Words Of Wisdom

"The truth is, that, even with the most secure tenure of office, during good behavior, the danger is not, that the judges will be too firm in resisting public opinion, and in defence of private rights or public liberties; but, that they will be ready to yield themselves to the passions, and politics, and prejudices of the day."

--Joseph Story, Commentaries on the Constitution, 1833

Make A Difference-Help Clean Creek Branch Saturday

On Saturday, October 26, 2013, members of the public are invited to “make a difference” by cleaning up a branch of Sleepy Hollow Creek as part of the national Make a Difference Day event.  This stream cleanup will be jointly sponsored by the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County and the Silver and Sleepy Hollow Creeks Watershed Coalition.  The goal for the day will be to protect the water quality in Sleepy Hollow Creek by removing trash from the stream and the surrounding area.

The event will begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at noon. Volunteers are asked to wear work clothes, gloves, and boots and to park in the parking lot for the Prairie Trail on Hillside Road on the north side of Crystal Lake.  All necessary equipment as well as water and snacks will be provided.  If you have any questions about this event, please contact Nancy Schietzelt at 815-356-1710.  Come help us make a positive difference in our environment and enjoy some time outdoors!

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.

First Week Annual Veto Session

The first week of the annual fall veto session ended with lawmakers quickly disposing of vetoed measures and then moving on to address other issues.

These are a few of the items handled -- No Vetoes Overridden

State Sen. Pamela Althoff (R-McHenry) said that only three measures vetoed by the Governor were on the agenda at the start of the week – two in the House and one in the Senate. The sponsor of the vetoed Senate measure – which affected bidding rules at the Regional Transportation Authority and its operating agencies – elected not seek a vote on the veto.

In the House, a bill that reduced the number of free admission days at state supported museums failed to win the needed three-fifths vote to override the Governor’s veto and the third measure – which affected advisory questions that townships must place on election ballots –never received a vote.

Due to constitutional deadlines, all three proposals died at the end of the week.

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

Take A Little Trip

Chicago Pedway Pub Crawl (Adults)

Register by October 25

Program Date: Friday, November 1

Program Time: 3-10:30 pm

Transportation from Park Place: Park Place, 406 W. Woodstock St, Crystal Lake

Fee: $85 non-resident, $75 resident adult

Join us on our legendary “Urban Safari” Pub Crawl and explore the exotic secrets of Chicago’s legendary and “uncharted” Pedway- an underground labyrinth of heated tunnels and corridors.  In addition to stops at some infamous watering holes within the Pedway, guests hear fascinating stories about Chicago’s legends & lore. Please come armed with your best knowledge of Chicago trivia because all guests compete for lavish prizes in our Pedway Trivia challenge!  (Okay, they are not really lavish, but they are still pretty good!) If you like an adult beverage or two, some great storytelling and some good old competitive fun, please join us on our Pedway Pub crawl!  Trip includes the first drink at Houlihan’s (domestic beer or well drink) and appetizers at “Big Bar” at the Hyatt along with motor coach transportation. This tour has a significant amount of stairs and walking. Please dress for the weather.

Government At Work

THURSDAY October 24, 2013

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

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

The presentation and adoption of the Estimated Tax Levy for 2013 is shown to be the same as the 2012 Tax Levy --$27, 9666,937.

7:00 p.m. –Crystal Lake Park District Annual Lake Meeting –

Meeting in the Park District Administrative Office, One East Crystal Lake Avenue.

Lake Manager, Gary Schaefer, of Hey and Associates, will present an annual report on the state of the lake.

Words Of Wisdom

“For many, lawsuits challenging the  constitutionality of the NSA’s surveillance practices are now on the agenda. But the program’s defenders insist it’s entirely legal — that the Constitution doesn’t even protect the records in question — and they may be right. Cato scholar Julian Sanchez argues that this means we need to seriously rethink how the Fourth Amendment works in the 21st century. “Simply by using modern technology,” says Sanchez, “Americans have — for the most part unwittingly — abandoned the Fourth Amendment’s protection for a vast and growing portion of their intimate activities.”

Government At Work

THURSDAY OCTOBER 24—

9:00 a.m.—Quarterly Meeting of the McHenry County Local Emergency Planning Committee

Meeting in Meeting Rooms B and C in County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

In addition to handling correspondence and Old Business, a new chairman is needed.

Incident reports since the last meeting are to be presented

10:00 a.m. – McHenry County Coordinating Council –

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

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

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

The Zoning Board is to hear a request for reclassification from the B-1 Neighborhood Business District to the B-3 Business District with a variation to allow a minimum area of .585 acres instead of the required 1 acre minimum area, a variation to allow a minimum .585 acres instead of the required 1-acre minimum area, a variation to allow a transitional side yard setback of 25 feet instead of the required 50 feet from the east property line, a variation to allow a transitional rear yard setback of 23 feet instead of the required 50 feet from the south property line, and a variation to allow a minimum road frontage of 138 feet instead of the required 150 feet minimum.

Halloween Concert Coming Sunday

Come, if you dare, to a joint Halloween concert with the McHenry County College Concert Band and the Cary-Grove High School Band at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27 in the Cary-Grove High School Gym, 2208 Three Oaks Road in Cary.

The concert will feature more than 200 musicians who will perform seasonally dramatic music. Program highlights include “Chant and Savage Dance,” “The Witch and the Saint,” Ghost Riders in the Sky,” and two combined bands numbers: “Procession of the Sorcerers” and “Hocus Pocus.”

For more information, contact the MCC Music Department at (815) 479-7670. For more details about MCC’s music program, visit www.mchenry

Words Of Wisdom

"Liberty is not to be enjoyed, indeed it cannot exist, without the habits of just subordination; it consists, not so much in removing all restraint from the orderly, as in imposing it on the violent."

--Fisher Ames

Food For Thinking Minds

"This past weekend, Sen. Dick Durbin, the second most powerful Democrat in the Senate, appeared on Fox News Sunday and told host Chris Wallace that he would support cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits as part of a grand bargain with Republicans.

"These vital and hugely successful programs deserve to be strengthened and expanded, not cut. But the Republicans are longstanding opponents of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, and have been waging an unrelenting, decades-long assault to destroy, defund or privatize these programs.

"The last thing we need is a powerful Democrat, especially one like Sen. Durbin who claims to care about these programs, going on national television and saying he’s open to making a deal with the Republicans that includes benefit cuts."

(From a news release sent urging signing a petition against the cuts.)

Editorial Note:

There’s an even better plan—cut the salaries of the US Senate and Congress.

Government At Work

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 23—

8:15 a.m. – McHenry County Community Development Block Grant Commission—

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

In addition to regular business matters, the Committee is to be introduced to a newly appointed member, Louis Haussman.

Bylaw amendments for the McHenry County Community Development Block Grant Commission are being presented for approval.

The 2014 CDBG Funding Round Hearing Date is to be considered .

8:30 a.m. McHenry County Staff Platt Committee-

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

The Committee is to consider a plat of vacation for Woodland Estates of Cary.

8:30 a.m. McHenry County Public Health and Human Services Committee—

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

Two interviews are scheduled for appointment to the McHenry County Housing Authority, including Mary Evelyn Carter and Timothy A. Mattson.

The Committee is to deliberate and recommend two candidates for County Board action with one appointment term to expire June 1, 2016 and one term to expire June 30, 2018.

Authorization for the purchase of a vehicle for the McHenry County Regional Office of Education is being presented for approval.

The Committee is to hear a report on Drug Free Community Grant by the Regional Office of Education.

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

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

A hearing is scheduled for a petition, Amcore Trust, Richmond Township for a reclassification from a B-2 Liquor Business District to the R-1 Single Family Residential District with variations to allow maximum land coverage for accessory structures.

7:00 p.m.—Valley Hi Nursing Home Operating Board—

Meeting in the Valley Hi Nursing Home, 2406 Hartland Road, Woodstock.

In addition to the necessary routine matters for consideration, the Operating Board Bylaws and Room Rate Survey Results along with a resolution authorizing an increase in the Daily Room Rate for FY2014 are to be considered.

7:00 p.m.—Crystal Lake Public Library Board of Trustees—

Meeting in the Ames Room of the Library, 126 Paddock Street, Crystal Lake,

This is the meeting usually scheduled a week earlier but had to be rescheduled.

The meeting is held in the Ames Room on the lower level of the Library.

Dance Workshops At Crystal Lake Park District

Interested in learning Hip Hop dance moves but not sure if you are ready to commit to a weekly lesson? The Crystal Lake Park District has the perfect solution-a Hip Hop Dance Workshop. Register for program code indicated in the description below at the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, or online at www.crystallakeparks.org.  Contact Jenni Silka at (815) 459-0680, ext. 219 for more information.

Upcoming Dance Workshops for November and December

Ballet with Ms. Alyssa

Program Date: Saturday, November 2

Ages 3-5, 10-11 am, Program Code: 5392-0

Ages 6-8, 11 am-Noon, Program Code: 5247-0

Ages 9-11, Noon-1 pm, Program Code: 5246-0

Ages 12 & up, 1-2 pm, Program Code: 5245-0

Location: Grand Oaks Recreation Center, 1401 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake

Fee: $10 per person

Thanksgiving Move & Groove with Ms. Maxine (Hip-Hop and Jazz)

Program Date: Wednesday, November 27

Ages 6-9, 10 am-Noon, Program Code: 5212-0

Ages 10-13, 12:30-2:30 pm, Program Code: 5212-1

Location: Grand Oaks Recreation Center, 1401 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake

Fee: $15 per person

Egyptian Belly Dance Fusion with Ms. Maxine and Ms. Mallory

Program Date: Saturday, November 30

Ages 12-17, 6-7:30 pm, Program Code: 5213-0

Location: Grand Oaks Recreation Center, 1401 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake

Fee: $15 per person

Equality

“This past weekend, Sen. Dick Durbin, the second most powerful Democrat in the Senate, appeared on Fox News Sunday and told host Chris Wallace that he would support cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits as part of a grand bargain with Republicans.

“These vital and hugely successful programs deserve to be strengthened and expanded, not cut. The last thing we need is a powerful Democrat going on national television and saying he's open to making a deal with the Republicans that includes benefit cuts. “

Here’s a suggestion, if  Social Security and Medicare benefits must be cut, how about cutting all Senate and Congressional members salaries and benefits the same amount Social Security and Medicare benefits are cut. 

Words Of Wisdom

If the federal government should overpass the just bounds of its authority and make a tyrannical use of its powers, the people, whose creature it is, must appeal to the standard they have formed, and take such measures to redress the injury done to the Constitution as the exigency may suggest and prudence justify."

--Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 33, 1788

New Pace Budget

The Pace Board of Directors released a proposed 2014 budget with a very stable outlook for the year ahead. No fare increases or service reductions are anticipated. Budget public hearings will take place during the end of October, and will be combined with hearings to discuss proposed fare policy changes tied to the transition to the new Ventra fare collection system.

Although final funding marks have yet to be approved by the RTA Board of Directors, Pace staff based the initial projections on information received from the RTA. Pace will make any necessary adjustments to balance the proposed budget based upon the final marks. “We are in a good position heading into the coming year because we’ve controlled costs without diminishing safety or service effectiveness while the region’s economy has improved,” said Pace Chairman of the Board Richard Kwasneski. “We are committed to finding additional opportunities to improve efficiency and ask that people participate in our public hearings or write to us to share their ideas.”

Detailed financial projections for 2014 will be provided upon the release of the proposed budget document that will include any adjustments necessitated by the RTA’s final funding marks. However, the agency anticipates investing roughly $3.4 million during 2014 on new initiatives and service expansion after finishing 2013 under budget by roughly $5.4 million. For 2014, the agency expects ridership to grow by a combined 2.7% on fixed route, non-ADA dial-a-ride and vanpool services. Ridership on Pace’s regional ADA Paratransit service is projected to increase by 4.9% over 2013.

Highlights of the projected capital program for 2014 include approximately $32 million of improvements to rolling stock, including the purchase of new fixed route buses, paratransit vehicles and vans for the agency’s vanpool program. Approximately $12 million will be used to renovate Pace South Division in Markham and convert the facility to operate buses powered by compressed natural gas (CNG).

As in past years, budget public hearings will take place during the last two weeks of October. Thirteen hearings will be located regionally and will also provide information about and the opportunity to discuss proposed fare policy changes tied to the transition to the Ventra fare collection system. A copy of the budget document is available for review and download at PaceBus.com.

The proposals include eliminating the issuance of transfer cards to passengers paying fares with cash as of December 15. Although passengers will continue to be able to pay fares with cash, only those using Ventra will continue to transfer to other routes for 25 cents, or for free in certain designated areas. The change reduces the expense of handling cash and creates parity with a similar policy at CTA that has existed for several years.

Additionally, Pace proposed the elimination of its 10-Ride Plus tickets in response to declining usage on the system and greater flexibility for customers to purchase fares in advance using Ventra. A Pace analysis determined 10-Ride Plus tickets were used an average of between eight and nine times before expiration, meaning many customers were unable to get the full value of the rides for which they’d paid while the pass was valid.

Ventra offers the ability to pay in advance for the number of rides that’s best for the customer as well as balance protection in the event of a lost or stolen card- something not possible with existing 10-Ride tickets.

The all-new Premium 30-Day Pass, priced at $140, became available October 7 through the Ventra system and was developed in response to customer requests on premium fare routes including routes 755 and 855, Pace’s I-55 Bus on Shoulders express service.

The third proposed change is to roll Pace’s Student Haul Pass, a monthly pass for high school students, into the 30-Day Reduced Pass in order to consolidate the menu of passes. Students retain unlimited access to Pace fixed bus routes for a 30 day period with no change in price between the two passes. Students also benefit from the protection of Ventra’s account-based system in the event of a lost or stolen card.

A special section of Pace’s website, pacebus.com/Ventra, has been dedicated to informing customers about the proposed changes as part of a comprehensive public outreach campaign that includes two weeks of direct outreach at transit centers, a targeted advertising campaign, and outreach to units of local and regional government.

Government At Work

TUESDAY OCTOBER 22—

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Board Finance and Audit Committee—

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

Ten resolutions are being presented the committee for consideration, all authorizing appropriations, acceptance of modified grants, entry into a contractual agreement for engineering services, and authorizing approval of a contract with the Ferguson Group, LLC for continuation of Providing Federal Legislative Consultant Services for the County.

9:30 a.m. – McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals Voting Meeting

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

A voting meeting is scheduled to consider the following:

Krafcisin, Seneca Township –reclassification from A-1 Agriculture district to A-2 Agriculture District with a Variation to allow a road frontage of 160 feet instead of the required 250 feet.

Conserv FS/Origer Trust, Riley Township –Request for A1/A1C –A1CV. An amendment to conditional use permits to allow the expansion of Conserv’s fertilizer production, storage and sales facilities which amendment would include additional acreage as described for parcel 2. Also being requested is an additional 25 years and a variation to allow a gravel parking area.

AmCom Bank/Vieyra/Mojica - Hartland Twp – Requested is a reclassification from B-2 Liquor Business District to the B-1 Neighborhood Business District with a Conditional Use Permit to allow outdoor entertainment.

4:30 p.m. – McHenry County Mental Health Board Ethics and Compliance--

Meeting in the Main Floor Conference Room, Mental Health Board facility, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake.

A presentation of the Annual Compliance Report by Cathy Garrey is to be presented.

Discussion is slated regarding the Commission On Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.

A follow-up on TAG’s audit and reconciliation and the next steps is also to be discussed.

6:00 p.m. – McHenry County Mental Health Board Regular Meeting --

Meeting in the Main Floor Conference Room, Mental Health Board facility, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake.

In addition to routine matters, the Board is to consider 20 funding contracts for the Fiscal Year 2014 and officers for the coming year are also to be considered.

Digital Camera Instructions At Crystal Lake Park District

The Crystal Lake Park District is offering a perfect opportunity for adults to learn how to take creative control of their Digital SLR camera. Participants will learn how to operate all the functions on their camera including white balance, shooting modes, shutter speed, aperture, composition, flash and more! Each participant will be given a class assignment CD. Participants need to bring their camera to class. Advance registration is required and may be completed online at www.crystallakeparks.org (program code#5242-0) or at the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake.

Class Dates: Wednesday, October 30-November 20

Class Time: 7-9 PM

Class Location: Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office (Room A & B)

Class Instructor: Paul McPherson

Program Fee: $115, Resident Discount Fee: $100

Words Of Wisdom

"If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animated contest of freedom, go from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen!"

--Samuel Adams, speech to the State House in Philadelphia, 1776

Take A Wagon Ride

From now until November 3, families and groups can celebrate autumn with a Crystal Lake Park District wagon-ride and good times around a campfire. The wagon-ride takes you into Sterne's Woods, located north of Veteran Acres at 5617 Hillside Road. The tractor drawn wagon-ride takes up to 20 participants into the deep woods.  Afterwards, you will enjoy time around a campfire.  With groups of 21 to 40 participants, half the group will ride while the other half enjoys the campfire and vice versa.  Groups can supply food, such as snacks and items that can be cooked on a stick over a fire, but no alcohol is allowed. 

Evenings:        Monday-Sunday

Days:               Saturday and Sunday

Please make reservations at least one week in advance at the Park District Administrative Office, located at One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake. Fees are due at that time. No refunds will be given for cancellations received on same day as hayride.  Organizations of 20 or more people must sign a waiver prior to the day of the hayride.

20 riders (1 ride), $75 (One, 45 minute ride)*

21-40 riders (2 rides), $115 (Two, 30 minute rides)*

Government At Work

MONDAY OCTOBER 21

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Natural and Environmental Resources

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

New business calls for adoption of a resolution adopting the Five-Year Update of McHenry County’s Solid Waste Management Plan.

Another resolution is being presented authorizing the entry into a contractual agreement with Engineering Resources Associates, Inc. to provide expedited and supplemental stormwater review services. Also to approve a line item transfer within the Planning and Development Fiscal Year 2013 Budget.

Several items are to be discussed including a draft ordinance regulating discharge of firearms; salt storage; and driveway sealcoating.

Discussion is slated for two matters: Nuisance Ordinance and Proposed Noise Pollution Ordinance.

6:00 p.m. – Crystal Lake School District 47 Board—

Meeting in the Glacier Ridge School, 1120 Village Road, Crystal Lake.

The first part of the meeting is in executive session and will be open to the public at 7:00 p.m.

In addition to handling minutes of prior meetings, the Board also provides an opportunity for citizens to provide their input to the Board.

An ISAT (Illinois Standard Achievement Test) report is to be provided the Board

Other matters to be handled by the Board for discussion or approval include:

Review of funds and approval of payrolls and other related expenditures; approval of District Surplus assets; personnel report, insurance renewal, first reading of portions of the policy document. Approval of insurance renewal, and first reading of the portions of the District Policy.

7:00 p.m.—Grafton Township Board Meeting-

Meeting in the Grafton Township Offices, 10109 Vine Street, Huntley.

A discussion is slated regarding the final payment to the Grafton Township Road District to complete the re-purchase of real property lots 1 and 2 and transfer the deeds of the real property to Grafton Township.

Discussion and possible action to make final payment to the Grafton Township Road District to complete the purchase of lots 1 and 2 and transfer the deeds of that property to the Grafton Township.