Words of Wisdom

"The right of freely examining public characters and measures, and of free communication among the people thereon ... has ever been justly deemed the only effectual guardian of every other right."

--James Madison, Virginia Resolutions, 1798

Words of Wisdom

"We have therefore to resolve to conquer or die: Our won country's honor, all call upon us for vigorous and manly exertion, and if we now shamefully fail, we shall become infamous to the whole world. Let us therefore rely upon the goodness of the cause, and the aid of the supreme being, in whose hands victory is, to animate and encourage us to great and noble actions."

 --George Washington, 1776

Need To Pay More Taxes?

A new tax may be on the horizon. We aren’t paying enough.

As downloads of digital goods like apps, games, music and movies become a bigger part of our lives, they’re also becoming bigger target for cash strapped governments across the country.

It seems possible that consumers could be double or triple taxes for a single digital goods purchase. For example, if a cell phone is registered in Ohio and a purchase of an app is made while traveling through Indiana from a company based in California, there is nothing to protect the consumer from being taxed by all three jurisdictions.

Congress is considering a bill that would prevent the unfair taxes for good, but it is necessary to make the dissatisfaction heard.

To take action Just click here and enter your email address and zip code to join the fight against unfair multiple download taxes.

Mother Nature Sending Some Freezing Temperatures

Mother Nature seems to be taking us back to winter for brief time.

Temperatures are expected to fall into the lower 30’s by early Friday morning for areas away from the City of Chicago

The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a freeze warning effective from 1:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Friday, Central Daylight Time.

A freeze warning means sub-freezing temperatures are imminent or highly likely.

The vegetation growth which the warm March brought could be damaged or killed by the expected freezing temperatures. Precautionary actions are needed in order to protect any newly emerged plants from the temporary wrath of Mother Nature. 

Words of Wisdom

"It is error alone which needs the support of government. Truth can stand by itself. Subject opinion to coercion: whom will you make your inquisitors?"

 --Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the State of Virginia, Query 17, 1781

FREEZE WARNING THURSDAY NIGHT AND FRIDAY MORNING

FREEZE WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE THURSDAY  NIGHT
THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING FOR OUTLYING AREAS.

TEMPS.ARE EXPECTED TO FALL INTO THE UPPER 20s & LOW
30s BY EARLY FRIDAY MORNING FOR AREAS AWAY FROM THE CITY OF
CHICAGO.

 IMPACTS.WITH THE RECORD WARM MARCH BRINGING VEGETATION
GROWTH FAR AHEAD OF SCHEDULE. SENSITIVE VEGETATION MAY BE
DAMAGED OR KILLED BY THE FREEZING TEMPS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS.

A FREEZE WATCH MEANS SUB-FREEZING TEMPS ARE POSSIBLE.
THESE CONDITIONS COULD KILL CROPS & OTHER SENSITIVE VEGETATION.
TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT SENSITIVE VEGETATION ONCE FREEZING
TEMPS BECOME IMMINENT.

Concrete Paving For Portions Of Rakow Road Begin Thursday

Concrete paving operations for the southbound IL 31 right turn lane at Rakow Road and the north side intersections of Rakow Road with Pingree and Virginia will begin Thursday, April 5th.  

The mainline base course paving of Rakow Road will begin on Friday, April 6th, starting at IL 31 and heading west.  These operations will take a few weeks to complete.  

Expect some delays as the concrete trucks arrive and leave the job site.  Flaggers will be in place as this work proceeds.  Please be alert while driving in these areas.

Spring Forensics Showcase Presentations This Evening and Thursday

The McHenry County College Forensics program is presenting a Spring Forensics Showcase at :

7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4

2:30 p.m. on Thursday April 5

7:30 p.m. on Thursday April 5

The Black Box Theatre, Room D167 at the college is the location for this 75 minute program which includes multiple performance of literature and impromptu speaking

The showcases are open to the public. Admission is $5 per person, which will help fund the team’s national competition in April in Schaumburg.

For more information about the MCC Forensics program, contact Bonnie Gabel at (815) 455-8684 or email her at bgabel@mchenry.edu.

Severe Weather Preparations

The McHenry County Emergency Management Agency reminds residents to prepare for severe weather:

Power Outages

If you lose power to your home you should always call ComEd at 1-800-EDISON1 (1-800-334-7661) to report the outage.  Reporting your outage ensures that ComEd has the most up to date information for restoring power to your area.

Generators and Generator Safety 

Do you and your family have a plan for power outages?  Have you thought about what you will do if you lose power for three days?  How about for a week?  Have you considered purchasing a portable generator to be able to provide for your family’s basic needs?  When the power is out a portable generator would allow you to operate a few lights in the dark, run fans to stay comfortable, and keep your essential appliances working so food doesn’t spoil.

While generators are great tools, they can also be hazardous when not used properly.  The following tips will help ensure the safety of you and your family when using a portable generator. 

Portable Generator Safety Tips

Always use generators outside, away from doors, windows, and vents. NEVER use generators inside your home, garage, basement, crawl space, or any other enclosed area (even with proper ventilation).

Follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use.

Plug all appliances directly into the generator, or use a heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cord.

Make sure that the entire extension cord is free of cuts/tears and the plug has three (3) prongs, especially a grounding pin.

NEVER plug the generator into a wall outlet (known as back-feeding).  This practice can cause an electrocution risk to utility workers and others served by the same utility transformer.

If you must connect a generator to house wiring, make sure to have a qualified electrician install the appropriate equipment.

Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool.  Fuel spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.

Always store fuel outside of the living areas in properly labeled, non-glass containers.

Communication During Power Outages 

There are many ways the County can provide information to and communicate with residents under normal circumstances.  But what happens when the power goes out?  Do you know how to get updates from the County under these conditions?  When you lose power you oftentimes also lose your ability to use your home phone, cable, and internet. But there are still ways you can stay informed and be ready.

Register your phone number with the Emergency Alert System.  Click here for more details. NIXLE.

Register with ComEd at https://www.comed.com/customer-service/outage-information/pages/outage-alerts.aspx for outage alerts and estimated repair times.

For smart phones, Emergency Closing Center at: www.emergencyclosings.com.

Have a battery powered radio and listen for updates on STAR 105.5, WGN 720, WIND 560, and WBBM 780.

Have a printed version of this citizens’ emergency handbook from the Illinois Department of Public Health on emergency preparedness to reference:  http://www.idph.state.il.us/pdf/SurvivingDisasters.pdf.

Raue Center For The Arts Receives Matching Gift Challenge

Raue Center is pleased to announce they are the recipient of a $20,000 matching gift challenge due by April 15th from The Hometown Foundation to help double their spring appeal goal! This means every dollar raised towards our spring goal will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $20,000 from donations made by April 15th.

"We are thrilled that they would provide us with a matching opportunity,” says Matt Turk, Raue Center Board President and Vice President of InTren Inc. “It is not only a worth while challenge for the board, patrons and community but a vote of confidence from the Foundation and what we’re doing.”

One of the greatest rewards we enjoy are the expressions and contagious excitement children display when they experience a show at Raue Center For The Arts. Maybe rocking out at “One Night of Queen" is more your style, or doubling-over in laughter from a stand-up comedian’s routine at Lucy’s Comedy Café. Raue Center truly offers something for everyone.  83 cents of every dollar donated goes directly back into programming and providing imaginations a place to flourish. To make a donation visit at rauecenter.org or contact the Box Office at 815.356.9212.

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts.  Currently in the middle of their 11th season, they are proud to provide quality programming and strive to make it pertinent, available and affordable to all.  Raue Center is delighted to welcome you back this year and looks forward to the next years and continuing to “Rock the Raue.”

Government At Work

THURSDAY, APRIL 5

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

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

The Committee is expected to continue a discussion on a request from the Department of Planning and Development for the purchase of a new permitting and plans review software.

A resolution is to be considered for presentation the County Board for approval of a letter of allocation to Bravo Properties LLC for the construction of a 128-unit supportive living facility to be located in Huntley for a cost of $272,172.65. This allocation is to be given as a 1% amortized loan over 20 years.

Consideration is to be given to a HOME Investment Partnerships Program – HUD Waiver of Conflict of Interest Exception Request. This due to a possible conflict of interest involving the son of County Board Chairman Ken Koehler’s son being employed as Executive Director of the McHenry County Affordable Housing Commission.

The Planning and Development Committee of the County Board has recommended that the McHenry County Affordable Housing Commission pre-development loan application be allocated $13,000. The process for this application has not been forwarded to the County Board due to the need to first process the waiver request.

3:00 p.m. – McHenry County Ethics Commission –

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

New Business before the Commission is the election of a Chairman, review of the County’s Ethics Training web Site and Discussion regarding Commission’s Ethics Advisor.

7:00 p.m.—Village of Lakewood Public Hearing—

Regarding Electric Aggregation Program Plan of Operations and Governance.

Following the establishment of a quorum and confirmation of publication of public notice, the presentation of the Plan of Operation and Governance for the Village of Lakewood Electric Aggregation Program will be provided.

The public will have the opportunity for comments as will the Village Board members.

7:30 p.m. – Historic Preservation Commission, City of Crystal Lake—

Meeting in the Municipal Complex, 100 West Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake.

The Commission is to consider a Certificate of Appropriateness for 401 Country Club Road, the Dole Mansion.

Other matters to be considered include Trolley Tour, Historic District update and any member inquiries and reports.

Words of Wisdom

"It is error alone which needs the support of government. Truth can stand by itself. Subject opinion to coercion: whom will you make your inquisitors?"

 --Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the State of Virginia, Query 17, 1781

Government At Work

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4—

8:15 a.m. – Transportation Committee of McHenry County Board –

Meeting in the main conference room at the McHenry County Division of Transportation, 16111 Nelson Road, Woodstock.

Under old and new business, the topic of Private Non-Dedicated Subdivision Roads is slated for discussion.

A second matter under the heading of new business is the presentation of a video on Roundabouts.

Other than these matters, the only other matter is the consideration of executive session meeting minutes, being considered in closed session.

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

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

A public hearing is slated regarding the Dollar Tree in the Country Corners Shopping Center is being continued to the April 18 meeting at the request of the petitioner.

Crystal Lake Park District/ Crystal Lake Rowing Club—

The group is requesting a Special Use Permit to allow an expansion of the boat storage area at Kamijima Park, 1294 North Avenue.

Crystal Lake Plaza—Keith & Virginia –

A final PUD amendment is being requested to change timing of the electronic message center sign for the Plaza.

Indian Hill Trails –Hickey—

This simplified residential variation is being sought for ten lots in the subdivision to allow a six-foot tall fence in a yard abutting a street along Walkup Road, Burning Bush Trail and Indian Hill Trail. This is a deviation from the maximum permitted height of three feet.

Lutheran Social Services Affordable Senior Housing—

This is a plan for 60 affordable housing units for elderly residents planned for location on the east side of Commonwealth Drive, south of Congress Parkway. All units would be in one three-story building. The developer is seeking final PUD approval for the project.

Warning! Traffic Signal Modification-Algonquin Road-Hanson Road/Hilltop Road

The McHenry County Division of Transportation (MCDOT) will be implementing modifications to the traffic signals at the intersection of Algonquin Road - Hanson Road/Hilltop Road in Lake in the Hills tomorrow,  Thursday, April 5, 2012. 

These changes will include installing new traffic signal equipment to accommodate restrictions on left turns off of Algonquin Road.  Once this modification is complete, motorists will only be able to turn left on the green arrow. 

This is being done to improve safety at this intersection for area motorists.  Changeable message boards have been placed near the intersection to alert motorists of the change. 

 The changes are anticipated to be completed on Thursday morning between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.  Minor delays should be expected as this work is completed.  The MCDOT completed a similar change to the traffic signals at the Randall Road/Miller Road intersection in 2010.

Illinois And Campaign Limits Legislation

Congress and most states responded to the Watergate scandals of the early 1970s by enacting contribution limits for political candidates. They recognized that outsized contributions from single donors created a great risk of corruption and that limits were necessary.

Unfortunately, Illinois held out from enacting any form of campaign limits for more than 30 years, until Rod Blagojevich demonstrated the extent to which a mammoth war chest of illicit money could dominate an election and that large sums of money could be extracted from job seekers, board and commission appointees, contractors and others seeking political favors. In 2009 Illinois finally passed a bill implementing campaign contribution limits which went into effect January 2011.

Shifting federal case law now threatens our achievements. As a result of a recent lawsuit in Illinois, a federal judge has ruled that political committees that do not actively coordinate expenditures with candidates may accept unlimited contributions from any single source, opening the door to the possibility of more Blagojevich-style corruption in the future.

In response, ICPR filed an amicus curiae (friend-of-the-court) brief in that case, and worked with the Illinois Attorney General's office to defend state law. The judge concluded that the U.S. Supreme Court ruling known as Citizens United directed that his decision allow unlimited giving in some circumstances.

What Now?

ICPR will continue to advocate for campaign finance reform in Illinois. Our focus includes:

Preserving Limits: ICPR will collaborate with members of the General Assembly and participate in the court cases to curtail the influence of special interests on policy in Illinois.

Monitoring campaign cash: We will work tirelessly to keep our Sunshine Database up-to-date and make improvements to make detailed information about the flow of money in politics easily available to the public.

Disclosure and transparency: We will advocate for a government that is open and shares information with the public.

Exploring viable public financing options: ICPR supports piloting a voluntary public financing system to elect Illinois Supreme Court and Appellate Court judges.

With your help, we now must be vigilant tracking Super PAC fundraising and reporting on the their impact on elections and government.

Get Involved

Visit ICPR's Super PAC webpage containing a full background and chronology of the campaign finance story, along with links to key opinions and documents.

Encourage people you know to sign up for our Spotcheck newsletter and visit our website at www.ilcampaign.org.

Learn more about some of the issues facing Illinois and support our efforts by attending our upcoming fund-raising lunch, "Out of the Shadows of Corruption" on Wednesday, April 18 at the East Bank Club in Chicago. (Get more information and purchase tickets.)

Learn More About Hepatitis C

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is offering a free class for residents to learn more about Hepatitis C on Monday, April 9 from 6pm-7pm in its Crystal Lake office, 100 N Virginia Street (intersection of Route 14 and Woodstock Street).  Reservations can be made to Melissa at 815-334-4500.  Topics will include how Hepatitis C affects your liver and overall health, current treatment options and associated side effects, talking to your doctor about treatment, how to stay healthier and ways to avoid giving Hepatitis C to others.    

Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease that is spread through contact with the blood of an infected person.  Risk factors include:

• Receiving blood from a donor who later tested positive for Hepatitis C
• Sharing needles, syringes to inject drugs
• Receiving a blood transfusion or solid organ transplant before July,1992
• A recipient of clotting factor(s) made before 1987
• Having ever been on long-term kidney dialysis
• Receiving body piercings or tattoos with non-sterile instruments
• Needle stick injuries in healthcare settings

Hepatitis C is one of the most frequently reported diseases to MCDH’s Communicable Disease Program, with 72 cases reported in 2011, a decrease from the 110 cases reported in 2007.  In many cases, there are no symptoms of the disease until liver problems develop.  Many people are unaware they have the disease until donating blood or having a specific blood test for Hepatitis C. 

"Women, War and Peace; I Came to Testify: Showing April 11

SPAN (Students Peace Action Network) presents a showing of the PBS special, “Women War and Peace; I Came to Testify” on Wednesday April 11^th, 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. in the MCC Employee Dining room.

The second in the PBS series, “I Came to Testify” is the moving story of 16 women who stepped forward to take the witness stand in an international court of law that resulted in a triumphant verdict leading to new international laws about sexual violence in war.

On this same date, in the evening,  is SPAN's Take Back The Night March. Please help spread the word and support this event.

Certificate Of Achievement For Excellence In Financial Reporting--MCCD

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada awarded McHenry County Conservation District The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report for the second consecutive year.

This Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of government accounting and financial reporting and it represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.  Andy Dylak, Director of Finance for the Conservation District was also recognized individually by the government as primarily responsible for preparing the award-winning financial report. 

The Government Finance Officers Association is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 17,500 government finance professionals with offices in Chicago and Washington D.C. 

Libertarian Party Hall of Fame

The Libertarian Party would like to announce a new awards program.

The "Hall of Liberty" program is to honor lifetime or significant achievement that has made a lasting affect on the Libertarian Party and/or libertarian movement.

Those honored will be featured on the LP web site and on a "Wall of Liberty" in the LP national office

At the 2012 LP National Convention at the Red Rock Casino in Las Vegas, the first five (5) inductees tol be honored include:

David F. Nolan

John Hospers

Tonie Nathan

Roger MacBride

Ed Clark

At future LP National Conventions, more libertarians can be inducted.

A committee is being created to handle future awards, including the Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, Samuel Adams, and Patrick Henry awards.

The "Hall of Liberty" committee includes:

Dr. Mary Ruwart, Dr. James Lark, William Redpath, Rebecca Sink-Burris, and committee chair Kevin Knedler

Green Drinks Invite For Wednesday

The public is invited to join the Green Drinks McHenry County group on April 4^th from 5pm-7pm at Duke’s Alehouse & Kitchen, 110 N Main Street in Crystal Lake.

This month’s presenter is Jennifer Walling, executive director of Illinois Environmental Council, which serves as the environmental community’s eyes, ears and voice in Springfield.

Since its founding in 1975 by a group of dedicated grassroots environmentalists, IEC has sponsored issue advocacy campaigns and projects. This has allowed environmental organizations to pool their resources to create a higher profile for our issues in Springfield and Washington D.C.

Pick up a drink or order some food at the bar before coming upstairs for info and inspiration, business and pleasure. Come talk about “greening” the future with others. Must be 21 to purchase alcohol - non-alcoholic drinks are available, of course!

There will be an information table set up, and you are welcome to bring information about your green products and services each month to share. 

Additional parking is available at the train station.

To be added to their email list, send a note to: GreenDrinks@mcdefenders.net or “like” the group on FaceBook www.FaceBook.com/GreenDrinksMcHenryCounty

New Arbitration Center For 22nd Judicuit Opens In Woodstock

The Twenty Second Judicial Circuit of McHenry County has a new Arbitration Center located at 666 Russel Court, Suite 309 in Woodstock. The telephone number for this new McHenry County Arbitration Center is 815-337-0582.

In early August, 2011, the Twenty Second Judicial Circuit of McHenry County and the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit of Lake County submitted a joint request to the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, requesting an arbitration administrator for the Twenty Second Judicial Circuit.  Prior to this request, the Nineteenth and Twenty Second Judicial Circuit shared an arbitration administrator, which travelled between the two circuits.

On October 24, 2011 Alison E. Lowery was selected as the arbitration administrator for the Twenty Second Judicial Circuit.  Due to space limitations within the McHenry County Government Center and the desire to expand the arbitration program and enhance case management, it was necessary to acquire the necessary facilities outside of the Government Center. 

All funding for the McHenry County Arbitration Center comes from the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts.  The McHenry County General Fund does not financially support the arbitration program.

Arbitration is mandatory for civil cases seeking money damages between $10,000-$50,000. Cases eligible for arbitration proceed in court along an expedited track, with an arbitration hearing date four to six months from the date the case is filed. A panel of three arbitrators conducts the arbitration hearing.  Arbitrators are selected on a random, rotating basis from a list of retired judges or attorneys who have attended training. The arbitration panel conducts a hearing, allowing the parties to present all facts, evidence, and law, before rendering an award. The arbitration award is not binding for thirty days, during which time any party present at the arbitration hearing may "reject" the award, pay a rejection fee, and then proceed to a trial before a judge or jury. 

Words of Wiscom

"Men of energy of character must have enemies; because there are two sides to every question, and taking one with decision, and acting on it with effect, those who take the other will of course be hostile in proportion as they feel that effect."

--Thomas Jefferson, letter to John Adams, 1817

Government At Work

Tuesday, April 3

9:00 a.m. – McHenry County Board

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

In addition to the statutory reports being presented to the Board and placed on file, a recommendation for county board consideration includes a resolution authorizing monthly transactions for the Delinquent Tax Program involving three parcels.

A resolution authorizing the implementation of a contract agreement between Local 150 of the International Union of Operating Engineers-Division of Transportation and the County is being presented to the Board for approval.

An Intergovernmental Agreement between Greenwood Township Road District and McHenry County for the Jankowski Road Township Bridge Maintenance Project and appropriating funds is being presented for approval

A resolution authorizing the transfer of surface transportation program funds for partial reimbursement of the County Engineers annual salary. This so IDOT pays 50% of the County Engineers salary with the other 50% paid from Motor Fuel Tax funds. The salary including a 3% increase from 2011 is set at $137,298.92. The total is divided 50-50 between Motor Fuel Tax Funds and funds received from IDOT.

Also for the County Department of Transportation, a resolution is being presented for approval of a $30,000 appropriation Ordinance from the County Option Motor Fuel Tax Fund for emergency.

An engineering services agreement and appropriation of funds for Bay Road Bridge and Wilmot Bridge rehab projects is being presented for Board approval .The amount is not to exceed $32,517.83 with services being provided by Civiltech Engineering, Inc.

Two other bridge projects are also being presented for approval. These include rehabbing of Kishwaukee Road Bridge and McGuire Road Bridge for an amount of $47,152.20 for engineering to be completed by Wills Burke Kelsey Associates, Ltd.

7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake City Council—

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

A resolution placing the City Budget on display and setting the Public Hearing date for April 17 is one of the several items to be handled on a consent agenda.

Two other items include a temporary use permit request to allow the Farmer’s Market to be held in Downtown Crystal Lake on Saturday mornings June 2 through October 20.

Also issuing a temporary use permit to allow Lunch-Dinner in the Park events to be held in the Gazebo and Depot Park on June 29, July 27 and August 31.

The Alzheimer’s Association is requesting to hold a special event at the Three Oaks Recreation Area on September 30.

Draft Plans for Institutions

A presentation of the McHenry County College Draft Facility Master Plan is being made for discussion purposes only.

Another matter for discussion purposes only is a conceptual plan review for the Crystal Lake Public Library expansion and renovation plan.

Road construction and work zone traffic update is being presented for information purposes only.

A presentation of flooding study improvement to Area 1D is being made for discussion only.

A special use permit amendment request is to be considered to allow a detached accessory structure to be approximately 960 square feet for each story.

An amendment is being presented decreasing the current number of Class 1 and Class 2 Liquor Licenses.

A number of bid awards are being presented for approval including:

A purchase agreement for the provision of unleaded gasoline and diesel fuel;

Executing a contract for brush pick-up services;

Bid award for a contract for Walnut Glen Subdivision Pavement Patching;

Bid award for a contract for 2012 Street Resurfacing Program;

Bid award for 2012-13 Traffic signal maintenance program;

Bid award authorizing a contract for the FY 2012-13 Street Light Maintenance Program; Authorization of MFT funds appropriation for FY 2012-13 traffic signal maintenance, street light maintenance, and snow-fighting material purchases.

A proposal award and resolution authorizing execution of an agreement for the Main Street at  Crystal Lake Avenue Phase I preliminary and Phase II Design Engineering

Also a resolution authorizing appropriation of MFT funds for the above intersection project.

A proposal award and resolution authorizing execution of an agreement for the Country Club Road Area Water Main Improvement Design Engineering and approval of changes in scope by10 percent of the original price.

Building Expansion Plans – McHenry County College

Building expansion plans for McHenry County College which had its beginning with the passage of a referendum in 1967 creating the district. The college located in Crystal Lake providing training opportunities and a better skilled workforce, something considered at the time of the planning for the college district. Since the location of the campus on Route 14 at Lucas Road, the space is filling and plans for expansion have begun.

Some of the considerations for the campus that have been involved in planning for an expansion involve what is needed in the area of building expansion, parking provisions, transportation options. Others including wetland protection and enhancements, the Crystal Lake watershed requirements.

All planning thus far has been for discussion only.

Conceptual Plan Review For Crystal Lake Library

This is another facility in the area running out of room. The latest proposal for the library expansion is the development on the existing site with a parking deck, a two-story library building, drive-up-drop off book drop and a new entry from McHenry Avenue.

The library does own the residence to the north of the Library at 17 McHenry Avenue. This property would be included in the plans. All property owners surrounding the library were notified of the plans. There were no supporters or objectors who made their concerns known.

This is only in the discussion stage with no concrete plans at this time.

Road Work Closures

Two road projects in the area will require temporary road closures to complete the necessary road construction.

Pingree Road At Congress Parkway—Pingree Road between Grandview Drive and Congress Parkway, including the intersection, is anticipated to close in two separate stages. Stage 1 will require a complete closure of the intersection with Congress Parkway from May to September.

Stage 2 will close Pingree Road north of Congress Parkway from September to Mid-October.

Illinois Route 176 at Walkup Avenue—Walkup Avenue from Illinois Route 176 to Woodstock Street is anticipated to close from May to September

Reason for these closures—The significant grade differential between the existing and proposed pavement elevations, as well as widening the railroad crossing on Pingree Road for the new sidewalk across the tracks. Performing the work without closing the roadway would significantly extend the overall length of the project. This in turn increases the disruption to the public and adjacent property owners. The actual duration of both of the closures is subject to weather and local traffic will still be allowed to access their driveways.

The City is attempting everything possible to assist businesses involved, commuters and residents in this traffic upgrade.

Flooding Study – Immediately west of East Street and extending to Baldwin Avenue

The public has been involved in the study and possible plans. This is the North Shore area and since the area was originally designed for summer residence, there has been insufficient drainage planning done. The area is densely wooded, gradually sloped, and contains pocket of wetland. It is poorly drained with standing water observed in several locations on City-owned property north of the residential lots

City staff is working with an engineering firm to attempt to alleviate the flooding that is experienced. However, existing drainage patterns in the area prevents obtaining significant drainage benefits from a storm sewer system. No definite plans have been developed for the area. Many suggestions are made, but few agreements reached with residents.

Consultant Selection For Main Street at Crystal Lake Avenue

The north leg of Main Street at Crystal Lake Avenue has been reconstructed. Roadway work along Crystal Lake Avenue and the south leg of Main Street was postponed to a future year with the intention of first completing a railroad relocation project to eliminate the tracks east and south of the intersection.

The railroad relocation project has been delayed longer than originally anticipated. City staff is recommending that the remainder of intersection improvement be completed at this time in order to finish enhancements to the southern gateway t downtown and eliminate the temporary offset lane configuration that currently exists

The City received $1.5 million I Surface Transportation Program funding for the remainder of the intersection improvements. This includes pavement reconstruction along Main Street, widening and resurfacing of Crystal Lake Avenue, a permanent traffic signal, intersection lighting, and streetscape elements.

Existing offset travel lanes along Main Street at the intersection will be realigned and a wider sidewalk will be added along the north side of Crystal Lake Avenue, east of the intersection and to extend the off-street Prairie Trail path to the existing bike route at East Street.

The Council is to consider approval of Benesch & Company to perform the Phase I preliminary and Phase II design engineering for the Main Street at Crystal Lake Avenue improvement. 

The Council is also being requested to approve the allocation of Motor Fuel Tax funds for the project.