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Volume 2011 Issue 20 |
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Dear Lake Barrington Neighbor,
Famed humorist Will Rogers once quipped that the problem with the weather is that “everyone complains about it, but no one does anything about it”. In 2011, we’ve learned that while we can’t control the weather, it is certainly important to be as prepared as possible for whatever the weather may bring our way.
This year’s weather data underscores the challenges we have all had to face. Over this past summer, the Village experienced some of the hottest weather in years, topping out at some 105 degrees. This was accompanied by the wettest July on record as Lake Barrington received 9.75 inches in rain (which beat the previous 1889 mark of 9.56 inches). Some of this rain was part of one of the most severe thunderstorms to hit Lake County in memory, resulting in power outages that lasted into seven days and brush pick-up that required the better part of a week. Also, let’s not forget that this summer’s weather was preceded by the wettest April in recorded history with 7.45 inches in rainfall (beating the previous 1957 mark of 7.13) and February’s 28.6 inches of snow breaking the previous record of 27.8 set in 1896!
This wild weather underscores the importance of all of us being prepared for emergency situations. While it’s possible that we will return to more normal weather, it also is likely that high winds, heavy snows, and intense rains will continue. Therefore, the time is right to get yourself and your family ready for emergency events by putting together an Emergency Supply Kit. |
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Lake County Grassy Lake Preserve Addition In 2008, Lake County Forest Preserves expanded the Grassy Lake Preserve to 689 acres with the purchase of the 95-acre Hurd property located at Kelsey Road and Hurdale Lane. The new addition boasts 4,000 feet of Fox River frontage and scenic views from atop its glacial kame. The Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves has recently started working with the Forest Preserves on a Preliminary Master Plan for the new area, which includes adding three miles of trails to the existing 3.4 mile system, a rustic canoe landing, restoration, and interpretive learning stations. The plan is not online at this time, however, brochures are available at Village Hall or you can obtain one by calling the Preservation Foundation at (847)968-3110.
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Mayors Roundtable—Top Elected Officials Discuss Water Issues Village President Kevin C. Richardson was featured in the cover story of Water Utility Infrastructure Management, Journal of Finance and Management of Water and Wastewater Professionals. Several chosen local officials were interviewed to get a sense of how they are involved with water systems and what challenges they are facing. President Richardson was selected for the roundtable, because of his involvement with the U.S. Conference of Mayors Water Council. He also serves as the Chairperson of the Lake County Water Supply Advisory Committee. |
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Lake County Sheriff Contract Renewed The Village Board approved a contract with the Lake County Sheriff to provide police services through the end of 2013. The Lake County Sheriff supported the community with its responsive police services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and proved instrumental in handling a number of high profile incidents.
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PACE Bus Service Intergovernmental Agreement The Village entered into an intergovernmental agreement with Cuba and Barrington Townships to provide a contribution towards the PACE senior/handicapped bus service. For more information regarding the service, contact PACE at (800) 451-4599 or (815) 363-4305. |
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Village Road & Drainage Projects The Village is working to complete the highest priority projects from the Drainage Project Plan by the end of this fiscal year, however, record heat and rainfall has slowed progress. Golfview, Estates of Lake Barrington, Chesapeake and Twin Pond Farms are scheduled for drainage work. Resurfacing and drainage work began in Farm Trails. The Drainage Project Plan was developed following a workshop with residents facilitated by Trustee Andrew Burke, Chairperson of the Roads and Infrastructure Committee, in May 2009. |
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Village Commends Beaubien’s Service & Welcomes New State Representative At the June Board meeting, the Village honored the late 52nd District State Representative Mark Beaubien, who passed away in May, with a moment of silence and commendation by the Board of Trustees for his character and service to the Village and the Barrington area. President Richardson and staff met with Kent Gaffney, who was appointed to Beaubien’s seat, to share Village interests and concerns. To contact our State legislators:
State Senator Dan Duffy (26th District) State Representative Kent Gaffney (52nd District) 330 E. Main Street, Suite 301, Barrington, IL 60010 124-A E. Liberty Street, Wauconda, IL 60084 (847)277-7100 * dan@senatorduffy.com (847) 487-5252 * repgaffney@gmail.com
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Open Space Initiative Update |
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“Gibbs Property” - Flint Creek Savanna South Northwest Corner of Route 14 & Cuba Road
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When the Open Space Initiative was developed, the Village identified the potential to leverage open space funds by partnering with other public agencies or private organizations to purchase open space tracts.
The Village teamed with Citizens for Conservation (CFC) to identify the “Gibbs Property” as a priority property, because it contains an important groundwater recharge area and mature oak savanna.
Subsequent to the Village’s purchase, a long term arrangement was made with CFC for future restoration and maintenance. The agreement included the sale of 6.5 acres to CFC with a 20-year option for future acquisition of portions of the property. CFC renamed the area Flint Creek Savanna South, and in June 2011, acquired two additional acres.
At the beginning of the year, Lake Barrington’s Village Property Task Force and CFC began the planning process to determine use and related infrastructure needs. As part of that plan, a contractor was approved in August to clear a corner of the property for a Village gateway sign. CFC |
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Photo courtesy of D. Bolzman - CFC |
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Protecting Your Well
The Barrington Area Council of Governments published the “BACOG Homeowner’s Guide to Well and Septic Systems – Easy and Economical Ways to Protect and Maintain Your Well & Septic System” - available at Village Hall or news.bacog.org.
The fastest way for contaminants to reach your drinking water is directly through the well cap. Provided is an excerpt from the guide. Use these tips to prevent contamination and corrosion from your well cap. |
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¨ Make sure the ground slopes away from the well, rather than toward it. ¨ Direct surface water (like downspouts or sump discharges) away from the well. ¨ Avoid putting mulch close to the well cap. The cap should ideally be 12” above the ground to prevent corrosion and limit exposure to bacteria. ¨ Periodically, check your well cap to make sure it is securely fastened, in good condition, and does not show signs of deterioration or infestation. ¨ If you do not already have a ‘sanitary’ or Vermin-proof well cap (required on all wells constructed after Jan. 31, 1991), consider installing one. It includes an airtight rubber gasket and has a small screened vent to allow air exchange. ¨ Test your water quality each and every year for bacteria and nitrates. ¨ Do not try to service a well yourself – use a licensed or certified water well driller or pump installer to service your well. ¨ Keep all hazardous chemicals away from your well.
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ERADICATING INVASIVES CITIZENS FOR CONSERVATION WANTS YOUR HELP Article and photos courtesy of CFC Community Education Committee
Lake Barrington, along with other Barrington area communities, has been overrun by some nasty invasive plants, both shrubs and non-woody weeds. With a grant from Barrington Area Community Foundation, Citizens for Conservation (CFC) has launched an area-wide campaign to rid properties of these aggressive plants. Our volunteers have contributed many hours over the years to eliminating obnoxious weeds and woody plants in our prairies, wetlands and woodlands, and now we are asking homeowners and municipalities to join the campaign.
Some of the really bad invasives are garlic mustard, buckthorn, reed canary grass, teasel, common reed and dame's rocket. CFC’s Community Education Committee produced flyers that show what these look like in various stages of growth, explain why they are noxious, and tell how to eliminate them from your properties. The flyers are available to anyone willing to participate in our invasives removal campaign.
In addition, we are creating a short video to show at meetings of interested organizations on request. CFC volunteers who are experienced in eradicating invasives are also available to visit residential and municipal properties to identify these weeds and advise on removal procedures.
These aggressive invasive alien species of plants are taking over our beautiful yards, countryside and roadsides. Invasive alien species crowd out the desirable native plants, drive away the birds and butterflies that depend on the natives, and reduce biodiversity, creating a monoculture of undesirable plants. Additionally, they are often ugly! It will take a concerted community effort to make a difference against these plant bullies, and we encourage your participation. Thanks for your help!
Visit our website at www.citizensforconservation.org to download flyers on each invasive species, or call CFC at 847-382-SAVE to get started. |
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Buckthorn pictured above. |
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Garlic mustard pictured above. |
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Teasel |
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Dame’s Rocket |
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Tallgrass Subdivision Landscape Restoration Trillium Native Landscapes, Inc., the team that installed the rain garden and naturalized basin at Village Hall, will be restoring the berm along the road side on Kelsey, River and Miller Roads. The project, funded through developer letter of credit funds, involves removing invasive weeds and overgrowth, relocating trees and shrubs and planting native species trees, flowers, and plants with adequate spacing for future growth and to prevent erosion. Work is set to be completed by May 15, 2012. |
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Lake Barrington Shores Homeowners Association is hosting its 1st Annual Run the Shores at Lake Barrington 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, September 17. The event not only provides an opportunity for fitness and fun for all ages, but it will allow participants and supporters to visit this picturesque community on the shores of the Village’s namesake lake. You can pre-register or register the day of the event beginning at 7 a.m. The 5K run will begin at 8 a.m. and the 1 mile fun run/walk begins at 8:05 a.m. For more details and registration, go to www.lakebarringtonshores.org or call the LBS Management Office at (847) 382-1660. |
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37th Annual Juried Art Exhibition & Sale
September 24-25 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Good Shepherd Hospital Grounds
Over 175 artists in all mediums.
Entertainment, food concessions, children’s art and pony rides.
Admission: $5.00 Children 12 & under free
Net proceeds benefit Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital. |
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Green Fair Come visit the green displays and vendors.
Learn how to Go Green: Build a rain garden, attract birds and butterflies to your yard, and grow a healthy lawn. Talk with representatives from Citizens for Conservation, our partners and other environmental vendors. Shop through an assortment of bird feeders, slightly used environmentally themed books and other green products.
Location: Citizens for Conservation headquarters 459 W. Highway 22 in Lake Barrington The white farmhouse with a silo across the street from Good Shepherd Hospital. |
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President’s Message |
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Page 1 |
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James P. Bateman |
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Page 3 |
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Page 7 |
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FREIER FARM BARN STOMP |
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ERADICATE INVASIVES |
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Page 2 |
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Pages 4 & 5 |
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Freier Farm Master Plan |
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Page 6 |
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NEWS & NOTES |
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FALL EVENTS |
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Fall & Winter Holiday Schedule Garbage & Recycling Collection
2011 Collection Day Labor Day Thursday, September 8 Thanksgiving Wednesday, November 23 Christmas Wednesday, December 28
2012 New Year’s Day Wednesday, January 4 Free Christmas Tree Pick Up Day Wednesday, January 11 |
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Leaf and Yard Waste Collection Service ends November 23.
Open burning resumes on October 1, 2011. The Village permits the burning of twigs and leaves (not grass) on residential property from 9:00 AM–6:00 PM. Burning must be on the resident’s property away from any building or structure. Burning in the street or right-of-way is prohibited. Fires should be constantly attended and are not permitted to smolder into the evening. Call Lake County Sheriff at (847) 549-5200. for complaints. |
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While public safety, utility, public works and other workers are quickly on the scene after a disaster, they may not reach everyone immediately. Basic services such as electricity, gas, water, and telephones may be cut off as happened in July. As a result, we’re all well advised to take some time to put together an Emergency Supply Kit and talk to our families about preparing for an emergency. Additional suggestions on emergency preparedness are available at www.ready.gov.
Sincerely, Kevin Richardson Village President |
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Recommended Items to Include in an Emergency Supply Kit: ¨ Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking. ¨ Five gallons for toilet use for well/septic systems. ¨ Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. ¨ Battery-powered or hand crank radio and extra batteries. ¨ Flashlight and extra batteries. ¨ Whistle to signal for help. ¨ Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for sanitation. ¨ Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities. ¨ Can opener for food. ¨ Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger. ¨ Matches, lighter, candles. ¨ Pet food and extra water for your pet. Additional Items to Consider: ¨ Whole house or smaller generator to operate well systems and refrigerator. ¨ Prescription medications and glasses. ¨ Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. ¨ Fire Extinguisher. ¨ Paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels. ¨ Books, games, puzzles or other activities. |
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Lake Barrington Field House insert included with this newsletter. |
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Freier Farm - Kelsey Road The Open Space Initiative, approved by Lake Barrington residents in an April 2007 municipal election, was established to preserve the community’s countryside character by acquiring land that provides conservation and/or recreational use opportunities. The 26-acre Freier Farm, the Village’s first Open Space Initiative purchase, was acquired in 2008. Since that time repairs have been made to the building and grounds and it hosted two Barn Stomps.
Freier Farm Master Plan Debuted at May 10 Open House
The Village Property Task Force, a task force of residents and Village officials led by Trustee Connie Schofield, crafted a draft concept plan which was officially debuted at a May 10 open house where residents were invited to provide input and comments. The plan received favorable comments for the proposed amenities which include community garden plots, fire pit gathering area, perimeter pedestrian trail, entertainment gazebo with a stage, sledding hill, parking, and washroom facilities, as illustrated. Implementation of the plan will be done in phases over several years.
Village Applies for OSLAD Grant Funding
Projects incorporated in the Plan are eligible for funding assistance through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Open Space Land Acquisition Development (OSLAD) Grant. A grant application was submitted to fund 50% of the project, the other half will be provided from the Village’s Open Space Bond Fund. If the grant is not awarded, the task force will reconvene to prioritize which amenities will be provided within the Village portion of funding. Additional monies from the Village fund are being set aside for future maintenance of the acquired properties.
October 1 Freier Farm Barn Stomp
Join the fun at the 3rd Annual Freier Farm Barn Stomp where you can relax and enjoy an evening of food and entertainment and take a hayride tour of the farm. Go to page 2 for more details. |
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Lake Barrington Bulletin |