december 2008/january 2009 - crystallake.org

I Shop Crystal Lake .......................2

Spotlight on Local Business ..........3

City Enacts Chronic NuisanceOrdinance......................................4

Holiday Tree Fire Hazards ............5

Winter Home Safety Checklist.......5

Public Works DepartmentPrepares for Winter Weather.........6

Winter Weather Tips......................6

Winter Storm Safety ......................7

Clean Air Counts AdvisoryCommittee .....................................8

Keeping the Warmth In andthe Cold Out ..................................9

Cultivate Illinois GreenEnergy Program ............................9

Energy Bill Assistance.................10

Bicentennial Celebration .............10

Preparing for the DigitalTelevision Transition ...................10

U.S. Census Jobs........................11

Downtown Events........................11

City Offices Closed......................11

December 2008/January 2009


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Economic DevelopmentDecember 2008/January 2009


The Spotlight on Local Business is a recurring newsletter feature that is sponsored by the City’s Economic Development Committee. This article will shine a spotlight on three different Crystal Lake businesses in order to exemplify the variety of products and services that are available here.

Spotlight on Local Business

Milestones Therapy Center – 411 East Congress Parkway

EDC: Please describe the services offered by Milestones Therapy Center.

Milestones: We provide physical, occupational, speech and social therapy services to our patients.

EDC: Why did you choose Crystal Lake?

Milestones: Our family has lived and worked in the Crystal Lake community since 1976. We recently decided to start our independent practice in Crystal Lake and opened our therapy center on June 23, 2008.

EDC: Please share something that is unique about your business.

Milestones: We offer freeinformational seminars every Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. that are open to the public and are focused on providing support services to the community.

Maaco Collision Repair and Auto Painting – 7218 Virginia Road

EDC: Please explain what Maaco Collision Repair and Auto Painting specializes in.

Maaco: Also known as ‘America’s body shop’, Maaco provides auto paint and auto body repair services to our customers.

EDC: Why did Maaco choose Crystal Lake?

Maaco: We chose Crystal Lake because the demographics fit our business model the best. Crystal Lake had the ‘best real estate’ for us by offering the right building and the right location, with great visibility.


Maaco: Really, it comes down to our price and the time-frame that we paint or repair our customers’ vehicles. We are competitively priced when compared to other auto body shops and, most importantly, we complete the work fast!

Old Country Buffet -6322/6324 Northwest Highway

EDC: Please tell our readers a little bit about Old Country Buffet.

OCB: Old Country Buffet offers a wide variety of home-style cooking. For over 15 years, Old Country Buffet has been serving Crystal Lake residents with meals that are “made from scratch”.

EDC: Why did Old Country Buffet choose Crystal Lake?

OCB: At the time that Old Country Buffet was growing, Crystal Lake was recognized as a growing, family-focused area that had excellent demographics.


OCB: We are child-friendly and offer serve yourself convenience. We also have a banquet room available at no extra charge.

If there is a business in Crystal Lake that you think should be featured in the newsletter, e-mail the City at [email protected] and tell us why!

Public Safety December 2008/January 2009


The City of Crystal Lake recently adopted an ordinance establishing the

legal guidelines for the enforce-ment of chronic nuisances within the corporate limits of the City of Crystal Lake and administrative penalties for such violations. Following are commonly asked questions concerning the Chronic Nuisance Ordinance:

What crimes or series of crimes are associated with Chronic Nuisance?

• Disorderly conduct• Unlawful use of weapons• Mob action• Discharge of a firearm• Gambling• Possession, manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance• Assault or battery or any related offense• Sexual abuse or related offenses• Public indecency• Prostitution• Criminal damage to property• Possession, cultivation, manufacture or delivery of cannabis• Illegal consumption or possession of alcohol• City Code violations relative to property care, maintenance and litter.• City Code or State Statute violations relative to the sale or use of alcoholic beverages.• City Code violations relative to noise.

What triggers the ordinance into action?

When the Police Department receives two or more reports documenting the occurence of nuisance activity on or within a property, the Chief of Police reviews the reports to determine whether they describe nuisance activity. If it is determined that there has been nuisance activity, a written warning is issued that the property is in danger of becoming a chronic nuisance property.

When the Police Department receives a report documenting the occurence of a third nuisance activity at or within a property and the Chief of Police determines that the property has become a chronic nuisance property, a written notification is issued stating that the property has been determined to be a chronic nuisance property.

How will the PoliceDepartment track incidents that have occurred at a property to ensure that there is a Chronic Nuisance Ordinance violation?

The Police Department’s current record keeping system documents incidents that occur and includes the location of the incident as well as the nature of the incident. A simple records check is all that would be necessary to confirm that a certain property could be in violation of the Chronic Nuisance Ordinance.

Are vehicle license and City vehicle sticker violations defined as a nuisance activity under the Chronic Nuisance Ordinance?

Vehicle license and City vehicle sticker violations are not defined as a nuisance activity under the Chronic Nuisance Ordinance.

Is the owner/agent of the property expected to govern or counteract conduct that occurs on property?

The intent of this ordinance is to resolve chronic nuisances through the collective effort of the owner/agent of the property and the Police Department. At no time is it required or suggested that the owner/agent of a property utilize physical force of any type to resolve a chronic nuisance.

Can the City, through the courts, take away a chronic nuisance property?

No. The ordinance can, however, require that the property be closed for not less than 30 days, but no more than 180 days, after an extensive review of the violations by the Chief of Police, City Attorney, City Manager, and City Council, with the final decision to close the property or utilize any of the other remedies available, including fines, being made by the court system.

Please contact the Police Department at 815-459-2020 with questions concerning the Chronic Nuisance Ordinance.

City Enacts Chronic Nuisance Ordinance



Winter Home Safety Checklist

During the winter, many home fires are started by candles, fireplaces,

and holiday decorations. To reduce your risk of a fire, use the following checklist to make sure your home is safe.

Candle Safety:

Place candles on a stable surface in sturdy, noncom-bustible containers that are large enough to collect wax.

Make sure candles are blown out and have stopped smoking before leaving the room or going to bed. Keep burning candles at least 2 feet away from any combustible materials.

Keep all lighters and matches away from combustible materials and out of the reach of children.

Chimney and Fireplace Safety:

Have your chimney checked and, if necessary, cleaned every year by a quali-fied fireplace service provider prior to use.

Install a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening to prevent sparks and embers from flying out.

Keep flammable materials away from your fireplace mantel.

Have your chimney topped with a spark guard.

Be sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed.

Christmas Trees:

Make sure lights and cords are in good working order. Follow manufacturer’s directions.

Always unplug the tree before going to bed or leaving the house.

Keep a live tree moist by checking the water level every day.

Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe.

Make sure an artificial tree is labeled fire retardant.

Make sure the tree is at least 3 feet away from any heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent.

Make sure the tree does not block exits.

Never put lit candles on a tree.

Contact the Fire RescueDepartment at 815-356-3640with any fire safety questions.

A Christmas tree can become fully engulfed in flames

within eight seconds and lead to full flame engulfment of a roomwithin thirty seconds.

A movie video segment which demonstrates how fast a live Christmas tree can become fully engulfed in flames can be found on the City’s website at www.crystallake.org/services/meet departments/public safety/fire department/links/holiday tree fire video.

As in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly, and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times.

Holiday Tree Fire Hazards

Public Safety

Public WorksDecember 2008/January 2009


Public Works Department Prepares for Winter Weather

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Staff has completed the winter snowplow truck inspections and all trucks have been converted into “winter mode” with the installation of de-icing equipment, pre-wetting tanks, and snowplows. All snowplow drivers have completed a driver-training program that reviewed the operation and mobility of vehicles equipped with snow removal equipment. The snow-plow drivers were required to complete a written test (to refresh their knowledge of safe driving rules and Commercial Driving License (CDL) regulations), and to maneuver a snowplow truck through an obstacle course designed to simulate conditions a driver would encounter on his/her assigned snowplow route.

The primary objective of the Public Works Department during a snow and ice event is to provide for the safe and orderly movement of vehicular traffic on all City streets during and following a storm event.

The City’s Snow and Ice Control Plan utilizes forty-three trucks,

eight tractors, and fifty-four employees from the Public Works Department who are each assigned a snow-plowing route. The Plan prioritizes the routes in accordance to their importance in the transportation network: #1 - Arterial & Collector Streets (main thoroughfares), #2: Secondary Streets (residential andlocal), and #3: Cul-de-sacs, dead-end streets and alleys.

A major obstacle for the Public Works Department entering this winter season has been the procurement of road salt. To conserve the salt resources that the City has, three new snow removal techniques have been implemented for the 2008-2009 season. First, the City will be using a new anti-icing solution called “Super Mix”. This material is a concentration of 85% salt brine, 5% calcium chloride, and 10% GEO Melt. The process of pre-wetting the salt prior to spreading it will increase the residual amount of de-icing material that remains on the road during a snow and ice control event by 320%, activate the melting process sooner, and reduce the amount of de-icing material needed. Second, the trucks that plow the arterial roadways will be outfitted with carbide plow blades that are designed to scrape the snow and ice from the road rather than be pushed on a running wheel an inch above the surface. Finally, in the same trucks, a computerized salt distribution system will be installed. These computers control the spread of salt to ensure that resources are not wasted when the truck has to slow down or come to a stop.

Collectively, these new additions to the plowing fleet will make snow removal more efficient and effective.

Although all City streets will be snowplowed, minimal usage of de-icing material will be used and, subsequently, re-plowing of streets will be required to “curb” the snow and fully open the roadway.

Winter Weather Tips

Snow should be shoveled to the righthand side of the driveway, as viewed from the house, to help reduce the amount of snow pushed back into driveways.

Fringe snow pushed back into driveways cannot be avoided, as all streets must be snow-plowed from curb to curb to allow for proper drainage and mailbox access.

Pushing or blowing of snow onto City streets or rights-of-way is prohibited.



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Winter Storm Safety

Winter storms can range from moderate snow over a few hours to blizzard conditions with blinding, wind-driven snow or freezing rain that

lasts several days. The time to prepare is before the snow falls and ice forms. Be familiar with winter storm warning messages and pay close attention to when they will expire. Winter storms can be dangerous. Preparing for cold weather conditions and responding to them effectively can reduce the dangers caused by winter storms.

• Have disaster supplies on hand in case the power goes out. The supplies should include a flashlight, portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries, a medical first aid kit, and a three-day supply of food, including items that do not require refrigeration or cooking in case the power is out. Have a one-week supply of essential prescription medications, if possible, as well as extra blankets, sleeping bags and at least one fire extinguisher (A-B-C Type). Stay indoors and dress warmly in appropriate cold weather clothing.

• Have safe emergency heating equipment available. Make sure your fireplace is functioning properly and have an ample supply of wood. If you have a kerosene heater, refuel your heater outside and remember to keep it at least three feet from flammable objects. Close off unused rooms.

• Service your snow removal equipment, and have rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways and use kitty litter on driveways to generate temporary traction.

• Be careful when shoveling snow and do not overexert yourself. If you go outdoors to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body and take frequent breaks. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extremely cold air. Try not to speak unless absolutely necessary and avoid overexertion. Watch for signs of hypothermia: slurred speech, disorientation, uncontrollable shivering, stumbling, drowsiness and body temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Be aware of symptoms of dehydration and watch for signs of frostbite.

• Winterize your home by insulating the outside walls, crawl spaces and attic. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows. Install storm doors and storm windows, or cover windows with do-it-yourself insulation kits that you can purchase at your local hardware store. Keep pipes from freezing by wrapping pipes in insulation, especially those near cold outer walls, in attics or in crawl spaces. Let a small amount of water drip from the faucets to keep them from freezing.

• Dress warmly and wear loose fitting, layered, lightweight clothing. Layers can be removed to prevent perspiration and chill. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Mittens are warmer than gloves because fingers generate warmth when they touch each other. Wear a woolen cap to help maintain your body temperature. Keep dry by changing wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat away from your body rapidly.

• Fill your gas tank before the snow starts falling. Do not drive unless it is necessary. Make sure someone knows where you are going. Stay on the main roadways. If you must stop, remain inside the vehicle. Use a bright distress flag or your hazard lights to draw attention to your vehicle.

• If trapped in a blizzard, clear your tailpipe and run your engine and heater for 10 minutes every hour. Open your window slightly. During night hours, keep the dome light on in the car so rescue crews can see your vehicle. Do not eat snow. It will reduce your body temperature. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle including a blanket, flashlight, shovel, booster cables, flare, etc.

The Green Path



Clean Air Counts Advisory Committee“Think Globally. Act Locally.”

Winter Conservation Tips

The winter months are upon us! Get ready for the cold weather with

these energy conservation tips:

Turn your thermostat down. Save on energy bills and reduce greenhouse gases at the

same time. Lowering your thermostat by 1 degree can save up to 10% on your heating bill!

Change your traditional light bulbs to compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). They last up to 10 times as long and use less energy. If every household in America replaced just one incandescent with a CFL, it would prevent enough pollution to equal the removal of one million cars from the road!

Turn down your water heater to 120 degrees, and insulate hot water pipes. Heating your water uses over 10% of your energy.

Insulate around doors and caulk around windows, keep your drapes closed, and turn your thermostat down when not home. If all windows were as efficient as the best products now widely available in the marketplace, the average household would save $150 a year, and reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by about 4,300 pounds per year.

Anti-Idling Campaign

The City of Crystal Lake Clean Air Counts Program has already begun to help

reduce pollution in Crystal Lake. Can you help us? Reduce your idling when picking up your child from school or your spouse from work or when waiting in drive-up.

Did you know that over six seconds of idling uses more fuel than restarting your engine and one hour of idling uses one gallon of gas?

The Advisory Committee will be working with schools and businesses to help reduce the amount of idling in our city. Look for anti-idling signs at the train station and at schools and, remember, idling gets you nowhere!

Stay Green for the Holidays!

The holidays are a great time to stay green!

Purchase recycled or earth-friendly products as gifts.

Purchase a live Christmas tree and plant it after the season. If a live one is not a good choice for you, a real, cut tree is sustainable, unlike plastic ones, and is a better choice.

Take reusable bags with you to shop, avoiding plastic bags.

Continue to recycle all year long. Recycled products use far less energy, helping reduce pollution. products, helping reduce pollution.

Visit the Clean Air Counts Advisory Committee website at www.crystallake.org/cac_home.html.



Cultivate Illinois Green Energy

Program

The Illinois State Treasurer’s office has implemented a new

pilot program, “Cultivate Illinois Green Energy Program” that encourages energy efficient development by offering low-interest loans to businesses, non-profit organizations and local governments in Illinois.

The program can fund the purchase and/or installation of renewable energy equipment such as solar panels, solar thermal energy systems, small wind energy systems, or any equipment or upgrades, as approved by the Treasurer’s Office, that will result in an overall improvement in energy efficiency.

How does it work?For each approved project, the Treasurer’s Office deposits funds at a discounted rate into an eligible bank or financial institution. The Treasurer’s Office “buys down” the interest rate, enabling business owners to secure below-market interest rates for up to the first five years of the loan.

Who is eligible to apply?Illinois-based businesses, non-profit organizations, and local units of government are eligible.

For more information or to participate in the Green Energy Program, contact the Treasurer’s Office at (217) 557-6436 or visit www.treasurer.il.gov and follow the Cultivate Illinois link.

Keeping the Warmth In and the Cold Out

DOORSShut Out Wasted Energy

Install a storm door with weather-stripping and bottom sweep to seal the elements outside. Replace thresholds so the cold doesn’t sneak under the door.

Cover areas around letter boxes and keyholes with flaps or brush seals to prevent heat from escaping.

CEILING FANS

Install ceiling fans. During winter months, set them to go clockwise, recirculating hot air at the ceiling.

Remember to close the chimney flue when the fireplace is not in use. An open flue is like an open window, allowing warm air to escape - 24 hours a day!

When using the fireplace, turn your thermostat down to keep warm air from the fireplace in the house.

FIREPLACES

Are You Sending Energy Dollars Up In

Smoke?DUCTWORK

Get your air ducts sealed by a professionalHVAC contractor. According to the Department of Energy, you can lose up to 40 percent of your heated or cooled air through leaks in your ductwork.

WINDOWSLook Out for Hidden Savings

Make sure all storm windows are closed. It only takes one or two unprotected windows to chill a room and lose heating dollars.

On windows that face the sun, leave draperies open during the day. At night, close drapes to help keep heat inside. Consider installing heavy draperies on large windows.

Double-glazing windows can cut heat losses in half.

Remove window air conditioners in the winter, then seal the space where it was previously installed.



Energy Bill Assistance

Residents having difficulties paying their energy bills may qualify

for financial assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP helps eligible low-income households pay for energy services. This year LIHEAP has received $265 million in funding - an additional $116 million compared to last year - to help qualifying house-holds pay their energy bills. Eligibility is based on several factors, including household size, location and income. For more information about LIHEAP, call 1-877-411-9276 or visit www.keepwarm.illinois.gov.

Preparing for the Digital Television Transition

An important change in broadcasting is coming in February 2009.

Television broadcasting is moving from an old standard - known as “analog” - to a new standard, called “digital”. After February 17, 2009, all television broad-

golana lla dna latigid eb lliw stsactelevisions getting programming “over the air” through an antenna will need to be plugged into a special television converter to receive digital broadcasts.

Who Needs A Converter?

A “digital-to-analog” converter is a device that easily plugs into your television set. Plugging a converter into your existing television will allow you to continue to get your programs after February 17, 2009.

The converter option is not for everyone. Most people have television sets connected to cable, satellite, or other pay television service. Converters will not be needed for these sets.

If you have a television with a digital tuner, then you will not need a converter. If you haven’t purchased a television in the last five years, it probably does not include a digital tuner. An older set not connected to cable orsatellite service is a good candidate for a converter.

What Are Your Options?

.retrevnoc a yub dna VT ruoy peeKA government coupon is available to reduce the price of certain converters by $40. Each household in America can request up to two coupons from the government to use toward the purchase of certain converters. Each coupon is worth $40. The government agency responsible for this program is the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Call 1-888-DTV-2009 or 1-888-388-2009 or visit www.dtv.gov to find out how to apply for your coupons.

You may also choose to:

• Buy a digital television. Check with your retailer if you are buying a new television to make sure that it has a built-in digital tuner.

• Hook up your television to cable, satellite, or other pay television service.

• Buy a converter with enhanced features, such as one with a DVD recorder. Converters with enhanced features are not eligible for the Coupon Program.

Whatever you decide, you have until February 17, 2009, toprepare for the digital transition. After that date, you will no longer be able to view your over-the-air broadcasts on your analog TV.

Bicentennial Celebration

During 2009, the nation will mark the bicentennial of the

birth of Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln’s 200th birthday will be on February 12, 2009. In preparation for the celebra-tions, the McHenry County Lincoln Bicentennial Birthday Committee will be preparing events to honor the United States’ 16th President. Information about upcoming McHenry County Lincoln Bicentennial Birthday Committee events can be found at www.alincoln200.com. Additional information is available from the Illinois Bicentennial Commission at www.lincoln200.net and U.S. Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission at www.abrahamlincoln200.org.

United StatesCensus 2010

U.S. Census Jobs

Make money...make a difference. Temporary full and part time positions. Good pay. Flexible hours. Authorized mileage reimbursement. Paid Training.

HOW TO APPLY: Toll free number: 1-866-861-2010. TTY Callers: Please use the Federal Relay Service

at 1-800-877-8339.

Or go to www.census.gov

Field Operations SupervisorsCrew Leaders

Crew Leader AssistantsCensus Takers

ClerksOffice Operation Supervisors

Administrative AssistantsRecruiting Assistants

City Offices Closed

City Offices will be closed on:

Christmas Eve

WednesdayDecember 24, 2008

Christmas Day

ThursdayDecember 25, 2008

New Year’s Day

ThursdayJanuary 1, 2009

Santa House VisitsNovember 28th to December 23rd

Hours: Thursdays & Fridays 6:00-8:00 p.m. Saturdays 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Sundays Noon-3:00 p.m.

Extended Hours: Dec. 22nd & 23rd 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Visit Santa in his new Santa House at the Brink Street Market. Bring your camera for lots of great pictures! For additional information: www.downtowncl.org or call 815-479-0835

DOWNTOWN EVENTS



City of Crystal Lake100 West Woodstock StreetP.O. Box 597Crystal Lake, IL 60039-0597

The City of Crystal Lake values the opinion of its residents. If you have any concerns or comments about the City Letter, please express them in the space provided below. (If you need more space, please attach a separate piece of paper). Clip this and mail to: City Letter, City of Crystal Lake, 100 W. Woodstock Street, P.O. Box 597, Crystal Lake, IL 60039-0597. Questions or comments can also be sent to [email protected].



december 2008/january 2009 - crystallake.org

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