speaker. Authors Maggie Kast and Alexis Pride were the judges in creative non-fiction and short fiction, respectively, and Chicago playwright James Sherman was the drama judge.

Staying Green After Christmas

Did you know that McHenry County harvests more Christmas trees than any other county in Illinois? They are also recyclable.  McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) encourages residents to take advantage of residential Christmas tree drop-off recycling programs in the County at no cost to residents.  Dropped-off trees are sent through a wood chipper to create a material suitable for mulching.

Patrick J. McNulty, Public Health Administrator, states “Mulching is a responsible use of our natural resources.  It can be used in landscaping to conserve moisture, reduce weeds and reduce soil erosion.”  McHenry County Conservation District has one of four recycling programs in the County, the others being Algonquin, Dorr and Nunda Township Road Districts.  Recycled Christmas trees must have all decorations removed prior to drop-off. 

(Open to all County residents) McHenry County Conservation District Glacial Park, Ringwood Rush Creek, Harvard Algonquin Township 815-338-6223 • Dec. 26-Jan.15	(Open to all County residents) Algonquin Township Road District 3702 U.S. Hwy 14, Crystal Lake 847-639-2700, ext 6 Dec 26-Jan 31• 24 hrs/day, 7 days/wk
(Open to Dorr Township residents) Dorr Township Road District 12322 Davis Road, Woodstock 815-338-1060 Dec. 26-Jan. 31 • M-F, 7am-3:30pm	(Open to Nunda Township residents) Nunda Township Road District 3518 Bay Road, Crystal Lake 815-459-4410 November-March • M-F, 7am-3:30pm 8am-noon, 2nd Saturday of the month For more information, contact, MCDH’s Solid Waste Manager Kristy Hecke at 815-334-4585.

 

Three Years Incarceration After Fourth DUI Violation

Dale Frohling, Ringwood, was sentenced to three years in the Department of Corrections on December 14 for the offense of Aggravated Driving Under the Influence following a trial in McHenry County Courts handled by the McHenry county State's Attorney's Office.

Frohling was previously found guilty by a jury on September 29. During that trial evidence revealed that Frohling was unable to navigate a simple curve and crashed into bushes and a tree off the roadway. Frohling was transported to a hospital for treatment.

A forensic toxicologist testified at the trial that the defendant's blood alcohol level was between .117 and .149 at the time of the crash. The presumptive level of intoxication in Illinois is .08. This was Frohling's fourth violation of the DUI statute. The case was investigated by Deputy Jazak of the McHenry County Sheriff's Department and prosecuted for the State by Assistant State's Attorneys Sharyl Eisenstein and Ryan Blackney.

Arts Education At The Raue Center

Raue Center is a wonderful place to take in an energetic live concert to a classic ballet. But for children, it’s a place where one performance can inspire a lifetime of passion for the arts.  It’s a place where kid-friendly programming can transport children’s imaginations to a different world.

“Children always have a place to learn and imagine at Raue Center,” Richard Kuranda, executive director, said, “And when you engage the children, you reignite the passion in the adults.”  Children’s programming has a profound effect on our kids,” according to Amy Malpica, director of marketing. She said “The minute the lights go down, children’ eyes grow wide the entire audience falls silent as the curtain rises.”

Arts education is a whole other side of the equation that Raue Center is proud to promote through Mission Imagination.  Believing that passion for the performing arts begins at an early age, Raue Center is committed to presenting the finest arts education through this education outreach performances – at the theatre and in the schools – for the area school children.  To date, more than 200,000 children have participated in the program, which has delivered over 120 performances in the theatre and in schools.  And thanks to the support of the Foglia Family Foundation, tickets are capped at $6 per child.  All events in the program are curriculum-driven and assist teachers and students in meeting Illinois Academic Standards in areas such as Language Arts, Social Studies, Science and the arts.

To learn more about or support the program, contact Raue Center’s Administration Office at 815.356.9010 or visit www.rauecenter.org.  Raue Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts.  They are proud to provide quality programming to and strive to make it pertinent, available and affordable to all.  Raue Center is delighted to welcome you back this year and looks forward to the next years and continuing to “Rock the Raue

Increased Interest In McHenry County College Trustee Election

Voters in McHenry County College District will be voting on April 5 to fill a two-year vacancy on the Board of Trustees as well as two six-year terms. The two-year vacancy was created when Donna Kurtz was elected to the McHenry County Board in the November 5 election. It was ruled that the two positions were in conflict and she could not serve on both.

Following a call for interested nominees, Dennis Adams of McHenry was selected to fill the vacancy. Adams and Dave Boger filed their nominating petitions simultaneously and a lottery is scheduled for December 27 to determine the ballot positions.

Eight candidates filed for the two six-year positions including the incumbents, George Lowe and Bob DeWitt. A lottery is scheduled also on December 27 to determine ballot position between DeWitt and Linda Liddell, who filed petitions simultaneously.

Following is the list of candidates who have submitted petitions to run for the office of McHenry County College Trustee in the April 5, 2011 Consolidated Elections:

Two-Year Vacancy Term

Dave Boger, McHenry, (Received 12-13)

Dennis Adams, McHenry (Received 12-13)

Six-Year Full Term

Bob DeWitt, Crystal Lake (Received December 13)

Linda Liddell, Crystal Lake (Received December 13)

Gordon Tebo, Woodstock (Received December 13)

Cynthia Kisser, Wonder Lake, (Received December 13)

Robert S. Jackson, Woodstock, (Received December 14)

Erik Sivertsen, McHenry, (Received December 15)

Darren Fortin, Woodstock, (Received December 20.)

George Lowe, Cary, (Received December 20)

Crystal Lake Library Holiday Hours

The Crystal Lake Public Library will be closed all day Friday, December 24 and Saturday, December 25. It will reopen on Sunday, December 26.

Also the Library will close on Friday, December 31 and Saturday, January 1 for the New Year's holiday. It will re-open to the public at 1:00 pm on Sunday, January 2, 2011.

McHenry County Board and Crystal Lake Council Meetings

Tuesday, December 21

10:00 a.m.--McHenry County Board Committee on Committees

In addition to approving minutes from December 19, 2008 (the last time the committee met) this committee is to review and consider committee reorganization and appointments to the various committees of the County Board.

6:30 p.m. – Finance and Audit Committee of the McHenry County Board

This committee is to consider monthly transactions for the Delinquent Tax Program and consider authorizing a budget line item transfer for the Assessor's budget to fund legal notices and advertisements which are statutory requirements.

7:00 p.m. – McHenry County Board

This will be the first meeting of the newly formed County Board including newly elected members, elected by the voters in the November 2 election.

One Eagle Scout is to be honored and a proclamation is being presented recognizing Phil Ulmer for his 39 years of Public Service as Director of the Department of Probation and Court Services of the 22nd Judicial Circuit. He is retiring December 31.

A request is being made for the County Board to authorize a $600,000 emergency appropriation in the current fiscal year budget to provide funding for the increased demand for Mental Health Services.

A resolution is offered for approval authorizing the issuance and sale of a Recovery Zone Facility Bond for Cary Corners, LLC project, better known as Sage Products.

Also presented for approval is the purchase of 16 police pursuit vehicles for the Sheriff's Department.

Many other requests for financial transfers are also on the agenda for consideration, most having to do with closing books for the fiscal year.

7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake City Council

In addition to numerous housekeeping matters for the Council to consider, they will also be presented with a Unified Development Ordinance for a one-year review discussion. This is an ordinance that was approved by the Council in April 2009 and is to be updated periodically to ensure that the City's development regulations keep pace with modern development trends and practices to promote continued high-quality development, and maintain the character and charm of Crystal Lake neighborhoods and offer greater protection for natural resources. When the City Council adopted the UDO mandatory reviews were required at six months and a year following the effective date of the ordinance

A few changes have been suggested by the Planning and Zoning Commission, One unresolved matter is the signage for the Virginia Street Corridor, whether monument signs or pole signs would be required.

New Laws For A New Year

Following are some of the new laws to take effect beginning with 2011 as provided by State Representative Michael Tryon-R-64.

HB 3785: Creates common language for all municipalities regarding political yard signs. States that no municipality may prohibit the signs on residential property for 45 days prior to any election.

HB 3869: Increases the penalties for those found guilty of a second or subsequent violation of the Use of Intoxicating Compounds Act.

HB 4580: Stiffens penalties for persons convicted of an offense that involves the unlawful operation of a motor vehicle which causes the death of another person, by immediately revoking their driving privileges.

HB 4583: Makes it illegal for a minor under the age of 17 to disseminate or knowingly receive any nude or sexual material by phone camera, e-mail or other electronic device.

HB 4587: Creates the Lupus Education and Awareness Act.

HB 4658: Prohibits employers from inquiring about or using an employee’s or prospective employees private financial information as a basis for employment, recruitment, discharge or compensation with the exception of those employees working in the banking or financial industry.

HB 4691: Requires all companies issuing car insurance policies to grant a 5% discount for the proper completion of a course in the installation of a child restraint system. Also increases the penalties for motorists

who transport children and are found in violation of the Child Passenger Protection Act.

McHenry County Mental Health Board Meeting This Evening

McHenry County Mental Health Board is meeting this evening at 6:00 p.m. in the McHenry County Mental Health facilities, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake.

In addition to the necessary matters to be handled such as financial reports, a presentation on Autism Services is to be provided by Reshma Ahmed, Autism Services Coordinator.

Other matters for action by the Board include a service agreement for SASS Services and a Family Service Project Request for Home of the Sparrow, along with an Inpatient Hospital Services Contract with Centegra Health Systems.

McHenry MCC Student Winner of Blanco Spirit Award

McHenry County College named Jeffery Stark of McHenry, right, as the recipient of the Fall 2010 Joseph A. Blanco Spirit Award, a $500 gift given to a student with special needs who displays a positive attitude while pursuing a degree or certificate while overcoming a disability.

Stark has been a student at MCC since spring 2008 and has earned a cumulative GPA of 3.10. He plans to use his award toward spring semester classes at MCC. He expects to transfer to Northern Illinois University sometime next year to work toward his goal of becoming a history teacher.

“Jeff is a diligent student committed to his education,” said Gayle Barkley, Special Needs assistant, who nominated Stark. “Jeff is dependable, kind-hearted, and committed. He has proven what a “can do” attitude will do.”

“He must rely on public transportation, but he doesn’t complain. He plans ahead and works around the Pace schedule,” Barkley said.

Joe Blanco, a Special Needs Department tutor, founded the award in 2009 as a way to recognize students for their hard work and can-do attitude despite their disabilities.

The Blue Box Mystery

McHenry County Defenders are again collecting donated books to be sold in their new Green Spot resale shop on the Woodstock Square. And it is just in time for the holidays!

However there is an unsolved mystery of what happened to the first donation drop box. In March the group opened the "Green Spot", a small resale corner inside their downtown office, to help support the group's programs and operations. A nearby municipality gave the organization a big, blue donation bin that was set next to the sidewalk. It soon started filling with donated books. "It was like Christmas every day," explained Roy Asplund, the group's vice-president. Then one day the big blue bin disappeared. "We still have no idea who took it or why, says Asplund.

In October the Defenders moved to new quarters in the Woodstock Square Mall and opened their "Green Spot" in its own retail space at the 110 S. Johnson Street building. They also had more shelves to fill and a need for a donation box more than ever, but commercial bins were too costly.

Thanks to the hard work of local carpenter, Delbert Douglass, and the cooperation of their new neighbor, Home State Bank's Woodstock Banking Center, they have a new donation box. Douglass, a skilled craftsman and lifelong Woodstock resident built a sturdy drop box using donated or recycled materials and contributing his labor.

Now, just in time for the holidays, the Defenders have a beautiful new donation bin, thanks to the hard work of local carpenter Delbert Douglass and the cooperation of their new neighbor, the Home State Bank’s Woodstock Banking Center.

After learning of the missing bin, Douglass, a skilled craftsman and a lifelong Woodstock resident, agreed to build the Defenders a new, sturdy drop box to collect book donations. Contributing his labor and using donated or recycled materials, he worked for nearly two months to finish the project, a well-crafted, weather-proof book bin standing in space provided by the neighbor, Home State Bank.

The bin is designed to receive only books. Asplund explains that items such as magazines, CDs, videos, toys or collectibles may be damaged if dropped into the box. These may be donated inside the Green Spot store during business hours.

The Green Spot is open Monday-Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. where good-quality used books, magazines, CDs and videos as well as new and used gifts items are available. All donations are tax-deductible and all proceeds support the local environmental group, a citizen-based, 501c3 not-for-profit organization, dedicated to the preservation and improvement of our natural environment. For information, visit www.mcdef.org or email: mcdef.outreach@gmail.com.

Citizens Express Ideas About Government

NOTE: The following is information received from the group, Fleming Road Alliance (FRA). Including this information does not mean the Town Crier agrees or disagrees with with group.The Town Crier merely provides the information for public consumption.

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"The members of the Fleming Road Alliance (FRA) Express Their Opinion That McHenry County Division of Transportation Is Not Responsive To The People They Serve

"The FRA position is that Fleming Road must stay in the same footprint as it is now, with no widening, no straightening, no leveling, no turn lanes, no curbs-and-gutters, no wide shoulders, no drainage ditches, no walls, and it is important to save the trees.

 

"We want safe roads for the residents as well as the motoring public. We believe that McDOT can design safe roads that are attractive.

"The federal government has developed guidelines for Context Sensitive Solutions and Designs for roadways that emphasize creating and maintaining roads that: are attractive, are community oriented, highlight historic and scenic features, and make driving on them a pleasurable experience.

"We residents have chosen to live here for the peace and beauty of the area. It is important that the rural and local nature of Fleming Road be preserved - the hills, the curves, the unobtrusive shoulders, and the trees– for the residents as well as the county at large.

"At the August Citizens Advisory Group meeting that MCDOT and TranSystems Engineering Company held with stakeholders of Fleming Road , McDOT announced that they intended to remove only 230 trees. This is unacceptable because seeing the trees is a reminder of what they do for the people and the environment. The Land Conservancy has informed us that Fleming Road travels through one of the last and largest concentrations of remnant oak and hickory woodlands in McHenry County; many 200 to 250 year-old trees are within 10 to 20 feet of the pavement; McDOT eliminated some trees from the survey and thus some trees are scheduled to be removed that are not included in the 230; and the rebuild will kill many more trees due to root damage.

 

"A member of the County Board Transportation Committee stated at a committee meeting that she was concerned that residents on Fleming Road were spinning conspiracy theories. The members of the FRA do not think that anyone in the McHenry County government or the Division of Transportation has a personal vendetta against the residents of Fleming Road. We would guess that the Division of Transportation would say, “This is not personal, this is business.” And that is what concerns us….. the way the Division of Transportation does business.

"Our uneasiness about how McDOT conducts business has been heightened by observing how they have done business with property owners on Walkup Avenue in Crystal Lake and Alden Road in Alden Township. If you go to YouTube.com and search for Fleming Road Alliance and then “McHenry County Transp Comm Mtg 102010 Public Comment Walk Up Road,” you can watch a video of a resident making a public comment at the Oct. 20 meeting of McH County Transportation Committee describing how McDOT treated him: Or click on the following site:

http://www.youtube.com/user/FlemingRoadAlliance#p/u/13/wER18HSWGT8

"Then if you search for  

“Fleming Road Alliance Nov 17 2010 Transp Com discusses Walk Up Rd Access Issue”: or click on the following site:

http://www.youtube.com/user/FlemingRoadAlliance#p/u/2/0dhjcO4FvjQ

you will watch McHenry County Board member and Transportation Committee member Scott Breeden propose that the County should help the man who made the complaint at the Oct. 20 meeting. Breeden said in part, “If it’s going to cost the County $3,000.00 to improve that entrance to make an individual whole with regards to his property I think that’s money well spent.” Listen to the response of JosephKorpalski, Head of the McHenry County Division of Transportation, Walter Dittrich, Design Manager, and other members of the Transportation Committee.

"After watching the videos cited above and talking to residents of Alden Road who live along the bridge that was just rebuilt, it appears that the McHenry County Division of Transportation is not being held accountable to the people for whom they work. We are appealing to the members of the McHenry County Board to review the policies and procedures of the Division of Transportation.

"For more information, to join our FRA e-mail list,and to sign our petition, please contact us at

flemingroadalliance@gmail.com"