County board member updates Carpentersville on irrigation pilot, rental assistance deadline and preserve trail work

Kane County Board member Chris Callas (District 23) told the Carpentersville Village Board that the county is running a smart sprinkler pilot to help residents save water, reminded the public about cooling centers during extreme heat and urged eligible residents to apply for a federal rental and utility assistance program before applications close on July 31. Callas said the smart sprinkler program provides a free smart sprinkler device to qualifying households that share irrigation water data; households spending more than $400 annually on irrigation may qualify and can contact Sarah Hinshaw, the county sustainability manager, for more information. "It's a water conservation initiative... this is countywide," Callas said. Callas also summarized recent county approvals: Brunner Forest Preserve phase two trail improvements (paving sections of trail to improve rideability) and a county easement for Kings Road improvements that will address stormwater/wastewater runoff through the preserve to the river. He said the county is coordinating with the village on those projects. Regarding rental and utility assistance, Callas said the program can provide up to 12 months of past-due rent, three months of future rent, up to 12 months of overdue utilities and security deposit assistance; residents should submit applications by the July 31 deadline through Kane County Connects. There was no formal village action required on the county items; Callas said he had dropped flyers and would share materials with village staff upon request.