December 11, 2019
Neighbors,
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Thank you everyone who came out to our Holiday Light Recycling Open House last week! The Village of Mundelein will continue to accept light strands for recycling from now until Jan. 31, 2020 at the Mundelein Village Hall and a few other locations.
At our open house, I learned that SWALCO has a new interactive guide that provides information on waste disposal and recycling by town. This is a terrific resource to find out exactly what you can and cannot put in your own recycling bin. And don’t forget, do not put your recyclables in a plastic bag, they should be loose in the bin.
In November, the Lake County Board voted to authorize a Solar Power Purchase Agreement which will advance a project to install solar panels on facilities owned by Lake County. Seven other municipalities joined Lake County in this plan, including Libertyville and Mundelein. This will allow the County and our towns to invest in solar power which will provide electricity at a lower rate than we are currently paying, and it will reduce our carbon footprint. It is a win-win, both for saving money and for clean air!
One really cool new feature at the Lake County Department of Transportation is the new “Snow Cam” in the Lake County Passage System. During snow events, pictures from each of the 26 Lake County plows are updated every three minutes so you can see the road conditions in real time. You can even track the progress of each snow plow to help plan the best routes. I find the pictures really help me decide whether or not to brave the streets during snowy weather.
Looking for something to do with your family or friends during the holiday season? Check out the Lake County Forest Preserves Dunn Museum and its new exhibit, “A Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead Celebration in Southern Mexico." I always learn something new about Lake County's history whenever I visit the museum. One of the highlights of the exhibit for me is the custom mural painted by artist Robert Valadez, which features notable people with connections to Lake County history. It is fun to try and guess who everyone is in this exhibit. We are so fortunate to have a museum of such distinction right here in our community.
For more ideas for things to do on these cold winter days, the Visit Lake County. website is a great resource and has ideas to entertain everyone from small children to out of town guests.
Happy Holidays!
 
County News
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Board Authorizes Agreement to bring Solar Power to Government Buildings
At its November meeting, the Lake County Board authorized a Solar Power Purchase Agreement that will advance a project aimed at installing solar panels at 10 Lake County owned facilities and to set the final electrical rate for solar power at these sites. This agreement is part of a joint effort led by Lake County to also bring solar power to municipal-owned facilities.
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In total, 36 sites owned by seven municipalities are slated to get solar power as part of this process. This is an example of how shared efforts with other local governments can help us secure the best electrical rates possible.
New Rates for Lake County Public Works Customers
Lake County recently completed a system-wide analysis which showed that there is a need to adjust water and sewer rates to ensure the most efficient and reliable service possible. As a result, water and sewer rates have been adjusted for all customers in the Lake County Public Works service areas beginning Dec. 1, 2019. On average, customers will see an increase of a few dollars per month. In some areas where a customer's water usage is low, they may see cost savings.
Higher construction costs, energy and labor expenses have increased the cost of providing water and sewer services to homes and businesses. The rate change is needed to implement necessary infrastructure replacement projects and maintain our high quality of service. Learn more
Board Approves Funding for Projects to Mitigate Flooding
Lake County residents may soon see some relief from their stormwater issues as the Lake County Board approved additional funding for the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) as part of the Fiscal Year 2020 budget. The funds will support multiple projects throughout the county and will have a significant impact in helping to alleviate two of the county’s biggest problems--stormwater runoff and flooding.
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Over the past few years, Lake County has experienced stronger and more frequent rainfall, and an increase in flooding. In 2018, Lake County rivers went above flood stage during six separate storm events, and this year exceeded flood stage seven times. Because of this, stormwater management projects have become critical. SMC's capital improvement plan will enable SMC to prioritize, design and construct the most beneficial and regionally impactful projects while improving conditions in flood-prone areas. The plan will be focused on three improvement areas: surface water/flood mitigation infrastructure, flooded property buyouts, and stream maintenance. Read more
Lake County’s 211 Service—Connecting Residents to the Help They Need
Since launching earlier this year, United Way of Lake County’s 211 helpline has responded to more than 2,000 needs requests from Lake County residents and connected them to vital health and human services, including housing and emergency shelter, mental health services, assistance with utility bills, referrals for legal assistance and more. |
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This free, confidential, 24-hour information and referral service provides a convenient way for everyone in Lake County to get connected to help, regardless of the time of day, the language they speak, or where they live.
Volunteer to Make an Impact on Lake County Homelessness
You can join the fight to end homelessness in Lake County. Every January, the Lake County Coalition for the Homeless (LCCH) conducts an annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Homeless Count. Volunteers are needed to interview and offer assistance to people experiencing homelessness in Lake County. |
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The information gathered captures a picture of what homelessness looks like on any given day, helps coordinate services for people experiencing homelessness, and provides organizations with the information needed to end homelessness. This year’s PIT Count will be Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020, from 9:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Learn more and apply to volunteer today.
What Happened in Committees?
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Public Works, Planning & Transportation Committee
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Update: Recreational Cannabis in Unincorporated Lake County. The recreational use of cannabis in Illinois will become legal effective Jan. 1, 2020. Under the law, jurisdictions in Illinois can ban recreational cannabis businesses within their boundaries or establish regulations to allow the production and sale of cannabis. This includes Lake County government, which enforces zoning regulations for unincorporated Lake County.
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At its Dec. 4 meeting, the Lake County Public Works, Planning and Transportation (PWPT) Committee voted not to move forward at this time with a County Board resolution initiating the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) public hearing/zoning process for unincorporated recreational cannabis business regulations. The committee asked staff to compile further information for future committee discussion including additional business location mapping scenarios and more information on community, health and law enforcement impacts. This will allow the committee to make a more informed decision on the next steps at a later date. An update will be provided at the next PWPT meeting in January. Watch the discussion from the meeting.
Energy & Environment Committee
Yard Waste Pickup and Leaf Burning Restrictions:
Committee members continued their discussion of the possible potential options for leaf burning restrictions and yard waste pickup services for unincorporated Lake County. Current regulations state that yard waste and leaves are allowed to be burned in the unincorporated areas, outside of a specific designated area, however, it is a violation |
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of the County’s nuisance ordinance to burn items like garbage, refuse or construction debris on all unincorporated properties. The committee discussed waste hauling options and health and enforcement considerations if yard waste and leaf burning restrictions were adopted for unincorporated Lake County. The committee’s discussions at the meeting were preliminary, and no official action has been taken. Draft ordinance amendments and the cost of waste hauling options are expected to be discussed at a future committee meeting. 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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Environmental News
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Ethylene Oxide Air Monitoring Results Received
The Lake County Health Department, Village of Gurnee, and City of Waukegan have received initial results from the second phase of outdoor air monitoring for ethylene oxide (EtO) near Vantage Specialty Chemicals in Gurnee and Medline Industries in Waukegan.
The second phase of outdoor air monitoring in Lake County began Oct. 26. Samples are being collected from 12 sites every third day during the 90-day period, which will end in January 2020. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) is funding the monitoring. The results have been forwarded to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and IEPA which has regulatory authority over EtO emissions permitting in Illinois. Learn more
Transportation News
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New This Winter: Track Snow Plows In Real Time!
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Motorists can now check the progress of snow and ice removal on all 26 of LCDOT's snow plow routes through Lake County PASSAGE. See the direction each snow plow is heading, its current speed, and more. You can even view the latest road conditions through snapshots taken from each plow, which are updated every three minutes. Watch the video
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Job News
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Looking for a job? There are many recruiting events and job fairs to help you land your next job! Click on each link below for full details.
Lake County Engineering Internship & Job Fair
Attention college students: Set yourself up for success this summer while you’re home over winter break!
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Top engineering firms such as HydraForce, Flex, Culligan, and MacLean-Fogg will be under one roof looking to connect with students in various engineering fields.
In one afternoon, you can meet directly with hiring professionals to discuss your goals and launch your career.
Friday, Jan. 3, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington Street, Grayslake.
Apply for Census 2020 Jobs
Apply, and with one application you may be considered for several positions, including census taker, recruiting assistant, office clerk, and supervisory staff—and help your community while getting paid. Pay rates can vary by position and location, check pay rates in your location. Apply online
Sheriff News
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Prevent Flu and Stay Healthy This Holiday Season
As the holidays approach, protect yourself and your family—get your seasonal flu vaccine, the best way to prevent the flu. The flu is a highly contagious virus that can have serious complications.
In addition to getting your flu vaccine, the Health Department recommends following the 3 C’s to prevent the spread of flu: clean, cover, and contain.
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Clean—clean your hands frequently by washing your hands with soap and warm water or using an alcohol-based hand rub
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Cover—cover your cough and sneeze
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Contain—contain your germs by staying home if you are sick
The Lake County Health Department continues to provide flu vaccinations by appointment at its Community Health Centers. To schedule an appointment, call the Patient Access Center at (847) 377-8800. Many health care providers and retail locations also offer the flu shot. Contact your provider to see if they have the vaccine or find a convenient location using the Flu Vaccine Finder:
vaccinefinder.org
State Attorney’s Office News
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Essay Contest for Lake County High School Students
Attention high school students! The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office and other local organizations are inviting Lake County students in grades 9 to 12 to enter an essay contest focused on ending violence against women. Essays should be 500 words or less, and address the topic “Our Voices: Why Rising on Behalf of Abuse of Women is Everyone’s Responsibility.” The deadline is Dec. 27.
Learn more
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Forest Preserve News |
Salt Reduction Efforts
For the second consecutive winter, the Lake County Forest Preserves will reduce the amount of road salt applied to forest preserve roadways, sidewalks and parking areas during snow and ice removal. Salt reduction offers environmental and financial benefits. Though it seems to disappear in spring, most of the season’s road salt remains in our water and soil. |
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Excess salt deteriorates water quality, harms native aquatic species, makes soil more susceptible to erosion, and corrodes infrastructure.
Salt reduction efforts showed positive results last winter. During a typical winter, operations staff is called out about 15 times to plow snow and apply salt. Because of last winter’s high snow totals, staff responded 28 times. Thanks to the adjustments made in 2018–19, approximately the same amount of salt was used last year as would have been traditionally used in a typical year, despite nearly twice as many snow and ice events.
The Forest Preserves will make more adjustments to further reduce the amount of road salt applied this winter. Signs indicating “Low Salt Area Ahead” will be posted at most preserves where salt reduction efforts are in place.
Brass Tacks
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There are 44 strategically placed scenic overlooks in the Lake County Forest Preserves. Lake County is home to more endangered and threatened species than any other county in Illinois. You will find 8 miles of paved trails that are plowed during the winter at three forest preserves. There are so many aspects to help you enjoy your Lake County Forest Preserves. Learn more »
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Solstice Glow Walk
Community Events and News
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