September 5, 2019
County News
|
Innovative Program Helps Low-Income Drivers Get Back on the Road
Over the past few years, I've worked tirelessly with the Lake County Board, the Lake County Bar Association and other partners on the Road to Reinstatement Pilot Program. The program was established to address on the local level an issue that is experienced by many low-income individuals nationwide: the loss of their driver’s license because of an inability to pay outstanding fees and fines. Watch video. |
|
 |
I was happy to celebrate a major milestone in the program, the court call, on Friday, Aug. 30 with Chair Sandy Hart, Volunteer Attorney Donald J. Morrison and other Lake County employees. Lake County is proud to be the first county in the state to implement a program that is necessary for our communities. Read more.
Second Installment of Property Tax Payment Due Sept. 6
The second installment due date of 2019 Lake County property taxes is Sept. 6. There are numerous ways to pay, many without leaving your home. If you mail your payment, make sure it is postmarked no later than Sept. 6. If you want to pay in person, the Treasurer’s Office business hours on Sept. 6 are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Learn about the various ways to pay.
Strong Financial Management Helps County Secure AAA Bond Rating
Lake County in 2019 has once again been awarded AAA bond ratings, the highest possible, by both Standard & Poor's Financial Services (S&P) and Moody’s Investors Service, two of the world’s largest credit rating agencies. This marks more than 20 consecutive years that Lake County has achieved this rating. |
|
 |
The high rating is important because it helps keep borrowing costs low and reflects a vote of confidence by financial experts in Lake County's strong financial management. The AAA rating has led to significant tangible savings for Lake County. The county will realize more than $7 million in savings on borrowing costs over the next nine years from replacing and reissuing two transportation bonds. Read more.
New State Law: County Boards Now Able to Remove Board Chair
Under a new state law signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker on Aug. 23, county boards that are empowered to choose their county chair now have the legal ability to remove the board chair. The specific provision contained in the law, Senate Bill 1236, was drafted at the behest of Lake County.
The new law amends the Illinois Local Government Officer Compensation Act and Counties Code, and establishes a specific process whereby a county board chair who is chosen by the board, which is the case in Lake County, can be removed if at least four-fifths of board members vote in favor of removal. Read more.
Lake County’s Amazing K9s: Boomer and Browser
|
Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Kilpatrick and Explosive Detection K9 Boomer won five first-place national titles and one third-place national title at the 20th Annual Vohne Liche Kennels Certifications and Trails.
K9 Browser, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office electronic detection canine, put his skills to work as he and Handler Carol Gudbrandsen assisted the F.B.I. in a child pornography case involving an Indiana man. Read more.
|
|
 |
Requests for Watershed Management Project Proposals
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission is accepting requests for proposals for Watershed Management Board (WMB) funded projects for FY2020. Homeowner associations, water alliance groups, and community members can submit a project idea that can positively impact the community. The proposal submission deadline is at 4 p.m. Oct 4. Additional information.
What Happened in Committees?
|
Helping to Improve the Flow of Traffic
|
Often times people think the only way to fix traffic congestion is to make roads bigger, or to construct new roads. But through a new program through the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT), traffic flow can be improved by making roads smarter. On Aug. 28, the Public Works, Planning and Transportation Committee discussed a contract with a qualified vendor to provide software for Automated Traffic Signal Performance Measures (ATSPM). With ATSPM, LCDOT can review inconsistencies in traffic progression and address traffic signal issues in as little as one hour. Watch the discussion.
|
|
 |
Watch All County Board Meetings
|
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.
|
|
 |
Sheriff News
|
Drive Safely Near School Buses
|
What is the most dangerous part of the school bus ride? The bus stop! Children are at greatest risk when they are getting on or off the school bus. Watch this video from the Lake County (IL) Sheriff's Office about what to do when driving near a school bus.
|
|
 |
Job News
|
Job Fairs and Workshops in September
 |
|
Forest Preserve News |
Hike Lake County Challenge
|
Grab your hiking shoes and head to the trails to participate in the Hike Lake County challenge while enjoying fall breezes and autumn colors. You have until November 30 to complete seven hikes throughout the Lake County Forest Preserves and earn a commemorative shield for your walking stick or a zipper pull when you turn in your Travel Log. Learn more »
|
|
 |
Waukegan Savanna Dog Park
|
The Waukegan Savanna Dog Park in Wadsworth is scheduled to open Sept. 13. The 11-acre off-leash park features amenities including a separate enclosed area for small dogs weighing less than 25 pounds, shade shelters, and drinking water for dogs and people. Annual or daily permits are available for the new dog park located within Waukegan Savanna Forest Preserve. The new dog park joins four other parks operated by the Lake County Forest Preserves.
|
|
 |
Carp-O-Rama
|
Compete to catch the largest and most carp. Help reduce carp overpopulation. Catch and keep, or turn in your carp in to us at Carp-O-Rama. No limit. Cash prizes awarded. Fish to your heart’s content Saturday, Sept. 7, from 6:30 a.m. to noon, in the South Bay at Independence Grove Forest Preserve. A valid Illinois fishing license is required for ages 16 and older. Learn more »
|
|
 |
Night Voyageur
|
Paddle into the 1740s with our 34-foot Montreal canoe and learn about Lake County’s tie to the French fur trade. The program takes place 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 14 at Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve in Wadsworth. Meet at the boat launch lot. Designed for adults, families with children ages 8 and up. $10 residents, $14 nonresidents. Registration required. Learn more »
|
|
 |
|
|
Public Meetings |
Protect Your Home: Get Floodproofing Tips
|
Get some important floodproofing tips and learn how increased rainfall is impacting Lake County.
Staff from the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) will share information about how frequent and stronger rainfall events in Lake County are impacting residents, business owners and public and private development projects, provide floodproofing tips and resources, and answer questions. More information.
|
|
 |
September 17, 10 a.m. - Noon
Warren-Newport Public Library, Meeting Room A/B
224 O’Plaine Rd, Gurnee
|
|
Neighbors, |
I thank you for taking the time to read the latest edition of my e-newsletter. I encourage you to check out the community news and events listed below. If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at 847-721-1563 (cell) or email me at mcunningham@lakecountyil.gov.
Thank you,
Mary Ross Cunningham
Vice-Chair, Lake County Board
Ms. Cunningham, County Board member and Forest Preserve Commissioner, serves on:
| Lake County Board |
Lake County Forest Preserves |
Law & Judicial, Chair |
Operations Committee |
Diversity & Inclusion, Chair |
Diversity & Cultural Awareness, Vice Chair |
Health & Community Services |
Rules |
Rules |
Latino Coalition, Representative |
Other Appointed Positions:
| National Association of Counties (NACo), Member of Community, Economic and Workforce Development Policy Steering Committee |
Lake County Sexual Assault Coordination Committee |
Lake County Veterans Advisory Board |
Waukegan High School Advisory Board |
Community Action Partnership of Lake County, Board Member |
Lake County Domestic Violence Council |
Lake County Community Health Center Governing Council |
|
Community Events and News
|
|
Money Smart Class
Knowing how to prioritize spending is important when it comes to paying your bills and adding to your savings. Learn how to increase income and decrease expenses at this FREE Money Smart Class: Your Spending and Savings Plan on Thursday, Sept. 5 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the University Center of Lake County, 1200 University Center Dr., Grayslake. Refreshments will be served. Call (847) 665-4000 for more information.
|
#EndOverdose Training Event
Member agencies of the Northern Illinois Public Health Consortium (NIPHC), including the Lake County Health Department, are joining together to promote opioid overdose awareness and are offering free training that covers how to recognize signs of an overdose and how to use Naloxone, a lifesaving antidote. All Lake County residents are welcome to attend on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Waukegan Public Library, 128 N County St. More details.
|
