Pottery Creation Event Sunday At MCC To Benefit Local Food Charities

Tomorrow, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m MCC ceramics students and members of the Clayworkers’ Guild of Illinois will create pottery for the Ryan Long Fund and handcrafted bowls for the Empty Bowls project.

The Ryan Long Memorial Scholarship Award fund was established in 1994 for art students in memory of Ryan Long who was 12 when he died in 1993. His mother, Clayworkers’ Guild member Joann Long, established the award in his name as he was interested in ceramics.

Empty Bowls is an international grassroots effort to fight hunger and was created by The Imagine Render Group. Potters and other craftspeople, educators and others who work with the community to create handcrafted bowls.

The bowls made at MCC will be transported to Oakton Community College (OCC) where they will be used at an annual Empty Bowls event later in the year. The public is invited to a simple meal of soup and bread. In exchange for a cash donation, guests are asked to keep a bowl as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world.

The money raised is donated to local food charities. According to OCC’s website, more than 1,200 bowls were sold at last year’s event, which raised approximately $20,000 to fight hunger.

For more information, contact Tom Vician at (815) 455-8786 or visit the clayworkers’ guild website at www.clayworkersguild.com. Information on Empty Bowls can be found at www.emptybowls.net.

Walkup Road Construction Information Meeting--March 1

The McHenry County Division of Transportation (MCDOT) is announcing that a construction information meeting will be held on Thursday, March 1, 2012 to outline the roadway construction project in greater detail and inform local residents and business owners of the construction schedule, plans, and how they can stay informed during the project.

The meeting will begin with a brief overview of the project followed by a question and answer session.  Attendees will be able to view the project plans and speak directly to MCDOT staff and the County’s consultant team that will be on-site throughout the duration of the project.

WHEN:   Thursday, March 1, 2012

                6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

WHERE   City of Crystal Lake – Council Chambers

100 Woodstock Street

Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Roadway construction will begin this spring on improvements to the intersection of Walkup Road at Illinois Route 176 and roadway widening from Crystal Springs Road to Bull Valley Road. The upcoming improvements will address congestion and safety along the Walkup Road corridor and at the Illinois Route 176 intersection. Improvements will include:

Roadway widening, resurfacing and reconstruction

Traffic signal upgrades at the intersection of Illinois Route 176

New traffic signals installed at Mason Hill Road

Completion of the bike path connection from Illinois Route 176 to Veteran Acres Park and the bike path constructed as part of Segment 1 in 2011

To obtain the latest project information

Visit the project website at: www.walkuproad.com

Connect with us on Facebook:  http://facebook.com/walkupconstruct

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/walkupconstruct

Free Math Refresher Courses At MCC

McHenry County College is offering free math refresher courses throughout the Spring 2012 Semester for new and prospective MCC students.

The purpose of the courses are to review concepts from Elementary Algebra (MAT 095) and Intermediate Algebra (MAT 099) for students who either want to prepare for the COMPASS placement exam or review concepts before taking a subsequent course.

The Elementary Algebra (MAT 095) upcoming review sessions are: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, part I and II, Room A226; and 6-8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20, part I, Room B168/169; and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, part II, Room B168-169.

The Intermediate Algebra (MAT 099) review sessions are: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, part I and II; 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, part I, Room B168-169; 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, part II, Room B168-169; 6-8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, part I, Room B168-169; and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 29, part II, Room B168-169.

Registration is not required. Participants may sign in upon arrival. For the math refresher course schedule for March and April, visit www.mchenry.edu/math. For more information, contact Sharon Button, interim dean of Mathematics, at (815) 479-7796. 

Words of Wisdom

"Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. The interest of the man must be connected with the constitutional rights of the place. It may be a reflection on human nature that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government. What is government itself but the greatest of all reflections on human nature?" –

-James Madison, Federalist No. 51, 1788

Government At Work

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10

8:30 a.m. --2012 Budget Task Force –

Of McHenry County Henry County Board, meeting in the County Conference Room of the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The only item on the agenda is:

Considering the McHenry County Financial Picture

Walkup Road Construction Information Meeting -- March 1

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Location: City of Crystal Lake Council Chambers

100 Woodstock Street

Crystal Lake

A construction information meeting will be held Thursday, March 1 to outline the roadway construction project in greater detail. At the same time, this is an opportunity to inform local residents and business owners of the construction schedule, plans and how they can stay informed during the project.

The meeting will begin with a brief overview of the project followed by a question and answer session.  Attendees will be able to view the project plans and speak directly to MCDOT staff and the County’s consultant team that will be on-site throughout the duration of the project.

Roadway construction will begin this spring on improvements to the intersection of Walkup Road at Illinois Route 176 and roadway widening from Crystal Springs Road to Bull Valley Road. The upcoming improvements will address congestion and safety along the Walkup Road corridor and at the Illinois Route 176 intersection. Improvements will include:

• Roadway widening, resurfacing and reconstruction
• Traffic signal upgrades at the intersection of Illinois Route 176
• New traffic signals installed at Mason Hill Road
• Completion of the bike path connection from Illinois Route 176 to Veteran Acres Park and the bike path constructed as part of Segment 1 in 2011 

 To obtain the latest project information

Visit the project website at: www.walkuproad.com

Connect with us on FaceBook:  http://facebook.com/walkupconstruct

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/walkupconstruct

Prepare For March 20 Voting

Today is the first day registered voters who expect to be absent from their county of residence on Election Day (March 20) may make application by mail or in person for an official ballot.

This application is to be made with the County Clerk of the County in which the voter resides. For McHenry County that is the office of County Clerk Katherine Schultz, located in the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Early voting will begin February 27 at various locations in the County. These are listed on the County Clerk’s website.

Happenings From County Board Meeting Tuesday

Twenty-Five Years Advocating for Social Services

Lorraine Kopczynski was honored by the McHenry County Board Tuesday for her 25 years as an employee of the Pioneer Center for Human Services. She is credited with starting at the Center in 1986 as a caseworker for the Community Case Management Program, then taking on greater levels of responsibility and leadership, ultimately being President and CEO of Pioneer Center for Human Services since July 2005.

Fleming Road and Route 120 Intersection Upgrade

An intersection at Route 120 and Fleming Road is being improved by Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and is causing many unhappy residents of the area. They expressed that displeasure to the McHenry County Board Tuesday.

Reportedly the work is the result of a motorist unhappy with having to wait longer than desired to make a left turn onto Route 120 from Fleming Road. A conversation with State Representative Jack Franks reportedly started the process to putting a stop light at this intersection.

According to information provided at the Tuesday morning County Board meeting, the project was bid and awarded a year ago.

McHenry County is required to enter into an agreement between the State of Illinois and the County defining the required participation in the improvement and the estimated required local share which is $182,330. This will be taken from the County Motor Fuel Tax Fund.

Seven of the County Board members voted against the agreement with IDOT and appropriation of the funding. These included Donley, Evertsen, Schuster- District 6; Heisler, Kurtz-District 2; Jung, District 5 and Wheeler, District 3.

New Technology for County Board

New technology is coming to the McHenry County Board. In a 20 to 4 vote the Board approved a contract with Carahsoft Technology Corporation for Agenda Management/ Webstreaming services at a cost of $22,800 per year.

During discussion regarding the project, which has been considered for some time, it was noted that the benefit of this program is more than just providing web streaming for the public. It also provides a system for file management of county board documents which saves considerable time.

This is a project that has been under consideration for some time. Although considerable conversation has been held regarding how many people will be able to watch what is taking place at County Board meetings, according to information gleaned from discussion at the County Board meeting, the prime benefit is the time saved in handling the county board document filing.

Regional Superintendent of Schools Position Remains Open

The position of Regional Superintendent of Schools remains open, although an individual was to be sworn in at the Tuesday County Board meeting. However, at the last minute Jeffrey S. Schleff decided against taking the position which was vacated in June 2011. The position remained vacant since the State of Illinois failed to fund the position until recently.

County Board Chair Elected At Large

The idea of a County Board Chair being elected by the voters rather than County Board members garnered some discussion at the County Board level. No decision was reached on what should be done. However, there was a suggestion that it could be discussed at a County Bard Committee of the Whole meeting. 

Words of Wisdom

"In reality there is perhaps no one of our natural passions so hard to subdue as pride. Disguise it, struggle with it, beat it down, stifle it, mortify it as much as one pleases, it is still alive, and will now and then peek out and show itself."

--Benjamin Franklin, Autobiography, 1771

Crime Victims Rights Supported By Representative Gaffney

In an effort to protect crime victims across the State of Illinois, State Representative Kent Gaffney (R-Lake Barrington) has signed on to House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 29, also known as the “Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights.”  The Illinois Constitution currently has provision for crime victims’ rights; however victims’ rights advocates assert those are frequently violated.

“We see legislation all the time to expand the rights of criminals, yet this amendment will go towards helping the actual victims,” said Gaffney.  “Victims and their families have certain inalienable rights that our Constitution does not currently protect; this amendment will do just that.”

 HJRCA 29 will add the following rights to crime victims in the Illinois Constitution:

• The right to be treated with fairness and respect for their dignity and privacy throughout the criminal justice process;
• The right to notification of court proceedings;
• The right to communicate with the prosecution;
• The right to make a statement to the court at sentencing;
• The right to information about the conviction, sentence, imprisonment and release of the accused;
• The right to timely disposition of the case following the arrest of the accused;
• The right to be reasonably protected from the accused throughout the criminal justice process;
• The right to be present at the trial and all other court proceedings on the same basis as the accused, unless the victim is to testify and the court determines that the victim’s testimony would be materially affected if the victim hears other testimony at the trial;
• The right to have present at all court proceedings, subject to the rules of evidence, an advocate or other support person of the victim’s choice;
• The right to restitution

In addition to the new rights given to crime victims, the Amendment will also allow victims to petition the court if their rights were denied so that they be enforced and requires a resolution promptly upon request.

“The bottom line is people have been denied their rights.  This is unacceptable and needs to be rectified,” said Gaffney.  “These are people who are going through the hardest situation they have ever had to go through. It is our duty to protect their rights.”

Government At Work

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9 –

8:30 a.m. – Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee –

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

A state legislative update is slated by Metro Counties Director Katy Lawrence and a Federal Legislative Update by Trent Lehman.

New business for the committee includes a resolution supporting hospital tax-exempt status and discussion regarding intergovernmental agreement creating Electric Aggregation Consortium and State Legislative Bill Tracking.

A resolution is also to be considered urging Governor Quinn and the McHenry County Illinois General Assembly delegation to acknowledge the full array of health programs and services provided by the non-profit, tax-exempt hospitals in McHenry County.

The governor and the Illinois General Assembly and others in state government are considering the tax exempt status of non-profit hospitals in Illinois.

The resolution being considered iterates the following:

• $40 million in free health care including charity care and bad debt
• More than $31 million to subsidize health services in response to community need
• Nearly $890,000 on language assistance services, including translators, signage, forms, brochures, patient education materials and other information languages other than English to help enhance patient safety.
• More than $485,000 on donations, volunteer services and other activates
• More than $481,000 on education to train tomorrow’s health care professionals in order to meet the region’s growing health care workforce needs 

Prairie Ridge High Football Championship Celebrated

Crystal Lake City Council Tuesday, celebrated with the Prairie Ridge High School football team, their recent championship. The entire team as well as the coaches was honored by the Council for the team’s recent championship. In addition to introducing the entire team and coaches, they were treated to cookies and punch and coffee. The public attending the meeting was also included.

Other matters handled by the Council included:

Authorization to close Alexandra Boulevard from an area west of Dogwood Drive to an area east of Driftwood Lane for the start of the 14^th Annual Woods Creek Feet Meet .being held Sunday, April 29. A one-mile Walk/Run begins at 8:00 a.m. and a 5K Walk/Run begins at 8:30 a.m.

Council approval was granted to the Crystal Lake Rowing Club Waiver of Boat Sticker Requirements and a street closure request for Saturday, May 5. This is for the Greater Chicago Area Junior Rowing Championships Regatta scheduled to take place on that date. Lake Shore Drive between the Main Beach boat ramp entrance and Dole Avenue is the area affected on that date from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m...

The Knights of Columbus Council 10678 received approval for a Temporary Liquor License for their annual St. Patrick’s benefit diner/auction scheduled to be held March 10 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the church community center. This is an annual event for the church.

Another temporary liquor license was approved for the St. Thomas the Apostle Church permitting the sale of beer and wine at their annual Parish Dinner being held February 17 from 6:00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. at their Oak Street Church Community Center,451 W. Terra Cotta Avenue on February 17 from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.

The Council approved variations and fee waivers for temporary marketing signage for businesses affected during the 2012 road construction projects. This includes area on Pingree Road and Congress Parkway; Route 176 and Walkup Road; Routes 176 and 31; Route 14 from Crystal Lake Avenue to Lucas Road. The affected businesses are requested to work with staff regarding marketing opportunities and assistance in obtaining permits for banners. There will be no associated permit fees for this service.

Completion Of Bryn Mawr Sewer Work

Sewers in Bryn Mawr are to be televised and cleaned and take care of any other deficiencies that may be found. Additionally, sanitary sewer manhole grouting and sealing was also identified as being incomplete.

Although the developer was notified of the incomplete situation, there was no response from the developer. The work will be completed with the costs being taken from the developer’s letter of credit. The cost for cleaning the sewer lines is $14,402.25 and for the manhole grouting $35,630. The funding for the work is to be taken from the developer’s letter of credit which was required before construction of the subject subdivision could begin.

New Aerial Ladder Fire Truck

Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department is purchasing a new Aerial Ladder Truck at a cost of $790,243. The current vehicle has been in use since 1988 and has reached its usable life span, resulting in numerous mechanical failures. Due to the age of the vehicle, parts are not readily available and must be specially milled.

Fire Rescue Chief James Moore was able to work with a manufacturer to obtain what is known as a “demonstrator” unit which included some vehicle requirements that were not vendor specific. However, they met the needs of the Crystal Lake Fire Department. Some needs of the local department are being added after the vehicle has been built.

The new ladder truck will cost $790,243 and will be delivered when it comes off the assembly line in 30 days.

McCullom Street Parking Restrictions

A concerned citizen at 328 Illinois Street reported to the City that school buses and local delivery trucks are unable to negotiate the turn from northbound Illinois Street to westbound McCullom Street when cars are parked close to the intersection. This affects delivery trucks servicing Crystal Pines facility on Illinois Street.

Following a field observation by City staff, it was determined parking would be restricted on the north and south sides of McCullom Street, immediately west of Illinois Street. This was approved by the City Council

City of Crystal Lake – A U.S. EP WaterSense Promotional Partner

The City is a member of the Northwest Water Planning Alliance, a voluntary partnership formed to address the issues of water supply planning and management.

The United State Environmental Protection Agency’s voluntary WaterSense Partnership Program encourages water efficiency. This is done by promoting the use of WaterSense labeled products by residents and businesses in addition to other water conservation practices to help protect a community’s water supply.

The City Council voted Tuesday to authorize the City Manager to execute a Promotional Partnership Agreement with the U.S. EPA WaterSense Program. There is no cost to the City for this membership.

Student Housing Around McHenry County College Area

This is something being viewed when considering planning for the City of Crystal Lake. Currently the area around the college, which is along Route 14, has been pretty open with the exception of a few farm homes. The college has purchased additional property to the north of the current campus.

McHenry County College currently is a commuter college. Whether than changes is probably up to the College officials. However, there has been some discussion regarding zoning of the area around the College with it being called high density for students. Not sure where that idea originated. However, there have been plans for multi-family dwellings, but more age restricted. However, it would still have to account for higher density dwelling, by putting a certain number of people on an acre. But it would be going up as opposed to spread out. 

Words of Wisdom

"If it be asked what is to restrain the House of Representatives from making legal discriminations in favor of themselves and a particular class of the society? I answer, the genius of the whole system, the nature of just and constitutional laws, and above all the vigilant and manly spirit which actuates the people of America, a spirit which nourishes freedom, and in return is nourished by it."

--James Madison, Federalist No. 57, 1788

Black History Month Celebration At MCC

As part of the celebration of Black History Month, at McHenry County College, an expo featuring authentic soul food desserts, music and multiple vendors will take place February 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Commons, Building B at the College, located at 8900 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake.

On Feb. 15, the college will host a program on the Montgomery Bus Boycott, from 9:30-11 a.m. and from 7-8:30 p.m. in the MCC Conference Center. Barry Bradford, a national award-winning storyteller, historian and teacher, will reveal the truth about Rosa Parks and the year that made Martin Luther King, Jr. a household name.

 Drawing on his experience as a civil rights scholar, activist and master storyteller, Bradford brings the unexpected, unforgettable and ultimately uplifting events of the Civil Rights movement alive. This event is sponsored by the MCC Conference Center, Student Life and Multicultural Programs.

Government At Work

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8 –

8:30 a.m. – Natural and Environmental Resources Committee—

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

Interviews are scheduled for an appointment to the Agricultural Conservation Easement Farmland.

8:30 a.m. Harry W. Alten, Jr.

8:45 a.m. Lenore Beyer-Clow

Under old business, plans for electronics plus Spring recycling event and local Food Production Survey Update.

New business includes:

• Resolution to Endorse McHenry County’s Participation as a U.S. EPA WaterSense Promotional Partner
• Ordinance to designate the Exclusive Collector of Solid Waste, Recyclables and Yard Waste in Certain Areas of Unincorporated McHenry County.

Various reports to the Committee as applicable include:

• Water Resources Action Plan Update
• McHenry County Conservation District
• Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Agricultural Conservation Easement Farmland Protection Commission—Amendments to By-Laws
• Northwest Water Planning Group
• NPDES--National Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems
• Stormwater Updates
• Solid Waste
• Green Team

MCC Preschool Program Has FAll Openings

The McHenry County College Children's Learning Center has available slots for the preschool program for fall 2012. Openings currently exist for the three-year-old morning preschool program that takes place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday and the five-year-old afternoon preschool program from 1-3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. 

Tuition is $190 per month for the five-year-old program; $114 per month for the three-year-old program.

Register in person in the Children's Learning Center office, room C115, online at www.mchenry.edu/clc, or by phone by calling (815) 455-8555.

For more information or to set up a center tour, contact Taliashia Borders, director of the Children's Learning Center at (815) 455-8555 or by e-mail at tborders@mchenry.edu. 

New First Assistant State's Attorney

Norman D. Vinton has been appointed to serve as First Assistant of the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office. Louis A. Bianchi, McHenry County State’s Attorney, appointed Vinton to the position effective March 6.

Vinton is a founding partner at the Woodstock law firm of Michling, Hofmann, Vinton, Plaza & Wick, PC, a general practice firm located near the Woodstock Square. Vinton primarily handles civil litigation and business law at the firm.

He originally joined the former law firm of Weisz & Michling in 1991 as an associate attorney, and was named a partner in the then-law firm of Weisz Michling Hofmann in 1999.  Vinton has practiced law in the McHenry County courts as a litigator for twenty years, and, last fall, his peers rated him the highest of all applicants in the McHenry County Bar Association Judicial Candidate poll in the areas of Integrity and Overall Qualifications.

Vinton is a cum laude graduate of Northern Michigan University, which he attended while actively serving in the United States Air Force at K.I. Sawyer Air force Base located just south of Marquette, MI.  Vinton served four years in the United States Air Force as a security police officer.  During his service, Vinton led an airbase ground defense team, managed the base’s small weapons armory, and, was honorably discharged in 1982 at the rank of Staff Sergeant.

The newly appointed First Assistant State’s Attorney Vinton is a 1989 graduate of DePaul University College of Law.  He attended law school while holding a full-time job as a corporate and industrial security manager for Spiegel, Inc. in Chicago.  Vinton worked at Spiegel for a decade, during which time he managed a staff of more than a hundred employees and was responsible for the security of all corporate office and warehouse facilities.  As part of his job duties at Spiegel, Vinton coordinated with law enforcement investigations and prosecutions of internal crime.

Vinton resides in Crystal Lake with his wife Liz.  They have two children, David and Sarah.  David is a sophomore at the University of Dubuque in Iowa, where he is majoring in criminal justice and is a member of the wrestling team. Sarah is a freshman at Prairie Ridge High School and is a member of the cheer team.

Words Of Wisdom

"A nation can survive its fools, and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from within. An enemy at the gates is less formidable, for he is known and carries his banner openly. But the traitor moves amongst those within the gate freely, his sly whispers rustling through all the alleys, heard in the very halls of government itself." –

Roman statesman Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 BC)

Tea Party Endorsement For Congressman Manzullo

Congressman Don Manzullo (IL-16) gained another major conservative supporter Monday when the Illinois Tea Party endorsed him for re-election to Congress.

"In our opinion, Don is the true fiscal conservative in this race," announced Barb Offill, President of the Iroquois County TEA Party.  "Don is an ethical man and a passionate conservative who always votes in-line with his values.  His 19 years of experience in manufacturing, creating jobs, cutting wasteful spending, and reducing the deficit in Washington is a strength.  He hasn't been named 'Mr. Fix it' for nothing, the Congressman just gets things done in Washington."

The Illinois Tea Party noted that the choice for Illinois voters in the 16th district could not be clearer.  In 2011, Rep. Manzullo voted 79 more times to cut $209 billion more in federal spending than his opponent, Rep. Adam Kinzinger, which is why Manzullo is receiving all the awards and endorsements from conservative organizations that are serious about cutting wasteful spending and reducing debt. Manzullo holds a huge 21% lead in conservative ranking from Heritage Action for America, the political arm of the Heritage Foundation.   

"I thank the members of the Illinois Tea Party for their endorsement and recognition that I am the candidate in this race most serious about cutting wasteful Washington spending, reducing our massive debt, and helping employers put Americans back to work," Manzullo said. "We will never improve our economy as long as we continue to borrow 42 cents of every dollar our government spends. We must get serious about cutting spending and shrinking the role of government in our lives."

The endorsement from the Illinois Tea Party is the latest in a string of endorsements Manzullo has received from conservative organizations in this year's primary election. He was endorsed last month by Illinois Citizens for Life, the Illinois Conservatives (a group of about 4,000 young conservatives throughout the State of Illinois), and Family-PAC Federal, Illinois' leading pro-family organization.

Safe Driving Tips For Rakow Road

Please be aware that the Rakow Road construction speed limit will remain in force until the project is complete in fall of 2012. 

All construction speed zones are in force 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, limiting speed and cell phone use.  While most construction activities have ceased for the winter shutdown, the mild winter has allowed work to continue in several areas and we anticipate ongoing utility relocation work through the remainder of the winter. 

 While the construction speed zone is very important for worker safety, it is a fact that over 90% of Illinois traffic-related work zone fatalities are motorists.  Please observe the speed limits and the restriction on cell phone use. 

Pay extra attention while driving through the work zone for your own, the workers and your fellow motorists’ safety.

Government At Work

Tuesday Evening, February 7

7:30 P.M. CRYSTAL LAKE CITY COUNCIL --

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

Special recognition is to be given to the Prairie Ridge High School Football Team for their championship winning.

14^th Annual Woods Creek Feet Meet

The closure of Alexandra Boulevard from an area west of Dogwood Drive to Driftwood Lane is being requested for the start of the 14^th annual Woods Creek Feet Meet on Sunday, April 29. The One-Mile walk/Run begins at 8:00 a.m and a 5K Walk/Run begins at 8:30 a.m. As in past years, the closure of this portion of Alexandra Boulevard will take place upon approval by the City Council.

Chicago Area Junior Rowing Championships Regatta

Scheduled to take place Saturday, May 5 on the Crystal Lake. A waiver of boat sticker requirements for rowing shells and regatta motorboats used by visiting rowing clubs is requested. The sponsors, Crystal Lake Rowing Club, must also obtain approval from the Crystal Lake Park District and the Village of Lakewood

The Club is also requesting the closure of Lake shore Drive between Main Beach boat ramp entrance and Dole Avenue from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on this date. This allows the clubs to leave their trailers near the beach to unload and load boats as necessary. Similar requests were approved by the City Council last year.

St. Patrick’s Day Benefit Dinner

This event sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council #10678 is to take place March 10 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church Community Center, 1023 McHenry Avenue.

The organization is requesting issuance of a Class 16 Temporary Liquor License for the event.

St. Thomas the Apostle Church Parish Dinner

Approval of a temporary liquor license for the sale of beer and wine at a February 17 Parish Dinner being held at the Oak Street Church Community Center for the dinner being held between 6:00 pm. and 10:00 pm.

Assisting Affected  Businesses During Road Construction

The City’s Planning and Economic Development and Building Commissioner will be providing help for affected businesses on Pingree Road, Congress Parkway, Route 176 and Walkup Road; Routes 176 and 31; and Route 14 from Crystal Lake Avenue to Lucas Road.

Temporary signage and banners of certain sizes will be permitted during the construction period as well as tents for special events or savings promotions. Additionally, City newsletters will feature articles about the road construction projects and the importance of frequenting the businesses during construction. Also other outside information for the public will be provided through television and the City’s website.

Bryn Mawr Subdivision Sewer Cleaning

Following responses to bids for cleaning and televising sewers in the Bryn Mawr subdivision, the recommended lowest responsive and responsible bidder of the five received is Visu-Sewer of Illinois LLC, Bridgeview, IL. The amount of the bid is $14,402.25.

This involves a matter on a list of incomplete items for which the developer is responsible. Thus far, the developer is reported to be unresponsive. The City advised the developer regarding the City’s right to draw on the letter of credit and proceed to have the work completed. There was no response to this and the City will liquidate part of the developer’s letter of credit to fund the project.

Additionally, sanitary sewer manhole grouting was to be completed in Bryn Mawr Subdivision by the developer. Since it was not completed, the City went to bidding for the work. Kim Construction Co., Inc. of Steger, Il was the lower bidder at $35,630. This work consists of grouting and sealing 23 precast, offsite manholes along route 176 between the subdivision and the lift station on  Briarwood Road. The City will also liquidate the developer’s letter of credit to fund this project.

New Fire Truck

The 2011-2012 fiscal year budget provides for the replacement of an Aerial Ladder Truck. This is a specialty, one-of-a-kind vehicle, used for rescue from elevated and difficult to rach locations, ventilation of structure fires and elevated large volume water streams.

The present Ladder Truck 381 was manufactured by Emergency One in 1988 and has served the City for 24 years. It has reached its useable life span and has numerous mechanical failures that have placed it on the out of service list for over six months during the past two years. The age of the vehicle also requires that parts have to be milled, increasing the out-of-service time for repairs.

Additionally, during the 24 years the truck has been in service, the National Fire Protection Association has revised its consensus standard for design and function of ladder trucks five times. A new ladder truck will bein compliance with the latest NFPA standards.

In order to refurbish the currently used truck would cost $630,231 and the truck would be out of service for six months.

Bids were sought for a new ladder truck with three being received ranging from $024,580 to $992,411.

Additionally, staff also obtained information and bids for a “Demonstrator” Ladder Truck. This option had a base vehicle bid that were not vendor specific, but met the needs of the Fire Rescue Department. Three manufacturers provided bids with Fire Service, Inc. Emergency One being the lowest bidder at $790,243.

This truck is still on the assembly line allowing the City to purchase a new ladder truck without any miles or hours of operations as a demonstrator.

Therefore, the City Council will be requested to approve the purchase of Ladder  Truck.

McCullom Street Parking

Parking on McCullom Street near its intersection with Illinois Street creates problems for school buses, delivery trucks for Crystal Pines Nursing Home. The City Council will consider an ordinance prohibiting parking on McCullom Street at the intersection with Illinois Street.

Allocation of TORA Bonds

This is in line with plans for future amenities at the Three Oaks Recreation Area. It is anticipated that some of these ideas may include potential public-private partnerships, involving the use of a portion of the park property.

A portion of the bond proceeds need to be allocated to other City projects. However, this does not obligate the construction of any future amenities. This is a means to provide the City flexibility to enter into public-private partnership for potential future amenities.

The Council is being requested to authorize the allocation of a portion of the proceeds of the Taxable General Obligation Bonds, Series 2009A and the Taxable General Obligation Bonds 2009B so that the City can enter into public-private partnerships. This involves the use of a portion of the park property and in order to provide for the flexibility, the City needs to comply with the Federal tax requirements of the bond financing used to construct the Three Oaks project.

Referral of Text Amendment to the Planning & Zoning Commission

A number of text amendments are being proposed to alter some provisions of the UDO. These are text amendment observed by City staff based on day-to-day applications of the UDO. The Council is requested to refer the proposed text amendment to the Planning and Zoning Commission for review

Participation in the EPA WaterSense Program

This is a program involving 80 communities that are predominantly ground-water dependent in a cooperative planning effort that targets water planning, conservation, and education of the value of the groundwater and inland surface waters. A motion is desired from the Council to implement the recommendation made by the Northwest Water Planning Alliance to become a USEPA WaterSense Promotional Partner.

Stormwater Ordinance Amendments and Recertification—

Crystal Lake is a certified community under the McHenry County Stormwater Management Ordinance. This permits the City to regulate development under its own Crystal Lake Stormwater Ordinance. However, the City is required to petition the County Stormwater Committee for recertification every three years.

City staff is requesting that amendments be incorporated into the CLSO in order to complete its recertification and that additional amendments that benefit customer service enhancements be included.

Crystal Lake 2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan

The current land use plan was adopted in August 2001. Since comprehensive plans should be updated every ten years, it is time to consider that event.

There were relatively few changes to the Map except for the introduction of the Mixed Use category for Downtown area and TORA areas.

A couple questions are being asked of the Council regarding decision points for the map:

Given the Council’s vision for the Northwest Corridor, is the mix of lan uses around the College appropriate?

Would High Density Residential for student housing around the  College be in accordance with the Council’s vision for this area?

No action is being requested.