McHenry County Draft Unified Development Ordinance Public Hearings Set

McHenry County releases report highlighting proposed regulations contained in the draft Unified Development Ordinance compared to existing county regulations

Starting April 2, the McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) will conduct four public hearings on the McHenry County Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). In advance of the hearings, the Department of Planning and Development is releasing a 18-page report providing background on the UDO and highlighting many of the changes contained in the UDO compared to the ordinances that it will supplant.

“The many members of the public who have participated in the joint Planning and Development Committee and Zoning Board of Appeals review process over the last one and a half years are very familiar with the contents of the new Ordinance. But we realize that the vast majority of McHenry County residents and property owners are not. We want to provide them a guide that highlights some of the many changes contained in the UDO,” explains the McHenry County Planning and Development Director Dennis Sandquist, “Residents and property owners are encouraged to read the report and to review the portions of the UDO that are of interest to them in advance of the public hearings. Staff will provide a brief overview of the UDO prior to the commencement of the hearings. But, it will not be possible to review the entire 300 page ordinance.”

Both the full report and the Public Hearing Draft Unified Development Ordinance are available for viewing at the McHenry County Department of Planning and Development Office or on the County Website at: www.co.mchenry.il.us/county-government/departments-j-z/planning-development.

According to the report, the Unified Development Ordinance will regulate development in unincorporated McHenry County. The UDO consolidates and amends the text of the McHenry County Zoning, Subdivision, and Sign Ordinance as well as several related ordinances.

The County’s primary objectives for developing the UDO include establishing regulations to implement the County’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan and Water Resources Action Plan; addressing emerging land use topics; and revising and adopting new standards for temporary uses, conditional uses, and non-conforming uses and structures.

The County has been developing the UDO since late 2010.  The Planning and Development Committee and Zoning Board of Appeals held over forty joint meetings to review and revise the draft UDO. These meeting were open to the public and dozens of stakeholder groups and interested persons provided thoughtful comments and suggestions that have been incorporated in to the UDO. 

The report begins with a notice that the UDO does not alter the zoning designation of any parcel of land. Whatever a parcel of land is zoned today; it will have the same zoning after adoption of the UDO.  The remainder of the report highlights 45 changes in the UDO compared to the County’s existing adopted zoning, subdivision, and sign ordinances. This is not a comprehensive list of all changes.

The highlights address new and revised regulations for topics such as how building setbacks are measured; where conditional uses are allowed; agritourism; agricultural (A-2) zoning; farmstands; equestrian uses; billboards; landscape businesses; wind energy systems; sensitive aquifer recharge areas; exterior lighting standards; off-road riding facilities, and subdivision standards for right-of-way widths, cul-de-sacs, and interconnected roadways.

Director Sandquist further stated, “Readers of the report and the ordinance will see that the UDO brings the County’s regulations up to date even addressing emerging land use topics such as Medical Cannabis Facilities consistent with recent state statues and providing regulations for the storage of pavement deicing salt, which is a major concern to our water supply.”

The full report and the Public Hearing Draft Unified Development Ordinance are available for viewing at the McHenry County Department of Planning and Development Office or on the County Website at: www.co.mchenry.il.us/county-government/departments-j-z/planning-development.

The Zoning Board of Appeals hearing to review the UDO will be held as follows:

April 2 at 6:00 P.M. in the Auditorium at the Marengo High School, 110 Franks Road in Marengo

April 3 at 6:00 P.M. in Conference Room at the McHenry Township Office, 3703 N. Richmond Road in Johnsburg.

April 4 at 1:30 P.M. in the Scot Room at the McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Highway 14 in Crystal Lake.

April 7 at 6:00 P.M. in School Board Meeting Room at the Harvard Community Unit School District 50/Central Administration Center, 401 N. Division Street, Harvard, Illinois.

Any person desiring to provide comment on the text amendment may be present at the public hearing. Written comments may also be mailed to Richard Kelly Jr., Chairman, McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals, 2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, IL  60098 or emailed to PlanDev@co.mchenry.il.us. All written and emailed comments must be received by 4:30 PM, Friday, April 11, 2014.

McHenry County Declared A Purple Heart County

State Sen. Pamela Althoff (R-McHenry) said that McHenry County has become the first county in the state to be declared a Purple Heart County by Proclamation.  McHenry County will also be the first county in the state to install a Purple Heart Monument on county grounds. 

The monument will be installed at the McHenry County Government Center with a dedication ceremony scheduled for August 7, 2014 – National Purple Heart Day.  Althoff said to look for more details to come on the unveiling ceremony and encourages all to attend.

The monument will be furnished at no cost to taxpayers.  Instead, Richard Young – who initiated the designation and monument – has contacted businesses and individuals for donations to assist in the building and installation of the monument.  Chuck Ruth of Alliance Contractors and Anthony Zoia of Zoia Monuments, both of Woodstock, have agreed to install the monument.  If individuals are interested in donating towards the monument, they can contact Richard Young at 815-338-7757.

At the March 4 McHenry County Board meeting, a proclamation designating McHenry County as a Purple Heart County was read by board member Paula Yensen.  A Purple Heart flag was then presented to County Board Chairwoman Tina Hill by Young and McHenry County Undersheriff Andy Zinke. The flag was provided by the Illinois Military Order of the Purple Heart. 

As a Purple Heart County, which was approved by the Illinois Military Order of the Purple Heart, the county is entitled to fly the Purple Heart flag.  The Purple Heart is the oldest military award given to veterans who have either given their lives or have been injured while serving and defending our country. 

Althoff said the Purple Heart distinction and upcoming installation of the monument indicate the county’s reverence for veterans.

“We owe our veterans our deepest gratitude and respect for their service,” Althoff said.  “And for those who were injured in the line of duty or paid the ultimate sacrifice, we can show that respect and reverence.  I support this initiative and the fact that individuals have recognized the need to install a monument to these outstanding men and women.  I’m proud that McHenry County has become the first in these two areas, and I hope that other counties take after its example.”

Highlights Of Draft McHenry County Unified Development Ordinance

McHenry County releases report highlighting proposed regulations contained in the draft Unified Development Ordinance compared to existing county regulations.

Starting April 2, the McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) will conduct four public hearings on the McHenry County Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). In advance of the hearings, the Department of Planning and Development is releasing a 18-page report providing background on the UDO and highlighting many of the changes contained in the UDO compared to the ordinances that it will supplant.

“The many members of the public who have participated in the joint Planning and Development Committee and Zoning Board of Appeals review process over the last one and a half years are very familiar with the contents of the new Ordinance. But we realize that the vast majority of McHenry County residents and property owners are not. We want to provide them a guide that highlights some of the many changes contained in the UDO,” explains the McHenry County Planning and Development Director Dennis Sandquist, “Residents and property owners are encouraged to read the report and to review the portions of the UDO that are of interest to them in advance of the public hearings. Staff will provide a brief overview of the UDO prior to the commencement of the hearings. But, it will not be possible to review the entire 300 page ordinance.”

Both the full report and the Public Hearing Draft Unified Development Ordinance are available for viewing at the McHenry County Department of Planning and Development Office or on the County Website at: www.co.mchenry.il.us/county-government/departments-j-z/planning-development.

According to the report, the Unified Development Ordinance will regulate development in unincorporated McHenry County. The UDO consolidates and amends the text of the McHenry County Zoning, Subdivision, and Sign Ordinance as well as several related ordinances.

The County’s primary objectives for developing the UDO include establishing regulations to implement the County’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan and Water Resources Action Plan; addressing emerging land use topics; and revising and adopting new standards for temporary uses, conditional uses, and non-conforming uses and structures.

The County has been developing the UDO since late 2010.  The Planning and Development Committee and Zoning Board of Appeals held over forty joint meetings to review and revise the draft UDO. These meeting were open to the public and dozens of stakeholder groups and interested persons provided thoughtful comments and suggestions that have been incorporated in to the UDO. 

The report begins with a notice that the UDO does not alter the zoning designation of any parcel of land. Whatever a parcel of land is zoned today; it will have the same zoning after adoption of the UDO.  The remainder of the report highlights 45 changes in the UDO compared to the County’s existing adopted zoning, subdivision, and sign ordinances. This is not a comprehensive list of all changes.

The highlights address new and revised regulations for topics such as how building setbacks are measured; where conditional uses are allowed; agritourism; agricultural (A-2) zoning; farmstands; equestrian uses; billboards; landscape businesses; wind energy systems; sensitive aquifer recharge areas; exterior lighting standards; off-road riding facilities, and subdivision standards for right-of-way widths, cul-de-sacs, and interconnected roadways.

Director Sandquist further stated, “Readers of the report and the ordinance will see that the UDO brings the County’s regulations up to date even addressing emerging land use topics such as Medical Cannabis Facilities consistent with recent state statues and providing regulations for the storage of pavement deicing salt, which is a major concern to our water supply.”

The full report and the Public Hearing Draft Unified Development Ordinance are available for viewing at the McHenry County Department of Planning and Development Office or on the County Website at: www.co.mchenry.il.us/county-government/departments-j-z/planning-development.

The Zoning Board of Appeals hearing to review the UDO will be held as follows:

April 2 at 6:00 P.M. in the Auditorium at the Marengo High School, 110 Franks Road in Marengo

April 3 at 6:00 P.M. in Conference Room at the McHenry Township Office, 3703 N. Richmond Road in Johnsburg.

April 4 at 1:30 P.M. in the Scot Room at the McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Highway 14 in Crystal Lake.

April 7 at 6:00 P.M. in School Board Meeting Room at the Harvard Community Unit School District 50/Central Administration Center, 401 N. Division Street, Harvard, Illinois.

Any person desiring to provide comment on the text amendment may be present at the public hearing. Written comments may also be mailed to Richard Kelly Jr., Chairman, McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals, 2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, IL  60098 or emailed to PlanDev@co.mchenry.il.us. All written and emailed comments must be received by 4:30 PM, Friday, April 11, 2014.

Possession Of Cocaine And Cannabis Nets At Least Nine Years Incarceration

Louis A. Bianchi, McHenry County State’s Attorney, announces that 28 year old Cesar Rojas Figueroa, of Harvard, was found guilty after a bench trial in front of the Honorable Judge Sharon Prather of the offenses of Possession With Intent to Deliver 100-400 grams of Cocaine, Possession of 100-400 grams of Cocaine, Possession With Intent to Deliver 30-500 grams of Cannabis, Possession of 30-500 grams of Cannabis, Armed Habitual Criminal, Unlawful Use of Weapon by a Felon and Domestic Battery. The defendant faces a minimum of 9 and maximum of 40 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections on the cocaine related charges and between 6 and 30 years on the weapons charges.

On September 8, 2013, Harvard Police were dispatched to a residence in reference to a domestic violence call. Upon arrival, officers met with the victim of the domestic battery and observed injuries. During the course of their investigation, the police discovered a firearm, quantities of cocaine and cannabis and numerous items related to drug distribution that belonged to the defendant.

This case was investigated by the Harvard Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorneys John Gibbons and Randi Freese.

Government At Work-

Friday, March 28

8:30 A.M. McHenry County Board Legislative Committee

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

The Committee is to consider two resolutions including

Authorizing the recommendation of Support for the McHenry County Conservation District Amendment to the Conservation District Act through Senate Bill 3341.

Authorizing the recommendation of support for the McHenry County Conservation District Amendment to the Conservation District Act through Senate Bill 3342

Help With Digital Camera

Are you still wondering about all the features of your newly purchased digital SLR camera? This class will teach digital camera basics including pictures as pixels, memory, resolution and exposure control, flash along with how to take pictures using the manual setting, plus the instructor will provide an in-depth brand specific explanation of how your camera works. Register online at www.crystallakeparks.org or in person at the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake. For more information contact Sam Thompson at (815) 459-0680, ext. 220.

Intro to Your Digital SLR Camera (code #5423-0)

Dates: Wednesday, April 2-23 (code #5423-0), 7-9 pm

Grand Oaks, 1401 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake

Non-Resident Program Fee: $115,

 Resident Discount Fee: $100

Government At Work

THURSDAY MARCH 27-

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

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

Two appointments to the Commission are to be considered including

Abby Wilgreen as Alternate Member representing City of Crystal Lake

Michael Baker as Alternate member representing Gewalt Hamilton

An appeal of Stormwater Chief Engineer Decision regarding Permit J-4456 is to be discussed.

Other discussion items include:

Stormwater ordinance Amendment status report

Nippersink Creek Floodplain Buy-Out Program Status report

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

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

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

Meeting in the Board Room, McHenry County College, 8900 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake.

Cardio Workout -- Zumba

Zumba has been sweeping the nation by storm! Register now for the next session of Zumba at the Crystal Lake Park District to see what it is all about.

Zumba – a Latin-inspired cardio workout – is similar to dance aerobics but without the complicated step routines. Classes combine simple-to-follow step movements with Latin rhythms and offer an exciting hour of calorie-burning, body-energizing fun. The cardio workout both tones and strengthens the core. The simple and repetitive Latin dance steps specifically target the abdominal muscles. “What’s great about ZUMBA is people of all fitness levels can do it,” says Jennifer Peterson, Recreation Supervisor. “You don’t have to be a dancer, athlete or regular gym participant. You just feel the music and let your body move. Both men or women can have fun and you get real results.”

Zumba Kids Jr. (ages 4-6)

Saturday, April 5-May 10, 9-9:45 AM

Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake

Program Fee: $53, Resident Discount Fee: $47

Zumba Kids (ages 7-11)

Saturday, April 5-May 10, 10-10:45 AM

Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake

Program Fee: $53, Resident Discount Fee: $47

Low Impact Zumba (ages 15 & up)

Tuesday, April 1-June 3, 9:30-10:30 AM

Thursday, April 3-June 5, 9:30-10:30 AM

West Beach, 2330 Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake

Program Fee: $70, Resident Discount Fee: $60

For information about Zumba or any other Crystal Lake Park District fitness classes, contact Jennifer Peterson at (815) 459-0680, ext. 219. Register in advance online at www.crystallakeparks.org or in person at the Administrative Office, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake.

Run/Walk -- Raue Center For The Arts Benefit

Raue Center For The Arts is pleased to announce its Bob Blazier Run For The Arts 5K Run/Walk, 

Slated for May 4, a superhero theme is introduced to this year’s race! Now in its seventeenth year, runners and walkers alike can be superheroes just for one 5K. The race honors Bob Blazier’s unparalleled community accomplishments and benefits Raue Center – a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Participants can rally together with a team, co-workers or hit the pavement solo. Early registration is $35 and includes t-shirt, cape and mask. Not up for a full 5K? Don't forget about Bob's trusty sidekick Rosemary and her 1-Mile Walk ($20 and that fee includes a t-shirt and sidekick mask). Registration is now open at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office located at 26 N. Williams Street, Crystal Lake, IL.

This year’s event also includes the Bob Blaizer Run For The Arts Corporate Challenge, which is designed to help companies foster healthy lifestyle choices and a commitment to wellness, all while participating in a fun and exciting competition. All fitness levels and abilities are welcome to participate in the challenge! Categories include Greatest Overall, Most Money Raised, Most Superhero Spirit and Best Average Team Time. The winner of each category will win a trophy and each member of the winning team will receive a pair of limited edition Bob Blazier Run For The Arts socks.

In addition to being an excellent opportunity for exercise and camaraderie amongst your staff, the event is a great chance for networking and it gives your company an opportunity to expand its social awareness. Interested companies should visit rauecenter.org to learn more or contact Melissa Thomfohrda, director of marketing, at mthomfohrda@rauecenter.org.

This event is by presented by EISENMANN and sponsored by Centegra Health System, CL Graphics, Countryside Flower Shop and Garden Center, Crystal Lake Park District, Georgio’s Chicago Pizzeria and Pub, Home State Bank, INTREN, Northwest Herald, RFP Photography, Inc. and Sage Products, Inc. If you are interested in becoming a Corporate Sponsor of Bob Blazier Run For The Arts please contact Ryan McNerney at rmcnerney@rauecenter.org.

Bingo! Fun At Crystal Lake Park District Morning Bingo

Adults, ages 55+, are invited to come join the Crystal Lake Park District for Morning Bingo. We will play a variety of Bingo styles including Four Corners, Layer Cake, Small Picture Frame, Traditional Bingo and many others. The admission fee of $5 includes bingo, chances to win prizes, coffee and sweets.

Advance registration is not required-just drop in!

Dates: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month

Time: 10 AM-Noon

Location: Park Place, 406 W. Woodstock St, Crystal Lake

For information about Morning Bingo or any other Crystal Lake Park District Active Adult programs, contact Jennifer Peterson at (815) 459-0680, ext. 219.

Next opportunity for fun – April 8!

Fine -- Not Jail Time For Small Amount of Marijuana

The Illinois House Restorative Justice Committee passed two bills recently which would impose a simple fine – not possible jail time –for possession of small amounts of marijuana. Both bills represent an important step forward in reducing the harm caused by the failed war on marijuana.

Voters are requested to encourage their representatives to support sensible legislation that would remove all criminal penalties and a harmful criminal record simply for the possession of a substance that is safer than alcohol.

One of the bills that passed, HB 5708, is sponsored by Rep. Kelly Cassidy and would remove all criminal penalties and any possible criminal record for possession of up to 30 grams of marijuana. This bill establishes a new class of offense called a “regulatory offense,” which would prohibit arrest or jail time, limit fines to no more than $100, and require that the ticket would be removed from a person’s record after the fine is paid – protecting employment and housing opportunities.

The other bill, HB 4299, is sponsored by Rep. Christian L. Mitchell and would also significantly lower penalties for a possession charge of up to 30 grams. While it would prevent arrests and jail time, a criminal offense would remain on a person’s record.

Please support removing criminal penalties for marijuana possession, and please pass this message to friends, relatives, and supporters in Illinois.

Government At Work

WEDNESDAY MARCH 26

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

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

A presentation regarding an overview of WIC and Dental Clinic programs is slated for the Committee.

The Committee is to interview Shelby Key for appointment to the Lake in the Hills Sanitary District.

Several matters regarding grants are to be considered including:

• Ticket for the Cure Grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health;
• Modification to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Grant
• Acceptance of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Grant
• Resolution authorizing modification to an Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Incentive Grant

Also authorizing modification and an emergency appropriation to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity grant in the amount of $32,347.

A resolution authorizing acceptance of a modification to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Grant for McHenry County Workforce Network

7:00 p.m. – Valley Hi Operating Board—

Meeting at the nursing home, 2406 Hartland Road, Woodstock.

The agenda new business items include regulatory update, IDPH annual survey results, all staff meeting in March and a recap of 3-12 alternative services presentation.

Under old business, the board is to receive an update on the nurse union contract and a report on Passage’s Hospice update.

Child Pornography Charges Against Barrington Man

A Barrington man is in custody on $3 million bond after being charged with multiple counts of child pornography as part of Operation Glass House, a statewide initiative of Attorney General Lisa Madigan launched to apprehend the most active offenders who download and trade child pornography online.

Corey Olney, 34, is charged with five counts of reproduction of child pornography, which a Super X felony due to his current status as a registered sexual predator on the Illinois Sex Offender Registry. The charge is punishable by nine to 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). He also faces five counts of possession of child pornography, a Class 1 felony punishable by four to 15 years in IDOC. Also, for allegedly failing to register his online screen names, Olney was charged with violating the sex offender registration law, a Class 3 felony punishable by two to five years in prison. He is being held in the Lake County Jail.

“The epidemic of the child pornography trade impacts every community,” Madigan said. “It is a horrific crime lurking behind closed doors in towns all across Illinois. My office will continue to be relentless in targeting the most heinous offenders who seek to destroy the lives of these young, innocent victims.”

“Crimes against children, who cannot defend themselves physically or emotionally, are the most disturbing crimes that we investigate,” said Lake County Undersheriff Raymond Rose. “Child pornography is a precursor to other violent crimes against children and we must be diligent in our efforts to detect, stop and arrest child pornography.”

Madigan’s investigators, with the assistance of the Lake County Sheriff, Barrington Police Department and the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, conducted a search Thursday of Olney’s residence on Old Farm Road in the Deer Park section of Barrington, where he was arrested after evidence of alleged child pornography was located. Lake County State’s Attorney Michael Nerheim’s office will prosecute the case.

“Child pornography has many victims. We will continue our work with Attorney General Madigan’s office in a joint effort to aggressively seek out and prosecute these cases,” said Nerheim. Nerheim added this arrest represents the first time Super X charges have been filed against a suspect in Lake County. The public is reminded the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

This is the 58th arrest since Madigan launched Operation Glass House in August 2010 to investigate the most active child pornography traders in Illinois. With a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Madigan’s office runs the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force, which investigates child exploitation crimes and trains law enforcement agencies. Since 2006, Madigan’s ICAC task force has been involved in 710 arrests of sexual predators. The task force has also provided Internet safety training and education to nearly 333,500 parents, teachers and students and 17,193 law enforcement professionals. Currently, 182 agencies are affiliated with the Illinois ICAC.