Dear Neighbors,
Last Monday I was surprised by Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor's announcement that he was taking a leave of absence to seek treatment for addiction. I wish him strength and courage through his recovery. In his absence, Board Member Carol Calabresa (District 15 representing Mundelein / Libertyville) will serve as acting Chairman, she is the Board's Vice Chair.
Simultaneously, pieces of information about the Chairman's personal use of a County credit card have circulated among some County Board members and staff, causing many of us to ask serious questions about policies, procedures and transparency. Truthfully, some Board members know more than others. The piecemeal opaque process by which this information has been shared with us, your representatives in County Government, is concerning to me. I will continue to raise those concerns and ask more questions at Wednesday's finance committee meeting.
Tuesday, at the very end of the regular meeting of the County Board's Law & Judicial Committee (which I serve on) Acting Chair Calabresa announced that the Lake County State's Attorney is reviewing the Chairman's use of the County "P-card" and that an investigation has been initiated. The County State's Attorney is now referring this matter to an outside law enforcement agency, which is wholly appropriate.
We have many questions about what has gone on here, and I will continue to press for answers and share what I learn. The entire issue of elected officials using county purchasing cards / credit cards will be discussed in the weeks ahead. We need greater transparency about which officials have used these funds and for what purposes. We also need better policies in place to prevent further abuses. I do not use a County credit card, I don't even have one. I have only ever used County funds to communicate with you (postage, printing, online content) as specified by board rules.
I will keep you updated. Please know, as your county board member I value the trust you place in me and I believe I have an obligation to you, to ask questions and find out the whole truth about what has happened here.
Paul
 On July 17 I attended the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan. The
ceremony also included the dedication of the Audrey H. Nixon Pedestrian Bridge, dedicated in honor of the late Board Member Audrey Nixon of North Chicago.
The new eight-story, 200,000 sq. foot court
tower houses 12 new courtrooms, jury assembly space, various administrative
services and room for six future courtrooms. The tower construction began in
June 2016 and opened to the public July 30, 2018. Watch this video to learn more.
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The Lake County Forest Preserves announces
the reopening of Fort Sheridan
Forest Preserve in Lake Forest with new and improved features that
provide greater access to the site’s natural beauty and rich military
history. Following more than a year of construction, visitors will once again
be able to enjoy portions of the preserve’s scenic trails and access to the
Lake Michigan shoreline. Improvements include:
- Three scenic observation
areas, including a 70-foot overlook of Lake Michigan, with new and
relocated educational exhibits that tell the story of the area’s unique history
and include new information about the Lake Michigan Bird Flyway.
- Nearly a mile of new
accessible paved trails and conversion of the woodchip section of the
Hutchinson Trail with new bridges and boardwalks.
- Redesigned main entrance
on Gilgare Lane, widened to a full two lanes, which leads to a new 45-car
parking lot with five accessible spaces and an evaporator toilet building
(an innovative waste disposal method that is odor free and saves
water).
- Improved north parking
lot with new paved trailhead and an evaporator toilet building.
- Restored shoreline with
native plantings.
- Remaining portion of
George Bell Road and gates removed and area restored with native
plantings.
Public access to the restored
1.8-mile mowed grass trail will remain closed until summer 2019 to allow time
for the grass surface to become better established for foot
traffic. Management and monitoring of the 73-acre woodland, prairie and
savanna portions of the site will continue in perpetuity. Learn more
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The Lake County Health Department is working with local, state,
and federal public health officials to investigate an increase in
cyclosporiasis (Cyclospora infection), affecting residents of multiple counties
and states. Since May, the Health Department has investigated 43 cases of
Cyclospora infection among Lake County residents, more than 14 times higher
than the number of cases reported in 2017.
Cyclospora infection may occur when a person consumes food or
water contaminated with the Cyclospora parasite. Symptoms typically begin one
to two weeks after exposure and can be treated with specific antibiotics. If
left untreated, symptoms can last weeks to months. Cyclospora infection is
unlikely to be transmitted from person to person. Learn More
 Studies show spending time outdoors interacting with our
natural world makes us healthier, happier and more mindful. Activate the power
of nature for your good health by taking part in the annual Hike Lake County
Challenge. Enjoy fall breezes and autumn colors while exploring designated
“Hike Lake County” trails with family, friends or canine companions. Complete
just seven of the hikes between Aug. 15 and Nov. 30 to earn a commemorative
shield. View this
year’s hike locations.
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 The Lake County Health Department has confirmed nine pools or batches of mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus, tracking ahead of the seasonal average in Lake County. This includes one pool tested in Highland Park. Summer and fall are prime times for West Nile virus. Take action by following these prevention tips.
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 Discover opportunities for professional growth, abundant
career choices, and jobs that offer variety and the chance to make a meaningful
difference. These are a few of the reasons that Lake County employees love
working for us! Watch this video
and discover why Lake County is a great place to work!
Lake County Is Hiring
Lake County is currently hiring for a variety of positions,
including nurses, counselors, maintenance workers, and court security officers.
View
the job openings!
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 Fair and accurate elections are incredibly important to all
of us, and attentive election judges are enlisted for the meaningful
responsibility of processing voters. Join our amazing election judge team and
take on the rewarding role of working in your neighborhood Election Day voting
site. Reserve your seat
in an upcoming training.
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 Apply Today to Adopt A
Highway
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) is
currently looking for volunteers to help pick up litter and debris along Lake
County highways and bike paths. Volunteers adopt a section of a county highway
and commit to cleaning it twice a year.
There may be a section of county highway or bike path
in need near you. Several sections that haven't been available for years,
have recently opened up. Please take a look at the available
sections, fill out an application, and
join us! Applications need to be
submitted by Aug. 31.
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 Lake County's
2018-2023 Highway Improvement Program
Lake
County’s 2018-2023 Proposed Highway Improvement Program is now available. Review
the five-year plan to learn more about how
the program is created and to see which projects are currently funded in the
next five years. More Information.
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 County Implements Speed
Studies
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) is
responsible for setting the speed limit for county highways under our
jurisdiction and township roads. Safety on the roadways is always a top
priority and guides everything we do, including the determination of speed
limits. What is a speed study, and how does the process work? Learn
more
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Lake County continues
to look for ways to be more sustainable—both environmentally and economically.
The Lake County Board authorized at its July 10 Board meeting to upgrade and
install light-emitting diode (LED) street lighting at roundabout street lights
and underpass luminaires. Over the past several years, LCDOT retrofitted all
existing traffic signals throughout the county with long-lasting LED lamps, and
now they are looking at street lighting. LED lights reduce power consumption
and keep ongoing maintenance costs low. Learn more ways that Lake County
focuses on sustainability by visiting our Sustainable Lake County website.
 Curbside recycling keeps so much out of our
landfills, BUT did you know there are items that you should not put in your
recycling bin such as plastic bags and Styrofoam containers? Watch this video, and get an inside look of the recycling process at the Waste
Management Recovery Facility in Grayslake. *Note* You'll notice items like
plastic bags get wrapped in the machines. Before you add items to your
recycling bin, check these guidelines from the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County.
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 Lake County Public Works is committed to providing safe
water throughout the County. As strong supporters of the Safe Drinking Water
Act, Public Works releases annual water quality Consumer Confidence Reports
(CCRs) for the 12 water systems they own and operate. These reports describe
the sources, treatment, and chemical analysis of each water distribution
system. All Lake County systems passed testing requirements for the Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency. Visit the water quality reports web page
to read your report.
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 Another television show will be riding with
members of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office beginning this month. The show,
“Women on Patrol” will ride along with our Highway Patrol Division and provide an inside look at the
responsibilities of the Sheriff’s Office and the variety of calls Sheriff’s
Deputies respond to. This is not the first time the Sheriff’s Office has been
featured on a television show! Watch
this video to
learn more about the Sheriff’s Office on “Live PD.”
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 The Lake
County Health Department and Community Health Center has opened its new Zion
Health Center, which will greatly expand access to quality health services for
residents of northeast Lake County. Located at 1911 27th St., the site was
fully renovated to provide integrated health services, including primary care,
dental care, behavioral health, women’s health, nutrition services, case
management, and more to provide patient-centered care under one roof. Watch this video to learn more about the new center.
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Lake County is
one of many counties nationwide that participates in the National Association
of Counties (NACo) Live Healthy Prescription, Health and Dental Discount
program, which helps residents better manage the cost of prescription
medications and health and dental services. There are no income requirements or
age requirements, and it is open to residents with or without insurance.
Residents have saved over $2 million on prescriptions over the past 13 years
with this program! Learn more
 If you or someone you know is feeling alone, do not be
afraid to ask for help. Immediate mental health assistance is a phone call or a
text away. Learn more about services in
Lake County including Text-A-Tip and the Lake County Health Department and
Community Health Center’s Crisis Care Program.
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 Watch this edition
of Your Courthouse at Work as Lake County judges share information about the
guardianship help desk, bond court, and small claims court. Also, take an
inside look at the first Annual Veterans & Family Services RUCK March and
an update on new laws and changes at the 19th Judicial Circuit. Watch
now.
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 The Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center is
committed to providing a safe environment for child victims of abuse.
The center wouldn’t be possible without help from community partners. Watch
this video as the State’s Attorney’s Office took time to recognize
these individuals.
Save the Date
The Lake County Opioid Initiative will be hosting its
first Annual “Save a Life” fundraising event on Sept. 14 at the Double Tree by Hilton in Mundelein.
Join us to support a significant cause and to continue our battle the against the opioid/heroin epidemic.
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 Do you know an Illinois veteran whose contributions are above and beyond
the call of duty? In partnership with the Illinois Bicentennial Office, the
Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs is accepting nominations to honor the
work of 200 veterans from across the state. Nominations will be evaluated on
their achievements and on the extent to which their contributions have aided,
benefited and provided inspiration to their community. Learn more, including the
qualifications and how to apply. The
deadline to apply is Aug. 31.
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Lake County recently evaluated the Land Development Fee
Schedule for development in unincorporated Lake County, and changes went
into effect July 2. Learn four things you need to
know about these changes.
 Returning citizens and individuals with a criminal background can
learn the skills needed in today’s workplace through a new program through Lake
County Workforce Development called Revive Lake County. Individuals who
successfully complete the program may be eligible to receive financial aid for
job training or a paid work experience. Interested individuals are required to
attend an information session at the Job Center’s Waukegan location. View
the schedule.
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 Forest Preserve News
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 Kids
Nature Funfest
Enjoy an
afternoon of nature activities that grow a child’s love of the outdoors at Kids Nature Funfest on Aug. 19
from 1 to 4 p.m. at Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago.
See live animals, build a fort, net some insects, make creative arts and
crafts, and take part in nature activities with several of our community partners.
Open to families with children ages 12 and under, the event is free. No
registration is required. Dress for the weather; event runs rain or shine.
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 Aquatic Plant ID from a Canoe
Learn about some of the fascinating plants growing in aquatic
ecosystems while paddling a canoe. Some previous paddling experience preferred.
Only 12 spots are available! Learn more and register today.
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 Fred Fest
Fred Fest returns to the Fox River
Preserve in Port
Barrington! The event features a diverse lineup of local bands, food and drinks
for purchase, and family-friendly activities. Fred Fest benefits the Preservation
Foundation of the Lake County
Forest Preserves. Learn more
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 The Baldies are Back in Town
You’ll find bald eagles soaring high in the sky, slowly flapping
over water, perched in trees, or even on the ground. Look for them near rivers,
lakes, marshes and shorelines. Bald eagles mainly eat fish, but also hunt mammals,
waterfowl and carrion. Young eagles attain their white head feathers after
about five years, so don’t rule out the possibility that giant brown bird
overhead is a baldy. Look for a bright yellow, hooked bill and mottled white
feathers on the body.
Nests are built near the trunk, high in the tree but below the crown. The
diameter of a nest is typically 5 to 6 feet; height ranges from 2 to 4 feet.
The nest may be reused (and added to) for years. The Lake County Forest
Preserves has confirmed a few local nests in recent years,
including this one photographed in April in southwestern Lake County. Send us an
email and let us know if you see an active nest while out exploring
your preserves.
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 Green
Youth Farm Thrives, Thanks to Donors
Early
summer lettuces and kale, beans and squash are ripening at the Green
Youth Farm in Lake County, thanks to donors to the Preservation
Foundation. Among the farm’s supporters in 2018, we are pleased
to thank Lake Forest Bank & Trust and Libertyville Bank & Trust. The
company’s $10,000 grant helped provide a paid summer job for North Chicago and
Waukegan high school students, who sow, tend and harvest fresh, healthful food
as they gain valuable work experience. Learn
more
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Recently,
the Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) submitted its annual facility
inspection report to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency on behalf of
Lake County. This report is a yearly requirement for Lake County’s National
Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, which covers Lake
County’s municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) discharge activities,
provides monitoring and reporting requirements, and defines measurable goals
for water quality protection. For more information, visit the website and the annual
report.
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If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at pfrank@lakecountyil.gov or visit
my Facebook page.
I encourage you to forward this update to others who may be interested in Lake County news. Residents who wish to automatically receive my bi-weekly newsletter can email me, or click the “Sign up for my mailing list here” button at the top of the newsletter.
Thank you,
Paul Frank
Mr. Frank, County Board member and Forest Preserve Commissioner, serves on:
Lake County Board, 11th District:
Lake County Law and Judicial Committee
Lake County Health and Community Services Committee
Lake County Ad Hoc Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Lake County Ad-Hoc Legislative Committee
Lake County Forest Preserves, 11th District:
Planning Committee
Ethics Committee
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