Happy Easter

Government At Work - Wednesday

8:15 a.m. – McHenry County Board Transportation Committee-

Meeting in the McHenry County Division of Transportation Main Conference Room, 16111 Nelson Road, Woodstock. The Committee will be considering two proclamations, including declaring National Public Works Week, “Building for Today, Planning for Tomorrow:” and a proclamation recognizing Richard “Mark” DeVries for 29 years of Public Service with McHenry County.

Resolutions to be considered by the Committee include:

·     Adopt-A-Highway Volunteer Group Agreement

· Awarding a Construction Contract and Appropriating Funds for the installation of temporary traffic signals at the Marengo Road/W. Main Street & Harmony Road/Hemmer Road intersection

·   Approving an Engineering Services Agreement Amendment to a Traffic Counting Contract and Appropriating Funds

New Business includes

Rakow Road Awards

Old Business to be considered includes:

·        Recommended No Change to Speed Limit on County Highway

·        Recommended No Change to Speed Limit on Township Highway

·        Implementation Task Force Restructuring Draft Bylaws

·        Alden Road Presentation

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

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

The Board is to conduct a hearing regarding reclassification from A-1 Agriculture District to a B-1 Neighborhood Business District for property in McHenry Township. Also to be considered for the property is a request for the granting to allow a transitional yard setback of 9.5 feet instead of the required 30 foot setback for both side yards.

4:30 p.m. –McHenry County Mental Health Board—

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

The meeting is to be in executive session to interview a candidate for the position of executive director.

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

The originally scheduled petition, UDO Amendments is continued to the May 7 meeting of the Commission

Federal Agency Getting Too Big For Its Britches?

Lawsuit Seeks Documents on Lois Lerner, Administration's Secret Planning to Impose Restrictions on Citizens Speech; Plans Additional Demands for Information Regarding IRS Attempts to Revise and Reissue Speech Restrictions

Tea Party Patriots today filed a lawsuit in US District Court for the District of Columbia against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Department of Treasury, asking the court to force the release of documents shedding light on the agency’s proposal for burdensome regulations for 501c4 citizens groups, and the roles played by former IRS official Lois Lerner and other Administration officials in developing the regulations.

“Americans deserve to know the truth about how the IRS is trying to deprive us and other citizens of our First Amendment rights to free speech.  Citizens shouldn't have to go to court to find out what sort of secret activities their government is up to,” said Tea Party Patriots Co-Founder Jenny Beth Martin. “It’s truly shameful; President Obama promised a transparent government but instead, people have to file lawsuits just to learn the truth.”  Tea Party Patriots was among those groups targeted by the IRS for intimidation and delaying the group's application for tax-exempt status and will be directly impacted by the proposed regulations

"With Monday's announcement that the IRS may issue revised regulations for groups such as Tea Party Patriots, getting to the origin of the Administration's plans to muzzle us becomes even more urgent," continued Mrs. Martin. "We plan to submit a new FOIA request this week to learn what has transpired behind the scenes since the proposed rules were first issued, and to add new claims to our lawsuit if the IRS and Treasury continue to ignore our requests for information."

The suit seeks documents relating to the IRS’s “Guidance for Tax Exempt Social Welfare Organizations on Candidate-Related Political Activities,” announced November 29, 2013.  To date, the IRS has refused to provide any documents to Tea Party Patriots, which first requested them on December 10, 2013 under the Freedom of Information Act

“The Proposed Regulations would impose significant burdens and restrictions on the First Amendment activities, speech, and associational rights of every social welfare organization in America,” the suit alleges, arguing that Tea Party Patriots and the public have the right to see any documents related to the IRS proposal.  The propose rulemaking resulted in more than 150,000 public comments, which IRS officials described as a record number of responses to a proposed regulation.

The lawsuit makes note of IRS communications released by the House Ways and Means Committee and charges that, “high ranking individuals within the Treasury and the IRS began as early as June 2012 to develop new regulations “off plan” and in secret.”   The suit specifically references email about the new regulations from Treasury Official Ruth Madrigal to Lois Lerner, the embattled former head of exempt organizations at the IRS who has been referred to the Justice Department for criminal investigation and has been found in contempt of Congress for her role in the IRS’s targeting of conservative groups seeking tax exempt status.

IRS Commissioner John Koskinen said Monday the IRS is likely rewriting the proposed regulations to be reissued at some point.

"The IRS is continuing to scheme behind closed doors to restrict our First Amendment rights. Tea Party Patriots intends to continue to force the IRS and the Obama Administration to comply with the law, to come out of the darkness and to conduct this process in the light of day," concluded Mrs. Martin. 

Tea Party Patriots is a national grassroots coalition with more than 3,400 locally organized chapters and more than 15 million supporters nationwide.  Tea Party Patriots is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting the principles of fiscal responsibility, constitutionally limited government, and free markets.  Visit Tea Party Patriots online at www.TeaPartyPatriots.org.

Johnsburg Road Improvement Project Informational Meeting

A construction informational meeting for the Johnsburg Road Improvement Project will be held Monday, April 21, 2014 at 6:30 p.m., at the McHenry Township Hall, located at 3703 Richmond Road (Rt. 31) in Johnsburg.  This meeting will consist of a short presentation, which will provide an overview of this year’s construction, construction timelines, and detour information, as well as time for questions and answers.

The primary focus of this project is the construction of a modern roundabout at the intersection of Johnsburg Road with St. Johns Avenue/Chapel Hill Road. This project will see completion of streetscape enhancements, such as sidewalks, decorative roadway lighting, park benches, and trash receptacles.

To learn more about this project, ask questions, and follow the progress, visit the project website at: www.johnsburgroad.com, here you can sign up for email updates.  You can also connect with us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/pages/Johnsburg-Road-Improvements/318077941578141 or follow us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/JohnsburgRoad.

Call Todd Destree, Project Manager at 815-509-9307 for additional information regarding this release

Johnsburg Road Improvement Information Meeting

A construction informational meeting for the Johnsburg Road Improvement Project will be held Monday, April 21, 2014 at 6:30 p.m., at the McHenry Township Hall, located at 3703 Richmond Road (Rt. 31) in Johnsburg.  This meeting will consist of a short presentation, which will provide an overview of this year’s construction, construction timelines, and detour information, as well as time for questions and answers.

The primary focus of this project is the construction of a modern roundabout at the intersection of Johnsburg Road with St. Johns Avenue/Chapel Hill Road. This project will see completion of streetscape enhancements, such as sidewalks, decorative roadway lighting, park benches, and trash receptacles.

To learn more about this project, ask questions, and follow the progress, visit the project website at: www.johnsburgroad.com, here you can sign up for email updates.  You can also connect with us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/pages/Johnsburg-Road-Improvements/318077941578141 or follow us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/JohnsburgRoad.

Call Todd Destree, Project Manager at 815-509-9307 for additional information regarding this release.

Earth Day Celebration -- April 26

On Saturday, April 26th, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will once again co-sponsor the county-wide Earth Day Celebration with the McHenry County Conservation District from11 am–4 pm at MCCD’s Prairieview Education Center , 2112 Behan Road , Crystal Lake. .The event is held both indoors and out and will go on rain or shine!

A regular service by the Defenders at this annual event is the opportunity for people to bring in hard-to-recycle items. With the help of their partner, Chicago Logistic Services, the Defenders will accept electronics & small appliances (microwaves MUST be clean, no smoke detectors, no medical devices, no console TVs) clean Styrofoam™, packing peanuts, re-useable bubble wrap, Christmas lights, fluorescent tubes, athletic shoes, VHS tapes, CDs, cassettes, and household batteries will also be collected.  A donation is requested to offset the costs of recycling these items.

There will be a lot going on in addition to recycling:

11 a.m. — Drum Circle
11:30 a.m. — Off Square Music featuring local musicians.
1 p.m. — Bill Kehl's Earth, Music…Magic! family concert
2 p.m. & 3 p.m. — Off Square Music featuring local musicians

11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. Guided Nature Hikes

12:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. Puppet Show

Throughout the day: Recycling Drop-Off • Games & Crafts • Over 20 Environmentally Themed Exhibitors • Food & Beverage Vendors – Duke’s Ale House and Pop’s Premier Kettle Corn, or bring your own “No waste” picnic lunch.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 44-year-old not-for-profit citizen organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. Recycling activities began almost from the organization's inception, because it was one of the best ways to handle the growing solid waste problem.  It also served as a source of funds for the group’s educational activities. For more information on the Defenders, visit www.mcdef.org

Government At Work

TUESDAY APRIL 15

5:00 p.m. – McHenry  County Mental Health Board Finance Committee—

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

Following review and approval of the financial report for the period ending March 31, the Committee will hear a presentation on agency utilization and the 2013 audit for discussion and recommendation.

7:00 p.m. – McHenry County Board –

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

Following special recognition, acknowledging May 7 as Health Care Worker Appreciation Day in McHenry County, a presentation is slated regarding the William G. Stratton Lock & Dam by State Representative Barbara Wheeler and Prairie Ridge High School Engineering Students.

The Zoning Board Consent Agenda includes a request of B3c from B3 for McHenry Township property known s Storlie Trust and also a request of A1 to A1C for Riley Township property known as Maple Valley Materials, LLC, and a requested A1 to A1V for Church property in Chemung Township

The ZBA regular business involves a requested B1V to B!V ON Hinz/Mixed Media LLC in Algonquin Township. This requested change as approved by the Zoning Board requires 18 County Board votes for approval

Recommendations for appointments to the Fox River Grove Fire Protection District, the Lake in the Hills Sanitary District, the Crystal Lake Rural Fire Protection District and the McHenry Township Fire Protection District are being presented for Board approval

Ten resolutions will be presented for approval including

Authorization for the acceptance of a modification to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Performance Grant

Authorizing Blue Cross &Blue Shield of Illinois as the provider of Administrative Services, a new PPO Plan and High Deducible Plan/Health Savings Account, a 10% increase in the PPO premium, a 9% increase in the HMO premiums, and a 5% increase in the Dental premiums.  Also included is entering into a contract with Employee Benefits Corporation for Providing Third Party Administrative Services for the HAS Program.

Among resolutions being presented for approval is the authorization of a contract with CE Solutions for Valley Hi Online Employee Training.

Also for Valley Hi, a request is being made to authorize a contract with Express Painting and Remodeling of McHenry for the installation of Fire Stopping materials within the Valley Hi facility

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

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

The administration of oaths of office is slated for Police Commander Thomas Kotlowski and Police Sergeant Michael Bennett.

Immanuel Lutheran Church is requesting a temporary suspension of no-parking restrictions on the north side of Teckler Boulevard for Easter services on April 20.

Several bid award resolutions are to be considered including authorizing execution of an agreement for brush pick-up services; authorizing execution of a contract for Fiscal Year 2014-15 Traffic Signal Maintenance Program

Proposal award and resolution authorizing execution of a contract for purchase of electricity

Resolution authorizing a budget amendment for costs associated with snow removal and resolution appropriation MFT funds for Fiscal Year 2013/2014 general maintenance.

A Resolution to close one lane on eastbound Route 14 on June 22 for the 3 Disciplines Illinois Triathlon Championship

Public Hearing: Ordinance approving and adopting the Annual Budget for the adopting a Financial Management Policy 2014/2015 Fiscal Year; Salary.

Ordinance for the 2014/2015 Fiscal Year; Resolution Ordinance amending Section 515-15 Water and Sewer of the City Code and Ordinance amending Chapter 33-16©(4) Emergency Ambulance Service.

Government At Work

MONDAY APRIL 14

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

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

Two presentations are scheduled for the committee regarding McHenry County Internet Fiber Expansion Plan and Introduction to proposed changes to the Purchasing Ordinance.

A resolution approving the Pace Advertising Transit Shelter Agreement is one of three new business matters for consideration.

The other two include State’s Attorney’s Office Space Requests and Community Garden for Juvenile Probation

Old business includes consideration of appointments to the McHenry County Ethics Commission.

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

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

Several matters regarding liquor licenses are to be considered including:

• The Gin Mill, new liquor license
• Alden Grocery – new manager application
• Renewal of 2014/2015 liquor licenses and amusement licenses 
• Seven requests for raffle permit and special liquor license are to be considered including
• Harvard Sportsman’s Club – Special Class “F” Liquor License
• It’s All About Kids, Inc. – Raffle Application
• Main Stay Therapeutic Riding Program, Inc, - Raffle Application
• Cary-Grove Rotary Club – Raffle Application
• McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce – Raffle Application
• Island Lake Lions Club – Raffle Application
• Northern Illinois Fire Museum – Raffle Application

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

Meeting in the Mental Health Board facility, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake.

The Board is to consider eight funding allocation requests including

Options and Advocacy – Developmental Disability Request

Special Education District of McHenry County – Developmental Disability Request

Pioneer Center –Four developmental Disability Requests and one Substance Abuse Request

Transitional Living Services (TLS Veterans – Substance Abuse Request.

Old business includes discussion and action regarding psychiatric needs.

An executive session is slated regarding discussion and evaluation of a candidate for the executive director position.

6:00 p.m. – Planning and Public Relations Committees of Crystal Lake Library Board of Trustees.

Meeting in the Library Director’s Office. There will be a joint meeting of the Planning and Public Relations Committees of the Board of Library Trustees of the City of Crystal Lake on Monday, April 14, 2014 at 6:00pm in the Library Director’s Office. 

"Barefoot In The Park" At Raue Center May 2 -- May 11

Williams Street Repertory (WSR), winner of four BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards, will end their 2013/14 Season with comedy: Neil Simon’s "Barefoot in the Park".. Directed by Regina Belt-Daniels, the charmingly engaging production opens May 2 at 8:00 pm, and runs for select dates and times through May 11 at Raue Center For The Arts in Crystal Lake, Illinois.

Paul and Corie Bratter are newlyweds in every sense of the word. He's a straight-as-an-arrow lawyer and she's a free spirit always looking for the latest kick. Their new apartment is her most recent find-too expensive with bad plumbing and in need of a paint job. After a six-day honeymoon, they get a surprise visit from Corie's loopy mother and decide to play matchmaker during a dinner with their neighbor-in-the-attic Velasco, where everything that can go wrong, does. Paul just doesn't understand Corie, as she sees it. He's too staid, too boring and she just wants him to be a little more spontaneous.

New York Times calls Barefoot in the Park “a bubbling, rib-tickling comedy.” 

Regina Belt-Daniels is back for her second directing endeavor with WSR. Her most recent directing credit with the company was I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change during WSR’s 2011/12 Season. A transplant from upstate New York, Regina has been a Crystal Lake resident for 34 years.  Her career in theater has followed the road of stage managing, producing, set building, acting and directing, while also teaching Communication Disorders class for the Special Education District of McHenry County for 28 years and serving as Reading Recovery Specialist for District 47 for five years. Regina serves on the Raue Board for Directors as the Vice-President.  She also served on the TownSquare Players Board for 30 years and has had four childrens’ plays published with writing partner Mary Fetzner.  She has directed 12 shows at the Woodstock Opera House and other shows at ECC and MCC.

Playing the adoring newlyweds, Paul and Corie Bratter, are David Lowenthal and Amanda Flahive respectively.  Making up the rest of the cast are a mix of WSR core ensemble members and veterans:  Mark Mahallak as Victor Velasco, Shannon Mayhall as Ethel Banks (Corie’s mother), Ryan McNerney as the Delivery Man (Cliff) and Rob Scharlow as the Telephone Repair Man.  

Behind the scenes, the production crew includes, Pat Henderson (Stage Manager), Richard Kuranda (Founding Artistic Director), Mike Vandercook (Director of Production), John Dwyer (Production Coordinator/Sound Supervisor/Sound Designer), Steven Spera (Technical Manager/Lighting Supervisor/Lighting Designer),  Bill Schmiel (Scenic Designer), Jeremy Floyd (Costume Designer) and Heather Olcott (Production Assistant/Props Master).

Over the past year Raue Center has attracted regional and national attention from media powerhouses like Playbill.com and BroadwayWorld.com.

Steve Cochran of WGN Radio praised WSR calling its work, “Challenging, provocative and, oh yeah… Fun.”

Rick Kogan formally of WGN also had rave reviews of Raue Center and WS Rep saying, “You must, must see this amazing work at this beautiful theater. Outstanding.”

Tickets start at $25 and group pricing is available! Tickets can be purchased online at WWW.WSREP.ORG, WWW.RAUECENTER.ORG or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake.

 Sponsored by Centegra Health Systems, Crystal Lake Bank & Trust, Countryside Flower Show, Garden Center & Nursery, RFP Photography, Inc. and WSR’s official lighting sponsor is ComEd.

Thank you to the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation and the MacArthur Fund for Arts & Culture at The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation.

They will continue programming this summer with a month long run of Suds: The Rockin’ 60’s Musical Soap Opera in July of 2014. The company will also continue it’s monthly reading series, Get Lit(erary).

ALSO:-- (This advertising information is provided on The Town Crier free .of charge for Raue Center).