Annual Park Place Bridal Fair Coming January 20

Park Place, a Crystal Lake Park District banquet facility will be hosting the annual Park Place Bridal Fair on Sunday, January 20, 2013 from 11 am-3 pm

Businesses, services or organizations who serve people planning a wedding are encouraged to participate by purchasing a  vendor booth for $175. A vendor information packet and registration form may be downloaded online at www.crystallakeparks.org.   Completed application and fee is due by December 1.

Vendor benefits include:

• All event advertising provided by the Crystal Lake Park District (park district brochure, newspaper advertising, banner advertising, radio advertising)
• Exposure to a large audience of individuals who are interested in wedding planning (admission to the expo is free)
• Inclusion of your business or organization in welcome bag distributed to expo attendees
• Lead list after the event

For further information call Lauren Thibodeau at the Park Place, (815) 477-5871.

Annual Lake Meeting Thursday

The Crystal Lake Park District is hosting the 8th Annual Lake Planning & Management Meeting for all interested residents on Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 7:30 PM at the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office. 

The Administrative Office is located at One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake. 

The purpose of the meeting is to share information, answer questions and concerns regarding the Crystal Lake, offer an explanation of the Lake Management process, and provide an overview of what is planned for the future.  Contact Jason Herbster, (815) 459-0680, ext. 203 for details.

Crystal Lake Park District Brochures Available

Crystal Lake residents, residing in the 60012 and 60014 zip codes, should have the Fall 2012 Crystal Lake Park District program brochure which was put in the mail beginning the week of August 13.

Please call the Crystal Lake Park District at (815) 459-0680, ext. 212, if you are a Crystal Lake resident and do not receive a Park District brochure in the mail. 

The brochures are also available at:

The District Administrative Office, One East Crystal Lake Avenue

Grand Oaks Recreation Center, 1401 West  Route 176

Crystal Lake Public Library

Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce. 

The fall brochure is also be available as an interactive PDF online at www.crystallakeparks.org.

Registration for park district residents and non-residents are being accepted at the Park District Administrative Office located at One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake, during regular business hours, by mail, by fax, or online at www.crystallakeparks,org

Open Water Swim Race On The Crystal Lake -Saturday

On Saturday, July 14, the Crystal Lake Park District will host the annual Open Water Swim Races. 

Races consist of 1-Mile and 2-Mile Open Water Swim races on Crystal Lake. The course begins at Main Beach and follows an out and back straight line. This is a great event if you are training for a future triathlon.

 Wetsuits are optional. Swim caps are provided. A backpack will be given to all pre-registered participants.  Crystal Lake Main Beach is located at 300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake. 

Programs Fee: $35 Pre-Registration, $45 Race Day Registration

Race Options:

Code # 1081-0, 1-Mile,           7:30 AM Start

Code # 1082-0, 2-Mile,           7:45 AM Start

Register at the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, or online at www.signmeup.com/81985.  Contact Joe Davison at (815) 459-0680, ext. 228 for more information.  Special thanks to our 2012 event sponsors: Dolphin Swim Club, Chiro One, CL Nutrition, Accelerated Rehab, Cherne Family Clinic, Robin Pendergrast Photography and L & V Distributors.

Tuesday Concert In The Park

 Tuesday, July 10-AC Rock (A Capella Oldies to Today)

Gather your family and friends to be a part of a long time summer tradition-FREE Concerts in the Park at Crystal Lake Main Beach (300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake). For years, fans of music and those who cherish time together with their family have gathered at the Main Beach Band Shell to enjoy music and entertainment on the shore of Crystal Lake.

Concert begins at 7 pm.  Refreshments will be available for purchase. In the event of inclement weather, call the Program Weather Information Hotline at (815) 459-7275.

Summertime--And Beaches Are Open

TODAY—MAY 26 –

A big day for Crystal Lake “beach bums” – those who like to be able to enjoy the beaches of the City’s namesake.

The following are the beach hours at each of the two public beaches:

WEST BEACH

2330 Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake

Open daily at 10:00 a.m.  -- Closing daily at 7:30p.m.

Closing date for the season—Sunday, July 29 – 7:30 p.m.

However, the above daily hours are applicable only on weekends while school is in session.

Contact: 815-477-5009 – NOTE-staff at this beach are often not available to answer this phone number. Contact the Main Beach at the number listed below.

MAIN BEACH

300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake, Crystal Lake

Opening Date; Today – 9:00 a.m. to dusk

Beach Hours:  9:00 a.m. to dusk daily; 3:00 p.m. until dusk when school is in session.

Contact: 815-477-5404 (this number is staffed only during the summer season)

BEACH FEES

Resident Daily Admission--$1 daily fee for all park district residents and their guests (up to 4 guests per family.) Any guest above the maximum of 4 per family will be charged $4 each.

*Resident Senior – Daily Admission (ages 60 and older) Free

*Resident Children – Daily Admission (age 5 and under – Free 

*Resident Season Beach Pass 

*Individual Season Pass - $10 

*Family Season Pass -$10 for first family member – each additional family member is $5.

*Replacement cost for season pass-- $5 each

NON-RESIDENT BEACH FEES

*Seniors (62 and older) $6 daily fee for beach entry - $3 after 4:00 p.m.

*Adults (16 and older) - $10 daily fee ($5 after 4:00 p.m.)

*Youth (4-15 years) $6 (3 after 4:00 p.m.)

*Ages 3 and under – Free

*Parking -$5 -- $3 after 4:00 p.m.

*Guests of residents-- $1 daily fee for al park district residents 

Used Bike Sale Saturday -- Veterans Acres-Crystal Lake

The Crystal Lake Park District is hosting its Annual Used Bike Sale on Saturday, May 12!

This is a good chance to sell your used bikes or buy some bargains for the whole family. Bikes are in high demand, so sellers are encouraged to gather their bikes and bring them over to the early check-in times listed below.

Location: Rotary Building at Veteran Acres,

431 N. Walkup,

Crystal Lake

Fee for selling: 25% of sale

(Bikes must be priced for at least $5)

Seller Check-in Times: Friday, May 11 --  5-7 PM

Saturday, May 12  -- 9-10:30 AM

Sale: Saturday, May 12 10:30 AM-12:30 PM

Reclaiming of unsold items: Saturday  May 12 12:30-2 PM

Government At Work

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 16 –

8:30 a.m. – Planning & Development Committee –

Meeting in  the County Board Office, County Administrative Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Among the agenda items for this committee meeting, is an Ordinance Amending Article 10, School developer Donation Requirements of the McHenry County Subdivision Ordinance to include the Annual “CPI” Adjustment.

The adjustment being made in the ordinance relates that the “fair market value” of improved land in and surrounding the County is $130,357 as the new figure used for determining the cash contribution in lieu of land for school purposes. The prior figure used was $127,676.

6:15 p.m. -- Crystal Lake Park District Personnel and Policy Committee –

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

The committee will review Employee Service Recognition Program and also review IMRF sick day service credit vs. payout model and the IMRF pension dollar model

The General Practice Manual, Policy Manual, Personnel Policy Manual are also to be considered.

7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake Park District Board of Commissioners –

Meeting in the Park District Office as listed above.

Four groups are seeking use of park district facilities for fund raising events. The Andrea Lynn Cancer Fund has requested to host its fourth annual 5K Run/Walk event at Lippold Pak on Sunday, October 24.

Chicago Juniors Rowing Championship Regatta is requesting permission to host the seventh annual Chicago area Juniors Rowing Championships Regatta on Crystal Lake, Saturday, May 5. This will entail the use of Main Beach facility, parking lot, boat launch and grounds.

The Crystal Lake Rowing Club Juniors Scrimmage Request is being made to host two rowing scrimmages on Crystal Lake on Saturday, April 14. Use of Main Beach facility, parking lots, boat launch and grounds are included in the request.

West Beach Project Update

A review of the West Beach project construction budget along with the project schedule will be presented to the Board for consideration. Various components of the project will go to bid in March 2012 with a final price to be approved in May 2012 and construction to begin August 1. The construction project is expected to be completed in March 2013.

Other unfinished business for the Board includes employee policy manual revisions the board is to consider for approval.

The Commissioners are also being asked to approve the low bid submitted by MBR for the Racket Club Ceiling Renovations for a low bid price of $44,900. This is for four sections of the ceiling. 

Various Ways To Gain Added Space

Building renovations and additions are in various stages in the Crystal Lake area.

The Crystal Lake Park District held a public hearing last week regarding the sale of $2.1 million in General Obligation Limited Tax Park Bonds, “….for the payment of land, condemned or purchased for parks, for the building, maintaining, improving and protecting of the same and the existing land and facilities of the district and for the payment of the expenses incident thereto (the “Bonds”) and facilities of the District and for the payment of the expenses incident thereto.”

A plan is in place for a facility, but final action on the contract with the company is contingent upon obtaining the necessary property. That is where the bond will be necessary in order to obtain the site and have sufficient funding to construct a building.

The location has not been revealed as yet.

According to discussions in the planning process regarding a building, consolidation of the spread out Park District facilities is desirable.

Other planning for expansion is McHenry County College with a meeting scheduled Tuesday morning (October 25) for a presentation on the facility master plan as well as an update on the Building B renovations.

The Crystal Lake Library has held meetings regarding how to use the space they have. The Library board is not planning to build additional space, but instead is looking at ways to make better use of the space already in place.

Good News and Bad News

There’s good news and bad news about the Crystal Lake.

The health of the lake is very good. But there are things in nature that can harm the recreational body of water. The Crystal Lake is a natural lake and other species of nature prefer to enjoy its benefits as well as humans. This includes such as zebra mussels, geese and exotic plants.

Possibly at the top of the list are the zebra mussels and exotic plants .They have invaded the body of water and seem to appreciate being residents.

That’s the information derived from last night’s annual lake meeting by the Crystal Lake Park District. This governing body has responsibility of keeping the lake in as good a shape as possible. Other bodies also involved include the City of Crystal Lake and the Village of Lakewood.

In order to keep the health of the lake in as near perfect health as possible, care has to be taken to keep out as much detrimental aspects as possible. This includes attempting to control exotic plant growth through treatments and weed harvesting, attempting to control the zebra mussel growth and keeping down the residency of large birds such as the geese. 

Thursday, October 6 Meetings

8:30 a.m. –Planning and Development Committee –

Meets in the Conference Room of the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

A continuation of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) memorandum is scheduled for Old Business.

Other business for consideration refers to consideration of Resolutions regarding HOME Program Funding and submittal of amended action plans to HUD.

A revised Bylaws draft for the CDBG Commission is also to be considered as well as various reports to the Committee.

7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake Park District Annual Lake Meeting—

The meeting will be held in the Park District Administration Building, One E. Crystal Lake Avenue. This is a meeting that is held each year regarding the Crystal Lake and what has taken place regarding its health as well as plans for the future.

The program is presented by Gary Schaefer, of Hey and Associates, Inc. the firm retained for managing the ecological health of the lake.

7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake Historic Preservation Commission--

Meeting scheduled has been cancelled and is rescheduled for October 13 at the same time. This Commission meets in the Crystal Lake City Council Chambers, 100 West Woodstock Street.

Planning For Crystal Lake Park District Recreation Center

A referendum is in the planning stages for a Crystal Lake Park District Recreation Center. The date for the vote is the General Election on November 6, 2012.  The plans for this have been in the works for many months. The Park Board has been working to find a property to purchase for the Center. However, the property has not yet been purchased as negotiations are ongoing.

Once the property is approved for purchase, preliminary community input meetings are planned along with the establishment of a core committee to gather community support.

A survey of the residents is planned for mid-November this year to determine the level of public support, as well as collecting demographic data and obtaining price points for the potential tax increase.

Preliminary concept plans are to be completed in mid-December along with the construction cost determination, operations Performa; and potential partners for the project to be confirmed. These include a wellness provider, senior services, District 155, and possibly the library and retail outlets.

A poll of likely voters is also planned in April with presentations of what is planned and all the necessary information associated with the plan being presented to various community groups.

Earlier Plans
A Community Center is something that has been discussed, planned and set aside since 2003. It had a beginning then when a Senior Citizen Committee met with the Crystal Lake City Council about the desire to have one location for senior citizens recreational programs.

The City Council was willing to support a senior center, but not exclusively for seniors since the council must consider the entire community.

In 2004, the City contracted for a survey regarding the need for a community center, along with a survey on the development of Vulcan Lakes. Health Systems Research, an applied research unit of the University of Illinois College of Medicine-Rockford, conducted the survey. A sample of 3,500 households in both Crystal Lake zip codes received a questionnaire. Returns numbered 1,106 or 31.6%.

The results of those returned surveys showed that just over one-half endorsed a community center, while 24.0% believe a community center is not needed. That initiated a decision to go forward with investigation for a Community Center.

2005 Community Center Forum

In 2005, Mayor Aaron Shepley suggested it was time to move forward. The City and the Crystal Lake Park District jointly hosted a Community Center Forum. Representatives of various groups, including the schools senior citizens, Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA) were a part of this meeting. Each group would communicate their ideas back to the city shortly after the beginning of 2006.

2006-Begin Planning

Discussions on a community center began in May with interested citizens forming committees for site consideration, facility, and finances. Since that time, meetings of the subcommittees and the entire group discussed the components of the community center.

Representatives of numerous Crystal Lake agencies were part of the group including the Senior Committee, (NISRA), City of Crystal Lake, Park District, High School and Elementary School Districts, Library, Salvation Army, Senior Services, Chamber of Commerce, as well as Crystal Lake residents. Everyone had an idea of what should be included and that was the purpose of the committee.

Some of the participants visited a number of facilities in communities of comparable size as Crystal Lake, providing ideas of what can be done and, perhaps, what should not be done. An architectural consultant, Williams Architects, presented building ideas based on what representatives of the community suggested.

One of the important factors was an indoor swimming pool. Considerable discussion among the citizens regarding the size took place. Another factor was how to configure it for use by high school swim teams as well as the community swimming pleasure. Another consideration was how to provide the necessary funding.

2009—Former Viking Dodge Property

In 2009 an attempt was made by the Park District to utilize the former Doge Auto Dealership property on the northeast corner of Routes 176 and 14. That did not work out either. Traffic was a big factor at this location.

In the previous plan, selling some of the current Park District properties was considered. These included the main office facility on Crystal Lake Avenue, the Grand Oaks property on Route 176 with some consideration of keeping the Park Place which is rented for many banquets and similar gatherings.  The building was formerly used by the American Legion. Selling properties that would not be needed are also part of the present plan

New Plans Underway

The Park District Board of Commissioners interviewed two firms out of five that responded to a Request for Proposal sent on July 6 to conduct a community survey regarding plans for a recreation center including a pool, district office space, and facilities for various programs.

 The Board interviewed representatives from AECOM Technical Services Inc. Chicago, and Ballard *King & Associates, Ltd headquartered in Colorado. At the September 15 Park Board meeting it was decided to retain AECOM for a feasibility study contract in an amount not to exceed $54,055. This action is contingent upon the confirmation of a land purchase contract being finalized.

This firm will conduct a survey of the community to determine the level of public support for various components; demographic data collection; price points for potential tax increase; preliminary concept

Preliminary plans are to be completed by December 15 along with cost to construct such a facility. Also potential partners for use of the facility are to be confirmed and include wellness provider, senior services, District 155, possibly the library and retail groups.

The plan also calls for a poll of likely voters in April of next year so that the referendum can be fine tuned for the November 6 2012 Election.

New Board Members For Crystal Lake Park Board

New members were seated and new officers elected for the Crystal Lake Park Board at Thursday’s meeting following a concluding meeting of the past year’s actions.

Outgoing President, Jerry Sullivan congratulated the staff and board for cooperation during the two years and thanked the board members for the cooperation shown during the term he served as President of the Board and thanked them for giving him the responsibility.

Sullivan noted that the board has been able to maintain a consistency and have kept in mind that the board members are not to be micro-managers but should have a vision for the future of the district.

He also noted that this is the first time all board members have been on a seven –member board. Previously the board had five members and some of those were carried over when the board switched to a seven-member board in 2007.

New Members

Richard Passavant, and Paul Myers, two of the three recently elected board members, were sworn in at last night’s meeting. The third newly elected member, Larry Wheeler, who was absent, will be sworn in at the next board meeting. The three are filling the seats of Michael Zellmann, Eric Anderson, and Richard Sexton, who chose not to seek re-election.

Commissioner Debbie Gallagher was unanimously elected as President of the Board. Ms. Gallagher was elected to the Board in 2009. Prior to this, and until her retirement, she was an Administrative Assistant for the Board for many years.

Commissioner Angel Collins is the newly elected Vice-President.

Committee affiliations were also completed based on individual preferences.

Changes For Crystal Lake Park District Board

7:30 p.m. –Crystal Lake Park District

Meeting in Administration Offices,

One E. Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake

Swearing in of newly elected commissioners is among the first order of business following the approval of the agenda, minutes voucher lists, treasurer’s report and hearing from the public, any unfinished business, and the President’s Message.

The newly elected Board Members include Richard Passavant, Paul Myers, and Larry Wheeler. They are taking the place of Eric Anderson, Michael Sullivan, and Richard Sexton, who chose not to seek re-election in the April Election.

Election of a President and Vice-president for the coming year will take place following the swearing-in ceremony. A secretary, treasurer and Legal Counsel are appointed by the Board. A number of other appointments are also to take place including a Northern Illinois Special Recreation Board member, committee appointments for Planning, Buildings, and Ground, Recreation, Finance, Personnel and Policy, Safety and Environmental Committee

Several items are included on a Consent Agenda including requests from  Lakeside Legacy, Crystal Lake Rotary Club, and Crystal Lake Water Ski Association.

Under New Business, the Board will consider an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Village of Algonquin and the Crystal Lake Park District.

Tuesday Meetings

8:20 a.m.—Crystal Lake Park District Recreation Committee

The committee is meeting in the Park District offices, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake. The only item on the agenda is the proposed 2011-2012 Fee Schedule.

8:30 a.m.--Finance and Audit Committee of the McHenry County Board

Is meeting in the County Board Conference Room of the Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

One large item on the agenda is the reimbursement process regarding FEMA funding for the recent blizzard cleanup of snow and all that went with it. Some 57 different groups are seeking reimbursements totaling $1,649,064.02 for the cleanup work. This amount comes from various agencies in the county including townships, villages, cities, fire departments, McHenry County Department of Transportation, County Government, hospitals, police and sheriffs departments, schools, community college, emergency dispatch, conservation district. The largest expenditure was $154,119.27 from Woodstock City with the lowest amount requested of $1,152 from Wonder Lake Fire Department.

Other matters to be considered, in addition to a number of financial transfer matters, are consideration of a resolution commending the proposal of Mercy Health System Hospital, Crystal Lake. The recommendation of the committee is expected to be considered by the full County Board at its next meeting, March 1.

2:00 p.m.- MCC Facilities Planning Committee

Will meet in the Board room to consider a facility condition analysis report; a report on the cafeteria and culinary arts renovation; a timeline for developing the facilities master plan, and a timeline for request for proposal for architectural services.

7:00 p.m.—School District 47 Board

Meeting moved from the usual Monday meeting date due to the holiday.

The Board will meet in the North Elementary School, 500 Woodstock Street. A couple recognitions are included on the agenda—student recognition and staff recognition.

Also it is time to approve the 2011 summer projects; as ell as the 2011-2012 School calendar, and approval of a land contract for land acquisition.

7:00 p.m.—Lakewood Village Board

Meeting in Turnberry Country Club, 9600 Turnberry Trail, Lakewood,

A presentation is slated by Rhonda Anderson from Faith in Action of McHenry County regarding "Preserving the Independence of McHenry County Seniors."

Preparing for 2011 Road Improvements, the Board is expected to approve maintenance engineering to be performed by consulting engineering firm Baxter and Woodman for the 2011 Road Improvement Program.

Also to be approved is E-Pay Agreement with State of Illinois Internet E-Pay System for the Village Utility Billing and vehicle Stickers

Thursday Meetings

Thursday, February 17

8:30 a.m.--A regular meeting of the Planning and Development Committee of the McHenry County Board will hold a regular committee meeting. in the Conference Room of the McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Subdivision Reaching A Deadline

Symphony East Subdivision which had a beginning in 2007, with extensions of the required Final Plat until April 2010. Since then there is a new owner of the property who is interested n continuing with the development of the property. Other necessary letters of no objection have been provided by McDOT and the Health Department. However, the stormwater Engineer found several issues that need attention before a letter of not objection can be issued. Updates to the County Stormwater Management Ordinance in the intervening years require significant changes to the proposed plat. If another one-year extension is granted it is necessary that it be met or the subdivision file could be terminated...

Recertification of Zoning Maps

Also to be considered by the committee is an ordinance recertifying the Zoning Maps of McHenry County, an annual requirement.

School Impact Fees

Another matter is to update the School Impact Fees. According to information provided, the CPI, which determines the fee, rose 1.2% between December 2009 and December 2010. The fair market value of an acre of land has been calculated at $127,676.

Community Development Block Grant Allocations

McHenry County has been informed that full allocation of $1.2 million is estimated for the fiscal year 2011. This is expected to provided funding for such as emergency rehabilitation through the McHenry County Housing Authority, Child Therapy through Turning Point, A consumer Credit Counseling Service, Family Service and Community Mental Health Center Emergency Medical services, Bathroom renovation at a McHenry Shelter for Home of the Sparrow, Safe and Secure Records/Rehab for Turning Point, Lighting and Ceiling renovation for the Adult and Child Rehabilitation Center, Security for the Family Service and Community Mental Health Center,

Drinking Water Compliance-Phase I for Village of Union, and administration of the programs through the McHenry County Planning and Development Department.

Special Meeting of Planning and Development Committee

Is scheduled to take place at 10:00 a.m. to discuss the McHenry County Unified Development Ordinance

NATURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE COMMITTEE.

11:00 a.m. -- Thursday in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

A discussion is to take place on the McHenry County Unified Development Ordinance.

CRYSTAL LAKE PARK DISTRICT BOARD

7:30 p.m.--The Crystal Lake Park District Board is meeting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Park District offices, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake.

A couple policy revisions are included in the agenda for the Board to consider

Also the board if being requested to approve an Annexation Ordinance to annex the property at 9708 Beech Avenue, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Proch.

In keeping with the recent revisions adopted at the last Board meeting, the scheduled March 3 meeting is cancelled. The next meeting of the Board will be March 10.

Crystal Lake Park District's Annual Chili Open Tournament Rescheduled to February 19

The weather is the winner!

The Crystal Lake Park District's annual Chili Open Golf Classic, played on the frozen Crystal Lake, is postponed a week. It was scheduled for Saturday, but instead is being scheduled next Saturday, February 19.

The postponement was due to temperatures---in a round-about way. There are two layers of ice on the lake with water in between them. That prevents equipment from safely clearing the courses. The recent blizzard we were sent caused the problem.

Registered golfers who are unable to make the new February 19 date may request a full refund. Just call the Crystal Lake Park District at 815-459-0680.

There are still tee times available for foursomes Cost is $115 per team (foursome) for Park District residents and an additional $10 for every non-resident on the team.

Crystal Lake Park District Adopts Tax Levy; Plans For Veteran Acres Playground Equipment Replacement

Crystal Lake Park District Board of Commissioners on Thursday evening adopted a $5,863,000 Tax Levy Ordinance for the Fiscal Year May 1, 2011 to April 30, 2012.

The levy for the 2009 tax year totaled $6,605,915 with a tax rate of .351904. The 2008 levy totaled $6,561,495 with a rate of .346310.

The Park Board also approved a replacement project for the Veteran Acres Playground including the replacement of the 50-plus year old shelter. The existing playground equipment will be replaced with new nature based structures for ages two to five years and five to 12 years. These will include swing sets, spider net climbers, sandbox, balance beams, a splash pad, walkways from parking lot to rest room building, shelter and connection to the hillside path. Also included are the necessary provisions for handicapped use. Bids were obtained for the project with the lowest for the project, other than work being done by the Park District, is $727,000.

It is expected there will be inconvenience experienced, but the project is scheduled for completion by June 1.

Crystal Lake Park District Proposed Tax Levy Ordinance For December 2 Board Consideration

Crystal Lake Park District recently considered a proposed 2010 Tax Levy for the District. The Levy Ordinance is to be placed on the December 2 Park Board Agenda. The proposed Tax Levy is expected to be approved at this time. The total proposed levy as considered at the November 4 Board meeting calls for $6,820,564 including all funding for the Crystal Lake Park District funds as well as $450,000 for special recreation and $957,564 for debt service.

By decreasing the 2010 Special Recreation levy to $450,000 from the 2009 extension of $750,877, the levy will be less than 105 percent of the previous year's amount and will not require a Truth in Taxation requirement.

What Is Truth in Taxation Law?

The Truth in Taxation law was established in Illinois by legislation which became effective in 1990. It requires taxing districts to determine whether the year's levy (not anticipated extension) is 5% or more than the last year's extension. If the percentage increase is more than 105%, a publication of notice and a hearing on the budget is required.

If there is a required hearing, it may not coincide with the public hearing on the budget. Other legal requirements regarding the publication and holding of the hearing are also put in place.

The 2009 Crystal Lake Park District levy request was for $6,969,538 with a certified extension of $6,605,915. The final determination of the tax rate is made by the County based on the actual assessed valuation figures of property in the Park District and the amount of revenue requested by the District.

For 2010 proposed levy the total amount is $6,820.564 and a Truth in Taxation hearing is not required.

Governments At Work

Monday, October 25
8:15 a.m.---
The Human Resources Committee of the McHenry County Board will meet in the conference rooms of the McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock to handle several reclassification of positions along with a discussion on wage increase options and arbitration process for Public Safety Employees.

10:00 a.m.—
Crystal Lake Park District Board Finance Committee is meeting at in the Park District Administrative Office to discuss the tax levy as well as other related matters.

5:30 p.m.—
McHenry County College Board Finance and Audit Committee is meeting in the Board Room of the College, 7900 US Highway 14, Crystal Lake. The agenda Includes: a status report regarding internal controls review; annual audit presentation by the College's audit firm Sikich, LLC; and an update regarding the search for a chief financial officer.

7:00 p.m.--
The Village of Lakewood's Economic Development Committee will be meeting Monday, October 25 at 7:00 p.m. in the Red Tail Golf Club, 7900 Red Trail Drive, Lakewood.

McHenry County Board of Health meets in the Department of Health facilities Annex A of the McHenry County Government Complex, 2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Woodstock. In addition to the necessary business matters regarding contracts with other agencies, the program highlight is the Consolidated School Health Program.

McHenry County Mental Health Board is scheduled to meet in the Mental Health Board facilities, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake.

A Committee of the Whole of the MCC Board is meeting in the College Board Room. In addition to the review of the Board Packet for the October 28 meeting, the agenda also lists discussion on a board retreat, requests for proposals for attorney services, report on the Planning and Facilities Committee, and comments from Board members.