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It has been quite a busy few weeks here on the County Board. Our Energy and the Environment Committee has been working hard on many issues from solar power to increasing composting programs. Our Planning Department and Green Team are developing guidelines for solar power installations so community members and businesses will have the information they need to invest in renewable energy. Lake County is exploring opportunities for Community Solar projects with our government partners. Read the story below to learn more.
Last August, Lake County Adult Corrections began one of the most ambitious recycling and composting programs of any county jail in the State. The new food waste diversion program is anticipated to divert nearly 70% of the waste stream from the landfill, compared to a diversion rate that was previously 6%. Working with our waste hauler, the County is not only keeping waste out of landfills but is expected to save money too.
Even though I am an avid recycler, I spent an afternoon at the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County and learned so much more about recycling and how we can decrease our solid waste footprint by increasing recycling programs. One of the most important things I learned was that everything that we put in our recycling containers should NOT be in bags, especially plastic bags. Keep everything “loose” in those recycling bins. Plastic bags and items like wires and hoses can jam up recycling equipment and cause expensive repairs and lost time. I will be giving more tips in future newsletters, but if you have any questions about items appropriate for recycling, check out the SWALCO website.
“Marvelocity” has come to the Dunn Museum. Alex Ross is considered one of the greatest artists in the field of comic books and 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. "Marvelocity" is his latest release, a curated collection of his best Marvel works over his career.
The exhibit includes everything from paintings, comic books to statues and even artwork from Alex’s childhood. I was astonished by the vibrant colors and details of his artwork and impressed with the different media that he uses to illustrate his stories. I highly recommend this exhibit to everyone. There are also many educational programs that will be offered during the exhibit, which is running until Sept. 8. Learn more about the exhibit.
Finally, Lake County employees recently came together one evening to pack meals at Feed My Starving Children. Employees volunteered to come out and work together to provide meals for children around the world who are in need of nutritious meals. Dedicated teams worked to put together all the ingredients, seal and pack the meals. I am proud to say that we packed enough meals to feed 88 children for a year. Thank you to everyone that organized this event and that worked so hard to help children and families. It was a wonderful night.
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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. Learn more about solar programs in Lake County. Further updates will be provided in my future newsletter.
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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 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.
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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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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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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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!
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 Preserve News
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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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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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