Words Of Wisdom

"The people can never willfully betray their own interests: But they may possibly be betrayed by the representatives of the people; and the danger will be evidently greater where the whole legislative trust is lodged in the hands of one body of men, than where the concurrence of separate and dissimilar bodies is required in every public act."

--James Madison, Federalist No. 63, 1788

"The Art of The Bicycle" At Raue Center

On July 14, 2013 visit “The Art of the Bicycle” on stage at Raue Center For The Arts where more than 30 custom and vintage bicycles will be exhibited. The event is presented by Wheel Werks Custom Bicycles of Crystal Lake and runs from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Bicycling-related art featuring paintings by Jeff Curtis Williams (Bicycle Times June 2012 cover) and Kara Ginther (hand-carved Brooks saddles) will be displayed alongside the bicycles. A cash bar and refreshments will be available. There is no admission fee.

“Its a fantastic exhibit.  So the Tour De France is turning 100 years old and some of the bikes on exhibit are from that time period,” Explains Richard Kuranda. “The real crowd draw is the new bikes though-- cutting edge Carbon Fiber bikes that weigh next to nothing.  Very cool.”

The exhibition will cover a broad range of historical bicycles and materials including steel, chromoly, carbon fiber, titanium and bamboo. Bob Olsen, owner of Wheel Werks Custom Bicycle, also will present his recent trip to Africa and the local production of bamboo bicycle frames.

This event is part Tour de Crystal Lake! Visit http://www.prairiestatecyclingseries.com/schedule/crystal-lake.php for more details.

This free exhibit is open to the public and all are welcome.  For more information visit rauecenter.org or contact the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake.

A Very Important Day

On July 4, 1776, the thirteen colonies claimed their independence from England, an event which eventually led to the formation of the United States. Each year on July 4th, also known as Independence Day, Americans celebrate this historic event.

Conflict between the colonies and England was already a year old when the colonies convened a Continental Congress in Philadelphia in the summer of 1776. In a June 7 session in the Pennsylvania State House (later Independence Hall), Richard Henry Lee of Virginia presented a resolution with the famous words: "Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved."

Lee's words were the impetus for the drafting of a formal Declaration of Independence, although the resolution was not followed up on immediately. On June 11, consideration of the resolution was postponed by a vote of seven colonies to five, with New York abstaining. However, a Committee of Five was appointed to draft a statement presenting to the world the colonies' case for independence. Members of the Committee included John Adams of Massachusetts, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, Robert R. Livingston of New York and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia. The task of drafting the actual document fell on Jefferson.

On July 1, 1776, the Continental Congress reconvened, and on the following day, the Lee Resolution for independence was adopted by 12 of the 13 colonies, New York not voting. Discussions of Jefferson's Declaration of Independence resulted in some minor changes, but the spirit of the document was unchanged. The process of revision continued through all of July 3 and into the late afternoon of July 4, when the Declaration was officially adopted. Of the 13 colonies, nine voted in favor of the Declaration, two -- Pennsylvania and South Carolina -- voted No, Delaware was undecided and New York abstained. John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, signed the Declaration of Independence. It is said that John Hancock's signed his name "with a great flourish" so England's "King George can read that without spectacles!"

Today, the original copy of the Declaration is housed in the National Archives in Washington, D.C., and July 4 has been designated a national holiday to commemorate the day the United States laid down its claim to be a free and independent nation.

Fox River Flood Information

The National Weather Service reports the continuation of a flood warning for the Fox River at Algonquin Tailwater until Friday Afternoon.

At 8:30 this morning the flood stage was 9.7 feet, with the flood stage being 9.5 feet.

Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. The river will continue to fall to below flood stage by Friday morning.

Checking On Feathered Ones

Children in the Monday, Wednesday, Friday four-year-old preschool class from the Children’s Learning Center at McHenry County College look at newly-hatched chicks in an incubator in their classroom. The children counted down the 21 incubation days before the eggs hatched on April 30. The eggs came from the University of Illinois Extension of McHenry County. Pictured are, from left, Johnny Kemp, Lyla Lorr, Brenden Roewer, Samantha Lowery, Emily Ashworth, and far back row, Miani Rivera. The MCC Children’s Learning Center offers preschool and childcare options. For information, visit www.mchenry.edu/clc.

Good News! -No Increased Bacterial Levels For Beaches

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) conducted beach water samplings at 38 licensed beaches on Tuesday, July 2.  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.    

Water sampling results are reported to the appropriate beach authorities. MCDH will post an advisory or closed signage for beaches with elevated E. coli results.  All beach water results and locations are readily available at the MCDH webpage www.mcdh.info or call 815-334-4585.

Fox River Flooding Information

The flood warning continues for the Fox River at Algonquin Tailwater until Friday evening.

At 7:30pm. Tuesday, the stage was 10.1 feet – flood stage is 9.5 feet

Recent activity, flood forecasts for Algonquin were moved to this location on July 5, 2011.

Gage zero datum is different from the old gauge location. Flood and action stages have changed.

Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast.

It is forecast that the river will fall below flood stage by Friday afternoon.

Government At Work

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Transportation Committee

Meeting cancelled

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission

Meeting cancelled

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

Meeting cancelled

1:30 p.m.—McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals

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

Hearing regarding a request for a reclassification from A-1 Agriculture district to A-2 Agriculture District for Pihl Trust property located in Chemung Township

Walkup Road Work Update

Landscaping is scheduled to be completed next week. Punch list items will continue through the next several weeks.

Have a safe Fourth of July!

Crystal Lake Park Board Meeting Cancelled

A Crystal Lake Park District Special Board Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 2, has been cancelled. The meeting was involving the purchase of property.

Government At Work

TUESDAY, JULY 2—

9:00 a.m. – McHenry County Board –

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

Following the usual opening of the meeting and approval of minutes of previous meetings, the chairman’s remarks and reports is followed by special recognitions. These include proclamation to recognize Dan Shea for his eight years of Public Service with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning.

Also for Board consideration is a proclamation recognizing Susan Brian for her Service to McHenry County.

A special presentation on Affordable Care Act is scheduled.

Resolution appropriating Funds for the Fleming Road Rehabilitation Project is being presented for Board approval.

Recommendations for appointment to the McHenry County Tuberculosis Board and the Regional Transportation Authority Board

Seven resolutions are being presented for Board approval involving finances including:

Authorizing an Emergency Appropriation in the Recorder’s Fiscal Year 2012-2013 Budget to Purchase Tax Transfer Stamps

Authorizing Acceptance of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Grant for McHenry County Workforce Network in the amount of $63,674.74.

Authorizing acceptance of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Grant for the McHenry County  Workforce Investment Area Program Year 2013-2014 in an amount of $9,771,017.

Resolution Authorizing the Relocation of the veterans Assistance Commission Office, the Regional Superintendent of Schools Office and Planning and Development Staff with a Construction Contract with Carmichael Construction. The cost is to be $121,935.

Resolution Authorizing Entering into a Contract with Corporate Benefit Consultants, Inc. to be a Broker of Record and to provide services for the Self-Funded Health Insurance Program.

Resolution authorizing a contract with System Solutions, Inc. for Cisco SmartNet Maintenance and Support Renewal

Resolution authorizing Acceptance of a Modification to the Illinois Department of Workforce Network Fiscal Year Budget

Under Law and Justice, a resolution is being presented authorizing the Sheriff to enter into phase II of the Textiles and Inmate Clothing Bid with Bob Barker.

A resolution is also being presented adopting the 2013 McHenry County Strategic Plan

Five Transportation Department matters are being presented for approval including: Resolution to Approve Adopt-A-Highway Volunteer Group Agreement.

Resolution approving a supplemental engineering agreement and appropriating funds for the County Line Road Bridge over the Kishwaukee River Project. Cost is $97,300.

Resolution approving the acquisition of Right-of-way for Highway purposes and appropriating funds for the River Road at Dowell Road Intersection project.

Resolution approving an amended engineering services agreement and appropriating funds for the Virginia Road Park and Ride Lot Project. Cost $9,359.

Resolution Approving and amended intergovernmental agreement with the State of Illinois for the Virginia Road Park and Ride Lot. Project cost $97,300.

7:30 p.m.—Crystal Lake City Council

The Council meeting scheduled for this time has been cancelled.

Words Of Wisdom

But while property is considered as the basis of the freedom of the American yeomanry, there are other auxiliary supports; among which is the information of the people. In no country, is education so general -- in no country, have the body of the people such a knowledge of the rights of men and the principles of government. This knowledge, joined with a keen sense of liberty and a watchful jealousy, will guard our constitutions and awaken the people to an instantaneous resistance of encroachments."

--Noah Webster, On Education of Youth in America, 1790

CLOSED McHENRY COUNTY BEACHES

Due to elevated bacteria levels from recent heavy rains, McHenry County Department of Health reports several beaches are either closed or placed on advisory.  

Closed beaches include:

• Wooded Shores, 3221 E Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Shore Hills Beach, 3450 E Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Deep Spring Woods 1, 3701 E Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Deep Spring Woods 2, 3925-3927 E Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Wonder Center, 4100 E Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Indian Ridge 1 South, 4601 NE Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Indian Ridge 2 North, 4519-4603 NW Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Wonder Woods 1, 5622 Woodlane, Wonder Lake
• Wonder Woods 2, 5606 Woodlane, Wonder Lake
• Wonder Woods 45200 Wonder Woods Drive, Wonder Lake
• Sunrise Ridge, 3800 W Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Highland Shores, 3500 W Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Lookout Point, 5206 E Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Hilltop Beach Woods Creek Lake, Lake in the Hills
• Indian Trails Beach, Woods Creek Lake, Lake in the Hills
• Veterans Park, 332 W State Road, Island Lake
• Lake Park Beach, 300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake
• LeVilla Vaupell 1, 1115 N Northeast Shore Drive, Griswold Lake

NOW OPEN --

• WillOaks Campground Beach, 14304 Kishwaukee Valley Road, Woodstock     

Beaches will be re-sampled with results posted on the MCDH webpage.  Residents are encouraged to check with beach operators and the MCDH webpage for the latest information. The potential for high bacteria (E coli) counts increases with periods of high precipitation.  (MCDH) recommends refraining from swimming at least 2-3 days after a heavy rainfall event due to the potential increase risk of swimming associated illness (gastrointestinal illness and ear nose and throat infections). 

For more information, contact MCDH’s Environmental Health Division at 815-334-4585.

Government At Work

MONDAY, JULY 1 –

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.

The Committee is to consider for approval a resolution authorizing the Sheriff to enter into Phase II of the Textiles and Inmate Clothing Bid with Bob Barker.

Also to be considered by the committee is the New Dawn Project updates and invoices. 

10:00 a.m. – McHenry County Liquor and License Committee-

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

A request for a new liquor license, manager and/or amusement license request from Sunrise Food - Liquor is to be considered.

Also eight raffle permit and special liquor license requests are to be considered. Special liquor license requests include McHenry County Fair Association, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Ben Hur Lodge 870, Steiner Club of Chicago. Raffle permit requests have been received from Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County, Spring Grove Fire Fighter Association, Cary-Grove Booster Club, and Marengo Area Schools Education Foundation.

7:00 p.m. Crystal Lake Clean Air Counts Advisory Committee--

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

The Committee is to consider one of the goals for the year, a Bike With Your Neighbor Scavenger Hunt.

Fleming Road Update

What happened last week?

Much of the planned construction activities were delayed from the week’s rain.

We continue to monitor the moisture content of the CIR, waiting for it to reduce to an acceptable level.

What to expect in the week ahead

We will continue to remove the CIR at specific locations, replace the poor underlying soils, and construct asphalt patches.  There will be no construction activities during the July Fourth Holiday period, with work concluding 3:00 p.m.  Wednesday, July 3 until the following Monday morning, July 8.

 We expect to pave the final asphalt surface the second week of July.

Thanks for your continued patience, and have an enjoyable holiday next week.

Words Of Wisdom

"The judiciary of the United States is the subtle corps of sappers and miners constantly working under ground to undermine the foundations of our confederated fabric. They are construing our constitution from a co-ordination of a general and special government to a general and supreme one alone."

--Thomas Jefferson, letter to Thomas Ritchie, 1820