McHenry County News

McHenry County Residents Encouraged to Register for Federal Disaster Assistance - UPDATED 5-16-13

Thu, 16 May 2013 17:02:47 GMT

McHenry County residents affected by the severe storms, straight line winds, and flooding during the period of April 16 to May 5, 2013 may now call or go online to register for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Registering is an important way to help get affected individuals on the path to a variety of recovery programs. On Friday, May 10, McHenry County was one of 11 Illinois counties to receive a federal disaster declaration that offers Individual Assistance to affected County residents.

Affected residents and business owners have several ways to apply.

- Individuals can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- and hearing-impaired. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.

- Another option is to register online at: www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. CST, seven days a week.

In most cases, a FEMA inspector will call you within a few days of registering to arrange a visit to your damaged home or apartment. A FEMA inspector will always have an official badge visible during the inspection. Request to see identification before allowing the inspector to enter your home.

If you qualify for FEMA assistance, you will receive a federal government check or the funds will be directly deposited into your designated bank account. A separate letter also will be sent to you explaining how you may use the funds.

If you have questions about FEMA assistance, call 1-800-320-FEMA (3362). You can also visit www.disasterassistance.gov or www.fema.gov.

For further flood recovery information, please visit the McHenry County Flood Recovery Center.

McHenry County Flood Recovery Center

Thu, 16 May 2013 17:02:20 GMT

McHenry County is pleased to announce the launch of the McHenry County Flood Recovery Center. The McHenry County Flood Recovery Center portal was recently updated to reflect the County receiving a federal disaster declaration that offers Individual Assistance to affected County residents.

The link on the McHenry County website is a one stop reference page for flood recovery information. The “Flood Recovery Center” portal can be found below the “Quick Links” on the main webpage. The information on this webpage includes:

· FAQ's for individuals affected by the flood incident

· Health and safety information on wells, septic systems, and proper disposal of flood debris

· Building and stormwater permits related to damage sustained during the flood event

· Who to contact if you need health and human service assistance

· Who to contact if you have flood insurance

· Who to contact if you would like to volunteer for the clean-up or need assistance cleaning-up

· How to spot a scam

The information on the McHenry County Flood Recovery Center will be updated routinely as the recovery process proceeds. For more information, please contact Adam Lehmann at 815-334-0309 or aflehmann@co.mchenry.il.us.

Please click the following link to view the McHenry County Flood Recovery Center: http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/departments/countyadministration/Pages/FloodRecoveryCenter.aspx

Reviews, Permits and Inspections Required for Flooded Structures and Property Damage

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:08:54 GMT

With the waters receded and the clean up well under way, the McHenry County Department of Planning and Development offers the following advice for property owners and residents who experienced flooded structures and property damage.

Most repairs to flood damaged structures require building and storm water reviews, permits, and inspections from the McHenry County Department of Planning and Development. Removal of damaged carpeting and drywall may proceed without approvals. However, replacement of carpeting and drywall in flood damaged structures requires review to ensure compliance with Federal Regulations regarding the repair of flood-prone structures. Permits are also required for other building repairs, including, but not limited to, structural, electrical, plumbing, roofing, and siding repairs and the replacement of heating and cooling equipment and water heaters. Any site grading or modifications to address flood damage or erosion may also require storm water reviews and permits. McHenry County is waiving building and stormwater fees for repairing flood damaged structures. However, please remember that while fees are waived, permits and inspections are still required. Do not be misled by contractors telling you otherwise. For more information contact the Department of Planning and Development at 815-334-4560.

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Residential Electronic Waste and Recycle Event

Tue, 07 May 2013 11:02:19 GMT

Think before you throw those household items in the trash. McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) has partnered with several businesses and community organizations to collect and recycle residential electronics and a variety of other recyclable materials for residents. Residents can drop off items on Saturday, May 18, from 8am-1pm, at McHenry County Courthouse (West parking lot) at Route 47 and Russell Court (2200 N Seminary Avenue, Woodstock). Entrance is on Ware Road, across from the County Administration building.

Items that will be accepted include residential electronics (e.g. televisions, computers, VCRs, video game consoles, printers); latex paint (recycling fees apply); clean clothing (slightly stained or torn accepted); Styrofoam and packing peanuts; eyeglasses; plastic film (bubble wrap, plastic retail bags, dry cleaning bags, zip lock bags); alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt only) and rechargeable batteries (no more than eleven pounds each), and documents for destruction. There is a limit of ten electronic items per participant. Christmas trees and holiday lights will not be accepted. Latex paint must be in sealed, leak-proof containers. Smaller containers of latex paints may be combined into larger containers; however, this must be done prior to drop off. Latex paint recycling fees include $1.50 per quart, $2.50 per gallon and $8 per five gallon pail. No other types of paint or household hazardous waste will be accepted.

This recycling event is sponsored by AMS Store and Shred, Battery Solutions, Chicago Textile Recycling, Earth Paints Collection Systems, Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, Harvard Lions Club, Home of the Sparrow, Jewel-Osco, Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute at McHenry County College, McHenry County Community Foundation, McHenry County Department of Health, Ken Santowski with Chicago Logistics Service and Sims Recycling Solutions.

For a complete list of accepted items, see the flyer at www.mcdh.info or call Kristy Hecke, Solid Waste Manager at 815-334-4585.

Fair Housing Seminar

Tue, 07 May 2013 10:52:37 GMT

The McHenry County Housing Commission’s education Committee is hosting a training seminar for all County non-profits and sub-recipients.

WHEN: Wednesday May 22^nd - 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Conference Room A of the County Administration Building

667 Ware Rd in Woodstock,

RSVP: By May 15^thto: KAUlbrich@co.mchenry.il.us

COST: FREE

TOPICS COVERED: What are the procedures when a complaint is filed against

your organization? What are the most common types

of complaints? How do you educate your staff and boards on

Fair Housing Law?

This information will be presented by Attorney Alex Wimmer

“WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT FAIR HOUSING COULD COST YOU MONEY”

Please click here for the program flyer.

May is Look at Local History Month

Tue, 07 May 2013 10:35:46 GMT

The McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission is celebrating May as "Look at Local History Month" in conjunction with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and local historical societies, municipal commissions and committees. The National Trust for Historic Preservation created Preservation Week in 1971 to spotlight grassroots preservation efforts around the country. Preservation Week has grown into an annual celebration observed throughout small towns and big cities across America. Historic preservation is an effective tool for managing growth, revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering local pride and maintaining community character while enhancing livability and is relevant for people of all ages, all walks of life and all ethnic backgrounds.

Click here to see the McHenry County Calendar of Events for Look at Local History Month.

New McHenry County Council of Mayors Website

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 08:45:35 GMT

The McHenry County Council of Mayors recently launched a new website: www.mchenrycountycom.org. The website will have information about the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), including federal funding programs and current road projects underway in McHenry County.

The Council of Mayors was created and authorized by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning Policy Committee for the purpose of:

· providing input into the region’s transportation policy decisions

· facilitating communication between local governments and the regional transportation agencies

· establishing the priorities for the local STP program and to implement programmed projects

When it was first formed in October 1965, the Council of Mayors was basically comprised of Cook and DuPage Counties. Now the Council of Mayors encompasses the boundaries of the “six plus” county Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) region (including McHenry County) and has 272 suburban municipalities.

These cities and villages are organized into eleven sub regional councils of mayors, which meet on locally determined schedules. Each of these sub regional councils appoints two mayors to serve on the regional Council of Mayors policy board, known as The Council of Mayors Executive Committee.

The Council of Mayors is generally thought of as the suburban component of the MPO. Indeed, it was originally formed for the purpose of gaining suburban input to complement input from the city of Chicago, the counties, and the other transportation providers and implementers that sit on the CMAP Policy and CMAP Board (the MPO’s highest decision-making bodies). The mayor of Chicago is encouraged to be involved with the Council of Mayors Executive Committee. The Executive Committee agendas are sent to the city of Chicago. The participation of both Chicago and suburban local governments is essential component to developing a successful program.