 2018 Hike Lake County Challenge
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 by
Nov. 30 to earn a commemorative shield. View this year’s hike locations.
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Enjoy nature? Want to learn something new? Visit our Nature Blog, and if you enjoy history, be sure to read the History Blog by Diana Dreske. You'll be surprised at what you learn.
You can also view a full calendar of Forest Preserve events for more information.
Following an analysis of Lake County’s P-card program, an independent firm concluded that there is not widespread misuse of Lake County P-Cards. However, the firm recommended Lake County update its policy, processes and procedures. Lake County has approximately 260 County-issued P-Cards used by employees, some board members and elected officials for County business related expenses. The firm analyzed a sample of Lake County P-card transactions representing 52% of total spending for 12 months and reviewed best practices from across the country. While the County has a policy that specifically defines appropriate expenses, the study’s findings show there are gaps that can be improved with stronger internal controls. Recommendations to be immediately implemented include: updating current practices and refining procedures to better document approvals and handle exceptions (including personal charges and late submissions); implementing regular departmental reviews of active cards and credit limits, as well as additional training. The Board will also consider policy changes and updates to its rules that govern board members’ P-card use and consider measures to improve transparency, including posting P-card transactions to the County website.
P-Cards are a valuable procurement and payment tool used by governments, as well as businesses, because it reduces length of time to make a purchase or pay vendor, can decrease transaction costs and earn revenue through rebates. The Committee will review and discuss the action plan for implementing the recommendations at its next meeting.
In an effort to strengthen its already strong policies as it relates to purchasing goods and services, the Lake County Board is considering changes that will require vendors submitting proposals for more than $30,000 to disclose familial relationships with County employees. The Board already approved internal policy changes that require employees to annually review ethics and purchasing rules, and attest that they understand and agree to adhere to them.
The Board recently discussed a proposal that would require vendors submitting proposals to submit a “Vendor Disclosure Statement” disclosing the names of each owner/principal/officer of the company, along with those individuals’ immediate family members who are employed by Lake County. Purchasing officers will compare the statement with the staff members serving on the evaluation panel and verify that those employees are eligible to serve. The Board wants to discuss further how to broaden this and make this information more transparent. The Finance Committee will take up the item next month.
The Lake County Board adopted Ethics Ordinance clearly outlines the ethical and legal standards that county officers and employees must follow while conducting county business. It also puts a process in place to reviewing complaints and gives the county administrator authority to administer disciplinary action up to and including termination.
In local government, much of what we do and how
we do it is dictated by State and sometimes Federal laws. For example, Lake
County government purchases a variety of goods and services and there are
different ways to procure those services depending on what it is. For
example, when hiring architects, engineers and land surveyors, Lake County (and
local governments) are required to use the Professional Services Selection
process and award these contracts through a “Qualifications Based Selection.”
This allows the County to evaluate a firm based on experience and expertise
relative to the project, and cost is negotiated after the most highly rated
firm is selected.
How does it work? When professional services are needed, the department
develops the project scope and then publicly advertises the request for
services. Interested firms submit a Statement of Interest (SOI) and Statement
of Qualifications (SOQ) and a selection committee –made up of professionals
from the department—evaluate the proposals and select a minimum of three firms
to participate in an interview/presentation. They rank the firms based on
several criteria, including their expertise and past related experience.
The County then begins negotiating the number of hours it will take to
complete the scope of services. The final contract is then presented to the
Lake County Board for approval.
Following this process is required by State and Federal law; it provides value
to the County and helps us deliver cost-effective, efficient services to our
residents because our Lake County team of professionals has selected the most
qualified firm to perform the work, and these firms are then qualified to do
similar work in the future, based on their past successful performance.
Learn More: Qualifications Based Selection FAQ’s
Public Information Panel: Foxconn Development
Join me along with Senator Julie Morrison and other public officials to learn about the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission’s study to assess Foxconn’s impact on flooding and water quality along the Des Plaines River watershed in Lake County. The Foxconn site is in the headwaters of the Des Plaines River Watershed, which is immediately upstream of Lake County and encompasses a major source of surface water.
When: 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 24
Where: Heritage Park Center, 100 Community Blvd., Wheeling,
 Recycling Your Scrap Metal and Your Textiles
Has fall clean-up of your garden left you with bent plant cages that you can’t reuse? Don’t throw them out—recycle them. There are a number of scrap metal sites in Lake County. Visit the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County's Where Do I Recycle This? database to find locations to recycle scrap metal as well as other items.
And as you switch over from summer to winter clothes, remember that you can donate gently used clothing to one of many charitable organizations. But if the clothing is ripped and torn, it can still get a new life. Find a textile drop-off site near you.
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 Pace Unveils New Clean Diesel Fleet
I recently joined local, county and state officials to celebrate Pace’s new fleet of clean diesel buses operating out of the Pace North Division in Waukegan. These vehicles use ultra-low sulfur diesel that is highly refined and immediately reduces harmful emissions from diesel vehicles and equipment by 10 percent.
Improving transportation remains a top strategic goal of the Lake County Board. We recognize that a good transportation system is critical to supporting a high quality of life and economic growth. Watch this video to learn more about the new fleet.
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Bradley Road Bridge Closure
The Bradley Road bridge is part of the Illinois Tollway projects for I-94. It now appears there is a good chance that work will go into 2019. Get more information.
Replacement of Metra Bridge Retaining Wall (U.S. Route 45 and IL 137)
Metra has closed the northbound lanes of U.S. Route 45 to all traffic at the Metra/IL Route 137 underpass, just north of Peterson Road. The closure, which began Oct. 18, is expected to last four to eight weeks. The road closure is needed to allow Metra to reconstruct a failed retaining wall that collapsed over Labor Day weekend along the east side of U.S. Route 45. A full closure of both northbound lanes is now necessary to reconstruct the wall. The Lake County Division of Transportation will assist with modifications to traffic signal timings in the area to help with congestion during the closure.
Detour information: Northbound traffic will follow Peterson Road to IL Route 83 to IL Route 120. Questions or concerns can be sent to Metra via their “Contact Us” page and to IDOT at their “online web form.” Be sure to check Lake County PASSAGE for the latest traffic information to help with your travel decisions during this closure period.
IDOT
Metra
Travel Midwest
Wisconsin Construction
 With more than 200 lakes and rivers in the county, it’s important to keep our water safe! Lake County Public Works has been working hard to increase their sustainability efforts to their water operations, from taking phosphorous and nutrients out of wastewater that can be harmful to aquatic life, to performing energy audits performed in coordination with the Illinois EPA. Watch Video.
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Protect Yourself and Fight the Flu
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 80,000 Americans died of influenza and its complications last flu season, the disease’s highest death toll in at least four decades. The flu vaccine is the best way to prevent flu illness and serious flu complications.
The CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older receive an annual flu shot before the end of October. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body’s immune system to fully respond and for you to be protected.
The Lake County Health Department offers the flu vaccine, by appointment, at its Immunizations Clinic and Community Health Centers throughout Lake County. Learn more, including how to make an appointment. Retail clinics, pharmacies, and individual healthcare providers also provide flu shots. Visit the Flu Vaccine Finder to find a convenient location.
 Sheriff’s Office Pilots New Crisis Outreach and Support Team
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is piloting a new collaborative program with the Lake County Health Department called the Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COaST) to support residents with mental or behavioral health illness who interact with law enforcement.
Within approximately three days of a law enforcement officer encountering a mental health interaction or an opioid overdose, the COaST deputy will arrange a meeting with the individual or “cold call” their residence. During that meeting, the deputy will check the well-being of the person and determine if he or she has sought treatment or services since the initial event. The deputy will then provide a “warm handoff” to the Health Department counselor, who will conduct a brief assessment, and if necessary, refer the person to appropriate services. Learn more
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 Help Give the Gift of Warmth.
Donate to Veteran's Coat Drive
Donate your new or gently used adult and children’s
coats and outerwear to help area veterans and their families as part of the Lake
County Law Enforcement Veteran's Coat Drive. The collection is running now
through Nov. 7. Find a collection
site near you.
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 Keep informed about Lake County government! Watch County Board meetings live at 9 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. You can watch meetings live online or on Comcast channels 18 and 30, or AT&T channel 99. You can also view archived County Board meetings anytime.
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Visit the Library
The Deerfield Public Library has a variety of programs for youth, tots, teens and adults. You’re sure to find something of interest to you!
See “Pippin”
The Libertyville High School fall musical is Pippin. Learn more
Chef Fest
Mainstreet Libertyville is having their annual fundraiser at the new Dunn Museum. Join them for Chef Fest: Night at the Museum on Nov. 3. Tickets are required.
Boo Bash
Lincolnshire’s Boo Bash will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26 at North Park. There will be games, a hayride, treats and more.
Learn What Warren Township Offers
Warren Township offers programs for seniors as well as a Teen After School center and Youth services. Learn more about what they do.
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