Sunday, August 31, 2008
DuCAP Chosen as Benefactor of Fundraiser
I wanted to send along the article pasted below that was part of the recent DuCAP email newsletter. We were so happy that this fundraiser went so well for our local Community Resource Center.
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DuCAP Chosen as Benefactor of Fundraiser
In celebration of the Village of Hanover Park's 50th anniversary, DuCAP and the Hanover Park Community Resource Center were chosen as the benefactors of the Village's first Car Show. A beautiful summer day lead to a very successful fundraiser.
On Saturday, August 17, 2008 from 9:00am until 3:30pm, John Holdeman and many volunteers from Holdeman Ent. Inc. organized a car show at the Hanover Park train station parking lot located at the intersection of Barrington Road and Lake Street.
There were over 150 vehicles present including a variety of old classics to modern day models. As a token of support, past Chairman of the DuCAP Board, Jerry Gordon, displayed his Ford Thunderbird Convertible. Volunteers from the Hanover Park Community Resource Center sold tickets for a 50/50 cash raffle and distributed flyers with information about the Community Center.
Over $3,000 was raised through exhibitor entry fees, and sales from T-shirts and the 50/50 raffle. All proceeds will go toward costs associated with running the Community Center.
We want to send special thanks to the Village of Hanover Park, Hanover Park Mayor Rodney Craig and his wife Sherry, John Holdeman and his volunteers, the Swanson Family and DuCAP staff and volunteers. The Community Center is located at Living Christ Lutheran Church, 1402 Arlington Drive in Hanover Park. It provides various programs such as ESL and computer classes. Hanover Park Community Center is open Saturdays from 10:00am until 1:00pm. Adult Enrichment Classes and Family Nights are scheduled for this Fall.
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DuCAP Chosen as Benefactor of Fundraiser
In celebration of the Village of Hanover Park's 50th anniversary, DuCAP and the Hanover Park Community Resource Center were chosen as the benefactors of the Village's first Car Show. A beautiful summer day lead to a very successful fundraiser.
On Saturday, August 17, 2008 from 9:00am until 3:30pm, John Holdeman and many volunteers from Holdeman Ent. Inc. organized a car show at the Hanover Park train station parking lot located at the intersection of Barrington Road and Lake Street.
There were over 150 vehicles present including a variety of old classics to modern day models. As a token of support, past Chairman of the DuCAP Board, Jerry Gordon, displayed his Ford Thunderbird Convertible. Volunteers from the Hanover Park Community Resource Center sold tickets for a 50/50 cash raffle and distributed flyers with information about the Community Center.
Over $3,000 was raised through exhibitor entry fees, and sales from T-shirts and the 50/50 raffle. All proceeds will go toward costs associated with running the Community Center.
We want to send special thanks to the Village of Hanover Park, Hanover Park Mayor Rodney Craig and his wife Sherry, John Holdeman and his volunteers, the Swanson Family and DuCAP staff and volunteers. The Community Center is located at Living Christ Lutheran Church, 1402 Arlington Drive in Hanover Park. It provides various programs such as ESL and computer classes. Hanover Park Community Center is open Saturdays from 10:00am until 1:00pm. Adult Enrichment Classes and Family Nights are scheduled for this Fall.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Greenbrook Montessori School Grand Opening
I was happy to join school Director Victor LaPorte, Executive Director Deborah LaPorte to Open the Greenbrook Montessori School in Hanover Park. This is a great addition to our hometown.
Click on the image to read the article from the paper about this event.
Click on the image to read the article from the paper about this event.
Efforts in Wind Energy Collaboration from the East
Here are a couple of interesting links that I wanted to pass along about Wind Energy Initiatives on the east coast. There are many of us in Illinois working to make this possible, and, as we are learning, there are also people across the country making this possible.
City Harbor Islands Wind Initiative
& Community Wind Collaborative
Cape Wind
City Harbor Islands Wind Initiative
& Community Wind Collaborative
Cape Wind
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Herald Article: Teachers reach out to community as school year nears
I wanted to share this article from the Herald about a great program that demonstrates the dedication of the teachers and volunteers at Anne Fox School.
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Teachers reach out to community as school year nears
By Eric Peterson | Daily Herald Staff
Teachers and volunteers from Hanover Park's Anne Fox School are "Taking it to the Streets" this week to remind families of the upcoming start of the new year.
The group is out inviting parents and students to Wednesday's Welcome Back to School Family Night from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the school at 1035 Parkview Drive.
The event is a casual, friendly introduction to teachers and the principal on the eve of the new school year, fifth-grade teacher Pat Piercy said.
But for the third year in a row, the school isn't just mailing out letters but personally delivering the fliers for the event door-to-door.
The intention is to make the school community feel like one close family, especially for those new to the area or with young children just starting school, Piercy said.
"I really think it's a nice approach," she said.
More than a dozen folks hit the neighborhood to spread the word Wednesday and hope to reach remaining families by Sunday.
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Teachers reach out to community as school year nears
By Eric Peterson | Daily Herald Staff
Teachers and volunteers from Hanover Park's Anne Fox School are "Taking it to the Streets" this week to remind families of the upcoming start of the new year.
The group is out inviting parents and students to Wednesday's Welcome Back to School Family Night from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the school at 1035 Parkview Drive.
The event is a casual, friendly introduction to teachers and the principal on the eve of the new school year, fifth-grade teacher Pat Piercy said.
But for the third year in a row, the school isn't just mailing out letters but personally delivering the fliers for the event door-to-door.
The intention is to make the school community feel like one close family, especially for those new to the area or with young children just starting school, Piercy said.
"I really think it's a nice approach," she said.
More than a dozen folks hit the neighborhood to spread the word Wednesday and hope to reach remaining families by Sunday.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Herald Article on Wind Farms
I wanted to pass along this Herald article
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Suburban schools look to 'farms' as a way to generate, save energy
By Jameel Naqvi Daily Herald Staff
Last year, two suburban school districts hit upon the same idea to cut energy costs and reduce the districts' reliance on fossil fuels.
The districts, Keeneyville Elementary District 20 in Hanover Park and Community Unit District 300 in Carpentersville, started to explore wind turbines that can harness wind power and convert it into electricity.
But both districts soon found their promising idea stymied by restrictive state and local laws.
The districts then hit upon another solution: wind farms, clusters of turbines that can generate enough electricity to power several buildings, or even multiple local governments.
But most suburban districts don't have enough land to support large wind turbines and accommodate the sometimes burdensome requirements imposed by municipalities.
"I can't put a windmill on every school," said David Ulm, District 300's energy management coordinator. "Half of the elementary schools are in the middle of neighborhoods."
Indeed, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg just this week suggested at a clean energy summit in Las Vegas that windmills could top bridges and buildings around his city - and was quickly laughed at. However, he did respond that wind farms near the windy Atlantic coastline would be a good option.
In Central and Southern Illinois, school officials say, the breezy plains provide both enough land and enough wind to make wind farms downstate feasible.
The problem, school officials and lawmakers say, is that current laws don't allow local governments in Illinois to generate electricity off-site and sell it back to a utility company at a reasonable price.
An Illinois House bill could potentially fix these issues and provide the legal framework for school districts and municipalities throughout the suburbs to start benefiting from wind power produced on a large scale.
The bill, HB6660, would enshrine the principle of "net aggregate metering" in Illinois law.
Currently, a school district can put up a wind turbine at a school and get the amount of electricity it produces deducted from the electric bill for that school.
But if a school wanted to produce a lot more electricity - say, using an off-site wind farm - current law doesn't require electric utilities to give districts a one-to-one credit.
Under net aggregate metering, a district would pump electricity into the grid downstate, and ComEd would subtract all the electricity the district generates from the district's electric bill.
"This is an extremely innovative way to - control the costs for the school and promote renewable energy in the state," said state Rep. Fred Crespo of Streamwood, who introduced the bill.
Suburban school districts and municipalities agree. About 50 have signed onto a resolution supporting Crespo's bill, according to school officials.
But legislators and school officials who support the bill concede it won't be easy to get Crespo's bill on the governor's desk.
The chief obstacle, they say, is ComEd and other electric utilities. ComEd, which serves Northern Illinois, opposes the bill, and supporters of Crespo's bill say they expect the utility giant's lobbying arm to be fully flexed against HB6660.
"They will put the pressure on their legislators with campaign contributions," said Gary Ofisher, director of operations in District 20. "They will mount a campaign against us like no tomorrow."
ComEd says the bill, as proposed, is unfair.
"ComEd is opposed to the bill, and that opposition is based on the fact that it would allow some customers free access to the transmission and distribution system," ComEd spokesman Luis Diaz-Perez said.
It's not clear if this is the case. The relevant section of HB6660 doesn't explicitly address transmission costs, but it does allow utilities to execute contracts that set the "prices, terms and conditions" of electricity access.
State Sen. Mike Noland of Elgin, who plans to introduce a companion bill in the Senate, said, "ComEd would still be able to charge them for maintenance."
But Crespo acknowledged ComEd's concerns.
"I understand their concern about the cost of transmission," Crespo said. "I'm willing to amend the bill if we need to address that issue."
A ComEd spokesman also said the utility is willing to meet with Crespo to discuss its issues with the bill.
But according to Crespo, that discussion has already taken place - to no avail.
"We tried with ComEd and it didn't work out, so we're going to go this route," Crespo said.
The first-term representative, who's up for re-election in the fall, said he's bracing for a fight.
"I'm going to do whatever I can to make sure this gets out of the House," Crespo said. "Now, we just put our boxing gloves on and go at it."
Crespo will have some help.
Noland could hardly mask his enthusiasm for wind-generated electricity as he made lofty predictions about the future of the energy source.
"Not only are you going to save on energy costs - governments should be allowed to reduce enough electricity - to cover all the costs of government, administrative costs as well," Noland said.
It's not clear if the bill in its current form would allow governments to use electricity credits to offset their entire operational cost or if they would only be able to reduce their electricity bills.
Crespo said the intent of the bill was to reduce governments' energy costs - not to turn them into "quasi-energy producers."
Like his House colleague, Noland was unfazed by the prospects of a fight with ComEd.
"This is an economic imperative," said Noland, a first-term senator. "When you have the economics of this behind you, victory is all but inevitable."
Whether or not that is the case, suburban school districts are watching closely to see what happens with HB6660.
If it passes, District 300, which stretches from Hampshire to Hoffman Estates, could potentially save as much as $2.75 million in electricity costs each year.
"We don't foresee any end to the wind," District 300's Ulm said. "Once the darn thing is paid for, we're looking at a reduction to our operating cost."
But before schools can reduce their operating costs, they have to pay for the wind turbines, which each cost about $5 million.
It would cost District 300 at least $30 million to put up the estimated six turbines it would need to power all of its schools - enough money to build three new elementary schools.
Districts could finance part of the cost and installation of turbines with Clean Renewable Energy Bonds, essentially interest-free loans from the federal government.
It would take District 300 at least 10 years to pay back the installation cost with energy savings, but the turbines would last another 20 years.
"This doesn't affect the taxpayers," Ofisher said. "It's a positive way for school districts to reduce their operating expenses so less money goes to electricity and more money goes to education."
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Suburban schools look to 'farms' as a way to generate, save energy
By Jameel Naqvi Daily Herald Staff
Last year, two suburban school districts hit upon the same idea to cut energy costs and reduce the districts' reliance on fossil fuels.
The districts, Keeneyville Elementary District 20 in Hanover Park and Community Unit District 300 in Carpentersville, started to explore wind turbines that can harness wind power and convert it into electricity.
But both districts soon found their promising idea stymied by restrictive state and local laws.
The districts then hit upon another solution: wind farms, clusters of turbines that can generate enough electricity to power several buildings, or even multiple local governments.
But most suburban districts don't have enough land to support large wind turbines and accommodate the sometimes burdensome requirements imposed by municipalities.
"I can't put a windmill on every school," said David Ulm, District 300's energy management coordinator. "Half of the elementary schools are in the middle of neighborhoods."
Indeed, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg just this week suggested at a clean energy summit in Las Vegas that windmills could top bridges and buildings around his city - and was quickly laughed at. However, he did respond that wind farms near the windy Atlantic coastline would be a good option.
In Central and Southern Illinois, school officials say, the breezy plains provide both enough land and enough wind to make wind farms downstate feasible.
The problem, school officials and lawmakers say, is that current laws don't allow local governments in Illinois to generate electricity off-site and sell it back to a utility company at a reasonable price.
An Illinois House bill could potentially fix these issues and provide the legal framework for school districts and municipalities throughout the suburbs to start benefiting from wind power produced on a large scale.
The bill, HB6660, would enshrine the principle of "net aggregate metering" in Illinois law.
Currently, a school district can put up a wind turbine at a school and get the amount of electricity it produces deducted from the electric bill for that school.
But if a school wanted to produce a lot more electricity - say, using an off-site wind farm - current law doesn't require electric utilities to give districts a one-to-one credit.
Under net aggregate metering, a district would pump electricity into the grid downstate, and ComEd would subtract all the electricity the district generates from the district's electric bill.
"This is an extremely innovative way to - control the costs for the school and promote renewable energy in the state," said state Rep. Fred Crespo of Streamwood, who introduced the bill.
Suburban school districts and municipalities agree. About 50 have signed onto a resolution supporting Crespo's bill, according to school officials.
But legislators and school officials who support the bill concede it won't be easy to get Crespo's bill on the governor's desk.
The chief obstacle, they say, is ComEd and other electric utilities. ComEd, which serves Northern Illinois, opposes the bill, and supporters of Crespo's bill say they expect the utility giant's lobbying arm to be fully flexed against HB6660.
"They will put the pressure on their legislators with campaign contributions," said Gary Ofisher, director of operations in District 20. "They will mount a campaign against us like no tomorrow."
ComEd says the bill, as proposed, is unfair.
"ComEd is opposed to the bill, and that opposition is based on the fact that it would allow some customers free access to the transmission and distribution system," ComEd spokesman Luis Diaz-Perez said.
It's not clear if this is the case. The relevant section of HB6660 doesn't explicitly address transmission costs, but it does allow utilities to execute contracts that set the "prices, terms and conditions" of electricity access.
State Sen. Mike Noland of Elgin, who plans to introduce a companion bill in the Senate, said, "ComEd would still be able to charge them for maintenance."
But Crespo acknowledged ComEd's concerns.
"I understand their concern about the cost of transmission," Crespo said. "I'm willing to amend the bill if we need to address that issue."
A ComEd spokesman also said the utility is willing to meet with Crespo to discuss its issues with the bill.
But according to Crespo, that discussion has already taken place - to no avail.
"We tried with ComEd and it didn't work out, so we're going to go this route," Crespo said.
The first-term representative, who's up for re-election in the fall, said he's bracing for a fight.
"I'm going to do whatever I can to make sure this gets out of the House," Crespo said. "Now, we just put our boxing gloves on and go at it."
Crespo will have some help.
Noland could hardly mask his enthusiasm for wind-generated electricity as he made lofty predictions about the future of the energy source.
"Not only are you going to save on energy costs - governments should be allowed to reduce enough electricity - to cover all the costs of government, administrative costs as well," Noland said.
It's not clear if the bill in its current form would allow governments to use electricity credits to offset their entire operational cost or if they would only be able to reduce their electricity bills.
Crespo said the intent of the bill was to reduce governments' energy costs - not to turn them into "quasi-energy producers."
Like his House colleague, Noland was unfazed by the prospects of a fight with ComEd.
"This is an economic imperative," said Noland, a first-term senator. "When you have the economics of this behind you, victory is all but inevitable."
Whether or not that is the case, suburban school districts are watching closely to see what happens with HB6660.
If it passes, District 300, which stretches from Hampshire to Hoffman Estates, could potentially save as much as $2.75 million in electricity costs each year.
"We don't foresee any end to the wind," District 300's Ulm said. "Once the darn thing is paid for, we're looking at a reduction to our operating cost."
But before schools can reduce their operating costs, they have to pay for the wind turbines, which each cost about $5 million.
It would cost District 300 at least $30 million to put up the estimated six turbines it would need to power all of its schools - enough money to build three new elementary schools.
Districts could finance part of the cost and installation of turbines with Clean Renewable Energy Bonds, essentially interest-free loans from the federal government.
It would take District 300 at least 10 years to pay back the installation cost with energy savings, but the turbines would last another 20 years.
"This doesn't affect the taxpayers," Ofisher said. "It's a positive way for school districts to reduce their operating expenses so less money goes to electricity and more money goes to education."
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Herald Article on Water Purification System
I wanted to share this article from the Daily Herald.
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Local water purification system could save lives here, around world
By Robert McCoppin | Daily Herald Staff
Hanover Park Village President Rodney Craig, center, raises a toast with Calco Ltd.'s clean water.
Visiting dignitaries from around the world came to Hanover Park Tuesday to drink water out of a retention pond.
A fish jumped in the brown, turbid pond as a hose sucked water through a filter and pumped out crystal-clear H2O.
The water seemed to have a remaining whiff of its source, but betrayed no taste of it as visitors toasted with styrofoam cups, quaffed their drinks and found it tasted as pure as any tap water.
"I'm impressed," said Boniface Unachukwu, representing a prominent chief from Nigeria. "This is going to be very useful."
One billion people - 1 out of every 6 - do not have access to a safe source of drinking water, the lack of which kills 3,900 children a day, especially in Africa and Asia. The United Nations goal is to halve that by 2015.
The new SOS Mobile Water Purifier first runs the water through sand filters to remove solid particles, then through a proprietary Polyhalex resin made of iodinated granules to kill any virus or bacteria, and finally through carbon filters to remove organics and bad tastes and odors.
Currently, many villages in Africa and Asia use unpurified drinking water from ponds and streams. Water can also be purified by treating it with chlorine or a diluted bleach formula, but that may leave it tasting like pool water.
The new system, manufactured by Calco Ltd. of Hanover Park, can be mounted on a small trailer and pulled by a pickup truck to a water source to produce 15 to 20 gallons a minute. Each unit can also be equipped to take salt out of salt water, and costs $40,000 to $60,000.
A unit will be sent to India to use in the Braj area, where many pilgrims travel to small villages and need fresh water.
Tuesday's demonstration was held up when the unit could not pull water 15 feet up from the pond surface to the banks, but that was solved by using a second pump.
The marketers of the system, House of Mohan Corp. of Washington, D.C. hope to also sell the system for disaster relief.
in the U.S.
The Illinois Department of Public Health uses bottled water for disaster relief, such as during flooding in the state this past spring, spokeswoman Kelly Jakubek said.
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Local water purification system could save lives here, around world
By Robert McCoppin | Daily Herald Staff
Hanover Park Village President Rodney Craig, center, raises a toast with Calco Ltd.'s clean water.
Visiting dignitaries from around the world came to Hanover Park Tuesday to drink water out of a retention pond.
A fish jumped in the brown, turbid pond as a hose sucked water through a filter and pumped out crystal-clear H2O.
The water seemed to have a remaining whiff of its source, but betrayed no taste of it as visitors toasted with styrofoam cups, quaffed their drinks and found it tasted as pure as any tap water.
"I'm impressed," said Boniface Unachukwu, representing a prominent chief from Nigeria. "This is going to be very useful."
One billion people - 1 out of every 6 - do not have access to a safe source of drinking water, the lack of which kills 3,900 children a day, especially in Africa and Asia. The United Nations goal is to halve that by 2015.
The new SOS Mobile Water Purifier first runs the water through sand filters to remove solid particles, then through a proprietary Polyhalex resin made of iodinated granules to kill any virus or bacteria, and finally through carbon filters to remove organics and bad tastes and odors.
Currently, many villages in Africa and Asia use unpurified drinking water from ponds and streams. Water can also be purified by treating it with chlorine or a diluted bleach formula, but that may leave it tasting like pool water.
The new system, manufactured by Calco Ltd. of Hanover Park, can be mounted on a small trailer and pulled by a pickup truck to a water source to produce 15 to 20 gallons a minute. Each unit can also be equipped to take salt out of salt water, and costs $40,000 to $60,000.
A unit will be sent to India to use in the Braj area, where many pilgrims travel to small villages and need fresh water.
Tuesday's demonstration was held up when the unit could not pull water 15 feet up from the pond surface to the banks, but that was solved by using a second pump.
The marketers of the system, House of Mohan Corp. of Washington, D.C. hope to also sell the system for disaster relief.
in the U.S.
The Illinois Department of Public Health uses bottled water for disaster relief, such as during flooding in the state this past spring, spokeswoman Kelly Jakubek said.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Herald Article on Yesterday's Parade
I wanted to share this article that was in the Daily Herald about the 50th Anniversary Parade.
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Hanover Park's 50th anniversary parade
By Eileen Daday | Daily Herald Correspondent
At Saturday's 50th anniversary parade in Hanover Park, there nearly were more kids marching, than watching from the sidelines.
Take the Hanover Park Hurricanes. Between its youth football and cheerleading program, nearly 300 youngsters marched with their teams and coaches. Behind them, more children marched with Little League clubs, martial arts schools, dance groups, Scout troops, preschools, and swim teams.
"That was our vision," said Hahnz Teope, parade chairman. "We thought, 'Wouldn't it be nice if every kid in Hanover Park marched with their team or organization.' And if they're not marching, then they have plenty of options to choose from, to get involved."
The 30-minute parade ended up at Community Park, at Maple and Church streets, where the village's 50th anniversary Family Fest continues through today.
Carnival rides open at 1 p.m. and include a special $16 wrist band until 5:20 p.m., with main stage entertainment, food and beer garden lasting until 8:30 p.m. Admission is free.
The parade featured more than 50 units in all, including Skates, the Chicago Wolves mascot, members of the Chicago Storm indoor soccer team, and a variety of musical groups.
Members of the Streamwood High School marching band stepped off playing the Monkees' hit, "Day Dream Believer," while more than 280 members of Schaumburg High School's Saxon Marching Band played the traditional John Philip Sousa arrangement of "Stars and Stripes Forever."
"We've been practicing our parade show at band camp, but this is our first real parade this year, and we're ready to go," junior drum major Zach Steinbach said of his band, which included 83 incoming freshmen marching in their first parade.
Mary Ann Bilski, a retired teacher from Hanover Highland School, shared grand marshal honors with Deb McDonald, of Hanover Park, whose son, Javaun, passed away one year ago after an accident.
Wearing her son's Hanover Hurricanes football jersey, McDonald praised village leaders for highlighting the positive activities for young people in the community.
"All my children played with the Hurricanes," McDonald said. "It gave them a wonderful foundation, while building their confidence and boosting their self esteem. And yet a lot of children don't have this."
Village President Rodney Craig said the parade fit in with his goal of unifying the community.
"We've got a really young community, and yet with seven school districts and no high school in the village, we're looking for ways to come together," Craig said. "This is one way for us to look ahead and stay progressive about our future."
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Hanover Park's 50th anniversary parade
By Eileen Daday | Daily Herald Correspondent
At Saturday's 50th anniversary parade in Hanover Park, there nearly were more kids marching, than watching from the sidelines.
Take the Hanover Park Hurricanes. Between its youth football and cheerleading program, nearly 300 youngsters marched with their teams and coaches. Behind them, more children marched with Little League clubs, martial arts schools, dance groups, Scout troops, preschools, and swim teams.
"That was our vision," said Hahnz Teope, parade chairman. "We thought, 'Wouldn't it be nice if every kid in Hanover Park marched with their team or organization.' And if they're not marching, then they have plenty of options to choose from, to get involved."
The 30-minute parade ended up at Community Park, at Maple and Church streets, where the village's 50th anniversary Family Fest continues through today.
Carnival rides open at 1 p.m. and include a special $16 wrist band until 5:20 p.m., with main stage entertainment, food and beer garden lasting until 8:30 p.m. Admission is free.
The parade featured more than 50 units in all, including Skates, the Chicago Wolves mascot, members of the Chicago Storm indoor soccer team, and a variety of musical groups.
Members of the Streamwood High School marching band stepped off playing the Monkees' hit, "Day Dream Believer," while more than 280 members of Schaumburg High School's Saxon Marching Band played the traditional John Philip Sousa arrangement of "Stars and Stripes Forever."
"We've been practicing our parade show at band camp, but this is our first real parade this year, and we're ready to go," junior drum major Zach Steinbach said of his band, which included 83 incoming freshmen marching in their first parade.
Mary Ann Bilski, a retired teacher from Hanover Highland School, shared grand marshal honors with Deb McDonald, of Hanover Park, whose son, Javaun, passed away one year ago after an accident.
Wearing her son's Hanover Hurricanes football jersey, McDonald praised village leaders for highlighting the positive activities for young people in the community.
"All my children played with the Hurricanes," McDonald said. "It gave them a wonderful foundation, while building their confidence and boosting their self esteem. And yet a lot of children don't have this."
Village President Rodney Craig said the parade fit in with his goal of unifying the community.
"We've got a really young community, and yet with seven school districts and no high school in the village, we're looking for ways to come together," Craig said. "This is one way for us to look ahead and stay progressive about our future."
Thursday, August 14, 2008
HB 4646 Signed: A Positive Step Forward
On August 12, 2008, the Governor signed House Bill 4646, which expressly authorizes counties and municipalities, as well as school districts and community colleges, to own and operate wind turbine farms. Joint ownership, through a consortium, is also expressly approved. The legislation is designated as Public Act 95-0805 and is effective immediately.
Thus, all of the necessary legislation is in place to make governmentally-owned wind turbine farms realistic except for House Bill 6660. We continue to work to garner support for HB 6660.
Thus, all of the necessary legislation is in place to make governmentally-owned wind turbine farms realistic except for House Bill 6660. We continue to work to garner support for HB 6660.
Hanover Park to throw four-day party to celebrate 50 years
The Daily Herald had a nice article about the upcoming 50th anniversary celebration. Here is it:
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Hanover Park to throw four-day party to celebrate 50 years
By Kimberly Pohl
If one historian got it right, Hanover Park was born out of a crusade by Streamwood's leaders to grow.
"It was either incorporate or be swallowed up by Streamwood and forever lose their identity ...," Ralph Feeley wrote in his 1976 book, "From Camelot to Metropolis: a Chronical of Ontarioville and Hanover Park, Illinois."
On Aug. 14, 1958, in order to fend off encroaching development from Streamwood, which had incorporated a year earlier, residents on the Cook County side of a small community known as Ontarioville voted to incorporate.
The result was the village of Hanover Park, where horses still outnumbered a population of about 500 people. "Hanover" came from the name of the Cook County township and "Park"was added because there already was a Hanover, IL in far northwest Illinois.
The DuPage County side of the village, still called Ontarioville, would annex to Hanover Park in 1982.
Half a century later, nearly 40,000 residents call the suburb home. Hanover Park's 50th Anniversary Family Festival kicks off today to celebrate the milestone.
"It's an exciting time for Hanover Park," said Village President Rod Craig. "I look at this as a new beginning, a celebration of who we are and what we represent."
Hanover Park is not without its quirky bits of history. According to the official village timeline, the nation's first pet cemetery in the U.S. was established in 1926, drawing burials from all over the U.S.
And on Feb. 6, 1970, President Richard Nixon visited Hanover Park to see its new Metropolitan Water Reclamation plant.
With schoolchildren, governors and members of the U.S. Cabinet and U.S. Congress gathered at Schaumburg Airport, Nixon spoke about the future of the environment.
Nixon said, "(This) must be an age of restoration, restoring the natural resources of this country so that the younger generation will not inherit a country in which the air is filled with smog, the water is polluted, and our parks are desolate because we didn't do the right planning."
Nixon's speech was not without a hitch. He had to use a bullhorn because the public address system wasn't working.
While this week's events are meant to celebrate the village's history, they'll also showcase Hanover Park's progress.
"For many years people looked at us as a bedroom community but we're continuing to build and improve," Craig said. "We've evolved into a community of great diversity, a place where people can afford to bring their families."
The festivities, which span four days, are expected to draw more than 50,000 people. Party Central is the park district's Community Park at Maple and Church streets, where the carnival, beer garden, food and activities take place.
That's also where an impressive group of headliners take center stage.
Hanover Park has secured Classic Rock All Stars; jazz rockers Blood, Sweat and Tears; and surfer music pioneers Jan and Dean starring Dean Torrence.
Another big name includes Grammy winner Survivor, best known for the Rocky III theme song, "Eye of the Tiger."
Of the total $170,000 budget, about $100,000 was spent on the music lineup, according to Kim Benedix, executive coordinator to the village manager.
Craig said the village will spend under $200,000 on all 50th anniversary festivities, which also include a gala, fine arts fair and holiday party.
"I think (the cost) is justified to bring some pride to our community," said Craig. "We've been pretty frugal, actually."
A parade featuring many youth organizations will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Community Park. On Sunday, nearly 300 vehicles are expected at the 50th anniversary car show, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Metra lot, Barrington Road and Lake Street.
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Hanover Park to throw four-day party to celebrate 50 years
By Kimberly Pohl
If one historian got it right, Hanover Park was born out of a crusade by Streamwood's leaders to grow.
"It was either incorporate or be swallowed up by Streamwood and forever lose their identity ...," Ralph Feeley wrote in his 1976 book, "From Camelot to Metropolis: a Chronical of Ontarioville and Hanover Park, Illinois."
On Aug. 14, 1958, in order to fend off encroaching development from Streamwood, which had incorporated a year earlier, residents on the Cook County side of a small community known as Ontarioville voted to incorporate.
The result was the village of Hanover Park, where horses still outnumbered a population of about 500 people. "Hanover" came from the name of the Cook County township and "Park"was added because there already was a Hanover, IL in far northwest Illinois.
The DuPage County side of the village, still called Ontarioville, would annex to Hanover Park in 1982.
Half a century later, nearly 40,000 residents call the suburb home. Hanover Park's 50th Anniversary Family Festival kicks off today to celebrate the milestone.
"It's an exciting time for Hanover Park," said Village President Rod Craig. "I look at this as a new beginning, a celebration of who we are and what we represent."
Hanover Park is not without its quirky bits of history. According to the official village timeline, the nation's first pet cemetery in the U.S. was established in 1926, drawing burials from all over the U.S.
And on Feb. 6, 1970, President Richard Nixon visited Hanover Park to see its new Metropolitan Water Reclamation plant.
With schoolchildren, governors and members of the U.S. Cabinet and U.S. Congress gathered at Schaumburg Airport, Nixon spoke about the future of the environment.
Nixon said, "(This) must be an age of restoration, restoring the natural resources of this country so that the younger generation will not inherit a country in which the air is filled with smog, the water is polluted, and our parks are desolate because we didn't do the right planning."
Nixon's speech was not without a hitch. He had to use a bullhorn because the public address system wasn't working.
While this week's events are meant to celebrate the village's history, they'll also showcase Hanover Park's progress.
"For many years people looked at us as a bedroom community but we're continuing to build and improve," Craig said. "We've evolved into a community of great diversity, a place where people can afford to bring their families."
The festivities, which span four days, are expected to draw more than 50,000 people. Party Central is the park district's Community Park at Maple and Church streets, where the carnival, beer garden, food and activities take place.
That's also where an impressive group of headliners take center stage.
Hanover Park has secured Classic Rock All Stars; jazz rockers Blood, Sweat and Tears; and surfer music pioneers Jan and Dean starring Dean Torrence.
Another big name includes Grammy winner Survivor, best known for the Rocky III theme song, "Eye of the Tiger."
Of the total $170,000 budget, about $100,000 was spent on the music lineup, according to Kim Benedix, executive coordinator to the village manager.
Craig said the village will spend under $200,000 on all 50th anniversary festivities, which also include a gala, fine arts fair and holiday party.
"I think (the cost) is justified to bring some pride to our community," said Craig. "We've been pretty frugal, actually."
A parade featuring many youth organizations will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Community Park. On Sunday, nearly 300 vehicles are expected at the 50th anniversary car show, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Metra lot, Barrington Road and Lake Street.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Hanover Park Village Clerk Craig Announces Retirement
For Immediate Release
August 12, 2008
Hanover Park Village Clerk Craig Announces Retirement
HANOVER PARK, IL--The "face of Hanover Park," Village Clerk Sherry Craig, has announced that she will retire in April of 2009 at the end of her current term of office. First elected as Village Clerk in 1985, Ms. Craig is the longest serving and most well known elected official in Hanover Park. She is known at the local, regional, and state level as the friendly-face in the Hanover Park Village Hall. She has been instrumental at connecting business leaders, residents, and Village staff members.
At a recent Village Board meeting, business owner Kevin Swan stated that he moved his business to Hanover Park five years ago, and that Ms. Craig greatly helped with his business license and that she made the move to Hanover Park much easier. She went the extra mile for him, and because of this, he has volunteered his time for the Village. At the same meeting, several residents commented on Ms. Craig's "integrity and friendliness."
"It has been my honor to work with so many wonderful people," commented Ms. Craig. "I feel that my time as Clerk has touched the lives of so many people and made our hometown a better place to live. I couldn't have asked for a better career. I am proud of all I've done for Hanover Park."
During her tenure in office, Ms. Craig has seen a great deal of change within Hanover Park. She has worked with mayors Sonya Crawshaw, Irv Bock, (interim-mayor) Robert Packham, and current Village President Rodney Craig, who is Ms. Craig's husband. Ms. Craig has been instrumental in the creation of the business parks in Hanover Park, the new Hanover Park Branch of the Schaumburg Public Library, the Sonya Crawshaw Branch Library, and the recent creation of the Hanover Park Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Craig has served in offices of the Cook County Municipal Clerk's Association, the DuPage County Municipal Clerk's Association, and has held numerous PTA positions at the Local, Regional, and State level. She is a member of the Illinois Municipal Clerk's Association, the International Municipal Clerk's Association, the Hanover Park Business CONECT (Committee on Networking, Education, and Community Teamwork), and is a founding member and Board member of the Hanover Park Chamber of Commerce & Industry. In 1994 she was named Hanover Park Citizen of the year, in 2000 she received the State of Illinois Woman Achievement Award from the Lt. Governor Corrine Wood. During her last challenged elections, she was endorsed by the Daily Herald (the Herald does not endorse uncontested elections).
"This is the right time for me to retire," said Ms. Craig. "I am looking forward to spending time volunteering in the community and spending time with my one-year-old grand daughter. I also feel that the new group of leaders who have stepped forward in our hometown will be making positive changes in the future."
Ms. Craig was referring to the newest political party in town, Hanover Park Progress. This new party was recently formed in July and has been reaching out to residents to identify needs that have not been addressed by the Village Board. Ms. Craig is convinced that "Hanover Park Progress represents the ideals that I've stood for throughout my career," Ms. Craig said. "I know that Hanover Park will be in good hands following the April election. I plan to provide support to this group of leaders in anyway that I can."
When asked about any advice that she would give to any potential candidates for office, Mr. Craig said, "Never forget that you are here to meet the needs of people of Hanover Park."
August 12, 2008
Hanover Park Village Clerk Craig Announces Retirement
HANOVER PARK, IL--The "face of Hanover Park," Village Clerk Sherry Craig, has announced that she will retire in April of 2009 at the end of her current term of office. First elected as Village Clerk in 1985, Ms. Craig is the longest serving and most well known elected official in Hanover Park. She is known at the local, regional, and state level as the friendly-face in the Hanover Park Village Hall. She has been instrumental at connecting business leaders, residents, and Village staff members.
At a recent Village Board meeting, business owner Kevin Swan stated that he moved his business to Hanover Park five years ago, and that Ms. Craig greatly helped with his business license and that she made the move to Hanover Park much easier. She went the extra mile for him, and because of this, he has volunteered his time for the Village. At the same meeting, several residents commented on Ms. Craig's "integrity and friendliness."
"It has been my honor to work with so many wonderful people," commented Ms. Craig. "I feel that my time as Clerk has touched the lives of so many people and made our hometown a better place to live. I couldn't have asked for a better career. I am proud of all I've done for Hanover Park."
During her tenure in office, Ms. Craig has seen a great deal of change within Hanover Park. She has worked with mayors Sonya Crawshaw, Irv Bock, (interim-mayor) Robert Packham, and current Village President Rodney Craig, who is Ms. Craig's husband. Ms. Craig has been instrumental in the creation of the business parks in Hanover Park, the new Hanover Park Branch of the Schaumburg Public Library, the Sonya Crawshaw Branch Library, and the recent creation of the Hanover Park Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Craig has served in offices of the Cook County Municipal Clerk's Association, the DuPage County Municipal Clerk's Association, and has held numerous PTA positions at the Local, Regional, and State level. She is a member of the Illinois Municipal Clerk's Association, the International Municipal Clerk's Association, the Hanover Park Business CONECT (Committee on Networking, Education, and Community Teamwork), and is a founding member and Board member of the Hanover Park Chamber of Commerce & Industry. In 1994 she was named Hanover Park Citizen of the year, in 2000 she received the State of Illinois Woman Achievement Award from the Lt. Governor Corrine Wood. During her last challenged elections, she was endorsed by the Daily Herald (the Herald does not endorse uncontested elections).
"This is the right time for me to retire," said Ms. Craig. "I am looking forward to spending time volunteering in the community and spending time with my one-year-old grand daughter. I also feel that the new group of leaders who have stepped forward in our hometown will be making positive changes in the future."
Ms. Craig was referring to the newest political party in town, Hanover Park Progress. This new party was recently formed in July and has been reaching out to residents to identify needs that have not been addressed by the Village Board. Ms. Craig is convinced that "Hanover Park Progress represents the ideals that I've stood for throughout my career," Ms. Craig said. "I know that Hanover Park will be in good hands following the April election. I plan to provide support to this group of leaders in anyway that I can."
When asked about any advice that she would give to any potential candidates for office, Mr. Craig said, "Never forget that you are here to meet the needs of people of Hanover Park."
Energizing a School
This article, Energizing a School, is a nice piece about Bureau Valley High School's wind turbine and the energy savings they expect to see.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBS) and the Wind Turbine
CREBS or CLEAN RENEWABLE ENERGY BONDS were first created as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and they will proivde a benefit for the wind turbine. (For more information on CREBS refer to this particle, Windmills on the Prairie)
CREBs are “tax credit bonds" in which interest is paid for by the Federal Government in the form of tax credits.
The Goal of CREBS to provide comparable subsidy for Municipalities and Schools to invest in renewable energy generation.
CREBS are structured as financing tools to aid in the construction of a project such as a wind turbine farm.
Why are CREBS so important to municipalities and schools that wish to develop renewable energy programs such as a wind turbine farm is they are interest free loans.
This means that the wind turbine farm will provide a quicker return on investment and have the least impact on the local taxpayer who usually has to pay principal and interest on loans when bonds are issued.
The difference for the Mayor's Wind Turbine Alliance in interest cost just for one turbine for School District 20 is the savings of over $2,000,000 in interest costs.
CREBs are “tax credit bonds" in which interest is paid for by the Federal Government in the form of tax credits.
The Goal of CREBS to provide comparable subsidy for Municipalities and Schools to invest in renewable energy generation.
CREBS are structured as financing tools to aid in the construction of a project such as a wind turbine farm.
Why are CREBS so important to municipalities and schools that wish to develop renewable energy programs such as a wind turbine farm is they are interest free loans.
This means that the wind turbine farm will provide a quicker return on investment and have the least impact on the local taxpayer who usually has to pay principal and interest on loans when bonds are issued.
The difference for the Mayor's Wind Turbine Alliance in interest cost just for one turbine for School District 20 is the savings of over $2,000,000 in interest costs.
Projected Costs of Net Metering
The information below outlines the cost savings via Net Metering, which our proposed legislation HB 6660 would put in place. This legislation is very imporant. For more information, look at these posts:
Support for HB 6660
Letter from Keeneyville School to ComEd
Support for HB 6660
Letter from Keeneyville School to ComEd
Crespo Introduces Legislation Providing Local Governments New Source of Revenue Local lawmaker looking for innovative funding solutions
I wanted to pass along this Press Release from Representative Crespo
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July 15, 2008
Crespo Introduces Legislation Providing Local Governments New Source of Revenue Local lawmaker looking for innovative funding solutions
HOFFMAN ESTATES – As part of his effort to find new solutions to generating revenue without raising fees or taxes, state Rep. Fred Crespo (D-Hoffman Estates) has introduced legislation that would give schools access to a new source of funding by harnessing renewable energy.
“Keeneyville’s plan to use renewable energy as a source of funding is a unique approach to an age-old problem and this legislation would help make their proposal a reality,” Crespo said. “As the measure moves through the legislative process, I will continue working with community leaders to ensure their concerns are addressed and the original intent of the bill is honored.”
Drafted after several months of meetings with Hanover Park officials and representatives from the utility industry, House Bill 6660 would allow local governments, including school districts, to receive a credit for any electricity generated by a renewable energy facility that they supply to the electricity grid but do not use.
Current statute dictates that public utilities shall consider incorporating such facilities, but does not require it. Crespo’s measure would ensure these renewable energy facilities, such as one proposed by Keeneyville School District 20, located in the Village of Hanover Park, have access to the grid.
Other legislation sponsored by Crespo last year is set to generate much needed revenue for the Hoffman Estates Park District (HEPD). In 2003, the HEPD partnered with the Chicago Wolves to construct the Community Center and Ice Arena (CCIA), which would provide a number of community activities. HEPD and the Wolves entered into an agreement providing the park district with over $4.5 million over 15 years to construct and operate the CCIA in exchange for exclusive use of certain facilities and billboard advertising space along Interstate Highway 90.
The park district negotiated an agreement with Tollway LLC to lease two billboard signs located in Hoffman Estates adjacent to Interstate 90 to sublease to the Chicago Wolves. The final stage of the agreement involves the Park District and the Wolves relocating three billboards and adding a fourth one. Without the approval of House Bill 876, the HEPD stood to lose this revenue. The HEPD’s permit for the project is currently pending with the Illinois Department of Transportation.
“The CCIA provides a wide range of activities and is quickly becoming an invaluable resource for the residents of Hoffman Estates,” said Crespo. “The construction of these bill boards not only ensures HEPD complies with the business agreement but also provides a new revenue source for the Village without burdening taxpayers. I am constantly looking for new approaches to generate funding and look forward to working with local community leaders on similar projects in the future.”
House Bill 6660 is awaiting further action in the House. House Bill 876 was signed into law in the summer of 2007. For more information, please contact Crespo’s constituent service office at (630) 372-3340.
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July 15, 2008
Crespo Introduces Legislation Providing Local Governments New Source of Revenue Local lawmaker looking for innovative funding solutions
HOFFMAN ESTATES – As part of his effort to find new solutions to generating revenue without raising fees or taxes, state Rep. Fred Crespo (D-Hoffman Estates) has introduced legislation that would give schools access to a new source of funding by harnessing renewable energy.
“Keeneyville’s plan to use renewable energy as a source of funding is a unique approach to an age-old problem and this legislation would help make their proposal a reality,” Crespo said. “As the measure moves through the legislative process, I will continue working with community leaders to ensure their concerns are addressed and the original intent of the bill is honored.”
Drafted after several months of meetings with Hanover Park officials and representatives from the utility industry, House Bill 6660 would allow local governments, including school districts, to receive a credit for any electricity generated by a renewable energy facility that they supply to the electricity grid but do not use.
Current statute dictates that public utilities shall consider incorporating such facilities, but does not require it. Crespo’s measure would ensure these renewable energy facilities, such as one proposed by Keeneyville School District 20, located in the Village of Hanover Park, have access to the grid.
Other legislation sponsored by Crespo last year is set to generate much needed revenue for the Hoffman Estates Park District (HEPD). In 2003, the HEPD partnered with the Chicago Wolves to construct the Community Center and Ice Arena (CCIA), which would provide a number of community activities. HEPD and the Wolves entered into an agreement providing the park district with over $4.5 million over 15 years to construct and operate the CCIA in exchange for exclusive use of certain facilities and billboard advertising space along Interstate Highway 90.
The park district negotiated an agreement with Tollway LLC to lease two billboard signs located in Hoffman Estates adjacent to Interstate 90 to sublease to the Chicago Wolves. The final stage of the agreement involves the Park District and the Wolves relocating three billboards and adding a fourth one. Without the approval of House Bill 876, the HEPD stood to lose this revenue. The HEPD’s permit for the project is currently pending with the Illinois Department of Transportation.
“The CCIA provides a wide range of activities and is quickly becoming an invaluable resource for the residents of Hoffman Estates,” said Crespo. “The construction of these bill boards not only ensures HEPD complies with the business agreement but also provides a new revenue source for the Village without burdening taxpayers. I am constantly looking for new approaches to generate funding and look forward to working with local community leaders on similar projects in the future.”
House Bill 6660 is awaiting further action in the House. House Bill 876 was signed into law in the summer of 2007. For more information, please contact Crespo’s constituent service office at (630) 372-3340.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
50th Anniversary Parade Route
We have made the 50th Anniversary Parade Route (click here to view PDF) available.
We are looking forward next week's events!
We are looking forward next week's events!
Streamwood Chamber Golf Outing
Our good neighbor, the Streamwood Chamber is having a golf outing. Here is the info:
When: Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Where: Rolling Knolls Country Club; 11 N 260 Rohrssen Rd., Elgin, IL 60120
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
(times are subject to change)
10:30 am - Registration
12:00 noon - Shotgun Start (Scramble format)
4:30 - 5:30 - Open Bar
5:30 - 6:30 – Buffet
For more information visit: www.streamwoodchamber.com
When: Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Where: Rolling Knolls Country Club; 11 N 260 Rohrssen Rd., Elgin, IL 60120
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
(times are subject to change)
10:30 am - Registration
12:00 noon - Shotgun Start (Scramble format)
4:30 - 5:30 - Open Bar
5:30 - 6:30 – Buffet
For more information visit: www.streamwoodchamber.com
Monday, August 4, 2008
Working to garner support for HB 6660
The following is an excellent summary of the Wind Turbine Legislation in Illinois from George A. Marchetti, of Tressler, Soderstrom, Maloney & Priess, L.L.P. Additionally, I have been working with Keeneyville School District Gary Ofisher and State Representative Fred Crespo to achieve this legislation. My goal has been to achieve a benefit for all School Districts that touch Hanover Park and save the residents tax dollars for many years to come. This message from George A. Marchetti indicates that there are many in the State of Illinois who agree with our initiative.
George's message follows,
This email is published with permission.
---------------
Ladies and Gentlemen:
No one has an exclusive on important ideas. While I have been working on draft legislation to enable consortiums of units of local government and school districts to remotely net meter the energy produced by wind turbines, Mayor Rodney Craig of the Village of Hanover Park has been pursuing the same goal. Mayor Craig's legislation was recently introduced as House Bill 6660. There are currently 5 co-sponsors in the House. A copy of the House bill and its current status are attached. Mayor Craig's legislation, though worded somewhat differently from my draft, is substantively the same. Consequently, we should contact our local legislators (especially potential Senate spo nsors) to support House Bill 6660. Here is the current status.
There are 3 important pieces of legislation that will affect governmental wind turbine farm consortiums. First, there is P.A. 95-0420, which is codified as 220 ILCS 5/16-107.5 and became effective August 24, 2007. That new statute has established the principle of net metering for renewable electric power generation facilities, including wind turbines. The statute applies to all renewable electric power generation facilities, not just those owned by local government agencies. Net metering under this statute, however, is effectively limited to the meter which is located at the renewable electric power generation site itself.
Second, there is House Bill 4646. That bill was passed unanimously by both houses of the General Assembly during the last session. It is on the Governor's desk. House Bill 4646 allows counties, non-home rule municipalities, community college districts and school districts to own wind turbine farms, either individually or jointly. Until the governor signs the bill, non-home rule counties and municipalities lack the statutory authority to own wind turbine farms. Under the present law, home rule units, community college districts and school districts can establish a wind turbine farm consortium.
Third, there is House Bill 6660, which amends 220 ILCS 5/16-107.5 above . That bill allows units of local government that own or operate renewable electric power generation facilities, including wind turbines, to use "meter aggregation". Meter aggregation is a particular type of net metering which allows a meters to be grouped together for reading and billing purposes. With meter aggregation, the electrical energy generated and delivered to the grid a t one meter is netted against electrical energy consumption at a series of other meters owned by the local government agencies. Electrical energy generated at the wind turbine site meter is credited on a 1:1 kilowatt-hour basis against usage at the aggregated meters, which may be off-site meters. Because local government agencies (unlike private companies) receive no tax advantages for deploying wind turbines, meter aggregation is very important for governmental wind turbine farms to be cost effective. Moreover, with a consortium and with meter aggregation, the wind turbine farm can be located in rural area where the wind efficiency can be most effectively optimized.
Please take the opportunity to contact your local legislators to garner additional support for House Bill 6660. Should you have any questions or comments, please contact me.
George Marchetti
Tressler, Soderstrom, Maloney & Priess, L.L.P.
George's message follows,
This email is published with permission.
---------------
Ladies and Gentlemen:
No one has an exclusive on important ideas. While I have been working on draft legislation to enable consortiums of units of local government and school districts to remotely net meter the energy produced by wind turbines, Mayor Rodney Craig of the Village of Hanover Park has been pursuing the same goal. Mayor Craig's legislation was recently introduced as House Bill 6660. There are currently 5 co-sponsors in the House. A copy of the House bill and its current status are attached. Mayor Craig's legislation, though worded somewhat differently from my draft, is substantively the same. Consequently, we should contact our local legislators (especially potential Senate spo nsors) to support House Bill 6660. Here is the current status.
There are 3 important pieces of legislation that will affect governmental wind turbine farm consortiums. First, there is P.A. 95-0420, which is codified as 220 ILCS 5/16-107.5 and became effective August 24, 2007. That new statute has established the principle of net metering for renewable electric power generation facilities, including wind turbines. The statute applies to all renewable electric power generation facilities, not just those owned by local government agencies. Net metering under this statute, however, is effectively limited to the meter which is located at the renewable electric power generation site itself.
Second, there is House Bill 4646. That bill was passed unanimously by both houses of the General Assembly during the last session. It is on the Governor's desk. House Bill 4646 allows counties, non-home rule municipalities, community college districts and school districts to own wind turbine farms, either individually or jointly. Until the governor signs the bill, non-home rule counties and municipalities lack the statutory authority to own wind turbine farms. Under the present law, home rule units, community college districts and school districts can establish a wind turbine farm consortium.
Third, there is House Bill 6660, which amends 220 ILCS 5/16-107.5 above . That bill allows units of local government that own or operate renewable electric power generation facilities, including wind turbines, to use "meter aggregation". Meter aggregation is a particular type of net metering which allows a meters to be grouped together for reading and billing purposes. With meter aggregation, the electrical energy generated and delivered to the grid a t one meter is netted against electrical energy consumption at a series of other meters owned by the local government agencies. Electrical energy generated at the wind turbine site meter is credited on a 1:1 kilowatt-hour basis against usage at the aggregated meters, which may be off-site meters. Because local government agencies (unlike private companies) receive no tax advantages for deploying wind turbines, meter aggregation is very important for governmental wind turbine farms to be cost effective. Moreover, with a consortium and with meter aggregation, the wind turbine farm can be located in rural area where the wind efficiency can be most effectively optimized.
Please take the opportunity to contact your local legislators to garner additional support for House Bill 6660. Should you have any questions or comments, please contact me.
George Marchetti
Tressler, Soderstrom, Maloney & Priess, L.L.P.
Letter from Keeneyville School to Comed about Net Metering
We have posted a letter from the Keeneyville School District to ComEd about making Met Metering possible in order for multiple municipalities (for instance downstate schools and suburban schools) to share ownership and benefits of wind turbines. The letters posted here include costs and responses following a meeting between Principal Ofisher, Senator Noland, and myself.
Click on the image below to open the letter. This has been published with permission in order to encourage discussion and move this issue by gaining public support.
Click on the image below to open the letter. This has been published with permission in order to encourage discussion and move this issue by gaining public support.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Don’t miss Hanover Park’s 50th Anniversary Family Festival August 14 – 17
Press release about upcoming events
Don’t miss Hanover Park’s 50th Anniversary Family Festival August 14 – 17, 2008!
Hanover Park’s 50th Anniversary Family Fest will be held at the Hanover Park Park District Community Center at Maple and Church Streets. The Family Fest features free entertainment, free children’s activities, carnival (with special prices), free parking, free admission, food, and an awesome petting zoo—lots of fun at a great value!
The Schedule of Events for this year's Family Fest:
Thursday, August 14
6 PM–11 PM Carnival Open (Special wristband prices of only $16 from 6 -11 PM)
Main Stage Entertainment
7–8:30 PM The New Invaders
9–10:30 PM Classic Rock All Stars
Friday, August 15
6 PM–12 AM Carnival Open (Special wristband prices of only $12 from 12–5 PM!)
Main Stage Entertainment
7- 8:30 PM Covergurl
9 – 10:30 PM Survivor
Saturday, August 16
1 PM–12 AM Carnival Open (Special wristband prices of only $16 from 1–5 PM!)
FREE Children's Entertainment including:
1 PM to Dusk Miller's Petting Zoo
1 PM – 4 PM Balloon Twister
3 PM – 6 PM Face Painting
1 PM – 6 PM Inflatable Obstacle Course
1 PM – 6 PM Inflatable Wind Tunnel
1 PM – 6 PM Inflatable Tot Town
Main Stage Entertainment
4-5:30 PM Route 66
7-8:30 PM American English
9 -10:30 PM Blood, Sweat and Tears
Sunday – August 17
1 PM–10 PM Carnival Open (Special wristband prices of only $16 from 1–5 PM!)
FREE Children's Entertainment including:
1 PM to Dusk Miller's Petting Zoo
1 PM – 4 PM Balloon Twister
3 PM – 6 PM Face Painting
1 PM – 6 PM Inflatable Obstacle Course
1 PM – 6 PM Inflatable Wind Tunnel
1 PM – 6 PM Inflatable Tot Town
Main Stage Entertainment
3-4:30 PM OD TAPO IMI
5-6:30 PM The Business
7 -8:30 PM Jan and Dean Starring Dean Torrence
In addition to the terrific carnival and musical entertainment, there will be a fantastic selection of food and a beer garden.
FREE parking is available in the commuter lot off of Lake Street, two blocks south of the Fest.
If you have questions you can contact the Village Manager’s Office at 630/372-4210.
Don’t miss Hanover Park’s 50th Anniversary Family Festival August 14 – 17, 2008!
Hanover Park’s 50th Anniversary Family Fest will be held at the Hanover Park Park District Community Center at Maple and Church Streets. The Family Fest features free entertainment, free children’s activities, carnival (with special prices), free parking, free admission, food, and an awesome petting zoo—lots of fun at a great value!
The Schedule of Events for this year's Family Fest:
Thursday, August 14
6 PM–11 PM Carnival Open (Special wristband prices of only $16 from 6 -11 PM)
Main Stage Entertainment
7–8:30 PM The New Invaders
9–10:30 PM Classic Rock All Stars
Friday, August 15
6 PM–12 AM Carnival Open (Special wristband prices of only $12 from 12–5 PM!)
Main Stage Entertainment
7- 8:30 PM Covergurl
9 – 10:30 PM Survivor
Saturday, August 16
1 PM–12 AM Carnival Open (Special wristband prices of only $16 from 1–5 PM!)
FREE Children's Entertainment including:
1 PM to Dusk Miller's Petting Zoo
1 PM – 4 PM Balloon Twister
3 PM – 6 PM Face Painting
1 PM – 6 PM Inflatable Obstacle Course
1 PM – 6 PM Inflatable Wind Tunnel
1 PM – 6 PM Inflatable Tot Town
Main Stage Entertainment
4-5:30 PM Route 66
7-8:30 PM American English
9 -10:30 PM Blood, Sweat and Tears
Sunday – August 17
1 PM–10 PM Carnival Open (Special wristband prices of only $16 from 1–5 PM!)
FREE Children's Entertainment including:
1 PM to Dusk Miller's Petting Zoo
1 PM – 4 PM Balloon Twister
3 PM – 6 PM Face Painting
1 PM – 6 PM Inflatable Obstacle Course
1 PM – 6 PM Inflatable Wind Tunnel
1 PM – 6 PM Inflatable Tot Town
Main Stage Entertainment
3-4:30 PM OD TAPO IMI
5-6:30 PM The Business
7 -8:30 PM Jan and Dean Starring Dean Torrence
In addition to the terrific carnival and musical entertainment, there will be a fantastic selection of food and a beer garden.
FREE parking is available in the commuter lot off of Lake Street, two blocks south of the Fest.
If you have questions you can contact the Village Manager’s Office at 630/372-4210.
D300 takes steps toward wind farm
Here is an article from the Courier News about the Wind Turbine Alliance. We are starting to gain traction in the press, so this will help move things forward.
D300 takes steps toward wind farm
By CIGI ROSS Staff Writer
CARPENTERSVILLE -- Community Unit District 300 may partner with two other districts to build a wind farm in central Illinois that could generate enough energy for the entire district.
But unless changes are made to a state law, the off-site wind farm wouldn't be worth the price tag, said Chief Financial Officer Cheryl Crates.
Under the law, schools, community colleges and municipalities only are credited up to 20 percent for electricity generated by wind turbines past what they use, and credit only can be applied to buildings physically attached to the turbine, said David Ulm, District 300 energy coordinator.
But a bill introduced to General Assembly this month, House Bill 6660, would mandate that utility companies allow net aggregate metering, or complete compensation for energy produced, even if it's produced at an off-site location...
"What that does is opens the door for us to create a power-generating site to power all of our schools (that are) not on our particular property," Ulm said.
That location could be a wind farm in McLean County. Ulm said he began talks six months ago with officials from Hanover Park-based Keeneyville Elementary District 20 and Downs-based Tri-Valley Community Unit School District 3. Ulm said District 300 would need to build up to six turbines at the McLean County wind farm to power the district. But if House Bill 6660 isn't approved, Ulm said it would take about 60 years for the district to make any money from the wind farm.
Read the entire article here: D300 takes steps toward wind farm
D300 takes steps toward wind farm
By CIGI ROSS Staff Writer
CARPENTERSVILLE -- Community Unit District 300 may partner with two other districts to build a wind farm in central Illinois that could generate enough energy for the entire district.
But unless changes are made to a state law, the off-site wind farm wouldn't be worth the price tag, said Chief Financial Officer Cheryl Crates.
Under the law, schools, community colleges and municipalities only are credited up to 20 percent for electricity generated by wind turbines past what they use, and credit only can be applied to buildings physically attached to the turbine, said David Ulm, District 300 energy coordinator.
But a bill introduced to General Assembly this month, House Bill 6660, would mandate that utility companies allow net aggregate metering, or complete compensation for energy produced, even if it's produced at an off-site location...
"What that does is opens the door for us to create a power-generating site to power all of our schools (that are) not on our particular property," Ulm said.
That location could be a wind farm in McLean County. Ulm said he began talks six months ago with officials from Hanover Park-based Keeneyville Elementary District 20 and Downs-based Tri-Valley Community Unit School District 3. Ulm said District 300 would need to build up to six turbines at the McLean County wind farm to power the district. But if House Bill 6660 isn't approved, Ulm said it would take about 60 years for the district to make any money from the wind farm.
Read the entire article here: D300 takes steps toward wind farm
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