McHenry County e-News

McHenry County, IL

6/15/2012

A message from the Chairman...

Ken Koehler County Board Chairman

Dear McHenry County Resident:

McHenry County is pleased to announce the new McHenry County Meeting Portal. The goal of the new McHenry County Meeting Portal is to include all McHenry County meeting agendas and minutes in one location.

In the continued effort to be a leader in transparency through technology, McHenry County selected IQM2, Inc. (www.iqm2.com) Open Meeting Management System to automate the agenda preparation process. The implementation of the new agenda management software will enable interested residents to listen to a live audio stream of County Board meetings as they occur and access archived County Board meetings after the fact.

A link to the McHenry County Meeting Portal can also be found on the County's homepage through the "McHenry County Meetings" link under the Quick Links section.

Sincerely,

Kenneth D. Koehler

County Board Chairman

County Department Spotlight:

Geographic Information Systems

The mission of the McHenry County Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Department is to develop and maintain the Geographic Information System of McHenry County by providing efficient, high quality GIS leadership, coordination, infrastructure, data development and maintenance, and GIS services that meet the needs of McHenry County and the communities we serve.

The McHenry County Geographic Information Systems Department performs the following office functions:

Develop logical, enterprise based and business driven development of McHenry County GIS data, applications, systems and regional coordination.
Develop and maintain digital parcel databases.
Administer the core McHenry County GIS databases.
Administer the core components that provide access to the McHenry County GIS databases.
Manage the coordination of GIS activity across County departments.
Support maintenance of core geographic data by County departments.
Develop and maintain technical standards for GIS data.

Click here to learn more about the McHenry County GIS Department.

MCDH Update

Local MRC Unit Receives Ambassador Award.

The McHenry County Medical Reserve Corps (MCMRC) received National recognition at a summit in Nashville, Tennessee. The MCMRC received one of two Ambassador Awards acknowledging the unit's 2011 activities in the area of health and emergency preparedness by the Federal Division of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps (DCVMRC).

The Integrated Medical, Public Health and Preparedness Summit (May 21-25) drew more than 3,000 attendees from across the country, representing a variety of agencies including emergency response, health departments and hospitals. The Ambassador Award was presented to Liz Hackett, MCMRC Liaison for McHenry County Department of Health, by U.S. Deputy Surgeon General RADM Boris Lushniak and DCVMRC Director Robert Tosatto...Read More

MCDOT Update

Rakow Road

Reconstruction and widening from Ackman Road to IL 31 including multi-use path bridge over Rakow Road.

The spring weather was very good for pavement construction. All main-line concrete is essentially complete and cross street intersection reconstruction is now the focus. Asphalt paving of the new westbound lanes is expected to start in mid-July. Please drive with caution as the work zone activity has increased and traffic lanes are shifting. Sign up for email updates at www.RakowRoad.com.

The project is now about 65% complete. Electrical work on the traffic signals and roadway lighting is in full swing along with topsoil placement and landscaping work. The relocated Bike Path and new pedestrian bridge was opened the week of June 11.

Walkup Road

Utility relocation work has progressed to the point where temporary pavement can now be constructed near the IL 176 intersection allowing the project to go into Stage work including the temporary closure of the south leg of Walkup Avenue to the railroad crossing for reconstruction. This should occur about mid-July and last about two months. The north end of the project should be clear of utility conflicts by June 18, and construction can then resume. Follow us to keep informed and help you make decisions before you travel. Remember to plan ahead. Visit the project website at www.WalkupRoad.com for more information.

Virginia Road/ Klasen Road at Illinois Route 31

This project will relocate Virginia Road to the north for safer operations and widen IL Route 31 to a four lane, divided roadway at a cost of $8.6 million. Work is underway in Stage I with construction of the new northbound pavement. The closure of Klasen Road for about two months for reconstruction is scheduled for June 25, and a marked detour will be provided using Cary-Algonquin Road. This project will tie into the future Western Algonquin Bypass. Visit the project website at www.il31virginia.com for more information and sign up for email updates.

BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION

The Graf Road Bridge over the Piscasaw Creek in Chemung Township is very near completion with the roadway pavement built in the first week of June. Project completion is anticipated before the end of June 2012.

The Dunham Road Bridge over Rush Creek in Dunham Township is progressing with the bridge beam placement to occur June 13. Work on the new roadside ditches is nearing completion.

The Hill Road Bridge in Richmond Township has been awarded to Dunnet Bay Construction at a bid price of $1,105,766.81 and is awaiting a preconstruction meeting to be scheduled by IDOT.

MCSO Update

The McHenry County Sheriff's Office keeps busy with launching a revamped website, participating in the Illinois Special Olympics Torch Run, starting up another new Neighborhood Watch program and arresting three Top Ten Fugitive's this week.

Our website was recreated and features several new sources of information. The new site includes an inmate locator, online video information about the correction facility, bond information, inmate photographs, and inmate release notifications. It also includes a newly designed Crime Mapping program that plots and provides a general description of calls for service in unincorporated McHenry County.

The Sheriff's Office recently participated in the Illinois Special Olympic Torch Run and COP on TOP fundraiser. Sheriff's Deputies and Corrections Officers participated on Sunday, June 10 in running with the torch from the Barrington Police Department to Knox Park in McHenry. On Friday, June 1 members of the Sheriff's Office collected over $1,250.00 in donations for the Illinois Special Olympics at the Woodstock Dunkin Donuts during the COP on TOP fundraiser.

The Sheriff's Office will be kicking off a new Neighborhood Watch Program in June in Seneca Township. This is the third new program to start in the last few months. Contact the Community Relations Division for more information on how to start a program in your community.

Over the course of one week, THREE of the Top Ten Fugitive's listed on the Sheriff's Office website were apprehended. These apprehensions are credited to good investigation skills, diligent collaborative efforts, and the public's assistance. Sometimes our Investigators and Deputies are just one tip away from solving a case or apprehending someone that is wanted. We encourage you to share information with your police through their general phone number, an email, or your local Crime Stoppers.

For more information about any of these highlighted topics, please visit our website, www.mchenrysheriff.org.

Mental Health Court Graduation Ceremony

22nd Judicial Circuit and McHenry County

Date:	Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Time:	6:30 p.m. (East Entrance)
Where:	McHenry County Government Center 2200 N. Seminary Avenue - Courtroom 204 Woodstock, IL 60098
Presentation:	Michelle Rock, Director - Illinois Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health and Justice

"When one person rises out of mental illness/substance use and crime, WE ALL RISE!"

Division of Water Resources Update

Water Conservation is Everyone's Business

Water conservation is something few of us think about at work. Since we don't get the bill at work, we're not aware of the cost and quantity of our consumption. But our offices and factories consume huge quantities of water, so saving on the job should be everyone's business. You can save water in your 9-to-5 world by following these simple tips for wise water use in the workplace. Follow the link below:

http://www.wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve/business-tips/.

Find out more by visiting: www.mchenryh2o.com, "Like" the Division of Water Resources on Facebook, or follow our blog.

2013 Senior Services Grant Fund

The McHenry County Senior Service Grant Commission is now requesting proposals from units of government and not-for-profit organizations for programs and projects providing transportation and social services for McHenry County seniors. For more information and an application, please click here.

Emergency Management Update

Lightning Safety Awareness Week - June 24-30

There are an estimated 23 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes each year in the United States, nearly 800,000 of which occur in Illinois alone. Lightning can be fascinating to watch, but it is also extremely dangerous! Few people really understand the dangers of lightning. Many people don't act promptly to protect their lives, property and the lives of others. The first step in solving this potentially life-threatening problem is through education. Click here to learn how you can be prepared.

Severe Weather

The McHenry County Emergency Management Agency reminds residents to prepare for severe weather...Read More.

McHenry County HAM Radio Field Day

The Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) division of the McHenry County Emergency Management Agency will be participating in a Field Day on Saturday, June 23 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 24 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Field Day station will be located in the front of the McHenry County Government Center at 2200 N. Seminary Ave in Woodstock, IL. The public will have a unique opportunity to operate official Field Day stations and learn firsthand what HAM radio is all about...Read More.