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
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Supervisor Christopher Karam |
Happy New Year to all in Cuba Township. We appreciate your readership and one of our goals for 2021, was to keep you as informed as possible about Township activities. We are now circulating this newsletter to over 1100 recipients. Let’s begin with the year that was and look ahead into the new calendar year.
Accomplishments in 2021
- Secured non-taxpayer funding to replace 1 of the 9 public safety sirens [estimated value of $30,000] and seeking grants to replace the other 8 sirens over the next 36 months. These are important to our collective well-being and to ensure our public safety.
- Brought the Independence Day 5k fun run to Cuba Township in coordination with the Village of Barrington Hills for a much-needed celebratory exercise session. We are looking forward to a larger event in 2022.
- Successfully brought together the community in record fashion for the return of our annual Fall Festival. Over 500 of you were in attendance and we look forward to re-engaging with our residents throughout 2022.
- Cleared final inspection of our new lift supporting food pantry donors and volunteers to safely transit heavier quantities up and down levels without having to use the stairs.
- Introduced environmentally-friendly textile bins for donation of clothing and proper disposal of old shoes. Feel free to donate items in the parking lot between the Township and Road District offices.
- The Cuba Township Road District paved a new and more amenable Township office driveway giving visitors ample parking and food pantry donors easier access to our building.
- We continued to help our residents in need by facilitating and delivering over $116,000 of food, rent, and utility assistance by coordinating with our local, county, state, and federal partners.
We always want to deliver great value for our residents in a well-rounded manner and the activities listed above promote financial stewardship, operational effectiveness, and the general well-being of our neighbors. Speaking of the well-being of our neighbors, the Cuba Township Road District had a couple of recent opportunities to showcase their outstanding snowplow assets and maintenance skills. TJ Podgorski and his entire crew do a great job clearing the roads and allowing us to travel as safely as possible.
A Look Ahead
A New Year often means changes. And no, I’m not talking about resolutions [by the way - I have not yet been to the gym in 2022 – but I promise to get there soon…]. We celebrated the 31-year career of our outgoing Assessor, Rebecca Tonigan, and you will find a new sign when you enter our driveway, now appropriately named Rebecca Tonigan’s Way. Nicole Knapik is now officially the Cuba Township Assessor after Becci’s decades of service to our community. Enjoy some of that Florida sunshine, Becci!
Last May we welcomed two new Trustees, Tom Kusmerz and Tiffany Andreae, a new Clerk, Heidi Shannon, and a new Food Pantry Coordinator, Sophia Colberg. Our newest team members have brought their energy and ideas to Cuba Township.
A New Year also means new beginnings and we are excited about the year ahead. We know our world promulgates gloomy news and dire outlooks that fill our mental “wall of worry,” but a renaissance of togetherness, positivity, and grace is emerging out there to displace the divisive intent of a few. Stay strong.
Cheers to a healthy, prosperous, and triumphant 2022.
Sincerely,
Chris Karam
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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.
****Appointments for services are REQUIRED through the end of February****
PASSPORT SERVICES
Passport Fee increase: Effective December 27, 2021, adult and child passport books increased $20 to $130 and $100, respectively.
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.
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.
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.
SECRETARY OF STATE EXTENDS DEADLINES FOR DRIVER'S LICENCES AND ID CARDS.
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards have been extended an additional three months – from January 1, 2022, to March 31, 2022. This extension does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and CDL learner’s permits. Secretary of State White noted this will be the final extension.
Click here to make an appointment at the DMV. You may have to do this early in the morning to find an appointment.
If you are eligible for the online renewal process, you will receive a letter with the required PIN approximately 90 days before your driver's license or ID card's expiration date. If you have not received a letter, check your eligibility now. The DMV will not text you. If you receive a text, it is a scam.
COVID TESTING - PCR AND RAPID TESTS
Location: 22176 N Hillview Drive, Lake Barrington
Days: Mondays - Sundays
Time: 9 AM - 7 PM
Rapid antigen test results are available within 15 minutes, and email confirmations within 3 hours.
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Monthly Meeting Set for Thursday, January 13, 2022
The next Cuba Township monthly meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 13, beginning at 6:00 PM. View the Agenda.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
Sincerely,
Heidi Shannon
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Assessor Nicole E. Knapik, CIAO |
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Dear friends,
It is my honor to serve as your new Cuba Township Assessor, and I look forward to working with the community to promote tax relief programs and address concerns about assessments.
It was a pleasure to serve alongside Rebecca Tonigan in my role as Cuba Township Clerk and she left some very large shoes to fill in her role as Assessor. I speak for all of Cuba Township when I say thank you for your 31 years of service and hope your retirement is filled with much-deserved sunshine and relaxation.
Nicole E. Knapik, CIAO
If you purchased your home in 2021, remember to file for your 2022 exemptions after the new 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 next 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. You must own the property as your principal residence for two consecutive years (January 1).
Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities (HEPD)
Disabled Veterans Homestead Exemption
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!
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Highway Commissioner Thomas J Podgorski |
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For the latest update on roads, please follow us on Facebook!
Firewood Fridays
January 7th (CANCELLED DUE TO EXTREME TEMPS) and 21st from 7:30 AM until 2:30 PM (or sooner if wood runs out). Two bundles of wood are loaded into the back of cars. Firewood pickup is subject to cancellation due to weather conditions. Check out our Facebook if it is snowing.
Snow Plow Safety
- Don't crowd the plow
- Stay at least four car lengths back from a snowplow, and never pass a plow
- Drive slower, brake sooner
- Stay off electronic devices
- Stay off the roads during severe snow events, if possible
Mailbox Check
Be sure to check your mailbox post before the snow begins. Most mailboxes knocked over during a snow event are commonly due to weak bases.
Road District Annual Christmas Tree Recycling
Christmas tree recycling is on January 10th (weather permitting). Call Rebecca at 847-381-7793 to be placed on the list for pickup. Have the tree at the end of the driveway by 7 AM. The Road District cannot pick up trees with lighting or decorations.
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.
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Keeping Cuba Township Green! |
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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
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Acceptable: (Continued)
Household Textiles
- Sheets
- Blankets
- Quilts
- Curtains
- Drapes
- 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.
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Keep Cuba Township green this holiday season by recycling your old and unwanted strings of lights and electrical cords at:
21988 N. Pepper Rd, Lake Barrington
Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am to Noon
Prairieland does not accept lights attached to garland, live greens, wreaths, or other non-recyclables.
Village of Barrington (village residents only)
Public Works Facility
300 N Raymond Avenue, Barrington
The drop-off bin is located at the main entrance of the Public Works facility. Accepted for recycling are mini-lights (or Italian lights), C7 lights, C9 lights, rope lights, LED lights, and extension cords. All colors and lengths are accepted. The Village will not accept garland, live greens, wreaths, or other non-recyclables.
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January Household Chemical Waste Events
- Saturday, January 8, 2022
- Saturday, January 22, 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.
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Barrington Area Volunteer Connection
Lots of volunteer opportunities - including the Cuba Township Food Pantry! Make a difference - volunteer!
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Mondays
3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
No Appointment Needed
Barrington Youth & Family Services is sponsoring FREE drop-in counseling for any high school or middle school student struggling during these uncertain times. No appointment is required.
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Employment Opportunity Resources |
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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
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The Barrington Career Center offers resources including:
- Job search skills training
- Coaching
- Career transition services
- Compassionate support
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County Board Commissioners
Illinois State Legislators
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