Friday, January 21, 2022
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TOP STORIES


A Message from Karen Darch: Winter Events to Warm You Up
Happy Friday!

Now that we're far into January and we're experiencing the cold weather that a Chicago winter brings, I wanted to let you know about a few events coming up in the next several weeks that will help warm you up.

First is the 5th Annual Barrington Town-Warming on February 5 at Barrington's White House, featuring our keynote speaker Robert Gates, the former U.S. Secretary of Defense and CIA Director. We've sold a very limited number of in-person tickets this year, but we also have unlimited virtual tickets available. With one virtual ticket, everyone in your household can watch this extraordinary event! (Go to www.barringtonswhitehouse.com/events for tickets.)

Then, on February 9, I hope you'll join the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce at its annual Economic Summit, which will be held virtually and will discuss "The State of the Greater Barrington Area," featuring presentations by our area leaders. Our Village Manager, Scott Anderson, will be filling in for me as I will be attending a meeting of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). To buy tickets, go to www.barringtonchamber.com.

On Wednesday, February 23, the Village will hold a Public Information Meeting regarding the Route 14 underpass project, which is moving forward swiftly, with construction expected to begin in spring 2023. Please see the article below for more information.

I’m also excited to invite you to the first-ever “Brr-ington” Winter Fest, which will be held downtown on Saturday, February 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Village’s new Manager of Marketing and Events, Amy Seklecki, has created this free, family-friendly event, which will feature live ice carving demonstrations, a meet and greet with princess favorites Elsa and Anna, face painting, winter-themed games, s’more and hot chocolate stations and more. I hope you’ll bring the entire family and come on out into downtown to brighten up the end of winter!

I'm looking forward to seeing all of you around town this winter, even if we're all bundled up!

Karen Darch
Village President
Barrington Town-Warming Keynote Speaker: Former U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates
The Barrington Cultural Commission is pleased to announce its keynote speaker and panelists for the 5th Annual Barrington Town-Warming – a re-creation of the robust lecture series held in Barrington during the Depression era. The event will be held on Saturday, February 5, with this year's theme being “Security in a Post-Pandemic World.”

In-person tickets for the event at Barrington’s White House are nearly sold out, but virtual tickets are still available. The event's presenting sponsor is Northern Trust; Keynote Speaker Sponsors are Greg and Anna Brown; and Live-Streaming sponsor is Kim Duchossois.
 
This year's extraordinary keynote speaker is the former U.S. Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Robert Gates, who will appear in a virtual fireside chat with Motorola Chairman and CEO Greg Brown. The day’s other speakers and panelists will appear in person.
 
The event begins at 9:00 a.m. with opening remarks from Village of Barrington President Karen Darch and Father Michael Sparaough. Two morning panel discussions will discuss “Present-Day Threats” and “The Security of Our Well-Being.” The first panel will be moderated by the Barrington Cultural Commission’s Diane Bergan and will feature Mark Gossett, Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer, Northern Trust; Alicia Tate-Nadeau, Director, Illinois Emergency Management Agency; Illinois Homeland Security Advisor; Brian Vercruysse, PE, Rail Safety Program Administrator, Illinois Commerce Commission; and Beth Windisch, Regional Prevention Coordinator, Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
 
The second panel will be moderated by Corey McPherrin, News Anchor, WFLD Chicago, and will feature Dr. Allison Arwady, MD, MPH, Commissioner, City of Chicago Department of Public Health; Karen Lambert, President, Advocate Aurora Healthcare; and Mark Pfister, Executive Director, Lake County Health Department.
 
Following lunch, Barrington historian Barbara Benson will introduce Ron Keaton as “Sir Winston Churchill,” who will be followed by our keynote discussion between Robert Gates and Greg Brown. A reception follows. Go to www.barringtonswhitehouse.com/events for tickets and information.
February 26: New Winter Event!
"Brr-ington" Winter Fest
Break your winter blues 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 downtown Barrington. 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.
February 23: Public Information Meeting Regarding Route 14 Underpass Project
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.
Railroad Emergency? Get Help by Using the Blue "ENS" Sign
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. 

For more information, visit the Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration web site at www.fra.gov or click on this flyer.
Call for Volunteers to Serve on a Village Committee
Are you interested in getting more involved in serving in the Village? We need your help!
The Village of Barrington is seeking citizens who would be interested in volunteering to serve their community.We are seeking volunteers to serve as a member of the Village Board-appointed Architectural Review Commission (ARC).The ARC is an advisory body which makes recommendations regarding the exterior appearance of new commercial and multi-family construction and functions as the Village's historic review commission for projects in the Historic Overlay District. ARC Members serve three 3-year staggered terms and generally meet twice a month. Those with expertise in architectural design, historic preservation, and/or landscape architecture are encouraged to send a resume to mmarcordes@barrington-il.gov. We recognize there is a limited number of people with architectural expertise, but you are needed!
Have Old Holiday Lights? Recycle Them!
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.
Village Snow Removal & Winter Reminders
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.

For more information about snow and ice in the Village, view our Snow & Ice Report.

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.
Please Use Salt Responsibly This Winter
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.

For more information about the environmental impacts of salt and how to reduce salt pollution, go to www.BACOG.org and www.wisaltwise.com.
Metra's New Three-Zone, $6 Day Pass to Debut February 1
Metra's new three-zone, $6 Day Pass will debut only in the Ventra app on February 1. In addition, Metra’s popular $10 Day Pass will continue to be offered in 2022, but after January 31 it will be available only in the Ventra app.

To incentivize short trips and attract more customers, Metra next year will test a new $6 Day Pass that will be valid for unlimited rides within three zones for a full day. The new pass will go on sale Febuary 1, only in the Ventra app.

Both day passes will be valid for 7 days from purchase.

Other fare policy changes that start February 1 include:
• One-Way Tickets will be valid for 14 days from purchase (change from 90 days).
• 10-Ride Tickets will be valid for 90 days from purchase (change from one year).
• The Round Trip Plus (Ventra app only) ticket will no longer be sold.
• There are no changes to the Monthly Pass, $7 Saturday or Sunday Day Pass or $10 Weekend Pass (Ventra app only).

The Ventra app is available for free in the App Store or Google Play.
ComEd Tree Trimming to Begin Soon
Trees and branches that interfere with power lines can create safety hazards and cause power outages. ComEd's preventative tree maintenance helps avoid power outages.

Within the next 3 months ComEd will trim trees, branches and vines that interfere or have the potential to interfere with power lines.

In some cases, tree removal may be required. The remaining tree stumps are treated with an approved herbicide to prevent future regrowth. Herbicide will be applied by state-licensed applicators.

All work is performed by trained, qualified arborists.
Barrington Area Digital Photo Gallery (BADPG) is Looking for Photo Submissions
The Barrington Area Digital Photo Gallery (“BADPG”) is currently soliciting new photographs to potentially be added to the site. One of the goals of BADPG is to annually add new images of the Barrington area to the site - hopefully from an increasingly broad spectrum of contributing photographers.    

If you or someone you know would like to submit images for consideration, please follow this procedure: 

Prior to submitting any images, please go to the BADPG.org site and under Photo Selection and click on Photo Selection Criteria carefully read the Selection Criteria and Photograph Requirements paragraphs and adhere to these stipulations. 

Images may be submitted anytime between now and January 31, 2022. 

Submit images by e-mailing to: boblee@the-badc.org  

During the month of February, the jury will review all submissions and will make the final determination of the images to be added. It is our goal to have the new images posted on the site by March 15. 

UPCOMING EVENTS AT BARRINGTON'S WHITE HOUSE


Special Announcement Coming Soon: Barrington's White House Spring Season!
Shortly you should be receiving the Barrington's White House Spring Season 2022 brochure in your mailboxes. Stay tuned for a special announcement coming soon about all the fabulous events we will be offering this spring!

Events begin in February.

For more information, go to barringtonswhitehouse.com/events.


IMPORTANT VILLAGE INFO


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.
**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.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION


Volunteers Needed at St. Anne's House of Hope Resale Shop
Saint Anne Hope Ministries offers a great volunteering experience at its House of Hope Resale Shop, 955 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich for adults and students over age 15. Hope Ministries is a nonprofit organization offering volunteers flexible hours and a friendly atmosphere. The time you donate helps raise funds to assist local individuals/families in crisis with food, shelter, transportation, utility assistance, medical support and much more. Call (847) 550-2000 for more information.
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.

Visit www.cookcountyil.gov/recovery to check eligibility, learn about the documents needed for the application, and apply.
Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt
The Office of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is reaching out in the hope that you can help spread the word about a critical resource available in Cook County - Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (or CCLAHD).
 
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.

PUBLIC MEETING SCHEDULE

Monday, January 24
Committee of the Whole, 6:00 p.m.
Board of Trustees, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, January 25
Plan Commission/ZBA, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 27
Architectural Review, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, February 7
Committee of the Whole, 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 8
Plan Commission/ZBA, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, February 9
Cultural Commission, 12:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 10
Architectural Review, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, February 14
Committee of the Whole, 6:00 p.m.
Board of Trustees, 7:30 p.m.
Go to www.barrington-il.gov for more information on public meetings.


200 S. Hough Street | Barrington, IL 60010
(847) 304-3400 | barrington-il.gov


We are always interested in your comments; please e-mail us at constantcontact@barrington-il.gov.