june 2014 c i t y l e t t e r

June 2014 | City Letter 1

City of Crystal Lake, Illinois

C i t y L e t t e rJune 2014

Inside:

Centennial Year

for Train Depot

Upcoming

Centennial Events

City Continues

Mosquito

Abatement

Vehicle stickers for 2014-2015 are on sale at City Hall, 100 W. Woodstock St. and are available 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. City (passenger only) vehicle stickers are also available at the satellite locations listed below during their business hours (service fee may apply).

Preprinted forms were mailed to residents at the end of May and are required for residents to purchase their City vehicle stickers. If a preprinted form was not received, you must show proof of vehicle ownership, i.e. Illinois registration and drivers license.

Senior citizens, age 65 and older, are able to purchase one vehicle sticker for $1.00 per person.

Residents are required to display a current City sticker on the lower passenger side of their front windshield. All funds generated from the sale of vehicle stickers are used in the City’s street resurfacing and reconstruction program. Valid vehicle stickers also provide free parking at the

Three Oaks Recreation Area.

The Finance Department can make alternative purchase arrangements for residents who may be unable to purchase their stickers during normal business hours.

Please contact the Finance Department at 815-459-2020 or [email protected] if you have questions regarding vehicle stickers.

City Passenger Vehicle Stickers Offered at These Locations: June 1, 2014 thru July 15, 2014

American Community Bank381 S Main Street Crystal Lake Public Library 126 W Paddock Street First Midwest Bank170 N IL Route 31

Home Depot4447 U.S. Route 14

Jewel Food Store6140 Northwest Highway Joseph’s Marketplace29 Crystal Lake Plaza Julie Ann’s Frozen Custard6500 Northwest Highway Lloyd’s Paint n’ Paper73 N Williams Street

Walgreen’s 151 W Northwest Highway

West Suburban Currency Exchange3 Crystal Lake Plaza

Only passenger vehicle stickers (no truck or motorcycle tags) are available at these locations. A service fee may apply. Pre-printed forms with no changes only accepted at these locations. All other applications accepted at City Hall.

City of Crystal Lake Vehicle Stickers Now on Sale

2 City Letter | June 2014

www.CrystalLake.org

For 160 years, train service to Crystal Lake

has proven to be a key ingredient to the

growth of our community.

In 1854, the Fox River Valley Railroad built

a railroad track through eastern McHenry

County in order to connect the City of

Elgin to the Wisconsin State line. This

north-south line ran about one mile east of

the Village of Crystal Lake.

Shortly thereafter, the Chicago, St. Paul

and Fond du Lac Railroad extended the

track leading northwest from Chicago

(today’s Union Pacific/Metra line) through

McHenry County. This extension reached

McHenry County in 1855 and intersected

the north-south Fox River Valley line near

today’s downtown Crystal Lake.

The first depot was shipped in 1856,

ready-made, from Chicago on a flat car

and placed near where the two railroads

crossed. This small building was used pri-

marily as a shelter for the railroad employ-

ees. The closest town to this depot was

the Village of Crystal Lake, and so it was

known as the Crystal Lake station.

It didn’t take long for a new town to es-

tablish itself near the railroad intersection.

This town was first called Dearborn, and

later its name was changed to Nunda. Be-

cause of its close proximity to the railroad,

Nunda’s population and business district

quickly grew, and even surpassed the

growth of Crystal Lake.

An 1857 timetable showed there were

two passenger trains and one freight train

northbound as well as southbound, run-

ning daily through Crystal Lake. A train trip

to Chicago from Crystal Lake lasted a little

more than two hours.

As railroad service increased, the need

for a larger depot to accommodate em-

ployees and passengers was appar-

ent. A simple wooden structure was

built, as shown in this 1909 photograph.

Early photographs and maps show us that the

railroad tracks ran on both sides of the depot.

This could explain why Woodstock Street was

originally called “South Railroad Street”

In June 1914, the Chicago & Northwestern

Railroad announced its plans to build a

new train depot for Crystal Lake. Plans

were also in place to move the old depot

west of its current location. The old depot

would be used as a freight house. This

was later known as the American Railway

Express office.

This image shows both the new and old

train depot buildings.

The following description of the new depot

is found in the August 6, 1914 edition of

the Crystal Lake Herald:

The new building will be larger than the old

one. It will be built of brown pressed brick

with gray J.M. Transite asbestos shingle

roof. The interior woodwork will be of red

oak, quarter sawed for the panels, doors

and countertops.

The plans of the interior provide for a

women’s waiting room, a men’s waiting

room, baggage room, express room, and

a ticket office. The floors of the waiting

room and ticket office will be constructed

of hard maple, and those of the express

and baggage room of cement.

The building will be steam heated, the plant

being located in a boiler room in the base-

ment. Both the men’s and women’s waiting

rooms will be equipped with full sanitary

toilet rooms and drinking fountains.

Construction of the depot was complet-

ed in November, 1914. The tracks on the

south side of the building were removed

and the area was converted to a large

grassy park and driveway.

Crystal Lake’s new train depot, park, and

driveway shortly after construction in 1914.

By Diana Kenney

Centennial Year for Train Depot

ww.CrystalLake.org

or the panels, doors

About the Author: Diana Kenney is Executive

Director of Downtown CrystalLake/Main Street,

is an appointed member of the City of Crystal

Lake’s Historic Preservation Commission, and is

President of the Crystal Lake Historical Society

www.cl-hs.org



Three Oaks Recreation Area

Thanks for a Great Memorial Day!

2014 Days of Operation PARK MARINA BOATS SWIMMING BEACH

(Last Rental 1 hr. 45 min. prior to sunset) (Swimming closes 30 min. prior to sunset)

January- February- March 9:00 a.m. - Sunset Closed Closed

April 1-11 9:00 a.m. - Sunset Closed Closed

April 12-30 6:30 a.m. - Sunset 6:30 a.m. -Sunset (Open FR, SA & SU Only)

Closed

May 1-23 6:30 a.m. - Sunset 6:30 a.m. - Sunset (Open Daily)

Closed

May 24-31 5:30 a.m. - Sunset 5:30 a.m. - Sunset (Open Daily)

10:00 a.m. - Close

June- July- August 5:30 a.m. - Sunset 5:30 a.m. - Sunset (Open Daily)

10:00 a.m. - Close

September 1 5:30 a.m. - Sunset 5:30 a.m. - Sunset (Open Daily)

10:00 a.m. - Close

September 2-30 6:30 a.m. - Sunset 6:30 a.m. - Sunset (Open Daily)

Closed

October 6:30 a.m.-Sunset 6:30 a.m. -Sunset (Open FR, SA & SU Only)

Closed

November-December 9:00 a.m. - Sunset Closed Closed

Official Sunrise & Sunset Calendar: http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/grad/solcalc/sunrise.html

What are the Three Oaks Recreation Area entrance fees? Residents receive free parking (with a valid vehicle sticker) and free access to the swim beach area. Non-Resident Admission Fees are as follows: Parking Fee (per vehicle): $5.00 Swim Beach Admission Fee: Adults (16 and older) $10.00 Seniors (62 and older) $6.00 Youth (4-15 years) $6.00 If I am a resident, can I bring out-of-town guests with me to the swim beach? Residents may bring their out-of-town guests to the Three Oaks swim beach at a reduced price. There is a $1.00 daily fee for each guest of City residents (up to 5 guests per family). Any guests above the maximum of 5 per family will be charged $5.00 each. You must accompany your out-of-town guests to the beach gate to receive this guest rate. Are non-resident season passes available for purchase? The City does sell a non-resident season pass which includes beach access, parking and resident marina rental rates. The pass prices are available at www.threeoaksrecreation.com. What if I am a non-resident childcare provider for a resident child?

The City offers a “babysitter” pass for non-residents who are caring for a resident child. These passes are available for non-resident child care providers who are caring for children (birth to 15 years of age) who live in the incorporated boundaries of Crystal Lake. The cost of the pass is $20 per year. It is valid from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Passes may be obtained at the City of Crystal Lake City Hall. Can I place a tent, umbrella, or sunshade on the beach? Generally, you may place small tents, umbrellas or sunshades on the beach. These items must be no larger than 10’ x 10’. Three Oaks staff may ask you to take down your tent or umbrella if the weather conditions are very windy or the item is obstructing the lifeguard’s view of the water. Are outside watercraft allowed on the lake? No outside watercraft are allowed on the lake. The only boats allowed on the lake are those from the City’s rental marina. What types of boats are rented at the Marina? The City rents rowboats with electric trolling motors, canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, and sailboats. Do you provide life vests? Can I bring my own life vest? The marina provides life vests at no charge to all patrons. We have vests that fit everyone from infants to adults. In order to ensure that all life vests are safe for use, we do not allow guests to bring their own vests.

What is the fishing like at Three Oaks Recreation Area? A recent Illinois Department of Natural Resources fish study found populations of the following fish species in the Three Oaks Recreation Area lakes: Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Bass, Rock Bass, Channel Catfish, Northern Pike, Walleye, and Pan Fish, including Bluegill and Yellow Perch. Fishing is catch and release. Do I need a fishing license to fish at Three Oaks? Any resident or non-resident of Illinois, older than 16 years of age, needs to purchase an Illinois State fishing license to fish at Three Oaks. Licenses are sold at the Three Oaks marina for your convenience. Complete fishing regulations and license information can be found at www.dnr.illinois.gov. What bait may I use at Three Oaks? Guests may use any legal artificial bait or live worms (earthworm/wax worm) at Three Oaks. Since the fishing is catch and release, you may not use any fish (i.e. minnow, bluegill, sucker) caught from Three Oaks as bait. All aquatic live bait is prohibited.

How can I make a donation to the Three Oaks Recreation Area?The Heritage Tree Donation Program is designed to increase public enjoyment and participation at the Three Oaks Recreation Area. For more information see our website at www.threeoaksrecreation.com

Frequently Asked Questions:FAQ


www.CrystalLake.org

Crystal Lake will be hosting several top-

notch sporting and recreation events this

summer, including a triathlon organized

by 3 Disciplines, which will be held at

Three Oaks Recreation Area, and the Tour

de Crystal Lake, organized by the Prairie

State Cycling Series and held in the Crys-

tal Lake downtown area.

3 Disciplines Triathlon

The Inaugural Illinois Triathlon Champi-

onship takes place on June 22, 2014 at

Three Oaks Recreation Area. Register for

the Sprint or Olympic distance race at

http://www.3disciplines.com/Events/.

Racers and spectators are invited to park

at Three Oaks Recreation Area, but park-

ing is limited and there is a $5.00 parking

fee for non-residents. Overflow parking

will be available at the Crystal Court Shop-

ping Center (old Wal-Mart). Racers will

The Raue Center for the Arts. Art of the

Bicycle will again be coordinated by Wheel

Werks and the Raue Center. Don’t forget

your bike to join in on the Family Fun Race

and store it at the Wheel Werks Bike Valet

area.

Check out the Prairie State Cycling Series

website for more information on the Tour

de Crystal Lake, including photos and

links to other races:

http://www.prairiestatecyclingseries.com/

index.php.

Other Events• 100-Years Geocoin Challenge. Get

registered at www.geocaching.com

and print the passport at www.crystal-

lake100.com or pick it up outside City

Hall. The 100-Years Geocoin Chal-

lenge will take you through the City

where you will discover twelve (12)

hidden caches and explore some of

Crystal Lake’s history along the way.

• Holzgerlingen, Germany Visitors.

Representatives from our Sister City

will be here June 28th through July

7th and may need a host family.

Please contact Karin Betz at betzde-

[email protected] for more informa-

tion.

• 100 Years 100 Stories. Submit your

story on why you love living in Crystal

Lake via the following:

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: 100 years of Crystal Lake

Twitter: 100yearsofCL

Instagram: cl100stories

• Propelling Into the Future. This

event is similar to the “Cows on

Parade” art event held in Chicago

several years ago. Businesses have

the opportunity to purchase, decorate

and display a paddle at their business

location. Starting July 1st, the City will

publish a map illustrating the location

of the decorated paddles. Visit these

locations to learn more about the

great businesses we have in the City.

The City will be displaying the District

47 decorated paddles at City Hall this

summer.

Upcoming Centennial Events

take to the water at 7:30 a.m. and the run

portion of the race should be completed

by 11:30 a.m. The awards ceremony will

take place following the final race finisher.

See the course maps to get a glimpse of

the circuit.

Olympic Triathlon - 1500m swim, 26.5mi

bike, 10k run

Sprint Triathlon - 500m swim, 13mi. bike,

5k run

Historic Monthly Speaker SeriesThe Historic Speaker Series is a monthly

occurrence, which features a new and

exciting topic about the history of Crystal

Lake. Upcoming topics include:

• July 20, 2014

Summer Sundays (Free at Colonel

Palmer House) “The Year is 1914”

• August 10, 2014

History of Schools (Free at City Hall)

• September 14, 2014

History of Union Cemetery (Free at

City Hall)

Tour de Crystal LakeSidewalk sales and bike racing mean

Downtown Crystal Lake will be the per-

fect place to be on July 20, 2014 for the

Second Tour de Crystal Lake bike race.

Racing begins at 9:00 a.m., but arrive early

to get a good spot to watch and some

great deals from the local businesses.

Local road closures will be in effect the

day of the race.

Thank you to our supporting partners: The

Cottage, Lucky Brake, Wheel Werks, The

Bike Haven, Crystal Lake Park District and



School Stamp Project

To commemorate the

Centennial, Woods

Creek fourth and

fifth grade students

designed cakes in the

style of artist Wayne

Thiebaud. Thiebaud, an

American artist, painted

everyday subject matter

and his paintings of

cakes have become

icons of 20th Century

American Art! The kids

used modeling compound, paints and various supplies to

create their own cakes. Thank you to Evan, Brooke, Mia,

Kate, Cloe, Samantha, Morgan, Annabella, Meere, and

Helen for decorating this stamp. Each of the District 47

Schools will be displaying their art skills at the Crystal Lake

Post Office through the Centennial year. Remember to visit

the Post Office each month to see each school’s stamp.

Centennial Blood DriveMay was a good month for blood

donations in our 100 for 100

Centennial Campaign! We had 34 units

donated, bringing our campaign total

to 88 - only 12 units away from our goal! The

wonderful donations received thus far will help

264 people in the Crystal Lake area! Thank you

to all who participated!

We have the fifth installment of our “100 for

100” Blood Drive Campaign on Monday, July

14th. There will be plenty of time to register if

you would like to donate blood and receive a

commemorative Crystal Lake Centennial t-shirt.

Just go to www.heartlandbc.org and select the

Donating tab at the top. Select Crystal Lake and

register! This is a great way to celebrate our 100

year anniversary and remember, all donations

help individuals in need in our own community.

Please join us in this important effort.

2014 Farmers Market

The Farmers Market will take place

June 7, 2014 to October 11, 2014

8:00 a.m. – 1:00p.m. in Depot Park

(next to the Downtown Train Depot) 2014 Lunch in the Park Friday, June 27, 2014

(11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.)

Friday, July 25, 2014

(11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)

Friday, August 29, 2014

(11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)

Downtown Crystal Lake/Main Street is

pleased to host “Lunch in the Park”.

This is a free concert series featur-

ing local musical talent. Guests are

invited to bring their own lunch or

purchase their meal from one of our

downtown restaurants. Food ven-

dors will be available on-site. Event

is held in Depot Park (Woodstock &

S a v e - t h e - D a t e

Williams). Guests are encouraged to

bring a lawn chair or blanket. A limited

number of tables and chairs will be

available.

2014 Dinner in the Park Friday, June 27, 2014

(5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)

Friday, July 25, 2014

(5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)

Friday, August 29, 2014

(5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)

Just like the popular event, Lunch in

the Park, guests are invited to bring

their own dinner or purchase their

meal from one of our downtown

restaurants. Food vendors will be

available on-site. Event is held in De-

pot Park (Woodstock & Williams).

Annual America’s Cardboard Cup Regatta - June 28, 2014

This annual event offers spectators

the opportunity to witness the spec-

tacle of teams racing their cardboard

boats across Crystal Lake. Awards

are given for the following categories:

Fastest, Paddle and Oar Craft, Peddle

and Other People Power, Sail Pow-

ered, Kwiki Boat (kit provided the day

of the race), Kiddie Cup (participants

age 5-10) and Geezer Cup (partici-

pants age 50+). Participation awards

are given for: Stars & Stripes (most

patriotic), Most Enthusiastic Crew,

Most Spectacular Sinking, Most Cre-

ative Theme, Most Attractive Boat and

Ugliest Boat. Come out to Main Beach

to watch the fun or be a participant.

Check out www.carboardcup.com

for more information.


www.CrystalLake.org

Crystal Lake Police Department

As the end of the school year approaches and the summer begins, the Crystal Lake Police Department encourages a review of bicycle safety. Safe Kids Worldwide has the following tips for bicycle safety:

Helmets: We have a simple saying: “Use your head, wear a helmet.” It is the single most effective safety device available to reduce head injury and death from bicycle crashes.

Make sure your child has the right size helmet and wears it every time when riding, skating or scooting.

You’d be surprised how much kids learn from watching you, so it’s extra important for parents to model proper behavior. Wear a helmet, even if you didn’t when you were a kid.

Your child’s helmet should meet the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s standards. When it’s time to purchase a new helmet, let your child pick out their own; they’ll be more likely to wear it for every ride.

Bikes: Ensure proper bike fit by bringing the child along when shopping for a bike. Select one that is the right size for the child, not one he or she will grow into.

Actively supervise children until you’re comfortable that they are responsible to ride on their own.

Every child is different, but developmentally, it can be hard for kids to judge the speed and distance of cars until age 10, so limit riding to parks, bike paths, or sidewalks (although be watchful for vehicles in driveways).

No matter where you ride, teach your child to stay alert and watch for cars and trucks.

Long or loose clothing can get caught in bike chains or wheel spokes. Dress young kids appropriately to ensure a safe ride.

Before the ride, make sure reflectors are secure, brakes work properly, gears shift smoothly, and tires are tightly secured and properly inflated.

Teach your kids to make eye contact with drivers. Bikers should make sure drivers are paying attention and are going to stop before they cross the street.

Tell your kids to ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, not against it. Stay as far to the right as possible. Use appropriate hand signals and respect traffic signals, stopping at all stop signs and stoplights.

When riding at dusk, at dawn or in the evening, be bright and use lights – and make sure your bike has reflectors as well. It’s also smart to wear clothes and accessories that have retro-reflective materials to improve biker visibility to motorists.See more at: http://www.safekids.org/safetytips/field_age/big-kids-5–9-years/field_risks/bike#sthash.zSQf1IB1.dpuf

Vehicle Safety Tips Concerning Children from the National Weather Service:

• Make sure your child’s safety seat and safety belt buckles aren’t too hot before securing your child in a safety restraint system, especially when your car has been parked in the heat.

• Never leave your child unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows down.

• Teach children not to play in, on, or around cars.

• Always lock car doors and trunks, even at home, and keep keys out of children’s reach.

• Always make sure all children have left the car when you reach your destination. Don’t leave sleeping infants in the car ever.

http://nws.noaa.gov/os/heat/index.shtml

Crystal Lake Police Department:815-356-3620

Bike and Vehicle Safety Tips



Safety TipsFIRE RESCUE DEPARTMENT

In case of a disaster, you may have to survive on your own. You should have sufficient supplies to last for three days. Emergency supplies you should have on hand include at a minimum:

• 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water (1 gallon /person), a can opener and utensils. Avoid salty, messy foods.

• Cell phone with contact numbers, ID, credit cards and money.

• Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, flashlight and extra batteries. Lithium batteries are best.

• First aid kit and manual.• Sanitation and hygiene items

(toilet paper, hand wipes).• Whistle• Matches (in water proof container)• Fire extinguisher• Garbage bags, Ziploc bags (large

and small), duct tape.• Wrench and pliers to turn off

utilities.• Blankets, waterproof tarp.• Special supplies for children,

elderly, medications.Check dates on supplies every 6 months. A more extensive list can be found on www.fema.gov/disasters or at www.ready.gov.

Remember to keep emergencysupplies in your car: snack bars, water, cell phone and contact numbers, flashlight, flares,tools, duct tape and first aid supplies.

Water Safety Tips: Crystal Lake has two lakes and many ponds and pools. However, it only takes a few inches of water for a toddler to drown. Practice water safety:

• Supervise children around water.• People who cannot swim should

have a personal flotation device that fits properly (PFD) on, in or near water and in boats.

• Walk on pool decks.• Never dive into shallow water or

unfamiliar ponds/pools.• Always swim with a buddy.• Alcohol and swimming don’t mix. • Avoid fast-moving water such as

rivers. • Do not swim at night unless the

area is well lit. • No eating or chewing gum when

swimming.

Summertime Safety:

During summer, families like to camp, go on picnics and have barbeques. Food poisoning is a major concern because hot weather spoils food quickly. Often sanitation and lack of cooling is a problem. Make sure to:

• Pack food in insulated containers.• Pack refrigerated items just before

leaving home. • Pack extra clean plates to avoid

contamination of foods.

• Place foods in shaded areas and cover with blankets.

• Prepare meals at home as well as fruits and vegetables (washed and cut).

• Make sure to cook food completely.

• Store foods as soon as possible, within less than 2 hours, or dispose of it. Eat leftovers in 1-2 days or freeze.

Signs of food poisoning include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping and fever. Call 911 and/or seek medical attention depending on the severity of the symptoms. For the elderly or very young, it is best to seek medical attention.

Fireworks:

As the 4th of July approaches, families begin to make plans for their celebrations. The 4th of July for the City will be celebrated on Sunday, July 6th with the parade at 1:00 pm and the fireworks at sundown. Families are encouraged to attend professional demonstrations. Children should always be closely supervised when fireworks are used. They should never pick up debris from the displays, as fireworks may still be active or extremely hot.

I f di t h t S


www.CrystalLake.org

FLOOD HAZARD AREASInformation on whether your property is at

a higher risk for flooding can be obtained

by viewing the FEMA floodplain maps

online. Maps are also available for viewing

at the Community Development counter

in City Hall along with other flood-relat-

ed information. Links to these maps can

also be found on the Engineering Division

website (www.CrystalLake.org). Contact

one of the Civil Engineers in the Engineer-

ing Division at (815) 356-3605 for further

assistance. City staff is happy to assist

residents in reading these maps and locat-

ing individual properties.

FLOOD SAFETYDuring heavy rains or flash floods, the fol-

lowing general guidelines can help protect

you from the dangers of flooding:

• Do not drive through standing water

or a flooded area. Do not drive around

barriers, as hidden flooding dangers

are likely to be present beyond sight

of the initial warning signage. Driv-

ing through a small flooded area can

cause water to splash into the engine

compartment and stall your vehicle.

• Do not walk through flowing water.

Currents can be deceptive. As little

as six inches of water can knock a

person off their feet.

• Stay away from power lines and elec-

trical wires. If your house is in danger

of flooding, turn off the power at the

service box. Electrical current can

travel through water. Electrocution is

the second leading cause of death

during floods.

• Be alert to gas leaks. Turn off the

gas to your house if your home is

in danger of flooding. If you smell

gas, report it to a City official or your

gas company. Do not use candles,

lanterns or open flames if you smell

gas or are unsure if your gas has been

shut off.

• Keep children away from the flood

waters, ditches, culverts, and storm

drains. Flood waters can carry dan-

gerous moving objects that are not

visible from the surface. Culverts may

also pose hidden dangers and trap

children.

• Clean everything that has been wet.

Floodwater will be contaminated with

sewage and other chemicals, which

pose severe health threats.

• Do not use gas engines, such as

generators, or charcoal fires indoors

during power outages. Carbon

monoxide exhaust can pose serious

health hazards.

PROPERTY PROTECTION MEASURESThere are many basic maintenance tech-

niques that you can employ to help min-

imize potential damage to your property

during heavy rains:

• Check sump pumps regularly. Many

properties have reported damage due

to flooded basements during flood

events due to an inactive sump pump.

• Clean roof gutters and downspouts

regularly. Many properties have re-

ported water seepage due to gutters

and downspouts that are clogged

with leaves and other debris that forc-

es rain to spill over and pool around

the foundation.

• Watertight seals can be applied

to brick and block walls to protect

against low-level flooding.

• Utilities such as heating and air con-

ditioning systems, water heaters and

other major appliances can be elevat-

ed to higher floors in the structure or

on raised platforms.

• Temporary measures such as moving

furniture and other valuables to higher

floors or sandbagging exterior open-

ings will also help.

FLOODPLAIN PERMIT REQUIREMENTSAll development within the 100-year flood-

plain (not just construction of buildings,

but filling, excavation, fences, etc.) is

required to obtain a permit from the City.

Applications must be made prior to doing

any work in a floodplain area. Please

contact the Engineering Division at (815)

356-3605 to receive all the information

you will need in order to properly devel-

op in the floodplain. You may report any

illegal development activities to the above

number as well.

SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT/DAMAGEThe National Flood Insurance Program

requires that the entire structure must be

brought to current floodplain management

standards for buildings in the floodplain,

if the cost of improvements or the cost to

repair damages (from any cause) exceeds

50 percent of the market value of the

building (excluding land value). Building

improvement projects include exterior

and interior remodeling, rehabilitation,

additions, and repair and reconstruction

projects. Additionally, the cost of currently

planned improvements will be added to

the cost of previously made improvements

and compared to the existing market value

to determine if the improvements exceed

50 percent of the structure’s value. Please

contact the Crystal Lake Engineering Divi-

sion at (815) 356-3605 for further informa-

tion on these federal requirements.

FLOOD INSURANCEMany residents are unaware that most

homeowners’ insurance policies do not

cover damage from floods. Flood insur-

ance is available to residents of Crystal

Lake through their individual insurance

carriers, as the City is a participant in the

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Additionally, because the City participates

in FEMA’s Community Rating System

(CRS) program, flood insurance premiums

are discounted for residents in the 100-

year floodplain.

If you currently have flood insurance, be

sure to check your policy to ensure you

have adequate coverage. Usually these

policies cover the building structure, but

not the contents. Contents coverage can

also be obtained and there is a 30-day

waiting period before flood insurance cov-

erage becomes effective. Plan ahead; do

not wait until a flood is predicted before

purchasing flood insurance.

If you are building inside the floodplain,

the purchase of flood insurance is man-

datory if using a federally regulated and

insured bank for a loan.

FloodingFloodingApplications must be made priApplications must be made p

any work in a floodplain area. Pany work in a floodplain area.

contact the Engineering Divisiocontact the Engineering Divisi

356-3605 to receive all the info05 to receive all the info

you will need in order to propeorder to prope

op in the floodplain. You may rmay r

illegal development activities toities to

number as well.

SUBSTANTIALL

FloodingFlooding



NATURAL & BENEFICIAL FUNCTIONSFloodplains play a valuable role in provid-

ing natural and beneficial functions to the

area around, and including, Crystal Lake.

These benefits provide aesthetic pleasure

as well as function to filter storm water

run-off from chemicals, such as fertilizers

and herbicides, so that these areas can

maintain bio-diversity and ecosystem

sustainability. Floodplains also enhance

waterfowl, fish, and other wildlife habitats

and provide feeding/breeding grounds.

Lastly, floodplains provide natural erosion

control and open space so further flooding

damage does not occur.

DRAINAGE SYSTEM MAINTENANCEAs simple as it may sound, simply keeping

smaller ditches and streams free of debris

Throughout the summer months, lawn watering accounts for ap-

proximately 30% of all water usage throughout Crystal Lake and

Illinois. However, only half of that water is able to penetrate the

soil, with the rest lost due to inefficient watering practices. Such

practices can create a strain on the City’s water resources and

on your wallet. Here are a few Water-Wise steps recommended

by the Northwest Water Planning Alliance that you can take to

ensure that you’re lawn is green and water-efficient.

1. 3” Mowing Height – Raise the height setting on your mower

to three inches or more for a healthy lawn.

2. Leave Grass Clippings – Add nutrients to your soil by leaving

grass clippings. It’s a free source of fertilizer for your lawn.

3. Aerate – Aerate your lawn in the fall to build soil health and

promote moisture retention.

4. Water Wisely – Measure water received by your lawn

with a rain gage.

-Water lawns no more than one inch per week, including

rainfall (approximately two hours of watering per week).

-Let your lawn go dormant in the summer or other dry

periods.

5. Survey Conditions – Remove bare spots by over-seeding

with new lawn seed and top-dressing with compost.

In addition, Crystal Lake’s Water System Status will remain

Yellow throughout the summer months. Under the Yellow water

system status, watering outside landscape and lawn water-

ing is permitted on odd/even days and between the hours of

5:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Property

addresses ending in odd numbers are permitted to use water on

odd-numbered calendar dates and even-numbered addresses on

even-numbered dates.

The purpose of this watering schedule is to promote water con-

servation and to regulate the use of City water during periods of

peak demand in order to ensure adequate water pressure.

Conserving Water Outdoors

can dramatically improve the run-off ca-

pacity of low-lying areas, as well as greatly

reduce the overland blockage that signifi-

cantly contributes to flooding. It is illegal

to dump materials into a waterway and

violators may be fined. If you see someone

in the act of dumping or see debris in one

of our watercourses, please contact the

Engineering Division at (815) 356-3605.

FLOOD WARNING SYSTEMSometimes, flooding can be predicted in

advance, giving ample warning for prepa-

ration and evacuation. However, in the

event of a flash flood due to a large rain

event, you may have only minutes to exe-

cute your plan. Listen to the radio for local

and National Weather Service Updates.

You will also hear regular interruptions on

local radio and television stations advising

you of the situation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONIf you want to get more information

regarding flood-related issues in Crystal

Lake, here are some additional sources:

• National Flood Insurance Program

website: www.floodsmart.gov/

• City of Crystal Lake

Engineering Division

100 West Woodstock Street

Crystal Lake, IL 60014

(815) 356-3605

• City of Crystal Lake Website:

http://www.crystallake.org/de-

partments/engineering/flooding/

flood-hazard-information

• Crystal Lake Public Library


www.CrystalLake.org

The City of Crystal Lake is again partner-

ing with Clarke Environmental Mosquito

Management during the 2014 mosquito

season to monitor potential mosquito

breeding sites in the Crystal Lake area and

administer prehatch larvacide treatments

at these sites.

This year’s mosquito management

efforts are a continuation of a program

first implemented in 2001 and based on

recommendations by the Ad Hoc Mosqui-

to Abatement Committee. The larvicide

treatments are designed to eliminate as

many mosquitoes as possible before they

develop into adults, minimizing the need

for adulticide applications.

In addition to larvicide control efforts, two

virus isolation traps are set to collect Cu-

lex mosquitoes, which are known to trans-

mit the West Nile Virus. These mosquitoes

are collected and sent to an independent

laboratory for testing.

In regard to mosquito spraying (adulti-

ciding), the City is divided into zones,

in which six (6) light traps are placed to

determine density and distribution of mos-

quito populations.

Targeted adulticiding would take place

only after a count of 150 female mosqui-

toes has been reached in a light trap on

two consecutive measurements and the

City Council has approved the adulticiding

within the zone(s) where mosquito counts

meet this requirement.

To help keep residents informed about

adulticiding, the local media will be con-

tacted whenever adulticiding will occur.

In addition, the City’s web site will offer

information to residents about the status

of the mosquito abatement efforts.

As in past years, in addition to monitoring

efforts, the program focuses on decreas-

ing annoyance levels and the risk of trans-

mittal of the West Nile Virus.

Fighting mosquito bites reduces your risk

of getting West Nile Virus, along with other

diseases that mosquitoes carry. Following

are steps to help reduce your risk:

Apply insect repellent to exposed skin

when you go outdoors. Always be sure to

follow repellent label instructions. Re-ap-

ply repellent if you feel mosquitoes starting

to bite.

Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks

when outdoors. Consider tucking your

pants into your socks.

Wear light-colored clothing, since mosqui-

toes are more attracted to darker colors.

Wear a full-brimmed hat to protect your

head and neck or a baseball cap with a

fold-out flap to protect the back of your

neck.

Cover an infant seat or stroller with mos-

quito netting for extra protection.

Mosquito-proof your home. Keep mosqui-

toes outside by fixing or installing window

and door screens.

Keep your rain gutters cleared out.

Fill in or drain low spots in your yard.

Keep ditches, drains, and culverts clear of

weeds and trash so that water will drain

properly.

Drain water from tarps or plastic sheeting

covering wood piles, boats, etc.

Empty plastic wading pools at least once

a week and store them inside when not in

use. Unused backyard swimming pools

may also create breeding problems.

Change bird bath water weekly.

Keep boats/canoes covered or upside

down.

Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well-

trimmed so that adult mosquitoes will not

hide there in the daytime.

Use a fine mesh screen on top of rain bar-

rels so that adult female mosquitoes can-

not reach the water surface to lay eggs.

MOSQUITO HOTLINE 1-800-942-2555

Residents who wish to report above

normal mosquito levels and potential

breeding areas, or who wish to have their

address placed on the adulticiding shut-off

list should contact the toll-free Mosquito

Hotline at 1-800-942-2555.

The adulticiding shut-off list allows resi-

dents to be placed on a list of homes that

do not get sprayed during adulticiding

treatments.

For More Information Regarding West Nile

Virus:

Please visit the Center for Disease Control

and Prevention web site at www.cdc.gov/

ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm or the

Illinois Department of Health web site at

www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm

City Continues Mosquito Abatement

Mosquito Bite Protection Tips

Rendering Courtesy of Environmental Defenders of McHenry County



City of Crystal Lake customers may pay utility bills online.

A free service that allows customers to track usage history,

view billing and payment history, and make payments is

available on the City’s web site. Any method of payment,

such as checks, debit cards and major credit cards are ac-

cepted. Customers are able to reduce their time and effort,

in addition to eliminating the cost of postage, when paying

for water and sewer services online.

How Do I Sign Up for These Services?

1. Go to www.crystallake.org

2. Click on the “I Want To” drop-down on the right side

of the page.

3. Click on “Pay my water bill” and the first paragraph

describes the payment option, Web Payments.

4. Click on “here” and register using your utility bill. The in-

formation must exactly match what appears on your bill.

5. After registering, the system will send an email verify-

ing your email address. You can then go back in the

system to view and pay your water and sewer bill.

If you have questions regarding the City’s online payment

options, please contact the Finance Department at 815-

459-2020 or [email protected].

City Offers Online Utility Bill Payment Option

Great Gift Ideas for Your Car

Auto Repair, Accessories or Test DriveCar Wash,Interior Cleaning,or Detail

Courtesy Buick GMC

AndersonMotors

Pauly Toyota

M’Lady Nissan

Martin Chevrolet

Brilliance Honda Fast Eddie’s

Car Wash

Turtle Wax Car Wash

Super Wash Car Wash

5305 Nw Hwy(815) 477-8600

5305 Nw Hwy(815) 455-4330

1035 Route 31(815) 459-7100

5656 Nw Hwy(815) 459-2288

5220 Nw Hwy (815) 459-4000

680 W. Terra Cotta (815) 459-6400

485 Pingree Rd (815) 477-7272

161 Liberty (815) 455-1652

680 W. Terra Cotta (815) 459-6400

City of Crystal Lake Incorporated 1914

Mayor: Aaron T. Shepley

Councilmember: Ellen Brady Mueller

Councilmember: Ralph M. Dawson

Councilmember: Cathy A. Ferguson

Councilmember: Brett Hopkins

Councilmember: Cameron Hubbard

Councilmember: Jeffrey T. Thorsen

City Clerk: Nick Kachiroubas

City Manager: Gary J. Mayerhofer

Police/Fire/Ambulance

Emergency Only

911

All Other Departments

(Non-Emergency)

815-459-2020

www.crystallake.org

Commercial use or reproduction of any material

contained in this newsletter is prohibited without

permission of the City of Crystal Lake.

PRSRT STD

U.S. Postage

PAID

Crystal Lake, IL

Permit No. 29

City of Crystal Lake

100 W. Woodstock Street

Crystal Lake, IL 60014

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, Crystal Lake, IL 60014. Questions or comments can also be sent to

[email protected].

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Name: Address: Phone:

We Value Your Opinion

june 2014 c i t y l e t t e r

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