Well Water Testing Available

There is still time to get reduced fee water testing during August for individual well water users.  Residents can have their well water sampled for coliform bacteria and nitrate from the McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) for $18 until August 29.

Testing your well regularly is the only way to determine whether well water is safe to drink as many contaminants are colorless and odorless.  Water from a public or municipal water system is regularly tested for contaminants regulated by Federal and state standards. 

Bacteria and chemicals can get into well water and contaminate it in different ways. Some bacteria and chemicals occur naturally.  Contaminants such as nitrate can come from animal waste, wastewater, flooded sewers, polluted storm water runoff, fertilizers, agricultural runoff, or decaying plants.  High levels of nitrate in drinking water can cause illness in young children and pregnant women.  Coliform bacteria are microbes found in the digestive systems of warm-blooded animals, in soil, on plants, and in surface water.   

Sterile sample containers are required and are available at the locations below. Sampling kits can be picked up at Health Department locations in Woodstock, Crystal Lake or at one of eight drop-off centers.  Samples can be dropped off for testing on Tuesday mornings between 9:00am and 12:00pm.Algonquin Townships Office, 3702 Route 14, Crystal Lake (847) 639-2329

• Dorr Township Office, 1039 Lake Street, Woodstock (815) 338-0125
• McHenry County Dept of Health, 2200 N Seminary Ave, Woodstock (815) 334-4585
• McHenry County Dept of Health, 100 N Virginia St, Crystal Lake (815) 459-5151
• McHenry Township Office, 3703 Richmond Road, McHenry (815) 385-5605
• Nunda Township Office, 3510 Bay Road, Crystal Lake (815) 459-4011
• City of Marengo, City Hall, 134 E. Prairie Street, Marengo (815) 568-7112
• City of Harvard, Police Department, 201 W Front Street, Harvard (815) 943-4431
• Richmond Township Office, 7812 South Route 31, Richmond (815) 678-0077
• Grafton Township Office, 10109 Vine Street, Huntley (847) 669-3328

For more information, contact MCDH’s Environmental Health Division at 815-334-4585 or visit www.mcdh.info.

Words Of Wisdom

It will be of little avail to the people, that the laws are made by men of their own choice, if the laws be so voluminous that they cannot be read, or so incoherent that they cannot be understood." –
-James Madison, Federalist No. 62

Government At Work

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23—

8:00 a.m. – McHenry County Senior Service Grant Commission—

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

The Commission is to review applications and requests for proposals for Fiscal Year 2014 Programs, deliberating and approving recommendations for the Public Health and Human Services Committee for Senior Services Grant Allocations for FY2014

Words Of Wisdom

"If our country, when pressed with wrongs at the point of the bayonet, had been governed by its heads instead of its hearts, where should we have been now? Hanging on a gallows as high as Haman's."

--Thomas Jefferson, letter to Maria Cosway, 1786

Government At Work

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22—

10:00 McHenry County Coordinating Council—

Meeting in Meeting Room C, McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Representatives of 24 different County organizations are to meeting for a presentation on “Citizen Preparedness”.

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

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

Highlights for this meeting include a presentation regarding the Health Occupations at MCC.

Also, it is budget time and the Fiscal Year Proposed Budget is being presented the Board for public display.

First Human West Nile Case for 2013

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) has confirmed its first human case of West Nile fever of 2013 – and the State’s first human case – of a woman in her 50’s from Fox River Grove; she was not hospitalized and has since recovered.  Last year, McHenry County reported six human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV); one human case was reported in the County in both 2011 and 2010.  This year, nine mosquito batches and six birds have tested positive for WNV in McHenry County. The State Health Department recorded 290 human cases in 20 counties in 2012, including 12 deaths, as compared to 34 human cases and 3 deaths in 2011.  

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.

CL Park District Fall Brochure Delayed To August 28

Delivery of the Crystal Lake Park District Fall brochure has been delayed until August 28 due to printing delays. In the mean time, please utilize the online interactive version of the fall brochure available at www.crystallakeparks.org or browse and register for classes through the online registration system.

The brochure will be mailed to all residents in the 60012 and 60014. Check your mailbox for your copy after August 28. Brochures will be available at the Crystal Lake Public Library, the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce, the Crystal Lake Park District Administration Building and Grand Oaks Recreation Center by September 1.

For further information contact Jenny Leech at (815) 459-0680 x 212 or jleech@crystallakeparks.org

Words Of Wisdom

"I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep forever: that, considering numbers, nature, and natural means only, a revolution of the wheel of fortune, an exchange of situation, is among possible events: that it may become probable by supernatural interference! The Almighty has no attribute which can take side with us in such a contest."

--Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the State of Virginia, Query 18, 1782

Government At Work

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21

8l15 a,m—McHenry County Transportation Committee—

Meeting in the Division of Transportation, Main Conference Room, 16111 Nelson Road, Woodstock.

Four resolutions are being presented for Committee approval including:

• Approving the Acquisition of Right-Of-Way for Highway Purposes and Appropriating Funds for the Noe Road Township Bridge over the Rush Creek Project
• Authorizing the Reclassification of the JULIE Coordinator (Position #082003699) in the Division of Transportation Departmental Roster
• Authorizing the Transfer of Surface Transportation Program Funds (STP) for Partial Reimbursement of the County Engineer's Annual Salary
• Awarding a Contract for Emergency Repairs to the Johnson Road Bridge Project and Appropriating Funds

New Business Matters Include:

• Volunteer Driver, Transit Enhancement and Community Bicycle, Pedestrian Infrastructure
• Program Proposal
• Country Club Road at Hillside Road Safety Audit (RSA)
• Intersection Study Process Discussion
• FY 2013-2014 Budget Review

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

With 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 is scheduled, beginning with Article 14 (Use Standards) –Page 40

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

Meeting in the City Hall,

Matters to be considered include:

• Three Oaks Recreation Area –5517 Northwest Highway,
• A conceptual review is being held regarding a cable wakeboard park.
• Signature Auto -970 Pyott Road- A Public Hearing was scheduled. The petition was referred back from the City Council and petitioner is requesting it be continued to September 4, 2013 Zoning Board meeting.
• Dellamaria, 1089 North Shore Drive, The public hearing is being continued until September 4, Planning Zoning Commission meeting.

Words Of Wisdom

"The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the republican model of government, are justly considered deeply, perhaps as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people."

--George Washington, First Inaugural Address, 1789

Government At Work

TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013

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

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

Following prior meeting minutes approval, public comments and committee reports, the Commission is to consider:

• 2014 Action Plan
• 2013 NOFA Letters of Intent
• Update on 2012 Projects
• Housing Action Illinois Conference 

4:00 p.m. McHenry County Mental Health Board

Executive/Personnel Committee will meet in the Mental Health Board Main Floor Conference Room, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake.

Following citizen input, the Board will consider a request for proposal for Contracted Legal Services and any other new and miscellaneous business.

6:00 p.m. – High School District 155 Board Operations Committee—

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

The Committee is to consider the Cary-Grove Auditorium Update, Summer Capital Project Status and any other matters to come before the committee.

6:30 p.m.—McHenry County Board Meeting as a Committee of The Whole—

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

The Board is to discuss the River Road at Dowel Road intersection project.

7:00 p.m. – McHenry County Board—

Meeting in the County Board Room, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock—

Appointments to be considered by the Board include

A recommendation for appointment to the Valley Hi Operating Board

McHenry County Public Building Commission

Senior Services Grant Commission.

A number of resolutions as recommended by the Finance and Audit Committee are to be considered, including:

• Authorizing Monthly transactions for the Delinquent Tax Program
• Authorizing the purchase of electronic key control cabinets for the McHenry County Jail Facility
• Authorizing the purchase and installation of a new Video Visitation System in the McHenry County Correctional Facility
• Authorizing a contract with D’s Marine for the refurbishing of two marine patrol unit boats.
• Authorizing an emergency appropriation to the Division of Transportation FY 2012-2013 Budget for Fuel, Oil and Grease
• Authorizing the purchase of three vehicle for the McHenry County Division of Transportation
• Authorizing the Acceptance of Metro Suburban Accelerated Training for Illinois Manufacturing Grant as a Sub-recipient of Will County and authorizing and emergency appropriation to the Workforce Network 2013 County Budget
• Authorizing the Symantec Software Maintenance and Support Agreement
• Renewal For the Period of September 27, 2013 through September 26, 2014
• Establishing the Guidelines for Fiscal Year 2013-2014 Pay-For-Performance
• Adjustments
• Authorizing a Three Year Contract Agreement Between Service Employees
• International Union - Local 73, Valley Hi Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and the County of McHenry

The Board is also to consider action regarding a resolution requesting the submission of a question of Public Policy to the Electors of McHenry County regarding the method of selection of the County Board Chair to the electorate of McHenry County.

A number of resolutions are being presented for approval including:

• Resolution Approving a Supplemental Engineering Services Agreement and Appropriating Funds for the Noe Road Township Bridge over the Rush Creek Project
• Resolution Approving an Engineering Services Agreement to Perform Traffic Counts and Appropriating Funds
• Resolution Approving an Amended Intergovernmental Agreement with the State of Illinois for Improvements to Illinois Route 31 from Virginia Road to Rakow Road
• Resolution Approving a Supplemental Agreement  for improvements to Illinois Route 31 from Virginia Road to Rakow Road and Appropriating Funds
• Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of McHenry for the Construction of Knox Drive from Municipal Drive to Charles J. Miller Road
• Resolution Approving an Engineering Services Agreement to Perform a Signal Coordination and Timing Study and Appropriating Funds
• Resolution to Approve  Adopt-A-Highway Volunteer Group Agreement
• Resolution Approving the Acquisition of Right-Of-Way for Highway Purposes and Appropriating Funds for the South Main Street / Pyott Road at Virginia Road Intersection Project7:
• Resolution Amending the Policy for the Establishment and Posting of Speed Limits on County and Township Highways within McHenry County Illinois

An ordinance is also being presented for review--to extend a temporary moratorium for Electronic Off-Premise commercial advertising signs.

7:30 p.m.—Crystal Lake City Council ==

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

The Council will be considering requests for Liquor Licenses including:

Knights of Columbus Council #3880 request for a Class 16 Temporary Liquor License.

The BREAK Class 16 Temporary Liquor License request

Preparing for the City Centennial Celebration next year, Sponsorships are being accepted by the City. Acceptance of a donation from the Fuhler & Tegtmeier Families is the first to be accepted.

A resolution is being presented for Council approval for the purchase of a 2014 Ford F550 through State of Illinois Joint Purchasing Program

A variation from City Codes is being request to allow for the landing of tethered hot air balloons at the Centennial Kick-Off Festival on September 20 and at an additional one-day even in September.

CL Library Closed Labor Day -- September 2

 The Crystal Lake Public Library will be closed on Monday, September 2, 2013 for Labor Day.  The Library will re-open to the public at 9:00 am Tuesday, September 3, 2013.

Words Of Wisdom

"The belief in a God All Powerful wise and good, is so essential to the moral order of the world and to the happiness of man, that arguments which enforce it cannot be drawn from too many sources nor adapted with too much solicitude to the different characters and capacities impressed with it."

--James Madison, letter to Frederick Beasley, 1825

Government At Work

MONDAY, AUGUST 19 
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 review Fiscal Year 13-14 Budgets for Emergency Management Agency, Emergency 911, Circuit Clerk, State’s Attorney.

6:00 p.m. – Crystal Lake School District 47 Board— 
Meeting in Executive Session in the Board In the C.O.R.E Center, 300 Commerce Drive, Crystal Lake.

The Board will hold an open session Meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the same location to handle the other matters to come before the Board including approval of minutes of prior meetings, approval of treasurer’s report, bills and payroll for payment, any comments from the public, 

Words Of Wisdom

"Legislators invent too many devices for subdividing property, only taking care to let their subdivisions go hand in hand with the natural affections of the human mind."

--Thomas Jefferson, letter to James Madison, 1785