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Village Board of Trustees meets tonight

Posted in Agendas, Big Red, Building Department, Clown Car, Conflict of interest, Deception, ePacket Agendas, Equestrian Commission, Ethics, Financial Reports, Fundraisers, Insurance Committee, Mac's Property Management, Minutes, Mówimy po polsku, One Barrington Hills, Plan Commission, Police Pension Board, Police Reports, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Resident Spotlights, Riding Club Commission, Road construction, Roads & Bridges Committee, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Transparency, Unions, VBHPD, Village Attorney, Village Board, Village Clerk, Village Code, Village Director of Administration, Village Engineer, Village Government, Village President, Village Treasurer, Zoning Board on June 24, 2024| Leave a Comment »

The Village Board of Trustees will be conducting their regular monthly meeting this evening beginning at 6:30 PM. Topics on their agenda include:

A copy of their agenda can be viewed and downloaded here.

Editorial note: This marks the 6,000th post to The Observer since this publication began in 2009.

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National Public Radio’s Debacle and the ‘Vibe Shift’

Posted in Conflict of interest, Deception, Elections, Ethics, New Normal?, News Media, NPR, OP/Ed, Politics, Topics Of Interest, Wirepoints on April 19, 2024| Leave a Comment »

By Mark Glennon | Founder of Wirepoints

If you haven’t read it, you’ve missed what every journalist in America has probably read: a brutal column on how National Public Radio (NPR) lost America’s trust, written last week by a 25-year NPR veteran, Uri Berliner.

It may be shaping up as a game-changer, but not because it exposed anything new.  It didn’t, but this time, most every national news outlet in America reported on Berliner’s column and, more surprisingly, didn’t deny much of it.

Berliner’s column seems to be cranking the spotlight on mainstream media up to full blast. NPR may be among the very worst, but much of what Berliner wrote applies to much of the traditional news media. Hopefully, all media will get the message – in Illinois, too.

NPR, as Berliner describes, is hostile to viewpoint diversity, staffed entirely by leftists and woke to the point of silliness. NPR, he says, embraced a knee-jerk, activist, scolding posture, representing the “distilled worldview of a very small segment of the U.S. population.”

Most importantly, Berliner describes how NPR willfully distorted the news. It peddled the Russia collusion hoax, rejected any coverage of the Hunter Biden laptop and its evidence of Biden family corruption, and censored criticism of establishment views on Covid.

That’s what most Americans already know, which is part of Berliner’s point. NPR’s audience has consequently shrunk to a niche on the far left, he explained. For NPR, Berliner says, that’s “devastating both for its journalism and its business model.” [Emphasis added.]

People are consuming less news, worsening the financial plight of traditional news media, though the downturn has hit most newer, online sights as well.

Read more here.

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Been too long…

Posted in Conflict of interest, Land Use, Politics, Resident Surveys, Special Use Permits, Village Code, Village Government, Zoning Board on April 12, 2024| Leave a Comment »

It has been over a decade since this publication requested input from residents on matters of importance to our residents via surveys. The last time was in November of 2013 (seen here), and before that, in October of 2012 (seen here).

So, why have we decided it is time to solicit input from residents? It boils down to two reasons.

First, our Zoning Board of Appeals has spent a year discussing Village Code modifications that may affect all residents. Such modifications include:

Recreational Vehicle Regulations – This determines how many, “Recreational vehicles are defined as vehicles or trailers for recreational or utilitarian uses which can be driven, towed, sailed, hauled or flown,” one might store in the open on one’s property.

Renewable Energy – This is intended to establish guidelines for roof and ground mounted solar energy systems. Those systems might be solar, geothermal and/or wind based.

Solid Roof and Berm Height – The Zoning Board seems to be leaning toward increasing the maximum height of solid fences and berms from five feet to six feet. (The five-foot limit on solid fencing has been in place for as long as anyone can remember, and thus may explain why one rarely sees solid fences in Barrington Hills).

Drafts of these Code modifications can be viewed here.

Many believe the Zoning Board and the Board of Trustees would benefit from objective opinions from as many residents as possible before deciding on any code modifications.

The second purpose of a survey is to take the pulse of residents when it comes to our current Board of Trustees. The reasons are clear to us as well as numerous residents, and we will cite examples.

Outside of the current Village President, the maximum experience level of Trustees is three (3) years. One of those trustees has only physically attended five (5) regular board meetings in 2023.  And they were absent from five (5) meetings and attended remotely two (2) times.

Further, we understand the Trustee who is the Committee Chairperson of the Zoning Board of Appeals has yet physically attended one of their meetings. We could go further, but it should be apparent now why residents might be interested in a new survey.

We hope to have the questions posted in a few weeks. In the meantime, please feel free to email any questions or suggestions to BHObserver@gmail.com.

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Barrington Hills Park District Board (RCBH) meets tonight

Posted in Agendas, Algonquin Rd, Barbarian Migrants in Busses at the Gate, Barrington Hills Park District, Barrington Hills Polo Club, Bicyclists, Big Brother, Big Red, BraveHearts, Clown Car, Conflict of interest, Countryside Elementary School, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Don't Change Barrington Hills, Dumb and Dumber, Equestrian Commission, Ethics, Fox River Valley Hunt, FPDCC, FRVPC, Goat Rodeo, Horizon Farm, Horse Boarding, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, LeCompte/Anderson Commercial Horse boarding amendment, Lighting Ordinance, Longmeadow Parkway, Mad Cows, New Normal?, Open Meetings Act, Organizations, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, Riding Center Advisory Committee, Riding Club Commission, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, The Other Half, Transparency, Unions, Village Code, Your Barrington Hills, Zoning Board on March 13, 2024| Leave a Comment »

The Barrington Hills Park District Board/Riding Club of Barrington Hills will hold their monthly meeting this evening in person and via Zoom at 7:00 PM. Some items on their agenda include:

  • Review the Rental Agreement Forms
  • Review Riding Center Rules
  • Electrical Quotes
  • Tennis Court Repair/Maintenance Bid
  • Village Zoning Changes(?), and
  • Equestrian Commission(?)

A copy of their agenda can be viewed here. Instructions for accessing the meeting remotely can be found here

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Barrington-area leaders tout growth at annual economic summit

Posted in BACT, Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, Barrington Hills Park District, Clown Car, Conflict of interest, Cook, County, Deception, Dumb and Dumber, EJ&E/Canadian National, Ethics, FPDCC, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, One Barrington Hills, Politics, Property Taxes, South Barrington, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Village Code, Village Government, Village President on February 15, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Darch

Report

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

The annual State of the Greater Barrington Area Economic Summit fittingly took place on Valentine’s Day, given how area leaders showered the new development taking place in their communities with love.

Sponsored by the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, the event Wednesday featured leaders from Barrington and its neighbors offering updates on what’s new in their towns.

Barrington Village President Karen Darch discussed the long-awaited development of the Golden Triangle, a downtown area bordered by Hough Street, Liberty Street and the Union Pacific railroad tracks. Compasspoint Development plans to build 125 apartments, 13,000 square feet of retail space, two new restaurants, and 37 car condominiums on the 6.2-acre site.

Deer Park Village President Greg Rusteberg said a new tax increment financing district along Rand Road has attracted four projects. Persin & Robbin Jewelers will be breaking ground at Lake-Cook and Quentin roads this spring, he added.

Happenings in Long Grove include new ownership for the Village Tavern, which has been operating since 1847, and the Sock Monkey Museum being inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records, Village President Bill Jacob said.

Read more here.

Editorial note: Zalusky found nothing of interest to report for Barrington Hills. Apparently, President Cecola mentioned nothing about the pending proposed annexation of properties adjacent to South Barrington and the Cook County Forest Preserves by the Village. He likely didn’t want to be asked questions he was incapable of answering.

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Barrington area economic summit set for tomorrow

Posted in BACOG, Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, Clown Car, Conflict of interest, Deception, Dumb and Dumber, EJ&E/Canadian National, Entertainment, Ethics, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), One Barrington Hills, Politics, Resident Spotlights, Transparency, Village President on February 13, 2024| Leave a Comment »

2024EconomicSummitflyerwithSponsor-FINAL

The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of the Greater Barrington Area Economic Summit will take place from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14.

Held at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St. in Barrington, the event gives audience members a chance to hear firsthand updates from village leaders.

Invited speakers include the village presidents of Barrington, Barrington Hills, Deer Park, Inverness, Kildeer, Lake Barrington, Long Grove, North Barrington, Port Barrington, South Barrington and Tower Lakes.

The event is open to the public. Cost to attend is $15, which includes pastries, coffee and networking. To register, visit www.barringtonchamber.com.

Editorial note: It promises to be an eye-opening experience for those attending well worth the price of admission.

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Registration open for the Barrington Area Economic Summit

Posted in BACOG, Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, Conflict of interest, Deception, One Barrington Hills, Organizations, Politics, Transparency, Village President on February 4, 2024| Leave a Comment »

2024EconomicSummitflyerwithSponsor-FINAL

From the Village website:

“Barrington Hills Village President, Brian D. Cecola, will be joining area leaders in presenting the economic state of our area. This is an opportunity to hear first-hand updates about our area, as well as pose a question if time permits.”

Register today!

Related: “Best acute hemorrhoids doctors in Barrington Hills, IL”

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Village Board of Trustees meet tonight

Posted in Agendas, Barbarian Migrants in Busses at the Gate, BCFPD, Board of Health, Building Department, Clown Car, Conflict of interest, Cuba Township Road District, Deception, Dumb and Dumber, ePacket Agendas, Equestrian Commission, Ethics, Financial Reports, Insurance Committee, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, Legal Expenses, Mac's Property Management, Minutes, OMA, OP/Ed, Pension Funding, Plan Commission, Police Pension Board, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, Riding Club Commission, Roads & Bridges Committee, Topics Of Interest, Transparency, Unions, VBHPD, Village Attorney, Village Board, Village Clerk, Village Code, Village Director of Administration, Village Engineer, Village Government, Village President, Village Treasurer, Zoning Board on January 22, 2024| Leave a Comment »

VBH Nov23Jan Zoom

Our Village Board of Trustees will be conducting their regular monthly meeting this evening beginning at 6:30 PM. Topics on their agenda include:

  • PUBLIC HEARING: Village of Barrington Hills Annual Appropriation Ordinance for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2024, and Ending December 31, 2024 Appropriation Ord FY 2024 – Draft.pdf
  • [Vote] Annual Appropriation Ordinance for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2024 and Ending December 31, 2024 Ordinance 24 –
  • [Vote] Resolution for Use of Motor Fuel Tax Funds on Snow Removal 2024 Resolution 24 –
  • [Vote] Ordinance Amending the General Penalty of the Village Code Adjusting the Maximum Fine Ordinance 24 –
  • Annexation of Contiguous Properties Discussion

The fourth item on the list amending the amount(s) of, “General Penalty of the Village Code,” reads:

“Any person convicted of or found liable for a violation of any section of this code shall be fined in a sum not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) and not to exceed seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00) two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500.00) for any one offense, excepting any specific section of this code wherein the maximum fine is limited to a lesser amount.”

Both amounts are too low, especially the $100.00 amount. By the time all the costs, from start to finish, are aggregated to collect $100.00, the Village will likely lose money (and no doubt has been for many years).

A copy of their agenda can be viewed and downloaded here.

Related: “A matter of trust,” “December Board of Trustees meeting recordings released,” “Change.org petition posted: ‘Why Barrington Hills should not annex Sutton and the Penny Road Properties.’”

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A matter of trust

Posted in Building Department, Conflict of interest, Cuba Township Road District, Deception, Dumb and Dumber, Ethics, Financial Reports, FUBAR, Legal Expenses, Mac's Property Management, New Normal?, One Barrington Hills, OP/Ed, Politics, Roads & Bridges Committee, Taxes, Transparency, Village Board, Village Director of Administration, Village Government, Village President on January 19, 2024| Leave a Comment »

BC 2

Monday evening’s Board of Trustees meeting includes a Public Hearing regarding the proposed 2024 Village Appropriation Ordinance. We have concerns and questions, not the least of which is our first one.

You see, for the fifth (5th) year in a row, the amount appropriated for “Snowplowing” is not disclosed. In 2019, the amount of $279,500 was appropriated, but since then that line has remained blank:

Blank Snowplowing

If President Cecola’s (alleged) business in Winter months includes snowplowing, are there implications of concern with our Village currently contracting with (alleged) friend(s) of his after he spearheaded the firing of Cuba Township Road District (Cecola abstained from that vote, by the way)?

Why has he chosen not to have the amounts published again in 2024 or previous years during his Administration? Further, why is the obsessively detail oriented Roads and Bridges Chair allowing this to proceed this far before a vote?

Following are some of the amounts appropriated to “Municipal Buildings & Grounds” as seen in the draft report:

Snow Removal

Question: Is “Snow Removal” separate from “Snowplowing”? In the copy of the draft linked below, an amount is listed for “Salt” ($1,100) under Roads and Bridges, by the way, but nothing for snow plowing.

There are other items of concern in the 2024 Appropriations Ordinance draft, which we’ve highlighted in a copy that can be found here.

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December Board of Trustees meeting recordings released

Posted in Audio Recordings, Barrington Hills Park District, Big Brother, Building Department, Clown Car, Conflict of interest, Cook, County, Deception, Dumb and Dumber, EJ&E/Canadian National, Equestrian Commission, Ethics, FUBAR, Horizon Farm, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, One Barrington Hills, OP/Ed, Plan Commission, Plum Farm development, Politics, Property Taxes, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Traffic, Transparency, Village Attorney, Village Board, Village Code, Village Director of Administration, Village Government, Village President, Zoning Board on January 5, 2024| 3 Comments »

Change Prtition

Recording of the December 19th Board of Trustees meeting has been released. While there are several items we would like to weigh in on, the, “Annexation of Contiguous Properties Discussion,” topic* on the agenda is on top the list.

There were a few public comments addressing a property currently in the Village and one in unincorporated Cook County (pictured above). Both are off Old Sutton Road, and within roughly a mile of one another.

The property in the Village has been topic of multiple comments at Board of Trustee and Zoning Board meetings for some time now, yet nothing seems to have been done by the Village.

As for the unincorporated Cook County comments, President Cecola and the Board have approved taking steps to annex the property described by a Change.org petition as the, “Sutton and the Penny Road Properties.” One of the reasons for this apparently is the appearance of this property, and the belief our Village Code will somehow improve the situation. However, when traveling throughout our Village, numerous and obvious Code violations can be seen in plain view, and no corrective actions seem to take place.

Our President and Board are willing to spend our tax dollars to attempt to annex this property and improve the aesthetics of it presumably through Village Code enforcement. You decide if this makes sense, especially considering the number of Code violations in plain view from Village roads presently that are not addressed.

The December meeting recordings can be found here.

Related: “Change.org petition posted: ‘Why Barrington Hills should not annex Sutton and the Penny Road Properties.’”

* As has become the Cecola administration’s practice, no explanation of what this topic was about was provided to the public in advance of the meeting in the agenda.  Yet, as the recordings show, some privileged residents were informed in advance so they could prepare.

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