Words of Wisdom

"I suppose, indeed, that in public life, a man whose political principles have any decided character and who has energy enough to give them effect must always expect to encounter political hostility from those of adverse principles."

--Thomas Jefferson, letter to Richard M. Johnson, 1808

Rules of the Road Review Course Available

Secretary of State Jesse White, in cooperation with Grafton Township, is offering a Rules of the Road Review Course for all citizens in the Huntley area.  The course is free to anyone who wishes to attend.

The purpose of the course is to help participants pass the Illinois driver’s license renewal examination.  The course prepares applicants for the general written and road examinations, and also provides information on the vision screening.  Donations of frozen or non-perishable food items for the Food Pantry at Grafton Township would be greatly appreciated.

The Rules of the Road Review Course will be held at:

Grafton Township, 10109 Vine Street, Huntley, 60142

Date:   9/9/2011 or 12/02/2011

Time:   1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Pre-Registration Number:  847-669-3328(Supervisor Moore’s Office)

Words of Wisdom

"The Constitution, which at any time exists, 'till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole People, is sacredly obligatory upon all."

 --George Washington

Statement of Illinois U.S. House Members On Proposed Congressional Map Filed In Federal Court

“The Fair Map filed in federal court today proves that it is possible to create congressional districts that respect both constitutional and democratic principles.  More importantly, this map stands in stark contrast to the contorted map passed by the Democrats, which is so gerrymandered that it can have no goal but to maximize partisan advantage by disregarding the will of Illinois voters.

“The Fair Map specifically addresses the problems with the Democrats’ map by providing a second district for the state’s growing Latino population, creating district lines that satisfy the tests for compactness, and protecting communities of interest by keeping them wholly within individual districts.

“We look forward to an impartial hearing in court that exposes the fatal flaws in the Democrats’ Illinois congressional redistricting scheme and recognizes the fact that creating fair, compact, and representative congressional districts is not only possible, but necessary.”

Rep. Judy Biggert (Il-13)                    Rep. Peter Roskam (Il-6)

Rep. Robert Dold (Il-10)                     Rep. Bobby Schilling (Il-17)

Rep. Randy Hultgren (Il-14)                Rep. Aaron Schock (Il-18)

Rep. Adam Kinzinger (Il-11)               Rep. John Shimkus (Il-19)

Rep. Don Manzullo (Il-16)                   Rep. Joe Walsh (Il-8)

Friday Government Meetings

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5

8:15 a.m.—Public Health and Human Services Committee of McHenry County Board, meeting in County Board Conference Room, Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Daniel A. Bell is being interviewed for appointment to the McHenry County Housing Authority.

Budget reviews for the Senior Services, Regional Office of Education, and Veterans Assistance will be handled.

Otherwise, reports as applicable regarding the following committees: Workforce Network Committee, Housing Authority, Board of Health, Mental Health Board, Senior Service Grant Commission, VAC, Valley Hi, and Human Service Advocates.

 

8:15 a.m.—Public Health and Human Services Committee of McHenry County Board, meeting in County Board Conference Room, Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Daniel A. Bell is being interviewed for appointment to the McHenry County Housing Authority.

Budget reviews for the Senior Services, Regional Office of Education, and Veterans Assistance will be handled.

Otherwise, reports as applicable regarding the following committees: Workforce Network Committee, Housing Authority, Board of Health, Mental Health Board, Senior Service Grant Commission, VAC, Valley Hi, and Human Service Advocates.

Some Lighter News

This bit of humor was sent to the Town CrierCL, among others. We thought it rather appropriate in light of the action or inaction in DC.

“A new report has found that adults in Washington, D.C. are among the top users of cocaine in the country. All this time, we thought the problem was government waste, but it’s actually that the government’s wasted.”

Very Large Frozen Turkey Recall

 Turkey - Salmonella Recall
36 million pounds nationwide
List of brands and products

http://www.emergencyemail.org/newsemergency/anmviewer.asp?a=1304&z1=

Words of Wisdom

"The Constitution ... is a mere thing of wax in the hands of the judiciary which they may twist and shape into any form they please."

 --Thomas Jefferson, letter to Judge Spencer Roane, 1819

Eastgate Manor Annual Carnival Style Summer BBQ

Friday, August 5 from 3:00-6:00pm 

RSVP is highly encouraged by calling 847-458-2800 or emailing maureen.warren@eastgatemanor.com

You’re invited to join us for a festive day of carnival-themed fun and food!

Mingle with residents, families and friends. Here’s what you can expect:

• Pony rides and petting zoo
• BBQ menu, including hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob and more
• Live polka tunes by Eddie Korosa Jr. and his boys from Illinois 
• Parky the Clown featuring balloon sculpting and magic

 FREE VALET PARKING • RAIN OR SHINE

Eastgate Manor, 101 Eastgate Court, Algonquin, IL

Thursday Meetings

8:30 a.m. – Planning and Development Committee of McHenry County Board

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

The Committee is to review the FY 11-12 Budgets for the Planning and Development Department, Community Development Block Grants and the Zoning Board of Appeals.

A resolution is being presented Recognizing McHenry County’s Class III Groundwater Designated Areas for Protection from Contamination to be incorporated into the Sensitive Aquifer Recharge Area Overlay Map.

Another resolution is being presented to the Committee Authorizing switching the funding of a couple positions in the department which are expected to bring $6,555 of savings for the Fiscal Year 2011 budget.

3:00 – McHenry County Ethics Commission – Meeting in Conference Room A of the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The Commission is to review the Ethics Ordinance and Operating Procedure for new Commissioners.

Also an update on Internal Training is also being considered.

Warmer Weather Brings Exposure To Tick Bites

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is warning residents to take precautions against tick bites during the warmer months (August-September) to prevent contracting the diseases they carry.  Thirteen (13) cases of Lyme disease have been reported to MCDH in 2011, with 6 cases having exposure in McHenry County.  In 2010, only 6 cases were reported in the same time period.  The black-legged or deer tick is a known carrier of Lyme disease.  Ticks live in and near wooded areas, tall grass and brush. 

Lyme disease typically occurs 3 to 30 days after exposure to an infected tick. Symptoms vary greatly from person to person and may include fatigue, chills and fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, swollen lymph nodes and skin rash (often with a “bull’s eye” appearance).  Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics.  If you experience these symptoms, and have had possible exposure to ticks, contact your physician.

The best way to protect against tick-borne illness includes –

Walk in the center of trails.  Avoid wooded and bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. Tuck long pants into your socks and boots.

Apply insect repellent containing DEET (30% or less) to exposed skin. Follow label instructions.

Check the clothing of family members as well as under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist, and especially in their hair. Ticks generally need to be attached for 36-48 hours before they can transmit Lyme disease. 

The Center for Disease Control & Prevention recommends bathing or showering as soon as possible after coming indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks.

For more information on Lyme disease, contact MCDH’s Communicable Division at 815-334-4500 or visit http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/departments/health/Pages/EHtick.aspx

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3 MEETING

8:15 a.m.—Transportation Committee of McHenry County Board -- meeting in the Main Conference Room of McHenry County Division of Transportation, 16111 Nelson Road, Woodstock.

Two presentations are slated including the Algonquin Road Extension and the 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan Update.

Several Resolutions are being presented for the Committee’s approval including one authorizing a line item transfer in the Division of Transpiration FY 2010-2011 Budget for fuel, oil and grease.

A second Resolution is for an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Crystal Lake for the Walkup Road Project.

A third Resolution is for approval of engineering services agreement and appropriating funds for a countywide safety study for an estimated cost of $98,400.40.

Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commission, usually meeting on this Wednesday evening has cancelled this week’s meeting. The next scheduled meeting is Wednesday, August 17, in the Crystal Lake Council chambers.

Some Of The People Can Be Fooled Some Of The Time

  WASHINGTON - On January 17, 2011, the Libertarian Party (LP) asked the 90,000 readers of its weekly email message to take a poll asking, "When will we know that Republicans successfully fooled the Tea Partiers?"

59% of respondents chose the option, "When they raise the debt limit without real spending cuts."

View the poll results here.

Chris Edwards of the libertarian Cato Institute recently pointed out that today's bipartisan debt deal, known as the Budget Control Act of 2011, does not cut government spending.

LP Executive Director Wes Benedict commented, "Libertarians apparently predict congressional deceit well. We knew this was coming long before it happened."

LP Chair Mark Hinkle added, "This debt deal only does one substantive thing: it raises the debt limit. Everything else is smoke and mirrors."

Hinkle continued, "I hope that in the future, those Tea Partiers who really want to see large cuts in government spending across the board will stop fighting their own interests by supporting Republicans. I hope they will support the Libertarian Party and Libertarian candidates instead."

The LP is America's third-largest political party, founded in 1971. The Libertarian Party stands for free markets, civil liberties, and peace. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party at their website

Social Security Payments Made As Scheduled

Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, announced today that Social Security payments for August 3rd will be made on time and as scheduled. Payments for August 10th, 17th, and 24th also will be made as scheduled. “I am happy to announce there will be no delay in the payment of August Social Security benefits,” Commissioner Astrue said, “which should be a relief to those people who were concerned about their benefits. I’m pleased the President and Congress were able to come together in a bipartisan fashion to avoid an interruption in payments.”

People still receiving paper checks from Social Security should consider signing up for Direct Deposit, the secure and convenient way to receive Social Security payments. All current beneficiaries must switch to electronic payments by March 1, 2013.

Good Ole Summer Time

The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a heat advisory which is in effect from 10 a.m. CDT to 8 p.m. this evening.

Temperatures will warm into the mid-90s this afternoon and combined with dew points in the mid-70s to produce heat index values into the 103 to 109 degree range.

The Weather Service advises to take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.

Children & pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during hot weather when the car interior can reach lethal temps in a matter of minutes.

Words of Wisdom

"The Construction applied ...to the Constitutioin of the United States which delegate Congress a power....ought not to be construed as themselves to give unlimited powers."

- Thomas Jefferson

Manzullo Voted On Bipartisan Legislation To End Immediate Debt Crisis

Congressman Don Manzullo-R-Egan- tonight voted for bipartisan legislation to end our immediate debt crisis while cutting spending significantly enough to maintain America's ;strong AAA credit rating necessary for a strong and healthy economy.

" The legislation cuts spending more than increases the debt ceiling and does not increase taxes. It also requires the House and Senate to vote on a Balanced Budget Amendment by the end of the year. The legislation is supported by Citizens Against Government Waste, Americans for Tax Reform, National Federation of Independent Business, National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and many other groups.

" The bill is far from perfect. I think we could have cut spending much more deeply. But it does go far enough to preserve our strong AAA credit rating, and that's vital to our efforts to strengthen our economy and help put Americans back to work. While this ends our immediate debt crisis, we must continue our mission to control spending to ensure America's long-term economic security. The bottom line is our government borrows 40 cents of every dollar it spends, and that is not sustainable. In these difficult times, Americans have had o tighten their belts and learn to do more with less. Washington must follow their lead."

Words of Wisdom

 "[W]here there is no law, there is no liberty; and nothing deserves the name of law but that which is certain and universal in its operation upon all the members of the community."

--Benjamin Rush, letter to David Ramsay, 1788

Tuesday, August 2 Government Meetings

9:00 a.m.—McHenry County Board, meeting in the County Board room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

In addition to the various reports from six County Departments, authorizing a Workers’ Compensation Claim Settlement, five transportation matters are being presented for approval.  These include:

Johnsburg Road Project - consisting of roadway safety and traffic congestion mitigation on the road between Illinois Route 31 and Chapel Hill Road. These improvements include widening, resurfacing and reconstruction and include new traffic signals at Riverside Drive and at Spring Grove Road.  Also being included is the installation of a modern roundabout at Chapel Hill Road intersection as well as enhancements between Spring Grove Road and Chapel Hill Road, all in the Village of Johnsburg.

A contract is being presented to the County Board for approval for the project in an amount not to exceed $821,875.18.

Hill Road Bridge Project in Richmond Township.—An agreement for Right of Way Acquisition Services by Mathewson Right of Way Company, Chicago, is being presented for County Board approval. The cost for the service contract is $20,000.

River Road at Dowell Road intersection Improvement Project – Approval of an Engineering Services Agreement for River Road at Dowell Road Intersection. The contract with Bollinger Lach & Associates, Inc. is for a not to exceed amount of $313,758.88.

Charles Road at Raffel Road Intersection Improvement project. – A contract with Bonestroo, Inc. for a not to exceed amount of $159,285.26 for engineering necessary to perform the necessary safety improvements to the Charles Road and Raffel Road intersection.

7:00 p.m.-- Board Planning and Public Relations Committee – Meeting in Library Directors Office of the Library, 126 Paddock Street, Crystal Lake.

7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake City Council  -- Meeting in the Crystal Lake Council Chambers, 100 West Woodstock Street.

In addition to providing time for the public to provide comments to the Council, there is also time for the Mayors Report, Council Reports. The agenda includes an application request from Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar, 5690 Northwest Highway. The restaurant is seeking approval of a $2,500 grant funding for improvements to the facility. This is part of the project the Council approved earlier this year to encourage exterior improvements to retail sales tax generating users.

Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar, 5900 Northwest Highway

Kyoto is moving from the current leased space in the Commons of Crystal Lake to the former Applebee’s property which Kyoto is purchasing. According to information provided by Kyoto, the purchase of the building and improvement project will exceed $1 million. The applicant is to receive a 50% reduction on their permit and inspection fees due to their investment being greater than $250,000.

Robin and Ada Ahmed, 935 Hawthorne Drive—A simplified residential variation was requested by the couple. However, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted to deny the request.

The residence is located on a corner lot located at the northeast corner of Colony Drive and Hawthorne Drive. A two-story frame residence with an attached garage is located on this lot. The petitioners requested a variation to allow a six-foot tall fence approximately 12 feet from the property line along Colony Drive. This would be in the corner side yard.

The Ahmeds also desire to build an above-ground pool in the corner side setback as close as 15 feet from the property line along Colony Drive. The pool and additional fence panels are already installed without a permit.

The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to deny the petitioners request. The City Council is to make the final decision.

Stop Control On Grant Street At Intersection With Brink Street

Following an engineering study of the intersection as well as the pedestrian and bicycle traffic at the intersection, the City’s traffic Safety Committee is recommending that a stop control on Grant Street at the intersection with Brink Street be implemented.

Parking Control For South Walkup Avenue

The City Council will be considering an ordinance implementing no stopping, standing or parking at any time restrictions on South Walkup Avenue from Franklin Avenue to the southern limit of the roadway.

Following a review of the vehicle congestion on South Walkup Avenue in front of Crystal Lake Crystal Lake Central High School near the parking lot and Immanuel Lutheran Church ball fields, parking is currently restricted on both sides of South Walkup Avenue adjacent to CLCHS. No parking signs are posted on both sides of the street.

Despite the current parking restrictions, congestion occurs during non-school hours when this section of South Walkup Avenue is utilized as a drop-off or pick-up area for the ball fields to the south on the Immanuel Lutheran Church property.

City staff has coordinated with the church to help educate parents on the need to park on Pathway Court or in the Immanuel Lutheran Church parking lot when utilizing the ball fields.

As a supplement to this educational approach, the City’s Traffic Safety Committee is recommending an amendment to the current parking restrictions on South Walkup Avenue between Franklin Avenue and the southern limit of the roadway. No stopping standing or parking at any time restriction are being implemented. The final decision is up to the City Council.

Rakow Road Closure Information

Rakow Road will NOT be closed tonight, Monday, August 1st; however, night closures and the corresponding detour route ARE anticipated to be used this week, weather permitting.

Words of Wisdom

Advice For Today From The Past

"[W]ith respect to future debt; would it not be wise and just for that nation to declare in the constitution they are forming that neither the legislature, nor the nation itself can validly contract more debt, than they may pay within their own age."

 --Thomas Jefferson

From Congressman Manzullo

Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) tonight issued the following statement commenting on the latest framework for bipartisan legislation to end the debt crisis:

“From the beginning, I have sought a realistic solution to our debt crisis that would significantly cut spending to allow us to maintain our nation’s strong AAA credit rating. Our economy and many Americans would suffer considerably in a downgrade with interest rate hikes on their homes, cars and credit cards. At first glance, it appears this framework does end our debt crisis with significant spending controls to help make our economy healthy and strong. I look forward to seeing more details tomorrow morning.”

Monday August 1 Meetings

 8:15 a.m. – Law and Justice Committee of McHenry County Board -- meeting in the County Board Conference room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

McHenry County is eligible for up to $78,860.65 for a period October1, 2010 to September 30, 2011. This is funding from the Federal Government through the individual states via the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. It is reimbursement for local emergency management agencies for up to 50% of their costs for management, personnel, administrative expenses and travel. This is being presented to the committee for the approval of a resolution for the grant agreement.

More For Special Prosecutors

The Committee is being requested to consider another payout for services rendered by the Special Prosecutors and Consultants for the month of August through November 2010 in the amount of $90,783.34.

The County had issued $20,873 to satisfy the payment request of the Consultant working on the investigation. However, the County has not increased the encumbrance necessary to pay the request. Therefore, it is necessary to request an additional $12,972 to be payable from the general fund contingency in order to pay the requested billing

Salary Adjustment For First Assistant State’s Attorney

The Committee is being requested to approve the unfreezing of and a salary adjustment for a First Assistant State’s Attorney in order to attract a qualified candidate to meet the demands of the position. The current frozen salary is $87,256 which is below what is needed to attract a qualified candidate. The request of the State’s Attorney is to increase the salary to $118,500.

Grafton Township Board

7:00 p.m.—Senior Transportation Committee Meeting, Grafton Township Office.

This committee is to meet with the Township Board to discuss policies and recommendations, especially regarding the PACE bus.

Corrected Special Grafton Township Meeting

Please Note: following is a corrected notice. The meeting is taking place tomorrow, Monday

Grafton Township Special Board Meeting

Monday August 1 – 7:00 p.m.

Grafton Township Office, 10109 Vine Street, Huntley

A special township meeting of the Grafton Township Board, will be held on Monday, August 1, 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of considering the following agenda items:

The purpose of this meeting is for township board members to attend the Senior Transportation Committee Meeting to avoid violating the open meetings act.  Board members will not take action or participate in this meeting, except to provide information requested by the committee.

The Senior Transportation Committee of the Grafton Township Board is planning to discuss recommendations of PACE bus as well as any new ideas to supplement the bus. 

The meeting is taking place in the Grafton Township Office, 10109 Vine Street, Huntley.

When The State's Attorney Cannot Represent A County Official

There are times when a complex situation needs some explanation. This is the situation involving State’s Attorney Louis A. Bianchi and Sheriff Keith Nygren and the appointment of a special prosecutor. Blake Horwitz, an attorney, representing former Sheriff’s Deputy Zane Seipler in his legal battle against the Sheriff, explains why the State’s Attorney cannot investigate the Sheriff since he represents the Sheriff in pending civil cases.

“The litigation concerning the pending Petition to Appoint a Special Prosecutor can be confusing.  This writing is designed to clear up this confusion.

“In Illinois, a citizen has a right to bring a request before a judge to appoint a special prosecutor when there is such a need.  A need can arise when there is no one available to prosecute or investigate a particular governmental official. Sometimes, a governmental official is in a position of such power that it is very difficult to oversee that individual’s activities.  Elected Sheriffs, throughout the country are in such a position.  This is because the local agency that normally prosecutes an individual is the State’s Attorney (in some counties, this position is called a “Commonwealth Attorney” or the “District Attorney”).

“In most counties, the State’s Attorney usually represents the Sheriff in civil proceedings.  For example, if someone decides to sue the Sheriff, the State’s Attorney represents the Sheriff in that proceeding.

“When the State’s Attorney defends a client, he must do so aggressively.  This same rule applies to all attorneys.   Attorneys are required to represent their clients’ zealously and if they are unable to do so, the attorney must withdraw from the case.  Hence, if the State’s Attorney represents the Sheriff in the defense of civil claims, the question arises as to how can that same attorney prosecute or investigate the Sheriff (his client) in criminal court.  This is the very dilemma that Louis Bianchi, the State’s Attorney for McHenry County, finds himself in.

“Mr. Bianchi, as the State’s Attorney, has acknowledged that his office represents the Sheriff in the defense of several pending civil cases.  Mr. Bianchi states that it would be a conflict of interest for his office to investigate the Sheriff for allegations concerning criminal conduct while at the same time he represents the Sheriff in pending civil cases.

“As many people in McHenry County are aware, there has been much litigation concerning the Petition to Appoint a Special Prosecutor with regard to Sheriff Nygren.  In prior hearings, the representative of the office of the State’s Attorney has been unwilling to acknowledge that the Office of the State’s Attorney has a policy of not investigating and/or prosecuting the Sheriff due to the inherent conflict.  However, in the recent Petition before the Court, a letter from Mr. Bianchi was submitted.  In this letter, Mr. Bianchi clarified that his office is unable to both investigate or prosecute Sheriff Nygren and also defend him in civil cases.  To do so would amount to a conflict of interest.  As a result, Judge Meyer (the judge that is presiding over the case) concluded on July 29, 2011 that the Petition to Appoint a Special Prosecutor can go forward.  However, the Judge advised that there are certain allegations that are allowed to proceed forward and others that are not allowed to proceed forward.

Allegations Against State’s Attorney

“The allegations the judge allowed concerned the use of a political logo (the seven point star) on official documents and governmental property.  The Judge also allowed the allegations concerning the conflict of interest to go forward.  The Judge found that since the policy of the State’s Attorney’s office is to not prosecute or investigate the Sheriff, the State’s Attorney is not “available“ to investigate or prosecute the Sheriff.  Hence, the allegations in the Petition concerning these matters may continue forward.  At the end of the day, the Sheriff is not immune from misconduct.  There always must be someone to review his conduct for potential improprieties.  The allegations in this regard have not been reviewed by the office of the State’s Attorney as Mr. Bianchi’s office has an official policy to not investigate allegations of misconduct concerning his client, the Sheriff.

Judge Meyer struck the allegations concerning Amy Dalby, Deputy Cooper and the intertwined relationship between Mr. Bianchi and Sheriff Nygren.

“Much confusion surrounds the status of the case at the present.  People ask “What does it mean to be allowed to go forward?” “Has a special prosecutor been appointed?”  The answer is that the Judge has simply allowed the litigation to go forward.  That is all.  The balance of the litigation will determine whether a special prosecutor will be appointed.

“The allegations regarding Sheriff Nygren concern theft of public monies and misappropriation of funds.  The allegations are that Sheriff Nygren used tax payer dollars to promote his political campaign by taking his political logo and (a) putting it on thousands of official letters mailed out to the general public; (b) placing the logo on official vehicles (motorcycles and vans) and (c) placing the logo on official buildings within the department.  In essence, the Petition alleges that Sheriff Nygren has, for years, been using public monies to promote his political campaign – a prohibited practice in the State of Illinois.

“Hopefully this submission has been informative.  If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact our office at 312-676-2100 and ask to speak to Blake Horwitz.”

Words of Wisdom

"A fondness for power is implanted, in most men, and it is natural to abuse it, when acquired."

--Alexander Hamilton, The Farmer Refuted, 1775