|
Dear Neighbor,
When you call 911 in Lake County, your call could get transferred between dispatch centers, increasing the time it takes for someone to get the help they need. To improve public safety and efficiency and reduce cost, we have been collaborating with public safety partners across the region to find ways to consolidate the many 911 centers in Lake County. I recently met with DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin to learn more about their public safety dispatch centers. DuPage has four centers; Lake County has 15. Learn more. During my visit we also discussed mental health crisis options, the opioid epidemic, our shared legislative priorities, and other important initiatives in the region. In addition to meeting with the Cook and collar counties quarterly, we are doing site visits so that we may learn from each other about how we can best serve our residents.
Every month I report to my colleagues on my previous month's work. I've included it here for your reference. As always, it is an honor to represent you on the Lake County Board and the Forest Preserve Board. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions, concerns, or suggestions.
|
Green Living Fair Saturday, March 16
Libertyville Civic Center, 135 W. Church St., 10am-2pm
Drop off bikes, Styrofoam blocks, eyeglasses, gym shoes and more for recycling, and learn about what you can do to live a "green-conscious" life! They'll have over 30 exhibitors, 4 speaker forums, and 4 workshops. This year’s event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16 at the Libertyville Civic Center, 135 W. Church St. Admission is free! Learn more
|
Vietnam Veteran 50th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony Sunday, March 17, 3:00-4:00pm Cook Memorial Public Library, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville
Vietnam veterans or a family member of a Vietnam veteran are invited to attend the 50th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony to honor the veterans of the Vietnam War as part of the congressionally-authorized “United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration.” Official Vietnam War 50th Commemoration pins, certificates and proclamations will be given to veterans. An application and DD214 are required. Visit Schneider.house.gov for more information, or call 847-383-4870.
|
Road to Reinstatement Pilot Program -Applications Due March 29
I am very proud to announce that Lake County residents who are unable to pay outstanding fees and fines may be eligible for Lake County’s Road to Reinstatement Pilot Program. This program is the result of hard work by Vice Chair Cunningham, the Lake County Bar Foundation, Secretary of State's Office, and our judicial partners.
Those unable to restore or renew their driving privileges often have a hard time obtaining or maintaining employment so they can support themselves and their family. As fees accumulate over time, it makes it very difficult for these individuals to get back on the road. This program provides individuals an opportunity to reduce these outstanding costs so they can get their licenses renewed or reinstated.
To apply for the program, individuals must submit an application for waiver of court fees, personal information form, and their driving abstract by March 29. Find out more.
|
Ethylene Oxide in Lake County - Update
The Lake County Health Department is urging the U.S. EPA for to test the air around the two manufacturing sites in Lake County that utilize ethylene oxide. In the meantime, Lake County, the Village of Gurnee and City of Waukegan are in discussions about independent air monitoring to ensure the protection of our residents health. The Health Department has requested that the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) conduct cancer incidence analyses in Lake County, similar to that being completed in DuPage County.
Lake County Health Department officials have visited Medline and Vantage to gather information and convey the public’s concerns, and has urged the U.S. EPA to also conduct a town hall meeting in Lake County. Learn more about how Lake County is working to protect residents.
Residents seeking information about ethylene oxide in Lake County can find the latest updates on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) web page. Questions and concerns can be sent via email to the U.S. EPA at eto@epa.gov.
New Sheriff’s Office Response to FOID/CCL Revocations
The Lake County Sheriff's Office recently announced new proactive methods to address individuals who have their Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) Card or Concealed Carry License (CCL) revoked. Upon receiving notification from the Illinois State Police of a person having their FOID or CCL privileges revoked, Sheriff’s detectives will be assigned to make contact with that individual. Sheriff’s detectives will take steps to recover the physical FOID/CCL Cards, and ensure firearms are no longer in possession of the person with revoked privileges. Learn more.
|
Reduced Well Water Testing Rates
The Lake County Health Department is offering a reduced well water testing fee for homeowners who use well water as their primary source of drinking water. Now until March 22, the fee for testing for bacteria and nitrates will be reduced from $18 to $12.
The Health Department encourages homeowners to do annual water testing and well maintenance to protect themselves from waterborne illness. Learn more, including where to pick up a sample kit and how to return the collected water sample.
|
Maple Syrup Hikes
Learn how trees work and about the sweet sap of sugar maples. Ryerson Woods is one of the few places in Lake County where conditions are right for maple syrup production, and where trees grow to a diameter and height that allows for tapping. Everyone gets a taste. Hikes run every half-hour from noon to 2 p.m. March 16, 17, 23 and 24 at Ryerson Woods in Riverwoods. Register today »
|
FoxConn's Projected Impact on Flooding
Last week I attended the Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) meeting to learn more the study of the potential impact of Foxconn to flooding in the Des Plaines River Watershed, which flows through Lake County. It was disconcerting to me to see how the data used to determine the acreage needed to offset the planned development differed from what we would use in Lake County. The study highlighted four areas of concern, and it's critical that these issues are addressed to mitigate flooding concerns in both Wisconsin and Illinois. I encourage you to view the initial results from the study, which are available on the SMC website. The initial results from the analysis are open for public comment until April 8.Any comments about the draft report should be sent to Stormwater@lakecountyil.gov.
|
Senior Citizen’s Assessment Freeze Outreach Sessions, March 27 - April 25
The Senior Freeze provides seniors with limited income protection against real estate tax increases due to rising property values. Because this exemption provides for a base year frozen assessment, it will potentially provide increased savings each year a senior is eligible.
Seniors are invited to attend an upcoming outreach session to learn more about this exemption, and receive assistance filling out the 2019 Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Application for taxes payable in 2020 as well as assistance on other homestead exemptions available. Residents will work one-on-one with a staff member to complete the necessary forms. View Upcoming Outreach Sessions. New this year, you may also submit homestead exemption forms electronically using the Smartfile E-Filing Portal!
April 2 Election – Voter Registration, Early Voting and More
The April 2 Consolidated Election will give Lake County residents some real voter power as they will be electing municipal offices, library trustees, park district commissioners and school board members.
Voter Registration
Online voter registration is available until March 17 through the Illinois State Board of Elections. An Illinois driver’s license or state ID card is required for online registration. Grace Registration will be available now through April 2 at the Clerk's Office during weekday business hours, any early voting site, and at the voter’s assigned Election Day site. Applicants must meet all voter registration requirements, provide valid identification, and vote at the time of registration.
Vote by Mail
Registered voters wishing to vote by mail must submit a completed electronic application or paper application to the Clerk’s office by noon March 28. Voted ballots must be returned to the Clerk’s office bearing a postmark no later than midnight on Election Day. Complete your vote by mail application.
Vote Early
Early voting will be available March 18 to April 1 at sites throughout Lake County. Find an early voting site near you by using this locator. Hours vary at the different sites, and some locations even offer weekend and evening hours.
Vote on Election Day
Those choosing to vote on Election Day, April 2 must go to their assigned polling location. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find your assigned voting site.
|
Housing and Medical Services for the Most Vulnerable
Lake County is honored to be one of three providers in the United States to receive a national grant to deliver stable housing and improved medical and mental healthcare to people without housing who frequently use costly crisis services when they could be better served in supportive housing. Often times, these individuals are leaving the justice system and entering an unstable housing situation or homelessness. The new program will also connect those experiencing chronic homelessness to housing and resources with the support of Lake County Community Development, NICASA, and other local partners.
Did you know Lake County residents can help make a difference by supporting the Lake County Coalition for the Homeless and the various member organizations? Find out more.
Lake County Creates Solar Energy Task Force
As the cost of solar energy goes down, the interest of solar energy from residents and communities increases! Lake County is creating a Solar Energy Task Force in partnership with local communities to develop a solar energy model ordinance that will serve as a template for communities to use when adopting solar specific zoning codes. Lake County and our partners aim to modernize regulations to adapt to emerging trends in solar technology.
|
FLIP 2019 Summer Leadership Development Program
Applications are now available for high school students with an interest in urban planning to participate in the FREE one-week FLIP Summer Leadership Development Program. FLIP is one way students can learn about ways to transform northeastern Illinois into a better place to live, go to school, work, and play. Participants in the July 15-20, 2019 program will meet with other students from Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties, as well as key regional leaders, to share ideas and plan for a better future. Applications are due by Monday, May 20, 2019. Learn more and apply for the program.
|
You're Bound to Love Metra's Added Trains
The commute between Lake County and Chicago just got easier during peak workday commutes! Metra has partnered with business and civic groups in Lake County to pilot a two-year project for expanded rush hour commuter service on the Milwaukee District North Line.
The expanded service will make it easier for local businesses to attract and retain talent and draw from the diverse workforce living in Chicago. Lake County residents will also be able to take advantage of the service to quickly get to Chicago during the peak evening hour. Learn more
|
Grant Helps Songbirds, Monarchs and Students
Supported by funds from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a $77,000 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Great Lakes Coastal Program grant will benefit habitat restoration efforts and environmental education outreach at Greenbelt Forest Preserve (North Chicago).
Grant funds will help restore 20 acres of wetland habitat and 20 acres of mesic prairie within the preserve, and be used to plant native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plant species in the restored areas. The project goal is to expand existing habitat for migratory songbirds and purple milkweed (Asclepias pupurascens), a regionally uncommon and favored host plant of the monarch butterfly, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Coastal Program priority species. As part of the grant funding, Forest Preserve education staff will help connect over 1,000 students to this habitat restoration project through field trips and classroom programs.
|
Watch All County Board Standing Committee Meetings
Tune in to www.lakecounty.tv to watch all Lake County Board standing committee meetings. At the committee level, board members spend a significant amount of time discussing and evaluating significant financial and policy matters before these items are sent to the full board for final approval. Filming committee meetings will allow you to see all the work that goes on at the committee level and have a deeper understanding of the issues. The meetings will not be broadcast live but can be viewed anytime at www.lakecounty.tv. The meetings also will be replayed frequently on LCTV, which is available on Comcast Cable, either channel 18 or 30, depending on where you live in the county. AT&T Customers can view LCTV on channel 99.
One example of a meeting you can watch is the latest Legislative Committee meeting, where Lake County Board members met with Lake County's legislative delegation to discuss many things including a countywide State Highway Consensus Plan that addresses traffic congestion, and property tax reform.
|
The Lake County Board recently acted to increase the County’s transparency and accountability. Learn about a new process where vendors that submit a proposal to Lake County will need to disclose the name of family members working for Lake County and campaign contributions to Lake County elected officials. Also, hear about a legislative initiative to allow counties to remove its board chair. Watch Video.
Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross
The work of a renowned comic book artist has come to the Dunn Museum in Libertyville. Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross is on exhibit through Sept. 8.
Considered one of the greatest artists in the field of comic books, Alex Ross has created some of the most iconic images known to fans today. For nearly 30 years, he has revitalized classic superheroes into works of fine art by illustrating characters including Spider-Man, Captain America, Iron Man, Storm from the X-Men, the Avengers, Black Panther and many more. Learn more »
|
The Perfect Venue for Any Event
Looking for the perfect venue for your wedding, corporate event or holiday party? Greenbelt Cultural Center has exceptional indoor and outdoor spaces ideal for any occasion. This expansive 18,500-square-foot facility has large windows with panoramic views of the surrounding forest preserve. Book your event today»
|
Congratulations to K9 Dax and Deputy Forlenza
K9 Dax, who works for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office was recently voted the K9s of Valor Foundation “K9 of the Year!” K9 Dax and Deputy Forlenza were nominated for their many successful tracks locating dangerous criminals and citizens in need of help. Learn more
|
Trails and Tales: How a woman and her curious son started the Lake County Forest Preserves
A 33-year-old spontaneous homemaker with drive and determination, coupled with her son's desire to explore nature, sparked the start of the Lake County Forest Preserves a little more than 60 years ago.
Ethel Untermyer moved to Lake County from Chicago in 1952. She wanted to take her 3-year-old son, Frank, and her other children out to explore the woods at a forest preserve and asked a friend where the closest one was. Untermyer was shocked to learn there were none in Lake County. Learn more »
|
How Minnesota, the West Indies & Africa Prepared Forest Preserve Executive
Alex Ty Kovach, executive director of the Lake County Forest Preserves, oversees the second largest forest preserve district in Illinois. He is responsible for managing nearly 31,000 acres of natural lands, more than 200 miles of trails, an accredited museum, three golf courses and several special facilities. Learn more about Ty's job, his background and personal thoughts on leadership in this Daily Herald article.
|
|
