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THE MCHENRY PLAINDEALER "SERVING THE CHAIN-O-LAKE S REGION SINCE 1875; VOLUME 100 NUMBER 110 FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 1976 1 SECTION 18 PAGES 20* Street Extension Debated Serves County McHenry Man Named Zoning Officer (Jlenn Peterson of 1639 N Park McHenry, has topped a field of sixteen aspirants to be named to the important post of building and zoning enforcing officer for the county His J selection was announced as an ' unanimous decision following an executive session of the McHenry County board Tuesday The original field of sixteen had been narrowed to two, . Peterson and Frank J. Rezabek, Nunda township assessor, prior to the meeting. George Starr, a board member from Crystal Lake, complained that a committee vote on the two had been in secret. He asked for a delay in making an appointment because of the legal question raised ^ However, Thomas Huemann of Johnsburg asked for a suspension of rules so that a vote could be taken. The entire board went into executive session to discuss the two candidates, followed by the open vote. Peterson replaces Raymond McCann of ^Voodstock, who is moving from the area. He was named for a one-year term at a starting salary of $13,500. Peterson has been employed as building inspector for the city of McHenry for several years. He has resigned from that position and will start his new work about Sept. 1. The new appointee is also McHenry township fire chief and will retain that position. Much discussion was devoted to the recommendation of the Purchasing and Insurance committee, headed by Cal Skinner, Sr., to appoint James Frisch as director of insurance to serve until the January, 1977, meeting of the board. The proposal followed another committee request that the board approve the new designation of director of in­ surance to replace insurance consultant. The stipulated employment rate of pay was $40 per hour, with the director to have authority as delegated to him by the committee and the County board. At present, the county pays $170,000 in insurance premiums each year. Member Ronald Morris of Harvard said he believed an insurance agent could do the job equally as well without the need to expend additional money. Skinner's response was that an insurance agent would feel an allegiance toward his company above that of the governmental agency in­ volved, therefore, the county would probably benefit financially by the director of insurance. „ members questioned wjiether the amount of com­ pensation at $40 per hour might not be prohibitive, and there was a suggestion that a limit be' set of $5,500 per year. Skinner said he felt the cost could be kept at about $3,000. Board members noted that an inventory of material to be insured had been made in the various departments but was not assembled, a necessary step for coverage. Action was postponed on a recommendation to establish the initial maximum salary of an administrative assistant , on adopting rules pertaining to this assistant and com­ pensation of the County board chairman; and also a resolution pertaining to railroad crossing Some members said they had not been informed sufficiently ahead of the Tuesday meeting to become well acquainted with the proposals The administrative assistant would be a new position, the appointee to be named to assist the chairman of the board and be under his direct supervision. Regarding compensation for the County board chairman. These are some of the many Edgebrook Heights residents attending Monday's City Council meeting to express their opinions on the proposed extension of Sorensen road to connect with Anne street in that subdivision. Property owners on Anne street oppose making it a through-street but other residents in the area feel it Skinner objected to the per diem pay basis for the reason that it would be possible for the individual holding this office to call a per diem payment each time he chose to conduct business over the telephone. The railroad resolution would be sent to the State of Illinois, as McHenry county's request to erect protective flashing signals at every significant railroad crossing maintained for public use in the state Further discussion and study on all proposals will take place before a vote is held The board passed a resolution, pending approval by the Planning and Finance committees, making ap­ plication for a comprehensive planning assistance grant (Continued on page 16) Last week Tuesday, officers and board members of the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce adopted a resolution "to approve and support the city to erect a two- way bridge over the Fox river." In other words, their action endorsed the necessity for removing the old Pearl street bridge about which there has been great controversy. As much respect as we have for this organization (also for governmental agencies directly involved in this project) we do not believe this support makes the decision a correct one. Sentiment aside, we would consider few problems so serious that it would be necessary to further congest the area by having two major bridges only a block apart. Not with the anticipated use of both. Few people favoring the new bridge seem eager to visit with us on the subject. However, one person highly in favor of the new installation admitted she didn't like to become involved in the heavy Rt. 120 bridge traffic and would simply refuse to drive a mile or two north to an interchange if there should be one installed on Chapel Hill road. Maybe we are spoiled! Last week's informational /meeting to discuss the impact Iof the 420 freeway and related matters, convinced us there are more traffic problems ahead. Unfortunately, local leaders too oftefr are left to solve those problems created by larger governmental agencies, such as the case of the FAP 420 project. ' Another under discussion at the same meeting was the new state park to the southeast of the city which adds to the traffic problem locally. One official referred to it as "a giant down there. They just put it there and told the county to solve the problems with traf­ fic." This meeting was requested by County board member, Thomas Huemann, who ex­ pressed his concern over the (Continued on page 16) would take some traffic off High street and Dale avenue. A motion to extend the street failed Monday night but the proposal will be presented again at the next Council meeting. STAFF PHOTO-BARBARA GILPIN The City Council chamber was filled with residents from Edge brook HeightN Monday night, mainly property owners on Anne street They were there to present their views on a proposal before the Council to extend Sorensen lane east to hook up with Anne street and make it a through-street bet­ ween Route 31 and Green street • Anne street residents were vigorously opposed to the through-street proposal but High street and Dale avenue residents seemed to favor the proposal because it would take some of the traffic off their streets. During the hour long debate on the proposal, aldermen and audience members expressed their opinions. Aldermen James Wegener and LaVerne Hromec were absent from the meeting, which proved to be an important factor when a vote was taken. When Mayor Stanek called for an end to the discussion, Alderman Edward Datz, chairman of the Plan com­ mission, on the recom­ mendation of that commission, moved that Sorensen lane be improved and connected to Anne street. Alderman Walther Schaedel seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, Aldermen Bolger, Pepping and Smith cast negative votes and Aldermen Harker, Datz and Schaedel were in favor. On a tie vote, the Mayor must cast the deciding vote. He said "yes". That resulted in a vote of 4-3 in favor of the proposal At this point City Attorney Bernard Narusis, who had been hurriedly paging through an Illinois Statute book, conferred with Mayor Stanek, who then announced the motion had failed because of a legal technicality. Narusis explained that the statutes require the motion must pass with a majority vote of "all the elected City Council . -members, not just those present at a meeting." Therefore, a vote of five in favor of the motion is required. After the vote was taken, Mayor Stanek called a five- minute recess. During that time, the matter was discussed between some Council mem­ bers and members of the audience.% It was during those discussie^s that residents of Sorensen lane decided they wanted to present the matter .ugain aI the next Council vti?1neeting m* the hope all aldermen would be present. At the request of some aldermen, it was pointed out that more detailed facts and a sketch of the area should be presented by Alderman Datz, who made the presentation Monday night Datz promised he would have these ready for the next meeting Aug 30 Datz opened Monday night's meeting with an explanation of what Sorensen lane residents wanted. They had donated the land necessary to make the proposed street the proper width and had deposited $6,000 with the city clerk as 10 percent of the estimated cost of bringing the road up to city standards. Mr. Pat Amici approached the Council sometime ago to request permission to re-plat some of the land in that area to put homes there, Stanek ex­ plained. It was a matter of contention whether or not the city should participate in the cost of creating a road there and whether or not it would benefit the community, he pointed out. "Some aldermen felt there would be no public beneift if we didn't flow traffic from Green to Route 31. A proposal by objectors was to put a cul-de- sac there but there is not enough land for that',, Stanek noted. "This is the dilemma we face today," Stanek said. He noted the matter had been dragging on for six to eight months now. As an indication of good will, Stanek said the Council in­ formed the people on Sorensen lane what would be required of them to put in a seal coat street with proper surface drainage. "The question here," Stanek commented, "is do we we want to keep our word to these people? Do we want to reconsider9 Is there benefit for the city with a deadend street there? Is it worth our par­ ticipation7" Alderman Pepping com­ mented that he firmly believed the people on Sorensen land should have a paved street. (Continued on page 16) GOOD NEWS - Glenn Peterson of McHenry displays a happy smile after receiving telephone call informing him he has received appointment as new building and zoning enforcing officer for McHenry county. The appointment was made at Tuesday's monthly meeting of the County board. STAFF PHOTO-WAYNE GAYLORD Spring Grove Church Observes 75th Year Plans go forward for the celebration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of St. Peter's parish, Spring Grove, Sept. 4. The tragic loss by fire of St. John the Baptist church in Johnsburg in the early 1900's provided the impetus for the establishment of St. Peter parish in Spring Grove. This was done the following year. Prior to 1900, when the huge Johnsburg church was destroyed, Catholics north of that McHenry county com­ munity were considered to be St. the part ot •inutA pariSTi. group of about thirty families, most of them in Spring Grove, met and agreed that a church at Spring Grove, situated about four and one-half miles north of Johnsburg,* could be more convenient for them. A committee composed of Nicholas Freund, John Wagner, Martin Freund and William Carey called on Ar­ chbishop Feehan in Chicago and sought his permission to (Continued on page 3) CB Radios Popular Target In McHenry Area Thefts CB radios were reportedly taken from two vehicles last week. One radio was taken from the pickup truck of Carl Macek Awaits Sentence Richard Macek, 29. formerly of 2017 Woodlawn Park drive, McHenry, pleaded guilty to charges of attempted murder and aggravated battery in Circuit court at Woodstock Tuesday morning He will be sentenced by Judge Charles Parker after the judge receives a pre-sentence report which he had requested It was reported Macek pleaded guilty against the advice of his counsel and without any plea agreement. The charges against Macek were in connection with an attack on a 20-year-old Woodstock girl, Sharon Kulisek She was severely beaten at a Woodstock self- service laundromat about 2 o'clock the morning of July 26, 1975. She remained in critical condition inuthe intensive care unit of Rockford Memorial hospital for several days She has since recovered. Macek was arrested within hours of the attack. He pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder and aggravated bat­ tery charges and was released on $200,000 bond offered by his mother with her home. Macek was scheduled to appear for trial Nov. 17 but failed to show up. In December, he was located in California and brought back to this area by Wisconsin authorities who had charges of murder, rape, sexual perversion and felony (Continued on page 16) Felde of 617 Dowell road, McHenry, sometime Wed­ nesday night. Two men were seen leaving the area east- bound on Dowell road A search of the area failed to locate the offenders. Kent Pahlke of 400 Northlake road, McHenry, reported that a CB radio was taken from his auto early Sunday morning. The car was parked at his residence when the theft oc­ curred. Russell Johnson of 1104 River Terrace. McHenry, told county police a CB radio was taken from his auto while it was parked at his residence sometime Sunday night. A home under construction at 6921 Prospect Place, Spring Grove, was broken into last weekend Among the tools reported missing by William Link, the builder, were an electric saw, an electric drill, a tool box containing assorted tools and twelve new door knobs. Before leaving the premises, the offender poured paint thinner and paint on the plywood flooring. Max Sanders of 4817 Flanders road, McHenry, reported that (Continued on page 16) GEORGE MALLY RESIGNS The board of the Family Service and Mental Health Clinic of McHenry county Wednesday evening accepted, with regret, the resignation of George Mally, its director since 1964. Mally cited poor health as his reason for leaving Headquarters for the clinic are on Waukegan road, McHenry, where the board meeting was held. School Board Approves Career Center Vote Following an exchange of opinions in regard to the proposed McHenry County Area Vocational center, the board of High School District 156 Tuesday night passed a resolution calling for a public referendum Oct. 2. It will ask response on a proposal to construct facilities for the center, which will serve the entire county. With two board members absent, the vote was 4 to 1 in favor. The only negative vote was cast by Dan McNulty, a new member on the board who expressed his opinion that it would be best to settle problems within the district before entering into the county program. Henry Nell commented, "I don't really approve of it either", but added he felt the public should have an opportunity to express an opinion and for that reason he supported the referendum. The tax limit is .05 per cent and the vote is scheduled Oct. 2. Board members were informed the local district could withdraw following the referendum and no tax would be binding on the district. The referendum only authorizes the board to sell bonds for participation in the Area Career center program. Should the vote pass in the county but fail in a particular district, the governing school board (District 156 in McHenry) has an opportunity to review its position on whether or not it desires to remain in the program. Prior to the vote, McNulty asked what percentage of students from the local district would be taking part. Supt Richard Swantz noted that county-wide the figure is about 35 per cent but McHenry may not meet that figure. Swantz continued, "I believe in the concept. There are twenty- one programs and no individual school could possiblev give that coverage". David Benrud, the District 156 board representathe on the Career Center county committee, spoke in support of the proposal. He said in one area of study in particular, Airplane Mechanics, there is a wide field of employment because of the large number of airports in the Chicago area. Although figures on the past school year are not yet available, it was revealed that over 50 per cent of the Building Trades class members the previous year had remained with the building trade following graduation. "This training helps prevent drop-outs, Benrud reflected. Copies of the tentative budget were distributed, indicating an estimated revenue of $6,744,000 and estimated expenditures of $6,664,000 for the year ahead. Although this leaves a surplus of $79,000, the schools will remain in the red even though the district is making inroads on a trailing deficit that has existed since moving into the West campus school in the late sixties. The tentative budget will be available for public inspection at 3926 W. Main street until 7 o'clock on the evening of Sept. 21, when a hearing will be held in the administration building at the same address. Student handbooks were distributed, showing few changes, and were approved by the board This action provides administrators with the necessary authority to enforce student regulations. Most of the changes related to a more structured school day at West campus. Dr. James Warren, assistant superintendent of District 113, Deerfield-Highland Park high schools, was present to review that board policy as it pertains to a reduction in staff. District 156 will be faced with this problem during the withdrawal of Johnsburg students. Administrators pointed out that the procedure has significant implications for the qulaity of education in the district, and will directly affect as many as thirty teachers. Dr. Warren pointed out three steps followed in his school system in an effort at fairness. The first is to retain teachers on the basis of need rather than seniority; the second, to retain the teacher with the highest degree; or three, if both are the same, retain the teacher with greater seniority. Action was taken on the employment of new teachers. This included Jeff Clayton, Art teacher; Michael Holm, Business Education, James Aull, Basic Skills, and Wayne Bahr, Power Mechanics, all at West. The resignation of Thomas Joynt, assistant superintendent, was accepted with regret. The board also accepted the resignation of Mrs. Ethel Johnson, educational assistant at West, who served the school system for seven years Approval was given to the employment of an assistant girls' athletic softball coach. Before the vote, board members were informed that McHenry is one of only two schools in the North Suburban conference that plays only one level (varsity) of girls softball. As a result, about twenty girls are being prevented from participation. Coaching assignments for the year ahead were announced Copies of the recently completed district audit and management letter were viewed, resulting in some discussion of the need for closer watch over the activity fund at East campus. The board gave its okay to purchase a metal lathe for East campus. In the absence of President James Althoff and Secretary Catherine Alvary, their positions were taken by Edwin Neumann and David Benrud, respectively.