July 2, 2019
Happy 4th, Neighbors!
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It had been my hope to focus this edition of my newsletter on an exciting agreement that Lake County struck with the Village of Lake Villa to improve service, share services, reduce costs and more efficiently serve the taxpayers.
You can read more about that agreement below. However, in the spirit of Independence, I want to specifically address two issues with you that District 3 residents have told me they are very concerned with.
1. Lake County Board is currently discussing the possible addition of a County-wide Motor Fuel Tax (MFT).
The County Board PWPT Committee heard presentations last week regarding its ability under new state law, to impose a motor fuel tax on top of Monday's doubling of the State's MFT. The proposed County-wide MFT will range anywhere from $0.04 - $0.08 per gallon.
District 3 residents have told me emphatically they oppose any additional tax to Lake County Residents, whether it be a property tax or a gas tax. It is estimated that a MFT will generate between $10-20 Million to be used for transportation projects. While I am in complete agreement that transportation is one of our core functions in County Government, I would like the Board to look for funding in our existing Half-Billion Dollar Budget before going to the public and demanding more revenue.
I have created a petition to oppose the MFT, available by clicking here. (Petition to oppose Lake County Motor Fuel Tax) As a fellow citizen, I will be presenting the petition to the full board if a sufficient number of residents sign the petition.
Here is a link to a video of my comments in relation to a County-Wide Gas Tax.
2. Civil War Days at the Lakewood Forest Preserve Cancellation.
Regrettably, to me, the Lake County Forest Preserve has cancelled the event for this year, citing safety concerns.
The event was initially cancelled unilaterally by the Forest Preserve President in early June without the Board's knowledge or consent. At the June meeting, Board Members took turns condemning the actions of the President, who in turn rescinded the cancellation.
About one week later, citing threats to safety, the Forest Preserve District cancelled the event yet again. In the interest of public safety, I responded by requesting an immediate investigation by the Sheriff's Office into any threats to public safety surrounding the event. The Sheriff responded with swift and decisive action, requesting all intel and communications from the Forest Preserve District. After pouring through over 500 pages of documents, listening to voicemails and watching videos, the Sheriff's Office concluded no credible threats to the Public's safety existed and no crimes had been committed.
While it was a huge relief to learn no threats to safety existed, this outcome calls into serious question the process by which decisions are made at the District, and the seeming unilateral authority held by its President.
Whether one agrees with cancellation or not, the process is designed to discuss the issues publicly on the Board so that the Public, via their representatives, can have knowledge of and input to the discussion. I have publicly made requests to evaluate the process and make necessary changes immediately to prevent issues like this from happening again. It appears legislative changes will need to be made in Springfield to address many of my concerns. Two special meetings of the District Board have been scheduled to discuss these matters for July 18th and August 5th.
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I welcome your opinion on everything in this newsletter. Please feel free to reach out to me and share your perspectives as well, even if we disagree.
I wish everyone a happy and safe Independence Day Holiday!
Please feel free to connect with me on Facebook for more immediate updates and news that occurs between newsletters.
Enjoy the beautiful weather!
-Dick Barr
County Board News
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Shared Service Agreements with Village of Lake Villa Lead to Increased Efficiency and Cost Savings
The Lake County Board approved at its June 11 meeting two intergovernmental agreements with the Village of Lake Villa for the Lake County Planning, Building and Development department to provide building inspection and plan review services for the Village. Lake Villa is located near the County’s largest concentration of current inspection activities - making it an efficient location to provide service while cutting driving time between inspections.
Lake Villa also will be the first community to use the County’s land management system. The County negotiated a “Shared Services” clause with its vendor to allow municipalities to use the system at a fraction of the County’s cost to purchase it. This not only provides cost savings for the Village and allows it to expand online permit services to residents and businesses, but it also makes it more efficient for the County to provide inspections and plan reviews since the County and Village will be using the same system.
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Health News |
Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Lake County
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A mosquito pool sampled June 13 in Highland Park has tested positive for West Nile virus and is the first confirmed indicator of West Nile presence in Lake County in 2019. Practice the 4 D’s to protect yourself from mosquitoes: Drain, Defend, Dawn and Dusk, and Dress. Visit the Fight the Bite Now website to learn prevention tips and more information about West Nile virus.
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Initial Ethylene Oxide Air Monitoring Results Received
Preliminary results from the first three days of outdoor air monitoring for ethylene oxide (EtO) near Vantage Specialty Chemicals in Gurnee and Medline Industries in Waukegan indicate the presence of EtO at elevated levels at one location in Waukegan, and at varying and lower levels at all other sites.
Because this initial data represents only three days of sampling, conclusions about potential impacts to health cannot yet be made, and monitoring is continuing. However, the results show that the highest levels were detected at the sampling location nearest the Medline facility, with the highest reading being 10 ug/m3 collected on June 7 and 8. Learn more about the initial air monitoring results.
To learn more about ethylene oxide, visit the Lake County Health Department's website.
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What Happened in the Committees |
Energy & Environment: Clean Air Policies
Members discussed clean air policies and the nuisance ordinance. Current regulations in unincorporated Lake County state that yard waste and leaves are allowed to be burned outside of a specific designated area, however, it is considered a public nuisance to burn items like garbage, refuse or construction debris on all properties. |
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The committee discussed options such as adopting burning restrictions, banning the burning of leaves, and the provision of yard waste hauling services in unincorporated Lake County. The discussions at the meeting were preliminary, and no official action has been taken. Watch the discussion.
Public Works, Planning & Transportation: Motor Fuel Tax
A presentation was given to members of the Public Works, Planning and Transportation Committee regarding the County Option Motor Fuel Tax (MFT), which is part of the new capital bill legislation that was passed by the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Pritzker in late June. |
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The new law allows Lake County government to impose a tax on all retail gasoline sold in Lake County, allowing for a minimum tax rate of four cents per gallon, and a maximum tax rate of eight cents per gallon. Preliminary discussions took place among the committee members that were present, and no official action has been taken. Watch the discussion.
Watch All County Board Meetings
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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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Property News
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Protect Your Home with Property Check
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The Lake County Recorder of Deeds Office provides a tool for homeowners to help protect their biggest investment. Property Check is a free, easy-to-use, 24/7 online service that will alert subscribers, via email and/or text message, whenever a document is recorded against their name and/or property. The sign-up process only takes a few minutes. Sign up today.
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Solicitors’ Rules for Working in Unincorporated Lake County
Door-to-door salespeople working in unincorporated Lake County must register with the Lake County Clerk's office and carry a solicitor’s certificate while on the job. When a solicitor comes to your home, ask to see the certificate before conducting any business. Report any violations to the Lake County Sheriff’s office at 847-549-5200 where fines and penalties can be enforced. |
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The ordinance applies only to unincorporated Lake County and provides exemptions to religious groups, candidates, and minors under age 18 who participate in fundraising activities. If you live in a municipality or village, check with your local officials for your specific ordinances. Learn more
Transportation News
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Lake County Responding to Hunger Food Drive and Touch-A-Truck Event
Transportation and Public Works employees from Lake County as well as many agencies in the surrounding communities are collecting food to feed our hungry neighbors. All food donations will be delivered to the Lake County Fairgrounds for a Responding to Hunger and Touch-A-Truck event with all the participating agencies. |
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Admission to the July 23 event is free. You are encouraged to participate in the food drive by bringing non-perishable food items. Bring the kids to see all their favorite big trucks up close! Learn more.
When: 8 a.m. to noon July 23
Where: Lake County Fairgrounds, Grayslake
Signal Study Leads to Getting You to Work and Home Faster
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) reviews signals and enhances technology on county streets, which not only helps reduce delays but also can reduce CO2 emissions, which means you save money on fuel.
Recently LCDOT conducted a Signal Coordination and Timing Study on Lewis Avenue from Sunset Avenue to IL 173. |
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By adjusting signal timing, enhancing technology, and coordinating signals through Lake County PASSAGE, we were able to decrease vehicle delay time to 403 hours per day and reduce fuel consumption by 4,380 gallons per year.
Make Travel Easier! Use the Redesigned Lake County PASSAGE App
Make your driving a little easier and use the newly updated and redesigned Lake County PASSAGE app for IOS or Android. PASSAGE is an Intelligent Transportation System designed to give users real-time traffic congestion updates and important local road information. |
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The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) recently launched a new version of the PASSAGE app for the iPhone and iPad, and the updated app for Android has been available since November 2018. Downloads are available on the Apple Store or Google Play Store. Learn more
Environmental News
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Lake County Experiencing More Rainfall
Rainfall and flooding affect all Lake County residents regardless of whether or not you live in a floodplain. Over the last few years, Lake County has been experiencing more frequent and stronger rainfall events, and as a result, the precipitation has broken records, caused millions of dollars in damage to properties, and obstructed the lives of Lake County residents and visitors. |
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The July 2017 flood led to flash flooding that impacted roads, homes, parks, and businesses. In 2018, the county hit a new record when it went above flood stage during six separate storm events. With current rainfall trends, Lake County could be on track to break 2018's flood stage exceedance in 2019. Read more.
Save the Dates: Increased Rainfall Public Information Meetings
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission invites individuals interested in hearing more about how increased rainfall is impacting Lake County to attend one of the public information meetings on July 16 and 24. SMC will present increased rainfall data along with a timeline of the regulatory process, provide resources and tools for best practices, discuss stormwater-related issues, and address concerns from the audience. Find Out More.
July 16: 2 to 4 p.m.
City of Highland Park Council Chambers, 1707 St. Johns Ave.
July 24: 10 a.m.
Barrington Village Hall, 200 S. Hough St.
SMC opened a 30-day public comment period to collect feedback from residents, business owners, and all those who are affected. All perspectives, ideas, and concerns are welcome. Submit your comments by Saturday, July 6 to Kurt Woolford at kwoolford@lakecountyil.gov.
County Recognized as Leader in Advancing Solar Energy
Lake County recently earned the highly coveted SolSmart Bronze Designation, furthering Lake County’s commitment to solar power growth in the community. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's SunShot Initiative, SolSmart recognizes local governments who take keys steps to reduce barriers to solar energy growth and makes it easier for homes and businesses to go solar. |
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The County was awarded this designation by increasing transparency for community members and solar installers through an online permitting checklist and identifying restrictions that limited solar development.
Are you interested in installing solar power for your home or business? Learn more by visiting the County’s Solar Energy web page.
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Election News |
Listen to Liberty! Serve Voters in 2020 Elections
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Liberty, the Lake County Clerk’s Office’s canine recruiter, is asking you to play a vital role in democracy and serve voters by working in the March and November 2020 Election voting sites. Pay is based on your assignment, and jobs are available in and outside the voting sites. Only Lake County registered voters may apply. Learn more and apply today!
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Forest Preserve News |
Nighttime Programs
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The Lake County Forest Preserves is offering rare after-hours looks at several preserves with two hikes, a community campfire and an excursion in search of nocturnal insects.
Programs include:
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More than Meets the Eye
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As the second largest forest preserve in Illinois, how does the organization — which today protects 65 forest preserves, 204 miles of trails and nearly 31,000 acres of natural lands — keep them picturesque? It’s rooted in the daily and vigorous behind-the-scenes maintenance and operations work most preserve visitors never see or think about. Find out what Forest Preserve teams do behind the scenes to make visits enjoyable. Learn more »
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Blanding’s Turtles Released into Wetlands
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Gary Glowacki, wildlife ecologist with the Lake County Forest Preserves, with the help of college veterinary students and wildlife technicians, recently released 91 Blanding’s turtle hatchlings into local wetlands in an effort to grow the population of the endangered reptile. In 2010, the Forest Preserves instituted a recovery program for the endangered species. Funding for the program comes from various sources, including the Adopt-a-Turtle program managed by the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves. Learn more »
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Forest Preserves Look to Provide Added Protection for Rare Natural Areas
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The Lake County Forest Preserves is looking to permanently protect some of its highest-quality natural areas that have rare plants, animals and other unique natural features by registering them into the Illinois Nature Preserves System. As a dedicated nature preserve, these remnant natural areas receive an added level of conservation protection by the District and the state to keep them ecologically sustainable. Learn more »
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Ray Lake Features Panoramic Views and History
Of the 65 properties owned and managed by the Lake County Forest Preserves, Ray Lake in Wauconda ranks sixth in terms of size. It took 12 separate land acquisitions to grow Ray Lake to its current 1,039 acres. The preserve got its start in 1992 with a small 7-acre parcel. It got its name in 1999 when the Lake County Forest Preserves purchased 401 acres from the Ray family. |
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Ray Lake visitors can hike, ride bikes or horses, and cross-country ski on a 2.3-mile gravel trail that loops around wetlands and open prairies. The trail also has three boardwalks and a scenic overlook. Learn more »
Picturesque Views at Fox River Forest Preserve & Marina
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Nestled along a peaceful stretch of the Fox River in Port Barrington, Fox River Forest Preserve boasts panoramic views of the river making it the perfect backdrop for taking pictures or just relaxing in nature. The landscape features rolling topography, oak savannas and high-quality wetlands. The preserve is a playground for boating, wakeboarding, waters-skiing, tubing and fishing. Learn more »
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Job News
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Lake County Partners Hosts Annual Big Event
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Lake County Partners’ Big Event recently brought together hundreds of business and civic leaders to focus on continued collaboration and business growth. Companies and communities learned about the economic outlook in Lake County and got insight into the latest tools and trends that they need to fuel economic development. Watch this video to find out more.
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Clerk of the Circuit Court News |
Collection Fees, Interest Waived During Lake County Amnesty Week
All collection fees and accrued interest will be waived on past due fines owed in criminal or traffic matters in Lake County as part of Lake County Amnesty Week, July 15 to 19. Full or partial payments are accepted either over the phone or at any branch court locations. Learn more.
New Civil Filing Fees Effective July 1, 2019
Effective July 1, 2019, all filing fees and criminal and traffic fine assessments will change to conform with recent state legislation changes. Learn more about what changes to expect, including the new filing fee schedule by visiting the Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court’s website.
Community Events and News
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 Encyclopedia to Lake County’s Summer Festival Season
The sun is out, and the streets are filled with people dancing, exploring their palate with enchanting eats, seeking thrills on carnival rides and more. Peruse through Visit Lake County’s Encyclopedia to the Summer Festival Season in Lake County.
 Discover the Farmers Markets
Warm weather means it’s time to visit the farmers markets! Shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, baked treats and more while supporting local businesses at one of Lake County’s farmers markets. Check out our Farmers Market Finder to find a farmers market near you.
Summer Meals Illinois
Children ages 18 and younger can access FREE meals at sites throughout the state as part of Summer Meals Illinois. Find a Summer Meals site near you by texting FOODIL to 877877 or by visiting Summer Feeding Illinois.
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 Independence Day Festivities
Lindenhurst-Lake Villa: See the fireworks on July 3 at Lakes Community High School, 1600 Eagle Way. The show will begin at about 9:45 p.m. Admission is free.
Naval Station Great Lakes: Enjoy a full music line-up, food, family activities and a fireworks display choreographed to music as Naval Station Great Lakes hosts its Fourth of July celebration from 3 to 10 p.m. July 4 on historic Ross Field. Admission and parking are free. Learn more.
For a full list of celebrations across Lake County, go to Visit Lake County’s Guide to the Fourth of July in Lake County.
 Concerts in the Plaza at Independence Grove Forest Preserve
Music lovers, dance lovers, outdoor lovers, get ready for award-winning performers playing under the stars at the annual Concerts in the Plaza music series. Eight concerts will be held at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Aug. 6. From Beatles to the blues, from rock and bluegrass to swing and jazz, there's something for just about any music taste in this season's entertainment lineup. Learn more »
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