Learn About Lean Manufacturing

McHenry County College Shah Center is offering a Lean Manufacturing Series from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesdays, May 10 through June 28 at the Shah Center, 4100 W. Shamrock Lane in McHenry.

This eight-week program will feature sound technical competencies in Lean Manufacturing and offers participants a variety of learning experiences that paves the way for them to create their own in-house lean specialists. Lean concepts are changing businesses around the world—from from small manufacturers to large—and creating outstanding results that translate into bottom-line profits. Many companies may save tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars by implementing simple lean techniques.

The series topics include The Principles of Lean, Value Stream Mapping, Teams, Change Management & Problem Solving, Kaizen Blitz, 5-S, Total Productive Maintenance, Quick Changeover and Cellular/Flow. Participants may register for individual classes for $125 each or the entire series at a 15 percent discount. Cost of the series with discount is $850 and attendees may use course ID: NTE S19 003 when registering.

For more information, contact the Shah Center at (815) 455-8593 or shahcenter@mchenry.edu.  To register, contact (815) 455-8588. All Shah Center courses are available to bring to a company's facility and customizable for their needs. The scheduled courses are located at The Shah Center, 4100 W. Shamrock Lane in McHenry.

Watching Governents On Wednesday

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20

8:15 A.M.—Transportation Committee of McHenry County Board

Meeting at the McHenry County Department of Transportation Main Conference Room, 161111 Nelson Road, Woodstock.

A number of resolutions are being presented to the committee for approval. Most of these provide for contracts for road work such as a contract for resurfacing work for Dorr Township with a contact being awarded to Geske and Sons, Inc. for $278,226.71.

A contract is recommended to be awarded to Behm Pavement Maintenance, Inc. Crystal Lake for $156,937.91 for routing and sealing work on approximately 35 lane miles of County Highways. RTA Sales Tax Funds are used for this purpose.

A contract for $2,745,706.61 is to be awarded to Arrow Road Construction Company, Mt. Prospect for resurfacing approximately 17 lane miles of County highways.

A contract for $18,494.66 is to be awarded to Chicagoland Paving Contractors, Inc. Lake Zurich for the upgrading of various township road districts, surfaces private roadways that have been upgraded to meet the required minimum roadway standards.

An agreement to be considered for approval will provide for the purchase of software to be added to the McDOT to enhance the ability to provide improved services for issuing overweight and over dimension truck permits. An amount of $10,000 is being appropriated for this purpose.

Committee approval is being sought for the appropriation of $110,000 for the purchase of white and yellow water base striping paint which is obtained through participation in the State of Illinois contract bid for this purpose.

Approval is also being sought for the purchase of glass beads used in restriping pavement. The cost for this purchase is estimated at $15,000.

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

Evangelical Free Church, 575 E. Crystal Lake Avenue, is requesting a variation from a section of the City Zoning requirements. This is a request regarding the posting of a bond or a Letter of Credit for the construction of a portion of Oak Hollow Road.

The church property was annexed in 1997 and received E-5 zoning with a PUD overlay and a SUP for an institutional use in 1997. In 2004 Ashton Pointe, a residential subdivision located southeast of the church and requested a final plat of subdivision which included property owned by the church. As part of the subdivision process, the church was required to provide a Letter of Credit for their section of the Oak Hollow Road improvements, which is a requirement for all subdivisions.

Oak Hollows Road is planned to extend from Crystal Lake Avenue alongside Hanna Beardsley Middle School and the church. The Church currently has a $94,274.70 Letter of Credit being held for their portion of the road improvement. It costs the church an estimated $1,000 per year to maintain this LOC. Therefore, the church is requesting release of the LOC since there is no schedule on when the roadway improvements would be required. The City requires a LOC, Bond or other security be provided which covers 120% of the cost of installation of the improvements.

The City is not willing to remove the requirement regarding the bond as it would set a precedent. A suggestion is being made that the Church transfer the LOC to a bond which may be less expensive to maintain.

Other alternatives are available, such as paying the $94,274.70 today. The funds would be held in escrow, but the church would need to have the funding available today to make this payment.

The church could construct the roadway up to the Schroder property line. That could put an added burden on the church for costs to complete a final engineering plan for the roadway—a cost which could exceed the $94,274.70. Also a dead-end road into a wooded area would be difficult for emergency personnel to patrol.

The Planning Commission could recommend a variation from the subdivision requirements or other means of resolving the matter.

TVI, INC./SAVERS STORE, Country Corners, 230 W. Virginia Street

A request is being made for a final PUD amendment to allow the addition of a drive-through drop-off lane along the front of the building and the addition of signage

Country Corners was originally approved in 1970 and over the years the center was upgraded with alterations to the facade and the addition of monument sign.

TVI, Inc is requesting a drive-through drop-off lane along the front of the building as well as a Special Use Permit for a Used Merchandise Store. The merchandise is primarily obtained through buy/sell arrangements with local not-for-profit organizations. Other merchandise is obtained from commercial vendors or direct donations from the public.

RETAKE RESALE SHOP –19 E. Berkshire Drive

Christine Gardner of Crystal Lake would like to open a resale shop in this neighborhood shopping center. Other tenants in this center include White Hen Pantry and Summers Academy of Dance.

The store would handle used merchandise including clothing, housewares, furniture and accessories. A Special Use Permit was previously granted in 1994 for a resale and consignment shop.

Interesting Facts-Women In U S Congress, 1917-2011

By Jennifer E. Manning, Information Research Specialist; Colleen J. Shogan, Assistant Director/Senior Specialist in Government and Finance; Susan Navarro Smelcer, Analyst on the Federal Judiciary. March 18, 2011

Ninety-one women currently serve in the 112th Congress: 74 in the House (50 Democrats and 24 Republicans) and 17 in the Senate (12 Democrats and 5 Republicans). Ninety-two women were initially sworn in to the 112th Congress, but one Democratic House Member has since resigned. This number (92) is lower than the record number of 95 women who were initially elected to the 111th Congress.

The first woman elected to Congress was Representative Jeannette Rankin (R-MT, 1917-1919, 1941-1943). The first woman to serve in the Senate was Rebecca Latimer Felton (D-GA). She was appointed in 1922 and served for only one day. A total of 274 women have served in Congress, 174 Democrats and 100 Republicans. Of these women, 235 (149 Democrats, 86 Republicans) have served only in the House of Representatives; 31 (19 Democrats, 12 Republicans) have served only in the Senate; and 8 (6 Democrats, 2 Republicans) have served in both houses. These figures include one non-voting Delegate each from Guam, Hawaii, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands."

Tuesday Opportunities To Watch Government In Action

TUESDAY, APRIL 19

5:00 p.m.—Finance Audit and Law and Justice Committees of County Board

Another payout request is being presented by the Special Prosecutors and Consultants retained by the County regarding allegations against State's Attorney Louis A. Bianchi. This request for $90,783.34 is for investigative work conducted between August and November 2010. The joint committees are asked to approve payment of this bill.

5:30 p.m.—Planning and Development Committee of County Board

A special meeting of this committee is slated to consider a couple matters regarding subdivisions. One is a request for an extension for the Hennings, Phase II Subdivision.

 The Committee is being requested to adopt a HOME Investment Partnerships Program funding of $300,000 for Owner Occupied Rehabilitation program.

Approval for another $525,000 is being requested to provide for Senior Residences of Crystal Lake LLOC and Banner Funding, Inc. However, the developer was unable to secure the major source of financing for the project at this time. The project is being presented for consideration for a future funding round by the County.

The Committee is to also consider an amendment to a CDBG Contracted Allocation for $150.000 for the McCullom Lake Eastside Drainage Improvements.

A Proclamation is to be approved regarding May 2011 as "Look at Local History Month".

6:00 p.m.—McHenry County Board – Committee of The Whole

The agenda calls for a discussion on County Board Redistricting, a topic that was aired this past week in the Legislative Committee meeting.

6:30 p.m. – District 155 Board Policy Committee

Meeting in the Cary-Grove High School, the Committee is to consider remuneration of Guidance Counselors and Investment of School District Funds.

7:00 p.m. – McHenry County Board

The McHenry County Board is to adopt a proclamation recognizing Mark Elmore for 18 Years of Public Service with the McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals.

Erik Joseph Bertram is being recognized for reaching the rank of Eagle Scout.

Four zoning matters are being presented for approval including one each in Coral, Harland, Algonquin and McHenry Townships.

One zoning matter located in Harland Township is being recommended for denial.

Five appointments are to be made by the Board including for the Fox River Grove Fire Protection District, McHenry County Ethics Commission, Lake in the Hills Sanitary District, Crystal Lake Rural Fire Protection District, and McHenry Township Fire Protection District.

A number of resolutions are being presented for Board approval including:

• Reclassifying a full time certified nursing assistant into two part-time certified nursing assistants at Valley Hi Nursing Home;
• Accepting a $35,000 grant from Illinois Department of Public Health
• Authorizing tow Workers Compensation Claim Settlements
• Accepting additional funding from an HI Prevention Grant from Illinois Public Health Association
• Accepting $13,000 Illinois Tobacco Free Communities Grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health
• Authorize acceptance of a $203,926 Grant from Illinois Department for public Health for Public Health Emergency Response Program
• Adopt resolution accepting HOME Investment Partnerships Program Funding
• A resolution is to be adopted authorizing an intergovernmental agreement between McHenry County Sheriff's Office, the Village of Lake in the Hills, and McHenry County to provide mutual aid.

A number of resolutions are being presented for Board approval regarding the Transportation Department. Included are:

• Resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement with State of Illinois for Construction of Walkup Road project.
• Resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement with the State and appropriating funds for the Rural Local Agency Traffic Sign Upgrade program.
• Resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement with the State and appropriating funds for construction of the Blivin Street Bridge over the Nippersink Creek.
• Resolution approving a supplemental engineering services agreement and appropriating funds for the Blivin Street Bridge Project.
• Resolution approving the acquisition of right-of-way for highway purposes and appropriating funds for the Graf Road Bridge Project over the West Branch of the Piscasaw Creek

7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake City Council

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

St. Thomas School is requesting the closure of a portion of Lake Street on Wednesday and Thursday May 25 and 26. The hours are from 7:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. for St. Thomas field days so parents and participants may safely cross from the school to the fields.

An intergovernmental Agreement between the City and the Crystal Lake Park District will be before the Council. This is part of plans by the McHenry County Department of Transportation for Spring 2012 improvements to Illinois Route 176 at Walkup Avenue under the jurisdiction of IDOT.

The City maintains a storm sewer system along Route 176 with an existing maintenance agreement with IDOT. .An existing storm sewer system along Illinois Route 176 will continue. This existing and proposed storm sewer system into Veteran Acres will continue to be maintained by the City. The Park District is responsible for maintaining the driveway and vegetation at the surface of the drainage easement.

A number of changes to the operations and management of the Three Oaks Recreation Area (TORA) are being presented to the Council for discussion only. These include allowing dogs and cats on the trails only provided they are on a leash. This is being changed from allowing them in the picnic grove area as well as the beaches[/spray, park/playground, area or in any watercraft.

The change is being made to prevent a conflict between pavilion rental users and dogs/cats.

Additionally, a change is proposed to General Rules regarding, children. All children under the age of 12-instead of the previously stated 11 years of age shall be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult of at least 16 years of age for admission to TORA.

Hours for the Marina and Trails are to include the second weekend of April through the end of October. The new schedule may be viewed  here

Also, a parent or responsible adult at least 16 years of age must accompany all swimmers under the age of 12.

Also non-resident business owners and property owners are being offered season passes at a rate of $150 for one person for 10 visits with an escalated scale up to $370 for family of four for parking fee and ten visits.

A Public Hearing and Annual Budget Resolution and Salary Ordinance for the 2011/2012 Fiscal Year is being presented for the City Council to adopt.

The budgeted expenditures for all funds in Fiscal Year 2011-2012 total approximately $85.57 million. This includes the funding for the Crystal Lake Library. This is compared to the budget for fiscal year 2010-2011 of $83.02 million.

7:30 p.m.--High School District 155 Board 

Meeting in Cary-Grove High School, 2208 Three Oaks Road, Cary, the Board is to consider bids for summer projects, hear a report of the Director of Student Services, Mark Kovack regarding Guidance Services; consider two parts of Board Policy Revision for first reading; consider resignation, retirement, dismissal and non-renewal of staff; consider leaves of absence and employment of staff.

Superintendent Dr. Jill Hawk seeking approval of a Resolution Extending Participation in the Regional Safe Schools Program, IHSA Membership Renewal. She is also to provide a legislative update. 

More To A Bridge Than Meets The Eye

Many times work on the structure over a stream involves more than the bridge itself. There is the stream the bridge goes over as well as inhabitants of the that stream and the banks of the stream. All of these are important, not only for the bridge but also for the stream banks that are the foundation for the bridge.

Recently the McHenry County Division of Transportation (MCDOT) was recognized by "Land and Water" magazine in an article entitled “Illinois Bridge Replacement Project Protects High Quality Stream” for its innovative approach to replacing the 58 year old bridge over the North Branch of the Kishwaukee River. The bridge construction project received accolades for preserving both the excellent quality of the stream and the endangered Iowa Darter Fish.

MCDOT and Illinois Constructors Corporation developed a construction schedule to begin the project in early February 2010 that took into account the spawning season of the Iowa Darter Fish and various needs of area farmers.

The Kishwaukee Valley Road Bridge was completed on June 10, 2010 and was built to specifications and opened ahead of schedule. The bridge is one of 140 bridges in McHenry County, most of which are between 40 to 60 years old. Four to six bridges are scheduled to be replaced this year. The contractor, Illinois Constructors Corporation, was selected by the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association from hundreds of nominees as a recipient of one of their Contractor of the Year awards for this project.

The full article can be read at the following link

Monday Government Meetings

MONDAY, APRIL 18

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

Meeting at the McHenry County Mental Health Board facility, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake

New business matters for the committee include a request for contract modification from Family Service; Family CARE Budget Update; FY 2011 Funding Guidelines and Application; FY12 Draft Budget Assumption and FY12 Draft Organizational Chart Review.

Also to be considered are any matters recommended for action.

5:30 p.m.—Special Meeting of School District 47 Board

Meeting in Woods Creek Elementary School, 1100 West Alexandra Blvd, Crystal Lake.

Following the opening of the meeting, the Board will conduct an executive session regarding personnel.

6:00 pm.—McHenry County Mental Health Board,

Meeting at the McHenry County Mental Health Board facility, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake.

Presentations to the Board include: Family Service –Access Program as presented by Chris Gleason. Also a presentation on McHenry County Special Courts is to be provided by Scott Block and Dan Wallis.

A number of routine reports are to be presented the Board as well as reports on Mental Health Awareness Month, results of Community Needs Assessment. Association of Community Mental Health Authorities of IL, Family Service Contract Modification, and an Annual Report Draft.

Reports will also be presented the Board by the Treasurer, and the Finance Committee.

The annual public hearing for the Board is scheduled for Monday, May 16, 7:00 p.m. at the McHenry County College Conference Center.

7:00 p.m.—Regular Meeting of School District 47 Board

Meeting in Woods Creek Elementary School, 1100 West Alexandra Blvd, Crystal Lake. In addition to a report on the school, a report on the Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) regarding healthy eating is to be presented.

A number of bids are to be presented the Board for approval for custodial supplies, flooring, lighting upgrades, mechanical equipment and general trades.

The Board is expected to have a discussion regarding Capital Purchase/Donation Guidelines.

The Agenda also calls for approval of an early release option.

Crystal Lake Hydrant Flushing Continues Monday

Fire hydrant flushing is ongoing in Crystal Lake and is expected to continue through May 13.

The section being flushed next week -– April 18 through April 22 — is south of Route 14, east of McHenry Avenue to Route 31.

The process is necessary to clean the City's water distribution system and to allow the Water Division to perform an inspection of City hydrants. During this flushing, water may become temporarily discolored due to material being removed from water mains.

It is safe to drink, but it may stain clothes that are washed during the flushing in the area. Residents are advised to try to limit water usage during this time, but if this is not possible, the City offers Rover, a chemical that can be used as a cleanser in laundry to remove iron stains, free of charge, should problems occur.

Questions may be directed to the Water Division at (815) 356-3614