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 March 12, 2019
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The snow and cold weather may seem like spring is far away, but we have been working hard on a number of projects—and nothing says spring like construction projects. In the next week, you will see some trees being removed along Everett and St. Mary’s roads in anticipation of the resurfacing and bike path addition (on Everett). State law requires that tree removal be done before the end of March to decrease the chance of disturbing nesting birds. We are using curb and gutter along here to decrease the number of trees being removed. Drainage in the area will also be improved.
We voted on a number of items at our February County Board meeting. We authorized an agreement with the Village of Lake Bluff on terms and conditions to replace the bridge on the McClory Bike Path over IL Route 176. The new bridge will be wider and safer. We accepted a grant for $700,000 from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to implement a program to help reduce reincarceration of persons with three or more jail bookings in 12 months. We also directed the Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals to conduct a public hearing to consider text amendments relating to solar energy systems in Lake County. We also approved changes to vendor disclosure that will require information on any familial relationships as well as campaign donations to board members or County wide elected officials. View this meeting as well as all previous County Board meetings.
Be sure to read below for an update on the ethylene oxide situation in Lake County. The Health Department has been working with local communities and engaging with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency on this issue.
I had no P-card expenses for the past month and have none for the fiscal year.
At the February Forest Preserve meeting, we approved a resolution awarding a contract for Phase II engineering for the Millennium Trail and U.S. Route 45 underpass connecting Ethel’s Woods and Raven Glen Forest Preserves. This is a very exciting project. We are currently putting in public access at Ethel’s Woods and expect it to be open later this year. The underpass will take longer. We are very fortunate to have many great partners who support our Forest Preserves and its programs. USG renewed a $15,000 sponsorship of the Dunn Museum, which will enable us to continue offering free programming on the first and third Thursday of each month. I encourage you to come visit if you haven’t seen it. On Friday, I attended the opening of Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross. at the Dunn Museum. He has been illustrating comics for almost 30 years. I didn’t know what to expect and found myself thoroughly engaged.
I am honored to be able to represent you and your concerns. Please let me know your areas of interest so I can be sure to include them in future newsletters. If you have any comments or concerns, feel free to send me an email. Please feel free to contact me if you would like me to come speak with your homeowners association, civic, youth or other organizations.
If this newsletter was forwarded to you, please sign up to continue to receive news about Lake County and District 21. Also, make sure to like my Facebook page where you can get relevant and up-to-date information important to District 21. Remember to hit "Like” at the top of the page!
Ann B. Maine
amaine@lakecountyil.gov
847-857-1732
Lake County Board, District 21
Leaders Discuss 2019 Legislative Initiatives
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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Watch County Board Meetings
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 board meetings and standing committee meetings anytime.
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Ethylene Oxide in Lake County – Update
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 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.
Health Department Offers 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.
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Forest Preserves News
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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 »
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Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross
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 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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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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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 »
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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 (Danaus plexippus), 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.
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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.
Attention seniors! Attend an upcoming outreach session to 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.
The Senior Freeze provides eligible seniors (based on income levels) protection against real estate tax increases due to rising property values as this exemption “freezes” your home’s equalized assessed value at a base year value. The base year is generally the year before you first qualify and apply for the exemption. For example, if you first qualify and apply in 2019, your property’s equalized assessed value will be “frozen” at the 2018 equalized assessed value. Please note that this exemption is not a tax freeze or a tax reduction and does not protect against increased taxes due to tax rate increases.
New this year, homestead exemption forms can now be filed electronically using the Smartfile E-Filing Portal!
Road to Reinstatement Pilot Program
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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You're Bound to Love Metra's Added Trains
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 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 now departs 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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IDOT
Metra
Travel Midwest
Wisconsin Construction
Lake County Stormwater Management Commission Presents Upper Des Plaines River Watershed Impact Analysis Findings
In June 2018, the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) entered into a contract with Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. to study the Upper Des Plaines River Watershed (DPRW) within Wisconsin and the potential impacts in Wisconsin and Illinois due to development in that region. The initial results from the analysis were presented at the Stormwater Management Commission board meeting on March 7.
Initial results from the study are available on the SMC website. Any comments about the draft report should be sent to Stormwater@lakecountyil.gov.
Green Living Fair
Drop off bikes, Styrofoam blocks, eyeglasses, gym shoes and more for recycling, and learn about earth-healthy daily routines from over 30 exhibitors at the Green Living Fair. 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
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Lake County Creates Solar Energy Task Force
Lake County is creating a Solar Energy Task Force in partnership with local communities. The task force participants will work to develop a solar energy model ordinance that will serve as a template for communities to use when adopting solar specific zoning codes. Through this task force, participants will share collective ideas and discuss the challenges faced when regulating solar installations. Lake County and our partners aim to modernize regulations to adapt to emerging trends in solar technology.
As the new Energy and Environment Committee studies energy consumption and the impact of climate change on the county, this task force will help further the County’s efforts toward looking at renewable energy sources and reducing its carbon footprint. Further updates will be provided in my future newsletter.
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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. 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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This year, 87 volunteers took part in the annual Point-In-Time Homeless Count, searching across Lake County to help document the need in communities by gathering data and providing outreach to the homeless. Volunteers made contact with 29 people experiencing homelessness, compared to 24 last year.
Learn more about this year’s Point-In-Time Homeless Count and find out how you can make a difference in ending chronic homelessness. Watch Video.
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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
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Meet Mitch, Hitch, and Browser, the amazing Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office four-legged staff members.
Mitch provides comfort to child victims. Hitch is assigned to the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit's Therapeutic Intensive Monitoring Program, which includes specialty courts such as Mental Health Court, Drug Court and Veterans Court. And Browser is trained to sniff out electronic devices for criminal investigations.
Watch this video and learn about the incredible work these dogs are doing!
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If you’re not going anywhere during spring break—there is still a lot to do here in Lake County. In addition to the Dunn Museum in Libertyville, there are many community activities.
The Deerfield Public Library is offering a fascinating program through May 2, The Fight to Integrate Deerfield: 60 Year Reflection.
The David Adler Music & Arts Center in Libertyville offers a variety of music and art classes for children and adults.
Read the Warren Township newsletter to learn more about these activities.
The Lake Forest Library is offering Spring Break fun from March 23 to 31!
March 10 was the grand opening of the Brushwood Art Supply Exchange (BASE). Have extra art supplies at home or work? They will take them. Looking for some low-cost art supplies? Visit today! Get more information on BASE.
Did you know you can get a free Museum Adventure Pass, good at more than 20 favorite Chicago area cultural destinations? You need a Vernon Area Public Library card. Passes are limited. Learn more
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