March, 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 We are a bit somber this month and praying for the best possible outcome to limit the human and geopolitical catastrophe in Ukraine. We live in a highly interconnected world, and we are not locally immune from the impact rising commodities prices may have on our community. Please remember our food pantry is here to assist those who will likely experience the greatest difficulty in this environment and welcome donations whenever you are able. Spring is around the corner and many of us are looking forward to some sunshine and attending to our green areas. Please be aware of the new burning rules in unincorporated Lake County. We also have an important waste hauler service provider update included in this communication from Lake County: Open Burning Restrictions in Unincorporated Lake County | Lake County, IL (lakecountyil.gov). We will send out monthly reminders for this as we approach the enforcement and implementation date of June 1, 2022. We understand this may be a substantial change for many of you and want to get ahead of it. We believe keeping you informed at the township level and the county level is very important and if you are interested in hearing more about what is happening legislatively in Springfield, you have an opportunity to do so this month. State Representatives Martin McLaughlin [52nd District] and Chris Bos [51st District] will be hosting two town halls on March 19th in Hawthorn Woods and in Barrington. Coffee & Conversation Listening Tour - Chris Bos (repbos.com) If you have had a few questions on your mind about the State of Illinois, this is a good opportunity to be heard. That is all for this month. See you again soon.  Sincerely, 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. ****Appointments for services are REQUIRED**** Reduced Well Water Testing Offered March 7 - March 17. In Observance of National Groundwater Awareness Week, the Lake County Health Department is offering a reduced well water testing fee for homeowners. Pricing is reduced to $14 from March 7 to March 17th. Normal testing fees are $18. Testing kits are available at Cuba Township during regular office hours. 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. 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, March 15. 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

Clerk Heidi M Shannon Public Hearings/Budget Appropriations Ordinance Meeting and Monthly Board Meeting set for Thursday, March 15, 2022 The annual Public Hearings/Budget Appropriations Ordinance Meeting is set for Thursday, March 15, beginning at 6:00 PM. The Monthly Board Meeting will immediately follow the Budget Appropriations Meeting. Click to view the General Town Public Hearing Agenda, the Road District Public Hearing Agenda, and the Monthly Meeting Agenda. 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, Deputy Assessors in the Field Deputy Assessors are in the field updating exterior photos and measuring for any property changes. Remember, improvements automatically receive a 4-year Home Improvement Exemption. The Lake County Chief County Assessment Office sent out renewal letters to veterans receiving the Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities. If you did not receive a letter, click here to see a copy, along with instructions for filing. If you need assistance filing, email info@cubaassessoril.gov or call us at 847-381-1120. Nicole E. Knapik, CIAO 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!

Highway Commissioner Thomas J Podgorski

For the latest update on roads, please follow us on Facebook! Final Firewood Fridays for the Winter Season March 4 and 18 Hours: 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. 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. 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.

New Countywide Paratransit Service Anticipated to Launch in May Ride Lake County will provide borderless countywide paratransit service, meaning seniors age 60 and older and people with disabilities can get transportation to any area of Lake County for work, shopping, medical appointments, and more. The new service is anticipated to begin on May 1, 2022. The service will run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week, excluding holidays. Further information, including how to sign up, a riders guide, and more, will be available in our April newsletter.

Did you know? Home Depot in Lake Zurich helps divert waste from landfills by accepting CFLs, lead acid batteries, rechargeable batteries, and plastic plant pots for recycling. They are located at: 670 S Rand Road Lake Zurich, IL The recycling box for batteries is located by the return desk, next to the garden center.

February Household Chemical Waste Events Saturday, March 12, 2022 Saturday, March 26, 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