Military Action Against Iran Approved By US House

The Republican led House has voted to allow U.S. military action against Iran if the regime threatens the U.S. or it’s allies (Israel) with nuclear weapons.

According to a section of the National Defense Authorization Act, “it shall be the policy of the United States to take all necessary measures, including military action if required, to prevent Iran from threatening the United States, its allies or Iran’s neighbors with a nuclear weapon,”
reported Raw Story.

The use of the word threaten literally makes it possible for the U.S. to attack Iran whenever they please by simply claiming that they were threatening us regardless of the reality of the situation.

In a special report for theintelhub.com, Bob Tuskin detailed this breaking news and its connection to an Obama executive order.

The much talked about and feared war with Iran seems to be closer to the horizon than ever before.

"Getting Started" Seminars At MCC Are Free

For adults who are interested in earning a college degree or certificate, but are unsure how to proceed, here is the help you need.

McHenry County College will host the next “Getting Started” Seminar from 5-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23 in Room A102.

 The “Getting Started” seminar gives returning adults—who have been out of high school for several years or longer—find out more about college degrees and admission requirements. They will also have an opportunity to meet other potential students with similar interests.

Attendees will learn about degree and certificate requirements, start the financial aid process and tour the MCC campus. MCC also offers free tutoring and academic advising to students.

Helen Jost, adult recruitment coordinator at McHenry County College, specializes in helping returning adults get started at MCC.

“Many adult students have jobs and families and worry about getting back into the swing of attending classes, studying and taking tests and being in a classroom with younger students,” Jost said. “These worries can be put to rest by the first day of class, she said.

All “Getting Started” seminars are free of charge. To reserve a seat, call (815) 455-8914 or e-mail hjost@mchenry.edu. Refreshments will be served. For other programs for returning adults, visit www.mchenry.edu/returningadults. The college is located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake.

Words Of Wisdom

"Whoever attentively considers the different departments of power must perceive, that, in a government in which they are separated from each other, the judiciary, from the nature of its functions, will always be the least dangerous to the political rights of the Constitution; because it will be least in a capacity to annoy or injure them."

 --Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 78, 1788

NATO Summit Causes Shutdown Of Cell Phone Use

Reports suggest local law enforcement agencies are considering shutting down cell phone services in Chicago over the weekend and while it will most likely be very effective, many are questioning if the move is legitimate.

The Daily Beast reports that the FBI and Secret Service have standing authority to jam signals and they can also push for the shutdown of cell towers, thanks to “Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 303,” which lays out the nation’s official “Emergency Wireless Protocols.”

According to the National Communications System, the protocol details a “shutdown and restoration process for use by commercial and private wireless networks during national crises.”

It was created after the London bombings in 2005, when federal security services shut off cellular networks in New York’s tunnel, fearing a similar attack. Since then, cell phone jammers have been used in situations like President Obama’s inauguration, with the Secret Service claiming there was a bomb threat, as well as a number of other cases.

Most recently, however, cell phone service was suspended in San Francisco, where police of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) subway system temporarily shut down cell service to interfere with a protest over a shooting by a BART police officer.

Initially, the BART police claimed they had appealed to the cellular providers to cut off services but later admitted to pulling the plug themselves. The American Civil Liberties Union called this move “the first and only known time a government agency in the US has blocked electronic communications as a way to quell social unrest.”

The possibility of the situation repeating itself in Chicago is not one the public is fond of. Apart from the obvious indignation at civil rights violations, people all over the web are posing perfectly reasonable questions such as what if they have to call 911?

What if they have a family emergency? And why should those not involved with Occupy Chicago or any other protest movements suffer service disruptions?

The irony of the situation is, of course, in the fact that the US security services are considering doing something they’ve condemned others for.

Just a month ago, President Barack Obama announced a plan to penalize authoritarian regimes that block internet access for protesters.

The penalties will be aimed at countries like Syria and Iran that use technology to enable human-rights abuses against dissidents – but to many, this is a perfect example of double standards.

This potential development is just one of the drastic security measures Chicago law enforcement agencies are considering.

They’ve also invested as much as $1 million on riot-control equipment, including at least one long-range acoustic device, or LRAD, and upgrades to shields to be worn by the police.

Changes To Traffic Pattern on Virginia Road

On Monday, May 21st, the traffic pattern on Virginia Road will be modified. 

The northbound lane of Virginia will remain in its current location, but the southbound lanes will be shifted east to allow work to proceed on the west side of Virginia. 

Please use caution when driving through this area.

Words Of Wisdom

While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian." 

--George Washington

Gates Street Closed At Walkup Avenue Monday

On Monday, May 21, 2012, Gates Street will be closed at Walkup Avenue from approximately 7:00 am until 5:00 pm for water main crossing work. Please use an alternate route.

Former Crystal Lake Woman Found Guilty of Attempted First Degree Murder

 Forty-six year old Carrie Gil, formerly of Crystal Lake, was found guilty, of the offenses of Attempted First Degree Murder, Aggravated Arson and Residential Arson. This was the verdict of a McHenry County Jury following three hours of deliberation.

The case was investigated by the Crystal Lake Police and Fire Departments with assistance from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Also the Illinois State Police provided experts to explain the use of an accelerant to start the fire and to associate paint from inside the residence to graffiti on the grange and screen doors outside the house.

The investigation also revealed multiple death spells within the defendant’s laptop computer which matched verbatim with handwritten notes linked to the defendant by a forensic document examiner from the Illinois State Police.

The case was prosecuted by David Johnston and Sharyl Eisenstein of the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office

Importance of Farming

The Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education (ILCAE) reports that less than 2 percent of the United States population is directly involved in the production of food, yet 25 percent of the civilian workforce in Illinois is employed in agriculture related careers.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 48,000 jobs are available each year in agriculture and more than 300 agricultural careers are available globally.

Investment in agricultural research doesn't benefit just the 2 percent of the population involved in farming. It's a matter of national security, job creation, energy independence and human health. That's according to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack,

Reminder--

Electronics recycling event Saturday, May 19.

8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m .

Location is the McHenry County Government Center, 2200 N. Seminary, Woodstock.

Recycling of home electronics. Alkaline batteries.

Reminder--Cardiovascular Screening June 1

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) will offer a cardiovascular screening on Friday, June 1, 2012 from 8:30am-11am, at its Crystal Lake office, 100 N Virginia Street (intersection of Route 14 and Woodstock Street). 

The screening requires a 12-hour fast and includes total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, blood pressure, cardiovascular education and heart age assessment. 

Call MCDH for an appointment at 815-334-4536.  The cost is $35.00.   

Certain conditions – high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes – as well as some lifestyle factors such as being a smoker, being overweight and lack of exercise can put people at a higher risk for developing heart disease.  Everyone can take steps to lower their risk of heart disease and heart attack by addressing these risk factors. For more information on cardiovascular disease and its risk factors, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/what_you_can_do.htm.

Get the latest news from MCDH on Facebook and Twitter www.twitter.com/mchenrycohealth

Government At Work

THURSDAY, MAY 17 –

6:00 p.m. – Environmental Advisory Committee of the McHenry County Health Board –

Meeting in the County Health Department Offices, 2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Building A, Woodstock, IL.

The Committee will hear a presentation by Dan Volkers, of the McHenry County Farm Bureau regarding Trends in the Application and Use of Agricultural Pesticides and Herbicides.

--

7:30 p.m. Crystal Lake Park District Board

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

This is the annual meeting of the Board and will include the election of officers and committee appointments for the coming year.

Other matters to be considered by the Board include approval of Personnel Policy revisions; the Board Presidents Message.

New Business matters include:

West Beach Community Building Guaranteed Maximum Price Proposal for renovations

Lake Manager’s Scope of Services for 2012-13

Main Beach Master Plan Consultant

Lippold Park Entry Signs

Brochure Bid Approval

Resolution –Certificate 125 Premium Only Plan

Committee Appointments

Words Of Wisdom

While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian." 

--George Washington

Construction For Walkup Road

Segment 2 (Intersection)

Utility relocation work continues.

Water main installation work resumes today.

Seeding of Veteran Acres Pond and wetland cell scheduled for the middle of next week.

Traffic lane shifting on hold pending utility relocation.

Segment 3 (North Section)

Earth excavation to begin pending utility relocation completion.

Why Were These Drugs Approved?

By Martha Rosenberg (about the author)

Like Vioxx, Merck's expensive "super aspirin" that caused thousands of cardiovascular events before being recalled, Merck's Fosamax, the first bisphosphonate bone drug, flew out of the FDA with only a six-month review.

And like Vioxx, the true dangers of the drug class (that includes Fosamax, Boniva and Reclast) only surfaced after being "tested" on the guinea pig known as John Q Public.

Now, people are asking why the bone drugs were ever approved.

Like Vioxx, there were early indications of Fosamax's risks but they did not prevent wide marketing.   Merck received 1,213 adverse-effect reports soon after the drug's approval, which included 32 hospitalized patients with adverse esophageal effects, 17 with "severe" effects, and two who were "temporarily disabled," reported the New England Journal of Medicine. One woman who took Fosamax and only remained upright for 30 minutes not 60 minutes as directions say, had to be admitted to the Mayo Clinic with "severe ulcerative esophagitis affecting the entire length of the esophagus" and had to be fed intravenously.

And there were other safety signals. Bisphosphonate patients were found to be at greater risk for osteonecrosis of the jaw--death of the jawbone--after in-office dental procedures.  

They were found to be at greater risk for irregular heart beat, intractable pain and at double the risk of esophageal cancer, according to medical reports.

Then, in 2010, after millions of women were taking the widely advertised bisphosphonates, studies revealed they sometimes caused the very fractures they were supposed to prevent!

See this and other similar reports at  opednews.com

Traffic Alert-Walkup Avenue and Route 176

Tomorrow, Thursday May 17, 2012 –

Nicor will be taking an old gas main out of service on portions of Walkup Avenue and IL Rte 176.

In doing this they will be purging the line of gas so there may be noticeable odors.  Per Nicor, please do not be concerned as this is a controlled situation. 

They will also have a few hot taps where they will have a small standpipe burning off the gas where they are welding the new mains to the old mains.

The work will occur in several areas on Walkup Ave (UPRR tracks to Burning Bush Trail) and IL Rte 176 (UPRR viaduct to 1st St.)

Police and Fire have been notified of these activities.

Government At Work

Wednesday, May 16 –

Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commission –

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

Four petitions are to be considered including:

Marquardt, 310 View Street. The petitioner is seeking a variation to allow the replacement of a deck and stairs which will encroach into the required 30-foot corner side yard by 17 feet.

Bonick – 145  Regal Drive.  This petitioner is also seeking a variation to allow a deck to encroach into the rear yard setback, to be as close as 10 feet from the rear property line instead of the required 16 feet.

Petco in Country Corners Shopping Center – A final Planned Unit Development Amendment to allow changes to the side and rear façade. Also to allow signage which does not meet the approved sign criteria of the PUD and exceeds the maximum allowable wall signage to allow 181 square feet.

Also a request for a Special Use Permit to allow dog grooming service within the existing store.

Landover Corporation Apartment Housing – Main Street and Teckler Boulevard. This property is adjacent to Immanuel Lutheran Church. The property involved is approximately 12 acres which is proposed to be subdivided into two lots.

One lot of 5.6 acres is proposed to be used for the location of apartment buildings including two 20-unit buildings and two 22-unit buildings. The current single family residential zoning allows 4.15 dwelling units per acre. The proposed plan would require rezoning of the property to R-3GB Multi-Family.

Crystal Lake Electric Aggregation Program Explained

The City of Crystal Lake has accepted a bid from FirstEnergy Solutions to provide electricity supply for the City’s electric aggregation program. The City secured a price of 4.69 cents per kilowatt hour compared to ComEd’s May 2012 residential supply rate of 8.5 (*1) cents per kilowatt hour. FirstEnergy Solutions’ price represents a 45% savings for residential customers over ComEd’s current rates for electricity supply. For an average residential home (*2) , the estimated annual savings is $338. This rate, anticipated to take effect in late summer, is guaranteed for two years.

*1 - The current ComEd Basic Electric Service Rate in effect from May 31, 2012 through October 1, 2012, including the Purchased Electricity Supply Charge, Transmission Services Charge and the May 2012 Purchased Electricity Adjustment Charge.

*2 - Assuming an annual usage of 9,000 kWh.

Highlights of the agreement with FirstEnergy Solutions include: 

1. No early termination fee – Anytime during the two-year term of the agreement, individual residents can opt-out of this agreement without an early termination fee. 

2. ComEd rate match - If the ComEd rate were to drop below FirstEnergy Solutions’ price anytime during the period of the agreement, FirstEnergy Solutions will either match ComEd’s rate or move everyone back to ComEd.

3. FirstEnergy Solutions offers an individual residential option for renewable energy. Individual residents interested in securing a renewable energy option can contact FirstEnergy Solutions directly and, for an extra fee, opt for the renewable energy option.

4. FirstEnergy Solutions maintains a U.S.-based call center.

The City’s aggregation program is an opt-out program, as approved by the electors during the March 20, 2012 referendum. ELIGIBLE CUSTOMERS WILL BECOME PART OF THE CITY’S PROGRAM AUTOMATICALLY – no action is required unless an eligible customer desires to opt-out. Residents who have individual contracts with another supplier would be required to opt-in to the City program if they are interested. Some supplier contracts have early termination fees, so check with your supplier before opting in to the City’s program. Individuals already served by FirstEnergy Solutions will receive information from FirstEnergy Solutions on their ability to switch to the aggregation program’s favorable electric rate.

You may receive solicitations from other retail electric suppliers to switch your electricity supply. THESE SOLICITATIONS ARE NOT RELATED TO THE CITY’S ELECTRIC AGGREGATION PROGRAM. Unless you chose to opt-out, are on real time hourly pricing, or you are being served by another supplier, you are enrolled in the City’s program. If you receive a solicitation, you should not provide your ComEd account number. If you provide your ComEd account number, you may be unintentionally switched to another supplier and be removed from the City’s electric aggregation program.

More information regarding the City’s Electrical Aggregation Program can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions below.

Electrical Aggregation - FAQ

In March, Crystal Lake voters approved a referendum authorizing the City to seek lower electricity rates for eligible residential and small business customers. After the referendum passed, the City, through a competitive bid process, selected FirstEnergy Solutions to supply electricity for the Crystal Lake Electric Aggregation Program. All eligible residents and small businesses will be enrolled in the program unless they choose to opt-out.

1. How do I enroll?
As an eligible residential or small business customer, you will be automatically enrolled in the program unless you choose to opt-out.

2. How do I opt-out ?
To opt-out, return the postcard you will receive in the mail or contact FirstEnergy Solutions at 866-636-3749. All opt-out notifications must be received by the end of the opt-out period stated in the opt-out letter.

3. What if I decide to opt-out?
You can leave the program at any time. No early termination fee will apply if service is ended prior to the end of the term.

4. Does it cost to enroll?
No, there are no enrollment or switching fees.

5. Are the rates fixed or variable?
The rates are fixed for a period of two years.

6. Is there a renewable energy option?
Yes. FirstEnergy Solutions offers an individual residential option for renewable energy for an increased cost. Individual residents interested in securing a renewable energy option can contact FirstEnergy Solutions directly at 866-636-3749 to opt for the renewable energy option.

7. When will I begin to see savings?
Customers can expect to receive savings on their August 2012 or September 2012 bill, depending on the enrollment date.

8. Who will bill me for electricity?
You will continue to receive one monthly bill from ComEd.

9. Can I still have my payment automatically deducted from my checking account as I do now?
Yes. How you pay your electric bill will not change.

10. Can I stay on budget billing?
Yes. Your budget billing will not be affected by your participation in this program.

11. Who is responsible for delivery of power to my home or business?
ComEd will continue to deliver your electricity and will be responsible for maintaining the system that delivers power to your home or business.

12. Who do I call to report a power outage or problems with my electric service?
You will call ComEd at 1-800-Edison-1 (residential) or 1-877-4-ComEd-1 (commercial) to report a power outage or problems with your electric service.

13. What if I have already selected another supplier?
If you have already selected another supplier, ComEd will not enroll your account with FirstEnergy Solutions. You will remain with the supplier you selected.

14. Who is FirstEnergy Solutions?
FirstEnergy Solutions, based in Akron, Ohio, provides competitive energy supply products, solutions and strategies that allow residential, commercial and industrial customers to manage their energy needs.

15. What if I receive other solicitations for electric service?
The only solicitation that customers will receive from the City and FirstEnergy Solutions are the Opt-Out letters and information packets. Anyone one who calls or sends other information claiming to have a partnership or agreement with the City is not legitimate.

There are Illinois Commerce Commission certified suppliers that provide electric service. It is recommended that electric rates be compared, in addition to contract terms and conditions, such as term of the agreement, penalty fees, etc.

16. How can I find out more information?
You may contact FirstEnergy Solutions at 866-636-3749 or visit their website .

Words Of Wisdom

"I am not influenced by the expectation of promotion or pecuniary reward. I wish to be useful, and every kind of service necessary for the public good, become honorable by being necessary."

--Nathan Hale, remark to Captain William Hull, 1776

Government At Work

Tuesday, May 15

7:30 p.m. -- High School District 155 Board of Education –

Meeting in the Center For Education. One South Virginia Road, Crystal Lake.

The agenda includes:

Approval of bills, appointment of a budget committee,

Presentation regarding Crystal Lake South High School Improvement Plan

Presentation by Human Resources Director, Dr. Randy Davis, regarding

Board policy revisions; report on resignations, retirements, dismissals and non-renewal and employments.

Report by Superintendent Dr. Jill Hawk, establishing 2012-13 Calendar of the Board of Education meetings.

7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake City Council

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

Crystal Lake Water Ski Association Slalom--The Council is being requested to approve a waiver of no-wake restrictions for Slalom Tournaments and Crystal Lake Water Ski Show on the following dates: Sunday July 15, 1:30 -6:00 p.m; Saturday, August 18, 5:30-6:15 p.m. (rain date of Sunday August 29) and Sunday, August 26, 1:30 -6:00 p.m.

Lakeside Legacy Foundation -- is requesting approval of a Class 19 Temporary Liquor License for Thursday, June 28 through Sunday, July 1. The location of this celebration is the Dole Mansion

The Crystal Lake Women of Today-- are seeking approval to conduct a children’s decorated bike parade Saturday, June 30 beginning at Noon. This parade will begin on Lake Shore Drive –just east of the Crystal Lake Band Shell at Main Beach. It will continue to the Lakeside Festival grounds at the Country Club Road and Broadway entrance.

Off-Site Wine Tasting—The 1776 Restaurant is requesting an amendment to their liquor license classification to allow off-site wine tastings. The restaurant conducts off-site wine tastings from time to time. Customers were purchasing the wine at the site but had to pick it up from the restaurant. The Illinois Liquor Commission ruled that 1776 Restaurant would need to obtain a local liquor license permitting the sale of wine off-premise.

Taxicab License-All Star Taxi and Transport is requesting a taxicab business license. Currently there are five taxicab business license holders in the city including A & M Taxicab Company, Crystal Lake Cab Company, Metro Yellow Northwest Tax, Route 47 Taxi, and Taxi Express Transportation. Approval of this request by All Star would bring the number of licenses to six.

Beatles Blast –A request is being made by The Cottage for a Temporary Use Permit to allow a special promotion for a Beatles Blast. This event will include a Beatles memorabilia display, boys’ and girls’ drawing competition, Beatles Acoustic competition, a Beatles quiz, dance competition and many other events to be held throughout the day from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 16.

This event is taking place inside The Cottage, outside on the deck area of the establishment, and in a portion of the adjoining parking lot to the north.

The Council is being requested to approve a temporary use permit and a temporary Liquor License.

Washer Tournament—Moe-B-Dick’s North Shore Pub is seeking a temporary use permit to allow a washer tournament to be held in the rear yard of the property at 1030 North Shore Drive. The tournament is planned to take place Saturday’s June 9, July 28, September 15 from noon to 8 pm.

McHenry County Mental Health –The Mental Health Board is requesting a sign variation to allow a free-standing sign at the facility located at 620 Dakota Street. An expansion was recently completed allowing for more services in the building. The sign is designed to provide this information to patrons visiting the facility.

The addition of panels requires the sign to be larger, exceeding the allowable six-foot height. The variation is one foot four inches.

Lightning Lazer Tag—The Council is being requested to approve a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission to grant a variance to allow an amusement arcade at 19 E. Berkshire Drive.

Bernotas Middle School PTO –The Bernotas PTO desired to locate an electronic message center sign at the school. The sign would be located between two driveways to the school along Oak Street. Although a current sign is located on the property, is located along Oak Street, but is set back from the right-of-way and partially concealed by existing foliage. This sign does not support changeable copy.

The Planning and Zoning Commission, after hearing the request, voted to deny it. Their concern related to setting a precedent by allowing an EMC in a residential district which may bring forth many other requests for such signs at such locations as churches.

The final decision is up to the Council

Home Depot-Outside Storage –Home Depot is seeking an amendment to the Planned Unit Development in order to allow outdoor storage of vehicles and seasonal merchandise for the facility at 4447 Route 14.

New Police Vehicles –Seven police vehicles are planned for purchase by the Police Department from Currie Motors, Frankfort, IL. This purchase is through the Northwest Municipal Conference, which provides for a significant cost reduction. Usually the City makes such purchases through the State of Illinois Joint Purchasing Program. However, the NWMC saving was more favorable.

The planned purchase includes five police interceptor sedan vehicles, and two police interceptor Utility vehicles for a total cost of $174,241.

 National Night Out—This annual event is to be held August 7 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Three Oaks Recreation Area picnic grove, portions of the beach area and portions of the parking lot. This annual event held by the Police and Fire Rescue Department allows public participation in displays, sponsor tables, children’s games and apparatus displays. Parking is free for city residents, but a $5 parking fee is being charged for non-city residents.

Added Railroad Street Parking –The City Council is being requested to approve the purchase of property at 62 Railroad Street to be used for additional downtown area parking.

Government At Work

TUESDAY, MAY 15 –

7:00 p.m. – McHenry County Board—

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

A number of Special Recognitions are being presented for approval including;

Girl Scout Resolution for four Girl Scouts obtaining the Girl Scout Gold Award. These include:

Kaitlyn Zieman, Wonder Lake

Katy Crain, Woodstock

Kathryn Melanouris, Spring Grove

Cali Flanagan, Cary.

Also being presented a Special Recognition for Boy Scouts including:

Zachery T. Brokaw, Wonder Lake-Troop 456

Jerome E. Becker, Crystal Lake,   Troop 347

Michael N. Guerra, Crystal Lake,   Troop 347

Tyler P. King, Crystal Lake,            Troop 347

Charles R. Ellis, Cary                    Troop 657

Nico Corrado, Oakwood Hills,        Troop 161

A proclamation recognizing May 2012 as “Look At Local History Month” a presentation of the McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission

A proclamation is being presented recognizing responders to a McHenry stable fire, the Black Tie Stables.

Zoning Board of Appeals

Four petitions are being presented on the ZBA Consent Agenda, all with recommended approval. These include:

Riley Township, Krause Trust, reclassifying A1-A2 for 5.35 acres located on the south side of Grange Road just west of the intersection of Riley Road and Grange Road, Marengo.

Richmond Township, Richmond Hunting Club, reclassification of A1 to A1C for property located on the south side of IL Route 173 approximately one–half mile east of Route 12 to allow a shooting range on the property.

Seneca Township, Muir Trust Reclassification of A1C to A1C

A request for renewal of a Conditional Use Permit to allow a heliport on the property located on the south side of Millstream Road, approximately 800 feet east of Standish Road. The Zoning Board recommends approval of the Permit for 20 years.

Dorr Township, Hurley/Nepermann Est., reclassification from A1 to A2.

This involves a 3.39 acre parcel of property located on the east side of Dean Street in Dorr Township. A residence is currently located on the property as well as various outbuildings. The property has impediments for agriculture and is planned for a continued residential use. The Zoning Board recommended approval of the request.

Appointments

A number of appointments are being made by the County Board Chairman, including:

Donna Schaefer to the Senior Services Grant Commission, for a term to expire October 1, 2013

Harry Alten, Jr. to the McHenry County Farmland Assessment Review Committee with no length of term

Joanne F. Hanrahan and Gloria G. Mack to the Valley Hi Operating Board with terms to expire June 30, 2014

Valley Hi Nursing Home

A request is being made for reclassification of a position in the Nursing Home staff from a Full Time Nursing Assistant I position to a Full Time Activity Assistant Position. Valley Hi Administrator Thomas Annarella explains in a memo the need for an Activity Assistant rather than a Full Time Nursing Assistant.

Grant of $85,663 from Department of Public Health

This is for a Vector Surveillance and Control Program. The program is administered through the County Health Department and the grant is to be used to improve the Department’s capacity to respond to West Nile Virus and other vector borne disease outbreaks.

Grant for Emergency Management Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness

This $8,860 grant is for the development, implementation and improvement of hazardous chemical emergency plans as handled by the County Emergency Management Agency.

Grants for McHenry County Workforce Network

Several grants are being provided for the Workforce Network providing for training for laid off McHenry County workers. The total of the several grants is

$148,348.84 and is in addition to previously received grants.

Intergovernmental Agreement With Kane County – Juvenile Detention Beds

This agreement fills the needs for both counties. Under Illinois Juvenile Court Act, juveniles in need of secure detention must be placed in specialized facilities separate from adults. McHenry County does not have its own juvenile detention center. McHenry County juveniles have been housed at various detention facilities throughout Illinois over the years, at times as far away as in southern Illinois in St. Clair County, Belleville, which is across the Mississippi from St. Louis.

A detention center located in McHenry County is ideal and it has been studied and debated for decades. Based on current economic considerations it has been determined that accessing another county’s detention beds through an intergovernmental agreement is the most viable option.

Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Illinois

A resolution is being presented for County Board Approval authorizing Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Illinois as the Provider of Administrative Services including Stop loss coverage and employee medical and dental insurance for the year period July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013.

Contract Agreement, Metropolitan Alliance of Police Chapter 515 and County

The two sides have negotiated a tentative contract agreement and approval of the contract is recommended by all involved for a period December 1, 2011 to November 30, 2014. The County Board is to authorize all necessary retroactive pay as proved in the contract.

Appointment of Member to McHenry County Farmland Assessment Review Board

State Statutes provide for the appointment by the County Board of three County farmers to the McHenry County Farmland Assessment Review Committee. Charles Budreck has resigned and Harry Alten, a long-time McHenry County farmer is willing to serve. The County Board is expected to approve Alten’s appointment.

Wet Well In Union With CDBG Funds

Due to a balance of funding from the Thompson Road Project, a needed “Wet Well” is being funded in Union. Action to allocate the funds for the latter project will be before the County Board for approval.

Senior Services Grant Commission 2012-Grant Commission

The current plan for the Senior Services Grant Commission has been in effect since May 2007, being amended each year since then. A sub-committee of the Commission was formed this year and following several meetings, developed a draft document for consideration by the full commission.

Following further discussions, four Goals were developed to guide the Commission in its future activities. As a result a document, Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Performance measures was developed. These are to be presented to the full County Board for approval.

Transportation Department

Several groups are undertaking cleanup of trash along stretches of highway. These groups are being presented to the full County Board for approval. They include

The Top Gun, working on Algonquin Road from Randall Road to Talaga Driver; In Loving Memory of Bob and Geri Morehead, on Walkup Road from Crystal Springs Road to Pleasant Hill Road.

Crosspoint Lutheran Church, Ackman Road from Lakewood Road to Haligus Road

Purchase of Maintenance Equipment

The County Transportation Department annually budgets for new and replacement equipment. The 2012 budget is providing for two snow plow trucks

with combination dump spreader units. Bids were received for this equipment from Chicago International Trucks, Huntley for a cost of $472,570. Since the Finance and Transportation Committee concur in the purchase, the County Board is requested to also approve the purchase.

Preparing for Winter

Last December, the County Board approved a $904,800 agreement to supply and deliver salt for the FY 2011-2012 snow and ice season. The mild winter prevented the McHenry County Division of Transportation from fulfilling the requirements of the agreement. North American Salt has agreed to amend the contract by extending it for the FY2012-13 snow and ice season without penalties. North American Salt will be providing whatever salt is needed the coming winter season.

Pavement Markings

It is necessary to periodically replace sections of markings. Therefore, bids for taken for the needed product. Four bids were received with Maintenance Coatings Company, South Elgin, being the successful bidder for thermoplastic pavement marking contract at $209,985.85.

Road District Material Bids

A culvert on Main Street, in Spring Grove has been determined to be structurally deficient and requires replacement. Engineering and environmental studies have been completed and it is determined that a new structure will require the acquisition of property. The Transportation Department has determined the need for approval of an agreement with Mathewson right of Way Company of Chicago for services not to exceed $4,800. Approval is sought for this expenditure.

Lawrence Road Bridge Over Piscasaw Creek

The Lawrence Road Bridge in Chemung Township has been determined to be in need of replacement due to structural deficiencies. Acquisition of real property is needed and the sum of $10,000 has been appropriated for the purchase.

Ethics Ordinance Amendments

A couple amendments are needed for the County Ethics Ordinance. One is changing the Ethics Advisory from the State’s Attorney to the Human Resources Director. This is due to the possibility that the State’s Attorney may inadvertently be placed in a conflict by advising a county employee who could at a future time be referred to the Office by the Commission for prosecution.

The Human Resources Director has agreed to serve as an Ethics Advisor.

Also the current Ethics Ordinance exempts only the State’s Attorney’s and Circuit Clerk’s Offices based on the Attorney General’s Guide to the Model Ethics Ordinance. It has been suggested that these offices should be exempt from the County Ordinance. Likewise, the Supreme Court has exclusive authority to regulate the conduct of Illinois judges. Therefore, they are also to be exempt from the County Ethics Ordinance.

Liquor Control and Liquor Licensing Ordinance

The County Liquor Control Ordinance is also being revised slightly and will need the final approval of the County Board.

Words of Wisdom

"I am not influenced by the expectation of promotion or pecuniary reward. I wish to be useful, and every kind of service necessary for the public good, become honorable by being necessary."

--Nathan Hale, remark to Captain William Hull, 1776

Government At Work

TUESDAY, MAY 15

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

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

The agenda includes, in addition to routine presentation matters, a presentation on New Student Convocation by Dr. Flecia Thomas, Dean of Student Success and Christina Haggerty, Director of Marketing and Public Relations

A discussion of the FY 2013 budget is included on the agenda as well as branding and financial impacts, an update on the building “B” renovation as well as on Emergency Campus Repairs.

Two positions are to be considered for establishment including Master Electrician Maintenance Technician, and Master Plumber Maintenance Technician