June 18, 2019
Neighbors,
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Interested in attending the Civil War Days at our Lakewood Forest Preserve July 13 and 14? It's definitely still on, despite reports to the contrary. It's much more than a battle re-enactment; you can "meet" President Lincoln and see how people lived and worked during that time. There's also a summer fair, where vendors are selling hand-crafted items.
I've attended the event in the past with my family and support historical education in general. As the author of several books on history, I appreciate the importance of such events, particularly on the Civil War. I hope you can attend and tell us how we can improve it!
Please join me and Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim for a public service event at 10 a.m. June 29 at the Prairie Crossing Charter School (Jones Point Road and Route 45) in Grayslake. Ask us anything you like about the current property tax bill or about your property assessment notices.
Environmental News
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Wildwood -- CLCJAWA Water Line Repairs
CLCJAWA is repairing the water main for the Wildwood and Vernon Hills water systems beginning today (June 18) to Friday, June 21. As a result, Lake County Public Works is asking its customers to conserve their water usage during this period. Residents are also urged to store any water you may need during this time. There is a possibility of a boil order notice after the work is completed. Lake County Public Works customers will be notified when the repairs are completed through an automated call or updates on its website. Please contact Public Works between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 847-377-7500 if you have additional questions.
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.
Provide Input: In response to the increase in rainfall and its affects to the county and based on data from a recently released water survey, 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. Comments may be submitted to Kurt Woolford at kwoolford@lakecountyil.gov until July 6, 2019. More information.
County Board News
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Agreements with 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.
What Happened in Committees?
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Public Works, Planning & Transportation Committee
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Established altered speed zones on some streets within Warren and Vernon townships as well as authorized contracts toward various county road and culvert improvements including Deep Lake Road from IL 132 to Grass Lake Road and Washington Street, west of U.S. 45. Watch the discussion.
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Health & Community Services Committee
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Authorized $25,000 in additional grant funding from the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery, which will be used to purchase Naloxone and a $220,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health, which will purchase vaccines. Watch the discussion.
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Law & Judicial Committee
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Approved a grant of $250,000 for the Lake County Crisis Intervention Team Program, which will help train 395 police officers, corrections officers and dispatchers throughout Lake County. In addition, the State’s Attorney’s Office provided a presentation on the Children’s Advocacy Center. Watch the discussion.
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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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Transportation News
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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.
Health News
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Health Department Urges Lake County Residents to Swim Safely
Whether swimming at your local pool or enjoying family time on your favorite beach, it is important to protect yourself from illness, prevent the spread of germs, and check and see if conditions are safe for swimming. |
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The Lake County Health Department monitors lake water for bacteria in more than 100 Lake Michigan and inland lake beaches to ensure that the water is acceptable for swimming. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, beach closure information can be found on the Health Department’s Beach Advisory web page, which is updated daily by 10 a.m. Find Out More
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Forest Preserve News |
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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Family Fishing Programs
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Drop in a line and see if the fish are biting. The Lake County Forest Preserves will supply the poles, bait and tips on getting started. The drop-in fishing program takes place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. July 2 and 5 at Independence Grove in Libertyville. No registration required. For families with children ages 5 and up. $2 for residents, $4 nonresidents. Illinois fishing regulations apply. Learn more »
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Property News |
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
Community Events and News
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