Public Has Say Regarding Location of Another Hospital In Crystal Lake Area

Should another hospital be located in McHenry County, specifically on the southeastern corner of Route 31 and Three Oaks Road in Crystal Lake?

That is a decision the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board will have to make. Testimony was provided Friday by representatives of Mercy Health System which proposes to locate a 128-bed acute care facility at the Route 31 location. Although the Review Board was not physically present for the hearing, all testimony was recorded and is to be reviewed by the Board before making a decision.

The public also had much to say regarding the proposed location as well as remarks regarding present facilities. Some remarks were flatering while others were not.

This is the second attempt to locate a hospital at this location. The first attempt  in 2004  resulted in Federal indictments against State Health Facilities Board members. Mercy officials are adamant in pointing out that the actions at the time were not on the part of Mercy officials, but involved State Health Facilities Board officials. A new Health Facilities Board is in place since the indictments

According to testimony at the Friday hearing, Mercy officials spelled out plans for a 353,000-square foot, 128 bed acute-care facility at the Route 31 site which would serve 184,000 people, representing approximately 46 percent of the county's population. Mercy claims this is the number in the area without full-service emergency room or hospital-based outpatient services. Pending approval of the application by the State Health Facilities Board,  plans by Mercy call for breaking ground for the new hospital later this year.

Also in this mix of health care providers for residents in the southeastern part of McHenry County is Elgin based Sherman Hospital, Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, Barrington, St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates, as well as Centegra Health System with plans for a new hospital in southern McHenry County at Haligus Road and Reed Road in the Huntley area.

The opponents all explained that other faculties are located within a short time-frame from the area to be served by Mercy. As most everyone in the area knows, travel time could depend upon the traffic at the time and whether the travel is by ambulance or private vehicle.

As would be expected, established hospitals are concerned that another facility would reduce revenues for those already in existence. The final decision is up to the current State Health Facilities Board.

County Board Committee Meeting Friday Morning

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

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

A number of resolutions will require the committee's approval including supporting funding for the Workforce Investment Act as well as leasing the necessary office space for the program; accepting a $35,000 grant for children's' vaccinations; accepting a $84,000 grant for breast and cervical cancer screenings.

Mercy Hospital Hearing Friday Morning

Mercy Health Systems is planning to build a 128-bed hospital on property owned by Mercy at the southeast corner of Route 31 and Three Oaks Road, the same location proposed by Mercy in 2008.

A public hearing before the State Health Facilities Planning Board is scheduled to be held on Friday beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Crystal Lake City Council Chambers of the Crystal Lake Municipal Complex located at Woodstock Street and Walkup Avenue in downtown Crystal Lake.

The McHenry County Board considered commending the proposal for Mercy Health Systems Hospital-Crystal Lake at the March 1 Board meeting. The County Board views this proposed facility, as well as one proposed by Centegra to be located in Huntley, as increasing the employment field in the County. Both Hospital groups requested the County Board to provide resolutions of support for their facilities. County Board members felt it was better to view these proposals for the employment benefits they provide in the county rather than "support" the facilities.

A proposal was considered in 2008 for the same location. However, due to the unscrupulous actions of members of the State Health Facilities Planning Board when Mercy was before that board for approval, the plans never materialized. Mercy has revised the plans somewhat to meet today's needs.

Early Voting Saves Time On Election Day

Early Voting

Voters do not have to wait until Election Day to cast their votes. They may vote at any of the following locations prior to the April 5 Election Day, It is not necessary to vote in a designated polling location.

However, it should be noted this is not true on  Election Day.

                                   The following locations are available for Early Voting.

MCHENRY COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

667 Ware Road--2^nd Floor, Conference Room

Woodstock

Now Thru Thursday, March 31

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

Hours:  8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Wednesday, March  23, And 30

Hours: 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM

 Saturday March 19             Hours: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Saturday March 26              Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Sunday March 20                 Hours:  9:00 AM to Noon

Sunday March 27                 Hours:  9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

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ALGONQUIN TOWNSHIP OFFICES

3702 US Highway 14, Clerk's Office

Crystal Lake

Now Thru Thursday, March 31

Monday thru Friday              Hours:  9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

No Saturday Hours

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CITY OF CRYSTAL LAKE

100 W. Municipal Complex, Room P106

Woodstock and N. Walkup Avenue

Now Thru Thursday, March 31

Monday thru Friday              Hours:  8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Saturday, March 19             Hours:  9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Saturday, March 26             Hours:  8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Sunday, March 20                Hours:  9:00 AM to Noon

Sunday, March 27                Hours:  9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

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GRAFTON TOWNSHIP

Huntley Park District

12015 Mill Street

Huntley

Now Thru Thursday, March 31

Monday March 14 thru Thursday, March 31 -  Hours:  9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Saturday, March 19 and March 26                -  Hours  9:00 AM  to 1:00 PM

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VILLAGE of LAKE in the HILLS

Village Hall

600 Harvest Gate, Executive Conference Room

Lake in the Hills

(Enter thru Board Room)

Now Thru Thursday, March 31

Monday thru Friday              Hours  9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Saturday, March 19             Hours 9:00 AM  to 1:00 PM

Saturday, March 26             Hours 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Sunday,   March 20              Hours 9:00 AM to Noon

Sunday,   March 27              Hours 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

CITY OF McHENRY

McHenry City Hall

333 Green St. – Court Entrance Only

Now Thru Thursday, March 31

Monday thru Friday              Hours 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Saturday, March 19             Hours 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Saturday, March 26             Hours 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Sunday,   March 20              Hours 9:00 Am to Noon

Sunday,   March 27              Hours 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

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McHENRY TOWNSHIP OFFICES

3703 N. Richmond Road

McHenry

Now Thru Thursday, March 31

Monday thru Friday              Hours 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Saturdays                              NO Hours

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NUNDA TOWNSHIP OFFICES

3510 Bay Road Annex

Crystal Lake

Monday, March 21 Thru Thursday, March 31

Monday thru Friday              Hours 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Saturdays                              NO Hours

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HARVARD AREA

Dunham Township Office

107 Airport Road

Harvard

Now Thru Thursday, March 31

Monday thru Friday              Hours 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Saturday, March 19 and March 26            Hours 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

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MARENGO AREA

Marengo City Hall

132 E. Prairie Street, Upper Chambers

Marengo

Saturday March 19 Thru Thursday, March 31

Monday thru Friday              Hours 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Saturday, March 19             Hours 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Saturday, March 26             Hours 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

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State law requires that a registered voter show valid photo identification before voting early. Voter casting an early ballot must display a current driver's license, a state-issued ID card or another government-issued ID with a photograph.

State Law also prohibits any voter who has been issued an "In Person Absentee Ballot" or "Early Ballot" from appearing at this precinct polling place and requesting another ballot.

Crystal Lake Park District Meeting

Crystal Lake Park District Board is meeting Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the Park District offices, One E. Crystal Lake Avenue.

Gary Schaefer is to provide a presentaiton on the Lake Management. In other business, a number of requests are being considered from various community groups to hold fundraising events on the park facilities.

A review of a smoking policy is also to be handled, in addition to the necessary routine matters to pay bills, consider a truck purchase request.

Planning Development Committee Meeting

Planning and Development Committee of the McHenry County Board is meeting Thursday morning at 8:30 in the County Board Offices, Administrative Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The committee is to interview David Henry for appointment to the McHenry County Housing Commission.

The Committee will also consider a year-end report regarding the McHenry County Housing Commission which had its beginning in April 2010. According to the report, the Commission has addressed five of the 11 goals instituted by the bylaws.

The membership of the Commission includes a wide variety of backgrounds including realtors, developers, housing agencies, city administrators, mortgage leaders and others, all allowing for a widespread perspective on how to address housing issues in the county.

Signs And More Signs For Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commssion

The Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commission has three matters to consider at tonight's meeting, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Crystal Lake City Hall.

Circle K, 230 North Route 31, is seeking a Special Use Permit to allow changes to signage from Shell to Circle K and the addition of an electronic message center sign.

This property was originally approved in 1993 with a complete sign package for shell. Seven years later Shell filed for an amendment to allow exterior changes to the principal structure canopy, gasoline pumps and signage.

Now a convenience store and car wash are being added and a request is being made to allow exterior changes. The City Council provided a more recent interpretation stating that "Any areas that are back-lit or halo-lit are considered signage. A single color used as background is not considered signage unless lit. Stripes, patterns or multiple color areas are considered signage. Signage on pumps is counted towards the total wall signage allowance."

If they are agreeable to the proposed changes the requested Special Use Permit is expected to be considered.

Advance Auto Parts, another sign request to be considered is that for the addition of a monument sign for Commons of Crystal Lake, 6130 Northwest Highway. This is the location of the former Blockbuster Video Store. The petitioner is seeking approval of a monument sign at this location as it is part of the lease approval. The Planning and Zoning Commission will need to consider how to provide what the tenant needs and still meet what the Commission desires.

buybuy Baby is seeking approval for added signage panels to the building they occupy which was formerly the location of Linen "n Things.

A Green Day Tomorrow

There’s a new “green” group in town, and they’re inviting you to lunch. The ECOmmunity Network of McHenry County will host their first Green Bag Lunch program on Thursday, March 17 in the second floor atrium of the Woodstock Square Mall, at 110 S. Johnson Street in downtown Woodstock.

Based on the popular “brown bag” concept, ECOmmunity’s Green Bag Lunch Series hosts lunch-hour programs and networking sessions on topics such as energy and new technologies, recycling, climate change, conservation, natural stewardship, and other environmental issues.  The informal noontime programs are held on the third Thursday of each month, and are free to the public.  Social networking starts at 11:45 a.m., followed by presentations and discussion from noon – 1:15 p.m.  Reservations are not required, and drop-ins are welcome.

 “Why does my house hate me?”

This month’s Green Bag program is “Why does my house hate me?” with Don Jarrett of Dorje, Inc., an energy sustainability firm based in Lake County.  “If you’ve opened a utility bill lately, you probably asked yourself this question, and you’re not alone,” Jarrett says.  “In these tough economic times, we all have to ‘tighten our belts.’   We try to save where we can, but the utility bills just keep coming!” 

Formed in February, 2011, the ECOmmunity Network of McHenry County is volunteer-based organization of individuals and families who share an interest in sustainable “green” living and environmental stewardship.  Members share their knowledge and ideas, build friendships, and work together to improve their communities through education, advocacy, and public service activities. The ECOmmunity Network also supports environmental innovation through clean-energy technologies and “green”  entrepreneurship, offering networking opportunities, shared expertise, and resources for small business owners.

For more information about the ECOmmunity Network, its Green Bag Lunch Series and other activities, phone (815) 337-2040, email to ECOnet.mchenry@gmail.com, or visit us on Facebook at “ECOmmunity Network”.

To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, members of the Off Square Music Guild will provide musical entertainment before and after the program.   Participants may bring their own bag lunch (and no, the bag does not need to be green) or just come to enjoy the program.  Coffee, tea, and ice water are offered for a small donation, and recycling bins are provided.  Attendees may pre-order a bag lunch by phone at Tarts & Truffles (815-338-8278) or Expressly Leslie (815-338-8278) and pick it up when they arrive.

The Times They Are a-Changin'

Metra, the northeastern Illinois commuter rail line, has apparently changed a previous decision regarding the location of a station in Ridgefield. The location of the station in the center of the tiny community of Ridgefield has now been withdrawn by the commuter rail company.

For many months since early 2009, the 17.5 acre parcel of property located on the north side of the Union Pacific rail line was to be the location of a commuter station for Metra. Former Executive Director for Metra made the deal for the property at the location adjoining the Alexander Lumber Company.

Now Crystal Lake city officials have been informed that Metra is no longer interested in that location, and the annexation of the property which has been on Council agendas for months, was withdrawn. The property was once again listed on the agenda for annexation but was withdrawn.

West Ridgefield Road Location

As of April 2008 the location of the station was to be on what is known as west Ridgefield Road near the sports complex. That suddenly switched in early 2009 when the property owner of the originally chosen site was informed that an ongoing dialog had been taking place for sometime regarding another site.

The location of the "new" site was adjoining Alexander Lumber Company property and placed the location near the busy intersection in Ridgefield. The property was part of holdings of the former Flowerwood owners.

Work on that halted the beginning of May 2010 after Metra Executive Director Phil Pagan took his life by standing in front of a Metra commuter train. Since then, Metra has retained a new Executive Director but continued to put the annexation of the Ridgefield property on hold. Now it has been decided to withdraw the plan and undoubtedly other planning will be considered.

McHenry County College had already strongly indicated to Metra that a station closer to the College's "rear" entrance off Ridgefield Road would be beneficial for students and faculty. At the time, Metra seemed interested, but nothing further was considered.

Board Meeting This Evening

7:30 p.m. High School District 155

Meets in the Board Room at the Center for Education, One South Virginia Road, Crystal Lake.

It is anticipated that a report regarding additional air conditioning of Central and Cary Grove High Schools will be available from the architects involved in investigating the possibilities. The other two high school faculties, Prairie Ridge and South received air conditioning when they were constructed.

Parts of Central and Cary Grove have some air conditioning such as the business offices and auditoriums, but not other areas. The board considered the possibility of adding air conditioning depending upon the cost.

A Legislative Update is also to be provided by Superintendent, Dr. Jill Hawk.

Metra Ridgefield Station Before Crystal Lake City Council Tonight

The Ridgefield Metra Station, as usual, is included on the agenda for tonight's 7:30 p.m. City Council meeting. However, there is a difference. In the past it has been an item for continuation because it was reported that Metra was not ready to deal with it.

The plan had its beginning prior to the suicide of Metra's former chief, Phil Pagano, and has been continued for months because of the change in Metra's structure. At a recent Council meeting, Councilwoman Brady-Mueller mentioned that perhaps someone from Metra should come before the Council to discuss their plans.

The property is located in the Crystal Lake Watershed and there are some concerns regarding the release of drainage points downstream.

The annexation agreement has not been approved by the Council and has been on the Council Agenda since March 2010 with no action taken. In the interim, Metra had its own problems with the self-demise of its Chief Executive Officer, Phil Pagano. A new Executive Director has been hired by the Metra board.

Crystal Lake Wrestling Team Achievements Recognized

On a better note, the Crystal Lake Central High School Wrestling Team is to be recognized for their achievements.

2011 Independence Day Parade

Also, approval is requested of a resolution approving the 2011 Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce Independence Day Parade scheduled for Sunday, July 3.

Senior Housing on Station Drive

The Council is also to consider the approval of a 79-unit affordable housing project for Banner apartment Senior Housing, planned for 355 Station Drive.

Limited Parking on Deerhaven Drive

The Council is also to consider a motion to adopt an ordinance making it unlawful to stop, stand, or park any vehicle on the northwest side of Deerhaven Drive, east of the intersection of Woodhaven Drive to near the intersection of Saddle Creek Lane Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. during August and September. The reason for this is the street is only 25 feet wide and parking takes place in connection with Ken Bird Park which sports teams use for practice. The parking on both sides of the street makes it difficult for emergency vehicles to pass.

Getting Ready for Summer

The Council is to consider an intergovernmental agreement for Enforcement and Safety Patrol from Lakewood for Safety Patrol upon the Crystal Lake. The agreement carries a $1,500 increase over the previous year. There are no changes to the decal fees from those of last year.

Upgrading Virginia Street Corridor

The Council is being requested to approve a bid award for Virginia Street Corridor Improvement construction for Curran Contracting. The amount is $4,215,630.89. This is for the work on Virginia Street corridor Improvement from Carpenter Street to Linn Avenue. Resurfacing of the roadway along U.S. Route 14 between Crystal Lake Avenue and Teckler Boulevard will also be accomplished. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will be contributing to the resurfacing portion of the project.

Also, engineering for Phase III of the above project is to be awarded to TranSystems Corp, for $186,216.37. This is to provide for streetscape improvements from Carpenter Street to Linn Avenue and includes decorative roadway and pedestrian lighting, removal and replacement of the existing sidewalk and curb and gutter, and the installation of decorative elements, including specialty paving, street furnishings, signage, and landscaping. This work is anticipated to begin in early April this year.

State Gets Involved

The Illinois Department of Transportation is to be paying 100% for resurfacing and all other items associated with the resurfacing of the Virginia Street Corridor Improvements from Crystal Lake Avenue to Dole Avenue and from four tenths of a mile west of Virginia Road to Teckler Boulevard. The work is estimated to cost $1,439,172.83 based on the lowest bid received. IDOT will also contribute $675,000 towards the resurfacing of Virginia Street to the central segment of the project between Dole Avenue and Linn Avenue. The City Council is to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with IDOT for the work.

Along with the same project, the Council is being asked to approve appropriating $1,805,000 in MFT funds for the construction and Phase III engineering services.

Along with the Virginia Street improvement project, decorative entry features and signage at McCormick Park has been planned.

Rain Barrel Code

The Council is also being asked to approve a City Code amendment establishing rain barrel code requirements. These have become popular and it is considered necessary to adopt a code to regulate these as they are potential property maintenance issues. The City does not wish to discourage this environmentally friendly practice but the ordinance is designed to facilitate the use of the rain barrels to they remain functional without becoming unsightly or unsafe.

Election Day Is April 5

If you are not registered to vote there is still time to do so—it's called:

"Grace Period" Voter Registration

McHenry County Clerk Katherine C. Schultz, explains that a state law allows a "Grace Period" for people to register to vote between March 9 and March 29  for the April 5 Consolidated Election.

Individuals may register in person during normal office hours at the clerk's office, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Room 107, Woodstock.

However, there is a catch. People who register to vote during this three-week period must vote in the County Clerk's Office at the time they register. People who register during this "grace period" are not eligible to vote at their precinct polling place on April 5.

To be eligible to vote, a person must be a US citizen, 18 years old by Election Day, and a resident of the precinct for at least 30 days prior to Election Day.

Two (2) forms of Identification are necessary both with the voter's name and one (1) with their current address.

Need more information? Have questions?

Contact the County Clerk's office at 815-334-4242.

Nominations Sought For McHenry County Green Awards

McHenry County Department of Health is seeking nominations for the 2011 McHenry County Green Awards.

Established in 1994, the award recognizes the waste reduction, recycling and conservation efforts of businesses, institutions, organizations and residents in the County.  The Green Award is a good reminder of the important role everyone has in improving our community environment through waste reduction and recycling. The deadline for nominations is March 31.

Entries will be considered based on environmentally sound waste reduction or recycling efforts, innovation and education.  Award winners will be recognized at the McHenry County Board meeting on April 19. One award will be chosen for each category which includes – 

Businesses – retail, hotels, restaurants, manufacturing

Institutions – such as schools, hospitals, long term care, government

Organizations – associations, clubs, volunteer groups

Individual Residents

Submit your nomination to Kristy Hecke, Solid Waste Manager at klhecke@co.mchenry.il.us or by fax 815-334-4637.  For additional information, call 815-334-4585. 

"Eyes Wide Open" Display At MCC--Remembers Illinois Servicemen Lost in Iraq and Afghanistan

March 19th marks 8 years of U.S. war and occupation in Iraq. The Student Peace action Network is sponsoring the exhibit “Eyes Wide Open” this week Monday March 14th through Friday March 18th. As of today 230 service personnel from Illinois have died in the wars. They are remembered through the exhibit of boots displayed in the MCC commons area.

The purpose of the exhibit created by the American Friends Service Committee is a living memorial to the military personnel and civilians killed in Iraq and Afghanistan- and is a stark reminder of the human cost of the war.

McHenry County Board Rules Being Amended

McHenry County Board will meet as a Committee of the Whole at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday in the County Board Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock. The only item of business is a discussion regarding the County Board Rules. The Board is expected to adopt a Resolution authorizing the Adoption of an amendment to the Rules.

The revision of County Board Rules has been under discussion by the Management Services Committee for the past several months and is on the County Board agenda for adoption by the full County Board when it meets Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in the same County Board room.

Changed Meeting Dates

Some of the proposed revisions in the Rules include setting the County Board meetings for the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. This is a change from the present meeting schedule of a 9:00 a.m. meeting for the first Tuesday and 7:00 p.m. meeting on theThird Tuesday.

Term Limit for Board Chairman

A change is proposed for a term limit for the Chairman of the County Board. The chairman is to hold the position for a term of two years, with a recommendation that the Chairman not serve more than three consecutive terms.  The same term limit is also proposed for the Vice Chairman. These offices are filled by the votes of the entire County Board membership.

Conflict of Interest

Procedures regarding possible conflict of interest on the part of county board members are spelled out so that Board members are to indicate any possible conflict on the part of the board member or family members and that they will abstain from discussion and vote on the matter where there is a possible conflict of interest.

Travel Rules

A slight change is proposed regarding travel rules. It had been stated that mileage shall be reimbursed to all Members for use of their personally owned vehicles to attend assigned meetings and such other county business functions and events .... approved by the County Board Chairman.

A statement, "Actual mileage traveled to and from the member's primary residence shall be paid for any and all meetings on any given day." is being stricken.

Reimbursement for Expenses

Regarding expenses incurred by County Board members, the new rules state, "expenses incurred for County Board business, shall be reimbursed by the Member's expense account which shall not exceed $1,000 per calendar year. (added) "If the expense is outside of the $1,000 expense account, it must have the approval of the County Board Chairman."

Board Organization Meeting

The protocol for the Organization Meeting of the County Board, held the first Monday of December of each even numbered year, is more clearly defined with regard to the process of nominating a chair and vice-chair.

A Few Changes

The order of business of the meeting is proposed for a slight alteration, with Public Comment time offered following the opening of the meeting and handling of Zoning Board of Appeals matters (3^rd Tuesday only). Public Comment is also provided following handling of other business of the Board and prior to adjournment.

A time limit of 3 minutes for each person to address the Board with a total of 30 minutes set for all comments, unless extended by Board action.

'

Voting requirements for the various zoning petitions are being proposed for an addition to the county board rules.

Another proposed change is the addition of a Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee to the list of County Board Committees. This committee is to be responsible for the stewardship and liaison for matters pertaining to legislative processes at the state and federal level which affects McHenry County. Also to foster environment where intergovernmental relation and communication is prioritized; and to coordinate with the Management Services Committee and oversee County communication program with residents.

One committee is being disbanded, Valley Hi Committee which handled the stewardship/liaison for matters pertaining to issues effecting delivery of services of Valley Hi Nursing Home. The nursing home is now under the stewardship of a Board of Directors.

Another proposed change is the removal of the Chairman's Advisory Legislative Forum or CALF as well as Proposed additions are several definitions regarding a proclamation, ordinance and resolution.

These proposals are being presented for adoption to the full County Board at the 7:00 p.m. meeting.