April, 2023 Serving Our Community Townships should continue to be your most effective and cost-efficient form of government. Cuba Township's elected officials and staff are committed to creating and maintaining a high quality of life for residents by continuing to provide services such as Road Maintenance, Property Assessments, and Administrative services in a friendly and fiscally responsible manner. Road District: 847-381-7793 Township Office: 847-381-1924 Assessor's Office: 847-381-1120

Supervisor Christopher Karam March is leaving us with severe storms and high winds beginning this afternoon. The storm is expected to move in and out quickly, but the wind speeds are sure to cause damage. Checking the National Weather Service website is one of the best resources of information for updated and accurate weather. You can also sign up with Alert Lake County to receive cell phone notifications. Our local municipal elections are being held on Tuesday, April 4th. Please exercise your rights on Tuesday and follow the link here to get any information you need to fulfill your civic duty. Turnout for April elections are very low so please participate.  Mark your calendars for the 3rd annual Land We Love Run set for Saturday, July 1st. Please reach out to our office If you are interested in sponsoring the event. We have two returning sponsors already committed and the race proceeds will be donated to charities supporting our veterans and their families.  Happy Easter to the Christian faithful and to those observing Passover and Ramadan in April. The world remains in chaos, and it is never too late to pray, fast or repent.  Sincerely, Chris Karam Township Services Cuba Township residents in need may be eligible for various programs, including utility assistance, such as LIHEAP and Nicor Sharing, emergency assistance, and food pantry programs. Please visit our website for a complete list of assistance services. ****Appointments for services are REQUIRED**** Passport Services Passport Applications: Passport processing takes 5-7 weeks for expedited processing and 8-11 weeks for standard processing. Passport appointments are required - call 847-381-1924 to schedule an appointment. To check the status of your passport, click here. Visit Travel.state.gov's renewal page if you want to renew an adult passport. Food Pantry The Tuesday food pantry continues as an indoor pantry, by appointment only, from 10 AM to 1 PM. If you need food assistance, please email info@cubatwpil.gov or call 847-381-1924. If you want to donate, we need paper towels, crackers and snack items, canned fruits, canned salmon, tomato sauce (with or without meat), and jelly (no grape please). Visit the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Online Portal for Reduced Fare and Ride Free Customers The RTA'S Fare Programs Online is a web-based online customer portal that allows residents with disabilities and seniors to apply for, replace, and renew Reduced Fare and Ride Free Permits. It's quick and easy to use - go to Fares.RTAChicago.org. Ride Lake County - PACE Service Seniors aged 60+ and people with disabilities interested in using the new service are encouraged to register by calling the Pace Call Center at 1-800-201-6446. Registering early for Ride Lake County will allow riders to schedule trips. Seniors must provide their date of birth at registration, and individuals with disabilities must provide their RTA Reduced Fare Permit number at registration. Learn more

LIHEAP Program - Appointments Required

Applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program are still available. View income guidelines (left) and required documentation for applicants. Call 847-381-1924 to make an appointment. Documentation: Proof of income from all household members for the 30-day period beginning with the date of application. Most recent, original utility bills. Proof of Social Security numbers for all household members. Applicant identification (Driver's License or State ID)

Clerk Heidi M Shannon Annual Town Meeting and Monthly Board Meeting set for Tuesday, April 11, 2023 The Annual Town Meeting is set for April 11, 2023, beginning at 6:00 PM. The Monthly Board Meeting will immediately follow the Annual Town Meeting. Click to view the Annual Town Meeting and Monthly Board Meeting Agendas here. 2023 Consolidated Election Set for April 4, 2023 Early Voting is available through Saturday, April 1, 2023, at the Village of Lake Barrington. Please note hours are 9 AM - 5 PM, Thursday and Friday, and 9 AM - 2 PM on Saturday, April 1. Polls are open from 6 AM - 7 PM on Election Day, Tuesday, April 4. Click here to see a copy of your ballot and your polling place. For any questions, you may call the Lake County Clerk's Office at 847-377-2314. Vote by Mail Be sure to mail your ballot back by Election Day, Tuesday, April 4 - make sure they are postmarked at the post office. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. Sincerely, Heidi Shannon

Assessor Nicole E. Knapik, CIAO

Dear Neighbors, Chief County Assessors Office Senior Freeze Mailing Sent The Senior Freeze notices are in the mail. The County is requiring filers to include their 2022 1040's including schedules (if applicable). If you are unable to file online, you can schedule an appointment to come to the office. Request an appointment by email at info@cubaassessoril.gov or call us at 847-381-1120. Deputy Assessors in the Field In preparation for the 2023 quadrennial assessment, Deputy Assessors are in the field updating exterior photos and measuring property changes. Remember, improvements automatically receive a 4-year Home Improvement Exemption. If you purchased your home in 2022, remember to file for your 2023 exemptions this year! If you need assistance, schedule an appointment by calling 847-381-1120. Below is a list of the most common exemptions. General Homestead Exemption (GHE) If you purchased a residence in Cuba Township in 2022 and it is your primary residence, you may be eligible for the General Homestead Exemption (GHE). The GHE for 2022 is $6,000 and will increase to $8,000 in 2023. Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption (SCHE) If you purchased a residence in Cuba Township in 2022, are 65 or older, and it is your primary residence, you may be eligible for the Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption (SCHE). The SCHE for 2022 is $5,000 and will increase to $8,000 in 2023. Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption (SCAFHE) Homeowners 65 or older with an income of $65,000 or less may qualify for the Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze. Beginning January 2022, proof of income must be filed along with Senior Freeze applications. You must own the property as your principal residence for two consecutive years (January 1). Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities (HEPD) This exemption may be claimed in addition to the General Homestead Exemption and the Senior Homestead Exemption, if applicable. Applicants must be disabled under the Federal Social Security Act and supply evidence of disability, in addition to completing the PTAX-343 Application for Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities and PTAX-343-A Physician's Statement. Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities You may claim this exemption in addition to the General Homestead Exemption and the Senior Homestead Exemption. Disabled veterans qualify if they have at least 30% and up to 100% service-connected disability. Evidence of disability is required along with the completed PTAX-342 Application for Homestead Exemption and PTAX-342-A Annual Verification of Eligibility. Filing for exemptions is quick and easy through Lake County's Smartfile E-Filing Portal. If you cannot file online, please contact our office at info@cubaassessoril.gov or 847-381-1120 to schedule an appointment We are here to serve you! Nicole E. Knapik, CIAO

Highway Commissioner Thomas J Podgorski

For the latest update on roads, please follow us on Facebook! Spring Brush Pick-Up Set for the Week of April 3, 2023 Cuba Township Road District's Spring Brush Pick-Up is set for the week of April 3, 2023. Please have your neatly stacked pile of brush placed by the street no later than 7 AM on Monday, April 3. ONLY residents who call or email their address prior to April 3 will be picked up. Spread the word to your neighbors! This will be the only pick-up until the fall (unless a major storm comes through the area and a special pick-up is announced). See guidelines below. The guidelines for pick-up are as follows: Grass, leaves, tree stumps, or root balls are not accepted. The diameter of branches needs to be less than 8”. The pile should be no wider than 10’ (looking at it from the street), 4’ high, and 5’ deep. If the brush pile exceeds this guideline, the remaining branches WILL NOT be picked up! Mulch Madness! Contact Rebecca at the Road District to make arrangements for mulch delivery. Each load is 6-8 yards. The mulch is a double-ground mixture of hard and softwoods from removed Cuba Township trees. Email Rebecca at rebecca@cubaroads.org or call 847-381-7793. Self-Serve Mulch Self-serve mulch is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The mulch pile is located next to the textile recycling bin in the same lot as the road salt. See photo above. New Driveway Alert for Unincorporated Homeowners If you are a homeowner in unincorporated Lake County and planning to put in a new driveway over an existing culvert, please contact the Cuba Township Road District to inspect the culvert. The Cuba Township Road District operates 24/7 during inclement weather. You can call us if the matter concerns falling trees blocking roads. Please get in touch with your utility company for power outages. Instruction for Trees or Limbs Touching Utility Lines If you have issues with trees or limbs touching utility lines, you must contact the utility company directly. The Township cannot trim trees or limbs within 10 feet of utility lines. Need to report a pothole? State roads report to IDOT at (800) 452-4368 or visit IDOT site. Lake County roads - (847) 377-7400 or visit LCDOT site. Unincorporated Cuba Township Roads - 847-381-7793 The Road District does not offer recycling. Visit LRS Recycling, Wauconda Recycling, or Solid Waste Agency of Lake County.

Are you or someone you know experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis? Lake County has a Mobile Response Team to help! Call (847) 377-8088. Please help spread the word.   The Mobile Response Program supports people wherever and whenever they need it. A trained Mobile Response Team consisting of a Mental Health Clinician and an Engagement Specialist will be dispatched to individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis.

Keeping Cuba Township Green!

Clothing and Textile and Reuse-A-Shoe Drop-Off Location – SWALCO Partnership Cuba Township is now a clothing, textile, and Reuse-A-Shoe drop-off location in partnership with SWALCO.   Clothing, textile, and shoe recycling is a full-circle program, diverting your new and gently used donations from landfills. Unacceptable Items: Wet, odorous, or moldy items Nylons and Pantyhose Fabric Scraps Craft Scraps (yarns, threads & other craft materials) Pillows Sleeping Bags Mattresses Rugs Carpet Cushions Foam furniture and foam mats Large Luggage Electric Blankets & Mattress Pads Non-Fabric Household Linens: Vinyl Shower Curtains, tablecloths, furniture covers, etc. Shoes Dress boots, hiking boots, and rain boots are accepted. NO WINTER BOOTS ALLOWED. Shoes in any condition, from new or gently used, to those that are worn, will be accepted. And, the great news is that 95% or more of all the materials collected will be recycled or reused.   Before dropping off your shoes, please tie the laces of each pair together; if they are sandals or have no laces, please place a rubber band on the pair to keep the shoes together.   UNACCEPTABLE ITEMS include Roller Blades, Ice Skates, and Winter Boots.

Cork Recycling Now Available Cork recycling is now available at the following location: All American Reclaim 990 W Northwest Highway Lake Barrington, IL 60010 224-209-8283

REAL ID goes into effect on May 7, 2025 For Illinois residents who fly domestically, the federal government extended the deadline to May 7, 2025, which requires you to use a valid US Passport or obtain a REAL ID from the Illinois Secretary of State's Office. Take time to know your options. For information on other types of identification accepted by TSA, Please visit the TSA website. To see what documents you need to apply for a REAL ID, visit the REAL ID Interactive Checklist. Come prepared and be patient when visiting a Driver Services Facility. All Driver Services facilities are issuing REAL IDs, with the exception of mobile units and express facilities. To find the nearest facility, visit Facility Finder.

Employment Opportunity Resources

Job Center of Lake County offers a host of services including: Resource Library "Who's Hiring" list Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Opportunities Free online webinars Visit the Job Center's website for more information. The Barrington Career Center offers resources including: Job search skills training Coaching Career transition services Compassionate support Visit the Barrington Career Center for more information.

Community Partner Links

Village of Lake Barrington Village of North Barrington Village of Barrington Village of Port Barrington Village of Barrington Hills Village of Tower Lakes Lake County Permit Facility Lake County Sheriff's Office Barrington Countryside Fire Department LRS Recycling Wauconda Recycling Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) Barrington Area Council on Aging (BACOA) Barrington Area Volunteer Connection Barrington Youth & Family Services Nicasa Behavioral Health Services PADS Lake County Barrington Area Council of Governments GiGi's Playhouse Smart Farms Citizens for Conservation Flint Creek/Spring Creek Watershed Partnership County Board Commissioners Commissioner Mike Danforth – District 17 Illinois State Legislators State Senator Dan McConchie – 26th Senate District (includes all areas of 52nd and 51st House Districts below) State Representative Marty McLaughlin – 52nd House District (Cary, Fox River Grove, Port Barrington and parts of Lake Barrington, Barrington Hills, and Barrington) State Representative Nabeela Syed – 51st House District (Deer Park, Lake Zurich, Tower Lakes, and parts of Lake Barrington, North Barrington, and Barrington)

Cuba Township| Website