Words Of Wisdom

"How prone all human institutions have been to decay; how subject the best-formed and most wisely organized governments have been to lose their check and totally dissolve; how difficult it has been for mankind, in all ages and countries, to preserve their dearest rights and best privileges, impelled as it were by an irresistible fate of despotism."

 --James Monroe, speech in the Virginia Ratifying Convention, 1788

Understanding Real Estate Property Assessment Process

On October 1, 2012 at 6 PM, Grafton Township Supervisor Linda Moore is hosting a presentation by McHenry County Assessor Robert Ross, “Understanding the Real Estate Property Assessment Process in McHenry County.” 

The event will be held at the American Community Bank at 10101 North Route 47, Huntley, .

The presentation will cover the 2-year property tax cycle in McHenry County and Grafton Township including the assessment and assessment appeal process, as well as the tax district levy process.  Time will be allowed for questions and/or comments at the end of the presentation.

Please call the Township Supervisor’s Office 1-847-669-3328 to reserve your spot and ensure adequate facilities for all in attendance.

Government At Work

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17--

8:15 a.m. – McHenry County Board Law & Justice Committee meeting is cancelled

10:00 a.m. – Crystal Lake Park District Special Projects and Planning Committee meeting in executive session regarding the purchase or lease of real property for the District.

6:00 p.m. – McHenry County Mental Health Board—

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

Following approval of minutes of prior meetings, time is provided for public comment.

A report from the Board President Lee Ellis is slated for presentation, as well as a report from the executive director.

Time is provided for response to Public Comment Questions.

A report is scheduled on Medication Support Funds for FY 2012.

A matter listed on the agenda for action calls for Proposed Capital Funds request Policy.

Treasurer Sam Tenuto is slated to provide a report to the board.

Five matters are listed on the consent agenda, including FY13 Budget revised, FY 13 Draft Funding Contract, Resolution setting the Mental Health Board Holiday Schedule for 2013; Fundraising Even Tickets Policy;

New Business includes: Family Alliance Request and Home of the Sparrow Request, both which need Board action.

Special Meetings of the Board being set include Thursday, October 11, 7:30 a.m. for Child and Adolescent Substance Abuse, Residential, Community Support, Ancillary and Specialty Services.

7:00 p.m. Crystal Lake School District 47 Board –

Meeting in Coventry Elementary School, 820 Darlington, Crystal Lake

A hearing is being held on the proposed 2012-13 budget for the District.

Following that a request is being presented for approval to pay custodian salaries, utilities and building equipment from the OGM Fund as well as consideration for allocation of General State Aid to the Education, Operations and Maintenance Fund.

Also to be considered is a request for approval of the 2012-13 Transportation Joint Authority budget.

Other district related bills and contracts are also being presented for the Board’s approval. 

The Board is also being requested to approve application for Recognition of Schools, and of Public Act 96-0434, the 2012-2014 TJA Collective Bargaining Agreement; Approval of Snow Removal Bids.

Discussion of Strategic Planning Goals is also an item on the agenda before an executive session for the purpose of personnel and then adjournment.

Latino Heritage Month At MCC

McHenry County College will celebrate Latino Heritage Month from Sept. 17 through Oct. 11 with special events that recognize the contributions made by Latinos and to celebrate culture and traditions.

The month begins with a Kick-off Fiesta at MCC on Sept. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Commons, Building B. Featured will be Latin American food from multiple countries, a food demo by Chef Maddox of LaPetit de Paris, a showcase of artifacts of Latin America, flamenco dancers, a hands-on craft activity, giveaways, plus traditional Mexican desserts provided by the MCC Hospitality Club.

In addition, area high school students will attend MCC’s 2nd annual Latino Empowerment Conference on Sept. 21 where students will learn about the wide array of resources available to all college students, including scholarships and financial aid options, degrees and certificates available and career exploration strategies. Students will also hear MCC Latino alumni share their success stories and listen to a lively presentation about goal setting by motivational speaker Ernesto Mejia.

Other Latino Heritage Month events are listed below. All events are free and open to the public unless noted.

Wednesday, Sept. 19  and repeated on Oct. 9

1:30-2:30 p.m.

Study Abroad Seminar

10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Learn about the various destinations to study abroad while attending MCC and the benefits of the MCC Study Abroad Program in Room B166-167.

Friday, Sept. 21

8 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.

Second-Annual Latino Empowerment Conference for high school students.

Tuesday, Sept. 25

Spanish Loteria (Bingo)

11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

This student-only bingo event will be held in the cafeteria.

Thursday, Sept. 27

Latin American Coffee Tasting

Students and staff can enjoy Latin American coffees and pastries and stop by to speak with Ted Erski, MCC geography instructor, who will be available to answer questions and explain the coffees represented.

Saturday, Sept. 29

Bandoleros Performance

8 to 10 p.m.

The Raue Center welcomes the Bandoleros, a Chicago-based musical force of nature that has mesmerized audiences around the world with its spicy blend of Middle Eastern, Spanish flamenco and Latin flavors. MCC students only may

purchase tickets for $10 in the Student Life Office, Room A252. Sponsored by Northwest Herald and Sage Products, Inc.

Wednesday, Oct. 3

12 to 1 p.m.

Lunch & Learn

Born to Solo & Inspire

Rafael Mèndez, trumpeter and teacher (1906-1981)

MCC Speech instructor Ron Compton will feature the life and work of famous Latino musician Rafael Mèndez in Room A211.

Saturday, Oct. 6

Field Trip to the National Museum of Mexican Art

9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Join us for a field trip to the National Museum of Mexican Art, featuring a tour of the current exhibits in English or Spanish, view of the Pilsen Murals and a visit to a Mexican bakery and an authentic Mexican lunch. Student trip fee is $20. Sign up in the Student Life Office, Room A252.

Tuesday, Oct. 9

Study Abroad Seminar

1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Learn about the various destinations to study abroad while attending MCC and the benefits of the MCC Study Abroad Program. Snacks will be served.

Thursday, Oct. 11

Aztec Stories

10 to 11:30 a.m. Luecht Conference Center, Building B

2:30 to 3:50 p.m. Room A112

6-7:30 p.m. Room B166-167

A cultural/educational/musical workshop that will enlighten you to the wondrous world of the ancient Mexica/Aztecs. Participants will learn about many ancient, native indigenous instruments and listen to oral tradition stories that will reintroduce the symbolism and meaning behind some of the instruments. Free of charge.

For more information about Latino Heritage Month activities, contact Sonia Reising, coordinator of Multicultural Programs at (815) 455-8550.

Walkup Road Traffic Information

Walkup Road from Woodstock Street to IL 176 is scheduled to REOPEN on Friday, September 21st, pending weather.

Traffic along IL 176 at Walkup Road will be switching to new pavement..

First Street, Second Street, and Third Street are closed until September 21st due to the new pavement along IL 176 being 10 inches higher than the existing roadway.

Get the latest info with a visit to the project website for up-to-date information: www.WalkupRoad.com 

Important Information For Voters

Only properly registered electors may vote at the November 6, 2012 General Election, as provided by the Permanent Registration of Electors Law of Illinois.

Registered Voters who have moved from one precinct to another within the County since last registered, or from one address to another within the precinct of their residence, must notify the County Clerk, in writing by signing an application for change of residence or by returning their present voter’s card to the County Clerk’s Office specifying the new address, on or before Tuesday, October 9, 2012.

Any person residing in his election district thirty (30) days, on or before the date of the election or any person who shall be eighteen years of age on or before the date of the election shall be permitted to register, if otherwise qualified.

Voters who are registered in another county and are new residents of McHenry County must appear before the County Clerk or a Deputy Registrar and register in McHenry County. Two ID’s are required, and one must bear current name and address.  Please contact the County Clerk’s Office for information if you wish to register with a local deputy registrar or you may access our web site at County Clerk.

NOTE: Anyone registering t vote by mail must provide sufficient proof of identity, if requesting an Absentee Ballot be mailed.

To constitute residence under this Act a permanent abode and dwelling place within the county is necessary.

REGISTERED VOTERS who do not have a voter’s registration card, or who have a question regarding their registration, should contact the County Clerk’s Office immediately at 815-334-4242.

REGISTERED VOTERS who do not have a voter’s registration card, or who have a question regarding their registration, should contact the County Clerk’s Office immediately at 815-334-4242.

PROPERLY REGISTERED VOTERS DO NOT HAVE TO RE-REGISTER.

The County Clerk’s Office at Woodstock is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The County Clerk’s Office is located in the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Room 107, Woodstock, IL.

Mailing address is 2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, IL 60098.

Anyone with questions regarding Voter Registration status must contact the Clerk’s Office.

Illinois Election Law requires individuals to keep their address current. You cannot vote for local candidates if you are not properly registered.

You cannot vote on any local propositions if you are not properly registered.

Please contact the County Clerk’s office at 815-334-4242, immediately if you have changed your address and have not yet notified the County Clerk’s Office.

It is your right to vote, please do not forfeit that right.

Review Of McHenry County Development Ordinance

McHenry County is developing a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to regulate all aspects of development in unincorporated areas of the County.  The UDO will update and combine the County’s Zoning, Subdivision, Sign, and miscellaneous development regulations into a single, comprehensive, and consistent set of regulations.  The UDO will implement the County’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan and Water Resources Action Plan. 

The project consultant, Camiros, Ltd, has completed development of its initial draft ordinance, which is available for review on the project website: www.camiros.com/mchenrycoUDO.  The draft ordinance is based on consideration of the county’s existing rules and procedures and extensive input from County officials and staff along with real estate, agricultural, environmental, and municipal representatives, and property owners.

The County Board Planning and Development Committee has scheduled a series of four meetings with the Zoning Board of Appeals for the purpose of reviewing the draft ordinance.  The review meetings are scheduled for:

Wednesday, September 19

Thursday, September 20

Wednesday, September 26

Thursday, September 27

All meetings are from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the County Board Meeting Rooms of the McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road in Woodstock, IL

The public is invited to attend the review meetings. The Planning and Development Committee will accept public comment at the beginning of the meetings in accordance with its normal procedures.

Based on direction from the Planning and Development Committee and Zoning Board of Appeals members, the consultants will prepare a revised ordinance. The revised draft will be released for an informal public review meeting to be conducted in late October or early November. The County will conduct formal

Public hearing on the revised ordinance.

For more information about the UDO project, visit www.camiros.com/mchenrycoUDO.

For additional information, please contact Dennis Sandquist, Director of Planning and Development, at 815-334-4560.