July 18, 2019
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County News |
Statewide Capital Plan to Bring Infrastructure Funding to Lake County
Lake County elected officials and state and local government dignitaries joined Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton at Waukegan City Hall on July 1 for a ceremonial signing of the $45 billion “Rebuild Illinois” state infrastructure plan. |
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The bill provides substantial funding for many Lake County area projects, including roads and bridges, schools, renewable energy, environmental and conservation programs, and other infrastructure improvements. It also creates related job opportunities in construction and the trades. Find Out More.
Lake County Recognized for Ending Veteran Homelessness
Led by the Lake County Coalition for the Homeless, Lake County Government and the Lovell Federal Healthcare Center, Lake County is now among an elite group of communities throughout the nation that has been recognized for ending veteran homelessness. Since 2015, partners have been working to quickly house veterans, improve coordination across service providers and provide solutions to barriers that were keeping veterans homeless. Find out more.
Recreational Cannabis Model Zoning Ordinance Task Force
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker recently signed into law the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act legalizing the production, sale and adult use of recreational cannabis in Illinois effective January 1, 2020. Local governments across the state are now evaluating how they will ultimately regulate and/or restrict recreational cannabis businesses through zoning (to the extent permitted by law) in terms of location, operations, parking, security, distances to sensitive land uses, and other considerations.
To facilitate a regional “shared services” approach to tackling these complex issues, the Lake County Planning, Building & Development Department is leading a Model Zoning Ordinance Task Force with area municipalities and other community stakeholders to jointly develop regulatory strategies addressing commercial recreational cannabis in our respective jurisdictions. Updates will be provided as the Task Force convenes this summer.
Lake County Begins Construction on Modular Homes in North Chicago
Lake County is committed to providing residents with affordable housing options, especially for low-income families. One of the ways to provide residents with a more affordable alternative is through modular housing, which is less expensive because these homes are built off-site and delivered to their intended location to be put together on site.
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Modular housing helps with housing shortages because building can be done year-round in the factory, which also allows for high levels of quality control and assurance. We are excited to announce modular housing construction in North Chicago began in early June. Along with the State of Illinois, we provided funding to Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH) to install new single-family homes for sale to low-income families. These homes will be available later this year.
Collaborative Addresses Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health Systems
Lake County is one of two communities in the U.S. selected to receive technical assistance to develop data-driven approaches to better understand and create inclusive and transformational strategic action plans incorporating best practices as part of SAMHSA’s Data-Driven Equity and Inclusion Learning Collaborative. The JFA Institute reported that while Lake County is below the national incarceration rate average, ethnic and racial disparities exist among people entering and being released from our jail.
After identifying disparities that exist within the Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health Systems, Lake County, along with representatives from the North Chicago police department, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, States Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, 19th Judicial Circuit, Adult Probation, Health Department, and Nicasa Behavioral Health Services convened to strategize and develop an action plan that will address these inequities. This collaborative aligns with Lake County’s effort to reform the local criminal justice system and safely reduce the Lake County Jail’s population through the MacArthur Foundation Safety and Justice Challenge.
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Public Meetings |
Solar Energy Ordinance for Unincorporated Lake County
As the cost of solar power decreases, community interest in solar energy is surging. To accommodate this, Lake County is updating its zoning codes for unincorporated Lake County to reflect recent trends and improvements in solar technology. The public is invited to attend a hearing on proposed amendments to the zoning code at 2 p.m. July 23 at the Lake County Division of Transportation, 600 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville.
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The County’s new ordinance will be adapted from model regulations developed by the Solar Energy Task Force. Made up of the Lake County Planning, Building and Development Department, in partnership with 18 local municipalities and solar industry experts, the Solar Energy Task Force recently developed a Solar Energy Systems Model Ordinance to use in adopting state-of-the-art solar zoning codes. Learn more.
Increased Rainfall
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. 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 24 and Aug. 8. Find out more.
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What Happened in Committees
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Public Works, Planning & Transportation: Motor Fuel Tax
A presentation was given to members of the Public Works, Planning & 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. This would be in addition to the state gas tax, which increases the motor fuel tax to 38 cents from 19 cents per gallon. Preliminary discussions took place among the committee members that were present, and no official action has been taken. Watch the discussion.
As your County Board Member, I want to hear from you. Send me an email to jmartini@lakecountyil.gov to share your thoughts or your questions. I'm also happy to pass along your comments to members of the Lake County Public Works, Planning & Transportation Committee.
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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Clerk of the Circuit Court News
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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, which runs now through Friday, July 19. Full or partial payments are accepted either over the phone or at any branch court locations. Learn more.
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News from the 19th Judicial Circuit |
Law Day at the 19th Judicial Circuit
High school, middle school, and elementary school students came to the Lake County Courthouse to celebrate “Free Speech, Free Press, Free Society” during this year’s Law Day. Featuring representatives from every corner of the county’s justice system, students had the opportunity to participate in mock trials, evidence presentations, and coloring/writing contests. Watch this video to learn more.
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Forest Preserve News |
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, water-skiing, tubing and fishing. Learn more »
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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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Fresh Produce Available
Nature Open House
A nature open house will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 25 at Heron Creek Forest Preserve in Lake Zurich. Live animals, crafts and guided activities will introduce you to some of the creatures that call Heron Creek home. Bring a picnic dinner and play on the playground, then stop by Shelter B and explore the nature of the preserve. The event is free, and no registration is required. Learn more »
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Objects Talks: Magniscope
Is Lake County the birthplace of the motion picture projector? Yes! Discover the role of the magniscope in early motion pictures and how its inventor Edward Amet used his machine to show movies he created in his backyard. Objects Talks: Magniscope, a program for adults, will run from 2 to 2:30 p.m. July 30 at the Dunn Museum. $6 adults, $6/$3 seniors. Includes Museum admission. Registration is required. Learn more »
Health News
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Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Lake County
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. Last year, 72 pools or batches of mosquitoes and two birds tested positive for the West Nile virus. |
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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.
Environmental News
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2019 Water Quality Reports Available
Lake County Public Works is committed to providing safe water throughout the County. As strong supporters of the Safe Drinking Water Act, Public Works releases annual water quality Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) for the 12 water systems they own and operate.
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These reports describe the sources, treatment, and chemical analysis of each water distribution system. All Lake County systems passed testing requirements for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Visit the water quality reports web page to read your report.
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.
Transportation News
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Illinois Tollway Will Not Complete the Environmental Impact Statement for the Tri-County Access Project
The Illinois Tollway announced recently that it will not complete the environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Tri-County Access (TCA) Project, formerly known as the IL Route 53/120 Project. The EIS was intended to be a comprehensive regional study conducted by the Illinois Tollway to evaluate potential environmentally and fiscally responsible solutions to ease regional traffic congestion in Lake, northern Cook and eastern McHenry counties.
Lake County will continue to advocate and work closely with the Illinois Department of Transportation, municipal, township and State elected officials to improve traffic congestion based on priorities identified in the Lake County State Highway Consensus Plan. The Lake County Board reaffirmed its commitment to addressing traffic congestion relief by adopting an updated strategic plan at its July board meeting. The plan continues the emphasis on strategies and actions the County will take to support a sustainable transportation system. Learn more.
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
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Veteran News |
Veteran Services, Discharge Records, and Bonus Programs
Veterans Services Brochure
In Lake County, we appreciate the dedication and commitment of the men and women who have served in the United States Military. To honor their service, we offer resources to help veterans and eligible dependents who live in Lake County. Read our Veterans Services Brochure to learn more.
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Discharge Records or DD214’s
The Lake County Recorder of Deeds Office is the proud keeper of military service discharge records, or DD214’s. If you would like a copy, fill out a request form for discharge records or for discharge records filed specifically in Lake County.
Veterans’ Affairs Bonus Programs
Through the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Bonus Programs, veterans who served in the Korean or Vietnam wars or in the Persian Gulf and individuals currently serving in the Global War on Terrorism can apply for a bonus payment. POW’s may also be eligible for compensation. Learn more about the bonus payment and how to apply.
Election News
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Listen to Liberty! Serve Voters in 2020 Elections
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Liberty, the Lake County Clerk’s Office 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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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.
 Boating Lake County
Boating is one of the most popular activities in Lake County, and it’s no surprise as the area has over 170 lakes, rivers and waterways to visit. Check out Boating Lake County as your resource, including maps of all the county’s public boat ramps, lakefront dining, upcoming events and more.
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 Lake County Fair is Coming
The annual Lake County Fair returns July 24 through 28 at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center in Grayslake. Check out all the favorites including monster truck shows, demolition derby, 4-H exhibitions, and more. Visit the Lake County Fair website for more information.
Rx Mobile Pantry
The Rx Mobile Pantry will open for its first two dates from noon to 2 p.m. July 18 and Aug. 20 at the Round Lake Area Library. This pantry, which focuses on increasing individual's access to healthy food, will provide milk, eggs, meat and fresh produce to 100 families each month. The pantry will be open once a month in July and August and will expand generally to two times per month through June 2020.
Property Tax Relief Workshop
Grant Township Assessor Jeri Barr will host a free property tax relief workshop at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 18 at the township administration building, 26725 W. Molidor Road, Ingleside. Bring your latest property tax bill and a valid state ID or driver's license to this workshop for advice from experts on filing an appeal.
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