Village Trustees Consider Streetscape Plans; Energy Consulting Agreement

Streetscapes and future electrical rates will be the focus for Huntley trustees tonight at the Committee of the Whole meeting.

The C.O.W. meeting is at 7 p.m. Thursday, at the Huntley Municipal Complex, 10987 Main St.

Representatives from Christopher Burke Engineering are scheduled to lead a presentation detailing plans for revitalizing street elements in downtown Huntley.

The plans identify phases for improving streetscape elements between Route 47 and Myrtle Street, and additional components for the area from Route 47 to Woodstock Street, according to C.O.W. documents.

Suggested improvements include adding such amenities as a brick village “gateway” sign at Main Street and Route 47, decorative planters, benches, brick paved crosswalks and pedestrian lighting.

Village staff is seeking direction from the board to move forward with the planning and design process, specifically for the southeast and southwest corners of Main Street and Route 47.

Trustees are expected to review the master plan and discuss funding sources for the projects.

Agreement with Independent Energy Consultants

At tonight’s meeting, Huntley trustees also will discuss authorization of an agreement for energy consulting services with Independent Energy Consultants.

In November, the Huntley Village Board passed a resolution that asks voters’ approval for an opt-out electrical aggregation program. The resolution will appear on the ballot for the March 20, 2012, primary election.

If approved, the village would be able to contract with energy suppliers to secure lower electricity rates on behalf of residents and small businesses.

Independent Energy Consultants would work on behalf of Huntley in negotiating with electrical suppliers, should the village board approve the agreement.

Several surrounding communities including Algonquin, Barrington Hills, Genoa, Lakewood, Lake in the Hills, Marengo, McCullom Lake, McHenry, Prairie Grove, Spring Grove, Woodstock and McHenry County have expressed an interest in electrical aggregation, and working together to conduct the process through an intergovernmental collaborative arrangement, the C.O.W. documents state.