Lake Michigan Water Extension update, Board Adopts Balanced Budget and More

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Steve Carlson, District 7

November 14, 2016

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Dear Neighbors,

I am always looking for feedback on my newsletter as well as what's happening in Lake County. If you have any comments or concerns, feel free to send me an email, or give me a call at 224-627-0767. If this newsletter was forwarded to you, please sign up to continue to receive news about Lake County and District 7.


Update on the Lake Michigan Water Extension

Lake Michigan Water Project

Construction for the first phase of the Lake Michigan Water Project has begun on Almond Road in Gurnee.  The limits of the project are on Washington Street from Hunt Club to Almond Road and on Almond Road to Grand Avenue and Hutchins Road. The first phase of work has included bringing equipment to the site, delivering piping, digging test pits to locate existing utilities, and removing trees to install the new water transmission main.  Currently, the contractor is installing a water main pipe along Almond Road.  View a map to see where Phase 1 construction is taking place.  

For additional information about this project, visit the Lake Michigan Water Project website.


Board Adopts Balanced 2017 Budget

The County Board recently approved its annual budget for next year, which is balanced and reflects the board’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and making decisions that protect the long-term, fiscal health of the County. The Board’s strong, fiscally conservative budget policies allow the County to manage challenging times, maintain its fiscal stability, as well as maintain our extremely strong AAA credit rating. The 2017 operating budget, which funds the day-to-day operations, is essentially the same as last year, up only less than one percent. In anticipation of potential State funding cuts given the uncertainly of the State budget, County departments cut their budgets by 2% through restructuring and other efficiency measures. Additionally, there are 11 fewer employees than last year, and there are 100 fewer employees than ­five years ago. These reductions have been made without adversely impacting service levels. The board continues to invest in our infrastructure, including our transportation system and the delivery of Lake Michigan Water to the northwest region of the County. Check out our new, reader-friendly on-line budget portal, which provides a walk-through of our budget, including key takeaways, where the money comes and where it goes. www.lakecountyilbudget.org


View the November 8 Election Results

election

To view the unofficial results from the November 8 election, visit the Lake County Clerk’s website. Remember, election results are unofficial until provisional and late-arriving vote by mail ballots are counted 14 days after the election, and the results are certified.


Find Out If You Have Unclaimed Funds Held by the State

The Illinois State Treasurer is holding $2.5 billion in unclaimed funds for Illinois residents. The state holds these lost funds until they are claimed by either the original owner or their heirs. Property is returned at no cost with the proper identification. Visit the Illinois State Treasurer’s site and enter your name or business to see if money is being held.


Learn How Lake County and You Can Help the Environment

Did you know that there are 20 bins across Lake County where you can recycle clothing and textiles? And, by making energy efficient improvements, you can reduce energy costs by 15 to 30 percent -- or $450 to $900 a year? Visit our new Sustainable Lake County website to find out ways you can help the environment in your community. Some tips may save you some money too!

sustainable lake county

Sheriff's Office Collects Coats, Outerwear to Help Veterans

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Veterans Assistance Commission, local law enforcement agencies and schools to collect coats and outerwear for veterans and their families. The collection period ends Nov. 30. 

Bring gently used coats, gloves, hats, socks and scarves to one of the following locations: 

  • Lake County Courthouse and Administrative Complex, 18 N. County St., Waukegan
  • Lake County Sheriff’s Office, 25 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Waukegan
  • Lake County Sheriff’s Office, 1301 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville 

New Coalition Begins Positive Discussion to Address Mental Health

mental health coalition

The newly formed Lake County Mental Health Coalition, co-chaired by Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor and the Honorable Susan Garrett (former IL State Senator, 29th District), recently held its first introductory meeting.  The group had a productive and positive discussion pertaining to community change as it relates to mental health, development of systems to share data, and the need to address stigmas associated with mental health. The next steps will be to identify the mental health services already in place and how we can provide a unified approach to delivering these services throughout Lake County. In this video, Lawlor and Garrett discuss the work of the coalition. Watch now


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Forest Preserve News

Join the #GivingTuesday Movement
On Nov. 29, the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves is participating in #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving. You can help the Forest Preserves by supporting educational programs, habitat restoration, the care of trails and preserves, and more. Learn how you can get involved.

Giving Tuesday
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Earn a Bonus When Purchasing a Golf Gift Card
Simplify your shopping, surprise the golfer in your life and receive a bonus this holiday season. From Nov. 14 through Dec. 30, receive a $10 bonus for each $100 in Lake County Forest Preserves golf gift card you purchase. Gift cards are redeemable at ThunderHawk (Beach Park), Countryside (Mundelein), and Brae Loch (Grayslake) golf clubs. Gift cards never expire. Bonus vouchers expire after June 30, 2017. Learn more.

Des Plaines River Trail Challenge and Hike Lake County End Nov. 30
Just a few weeks left! There’s still time to finish the Des Plaines River Trail Challenge and Hike Lake County. Finish by Nov. 30 to receive great rewards and be entered to win raffle prizes. 

hike lake county

Be Cautious On the Roads during Deer Season

As we enjoy the fall season, drivers also need to be more vigilant and watch for deer on the roads. Autumn coincides with the mating season and increased deer movement, particularly at dusk and dawn. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, Lake County ranked among the top 10 Illinois counties for crashes involving deer in 2015. Learn how you can keep safer on the roads.

whitetail deer

Community News

Join Gurnee Mayor for Coffee
Join Gurnee Mayor Kristina Kovarik for coffee between 10 a.m. and noon Saturday, Nov. 19 at Gurnee Donuts, 4949 Grand Ave., Suite 9. Talk with the mayor about issues, ask questions, discuss concerns and offer suggestions. Details

Before You Eat that Thanksgiving Meal, Go To Boot Camp
Join the Gurnee Park District’s free Turkey Day Bootcamp from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Nov. 24 at the Hunt Club Park Community Center.

Grandwood Park Park District To Host Special Lunch with Santa
The Grandwood Park Park District will hold its Children's Snow Ball Express Luncheon, open to children up to age 10 from noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 10. Enjoy lunch, games, crafts and more including a special appearance by Santa Claus. Learn more


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