April 2 election guide, Low-cost pet vaccination clinics, Hydrant flushing, and More

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March 22, 2019

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Environmental News

Projects To Address Water Quality Improvements, Flood Reduction 
To address drainage improvements and flood reduction in our county, the Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) has recommended approval of two Watershed Management Board (WMB) grants to go toward making improvements in our communities.

The Fox Lake Millennium Park water quality improvement WMB project will address ongoing nuisance flooding, water quality, and drainage issues. The Village of Fox Lake will lead the project, and the improvements to Millennium Park are expected to be completed by July 31, 2019.

The Grant Township Duck Lake shoreline and channel restoration WMB project will address erosion of the channel and beach, water quality, and drainage issues at Duck Lake Woods in Grant Township. This project is expected to be completed by November 30, 2019. 

solar energy task force

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. Further updates will be provided in my future newsletter.

Lake County Stormwater Management Commission Presents Upper Des Plaines River Watershed Impact Analysis Findings
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) recently presented initial findings from a study of the potential impacts to the Upper Des Plaines River Watershed (DPRW) in Wisconsin and Illinois due to development in the region. The study area includes the Foxconn Technology Group development site. Areas of concern are outlined in the study which could lead to increased flooding and impact the health of the DPRW in both Wisconsin and Illinois if they are not addressed.

Initial results from the study are available on the SMC website. Any comments about the draft report should be sent to Stormwater@lakecountyil.gov.

2018 Stormwater Awards

Congratulations to the 2018 Lake County Stormwater Award winners! These individuals, communities, groups and organizations exemplify SMC’s core mission of flood damage reduction, water quality improvement, natural resource protection, and enhancement. Meet this year’s winners.



2018 Stormwater Awards

Your April 2 Election Guide

vote

Voter Registration
Grace Registration is available through April 2 at 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 is available through 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.


Senior Citizen’s Assessment Freeze Outreach Sessions

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.


Get Your Pet Vaccinated! Low-Cost Clinics Begin March 30

pet vaccination clinics

Low-cost pet vaccination clinics provide a convenient and affordable way to keep pets up to date with their shots and rabies tags. The Lake County Health Department will begin its spring pet vaccination clinics on March 30.  Only cash will be accepted on site. Find a pet vaccination clinic near you.


Semi-annual Hydrant Flushing Begins April 1

hydrant flushing

Lake County Public Works will begin its semi-annual water hydrant flushing program April 1. The expected completion date is April 26.  Hydrant flushing enhances water quality because it removes any residue buildup in the mains. Residents are urged not to do laundry during periods of flushing in your area to avoid staining of clothing, which may occur due to the disturbance in the water main. View the hydrant flushing schedule.


Pilot Program Tests Innovative School Safety System

School safety system pilot program

Fremont School District 79 is teaming up with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in a new pilot program that will enhance school safety efforts when seconds matter. The program will focus on information sharing between County schools and the Sheriff’s Office. Through the partnership, the Sheriff’s Office will maintain an internal website, which will provide live-video feeds of cameras within the school (for schools with installed cameras), aerial views of the school and surrounding area, floor plans of each school building, and other updates to first-responders in a critical incident.  Find out more.


Apply by March 29 for the Road to Reinstatement Pilot Program

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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Forest Preserve News

LCFPD volunteers

Volunteers Lend Hands and Hearts to Help Forest Preserves Grow and Thrive
Helping with fishing camps, planting native gardens, monitoring wildlife and assisting at the Dunn Museum are just a few of the volunteer efforts performed by single individuals or groups. A total of 1,921 volunteers spent 25,910 hours in forest preserves throughout Lake County in 2018. Playing key roles in operations and public safety, habitat restoration, education and cultural preservation, the hours had a value of $674,000. Learn more »


LCFPD beach passes

Independence Grove Beach Passes Available
Season passes to the swimming beach at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville are on sale for Lake County residents. Purchase on or before May 1 and receive a 10 percent discount. The pass allows holders unlimited use of the 400-foot sand beach that runs along the South Bay of Independence Grove's 115-acre lake. Learn more »

2019 native plant rain barrel sale

Native Plant Sale
Join us at Independence Grove in Libertyville on Saturday, May 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, May 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Purchase native flowers and woody plants, a rain barrel or compost bin, and learn about eco-friendly practices to benefit your home, pocketbook and the community. Rain barrels and compost bins are available for sale on Saturday only from the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County. Learn more >>


Watch County Board Meetings

LCTV

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.


Community News

Native Shrub and Tree Sale
Learn about native shrubs and trees to add to your yard by taking part in the third annual Native Shrub and Tree Sale to support Volo Bog State Natural Area. Orders will be accepted through April 13, and order pick-up will be April 20 and 21. For information, call 815-344-1294.

Sharing Our Shore
Become a volunteer steward and help monitor bird species on the lake shore as the Lake County Audubon Society partners with the City of Waukegan on a beach stewardship program, "Sharing Our Shore - Waukegan." Volunteers will have a presence on the beach from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturdays from May to July. A kick-off event will be May 4. To learn more and to volunteer, send an email to lakecountyaudubonsociety@gmail.com


Judy Martini

I consider it an honor to be able to serve areas of Fox Lake, Ingleside, Lakemoor, Volo, and portions of Wauconda, Lake Villa, Round Lake, and Spring Grove. I hope this newsletter provides you with an insight to Lake County news, local topics and a way for you to connect with neighbors and fellow residents. 

If you have any comments or concerns, please contact me at: JMartini@lakecountyil.gov or 847-629-5880.

Thank you,
Judy Martini

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