Online Auctions - McHenry County Conservation District

McHenry County Conservation District is conducting two online auctions that are open for bidding now through Thursday, August 8th.

The First is for a Pole Barn located at 2311 Beham Road, Crystal Lake, IL 60014  - The pole barn must be dismantled and removed within 60 days of close of auction (no later than Oct. 7th)  Call for Inspection or Removal Appointment 815.482.1215)

Auction Link: http://ow.ly/nm10L

The Second is Municipal Surplus: 2000 Ford Explorer XLS; 2000 Flo Pro 100 plus aluminum snowmobile trailer; 2000 Club Car 272; Cement mixer; Al-Ko Kober compost-star shredder; Bicycle; Bike rack; Bookshelves; Bushnell binoculars; Business phone system; Business printers; Calculator; Chipper/shredder; Coffee pots; Desk; Ditch mower; DR electric pull behind grader; Drafting table; Ditch mower; File cabinets; Goose decoys; JD model 90 boom flail mower; Office chairs; Printers; Promark brush chipper; Routers; and numerous other Misc Items.

Auction Link: http://ow.ly/nm0xt

From time to time the Conservation District will make use of auction services to recoup some money from surplus equipment that can range anywhere from vehicles and tractors to chain saws and audio-visual equipment.  This is the tenth such auction the Conservation District has offered. For more information contact Glen Von Bergen, special projects coordinator at 815.482.1215

McHenry County College Sustainability Center staff members display one of the new recycling bins designed specifically for placement at the baseball and soccer fields at the college’s Crystal Lake campus. The 60-gallon bins are one effort to reduce the college’s carbon footprint by decreasing the waste stream and increasing recycling. The college purchased eight bins through a grant from Keep America Beautiful and the Coca-Cola Foundation. Pictured are, from left, Cecelia Long, Sustainability Center student assistant and Kim Hankins, Sustainability Center director.

Peter Yarrow At Raue Center Tonight

Peter Yarrow of the legendary folk group Peter, Paul and Mary will perform at Raue Center For The Arts tonight at 8:00pm.  

This show is rescheduled from his original date of April 20.  The theatre is honored to be hosting such an esteemed artist and good will ambassador.

“Peter Yarrow’s music is woven into the fabric of American folk music,” says Melissa Thomfohrda, director of marketing. “We’re thrilled he was able to reschedule this date and we are looking forward to a truly memorable night at Raue Center.”

 

Ticket prices start at $32. They can be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake.

 

Words Of Wisdom

"[A] rigid economy of the public contributions and absolute interdiction of all useless expenses will go far towards keeping the government honest and unoppressive." –

-Thomas Jefferson

The Crystal Lake Will Be Treated For Eurasian Watermilfoil

Hey and Associates, Inc. the company assisting the Crystal Lake Park District on the management of Crystal Lake, will be applying a herbicide to help control Eurasian watermilfoil, a non-native aquatic plant. 

The areas of treatment will be located offshore, in deeper waters around the "No Wake" buoys, where stands of the invasive species have been identified during aquatic plant surveys of the lake.

The areas of treatment will include areas west of Main Beach, areas along the north shore buoys and areas in West Bay of Crystal Lake. Treatment is planned for Friday, August 2, 2013.  Approximately 8 acres are to be treated with Navigate(tm), a granular form of aquatic herbicide.

Fishing will not be restricted after application. However, please do not use lake water from the specific areas of treatment for irrigating plants until the concentration levels reach <.10 ppm, or approx. 21 days. Do not use water from the specific areas of treatment for drinking water (human or pet) until concentration levels reach <.07ppm, or approx. 21 days. Finally, do not swim in the specific areas of treatment for a minimum of 24 hours after treatment occurs.

Eurasian watermilfoil is an aggressive, non-native weed that chokes out native plants and can become so dense that it restricts boating, fishing and swimming. It has been determined through lake studies that Eurasian watermilfoil presents an ecological and recreational nuisance in the West Bay and along the eastern shoreline of the lake. For more information contact Hey and Associates, Inc. at 847-740-0888

Words Of Wisdom

"A Constitution is not the act of a Government, but of a people constituting a government, and a government without a constitution is a power without right."

--Thomas Paine, Rights of Man, 1791

Representative Wheeler Calls For Metra Board Chair Resignation

In response to the unfolding scandal involving Metra, State Rep. Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) has called for the resignation of the Chairman of the Metra Board of Directors, Brad O’Halloran.

"It is time that we the taxpayers hold the people in charge responsible for the mishandling of a very messy situation," stated Rep. Wheeler. "It is unacceptable to use public dollars in secret maneuvers that are politically motivated. It is time for Chairman O’Halloran to resign his position so that Metra can move forward."

Recently, a behind-closed-doors severance package agreement was handed to the outgoing Metra Executive Director. This arrangement has been described as a “golden parachute” and a deal “shrouded in secrecy” due to the Metra Board of Directors’ attempts to keep the package from the public eye.

"As a member of the Mass Transit Committee, I have kept a close eye on the unraveling of the facts and details behind the situation at Metra," explained Rep. Wheeler. "The negligence displayed by the Board of Directors is disheartening as my constituents are footing the financial burden of the mismanagement of Metra."

Representative Wheeler, has signed on as a co-sponsor of a recently filed resolution, House Resolution 521, which officially calls for the resignation of the Metra Chairman and the selection of a new chairman by the Metra Board of Directors. The Resolution also acknowledges a related situation involving a fired Metra employee and overall attempts to block transparency.

Government At Work

THURSDAY, JULY 25—

7:30 a.m. – McHenry County Stormwater Commission—

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

A discussion item – status report on the contract for the comprehensive update of the Stormwater Management Ordinance.

Matters being presented for action include a subcommittee for the Stormwater Management Ordinance Comprehensive Update.

Other matters to be considered include a report from the TAC Chairman Graig Neville, of Manhard Consulting, an update on the Crystal Lake Watershed Amendments and Chief Stormwater Engineer update.

9:00 a.m. – McHenry County Local Emergency Planning Committee—

Meeting in Meeting Room B and C of the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

In addition to approving minutes of five prior meetings, the Commission is to consider correspondence, any old business, and under new business, it is noted that a new chairman is needed.

Incidents reported since the last meeting and public comments will also be considered.

9:00 a.m. – Technical Advisory Committee—

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

New business to be considered includes SMO Comprehensive Revision with discussion of the big picture goals of the SMO revision.

10:00—McHenry County Coordinating Council –

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

This group is comprised of representatives from various governmental agencies and those involved in case of a disaster of any kind. They gather periodically to consider matters that may need attention for preparedness in case of a disaster.

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

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

The Commission is to conduct a hearing to determine sufficiency of a complaint and probable cause examination of a complain filed by Cal Skinner, Jr. alleging a Section 3 Prohibited

6:30 p.m. – McHenry County College Board of Trustees-

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

Following time set aside for comments from visitors and presentations, and other reports as needed, a presentation is to be provided the board regarding a tour of Biology Lab and Demonstration of Virtual Cadaver Table by Rob Smith, Biology Department Chair and Ms. Marla Garrison, Instructor of Biology.

Other matters for consideration include a draft FY14 budget discussion

Words Of Wisdom

"[T]he unlimited power of the sword is not in the hands of either the federal or state governments, but, where I trust in God it will ever remain, in the hands of the people."

--Tench Coxe

Government At Work

WEDNESDAY, JULY 24—

8:30 A. M. McHenry County Board Public Health and Human Services Committee—

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

The Committee will interview John Adamson for appointment to the Senior Services Grant Commission and then deliberate to make a recommendation to the County Board Chairwoman. The term to be filed is to expire October 1, 2014

The Committee is also to consider a resolution authorizing the acceptance of Metro Suburban Accelerated Training for Illinois Manufacturing Grant.

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

and McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals.

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

The two groups are to review a draft of the Unified Development Ordinance.

Short Lakewood Village Board Meeting

A very short Lakewood Village Board meeting is scheduled for this evening, beginning at 7 p.m.,  in the Red Tail Golf Club, 7900 Red Tail Drive, Lakewood.  

In addition to approval of paying bills, the Board is to consider, in executive session, the sale or purchase of land. 

Answers From Crystal Lake City On Flooding Questions

Crystal Lake Flooding Open House

TODAY 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: Crystal Lake Municipal Complex

Woodstock Street

City officials will be on hand to answer questions and concerns regarding recent storm events and related flooding.

Government At Work

TUESDAY, JULY 23—

7:30 a.m. – Crystal Lake Economic Development Committee—

Meeting in the City Council Chambers conference room

Matters for consideration include the Three Oaks Recreation Area discussion, Workforce development; updates on matters before the committee and organization reports.

8:15 .a.m. – McHenry County Board Human Resources Committee –

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

A joint meeting with the County Board Finance and Audit Committee is to be held regarding a resolution establishing the guidelines for Fiscal Year 2013-2014 Pay-For-Performance Adjustments.

9:00 a.m. McHenry County Board Finance and Audit Committee —

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

Two Resolutions are being presented for Committee approve regarding authorizing emergency appropriations, for the Planning and Development Department and the other for the Division of Transportation for the FY 2012-2013 budget for fuel oil and grease

A resolution is being presented authorizing the purchase of three vehicles for the County Division of Transportation.

Also for consideration, is a resolution authorizing the acceptance of Metro Suburban Accelerated Training for Illinois Manufacturing Grant as a Sub-Recipient of Will County and Authorizing an Emergency Appropriation to the Workforce Network 22013 Budget

Another resolution is being presented authorizing the Symantec Software Maintenance and Support Agreement Renewal for another year.

The Committee is also to review the external single audit.

3:00 p.m. – McHenry County Mental Health Board—

Meeting in the main conference room of the Mental Health Board facility, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake.

Consideration is to be given to funded agency providers, for developmental disabilities, mental health and substance abuse. Also presented for consideration is presentation on board planning.

7:00 p.m. – Crystal Lake Public Library Board Automation Committee –

Meeting in the Library Directors Office of the Library, 126 Paddock Street, Crystal Lake.

7:30 p.m.—Community High School District 155 Board –

Meeting in the District Offices, One South Virginia Road, Crystal Lake.

The Board is to give recognition to Bill Murphy, former Crystal Lake High School District Athletic Director who was inducted into the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.

An extended list of resignations, many due to it being the end of the school year and also new employees for the new school year.

The Board is also to approve the list of 1,676 May 2013 graduates including Cary-grove 457Crystal Lake Central 372 Prairie Ridge 407and Crystal Lake South 440.

Answers To Questions And Concerns Regarding Storm Events

Crystal Lake City officials will be on hand Tuesday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Crystal Lake Municipal Complex to answer questions and concerns regarding recent storm events and related flooding.

Cool Places

Temperatures in Northern Illinois are hovering between 90 and 95 degrees with the heat index reaching up to 108.  The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory until Friday at 7:00 pm.  State Rep. Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) stresses the need for family and community awareness and outlines cooling centers in the local area for those who do not have access to air conditioning.

During these times of extreme heat, small children and the elderly are the most vulnerable to weather related illnesses,” said Wheeler.  “Please, check in with your family, check in with your neighbors.  If they do not have access to air conditioning or if the heat has over worked their unit, there are cooling centers in Lake and McHenry County they can visit.”

Cooling centers in the local area include:

Ganek Municipal Center

220 Harnish Dr.

Algonquin, IL

Illinois Health and Human Services Building

512 Clay St.

Woodstock, IL

Centegra Hospital

3701 Doty Rd

Woodstock, IL

Centegra Specialty Hospital

527 W South St.

Woodstock, IL

Centegra Hospital

4201 Medical Center Dr.

McHenry, IL

Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center

200 Congress Parkway

Crystal Lake, IL

Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center

10450 Algonquin Rd.

Huntley, IL

Lake County Department of Human Services

3235 W Belvidere Rd.

Park City, IL

The National Weather Service advises people to stay indoors and in air conditioning.  For those that live outside of Lake and McHenry Counties, Keep Cool Illinois has a list of resources and services during these emergencies.  You can find them at keepcool.illinois.gov.

Crystal Lake Park District Purchase Of 27 Acres

The Crystal Lake Park District Board of Commissioners is excited to announce that after a lengthy and exhaustive search, a contract has been executed to purchase 27 acres of property at 8917 Ackman Road for future development.

This purchase is being made without the need of additional tax dollars from Park District residents. Upon successful completion of a due diligence period, the purchase will become final. 

The due diligence process is expected to take approximately 6 months.  With land values still low, the Park Board believes a purchase of this nature without the need of additional funding through a referendum during the down economy will benefit the residents of the Crystal Lake Park District for generations. 

 Potential development of the property based on a 2010 community attitude and interest survey may include a Community Recreation Center and an outdoor aquatic facility

Appreciation For Lifeguards

During this week, the Crystal Lake Park District is showing our lifeguards at Main and West Beach our appreciation for keeping beach visitors safe and the beach areas in tip top condition.

Several local businesses have generously provided special treats and meals for our beach staff this week in order to show our appreciation. Thank you to Jersey Mikes, Chick-fil-A, Dunkin Donuts, Chipotle and Jamba Juice for being a part of Lifeguard Appreciation Week.

Beach visitors can be a part of recognizing our beach staff too-draw a picture of your favorite lifeguard to post in the office, drop off cookies or other treats, or just stop and say thank you for a job well done. Thank you Crystal Lake Park District Main Beach and West Beach life guards for continuing to do a GREAT job all summer long. You all are the best!!!!

More Mosquitoes - More Misting Application

In conjunction with the City’s ongoing mosquito control program, a City-wide misting application will take place in the City in an attempt to control the adult mosquito population.

The application will take place overnight between Thursday, July 25, 2013 and Friday, July 26, 2013.  If weather conditions do not allow the application to occur, it will take place on the next available evening.

In addition to the targeted misting application, the City's mosquito abatement contractor, Clarke Environmental Mosquito Management, Inc., will continue larviciding efforts in the City.

Clarke will apply a synthetic pyrethroid used widely throughout the Chicagoland area for adult mosquito control.

As part of the City’s existing Mosquito Abatement Program, Clarke regularly examines and treats breeding sites throughout the City, including storm sewer catch basins. The program helps control mosquitoes while they are in the larval stage. 

In addition to the abatement program, residents can help control mosquito development by monitoring potential breeding sites in their yards and throughout the City and alerting Clarke to the locations by calling the toll-free Mosquito Hotline at 1-800-942-2555. Upon resident request, one application of Altosid® XR briquette, which lasts for 150 days, will be placed in backyard catch basins. Residents are also asked to call the Mosquito Hotline to make arrangements for the application.

Questions regarding the application or any other part of Crystal Lake’s Mosquito Abatement Program can be directed to the Clarke’s Hotline at 1-800-942-2555. 

 In conjunction with the City’s ongoing mosquito control program, a City-wide misting application will take place in the City in an attempt to control the adult mosquito population.The application will take place overnight between Thursday, July 25, 2013 and Friday, July 26, 2013.  If weather conditions do not allow the application to occur, it will take place on the next available evening.

Words Of Wisdom

In the first place, it is to be remembered, that the general government is not to be charged with the whole power of making and administering laws. Its jurisdiction is limited to certain enumerated objects, which concern all the members of the republic, but which are not to be attained by the separate provisions of any."

--James Madison, Federalist Paper XIV, 1787

Government At Work

MONDAY, JULY 22—

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Board Management Services Committee-

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

The Committee is to interview James Becker for a position on the McHenry County Public Building and make a selection for a recommendation to the County Board for a term to expire on September 1, 2018.

Also for consideration is a resolution authorizing the Symantec Software Maintenance and Support Agreement Renewal for a period of a year until September 26, 2014.

7:00 p.m. – McHenry County Board of Health –

Meeting in the County Board of Health, 2200 North Seminary Avenue, Woodstock.

A number of contracts and agreements for renewal are to be considered, including:

• Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Emergency Preparedness Grant of $176,000
• IDPH City Readiness Initiative Grant of $55,509
• IDPH Tobacco-Free Communities Grant - $118,695

New Contracts and Agreements include:

• American Heart Association – Taking Care of Our Hearts Grant
• McHenry County Healthy Community Study MOU - $15,000
• Alde-Hebron School District 19
• Midwestern University – Clinical Affiliation Agreement

The program highlight is Emergency Preparedness Program