McHenry County Blog

Jim Bishop, speaking as an individual, not an attorney, was first up for the proponents.

Two issues were considered for the second time at Tuesday night’s:

• slot machines at bars and restaurants in unincorporated McHenry County
• electronic billboards outside of municipalities

Also called video poker machines, the electronic devices will be allowed after a 15-9 vote.

The argument that the unincorporated bars were playing on an uneven playing field seemed to carry the day over arguments that gambling can lead to addiction that can destroy lives.

In 2009 the McHenry County Board voted 13-10-1 to prohibit the devices.

At that time rules had not been promulgated and no municipality had voted to allow them.

As Ken Koehler, maker of Tuesday’s motion put it, “It probably made sense to send a message to the rest of the County.  Now twenty [cities and villages] have [approved video gaming."

Fred Hoffman, who owns the Snuggery just south of McHenry on the Fox River, told the competitive disadvantage his establishment has because no electronic gaming devices are available.

Names of the fifteen who voted in favor follow:

• Michele Aavang
• Nick Chirokos
• Sue Drafkorn
• Joe Gottemoller
• Jim Heisler
• Tina Hill
• John Jung
• Ken Koehler
• Bob Martens
• Mary McCann
• Mary McClellan
• Anna May Miller
• Robert Nowak
• Sandy Salgado
• Mike Skala

Joe Edwards spoke against legalization, calling video gaming the “crack cocaine of gambling.”

Those voting “No” were

• Yvonne Barnes


Bethany Lutheran Church Pastor Carrie Smith, not speaking for her church, told of how gambling had devastated her brother’s life.

• Diane Evertsen
• John Hammerand
• Donna Kurtz
• Nick Provenzano
• Carolyn Schofield
• Ersel Schuster
• Mike Walkup
• Paula Yensen

The second issue was prompted by villages not wanting electronic billboard near their municipalities.

A moratorium enacted at their request was about to expire and, according to one village’s representative, “the word on the street” was that lobbying to let the moratorium run out was heavy.

Algonquin Village President John Schmitt explained his Board’s opposition to electronic billboards.

Appearing were those wishing to keep the ban on electronic billboards in unincorporated areas.

Algonquin Village President John Schmitt. He pointed out that the issue was so important to him that he was missing only is fifth meeting in twenty years of having served on his Board.

Catherine Peterson, Lakewood’s Village Manager, also weighed in asking for a continuance of the billboards’ prohibition through the summer months until the new zoning ordinance could be approved.

Also present was Lake in the Hills’ Community Development Director Dan Olson.

Despite the apprehension of village officials, the County Board approved the requested extension by voice vote. I heard no dissension.

John Schmitt

The Village President of Algonquin is up for election this coming April, as are three Trustees and the Clerk.

Filing so far are

• President – John Schmitt
• Village Clerk – Gerald Kautz
• Robert (Bob) Smith – Trustee
• Jerry Glogowski – Trustee

The third Trustee whose term expires next spring, Brian Dianis, presented petitions Tuesday.

Filing is open until the close of business on December 26th.

Those thinking about running need to file a Statement of Economic Interest with the County Clerk and attach it with a staple to one’s petitions and Statement of Candidacy. And, be sure to number the pages.

A press release from Congressman Don Manzullo:

FINALLY!
Manzullo, Durbin Hail Start of Algonquin Western Bypass Project

McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler is at the microphone praising Congressman Don Manzullo and Senator Dick Durbin for their roles in obtaining Federal money to help finance the Western Bypass of the intersection of Routes 31 and 62.  IDOT Secretary Ann Schneider stands between Koehler and Durbin.

[ALGONQUIN] U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin said the strong resolve of local officials, business leaders and frustrated motorists led to today’s groundbreaking ceremony for the most awaited road construction project in McHenry County history – the $80 million Western Bypass in Algonquin.

Congressman Don Manzullo stands in front of the re-landscaped hill on the north side of Algonquin Road between the “S” curve and the Post Office.

On the books for decades, the project to solve gridlock at Routes 31 and 62 in downtown Algonquin broke ground today amid fanfare and the relief that the long-delayed project will finally be built.

Algonquin Village President John Schmitt is flanked by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin on the left and Congressman Don Manzullo on the right. Schmitt’s political career started with his opposition to the Northern Bypass pushed by McHenry County’s Establishment. He lived near the designated Right-of-Way east of the Fox River then. Schmitt has since moved west of the river. If anyone needs an example of how a neighborhood uprising can change public policy, how this bypass ended up where it is would be perfect.

The project received two large infusions of federal funding over the years.

Golden shovel folks include, from left to right, State Senator Pam Althoff, Illinois Department of Transporation Secretary Ann Schneider, Congressman Don Manzullo, Algonquin Village President John Schmitt, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler and Joyce Dwyer.

Manzullo secured $9 million in the 1998 federal transportation bill, TEA-21, and Durbin and Manzullo worked together to secure $10 million in the 2005 federal transportation bill, SAFETEA-LU.

Manzullo thanked U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, State Senator Pam Althoff, State Rep. Mike Tryon, County Board Chairman Ken Koehler, Algonquin Mayor John Schmitt, the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation, and others for their determination to get the Western Bypass approved and funded.

Manzullo also thanked the “Road Warriors,” the conglomeration of local political, business and community groups that came together to lobby the State of Illinois for McHenry County’s fair share of road construction dollars in 2007 after Gov. Blagojevich stripped all the previously approved Western Bypass money from the state’s road construction plan.

“Finally! Due to a lot of hard work for many years by all the people here today, McHenry County motorists will soon experience relief from the horrific gridlock that has plagued the corner of Routes 31 and 62 in downtown Algonquin for decades,” Manzullo said.

“This project has long been my number one priority for McHenry County, and I’m excited to see it finally fulfilled. I only wish my good friend, the late Bill Dwyer who did so much to bring us to this day, could be with us to celebrate.”

Durbin added, “As the east-west gateway to McHenry County, the Route 31-Route 62 intersection has a well-deserved reputation as the most congested intersection in the region.

“It’s been that way for more than 20 years and the county’s population continues to grow.

“The Bypass will go a long way toward alleviating the traffic congestion that has restricted access to the businesses and shops in Algonquin’s Old Town District. As everyone gathered here today knows, this project has seen a lot of ups and downs over the years.

After the ceremony Congressman Don Manzullo chats with District 2 McHenry County Board member Donna Kurtz and Recorder of Deeds Phyllis Walters.

“I offer a special salute to Rep. Manzullo for his determination over the course of 15 years to make this project a reality.

“I was happy to help along the way and am excited to be here today as we kick off a project that has been talked about since 1952.”

The new bypass road will start at Route 31 south of Virginia Road in Crystal Lake, veer southwest into the gravel pit, cross over Algonquin Road near the Algonquin post office, veer southeast and connect back with Route 31 near Huntington Drive.

It will remove the majority of north-south traffic from the Route 31-Route 62 intersection, allowing officials to double-time the traffic signals at the intersection to significantly improve east-west traffic flow on Route 62 and eliminate the mile-long backups motorists face during rush hour.

= = = = =

Photos provided by Congressman Manzullo’s office.

Back when I state representative in the 1990′s I suggested that Algonquin could improve the quality of life of pretty much everyone driving east on Algonquin Road across Route 31 by creating a park where the failed condominium project now sits.  Back then state money might even have been available.

People driving down the hill could see the river on their way to work.

Water has a calming effect on almost everyone. I think that’s why waterfront property is so valued.

Riverside Square will come tumbling down, if the Algonquin Village Board gets its way.

Now that the Village of Algonquin has announced that it will seek to demolish Riverside Square, the village board has another chance to turn it into a park.

Village President John Schmidt said,

““This structure has sat vacant and unfinished, with no siding and no fire protection, for over a year and a half. This building is an eyesore, a fire hazard, and an attractive nuisance, but what is worse, it has deteriorated and continues to deteriorate.

“The Village is afraid that it will rapidly become a worse hazard than it already is.”

Maybe AMCORE Bank will just walk away from the project and trade the land for demolition costs.

However it is paid for, I hope area residents will end up with open space there through which eastbound drivers can see the Fox River.

The village issued the following press release March 17th:

Village to Petition Court for Demolition of Riverside Square

Algonquin – At its March 16 Board Meeting, the Village Board of the Village of Algonquin approved a motion authorizing the Village Attorney to file suit against the owner, Amcore Bank, any and all lien holders and other interested persons, asking the court to order demolition of the half-finished structure at the intersection of Illinois Routes 31 and 62.

The basis of the suit lies in the outstanding code violations that exist at the half-finished structure. Village Board President John Schmitt said, “This structure has sat vacant and unfinished, with no siding and no fire protection, for over a year and a half. This building is an eyesore, a fire hazard, and an attractive nuisance, but what is worse, it has deteriorated and continues to deteriorate. The Village is afraid that it will rapidly become a worse hazard than it already is.”

The project was originally approved in November 2006. In October 2008, Amcore Bank halted payouts on the construction loan, and the developer filed for bankruptcy shortly thereafter. In May 2009, Amcore took title to the property in lieu of foreclosure.

Village leaders have given Amcore Bank ample opportunity to repair the structure and have taken subsequent enforcement action on the building. Building Commissioner Craig Arps said,

“The Village initially told Amcore to complete the roof, the windows, and the exterior brick by December 2009. In November 2009, Amcore informed us that they had chosen not to complete the brick on the outside of the structure.”

With incomplete siding, water is entering the building, causing mold and rot which can rapidly weaken the wooden structure of the building and may cause the existing brick and mortar to fail.

In January, the Village charged Amcore with multiple ongoing property maintenance and building code violations, with daily fines of up to one thousand dollars for each violation.

“Obviously the threat of large fines is not working,” said Arps, “the building is just sitting there, half finished and exposed to the weather.”

“It’s unfortunate that we have to pursue this avenue,” said Schmitt. “We’ve tried working with Amcore Bank, and they have consistently refused to complete the exterior of the building.”

From 1 to 4 on Saturday afternoon, the McHenry County Defenders invite the public to join them at Algonquin’s Cronish Park, which is just south of the dam at Route 62.

“Come celebrate the beautiful Fox River and help keep her clean! Learn about the river and conservation, pick up trash & recyclables, enjoy live music and learn about safe fun on the river through kayak/canoe demonstrations,” the invitation says.

There will be speakers from 1-1:45. Algonquin Village President John Schmitt, Cindy Skrukrud (representing the Defenders and The Sierra Club), Gary Swick of Friends of the Fox River, and, maybe, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn will speak.

From 1:45 to 3, river clean-up and water quality monitoring is scheduled.

There will be kayak and canoe demonstrations from 3 to 4, compliments of the Prairie Coast Paddlers and the St. Charles Canoe Club.

There will be live music by the Mack Hotterson Band.

= = = = =
You can count on the water not being as high as you see it here.

From 1 to 4 on Saturday afternoon, the McHenry County Defenders invite the public to join them at Algonquin’s Cronish Park, which is just south of the dam at Route 62.

“Come celebrate the beautiful Fox River and help keep her clean! Learn about the river and conservation, pick up trash & recyclables, enjoy live music and learn about safe fun on the river through kayak/canoe demonstrations,” the invitation says.

There will be speakers from 1-1:45. Algonquin Village President John Schmitt, Cindy Skrukrud (representing the Defenders and The Sierra Club), Gary Swick of Friends of the Fox River, and, maybe, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn will speak.

From 1:45 to 3, river clean-up and water quality monitoring is scheduled.

There will be kayak and canoe demonstrations from 3 to 4, compliments of the Prairie Coast Paddlers and the St. Charles Canoe Club.

There will be live music by the Mack Hotterson Band.

= = = = =
You can count on the water not being as high as you see it here.

I see that the Daily Herald’s Kerry Lester has written an article about leaders in McHenry County wanting more money for roads.

And that they don’t really care where it comes from.

Lester points out that U.S. News and World Report said that McHenry County has the worst traffic congestion in Illinois.

Build houses without building roads and that’ll happen to you.

Here’s what McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler told the Daily Herald:

“ …he sees gambling expansion as a ‘logical form’ of revenue enhancement, which he favors over tax increases.

“’Gambling is going to take place, whether it happens here or in Indiana. It’s ridiculous to see busloads of people heading out to spend money at casinos in other states.’”

Algonquin Village President John Schmidt agreed with Koehler, yet I haven’t seen any indication that the jackpot would include money to build the Bowles Road bridge as a free bridge, rather than a toll bridge.

The article says Lake in the Hills Village President Ed Plaza agrees that casinos are the way to go.

Their support certainly prepares the way for State Rep. Mike Tryon (R-Crystal Lake) and State Senator Pam Althoff (R-McHenry) to vote for more casinos and slot machines at race tracks.

No doubt about that.

Maybe we should go back to the days when the mob has slot machines in most of the bars and fraternal clubs. Maybe the McHenry County Board could figure out how to tax it.

And, what about prostitution?

I vividly remember Mrs. Martinetti coming into the bar while we Crystal Lake Jaycees were having some drinks after a meeting.

She saw some young women. She ordered them back to the motel next door.

“I told you to stay over there,” she said quite forcefully.

When I was county treasurer during the last four years of the 1960’s, I was told how Sheriff Ed Dowd raided the bars in Algonquin and seized the slot machines.

They were full of coins when they were taken to Woodstock.

When they were destroyed, they were empty.

Anyone want to bet that the money didn’t end up in the county treasury?

After all this is the county sheriff who had his checks mailed to Texas during the latter part of his term.

House Speaker Mike Madigan takes a position I share.

It is that gambling destroys too many families.

I suspect Madigan will cave on the casino bill, because casino taxes sound like free money to weak-kneed legislators…until another McHenry County deputy sheriff steals from the evidence room to support his gambling habit.

Just an example that comes to mind, because it has happened.

Such thefts are just as likely to occur in any sort of establishments.

Tomorrow: a little “I told you so.”

I see that the Daily Herald’s Kerry Lester has written an article about leaders in McHenry County wanting more money for roads.

And that they don’t really care where it comes from.

Lester points out that U.S. News and World Report said that McHenry County has the worst traffic congestion in Illinois.

Build houses without building roads and that’ll happen to you.

Here’s what McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler told the Daily Herald:

“ …he sees gambling expansion as a ‘logical form’ of revenue enhancement, which he favors over tax increases.

“’Gambling is going to take place, whether it happens here or in Indiana. It’s ridiculous to see busloads of people heading out to spend money at casinos in other states.’”

Algonquin Village President John Schmidt agreed with Koehler, yet I haven’t seen any indication that the jackpot would include money to build the Bowles Road bridge as a free bridge, rather than a toll bridge.

The article says Lake in the Hills Village President Ed Plaza agrees that casinos are the way to go.

Their support certainly prepares the way for State Rep. Mike Tryon (R-Crystal Lake) and State Senator Pam Althoff (R-McHenry) to vote for more casinos and slot machines at race tracks.

No doubt about that.

Maybe we should go back to the days when the mob has slot machines in most of the bars and fraternal clubs. Maybe the McHenry County Board could figure out how to tax it.

And, what about prostitution?

I vividly remember Mrs. Martinetti coming into the bar while we Crystal Lake Jaycees were having some drinks after a meeting.

She saw some young women. She ordered them back to the motel next door.

“I told you to stay over there,” she said quite forcefully.

When I was county treasurer during the last four years of the 1960’s, I was told how Sheriff Ed Dowd raided the bars in Algonquin and seized the slot machines.

They were full of coins when they were taken to Woodstock.

When they were destroyed, they were empty.

Anyone want to bet that the money didn’t end up in the county treasury?

After all this is the county sheriff who had his checks mailed to Texas during the latter part of his term.

House Speaker Mike Madigan takes a position I share.

It is that gambling destroys too many families.

I suspect Madigan will cave on the casino bill, because casino taxes sound like free money to weak-kneed legislators…until another McHenry County deputy sheriff steals from the evidence room to support his gambling habit.

Just an example that comes to mind, because it has happened.

Such thefts are just as likely to occur in any sort of establishments.

Tomorrow: a little “I told you so.”

Yesterday I wrote my take on Congressman Don Manzullo’s press conference.

The officials to the left chose to stand behind him. (Several others whom I recognized and reported on yesterday watched from the audience.)

This is the press release that was handed out:

Manzullo, Area Officials Urge Governor to Restore State Funds, Build Algonquin’s Western Bypass

[ALGONQUIN] Outraged by the state’s decision to yank funding from a federally endorsed road project, Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) today urged Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich to restore all the money eliminated from the Algonquin Western Bypass project and build the vital road project as soon as possible.

Joined by State Senator Pam Althoff, State Rep. Mike Tryon, McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler and nearly a dozen area mayors, Manzullo said the State of Illinois must start giving McHenry County its fair share of federal and state road dollars.

“This is the last straw,” Manzullo said. “For years, the State of Illinois has ignored McHenry County’s road needs despite the fact that this is one of the most congested counties in the state. While the United States Congress has twice invested in this vital Western Bypass project, the state has now pulled all the state funding and shelved it indefinitely. This is outrageous.”

In 1998, Manzullo secured $9 million in federal funding and designated the Western Bypass as a “High Priority Project” in the federal transportation bill. The State of Illinois followed his lead and added the Western Bypass to the state transportation plan in 1999. At that time, the state allocated $35 million in state funds (under the Illinois First program) to the project, bringing total funding to $44 million – which was enough to build the road at that time.

Over the last several years, the state has consistently scaled back its funding support for the Western Bypass, even though the federal government continued to make it a priority. In addition to the $9 million federal earmark in 1998, Congressman Manzullo and U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Barack Obama (D-IL) secured another $10 million for a northern extension of the project in 2005. In addition, Congress gave Illinois another $6.2 billion in federal gas tax receipts to use at the state’s discretion to fix Illinois roads. Despite this significant federal commitment, the Illinois Department of Transportation eliminated the remaining state funding for the Western Bypass project in this year’s state road plan.

In a letter sent to the Governor today, Manzullo and the other local officials called on Blagojevich to restore all the state funding for the project and add whatever is necessary – using some of the federal gas tax monies and the $22 million McHenry County motorists pay annually in state gasoline taxes – to build the Western Bypass. McHenry County officials estimate the cost of the Western Bypass, without the northern extension, at about $67 million. In addition, the letter invites the Governor to come to McHenry County to sit down with area officials and discuss the county’s transportation needs.

Congressman Manzullo’s remarks can be found below.

Yesterday I wrote my take on Congressman Don Manzullo’s press conference.

The officials to the left chose to stand behind him. (Several others whom I recognized and reported on yesterday watched from the audience.)

This is the press release that was handed out:

Manzullo, Area Officials Urge Governor to Restore State Funds, Build Algonquin’s Western Bypass

[ALGONQUIN] Outraged by the state’s decision to yank funding from a federally endorsed road project, Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) today urged Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich to restore all the money eliminated from the Algonquin Western Bypass project and build the vital road project as soon as possible.

Joined by State Senator Pam Althoff, State Rep. Mike Tryon, McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler and nearly a dozen area mayors, Manzullo said the State of Illinois must start giving McHenry County its fair share of federal and state road dollars.

“This is the last straw,” Manzullo said. “For years, the State of Illinois has ignored McHenry County’s road needs despite the fact that this is one of the most congested counties in the state. While the United States Congress has twice invested in this vital Western Bypass project, the state has now pulled all the state funding and shelved it indefinitely. This is outrageous.”

In 1998, Manzullo secured $9 million in federal funding and designated the Western Bypass as a “High Priority Project” in the federal transportation bill. The State of Illinois followed his lead and added the Western Bypass to the state transportation plan in 1999. At that time, the state allocated $35 million in state funds (under the Illinois First program) to the project, bringing total funding to $44 million – which was enough to build the road at that time.

Over the last several years, the state has consistently scaled back its funding support for the Western Bypass, even though the federal government continued to make it a priority. In addition to the $9 million federal earmark in 1998, Congressman Manzullo and U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Barack Obama (D-IL) secured another $10 million for a northern extension of the project in 2005. In addition, Congress gave Illinois another $6.2 billion in federal gas tax receipts to use at the state’s discretion to fix Illinois roads. Despite this significant federal commitment, the Illinois Department of Transportation eliminated the remaining state funding for the Western Bypass project in this year’s state road plan.

In a letter sent to the Governor today, Manzullo and the other local officials called on Blagojevich to restore all the state funding for the project and add whatever is necessary – using some of the federal gas tax monies and the $22 million McHenry County motorists pay annually in state gasoline taxes – to build the Western Bypass. McHenry County officials estimate the cost of the Western Bypass, without the northern extension, at about $67 million. In addition, the letter invites the Governor to come to McHenry County to sit down with area officials and discuss the county’s transportation needs.

Congressman Manzullo’s remarks can be found below.