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# ' i ^ Salaries Unresolved Problem Of County Board , The question of salaries for county board members and for employees of several departments in county government proved a thorny one last Tuesday. The result was an adjourned meeting to April 25, when members will arrive at a decision. Tuesday's meeting was one of the last meetings of the old board. Newly elec ted members will be sea ted in May. Although a study of the Fees and Salaries committee resulted in a recommendation that the per diem of new county board members and of the chairman remain as previously adopted, some members dissented. The present salary of the county chairman is $12,000. Mem­ bers elected last year have been paid $25 on a per diem basis, while older members were forced to accept the $20 in effect when they took office. During the discussion on members' salaries, Charles "Chuck" Weingart of McHenry, chairman of the Fees and Salaries committee, spoke of the inequities in salaries of employees in the various departments. After more views were expressed, the board decided to set the adjourned meeting for final action. Approval was given to the bid of $80,000 made by Atty. R.A. Stueben of McHenry for the Class flats. The next low bid sub­ mitted was that of Dr. Becker in the amount of $75,000. Through a delay in the mails, the special delivery letter sent by the McHenry lawyer failed to arrive until two hours after the two other bids had been opened. However, the State's Attorney's opinion was that this was not the fault of the bidder and thus his offer should be considered. The opinion was asked after Dr. Becker made an objection. The only other bidder was Matt Stahl for $53,750. Although there were bids of $40,000 by a trust in the First National Bank of Woodstock for the courthouse, and another of $152,470 by the city of Woodstock for the annex, no action was taken on the sale of either building. A resolution was passed, asking the proper state departments for an accelerated highway construction program affecting McHenry county. The board feels it necessary to exert its in­ fluence in order toshare in state funds allotted for highways. The freeways in question are Federal Rt. 201, from Waukegan to Richmond; Fox Valley, a north-south road extending from Rt. 201 through the Ringwood road area, south to Lockport, 111; and the Harvard-Evans ton highway, running from Lake Forest to northwest of Crystal Lake and on to Harvard Mrs. John Mulligan, representing the McHenry County Defenders, was present to ask several questions concerning the highway construction She asked who was pushing the board into urging for the program, pointing to a farm operating under a trust in the Richmond area as a possible source. She also asked the effect of such a highway program on the area's ecology and also aesthetically. The Defenders member stressed her opinion that further study is needed before rushing into such extensive highway cons truction. The matter of engineering recommendations provoked considerable comment from certain board members when a (Continued on page 18) THE MCHENRY PLAINDEALER "SERVING THE CHAIN-O-UAKES REGION SINCE 1875 LCONTEST | VOLUME 96 NUMBER 74 FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 1972 20 PAGES TEN CENTS Problem: Schools-Outlet Road t* Development Plans In Deadlock ^ ^ ^ ^ -- MMMMMMTHp miPC ttAtl rS tit* # l\7 1 H 1 IT Cf Q C ro 1 HO Ar Pocll fr*r riicfr Local elections, whether they are for city or schools, have a way of resulting in con­ siderable sidewalk superint­ endent judgments after the votes are counted. This year was no exception. There are dangers in too much analysis, for politics on all levels remains an elusive game for which no one has yet found all the answers. Even the usually predictable projections made from samplings in key areas fail to give early results in primary votes where the final tally is not between the two major parties but within one *t them. Nevertheless, the inquisitive minds of humans being what they are, people will continue to predict and they will continue to analyze after the last vote is counted In the case of new can didates, most folks conclude that he (or she) has won because l) he has relatives by the score; 2) he is well known and has friends; 3) he belongs to a number erf organizations which gave him support; or 4) he promised to cut taxes. In spite of the fact that these reasons may sound a bit humorous as an argument for winning, the truth is that probably all of them con­ tributed, together with the fact that the victors worked hard to get people to the polls. Probably more can be learned in the voting for those who have served us one or more terms. It is clear that in spite of grumblings over the per­ formance of any particular governmental group, the in­ cumbent has something going for him. Through repetition in newspaper accounts, his name is better known and the sad fact remains that there are some loyal voters who consistently stick with the old cliche, "to know him is to love him". He gets this kind of vote every time. But in spite of everything, there is much to be learned from elections. If a candidate is returned to office it should mean that the public is not dissatisfied with his per­ formance in office. However, if his vote has slipped from the previous election, it should tell him that somewhere along the line he has probably failed to fulfill some of the promises made. But if, perchance, his popularity rises after a term in office where thousands of constituents must be pleased, it's a good bet he is on the right track Of course, even this analysis applies only topositions outside big politics, where such in­ cidentals as patronage enter intowhois.and who is not going to be elected. On the lower level, where salaries are small, or non­ existent as in the case of school boards, there is something to be learned from elections. The wise effice seeker will read the signs and take heed! K A F. LIGHTS OUT The west part of the city was without lights for about ten seconds shortly after 7:30 Wednesday night. Com­ monwealth Edison company said the failure was due to a short in the aerial cable. CHERYL NUSS CANDIDATE » Cheryl Nuss, lfi, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Nuss, is the fourteenth entry in the McHenry Marine Festival queen contest. A junior at M.C.H.S., she enjoys reading, baking, 'cycling, dancing, bowling, roller skating rfnd swimming. She works at the local hospital during her spare time. Cheryl plans to attend McHenry county college with a career of data processing in mind. Evaluate Gifted Program In School; Plan For Future Evaluation of the In­ dependent Study Program, Illinois State Gifted Program, and plans for its extension in the schools of District 15 oc­ cupied considerable time at the meeting of that board Tuesday right. A report stating the views of the program as carried out in Etlgebrook school, presented by Dr. Merle E. Baker for Bd use ope. Inc., was submitted to members. Dr. Baker gave his general impressions and listed rejj<*mmkndations. An evaluation by a qualified outside educator is necessary torecferre state aid. District 15 expectrtafreMize $5,670 to help in carrying out--^-next year's project, based on an average daily attendance of 2.834 and the district's equalized assessed valuation per pupil of $25,981.92. The school's own addendum to the Illinois plan proposal also was released regarding the third and final year of the In­ dependent Study Program. The proposal next year will be for an entirely new project for gifted children. At the end erf the year, the I S.P. will be an operational phase of the curriculum in all schools. The fall of 1972 will see an extension <rf the program in new targetschools, Junior high and Valley View. Valley View will have first grade teachers and students participating, McHenry Junior high will implement the program in ,sixth and seventh grades and 'fidgebrook school will operate the program in grades l through 5. Lester Smith, a new member of the board questioned how this new type program in the m-grade schools could be troduced into the high school. He expressed his opinion that local high school facilities do not always allow for individual study. Smith especially cited the library, commenting that there is not always room for these who wish to spend extra time working in that area. It was explained that the cooperative effort undertaken toward a unified school program which involves all local feeder schools to M C .H .S. should make the transition successful. To bring about an open concept of teaching at Valley View and Hilltop schools, some alterations will be made in particular rooms to be used in this modern approach to education. So that a more home-like atmosphere will (Continued on page 18) Burglaries, Vandalism In McHenry Area Investigated PLAN FOR LIBRARY WEEK - Mrs. Lynn Stuart, McHenry city librarian, is shown holding a sample copy of poster to be used in the second annual "If I Were the Artist" contest now being promoted by the local library. In foreground is a large painted poster of the same design. Children are particularly urged to participate ir, the contest with the start (rf National Library Week, April It through 22. « PL A1NDEALFH PHOTO Mrs. Lynn Stuart, city librarian, this week announced rules for the second annual "If I Were the Artist" contest open to all primary and elementary age children. Mrs. Stuart stressed the importance cf obtaining entry forms at once so they may be completed and returned to the library by May l. The official entry forms may be colored in any fashion. When they are returned, Mrs. Stuart will forward them to the artist. (Continued on page 18) Party-Happy Woman Cut In Jump Out Window Sunday morning about 1 o'clock, McHenry police of­ ficers were called to Kane avenue after it was reported that a scantily clad woman with a blanket over her had come to the door of a residence, shouting for help. She screamed that someone was trying tokill her. When the door was opened, the woman fell unconscious into the home. When officers arrived, they reported the woman appeared to be either intoxicated or on drugs. She was hysterical and completely irrational. Further investigation revealed that she had attended a party and had become inebriated, causing her to become hysterical and violent. Earlier in the evening, she had cut her hand in an attempt to jump out of a window. The woman was taken to the McHenry hospital for treat­ ment. Last Thursday morning about 1:30 am, deputies on routine patrol discovered the alarm ringing at the Village Market, 4405 E. Wonder Lake road, Wonder Lake Initial inspection of the premises failed to turn up any evidence rf forced entry However when the owner arrived to silence the alarm, he discovered that wooden bars securing a side door had been removed and the door opened When the store was opened for business the next morning, the owner found that some meat had been removed from the counter and placed in a bag which was left on the floor The offender apparently fled the scene before his mission was completed Ronald P. Weed reported that a burglary had occuried at his place of business. R&D Heating, at 1801 E. Route 120, McHenry, sometime after midnight Friday. Weed had been called on a service call Friday evening about 8:30. When he returned several hours later, he discwered the front door had been kicked in. Missing from the premises was a 200 watt generator. It could not be immediately determined if any other items were missing Dave R. Wilcox of 334 Riverside drive, McHenry, reported that Sunday night, two neighboring youths had been allowed to use his home. Upon their departure, he discovered that a stereo speaker was missing. Evidence indicated that the bedrooms had been ransacked but all that was missing were two checks from a checkbook. Wilcox told deputies that similar incidents have been experienced in the past when a steel tape measure and a transistor radio were stolen It has not been deter­ mined if the guests were responsible for the theft. Further investigation is being made. Vandals caused an estimated $2,500 damage to equipment owned by Commonwealth Edison company which was located near Fernwood sub­ division on South River road, south of McHenry. The damage was reported last Wednesday af ternoon Three weeks ago. a spotting crew discovered that insulators had been damaged on several cf their high voltage towers in that area Further in vestigation revealed that a (Continued on page 18) Construction At Pioneer Center Construction moves ahead rapidly on the new addition for Pioneer Center at McCullom Lake. Board members discuss brick chosen for the exterior as workmen speed ahead to meet the summertime completion deadline. From left, the Rev. Marx Jones, chairman of the building committee; Raymond Rohlwing, treasurer; John W. Maselter, vice-president; and Louis Aiello, president. (DON PEASLEY PHOTO) The question of providing acreage or cash for school districts resulted in a stalemate between the McHenry City Council, school officials and McHenry Development, Inc., at a special meeting held Monday night at the city hall. The development corporation is seeking approval of a pre-annexation and zoning agreement for approximately 140 acres of land north of the city known as the Jacob Freund farm In order to afford school officials time to meet with their at­ torneys and board members, the Council moved to adjourn the meeting until Tuesday evening, April 25. at which time the parties involved will reconvene to hopefully render their nnal decision. The deadlock developed after Ralph Edgar and Dennis Rintz cf the corporation presented a comprehensive tax study of the property in question. It is their contention that because of the l(*v density of school age children, coupled with the slow rate of development and high quality assessed valuation, McHenry Development by 1978 will produce estimated taxes of $1,347 per elementary child. Annual cost of educating an elementary child is approximately $700, thus resulting in an estimated annual surplus per child of $647. Annual surplus from the development was figured at $236,155. Taxes paid by the development per high school child was estimated at $6,246. Cost of educating a high school child is about $1,300. If estimates are correct, this would leave an estimated annual surplus per child of $4,946 or an annual surplus from the development cf $276,976 Attorney for the developers, Joseph A. Conerty, Jr., com­ mented . He stated because erf the high assessed valuation of the property and whereas the commercial area of 18.1 acres when developed will have an estimated assessed value of 3 million dollars, along with 25 acres which is slated for an industrial complex which when completed will have an estimated assessed value of $3 million dollars, his clients feel this study shows McHenry Development will be an important asset to the school districts and the community as a whole. Furthermore, they pointed out that the commercial and industrial complexes will not generate any children into the system but will pay high tax moneys into the community. In addition, the advent of increased sales tax to the community is another important factor. Edgar commented that his corporation "was not prepared or inclined to make a cash contribution". Henry Nell, Jr., president of the grade school board, argued that projected enrollment studies for District 15 indicate that a new school will be needed in the next two years. "This will cost approximately one million dollars to the school district." he stated. Alderman Joe Stanek urged the Council to proceed with caution regarding agreements between developers and school officials "We must be very cautious," he warned, "because we have three more developments coming before us in the very near future and depending on what we do here, we might be setting a precedent." "I personally feel that the school districts will need a school site in the near future", Edgar explained, "and that is something that makes reasonably, logically good sense to me." He agreed they would donate a five-acre plot to the district. Superintendent Richard Swantz of High School District 156, interjected that this land donation would be for an elementary school, whichwould notprofit the high school district Swantz informed members of the Council and spectators that a set of guidelines developed by the City Council and school boards had been prepared to present to all new subdivision developers. The request for contributions are based on two things: l-Land donation to offset costs of building schools and buying land (mostly for the elementary school) and 2-Cash donation for students generated by the development. The districts have been working with the Illinois School Consulting agency of Naperville, which furnished them with facts and figures for the guideline study. Swantz stated the schools were asking $500 per pupil as a cash donation to help get through the first year. Atty Conerty emphasized that it would be illegal to demand a contribution from a developer before approving annexation. "Illinois law do^s not apply here and you have no such ordinance in your city." he continued School officials said they realized this fact but they felt it was their obligation "toappeal to the social conscience of developers to a point " The main point school officials kept referring to was the fact that the tax lag is from 1'2 to 2years in the school districts. For example, if a building is erected in 1972, tax bills will not be sent until January, 1973, and the tax money will not be paid to the schools until January. 1974 Meanwhile, students will be en­ tering the schools in 1972 when the buildings are completed. This means the school must educate these children for a year and a half without receiving any additional funds. Depending on the number of children entering the school system, this could be a very sizable amount. The developers contend that this tax lag situation would not apply to them because they are prepared to start next month with their industrial complex This, they say, would pay tax money into the districts without generating any children They don't anticipate construction of an apartment unit until 1973 When completed and occupied, this would introduce about nineteen elementary and three high school students into the system There would be no tax lag, they contend, because the districts will have already received revenue from the industrial complex Swantz informed the Council: "We want to be reasonable but we do not want to provide the community with a hardship situation by curtailing services or curriculum or asking for another tax increase We need time to study the proposals w hich were presented tonight because we really haven't had the op porturaty." Alderman Bill Bolger expressed his opinion that the developer should have notified the school board of their proposals prior to the meeting This w ould have enabled school officials to appear at the meeting better prepared i don't think i t is too much to ask them to make an agreement (Continued on page 18)