July 11, 2019
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Transportation News |
Weiland Road Improvement Project Update
The Weiland Road Improvement Project has begun as the contractor has started tree removal and the placement of erosion control measures this week. Utility companies are continuing their relocation work for the project.
The Lake County Division of Transportation recently held a public open house regarding this project. View the exhibits that were displayed during the open house.
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View the project website to get further updates.
Old McHenry Road Reconstruction Project Update
The final asphalt surface has been completed, and pavement markings have been striped. Crews are working on placing the aggregate shoulder and excavating and shaping ditches outside the downtown area.
Next week, the electrical contractor plans on completing the street lighting and traffic signal work and clean-up work.
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Remember to watch for workers and flaggers as daily lane closures will be utilized. Watch for trucks coming in and out of the job site. Visit the project website for further updates.
County News
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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.
Board Adopts Strategic Plan that Includes Goals for Transportation
Lake County works to deliver exceptional, financially and environmentally responsive/responsible services that promote a safe, affordable, healthy, and resilient community. At our recent meeting, the Board adopted an update to its strategic plan, which serves as a road map for our county government and guides how we prioritize and invest our resources. The updated plan continues the emphasis on strategies and actions we will take to support a sustainable transportation system. This includes the use of new and emerging technologies, applications, and studies to enhance safety, and continuing to develop a modern, multi-modal and comprehensive transportation system that reduces trip times, air pollution and carbon emissions, protects our valuable open space and positions Lake County to be competitive in a 21st-century economy. A draft of the plan can be found on our website.
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County Board News |
County Board Appoints William T. Panos as New County Administrator
Following a nationwide search, the Lake County Board at its July 9 meeting approved the hiring of William T. Panos as the new County Administrator. Panos has extensive experience leading both public and private sector organizations, most recently serving as the Director of the Wyoming Department of Transportation, where he oversaw the state's Highway Department, Department of Motor Vehicles, aviation system and the Wyoming Highway Patrol.
As County Administrator, Panos will be the chief administrative officer for Lake County government, overseeing its $525 million annual budget and leading its more than 2,700 employees. Find out more.
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 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.
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.
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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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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Veteran News |
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.
Veteran Services, Discharge Records, and Bonus Programs
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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 Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf or the Global War on Terrorism can apply for a bonus payment. POW’s also may be eligible for compensation. Learn more about the bonus payment and how to apply.
Environmental News
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Public Hearing: 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
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 web page to read your report.
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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, water-skiing, tubing and fishing. Learn more »
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Community Events and News
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