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Band Elite In Concert Some members of the McHenry County honors concert band, from West campus are shown here with their director, John Leighty. They are, left to right, front row, Cassie York, bassoon; Cathy Ahern, clarinet; Barb Grant, alto clarinet; Linda-Bonk, flute; and back row, Tim Oakley, flute; Rick Seymore, trombone; Scott Anderson, alto sax; Mr. Leighty and Jim Robertson, trombone. Musin' And Meanderin Along with the hope that springs eternal for a wonderful world with the start of each new year, not many hours pass before we realize that a change of calendars has just so much power over human behavior. A good example was a van that pulled ahead of us at the stop sign a short time ago. A sign in the rear window read: "CB already stolen". Even before that, we were aware that not all of our problems and frustrations went away with the start of 1978. For instance, the year was only four days old when Milton Pikarsky, RTA chairman, sent us a message that we could look forward to a concentration erf efforts in the suburbs with "new programs, additional train service, and new bus routes". Just about the same time we learned he was stopping train service beyond McHenry (to Ringwood and Richmond) and what was the city of McHenry going to say about parking trains here throughout the night? We're quite sure we could guess what our aldermen would like to say, but to become too vocal might mean a threat to our own service. If the news is not all bad, at least much of it is confusing. One wonders how many of today's innovations will be placed in time capsules for opening a hundred years from now. For instance, there was the page of hair styles appearing in a metropolitan newspaper recently that provided a bigger laugh than the comic strips. They were current styles for there they were in front of us, yet probably not one reader had ever seen, one of these monstrosities on the street. r.And there are organizations it wish to advertise through columns that arouse our rioeity. brand new one is Xaipete (no pronunciation guide) which is a foundation dedicated to "furthering the knowledge of those who seek a greater understanding of Man, Nature and his effect upon the environment". And there is La Boue, a professional company of musicians devoted to the performance of experimental music. The last time we heard that kind of music in rehearsal, we thought one of the performers had lost something deep inside the piano. Instead, she was plucking strings. At any rate, La Boue includes such intriguing titles as "Apteryx" and "EV-GX". Not only is this kind of business mail frustrating, it is downright frightening sometimes. Makes you wonder if you really belong on this planet in the year of 1978. Then comes a heartwarming phone call that puts you straight with the world again. Four young boys ranging in age from 12 to 14, had just finished an li-foot snowman at 721 Lillian street in Cooney Heights. Would we mention their names? Of course we would! Anybody that can make an 11- foot snowman with rocks for eyes and a scarf around his neck-?omething we can relate to after the morning mail- deserves to be recognized. The boys are Ray and Dave Giagnoni, Chris Hopkins and Tony Pogdanowski. Those youngsters have restored our faith that the whole world isn't kooky. . KAF County Board Seek To End Zoning Abuses The McHenry County board acted to change the text of both "E" Estate zoning and "F" Farming district zoning at Tuesday's meeting, but not until about an hour of debate had been held. The changes were made because of a lade of definite frontage requirements in certain sections of the ordinances which have given rise to lot configuration which abuse and avoid the purpose of the ordinance. The abuses have resulted in land use and safety problems involving public health, safety and the general well being of county residents. The major portion of the controversy came over a change for single family residences in the section devoted to "F" Farming district. The amendment brings the frontage requirement to not less than 330 feet, a change from the former wording: "the average width of which is not less than 160 feet". • Thomas Huemann of McHenry had sought to add the words "for housing agriculture workers" to the single family residences to which the frontage applies. His argument was that in many cases the residence may be sold to someone not engaged in agricultural pursuit, and the new residents would receive the benefits of this agricultural zoning. ^ However, after much discussion the majority of members felt such an addition would prove too confusing and thus voted down the proposed wording change of Huemann. The McHenry township board member, apparently frustrated by the lack of support, snapped, "We don't have the guts to stand up for our opinions. I've been in zoning for twelve years and we've never been able to solve this problem". He continued to express his opinion that any five-acre plot with residence not used for agricultural purposes should be rezoned. Among plats approved were two in McHenry township, one of these Weston Lake Estates and the other Razzier's subdivision. Of interest locally was the successful bid of Riverside Laundry, McHenry, to supply linen service for Valley Hi Nursing home. The price was fourteen cents per pound, with delivery* Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Several appointments were approved, one of these being Dr. Raymond Pensinger of Woodstock to the Health & Agriculture committee to replace Dr. Rossetti, who resigned. Dennis Wonderlick of McHenry township was named to replace Earl Schultz, Sr., as an appointment to the McHenry County Regional Planning commission. THE MCHENRY PLAINDEALER SERVING THE CHAIN-O-LAKES REGION SINCE 1875 • INTIUS * Ity l>\ VOLUME 102 NUMBER 50 FRIDAY. JANUARY 20, 1978 1 SECTION 22 PAGES 20' Special School Bond Vote Asks $2,900,000 William Toflson, music director at McHenry high school East campus, discusses the McHenry County Honors concert band with four members from East campus, Dee ana Davis, oboe; Greg Brooke, trumpet; Barb Humann, contrabass clarinet and Laura Kottke, bass clarinet. They will be performing in several January concerts. Band members for the third anpual McHenry County Honors concert band have been selected, in preparation for blic concerts, the concert nd and honors jazz band will rehearse under the direction of Larry Livingston, conductor from the - New England Conservatory of Music in Boston duriiig the week of Jan. 22. On Jan. 27, the bands will give concerts at three high schools in the county, Harry D. Jacobs high school in Algonquin, Huntley high school and Marengo high school. On Sunday, Jan. 29 the honors bands will present a public concert at 3 p.m. in the auditorium at Cary-Grove high school. (Continued on page 20) By a vote of 4 to 3, the board of High School District 156 passed a resolution Tuesday night calling for a special election Feb. 25 for the purpose of voting on a bond issue for a building program at West ctnxipus. The amount was raised to $2,900,000 from the $2,200,000 figure stated earlier. Favoring the resolution were James Althoff, Catherine Alvary, David Benrud and Paul Nitz. In opposition were Edward Neumann, James Tonyan and Henry Nell. The increased amount was asked because of figures resulting from an architectural firm's outline of the proposed expansion.. These, plans included an increase in space to 126.000 ssuare feet, A separate building, with walkway from the main school, would house the vocational area. The upstairs would be devoted to the music department. Another 40,000 square feet of classrooms would be built on the west erf the present building and 22,000 square feet devoted to classroom space on an additional floor in the center of the school. Another 16,000 square feet are pinpointed for physical education stations on the south side, connecting with the pod. The total of 126,000 square feet in new building brings up the cost from the original! 100,000 square feet planned.^- The new expansion could housi 2,300 students at a maximum {jpdtake care of an anticipated five-year growth. There will be about 1,800 students in high school next fall when Johnsfourg students withdraw. Prior to the vote, Althoff Transfer RTA Suit requesting a change of venue. asked each board member to express a personal view of the proposal. Mrs. Alvary said in her opinion the school should not care for more than 1,800 students. "If it goes to 2,200 or 2,300 students, someone will have to pay the price", she continued, "and it will be the students. It becomes like a production line". Neumann said he was against selling East campus. Then he asked how the board could sell $2,900,000 in bonds to the public. The board secretary also expressed his belief that bringing East campus up to life safety could not cost over $2 million. Tonyan, who also voted in opposition to the bond issue, said he doesn't like a large school and he felt a building to house 2,200 to 2,300 was too large. Benrud viewed the sale of East campus and establishing one four-year school as an advantage. "It will get the students out of the downtown area", he concluded. Nitz expressed his opinion, "I believe in one campus, but how do you estimate growth?" At this point, Supt. Robert Swartzloff said the anticipation is for 100 additional students each year in high school for the next five years. Althoff then reviewed the disagreement among members and questioned whether or not a referendum should be hdd in view of the difference of opinions. Nell, who previously had not expressed himself on the subject, pointed out that he would prefer all students under one roof, but would like a survey ballot along with the bond ballot so people could decide whether or not East campus should be sold, probably to the hospital. "If people vote it down"; he continued, "then I would favor going to two four-year schools". Other members then recalled the legal difficulties pointed out to them if a survey ballot accompanies the bond issue. The alternative, which was given an o.k. at the last meeting, was to engage in an extensive public relations effort to get public opinion. The vote followed, resulting in the 4 to 3 expression in favor' of the Feb. 25 referendum. A new East Campus Community Government •pedal privilege bill for a limited number of students who qualify was given the go-ahead by the board but only after revisions were made. In response to a question by (Continued on page 20) Gerasch Petition The suit against the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) by State Representative Cal Skinner, Jr., will be transferred to the Circuit court of Cook county for hearing. That was the decision handed down by Judge Michael Sullivan of the Circuit court of McHenry county Jan. 18, after a motion was filed by the RTA $6,500 Realized In Snowmobile Marathon Both the McHenry and Johnsburg Rescue squads will benefit by large amounts as the result of the "Rescue 50" snowmobile marathon held last Sunday. About $6,500 was raised in the undertaking this year. Sponsored by the Harmony Snowmobile club, 113 snowmobiles participated. The riders left the American Legion grounds at 9:15 in the morning, traveled to just south of Richmond, then went on to Hebron for a stop and back to the Legion dubhose to cover their quota of 50 miles. Jim Wright of the Snow Bugs Snowmobile club raised $1,010.50 as top rider. Jim Hilton of the Hebron Penguins and Walt Low of Harmony Snowmobile club both raised over $500. There will be more complete details at a later date concerning the exact amount collected by the clubs and individuals. Rescind School Use Action Several organizations in tne community are faced with the decision as to whether or not they can afford the new building room rental fees established by High School District 156. These figures were revealed at Tuesday night's board meeting based on results of a co6t study on the use of school facilities. The cafeterias at East and West will cost, on a square foot basis for four hours, $28.83 and $25.88 respectively for non­ profit groups who make a charge. These fees and all others are much higher, sometimes by as much as five or six times, for profit groups. Cafeteria-Kitchen use at East and West are $35.16 and $62.59 for non-profit groups. Classrooms at both campuses run $5. Fees for the East girls' gym is $28.20 and for the boys' gym, $51.69. The West main gym is $91.11 and the West upper gym, $61.70. West auditorium costs are $44.57 for a rehearsal and $89.14 for a production. Custodial charges run $7 an hour extra if organizations remain beyond the regular contract hours. Representatives of several groups that have been using the school facilities were present to learn the new charges. The Senior Citizens club requested an extension of time on the present arrangement, but board members felt all organizations must be treated equally. As members viewed the figures, President James Althoff asked if anyone wanted to rescind prior action limiting use of the schools to students and McHenry County college. Henry Nell, who had made the original motion, said he would move to rescind and the board agreed. The Hebron Penguins rode to benefit the Hebron Recue squad and the amount raised by their riders will total approximatdy $1,100 to $1,200. A presentation date for money collected will be announced later. First Driver Refresher Course Of '78 Starts Soon James Jansen of the McHenry Senior Citizens dub, coordinator for the drivers' refresher course, advises that the first series for 1978 is scheduled to begin Thursday, Jan. 26, and continue Thursday. Feb. 2, and Thursday, Feb. 9. There are three sessions to each series, each hdd at the' McHenry Council chambers, from 10 a.m. to noon. The course is for senior citizens who will be having to renew their driving licenses in the near future. It is not necessary to belong to the McHenry Senior Citizens club to participate. It is open to all senior dtizens in the area, free of charge. For registration, or further particulars, call James W. Jansen. Present Proposed Shopping Center When the City Council met Monday night, aldermen were presented with written information containing details on a proposed shopping center at the northwest corner of Rt. 120 and Chapel Hill road. Called the Chapel Hity Square, the property comprises about 8 acres. N -j The suit filed by Rep. Skinner and three other individuals is an attempt to prohibit the RTA from imposing its recent addition to the gas tax in McHenry county. It was the second time in a month that the suit had been brought to court. The RTA stated in its request for a change of location for the hearing that under the civil practice act, venue, which is the location where a matter can be heard, must be in the county where the principal office of the firm, corporation, or agency is located. The main office of the RTA is in Cook county. According to Judge Sullivan, Chapter 110, Section 7, of the Illinois Statutes, mandates that the hearing be transferred to Cook county. A date and place for the hearing will now be determined by the Circuit court of Cook county. & Zoning Board Forced To Rescind Recommendation The City of McHenry Zoning Board of Appeals was forced to rescind its recommendation to the City Council to grant a zoning variance to Barbara Gerasch for the purpose of constructing a residence with office facilities following a special meeting Monday night Jan. 16. Board Member Edward Paries asked for the special meeting in order that he could withdraw his previous vote of "yes" which he had rendered at the zoning hearing on Dec. 29. Parks was forced to disqualify himself due to his business association with Terry Mohr, attorney representing Ms. Gerasch. Zoning Board of Appeals by-laws prohibit Parks from casting his ballot. Ms. Gerasch had asked the zoning board to grant a variance that would enable her to build a residence on two vacant lots in the 1600 block of N. Park street, and conduct her telephone answering service from the premises. The lots are currently zoned R-l, Residential. The board had voted five to one to recommend approval of the request for variance at the Dec. 29 meeting, with one member of the board absent. However, Parks was forced to withdraw his vote, leaving the board with only four affirmative votes. Five "yes" votes are necessary for the board to recommend affirmative action to the Council. Board Member Clint Claypool voted"no" at the previous meeting, and another member of the board, Don Williams, was not present. At the Monday meeting, Chairman Ron Wilkins was absent, so according to Acting Chairman Jim Fouse, a re-vote could not be taken because the board would not have the necessary five "yes" votes. After questioning Attorney Mohr, it was determined that Ms. Gerasch did not want to postpone the hearing until the return of Wilkins, when the entire board would be present. A further meeting was scheduled for Feb. 10, at which time discussion of the matter will continue. Two Lancer Rezoning Requests Approved By City Council Monday The voted it* < Monday night to approve the Lancer corporation request for rezoning on two petitions presented by Neil Hunter, president of the firm. The Zoning Board of Appeals had recommended that the request for reclassification of the zoning be allowed. The Lancer corporation had presented three petitions to the city. The first petition dealt with a classification of B-l, Commercial, for 31 acres of property at the corner of Rt. 120 and Draper road. The second petition dealt with the Planned Unit Development along Boone creek. According to Hunter, this petition was not ready to be presented to the Council. The third petition was concerned with 30 acres which are to be used /or Multi-family housing with a zoning of R-4, Multi-family. The Council voted unanimously to accept a motion made by Alderman George Harker that the two zoning classifications be adopted. Hunter told the Council that the other petition will be presented at the next regular Council meeting. In other Council news, an attorney representing the Fritsch-Stilling request for annexation, asked for a date for a combined meeting before the Planning commission, the Zoning board, the Council and the public. The combined meeting will be a conference and a public hearing regarding the request for annexation to satisfy the city's ordinances. The Council moved to set Feb. 7 at 8 p.m. for the meeting. Tom Pender spoke to the Council regarding the construction of benches throughout the city for pedestrians and shoppers. Pender stated that approximately fifty benches would be securely fastened to sidewalks throughout the dty for use by the people. An advertisement would be placed on each of the benches. Alderman Nolan stated that she thought it would be a beautiful gesture and would be greatly appreciated by the residents. Alderman Ray Smith mentioned that the benches should be placed only at locations approved by the Superintendent of Public Works. A question was raised by Alderman Bill Bolger as to whether city ordinance prohibits benches on city sidewalks. Mayor Stanek suggested to Pender that he allow the Council more time to look into the matter and to come back to the Council at a later date with more specific information regarding the placement of the benches. The License committee reported to the Council that McHenry-Woodstock Disposal had requested a rate increase. According to Alderman Bolger, representatives of the firm had requested a seventy- five cent increase per month, raising the charge to $4.75 per month. They would also eliminate the four container limit currently imposed. Bolger stated that the committee recommended approval of the request stating that the last increase by the scavenger service was two years ago for twenty-fiVe cents. The Council voted to grant the pay increase with all Council members voting in favor of the increase with the exception of Alderman Sehoolev, who passed. The License committee also reported that the Easter Seal foundation had ' requested March 18 be reserved for a tag day and that Imperial Catering Service had asked for a one- year license. The License committee recommended that both requests be granted and the Council unanimously agreed The question regarding the need for an ambulance (Continued on page 20) i v