Village Bulletins
- Mosquito Spraying. Clarke Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes this Thursday evening, July 2, weather permitting, based on trap counts. This is the second treatment for the Village; the first was conducted on Thursday, June 25th. These treatments are coordinated with neighboring communities. The Village has received numerous calls from residents stating that the Village couldn't have sprayed as "they didn't hear the trucks". Clarke is using Promist Electric Sprayers in some areas so there will not be the traditional "sprayer" sound. Residents with long driveways can request driveway service. Residents are encouraged to report standing water. For further information, contact Clarke's Mosquito hotline, 1-800-942-2555. Clarke also offers special event and private property treatments. Contact Clarke for further information. Mosquito abatement is used to minimize the impact of West Nile Virus using trapping, laviciding and adulticing to reduce the adult mosquito population. Residents can take steps to protect themselves against infection and assist in the fight against West Nile Virus by dressing in light colored, long sleeved clothing; using mosquito repellent with DEET; discard any outdoor containers that might hold water; empty water from wading pools and birdbaths once a week; and keep grass cut short and shrubbery well-trimmed around the house so mosquitoes will not hide there. Information on West Nile Virus can be found here.
- Barrington-area 4th of July Parade and Food Drive. Celebrate community pride and a tradition of patriotism with the annual Barrington-area 4th of July Parade. Follow "In the Footsteps of Lincoln" with vibrant bands, classic cars, fun floats and treats for all ages. This year's pioneer-themed pageant encourages children and their families to honor Lincoln's legacy of giving by bringing non-perishable food items to the event. Donations will be collected along the parade route and given to the Barrington and Cuba Township food pantries to benefit local neighbors in need.. Further parade information can be found at their website found here.
- Proposed Ordinance for Maintenance of Private Sewage Disposal Systems. The Environmental & Health Commission is proposing an ordinance requiring periodic maintenance of private sewage disposal systems. The goal is to educate homeowners, prevent and detect failing systems, and reduce contamination risks to water sources within the Village. Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available at the Village Hall or can be viewed here. The proposed Ordinance will be discussed at the next regularly scheduled Environmental & Health Commission meeting on July 7, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. in the lower level meeting room of the North Barrington Village Hall, 111 Old Barrington Road. Village residents are welcome and encouraged to attend and participate.
- Talent Show and Ice Cream Social is scheduled for Saturday, July 18th from 6-8 p.m. at Eton Park. Do you have a special talent and are willing to share it? The Parks and Recreation Commission is looking for North Barrington residents that would be willing to share their talents. Do you sing? Can you dance? Can you play an instrument? Are you in a band? The event planners are looking for any talent that you might have. Have no talent? No problem! Come out and enjoy the Ice Cream Social and cheer on your friends, meet Village Officials and neighbors, or just enjoy the ice cream with your kids. Rules and registration information can be found here or you can email the coordinator by clicking here.
- Leave No Child Inside Initiative. Leave No Child Inside is an initiative created by The Chicago Wilderness Alliance that "promotes a culture in which children enjoy and are encouraged to be outside in nature, and as a result are healthier, have a sense of connection to their place, and become supporters and stewards of local nature." Also implemented through this plan is the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights. Further information regarding the Leave No Child Inside initiative or the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights can be found here.
- Barrington Area Community Calendar. To find out what is going on in your neighborhood as well as surrounding area, consult the online Barrington Area Community Calendar found here. You can even sign up for email notification! A great tool!
- Conservation@Home. Conservation@Home is a partnership between Barrington Area Conservation Trust and Citizens for Conservation to encourage homeowners to maintain their properties using conservation practices that benefit the environment. Conservation@Home volunteer consultants provide simple, easy-to-implement steps to encourage conservation-friendly practices on private land. There is no fee for the consultation. If you would like to learn more about how to implement environmentally friendly practices on your property, please schedule a Conservation@Home consultation with one of their representatives. More information can be found on the website found here.
- Lake County Health Department Animal Care and Control Lends a Hand to the Pooch Pantry. The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center's Animal Care and Control program is now accepting donations for the Pooch Pantry, a food pantry for dogs and cats. Donations of dry dog and cat food, canned dog and cat food, biscuits, pet treats, cat littler and gift cards from area pet supply stores can be dropped off at the Health Department's Animal Care and Control facility, 29278 N. Highway 83 in Mundelein, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please note that cash and check donations cannot be accepted at this time. The Pooch Pantry is open for families in need from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and 9 a.m. until noon on Saturdays at Animal Care and Control. For additional information or if your family or a family you know is in need of food for their pet(s) please contact Cathy Sabin at 847-828-1521.
Census 2010. The U.S. Constitution requires a national census be conducted once every 10 years. The census is a count of everyone residing in the United States: in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa. This includes people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, both citizens and non-citizens. The 2010 Census questionnaire, which will be mailed out in March of 2010, asks only a few simple questions of each person-name, relationship, gender, age and date of birth, race and whether the respondent owns or rents his or her home. This simple, short questionnaire takes just a few minutes to complete and return by mail. The Census Bureau does not release or share information that identifies individual respondents or their household for 72 years. Your responses are strictly confidential and protected by law. The Census directly affects how more than $300 billion per year in federal and state funding is allocated to communities for neighborhood improvements, public health, education, transportation and more. The Census affects your voice in Congress, as well as your representation in state and local governments. 2010 Census: It's in our Hands! Be counted! For more information, consult their website found here.- New Handbook Provides Information for Private Well Owners. To help private water system owners develop and maintain a safe, adequate and dependable water system, the MidWest Plan Service has published a booklet "Private Water Systems Handbook" and is available through local University of Illinois Extension offices or on-line www.mwps.org. Some of the topics in the publication include planning for water usage, well construction, care and location; cisterns, ponds and springs; water testing and treatment; maintenance of the system and other related topics. Lake County Health Department also has informative information on their website found here.
- Landscape Waste Services and Burning Information. It's spring and time for spring yard work. For those interested in Waste Management's Landscape Waste Collection Program, the collection program runs from April 7th to November 24th, 2009. Each resident may dispose of an unlimited number of 32 gallon biodegradable Kraft paper bags or marked cans not exceeding 50 pounds of yard waste per week. The cost for the 2009 program is $65.82. If you wish to have this service, call Waste Management to sign up (800) 796-9696. Bundled brush is included with the optional yard waste program. Brush must be bundled and tied with biodegradable twine or string in distinct piles that are no longer than 4 feet in length, 2 feet in diameter and weighing no more than 50 pounds with no individual branch being greater than 3" in diameter. For residents who prefer to only use the service for leaves in the fall, Waste Management offers a 6 week leaf program. Stickers are purchased for $1 each and placed on biodegradable bags. Burning. Residents also can dispose of yard waste by burning. Landscape waste burns may be conducted January through December on any day between noon and 5 p.m. but not on any national holiday. Leaf burning may be conducted April 1 to May 31 and October 1 to November 30 on Thursday and Sunday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. but not on any national holiday. The entire Burning Ordinance can be found here. If you have any questions, contact the Village Hall.
- MULCH/CUBA TOWNSHIP. Mulch can be ordered effective April 1st for Friday deliveries. Limit one order per household per week until after the spring rush please. Mulch can be ordered online at the township's website found here or by contacting the Road District at 847-381-7793. There is a $50 delivery charge.
- Culverts and Storm Sewers. Please keep culverts and storm sewer areas free from debris to aid with water conveyance from the recent rains. If there is a storm sewer near your property, kindly check to make sure the cover is free from debris in order to aid with drainage.
- Culvert 50/50 Cost Share Program. The Village has a 50/50 cost share program for under driveway stormwater culvert replacement. The Village will pay half of the cost of the replacement, with the homeowner paying the remaining half. The work is performed by Cuba Township's Road Department. It is important for all property owners to maintain their culverts for proper stormwater conveyance. A clogged or collapsed culvert can cause flooding problems on the homeowner's property as well as neighboring properties, and in some cases force water to spill over roads causing washout situations. Keeping ditch lines clear of all obstructions is equally important. If you have questions about this replacement program contact the Village Hall. The program has ended for this year. Replacements will start up again in the spring. Sign up now to get in early.
- Flint Creek Watershed Partnership. The Village of North Barrington has joined the Flint Creek Watershed Partnership, which is comprised of watershed stakeholders dedicated to the preservation, protection and improvement of the Flint Creek sub-watershed of the Fox River. Their mission is to realize a long-term vision for a healthy watershed and educate citizens. For more information, please contact the watershed coordinator, Patsy Mortimer at 847-381-8663, or via e-mail at pmortimer@earthlink.net or access their website found here. The partnership meets on the last Tuesday of odd numbered months. The upcoming meetings are scheduled for July 28, September 29 and November 24th at 10 am at the Barrington Area Library, Meeting Room A, 505 N. Northwest Highway, Barrington.
- Rain Gardens. A rain garden is simply a shallow depression in your yard that is planted with native wetland or wet prairie wildflowers and grasses. It is designed to naturally collect water that runs off from your roof or is discharged from your sump pump. Rain gardens make good use of stormwater runoff; conserving precious water supplies and helping protect water quality in downstream lakes and streams. Rain gardens provide food and shelter for birds, butterflies and beneficial insects, such as mosquito eating dragonflies. More information can be found at Lake County's website found here. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources also has an informational website found here. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and th U.S. Botanic Garden produced an online video "Reduce Runoff: Slow it Down, Spread it Out, Soak it In" that highlights green techniques such as rain gardens, green roofs and rain barrels to help manage stormwater runoff. Click here to see the video.
- SWALCO Household Chemical Waste Collections. Residents can dispose of household chemical waste at SWALCO's Household Chemical Waste Collections. Items such as driveway sealer, oil-based paints, pool chemicals, garden and lawn chemicals, old gasoline or other household chemical waste can be disposed of safely and conveniently. They also accept unwanted medications and prescriptions as well as alkaline and rechargeable household batteries. For more information and a general list of items accepted and not accepted at all HCW events, consult their website found here. The next collection in our area will be at Wauconda High School on July 18th. Earth Paints Collection Systems partners with communities to provide safe ways to dispose of unused latex paint. Their goal is to keep latex paint, and its containers, out of landfills and the environment by recycling the paint and its container. A collection event is scheduled for May 23rd from 10:00-2:00 p.m. at the Village of Wauconda, Public Works Building, 302 Slocum Lake Road. Further information can be found here.
- Hospice of Northeastern Illinois plans to build a new Hospice Home and Center for Care located on Lake Zurich Road in Barrington. $15 million has been raised and strong support continues for the Building a Legacy of Care Capital Campaign to raise money for the construction. The entire press release can be found here. For further information, visit the website found here.
- Canadian National Proposed Acquisition of EJ&E. Barrington Communities Against CN Rail Congestion Coalition Fact Sheet can be found here. For news updates, consult the Coalition's website found here.
- RECYCLING. Did you know that the Village has an Agreement with the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) to receive revenue from SWALCO based on the tonnage of recyclables that are collected by Waste Management? While the tonnage price will be increasing, they will start to deduct funds for items contained in the recycling bin that are not recyclable. Items that SHOULD NOT BE INCLUDED in the recycling bin include: juice boxes and wax coated cartons, plastic bags, polystyrene products (#6 plastic , which can be in the form of either a hard plastic or Styrofoam) and caps or lids from any container. A recycling guide from SWALCO can be found here.
- COMPACT FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULBS (CFL) RECYCLING. The Village of Barrington is one of several communities participating in a recycling program for CFL bulbs. The program is designed to help residential consumers property dispose of burnt-out CFLs because of the small amounts of mercury they contain. Drop off locations include the Barrington Village Hall, 200 S. Hough Street, (847) 304-3400; Barrington Public Works Building, 300 N. Raymond Avenue, (847) 381-7903 and Barrington Public Safety Building, 400 N. Northwest Highway, (847) 304-3300. More information about recycling bulbs and proper cleanup if a bulb should break can be found here.
- Nature Trail. A reminder: MOTORIZED VEHICLES ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE NATURE TRAIL. The Nature Trail through Leonard Park (East Oxford Road to Shady Lane) is for pedestrian and bicycle traffic only. The same rules apply to the walking trail along Honey Lake. Anyone in violation will be ticketed by the Lake County Sheriff.
- Emerald Ash Borer. The northern portion of the State of Illinois is under a State imposed quarantine relating to ash trees and the Emerald Ash Borer. While there have been no reports of Emerald Ash Borers being found in the Village of North Barrington, the State of Illinois advised that in order to prevent the importation and spread of the Emerald Ash Borer, there should be regulations which prohibit the removal of ash trees or even limbs and bark thereof . On August 22, 2007 the Village of North Barrington passed an Ordinance which restricts the movement of potentially infested wood products and encourages residents to purchase only locally-grown nursery stock and locally-cut firewood. The entire Ordinance can be found here.
- Vehicle Stickers. Residents are reminded that vehicle stickers are required for all vehicles in the Village. Every owner of a motor vehicle or motorcycle that is registered to a North Barrington address is required to have a vehicle sticker. These vehicle stickers are not only mandatory, but also provide an important source of village revenue, and the fees from these stickers are used towards road improvements on the Village roadways. Applications for the 2009/2010 stickers were sent out in late fall, if you have misplaced yours or need an additional one, please use the PDF version found here. If you need a schedule of fees it can be found here. A Penalty Rate will apply to stickers purchased after March 31, 2009.
- Living With Wildlife. The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center and the Lake County Forest Preserves have some wildlife tips for you for this late winter and early spring breeding season. Their informative newsletter can be found here.
- Garbage Pick Up If your service day falls on or after a holiday, your service will be one day late that week. Regular service resumes the next week. Observed Holidays Include: Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Pick up after the Memorial Day as well as Independence Day holidays will be one day late (Wednesday instead of Tuesday). For customer service call (800) 796-9696 or visit their website found here.
- Residential Addresses. It has come to our attention that the fire department recently had difficulty responding to a fire call because the home did not have the address prominently posted on the mailbox or residence. For your safety, please make sure your residential address is visible from the roadside.
- Overnight Parking. Residents are reminded that there is no overnight parking allowed in the Village between the hours of 2 a.m and 6 a.m. Tickets for parking violations will be issued by the Lake County Sheriff's Department. This is especially important during the winter snowplowing season. If a vehicle impedes snowplow equipment, the vehicle may be towed in order for proper street clearance.
- DOGS. Residents are reminded that every person who owns a dog and allows the dog to run at large, other than on the premises of the owner, shall be guilty of a violation of Village Code and the offending dog will be declared a public nuisance and shall be apprehended and impounded. Also, any dog owner who fails to remove excrement deposited by his dog upon any premises, public or private, other than on the premises of the owner, shall be guilty of a violation of Village Code. Both violations are subject to fines.
- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Phase II. The Village of North Barrington is authorized to discharge stormwater under IEPA General National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit No. ILR40. As part of the Permit, The Village is required to set goals over a five year period to reduce pollution to its receiving waters. These goals are described in the Notice of Intent (NOI) found here. After each year (March - March) the Village must document status of compliance with the NOI and any changes to the NOI in an Annual Report found here. If you have any questions, please contact the Village Hall.
- Potential Stormwater Ordinance Violations Please contact the Village Hall (847) 381-6000 to report potential stormwater ordinance violations, construction site erosion and sediment control problems, suspected illicit discharges to the stormwater system, and maintenance issues.
- A Citizen's Guide to Riparian Area Management From the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission. A Riparian area is the shoreline and immediate adjacent area to a lake, stream or creek. This guides gives steps for stabilizing shorelines and streambanks, as well as outlines successful stream management practices. This guide can be found here.
- A Citizen's Guide to Maintaining Stormwater Best Management Practices - For Homeowners and Property Owners. Published by Lake County Stormwater Management Commission can be found here.
- Living with Wetlands. Published by the Wetlands Initiative, a nonprofit corporation dedicated to restoring the wetland resources of the Midwest to provide environmental and economic benefits to both society and the landowner. Through research, education, public policy analysts, and large scale wetland restoration demonstration projects, TWI aims to restore one million acres - 2 percent of the wetlands lost in the Midwest - by the year 2010. This handbook for homeowners in Northeastern Illinois can be found here. The informative handbook explains the purpose of wetlands, ways to protect and manage wetlands, as well as how to seek help in maintaining the quality of the wetland area.
