November 13, 2019
CORRECTION: The newsletter sent yesterday had incorrect information in the Community Events section about an upcoming auction at Obenauf Auction Services. The correct information appears below. I apologize for the error.
Veteran News
|
Veterans History Project
Veterans representing each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces who were involved in conflicts dating back to World War II recently took part in the eighth annual Veterans History Project at the Lake County Courthouse. |
|
 |
Each year, the oral histories of veterans are transcribed by volunteer attorneys and court reporters and are archived at the Library of Congress. The Veterans History Project is making the personal accounts of American veterans accessible for future generations to hear the stories directly from the soldiers. Visit Lake County's Facebook page to see more pictures.
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 their families. To learn more, visit the Veterans Assistance Commission page.
County News
|
Lake County Board Approves Balanced Budget With No Increase in Tax Levy
At its Nov. 12 meeting, the Lake County Board unanimously approved a $573.2 million balanced budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020. Under the budget, Lake County's tax levy will be flat, which means that there will be no increase in the dollar amount between the FY2020 property tax levy and the FY2019 property tax levy. |
|
 |
As a result, homeowners will see a slight reduction next year in the Lake County government portion of their property tax bill. This is the first time in at least 20 years that the County has had a flat tax levy.
Under Illinois law, the Board could have chosen to raise the 2019 levy of $162.6 million to account for new property growth in Lake County, and to increase the levy up to the amount of the federal Consumer Price Index, but it chose to do neither in order to ease the burden on Lake County property owners.
Read more
Watch the budget presentation
Lake County is Once Again Recognized for Excellent Budget Practices
Lake County has once again received the “Distinguished Budget Presentation Award” from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), a national organization dedicated to advancing excellence in government finance. Lake County has earned this award for at least 10 consecutive years, reflecting its commitment to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive this honor, Lake County had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. Read more
Lake County Discusses Recreational Cannabis at Recent Meeting
The recreational use of cannabis in Illinois will become legal effective Jan. 1, 2020. Under the law, jurisdictions in Illinois may establish regulations on the production and sale of cannabis within their boundaries. To prepare, the Lake County Planning, Building & Development Department (PBD) recently led a Recreational Cannabis Regulatory Task Force comprised of representatives from a majority of Lake County municipalities and various community organizations. The Task Force developed regulatory options for local governments to consider, including model bans on commercial cannabis businesses and model regulations permitting them with certain restrictions.
The Lake County PBD staff presented the Task Force’s findings and models to the Lake County Board at the Committee of the Whole meeting on Friday, Nov. 8. Note that this was only a discussion on this item, and no formal action was taken at the meeting. A decision by the Board will be made at a later date. More information
Grant Township Property Assessment Appeal Deadlines Approaching
Grant township property assessment notices were mailed earlier this month. The deadline for filing a property assessment appeal for Grant Township is Dec. 2. The assessment appeal process for this township is different than other townships in Lake County because they have opted to use a different software system.
|
|
 |
Need Help?
Attend a Workshop on Nov. 14
The Grant Township Assessor’s office will hold a workshop to help taxpayers evaluate their property assessment notices on Thursday, Nov. 14 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 26725 W. Molidor Road, Ingleside.
Visit or call the Chief County Assessment Office
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday
Address: 18 N. County St., Waukegan
Phone: 847-377-2050
Visit or call the Grant Township Office
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday
Address: 6725 W. Molidor Road, Ingleside
Phone: 847-546-8880
Lake County Census Complete Count Committee Update
The Lake County Complete Count Committee (CCC) held its first meeting last month, attended by many local elected officials and community leaders. Meeting participants received training from the U.S. Census Bureau on best practices for ensuring that every citizen in the County is counted in the 2020 U.S. Census.
Following the meeting, committee members established a schedule to meet every two months from November through May to work on strategies to carry out its goals. The meetings are open to individuals or organizations who wish to get involved. Meetings are scheduled for 1 p.m. on Jan. 13, March 9 and May 11 at the Lake County Division of Transportation, Main Conference Room, 600 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville. If you wish to attend or want more information, contact Assistant County Administrator Cassandra Torstenson at
ctorstenson@lakecountyil.gov. Read more
Federal Transportation Funds to Benefit Lake County
Lake County residents will benefit from improved transit, roads, bridges, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities through federal funds recently approved for use by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) to support many transportation improvement projects. |
|
 |
-
$48.6 million to implement a grade separation where the Canadian National Railway tracks currently cross U.S. Route 14 in Barrington
-
$11.7 million for LCDOT's Deerfield Road project from US45/IL 21 to Saunders Road
-
$28 million to Metra for retrofitting locomotives with more fuel efficient vehicles
-
$3.4 million for Lake County Forest Preserve District's Millennium Trail Underpass at US Route 45
-
$13.5 million will help complete portions of the Regional Greenways and Trails Plan, which envisions a network of continuous green way and trail corridors across northeastern Illinois
What Happened in Committees?
|
Public Works, Planning and Transportation
The committee approved funds to reconstruct and widen Weiland Road from Deerfield Parkway to Aptakisic; discussed initiating a study to reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicle trips; and more. Watch the discussion. |
|
 |
Energy and Environment Committee
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) presented its 2019 Plan Update; committee members discussed how net zero emissions can be achieved in Lake County government operations; and more.
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.
|
|
|
 |
Environmental News
|
National Recycling Day Nov. 15
Nov. 15 is America Recycles Day. It’s a good time to think about how we can all do our part to reduce waste.
|
|
 |
Do your part to recycle smart: SWALCO reminds us to be careful NOT to put plastic bags in our recycling bins. Recycling sorting centers are not able to process plastic bags, which damage equipment and do more harm than good. Other items that should not go in our bins include clothing, shoes, liquid, and batteries. Follow these recycling guidelines.
Recycle your old Halloween costumes and other unwanted textiles: Tattered, stained and unwanted clothing and other textiles is a big source of waste sent to landfills. The U.S. EPA estimates that the average person throws away 70 pounds of clothing each year. To make it easier for Lake County residents to recycle clothing, SWALCO has 34 textile collection bins located at 30 sites throughout Lake County. Learn more, and find a location near you.
Where do I recycle this? Do you have old electronics, household chemicals, batteries or other materials that can’t be put in a recycling bin? Visit SWALCO’s Where Do I Recycle This to learn where you can bring your items.
Job News
|
Job Fairs and Workshops in November
Looking for a job? There are many job fairs and career workshops to help you land your next job happening in Lake County in November! Click on each link below for full details. |
|
 |
Health News
|
Take the E-Cigarette and Smoke-Free Illinois Act Survey
The Health Department is asking residents to participate in the E-Cigarettes and the Smoke-Free Illinois Act Survey regarding e-cigarettes (or vapes) and their use in public places. The survey includes questions about perception of harm, flavored e-cigarette and tobacco products, and willingness to support legislation. In 2017, the Health Department surveyed 1,306 youth and adult residents of Lake County on topics related to tobacco control. Results indicate that Lake County residents are concerned about the health effects associated with e-cigarettes, secondhand vapor, and youth access to tobacco products. In addition, 75 percent of survey respondents supported prohibiting the use of e-cigarettes indoors and in public places. The survey will remain open through Nov. 30. Take the Survey.
Avoid Bats to Protect Yourself from Rabies
Three bats in Lake County have tested positive for rabies in 2019: two in Antioch and one in Highland Park. Bats are commonly encountered in the fall because of their migration and search for warm winter quarters in places like attics. The Lake County Health Department warns residents to avoid possible exposure to rabies by taking the following precautions. |
|
 |
-
Do not touch bats or attempt to remove them from your home. Report bats to Animal Care and Control by calling (847) 377-4700.
-
Safeguard your home. Bats can enter existing holes as small as 3/4 inch in diameter. Cover and seal possible access routes, especially around chimneys, vents, doors, windows, and plumbing.
-
Do not feed, touch, or adopt wild animals or stray dogs and cats.
-
Vaccinate your pets and do not allow them to roam free.
-
Seek immediate medical attention if you have been bitten or exposed to a bat.
Sheriff News
|
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Joins Neighbors App by Ring
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has developed a new partnership with Ring, Amazon’s smart doorbell company, which will allow the sheriff’s deputies and detectives to use the Neighbors App by Ring to ask the community for assistance to help solve crimes.
|
|
 |
When sheriff’s staff believe a crime may have been captured on a Ring device, sheriff’s personnel can send a message to members of the community in a specific geographical region via the Neighbors App by Ring. Then, the community can determine if their device captured anything relevant. Camera owners have the choice to share the video directly with the Sheriff’s Office, or they can decline the request. Ring customers also have the option to decline receiving messages from the Sheriff’s Office. Learn more
County Clerk’s Office News
|
Sign Up to be an Election Judge
Election judge training has begun, and there's still room for you!
The Lake County Clerk’s Office has started training the election judges who will process voters in the 2020 Election Day voting sites. Take an active role in democracy by serving your neighbors and community. Contact the Clerk’s Election Judge Department to reserve your place in class. Phone: 847.377.2408
|
|
 |
State Attorney’s Office News
|
Explorers Program Helps Students Learn About Careers in Criminal Justice
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Explorers Program, offered in conjunction with the Boy Scouts of America, offers students ages 14 to 21 a chance to gain hands-on experience with careers in criminal justice.
Participants in the eight-month program meet every other Thursday evening at the Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan, and engage with professionals in the criminal justice system and perform some of the actual duties these jobs entail. The adult advisors to the program include prosecutors, defense attorneys, police officers, probation officers and judges.
For more information or to sign up for the program, contact Assistant Lake County States Attorney Fred Day at (847) 377-7819.
Forest Preserve News
|
Restoration Ecologist
|
Did you know Lake County farmers used drain tiles for agriculture? Our ecologists remove the tiles to restore a natural flow of water across the forest preserves. Restoration Ecologist Matt Ueltzen has mapped more than 70 miles of drain tiles; a great opportunity for future wetland restoration. This is just one of his many projects at the Lake County Forest Preserves where he has been working for about 19 years. Learn more »
|
|
 |
More Loan Boxes Available
|
Environmental educators expanded an initiative to area teachers in providing fresh, interactive science lessons for their classrooms. Themed boxes pertaining to mammals, insects and ecosystems join the bird-themed box that debuted in the spring. The new loan boxes, that support Illinois Learning Standards, feature a strong focus on wildlife habitats in Lake County. Learn more »
|
|
 |
Solar-lit Trails Open
|
Looking to take a nighttime walk in a Forest Preserve? Two preserves feature solar-lit trails and remain open until 9 pm, daily, from Nov. 3 through March 8. Hikers, skiers and showshoers can get some evening exercise along a 1.3-mile fitness trail at Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville, and a 1.65-mile section of the Millennium Trail adjacent to the Winter Sports Area at Lakewood Forest Preserve. Learn more »
|
|
 |
Community Events and News
|
| 
