McHenry County Blog

It won’t be Ghostbusters.

The Senate roll call of override of Governor Pat Quinn’s Senate Bill 9. which overrides an Illinois Commerce Commission decision,  is below:

The Senate roll call on the veto override of Senate Bill 9, the legislation that would raise electricity rates for Commonwealth Edison and Ameren.

Besides two of three State Senators representing McHenry County–Pam Althoff and Karen McConnaughay–potential candidates for the Republican nomination for Governor–Bill Brady and Kirk Dillard–voted for the electric rate hike.

State Senator Dan Duffy voted to uphold the Governor’s veto.

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The House voted Wednesday to override the veto. You can see who voted in favor of raising electric rates in the roll call below:

The House veto override vote on Senate Bill 9, the bill that raises electric rates.

Voting in favor were all local state reperesentatives:

• Jack Franks
• David McSweeney
• Tim Schmitz
• Mike Tryon
• Barbara Wheeler

A high power line fell on Main Street in Crystal Lake next to Best Buy. Shouldn’t upkeep of such high power lines be the responsibility of the company given a monopoly to deliver electricity?

The two roll calls on the Com Ed/Ameren electric rate hike bill have appeared here before.

Some might wonder why I feel so strongly about this legislation that will ad $6 a month to most homeowners’ electric bills.

The reason is that I was told on a train ride to Springfield in the 1970′s that by Samuel Insull‘s secretary that he got the Illinois General Assembly to create the agency because he was tired of having to pay off legislators. Insull figured, it seems, that buying off a majority of the ICC would be cheaper (probably easier, too).

Now that the Commerce Commission is not acting like the electric industries handmaiden, electric utilities seem to have reverted to the original way of doing business.

And, as far as the money being needed to upgrade the electric grid, I’d ask, “Wasn’t keeping the infrastructure in top shape part of the deal with Com Ed and Ameren were given their monopolies?”

State Representatives voting for the Senate Bill 9 who represent part of McHenry County are Republicans

• David McSweeney
• Mike Tryon
• Barb Wheeler
• Tim Schmitz

Democrat Jack Franks voted, “No.”

In the State Senate those voting in favor were

• Pam Althoff
• Karen McConnaughay

Dan Duffy voted against the bill.

Those who voted to allow Commonwealth Edison to raise electric rates in the Illinois Senate.

That’s what the Chicago Tribune is reporting tonight in its internet edition.

So, I figure it’s time to remind people who voted to allow Commonwealth Edison to raise our electric rates.

The roll calls for the Illinois Senate and House on the bill in question, Senate Bill 9, appear below.

Those who voted to allow Commonwealth Edison to raise electric rates in the Illinois Senate.

Illinois State Representatives who voted to allow Commonwealth Edison to raise your electric rates.

On Friday, Com Ed workers were moving lines west of Route 31 on 176 as part of an intersection improvement project that will eliminate one road coming in and out of the corner.

When legislators vote to hike your electric rates, it seems to me that people ought to know who is responsible.

Senate Bill 9 passed lickty-split this month, just as previous misnamed “smart grid” bills did.

Since I have published the previous roll calls, it seems appropriate to do this follow-up.

While the utilities say they need “help” in paying to upgrade their infrastructure, I would not have voted for the bill because both Commonwealth Edison and Ameren (southern Illinois’ electric utility) have exclusive franchises to provide reliable electric power.

That means to me they should have been paying to maintain sufficient infrastructure all along.

I see no reason to bail them out for diverting previous electric bill payments to purposes other than maintaining a system capable of delivering the load of electricity demanded.

Obviously, the majority of both the Illinois Senate and House disagree with that logic.

Here’s the Senate roll call:

The Illinois State Senate roll call on Senate Bill 9, the one that will raise electricity rates for Com Ed and Ameren.

State Senator Dan Duffy was the only local member of the upper chamber who voted against the bill.  State Sentors Pam Althoff and Karen McConnaughay voted, “Yes.”  The bill passed 44-9-1.

Here’s the House roll call:

This is the Illinois House roll call on Senate Bill 8, the legislation that will hike electric rates charged by Com Ed and Ameren.

Of legislators representing part of McHenry County, only Jack Franks voted, “No.”

Dave McSweeney, Tim Schmitz, Mike Tryon and Barb Wheeler vote in favor of the bill, which passed 86-38-3.

The final part of Lakewood Village President Ern Smith’s winter newsletter follows:

Electrical Aggregation

Despite “Vote No” signs in the area opposing the bulk buying of electricity supervised by municipal governments, Lakewood and Crystal Lake residents voted in favor.

In the spring of 2012, our residents approved a referendum [results for all such referendums at link] by the widest margin in McHenry County to implement a municipal aggregation program for electricity.

Our results were better than hoped for, as we were able to secure some of the lowest electrical generation rates in the state of Illinois at less than half of the rate from ComEd.

We estimated that this program would save our residents between $300 and $350 annually.

However, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has initiated rulemaking that will negatively impact current and future municipal aggregation programs.

The ICC has chosen to undertake this process even though the General Assembly made it clear when it passed the enabling legislation that the ICC has no authority to regulate municipal aggregation programs.

The Village of Lakewood has chosen to work with 83 other communities as a part of a coalition to maintain our existing municipal aggregation program and fight the overreach of the ICC.

You can help us by contacting the following officials to express your support for the existing municipal aggregation program that you chose via a referendum:

• ICC Chairman Doug Scott at (800) 524-0795
• State Senator Pamela Althoff at (815) 455-8284
• State Representative Michael Tryon at (815) 455-8284

New Business

I am very pleased to announce the opening of our newest business at Lakewood Commons – Tres Chic Boutique. It is a full service salon that will offer a wide range of services in a beautiful setting. The opening is tentatively scheduled for February 1, so please check our website regularly as the date approaches and be prepared to help support our newest business.

With this upcoming opening, only four of the original thirteen units at Lakewood Commons remain vacant. The owner is in the midst of installing a new sign that will help identify businesses, which is one of the most frequent requests we hear. In addition, a successful entrepreneur (who currently has two businesses) would like to open a Mexican restaurant in two of the remaining four units. However, much of his capital is tied up in his existing businesses, so he is seeking opportunities for investors or other loan programs. Please contact Village Manager Catherine Peterson directly for further information. Remember – our residents are our greatest resource!

As always, I encourage you to contact me or any of our officials with questions regarding any of the projects highlighted in the newsletter or that you might read about elsewhere.

Sincerely,

Erin

The new entrance sign to the Village of Lakewood.

Sixteen homeowners opted out of the Village of Lakewood’s plan to purchase electricity from Direct Energy at a substantial savings over what Commonwealth Edison charges.

46% less, in fact.

That will not be a reduction in the entire bill.

All will still have to pay Com Ed’s delivery charge, which, thanks to Representatives Jack Franks and Mike Tryon, plus Senator Pam Althoff, will go up $3 a month starting in January.

Villagers voted in a higher percentage for the bulk buying idea than in any other municipality in McHenry County.

Summer 2012

As I sit to write this letter, it is a beautiful spring day and there is much to celebrate within the Village of Lakewood.

Lakewood Property Taxes

Red Tail Golf Club in early spring,

We recently received our property tax bills and, for many of us, the news was not good as our overall taxes increased. For nearly all of our residents, however, the portion of real estate taxes paid to the Village of Lakewood should have decreased.

This is a direct result of the final payment being made for the bond that was used to purchase RedTail Golf Club. That obligation has now been completed, and no additional taxes will be levied for RedTail Golf Club.

Electrical Aggregation

Unless you already have an alternate electrical supplier, you should have recently received an Opt Out letter from Direct Energy and the Northern Illinois Governmental Electric Aggregation Consortium (NIGEAC). NIGEAC is the intergovernmental consortium that was formed for the purpose of securing a lower rate for electricity for a number of McHenry County communities.

Lakewood's bulk buying of electricity is at a price believed to be the lowest in Illinois.

This process was made possible by the referendum that was passed in March, and I am proud to note that the referendum passed by a higher margin in the Village of Lakewood than in any other community in McHenry County. The rate secured from Direct Energy is $0.04169, which is less than half of the current rate from ComEd.

To date, we believe that it is the lowest rate in the state, and we estimate that the annual savings for our residents will be between $300 and $350.

Unless you opt out of the contract with Direct Energy, you will automatically be enrolled and will begin seeing the new rate on your ComEd bill as early as June. ComEd will continue as our service provider, maintaining the infrastructure that provides the electricity, but purchasing the supply of electricity from Direct Energy.

Garbage and Recycling Services

We also recently extended our existing contract with MDC Environmental Services (our refuse hauler) for a period of six years. During the first year, there will be no rate increase. In the second and third years, the rate will simply be adjusted by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). In the fourth year, there will again be no rate increase. And in the fifth and sixth years, the rate will again be adjusted by the CPI. There will be very few changes in service. For those residents who have requested a cart for yard waste, MDC will provide a 95 gallon yard waste cart at an additional cost of $1.50/month. Any resident who chooses this option will still be entitled to the collection of four bags of yard waste at no additional cost. The fee for an additional garbage cart will be reduced from $2/month to $1.50/month. Please call Village Hall if you want to take advantage of either of these new service enhancements.

Twenty-five of those accursed bags for this day's pickup.

2012 – 2013 Budget

The Fiscal Year 2012 – 2013 budget which was adopted in April is balanced and includes numerous infrastructure improvements, including street repaving and water main replacement. It does not contemplate a rate increase for customers of Lakewood Utilities, and it is unknown at this time whether there will be a rate increase for East Sewer customers.

Residential Development

During the past few years of this economic downturn, there have been no new single family homes built in our community.

That trend has changed, however, and we have already issued two building permits for single family homes that are currently under construction. An additional two homes have been approved by the Architectural Review Committee, and several more are in various stages of design.

A new owner has purchased the vacant parcels in The Highlands at RedTail subdivision, and he intends to move forward immediately to complete the unfinished four-unit building. All of this is a very positive sign as both businesses and individuals are again choosing to make substantial investments in our community.

Future Commercial Development

Recently, the Village Board purchased the parcel of land located at the southwest corner of Route 47 and Pleasant Valley Road (just north of Crystal Woods Golf Course). This was a strategic investment for the purpose of maintaining control of future development at this intersection. We were able to secure the property for significantly less that its appraised value and the current leases on the property more than cover the cost of our 10-year loan. The funds needed to purchase the property will be taken from reserves, so residents will see no tax increase as a result of the purchase.

Erin Smith

Summer Celebrations

While we continually strive to provide our residents with the highest level of services in the most cost effective manner possible, we also recognize that our quality of life is equally as important. There are several opportunities to participate in local activities this summer. Enclosed with this newsletter is a flyer inviting you to “Celebrate Lakewood” on June 10. Not only is it a chance to see the newly remodeled RedTail Clubhouse, but there will be free food, activities, and prizes!

Our first church, Crosspoint Lutheran, is sponsoring a Family Fest on Saturday, July 7 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. It will include outdoor games and rides, free food, and an 80’s band.

And as hard as it is to believe, Lou Malnati’s will be celebrating its 5th Anniversary in the Village of Lakewood. In order to commemorate this event, Lou’s is sponsoring a 5K run/walk in August as a fundraiser for breast cancer. Please plan to attend one or all of these events!

Lakewood Commons

El Café is expected to be open for business on or about the weekend of June 9! It’s a warm and inviting space, and I strongly encourage you to stop by and welcome the newest member of our growing business community. My husband and I plan to be there every weekend for our morning coffee run(s), so please stop by and let me know your thoughts about our Village.

As a part of our Looking Out for Lakewood campaign, please contact me if you know of an individual who might be interested in opening a business at Lakewood Commons. I am most often asked about a breakfast/lunch diner, general store, or spa. But, we would welcome new suggestions from residents!

My best wishes for a safe and fun filled summer!

Sincerely,

Erin

Village President

Got this from the Crystal Lake Police:

“A power outage has occurred in the area of Dartmoor and McHenry due to downed trees.

“Comed is on scene working to address the problem as we speak. They estimate power restoration at approximately 10:00am.”

One might observe that there is no wind.

And ComEd found out about the outage without the so-called “smart meters” for which we will all start paying $3 more a month in January.

Voting for the ComEd rate increase bill were Pam Althoff (Senate Roll Call), Mike Tryon and so-called “populist” Jack Franks (House Roll Call).

Relevant Tweets:

"Populist" Jack Franks decided to vote for the monopoly Com Ed rate hike bill.

If only “Chainsaw Jack” Franks had passed his bill to allow Com Ed to chop down every tree within 20 feet of an electric line.

The next step in lowering electric rates 46% (not Com Ed’s delivery charge) has taken place.

Direct Energy has notified residents of the municipalities which awarded it the contract (Woodstock, Huntley, Lakewood, Ringwood and Genoa) that they have the right to ope-out of the bulk buying contract.

Here’s the letter (click to enlarge):

If you are in unincorporated McHenry County or one of the municipalities who didn’t pass electric aggregation, you can sign up individually with any number of companies.

But, you’ll have to do it on your own.

A press release from the Northern Illinois Governmental Electric Aggregation Consortium and the Northern Illinois Governmental Electric Aggregation Consortium:

Direct Energy Offers Fixed Electricity Price to Five Communities in the Northern Illinois Governmental Electric Aggregation Consortium

The Direct Energy logo.

Illinois (April 30-, 2012) – As part of its agreement with the Northern Illinois Governmental Electric Aggregation Consortium (NIGEAC), Direct Energy has set a new fixed rate for electricity customers in the cities of Genoa and Woodstock and the villages of Huntley, Lakewood and Ringwood.

For the August 2012 through July 2013 billing cycles, customers in the cities of Genoa and Woodstock and the villages of Huntley, Lakewood and Ringwood will pay $0.04169 per kWh for electricity supply (exclusive of utility distribution charges and taxes).

The current ComEd rate is $0.0773 per kWh. Please be advised that ComEd’s rates may change over time. [These delivery charges are the ones that State Reps. Jack Franks and Mike Tryon and State Senator Pam Althoff agreed to allow to be raised at least $3 a month.]

Northern Illinois Governmental Electric Aggregation Consortium

The NIGEAC has an agreement with Direct Energy for an electricity Opt-Out Aggregation Program, a program that is available to residential and small business consumers currently served by the local utility in Genoa, Huntley, Lakewood, Ringwood and Woodstock.

Under the Opt-Out Aggregation agreement, residents in those communities that are currently served by the utility are automatically included in the Opt-Out Aggregation pricing plan unless they contact Direct Energy to be excluded.

Direct Energy will be sending all residents of the five NIGEAC communities an opt-out letter in the coming weeks that will give them the option of starting service with Direct Energy or opting out of the program to stay with ComEd. The letters will explain how residents can opt-out of the program, if they so choose to do so.

“We are pleased that residents and small businesses in these communities represented by the NIGEAC will have the option of purchasing electricity through this agreement,” said Anna Moeller, Official Coordinator for NIGEAC and Executive Director of the McHenry County Council of Governments.

The NIGEAC is an intergovernmental consortium of five northern Illinois communities including the cities of Woodstock and Genoa and the villages of Huntley, Lakewood and Ringwood. It was created to coordinate the electricity aggregation process for these communities in order to achieve administrative costs savings and possibly more competitive electricity rates through the combined purchasing power of the five communities.

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About Direct Energy

Direct Energy is one of North America’s largest energy and energy-related services providers with more than 6 million residential and commercial customer relationships. Direct Energy provides customers with choice and support in managing their energy costs through a portfolio of innovative products and services. A subsidiary of Centrica plc (LSE:CNA), one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies, Direct Energy operates in 46 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia and 10 provinces in Canada.