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Friday, January 5, 2024
Welcome to the Village of Barrington E-Newsletter!
This newsletter is intended to help keep you informed of the latest news and happenings in Barrington. Subscribe here.

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FEATURING...
Board Business; 7th Annual Barrington Town Warming; Barrington Health & Wellness Summit; Spring 2024 Cultural Event Season; Holiday Tree Recycling; Pedestrian Safety; Snow & Ice Guide; and more!
TOP STORIES
A Message from Karen Darch
Happy New Year!
Please Join Us for the Annual Barrington Town-Warming and Other Stimulating Cultural Programs at Barrington’s White House
Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season. Here in Barrington, we are looking forward to a very exciting 2024 on many fronts, with infrastructure and beautification improvement projects throughout the Village as well as with many wonderful events taking place throughout downtown and at Barrington’s White House.

I’m very excited to announce that the 7th Annual Barrington Town-Warming will take place on Saturday, February 3, at Barrington’s White House. The Town-Warming is a speaker series that Barrington started in the late 1930s and continued into the early 1940s, which featured nationally known speakers of the day on various topics of interest to the community. In 2018 we revived the Town-Warming and have had many stimulating and thought-provoking programs over the years, with nationally renowned keynote speakers such as former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, former Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and others.

This year’s theme for the Town-Warming is “Intelligence: Artificial, Political, Central,” and I am so pleased to announce that our keynote speaker is former U.S. Secretary of State and CIA Director Mike Pompeo, who will be coming to us virtually from overseas in conversation with Motorola Chairman and CEO Greg Brown. We will also have in-person panel discussions with experts in the field of AI (Artificial Intelligence) as well as a panel of journalists and political analysts discussing the upcoming 2024 election. In addition, we’ll welcome back Barrington native and L.A. Times humor columnist Chris Erskine.

The Town-Warming is always an intellectually stimulating and rewarding experience, and I hope you’ll join us this year. Tickets are very limited and go quickly, so click to purchase yours HERE.

It’s also my pleasure to announce that tickets are now on sale for the Spring Cultural Season at Barrington’s White House. The season includes something for everyone, including performances by perennial favorites Ron Hawking and Pat McKillen; a special appearance by the Second City improv comedy troupe; the second annual Barrington Health & Wellness Summit; the annual Jazz Brunch and annual Afternoon Tea; a conversation about free speech with faculty from the University of Chicago; visual art exhibitions on Third Thursdays and Lunch & Learns throughout the season; an author talk and an evening of storytelling; performances by Chicago a cappella and the Elgin Symphony Chamber musicians; and tributes to District 220 middle and high school fine arts students. 

Our community should be so proud of Barrington’s White House and our Cultural Director, Rollin Potter, for continuing to provide us with these extraordinary cultural programs each season. To purchase your tickets, click HERE.

Happy New Year, and have a wonderful weekend!

Karen Darch
Village President
Board Business
Highlighting Recent Actions Taken by our Board of Trustees
At the Monday, December 11, 2023, Board of Trustees meeting, the Board approved the annual budget and witnessed the swearing in of two police officers.

"The approval of the 2024 fiscal year budget represents the dedication of the Board of Trustees and Village staff to prudent financial planning and sustainable services," stated Trustee Mike Moran. "We are pleased that the Village continues to maintain a strong financial position as we begin 2024."

"We are thrilled to officially welcome Officer Sebastian Szpara and Officer Patryk Urbanek to our police force," expressed Trustee Todd Sholeen. "Their dedication and expertise are great additions to the Barrington Police Department, reflecting the ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our community."
7th Annual Barrington Town Warming
Featuring Keynote Speaker Mike Pompeo
"Intelligence: Artificial, Political, Central"
This year’s Barrington Town-Warming theme focuses on artificial, political, and central intelligence, with a keynote talk by former U.S. Secretary of State and CIA Director Mike Pompeo. He will make a special virtual appearance from overseas to be interviewed by Motorola Solutions Chairman and CEO Greg Brown, who will also present a brief introduction on the challenges presented by the rise of China.

A panel focusing on artificial intelligence will probe the complexities of this new technology, while a panel of journalists will examine the 2024 election. Barrington native and humorist Chris Erskine will provide a lighter repose during the day.

Please order your tickets today - seating in the Barrington's White House Ballroom is very limited.
Barrington Health & Wellness Summit
Featuring Keynote Speaker Dr. William Li
The Barrington Health & Wellness Summit will gather leading experts from all over the country to explore a variety of topics including cancer prevention, mental health, pediatric health, culinary medicine, microbiome, integrative medicine, brain health, women’s health, antibiotics, disease prevention, and more.

This event is the vision of local physicians and community members alike. All are invited to join us as we foster health and wellness in our community.

Tickets are available for both in-person and virtual attendance. The Women’s Night Out event is available as a separate ticket and an add-on for attendees.

  • 2-day tickets are $200 per person and include access and lunch on both days of the summit
  • 1-day tickets are $100 each and are available for Wednesday and Thursday and include access to one day of the summit
  • Virtual tickets are $100 per access link and include access to both days of the summit
  • The Women’s Night Out tickets are $50 each and can be purchased as an add-on to summit tickets or separately. Tickets include access to the Thursday night Women’s Night Out event including light hor d’oeuvres and mocktails. 
Spring 2024 Cultural Event Season Launched!
Groot Pickup & Holiday Tree Recycling Dates
Due to New Year's Day, Groot pickup for this week will be tomorrow, Saturday, January 6th.

In two upcoming Groot pickups on Saturday, January 6, and Friday, January 12, you will be able to have your holiday tree chipped for free. Trees must be free of ornaments and tinsel and cannot be in plastic bags or they will not be collected. 
Village Offers New Online Utility Bill Portal
Announcing a new Utility Bill Portal offering user-friendly features and options to view and pay your utility bill. Access the Portal by clicking on the ‘MAKE A PAYMENT’ button on the Village Website homepage. The portal works best using Chrome or Edge.

New features available to all customers at no cost:
  • View Your Utility Bill/Check Your Account Balance Online
  • Sign Up For E-Billing
  • Set Up Email and/or Text Reminders So You Don’t Miss a Due Date

Online payment methods with a convenience fee:
  • Make a Payment Online ~ By Phone ~ Using Pay by Text
  • Set Up Auto-Pay
  • Pay with Debit/Credit Card, E-Check, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, Google Pay

Payment methods without a fee:
  • Cash – Please pay inside Village Hall
  • Check – Mail your check (remember to include your payment stub) to the Village’s Lockbox at PO Box 7714, Carol Stream, IL 60197-7714 OR
  • Check - Place your check in the Drop Box (remember to include your payment stub) - located at the exit of the Village Hall Parking Lot OR
  • Check - Bring your check to the counter inside Village Hall
  • Bank Bill Pay - Make payments through your bank’s bill pay system
  • Direct Debit - The Village offers a direct debit payment program. Search ‘Direct Debit’ on the Village Website for an application OR call 847.304.3400 for more information
Pedestrian Safety
As we navigate dark nights this winter, please remain aware of your surroundings and the pedestrians around you. We encourage you to be vigilant, safe and thoughtful especially while leaving parking spaces and traveling through parking lots to ensure continued pedestrian safety!  
Snow & Ice Guide
Winter is here! Here is your reference guide to snow & ice questions.

When snow and ice hits the Village of Barrington, our Public Works storm-fighting crews are ready for action.

In early fall, the Public Works Department begins review of its winter storm-fighting strategies and makes sure the snow-plowing equipment is ready. As a resident, you may wonder what you can expect the Village to do during a snow and ice event, and what you can do to minimize inconveniences caused by snow storms. Listed in our guide are some frequently asked questions and answers.
Crime Free Housing Program
The Village of Barrington Crime Free Housing Program is designed to help residents, owners, and the managers of rental property keep illegal drugs and other criminal activity off of rental property. The program requires property owners to:

  • Obtain an annual Residential Rental License
  • Attend an educational training session conducted by the Barrington Police Department
  • Add the Crime Free Lease Addendum to their tenants’ leases

Learn more about the program and the requirements by clicking the button below.
Notes From Public Works:
Holiday Light Recycling Program, In Partnership with Elgin Recycling
Have your holiday lights lost their twinkle? Collection of holiday lights will be at the Public Works Facility, 300 N. Raymond Ave, through March 31st. The drop off bin will be located outside the main entrance of Public Works.

Accepted for recycling will be: mini-lights
(or italian lights), C7 lights, C9 lights, rope lights, LED lights, extension cords. All colors and lengths will be accepted. The Village will not accept garland, live greens, wreathes, or other non-recyclables. Learn more at about Elgin Recycling at elginrecycling.com.
Start 2024 by Keeping Our Water Clean
As a Water Ambassador with the American Water Works Association, we're back to share more information about keeping our water clean.

As we start 2024, our first message of the year is that when it comes to #ValuingWater, we ALL have a responsibility to recognize, reconcile, protect, educate, and invest in our water supply!
Railroad & Winter Driving Safety Tips
According to the Federal Railroad Administration, there is a spike in railroad crossing collisions during the winter months. This is due to many factors, including:
  • Ice and snow make it harder for drivers to stop and manoeuvre their vehicles
  • Snow-covered roads that hide pavement markings
  • Blowing snow, fog, and sleet that reduce visibility
  • Snowbanks and snow in trees that reduce sightlines

Reducing the likelihood of being in a serious car crash in winter starts with proper planning and knowing your rail safety basics. Following these simple tips can help to keep you safe when you encounter train tracks this winter:
  • Check the weather forecast before traveling.
  • Reduce speed: when road conditions are poor, it takes longer to stop. 
  • When approaching railroad crossings, turn off your radio and heating fans so you can listen for trains. 
  • Look for railroad warning signs and signals and remember that snow may cover train tracks at a crossing.
We're Hiring! Seasonal Public Works Laborer
Public Works is looking for seasonal support staff! Duties include a variety of snow and ice control activities including snow plowing, salting and hand shoveling. This position is EXTREMELY FLEXIBLE!
Opening a New Business or Relocating Your Business in Barrington?
Whether you are opening a new business or relocating an existing business below is the information that you need to know for a smooth and easy process!

Have questions? Contact Jennifer Tennant at jtennant@barrington-il.gov
Moving In or Out of Barrington?
Just moved to the Village of Barrington?
As a new resident or business, we realize you want to set up your new refuse, water and sewer service as quickly and easily as possible.

Moving out of your home or rental in the Village of Barrington? 
If you plan on terminating water service, follow our steps!
Monthly Merchant Coupon Blast
Did you know that we send out a Monthly Merchant Coupon blast? You can find and use coupons for many Village businesses.

In order to use the coupons in the blast, simply mention that you saw the coupon in the Village of Barrington e-newsletter, or take a screenshot of the coupon and present it at the time of the ordering.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Click on each event for more information & tickets
IMPORTANT VILLAGE INFO
Electronics Recycling Program
Groot will pick up unlimited electronic waste at the curb at no additional charge. Residents can simply call Groot at (800) 244-1977 to schedule a pickup at least 24 hours in advance and for details on dates of pick up. Electronic materials include computers and monitors, video game consoles, printers, televisions, DVD players, etc.

Permits and Inspections
Visit the electronic permit submittals page to review permitting requirements and submittal procedures. 
 
Contact Development Services at (847) 304-3400 to schedule inspections.

**Sign Up for Emergency Alerts**
To sign up to receive Reverse-911 Emergency Alerts in the event of an emergency in Barrington, click here.
Sanitary Sewer Backup?
If you experience a sanitary sewer backup due to an extreme rain event, please contact the Public Works Department as soon as possible: we are available Monday through Friday at (847) 381-7903 or after hours at (847) 590-3491. 

Commuters: Quarterly Hang Tag Renewals
New quarterly hang tags may be purchased at any time for a prorated cost using the Passport website.
 
If you have purchased a hang tag during the quarter and realize you no longer need it, you have the option to return the tag for a prorated refund. The refund will be prorated based on the day the tag is received at Village Hall.
Recycle Corks at Public Works
Save your corks and dispose of them in the receptacle at the Public Works facility, 300 N. Raymond Avenue. This cork is sent to industries that make new products with it. Because cork is such a durable material, it can be recycled into anything from craft supplies to flooring.  

Register Your Pets, But Dog Tags No Longer Required
Registering your pets with the Barrington Police Department is a great way to recover your pet if they become lost. You are no longer required to purchase dog tags; instead, please register your pet HERE.

Battery Drop-Off at Public Works
Residents can drop off batteries at Public Works ONLY during business hours of 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. daily. There are no outside collection boxes - please bring them into the Public Works front office.
 
Read more about battery recycling HERE.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Red Cross Blood Drive at Village Church of Barrington
Friday, January 5
12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Village Church of Barrington
1600 E Main Street

Give something that means something this year! Give blood with the Red Cross at the Village Church of Barrington blood drive on Friday, January 5th, from 12pm to 5pm in the church gym. All who give blood with receive a Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. Please register for an appointment and learn more here.
Bacoa's ' Dancing with the Barrington Stars' Tickets Now On Sale
On February 3rd at Avante Banquets, 6 dancing teams will take to the stage to compete in Bacoa's Seventh installment of Dancing with the Barrington Stars.

Come cheer on your favorite dancers as they compete in this friendly competition- all in the name of raising money for Bacoa. Tickets include dinner and an open bar, plus the hottest show in town.

Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Parker Players Stage the Build Campaign
Barrington-based Parker Players Theater Company presents their ’Stage The Build’ campaign to raise funds to build a state-of-the-art black box theater venue in the HEART of Barrington.

Click here to learn more and to play your part in helping our community reach the $1,000,000 match challenge generously offered by the Kimberly Duchossois Family and Todd & Libby Rieke.
Celebrate the Earth All Year Long with the Barrington Area Digital Photo Gallery!
With Barrington Area Digital Photo Gallery, you can appreciate our beautiful open spaces, birds, wildlife, insects, reptiles, and more in the Barrington area.

So far in 2023, BADPG has added 185 new images for you to enjoy. BADPG was created to showcase the Barrington Area and encourage people to enjoy and protect our natural resources.

View BADPG at badpg.org.
Alcoholics Anonymous of the Northern Illinois Area
If you're having trouble with alcohol, we can help. Contact the Alcoholics Anonymous of the Northern Illinois area at 847-382-4455, or go to www.barringtonaa.org.
PUBLIC MEETING SCHEDULE
Monday, January 8
Committee of the Whole, 6:00 p.m.
Board of Trustees, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, January 9
Plan Commission/ZBA, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 10
Cultural Commission, 12:00 p.m.

Monday, January 22
Committee of the Whole, 6:00 p.m.
Board of Trustees, 7:30 p.m.
Go to barrington-il.gov for more information on public meetings.

200 S. Hough Street | Barrington, IL
(847) 304-3400 | barrington-il.gov


We are always interested in your comments; please e-mail us at khimes@barrington-il.gov.