Celebrate With The Village Of Lakewood

A newly remodeled RedTail Golf Club Clubhouse, 7900 RedTail Drive, Lakewood is open for inspection Sunday, June 10 from Noon to 3:00 p.m.

This event includes raffle prizes with a Foursome for 18 holes of golf with cart at the Club as a Grand Prize.

Other events planned include a putting contest, free hotdogs, chips, soda and water;

Free driving range

Free golf lessons and other activities for kids

Police/Fire department and Village Public Works equipment displays, games and children’s activities.

Lakewood’s local business community is also participating. This is an opportunity to see what Lakewood is all about.

Words Of Wisdom

"The invasion of private rights is chiefly to be apprehended, not from acts of Government contrary to the sense of its constituents, but from acts in which the Government is the mere instrument of the major number of the Constituents."

 --James Madison, letter to Thomas Jefferson, 1788

"Summertime, and the goin' is easy...."

According to wording in a particular song.

However, this is also the time when a great deal of roadwork is underway ---which covers many, many area this year. It is important to pay close attention to driving as there may be a slight detour at any moment.

For instance, utility relocation work continues on Route 176. Curb and gutter removal and excavation have begun along Route 176 near Walkup Road. It is necessary to watch for detours and above all, workers.

Public Information Meeting For River and Dowell Roads Intersection Improvement

The McHenry County Division of Transportation (MCDOT) has scheduled a public information meeting regarding the MCDOT’s upcoming improvement project at the intersection of River and Dowell Roads near Island Lake, Illinois.

Meeting Date:            Monday, June 11, 2012

Meeting Time:           7:00 p.m. Meeting, 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Open Forum Q&A

Meeting Location:     Island Lake Village Hall

                                       3720 Greenleaf Avenue

Island Lake, Illinois

MCDOT has performed preliminary engineering at the intersection and has evaluated alternatives, the results of which will be presented to the public.

This will be followed by an opportunity for a question and answer period where MCDOT and design staff will be available to answer any questions residents may have.  Residents will also be able to submit comments/concerns they have regarding the intersection.  Meeting materials will be made available on the MCDOT’s website after the meeting. 

Go to www.McHenryCountyDOT.org and click on Improvement Projects for additional information.

For more information, contact MCDOT Design Manager Wally Dittrich at 815-334-4980.

Recycling Collection Saturday Of Electronics, Batteries And Others

On Saturday, June 9^th, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will conduct a recycling collection for fluorescent tubes, Styrofoam™, electronics, and batteries from 9 a.m. until noon at the Farm Bureau parking lot, 1102 McConnell Road, in Woodstock. They continue to collect certain items which are not usually accepted by curbside programs, and which would be harmful to the environment if put in a landfill.

As of January 1, it is no longer legal for individuals to dispose of unwanted electronics in their regular trash and it will be illegal for Illinois landfills to accept them. Discarded electronics must now be taken to a registered recycler for proper management. The Defenders are here to fill this need. Electronics, including computers, monitors, keyboards, scanners, fax machines, clean microwaves, and just about anything with a cord or batteries, are accepted at their monthly drives. TVs and computer monitors will be accepted for a donation of $25-$35.

The Defenders’ Recycling Drive also accepts household batteries, car batteries, lithium and button batteries, fluorescent tubes, clean Styrofoam™, VHS & Cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, packing peanuts and re-usable, unpopped bubble wrap. A donation is requested for fluorescent bulbs and batteries that are brought in to offset the costs involved in processing these items.

The Defenders hold a recycling drive on the second Saturday of each month, alternating between McHenry in odd-numbered months and Woodstock in even-numbered months.  Area residents may drive up and drop off their recyclables with Defenders’ volunteers, who help to unload and sort the materials.

For more information about the recycling schedule and types of materials accepted at each location, or to access the Green Guide recycling directory which is put out annually by the Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute at MCC, visit the Defenders’ website at http://www.mcdef.org/recycling_information.htm, phone 815-338-0393, or find them on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/EnvironmentalDefenders.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.  For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393

Words Of Wisdom

"As a man is said to have a right to his property, he may be equally said to have a property in his rights. Where an excess of power prevails, property of no sort is duly respected. No man is safe in his opinions, his person, his faculties, or his possessions." –

-James Madison, National Gazette Essay, 1792

No Video Poker For Crystal Lake

That was the decision of the Crystal Lake City Council at this week’s meeting, even though a representative of the industry advised the Council such action would be a mistake. The reasons given why opting out is a mistake included “putting businesses in a bad position if other areas have the devices, the businesses in Crystal Lake would be at a disadvantage.

The Council was informed that it would put Crystal Lake businesses at a disadvantage that is difficult to overcome. As a result, establishments would not seek to locate in Crystal Lake, going to other locations where video gambling is allowed.

Councilman  Ralph Dawson noted that if the community has to exist on gaming in the community, think the businesses will lose, noting that if video gambling in Lake In The Hills is the greatest thing to distinguish it from Crystal Lake, then God Bless them.”

Approval by the Council for an Ordinance to prohibit video gaming in Crystal Lake was passed with affirmative votes by Council members Dawson, Hopkins, Schoffield, Thorsen and Mayor Shepley. Councilwoman Brady-Mueller voted against the Ordinance and Council Member Ferguson was absent. 

Summer Hours For McHenry County College Main Campus

"Summertime and the goin' is easy..."

 

McHenry County College will observe summer hours beginning the week of June 4, 2012.

On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during June and July, the main campus will be closed, with the exception of special events in the Luecht Conference Center, breakout rooms and Gym/Multi-purpose Room.

The Shah Center in McHenry will remain open as scheduled

No Increased Bacterial Levels For McHenry County Licensed Beaches

 McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) conducted beach water samplings at 37 licensed beaches on Wednesday, June 6.  There were no reports of increased bacterial levels.  All beaches will be open. 

To prevent illness associated with swimming, all licensed beaches on the 13 lakes in McHenry County are tested every 2 weeks for E. coli throughout the summer to determine water quality.  Additional and more frequent sampling is done when elevated bacterial levels are found.  The Department recommends refraining from swimming at least 2-3 days after heavy rainfall. 

Water sampling results are reported to the appropriate beach authorities. Beaches that require an advisory or closing are posted with signs by the Department.  All beach water results and locations are readily available at the Department’s webpage at www.mcdh.info (click to Environmental Health, under quick links, “beach testing results”) or by calling (815) 334-4585.

Words Of Wisdom

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

--Thomas Jefferson

Government At Work

THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2012—

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

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

Public comment and discussion is slated regarding horse racing on N. Union Road.

An interview is scheduled of Karen Lukasik for appointment to the Community Development Block Grant Commission. (CDBG).

A resolution is to be considered authorizing additional program Year 2012 CDBG grant allocations.

3:00 p.m. -- McHenry County Public Building Commission --
Meeting in Room 210 of the McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The agenda calls for Visitors' Matters, Project Manager's reports and related Project matters, a Treasurer's  Report, including a monthly report and operating budget for the next fiscal year. 

Also, a determination is to be made of bills for payment and authorization to pay them. 

Old Business includes Conveyancing/

New Business lists determination of expiring term and notice. 

4:00 p.m. –Housing Commission Legislative Committee –

Meeting in the Planning and Development Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

A review of Analysis of Impediments t Fair Housing Choice is slated for final consideration.

The Committee is also to review the Meeting Calendar and 2012 Action Plan Goals.

Government At Work

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6

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

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

Seven matters are before the Commission for Public Hearings. One matter is a Public Meeting.

Brilliance Honda, 680 W. Terra Cotta Avenue,--

The public hearing request of this petitioner is for a Final PUD Amendment for exterior building, site changes and signage for this watershed PUD located at 680 W. Terra Cotta Avenue.

Brilliance Honda is planning to relocate to this location following improvements to the building and site and create a second vacant lot.

Becker – 207 N. Main Street—

A request is being made to allow alteration of the roof from a flat to a pitched roof, enlarging the existing nonconformity. The property owner desires to change to a pitched roof due to the persistent leaking of a flat roof.

Straight Shooter Gallery LLC, 560 Beechcraft –

A Special Use Permit Amendment is being requested to amend conditions of Ordinance No. 6618 granting a Special Use Permit to allow a commercial recreation use for a shooting range at this location.

A variation from a requirement of the UDO previously granted is requested. This requirement was that all non-residential uses are required to screen rooftop appurtenances from view.

The requested amendment is made since the petitioner points out that screening of the appurtenances is found to void a roof or equipment warrantees, depending upon how the screening is built.

Antique Market – 2 N. Williams Street

The former funeral home, and most recently the location of the Heritage for the Blind, at the corner of North Williams Street and Crystal Lake Avenue is planned for use as a Used Merchandise Mart, with a massage parlor operating in a portion of the space.

The space used for the sale of merchandise is rented by individual tenants. All merchandise is inventoried, listed and inspected by police.

Springs of Crystal Lake, 1000 Brighton Lane --

This is formerly The Fountains originally approved in 1986, then named the Canterbury. At that time, the PUD contemplated four nursing home buildings connected by a central entrance.

This is a request to construct a second nursing home building with the central entrance area including new dining, office and activity room areas.

The existing building is located along East Brighton Lane and the new addition would be constructed east on the adjacent lot with a new entrance connecting both buildings. Also planned is a new driveway to be located on the west side which would also provide access to the vacant lots to the north.

Knightsbridge Commercial Development LLC, 215 Exchange Drive, Tenant Site ‘A’

This is a request for a Special Use Permit in order to locate a trampoline amusement park as a special use in the Manufacturing District.

This is to include custom made trampolines that include side walls and safety nets in order to host a variety of trampoline activities including free style open jump, dodge ball, basket ball, sports training and fitness training classes.

It is planned that patrons will also be able to host birthday parties, corporate family events, church events, and fundraisers. The facility is planned to be open seven days a week, opening afternoons from Monday through Thursday. Earlier opening times are planned for Friday through Sunday.

Landover Corp, Main Street and Teckler Blvd. –

The petition was continued from the May 16 meeting. A request is being made for a conceptual review of a PUD for an 84-unit multi-family apartment development planned for location adjacent to Immanuel Lutheran Church.

A 12-acre lot is planned for division into two lots including 5.6 acres for the proposed project and 6.4 acres for an unknown use.

The plan for this lot is for four buildings including two 20-unit buildings and two 22-unit buildings. The project is a workforce housing apartment complex. The plan indicates the location of four 3-story apartment buildings oriented around the perimeter with parking in front and to the sides. Additional open space is planned along the curve of Teckler Boulevard. Two entrances to the site are proposed off Teckler Boulevard.

Current zoning of the site is R-2 single family and would have to be rezoned to R-3B PUD and a Comprehensive Land Use Plan Amendment. A question could be raised as to whether this site is appropriate for this type of development.

Government At Work

TUESDAY, JUNE 5

7:30 p.m. -- CRYSTAL LAKE CITY COUNCIL –

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

Promotions For Crystal Lake Police

A swearing in ceremony is to be held for newly promoted Police Commander of Operations, Derek Hyrkas and new Police Sergeant Thomas Kotlowski.

Commander Hyrkas has been with the Crystal Lake Police Department since 1995 and was promoted to Sergeant in 2007.

Tom Kotlowski, who has served as a Crystal Lake police officer since 2008 is being promoted to the rank of Sergeant and will serve as Patrol Sergeant.

Recognition For Exceptional Service

Also, Public recognition is being given for exceptional service by Crystal Lake Police and Fire personnel who responded to a fire at 627 Virginia Road. The fire trapped residents inside a congested three-story building.  All public safety personnel proceeded to enter the building, which was fully involved with heavy smoke. The residents were evacuated to safety by fire and police personnel.

The public recognition of the service given by the members of the two departments is being publicly recognized.

Reading is So Delicious” – The summer reading program by the Crystal Lake Library is being recognized with a proclamation by the Mayor and City Council/ Representatives of the Library will be present to accept the proclamation being adopted for this event.

Electronics Recycling Event

The former Public Safety Building parking lot at 121 W. Woodstock Street is to be utilized for an Electronics Recycling Event sponsored by the McHenry County Council of Governments, provided the City Council approves the request for the event to take place on July 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Zoning Matters

A number of zoning matters are coming before the Council for approval including Country Corners Shopping Center/Petco, 310 View Street, 145 Regal Drive, and a county zoning request for 551 Juanita Vista.

A resolution to adopt a enhanced sales tax incentive agreement for Brilliance Honda which is planning to move to 680 West Terra Cotta Avenue.

A video gaming Opt-Out Ordinance is to be considered, along with four bid award resolutions for Police Department Uniform pricing, execution of a service agreements for sanitary sewer lining services, sludge land application services, and Water Storage Tank Painting and Maintenance.

An agreement is being presented for Council approval regarding engineering services to increase water capacity and test for a new well—No. 18.

The Council is being asked to consider approval of an agreement for the Terra Cotta Avenue access Roadway Improvement Phase II Design and Phase III Construction Engineering. Also approval is being sought for the appropriation of MFT funds for this project.

Illinois Route 31 and Route 176 intersection improvements are also being considered with a request for Council approval of an agreement with the State of Illinois Department of Transportation

Also an approval of an ordinance is being requested to prohibit stopping, standing or parking at any time on Illinois Route 31 in the City of Crystal Lake corporate limits. Also, an ordinance is being presented for Council approval prohibiting encroachments within the State of Illinois right of way along Illinois Route 31 and Illinois Route 176 within Crystal Lake City Limits.

Parking Prohibition on Highland Avenue, Spruce Lane

An ordinance is being presented for Council approval to make it unlawful to stop, stand, or park any vehicle on the east side of Highland Avenue, on the west side of Spruce Lane from Golf Road to Ringling Road.

Ordinance Related to Synthetic Alternative Drugs.

An Ordinance is being presented for Council approval to incorporate regulations for Synthetic Alternative Drugs.

Towing Fees Increase

An ordinance is to be considered by the Council regarding the various towing fees and services. Increases are suggested to range from 7% to 23%, depending upon the service required.

Government At Work

TUESDAY, June 5-

9:00 a.m. – McHenry County Board—

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

One of the highlights of the agenda is a Special Recognition of McHenry County’s 175^th Anniversary. That is a long time!

The County was named in honor of Major William McHenry, an officer in the Blackhawk War, a delegate to the Illinois Constitution Convention of 1818 and an elected member to the first Illinois House of Representatives and later to the State Senate.

Appointments

Two people are scheduled to be appointed to the McHenry County Conservation District Board of Trustees, including Brandon E. Thomas and Bona J. Heinsohn for terms to expire June 30, 2017.

GIS License Approval

The Board is being requested to approve entering into a GIS Enterprise License Agreement with Environmental System Research Institute. The three-year contract calls for a cost of $110,000 annually.

County Budget Process

The Board is being requested to approve a Formal Budget Process for the fiscal year 2012-2013.

Silver Creek and Sleepy Hollow Creek Watershed Action Plan

This planning was funded by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau of Water. This agency distributes funds to the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, known as CMAP.

The area involved includes portions of the City of Cary, City of Crystal Lake, City of McHenry and all of the Village of Prairie Grove and the Village of Oakwood Hills. It also borders the Village of Bull Valley and includes portions of Nunda and Algonquin Townships in the unincorporated area of McHenry County.

The County Board is being requested to endorse the efforts to implement the policies for the plan.

Community Development Block Grant Allocations

The County has received a $1,274,467 grant from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Community Development Block Commission has been created to provide oversight management to the County Board for use of the funds. Recommendations for expenditure of the funds include:

Northern Illinois Food Bank-Coolers/Freezers and Equipment                      $   10,425

Family Service and Community Mental Health Center-Emergency Meds     $   10,000

Village of Union-Drinking Water Compliance-Phase 2                                   $ 458,392

Village of McCullom Lake-Drainage Project, Phase 3B/3C                           $ 346,400

Neighbors Helping Neighbors –emergency and Housing Rehab                   $   50,000

NASA Education Corporation-Apartment Rehab (Boilers and Ramp)           $   21,000

Village of Cary-Krause Senior Center Stair Removal                                    $   12,000

Families ETC-Resource Center                                                                     $   15,477

Planning and Development – Administration                                                  $ 254,893

Turning Point-Weekend Overnight Crisis Intervention                                   $   35,190

Turning Point-Bathroom Renovation                                                              $   18,646

Home of the Sparrow-Waukegan Rd. Apartment Exterior Rehab                 $   23,380

(Above amounts are not all exact)

Jurisdictional Transfer of Road

The Board is being requested to approve the jurisdiction of a portion of Burlington Road area from UJ.S. Route 12 to the Illinois Wisconsin State Line. Determination has been made that it would be beneficial for the Village of Richmond resident if the jurisdiction of the 0.43 miles be transferred from the Township Road District to the Village of Richmond.

Bridge Replacement –

A bridge on County Line Road over the Kishwaukee River has been determined to be structurally deficient. The County Board is being requested to appropriate $183,497 for the replacement of the bridge.

Bridge Replacement – Marengo Township

A bridge on County Line Road is to be replaced with 80% of the cost coming from the Federal Highway Bridge Program. An intergovernmental agreement must be approved by the County Board in order to obtain the funding. The County is appropriating $36,699 from the County Bridge fund for this purpose.

Supplemental Engineering Services

Additional drainage services were found to be required for work being done on Main Street in the Village of Spring Grove. Certain drainage services were not identified in the original scope of the contract for the project brought the total contract to $113,677.37, an addition of $44,142.39. The County Board is being requested to approve appropriation of the additional amount.

Adopt A Highway Groups

Several volunteer groups are t be approved for conducting clean-up of trash along roadways in the county. This Adopt-A-Highway program helps keep the roads clear of the trash that unthinking motorists deposit.

The new groups include seeking approval include:

Nexus Paranormal, responsible for an area of Virginia Road from US Route 14 to Pyott Road

LITH Historical Society, responsible for an area of Pyott Road from Oak Street to Rakow Road

Dakotah Henn Boy Scout Troop 152, responsible for an area of Main Street from Huntley City Limits to Harmony Road.

Approval Of Contract with CMAP

The County Board is being requested to approve an agreement with Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, (CMAP) for planning services to the McHenry County Council of Mayors for the Fiscal Year 2013, which begins Jul 2, 2012. CMAP has allocated $116,412.38 in funding for the period to June 30, 2013.

Words Of Wisdom

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

--Thomas Jefferson

An Amazing Event

When Venus interposes itself directly between Earth and the sun for the last time in more than a century, national parks across America will be prepared to observe the historic event. Many will have special filtered telescopes set up for safe viewing of the sun, while rangers stand by to answer questions.

Every national park within the United States should be able to view the transit of Venus, either completely or in part, in the hours leading up to sunset on Tuesday, June 5.

The duration of the transit varies depending on how long before sunset it begins in a particular location. The eastern United States only has two prime hours to view Venus’ rare trip before the sun goes down, while Hawaii and Alaska are primed to watch the entire six-and-a-half hour crossing.

see more information

Government At Work

MONDAY, JUNE 4 –

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

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

In addition to approval of minutes from the May 7 meeting, the Committee will consider Sheriff’s Staffing for proposed entrance changes at the Government Center and a Case Management System for the Public Defender and State’s Attorney’s Office.

9:30 a.m. – McHenry County Board Management Services Committee –

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

Several matters are listed on the agenda for discussion including:

• Strategic Planning for 2013
• Veterans Affairs Space Needs
• McU-County Board Educational Opportunities
• County Administrator Evaluation including timeline, County Board Survey and Year End Report.

Words Of Wisdom

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

--Thomas Jefferson