September 27, 2019
Dear Neighbors,
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I am always looking for feedback on my newsletter as well as what's happening in Lake County. If you have any comments or concerns, feel free to send me an email. I am honored to be able to represent you and your concerns. Please let me know your areas of interest so I can be sure to include them in future newsletters. I’ve recently had the opportunity to meet with residents of Riverwoods and of Bannockburn at different events. I’d be happy to meet with you and your community.
If this newsletter was forwarded to you, please sign up to continue to receive news about Lake County and District 21. Also, make sure to like my Facebook page where you can get relevant and up-to-date information important to District 21. Remember to hit "Like” at the top of the page!
Ann B. Maine
amaine@lakecountyil.gov
847-857-1732
Lake County Board, District 21
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Public Meetings |
Ethylene Oxide Town Hall Meeting
State Senator Melinda Bush will host a Multi-Agency Informational Town Hall on Ethylene Oxide on Wednesday, October 2, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the College of Lake County, Auditorium A011, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) will present to the public.
Since November 2018, Lake County and its partners have been working to address concerns of EtO emissions from Medline Industries in Waukegan and Vantage Specialty Chemicals in Gurnee.
More information can be found at www.lakecountyil.gov/eto
County News
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Call 211 to Get Connected to Social Services
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As of Sept. 24, anyone in Lake County who needs help finding health and human services can call 211 and get quickly connected to available resources. The 211 service, provided by United Way of Lake County, is a free, confidential information and referral helpline that will enable Lake County residents to get the help they need 24 hours a day, regardless of the language they speak or where they live.
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When you call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 from anywhere in Lake County, you will be connected to an expert navigator who will guide you to critical health and human services, including counseling, housing and shelter, food programs, healthcare and mental health services, addiction and problem gambling support, transportation, and so much more.
The Lake County Board contributed a portion of the funding for the new 211 program, allocating $80,000 in video gaming revenue, which is generated from video gaming in the unincorporated areas.
Warren Township Assessment Notices in the Mail
2019 assessment notices will be mailed next week to all property owners in Warren Township. Assessment notices will be mailed to property owners in Libertyville, Vernon Hills, and West Deerfield Townships in October.
An assessment notice is not your tax bill. It is a value placed on your property by your township assessor to estimate the market value of your home as of Jan. 1, 2019.
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Understand Your Assessment The Chief County Assessment Office is hosting tax assessment help centers in September and October. Here, property owners can talk one-on-one with taxpayer advocates to understand the information on their assessment, see how to use the County's new web applications, and learn about homestead exemptions which can potentially provide tax relief.
Appeals Must Be Filed Electronically Property owners can appeal their assessment on their own through the Lake County Board of Review. No attorney is required for a residential appeal. Prior to filing a formal appeal to the Board of Review, property owners should contact their local township assessors office to discuss their concerns. There is a 30-day deadline to file an appeal, and it must be done online.
Lake County’s Growing Workforce
Lake County employment is up significantly, 9,000 year-over-year, which is the most in the region. Many factors have contributed to Lake County’s job growth, including the growth of advanced manufacturing and tech companies, families moving to the suburbs and the continuing surge of tourism |
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Illinois set a new tourism record in 2018, and Lake County continues to be one of the top destinations in the state. Learn more about Lake County’s workforce.
Low-Cost Pet Vaccination Clinic
The Lake County Health Department’s Animal Care and Control program is offering its final low-cost pet vaccination and microchip clinic of 2019 from 9 a.m. to noon on Oct. 5 at Milton C. Jensen Public Works Facility, 40185 N. Glendale Ave., Beach Park. For more information call (847) 377-470 or visit the Health Department’s web page. |
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All pets must be at least 4 months old
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Dogs must be leashed, and cats placed in carriers
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Only cash is accepted
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Proof of spay/neuter is required
Dual Addresses in Unincorporated Lake County
Did you know some properties in unincorporated Lake County technically have two addresses, which is often referred to as a “dual address?” Dual addresses present serious obstacles for police, fire and ambulance services responding to an emergency. Dual addresses can also pose issues for mail delivery, navigation systems and more.
To address this issue, the Lake County Board adopted a new address ordinance in July 2019, establishing a standard street address system, which eliminates the use of dual addresses. Approximately 3,000 properties within unincorporated Lake County have dual addresses, some of which are in district 21. View map
Lake County, in cooperation with local fire, law enforcement and 9-1-1/emergency dispatch agencies, is working to implement one official standard address for properties with dual addresses. Residents with dual addresses will receive certified documentation from the Chief County Assessment Office to confirm their address by the end of the year.
Once again, please note that this issue only impacts a handful of properties in Lake County.
Visit lakecountyil.gov/dualaddress for more information about the process. I’m also happy to speak with you with any questions or concerns you may have: AMaine@lakecountyil.gov.
Fall Hydrant Flushing Begins This Week
Lake County Public Works will conduct its semi-annual water hydrant flushing program beginning Sept. 23, depending on weather conditions. The expected completion date is Oct. 25. The process will be performed daily, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., until all water mains have been flushed. |
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Hydrant flushing enhances water quality because it removes any residue buildup in the mains. Residents are urged not to do laundry during periods of flushing in your area to avoid staining of clothing, which may occur due to the disturbance in the water main.
Signs will be posted in each area before the start of hydrant flushing. To see the hydrant flushing schedule, visit the Public Works website. For further information, please contact the Public Works office at 847.377.7500.
Lake County’s Strong Financial Management Helps It 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.
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
Update: Recreational Cannabis Model Ordinance Task Force
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker 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 and in Lake County are currently evaluating how they will 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.
The Lake County Planning, Building & Development Department is currently leading a Recreational Cannabis Regulatory Task Force with participation from a majority of Lake County municipalities and community organizations. The goal of this Task Force is to jointly develop regulatory options (from jurisdictional bans to allowing subject to restrictions) to address commercial cannabis in our respective jurisdictions. At the Task Force’s first meeting, the group discussed a number of topics, including health, law enforcement, revenue implications and the new law’s parameters for local government regulation.
As the task force meetings conclude, Lake County will continue its study of the issue, develop its own regulatory strategy (taking into account the Task Force’s model options) and encourage residents to provide input. Updates will be provided as the Task Force continues to meet and when the public meetings are scheduled.
Requests for Watershed Management Board Funded 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. on Friday, Oct 4. Additional information
Environmental News
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What to Do if You Had Flood Damage
If your home or personal property was damaged by the flooding, contact your insurance company to determine coverage and start the claim process. Be sure to complete emergency clean-up activities, including removing water-damaged property (carpeting, cabinets, etc.).
Permits for Repairs: Once the flood water recedes, contact your local municipality or the Lake County Planning, Building and Development Department (for unincorporated residents) to inquire about permits that may be required to do additional repairs, such as replacing drywall. Be sure to document your flood damage with pictures and keep all receipts related to the clean-up and repair of your property.
Free Well Water Testing: The Lake County Health Department is offering free well testing to residents who were impacted by the recent flood. Find out more.
Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve Wetland Improvements
The Lake County Forest Preserve is currently expanding and improving the Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve. As part of the work, the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) constructed a wetland mitigation bank by returning former farm fields to a sustainable natural condition. |
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More than 25 acres of wetlands have been created, and a new section of path was added that will be part of Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve’s path system. View pictures of the wetland mitigation bank and an aerial tour of the new bike trail!
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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Check Out All SWALCO's Convenient Services
What Happened in the Committees?
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Ethics and Oversight Committee
Committee members discussed proposed changes to the ethics ordinance, creating a new Conduct section, and clarifying complaint procedures for Board Members and Appointees. View the discussion. |
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Helping to Improve the Flow of Traffic
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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
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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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Sheriff News
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Cyber Safety Tips for Parents
Almost all school-age children and teens have access to the Internet, which opens up a world of educational resources but also poses safety concerns. Watch this video to learn important tips for protecting your children from cyber predators. More tips |
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Drive Safely Near School Buses
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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.
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County Clerk News
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Get Paid to be an Election Worker
The Lake County Clerk’s office needs approximately 2,000 election workers to staff election day voting sites for the March 17, 2020 General Primary. Election workers are vital to ensuring the proper, lawful conduct of the election. Pay is based on Election Day assignment. English/Spanish speaking applicants are encouraged. Required training is free and begins in November 2019. |
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To apply or get more information, contact the Lake County Clerk’s Election Judge Department:
Job News
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Job Center Hosts First Disabilities Resource Fair
Summer Youth Employment Program a Great Success
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More than 215 youth gained meaningful work experience this summer through the Summer Youth Employment Program. The program, funded by the Lake County Board, often represents the first job for those who participate. Read stories about some of the students who were in the program this year.
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Health News
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Become a Mental Health First Aid Instructor
The Lake County Health Department is offering free training to qualified individuals interested in becoming Mental Health First Aid instructors. The training, which normally costs $2,000 per person, will be held Oct. 28 to Nov. 1, 2019 in Waukegan. |
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Applicants accepted into the program must agree to teach three 8-hour Mental Health First Aid classes in 2020. Trainees will learn how to teach the Adult Mental Health First Aid course, including the five-step action plan, evidence-supported treatment, and self-help strategies. Application deadline is Sept. 27, 2019. Learn more and apply
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Forest Preserve News |
Waukegan Savanna Dog Park
Healthy Hedges
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Join Lake County Forest Preserve Commissioners Julie Simpson and Jennifer Clark and Forest Preserve staff to learn about the impacts of European buckthorn on our local ecosystems, and how to manage this invasive shrub in your home landscape. They will share best practices for buckthorn removal and suggest great replacement plants. Be inspired to join the movement toward a healthier Lake County. Saturday, Sept. 28, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Cook Memorial Library, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Learn more »
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OAKtober Family Event Planned
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Fall is the perfect time to plant trees and shrubs. OAKtober Native Tree & Shrub Sale and Family Celebration will take place at Sunday, Oct. 6, at Ryerson Woods—Welcome Center in Riverwoods. Bring the entire family out for the native tree and shrub sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., then stay for free nature-themed activities and guided tours of the autumnal woodland from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Native Flower and Grasses and Tree Planting 101 workshops are offered throughout the day, starting at 9 a.m. Learn more »
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Education Opportunities for Students, Scouts
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Interactive learning, exploring nature and history and incorporating hands-on activities are key aspects that are woven into field trips, in-school programs, and Scouting programs provided year-round by professional educators at the Lake County Forest Preserves. Award-winning programs are designed to meet Illinois Learning Standards. Learn more »
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Hike Lake County Challenge
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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 »
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Veteran News
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Veterans Are Invited to Join Next Veterans History Project
Veterans who served in any capacity from WWII to the present, as well as people who worked as civilian defense workers supporting war efforts, are invited and encouraged to register to be interviewed on Nov. 11 as part of the next Veterans History Project. |
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Those who sign up will be interviewed by volunteers and have their oral histories recorded by official court reporters who will produce written verbatim transcripts. The typed transcripts will be archived at the Library of Congress, making accessible the personal accounts of American veterans so that future generations may hear directly from the soldiers. A copy will also be provided to the veteran. Learn more
Community Events and News
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 Lake County Vehicle and Equipment Auction
Cars, trucks, landscape equipment and other surplus items from municipalities and government agencies will be up for sale at the Lake County Municipal Auction conducted by Obenauf Auction Service, Inc. View the list of items that will be auctioned.
Inspection and Registration: Friday, Sept. 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 28, 8 a.m.
Auction: Saturday, Sept. 28, 9 a.m. Where: Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Rd., Grayslake
 Farm Heritage Harvest Festival
Enjoy the Farm Heritage tractors, animals, activities for children, fall plants, décor for sale, auction and more on Saturday, Sept 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Sept 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Rd. Grayslake. Learn more
 Grayslake Pumpkin Fest
Come join in the festive fall fun, Halloween games, hay rides, costume contest, inflatables and more on Thursday, Oct. 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Central Park, 250 Library Lane, Grayslake. Tickets $8 per child in advance and $13 per child at the event. Learn more
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 Rx for Health: Walking in Nature
The simple act of walking, especially in nature, can improve your overall health, both physically and mentally. Enhance your health and come for a 1-2 mile walk guided by naturalists and healthcare providers. Children 16 and under need to be accompanied by an adult. See dates and locations
Securing Your Identity
Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim, First Midwest Bank and Restoration America have partnered to offer residents a free Financial Literary course. Learn how to secure your identity on Saturday, Oct 5. From 10 a.m. to noon at the University Center, 1200 University Center Dr., Grayslake. For more information or to enroll, call Anton Mathews at (847) 377-2043 or email AMathews@lakecountyil.gov.
 Community Recycling Event
Bring old musical instruments, eyeglasses and hearing aids, shoes, clothing, textiles, paper, and bicycles on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bevier Park, 2255 W York House Rd. Waukegan.
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