McHenry County, IL10/7/2011

 

McHenry County e-News
A message from the Chairman... 

Ken Koehler  County Board Chairman

 

Dear McHenry County Resident:

 

McHenry County will be celebrating International GIS Day on Wednesday, November 16th at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, IL. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) empower McHenry County to integrate digital information with maps as tools for decision making. 

 

McHenry County will be showcasing how it uses GIS throughout County Departments to improve public safety, reduce staff time, manage resources more efficiently, improve decision making, and provide better information to the public. Representatives from multiple County Departments (Assessments, Division of Transportation, Emergency Management, Geographic Information Systems, Health, Planning & Development and the Sheriff's Department) will be on hand to demonstrate how GIS technology assists in everyday functions.

 

Come and learn the exciting ways McHenry County utilizes GIS:

 

When:            Wednesday, November 16, 2011

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

 

Where:           McHenry County College

Main Commons Area

8900 US Route 14

Crystal Lake, IL

 

For more information on International GIS Day or the McHenry County GIS Department, please visit www.mchenrycountygis.org.

 

 Sincerely,

 

Kenneth D. Koehler

County Board Chairman

 

County Board Member Spotlight:
Marc Munaretto

 

Marc Munaretto was elected to the McHenry County Board in November 1998 and currently resides in Algonquin.  Mr. Munaretto is Vice-Chairman of the Human Resources Committee and is a member of the Natural & Environmental Resources, Planning & Development, and Legislative & Intergovernmental Affairs.  Click here to learn more about Mr. Munaretto.

Division of Transportation Update

 

COUNTY ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS UPDATE

Rakow Road Reconstruction - Mainline concrete base course pours (2 lanes wide) are now complete for the eastbound side of the project. Additional lanes and intersection pours are continuing with curb & gutter following soon. Placement of the asphalt binder course will follow, and eastbound traffic only should be on the new pavement by the end of October.

 

Re-staging of the crossroad intersections will occur late this week into next. Lane locations will shift and temporary ramps will be installed to transition between new and old pavements. Please pay extra attention and use caution in these intersections as drivers become accustomed to the new lane configurations.

 

The McHenry County Division of Transportation appreciates your patience and extra care in driving through the construction zones.

 

Sign up for email updates on www.RakowRoad.com or follow us on Twitter @RakowRoad.

 

Union Road Bridge Replacement - The bridge and roadway work is nearly complete, and is expect to opened to traffic by the third week of October at the latest. 

 

Lawrence Road Bridge Replacement over Lawrence Creek - Work started on this project on June 27, 2011. The bridge is now open to one-way traffic using a temporary traffic signal. Stage I is complete and the one-way traffic is now running on the new bridge section. The Stage II beams were set on October 3rd and forming of the bridge deck is in progress.

 

Graf Road Bridge Replacement over Lawrence Creek - Work started on this project also on June 27, 2011. The new concrete deck beam overlay has been placed and work has started on building the approach roadways.

 

Blivin Street Bridge Replacement - The bridge closure was made on August 8, 2011, with the detour route marked using U.S. Route 12, Wilmot Road and Main Street. Blivin Street will remain open to local traffic only up to the bridge, but the bridge will remain closed for the duration of the construction. Utility relocations were anticipated to start at that time but delays have been encountered. The significant public utility relocation challenges are being addressed at this time, however due to lost time it will not be possible to open the bridge to traffic by the milestone date of November 15. All efforts will be made to open the bridge to traffic at the earliest possible date with completion to occur in the spring of 2012. The contractor has been authorized to work extra hours to expedite the project and construction work is underway as of September 15.

 

Burlington Road Resurfacing - Milling of the existing pavement took place on October 4th. Patching will be done and completion of the paving is expected by Friday, October 7th. The road will be open to traffic at all times during construction using flaggers.

 

Visit www.McHenryCountyDOT.org and check out the interactive Construction Map for the latest information or links to specific projects. 

 

Watch for notices of road closures, detour maps, and schedules for these projects at www.McHenryCountyDOT.org.
2040 Long-Range
Transportation Plan Effort 

 

Over the last twenty years, transportation demand in McHenry County has exploded. With the population increasing over 68% since 1990, more and more people are using the County's roads, trains, buses, and sidewalks. However, McHenry County's transportation infrastructure has not been able to keep up with the increased demand, which is partially due to the rapid rate of growth. There are needs to increase capacity for all modes and users of the County's transportation system....read more

McHenry County Department of Health Update 

  

Medication Take-Back Initiative - October 29 

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) encourages residents to take advantage of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency's (DEA) program "National Take-Back Initiative" on Saturday, October 29.  The one-day event is from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., at participating law enforcement sites. Studies show a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet...read more 

 

Restrictions on Open Burning, Alternatives

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) reminds residents that year-round burning restrictions are in effect regarding the proper disposal of landscape waste on your property. Landscape waste consists of grass or shrubbery cuttings, leaves and tree limbs.  The "McHenry County Public Health Ordinance: Open Burning of Landscape Waste" permits residents to burn landscape waste on weekend days (Saturdays and Sundays) during April, May, October and November if the burn area meets the setback requirements of at least 100 feet from a school, business, church or house; 50 feet from a barn, shed or detached garage. Most municipalities have ordinances which restrict or prohibit the burning of yard waste. In areas where there is not a ban or more restrictive ordinance, the County ordinance, which is in effect year round, must be followed...read more

Scenic Road Dedication
 

The McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission will be dedicating Greenwood Road in Greenwood Township, IL as McHenry County's 9th Scenic Road. 

 

When:     Friday, October 21, 2011 @ 9:30 a.m.

 

Where:   Greenwood Elementary School,    

               4618 Greenwood Road, Greenwood, IL

 

For more information on any McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission programs, or to find out how you can nominate your home or local site, visit www.mchhpc.orgYou may also contact the Historic Preservation Commission through the McHenry County Planning & Development Department at 815-334-4560. 

Division of Water Resources Update 

 

McHenry County Installs Raingarden and Xeriscape

Water conservation in McHenry County is serious business now and for the future. In an effort to demonstrate ways that it can be done, the County is building demonstration gardens on the McHenry County campus in front of the Administration Building. Funding for the gardens was provided by the McHenry County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Illinois American Water Environmental Grant Program...read more 

 

Managing Snow & Ice Control Operations Workshop

Come learn about best management practices for road salt application through the Division of Water Resources' Managing Snow and Ice Control Operations Workshop. Removal of snow and ice from McHenry County pavement is essential for public safety and the local economy. This workshop encourages sensible salting practices without compromising safety. The workshop will be conducted on October 13 and October 14 in McHenry, IL.  Preregistration for this event is required. Room is still available.

 

More information for this event can be found on the McHenry County Water Resources website at www.mchenryh2o.com or by contacting McHenry County Water Resources Manager Cassandra McKinney at 815-334-0309.

 

Do not forget to become a FAN of the McHenry County Division of Water Resources on Facebook!
McHenry County Sheriff's Office Update

 

October is Crime Prevention Month

Amongst many things, October is Crime Prevention Month.  During the month of October, take a moment to look at your family's safety and security.  Walk the exterior of your home and other buildings.  Are there areas that need improvements?  Are you able to secure all your windows and doors properly?  Does any of your exterior lighting need to be replaced?  During your fall clean up; evaluate if your landscaping needs to be trimmed so it does not block windows and doors.

 

Many burglaries and thefts occur because a residence or vehicle was not secured properly.  If you have an alarm system, check to make sure it is functioning properly and that you use it all the time.  Verify with your alarm company that they have the most current contact information for you and the key holders.

 

When you go on vacation, notify a trusted family member or neighbor and have them check your residence regularly. Make sure your mail and any deliveries are collected.  Consider leaving lights on in and outside your residence, just like you would be when home to give the perception that you are.

 

The McHenry County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) offers Vacation Watch checks. Unincorporated residents can contact MCSO at 815-338-2144 for a vacation watch assistance. For those residing within municipalities, check to see what services they may offer when you are away.

 

In the next e-News, the MCSO will share a few more tips for you to be safe out in the community.

 

McHenry County Appointments 

 

The McHenry County Board is currently accepting applications for appointment to the following boards and commissions:  

  • McHenry County Housing Commission
  • McHenry County Senior Services Grant Commission
  • McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission

Click here to view board and commission descriptions and to obtaining an application.

 

10 Questions to a Fair Assessment:
An Explanation of the Assessment Appeal Process in McHenry County 

 

After you have received your 2011 assessment notice please use the commonly asked questions below to better understand your assessment.

 

1. What's my first step to determine if my assessment is accurate?

Make sure the information about your property is correct. The local assessor may also be able to show you other properties similar to yours in your neighborhood. You can determine if your property is equitably assessed. He or she may also have comparable sales information. If you have lived in your home for a long time you may not realize how much it is worth now. 

 

Click here to view other frequently asked questions.

 

Click here to visit the County Assessments website.

In This Issue
County Board Spotlight
MCDOT Update
Transportation Plan
MCDH Update
Scenic Road Dedication
Water Resources
MCSO Update
Assessments

McHenry County Board

 

District 1

Anna May Miller 

District 1

Bob Bless 

District 1

Marc Munaretto 

District 1

Bob Nowak 

District 2

Scott Breeden 

District 2

Jim Heisler 

District 2

Donna Kurtz 

District 2

Ken Koehler 

District 3

Nick Provenzano 

 

District 3

Kathleen Bergan Schmidt 

District 3

Barbara Wheeler 

District 3

Mary L. Donner 

District 4

Sue Draffkorn 

 

District 4

John D. Hammerand 

District 4

Peter J. Merkel 

 

District 4

Sandra Fay
Salgado
 

District 5

Tina Hill 

District 5

Paula Yensen 

District 5

John Jung, Jr. 

District 5

Virginia Peschke 

District 6

Randy Donley 

District 6

Mary T. McCann 

District 6

Diane Evertsen 

 

 District 6 

Ersel Schuster 

McHenry County Employment Opportunities 


Click here!

 

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