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rKneiuyj « Since 1875 dindGdiCtir 2 Sections 30 Pages PHOTO WAYN£ GAYLORD Meet on traffic control In response to concern Appetites are always goocf at the city there were two friends providing a beach, and dinner time is any time a treat. Canisters will soon be placed in duck lover strolls by with a handout, stores to collect money to buy com for The day the photographer stopped, the ducks. Community task force emerges from teenage drug, alcohol abuse meeting by Donna Bertulis The organization of a community task force was the result of a second town meeting held last week, addressing the problem of teenage drug and alcohol abuse. Nearly 100 people who gathered at McHenry West Campus to watch the public television special "The Chemical People" agreed to form a community group to the growing epioemic. It be one of thousands of task forces across the United States addressing the chemical abuse problem in the years to come. The goal of the1 two-part chemical With the advice of local experts in the fields of law enforcement, mental health, medicine and education, the McHenry task force had the difficult job of choosing its first projects. Over 30 "critical issues" specifically relating to the problem in this area were recognized. The group agreed that there are some situations existing in the McHenry area, which, first of all, complicate and even encourage local young people to turn to drugs and alcohol. In the coming months, they want to focus their attention to these subjects to see if the situations abuse: "tackling a large problem b; cutting it i cutting it down to size." Thr< this method of community action, persons will be given an outlet to fight drug ana alcohol abuse, and its ill effects. It is human nature to deny the problem, or to look for someone else to blame, said First Lady Nancy Reagan, host of the programs. But chemical abuse is a community problem. Task forces are strong because they can do things no one can do alone. Anyone who cares can be a member of the group. In McHenry, the task force will continue the work begun by "Citizens for Community Action: A Better Way." CCA was formed about two years ago to develop a program for the prevention of drug and alcoho problems ie following areas wera specifically addressed: -Due to the difference in ages between states, is of youths endanger their lives weekly by traveling to Wisconsin to drink. -The McHenry Fiesta Days, a chamber-sponsored annual celebration, promotes drinking, and is becoming an increasingly difficult problem for police. "It's getting to the point where we (police) don't know if we'll be able to protect our town," commented Officer Gary Wigman of the McHenry Police Department. "What kind of example are we setting?" Don Doherty, local businessman and a member of the chamber, responded: "It's really not particularly their (Chamber's) fault. It seems to me the problems just quadrupled this year. That situation would have to be addressed, and I'm positive the chamber will do so. -Adult role models: Parents and other adults do not provide i proper examples to teenagers. "Wnat are we telling our kids?" asked one mother in attendance at the meeting. "Can we have a party without alcohol?" -The media provides a bad influence for teens. Commercials and programs on television particularly acquaint drugs and alcohol with "the good life." Aside from the situation existing in the community, the " task force turnedfts attention 1 certain needs for the prevention, intervention and treatment of chemical abusers. Among those needs were the following: -Community center, a meeting place for young people to socialize and tv? entertained, with non-alcoholic activities. -Curriculum development: Educational programs on drugs and alcohol at all grade levels: also more emphasis on the subject in the later years of high school. -Community awareness: Informing the community about the depth of the problem and providing information about what can be done, including agencies which may be contacted for help. -Teacher in-service program: regular instruction for educators, giving them new information on the problem. -A means for families to meet and share their problems on the subject. -Peer counseling: con the work of Snowball, a y< group which promotes having fun, minus the drugs ana alcohol. -More emphasis on coping skills, during and after treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. -Additional self-help groups for adolescents and families of abusers. -Youth support .groups, to help new students, or those ^ret'efltfy* 'returned from treatment to adjust in the schodl environment. -A hotline: for anyone to call, when bothered with a problem relating to the subject. -Interaction between police and parents on a non- crisis basis. The task force has set its goals high, but feels it can accomplish them with the help of an involved community. Anyone interested in joining the group is encouraged to do so, regardless of the area of their residence or whether they have attended the Chemical People meetings. The first official meeting of the task force is set for 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 29 in the auditorium of McHenry West Campus. Officers will be elected and the structure of the new group will be chosen. Apartment owners question fairness of sewer-water rates by Anthony Oliver It was a question of fairness that coula prove to be troublesome for the McHenry City Council in upcoming weeks ana months. Local apartment complex owners, Lee Cooney and Theodore Schweder, questioned the basic fairness of the rate structure for sewer and water service in the city. The question was raised at a recent Utility Committee meeting. Committee Chairman, Aid. William Bolger (1st) said at the outset, "This is going to be difficult." Bolger admitted there were some inequities in the current hilling structure but commented he was not sure one aspect could be altered without changing another. In short, a change in the water and sewer rate structure could impact all city residents, residential and commercial. Cooney, who owns the 64-unit Southgate apartment complex, argued that charges should be based upon gallons of water used. "Right now, it seems a little inequitable," Cooney said. He pointed to some of the problems with the billing system. The apartment complex pays $3.50 per 1,000 gallons of water used, Cooney said. Two nearby businesses pay $2 per 1,000 and $7.88 per 1,000, respectively. Both business uses are professional offices. Another business, a laundromat, pays $2 per 1,000 gallons and a single- family residence pays $1.30 per 1,000 gallons, Cooney said. Also in attendance was Mayor Joseph Stanek who noted that there are some peculiar Eroblems which lend to the illing inequities. Stanek pointed out that there A look inside- valley Hi expansion Toys for Tots Regular features Helping Paws Obituaries New classified ad number Section 2, Page 2 Section 2, Page 4 Page 7 Page 3 344-4800 are some portions of the city which are served by private water companies, some properties which are served by private wells, in addition to city water, etc. The mayor also pointed out that citv water charges were some of the lowest around at $1.50 minimum per month. He said that previous water rates were artificially low because of revenues generated by tap-on fees in McHenry's growth areas. "Most (other municipalities) are between $4 and $5 per month," Stanek said. He also commented that apartment dwellers should pay more for utilities because they do not pay city real estate taxes. "The dilemma to go on a consumption basis would be great," Stanek said. "Multi- family housing uses more water than single family." "It is important to go into this with an open mind," Bolger commented. "If there's an adjustment to be made, let's take a look at it." Stanek also commented that the apartment dwellers should pay for the sewer plant capacity that is preempted because of the increased water usage. . "I think there is a legitimate complaint, but I don't know if we can do anything," Bolger said. Cooney and Schweder also proposed making a distinction between apartments with more than one bedroom. "Who bears the brunt of the higher rate? The renter ultimately gets it," Cooney said. "It's inequitable to the investor and unfsur to the renter." 4'We're not objecting to paying from many constituents, state Rep. Dick Klemm (R- Crystal Lake) has scheduled a subcommittee of the state Motor Vehicle Laws Com­ mission' to begin studying ways of improving public safety and traffic control on private, non-dedicated roads. The meeting will be held at 1 p.m. Nov. 19 at McHenry City Hall. "We're not sure at this Doint what needs to be done to correct problems on these Srivate, subdivision roads," ;iemm said. "And that is why I called this meeting. Private, non-dedicated roads are not under the jurisdiction of any government, and, as a result, vehicle laws don't apply." "Residents of subdivisions are frequently bothered by people on speeding dirt bikes, ana other potentially dangerous drivers," Klemm said. "Under the current situation, people who would normally be ticketed or arrested for motor vehicle violations go free because the laws don't apply. We're looking for ways of im­ proving this situation." __ "Subdivision roads are often private, non-dedicated roads, but at the same time they are residential streets where vehicle laws should be enforced," he added. "Anyone who has a complaint or a suggestion about this situation should attend the meeting, if possible," Klemm said. "Those who have previous commitments can send a statement to my district office or call me there." Klemm's office is located at: 3 W. Crystal Lake Ave., Crystal Lake, 111., 60014, (815) 455-6330. City grant for commuter parking The City of McHenry has just been advised by Larry Anderson of the Illinois Department of Transportation that it has been awarded a grant of $51,450. The money is to be used for land acquisition and engineering for Further UV 111VUVJ IO HV MV UUV^VI iv/l MUlVt UVVj commuter parking facilities. \irther details will be forthcoming. more than single-family," Schweder said. "But when it ranges from $1.50 to $9, it shouldn't be that drastic." Stanek said, "We're discriminating against the apartments, I make no bones about that. But, they get other benefits and they're not paying the same per house in taxes. There's higher police use." Schweder too* exception to the last remark and commented that police calls to Tower View apartments (Kane Street) had essentially been eliminated. "Proper management eliminates police department calls," Schweder said. "And we are paying a lot of taxes." "If you go to (paying for) {jallon-in, gallon-out, people will earn to save some water," Cooney said. Stanek commented, "There's no way to cut this where someone won't get hurt." He noted that a city-wide change in the structure would probably result in a storm of phone calls, which he wanted to avoid. "I'm disappointed in what I'm hearing. I'm hearing that because we (apartment owners and dwellers) are in the minority, it's easier to take the flack from us, rather than look for an equitable means," Schweder said. "All I'm looking for is to air some of our problems and look into doing something different. There's got to be something better than what we've got now." When we get an increase, we have to pass it on, Schweder said. "I only got 64 phone calls the last time. Cooney added. Officer Bill Brogan gets the complete attention of first grader Jaime Rous as she hears him warn her to be cautious when approached by strangers. 'Stranger Danger' warning by Donna Bertulis The McHenry Police Department has appeared again at a local grade school on a service mission, this time warning youngsters to be cautious of strangers. Officer Bill Brogan was the guest at Montini Primary Center recently, introducing the well-known safety program "Stranger Danger." The policeman follows a general outline, teaching the children what a stranger is, where they might meet strangers, and what to do if encountered by one. They are told not to accept rides, candy or other gifts from anyone they do not. know, and also are told things to remember about a stranger, so the person can be identified by police or other adults at a later date. The children were also told about what to say to visitors or phone callers when they are the only ones at home. "The kids had a lot of good questions and good ideas," commented Brogan. He encourages other area schools to call the police department to put on a program, adding that it also allows the students to learn about policemen and not to be afraid of them. At the same time, another program was instituted at the school by local police. Kindergarteners through third graders were fingerprinted and the permanent records brought home for keeping by their parents. This fingerprinting program is spreading in popularity quickly through schools throughout the United States, giving parents an additional permanent record of their child's identity, should he or she ever become missing. Such informational programs brought before school children will perhaps help in decreasing the number of children who disappear annually, said the police officer. "Every year 20,000 to 50,000 children disappear in the U.S., and never are heard from again," he said. "We try to impress on them that 99 out of 100 people they meet on the street are friendly and they don't have to be afraid of them. But they also have to recognize when there is real danger. 25' Friday November 18, 1983 Number 30 Volume 108