July 3, 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 Ends 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 officially ended 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. Lake County received a congratulatory letter from the federal government in early June to recognize this extraordinary accomplishment.
Representatives from Lake County, as well as other partners, gathered on Tuesday, July 2, to celebrate the success of ending veteran homelessness. Learn more. Veterans comprise only a portion of the homeless population in Lake County. The Homeless Coalition and Lake County are setting their sights on the next big goal—ending chronic homelessness in Lake County by the end of the year.
What Happened in Committees
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Finance & Administrative and Committee of the Whole: Video Gaming Ordinance
Two board committees had discussions on a proposed new ordinance that would prohibit new video gaming licenses from being issued to restaurants, bars, gas stations and other locations in unincorporated Lake County. Current license holders would be able to continue operating video gaming machines. The ordinance will be voted on by the full board at the Lake County Board Meeting on Tuesday, July 9.
Watch the Finance and Administrative Committee Discussion.
Watch the Committee of the Whole Discussion.
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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Environmental News |
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.
2019 Water Quality Reports Available
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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. 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 webpage to read your report.
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Health News
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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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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
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Forest Preserve News |
2019 Civil War Days Canceled Due to Safety Concerns
Due to safety concerns, the Lake County Forest Preserves is canceling Civil War Days scheduled for July 13 and 14, 2019. Inflammatory remarks made during phone conversations with staff, on social media platforms and in articles and posts caused safety concerns specific to this year’s event. Additionally, several organized groups with opposing viewpoints expressed plans to use the event as a platform. Our staff discussed these concerns in relation to logistics of this complex event, which includes large crowds, live animals, and Civil War-era weaponry all spread across many wooded acres. The potential for a tense situation that could become uncontrollable at a public event caused legitimate concerns with key event and public safety staff within the District. We live in a volatile society. In this day and age, we have to err on the side of caution for public events. Public safety is always our number one priority. Learn more »
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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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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Election News |
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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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, 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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