Dear Residents,

This past Tuesday, we experienced a confirmed EF-0 tornado in the Village. The National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado occurred between 7:33-7:35 pm with estimated peak winds of 85 miles per hour. The tornado traveled approximately 1.1 miles with a maximum width of 105 yards. While there was some damage to properties and trees, I am very grateful that no injuries or deaths occurred due to this storm. Cuba Township has been assisting in the clean-up at Village Hall and in Village Right-of-Way areas.

Due to ongoing contamination issues, we are discontinuing the Styrofoam recycling program. The recycling company has rejected several dumpsters’ worth of material due to contamination and it is no longer feasible to continue. If you have clean Styrofoam for recycling, it may be dropped off at Algonquin’s Public Works Facility.

The 2023 year was very accomplished; here is a highlight list of our accomplishments:

• The Board approved a new Village Comprehensive Plan, having worked for two years with John Houseal of Houseal and Lavigne as consultant.
• The Building & Zoning Committee began the update of the Village’s Zoning Ordinance with consultant Kirk Bishop of Duncan Associates.
• The Emergency Operations Plan was updated and approved.
• The Village entered into a Professional Services Agreement with Greeley and Hansen Engineers.  They conducted an initial feasibility study for obtaining Lake Michigan water through Northwest Suburban Municipal Joint Action Water (NSMJAWA).
• Banner Production Company developed an economic Marketing Plan for the Village, including producing a Promotional Video for the Village, utilizing Crains to extend advertising reach
• Completed the annual Road Program for $800,000
• Obtained $50,000 in Public Safety Grants for the Police Department
• Purchased and trained Village Police Officers on Body and Dash Cameras
• Obtained $20,000 in Grant Funds for the “Plant the Conservancy” event. Volunteers were able to plant native plants along the creek banks in the Conservancy to help stabilize and reclaim the area from invasive species.
• The Village celebrated Arbor Day and was recognized once again as a Tree City and honored with a Growth Award by the Arbor Day Foundation. The Village also planted its 100^th tree species, a Yellow Buckeye in the Conservancy, and will qualify to apply for Arboretum status.
• The Village initiated a new cost-sharing program for Homeowner’s Associations to make needed repairs to storm sewers within individual subdivisions.
• The Village approved Vintage Homes’ new Sundance of South Barrington subdivision on Palatine Road. The gated community will boast up to 65 custom, high-end homes and amenities.
• The Village also approved Vintage Homes’ Enclave Phase II, located off Higgins Road.
• The Village started the process of closing out the Toll Brothers project for the Woods of South Barrington.
• The Village worked with the Arboretum of South Barrington regarding new restaurants set to open this year.
• The Village also worked with the Arboretum of South Barrington on the approval of an upgrade to the existing digital display sign at Higgins and Route 59 in addition to a second digital sign for the easternmost entrance on Higgins.
• The Village Worked with the Goebbert Family on improvements for their Fall Festival Grounds
• The Village approved “Welcome to South Barrington” monument signs and is currently awaiting IDOT permitting
• The Village hosted Cook County Officials providing an informative presentation on avoiding scams targeting seniors.
• The Village continued recycling efforts, offering recycling for Styrofoam, cork, and holiday lights.
• I represented the Village on the O’Hare Noise Commission as well as that organization’s Technical Committee.
• The Village, in conjunction with SWANCC, held another successful document shredding event.
• The Village is proud to maintain a stable property tax levy (our 7^th year in a row)

When selecting consultants, we always look for well-known, experienced, and hardworking companies that will do the best job. Being able to provide the Village with top-notch, high-quality plans and solutions is a priority and helps ensure our future success.

As always, I can be reached by email at pmccombie@southbarrington.org or online through our website here. I can also be reached through the anonymous comment boxes located in the Village Hall and Police Department lobbies. I read anonymous messages privately, so please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss any matter.

Enjoy your weekend!

Paula McCombie
Mayor

Read more of my Friday message by clicking here.

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