Season Road Posting March 17, 2008

The office of the Village Engineer has completed a review of the extended forecast of overnight temperatures above freezing and believes that the upcoming thaw will lead to the rapid loss in frost under the pavement. This condition leaves Village roads susceptible to damage by vehicles of the regularly permitted weight class. Beginning on Monday March 14th, the gross weight of Village roads will be limit to vehicles less than 10 tons. All overweight permits will be suspended and no new ones issued by the Village. The length of closure will be determined by the rate at which the moisture leaves the sub grade.

The Village Engineer will continue to monitor the surface of Village roads  and will notify the office of the Village Clerk, as linked through this web site, of any change to the schedule. View the Village Engineer's report (pdf).

Seasonal Road Posting

The Village Engineer has been monitoring the weather projections for the next two weeks in anticipation of the seasonal posting of reduced load limits on Village maintained roads. The present limit of 18 tons is reduced  to 10 tons and all existing overweight permits are suspended for the duration of the posting.

The Village Engineer anticipates the reduced load limits would take affect on Monday March 17, 2008 if the overnight low temperature continues its steady climb above freezing and the current conditions of the road surface evidence of thawing, otherwise known to most drivers as potholes.

The Village Engineer will continue to monitor the forecasts as linked through the Village web site and will notify the office of the Village Clerk of any change to the schedule.

Canadian National RR Hearing - UPDATE

The Surface Transportation Board's Section of Environmental Analysis (SEA) announces the extension to February 15, 2008 of the scoping period or the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that is being prepared in connection with an application filed by Canadian National Railroad Company (CN) to acquire certain rail lines of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad (EJ&E). SEA is preparing an EIS because the Surface transportation Board has determined that the proposed acquisition has the potential to result in significant effects upon the environment within the meaning of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA).

Written comments may still then be submitted post-marked no later than February 15th regarding the proposed draft scope, which is available on the Board's website under "Environmental Matters," "Key Cases" and "CN-EJ&E Acquisition," please send comments to:

Surface Transportation Board
395 E Street, SW
Washington, DC 20423

Attention: Phillis Johnson-Ball

Environmental Filing

STB Finance Docket No. 35087

Scoping comments may also be filed electronically on the Board's website, www.stb.dot.gov, by clicking on the "E_FILING" link. A Login Account IS NOT NEEDED to submit Environmental Comments. Simply click on "Environmental Comments," which will bring up the comment screen.
Type in the docket number, which is "FD 35087." Select "Phillis Johnson-Ball" in the drop down list under "attention of." Then complete the form by adding name, address, phone and email, and click "Submit."

Comments may also be telephoned into SEA's toll-free hotline established for this proceeding. Dial 1-800–347-0689 and leave the comments after the tone.

Canadian National RR Hearing  

On Wednesday, January 9, 2008, the U.S. Surface Transportation Board is holding an Open House to hear our Village’s concerns over Canadian Nationals purchase of the EJ&E track and plan to roll more than 20 heavy unit freight trains per day through Barrington and Barrington Hills.  This is a substantial increase from the 2 or 3 short haul trains per day the Village experiences.  Public safety, congestion, noise, economic impact and pollution are just some of the subjects you may wish to make comment on to the STB as well as to look at alternatives.

The Open House will be held January 9, from 1 to 4 p.m. and another session at 6 to 8 p.m., at the Makray Memorial Golf Club on Highway 14.  You may sign in and make your own feelings known on the impact you think this change will have on Barrington Hills.  For more detailed information on the Open House and this Canadian National rail issue, please see the information published by the Surface Transportation Board or acquaint yourself with the perspective at: www.fightrailcongestion.com  or CN Open letter to the community.

Village Vehicle Licenses Fee Triples on July 1st

Last reminder that every owner or operator of a motor vehicle shall file an application with the Village Clerk, setting forth the name and address of the applicant and a description of the vehicle for which the license is needed. (Ord. 85-1, 1-28-85) The walk-up window at the Police Department is available on a 24 hour basis to accept Vehicle License applications and fees.

Upon payment of the fee herein provided, the Village Clerk shall issue a sticker authorizing the use of such vehicle within the Village until the expiration of the license.

The annual fee of $10 to be paid for motor vehicle licenses are the following:

When obtained on or after June 1 but before July 1
20.00

When obtained on or after July 1
30.00

A transfer fee of one dollar applies for a change of vehicles during the license year.

A vehicle registered in the Village without a sticker has the owner liable for a penalty of not less  than one dollar ($1.00) nor more than fifty dollars ($50.00) for each offense, and a separate offense shall be deemed committed on each day during or on which a violation occurs or continues.

There is still time to be in compliance with the law by contacting the Village Hall (847-551-3000)  for an application form or drop-in at anytime at the walk-up window of the Police Department with the correct fee for each vehicle.

Tech Gets PCS Tower Regs

On Tuesday May 8th the Technology Committee will continue its consideration of a draft ordinance regarding the regulation of Personal Communication Service tower as an addition to the existing provisions of 5-10-7 of the Zoning Code. The current draft of the proposed standards are available online or by contacting the office of the Village Clerk during regular business hours. The meeting will be held in the Training Room of the Village Hall at 6:00PM.

Regular Road Weight Limit Restored May 7, 2007

Upon the advice of the Village Engineer, the regular road limit signs are being restored on Village maintained roads. Vehicles making local delivery are permitted upon to 18 tons gross weight are permitted on the Roads. Heavier vehicles required a over weight permit. Details may be found in Section 9-2-6-2 of The Village Code. Information is also provided about overweight vehicles when applying for a building permit.

Communication Committee Sends 2007 Winter/Spring Newsletter

The Winter/Spring Newsletter is available at the Village Hall. For non-residents, copies will be mailed by request upon contacting the Village Hall, (847) 551-3000 or posting an email request from this page. A digital copy is available in pdf format [529 Kb]. Your comments regarding the newsletter would be appreciated at vbhinfo@vbhcomm.info

Communication Committee Sends 2007 Fall Newsletter

The Winter  Newsletter is available at the Village Hall. For non-residents, copies will be mailed by request upon contacting the Village Hall, (847) 551-3000 or posting an email request from this page. A digital copy is available in pdf format [698 Kb]. Your comments regarding the newsletter would be appreciated at vbhinfo@vbhcomm.info

Tower Application Withdrawn by Park District  

By certified letter the Barrington Cuntryside Park District notified the Village that it is withdrawing the application for a special use permit reguarding the cellular communications tower at its property at 254 Bateman Road (Riding Center). The District also informed the Village that it terminated its Option and Lease Agreement with Ammerican Tower Management, LLC

Spring Cleaning Times

Disposal questions abound as Spring Cleaning is underway and all the answers can be found in the Recycling Directory available at the McHenry County Defenders, 124 Cass Street, Woodstock or can be mailed to you by calling (815) 479-7570. The recycling Directory is also updated online at www.mcdef.org/recy.pdf.

While waiting for your copy, some quick things to know about how to reuse, recycle and lastly safetly dispose include...

• Old worn out athelitic shoes can be brought 24 hours on any day of the year to a blue box located in the midle of the parking lot of Algonquin Township Road District 3702 US Highway 14 east of Cystal Lake, Illinois. No shoes with cleats, metal parts or "fashion lights".
• Paint is accepted as part of the Illinois EPA Partners for Waste Paint Solution program. Latex and oil-based paint is picked up and disposed of as part of this program. Call first the Algonquin Township Road District (847) 639-2700 ext 6 for hours and requirements.

Comprehensive Plan Amendment

On Monday November 7, 2005 at 7:30 P.M. the Plan Commission has been authorized by the Barrington Hills Board of Trustees to hold a public hearing on a comprehensive amendment to the Offical Plan of the Village. All interested parties are invited to attend the Public Hearing and will be given an opportunity to be heard. Any persons interested may examine a copy of the of the document including the maps, in the office of the Village Clerk, prior to the public hearing at the Barrington Hills Village Hall during the customary hours of operation. For those persons with high-speed Internet connection the document is available for download (text and exhibits), as listed below.

• Comprehensive Plan Document [text, pdf, 63 pages, 5.35M]
• Environmental Issues [map, pdf, 286K]
• Future Land Use Plan [map, pdf, 598K]
• Planning Focus Area [map, pdf, 278K]
• Conceptual Site Plan, Duda Properties [map, pdf, 190K]
• Conceptual Site Plan, The Stables of Barrington Hills [map, pdf, 767K]

Viewing will require use Adobe pdf.

McHenry County ZBA Votes To Deny

After nearly sixteen weeks of testimony the McHenry County ZBA unanimously denied the petition to amend the existing zoning to permit a development plan known as Barrington Farms. The plan according to the Chairman of the ZBA is the highest-density subdivision the panel has considered in a decade. Essentially Barrington Farms - featuring 371 homes on 368 acres - was far too crowded for the ZBA and they found it out of character with surrounding properties. A similar position was shared by the municipalities of Algonquin and Carpentersville. Details of this vote can be found by following the link to the Daily Herald.

The petition now goes to the full McHenry County board, which could make a final decision on the plan as early as Aug. 15th.

Barrington Farms – LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

BACKGROUND

A hearing on a petition to reclassify some 368 acres in unincorporated Algonquin Township so to permit 371 units into a Planned Development Residential District whose lots may have a minimum size of 7,500 sq. ft. will be held on the 1st day of February, 2006 at 1:30PM in Conference Room B McHenry County Government Center, Ware Road Administration Building (Second Floor), 2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, Illinois. More information is provided in the presentation from the Village President (pdf 1.4M).

The affected property is generally located south of Chapel Road along Haeger's Bend Road to Spring Creek Road, and a portion lies east of Church Road and south of Spring Creek. Permanent Parcel Index Numbers:

19-25-400-001
19-25-300-005
19-26-400-005
19-36-100-004
20-30-100-002
20-30-300-017.

Refer to the map in high quality pdf format (7MB) or low quality jpg image (100KB) for detailed location information.

PUBLIC HEARING - JUNE

The McHenry County ZBA has reserved Thursday June 29, 2006 begining at 1:30 PM for public comment on the Barrington Farm proposal. Tesitimony will be adjourned for dinner and reconvened at 6:30 PM for continued comment. Public comment will be limited to three minutes per commentator. Power Point presentations will be accepted. The location is the McHenry County Administration Building were the hearings have been held since February.

Barrington Farms – LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

A hearing on a petition to reclassify some 368 acres in unincorporated Algonquin Township so to permit 371 units into a Planned Development Residential District whose lots may have a minimum size of 7,500 sq. ft. will be held on the 1st day of February, 2006 at 1:30PM in Conference Room B McHenry County Government Center, Ware Road Administration Building, 2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, Illinois. More information is provided in the letter from the Village President.

The affected property is generally located south of Chapel Road along  Haeger's Bend Road to Spring Creek Road, and a portion lies east of Church Road and south of Spring Creek. Permanent Parcel Index Numbers:  19-25-400-001, 19-25-300-005, 19-26-400-005, 19-36-100-004, 20-30-100-002, and 20-30-300-017. Refer to the map in high quality pdf format (7MB) or low quality jpg image (100KB) for detailed location information.

ZBA Gets PCS Tower Regs

At the regularly scheduled meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals on Wednesday, Februarey 14th there will be presented standards for Personal Communication Service tower in addition to the existing provisions of 5-10-7 of the Zoning Code. A draft of the proposed standards are availble on the Village webpage as is the agenda for the meeting. The meeting will be held at Countryside Elementary School at 7:30PM.

n Wednesday February 21 the ZBA will continue its consideration of a special use application by American Tower Corporation regarding the construction of a 190' tower at 254 Bateman Road (Riding Center). The meeting will be held at Countryside Elementary School at 7:30PM.

ZBA Meets at Countryside School

The regularly scheduled meeting of the ZBA on January 17, 2007 will be held in the Multi-purpose Room of the Countryside Elementary School (205 West County Line Road). American Tower application is not on the agenda. In February, the ZBA will again be meeting at the School and a Special meeting date of February 21st has been selected for the consideration of the American Tower application.

Local News Story

The Algonquin Countryside describes the remaining hearing process in McHenry County where there is expected for a vote to be held Tuesday July 25, 2006 at 9:30 AM in the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road Woodstock. "The biggest issue here is land use," the Village President is quoted, "Is the county going to do development irrespective of the wishes of the municipalities?"

Follow the link for more details from the story or read the comments of the Village President.

Communication Committee Sends 2006 Spring/Summer Newsletter

The Spring/Summer Newsletter is available at the Village Hall. For non-residents, copies will be mailed by request upon contacting the Village Hall, (847) 551-3000 or posting an email request from this page. A digital copy is available in pdf format [839Kb]. Your comments regarding the newsletter would be appreciated at bhillscommunication@comcast.net.

Road Weight Limit Effective March 13th

The office of the Village Engineer has completed a review of the extended forecast of overnight tempertures above freezing and believes that the upcoming thaw will lead to the rapid loss in frost under the pavement. This condition leaves Village roads suspetible to damage by vehicles of the regularly permitted weight class. Begining on Monday March 13th, the gross weight of Village roads will be limit to vehicles less than 10 tons. All overweight permits will be suspended and no new ones issued by the Villlage. The length of closure will be determined by the rate at which the moisuture leaves the subgrade.

Village Hall Closings for 2006

The remaining holiday schedule for 2006 is
• May 29, 2006: Memorial Day
• July 4, 2006: Independence Day
• September 4, 2006: Labor Day
• October 9, 2006: Columbus Day
• November 11, 2006: Veterans' Day
• November 23, 2006: Thanksgiving Day
• December 25, 2006: Christmas Day

UPDATE

Board Member Set to Vote On Project He Pitched, details as published in the Daily Herald, January 29, 2006.

Governor Dought Force Still Meets

Those seeking updated information on dry conditions can learn more by visiting the Internet web site of the Illinois Water Survey. The web site includes an overview of weather conditions, soil moisture maps, information about water supply and demand in Illinois, water conservation tips, and a weekly drought update.

"It's important to realize that we are at a stage of observation and planning, not panic," said Illinois Department of Natural Resources director Joel Brunsvold.

July 4th Hall Closed

The Village Hall will be closed Tuesday July 4th in observance of the holiday. The regular scheduled hours for all departments of 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM will resume on the following day of Wednesday, July 5th. The Police Department will remain open and can be reached in a non-emergency by calling 847.551.3006 or in any emergency, dial 911.

Village Hall will be closed Monday May 29th in observance of Memorial Day

The Village Hall will be closed on Monday May 29, 2006 in observance of Memorial Day. The regular scheduled hours for all departments of 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM will resume on the following day of Tuesday May 30th. The Police Department will remain open and can be reached in a non-emergency by calling 847.551.3006 or in any emergency, dial 911.

March 21st Tuesday ELECTION Polls 6am – 7pm

BARRINGTON TOWNSHIP – COOK COUNTY
Office 847 381 5632

Precinct 7:  Village of Barrington Hills, 112 Algonquin Road
Precinct 9:   St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 720 Dundee Ave., Barrington
Precinct 14:  The Presbyterian Church, 6 Brinker Road

ALGONQUIN TOWNSHIP – McHENRY COUNTY
Office 847 639 2700

Precinct 16:  Algonquin Road School, 975 Algonquin Road
Precinct 45:  Algonquin Road School, 975 Algonquin Road
Precinct 33:   33 Church Road

CUBA TOWNSHIP – LAKE COUNTY
Office 847 381 1924

Precinct 75: Cuba Township Garage, 440 W. Cuba Road

DUNDEE TOWNSHIP – KANE COUNTY
Office 847 428 8092

Precinct 10: Faith Lutheran Church, Helm Road and Navajo Road, Carpentersville

Village Hall Closed for Presidents Day

The Village Hall will be closed on Monday February 20, 2006 in observance of Presidents Day. The regular scheduled hours for all departments of 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM will resume on the following day of Tuesday February 21st. The Police Department will remain open and can be reached in a non-emergency by calling 847.551.3006 or in any emergency, dial 911.

The remaining holiday schedule for 2006 is
• May 29, 2006: Memorial Day
• July 4, 2006: Independence Day
• September 4, 2006: Labor Day
• October 9, 2006: Columbus Day
• November 11, 2006: Veterans' Day
• November 23, 2006: Thanksgiving Day
• December 25, 2006: Christmas Day

Village Hall Closed For Christmas and New Year Holidays

The Village Hall will be closed on Monday, Decmber 26th, in observance of Christmas as well as Monday, January 2th for New Year's Day.  The regular scheduled hours for all departments of 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM will resume on the following days, Decmember 27th and January 3rd. The Police Department will remain open throughout the holiday season and can be reached in a non-emergency by calling 847.551.3006 or in any emergency, dial 911.

Local News Story 

The Barrington Courier Review describes in an interview with Trustee Knoop the purposes of the amendment of the Comprehensive Plan to "help protect the village's character and also help preserve the qualities of nearby communities." Follow the link to the story http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo-story/localnews/current/ba/11-10-05-739447.htm

Fugitive in Barrington Hills Double Homicide Arrested

Read the announcement for information regarding the arrest.

Village Clerk Appointed

Dr. Elaine M. Ramesh was appointed as Village Clerk by the nomination of President Abboud with the unanimous concurrence of the Board of Trustees at the regular June meeting. She, like the Village President and Board of Trustees, serves without compensation.

Roads & Bridges Committee Has New Chairman

Julie McKevittt is the new Roads and Bridges Chairman. She previously served as Chairman of Building and Grounds and continues to serve as a Trustee on the Village Board. She like the Roads & Bridges Chairman before her, lives on a Village maintained road.

2005 Scope of Work

On 5/5/05, the Notice to Bidders was advertised. Bids were due at the Village Hall at 2 p.m. on May 19, 2005. The Roads and Bridges Committee had intended to present the results of this bid opening at the Village Board of Trustees meeting on May 23, 2005. Instead a special meeting of the Board of Trustees is scheduled for June 17th and as soon thereafter the selection
of the successful bidders and the construction schedule will be announced. Barring any unanticipated delays in the schedule, work is expected to begin in early Summer of 2005.

In the meantime the Roads & Bridges Committee continues to work on the following:

• Per the recommendation of the Village Engineer, load restrictions for all Village roads were lifted on May 2, 2005.
• Cold patching continued throughout the Spring.
• Outstanding 2004 Construction punch list items are currently being addressed.

QUIET Railroad Crossings Update

CATS/NWMC October 4, 2005 A consortium of municipatilies including the Village Engineer from Barrington Hills have begun meeting to establish a response to the Federal Railroad Authority for the application of a Quiet Zone to the EJ&E line. Representatives from the subregional planning area, NWMC attended the Canadian National quiet zone meeting, and are prepared to discuss hiring a consultant to take the next steps in the quiet zone creation process.  The agenda for the meeting is attached.

CATS 6-9-2005 Pursuant to Congressional passage of the Swift Rail Development Act of 1994, the Federal Railroad Administration’s Final Rule requiring routine train horn sounding at public highway-rail crossings was published April 27, 2005 and goes into effect on June 24, 2005.

Highway-rail crossings that are currently quiet in the six-county region of northeastern Illinois shall remain “quiet”, pending additional review by FRA. Specific to Barrington Hills that would be along the Union Pacific line at the Foxmoor, Kelsey, Cuba, Hart Road crossings.

If persons have reason to believe that routine horn sounding is occurring at those crossings, then one should contact the Federal Railroad Administration’s regional or central office as follows

312-353-6203 FRA Region 4 in Chicago
202-493-6302 FRA Headquarters in Washington

The railroad trains will always sound their horn if the train crew observes an imminent hazard, or warn maintenance crews, or other reasons as required by the FRA. However, the routine use of train horns at the UP public crossings in the Barrington Hills area which is among the 419 total crossings in the six county region, should not occur.

The EJ&E railroad is not included in this rule making procedures and routine horn sounding may occur until the exemption requirements are applied at its crossings.

Tax Memo 2005

The Tax Memo 2005, from Finance Chairman Walter E. Smithe, has been posted.

Comcast Cable Network Upgrade - Spring News

Warmer weather is back, so Comcast has resumed the burials of drops initiated during the winter. The list compiled over the winter months is being addressed and according to community service reps the items on the list should be resolved by May 1. If you have such a condition on your property or aware of such a condition, please contact Comcast customer support as listed in the Comcast announcement below.