April, 2022 Serving Our Community Townships should continue to be your most effective and cost-efficient form of government. Cuba Township's elected officials and staff are committed to creating and maintaining a high quality of life for residents by continuing to provide services such as Road Maintenance, Property Assessments, and Administrative services in a friendly and fiscally responsible manner. Road District: 847-381-7793 Township Office: 847-381-1924 Assessor's Office: 847-381-1120

Supervisor Christopher Karam Happy Spring to everyone in Cuba Township. Yes, March rolled out like a lion, much to the chagrin of those who returned from a sunny Spring Break. We are springing forward into an action-packed second quarter with new partnerships and even a new ordinance. We cannot thank the community enough for the support of our food pantry and other donations. We have received an excess of mobility-related donations over the years and recently partnered with Midwest Veteran's Closet to pass along those excesses, and they were much appreciated. We donated our excess diapers to the Diaper Bank Partnership of Lake County, which was started to help fulfill diaper needs by distributing diapers free of charge to a network of food pantries and other social service agencies across Lake County. Lastly, our excess feminine hygiene products were gifted to St. Anne's Project Hope, which serves residents throughout Cuba Township and the surrounding area. We are grateful for the opportunity to ensure these items get to those in need as quickly as possible. A special thank you to Ant Simonian from the Township office for proactively making these connections possible. I referenced a new Cuba Township ordinance, which is an uncommon occurrence. The Trustees and I thought it was important to voice our collective disapproval of the new Lake County open burning regulations set to go into effect on June 1, 2022. These regulations affect unincorporated Lake County residents. The new open burning regulations were not well thought out and we will continue to do what we can to inject some common sense into these matters. We also want to take this opportunity to remind unincorporated Cuba Township residents of the new waste hauler vendor selected by Lake County. You may have received a neon yellow postcard in the mail with the notification, but effective June 1, 2022, unincorporated Cuba Township residents will be served by a single vendor, Lakeshore Recycling a/k/a Prairie Land. If you are currently utilizing another vendor, please get ahead of the June 1, 2022 deadline. You can learn more by following this link to Lake County's website. One of our more popular community service events is on Saturday, April 9th. Our semiannual Shred-It event will be hosted once again at the Township's Road District. Feel free to dispose of your sensitive records securely this weekend. April is a special month this year, not just because it is my daughter's and mother's birthday, but because we have the rare occasion where all three of the world's monotheistic religions are celebrating major holidays. Whether you are celebrating Ramadan, Passover or Easter, pray for peace and renewal. All the best, Chris Karam TOWNSHIP SERVICES Cuba Township residents in need may be eligible for various programs, including utility assistance, such as LIHEAP and Nicor Sharing, emergency assistance, and food pantry programs. Please visit our website for a complete list of assistance services. Com Ed and Nicor Gas Offer Consumer Protections to Prevent Disconnections Read the Com Ed commitment here. Read the Nicor Gas commitment here. ****Appointments for services are REQUIRED**** Passport Services Passport Applications: Passport processing takes 5 - 7 weeks for expedited processing and 8 - 11 weeks for standard processing. Passport appointments are required - call 847-381-1924 to schedule an appointment. To check the status of your passport, click here. Visit Travel.state.gov's renewal page if you want to renew an adult passport. Food Pantry The Tuesday food pantry continues as an indoor pantry, by appointment only, from 10 AM to 3 PM. If you need food assistance, please email info@cubatwpil.gov or call 847-381-1924. Please note the Food Pantry is closed Tuesday, April 12. Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Cuba Township is partnering with Lake County's Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (FERA). Click here for eligibility requirements and online applications for renters and landlords. Homeowner Assistance Program: Illinois has received approval from the U.S. Department of the Treasury on its Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund program to provide assistance to Illinois homeowners who have struggled to pay their mortgage due to COVID-19. Starting in April 2022, the state will begin accepting applications from homeowners for grants of up to $30,000 to eliminate or reduce past-due mortgage and property tax payments. Head to the Illinois Housing Development Authority website for more information about eligibility, application processes, and upcoming information sessions: ILHAF (illinoishousinghelp.org).  Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Launched Online Portal for Reduced Fare and Ride Free customers RTA launched Fare Programs Online, a web-based online customer portal that allows residents with disabilities and seniors to apply for, replace, and renew Reduced Fare and Ride Free Permits. The portal can be accessed at Fares.RTAChicago.org. This marks the first time these services are available online. Mail-in and in-person services remain an option for those who cannot or prefer not to use the web portal. Waste Hauling in Unincorporated Lake County

Impact on Unincorporated Cuba Township Earlier this year, Lake County established consolidated waste hauler agreements and a newly enacted unincorporated open burning ordinance to ensure residents can dispose of unwanted yard waste. The consolidated waste hauler agreements reduce truck traffic, emissions, and road impacts and offer competitive pricing. For Unincorporated Cuba Township, changes beginning June 1, 2022, include:   Lakeshore Recycling Systems will provide garbage, recycling, and yard waste pickup services to the unincorporated areas in Cuba Township. Weekly garbage and recycling fees are $19.95 per month (10% discount for Seniors 65 plus) Weekly landscape waste (grass clippings, leaves, brush) limited to six 30-gallon paper bags or six 35-gallon waste containers fees are $175 for the season (April 1 – December 15) or $19.44 per month. Instead of a season plan, residents may purchase stickers for $3.00 per bag/container. For additional information about the new waste hauler services starting on June 1, contact:  Lakeshore Recycling Systems: Call 844-NEED-LRS (844-633-3577), or email service@lrsrecycles.com

Registration for Ride Lake County is Now Open

Lake County's new countywide paratransit service called "Ride Lake County" is set to launch on May 1, 2022. Seniors age 60+ and people with disabilities that are interested in using the new service are encouraged to register by calling the Pace Call Center at 1-800-201-6446. Registering early for Ride Lake County will allow riders to begin scheduling trips on or after May 1, when the service starts. Seniors must provide their date of birth at registration, and individuals with disabilities must provide their RTA Reduced Fare Permit number at registration.

Clerk Heidi M Shannon Annual Town Meeting and Monthly Board Meeting set for Tuesday, April 12, 2022 The annual Town Meeting is set for April 12, 2022, beginning at 6:00 PM. The Monthly Board Meeting will immediately follow the Annual Town Meeting. Click to view the Annual Town Meeting Agenda and the Monthly Board Meeting Agenda. 2022 Primary Election Set for June 28, 2022 County Clerk Guide Helps You Search Updated Precinct and County Board Districts Due to new County Board Districts and precincts resulting from the 2020 reapportionment process, Lake County residents may be unsure of the new political district they reside in. The County Clerk’s Office has developed a step-by-step guide to look up new political districts you live within by entering your home address. View the how-to guide Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. Sincerely, Heidi Shannon

Assessor Nicole E. Knapik, CIAO

Dear friends, Chief County Assessors Office Senior Freeze Mailing Sent The Senior Freeze notices are in the mail. Beginning 2022, the County is requiring filers to include their 2021 1040's including schedules (if applicable). If you are unable to file online, you can schedule an appointment to come to the office. Request an appointment by email at info@cubaassessoril.gov or call us at 847-381-1120. Deputy Assessors in the Field In preparation for the 2022 assessment values, Deputy Assessors are in the field updating exterior photos and measuring property changes. Remember, improvements automatically receive a 4-year Home Improvement Exemption. If you purchased your home in 2021, remember to file for your 2022 exemptions this year! Below is a list of the most common exemptions. General Homestead Exemption (GHE) Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption (SCHE) If you purchased a residence in Cuba Township in 2021 and it is your primary residence, you may be eligible for the General Homestead Exemption (GHE). Likewise, If you are 65 years of age or older or turning 65 this year, you qualify for the Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption (SCHE). Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption (SCAFHE) Homeowners 65 years old or older with an income of $65,000 or less may qualify for the Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze. Beginning January 2022, proof of income must be filed along with Senior Freeze applications. You must own the property as your principal residence for two consecutive years (January 1). Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities (HEPD) This exemption may be claimed in addition to the General Homestead Exemption and the Senior Homestead Exemption, if applicable. Must be disabled under the Federal Social Security Act and must supply evidence of disability, in addition to completing the PTAX-343 Application for Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities and PTAX-343-A Physician's Statement. Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities You may claim this exemption in addition to the General Homestead Exemption and the Senior Homestead Exemption. Disabled veterans qualify if they have at least 30% and up to 100% service-connected disability. Evidence of disability is required, in addition to completing the PTAX-342 Application for Homestead Exemption and PTAX-342-A Annual Verification of Eligibility. Filing for your exemptions is quick and easy through Lake County's Smartfile E-Filing Portal. If you cannot file online, please contact our office at info@cubaassessoril.gov or 847-381-1120 to schedule an appointment. We are here to serve you! Nicole E. Knapik, CIAO

Highway Commissioner Thomas J Podgorski

For the latest update on roads, please follow us on Facebook! Mulch Madness! Contact Rebecca at the Road District to make arrangements for mulch delivery. Each load is 6-8 yards. The mulch is a double ground mixture of hard and softwoods from removed Cuba Township trees. Email Rebecca at rebecca@cubaroads.org or call 847-381-7793. New Driveway Alert for Unincorporated Homeowners If you are a homeowner in unincorporated Lake County and planning to put in a new driveway over an existing culvert, please contact the Cuba Township Road District to inspect the culvert. Cuba Township Paper Shred Event Set for Saturday, April 9, 2022 8 AM-Noon at the Cuba Township Road District (Blue farmhouse) Limit 4 paper bags per vehicle. Please note: The event is limited to Cuba Township residents. When the Shred-It truck is full, the shred event will end. Try to arrive early! The Cuba Township Road District operates 24/7 during inclement weather. You can call us if the matter concerns falling trees blocking roads. Please get in touch with your utility company for power outages. Paving Season Kicks Off Phase One is Heritage Oaks subdivision, Hart Road, Roberts Lane, and Jenna Court. The Road District no longer accepts any items for recycling. Visit Prairieland Disposal, Wauconda Recycling, and Solid Waste Agency of Lake County for recycling opportunities.

Keeping Cuba Township Green!

Clothing and Textile and Reuse-A-Shoe Drop Off Location – SWALCO Partnership Cuba Township is now a clothing and textile and Reuse-A-Shoe drop-off location in partnership with SWALCO. Clothing, textile, and shoe recycling is a full-circle program, diverting your new and gently used donations from landfills. Below is a list of Acceptable and Non Acceptable Items. Acceptable: Blouses and shirts Coats and jackets Dresses Halloween costumes Hats and scarves Pants, shorts, and jeans Pet clothing Socks (single or in pairs) Suits and tuxedos Swimsuits Sweaters and sweatshirts Ties Undergarments Clothing Accessories Backpacks Belts Purses and handbags Tote Bags Household Textiles Bedspreads Duvets Comforters Sheets Blankets Quilts Curtains Drapes

Household Textiles (continued) Sofa Covers Table linens Towels and washcloths Plush/Stuffed Animals Unacceptable Items: Wet, odorous, or moldy items Nylons and Pantyhose Fabric Scraps Craft Scraps (yarns, threads & other craft materials) Pillows Sleeping Bags Mattresses Rugs Carpet Cushions Foam furniture and foam mats Large Luggage Electric Blankets & Mattress Pads Non-Fabric Household Linens: Vinyl Shower Curtains, tablecloths, furniture covers, etc. Shoes Dress boots, hiking boots, and rain boots are accepted. NO WINTER BOOTS ALLOWED. Shoes in any condition, from new or gently used, to those that are worn, will be accepted. And, the great news is that 95% or more of all the materials collected will be recycled or reused. Before dropping off your shoes, please tie the laces of each pair together; if they are sandals or have no laces, please place a rubber band on the pair to keep the shoes together. UNACCEPTABLE ITEMS include Roller Blades, Ice Skates, and Winter Boots.

Community Partners

Barrington Area Council on Aging and AARP Tax-Aide Partner To Offer AARP 2021 Income Tax Filing Assistance. AARP 2021 Income Tax Filing Assistance is available to Cuba Township Seniors from February 3 to April 14, 2022. Appointments are required and can be made by contacting BACOA at 847-381-5030. Learn about the many senior services available through BACOA by clicking here.

Ordering Open for CFC's Spring Native Plant Sale Online ordering closes Sunday, April 17 ORDER HERE   This year's sale includes more than 350 varieties of native plants, shrubs, and trees, and features a special Mother's Day Garden collection. A great gift idea. To help you plan there is more information about the sale including links to CFC's native plant database. Filters allow you to sort by water need, sun, desired color, companion plants, and desired wildlife or pollinator species that you want to attract. CFC is also presenting a program on designing native plant gardens.

Thank you for the shoes! On Tuesday, March 22, fourteen 50 gallon garbage bags filled with shoes were picked up at the Township. Your participation in the Reuse A Shoe program diverted these products from a landfill and into a recycling program.

February Household Chemical Waste Events Saturday, April 9, 2022 Saturday, April 23, 2022 **Safety is crucial during your visit. Please Stay In Your Vehicle** SWALCO is located at 1311 N. Estes Street, Gurnee, IL 60031 APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED for Household Chemical Waste Events located at our Gurnee Facility to ensure safety & efficiency. Collections are for residential waste only. No business waste will be accepted. All SWALCO HCW Collection Events are FREE for Illinois residents ONLY. Click here to schedule an appointment

Employment Opportunity Resources

Job Center of Lake County offers a host of services including: Resource Library "Who's Hiring" list Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Opportunities Free online webinars Visit the Job Center's website for more information. The Barrington Career Center offers resources including: Job search skills training Coaching Career transition services Compassionate support Visit the Barrington Career Center for more information.

Community Partner Links

Village of Lake Barrington Village of North Barrington Village of Barrington Village of Port Barrington Village of Barrington Hills Village of Tower Lakes Lake County Permit Facility Lake County Sheriff's Office Barrington Countryside Fire Department Prairie Land Disposal Wauconda Recycling Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) Barrington Area Council on Aging (BACOA) Barrington Area Volunteer Connection Barrington Youth & Family Services Nicasa Behavioral Health Services PADS Lake County Barrington Area Council of Governments GiGi's Playhouse Smart Farms Citizens for Conservation Flint Creek/Spring Creek Watershed Partnership County Board Commissioners Commissioner Mike Danforth – District 17 Commissioner Catherine Sbarra – District 19 Illinois State Legislators State Senator Dan McConchie – 26th Senate District (includes all areas of 52nd and 51st House Districts below) State Representative Marty McLaughlin – 52nd House District (Cary, Fox River Grove, Port Barrington and parts of Lake Barrington, Barrington Hills, and Barrington) State Representative Chris Bos – 51st House District (Deer Park, Lake Zurich, Tower Lakes, and parts of Lake Barrington, North Barrington, and Barrington)

Cuba Township| Website