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As Board Members and Forest Preserve Commissioners, we receive reports from the Board Chair and the President of the Forest Preserves so we can see what they’re doing on our behalf. As your rep in District 10, I’d like to create my own version of that for you. Here’s what I’ve been up to since my last newsletter two weeks ago:
- We started videotaping all County Board committee meetings. Those videos will be indexed and online within 48 hours, sometimes sooner. Because this is where the meat of the discussions often happen, it’s an important step toward transparency and accessibility. View County Board meetings.
- In the Rules Committee, a small but important measure I pushed for was adopted regarding approval of minutes, which would essentially ensure that minutes from committees that don’t meet regularly are posted publicly in a more timely manner. As it was, sometimes months and months would go by.
- I toured the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County facility. If you have not yet taken advantage of their many wonderful recycling programs, please check them out! Also, make sure to like SWALCO's Facebook page to find a wealth of information.
- I attended the Wild Things conference on Saturday, Feb. 23 to learn more about sustainability and environmental initiatives.
- I had wonderful meetings with the Fremont Township Supervisor and the Ela Township Assessor to learn more about what they do.
- I attended the Mundelein State of the Village address. View the presentation.
- I attended the Southwest Leaders Round Table discussion on transportation where we reviewed and suggested updates for the 2006 Consensus Plan, a list of projects to help solve congestion. I submitted comments urging the addition of underpasses at train crossings as a high priority for our area.
- I attended the Legislative breakfast, a public meeting of local and state officials to discuss the County’s priorities. Read the story below to learn more.
- I fielded communications from constituents about flooding, deer culling, and property taxes.
- I attended all my committee meetings for both the Forest Preserve and the County Board, as well as a meeting with the director of Lake County Partners, to which I was appointed.
I hope this was useful for you to gain insight into some of what I’m doing to represent the 10th District. As always, feel free to be in touch.
Happy Spring?
Jessica
Lake County Board members recently met with Lake County’s legislative delegation to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing Lake County as the 101st General Assembly convenes and begins its work. Meeting at the County Board Legislative Committee meeting, the attendees heard a brief overview of current bills pending for which Lake County requested sponsorship, discussed the need for an infrastructure bill and reviewed a countywide State Highway Consensus Plan that identifies the transportation projects that would have the biggest regional impact in Lake County. Leaders also discussed further opportunities for property tax relief through consolidation and reform. Learn more.
Watch the Lake County Legislative Committee meeting, and hear the discussion.
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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. Also on the ballot will be seven public questions.
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 when open, 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 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.
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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.
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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.
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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. Between March 11 and 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.
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On November 2, 2018, the Lake County Health Department learned of concerns surrounding ethylene oxide emissions from Medline Industries in Waukegan and Vantage Specialty Chemicals in Gurnee. The Health Department immediately initiated communication with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) to better understand the situation and express the public’s desire for appropriate air monitoring and timely and transparent communication. The Health Department has maintained regular communication with these agencies, which have sole jurisdiction for regulating emissions.
Lake County Health Department officials have since visited Medline and Vantage to gather information and convey the public’s concerns. Along with the Village of Gurnee and City of Waukegan, the Health Department is taking measures to assure air monitoring will occur and has urged the U.S. EPA to conduct a town hall meeting in Lake County. Learn more about Health Department activities related to ethylene oxide emissions.
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.
The Lake County Health Department is hosting two Mental Health First Aid training classes in April. The eight-hour course teaches you how to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The next two training dates are scheduled for:
- April 12 at the Lake County Health Department, 3010 Grand Ave., Waukegan
- April 26 at the Lake County Health Department Zion Health Center, 1911 27th St., Zion
Additional classes will be offered through May and June across Lake County. Classes are offered in English and Spanish. Learn more about the training and register now.
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Vietnam veterans or a family member of a Vietnam veteran are invited to attend the 50th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony from 3 to 4 p.m. March 17 at Cook Memorial Public Library, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Official Vietnam War 50th Commemoration pins, certificates and proclamations will be given to veterans. An application and DD214 are required. For information and to obtain an application, call 847-383-4870.
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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 will provide individuals an opportunity to reduce outstanding costs to 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.
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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.
Starting this week, the morning and afternoon train schedule will be improved to accommodate rush hour riders at the western Lake Forest station on Telegraph Road. A new outbound express train will depart Union Station at 6:25 a.m. and arrive in Lake Forest at 7:15 a.m.
In the afternoon, express service will leave the Lake Forest station at 5:09 p.m. and 5:35 p.m. and arrive at Union Station in about 50 minutes or less.
The new train schedule will also benefit residents during the weekday morning rush hour by: 1) adding a new morning inbound train; and, 2) modifying an existing morning inbound train to provide express service. 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 peak hours. As part of this groundbreaking partnership, stakeholders will also work on a definitive agreement to share the cost of installing a universal crossover near Lake Forest to create additional opportunities for enhanced service.
To learn more, visit: https://metrarail.com/MetraMore.
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Lake County Workforce Development recently invited a local company to speak with Lake County Tech Campus students about career development in manufacturing. Jobs in manufacturing are in high demand in Lake County, making it important for students to have opportunities to grow within their career. Watch this video to learn more.
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Forest Preserve News
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Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross Opens March 9
The work of a renowned comic book artist is coming to the Dunn Museum in Libertyville. Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross will be on exhibit from March 9 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»
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The Perfect Venue for Any Event
Looking for the perfect venue for your wedding, corporate event or holiday party? The 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 »
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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.
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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 »
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