McHenry County, IL

9/20/2013

McHenry County e-News

A message from the Chairwoman...

Tina R. Hill

County Board

Chairwoman

Dear McHenry County Resident:

Did you know that Pace is the premier suburban public transportation provider, safely and efficiently moving people to and from work and other regional destinations?

McHenry County commuters can take advantage of several transit options, including fixed route services during weekday rush hours with Routes 806, 807, and 808 (which goes right by McHenry County College), and MCRide Dial-a-Ride service Monday - Friday 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Over the past four years the fixed route and MCRide Dial-a-Ride services have greatly improved the ability of people to travel within the region. Currently, Pace runs more than 35 vehicles to service the area.

In the near future, residents will see more commuter route signs for the fixed routes and shelters are going up in McHenry County Communities. Pace offers quality shelter to riders and the communities receive revenue from each one. A win/win all the way around.

In addition to bus services, Pace offers a Vanpool Incentive Program. This program is designed to transport groups of 5-13 people to work, can save commuters money and reduce congestion. PaceRideShare.com is a free, easy and convenient matching service that connects commuters who are interested in forming a carpool. Pace works with employers to customize tailored commuter programs which offer your company's employees low cost, safe and reliable transportation solutions.

For more information, please call Pace at 815-836-7000 or visit pacebus.com.

Sincerely,

Tina R. Hill

Chairwoman

McHenry County Board

McHenry County Dept. of Health Update

Flu Clinics Scheduled

The McHenry County Department of Health joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in encouraging an annual flu shot for everyone 6 months and older as the best protection against influenza...Read More.

Open Burning Restrictions, Alternatives

The 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...Read More.

Enroll McHenry County

The McHenry County Department of Health has awarded grants to six County organizations to conduct outreach, education and enrollment for "Enroll McHenry County" as part of the Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace. MCDH was one of 44 community-based organizations across the state of Illinois selected to participate in the education efforts of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)...Read More.

October 3 Career/Training Fair

The McHenry County Workforce Network will host an October 3 Career/Training Fair to highlight career and training opportunities in the following career fields: CNC Operators, Welders, Robotics Technicians, Truck Drivers and various IT professionals. Grant funding is available to interested and eligible applicants.

The Career/Training Fair will be held on Thursday, October 3 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the McHenry County Workforce Center, 500 Russel Court in Woodstock. Approved training providers for the grants will be in attendance to share information about their programs and to answer your questions. Workforce Network staff will be at the Fair to explain application process and eligibility criteria.

Please email Chris Nejdl (CWNejdl@co.mchenry.il.us) with any questions you may have about the upcoming Career/Training Fair or please visit Workforce Network's web site at www.mchenrycountyworkforce.com for more information about our grant-funded programs.

Winter Snow and Ice Workshop

The McHenry County Division of Transportation, Division of Water Resources, and Department of Health will be hosting the Winter Snow and Ice Workshop on Wednesday, October 23 and Thursday, October 24.

Please click here for more information and to view the registration flyer.

Road Construction Update

Charles J. Miller Road

The project is 80% complete. Eastbound traffic has been switched back to the existing bridge with the new westbound traffic remaining on the new bridge. Roadway work continues on both Charles Miller Road and River Road. For photos, project details and to sign up for email updates on Facebook and Twitter, visit the project website at: www.charlesmillerroad.com

Johnsburg Road

The project is now 60% complete. The westbound only detour is still in effect. Stage two work is underway. Asphalt paving and earth work is well underway.

New Bridge Construction

Hill Road over the North Branch of the Nippersink Creek in Richmond Township

The new bridge is nearly complete with roadway work ongoing. Project completion is expected late September.

Lawrence Road over the Piscasaw Creek in Chemung Township

Traffic signals have been installed for one-lane operation. Stage two bridge roadway work has begun.

Virginia Road Park and Ride

Asphalt paving and pavement markings have been completed. Installation of the lighting is ongoing. Tree and shrub planting is expecting to begin early October.

2040 Long Range Transportation Plan

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

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.

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

HEAT Task Force Community Meeting

Representatives from the Heroin Education/Enforcement Action (HEAT) Task Force will be holding a community presentation regarding the dangers of Heroin on October 16 @ 7:00 p.m. at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake. All are welcomed to attend.

Members of the HEAT Task Force have also been active in the community with enforcement...Read More.

Board and Commission Appointments

Have you ever wanted to serve on an appointed Board or Commission in McHenry County? The McHenry County Board is accepting applications for appointments to the following boards and commissions:

- McHenry County Housing Commission

- McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission

- McHenry County Housing Authority Board

- McHenry County Community Development Block Grant

- Regional Transit Authority Board

Please click here to view board and commission descriptions and to obtain an application.

September is National Preparedness Month

The McHenry County Emergency Management Agency and the McHenry County Department of Health are encouraging residents, businesses and communities in the County to prepare and plan for emergencies as part of September's National Preparedness Month. The event, now in its ninth year, is a month-long campaign sponsored by Federal Emergency Management Agency's Ready Campaign...Read More.

Stormwater Management Permit Requirements

The McHenry County Department of Planning and Development receives frequent inquiries regarding if and when stormwater management reviews and permits are required for building and other construction projects...Read More.

New Flood Insurance Rules

Beginning this year, many McHenry County property owners could face large increases in their flood insurance costs based on new laws enacted by congress and signed by the President in 2012. The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 extended the National Flood Insurance Program for five years, but required the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other agencies to make significant changes to the program...Read More.