Ela Township Storm Cleanup Continues

The tackled a number of issues at its meeting Thursday night, from providing an update on the storm cleanup to announcing aid given to residents.

Kildeer Village Administrator Mike Talbott attended the meeting to express his gratitude for the Ela Township Highway Department and its efforts to help Kildeer with storm cleanup.

“The highway department cleared trees and debris and they did a fantastic job,” said Talbott. “We have many subdivisions that have only one way in and out so we are very thankful.”

“I consider this part of our job, but I appreciate the acknowledgement,” said Highway  Commissioner Bill Kruckenberg.

Kruckenberg reported that as a result of the storms, there are still three streets closed by to power lines and debris – one is in Forest Lake and two streets are in Echo Lake.

“The highway department has had three crews working since Monday in Deer Park, Kildeer and Long Grove,” Kruckenberg said.

Kruckenberg added that his department will be clearing areas through the end of next week and making the rounds to finish the cleanup efforts.

If residents put their tree limbs in the easement in front of their homes, highway department workers will be coming through each section to haul it away. The deadline for pickup is Monday morning, July 18. The highway department has been making rounds since Tuesday morning and will continue to do so until everything is cleaned up.

Community Center update

An update was also provided about the much-anticipated Ela Township Community Center, which is to be located at the old post office building, 380 Surryse Road. 

The township officially closed on the building June 30, and Pathmann Construction, which will oversee renovations, gave a status report to the board.

Project manager Justin Pathmann said an invitation to bid will be advertised in local publications for subcontractors in 17 different trades.

There will be a mandatory walk-through July 28, and the bid opening will be at 11 a.m. Aug. 12.  A completion date for the project has not yet been determined.

Senior freeze program

Meanwhile, the assessor’s office continues to encourage senior citizens to call or stop in to have their senior freeze exemption assessment reviewed. 

Ela Township Assessor John Barrington said there have been a number of instances where senior freeze program participants have received permanent reductions in their frozen assessment.   

“It is time to take advantage now because we will likely not see a real estate market like this again,” said Barrington.

Seniors who qualify must be 65 years of age, own their own home and make $55,000 or less per year.

Emergency assistance

Officials also announced Thursday night that the township gave out close to $11,000 in emergency assistance between June 8 and July 12. 

Supervisor Lucy Prouty said needs continue to grow, and the township has been able to help residents pay rent and help to get utilities turned back on in emergency situations.  

Residents must adhere to a year waiting period after receiving assistance before they can apply for it again.