Friday, February 18, 2022 |
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Welcome to the Village of Barrington E-Newsletter!
This newsletter is intended to help keep you informed of the latest news and happenings in Barrington. Subscribe Here.
Received this email in error? You can unsubscribe at the very bottom of this email. We are always interested in your comments; please e-mail us at constantcontact@barrington-il.gov.
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A Message from Karen Darch: Brr-ington Winter Fest & Town-Warming Wrap-Up
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Happy Friday!
I think we're officially at that point in February where we think, "Is winter ever going to end?" That's why I'm hoping you'll join me in the Metra Lot next weekend for our first-ever Brr-ington Winter Fest. It's going to be a wonderful family-friendly event that will get us out of our houses and warm us up together in our downtown. See details in the article below, and I hope to see you there!
You might recall that we held our 5th annual Barrington Town-Warming two weeks ago on February 5. It more than lived up to all our expectations – Former U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates spoke for more than an hour with Motorola Chairman & CEO Greg Brown, and his insights into the state of the world today, viewed through the lens of his more than 40 years in government service, were very enlightening.
Our other panelists and speakers were marvelous as well. I do wish that everyone in our community had had the opportunity to hear the panel that included Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady, Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital President Karen Lambert, and Lake County Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister.
All three spoke very eloquently and earnestly about the effect that the pandemic has had on all of us and our communities. Their discussions helped all in attendance better understand the sometimes very difficult decisions that have had to be made during the two long years of this pandemic. For me, these conversations represented the best of what the Town-Warming is all about – to bring people together who may have varying viewpoints in order to listen to, in the words of Teddy Roosevelt, "the man in the arena." It was truly a wonderful day.
Finally, I would like to give a warm congratulations to the Barrington High School Chess Team, which placed 2nd in State last weekend. I'd also like to congratulate all our BHS athletes who have represented Barrington so well at various regional tournaments recently, many of whom are headed to State. Way to go!
I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend.
Karen Darch
Village President
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Meet Your Village Board of Trustees:
Todd Sholeen
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Trustee Todd Sholeen and his family have lived in the Village of Barrington since 1992. He and his wife, Heather, have two children, Philip and Bonnie, who are both graduates of Barrington 220 schools.
Todd attended Principia College and received a bachelor’s degree in English. He also graduated from DePaul University after earning his masters degree in accounting. From 1986 to 1990, Todd served as Treasurer for the Village of Glenwood before moving to the Northwest Suburbs.
Todd currently works for Fifth Third Bank as a treasury management officer. He is a member of First Church of Christ, Scientist in Barrington. Todd is also a member of the Barrington Breakfast Rotary. He enjoys volunteering with Citizens for Conservation, Barrington Conservation Trust, and other local non-profit organizations in the Barrington area. Todd was appointed as Trustee in August 2015, and was elected to a 4-year term in 2017 and 2021.
To learn more about your Village Board of Trustees, click here.
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Next Saturday, February 26: New Winter Event! "Brr-ington" Winter Fest |
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Warm up your winter and join the Village of Barrington at the first ever Brr-ington Winter Fest on Saturday, February 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Metra Lot. The free, family-friendly event will feature live ice carving demonstrations, meet and greet with princess favorites Elsa and Anna, face painting, winter-themed games, s’more and hot chocolate stations and more. Go to www.barrington-il.gov/winterfest for more information.
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February 23: Public Information Meeting Regarding Route 14 Underpass Project |
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The Village will hold a Public Information Meeting regarding the Route 14 underpass project at Village Hall on Wednesday, February 23rd. The meeting will be conducted on an informal basis with Village representatives and members of the design team available from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.
During this time, representatives will be available to answer individual questions offered by those in attendance. If you are unable to attend, meeting materials and the opportunity to submit questions will also be available on the Village website here: https://www.barrington-il.gov/underpass.
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Winter Biking and Pedestrian Safety Tips |
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Walking and bike riding in the winter weather does not have to be miserable. With a little planning, bike riding in the colder temperatures can be quite enjoyable.
Here are some tips for cyclists and pedestrians:
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Layer it up. Layering clothes is the key to comfort and warmth.
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Protect the extremities. Wear gloves and thick socks, and a winter hat.
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Protect your noggin. Wear a thin hat and adjust your helmet to fit.
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Be cool. Wear sunglasses to help with glare from snow.
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Be flashy. Wear bright clothing to be visible to other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, and always have light on your bike to make yourself more visible.
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Share the way. Be mindful of other cyclists, runners, and pedestrians.
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Gain grip. For cyclists, tire studs or chains provide better traction for slippery roads and paths. For pedestrians, wear proper footwear with good grip that can reduce your chances of slipping and/or falling.
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Be spotless. Clean your bike; salt and winter weather may require more “TLC” for your bike.
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Plan ahead. Check the weather forecast ahead of time and be cautious if conditions are poor.
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See and be seen. If you are a pedestrian, don’t text and walk. Be mindful of potential hazards and your surroundings.
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Railroad Emergency? Get Help by Using the Blue "ENS" Sign |
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If you are near a railroad crossing during an emergency and need help, use locate the blue and white Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign at the grade crossing.
Then call the railroad’s emergency contact number listed on the blue sign (#1 at right). Communicate your location by providing the identification number (#2 at right) and state the nature of the emergency to the dispatcher.
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Village Snow Removal & Winter Reminders |
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When snow and ice hits the Village of Barrington, the Public Works storm-fighting crews are ready for action.
As you may have heard, finding snow plow drivers has been challenging for all employers. If roads are slower to be cleared, we appreciate you being patient! Keep in mind that IDOT (not the Village) is responsible to clear Route 14 as well as certain portions of Lake-Cook Road and Route 59.
Winter Garbage Placement
Please place all garbage and recycling containers on the driveway or parkway adjacent to the street and not on the street so it doesn’t create hazardous conditions for snowplows and drivers.
Snow Piled at End of Driveways
Please consider waiting until the street has been plowed from curb to curb before clearing your driveway. Please do not shovel snow back into the street, as it can cause road hazards.
Keep Fire Hydrants Clear
Please keep fire hydrants near your property or in your neighborhood clear of snow. This will greatly help firefighters in case of an emergency.
Sidewalk Snow Removal
Like most municipalities in northern Illinois, the Village requires residents and business owners to clear snow and ice from the sidewalks adjacent to your property. This helps prevent hazardous conditions for pedestrians.
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Have Old Holiday Lights? Recycle Them! |
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The Barrington Public Works Department partners with Elgin Recycling on its Holiday Light Recycling Program. Drop off your used holiday lights at the Public Works Facility, 300 N. Raymond Avenue, until March 31, 2022. Accepted are: mini-lights (or Italian lights), C7 lights, C9 lights, rope lights, LED lights, and extension cords. The Village does not accept garland, live greens, wreaths, or other non-recyclables.
For more information on this program please contact the Public Works Department at (847) 381-7903 or visit www.elginrecycling.com.
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Please Use Salt Responsibly This Winter |
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Did you know that it only takes one teaspoon of salt to permanently pollute 5 gallons of water? The groundwater supply in the Barrington area is recharged (replenished) locally, which means what you put on the ground today could be in the water you drink tomorrow. Therefore, the Village of Barrington uses salt sparingly and incorporates alternative methods into its salting practices.
Other things you should know:
Road and pavement salting during the winter months is the primary way
chloride enters the environment.
Rock salt dissolves quickly on roads and driveways, and its chloride flows with stormwater into nearby lakes, streams and wetlands where it builds up and puts aquatic life and ecosystems at risk.
Salt products can also be hazardous to pets and animals. Salt can irritate their paws and cause health problems if ingested. Birds can also confuse road salt for food. Consuming only two particles of rock salt can be fatal.
TIPS FOR REDUCING SALT USAGE
Shovel or plow instead of salting. Clear driveways, walkways and other areas early before snow turns to ice.
Stop over-salting. Read instructions on your salting product to ensure proper application rates. A 12-ounce coffee mug full of salt is enough to treat a 20-foot driveway. Sweep up and re-use excess salt.
Switch products. When pavement temperatures drop below 15 degrees, rock salt doesn’t work. Use a different ice melter designed for lower temperatures, such as magnesium chloride or calcium chloride. Switch to sand
for traction.
Lower expectations. Remember, the purpose of salting is to reduce the adherence of snow and ice to the pavement in order to make it easier to remove. It is not intended to keep the roads and walkways completely clean and dry. Support your government’s efforts to reduce salt use.
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UPCOMING EVENTS AT BARRINGTON'S WHITE HOUSE
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Tickets Now on Sale for Barrington's White House Spring Season Events! |
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Barrington's White House Cultural Director Rollin Potter has assembled an inspiring season of spring events and we can't wait to see all of you at the House!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Wednesday, March 9
Courageous Conversations: Uncovering Hidden Violence Against Women
Thursday, March 10
2nd Thursdays Jazz Cabaret Series
Friday, March 11
“I Knew I Was in Trouble When...” Storytelling Event
Sunday, March 13
Katherine Beck, Lyric Opera Ryan Center Mezzo Soprano
Thursday, March 17
3rd Thursdays Art Night out: “Transparent by Nature” with Michael Ireland
Sunday, March 27
“Sophia Hayden Deserves Better”: A Play Reading by Stephanie Walker
Each event currently has an in-person viewing opportunity and various events have the option to be viewed virtually. For more information on all events, go to barringtonswhitehouse.com/events.
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Call JULIE Before You Dig
Across the country, every nine minutes an underground utility line is damaged because someone decided to dig without calling a one-call center such as JULIE first. For your convenience, you can enter a self- service, locate request anytime (24/7/365) by going to www.illinois1call.com or by simply calling 8-1-1.
Recycle Corks at Public Works
Save your corks and dispose of them in the receptacle at the Public Works facility, 300 N. Raymond Avenue. This cork is sent to industries that make new products with it. Because cork is such a durable material, it can be recycled into anything from craft supplies to flooring.
Battery Drop-Off at Public Works
Residents can drop off batteries at Public Works ONLY during business hours of 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. daily. There are no outside collection boxes - please bring them into the Public Works front office.
Please Read Before Battery Drop-Off:
Primary/Single-Use batteries cannot be recharged and must be disposed of or recycled once they wear out: Alkaline, lithium, silver oxide, zinc-air, zinc-carbon, zinc-chloride and CR/SR/LR (button batteries).
Alkaline Batteries: AA, AAA, C, D, 9V and 12V* (*12V should be taped on terminal ends) Rechargeable and Lithium Batteries: Lithium (Li-ion), Nickel (NiCd, NiMh, Ni-Zn) Small Sealed Lead Acid (SSLA/Pb) and button batteries all need to be taped. The reason for this is because battery terminals that touch metal surfaces or other batteries can spark causing a fire or explosion during shipping.
Sanitary Sewer Backup?
If you experience a sanitary sewer backup due to an extreme rain event, please contact the Public Works Department as soon as possible: we are available Monday through Friday at (847) 381-7903 or after hours at (847) 270-9111.
Register Your Pets, But Dog Tags No Longer Required
Registering your pets with the Barrington Police Department is a great way to recover your pet if they become lost. You are no longer required to purchase dog tags; instead, please register your pet at www.frontlinepss.com/barrington.
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**Sign Up for Emergency Alerts**
To sign up to receive Reverse-911 Emergency Alerts in the event of an emergency in Barrington, click here.
Spot an Emergency at a Railroad Crossing?
If you are involved in or spot an emergency at a railroad crossing, first dial 911.
Then locate the blue and white Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign at the grade crossing.
Call the railroad’s emergency contact number listed on the blue sign and communicate your location. The sign includes The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) National Crossing Inventory Number, which identifies the exact location of the crossing to the railroads.
Permits and Inspections
The Village of Barrington will continue electronic permit review and issuance procedures until further notice. Village staff will continue to evaluate permit procedures and how to safely and efficiently serve the community moving forward. We strongly encourage you to visit the electronic permit submittals page to review permitting requirements and submittal procedures.
The Village is conducting permit inspections on limited days of the week, and certain limitations are still in place for inspections of occupied buildings. Please contact (847) 304-3400 and select “3” for Development Services to schedule inspections and visit the website to learn more!
Commuters: Quarterly Hang Tag Renewals
New quarterly hang tags may be purchased at any time for a prorated cost using the Passport website.
If you have purchased a hang tag during the quarter and realize you no longer need it, you have the option to return the tag for a prorated refund. The refund will be prorated based on the day the tag is received at Village Hall.
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Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce Book Club Outing |
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Thursday, February 24
5:30- 7:30P
Acosta's Home, Lake Zurich
All ladies & gentlemen are invited to join the BACC Women's Biz Net for a Book Club Mixer. Come whether you have read the book or not for networking, wine, appetizers, lively conversation, and a chance to explore Acosta's beautiful showroom!
For a copy of the book contact the BACC office at 847-381-2525 or your local library. Cost to attend is $25 for BACC members and $35 for nonmembers.
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Rental Assistance in Both Lake and Cook Counties |
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LAKE COUNTY
Renters who face financial hardship related to COVID-19 may apply for the new Lake County Federal Emergency Rental Assistance (FERA) Program, which provides help for individuals paying rent and/or utility bills. Eligible households may receive up to 12 months of past due rent and up to three months of assistance with future rent, but no more than 12 months of assistance total. Payments from the program will be made directly to landlords and/or utility companies. To learn more about who is eligible, and for a link to the application, visit lakecountyil.gov/renthelp.
COOK COUNTY
If you live in suburban Cook County and need help paying rent and utilities due to COVID-19, the Cook County Emergency Rental Assistance program pays up to 12 months of missed rent and utilities payments and up to 3 months of future rent payments. Payments will be made directly to landlords and utility companies.
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Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt |
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As many of you know, the federal and state moratoriums on evictions ended on July 31. That means landlords have likely begun to start filing eviction papers. In Cook County, all aspects of evictions can go forward on September 1 which means judges can order evictions and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office can start enforcing the orders.
However, we also know that renters in financial crisis who are unable to pay their rent today will not be able to pay rent, security deposits, and move-in fees for a new home tomorrow. Housing insecurity and homelessness have been shown to lead to food insecurity, domestic violence, mental illness, exacerbated and unattended preventable health conditions, and substance abuse. Uprooting families, especially now as we inch toward recovery, would be destructive.
CCLAHD can help provide free legal aid, mediation services, and connections to other resources including rental assistance for tenants and landlords. And as the moratoriums lift, we are hoping we can steer landlords to look at alternatives to eviction.
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Tuesday, February 22
Plan Commission/ZBA, 6 p.m.
Thursday, February 24
Architectural Review, 6:30 p.m.
Monday, February 28
Committee of the Whole, 6 p.m.
Board of Trustees, 7:30 p.m.
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Monday, March 7
Committee of the Whole, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, March 8
Plan Commission/ZBA, 6 p.m.
Thursday, March 10
Architectural Review, 6:30 p.m.
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200 S. Hough Street | Barrington, IL 60010
(847) 304-3400 | barrington-il.gov
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