Highway Commissioner, THOMAS W. GOOCH III

Hi - it’s summer again,!  But think of this– I just ordered our allotment of salt-  2,200 tons plus 10,000 gallons of liquid chloride . . .  it will be time to use it before you know it !   I’m already thinking of those fun nights and 24 hour work days.  Now that you’re cheered up, on to some more news.

 

CUBA ROAD-   By the time you read this, Cuba Road should be substantially complete between Routes 59 and 14.  This was a project that had to be undertaken due to the serious deterioration of drainage swales and the asphalt surface.  We will be working on landscaping and striping throughout the summer, but take a look now, it turned out really good.  In coming years, we will continue to remove dying and undesirable trees and replace them with young, healthy hardwoods.  We have a tree inventory and are working with a forester on this issue.  We worked very hard to preserve desirable trees and believe this “signature road” turned out as well as any project could have.  Drive on it and take a look- I think you’ll be pleased.

 

DON’T GAS US! - sounds like a slogan fit for a sign or a flag, but it has some reality with the latest attack by NICOR, the friendly natural gas supplier.  About three months ago, we were advised that NICOR intended to install a 12-inch high pressure gas line from Route 22 and Harbor Road, south on Harbor crossing Cuba, and then east on Cuba to the intersection of Cuba Road and Ela Roads.  All this on our brand-new Cuba Road.  They said they “probably” would directionally bore “most” of it.  I said directionally boring doesn’t work and trenching ends up occurring, they said give us a permit and I said NO.   They then began issuing numerous threats including their lawyer’s threat of putting my name on your gas bill as a reason for high gas costs.  That threat really didn’t have much of an impact, although I did ask if they could use big letters for my name.  The Township has by resolution determined to prevent this project by all means possible.

 

Since then, NICOR tried to ignore the Township and instead obtain permits from Lake County and The Village of Lake Barrington for portions on either side of the area in the Township.  I must say the level of intergovernmental cooperation from County Board Member STEVE MOUNTSIER in obtaining Lake County’s refusal to allow this pipeline on their right of way has been commendable. Without his timely intervention, the permit might well have slipped through the County. Hats off also to KEVIN RICHARDSON, the very active Mayor of the Village of Lake Barrington.  Both Steve and Kevin know the real meaning of intergovernmental cooperation and prove, time and again,  their desire to operate in partnership with the entire community.  Lake Barrington also has declined to automatically issue a permit and has indicated a desire to stand with the Township on this issue. Kevin has spearheaded more then one drive to protect our way of life in the Barrington area and Steve, for years, has stood out in his efforts for our community.

 

NICOR , however, isn’t finished yet in their attempts to force this high pressure transfer line on us.  We get absolutely no benefit from this line.  There are no planned lateral connections in our Township from it.  It is designed to provide more gas volume to satisfy rampant development in Lake Zurich and points south and east.  NICOR has some real “spin doctors” out on this one.  I need your help and support. They have a new spin doctor, “community relations manager’ on this one, his name and number are Jim Tanzer at 708 544 5707 x 292.  Tell him what you think and be sure to tell him I said Hi.

 

Enjoy your summer and call me if I can help with anything.   My office number is 381 7793 and home is 382 1224.

FOOD DRIVE UPDATE

Pictured at left are Cuba Township officials assisting at the February 2005 Have a Heart Food Drive.  More than one thousand pounds of food was collected benefiting Cuba and Barrington Township food pantries.  Many thanks to all who donated.  Your generosity benefits many in our community.

 

L to R:  Township Trustee Dick Kosner, food drive coordinator; Township Clerk, Priscilla Rose; Township Highway Commissioner, Tom Gooch;  Township General Assistance Coordinator, Cheryl Tanaka;  Township Supervisor Dave Nelson; Township Trustee Don Griffith

Page 5