Government At Work

TUESDAY JANUARY 7--

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Planning and Development Committee-

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

The Committee is to consider a resolution requesting an exception from a potential conflict of interest involving the PY2013 HOME CHDO investment partnership program funding between McHenry County Habitat for Humanity and McHenry County Housing Commission Member Jerry Monica.

9:00 a.m. – McHenry County Board—

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

County Auditor Pam Palmer is to present the GFOA Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and the Popular Annual Finance Report

In addition to handling routine reports, the Board is to consider a resolution authorizing the Department of Planning and Development to initiate legal action for the demolition of a structure located at 2811 Myang Avenue, McHenry.

Another resolution is being presented adopting revised bylaws for the McHenry Community Development Block Grant Commission.

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

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

Several matters are being handled on a consent agenda including:

Annexation Public Hearing for Doherty Properties north and south of Route 176 and east of Route 31 is being continued.

An ordinance is being presented for approval regarding the2014 Crystal Lake Zoning Map

Knights of Columbus Father McCormick Council #3880 Class 16 Temporary Liquor License request.

Several bid awards are being presented for Council approval including:

Bid award and resolution authorizing execution of an agreement for the Test Well and New Well #18. Services and 10% contingency for unforeseen changes to the scope

Bid award and resolution authorizing execution of an agreement for a contract for Water Distribution System Valve Turning Services.

Bid award and resolution authorizing execution for an agreement for the purchase and installation of one service body, crane, and air compressor.

Words Of Wisdom

"I ... place economy among the first and most important of republican virtues, and public debt as the greatest of the dangers to be feared. ... Taxation follows that, and in its turn wretchedness and oppression."

--Thomas Jefferson, Letter to William Plumer, 1816

Government At Work

MONDAY JANUARY 6

8:15 a.m. – McHenry County Board Law and Justice Committee—

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

Four individuals have expressed an interest in filling a one-year term for the Fox River Grove Fire Protection District. Three of the four are to be interviewed by the committee. The fourth individual is unable to be present.

Several resolutions are to be considered by the committee including:

Authorizing the Sheriff to enter into option year two of the Galls Uniform and accessories contract awarded in Fiscal Year 2011.

Authorizing a fuel services and miscellaneous petroleum products bid and contract

Accepting a public safety answering point reimbursement from the emergency telephone systems board

The committee is also to discuss propane usage for MCSO vehicles

And consider a resolution authorizing a claim settlement case.

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

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

The committee is to consider a new liquor license request for Classico Restaurant and Banquets as well as raffle permit requests for Journey Care Foundation, St. Peter’s Catholic Church and Riverwood Elementary School PTO.

Also to be considered is a request by Plum Tree National, Inc. for a change in officers and directors along with a request for application waiver.

The Committee is also expected to hold discussion on video Gaming

Clearing The Political Air

Town Crier would like to give assurances we are not supporting anyone for the McHenry County Sheriff's position. We feel that should be the choice of the voters. The Town Crier publisher has been reporting on elections since the mid-1960’s in McHenry County in print and radio. Also reported on elections in State College, PA, for the professional Public Radio Station at Penn State during a period between 1988 and 199

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Republican candidate for Sheriff Bill Prim authorized the release of this letter to the Editor of the Northwest Herald.

December 31, 2013

Dear Sir:

Your story (“Andrew Zinke rejects debate with Bill Prim in sheriff’s race”) first published online yesterday, does a disservice to your readers with respect to the facts.  I would like to clear up the record:

1. Whatever Mr. Zinke later told your reporter, the fact is that he either committed to a debate under the auspices of Patriots United, or else he left the leaders of that organization with the distinct impression that he had.  That is not my judgment, but comes directly from the public statement by Patriots United.

2. Messrs. Rabine and Kelly have been publicly supporting my candidacy for more than a year, and I am proud to have their support.  Mr. Zinke must have known that at the time he agreed to a debate, so it is useless for him to pretend now that this fact has come as a sudden revelation that changed the dynamic and led to his withdrawal.

3. Patriots United made a significant effort over the past few months to organize a debate.  The League of Women Voters has yet to lift a finger in that regard, so whatever policy they, or Patriots United, follow with respect to political donations by organization board members is utterly irrelevant.

4. I find it notable that The Northwest Herald, which hosted both a primary and general election forum in the Sheriff’s race in 2010, “presently has no plans to host a debate.”

5. If Mr. Zinke is interested in a debate, he will find me open to any reasonable suggestions.

Sincerely,

Bill Prim

Republican Candidate for Sheriff

Police Commander (Ret.)

Extreme Cold May Affect Some Water Service Lines

 Due to the extreme cold that the area experiences during the winter months, the frost covering the City is able to penetrate deeper into the ground and reach some water service lines.  This problem has been exacerbated during prolonged periods of extreme cold temperatures, as is expected over the next several days.

When the frost reaches these depths, it is able to freeze the water and service lines, which can prevent residents from having access to water.  A frozen service line can be costly to homeowners who must then call a plumber to thaw their exterior service line.  Residents who have experienced this problem in the past may be at risk again.  The City urges these residents to turn on one faucet in their home and leave it running at a trickle, with the water stream no wider than a pencil.  This will allow the water to flow through the pipes, which will prevent it from freezing. 

In extreme cases, if frozen exterior service lines are left untreated, they can cause pipes to burst in a resident’s home.  This problem is particularly prevalent in vacant homes that have not had their pipes properly winterized.  By allowing the home’s plumbing to remain active while not heating the home, the property owner is taking a significant risk that the pipes will not freeze.  Proper precautions must be taken in these dwellings to ensure the integrity of the unit’s plumbing system.

If a resident experiences a water outage caused by freezing pipes, they should contact the Public Works Department at (815) 356-3614.

Chili Open Golf Time -- Saturday January 18

After several years of event cancellations due to poor ice conditions, Mother Nature has provided what is looking to be very favorable conditions for the 2014 Chili Open Golf Classic. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, January 18 on Crystal Lake. 

Crystal Lake Main Beach is located at 300 Lakeshore Drive in Crystal Lake.  Tee times begin at 8:00 am and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The registration fee for the Chili Open is $115 per team (foursome). Register online at www.crystallakeparks.org and use program code 1405-0. Office hours are 8:30 am-5 pm Monday-Friday.

The Chili Open Golf Classic is a favorite winter tradition for many. Golfers will play one championship, nine-hole, par-32 course on frozen Crystal Lake. You don't have to have any golfing experience to participate, just bring three friends, a few short irons, a putter and come have fun on the lake.

All foursomes will receive our great giveaway, one bowl of chili and the chance to win several prizes. Prizes will include; golf bags, golf clubs, golf apparel, and gift cards.

Decorate a sled and enter the Chili Open "Best Sled" contest for your chance to win even more great golf prizes.  Painted golf balls, prizes and side games are provided to all golfers.  Please contact Connie Cooke at (815) 459-0680 ext. 213 for further information.

Awards For McHenry County Financial Reporting

McHenry County has earned two financial reporting awards from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA).  The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the County’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.  This award has been received for 15 consecutive years.  In addition, the County’s Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) received the Award for Outstanding Achievement for Popular Annual Financial Reporting, representing the 5th consecutive year of receiving this award.

McHenry County Auditor Pam Palmer and Financial Reporting Manager James Bernier are primarily responsible for preparation of both the CAFR and the PAFR.  “The receipt of these awards speaks to the continued strength of the financial accounting and reporting processes that have been put into place, which are further supported by County policies and procedures that have been approved and implemented.

The PAFR is especially useful to citizens as it presents three perspectives that help to assess the County’s overall financial health.  Additionally, it is a summary of the detailed CAFR and presented in a format that is easy to read and understand,” said Ms. Palmer.

The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program. For the PAFR, a government unit must publish the report to conform to program standards of creativity, presentation, understandability and reader appeal. 

Citizens can find both the McHenry County FY 2012 CAFR and the FY2012 PAFR and other Financial Reports on the County Auditor’s Office webpage.  The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 17,500 government finance professionals with office in Chicago, Illinois and Washington, D.C.