McHenry County Blog

In a bulk buying move similar to electric aggregation, which unincorporated parts of McHenry County rejected by referendum, several northeastern County subdivisions requested McHenry County government to cut contracts for waste disposal.

Instead of four to five trucks coming into their neighborhoods each week to college garbage, the County Board authorized Groot Industries to pick up the trash and yard wasted for the next two years Tuesday night. That will mean one or two trucks on subdivision streets each week.

West side Wonder Lake neighborhoods where bulk buying of waste collection was authorized.

By voice vote the Board adopted an authorizing resolution. There were several “No” votes.

East side Wonder Lake neighborhoods in the waste collection deal.

Staff explained that under the new contract people were paying less for complete services (garbage, plus yard waste) than they were before just for garbage.

Northwest Wonder Lake subdivisions where Groot will be collecting the garbage.

Administration of the bidding was “cheaper than an enforcement officer going out on the weekend issuing tickets” for open burning, a Health Department official said.

Groot will be picking up garbage in Pistakee Highlands, too.

West Elementary School in Crystal Lake.

Looking at maximum tax rates for school districts in McHenry County, I discovered that Fox River Grove Elementary School District 3 is blocked from raising its taxes not by the Property Tax Cap, but by having reached it $3.50 per $100 value statutory tax rate limit.

The Board asked for $4.3 million, but was allowed a bit over $4 million due to having reached the tax rate allowed by law.

The grade school district on the east side of Wonder Lake has the same situation.

Harrison Elementary School District 36′s Education Fund is at its $3.50 per $100 of assessed valuation maximum.

Of the other districts, Harvard Unit District is due to bump up against its $4 per $100 of AV maximum Education Fund rate next year.

If Harvard could get the extra 3% allowed by the tax cap, its rate would be $4.03.

And all school districts near their statutory tax rate limits have to worry about the projected 9% decrease in assessment base.

But, because of the maximum rate governing is Education Fund it will be able to increase its Education Fund by about 2.3%.

Districts like the the following have not reached their maximum Education Fund tax limit:

• Cary Grade School
• Crystal Lake Grade School
• Marengo-Union Grade School
• Richmond-Spring Grove (Nippersink) Grade School
• McHenry Grade School
• Prairie Grove Grade School
• Riley Grade School
• Crystal Lake High School
• Marengo High School
• McHenry High School
• Richmond-Burton High School
• Alden-Hebron Unit District
• Barrington Unit District
• Belvidere Unit District
• Carpentersville Unit District
• Huntley Unit District
• Johnsburg Unit District
• Wauconda Unit District
• Woodstock Unit District

No jet skis on Wonder Lake this Labor Day Weekend.

Dick Hilton

An email to Wonder Lake residents  from Wonder Lake Master Property Owners Association President Dick Hilton:about the closure of Wonder Lake for Labor Day Weekend:

LAKE USE ALERT – PLEASE READ –

On advice of IL EPA

LAKE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

No power boats like this Master Craft allowed on Wonder Lake Labor Day Weekend, 2012.

Wonder Lake will be closed to ALL boating, water skiing, swimming & fishing until further notice.

Below is information received this afternoon from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency:

Subject: High Concentrations of Algal Toxins Found in Northern Illinois – Caution Should be Taken

Will the Wonder Lake Police give a ticket to this power boat driver if he takes it out on Labor Day Weekend?

Folks,

In the last couple of weeks, there have been a number of northern tier lakes that have been found to have the algal toxin “microcystin” in concentrations three orders of magnitude above the 20 ppb World Health Organization (WHO) guideline for recreational waters (e.g., above 20 ppb there is a high probability of adverse health effects).

Once found, IEPA and USGS conducted follow-up monitoring this past Wednesday and Thursday at ~8-10 sites (lakes and streams), again primarily in Northern Illinois. Results will not be available for the next few weeks.

My immediate need/desire to share this information with you is we desperately want to get the word out, today if possible, BEFORE the Labor Day Holiday weekend, that these conditions exist and the public should be cautioned not to use their favorite water resource if excessive algae is apparent, discolored scums are present, etc.

No cooling off in a boat on Wonder Lake on the 2012 Labor Day Weekend.

Late yesterday afternoon the attached IEPA Fact Sheet was developed, primarily fashioned after a fact sheet developed by the Iowa Department of Public Health. It talks about both blue green algae and algal toxins.

No fishing is recommended by the Illinois EPA on Labor Day Weekend.

My recommendation to you?

Please distribute the following paragraph (or tweak/fashion as you see fit) and attached fact sheet to your membership ASAP.

Our and your goal obviously is not to “scare,” but to caution citizen and animal use of any water resource that exhibits nasty blue-green algae conditions. A picture is attached if you would like to use it with your distribution.

“A new fact sheet about blue green algae and the health risks to people and animals from exposure to algal toxins is now available.

“Weather patterns this summer have caused an increase in blue green algae and elevated toxin levels in some Illinois waterbodies.

“People should avoid contact with water that is discolored (heavy green, blue-green, yellow, brown, or red) or has algal scum on the surface and restrict the access of their pets and livestock to this water. This includes swimming, water skiing, tubing, and boating.”

Thanks so much to you quick attention to this matter.

Gregg Good, Manager
Surface Water Section, Bureau of Water
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

The following fact sheet was developed by the Iowa Department of Pubic Health:

BLUE-GREEN ALGAE and ALGAL TOXINS

This photo of blue green algae was provided by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

Background

Blue-green algae are microscopic organisms that are naturally present in lakes and streams. Some blue-green algae can produce algal toxins that could pose a health risk to people and animals when they are exposed to them in large enough quantities. This fact sheet answers questions about blue-green algae and algal toxins.

What are blue-green algae?

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are microscopic organisms that are naturally present in lakes and streams. They are usually present in low numbers. However, blue-green algae can grow quickly and become very abundant in warm, shallow, undisturbed surface waters that receive a lot of sunlight. When this occurs, they can form blooms that discolor the water or produce floating rafts or scums on the surface of the water. These blooms are primarily a concern during the summer months in Illinois.

Are blue-green algae or algal toxins harmful to my health?

Some blue-green algae produce algal toxins (e.g., microcystin, cylindrospermopsin, anatoxin, saxatoxin; the most common is microcystin) that could pose a health risk to people and animals when exposed to them in large enough quantities. Health effects could occur when surface scums or waters containing high levels of blue-green algae toxins are swallowed, come in contact with skin, or when airborne droplets containing toxins are inhaled while swimming, boating, water skiing, tubing, bathing or showering.

Recreational contact such as swimming and household contact such as bathing or showering with water not visibly affected by a blue – green algae bloom is not expected to cause health effects.

Another Illinois EPA photo of blue green algae. Note how it looks like paint.

How do I know if I am being exposed to blue-green algae?

People should suspect that blue-green algae are present in water that is visibly discolored or that has surface scums. Colors can include shades of green, blue-green, yellow, brown, or red. Water affected by blue-green algae blooms often is so strongly colored that it can develop a paint-like appearance (see photos below).

The presence of toxins from algae can only be verified through laboratory analysis. Unpleasant tastes or odors are not reliable indicators of blue-green algae toxins or other toxic substances, because the algae may or may not also produce chemicals that affect the taste or odor of drinking water. Similarly, the absence of unpleasant tastes and odors does not guarantee the absence of blue-green algal toxins.

Can you get sick from blue-green algal toxins?

None of this on Wonder Lake on Labor Day Weekend.

People can get sick from blue-green algal toxins if they have direct contact with a blue green algae bloom, by either intentionally or accidentally swallowing water, by having direct skin contact (as when swimming, wading, or showering), or by breathing airborne droplets containing the toxins, such as during boating or water skiing.

People should avoid contact with water that is discolored or has scum on the surface and restrict the access of their pets and livestock to this water. Pets can get sick if they have been swimming in water where algal blooms have been and ingest significant amounts of toxins by licking themselves after leaving the water.

Are children more vulnerable than adults to blue-green algal toxins?

Yes. Because of their comparatively low body weight, it takes fewer toxins to make children sick from exposure to blue green algae. In addition, children tend to have more sensitive skin than adults, so a skin rash or reaction is more likely. Children should always be supervised when swimming in any body of water.

Can I eat fish caught in water with high amounts of blue-green algae or algal toxins?

No sailboats will be allowed on Wonder Lake Labor Day Weekend, 2012.

Toxins from algae can accumulate in the entrails (guts) of fish and occasionally in the muscle (filet) of fish. Levels in fish depend upon the severity of the bloom in the area where the fish are caught. In general, fish that are caught in areas of a waterbody where major blue-green algae blooms occur may be safe to eat, as long as the entrails of the fish are discarded. However, there is some uncertainty about the levels of algal toxins that can accumulate in filets, so anglers may want to wait until algal blooms are over before eating fish from waters where a bloom is occurring. Care should be taken that animals are not fed or allowed to eat the entrails of these fish.

How can I stop or reduce exposures to blue-green algae or algal toxins?

Never drink untreated surface water, whether or not algae blooms are present. Water from lakes, rivers, or streams may contain other bacteria, parasites or viruses, as well as algae toxins, that all could cause illness if consumed.

No water skiing allowed on Wonder Lake on Labor Day Weekend.

People should avoid contact with water that is discolored or has scum on the surface and restrict the access of their pets and livestock to this water. This includes swimming, water skiing, tubing, boating, etc. If contact does occur, wash with soap and water or rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove algae. This is especially important for pets (dogs) because they may lick the algae off their fur to clean themselves.

This climbing Wonder Lake dog is about to do exactly what the EPA thinks should not be done.

Seek medical attention if symptoms such as skin, eye or throat irritation, allergic reactions, or breathing difficulties occur while in contact with untreated surface water. These symptoms are unusual, but may occur in sensitive individuals due to exposure to low levels of blue-green algae.

A press release from the Sheriff’s Office:

Sheriff’s Office Investigates a Suspicious Incident in Wonder Lake, Looks for Community for Assistance

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office and the McHenry County Crime Stoppers is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a male subject stemming from an incident in Wonder Lake.

On May 24, 2012 at approximately 11 A.M. the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a white male subject who approached a 19 year old female while she was jogging in the 8700 block of Sunset Drive, Wonder Lake.

Area in Wonder Lake where 19-year old female jogger was bothered.

The unknown male was driving an older model white in color vehicle with paint chipping from it.

The front end was described as a square front end, similar to a Pontiac Sunfire.

Belated posted on the Sheriff's web site is this representation of the Wonder Lake suspect.

The male asked the female for directions and she told him that she did not know.

The male left the area and returned a short time later and began driving towards the female, who was still jogging.

The male reached his arm out the driver’s side window of the vehicle in an attempt to make physical contact with the female.

The female was able to avoid the physical contact.

She then contacted the police.

The female assisted in developing a composite drawing of the male subject, who is described as being a male, white, 35-40 years of age, with reddish brown hair, wearing a white in color T-shirt.

Anyone with information about this suspicious incident is encouraged to contact the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office at 815-338-2144 or Crime Stoppers of McHenry County at 1-800-762-7867. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the offender(s). Crime Stoppers does not use caller ID.

To see a copy of the composite drawing of the male, please go to our website www.mchenrysheriff.org and look under press releases. [The drawing is not where this press release says it is.]

I found the following information on the Chicago Tribune’s Real Estate page on the internet.

It has an interative map of McHenry County (and all other parts of the six-county Chicago metropolitan area) that tells what has happened to real estate values in municipalies with enough sales from which to pull statistics.

Changes in home prices in McHenry County over the last five years (2007-2012). Only Lakewood homes increase in value.

Code for the map above.

In McHenry County, I was surprised that homes in my village of Lakewood (a suburb of Crystal Lake) have held their value better than anywhere else.

• Lakewood: +17.65% with current median value at $353,250. (Our home is a bit below average.)
• Crystal Lake: -32.98% with median value at $157,500
• Huntley: -39.59%, median at $193,000
• Lake in the Hill: -34.08%, median at $147,000
• Algonquin: -25%, median at $147,000
• Cary: -39.77%, median at $156,000
• Fox River Grove: -42.609%, median at $154,750
• Oakwood Hills: -18&%, median at $164,000
• Island Lake: -30.06, median at $114,000
• Holiday Hills: -100%, but median given at $0, so obviously there is a glitch in the data
• Woodstock: -42.14$, median at $136,000
• McHenry: -31%, median $138,000
• Lakemoor: -29.37%, median $117,250
• Johnsburg: -48.38, median $175,000
• Wonder Lake: -27.13%, median $119,500
• Ringwood: -19,2%, median $201,000
• Richmond: -36.45%, median $197,000
• Spring Grove: -33.52, median $232,500
• Marengo: -42.65%, median $117,000
• Union: -1.59%, median $310,000 (something seems a bit wonky with the median average number)
• Harvard: -50.5%, median $99,000
• Hebron: -31.03%, median $130,000

Other communities have no information.

The delivery charge pays for the infrastructure. Here is a major failure next to Crystal Lake's Best Buy on Main Street south of Route 14.

What I thought was going to be the most uncontroversial item on the ballot wasn’t.

Having put together the bulk buying of natural gas for state government facilities across Illinois while working for the Department of Central Management Services, it seems to be that the bulk buying of electricity is a pretty straight forward proposition.

Unless you don’t trust your local government, what’s to object to?

Especially, since you can opt out of the program if you think Com Ed’s price will be better or you’d rather shop around for yourself.

I figure let someone who has more expertise do the shopping, so I voted, “Yes.”

I had gotten some emails opposed to it.One had two objections, one of which didn’t seem to make any sense to me.

The complaint was made that municipal officials would not be allowed to negotiate the delivery price.

That is completely correct and that is because the local delivery cost is set by the Illinois Commerce Commission.

I figure the person who sent the email just didn’t know that was the situation.In any event that objection was not a legitimate reason to vote “No.”

It might, however, be a reason to vote against legislators who voted to allow Com Ed to raise electricity delivery rates.  (See Senate roll call, which passed by only one vote.  See House roll call.)

The second objection was that it would force peak pricing.  I asked my Lakewood Village Administrator, but did not get an answer.

So, if you voted against the referendum in your area (unincorporated or municipality), please tell readers where you live and why you voted “No.”

Results of McHenry County electric aggregation referendums follow:

Wonder Lake voted overwhelmingly against the proposal as 68% vote No. Why?

Folks in rural McHenry County voted against overwhelmingly against their referendum, 62% to 38%. Was it because they do not trust the County Board?

The City of McHenry's voters cast a 57-43 No vote. Why?

Lake in the Hills voted No as well, by a margin of 54-46. Again, if you are from Lake in the Hills and voted on the prevailing side, tell us why.

Johnsburg is another McHenry Township village where voters turned thumbs down 53-47. Tell us why, Johnsburg readers?

Marengo residents didn't like the idea either. The vote was close, losing by only 8 votes.

McCullom Lake next to McHenry also voted against the bulk buying proposal, but just barely. It only lost by one vote. Why?

Algonquin is in two counties, McHenry and Kane. It passed by a little bit on the McHenry County side, but failed by more on the Kane County side. The result was as 1,557-1,576 vote, with early and absentee ballot still not folded in, for a 50.3% “Yes” vote and 49.7% “No.”

While Lake in the Hills defeated their electric aggregation referendum, voters in the next door Village of Algonquin vote approval by 34 votes.

While the referendum passed in the McHenry County portion of Algonquin, it failed in Kane County. Click to enlarge.

Spring Grove's citizens voted down the referendum by 4 votes. If you are a "No" voter, please share your reason.

Now let’s look at those municipalities where people approved their referendums.

Woodstock citizens barely passed their referendum with only 27 votes to spare.

In Prairie Grove villagers voted 53-47 to allow bulk buying.

Cary voters cast 54% of their votes in favor.

54% of Crystal Lake ballots would favorable.

Huntley also straddles the Kane-McHenry County line. Unlike Algonquin, however, residents on both side voted for the referendum. There were 3,731 in favor and 2,870 against, when the figures were added together.  56.5% voted in favor.

By a healthy 59-41%, Huntley voters approved their electric aggregation referendum.

On the Kane County side of Huntley, the referendum passed 61-33.

The small Village of Ringwood passed the idea by 62% to 38%.

Lakewood voted overwhelmingly in favor of its referendum, 63-37.

I skipped Barrington Hills and Island Lake.

Rachel Smith at the YR Candidates' Night.

Here’s how Wonder Lake’s Rachel Smith answered the McHenry County Board Questionnaire of the Alliance for Land, Agriculture and Water:

ALAW County Board Candidates Survey: 2012 Primary Election

A. Land Use

1. Do you agree that new development should be located where infrastructure exists, to minimize the extension of new roads, utilities and services, and protect farmland and water recharge areas? Yes

2. If elected, will you support permanent protection of agricultural land and the agricultural industry in the County? Yes

3. Do you agree or disagree that new rural development costs more for the extension of infrastructure (roads, water, sewer and services) than it brings to the County in taxes and that those extra costs are passed on to the existing taxpayers? Agree

B. Water Resources

1. Would you oppose any land use change that would exceed a locally recharged aquifer’s capacity? Yes

2. If elected will you enforce use of the SARA – Sensitive Aquifer Recharge Areas map developed by the County Water Resources Department, as a determining factor in every land use change decision? Yes

3. Do you support redistributing groundwater from water-rich areas to areas that have over drawn their groundwater? No

4. In your opinion, will McHenry County be able to get Lake Michigan water? No

C. The Role of County Government

1. Should the county provide support services to municipal governments, for example issuing and enforcing municipal building permits, administering and enforcing the Storm Water ordinance? Yes

2. Do you support a county housing program where the county purchases, constructs, remodels, rents, sells homes throughout the county and in municipalities? No

3. Do you support a county bus program, where the county takes over responsibility for established service between select cities and townships? No

4. Should the county health department report to the county board as opposed to an independent board of directors? Yes

5. Do you think county government should increase expenditures and the scope of its activities, which will increase taxes to its residents? No

D. Transparency and Commitment

Rachel Smith handed out campaign cards at the Marengo Settlers Days Parade.

1. County board records indicate that the average number of meetings necessary for attendance by a County Board Member is 8. This includes two full board meetings a month and two meetings a month for each committee (generally three) the member is assigned. Are you able and willing to make the commitment to represent your constituents to this extent? Yes

2. During the last primary election 32 candidates for county offices voluntarily filled out the ALAW initiated Statement of Economic Interests BEFORE the election. This form is now required once you are elected, but we need to know before we elect you. Will you follow suit and file yours with us now? (Form attached with mailing instructions.) Yes

3. Do you agree that all scheduled county meeting agendas and minutes, including committee and sub-committees, should be posted on the County web site? Yes

4. Would you have voted to raise the county board members salaries? No

5. Would you have voted to increase the real estate tax levy by 1.5% thus increasing the amount of real estate tax collected by the county by $1.1 ml.? No

E. Short Answer. Only the number of words indicated will be published in the response report. (please add a page if you need more room, but remember that we can only print the number of words indicated and reserve the right to edit your response for that reason. Thank you.)

1. If you are elected to serve the residents of McHenry County, what external state and local agencies do you think are important for the county to liaison with and how would you make sure that information is flowing both ways with that agency? If you are currently serving and are an appointed liaison, please tell us what agency you are assigned and how you accomplish effective two-way communication. (50 words)

I believe intergovernmental cooperation between municipalities is necessary to make goals of the municipal plans work and the 2030 County plan work. As a County Board member I would attend municipal meetings to ensure an open dialogue and assurance of an approachable board member.

2. By protecting agricultural lands and soil resources, groundwater and its natural recharge can also be protected. What will you do to provide that protection? (50 words)

A continual joint effort between municipalities throughout the entire county is necessary as well as education to the public. By holding the line at growth, implementing water conservation tips to households and municipalities we can better protect groundwater.

3.Most municipalities in the county have their own economic development commissions or committees. Economic development has to occur where there is existing infrastructure. The county funds the private McHenry County Economic Development Corporation ($635,985. for the 2009-2012 term) to create development in the county outside of municipalities. Is this a good investment of taxpayer money? (50 words)

Rachel Smith talks with Ken Koehler and March Shepherd at Lou Bianchi's fund raiser.

Having recently inquired with the MCEDC, I have gained a wealth of knowledge of services provided by them. The county doesn’t solely fund the MCEDC. The cost indicated is a fraction of comparison to the benefits provided and the in kind information that is available to municipalities, businesses and citizens.

4. Do you think Fleming Road, Alden Road and other county roads that do not serve highly developed commercial areas, need to be widened and “improved” at this time? (50 words)

No, there are many other roads in the county with needed attention that residents would be more than happy to have improved.

5. What weight should you as a county board member give the opinions of citizens affected by zoning decisions, special use permits and road projects? (50 words)

The citizens whom are being adversely affected by zoning decisions, special use permits and road projects concerns should feel that they have a say what goes on in their community. Town Hall meetings and a County Board open door policy will help facilitate an existing relationship.

6. What in your background qualifies you to serve the public as a county board representative and what do you intend to accomplish if elected to the County Board. You may also use this space to provide additional information regarding any of the “yes / no” answers given above. (100 words)

I am not a career politician. I am not a politician at all. I am member of the community who shares the same concerns as local taxpayers. I know what is like to sacrifice what I want so my kids can have what they need. I know what it is like to be on a budget. Through my creativity, fresh perspective and full time availability, I want to bring common sense and reality to county government. You can find more information on my Facebook page or at www.smithcountyboard6.com.

An October 5, 2011, press release about Wayne Reed from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Louisiana:

ILLINOIS MAN SENTENCED TO 4 YEARS IN PRISON FOR DEFRAUDING SAINTS PLAYERS AND COACHES

WAYNE READ, age 47, of Wonder Lake, Illinois, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman to 48 months in prison, announced U. S. Attorney Jim Letten.

In addition, READ was ordered to make restitution in the amount of $1,855,700 to current and former players and coaches of the New Orleans Saints and will have to serve three (3) years of supervised release upon his release from prison.

Wayne Read

READ pled guilty on May 13, 2010 to Interstate Transportation of Stolen Funds and Wire Fraud in connection with the fraudulent sale of Louisiana Film Tax Credits which he sold to 27 current and former members, coaches and staff of the New Orleans Saints Football Organization.

According to documents filed in federal court, READ sold approximately $1.9 million false and fictitious 2008 Louisiana Film Tax Credits to members of the New Orleans Saints organization.

At no time did READ provide or issue any tax credits to any of the victims.

READ used these funds to pay off personal debts, including the prevention of a Sheriff’s sale of his personal residence and as satisfaction of a legal judgment.

This case was investigated by members of the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys James R. Mann, Salvador R. Perricone and Brian M. Klebba.

= = = = =

Photo from nola.com article.

John Hammerand has sent this invitation to his 5-7 PM fund raiser February 27th at the Grand Old Mill on the north end of Wonder Lake.  $40 is the suggested donation, with $15 for a guest.

And Republican Precinct Committeemen can come at no cost.

That’s what Z Financial is going to be charged for two adjacent lots on Barnard Mill Road in Wonder Lake, according to resolutions approved by the McHenry County Board’s Finance and Audit Committee.

The two wooded lots are on the western side of Barnard Mill Road in the middle of the block between Summit and Granite. If the County Board members agree, they will be purchased by Z Financial for $1,300.

8,000 square feet.

This is a shot of the approximate location from across the street where the 8,000 square feet are located.

On a main road.

Here's an aerial view of the block between Summit and Granite in Wonder Lake.

Where the neighboring lots of what appear to be the same size are assessed at $3,183.

Real estate assessments in Illinois outside of Cook County are one-third of market value.

So, let’s multiply $3,183 by three. That’s $9,549.

Per lot.

So, the fair market value for the two empty lots would be $19,098.

And the County Board members are set to sell both of them for $1,300.

Does that sound as strange to you as it does to me?

Also strange is that the assessments on each lot have been set at $3.

Not $3,000.

Not $300.

Not $30.

$3.

This is the assessment information for one of the two Wonder Lake lots being scheduled to be sold, probably without discussion, for $650 apiece at the next County Board meeting.

Why $3?

Why not $1?

Regardless, there will be zero taxes on the property this spring when the rest of us are shelling out big bucks because the McHenry County Board decided to take as much from us as is allowed by the Property Tax Cap law.