Blues Traveler Comes To Crystal Lake

It’s not every band that’s still staking out new musical territory and embracing fresh challenges more than 23 years into their career, but that’s the case with Blues Traveler. Having long ago graduated from the jam-band underground to mainstream stardom, the iconoclastic combo has consistently stuck to its guns and played by its own rules.

Blues Traveler, a rock band formed in Princeton, New Jersey in 1987, has been influenced by a variety of genres, including blues-rock, psychedelic rock; fold rock, soul, and Southern rock. They are known for extensive use of segues in their live performances.

Blues Traveler is best known among fans for their improvisational live shows, the general pubic is most familiar with the group from their Top 40 singles, “But Anyway”, “Run-Around” and “Hook”. They gained mainstream popularity after their fourth studio album “four”, released in 1994.

And they are coming to Crystal Lake Sunday night at the Raue Center For The Arts on North Williams Street.

Go here for more information and tickets.

Words of Wisdom

"Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote that he is not making a present or a compliment to please an individual - or at least that he ought not so to do; but that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country."

--Samuel Adams, in the Boston Gazette, 1781

Tollway Building On The Move

Following are the locations of public hearings taking place this evening regarding the Illinois Tollway proposed $12 Billion improvement plan.

Boone County - Community Building, 111 W. 1st Street, Belvidere
DeKalb County - NIU-Convocation Center, 1525 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb
Lake County - Libertyville Civic Center, 135 W. Church Street, Libertyville

The plan includes reconstructing the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) as a 21st century, state-of-the-art corridor linking Rockford to O’Hare Airport, a new interchange to connect I-294 to I-57 – one of only two places in the nation where interstates cross but do not connect – and a new all-electronic Elgin O’Hare West Bypass that can provide western access to one of the nation’s busiest airports. Also included in the plan is funding for planning studies needed for the extension of Illinois Route 53 and the Illiana Expressway.

The Illinois Tollway officials say the proposed capital plan will create more than 120,000 permanent jobs and add $21 billion to the economy. For every $1 billion of annual construction, more than 13,000 shorter-term construction jobs will be created and sustained over the next decade.

Interesting Fact Of Nature

An international team of scientists has discovered that the female ancestor of all living polar bears was a brown bear that lived in the vicinity of present-day Britain and Ireland just prior to the peak of the last ice age, 20,000 to 50,000 years ago.

The research, which is led by Penn State's Beth Shapiro and Daniel Bradley of Trinity College Dublin, is expected to help guide future conservation efforts for polar bears, which are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Polar and brown bears are vastly different species in terms of body size, skin and coat color, fur type, tooth structure, and many other physical features.

Behaviorally, they are also quite distinct: Polar bears are expert swimmers that have adapted to a highly specialized, arctic lifestyle, while brown bears -- a species that includes Grizzlies and Kodiaks -- are climbers that prefer the mountain forests, wilderness regions, and river valleys of Europe, Asia, and North America.

"Despite these differences, we know that the two species have interbred opportunistically and probably on many occasions during the last 100,000
years," Shapiro said.

Crystal Lake Park District Plans Swimming Facility

A referendum is in the planning stages for a Crystal Lake Park District Recreation Center. The date for the vote is the General Election on November 6, 2012.  The plans for this have been in the works for many months. The Park Board has been working to find a property to purchase for the Center. However, the property has not yet been purchased as negotiations are ongoing.

Once the property is approved for purchase, preliminary concept community input meetings are planned along with the establishment of a core committee to gather community support.

A survey of the residents is planned for mid-November to determine, the level of public support, as well as collecting demographic data and obtaining price points for the potential tax increase.

Preliminary concept plans are to be completed in mid-December along with the construction cost determination, operations proforma; and potential partners for the project to be confirmed. These include a wellness provider, senior services, District 155, and possibly the library and retail outlets.

A poll of likely voters is also planned in April with presentations of what is planned and all the necessary information associated with the plan being presented to various community groups.

Earlier Plan
A Community Center is something that has been discussed, planned and set aside since 2003. It had a beginning then when a Senior Citizen Committee met with the  Crystal Lake City Council about the desire to have one location for senior citizens recreational programs.

The City Council was willing to support a senior center, but not exclusively since the council must consider the entire community.

In 2004, the City contracted for a survey regarding the need for a community center, along with a survey on the development of Vulcan Lakes. Health Systems Research, an applied research unit of the University of Illinois College of Medicine-Rockford, conducted the survey. A sample of 3,500 households in both Crystal Lake zip codes received a questionnaire. Returns numbered 1,106 or 31.6%.

The results of those returned surveys showed that just over one-half endorse a community center, while 24.0% believe a community center is not needed. That initiated a decision to go forward with investigation for a Community Center.

2005 Community Center Forum

In 2005, Mayor Aaron Shepley suggested it was time to move forward. The City and the Crystal Lake Park District jointly hosted a Community Center Forum. Representatives of various groups, including the schools senior citizens, Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA) were a part of this meeting. Each group would communicate their ideas back to the city shortly after the beginning of 2006.

2006-Begin Planning

Discussions on a community center began in May with interested citizens forming committees for site consideration, facility, and finances. Since that time, meetings of the subcommittees and the entire group have been discussing the components of the community center.

Representatives of numerous Crystal Lake agencies were part of the group including the Senior Committee, (NISRA), City of Crystal Lake, Park District, High School and Elementary School Districts, Library, Salvation Army, Senior Services, Chamber of Commerce, as well as Crystal Lake residents. Everyone had an idea of what should be included and that was the purpose of the committee.

Some of the participants visited a number of facilities in communities of comparable size as Crystal Lake, providing ideas of what can be done and, perhaps, what should not be done. An architectural consultant, Williams Architects, presented building ideas based on what representatives of the community suggested.

One of the important factors was an indoor swimming pool. Considerable discussion among the citizens regarding the size took place. Another factor was how to configure it for use by high school swim teams as well as the community swimming pleasure. Another consideration is how to provide the necessary funding.

2009—Former Viking Dodge Property

In 2009 an attempt was made to utilize the former Doge Auto Dealership property on the northeast corner of Routes 176 and 14. That did not work out either.

In the previous plan, selling some of the current Park District properties was considered. These included the main office facility on Crystal Lake Avenue, the Grand Oaks property on Route 176 with some consideration of keeping the Park Place which is rented for many banquets and similar gatherings.  The building was formerly used by the American Legion.

Government Meetings Friday August 19

8:00 a.m. – Public Health and Human Services Committee of McHenry County Board –

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

The Committee will be considering seven resolutions, all dealing with grants to be provided for various purposes.

These include:
A modification to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Grant and an adjustment to reduce the appropriate in the Workforce Network FY2012 Budget by $1,866. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity notified the Workforce Network Department in McHenry County of the reduction as a result of a statewide rescission of FY 09 funds.

A second resolution is to return $22,825.69 to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity as an unspent amount of a $42,223 Work Experience Opportunity Grant.

The third resolution is for a grant providing additional funding of $65,724 for the McHenry County Workforce Network to provide staff to serve Trade and Globalization Adjustment Assistance Act (TGAAA) workers and extend the grant to the end date of June 30, 2012.

The total program costs are budgeted at $315,724.  The grant funds are to be used to provide case management services to dislocated workers from Intermatic in Spring Grove, AllState in South Barrington, SKF Sealing in Elgin, Chrysler in Belvidere, Zebra Technologies in Vernon Hills, Wells Manufacturing Dura-Bar Division, Woodstock and Duro-Life, Algonquin.

A fourth resolution involves approval for receipt of $112, 342 for operation of programs under the TGAAA  and is to be used to provide vocational training for workers from the following companies: Temic Automotive, Northbrook; Precision Dormer, Crystal Lake, Well Dura-Bard, Woodstock; Wells Duro-Life, Algonquin, Caps Visual, Chicago, Amdocs, Milwaukee, WI, Motorola, Schaumburg, Quad Graphics, Northbrook, and Littlefuse, Chicago.

Another resolution is for the acceptance of an $8,461 grant to provide assistance in job search activities including job search skills, resume writing, and training through a certified service provider to gain or upgrade skills to help eligible individuals become more employable. This grant was awarded for incentives earned for PY 2009.

Another resolution being presented for approval involves an $18,731 grant for the Trade Adjustment assistance Program extending the grant end date to September 30, 2012.

The last resolution for consideration is the IEPA Solid Waste Enforcement Grant. The Illinois Environmental Protection agency has approved the County’s grant application for July 1, 2011 through July 30, 2012 for 61.21% of the total $41,622.80 cost. The Committee is requested to approve the acceptance of the grant.

The resolution also is authorization for the Administrator of McHenry County Department of Health to accomplish the necessary program and financial management reporting for the grant.

8:15 a.m.—Senior Service Grant Commission--
Meeting in Conference Room B & C, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The agency will be conducting interviews for the FY 2012 Senior Services Grant Program and discussion on the recommendations for the Program.

Notice About Rakow Road

The night work closure/detour on Rakow Road in finished.

Temporary asphalt pavement will be placed along Pyott Road the evening of Friday, August 19th, between 6 pm and midnight - no closure/detour will be in place.

Expect traffic delays.  One lane flagging operations will be periodically necessary.  Contractors have placed aggregate base course and capping stone on substantial portions of the project in preparation for concrete paving operations scheduled to being in early September.  The paving operations will take several weeks.

WORDS OF WISDOM

"Not all the treasures of the world, so far as I believe, could have induced me to support an offensive war, for I think it murder; but if a thief breaks into my house, burns and destroys my property, and kills or threatens to kill me, or those that are in it, and to 'bind me in all cases whatsoever' to his absolute will, am I to suffer it?"

--Thomas Paine, The American Crises, No. 1, 1776

Meetings of Government Bodies On Thursday

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18—

8:00 a.m. – McHenry County College Finance and Negotiations Committee –

Meeting in the Board Room of the College, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake.

In addition to considering minutes of the July 14 and July 21 meetings, the Committee is to be presented an Internal Auditor Report from Ms. Nancy Gonisorek.

The FY 2012 Budget Update is scheduled for consideration as well as a FY 2011 Audit Update by Larry West, Chief Financial Officer

An update is expected on the GMH Trust Property with Summary Comments from Board members before comments from members and possible closed session.

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

Continued reviews of FY 11-12 Budget are to be held for Planning and Development, CDBG, Zoning Board of Appeals, Water Resources, and McSEEP (McHenry County School Environmental Education Program).

Reports to the committee as needed from Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, Community Development Block Grant Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, and Housing Commission.

5:00 p.m. -- McHenry County Conservation District, Outreach and Advocacy Committee,--

Meeting at the Brookdale Administrative Offices of the District, 18410 U S. Highway 14, Woodstock.

A number of reports are to be shared including Citizen Advisory Committee Appointments, plans for a September 13 meeting; outreach reports including municipal, township, county board, community organization.

A legislative update report is included as well as information on upcoming events of interest.

5:00 p.m. – McHenry County Conservation District Finance Committee –

Meeting at the Brookdale Administrative Offices of the District, 18410 U.S. Highway 14, Woodstock.

In addition to a review of July 2011 Financial Statements, consideration of bills payable and a treasurer’s report, the Committee is expected to discuss the FY 2013 Tax Levy and Budget. 

Consideration regarding election to include Compensation Paid Under 125 Plan as IMRF Earnings.

Also change orders and amendment to Professional Service Agreements are to be considered.

6:00 p.m. – McHenry County Conservation District Board Meeting --

In the Brookdale Administrative Offices, 18410 U.S. Highway 14, Woodstock.—

The Board will go into executive session to handle matters permitted under the Open Meetings Law.

The meeting is to reconvene immediately following the closed session or at 7:00 p.m. Following consideration of Land Ethic Goal #6 the meeting will continue.

“A conservation ethic is an attitude that recognizes the importance of preserving the natural heritage of the county’s open space.”

Reports are expected from the various committees along with reports from commissioners and others who attended various conferences and meetings.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the McHenry County Conservation District, McHenry County Division of Transportation and the United States Army Corps of Engineers for wetland mitigation at Glacial Park Conservation Area is being presented for approval.

Seven citizens are being appointed to the Citizens’ Advisory Committee effective September 1, 2011 with terms as follows: Mark Healy, Jim Albright, and Bob Paine 2011-2012; Beverly Dow, Elaine Ramesh and Christine Grimm 2011 to 2013; Adrienne Burman, Charles Dubsky and Tim Scotellaro, 2011-2014.

7:30 p.m. --  Crystal Lake Park District Board of Commissioners –

Meeting in the Park District Administrative Office, One E. Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake.

In addition to handling the necessary approval of minutes and payment of vouchers, the Board is receiving a Safety Committee meeting report, considering consent agenda items of requests from Lakeside Legacy-Arts in the Parks for use of the “triangle” and Main Beach parking lot for their Fall Festival Event October 14-16.

The Knights of Columbus is requesting to solicit donations during their annual Tootsie Roll Drive in the Lippold Park parking lots on Friday and Saturday, September 16 and 17. 

Park District staff has developed vision and mission statements for each division of the Park District, which is being presented to the Board for review.

A referendum time table is also being presented to the Board for consideration for the recreation center.

Words of Wisdom

"The principle of spending money to be paid by posterity, under the name of funding, is but swindling futurity on a large scale."

-Thomas Jefferson

Meetings Wednesday

8:15 A.M. – Transportation Committee of McHenry County Board—

Meeting in the Main Conference Room of the Division of Transportation, 16111 Nelson Road, Woodstock.

Presentations are to be proved on the FY 2011 Division of Transportation Budget and on the 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan Update.

The agenda also calls for approval of a proclamation to recognize Kevin Charles for Service with the McHenry County Division of Transportation and the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

A resolution is also being presented for approval of an engineering services firm agreement to perform traffic counts for the County at a cost not to exceed $49,118.64.

Another agreement being presented for approval is for a contract for engineering and environmental studies necessary to determine an alignment and right-of –way requirements for a new bridge structure over Piscasaw Creek in Chemung Township. The cost is not to exceed $20,000 fort this work.

St. Mary’s Men’s Club, Woodstock, is the group the Committee is expected to approve for volunteering adopting a section of Alden Road from Nelson Road to St. Patrick Road. This group is providing the service of doing litter collection.

7:30 P.M.—Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commission, meeting in the Crystal Lake City Hall

A public hearing is scheduled for Signature Auto Group, 1095 Pingree Road, Units 112-113 for a land use variation to allow an auto show room in a Manufacturing District.

Another matter for a public hearing is for Turtle Wax, 161 Liberty Drive, for a special use permit amendment to accommodate changes to the existing car wash facility. 

MCC To Host First New Student Convocation

WHERE:       MCC Gym/Multipurpose Room, Building A

WHEN:          9:30-11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 18

Description: All employees will start the day with the New-Student Convocation, the official welcome for new students to MCC by the president, administration, staff, and faculty.

This ceremony is an opportunity to convey to students the importance of their educational efforts and the commitment of the College to support these efforts.

As part of MCC’s college and career readiness efforts, the College wants new students to start out being even more prepared and equipped for success. All MCC faculty, staff, administration and trustees are invited to attend this event, which will feature stories from MCC students, various campus organizations and activities, and a challenge from MCC President Vicky Smith.

Students and MCC employees will enjoy a picnic lunch in the cafeteria and courtyard from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and a college resource fair in the Commons Area. The Convocation will conclude with mini workshops from 1-2 p.m. for students to delve into MCC’s technology, ask questions to a student panel or learn what faculty members expect from students.

The Convocation falls on the first official day back for all faculty. Fall semester classes officially begin Aug. 22.

FREE HEARING SCREENINGS TODAY-GRAFTON TOWNSHIP

Deafness has no respect of age, wealth, or rank – it strikes people of all economic, social and age categories with equal frequency.

The Lion’s Clubs of Illinois sponsors free hearing screenings for persons 18 and older and 10 to 17 years with written parental consent in communities all over the state.

As part of that program the Huntley Lions Club and Grafton Township are sponsoring a free Deafness screening from 9:00am to 4:00pm on TODAY at Huntley American Legion, 11712 Coral Street, Huntley.  No registration is required.  The hearing test usually takes about 15 minutes.  Walk-ins are welcome.

Hearing loss is probably the single most chronic disability in the United States, occurring nearly four more times as often as blindness. There are nearly 720,000 hearing impaired people in Illinois alone.

At 11 am Bickford Senior Living will give a presentation.  A free lunch is sponsored by Northwest Home Health and Rehab and bingo will follow from 12:30 to 2:30 pm.  This event is open to the community and is available at no charge.  Please call Grafton Township at 1-847-669-3328 if you have any questions.

Political Scene--Progressive Democrats forAmerica

Progressive Democrats for America come to Lake and McHenry Counties

Progressive Democrats for America is a national organization that backs causes such as ending corporate personhood, providing single payer healthcare, ending America's wars, protecting Social Security, shoring up Medicare and Medicaid, having fair and transparent elections, and protecting the middle class through economic and social justice.  During the summer, Jeanne Marie Dauray of Round Lake was contacted by PDA and asked if she would be interested in starting a local chapter.  Her response was "yes" and within two months time the Northeast Illinois PDA chapter was begun. 

On August 25, 2011 at 7 pm in Round Lake at a private residence the group will be having it's first official meeting.  Their ranks are growing quickly too, with nearly 40 members now involved.  If you are interested and would like to get involved with this local PDA chapter, please contact Jeanne Marie Dauray at (224) 338-8205 or email her at jeanne_dauray72@hotmail.com.

Words of Wisdom

"No man is allowed to be a judge in his own cause, because his interest would certainly bias his judgment, and, not improbably, corrupt his integrity."

--James Madison, Federalist No. 10, 1787

Lesson Learned The Hard Way

Steven L. Manson, 41, formerly of McHenry, was sentenced on August 12 to a total of 20 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, according to information from the McHenry County State’s Attorney Louis A. Bianchi.

The sentence resulted from charges of Aggravated Intimidation and the Class 1 felony offense of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. The Aggravated Intimidation offense occurred on June 13, 2009 when Manson left overtly threatening messages on a McHenry County Sheriff’s Detective’s telephone after she refused to dismiss criminal charges pending at the time against Manson.

He was subsequently stopped by the police on September 1, 2009 after he was observed driving erratically. The arresting officer noted that the defendant appeared visibly drunk, failed field sobriety tests, was verbally abusive and maintained an open bottle of vodka in the center console of his vehicle.

The defendant possesses a lengthy criminal history, including multiple prior felony convictions and four prior DUI convictions. These cases were investigated by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Department and prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Patrick Kenneally.

Mobil Hearing Unit Available Tuesday At Grafton Bingo Event

The Huntley Lions Club Mobile Hearing Unit will be available tomorrow at the Grafton Township Bingo Event from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The location is the Huntley American Legion, 11712 Coral Street, in Huntley.

Miss Illinois To Visit With Seniors August 30

On Tuesday, August 30, Miss Illinois, Hannah Smith, a Huntley native, will be speaking at the Grafton Township Senior Bingo Event.

Miss Illinois is scheduled to speak to the seniors at 11 a.m. Her topic is about her experience in the competition for Miss Illinois. She will also provide a short dance performance. She won her Miss Illinois crown last month. More information regarding Miss Illinois is available by visiting

She will be available for photo and autograph opportunities. For more information about Grafton Township visit www.graftontownship.net or call 1-847-669-3328. 

For more information about Miss Illinois visit www.missillinois.org

Government Happenings Tuesday

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16

8:00 a.m. -- McHenry County College Facilities and Planning Committee –

Meeting in the MCC Board Room of the College, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake

Following the opening of the meeting, the Committee is slated to consider matters regarding Building B Renovation Project.

This is followed by a couple other reports regarding the building including Facility Master Plan Contract as presented by MCC President Dr. Vicky Smith and an analysis of the HVAC System and Electrical Generator Capacity information Technology as presented by Vern Manke and Greg Evans.

Student Affairs Reorganization is to be presented by Ms. Juletta Patrick and Dr. Tony Miska, all for discussion.

The Educational Master is to be presented by Dr. Tony Miska.

9:00 a.m. – McHenry County Conservation District Board—
Meeting at the former Camp Algonquin Dining Hall at Fox Bluff Conservation Area, 1889 Cary Road, Algonquin.

The meeting is devoted to the strategic planning for the FY 2013 – 2015

4:30 to 6:30 p.m. – Open House for McHenry County Unified Development Ordinance –
Taking place in the Conference Rooms of the McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

This is a presentation of the recommendations for drafting a Unified Development Ordinance which will update and combine existing ordinances in order to produce a clearer, consistent, modern, and streamlined process for land use change, development and the protection for agriculture and natural resources in unincorporated McHenry County.

The report is also being presented to the County Board at its 7:00 p.m. meeting when the public will also be able to comment on the plan.

6:00 p.m. McHenry County Board Committee of The Whole –

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

The Board is meeting regarding the Current State of the County’s Finances. This meeting will be followed by the regular meeting of the McHenry County Board.

7:00 p.m. – McHenry County Board –
Following the opening of the Board meeting, a proclamation is being presented recognizing Dave Brandt for his Dedicated Pubic Service to Stormwater Management in McHenry County

A special presentation is being made on the Unified Development Technical Review Report.

Three zoning matters are being presented for the Board’s approval including a request for reclassification of A1 to A1C in Hartland Township for Ronald and Rhonda Lenzi.:
Another requested approval is for A1 to A1C in Grafton Township for the Jensen Trust. And a third approval request is for Phillip/Diana/Eric Bird for a reclassification from A1 to A2. All are recommended for approval.

The County Board will be presented a resolution recognizing McHenry County’s Class III groundwater Designated Areas for Protection from Contamination. This will be incorporated into the Sensitive Aquifer recharge Area Overlay Map.

In Planning and Development, a resolution is being presented Recognizing McHenry County’s Class II Groundwater Designated Areas for Protection from Contamination to be incorporated into the Sensitive Aquifer Recharge Area Overlay Map.

Several resolutions are being presented by the Transportation Department. One is a budget line item transfer for fuel, oil and grease.

Another resolution provides for an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Crystal Lake for Construction of the Walkup Road Project.

A third resolution provides for Engineering Services Agreement and Appropriating funds for a Countywide Safety Studies Project

7:30 p.m. –Crystal Lake City Council
One item on the Consent Agenda for the Crystal Lake City County Meeting Tuesday evening is an ordinance amending the City Code to incorporate regulations for immobilization of motor vehicles on private property.

The newly drafted ordinance is designed to prevent predators in this business from taking advantage of the residents. Such things as licensure of the immobilization companies with a $100 annual fee, requirement of name, address and phone number of the company placed on the driver side of the vehicle. Also the companies are required t accept payment other than cash. These are a few of the new requirements. They are the result of complaint from residents that their vehicles parked on their property had been booted with no knowledge of where to find the company placing the boot.

Johnny Appleseed Time
An application has been made for a Temporary Use Permit for the 19^th Annual Johnny Appleseed Festival to take place Saturday, September 24 from 9:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m. The application is needed since Brink Street is to be closed between Williams and Main Streets from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for the 12^th annual Great Ball Race. Also the Brink Street parking lot is to be closed until 5:00 p.m.

Another annual event, the Knights of Columbus Annual Corn Boil is taking place September 3 from noon to 4:00 p.m. on the St. Thomas the Apostle Church grounds, 451 W. Terra Cotta Avenue . A Temporary Liquor License is being requested in order to sell beer and wine for this 49^th annual event.

St. Thomas the Apostle Church is also seeking approval for the Temporary Liquor License for the Parish Dinner for Married Couples being held at the Church Community Center, 451 Terra Cotta Avenue on September 24.

Backyard Hens
Following a presentation at a previous Council Meeting, the City Council is to consider a request to permit “farm animals” and other domesticated animals in the city. Certain criteria must be met regarding the keeping of at least two but not more than four hens of any chicken or quail’; no male birds permitted; hens may not roam at large and must be kept in a coop with an outside enclosure’ one coop per property permitted.

Also the location of the coop must be a minimum of five feet from any property lien or a minimum of 20 feet fro any residential structure on an adjacent lot. Portable coops are prohibited.

Also the premises are to be kept in a sanitary condition, free from rodents, offensive odors, excessive noise, or any other conditions which constitute a public nuisance. Additionally, all feed must be kept in bins with tightly fitting lids to prevent access by wildlife. Feeders shall be used as opposed to casting the food on the ground. Also, registration with the Illinois Department of Agriculture Livestock shall be made and proof posted in a location that is visible from the street.

No sale of birds or eggs will be permitted and no slaughter of any bird within the City on any residential property. Additionally, a permit from the city is required on an annual basis with proof of Illinois registration, veterinary care and site plan must be submitted with the permit application.

This also requires the City Code to be amended to accommodate these animals. The issue arose at a prior Council meeting when a resident requested consideration be made to allow the keeping of a couple of hens in the backyard.

Pingree Road –Segment 2
This is to complete the enhancements to this corridor and includes widening of the intersection at Pingree Road and Congress Parkway. This includes a sidewalk along the west side of Pingree Road; Dual left turn lanes and additional through lane on the area south of Congress Parkway. Funding for this project comes from a combination of Federal Surface Transportation Program funds, Metra’s contribution, and local City MFT funds.

Rakow Road Closure Tonight and Tuesday Night

Rakow Road will have a nightly closure and detour tonight, Monday, August 15th.

The closure and detour will begin at 8pm and end at 6am. 
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Another closure will most likely take place Tuesday, August 16th, from 8pm to 6am. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding. 

Words of Wisdom

"The steady character of our countrymen is a rock to which we may safely moor; and notwithstanding the efforts of the papers to disseminate early discontents, I expect that a just, dispassionate and steady conduct, will at length rally to a proper system the great body of our country. Unequivocal in principle, reasonable in manner, we shall be able I hope to do a great deal of good to the cause of freedom & harmony."

 --Thomas Jefferson, letter to Elbridge Gerry, 1801

Monday Government Meetings

MONDAY, AUGUST 15

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.

The Committee is expected to consider a resolution authorizing a budget line item transfer of $16,000 in the Sheriff’s Fiscal Year 2011 Budget for a Capital Expenditure.

The reason for the request is due to the Sheriff’s Office security entrance being unstaffed. This causes a concern for the potential for unauthorized and unscreened individuals to enter the Government Center at this entrance. A turnstile mechanism would limit entrance to the building to one person at a time and only with these of security cards. The estimated cost is $16,000.

The committee is also to review Budgets for the following department, Sheriff, State’s Attorney, Circuit Clerk, La Library, EMA, E-911, Court Administration, and Court Services.

6:00 p.m. – McHenry County Mental Health Board – meeting in the Centegra Specialty Hospital Atrium, 527  West South Street, Woodstock.

The meeting is being held in this location due to construction taking place at the Agency’s Dakota Street facility, in Crystal Lake.

Presentations by Centegra Specialty Hospital and McHenry County Crisis Team are slated to be provided.

Director Sandy Lewis will provide an update on the agency’s building project as well as on the FY 12 Funding Process. A presentation on a Heating Garden is also planned by Julie Gale.

A number of financial reports are slated for presentation and new business includes approval request for an Intergovernmental Cooperative Agreement with the McHenry County Department of Health.

6:30 p.m. – McHenry County College Evaluation and Policies Committee of the McHenry County College Board of Trustees, -- meeting in the Board Room of the College, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake.

The Committee will be presented a report on Policy Development Training provided by Ms. Nanci Rogers, of Robbins, Schwartz, Nicholas, Lifton & Taylor, Ltd, attorneys for the Board.

A report from the Internal Board Policy Review Committee is also slated to be presented.

6:00 p.m. – School District 47 Board – meeting in the C.O.R.E Center, 300 Commerce Drive, Crystal Lake.

Following the call to order, an Executive Session is slated for the purpose of Personnel and Land Acquisition.

Following the agenda item for open session of Citizens Input, and reports on enrollment, parent survey results and a tentative budget, as well as other financial reports to the Board, agenda items that are considered to require discussion and/or board approval will be handled.

Other agenda items that are handled through consent agenda items include matters handled by the Treasurer such as approval of monthly payrolls, monthly bills, district

The Treasurer’s Report is provided the board verbally as well as in print.

A number of personnel matters are also provided to the board in written format for consent agenda approval

A resolution to Establish Fund Balance Policies is to be presented the Board by Treasurer Harkin for approval.

Also a resolution to Transfer Working Cash and Debt Service Fund Interest is being

Approval of Extended Time Program Agreement with Crystal Lake Park District is presented as a consent agenda item.

Adoption of a couple resolutions are being presented to the Board for approval, including one to establish fund balance policies and also to transfer working cash and debt service

A discussion on Public School Choice is being presented by Superintendent Mendoza as well as a discussion regarding Educational Foundation.

Approval of the Superintendent Contract is also being presented to the Board.

A Date To Keep In Mind

Secretary of State Jesse White, in cooperation with Grafton Township, is offering drivers a chance to renew their driver’s license, obtain a duplicate or corrected license or obtain an Illinois identification card. 

On October 4, 2011 Mobile Driver Services Unit will be available for the general public at , 10109 Vine Street, Huntley IL.   If you are age 65 or older you may obtain a free, non-expiring State of Illinois photo ID card.   The following services will be available:

• Renewal/correction of driver’s license
• New/renewal/correction of state ID
• License plate stickers
• Motor vehicle registration with renewal of DL/ID
• Organ donor registration with renewal of DL/ID
• Free State ID for seniors age 65 and over
• Vision screening and written test available for driver’s license renewal

 An applicant renewing a current Illinois driver’s license or identification card need only present a current valid driver’s license or identification card.  To find out what documents are considered acceptable identification and the fees involved, please call 217-782-7044 or visit the Illinois Secretary of States website at 

www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a1751.pdf 

It is important to note that those who require a road test will need to visit their local DMV to renew their driver’s license.  To register for this event please call Supervisor Linda Moore’s office at 1-847-669-3328 or email lindamooregt@hotmail.com to reserve a time between 10 am to 2pm.  You can visit the township website at www.graftontownship.net.  

Donations of frozen or non-perishable food items for the Food Pantry at Grafton Township would be greatly appreciated.

Words of Wisdom

"In the midst of these pleasing ideas we should be unfaithful to ourselves if we should ever lose sight of the danger to our liberties if anything partial or extraneous should infect the purity of our free, fair, virtuous, and independent elections."

--John Adams, Inaugural Address, 1797