McHenry County e-News

McHenry County, IL

5/16/2013

A message from the Chairwoman...

Tina R. Hill

County Board

Chairwoman

Dear McHenry County Resident:

On Friday, May 10 McHenry County was one of 11 Illinois counties to receive a Federal disaster declaration that offers Individual Assistance to affected County residents. McHenry County residents affected by the late April flooding and storm may now call or go online to register for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Information on how to do this can be found here.

Despite this being a 50-year flood event, McHenry County employees rose to the occasion in response to this incident. I wanted to give a special thank you to the employees of the Planning and Development Department, Division of Transportation, Sheriff's Office, State's Attorney's Office, Department of Health, County Administration, Geographic Information Services, and especially the McHenry County Emergency Management Agency for all their hard work over the past month. I am proud of the dedication our employees exhibited in addressing this flood. To all those involved, a job well done!

Sincerely,

Tina R. Hill

County Board Chairwoman

McHenry County Flood Recovery Center

McHenry County is pleased to announce the launch of the McHenry County Flood Recovery Center. This information portal on the McHenry County website is a one stop reference page for flood recovery. Additionally, the "Flood Recovery Center" portal can be found below the "Quick Links" on the main webpage. The information on this webpage includes:

- How to register for Federal Disaster Assistance

- FAQs for individuals affected by the flood incident

- Health and safety information on wells, septic systems, and proper disposal of flood debris

- Building and stormwater permits related to damage sustained during the flood event

- Who to contact if you need health and human service assistance

- Who to contact if you have flood insurance

- Who to contact if you would like to volunteer for the clean-up or need assistance cleaning-up

- How to spot a scam

Please click here to view the McHenry County Flood Recovery Center.

County Department Spotlight:

State's Attorney's Office

Click here to learn about McHenry County State's Attorney's Office.

Learn more about what is going on in the State's Attorney's Office by viewing the Spring 2013 Newsletter.

Residential Electronic Waste and Recycling

Think before you throw those household items in the trash. McHenry County Department of Health has partnered with several businesses and community organizations to collect and recycle residential electronics and a variety of other recyclable materials for residents. Residents can drop off items on Saturday, May 18, from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm, at the McHenry County Courthouse (West parking lot) at Route 47 and Russell Court (2200 N Seminary Avenue, Woodstock)...Read More.

County Raffle License

Are you curious about where you can go to find information on obtaining a County raffle license?

Click here to view the County Raffle Ordinance which outlines the rules to obtain a license.

Click here for a raffle license application.

Planning and Development Update

Reviews, Permits and Inspections Related to Flooding

With the waters receded and the clean up well under way, the McHenry County Department of Planning and Development offers the following advice for property owners and residents who experienced flooded structures and property damage...Read More.

Sump Pump Discharge and Replacement

Due to the recent heavy rainfall and flooding, McHenry County has received several calls regarding the regulation of discharge from sump pumps and also regarding the replacement of broken pumps in unincorporated areas...Read More.

Removal of Hedgerows and Trees from Farmer Fields

With the price of corn being at historically high levels, many area farmers are removing hedgerows and other trees from their farm fields in order to increase the area available for cultivating crops. The McHenry County Department of Planning and Development has received numerous telephone calls from neighboring property owners expressing concerns that this practice will have negative impacts on water resources and soil erosion...Read More.

Required Cash Contribution Amounts for New Homes

Effective immediately, cash contributions in lieu of a school site donation, which are required for new home developments in unincorporated McHenry County, have been significantly reduced...Read More.

Fair Housing Seminar

The McHenry County Housing Commission's education Committee is hosting a training seminar for all County non-profits and sub-recipients...Read More.

MCDOT Update

Charles J. Miller Road

The Charles J. Miller Road project has been split into two phases. Phase 1 is from roughly a 1/4 mile east of Green Street to River Road. This coming winter, the new bridge that will carry the new westbound lanes will be built. The existing bridge will be used for the eastbound lanes.

The project is 24% complete. The new steel beams are being set over the next few weeks. Heavy traffic delays are expected during this time. Curb and gutter installation on River Road is beginning as well as grading for the widening of Miller Road.

For photos, project details and to sign up for email updates on Facebook and Twitter, visit the project website at: www.charlesmillerroad.com.

Walkup Road

The Walkup Road project is 86% complete with the final work in full swing. Curb installation is complete on Walkup Road and the remaining items include the traffic signal equipment, final paving, roadway striping a landscaping. Project completion is scheduled for early summer 2013.

For photos, project details and to sign up for email updates, Facebook and Twitter, visit the Walkup Road project website at: www.walkuproad.com.

Western Algonquin Bypass

Work continues on the Western Algonquin Bypass project with an estimated completion date of summer 2014. Please visit www.dot.il.gov/il31alg/index.html for more information.

2040 Long Range Transportation Plan

Work on the updates to the 2040 Plan website with detailed project information which will be interactive so that the public can review and weigh in on the project plan priorities is almost complete. Go to the 2040 plan website to sign up for e-mail updates so you can be informed when this new tool is available. Staff continues to attend various meetings and events upon request to engage stakeholders in this important process.

To learn more about the plan, provide input and see what others say, go to: www.2040mchenrycountyplan.org.

MCDOT is on Facebook

In addition to project related Facebook pages, the MCDOT now has a Facebook page. Click here to "Like" the MCDOT to keep up to date on:

- Current projects during construction

- Upcoming public meetings for projects

- Other functions of the MCDOT

MCDH Update

Open Burning Restrictions, Alternatives

McHenry County Department of Health 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 unincorporated 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 and 50 feet from a barn, shed or detached garage. Burning of any materials (e.g. cardboard, paper, plastics, construction materials) other than onsite-generated landscape waste is prohibited at all times...Read More.

Protect Yourself from Ticks, Lyme Disease

The McHenry County Department of Health is warning residents to take precautions against tick bites to prevent contracting the diseases they carry, in particular Lyme disease. Ticks live in and near wooded areas, tall grass and brush. Although the American Dog Tick and the Lone Star Tick can spread disease, the Black-legged or Deer Tick is the most common disease carrier in Illinois and surrounding states and is largely responsible for the spread of Lyme disease. Thirty-nine (39) cases of Lyme disease were reported in McHenry County in 2012, along with three cases of other tick-borne illnesses (erlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever). In contrast, only 19 cases were reported in 2011...Read More.

Look at Local History Month

The McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission is celebrating May as "Look at Local History Month" in conjunction with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and local historical societies, municipal commissions and committees. The National Trust for Historic Preservation created Preservation Week in 1971 to spotlight grassroots preservation efforts around the country. Preservation Week has grown into an annual celebration observed throughout small towns and big cities across America. Historic preservation is an effective tool for managing growth, revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering local pride and maintaining community character while enhancing livability and is relevant for people of all ages, all walks of life and all ethnic backgrounds.

Click here to see the McHenry County Calendar of Events for Look at Local History Month.

Watch for Farm Equipment and Slower Moving Vehicles

With warmer months here, farming season is upon us. The McHenry County Farm Bureau and the McHenry County Sheriff's Office remind you to watch out for farm equipment and other slow moving vehicles. Fields are being planted and grass along the roadway is starting to grow. With that, we are seeing more tractors on or near the roadways...Read More.

Rental Property Scams

The McHenry County Sheriff's Office has identified a trend of rental property scams occurring. The rental scam is when individuals market a house for rent that is not theirs and then collect on the interested parties' deposit...Read More.