Mayor’s Message October 17, 2025

Dear Residents,

Fall is here but living in northern Illinois, we all know winter is lurking around the corner.

And as we move into the winter months, I’d like to share a few important updates and highlight a few Village programs that will be returning this winter.

Holiday Lights Recycling Program Returns

One initiative returning is our Holiday Light Recycling program to help residents responsibly dispose of lights that no longer work. Beginning Monday, October 20th through March 8, 2026, a labeled recycling bin will be available outside of Village Hall for the convenient drop-off of holiday string lights and extension cords.

This program offers residents an easy and environmentally friendly way to recycle old or non-working lights while keeping them out of landfills.

Note: If you have other types of lights, fluorescent lamps, or CFL bulbs, please bring them to the front desk for proper disposal and do not place them in the bin with the holiday lights.

Reporting Overnight Parking

The Holidays also mean visitors and overnight guests.

We want everyone to enjoy the Holiday season but please remember to make the proper requests for street parking overnight. You may submit a request by visiting www.frontlinepss.com/southbarrington and follow the prompts. Residents may also contact the South Barrington Police Department Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at 847-381-7511. After hours, please contact QuadCom Dispatch at 847-428-8784.

Please note that any voicemail left after hours on weekends are not monitored, and vehicles will not be approved for overnight parking based on voicemail requests.

Dead Tree Removal and Upcoming Tree Pruning Spring 2026

Finally, another initiative is our efforts to remove dead trees.

Residents may have noticed Cuba Township crews removing trees throughout the community this week. This work is part of an ongoing effort to address and remove dead trees that have been identified and inspected by the Village arborist.

As mentioned during the Village Board meeting on October 9th, the Village is currently accepting bids for Tree Trimming now through Monday, October 27 at 9:59 a.m. The purpose of the tree trimming is to raise the branches approx. 14 ft off the road so that they will not hit the top of garbage trucks and other service vehicles. This is scheduled to take place next month in November.  In June of 2026, once trees are in full bloom, dead limbs and some pruning will take place to promote healthy growth.

Please continue to report any trees that appear to be in poor condition. We maintain a comprehensive list and evaluate all reported trees to ensure they are included in our community-wide maintenance and improvement initiatives. Trees can be reported to Ryan Murphy, year-round, at rmurphy@southbarrington.org

Community Pumpkin Smash Event

Last week, we announced that the Village will be hosting its first-ever Community Pumpkin Smash Event, which will be open to the public at no cost. We’re excited by the positive feedback we’ve received and are grateful to the organizations, schools, and businesses helping us spread the word. We even made it to the big screen at the Arboretum!

To make it easy, here are the key details:

• When & Where: Saturday, November 8 | 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Conservancy, South Barrington, IL
  • Google Map Link HERE
• Cost: Free and open to the public, please register with Makayla at mterfehn@southbarrington.org
• What to Bring: Old or leftover pumpkins with decorations and lights removed
• Activities & Vendors: Pumpkin Smashing, Goebberts, Barrington Countryside FPD & East Dundee Fire District
• Spectators Welcome: Come watch or cheer — participation is optional but encouraged

Please help us spread the word so we can make this an annual tradition for our residents and neighboring communities. The Pumpkin Smash is a great way to dispose of pumpkins in a fun and environmentally friendly way.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Makayla at mterfehn@southbarrington.org or check our Facebook page where we will continue to provide updates (Facebook Pumpkin Smash Event)

Village Supports Illinois America250 Commemoration

Next year is the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This milestone is more than a historic moment – it’s a chance for Illinois communities to come together and honor the people, achievements, and spirit that shape our shared identity.

At last month’s Village Board meeting, the Village of South Barrington passed a resolution in support of the Illinois America250 Commemoration. This means we will join communities across the state in marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026.

To learn more about the America250 initiatives, please click the link HERE

K9/Drone Search and Rescue Training at 1 West Penny Road

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a Fire and Rescue Drone! If you saw drones in our area, don’t worry because it was all part of a fire and rescue training. The Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District recently hosted a K9/Drone Search and Rescue Training in our area.

The K9/Drone team is a specialized unit that combines highly trained dogs and handlers with advanced drone technology to help locate missing or lost individuals. This collaboration enhances both the efficiency and safety of search operations.

These trainings are important and will save lives. We thank our firefighters for the work they do to keep our community safe.

As always, I am here to listen to your thoughts and concerns. Feel free to email me at pmccombie@southbarrington.org, or use the anonymous comment boxes located in the lobbies of Village Hall and the Police Department. I review these messages privately and value your input.

Have an enjoyable weekend!

Paula McCombie
Mayor