Words of Wisdom

"No pecuniary consideration is more urgent, than the regular redemption and discharge of the public debt: on none can delay be more injurious, or an economy of time more valuable."

 --George Washington, Message to the House of Representatives, 1793

Lane Changes Monday For Pyott and Virginia Roads

On Monday, October 10th, the traffic patterns on Pyott and Virginia will be changing.  Traffic will be switched to the opposite side of the road to allow new pavement to be constructed on the half where traffic is currently running.  Be aware of the new lane alignments that will be in place.  It will be necessary to use flaggers as portions of this work are completed so please be alert when driving through these areas.

Good News and Bad News

There’s good news and bad news about the Crystal Lake.

The health of the lake is very good. But there are things in nature that can harm the recreational body of water. The Crystal Lake is a natural lake and other species of nature prefer to enjoy its benefits as well as humans. This includes such as zebra mussels, geese and exotic plants.

Possibly at the top of the list are the zebra mussels and exotic plants .They have invaded the body of water and seem to appreciate being residents.

That’s the information derived from last night’s annual lake meeting by the Crystal Lake Park District. This governing body has responsibility of keeping the lake in as good a shape as possible. Other bodies also involved include the City of Crystal Lake and the Village of Lakewood.

In order to keep the health of the lake in as near perfect health as possible, care has to be taken to keep out as much detrimental aspects as possible. This includes attempting to control exotic plant growth through treatments and weed harvesting, attempting to control the zebra mussel growth and keeping down the residency of large birds such as the geese. 

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

A Revised Mercy Hospital Plan Going Before State Board Friday Morning

The Mercy Crystal Lake Hospital and Medical Center will be before Illinois Health Facilities Planning and Review Board Friday morning beginning at 10:00 a.m. The location is the Crystal Lake City Council Chambers, 100 West Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake.

The presentation by Mercy is a revision of a previous presentation for a hospital to be located on the southeast corner of Route 31 and Three Oaks Road, Crystal Lake. That proposal for a 128 bed facility carried along with a clinic and other related services carried an estimated cost of $356,173. The State Review Board rejected that plan as well as one for Centegra Hospital for a facility in Huntley.

The Mercy plan has been reduced to 70 beds as well as other offerings connected with health care and the cost is reduced to 200,525,891.

Consideration by the State Board has been tentatively scheduled for the November 22, 2011 State Board Meeting. Any person wanting to submit written comments on this project must submit these comments by 9:00 a.m., November 2, 2011.

Changes On Pingree Road

Tomorrow, Friday, the traffic pattern on Pingree Road will be changing.

Traffic will be switched to the opposite side of the road to allow new pavement to be constructed on the half where traffic is currently running.  Be aware of the new lane alignments that will be in place.  It will be necessary to use flaggers as portions of this work are completed so please be alert when driving through these areas.

Friday, October 7 Meetings

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Board Committee of the Whole—

The Board will meet in the County Board Conference Room, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The only item on the agenda is the FY 2012 Budget Development.

9:00 a.m. to Noon—

Crystal Lake Public Library will be closed to the public Friday morning for Staff training. The Library will open to the public at 12:00 noon.

10:00 a.m. –A hearing before the Illinois State Board of Health --

Regarding a revised plan for the Mercy Crystal Lake Hospital and Medical Center is taking place in the Crystal Lake City Council Chambers, 100 W. Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake.

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Words of Wisdom

"Would it not be better to simplify the system of taxation rather than to spread it over such a variety of subjects and pass through so many new hands."

--Thomas Jefferson, letter to James Madison, 1784

Thursday, October 6 Meetings

8:30 a.m. –Planning and Development Committee –

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

A continuation of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) memorandum is scheduled for Old Business.

Other business for consideration refers to consideration of Resolutions regarding HOME Program Funding and submittal of amended action plans to HUD.

A revised Bylaws draft for the CDBG Commission is also to be considered as well as various reports to the Committee.

7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake Park District Annual Lake Meeting—

The meeting will be held in the Park District Administration Building, One E. Crystal Lake Avenue. This is a meeting that is held each year regarding the Crystal Lake and what has taken place regarding its health as well as plans for the future.

The program is presented by Gary Schaefer, of Hey and Associates, Inc. the firm retained for managing the ecological health of the lake.

7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake Historic Preservation Commission--

Meeting scheduled has been cancelled and is rescheduled for October 13 at the same time. This Commission meets in the Crystal Lake City Council Chambers, 100 West Woodstock Street.

McDOT -- Wins Excellence In Storage Award Ninth Year

For the 9th consecutive year, the McHenry County Division of Transportation (MCDOT) received the Excellence in Storage Award recognizing environmental consciousness and effective management in the storage of winter salt.  MCDOT is one of 159 other facilities from across the United States and Canada that received the award this past year.  The Village of Algonquin and Lake in the Hills were also recipients of this year’s award.

“We are honored to achieve the Excellence Award again this year. We are more than just a recipient. We are an ongoing model for proper storage that other agencies look to when designing their facilities and setting their procedures,” stated MCDOT Maintenance Supervisor Mark Devries, “With all the ongoing concerns for environmental protection and water quality issues, it is vital we continue to follow the best practices and serve as an example for others.”

About 17 million tons of deicing salt are applied to roadways in the U.S. each year and another six million tons are spread in Canada. Having enough road salt on hand before storms hit requires advanced planning as well as safe and efficient storage.  Among other best practices specified by the Salt Institute, Excellence in Storage winners must store salt on a pad, covering it with a roof or other approved materials.  Winners must also display proper maintenance of facilities and good housekeeping practices.

In addition to salt storage, McHenry County also continues to be a leader in salt application. MCDOT shares its best management practices for salt application through the Division of Water Resources’ Managing Snow and Ice Control Operations Workshop.   Removal of snow and ice from McHenry County pavement is essential for public safety and the local economy.  This workshop encourages sensible salting practices without compromising safety.  The workshop will be conducted on October 13 and October 14 in McHenry, IL.  Pre-registration for this event is required.   Room is still available.

More information for this event can be found on the McHenry County Water Resources website at www.mchenryh2o.com under “Announcements” or by contacting McHenry County Water Resources Manger Cassandra McKinney at 815-334-4213.

Fireside Christmas 2011 Trip

Join McHenry County College’s Trips and Tours Program this November to see the traditional Fireside Christmas 2011.  This one-day trip to Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin takes place from 8:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 20.

The Fireside presents an all new show in the tradition that has made it the number one choice for Christmas entertainment. The show resumes its long history of beautiful singing, breath-taking dancing, gorgeous costumes, rib-tickling fun, and a deeply spiritual commitment to the real meaning of the holiday.  Enjoy new songs, dances and cast members to help you capture the holiday spirit.

To register, contact the MCC Registration Office at (815) 455-8588 and use course ID: NST S12 020. Cost is $99 per person and includes brunch. Register by Oct. 6 to reserve a seat. For more information, contact Claudia Terrones at (815) 455-8782. 

Changes In Rakow Road Traffic Pattern

On Thursday, October 6th, the traffic patterns on both Ackman/Meredith and McHenry will be changing.  

Traffic will be switched to the opposite side of the road to allow new pavement to be constructed on the half where traffic is currently running.  Be aware of the new lane alignments that will be in place.  It will be necessary to use flaggers as portions of this work is completed, so please be alert when driving through these areas.

Weekend Nursing Program Begins At MCC

The McHenry County College Registered Nursing Program is expanding to include a new weekend section geared for non-traditional students. The weekend section will begin in January 2012 and is open to 20 pupils.

The purpose of the weekend nursing class is to educate additional future registered nurses to meet the health care needs of aging baby boomers, according to college officials.

“Current data suggests that with the retirement of the baby boomers, a nursing shortage is going to occur,” said Joan Flanagan, director of nursing at MCC. “One innovative way to increase the number of students entering the program, given the current space limitations, is to offer the nursing classes in a weekend format.

Students attend class and clinical from Friday late afternoon/evening, all day Saturday and Sunday. For example, students will attend hospital clinical from 3-9 p.m. Friday, classroom from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, plus lab time, if needed; and another clinical from 7 a.m. to  1 p.m. on Sunday.

“This would allow an additional 20 students to be admitted into the nursing program as well as potentially meet a unique set of scheduling needs for students,” Flanagan said. “The weekend schedule may attract those who have child care available only on weekends or those who cannot attend a typical class schedule Monday through Friday,” she said.

Potential nursing students who are or will be finished with prerequisites by the end of Fall 2011 semester, can apply to the weekend section, as well as those who previously applied but were not admitted this fall . Students accepted into the weekend nursing class will be chosen based on their grade point averages in completed prerequisites and the TEAS® nursing admission exam score. TEAS testing will be available in late October for new applicants and for those who want to re-take the test. Those accepted into the class will be notified by early December.

For more information or to complete a weekend nursing class application, visit the website at: www.mchenry.edu/adn/index.asp.

Wednesday October 5 Meeting

7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commission –

Meeting in the Crystal Lake City Hall, 100 Woodstock Street.

BP Gas Station, 281 Virginia Street--

A public hearing is scheduled on a request by BP Gas Station to allow an electronic message center; a second free-standing sign in the rear of the property for a car wash, illuminated wall signage around the top of the canopy and changes to the existing convenience store wall signage to add a running horse logo.

Uteg Apartments, 223-225 Uteg Street—

There is no available record of the date the buildings were constructed, however, a permit for a re-roofing of the facility is dated in1977. The buildings are considered to have been constructed 15-25 years earlier. Parking requirements in 1949 required one space per each unit, with requirements in 1959 through 1970s requiring 1.5 spaces. It is determined that 72 spaces would be required and 73 exist. Now more working families have more than one car resulting in an increased need for spaces. Based on the current parking requirement, 96 spaces would be needed. Residents were using an adjacent parking lot for parking vehicles. However, the property has been developed and is no longer available for parking by Uteg residents. The petitioner is planning to add the needed spaces in the parkway area of Uteg Street.

If the Planning and Zoning Commission grants the request for adding parking spaces, some caveats are present, such as autos may not overhang the curb line into the travel lane; the driveway width will need to be increased to 24 feet; complete engineering plans will be needed to show proper handling of stormwater; snow  will need to be removed and located on the subject property; snow cannot be shoveled into the street as that is a code violation; adjacent property owners must be contacted regarding the plans; each unit is to be limited to two vehicles.

Shell/Circle K Special Use Permit Amendment for Signs

Shell Oil, located at 681 Terra Cotta Avenue is seeking a Special Use Permit Amendment to allow an electronic message center sign.

These types of signs are quite popular and the City is allowing them with certain restrictions in primarily to prevent the signs from being distracting for traffic, distracting to appearance of surrounding area, and also in keeping with City standards such as one such sign per property. The petitioners must seek a Special Use Permit through the Planning and Zoning Commission to install a sign on their property.

Foundation Baptist Church, 7105 Virginia Road –

An occupancy inspection for a church located in Unit 18 at the Virginia Park Condominiums was found in another unit but had not sought the required Special Use Permit. The building is primarily considered for mixed uses. However, religious establishments require a Special Use Permit in any zoning district except B-2 and W districts where they are not permitted.

The Church is seeking the required Special Use Permit.

Cancelled High School District 155 Board Meeting

A meeting of District 155 Board of Education scheduled for 7:00 p.m. this evening has been cancelled. The meeting was scheduled to be in executive session regarding Student Discipline. 

Camcer Awareness Presentation

Rachel Wyss, Health Educator from McHenry County Department of Health, will discuss risk factors for breast and cervical cancers along with lifestyle choices (e.g. diet, exercise and the amount of alcohol consumed) that will lower the risk for not only female cancers, but all cancers. The presentation will be held on Wednesday, October 12 from 6:30pm-7:30pm at the Huntley Area Public Library, 11000 Ruth Road, in Huntley. To register, call 847-669-5386, ext. 21.

MCDH offers FREE breast and cervical cancer screenings to women between the ages of 35 and 64 without health insurance through the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), a program funded by the State Health Department. The American Cancer Society recommends that every woman 40 years and older get an annual screening mammogram, along with an annual Clinical Breast Exam (CBE), in combination with performing monthly Breast Self-Exams (BSE). Early detection saves lives. Call MCDH’s Crystal Lake office at 815-334-0232 to schedule a screening.

For more information on IBCCP, visit www.mcdh.info (click on Personal Health Services).

Words of Wisdom

"If the present Congress errs in too much talking, how can it be otherwise in a body to which the people send 150 lawyers, whose trade it is to question everything, yield nothing, & talk by the hour? That 150 lawyers should do business together ought not to be expected."

 --Thomas Jefferson, Autobiography, 1821

County Board District 6 Candidate

Terry Kappel, a Democratic candidate for McHenry County Board from District 6 in next year’s election, is planning an unprecedented series of regular public events to meet with voters from every corner of the sprawling district which encompasses most of the County’s rural western half.

He plans to have nearly weekly events, often in connection with local celebrations and activities.  The first was held in Harvard before the Bears Packers game.  The next one is slated for Marengo in connection with Settlers Days activities.

Kappel will meet the public at Fire and Ice Smokehouse and Creamery, 104 W Railroad St #A in Marengo on Saturday, October 8 at 11:15.  A requested $20 donation to the Campaign to Elect Terry R. Kappel will include homemade ice cream, coffee and soft drinks.  Regardless of donation, anyone may attend, meet the candidate, and share concerns about McHenry County Government.

The following week on Friday, October 14 Kappel will host his Fall Fundraiser in Union at Donley’s Old West Steakhouse, 8512 South Union Road at 7 PM.  A requested $35 donation covers appetizers, coffee and soft drinks.  The program will include live entertainment by performers to be announced.  There will be a cash bar.

For more information or to reserve attendance at either event, call Kappel at 815 669-7033 or e-mail tkappel@hotmail.com.

Words of Wisdom

"If Congress can do whatever in their discretion can be done by money, and will promote the General Welfare, the Government is no longer a limited one, possessing enumerated powers, but an indefinite one, subject to particular exceptions."

--James Madison

Crystal Lake Library Committee Meeting

Tuesday, October 4--

7:00 p.m. -- The Finance Committee of the Crystal Lake Public Library Board of Trustees will meet in the Library Directors Office of the Library, 126 Paddock Street, Crystal Lake.

Crystal Lake City Council Meets Tuesday Evening

7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake City Council

Meeting in the Crystal Lake City Council Chambers, 100 West Woodstock Street.

A number of groups are making temporary liquor license requests for various benefits. Included are:

St. Thomas the Apostle Church seeking a Class 16 license to operate a cash bar during their Parish Social Event on October 29 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The event is scheduled to take place at the Oak Street Church Community Center, 451 W. Terra Cotta Avenue.

The same type of license is being requested by the Justin Schroeder Memorial Foundation for the Seventh annual fundraiser event to fund two scholarship programs administered by the Foundation. One scholarship program is designated for a graduating senior at Crystal Lake South High School and is a four-year award totaling $10,000.

The second scholarship is available to any qualifying McHenry County student who attends Marquette University to study engineering and is a three-year award totaling $7,500.

The scholarships were established to honor the memory of Justin Schroder, son of Cathy and Kevin Schroeder. Justin was a student at South Crystal Lake South High School and Marquette University.

The Knights of Columbus Council #3880 is seeking a liquor license to sell beer and wine at their Parish Family Pasta Dinner scheduled to take place October 15 from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. at the St. Thomas the Apostle Church Oak Street Church Community Center, 451 West Terra Cotta Avenue.

A carnival license is being requested by the Lakeside Legacy Foundation for the annual Carnival taking place on the grounds of the Dole Mansion from October 14 to October 16. Windy City Amusements will be hosting two carnival rides during this festival, a Ferris wheel and some type of merry-go-round for kids.

The Council will consider a Manufacturer Building Improvement and Equipment Grant Agreement with Gary Thomas and Jill Petrykowski who are seeking a $10,000 grant through a Manufacturer Building Improvement and Equipment Program offered by the City.

The two individuals represent two different businesses that will be utilizing the building at 450 Congress Parkway which they intend to improve for manufacturing use. AptarGroup specializes in dispensing products, including beauty and home, food and beverage and pharmaceutical products. The company would bring seven full-time jobs to their Crystal Lake location and expand to 10 by 2012. They are seeking $10,000 in matching grant funds. The eligible improvement is for fire suppression system upgrades as required by City Code and Aptar’s insurance company.

John and Geri Whetham, 125 S. Williams Street are seeking approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation for a Special Use Permit and variation for a garage at 125 S. Williams Street.

The Mobil Station at 451 Virginia Street is seeking a Special Use Permit Amendment to reface an existing sign with an electronic pricing sign and to allow an illuminated canopy fascia for the gas station located here. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the request.

Robin and Ada Ahmed, 935 Hawthorne Drive desire to locate an above-ground pool in the corner side setback of their yard. It would be as close as 15 feet from the property line along Colony Drive. They also desire to place a six-foot high fence in the corner side yard along Colony Drive. The fence would be 12 feet from the property line instead of the required 30 feet.

The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of this request 7-1. As a result, a super-majority vote of the City Council is required to overturn the Commission’s recommended denial.

Fire Station #3-844 Virginia Road --  is to be remodeled. A consultant, Larson & Darby Group is being recommended for Council approval for architectural, engineering and project management services. The project was put out for bids with Larson & Darby Group submitting the lowest, responsive and responsible proposal.  The station was built in the 1970s and is an active fire rescue station.

Water Treatment Plant #2 Roof Retrofit—The Council is being requested to accept the $23,879 bid from G. E. Riddiford Company for the work. The existing roof was installed in two sections with the second section installed about 15 years after the first section. The older section of the roof has been leaking and needs to be replaced, while the newer section is still in good condition, for at least another 10 years.

Fall Sidewalk Rehabilitation—This consists of replacing the concrete and brick paver sidewalk areas on the south side of Brink Street from Grant Street to the parking lot entrance; and the northeast corner of Woodstock Street and Grant Street. The contractor will also be installing tree grates and bicycle racks in that area. The recommended lowest bidder was Landmark Construction, Inc. of Huntley for a bid of $39,250.20.

Fireworks for Independence Day—It appears that Independence Day fireworks may be Sunday, July 1, 2012. The same company that has provided fireworks this past year, Pyrotechnico, is being recommended to handle the presentation for next year. This was based on the many positive feedback remarks from the public regarding the display of this year. It has been agreed that the best time for the display would be Sunday, July 1, 2012. By not conducting the display on July 4, the City is able to save $4,000.

Also planning ahead, considering remarks from various groups involved, it was decided that the Independence Day display for 2013 would be scheduled for Sunday, July 14.

Pingree Road Improvements – The City Council is to consider an agreement for Metra’s Participation for the Pingree Road Segment 2 of improvements.

This project is the financial responsibility of both Metra and the City. Metra paid for the Phase II engineering. Minor design changes were necessary to reduce the number of lanes crossing the railroad tracks. This saved the City approximately $1.3 million; Metra is holding back $29,500 for the redesign work.

Metra is also donating the right-of-way and easements necessary for the construction of the project. Metra and the City agreed to this dedication beforehand.

Metra will fund 88 percent of the construction of the intersection improvements and 84 percent of the traffic signal improvements. Any improvements identified beyond this are to be responsibility of the City. The City has obtained $1.5 million in federal funds to offset the majority of the City’s financial responsibility. The City will use MFT funds for its local share.

We can expect to see Pingree Road widened to add dual left turn lanes, to match the existing four-lane section south of Congress Parkway and taper to a two-lane section at the railroad tracks. Also included are plans for a permanent traffic signal installation and a pedestrian crossing improvement across the Union Pacific Railroad at the north end of the project.

The improvement is scheduled for a November 18 IDOT letting.

Speed Limit Change For Pingree Road—On the other Pingree Road, the portion between US Route 14 and Rakow Road, a speed study was conducted. The current speed limit along Pingree Road is:

Rakow Road to Pointe Drive North Intersection – 55 mph

Ponte Drive North Intersection to US Route 14 – 35 mph (posted but no ordinance)

Following the study, it was determined that the 55 mph should be 40 mph and the 35 mph was considered appropriate and has received IDOT approval of the Phase I Engineering. 

Tuesday October 4-McHenry County Board

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4 –

8:30 a.m. -- -McHenry County Board – Committee of The Whole –

The McHenry County Board is meeting in executive session regarding probable or imminent litigation.

9:00 a.m. – McHenry County Board – Regular Meeting

Several special presentations are to be made to the County Board. The first is a Certificate of Completion as an Emergency Management Agency for the City of Crystal Lake.

Next is a presentation by Robert Tanner on the McHenry Community Health Center.

Third, is a presentation on Residential Aggregation of Electricity by David Hoover, of Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Collaborative (NIMEC)

The County Board is requested to approve the appointment of Keith Weingart to the Greenwood Drainage District for a term to expire September 1, 2014.

A Resolution authorizing the adoption of Senior Services grant funding allocations for program year 2012 is being presented. A total of $1,775,000 is being requested for 17 different projects.

Authorization for the acceptance of $402,960 Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Grant is being requested of the County Board. This is annual funding from the Illinois Department of Public Health to help offset the cost of conducting an Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program for low income women.

The County Board is being requested to approve the establishment of a Citizen Corps Council. This group will work in conjunction with the Emergency Management Agency to provide training and information to the residents of the county, further enhancing volunteer programs through training, information and coordination.

The dates for the 2012 County Board meetings are being presented for approval. Most of the meetings are on the first and third Tuesday of each month. The first Tuesday is a morning meeting and the third Tuesday is in the evening. There are two exceptions. One is Thursday, March 22 due to the 2012 Primary Election taking place on the first Tuesday of March. The November 6^th meeting is moved to Thursday, November 8 due to the General Election on the 6^th. Another exception is a meeting on Monday, December 3, which is the organizational meeting of the County Board following the November 6^th election.

A number of documents are being presented for County Board approval regarding Walkup Road improvements between Route 176 in Crystal Lake and Bull Valley Road in McHenry.

Engineering documents are being presented to the County Board for approval regarding coordination and timing of traffic signal systems for Algonquin Road, Randall Road, Rakow road, and Virginia Road/Pyott Road.

An amended engineering services agreement is being presented the board for a park and ride lot a Virginia Road and Illinois Route 31 for $20,400.  

A supplemental engineering services agreement is being presented to the Board for approval regarding an additional $13,972 in engineering services for Main Street Culvert project in the Village of Spring Grove.  

Lean Manufacturing Principles At MCC

The McHenry County College Shah Center is offering a Lean Manufacturing Series from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesdays, Oct. 11 through Nov. 29 at the Shah Center, 4100 W. Shamrock Lane in McHenry.

This series is designed to provide participants sound technical competencies in Lean Manufacturing. The eight-week program offers a variety of learning experiences, paving the way for companies to create their own in house lean specialists.

Lean concepts are changing businesses around the world—from small manufacturers to large—and creating outstanding results that translate into bottom-line profits. It's not uncommon to save tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars by implementing simple lean techniques.

The series topics include: The Principles of Lean, Value Stream Mapping, Teams, Change Management and Problem Solving, Kaizen Blitz, 5-S, Total Productive Maintenance, Quick Changeover and Cellular/Flow.

Participants may register for individual classes for $125 each or the entire series at a 15 percent discount at $850.  Use course ID: NTE S19 001 when registering.

For more information, contact (815) 455-8593 or shahcenter@mchenry.edu.  

To register, contact (815) 455-8588. All Shah Center courses are available to bring to a company's facility and customizable for their needs. The scheduled courses are located at the Shah Center, 4100 W. Shamrock Lane in McHenry.

Open House Information On Algonquin Road Extension -- TOMORROW

The McHenry County Division of Transportation (MCDOT) cordially invites all persons interested in the project to attend an Open House Public Meeting concerning the proposed improvement plan for the Algonquin Road Extension from Illinois Route 47 to Brier Hill Road. 

The Public Open House will be held on:

When:             Tuesday, October 4th, 2011 – 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Where:           Leggee Elementary School Cafeteria

                        13723 Harmony Road

                        Huntley, IL 60142

This Public Open House will provide the public with a project update and allow the opportunity to express suggestions, ideas and concerns as the McHenry County Division of Transportation moves forward with finalizing the proposed alignment of the Algonquin Road Extension over the Union Pacific railroad tracks.

The purpose of the project is to provide connectivity for east-west regional travel across the southern half of McHenry County. The need for the project is based upon high travel times, low operating speeds, and crash frequency along the existing east-west corridor. To address this purpose and need, two existing County arterials, Algonquin Road and Harmony Road, will be realigned with roadway improvements that meet modern design standards. The proposed improvement will increase capacity, increase operating speeds, lower travel times, and improve safety.

Additional information can be found on the project website at www.mchenrycountydot.org.

Words of Wisdom

"Would it not be better to simplify the system of taxation rather than to spread it over such a variety of subjects and pass through so many new hands."

--Thomas Jefferson, letter to James Madison, 1784

Monday Government At Work

OCTOBER 3, 2011

8:15 a.m. – Law and Justice Committee of McHenry County Board –

Meeting in the conference room of the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The Committee is to view a presentation regarding the next steps on the Integrated Justice Project.

On a similar topic, the committee will consider authorizing a contract with New Dawn Technologies, Inc. for JustWare Case Management Software for the State’s Attorney and Public Defender. This is part of a County Board Strategic Goal of Integrated Justice. New Dawn Technologies, Inc, Utah, was the successful bidder for this portion at a cost not to exceed $1,537,500.

The Committee is also to consider the purchase of one new vehicle for the Coroner’s Office. It has been found that the County can purchase the desired four-wheel vehicle through State bidding at a cost of $30,896.75.

The Committee is also to consider a $90,783.34 request from the Special Prosecutors and Consultants. This is to cover the months of August 2010 through November 2010. In April the County issued a $20,873.00 check to satisfy a payment request. The new request exceeds the amount the County has encumbered in a Contingency Fund for these services by $12,971.53.  It is necessary to have the county board approval to increase the encumbered amount for the services by the $12,971.53.

A resolution is being presented for the Committee’s consideration to authorize the McHenry County Emergency Management Agency to coordinate the establishment and coordination of a Citizens Corps Council. This would provide a coordinated and planned process of volunteer and citizen training to assist in emergencies.

The Committee is also being requested to consider accepting a $10,810 grant for the Illinois Child Passenger Safety Program. The funding is for the purpose of providing education of proper use and installation f safety seats, proper use of seat belts and distribute needed safety seats to the community along with educational materials and hold related community events.

A $54,260 grant is being awarded to the McHenry County Sheriff’s office for recognition by the Illinois Department of Transportation for their work on implementing traffic safety campaigns.

Crystal Lake Ad Hoc Clean Air Counts Advisory Committee

The committee was scheduled to meet at 7:00 p.m. Monday. However, the meeting has been cancelled.

Congressman Manzullo Sponsoring Explanation Regarding 2010 Affordable Health Care Act

Impact of the 2010 Affordable Health Care Act on Physicians, Hospitals and Other Health Care Providers" with Special Guest Congressman Phil Roe, M.D. (R-TN)

Dr. Roe represents the 1st Congressional District of Tennessee. As a physician, Congressman Roe has become an active leader in the effort to reform our nation’s health care system. He is a member of the Physicians’ Caucus and the Health Caucus. Prior to Congress, Dr. Roe ran a successful medical practice in Johnson City for 31 years, delivering close to 5,000 babies. Join us as Congressman Roe presents the latest developments in the ongoing effort to reform our nation’s health care system.

Wednesday, October 19
Giovanni's Restaurant
610 N. Bell School Rd in Rockford, IL
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

We have no set price for this event, but we will be asking for donations after the doctor speaks.

Please RSVP to Manzullo for Congress by Monday, October 17.
Email: campaign@manzullo.org
Online contributions: www.manzullo.org/Events
Phone: 815.394.1992

Are School District Enrollments Declining?

It appears that the large influx of students into area school districts may be subsiding. In High School District 155 the enrollment figure for this year reached 6,935 for all five attendance locations which include Crystal Lake Central, Crystal Lake South, Cary-Grove, Prairie Ridge and Haber Oaks.

District 155 students are generally coming from grade schools from Cary District 26, Prairie Grove District 46, and Crystal Lake District 47, in addition to parochial schools Immanuel Lutheran, St. Thomas Catholic School, Crystal Lake, Lord and Savior Lutheran School, Crystal Lake, SS Peter and Paul School, Cary, Trinity Oaks Christian Academy,  Cary.

It should also be noted there are parochial high schools in the area including Faith Lutheran High School, and Marian Central Catholic High School. There is tuition costs connected with sending students to the parochial schools.

Dr. John Kasarda, a demographer at the University of North Carolina, had projected that a total of 6,941 students would be filling the seats of the five District 155 attendance locations. The actual sixth day attendance number was 6,935.

Dr. Kasarda, who is also retained by District 47,  forecasts a decline in the District 155 attendance for the next few years shown as follows:

6,738 -- 2012-2013 school year

6,562 – 2013-2014 school year

6,472 – 2014-2015 school year

It should also be noted that two parochial high schools are located in the area including Faith Lutheran High School, Crystal Lake and Marian Central Catholic High School, Woodstock.

Words of Wisdom

 "We should never despair, our situation before has been unpromising and has changed for the better, so I trust, it will again. If new difficulties arise, we must only put forth new exertions and proportion our efforts to the exigency of the times."

--George Washington, letter to Philip Schuyler, 1777