Crystal Lake Park Board Will Meet One Time Each Month

Crystal Lake Park Board decided on a change in meeting dates at Thursday's Board meeting. Instead of meeting two times in the month, the first and third Thursday, the Board will meet only on the Third Thursday of the month. The necessary action was taken to change the Park District Policy Manual regarding regular meetings of the Board.

The usual location of the meeting will remain at the Crystal Lake Park District Administration Offices, or at any other appropriate location as determined by the Park Board Commissioners. The beginning time of the meetings will remain as 7:30 p.m. There is also provision that if the third Thursday falls on a holiday, the meeting date will be moved to the fourth Thursday of the month or on another day designated by the Board.

In other matters, the 2011 Summer Brochure was approved for printing by the lowest responsible bidder, KK Stevens of Astoria, IL to print the 104 page document plus cover for $13,093.37.

Some of the fees charged by the Park District will be increasing slightly. However, there are a few that are decreasing. The proposed Racket Club Fee Increases are mostly 50 cents to $1. Fees for private lesson, travel team drill, junior outdoor league and outdoor group lesson increases were more sizable. The rational for this is because they are currently under priced.

Entering into the decision is the fact that during the last few years, the membership as dwindled partly due to the economy and partly to the addition of a Health Bridge indoor facility installed by Del Webb in Huntley. Those residing in that subdivision do not pay a membership fee. Plus the location is in the back yard of the residents.

Park District Vehicle stickers will remain free through April 30, but beginning  May 1 the cost will be $10.

 

Special Day Tomorrow-February 4

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) joins the American Heart Association (AHA) tomorrow, February 4^th, in its nationwide campaign “Go Red for Women”, to encourage Americans to wear red in support of women’s heart health awareness.  Anyone can participate by showing off a favorite red dress, shirt, scarf, tie or Red Dress pin.  Cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer of women 20 years and older at a rate of one woman every minute. 

More women die of heart disease than the next 4 causes of death combined, including cancer. According to a recent policy statement published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, the cost to treat heart disease in the United States will triple by 2030.  “Unhealthy behaviors and unhealthy environments have contributed to a tidal wave of risk factors among many Americans,” said Nancy Brown, American Heart Association CEO. “Early intervention and evidence-based public policies are absolute musts to significantly reduce alarming rates of obesity, hypertension, tobacco use and cholesterol levels.”

To empower women with the knowledge they need to take charge of their health, the AHA has created the “Heart360” http://www.heart360.org/Default.aspx tool to help Americans take steps to change their behavior and reach personal health goals.  This online health management system helps track and monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, weight, physical activity and medications. 

McHenry County Department of Health offers cardiovascular screenings by appointment at 815-334-4510. Show your commitment to improving health and saving lives. Wear Red on February 4th. For more information, visit the American Heart Association’s website at http://www.heart.org/.

Support Group For Families Facing Home Foreclosure

A support group for individuals and families facing a crisis because of the loss of your home due to foreclosure or inability to meet your mortgage payments is being formed by Principled Minds, a non-profit organization based in Woodstock that seeks justice and equality for all persons in McHenry County.

The first session will be held at the Woodstock Public Library, 414 W. Judd Street at 7 P.M. on Thursday, February 24. 

According to Principled Minds President Dan Larsen, “Our purpose is to provide different kinds of assistance to you and to find ways that families in this position can help each other.”

Space is limited.  To register or for more information e-mail Larsen at dplarsen1073@att.net.

McHenry County Government Center Open Friday--County Board Meeting Cancelled

McHenry County Government Center is scheduled to be open tomorrow, Friday February 4. The planned Committee of the Whole meeting of the McHenry County Board, scheduled to be held to discuss the Strategic Plan, has been cancelled.

Safe Driving Course For Seniors

Grafton Township is sponsoring an AARP Driver Safety Program Class at 10109 Vine Street, Huntley (Grafton Township Offices) on Friday Feb. 25 and Friday March 4, 2011 from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM each day.  It is also available on Saturday, April 16th and Tuesday, April 9th from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm each day.  Class size is limited, please register early.

This comprehensive course is designed especially for drivers 50 and above. Participants learn how to operate their vehicles more safely in today’s increasingly challenging driving environment and receive a thorough review of the “rules of the road,” with an emphasis on safety strategies of defensive driving. You will also find out how to safely adjust your driving to compensate for age-related changes in vision, hearing and reaction time. Most important, the curriculum provides opportunities for the participants to identify individual problem areas and apply information that is needed to improve their behavior as drivers. Studies have shown that fewer fatal and injury-causing crashes and fewer violations occur among drivers who have taken this nationally-recognized course.

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

It is a two-day course; participants must attend both classes. Available in a classroom setting, the course is open to AARP members and non-members of all ages, and there are no tests. All participants must pre-register: the cost of the course is $14 (AARP members get a $2 discount). To register or for more information, please contact Supervisor Linda Moore at the Grafton Township Office by calling 847-669-3328 or email lindamooregt@hotmail.com.

PACE Bus Service Resumes

All regularly scheduled service resumes at full strength this morning after the heavy snowfall hampered operations on Wednesday. Roadways are in far better condition and the agency is fully staffed with bus operators – these had been the two concerns that may have altered plans to operate full service levels.

"We needed to suspend service on Wednesday and our goal was to focus on resuming regularly scheduled service because it's important to the many thousands of people that rely on Pace every day," said Pace Executive Director T.J. Toss.  "We thank every one for their patience over the past two days."

ADA Paratransit service for registered people with disabilities is operated by Pace in both Chicago and the suburbs.  While main streets are in generally good condition, side streets are not – which makes accessing the home so many clients very difficult.  Further complicating access is the possibility that sidewalks that have not been cleared, which would have a major impact on people that use wheelchairs or other mobility devices. Pace continues to advise that paratransit clients avoid all travel until conditions on side streets improves.

Pace operates "Metra Feeder" service, which connects neighborhoods and/or employment centers with Metra trains. These routes, which are generally found in the north, northwest, and western suburbs, serve suburban neighborhoods, so it is possible minor detours may be necessary depending on the condition of the roads.

Pace will continue to provide details on this and any other updates for passengers as they become available via its website at http://www.pacebus.com or by calling Pace Customer Relations at (847) 364-7223.

ACT Practice Tests Saturday At MCC

Attention high school students: They say practice makes perfect, so consider taking a practice ACT test, offered by McHenry County College, in conjunction with MCC’s Kids and College program.

The ACT practice test is designed to give students the experience of taking all four tests at one sitting and to see where they may need some additional study times. This is only a practice timed ACT test using a booklet supplied by ACT with questions supplied by ACT. 

Surveys from other ACT Prep students indicate that the timing of the actual test is the most difficult obstacle for them. The scores students receive on the practice test in no way guarantees that they will achieve the same score on the actual test. MCC does not offer the actual ACT test; students are encouraged to contact their school guidance counselor for more information.

ACT practice tests will  be offered from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5 (course ID: NKC S04-010), or from 1-4:30 p.m. (course ID: NKC S04-012).  Cost is $20.  Students can register for the practice test by calling the MCC Registration office at (815) 455-8588.

For more information, call Marie V. Frostman, Educational Opportunities coordinator for McHenry County College, at (815) 479-7559 or email her at mfrostma@mchenry.edu.

McHENRY COUNTY FACILITIES CLOSED TODAY

 With continuing poor road conditions, falling temperatures and high winds overnight, the decision has been made that all McHenry County facilities will again be CLOSED on Thursday, February 3, 2011 for normal business (this includes all scheduled meetings).  It is expected that the County will be open for normal business on Friday, February 4, 2011.

Planning and Development Committee Scheduled to Meet Thursday Morning

The Planning and Development Committee of the McHenry County Board is scheduled to meet Thursday morning at 8:30 in Conference Room A of the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Among the matters to be handled by the committee is a request for an extension of approved for the Symphony East Subdivision which was initiated in 2007. Continuations were previously approved and now a new company has acquired the property and is requesting an extension. There are no objections from McDOT or the Health Department. However, since there have been updates to the Stormwater Management Ordinance since the plat was last reviewed by the staff, it is recommended that a one –year extension be granted. Failure to meet this deadline would result in the termination of the subdivision file.

An ordinance amending the School Developer Donation Requirements of the McHenry County Subdivision Ordinance is to be recertified to display zone boundaries and other information current through November 30 for the previous year. This is required by the Ordinance to be presented to the county Board each February.

The County Subdivision Ordinance is to be amended to reflect the annual CPI adjustment used to determine developer donations for schools.

Several resolutions are being presented to the committee for approval. One is authorizing the Allocation of Community Development Block Grant Program Income.

Another resolution being presented for approval reallocates $23,986 from the Corporation for Affordable Home of McHenry County the McHenry County Housing Authority to add to the funding tor Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Program.

A third resolution is to authorize a budget line item transfer in the Planning and Development to provide for a Pollution Prevention and Energy Efficiency Internship Program.  This is to provide $3,230.53 for the Internship Program.

The Infamous Groundhog Day

In the middle of all the hub-bub over the blizzard, there is Punxsutawney Phil, that famous predictor of the future of winter weather.

Groundhog Day is celebrated every February 2 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The first Groundhog Day was held in the 1800s when the first official trek to Gobbler's Knob was made on February 2, 1887.

The story is that Punxsutawney Phil, named after King Phillip, had previously been called Br'er Groundhog.

The celebration came with Pennsylvania's earliest settlers. They brought with them the legend of Candlemas Day, which states "For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day, so far with the snow swirl in May..."

But National Geographic sort of throws snow on the idea of a Groundhog being the predictor of the weather. It seems that when the Germans came to the "new country" they brought with them the idea of long range weather forecasting with a hedgehog. But no hedgehog could be found in the new country, so they settled on the groundhog.

And the weather for today cancelled the usual Chicago-area Groundhog Day events at the Brookfield Zoo--the second time in the 77-year history of the event.

The difference between a hedgehog and a groundhog—basically, hedgehogs are prickly insectivores, while groundhogs are sort of squirrels and therefore are rodents. Also groundhogs are much larger animals than the hedgehog.

Crystal Lake Residents Asked Not to Operate Motor Vehicles Today

The City of Crystal Lake is urging residents to stay home and not operate a motor vehicle as storm clean-up efforts continue throughout the City.

City staff is working diligently to keep arterial and collector roads open, as well as clean residential roads throughout the City.  Additionally, City staff is working hard to maintain essential City services, including Fire Rescue, Police and public Works operations.

City Hall is closed today for all non-emergency personnel and business.

In the event of an emergency, residents are reminded to call 9-1-1.

Crystal Lake Police Department Activated Emergency Traffic Crash Reporting

During the existing snow event, the Crystal Lake Police Department as well as all City staff will be exceptionally busy. Calls for service as always will be prioritized, with emergency situations receiving first attention. Non-emergency matters will be handled as officers and staff members are available.

To assist in ensuring the safety of citizens, and emergency responders, the Crystal Lake Police Department encourages residents to refrain from operating motor vehicles during the active snow storm, unless it is imperative to travel.

As the City’s Street Department will continue to clear fallen snow from the public roadways throughout the storm, please avoid parking vehicles on streets as much as possible.

The Department has activated an Emergency Traffic Crash Reporting Plan. While the plan is in effect, motorists involved in non-injury traffic crashes occurring within the City, in which vehicles are drivable, should exchange all pertinent information with the operator of the other vehicle, to include; name, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance information as well as the crash location, date and time. Again, this is for non-injury crashes when both vehicles are drivable. Drivers are asked to then respond to Crystal Lake Police Headquarters at 100 W. Woodstock Street for the purpose of filing the report, within 48 hours of the crash. If there is an injury involved or at least one vehicle is not able to be driven from the scene, please contact 9-1-1 for emergency personnel to respond.

If a driver should be involved in a crash involving private property (such as mailboxes, small trees, fences etc), or an unattended motor vehicle, you are required by law to leave your information for the property owner. The emergency plan does not exempt you from this responsibility.

Schools Closed

McHENRY COUNTY

With heavy snow, high winds and blizzard conditions anticipated for the next 24 hours, McHenry County facilities will be closed Wednesday, February 2, for normal business. Please check the County website at www.co.mchenry.il.us in the future for additional information.

Many of the County Board Committee meetings scheduled for the next several days are also cancelled. These include:

• Transportation Committee, scheduled for 8:15 a.m. Wednesday
• Planning and Development Committee, scheduled for 10:00 am. Wednesday
• Natural and Environmental Resource Committee scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Thursday
• Public Health and Human Services Committee scheduled for 8:15 a.m. Friday

The Planning and Development Committee scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Thursday, so far, has not been cancelled. That meeting will involve a discussion on the McHenry County Unified Development Ordinance. The meeting, if it is still being held, will take place in the Conference room of the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

A McHenry County Board Committee of the Whole is scheduled to take place at 8:30 a.m. Friday in the County Board Room, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock, to discuss the strategic plan.

CRYSTAL LAKE

All Crystal Lake District 47 Schools are closed Wednesday due to the weather. The weather conditions will determine whether classes will resume on Thursday. The answer may be found at http://www.d47.org/main/ .

All high schools in District 155 have cancelled classes for Wednesday.

 CRYSTAL LAKE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

has also been cancelled due to the lack of completed documents to be considered.

MCC CLASSES AND PROGRAMMING

are cancelled due to weather conditions on Wednesday, February 2. The status of Thursday classes will be determined.

Wednesday Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Clinic cancelled due to weather

The next clinic will be held Saturday, February 5, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in A106.

Tonight's Speaker's Series At MCC Cancelled-Rescheduled Later

The first speaker’s series event scheduled for 6 p.m. tonight at McHenry County College has been cancelled due to inclement weather.

The special showing of “The Green Machine,” narrated by Brad Pitt, followed by a panel discussion with MCC faculty, will be rescheduled at a later date.

For more information on MCC Speaker Series, visit www.mchenry.edu/green or call (815) 455-8727.

Severe Winter Weather Delays Refuse and Recyclable Collections

The City of Crystal Lake has been informed by the MDC Environmental Services, the City's waste hauler, that refuse and recyclables will not be collected for the City of Crystal Lake on Wednesday, February 2, 2011, due to the anticipated severe winter weather. For the remainder of the week, refuse and recyclable collection will be delayed one day, including Friday collections, which will be collected on Saturday.

This also applies to MDC Environmental Services customers in McHenry, Kane and Boone Counties.
MDC Environmental Services says pickup will be delayed by one day. 

Residents with questions are asked to contact MDC Environmental Services at 815-568-7274.

Tonight's Crystal Lake City Council Meeting Cancelled

Due to the anticipated severe weather, the February 1, 2011 City

Council meeting has been canceled. Agenda items that were on

the Council meeting agenda will be placed on the next regularly

schuled City Council meeting of February 15, 2011.

Take Precautions During Wintry Weather

McHenry County Department of Health reminds residents that taking preventive action is the best defense against winter’s harsh conditions.  By preparing your car in advance for winter emergencies, and by observing safety precautions during times of extremely cold weather, you can reduce the risk of weather-related health problems.
Prepare your car with emergency supplies –  

Snack food	Chains or rope	Shovel
Windshield scraper	Water	Extra hats, coats, gloves
Road salt and sand	Flashlight (extra batteries)	Bright colored flag; help signs
Booster cables	Blankets	Emergency flares
Cell phone; portable charger and extra batteries		Battery-powered radio (extra batteries)

Travel with caution – 
       • Listen for travel warnings.

• Avoid icy roads if possible.

• Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to arrive. Ask them to notify help if you are late.

Freezing temperatures combined with high winds make it dangerous for those inadequately prepared for weather extremes.  If you are trapped in your car in a winter storm, stay in the car.  Do not leave the car to look for help unless help is visible within 100 yards.

Listen to emergency broadcasts. Know what winter storm warning terms mean – 

• Winter weather advisory – Expect winter weather conditions to cause inconvenience and hazards.

• Frost/freeze warning – Expect below-freezing temperatures.

• Winter storm watch – Be alert. A storm is likely.

• Winter storm warning – Take action. The storm is in or entering the area.

• Blizzard warning – Seek refuge immediately! Snow and strong winds, near-zero visibility, deep snow drifts, and life-threatening wind chill.

For tips on supplies you’ll need and what to do after a winter storm, visit the American Red Cross’ winter storm safety checklist at http://bit.ly/2DWrV5.

No Crystal Lake Planning Commission Meeting This Week

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commission for Wednesday, February 2 is canceled. The lack of completed petitions ready for review is the reason for the cancellation. The next meeting of the Planning Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, February 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Crystal Lake Municipal Building, 100 W. Woodstock Street.

McHenry County Tuberculosis Care and Treatment Board Meeting

The McHenry County Tuberculosis Care and Treatment Board is meeting at 9: a.m. Tuesday in the McHenry County Department of Health, 2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Annex B.

The Board is to consider a report from the TB Nurse along with statistics, and a meetng schedule for 2011 is to be set.

Discussion items include an update on PADS TB skin testing and approval of the 2011 TB Budget.

A number of items for discussion include information and communication items such as "Addressing TB among African Americans in the Southeast" and "Extensive Drug Resistance in Malaria and Tuberculosis." Both are articles in publications and may be discussed by the board.

Crystal Lake City Council Tuesday Evening

Crystal Lake City Council is meeting Tuesday evening beginning at 7:30 in the Crystal Lake City Council Chambers, 100 West Woodstock Street.

Street Closures Requested For Benefit Events

Two groups are requesting street closures for benefits. One is for the 13th annual Woods Creek Feet Meet scheduled Sunday, May 1 from 8:00 a.m. The request is to close Alexandra Boulevard from an area west of Dogwood Drive to an area east of Driftwood Lane for the start of the walk/run. Local traffic is to be maintained throughout the event. As usual emergency vehicles and local traffic must be allowed to access Alexandra Boulevard.

Glacier Ridge Elementary School "Paws for the Pantry" Run is scheduled for Sunday, May 15 and is requesting closure of Village Road between Moorland Drive and Driftwood Lane as well s Kingsgate Lane at Village Road.

The same rules apply for this run as for the Woods Creek School event. The Council is being asked to approve both of these events.

New Member For County Commission

Newly appointed Director of Engineering and Building, Erik D. Morimoto is to be appointed as an Alternate Member of the McHenry County Stormwater Management Commission. This Commission is comprised of 12 members, six of which are appointed by the McHenry County Board Chairman. The other six members are representatives of the six County Board Districts. Additionally, alternate members may be appointed. They are non-voting members, unless authorized to be a voting member by unanimous consent of the Commission.

Morimoto was recently appointed to the position of City Engineer, with former Engineer Victor Ramirez being appointed Director of Public Works.

New Name For Virginia Street Gas Station

Clark Gas Station at 471 Virginia Street is being changed to Gas Depot and is receiving new signage. The new sign was installed without required City permits and variations. Once the change was detected by the City, the proper permitting was addressed. As a result, since the desired signage does not meet the new requirements the Gas Depot requested a variation. The Council is to consider that request.

Front Yard Ice Rink

A temporary ice rink in a front yard at 794 Dover Court was installed without a Temporary Use Permit. This is similar to a request for a front yard ice rink at another residence. When that was before the Council, it was suggested that a Temporary Use Permit be obtained since the ice rink would not be in place year-round.

In addition to requesting the Temporary Use Permit, the applicant is also requesting a waiver from the $75 temporary use permit application fee. If the permit is approved by the Council a number of conditions are also recommended having to due to length of time, location and downward illumination on the rink.

Virginia Street Electrical Lines Coming Down

New Electrical Service Laterals for Virginia Street Corridor are on the way. The lowest responsible bidder for the job, Associated Electrical Contractors, Inc, Woodstock is to be considered for Council approval. The cost is $88,775. This is part of the planned renovation project for Virginia Street. Other work included relocating AT&T and Comcast lines as well. These two utility companies reconnect their own service connections as part of their franchise agreements. ComEd does not reconnect services that require modifications.

New Police Cars

Crystal Lake Police Department is to get seven new pursuit cars. The seven 2008 Ford Crown Victoria's currently in use by the Department are due for replacement, and that has been deferred by a year. All seven cars have been in services since 2007 with an average 83,240 miles recorded.

The Crown Victoria is being discontinued by Ford and by ordering them prior to the discontinuation the City can reduce equipment installation costs as the current equipment can be transferred into the new vehicles. Bidding for the vehicles was in place and the seven cars are being purchased from Landmark Ford, Springfield, IL through the State Joint Purchase Program.

Pingree Road Improvement

Segment 2 of the improvement, located between Cog Circle and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks, is being prepared for construction. The segment is being improved to include additional turn lanes at the Congress Parkway intersection and is being accomplished with participation from Metra. This is because of the Pingree Road station.

The improvements, as approved by IDOT as part of the Phase I Project Development include an extension of the current sidewalk network along Pingree Road across the tracks to connect the existing shared-use path to the north.

The eight-foot wide sidewalk extension across the tracks will require pedestrian gates to address safety concerns with sightlines at the crossing.

The cost for the improvements is $189,738 and is included in the overall construction cost being funded through Metra contributions and Federal Surface Transportation Program funding. The City will be responsible for a $2,720 per year fee for maintenance of the two pedestrian warning gates.

The Council is being asked to approve authorizing the City Manager to execute the Agreement for the Pingree Road Grade Crossing improvements.

Intergovernmental Agreement For Payments From Dial-A-Ride Services

The City Council is being requested to approve an intergovernmental agreement between the City and McHenry County enabling payments for Dial-A-Ride services from the Senior Services Grant Fund.

Intergovernmental Agreement with U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

The City Council is requested to approve this agreement enabling the Crystal Lake Police Department to become a member of the Provisional State and Local Government Task Force.

Memorandum of Understanding with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The Council is also being requested to authorize the Police Chief to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement enabling the police department to become a member of the Cyber Crimes Investigation Group federal task force. Reimbursement of joint operations expenses is available from the Treasury Forfeiture Fund.

Pace Will Operate All Scheduled Services--But Caution Is Urged

 

 Passengers urged to make only urgent trips during severe weather

Pace will operate all scheduled service to the best of the agency’s ability during the blizzard that is predicted to hit the area this week. That said, officials urge caution and have developed five basic points of advice for travelers:

v   Passengers should only travel if it is absolutely necessary. Postponing travel isn’t possible for everyone but in terms of safety and comfort, it’s the best choice if it’s an option.

v   If passengers must travel, Pace recommends staying informed by using WebWatch, the bus arrival prediction application available at http://www.pacebus.com/. Riders can check arrival times for their route at the bus stop of their choice to stay informed of delays and potentially spend less time exposed to the elements. Also, consider signing up for Pace’s E-mail subscription service on the agency website to stay informed of any route-specific or system wide updates.

v   Passengers should dress for the extreme conditions in order to be prepared should they face extended wait times for buses.

v   Riders should exercise extreme caution when boarding and exiting buses because conditions can be particularly slippery near the curb. Please use handrails and watch your step.

v   Please try to remain patient- travel times are going to be longer because of road conditions and traffic congestion. Allow extra time for both travel and walking to and from bus stops.

“If people must travel during severe weather, their safety is of the utmost importance,” said Pace Chairman of the Board Richard Kwasneski. “It’s likely going to take people longer than usual to reach their destinations, but we’re going to do everything we can to get them there safely.”

Crystal Lake Library Committee Meeting Tuesday Evening

The Planning and Public Relations Committees of the Crystal Lake Public Library Board of Trustees will meet at 7:00 p.m Tuesday in the library Director's Office of the Library, 126 Paddock Street, Crystal Lake. According to the agenda the committee will be considering needs assessment project planning.

McHenry County Board Meets Tuesday Morning

The McHenry County Board will meet Tuesday morning beginning at 9:00 a.m. The location for the meeting is the Board Room of the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock. The following matters are included on the agenda:

Proclamation for Service

A proclamation is being presented recognizing Robert Martens for 33 years of Public Service with Family Services and Community Health Center.

Other considerations included on the Agenda include:

Appointments

Appointments to two boards are being presented for County Board approval. These include several appointments to the Agricultural Conservation Easement and Farmland Protection Commission, including Brian D. Jenkner, Robert R. LaPorta and Virginia Peschke.

For the McHenry County Mental Health Board, appointments include Kathy J. Hinz, and Samuel J. Tenuto.

Software Renewals

Two resolutions are being presented to renew software maintenance. One is for GIS software, which is used by many county departments, for an amount of $42,933.63

The second renewal for software is for an accounting software system renewal for $56,614.

Grants

A couple grants are being presented for approval. Both are from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity  for vocational Training through the Workforce Network. One is for $16,470 with the second in the amount of $13,592.

Federal Legislative Program

The Board is scheduled to approve a Federal Legislative Program for Federal Fiscal Year 2013. This is a "wish list" and does not guarantee the requested funding will be received. The County's Representatives and Senators do need to know what the County is seeking.

Stormwater Strategic Protection Plan—Seeking $550,000 for Stormwater Management to complete watershed and flood mitigation plans for the Lower Nippersink Creek Watershed and the Upper Fox River Watershed.

Also requested is $20,000,000 in assistance as provided by the Corps of Engineers to accelerate the implementation of the county's groundwater/stormwater protection program.

Transportation- the County is seeking $1,000,000 to build a highway bypass by adding capacity to Charles J. Miller Road, River Road, and Chapel Hill Road. This would add one additional through lane in each direction along with adequate turn lanes at intersections.

Randall Road – A request is being made for a $1 million appropriation to add capacity to Randall Road from Ackman Road to County Line Road by adding one added through lane in each direction, continuous flow intersection at Algonquin Road intersection along with adequate turn lanes at other intersections and bicycle and pedestrian improvements as needed. A total of $102 million to $115 million is needed for remaining engineering, land acquisition and construction costs.

In the Public Safety Communication category, the McHenry County Sheriff's Office is seeking $300,000 for federal technology funds to allow the office to manage activities associated with public safety and criminal justice services. The acquired technology would allow an expansion of what the Office is now able to do in such areas as warrant service and management, ability to electronically file search warrants and criminal complaints. It also would provide the ability to share data between applications and across departments. The Department is specifically seeking Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems Technology. This would allow information sharing and the ability for officers to identify subjects using mobile identification technology.

Education—McHenry County is seeking $400,000 for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education as well as Training Administration, Training and Employment Services. Approval of the request would provide the County's workforce with career ladders and increase degree attainment by expanding the capacity of an infrastructure at McHenry County College.

A Complaint--McHenry County also has a "complaint" regarding Unfunded Mandates/Preemptions, stating, "A mainstay of restoring our partnership is to be constantly vigilant against legislative or regulatory initiatives that undermine local government decision making. The partnership with federal policy makers should recognize local government roles and not preempt county authority in issues such as land use, rights of way and other local functions.

"In addition, administering and bearing the costs of accurate and secure elections for local, state and federal office has always been primarily the responsibility of county officials. National Association of Counties (NACo) opposes federal efforts to dictate specific practices for administering elections. Adequate federal financial assistance should be provided for this key responsibility.

"National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) Requirements. McHenry County is pointing out some of the obstacles faced in dealing with federal requirements. "In the last three federal transportation bills, ISTEA, TEA-21 and SAFETEA-LU have all offered adjustments to the process by which transportation projects are required to account for an mitigate negative impacts to society and the natural environment. Many of the adjustments were specifically intended to stream-line the process. In the State of Illinois, the process remains unacceptably slow.

"Professionals working for the USDOT struggle to interpret the law and therefore have difficulty assisting state and local agencies in how the process can be improved. This creates more confusion and more wasteful duplication of effort. It is not uncommon that a project will be built with a design that is over seven years old begging the question, 'At the end of the day, is the process helping or hindering professionals to design and build what is needed?"

McHenry County also took an opportunity to point out the importance of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and the need to reauthorize it. "WIA has provided the framework for workforce investment, workforce preparation, and the country's employment system for almost ten years.

"Its reauthorization would assure some stability in providing for the best interests of both McHenry County businesses and an increase number of McHenry County job seekers. Our services to job seekers includes not only dislocated workers, but those working to overcome poverty circumstances, youth preparing to enter the workforce, and persons seeking skills and opportunities to climb their respective career ladders. Any and all changes must be made in the best interest of both groups. The system must also address those on the front lines delivering those services and programs.

The opportunity is here to craft and pass legislation that will not hamstring workforce investment staff with excessive rules and regulations, while still holding local areas accountable for making sure the funds they receive are spent in an effective and efficient manner in accordance with the law."

TRANSPORTATION

Several resolutions are going before the County Board regarding the Transportation Department. One is to approve the acquisition of Right-of-Way for Highway Purposes and Appropriating Funds for the North Union Road Bridge Project. The amount of $20,000 is to be appropriated to continue this process.

A second resolution is to approve the acquisition of Right of Way for Highway Purposes for the Alden Road Bridge Project. The sum of $75,000 is to be appropriated for this purpose.

A third resolution to be approved is for Wetland Credit Agreement for the Lawrence Road Bridge project. The agreement is between the County and Ecological Planning, Inc. for $66,000.

And a fourth resolution is to approve Adopt-A-Highway Volunteer Group Agreement for Darla Dog Says Opt to Adopt a K9. This group will clean up debris left by passing travelers on Alden Road from Knickerbocker Road to IL Route 173.

Government Meetings Monday

MONDAY, JANAURY 31

8:15 am—Natural and Environmental Resources Committee

This McHenry County Board Committee is meeting in the conference room of the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock. An amendment to the county stormwater ordinance is to be considered. The proposed amendments are intended to reduce the burden on large property owners such as farmers and the McHenry County Conservation District. The proposed amendment would revise requirements for providing stormwater detention in certain situations and also exclude certain linear areas from consideration when calculating new impervious surface areas for the purpose of providing detention.

Also to be considered is the reappointment of several members to the Agricultural Conservation Easement and Farmland Protection Commission. These include Brian Jenkner, Rob LaPorta and Virginia Peschke.

The Agricultural Conservation Easement and Farmland Protection Commission (ACE) has also informed the Natural and Environmental Resources Committee (NERC) that they are exploring the idea of forming a McHenry County Food Council to bring t together members of the agricultural, business, educational, governmental and health communities to build a more locally based, self-reliant food economy . This would involve sustainable food production, processing, distribution and consumption. The ACE Commission is seeking direction from the NERC regarding proceeding with this local food assessment.

6:00 P.M.—COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 155 BOARD STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE will meet this evening in the Center for Education, One South Virginia Road, Crystal Lake, for an update on the district Strategic Plan.

7:00 p.m.—Economic Development Committee –Lakewood Village Board

Will meet Monday, at 7:00 p.m. in the Village Hall, 2500 Lake Avenue, Lakewood.

8:30 p.m. COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 155 BOARD will meet in the same location, One South Virginia Road, Crystal Lake, regarding collective negotiating matters between the School District and its employees or their representatives. Also included in this meeting agenda is the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, resignation, or dismissal of employee.

The agenda notes there is possible action regarding both of these matters.