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.
|
|
A Message from Karen Darch |
|
Good morning!
The springtime holidays of Easter and Passover are upon us. To many, this is the season that signals a time of rebirth and renewal. We are certainly seeing evidence of that rebirth across the Village as the bursts of warmer weather are beginning to bring out spring's buds and blossoms.
And so it is fitting that spring also brings us Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 29). In our community we honor these days in numerous ways. Barrington is proud to have been named a Tree City USA for the 36th consecutive year by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
Each year on Arbor Day, our Public Works Department provides tree saplings to be distributed to all 4th grade students in District 220. The Council of Garden Clubs will also give a presentation to students where they will learn how trees produce food and energy for people and wildlife, as well as how properly selected and planted trees conserve energy, and more.
As we think about our natural resources here in Barrington, we are reminded that one of our best resources is our shallow aquifer system, which supplies water to our area every day. In recent months we provided a series of articles about why water and our shallow aquifer system is so important to our area. If you didn't get a chance to read these articles, you can find them here.
And finally, the Barrington area is proud to be the home of numerous environmental groups that have planned events on and around Earth Day. Listed here are some of those events:
April 22: Barrington Area Conservation Trust will be at Pederson Preserve planting Warrior Sedges, installing a Bald Cypress Tree, learning about stream ecology and more. Go to www.bactrust.org for information.
April 23: St. Anne will host an Earth Day Community E-Waste Recycling Event. Go to POSRG.com for information.
April 23: Citizens for Conservation presents the "Give Native Plants a Home" education program. Go to www.citizensforconservation.org for more information.
April 26: Go Green Barrington the Barrington Area Library will present a program on the effects of plastic pollution. Click here for more information. In addition, Go Green Barrington and the Barrington Breakfast Rotary are sponsoring a spring roadside cleanup.
Happy Easter and Happy Earth Day!
Karen Darch
Village President
|
|
UPDATE: Route 59 to Close at CN Tracks from April 23 to April 28 for Crossing Work |
|
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), in conjunction with the Canadian National Railway (CN), is planning to reconstruct the badly deteriorated at-grade railroad crossing on IL 59 (Hough Street), north of James Street following their intermediate maintenance work last fall. IL 59 will be fully closed to through traffic at the CN Railroad tracks.
Due to lack of asphalt availability, the schedule for this work has changed. The closure will begin on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. and conclude on or before Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. (weather permitting). During this time, the detour route will be in place (see map above). Main Street and Route 14 will also remain open.
|
|
Meet Your Village Board of Trustees:
Emily Young
|
|
Emily Young was elected as Trustee in 2019. She works for the Lake County Health Department in marketing and communications and received her B.A. in History from Northwestern University. Emily has contributed her time as a Natural Resource Conservancy Commissioner, Cook County Election Judge in the 2016 General Election, Pillars Community Health Volunteer, and Adopt A River Cat Volunteer. Emily enjoys roller skating through town, teaching Pilates, and playing Dungeons and Dragons with her friends.
To learn more about your Village Board of Trustees, click here.
|
|
Metra Schedules to Change April 25 |
|
As riders return to the weekday commute and construction activity ramps up, Metra will be significantly expanding the weekday schedule on its UP Northwest (UP-NW) Line. Changes will go into effect April 25.
**Of particular note for Barrington residents is that some trains that previously departed for Chicago at 18 minutes past the hour will now depart at 5 minutes past the hour.
The new UP-NW schedule will increase weekday service by 21 trains, to 66 trains from 45. The schedule offers more
consistent service patterns and departure times, making the schedule easier for customers to understand and memorize.
Most midday trains will now arrive in Chicago on the 10s, allowing better connections with other UP lines. The new schedule also divides rush-period service into a three-zone pattern that will better balance passenger loads and allow Metra to improve express service to stations farthest from Chicago
|
|
Village Celebrates National Telecommunicator's Week |
|
The Village of Barrington celebrated National Telecommunicator's Week from April 10-16 by recognizing those who work for CenCom, which operates our community's 911 system. From left are CenCom Executive Director Nichol Whitfield, Village President Karen Darch, and CenCom Deputy Director Taryn Sofie.
Telecommunicators are the first and most critical contact our citizens have with emergency services and are the single vital link for our police officers and firefighters by monitoring their activities by radio.
Our telecommunicators have contributed substantially to the apprehension of criminals, suppression of fires, and treatment of patients and exhibit compassion, understanding, and professionalism during the performance of their jobs. Thank you to all!
|
|
We're Hiring at the Village of Barrington |
|
The Village of Barrington is currently hiring for the following positions. To learn more go to www.barrington-il.gov.
- Development Services Intern
- Records/Office Assistant
- Public Works Water/Wastewater Maintenance Worker
- Part-Time Police Records Clerk/Public Service Officer
- Full-Time Police Records Supervisor
- Part-Time Technology Services Technician
|
|
Public Safety Update: Post Office Thefts |
|
Several weeks ago, the public was informed that there had been a rash of thefts at the U.S. Postal Service in Barrington. Investigations are continuing, and the Barrington Police Department is working with the US Postal Inspectors relating to the thefts and washed checks. One arrest has been made of an offender in possession of a mailbox key connected to one of the victims. |
|
Summer Events Kick Off with Barrington Art Festival on Memorial Day Weekend |
|
The Village's summer event season officially kicks off with the Barrington Art Festival over Memorial Day weekend on May 28 and 29. Cook and Station Streets will be lined with award-winning local and regional artists, musicians and more.
The Memorial Day Parade returns this year and steps off at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 30. The parade begins on Park Avenue, heads to Dundee Avenue, and concludes for a ceremony in Evergreen Cemetery.
Also this summer, join us for Cruise Night, Summer Fun Thursdays, Fourth of July Festivities, Metra Lot Concerts, Farmers Market and more! Stay tuned for this summer's full event calendar and sign up to receive information at barrington-il.gov/updates. You won't want to miss summer in Barrington!
|
|
Environmental Tip: How to Eradicate Teasel |
|
The plants pictured here are teasel, which are invasive exotic plants. They are a danger to our natural areas. A recent Natural History Survey noted, "Teasel is an aggressive exotic species that has the capacity to take over prairies and savannas if it is allowed to become established. Lack of natural enemies allows teasel to proliferate. If left unchecked, teasel quickly can form large monocultures excluding all native vegetation.”
Here's How to Eradicate Teasel Correctly and Easily
-
Identify the plant as it emerges from the winter ground. Then watch it in later March & April for the floret head as it emerges.
-
Wear rubberized gloves so the prickers on the plant don't stab you. Use strong hand shears to snip that floret at the bottom of the stem and dispose of it where you put your yard waste.
-
You can either dig straight down the depth of the shovel & about 5 inches away from the trunk of the plant to try to remove it and all the roots, or you can call a professional landscaper company to spray only the actual Teasel plant(s). You can also contact the Teasel Attack Think Tank Representatives for training on safely doing the spraying with only the EPA-approved chemical.
-
Then watch that plant to be sure it dies. When spring comes each of the next 5 years, mow or weed-whack all the plants. Because any teasel plants that have gone to seed release several thousand, you will want to keep after that invasive plant so it will quit invading your property.
-
Seed pods dry up on their tall slim canes in the fall when they on have released most of their several thousand seeds to the wind, whether generated by passing traffic, being blown off vehicles onto your soil, from trains, animals & birds pooping them out, or just nature doing its best to populate.
-
To dispose of these dried pods, wear rubberized gloves because the needles on the stems can penetrate any fabric or thin coated glove! Using a sharp pair of clippers/snippers, cut he pods directly into a thick or tripled plastic bag(s). You don't want the needles to penetrate the bag and release any seeds, and if the pod appears empty, it probably still has some seeds you don't see, so put the plants straight into the bag without touching the pod.
Thank you for caring about the environment!
|
|
Barrington welcomes Nekter Juice Bar at 125 S. Hough Street (Hough and Station Streets).
Nekter Juice Bar in downtown Barrington is the perfect place to go for freshly made juice, smoothies, cold pressed juice cleanses, and handcrafted acai bowls.
|
|
UPCOMING EVENTS AT BARRINGTON'S WHITE HOUSE
|
|
Tickets Now on Sale for Barrington's White House Spring Season Events! |
|
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:
Thursday, April 21
3rd Thursdays Art Night Out with Marci Olezkiewicz: "Painting from the Heart"
Thursday, April 28
The Future of Education: Lessons Learned from a Global Pandemic with District 220 Superintendent Dr. Robert Hunt
Saturday, April 30
Jazz All-Stars with Saxophonist Victor Goines
Wednesday, May 4
An Afternoon Tea with Bertha Honore Palmer, Presented by Leslie Goddard
Wednesday, May 11
Courageous Conversations: Gathering for the People's Supper
Thursday, May 12
2nd Thursdays Jazz Cabaret
Sunday, May 15
Northwestern University President Morton Schapiro: Surprising Facts About Higher Education
Thursday, May 19
3rd Thursdays Art Night Out: Al Buschauer: A Passionate Life in Photography
Sunday, May 22
Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner, Classical Piano
Saturday, May 28
The Bright Side of Bluegrass & Ice Cream Social
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.
|
|
Yard Waste & Food Scrap Recycling Has Resumed for the Season
Bring out your "Green Monster" once again! Residents place yard waste in their "Green Monster" recycling containers for curbside recycling.
Please have recyclables, compostable yard waste and refuse at the curb before 6:30 a.m., but no more than 24 hours before pickup. Please do not place any containers in the street. Also, please remember to promptly remove your empty bins from the curb after pickup.
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.
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.
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!
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.
|
|
**Sign Up for Emergency Alerts**
To sign up to receive Reverse-911 Emergency Alerts in the event of an emergency in Barrington, click here.
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.
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.
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.
|
|
April 20: Barrington Area Virtual Town Hall Forum |
|
Wednesday, April 20
9-10:30A
Via Zoom
The public is invited to hear the latest updates from our local taxing bodies.
Invited speakers include representatives from the Barrington Area Library, Barrington Community School District 220, Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District, Barrington Hills Park District, Barrington Park District, Harper College and South Barrington Park District. Cost to attend is $10. Register here to receive a link to the event.
|
|
Rental Assistance in Both Lake and Cook Counties |
|
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.
|
|
Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt |
|
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.
|
|
Tuesday, April 26
Plan Commission/ZBA, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 27
BWH Advisory Board, 3 p.m.
Thursday, April 28
Architectural Review, 6:30 p.m.
|
|
Monday, May 2
Committee of the Whole, 6 p.m.
Monday, May 9
Committee of the Whole, 6 p.m.
Board of Trustees, 7:30 p.m.
|
|
|
|
|
200 S. Hough Street | Barrington, IL 60010
(847) 304-3400 | barrington-il.gov
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
