Text Box: Supervisor, DAVID F. NELSON

Text Box: Cuba News

Text Box:   · Township board · meetings are held · the second Thursday · of each month at · 7:00 pm at the · Township office, · 28000 W. Cuba · Road, Barrington. · All meetings are · open to the public ·   · Office hours- · Monday—Friday · 9:00am—3:30 pm

CUBA TOWNSHIPText Box: Fall is a beautiful time of year in Cuba Township and always a season to look forward to for the opportunity to attend the annual Cuba Township Fall Festival.  This year marks the fifth anniversary of this fun filled afternoon.  Please save the date and be sure to join us.  Details follow below.   Each March 1st , the Cuba Township board of trustees approves the budget for the Township fiscal year, which runs March 1st through February 28th.  Yearly, we are pleased to make funds available for grant requests received from local social and service organizations.  One such group to receive funding has been the Senior Citizens of the Barrington Area, Inc.  Unfortunately, due to waning membership, this group disbanded earlier this year.  To their credit, the unused portion of their grant was returned to Cuba Township.  We thank them for their integrity in the disbursement of their unused funds.    Lake County Board member and Chairman of the Stormwater Management Commission, Stevenson Mountsier, presented to the National Association of Counties in July.  Speaking to a crowd of over 100 attendees from around the country, Steve focused on incorporating low impact development techniques into site designs as a new way of managing stormwater.  He is hopeful that developers and communities in Lake County adopt low impact development as a goal for future development.  Cuba Township is pleased to highlight Steve’s ongoing service, having served as Township trustee from the mid 1980’s to 1996.   As concern for the West Nile Virus continues, please know that Cuba Township is committed to providing mosquito abatement services through our contract with Clarke Mosquito Control.  Our regular treatment program was enhanced in early September to include adult spraying, as the Board of Trustees recognizes the West Nile virus as a viable health concern.  For more information, or if you have questions, please call the Mosquito Hotline at 800-942-2555.   Our regular contributor, Barbara Benson has again provided interesting historical information for this newsletter under the CUBA HERITAGE column.  Her columns are always welcome information.  In addition to Barbara’s piece, this newsletter welcomes Roberta Schleifer’s contribution.  Roberta is the village historian for the Village of Lake Barrington.  Her information has been included as a means of promoting the Village Historian program, coordinated by the Barrington Area Historical Society.  Many thanks to both women for their dedication to their communities and willing contribution to this newsletter.

Text Box: PLEASE JOIN US FIFTH ANNUAL       Saturday, October 8, 2005 1- 5 PM 28160 W. Cuba Road (next to the Cuba Township Road District)   Fun, food and games for everyone! Enjoy the petting zoo, balloon making, pony rides, games, hayrides, children’s games and live music   Your donation of a non-perishable food item to the Cuba Township Food Pantry would be appreciated Checks and cash donations to the CUBA CARES fund are also appreciated Voter registration will be available– 2 forms of I.D. required– one must have your current address   Please contact the Township office at (847) 381-1924 for more information

FALL FESTIVAL

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Text Box: Early Lake Barrington Area History                                by Roberta Schleifer   Area land that is now the Village of Lake Barrington was controlled by the Pottawatomie Indian Nation until the Treaty of Chicago in 1833– a time long before settlement by homesteaders of European ethnicity.  Joseph Flint and his son Amos were believed to be the area’s first homesteaders, laying claim to a site near the junction of Flint Creek with the Fox River.  People of English, German and Irish descent came into farm the area’s rich soil on gently rolling terrain in the northern Barrington countryside.  James McGraw was one such early settler-farmer and a few of his descendants remain;  the hundreds of acres of that family’s land assembly is in the very heart of the village, along much of what is now Kelsey, River, Miller and Old Barrington Roads.   Before World War I, an area of about 600 acres was owned by the Criswell family which included what we now know as Lake Barrington Shores.  In the confectionery business, they were one of a group of “gentlemen farmers” who had begun moving  into this area.  Land was used for crop farming, and grazing for cattle and sheep.  A brief sampling of other such early area families included those of Colonel John Roberts and Consul General Berthold Singer, both settling near the intersection of Roberts and River Roads.  Colonel Roberts’ estate was a magnificent stone and stucco replica of the ancestral home in England, situated on one of this area’s highest elevations, and know up to about 2002 as Reverie Knoll, when it became part of the Fox River Preserve.  He served both England and the United States during World War I, owned a Chicago area meat-packing plant,  and was know for his early efforts to mechanize farming equipment.   Consul General Singer built an unusual and large white stucco home with a red tile roof.  It was secluded amongst towering spruce and oaks, and of a most unusual Moorish architectural style.  The formal courtyard of the home was created with a fanciful Spanish Moroccan mini-village and 4-story minaret  to wall if off from the working part of the Chain-of-Lakes Duck Farm– a family enterprise.  The garage and well house and caretaker cottage were camouflaged with this village motif.  Here Berthold Singer entertained visiting foreign dignitaries from Turkey, Spanish Morocco and elsewhere.  Today, some of that land is Tanglewood Estates and in the Fox River Preserve.

Text Box: Assessor, REBECCA M. TONIGAN Another assessment season has ended, as the Township books were closed mid-September.  As I had reported in my last newsletter article, there are significant changes that must be made in the assessments of Cuba Township properties.  I was able to revalue one large unincorporated neighborhood that had many inconsistencies within its boundaries.  The remaining neighborhoods will only increase by the Lake County equalization factor that is about 4.5 percent.    All properties have been input into the County’s Proval system, which is a mass appraisal system and as such, this was a huge undertaking.  With all properties being in the system, the valuation process is very slow and cumbersome.  We felt that in order to do the job correctly, we only had the time to revalue the neighborhood with the most discrepancies.  I will say, that not all of the properties in this neighborhood are increasing, in fact about ¼ are decreasing in value.  This is due mostly to the fact that previously the procedure followed was “chasing sales”, i.e. increasing a property that sold to the sale price, but then leaving the remaining properties in the neighborhood at the same level of assessment.  This caused great disparities amongst the properties.    As stated by State Statute, all properties must be assessed at 1/3 of their fair market value and must be assessed uniformly throughout their neighborhoods.  This is what my department is working towards accomplishing in the next few years.   As I stated earlier, Cuba Township books were closed mid September.  Lake County will then take a look at them and apply the 4-5% equalization factor.  After this is accomplished, the County will send out the “blue cards” with all assessment changes and publish them in the Barrington Courier Review.  I would encourage you, (especially those in the unincorporated area where the changes were made) to call my office and make an appoint to discuss the changes, if one or both of the following criteria are met:   1. You do not feel you could sell your property for more than the amount its assessment. 2. Your assessment is not uniform with those of like properties in your area.   If you feel your property fits either of these examples, I ask that you call and make an appointment with my office before filing an appeal with the Lake County Board of Review.  If, when we meet we cannot come to an agreement, then you must file a complaint with the County.  We are always available to listen to legitimate complaints.  We will be available for these appointments for 30 days after publication of the new assessments.   Another avenue available to seniors that I wanted to stress is, that if your household income is $45,000.00 or less, you can apply for the “Senior Freeze” program, which will freeze your assessment at the level it is set at for the 2004 tax year.  These forms were sent to all seniors receiving the “Senior Homestead Exemption” and many have already applied.  The deadline was August 15, 2005, but we believe the county may honor more requests for a short period of time.   As always, please contact our office with any questions you might have.      

SALT SURVEYText Box:  1.  Do you believe we use too much salt?                                  Yes ____                    No ____            2.  Do you believe we use too little salt?                                                           Yes ____                       No ____              3.  Are you satisfied with the way Township roads are plowed?                    Yes ____                       No ____  4.  Do you live in:         Lake Barrington    ____                                        North Barrington  ____                                        Tower Lakes         ____                                        Other, where __________________                 5. Are you satisfied with how we plow your unincorporated township roads or village roads in Lake Barrington,      North Barrington and Tower Lakes?                                                              Yes ____                       No ____                  Somewhat ____          Comments____________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________                                                                                                                                                                  6.  Sometimes a municipality tries to reduce the roads to bare asphalt immediately after a storm ends by continuing to           apply  salt.  Do you agree with this practice?                                            Yes ____                       No ____  7.  Would you accept roads with some slick spots or snow for a period of time after the storm while waiting for a lesser         amount of salt to “work” with sunshine and traffic?                                       Yes ____                       No ____   8. The heavy application of salt is called “burning off the snow”.  It results in dry, clear roads immediately after a storm.  Do you favor this practice?                                                           Yes ____                       No ____  9.  Are you willing to drive on a small amount of snow on level roads?    Yes ____                         No ____ 10. How about in subdivisions?                                                                            Yes ____                       No ____ 11. Do you live on a cul de sac?                                                                           Yes  ——                      No ____ 12. Are you willing to allow some snow to remain for a few days in a cul de sac to reduce dramatically the use of salt in a cul de sac?                                                                                                   Yes ____                       No ____ 13. Suppose we “burned off the snow” at intersections and dangerous curves and hills and reduced salt usage everywhere else, resulting in you having to drive on some slippery spots or a little snow for a day following a storm.  Do you agree?                                                                                                        Yes ____                    No ____ 14. When do you expect your roads to be bare?                                                 Yes ____                       No ____ 15. How long have you lived in the Barrington area?                                       Yes ____                       No ____ 16. How can we improve winter snow and ice operations?       Comments___________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ 17. If you live in a subdivision, do you mind gravel shoulders?                      Yes _____                     No ____ 18. What would you prefer the shoulders to be made of?    Gravel ____            Dirt & grass ____     Curb & gutter ____ Comments _________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ 19. Has your lawn been damaged by salt? Yes ____ No ____ 20. Has your lawn been damaged by plow blades? Yes ____ No ____ Additional comments_____________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________  

Text Box: In 1918, made evident by records that were found decades later, students in the rural schools were assigned a project to write about the history of their schools and their township.   At that time there were 5 schools in Cuba Township:  Davlin, Honey Lake or Honeycutt, Flint Creek, Kelsey and White.  These schools exist today, converted into residences, but not all are the original buildings from the mid- nineteenth century, nor is the Honey Lake School in its original location.   The 1918 Flint Creek School history contained a description of constructing a balloon frame schoolhouse quoted as it was written in the original record, dated July 29th 1869:                 Balloon Frame               Size 22 by 28 feet   12 feet @ posts   Entry hall 6 feet wide               2 outside doors built strong with heavy fastenings and locks on each door.               One row of lights over each door, 2 inside doors, good panel ones with               suitable fastenings  3 windows on each side 2 at the south and each 12               lights shutters to each window.  Double floor of fence boards.  Building to               be placed on a stone wall said wall commenced 20 inches below the surface               and built up 8 inches above the lowest corners.                 One chimney.                 The whole building to be lathed and plastered between the studs then ceiled               From the floor above the desks and lathed and plastered above finished with               Putty coats.                 2 coats of paint inside lead color, outside white.  Platform in front 4 feet wide               of plank, steps on ends and front suitable for teachers desk on the south end of               the house elevated on a platform 6 feet square 6 inches high said Desk to be               4 feet by 2 feet 6 inches on the top and suitable to hold school apparatus.  …               the lid to have lock hinges on…….                 One seat the entire length of each side of the house 2 rows of Desks on each side               of the house facing the center 4 desks in a row suitable for 2 scholars shelf               under each desk.                 Desk tops to be of Pine standards Iron fastened to the floor 2 benches six feet               long with double backs space between to hold books.  Said benches suitable for               small scholars.   The schoolhouse was insured February 28, 1872 with the Rockford Insurance Company for the term of five years from the date for the sum of $20.  $10 was paid down and balance to be paid the first day of March 1873, payable at  Barrington  Exchange Station.   The balloon frame Flint Creek School burned in the mid-1930s, and was replaced with a red brick school house, which later became a residence and can be seen  today at the curve of Kelsey and Miller Roads.   More about the country schools in the next newsletter.      

Text Box: IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SENIORS

Cuba HeritageText Box: By Barbara Benson

Text Box: Medicare Made Easier Wednesday, October 12, 7:00–9:00 p.m. or Wednesday, October 19, 10:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. Learn about Medicare Part D and other Medicare changes on the horizon in this informational session offered by the Barrington Area Library and the Barrington Area Council on Aging. Senior Health Insurance Program counselors will provide an overview of the upcoming changes and answer your questions. Call BACOA at 847 381-5030 if you have questions regarding Medicare Part D.  

Text Box: Cuba Township loans orthopedic supplies at no charge to Township residents.  Currently many of those supplies are in need of replacement.  If you or someone you know has items to be donated, please contact the Township at (847)381-1924.  Your tax deductible donation will be greatly appreciated.   If you have loaned items from the Township and are no longer using them, please return them promptly, so that others can also benefit from their use.   Thanks!

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Text Box: Highway Commissioner, THOMAS W. GOOCH

Text Box: PLEASE HELP US PROVIDE BETTER SERVICE Salt is not only hard on your clothes, shoes and vehicles, it is terrible for the environment.  It kills roadside grass, damages shrubbery and certainly contributes to the premature death  of trees.   I don’t want to be remembered as the fellow who salted the earth in Cuba Township.  I constantly look for ways to reduce our use of salt.  Three years ago we began using liquid chloride mixed with salt to reduce our salt application.  Two years ago we began installing computerized control systems in our trucks to further reduce the use of salt.  Last year we purchased and began operating trucks with “v boxes” in the dump body which further reduces environmental damage from salt by discharging it wet, closer to the road surface.  We also purchased and placed into service an anti-icing unit which allows us to spray liquid chloride on the road surface before a storm to reduce snow build-up which in turn reduces the use of salt.   We continue to experiment with new materials for snow removal.  We do not mix sand with salt as the sand remains at the end of winter and causes problems in storm sewers.  Further, we have found that the salt becomes so ineffective that we actually end up increasing the use of salt.   I want to conduct a salt survey with the Township and the Villages to get an idea of public opinion on the use of salt and exactly what you, the taxpayer, want in winter services.  The survey questions on the reverse side of this page are designed to gauge the level of service you expect during the winter, the condition you want your roads in, and attitudes about salt.  The questions certainly don’t cover every eventuality.  There is room at the bottom for additional comments. The survey is also available on the Cuba Township Road District website at www.cubaroads.com.   As always, if you want to talk to me on this, or any, subject, my numbers are- (847) 381-7793– Township Road District; (847) 382-1224– home; (847) 508-1201– cell.   Thanks for your participation!  

Text Box: Clerk, PRISCILLA H. ROSE Effective August 22, 2005, HB # 1986 became Public Act #94-0645 upon receiving Governor Blagojevich’s signature.  Following are two important highlights of this new law.    Early Voting-  this part of the new law provides any registered voter the opportunity to vote early, beginning 22 days prior to any election through the 5th day before the election.    Voter registration– changes in the new law permit any eligible Illinois resident , 18 years of age or older, to register to vote with any Deputy Registrar in the State of Illinois.  Formerly, voter registration was permitted only in the county of residence.   More details on Public Act #94-0646 and its impact on voter registration and early voting can be obtained by contacting the Lake County Clerk’s office at (847) 377-2317.   Although the next election is not until March 21, 2006, it’s never too early to consider working at the polls on election day.   Students, as well as adults, are eligible to become election judges.  Students must be at least 17 years of age to be considered for entry into the Student Election Judge Program.   Please contact the Lake Country Clerk’s office at (847) 377-2317 for more information.

Text Box: Officials David F. Nelson, Supervisor Priscilla H. Rose, Clerk Rebecca M. Tonigan, Assessor Thomas W. Gooch, Hwy. Commissioner Donald F. Griffith, Trustee Richard J. Kosner, Trustee Arthur L. Rice III, Trustee Roberta A. Svacha, Trustee