What's Happening in Island Lake?

Thousands gather to protest global warming

2009-12-18T13:13:00.002-06:00

Walgreens will sell beer and wine

2009-12-17T22:10:00.000-06:00

Walgreens, located at Route 176 and Newport Drive has asked the village liquor commission for a liquor license to add retail sales of beer and wine to its shelves. The chain has made a corporate decision to return to selling beer and wine. Back in the 1990s, it discontinued the sales of alcohol from nearly all of its stores, but due to a reorganization of its stores, the change was deemed neccessary.

In Island Lake, the store would compete among the half-dozen or so existing alcohol package retailers. The Mayor requested a census from the board in regards to approving the license for Walgreens. Trustee Ponio didn't feel the village needs any additional alcohol sales in the village. No one said anything on matter otherwise.

My opinion on the matter is that perhaps the village is selling out its long time small business owners for the big corporate giant. I am not sure we need another alcohol sales resource; in fact, two years ago, many of the same folks who make up the board today were the same ones who denied the existing Cigarette Depot's request for a package license. Keep in mind, they were an existing business looking to expand their business and the reuqest was denied.

Then, nearly a year or so later, a company came knocking on VOILs doors looking to open a retail liquor store in Westridge Plaza. They were issued a license by the board even before the paperwork for the license was filled out; well, because they shouldn't have to "jump through hoops" according to then, Mayor Hyde.

Controversey erupted when it was realized this store would be located less than 100 feet from a school, and there was a lot of hoopla over how to measure 100 feet--is it from interior wall to interior wall, electronic measurement versus the measurement wheel; and the school even relocated to accomodate this store. Wow! what an important store, they must be contributing to the tax base tremendously, right? WRONG.
Anyway, do you all remember that whole debacle? Then there was all that legal manuevering with not having the open license out there cause someone else could apply for it, you know, like Cigarette Deopot. Oops! Some said it appeared there was favortism and perhaps some suggested even backroom deals were going on. And then it was revealed that the insurance agent for the newcomers was none other than then, senior trustee, Debbie Herrmann who did infact recuse herself from the license vote (politicians often will recuse themselves when they have a monetary gain in a matter). Call it a coincidence or call it that open license or call it public scrutiny, but Cigarette Depot did eventually get their license.

I would never dare to suggest Cigarette Depot wasn't part of the inner circle of the secret society and therefore not worthy of a license or that they didn't offer any campaign support...I am not making any such accusation! But it does make one wonder why the request was denied to begin with.

If it were the agenda of the leaders of Island Lake (and liquor commission) to limit the expansion of liquor sales within the village, I would say, something has definitely come about to change their minds. Of those on the board then and on the board now who verbally voiced an objection to additional alcohol sales was the lone Trustee Ponio.

Perhaps some, like me and wanted to mull over the idea of adding yet another liquor retailer to the village. And perhaps like me, they wanted to investigate thefinancial impact on our existing licensees. Either way, I have no doubt the liquor license for Walgreens is a done deal, despite any impact on existing businesses.

Finance & Administration Meet to Discuss Budget

2009-12-15T01:04:00.015-06:00

At Monday night's committee meeting, it was time to check personal and political grievances at the door and get down to the business of the people. It was time to address what is probably the undisputed, most important issue for this green administration: planning and budgeting.

For some time now, Trustee Rabattini and others have sounded off on this blog over village finances, its lack of planning and irresponsible uses of tax dollars; bloggers have called for more conservative practices of spending tax dollars. And now it's time to put to use some of those thoughts and ideas. It's time to help make the changes so many have grumbled over for years. Now more than ever, we need to reform spending practices in Island Lake. With village expenses up—and revenues down—we will face many challenges in the coming year. Village infrastructure has suffered, programs are short on funds, equipment is worn out, departments are understaffed, over-worked, are under-trained and lack the tools and technology needed to work smarter and more efficiently.

The common denominator of the evening was agreement—yes, you read that right—agreement. Most everyone agreed on everyone's ideas and thoughts. And it was no surprise that everyone was of the same opinion that the budget will need to be cut this year; it will be thin—paper thin—relative to previous years. Another common theme everyone agreed on is the need to streamline and work more efficiently and in recognizing the value these changes can offer in cost-cutting.
Our village's economy has weathered a precarious storm for quite some time, but now the storm has picked up momentum, gained speed and power; it is nearing our doorsteps. The roof is no longer just leaking, it's caving in!
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Trustee Mascillino, chair of Finance & Administration, facilitated the meeting while Trustees Verciglio, O'Malley and Rabattini offered input and shared ideas.

Having long been a critic of the village's spending spree, trustee Rabattini was eager to contribute. Rabattini began by suggesting the committee not only look to trim the budget but to change overall employee behaviors and perspectives by asking them to review their daily routines in an effort to streamline processes and engage fresh approaches in how they make budget considerations for their departments. Citing an example, Rabattini suggested expanding the job duties of the current Night Guard position to that of a clerical role. Currently the night guard is on hand to greet and assist visitors needing access to village hall for activities scheduled after-hours such public meetings and recreation activities such as dance or guitar lessons.

Currently, the position doesn't call for much beyond greeting residents and locking up the building at night. Many times the night guard will pass time by reading a book or playing solitaire which is not to be looked upon negatively; they have not been tasked with anyting to fill the time. And, it's important to point out that no matter the guard on duty, they have always been helpful when assistance has been asked of them. However, by adding clerical tasks such as filing, copying, filling FOIA requests (or a portion of the process) data entry, etc., to the job duties, the daytime folks will have more time to take on the tasks requiring the higher skills and training they have mastered. Trustee O'Malley further added that the position could offer assistance to staff throughout the village who may have clerical needs which could be fulfilled in the evening hours to relieve the day staff of mundane clerical duties. Trustee Verciglio agreed also that many departments could probably use that kind of assistance.

The trustees all agreed this should be considered. If the department Chair, Trustee Mascillino moves forward to implement the modification of the position, the village could single-handedly add an additional staffing resource without adding a single penny to the budget. Trustee Mascillino committed to looking into the idea.

Trustees agreed with Mascillino's vision that the budget process should begin with better organization. Included in her vision is starting budget talks sooner in the year, frequent discussions that would include department heads. Mascillino envisions department managers providing more input and even have more say so over the items they need to operate their departments more efficiently.

Trustees Verciglio and Rabattini agreed that the committee should consider having annual or semi-annual round table discussions with non-management employees as well. As Verciglio put it, the "front line" employees often can give ideas for improving or making more efficient changes to their own daily routines. Trustee Verciglio added that a round table discussion could also be advantageous in boosting employee morale. Trustees Mascillino and O'Malley added that employees often have great ideas and solutions to everyday problems because they are the ones in the field.

Training was another center point of discussion among the trustees for long-term investment of employees. The committee may consider implementing other ideas and themes around budget planning. For example, training and education. Rabattini reminded the group that the PW union offers free training to its members for many high-demand skills such as heavy equipment operation, safety training, equipment mechanics, welding and fabrication and more. Paying for this type of hands-on training is very expensive and for good reason—it pays off tremendously in terms of the gains in work production and cost savings. The village should be taking advantage of the training provided. All of our employees are highly skilled, well rounded in knowledge and experience, and the more we can add to that, the better off the village will be for it. While the village is already paying union wages, it should be taking advantage of any and all training offered to any and all employees.

Overall, the tone of the meeting had the promise of a productive and successful mission for the Finance & Administration committee which equates to success for the people of Island Lake.

Public officials "lie and connive" to get what they want

2009-12-13T15:09:00.000-06:00

Trustee Saville speaks out against the village Zoning exemption (9-1-3). Trustee Saville has said that after nearly three years as a trustee, he has heard public officials lie and connive to get what they want. He wrote a letter to the village legal team asking for assistance in adding verbiage to the code to prevent abuse or misuse by public officials. Such verbiage would include requiring the village to get approval from the Planning board for municipal structures and land uses, as required of contractors and residents.

Trustee Saville said he has seen some "knucklehead" decisions and feels the exemption removes every check and balance put in place to protect the village and the people. Trustee O'Malley said "if 53 wants to come in, 53 will come in whether we want it or not—am I right? I don't know, help me out here." The Mayor shrugged at O'Malley in agreement. Trustee Ponio agreed that the village should have to adhere to the same standards that residents and businesses do and that the exemption should be removed.

The village invested a great deal of taxpayer dollars in updating the Zoning Code project and it was needed to bring the village codes into the modern century. Much more was changed in the Zoning code that should be of focus other than the exemption, such as taking away the voting rights of the board for certain issues such as special use permits and variances, handing this power over to an employee who is managed by and answers to the Mayor. One could even go so far as to say the Mayor has just gained the power that used to belong to the board of trustees. No longer will the board of trustees have a say so on such issues, instead, that will be the building inspector, who answers to the Mayor, who in turn has the authority to fire and discipline said employee, the building inspector. See the danger lights flashing folks? I've never accused the former trustee and now Mayor of being dumb. Never.

Also, shooting ourselves in the foot by acting like big governement, is the "gradual elimination of non-conforming" business. We are a small town, and business exists based on the confines of this small town. Several businesses exist in Island Lake that are non-conforming to the new zoning. If, for example one of those current businesses wished to make building improvements, they most likely would decide against doing so because of the expense of conforming which could include moving an existing building to another location on the property or demolishing existing buildings. Such an expensive undertaking is unlikely of an existing owner, and could impede the ability of new business to come in and buy up existing non-conforming property. Let's face it, we are a small town and Wal-Mart is not looking to build in Island Lake. Manufacturing is not looking to locate along Rte 176. I believe the majority of the codes were written with good intentions, but we need to look out for those who make our village great, the people and the businesses.

12-10-09 Meeting Available @ CBGIL

2009-12-10T22:57:00.000-06:00

http://www.cbgil.com/meetings.html

Agenda for Meeting December 10, 2009

2009-12-10T15:10:00.000-06:00

Consent Agenda
1. Approval of Minutes – June 4, 2009, October 22, 2009, November 5, 2009
2. Accounts Payable
3. Committee & Department Reports
A. Finance and Administration
B. Intergovernmental Communication, Grants & Funding
C. Building, Zoning, Ordinance, Public Works & Water
D. Police and Public Safety
E. Parks, Recreation, Education & Community Events
F. Economic Development & Public Improvements

Agenda

1. Drawing of the winning tickets for the Fireworks Raffle – Trustee Verciglio
2. Approval of request for John Little to carry over 11.25 vacation days into 2010 – Trustee
Mascillino
3. Approval of Tax Levy Ordinance – Trustee Mascillino
4. Approval of Contractor Registration Requirements Ordinance Trustee Verciglio
5. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending Various Provisions of the Island Lake Village
Code (New Zoning Code)- Trustee Verciglio
6. Approval of the Freedom of Information Act Policy – Trustee Mascillino
7. Approval of Annual Events and Activities taking place within the Village of Island Lake for
2010 – Trustee Mascillino
8. Consideration of an Ordinance Establishing an Annual Fee Ordinance – Trustee Verciglio
9. Discussion of surety bond for public officials – Trustee Saville

Rewrite of Zoning Ordinances (Draft)

2009-12-04T22:53:00.000-06:00

http://www.cbgil.com/html/zoning_update.html

We Said NO!

2009-12-04T19:31:00.000-06:00

The sentiment among elected officials during last night's board meeting was downright vicious, staying consistent with politics in Island Lake only this time everyone participated in the circus in one fashion or another—including shouting, sarcasm, insults, insinuations, throwing words and pointing fingers. The Board, at best, a group that congregates like bitter family members, and at worst, a toxic collection of dissenting voices bickered at length over text amendments, delaying votes, and FOIA exemptions—everyone from the Mayor to the Trustees—had a shot in the ring last night.

The most debated issue was the revised Zoning Codes. This was a necessary project—one in which the village budgeted nearly $65,000. The task was for the hired consultants (in this case, Ancel Glink), to modernize the village codes. This was a project Trustee Ponio crusaded for early in his term and was later approved after Trustee Herrmann took over the chair of BZO.
The Planning Commission (PC) concluded its review and recommendations of the revised Zoning codes and the consultants turned them over to the Board this week. Trustees Saville, Ponio and Rabattini wanted to put off a quick vote on the matter, instead, preferring to vote after they had time to duly review the proposed changes. The Mayor and remaining Trustees, O’Malley, Verciglio and Mascillino would not agree to allow for a more thorough review by the Trustees and forged ahead with plans to place it on the agenda for a vote at the next and final Board meeting of the year, December 10.

Another hot issue that further divided the board is the infamous Text Amendment changes of 2007. Ponio, Rabattini and Saville all agreed that Section 9-1-3, Exemption, passed in February 2007 should be removed. The Exemption in essence allows the Village to erect buildings/structures or land uses in any zoned district without the consent, approval, or recommendation of the Planning Board and without a public hearing or appeal process. The text reads:

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Title 9 to the contrary, all Village uses, buildings, structures, and facilities shall be permitted by-right in all zoning districts in the Village, currently existing and hereafter created, and such Village uses, buildings, structures, and facilities shall be exempt from the otherwise applicable regulations of this Title 9, including without limitation height, setback, bulk, parking and loading, landscaping, and other regulations.

What does that mean exactly? Let’s say the village has decided it needs a new salt storage facility. And suppose there is vacant land next to your home—perhaps land that you always favored, for it’s openness, setting and let’s not forget it’s role in your property value. Now, let’s pretend the village decides that lot is where they will build the unsightly salt shed. Never mind that your property value will surely go down, but also, consider the noise factor of living in proximity to such a facility when in the middle of the night, during a snow storm, you are rudely awakened by the blaring sounds of backhoes loading salt into plow trucks, and the flashing lights of those trucks and equipment—and this goes on all night into the early morning as the Public Works continues to plow the roads. And this goes on all winter long as heavy snows continue to pounce the area.

In the pretend scenario, you can replace “salt shed” with any number of government uses such as landfill, sewage plant, water tower, cell tower, impound lot, and so on… The code offers residents no legal recourse. Absolutely none! That’s what it means when the government is given (or takes) more power than it was meant to have. And that is exactly what this code says: We are the government and we will do what we want, where we want and there’s not a damn thing you little people can do about it.

Don't think this would ever happen? Think again. It already has. It’s important to note that the 9-1-3 exemption played a role in the controversy and lawsuits filed by the infamous Pig Farmer against the Village of Island Lake after the village tried to put a well and water tower without going through the legal processes; the code changed the requirements for the village and the processes were removed. The Pig Farmer was able to sue because these processes were in place at the time, but without them, no such legal recourse is available to you or I.

What's more, the Plan Commission (PC) did not recommend this Zoning change, in fact, they were united in their dissent; the PC Chair stated last night in the meeting: “we we’re railroaded.” Under Tom Hyde’s leadership, the village board passed this exemption, despite strong opposition from the PC and residents. During last night’s debate over the exemption, Trustee Mascillino, resolute on her position to leave it in, said the PC is comprised of experts and that the Board should respect their decisions and recommendations, in other words: pass the Zoning Codes without questions or changes, because they are the experts. Isn’t that hypocritical, given the contradictory statement she made to heed the recommendations of the PC.

12-03-09 Meeting Available @ CBGIL

2009-12-04T14:37:00.000-06:00

http://www.cbgil.com/meetings.html

board to Discuss a Blanket Waive of Permits & Fees for Organized Events

2009-12-01T20:11:00.001-06:00

Up for Discussion Thursday evening is the blanket waiving of fees and permits for the following events:

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Sybaquay Girls Scouts cookies sales (Jan. – April) ordering & delivery/waive solicitors permit
Campfire USA Fundraiser- waive solicitors permit
Lions Club Fishing Derby – (Feb.) waive sign permit
Lion/Lioness Annual Al Schmidt Easter Egg Hunt – (April) use of village fields/ waive sign permit
Camp Duncan Tag Days – waive solicitors permit
Annual Senior Auction – (May) waive sign permit
Salvation Army Donut Days – waive solicitors permit
Salvation Army Red Kettle Days (Nov., Dec) Waive solicitors permit
Village Wide Garage Sale Days (June) Waive garage sale permits for participants
Village July 4^th Parade and Picnic (July) waive sign permit & sound ordinance
Lions Candy Days – waive solicitors permit
Lions Corn Fest (august) waive sign permit/approve sale of liquor at event/ approve use of village resources
Lioness annual Book & Plant Sale (Sept.) waiver sign permit
Creative Playtime Enrollment Drives - waive sign permits for yearly preschool sessions
Recreation Department events - waive sign permits for Daddy/Daughter Dance, Mother/son Bowling, Holiday Craft Faire, and any other scheduled events
Recreation Department activities – waive sign permit for enrollment in activities i.e. summer camp, T-Ball, classes
Venetian Night (September) – Waive sign permit
American Legion Events – waive sign permit for all scheduled events at American Legion Post 911
Jack Mead 5K Run – waive sign permit
Wauconda School District 118 – waive sign permit for Cotton Creek School events & activities
LYAA & Bulldog Football – waive sign permit for recruitment periods
Either through the Mayors office or Trustees, these events could be brought to the attention of the Board as they occur.

CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS: Actual Written Ordinance for View

2009-12-01T20:03:00.000-06:00

Below is a verbatim copy of the Ordinance Proposed to impose Fees on Contractors performing work in Island Lake.

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ORDINANCE NO _____________

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 3 OF THE
VILLAGE CODE TO ESTABLISH
CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

WHEREAS, the Village has the authority to regulate and license contractors
pursuant to various provisions of state law, including without limitation 65 ILCS 5/11-
30-4, 65 ILCS 5/11-32-1(2), 65 ILCS 5/11-30-4, 65 ILCS 5/11-30-1, 225 ILCS 335/11,
and 65 ILCS 5/11-33-1; and

WHEREAS, the Village Board finds that it is in the best interest of the Village to
amend Title 3 of the Village Code to establish contractor registration requirements;
and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and the Village Board of
the Village of Island Lake, Lake and McHenry Counties, Illinois, that:

Section 1: The above stated recitals are incorporated herein by reference.

Section 2: Title 3 of the Village Code is hereby amended to add a new
Chapter 11, entitled “Regulation of Contractors,” which new Chapter 11 shall read as
follows:

Chapter 11
REGULATION OF CONTRACTORS
3-11-1: General Contractor
No person shall engage in the business of general contractor within the
village without first having obtained a license. The fee for such license
shall be as set forth in the fee schedule contained in Section 3-11-14.

3-11-2: Carpenter
No person shall engage in the business of carpenter within the village
without first having obtained a license. The fee for such license shall be
as set forth in the fee schedule contained in Section 3-11-14.

3-11-3: HVAC Contractor
No person shall engage in the business of HVAC contractor within the
village without first having obtained a license. The fee for such license
shall be as set forth in the fee schedule contained in Section 3-11-14.

3-11-4: Excavation Contractor
No person shall engage in the business of excavation contractor within the
village without first having obtained a license. The fee for such license
shall be as set forth in the fee schedule contained in Section 3-11-14.

3-11-5: Concrete/Paving Contractor
No person shall engage in the business of asphalt, brick, or concrete
paving contractor within the village without first having obtained a license.
The fee for such license shall be as set forth in the fee schedule contained
in Section 3-11-14.

3-11-6: Fence Contractor
No person shall engage in the business of fence contractor within the
village without first having obtained a license. The fee for such license
shall be as set forth in the fee schedule contained in Section 3-11-14.

3-11-7: Roofing Contractor
No person shall engage in the business of roofing contractor within the
village without first having obtained a license. The fee for such license
shall be as set forth in the fee schedule contained in Section 3-11-14.

3-11-8: Drywall Contractor
No person shall engage in the business of drywall contractor within the
village without first having obtained a license. The fee for such license
shall be as set forth in the fee schedule contained in Section 3-11-14.

3-11-9: Electrician
No person shall engage in the business of electrician within the village
without first having obtained a license. The fee for such license shall be
as set forth in the fee schedule contained in Section 3-11-14.

3-11-10: Sewer, Water, or Other Utility Contractor
No person shall engage in the business of sewer, water, or other utility
contractor within the village without first having obtained a license. The
fee for such license shall be as set forth in the fee schedule contained in
Section 3-11-14.

3-11-11: Mason
No person shall engage in the business of mason within the village without
first having obtained a license. The fee for such license shall be as set
forth in the fee schedule contained in Section 3-11-14.

3-11-12: Structural Steel Contractor
No person shall engage in the business of structural steel contractor within
the village without first having obtained a license. The fee for such license
shall be as set forth in the fee schedule contained in Section 3-11-14.

3-11-13: Other Contractor
No person shall engage in the business of any contracting trade not
otherwise listed in this Chapter within the village without first having
obtained a license. The fee for such license shall be as set forth in the fee
schedule contained in Section 3-11-14.

3-11-14: Fee Schedule
Every applicant for a license under this Chapter shall file an application on
a form provided by the Village Clerk and pay an annual license fee in the
amount set forth below. Each license must be renewed on an annual
basis, and payment of the annual fee must accompany the renewal
application.

TYPE OF LICENSE FEE
General Contractor $75.00
Carpenter $25.00
HVAC Contractor $25.00
Excavating Contractor $35.00
Concrete/Paving Contractor $35.00
Fence Contractor $25.00
Roofing Contractor $25.00
Drywall Contractor $25.00
Electrician $25.00
Sewer, Water, Utility Contractor $50.00
Mason $25.00
Structural Steel Contractor $50.00
Other Contractor TBD

Section 3. In the event a conflict exists between the terms of this Ordinance
and any other ordinance of the Village, the terms of this Ordinance shall govern.

Section 4. In the event that any term or provision hereof is found or
determined to be invalid, the invalid portion shall be deemed stricken herefrom and the
remainder shall be in full force and effect.

Section 5. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its
passage and approval.

Agenda for December 3, 2009 - 7:30 pm

2009-12-01T19:57:00.001-06:00

VILLAGE OF ISLAND LAKE

Lake and McHenry Counties

COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA

LOCATION: 3720 Greenleaf Avenue

December 3, 2009 - 7:30 pm

Call to order

Roll call

Public Comment: The public is invited to make an issue oriented comment on any matter of public concern. This part of the meeting is reserved for comments and is not an open question and answer period but a time for members of the public to make statements. The public comment may be no longer than 5 minutes in duration. Interrogation of village staff, the Mayor, Trustees or consultants will not be allowed during this time. Personal comments or attacks, impertinent, slanderous or profane remarks which are disruptive or impede the orderly conduct of the meeting relative to village staff, elected officials or consultants is prohibited.

Items from the Clerk, Trustees, Attorney, Engineer and Department Heads

Agenda Items:

Discussion of Ordinance to establish Contractor Registration Trustee Verciglio

Discussion of the Zoning Code update – Julia A. Tappendorf

Discussion of blanket approval of yearly events – Trustee Mascillino

Adjournment

Adjournment to Executive Session

· Personnel

· Land sale and/or acquisition

· Litigation

Adjournment from Executive Session

December Watercooler

2009-11-30T23:59:00.002-06:00

Village Launches new Website

2009-11-30T19:26:00.000-06:00

http://www.villageofislandlake.com/

Trustee Rabattini Sounds Off

2009-11-25T11:49:00.002-06:00

As many of you know, I'm not one to follow the herd (figuratively speaking). I was elected to represent the residents of this village and the main things voters expect from me or, rather, are counting on me for is to promote transparency in Island Lake, ensure the village is not wasting their tax dollars, and foster friendly relations within the residential and business communities. I was elected because people like what I've been saying and doing on this blog and because they are tired of politics as usual. And like it or not, I am an elected (not appointed) Trustee of this village and some need to accept this and move on.

Over the last two weeks, I inquired about an ongoing situation raised in Executive Session. The Mayor and the Chair in which the matter involved chose to manipulate their truth and the result was I got what I refer to as the "run around." In other words, the usual song and dance of wordsmithing, avoidance and manipulating the facts. If we cannot be honest and transparent as a Board, how can we be honest and transparent with the public? I have been accused of misconstruing information on this blog, yet, I will ask some of you on the Board to recall how you answered my question and then tell me WHO is misconstruing information.

In a few months time of politics as usual under this new but old administration, a secret society has flourished. I will not tolerate the secret society our village is governed by AND do not underestimate my determination—and courage—to dispute, contest, and expose secrecy and those embracing it. As long as the conniving political games continue within the secret society of Island Lake, I will continue to write about it on this blog and talk about it on record, in the boardroom!

The Mayor told me that I do not "act professional" in my role as a Trustee. HA! this coming from the queen of smirks, outbursts, manipulations, puppet master senior trustee and leader of the secret society! Remember, this is the same person who had Greg Kachka arrested 40 days after she accused him of rapid firing a fully-loaded finger at the board! The video and lack of witnesses proved this to be yet another failed dictatorship move to control the truth-seeking residents! And later blaming me and others for bringing the Island Lake Circus to the national media level.

If I want to get a message to the Mayor and board, all I have to do is write it on this blog. I can't tell you how many times I've heard some say "oh, I don't read your blog but everything on it is incorrect" or "You misconstrue information on your blog." If you don't read the blog, how can you form an opinion about what is on it? You may say "someone told me," Ah, so you are forming an opinon on third-party information; and that information wouldn't be biased or misconstrued would it? HYPOCRITE! Yeah, [insert sarcasm]sure you don't read my blog, and the states attorney wrote you and said it was OK for you to vote for and pay yourself wax profits! Right...

You know what else I've heard: "well, you have a blog and I don't know what will end up on it." Too bad! If I'm asking a question or requesting documentation, my blog is irrelevent, I'm entitled to the requests because the law says it's public information! Let's say that again, slowly: P-U-B-L-I-C [short pause] I-N-F-O-R-M-A-T-I-O-N. OK, now let's try it again, only this time sound it out to help you clarify its meaning: PUH-BLIK IN-FOR-MAY-SHIN. It is NOT YOUR PREROGATIVE—village employee or elected official—to be judge and jury over what I am or the public is entitled access to. And yes, the village will have to open it's files up to the public in January (as one elected offical disgustedly proclaimed in regards to the new FOIA law)!

As long as the conniving political games continue within the secret society of Island Lake, I will continue to write about it on this blog and talk about it ON THE RECORD, IN THE BOARDROOM as I see fit! And Mayor, feel free to keep the panic button on your gavel wired because I'm here to stay and I will not conform to your style of politics.

11-19-09 Meeting Available @ CBGIL

2009-11-20T00:03:00.000-06:00

http://www.cbgil.com/meetings.html

2009-11-18T11:32:00.000-06:00

VILLAGE OF ISLAND LAKE
LAKE AND MCHENRY COUNTIES
REGULAR BOARD MEETING AGENDA
LOCATION: 3720 GREENLEAF, ISLAND LAKE, IL 60042
November, 19, 2009 7:30 pm

Call to Order
Roll Call
Public Comment: The public is invited to make an issue oriented comment on any matter ofpublic concern. This part of the meeting is reserved for comments and is not an open question and answer period but a time for members of the public to make statements. The public comment may be no longer than 5 minutes in duration. Interrogation of village staff, the Mayor,Trustees or consultants will not be allowed during this time. Personal comments or attacks,impertinent, slanderous or profane remarks which are disruptive or impede the orderly conduct ofthe meeting relative to village staff, elected officials or consultants is prohibited.

Items from the Mayor
Items from the Clerk, Trustees, Attorney, Engineer and Department Heads
Agenda Items:

1. Discussion of Intergovernmental Agreement for the Village of Island Lake to join
Northern Illinois Municipal Natural Gas Consortium. – Trustee Mascillino

2. Discussion & approval of 2010 Board, Committees & Commissions Schedule
Resolution. - Trustee Mascillino

Adjournment to Executive Session
Pending or probable litigation
Personnel
Sale, lease and/or acquisition of land.
Reconvene to Regular Session with Roll Call
Action on Executive Session
Adjournment at 10:00pm

New Village Website Nearing Completion

2009-11-17T21:56:00.000-06:00

Mayor Herrmann, responding to a request for an update on the status of the villages new website, announced the the website is in the final stages of design and would be launching soon with a "whole new look." Among the items that will be new, explained the Mayor, is a more user-friendly and easier-to-navigate site with horizontal links versus vertical links and trustees pictures will display horizontally across the page. Also included in the new website will be a new logo, a refreshing design, meeting minutes (are those really new?) and more.

The most exciting new aspect of the new website will be the ability of the village staff to update the website independently, unlike the current configurement which requires outside assistance. By training an employee to update the website, the webiste maintenance is more efficient and the village can respond quicker to communication needs. According to the Mayor, a village administration employee will be trained to upload documents to the website as well as make any needed changes to content. The person(s) to be trained will be able to do so without assistance of an IT or Web specialist--that's a major improvement that will save Island Lake taxpayers money in the long-term. The village already has the technology to create PDFs out of scanned documents, so now, making pertinent communicaitons available to the public will also be easier and quicker as well.

Cell Phones for Soldiers--Recycle your Cell Phone & Help a Good Cause

2009-11-14T12:27:00.000-06:00

The village of Island Lake is an official drop off for the non-profit organization, Cell Phones for Soldiers. This organization is nation-wide and its efforts cross the globe. Currently, there are over 150,000 troops serving overseas. When troops want to call home, they have to pay and many cannot afford to. By donating your used cell phone (any cell phone, any age, any condition), the group sells the phones to recyclers and in turn the proceeds go towards the purchase of calling cards for soldiers.

Your donated phone is simply recycled. So you can help a good cause, great folks, and at the same time, easily recycle your phone. If you are concerned about the data on your phone, there are tools to permanently erase the data. Click this link to go to the tools to erase data or click this link to learn more about the cause.

If you have an unused cell phone, please drop it off at the village hall. There is a drop off box located in the atrium.

11-12-09 Meeting Available @ CBGIL

2009-11-13T05:44:00.000-06:00

http://www.cbgil.com/meetings.html

Agenda for 11-12-09 Board Meeting

2009-11-12T05:25:00.000-06:00

VILLAGE OF ISLAND LAKE
LAKE AND MCHENRY COUNTIES
REGULAR BOARD MEETING AGENDA
LOCATION: 3720 GREENLEAF, ISLAND LAKE, IL 60042
November 12, 2009 7:30pm
Call to Order
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance – Lead by the Wauconda American Legion Post 911
Recognition of those serving our Country
Public Comment: The public is invited to make an issue oriented comment on any matter of
public concern. This part of the meeting is reserved for comments and is not an open question
and answer period but a time for members of the public to make statements. The public
comment may be no longer than 5 minutes in duration. Interrogation of village staff, the Mayor,
Trustees or consultants will not be allowed during this time. Personal comments or attacks,
impertinent, slanderous or profane remarks which are disruptive or impede the orderly conduct of
the meeting relative to village staff, elected officials or consultants is prohibited.

Items from the Mayor
Items from the Clerk, Trustees, Attorney, Engineer and Department Heads
Consent Agenda
1. Approval of Minutes – June 4, 2009, June 11, 2009, August 27, 2009, October 22,
2009, November 5, 2009
2. Accounts Payable
3. Committee & Department Reports
A. Finance and Administration
B. Intergovernmental Communication, Grants & Funding
C. Building, Zoning, Ordinance, Public Works & Water
D. Police and Public Safety
E. Parks, Recreation, Education & Community Events
F. Economic Development & Public Improvements

Agenda
1. Approval of SWALCO Ordinance Amendment to Change by-laws regarding Director and
Executive Committee – Trustee Mascillino
2. Approval to have the board meet only December 3rd and 10th for 2009 – Trustee Verciglio
3. Approval of Resolution for Federal Aid Urban Application – Trustee Verciglio
4. Approval to pay Rooney Consultants CDBG 2008 Invoice for $14,807.50 – Trustee
Verciglio
5. Approval to pay Elmwood Enterprise Pay Request No. 2 in the amount of $134,268.63 –
Trustee Verciglio
6. Discussion/Approval to waive the solicitation permit fees for the Fireworks Raffle
Committee – Trustee Verciglio
7. Approval of posting signs in the village for the Craft Fair on 11/21-11/22/09 – Donna
O’Malley
Adjournment to Executive Session to discuss matter of pending or probable
litigation, personnel, collective bargaining and the sale, lease and/or acquisition of
land.
Reconvene to Regular Session with Roll Call
Action on Executive Session
Adjournment 10 PM

Health Care Reform Passes (in House)

2009-11-08T13:08:00.000-06:00

Last night, the health care reform bill passed in the House. The bill will still have to go through the U.S. Senate. Whether one is for or against health care reform in the U.S., this is a landmark achievement for President Obama. But—will it pass in the Senate?

This issue brings to light some familiar issues in Island Lake. The bill, first 1200 pages, 1600 pages and 2000 pages as of Friday morning...how many pages consisted of the actual bill that passed? Who can possibly read and comprehend the entire bill and what it encompasses in such a short time, even with support staff whose job it is to do just that? AND more importantly, how can our representatives be prepared to vote without fully knowing what's in the bill? If htey had to take a Quiz on the bill, would they pass? You might think I'm being a little dramatic...so be it, but I want my congressman to know what they are getting ME into. We all read the fine line before we sign a contract, right? Right???

That leads me to my own situation. On many occasions I have been asked to vote on something I simply have not read because I received it just moments before a vote. In some cases I might get something that was sent in email late Tuesday, by the time I have a chance to download it, it's Wednesday night, and I'm asked to vote on Thursday, thus, no opportunities to deliberate thoughts with myself or others, let alone with attorneys or subject matter experts. In most cases, I will vote Nay simply because I will not vote for something I did not have ample time to read. Unless there are meetings going on outside of the scheduled, posted Thursday night meetings, our board simply votes blindly, which I think is irresponsible and that is what I feel the U.S. House did lat night.

I know what it's like first hand to be up there to vote and I have not read or fully comprehended its content; maybe I have questions; maybe I feel alternatives should be considered and yet, so many times ordinances and other issues get passed by our board and the same has happened with our House. I know the House procedures are much more complex than local government, but to an extent...there is still the basic processes...read the proposed bills and become fully educated on them: ask pertinent questions; oppose portions you and your constituents do not agree with—vote Nay if you do not support the bill and Aye if you do, but at least know what is in the bill in its entirety. Remember the pork in the stimulus bill? That's how that stuff gets through—you stick it alongside in hopes no one catches it or gives in for the good of the whole bill.

I think it will be interesting to see what happens in the Senate with the bill that was passed. No doubt it will be a highly discussed topic and many Americans are counting on it passing while many Americans are counting on it not passing. With such division, what will happen?

Today's Daily Herald online stories:
House passes narrowly passes bill
Melissa Bean has no comments at this time

November 5 meeting is available @ CBGIL

2009-11-06T05:58:00.000-06:00

http://www.cbgil.com/meetings.html

Agenda for Committee Meeting Thursday November 5 2009

2009-11-03T16:12:00.000-06:00

Agenda for Thursday November 5 2009

Call to order

Roll call

Special presentation by students of District 118 for CPFS program

Public Comment: The public is invited to make an issue oriented comment on any matter of public concern. This part of the meeting is reserved for comments and is not an open question and answer period but a time for members of the public to make statements. The public comment may be no longer than 5 minutes in duration. Interrogation of village staff the, the Mayor, Trustees or consultants will not be allowed during this time. Personal comments or attacks, impertinent, slanderous or profane remarks which are disruptive or impede the orderly conduct of the meeting relative to village staff, elected officials or consultants is not prohibited.

Items from the Clerk, Trustees, Attorney, Engineer and Department Heads

Agenda Items:

1. Discussion and fact finding regarding Northern Moraine Sanitary District – Trustee Saville
2. Discussion of Snow Removal Ordinance – Trustee Verciglio
3. Discussion of Contractor Registration Ordinance – Trustee Verciglio
4. Discussion of December Board Meeting Dates – Trustee Verciglio
5. Discussion on Timing of Ordinance Changes – Trustee Verciglio
6. Discussion of Resolution Requesting the Designation of Burnett Road in the Village of Island Lake as a Federal Aid Urban Route – Trustee Verciglio
7. Discussion on a consensus of the board for the craft faire signs. – Trustee O’Malley

Adjournment

Adjournment to Executive Session

· Personnel
· Land sale and/or acquisition
· Litigation

Adjournment from Executive Session

Did you get your property tax bill?

2009-11-02T19:22:00.001-06:00

Did you get your property tax bill yet? Was it shocking? If you think your property taxes have been inaccurately assessed, you are not alone. With the housing market in a slump and home values plummeting, taxes should be going down, not up.

There is help! Tom Cosgray, a property tax evaluator has dedicated this past year to reducing his own taxes and now he is offering the same help to you. He has saved himself thousands in his own property taxes and says he has found discrepencies throughout the year on others' tax assessments. The deadline to get your paperwork in to appeal your tax bill is November 20th.

His services are for McHenry County only! If you live in the Nunda Township portion of Island Lake, it can't hurt to call him and see what he can do for you. He only charges if he saves you money, but the savings potential over the next few years could well be worth his fees, if any.

Tom Cosgray
Property Tax Evaluation and Services
815-382-4026
email: mot4410@comcast.net
4410 Crystal Lake Avenue
Crystal Lake, IL 60014