Something For Owners Of Dogs And Cats

Animal Services and Assistance Programs (A.S.A.P.), in partnership with Hartland Veterinary Clinic, is offering low-cost pet microchipping and vaccinations on Saturday September 29th from 2 to 5 p.m. at Hartland Veterinary Clinic (15015 US Highway 14 – intersection of Rose Farm Rd. and Route 14) in Woodstock.

Microchipping involves implanting a small device (about the size of a grain of rice) under an animal's skin – it is a quick and painless procedure. Microchips provide a permanent method of identification in case an animal is lost – a veterinarian, animal shelter, or animal control officer can easily scan the microchip to locate the animal's owner.

A microchip greatly improves the odds a lost pet will be reunited with its family.  A dog with a microchip is 2 1/2 times more likely to be returned (compared to a dog without a microchip).  A cat with a microchip is 20 times more likely to be reunited with its family than one without!

Microchips are $20, which includes registration in the owner’s name.  All cats being microchipped will receive a free nail trim courtesy of A.S.A.P.

Vaccinations will be available for $10 per vaccine; Rabies, Canine Distemper combination, and Feline Distemper combination will be available.  (Dog registration fees, which are required in McHenry County, are separate and payable at the time of rabies vaccination.)

To make an appointment for your pet to be microchipped or vaccinated at this event call A.S.A.P. at 815-568-2921.  Appointments are preferred, and required when multiple pets are coming from one household; walk-ins are welcome and will be taken as time allows.  Dogs must be brought to the event on a leash, and cats in a secure carrier.

Animal Services and Assistance Programs is a non-profit animal rescue organization based in Marengo, offering programs for Trap-Neuter-Release of community cats, as well as barn cat placement and pet adoption programs.  All proceeds from this event will support A.S.A.P.’s programs.

FROST WARNING

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CHICAGO HAS ISSUED A FROST
ADVISORY, WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 8 AM CDT SUNDAY.

* TEMPERATURES -- .LOW TO MID 30S EXPECTED AFTER MIDNIGHT, MAINLY FOR AREAS AWAY FROM LAKE MICHIGAN AND THE CITY OF CHICAGO.

* IMPACTS.-- SENSITIVE PLANTS MAY BE DAMAGED OR KILLED IF LEFT
UNPROTECTED.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS.
A FROST ADVISORY MEANS THAT FROST IS POSSIBLE AND SENSITIVE OUTDOOR PLANTS MAY BE KILLED IF LEFT UNCOVERED.

Words Of Wisdom

"The ordaining of laws in favor of one part of the nation, to the prejudice and oppression of another, is certainly the most erroneous and mistaken policy. An equal dispensation of protection, rights, privileges, and advantages, is what every part is entitled to, and ought to enjoy."

--Benjamin Franklin, Emblematical Representations, 1774

Walkup Road Progress

SOUTH SECTION:

Walkup Road (south of IL 176 to Woodstock Street) now open to thru traffic.

 NORTH SECTION

The preparation work for the roadway widening continues.  The contractor is placing stone and curb this coming week now that the underground work is complete. The schedule is for the pavement widening to be completed this fall. 

Presentations On McHenry County Revised Zoning Ordinance

Two more public presentations are scheduled regarding the McHenry County revised Zoning Ordinance.

These are taking place   Wednesday, September 26 and Thursday, September 27, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the McHenry County Board Meeting Rooms, McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Based on direction from the Planning and Development Committee and Zoning Board of Appeals members, the consultants will prepare a revised ordinance. The revised draft will be released for an informal public review meeting to be conducted in late October or early November. The County will conduct a formal Public hearing on the revised ordinance.

For more information about the UDO project, visit www.camiros.com/mchenrycoUDO.

For additional information, please contact Dennis Sandquist, Director of Planning and Development, at 815-334-4560.

Words Of Wisdom

"Liberty is a word which, according as it is used, comprehends the most good and the most evil of any in the world. Justly understood it is sacred next to those which we appropriate in divine adoration; but in the mouths of some it means anything, which enervate a necessary government; excite a jealousy of the rulers who are our own choice, and keep society in confusion for want of a power sufficiently concentered to promote good." --Oliver Ellsworth, A Landholder, No. III, 1787

Child Car Seat Safety Check Saturday

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) will conduct a “Seat Check” event on Saturday,  September 22, 2012 at Walmart in Woodstock, 1275 Lake Avenue. 

Certified child passenger safety technicians will be on hand from 9am-noon to check car seats for proper installation and advise parents, grandparents, and caregivers how to choose the right car seats and install them properly in their vehicles. 

It is FREE to the public and is a joint collaboration by representatives from the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, Safe Kids of McHenry County and MCDH for National Child Passenger Safety Week (September 16-22, 2012). This event is one of 80 Illinois events sponsored by AAA, Secretary of State, the Illinois Department of Transportation and MCDH.

This year’s campaign focuses on increasing awareness with grandparents.  Research recently released by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia indicates that grandparents are less likely to follow best practice guidelines for transporting their grandchildren, which could put them at greater risk for injury or death in the event of a crash. 

Patrick McNulty, MCDH Administrator, says, “Grandparents are encouraged to attend this event.  We look forward to helping them install their car seats and learn more about best practices to safeguard the lives of their grandchildren.”

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13.  Data from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for 2010 shows that each day about two children (12 years of age or younger) were killed and 325 were injured in passenger vehicles. 

As of January 1, 2012, safety belt use is required in all seating positions.  For more information on Child Passenger Safety, visit www.nhtsa.gov or www.buckleupillinois.org.  Get the latest news from MCDH on Facebook and Twitter www.twitter.com/mchenrycohealth.

Fall Book Sale This Weekend

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County are holding their annual Big Fall Book Sale at the Algonquin Township Road District garage, 3702 U.S. Route 14, between Crystal Lake and Cary (drive straight back to the last garage on the right).

There is an amazing variety of books and music – everything from kids’ books to popular fiction, science to biography, CDs to vinyl record albums, and everything in between!

Friday, Sept 21: 5pm-8pm $10 admission fee

Saturday, Sept 22: 8am-4pm

Monday-Saturday, Sept 24 through Sept 29: 10 am– 4 pm

New this year is a Preview Sale on the evening of Friday, September 21^st from 5pm-8pm. There is a $10 entry fee, allowing participants first choice of the books.

Saturday, September 29^th will be a Bag Sale - $5 per paper grocery bag, $3 per plastic grocery bag.

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.

Government At Work - Friday September 21

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 –

8:15 a.m. –McHenry County Board Public Health & Human Services Committee –

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

Four interviews are scheduled for individuals to be appointed to the McHenry County Housing Authority, Senior Services Grant Commission.

Elna Hamilton is to be interviewed for the Housing Authority, Stephen Polep for the Senior Services Grant Commission.

John White and Catherine Nash are seeking appointment to the senior Services Grant Commission, but are unable to attend the meeting.

The Committee is to consider five resolutions accepting grants including three from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for the Workforce program.

Two grants from the Illinois Department of Public Health will provide for one full-time and two part-time positions in the Health Department.  

A resolution is also being presented regarding authorization of an increase in the Daily Room Rates at Valley Hi Nursing Home effective December 1, 2012.

The proposed increases include:

Intermediate Care – From $200 per day to $210 per day

Skilled 1 Care – From $210 per day to $220 per day

Skilled II Care – From $230 per day to $230 per day

Other financial related matters for Valley Hi include a Resolution to reclassify a full time food service assistant into two Part Time Food service Positions. This would make it possible to reduce the overtime in the dietary department and have more weekend and evening staffing in that department.

The Committee is also to consider a reclassification of a Full Time Food Service assistant into two part time food service positions at Valley Hi.

Planning For The Annual Stargazers Ball

On Wednesday, September 12, 2012 the Raue Center For The Arts Staff, Board of Directors and Stargazers committee welcomed the Stargazers Honorary Committee to a special meeting.

26 North (Raue Center’s brand new upstairs bar) was buzzing with excitement as the group joined in raising a glass to toast what they hope will be another successful event. Amongst the attendees were Mayor of Crystal Lake Aaron Shepley, Home State Bank President Steve Slack, Sandra Pierce, Sheri Turk and Stargazers Ball Chairwoman Pat Petrouski. Also in attendance were Raue Center Board Members Bob Cormier, Jr. and Jack Minsley.

Stargazers Ball is Raue Center’s largest annual fundraiser. The gala is set under the stars of the theatre’s auditorium and features unique appetizers from local restaurants, signature cocktails, upbeat orchestral music, a live auction and more.   Join with the group on November 3, 2012 at Raue Center to ensure the arts are alive and thriving in the community for generations to come. The funds raised at Stargazers Ball help reduce Raue Center’s current long-term needs – like their $1.8 million dollar mortgage – that directly impact operational needs for programs like Mission Imagination and Williams Street Repertory.

The Stargazers Honorary Committee members are Senator Pamela Althoff, Dee Beaubien, Steve and Sandra Pierce, Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley and his wife Regan, Steve and Leann Slack and Representative Michael Tryon and his wife Kathy.

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. For 11 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic, downtown Crystal Lake, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. For additional information, visit www.rauecenter.org,  www.facebook.com/RaueCenter and www.twitter.com/RaueCenter.

Words Of Wisdom

"Liberty is a word which, according as it is used, comprehends the most good and the most evil of any in the world. Justly understood it is sacred next to those which we appropriate in divine adoration; but in the mouths of some it means anything, which enervate a necessary government; excite a jealousy of the rulers who are our own choice, and keep society in confusion for want of a power sufficiently concentered to promote good."

 --Oliver Ellsworth, A Landholder, No. III, 1787

Government At Work -- Thursday

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 –

9:-00 a.m. – McHenry County Hearing Officer –

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

A zoning matter regarding a property in Nunda Township, under the name of Kueller. The request is for a variation to allow a two-story accessory structure and a side yard setback of four feet instead of the required ten feet setback along the west property line. 

9:30 a.m. – McHenry County Merit Commission –

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

The agenda calls for proposed amendment to rules, lateral application review and eligibility list 2012. Also to be considered is a matter of promotional testing vendor ‘

1:00 p.m. –McHenry County Planning and Development Committee –

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

The Committee is to review a draft of the Unified Development Ordinance.

McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals—

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

A review of a draft if the Unified Development Ordinance is the only matter on the agenda.

7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake Park Board

Meeting in the Park District Offices, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake,

The Board is to hear a presentation by the Crystal Lake Anglers.

Four groups are seeking use of Park District facilities for fund raising purposes. Included are: Helping Paws for the annual Panting for Paws 5K Run/Walk to be held at Lippold Park, Sunday, November 4.

DeSimone Family Foundation request to hold an annual 3K/5K Family Walk/Run fundraising event at Lippold Park on Sunday, October 28. This foundation is raising funds to fight sickle cell disease.

McHenry County Veteran’s Drop in Center is requesting to hold a 5K Run event at Lippold Park on Sunday, November 11 from 7 am to noon.

The Blackhawk Area Council, Boy Scouts of America is requesting to host a Camporee at the Rotary Building in Veteran Acres Park on Friday, October 12 through Sunday, October 14.

The Park District Financial Advisor is meeting with the Board regarding two bids to be accepted for bonds and the adoption of ordinances to issue the General Obligation Bonds for park improvements and payment of outstanding alternate bonds.

A request has been made to the District by Lutheran Social Services of Illinois for a reduction in the developer donation fee to the Park District for their Fox Hill Senior Housing project. The Board has not granted any previous exceptions to the payments in the past. The Board is not expected to make an exception for this instance.

The Board is expected to accept a Professional Services Revision submitted by Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc. of $9,000 for the relocation of an existing driveway at Veteran Acres Park

The Board is being requested to approve an ordinance for the disposal of a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe with 132,097 miles.

Ken Bird and woodland Estates Playground equipment is being replaced. Six bidders submitted five bids for the installation of new equipment. The lowest bidder, Copenhaver Construction, is disqualified due to poor performance on a previous job. The next lowest bidder, Clauss Brothers, Inc. successfully installed Acorn Alley Playground and Splash Pad at Veteran Acres last year. The Board is being requested to accept a $294,660.30 for installation of new playgrounds at Woodland Estates and Ken Bird Parks.

West Nile Virus Case Confirmed In McHenry County

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) has confirmed its first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) this year in a 56 year old male from Cary who was not hospitalized and has since been recovered.
 Human WNV cases were previously reported in McHenry County in 2011 (1), 2010 (1), 2007 (5) and 2006 (6) during the months of August, September and October. 

The State Health Department has recorded 115 human cases in 2012, including 3 deaths, as compared to 34 human cases and 3 deaths in 2011.  Forty-one (41) mosquito batches and eight birds have tested positive for WNV in McHenry County this year

Illness from West Nile virus is usually mild and includes fever, headache and body aches but serious illnesses, such as encephalitis, meningitis and death, are possible.  Illness can occur 3-15 days after an infected mosquito bite.  The disease can affect all ages, but persons 50 and older have the highest risk of severe disease. 

Public health officials continue to urge residents to take precautions as the risk of mosquito-borne WNV lasts until the first hard frost.  Mosquitoes transmit the virus to humans after feeding on a bird infected with WNV.  The most effective way to prevent against becoming infected with WNV is to follow some basic steps:

• Limit your time outdoors during peak mosquito biting hours which are from dusk to dawn
• When outside (evening and early morning), use repellent and protective clothing such as long-sleeves, long pants and socks.
• Spray clothes with repellent containing DEET for extra protection.  Always follow label directions.
• Get rid of standing water around your home where mosquitoes will breed (bird baths, old tires, garbage cans, flower pot trays, wheelbarrows).
• Have tight-fitting screens on both windows and doors; replace screens with tears.

For more information on WNV, visit www.mcdh.info (Environmental Health) or call 815-334-4585.

 

Words Of Wisdom

"The foundation of our Empire was not laid in the gloomy age of Ignorance and Superstition, but at an Epocha when the rights of mankind were better understood and more clearly defined, than at any former period."

--George Washington, Circular to the States, 1783

Children's Flu Clinic -- Friday, September 28

The next Children’s Flu Clinic is scheduled Friday, September 28 from 1:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Crystal Lake office of the McHenry County Health Department, 100 N. Virginia Street.

Appointments are required and may be made at 815-334-4536. Parents must accompany the children for the shots. An administrative cost of $15 is assessed.

Eligible children include those from six months to age 18 years (accompanied by a parent or guardian, All Kids/Public Aid recipients, families without insurance and families whose insurance does not cover vaccinations.

Government At Work

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 –

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

Meeting in the Main Conference Room of the Division of Transportation, 1611 Nelson Road, Woodstock.

A presentation is to be given on the 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan for McHenry County

Four resolutions are being presented the Committee for consideration, including:

Resolution to approve Adopt-A-Highway volunteer group agreements

Resolution awarding a contract for building demolition and appropriating funds for

the Miller Road Project

Resolution approving an engineering services agreement to provide bridge inspection services and appropriating the necessary funds

Resolution approving supplemental engineering agreement and appropriating funds for the Hill Road Township Bridge Project.

Other matters on the agenda include staff recognitions a possible executive session to consider meeting minutes regarding land acquisitions and pending litigation

1:00 p.m. – McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals –

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

A review of the Draft Unified Development Ordinance

7:00 p.m. – McHenry County Board Agricultural & Conservation Easement (ACE) –

Meeting in the Main Conference Room of the Division of Transportation, 1611 Nelson Road, Woodstock.

New Business includes consideration and action to organize a fundraising event for ACE; consideration to host a meeting about the Unified Development Ordinance for the farming community; consider transfer of development rights; and consideration to request the State’s Attorney to request an Attorney General’s interpretation of the TRD regulations; as well as action to set the 2013 Meeting Schedule.

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

Meeting in the Crystal Lake City Hall, Council Chambers.

Four proposals are being presented to the Commission for comments and/or approval and include:

Wickenkamp, 141 Ellsworth Street –A request for a variation to allow a covered front porch to encroach 10.88 feet into the required 25.5 foot average front yard setback.

Kumi Sushi – 1145 S. Rt. 31- Lutter Center - A request is being made regarding tenant sign criteria which was created for this Lutter Center Central Park retail center.

The petitioner is requesting a Final PUD Amendment to exceed the height permitted in the PUD Tenant Sign Criteria in order to use letters that are up to 52 inches in height. This results in the sign requiring 161.4 square feet of wall signage rather than the allowed 75 square feet.

The Commission is to consider the recommended staff approval for the amendment with certain related conditions.

Nagel – 215 Union Street – The property owner is requesting a simplified residential variation from certain nonconformities to allow an addition to the residence to encroach into the required setback and be as close as 10 feet from the front property line instead of the required 35.5 feet.

CrossFit Crystal Lake, Inc., 110 .Woodstock Street, Suite C— This business, the provider of strength and conditioning training, would be located in a building on Woodstock Street across from the former location of the Crystal Lake Police and Fire Station and next to the current City Hall. Other property in the area, in addition to the current Municipal Complex, includes a cemetery and multi-family residential as well as single family residential.

Words Of Wisdom

"I suppose, indeed, that in public life, a man whose political principles have any decided character and who has energy enough to give them effect must always expect to encounter political hostility from those of adverse principles."

--Thomas Jefferson

Governments At Work -- Tuesday Evening

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

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

The only item of business for this meeting is the Fiscal Year 2012-13 Budget Development and Supplemental Requests.

 6:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake Public Library Board –

This Special Meeting includes a presentation, discussion and feedback of the Draft Crystal Lake Public Library 2011 Needs Assessment including options for building and operations expansion.

 6:30 p.m. – McHenry County College Board Committee of the Whole –

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

The board is to discuss August Financial Reports before considering an update on Building B Renovation as presented by Brian Luca of Pepper Construction and Steve Pate RuckPate Architecture. 

The agenda also calls for Health Education Facility, Public Private Partnership, Lots B and D and Ring Road Rehabilitation, as presented by Greg Evans Findings, Phase I Feasibility, as presented by Ken Gorman, Power Wellness.

Parking, Director of Physical Facilities - Joe Vivrina, H.R. Green, Inc.

Land Donation is another agenda item as presented by Ms. Laura Brown, Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

The Board is to discuss a Classification and Compensation Study.

Summary Comments by Board members are to be provided as desired before considering future agenda items and an executive session.

The agenda also calls for an ACCT presentation before adjournment.

7:00 p.m. – Lakewood Village Board –

Meeting in the RedTail Golf Club, 7900 RedTail Drive, Lakewood.

The  Board is to conduct a public hearing to consider and take action regarding the adoption of an Ordinance to annex territory generally located on the East side of Illinois Route 47, South of Illinois Route 176 and North of Ballard Road. The Board is to vote or deny the annexation as proposed.

 

7:00 p.m. – McHenry County Board—

Several presentations are scheduled including proclaiming Monday September 24 as Family Day, Proclamation Recognizing Robert Lesser for 28 Years of Service to McHenry County; and an Eagle Scout Resolution.

Four zoning matters are being presented for approval on a consent agenda. Including :

• Unilock Chicago, Inc. in Riley Township for a renewal of A1C 
• Lease Trust in Burton Township, also a renewal of A1C;
• Brook in Chemung Township for A1 to A2CV
• Swanson, McHenry Township, R1 to R1V

Routine consent Agenda for consideration includes Receipt of Statutory Reports for August and Placed on File including:

• County Clerk’s Monthly Report
• Emergency Management Report
• Public Defender Report
• Sheriff’s Report
• Treasurer’s Report

Several Finance and Audit matters are being presented for the Board’s approval including:

• Authorization for an Emergency appropriation to the division of Transportation FY 2011-12 Budget for Fuel, Oil and Grease
• Authorization for adjustment to the Job Classification Structure in the County’s Job Evaluation/Classification System
• Resolution Authorizing an Emergency appropriation to the Law Library Fiscal Year 2012 Budget

 Under Law and Justice matters, a resolution is being presented for approval of authorizing electrical wiring upgrade at McHenry County Adult Corrections Center

In the Planning and Development area, a Resolution is being presented approving the analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Study.

Transportation matters to be considered include

• Resolution to approve Adopt-A-Highway Volunteer Group Agreements
• Resolution approving an intergovernmental Agreement with the State of Illinois for the Lawrence Road Bridge over the Piscasaw Creek Project and appropriating the necessary funds
• A Resolution approving a wetland credit agreement for the Lawrence Road Bridge over the Piscasaw Creek Project and appropriating the necessary funds.
• Resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement with the Village of spring Grove for parking areas and sidewalk installation and maintenance on Main Street.

 An Ordinance being presented for Board review is to amend Appendix G of the 1991 McHenry County Subdivision Ordinance Adopted February 19, 1980 as amended.

An Ordinance to Designate the Trout Valley Swimming Pool as a Local Historic Landmark pursuant to the McHenry County Historic Preservation Ordinance.

Another Ordinance, which is being presented under a waiver of the 30-day review requirement, is an ordinance establishing a temporary moratorium for off-premise commercial advertising signs. 

Government At Work - Crystal Lake City Council

7:30 p.m. -Crystal Lake City Council  --

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

An annexation agreement for seven properties in Crystal Lake Manor is being continued .

Temporary Liquor License Request

McHenry County Council of Government is seeking a Class 19 Temporary Liquor License in order to sell alcoholic drinks at their October 17 monthly meeting being held in the Old Towne Hall.

New Retailer Job Creation and Investment Grant

Grant approval for $10,000 to fund furniture, fixtures and equipment at 6324 Northwest Highway for Harbor Freight Tools. This is a matching grant offered by the City for new and existing retailers who occupy vacant space and hire new full-time employees and/or install eligible furniture fixtures and equipment.

Harbor Freight tools will be haring ten full-time and 40 part-time employees and spending approximately $180,000 in eligible furniture, fixtures and equipment.

The company reportedly offers one of the largest selections of brand-name tools, including hand tools, and power tools made by Chicago Electric, Pittsburgh, Central Machinery, Central Hydraulic and Central Forge.

Existing retailer Job Creation and Investment Grant—

Sea Level Diving is requesting a $5,000 grant funding for furniture, fixtures and equipment at 369 Liberty Road for Sea Level Diving.

Trampoline Amusement Park

Approval is being sought for a Special Use Permit for a trampoline Amusement Park at 5593 Northwest Highway is being presented to the Council for approval. This is located in a part of the Crystal Court Shopping Center, formerly anchored by WalMart. The Planning and Zoning Board recommended granting a special use permit for this business.

Shell Gas Station/Circle K Convenience Store

The Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the requested special use permit amendment to allow an electronic pricing sign for this business located at 220 W. Virginia Street. The size of the new canopy will be slightly smaller than the existing sign.

Garage at 73 Lincoln Parkway

The request before the Planning and Zoning Commission was to remove an existing garage and construct a new facility, increasing the size from 24 x 30 (720 sf) to 24 x 40 (960 sf). The Planning commission voted 7-2 to deny the request.

The Council may decide to approve the request with certain conditions regarding the use is not to be for living quarters. A special use permit is being required for the project.

Tree Removal Services Bid

The Council is being requested to award a bid for Tree Removal Services to Central Forestree, LLC of Hoffman Estates. This company was the lowest responsible bidder for the service with a bid of $6,608.25 for complete tree removal plus $1,660 for stump grinding. This is for a base contract for a 15-month period from October 2012 through December 2013.

Physical Exams, immunizations, Substance Screening

A proposal for Various Physical Exams, Immunization, Substance Screening, Annual On-set Wellness Screenings and Flu Shots as well as CDL, Drug/Alcohol Testing was sought.

Exams are provided for pre-employment, annual Fire Rescue Department physical exams on approximately 20 to 50 prospective full-time, part-time and seasonal employees each year. Additionally, annual on-site wellness screenings and flu shots (voluntary participation) involve over 100 employees each year.

Two bids were received, one from Advocate for a bid of $91,815 and Centegra for a bid of $53,150.87. A committee comprised of staff from Human Resources, Division, and Fire Rescue Department considered the proposal. Centegra is reported to have extensive experience in providing similar services for municipalities in Illinois and the City has previously used the services and was the lowest responsible bidder.

Aircraft Landing Amendment

An amendment to one section of the City Code is necessary for the approval of helicopter landings in the City for construction purposes. A request was received from Service Mechanical Industries to allow helicopter landings as part of the replacement of 10 rooftop units at the Covidien facility at 815 Tek Drive.

Currently the City Code includes a prohibition of landing of aircraft in the City. The Council is being requested to approve helicopter landings for the construction related purposes.

Bond Ordinance for Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements

The Council is being requested to adopt an ordinance providing for the issuance of approximately $9,130,000 General Obligation Bonds to provide for a number of capital improvement projects for water and utility services.

The City will be taking bids for a bond issue totaling approximately $9.13 million. This bond issue is to provide approximately $4.93 million for capital projects with repayment over a 20-year period with an annual payment of $335,000. The estimated average borrowing rate is 2.8/5,

A second purpose is to refinance the City’s callable 2004 bonds. These bonds total $4.2 million and have an average interest rate 3.99%.

Based on current market conditions, the estimated average borrowing rate is 2.87%.

Government At Work - Tuesday Morning

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18—

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Housing commission –

Meeting in the P & D Conference Room, McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Election of Officers Discussion and Action is the first item of business followed by Committee Appointments and Approval of minutes from the August 21 meeting.

Committee reports from the Executive Committee and a staff report are to be presented.

Old Business to be considered is discussion and action on the 2012 Home Notification of Funds Available

10:00 a.m. McHenry County Housing Commission Executive Committee – Meeting in the P & D Conference Room, McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

New business for this group includes defining Assignment & Tasks for 2013 Action Plan Goals.