Dear Residents,

In an effort to engage more residents, I have been looking into creating a presence on social media for the Village. I am asking for your help by taking this quick survey to tell me where else you would like to see Village updates.

Next Wednesday, January 24 at 7 p.m., the Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals will be holding a public hearing.  The public hearing agenda items are as follows:

• Request for a Livestock Variance to harbor and accommodate a flock of chickens residing in a coop located at 13 Beechnut Drive
• Request for a Pool Fence Variance – Property located at 8 Rainier Circle

As with all our Village meetings, we hope you consider attending.  It is vital that residents attend meetings to hear proposals that they care about early on to add beneficial input.

In regard to process and government, it is important to remember that even though a developer or resident is introducing an idea at a public hearing, the Board is not automatically on the way to approving their project or request.

A developer or resident is entitled to request a Plan Commission hearing and upon that request, we are then legally required to refer the project to the Plan Commission. The petitioner (developer or resident) submits a deposit to the Village which is applied to (and covers all of) our consultants’ fees so we may research the many facets of the proposed project before it progresses.

The job of the Plan Commission is to look at all project material/requests and to consider community input and needs, as part of the hearing. The Commission then determines if the project/request would be a positive addition or solution for South Barrington.  Along with this, the Commission usually offers suggestions for changes that would add value to the development/residence and to the community.

The Commission’s referral decision, after the hearing and citizen input is complete, is given to the Board of Trustees. The Trustees then consider the referral by reviewing all consultants’ findings, the developer’s proposal, and the input of residents who have emailed, attended the Plan Commission meeting and spoke, or expressed their thoughts at the Board meeting.  Finally, each member of the Board has the opportunity to vote to approve or reject the proposal.

You may know that we have a weather station on Village Hall property. The weather station records our local weather and keeps historical data, which is accessible to the public. If you are interested in this data, please download the Weatherlink or WeatherBug app, as both of these use data collected from our weather station. You can find more information and current conditions on our website by clicking here.

We have received reports of mailboxes being damaged by snowplows after the most recent snowfalls. The Village offers two ways to report mailbox damage, either by filling out our new online form or verbally by calling 847-381-7510 (if you are leaving a message outside of normal business hours, please be sure to include your name, address, and phone number so we may best assist you).

Your mailbox is an essential means of communication. Aside from receiving your mail, they help provide your location in case of emergencies or in situations where other village assistance is needed. Our code states that mailboxes or support posts must display numerical address identification.
The US Postal Service gives the following requirements for mailboxes to help ensure mail delivery:

• A box number, if used, inscribed in contrasting color in neat letters and numerals at least 1 inch high on the side of the box visible to the carrier’s regular approach or on the door if boxes are grouped.
• A house number if street names and house numbers have been assigned by local authorities and the postmaster authorizes their use as a postal address.
• If the box is on a different street from the customer’s residence, the street name and house number must be inscribed on the box.

The Village provides residents with free address numbers for mailboxes or mail posts.  The address numbers are standard 3.5” black and white stickers that adhere to your mailbox or post and have a reflective coating. You may pick up your free mailbox stickers at Village Hall weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

We are offering an opportunity for an intern to help in our administrative offices. If you know a college student who may be interested, please visit our Employment Opportunities page for additional details.

You can always reach me by email at pmccombie@southbarrington.org on our website. Anonymous comment boxes are also available in the lobbies of Village Hall and the Police Department. I read anonymous messages privately, so please do not hesitate to contact me.

Have a great weekend!

Paula McCombie

Mayor

Read more of my Friday message by clicking here.

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