September 19, 2019
Dear Neighbors,
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As I write this, the Des Plaines River is cresting. Intense rainfall over the weekend has put our amazing emergency management team on high alert as major intersections and hundreds of homes were impacted.
You're probably wondering what the county is doing to respond to ever-increasing flooding events. Here's a summary:
* Our Stormwater Management Commission is working hard to identify and manage present and future flood zones.
* Commission staff is currently rewriting our Watershed Development Ordinance to reflect rainfall amounts that are up to 40% higher than historical averages.
* Our Forest Preserve District is studying new ways of absorbing stormwater through "green infrastructure" such as wetlands and prairie restoration.
* Since the county board voted to approve aligning our government with the Paris climate change accords, we're using that as a guideline for future action.
* Most importantly, our Energy and Environment Committee is working on a comprehensive environmental management program to drastically reduce the county's carbon footprint.
I am happy to be directly involved in all of these essential initiatives. I appreciate any suggestions so that we can serve you better.
Sincerely,
 
Environmental News
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Ethylene Oxide Town Hall Meeting
An informational multi-agency town hall meeting on Ethylene Oxide (EtO) emissions will be held Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the College of Lake County, Auditorium A011, 19361 W. Washington St., Grayslake.
The meeting, which is being hosted by Illinois State Senator Melinda Bush, provides an opportunity for the public to hear from experts from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) on EtO emissions concerns in Lake County.
An additional 90 day period of ambient air monitoring will begin in October near 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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Flood Response and Cleanup Information
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The water levels on the Des Plaines River, the Fox River and on the Chain O’Lakes will remain in flood stage through this week. Those who live near these areas should continue to be alert.
Staying safe after a flood: Floodwaters often contain organisms that cause illness. Remember to wash thoroughly with soap and warm water immediately following contact with floodwater or contaminated objects or surfaces. If you become ill after exposure to flooded areas, (e.g. nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps), see your physician.
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Residents are advised to not drink water from a private well that has been flooded. The water may be contaminated with bacteria and other contaminants. Use bottled or disinfected water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, washing hands and bathing until you know your water is safe.
For more information on flooding in Lake County, visit lakecountyil.gov/flood.
Fremont and Lake Villa Township Assessment Notices in the Mail
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2019 assessment notices will be mailed next week to all property owners in Fremont and Lake Villa townships. Assessment notices will be mailed to property owners in Avon and Warren 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.
Fall Hydrant Flushing Begins Monday, Sept. 23
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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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. View the hydrant flushing schedule. For further information, contact Lake County Public Works at 847-377-7500.
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.
Lake County Workforce Boosted by Tech and Tourism
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.
Transportation News
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Fairfield Road and Wilson Road Resurfacing Project
The Lake county Division of Transportation (LCDOT) is installing bike-friendly shoulders and resurfacing Fairfield Rd. and Wilson Rd. in Round Lake, Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Heights and Lake Villa. The section of the project include: |
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Fairfield Rd. from Nippersink Rd. to IL 134
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Fairfield Rd. from Monaville Rd. to IL 132
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Wilson Rd. from IL 60 to IL 132
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Wilson Rd. from IL 120 to Litchfield Dr.
All four sections of the project will be impacted by this work. Watch for workers and flaggers. Expect delays. Learn more
Fairfield Road to Close for Culvert Replacement Oct. 2
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) will be closing Fairfield Rd., from IL 120 to IL 134, to through traffic starting Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 7 a.m. It will reopen by late afternoon on Tuesday, Nov. 6. The closure is necessary to replace a culvert at Squaw Creek. View detour information
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 Nov. 2019. |
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To apply or get more information, contact the Lake County Clerk’s Election Judge Department:
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
Low Cost Pet Vaccination Clinic
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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 pet clinic 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
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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Sheriff News
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Cyber Safety Tips for Parents
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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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Forest Preserve News |
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, from 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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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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Community Events and News
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 CLC Theatre Presents “The Little Princess”
The College of Lake County Theatre department presents its fall children’s play “The Little Prince,” on
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Thursday, Sept 26 at 10 a.m.
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Friday, Sept 27 at 4 p.m.
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Saturday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m.
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Sunday, Sept 29 at 2 p.m.
Performances take place in the Mainstage Theatre, James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, on CLC’s Grayslake Campus. Learn more
 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
 Fall Festival Guide
One of the best things about the summer farewell is fall festivals in Lake County. Enjoy an Oktoberfest with your friends and family, get spooked at a haunted house, pick out enormous pumpkins or get lost in a maze of maize. View Lake County’s guide to the County’s fall festivals.
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University Center Open House
The University Center of Lake County will host an Open House on Tuesday, Oct. 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the University Center's Grayslake facility, 1200 University Center Drive. Attendees can learn about more than 120 accredited programs available through the University Center to enable students to remain living and working in Lake County while they complete a bachelor’s degree, earn a graduate degree, or pursue professional development certificates. Register for the Open House
 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.
Pre-Auction Inspection and Registration: Friday, Sept. 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Sept 28, 8 a.m.
Auction Begins: Saturday, Sept. 28, 9 a.m.
Where: Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Rd., Grayslake
 Deicing Workshops
All businesses must balance safety with effective ice and snow removal practices in their winter maintenance programs. Road salt is the most commonly used tool to manage snow and ice removal, but there are best practices to follow and sensible methods and alternatives to use that can be more environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Register online for the workshop on Sept.30, Oct.1, or Oct.2 at 500 W Winchester Rd., Libertyville. Learn more
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