January 23, 2020
Dear Neighbors,
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Please see below for opportunities to report delays at train crossings, census jobs, the property tax deferral program for seniors, and much more, including an update on whether the County will allow cannabis businesses to operate in the unincorporated areas. I sit on the PWPT committee that discussed this issue.
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Lakewood Forest Preserve
While I initially supported allowing the process to continue on to the Zoning Board where the issue could be fully fleshed out, because enough members were uncomfortable with that approach I voted to ask staff to prepare a resolution for the moratorium. (We already, last year, approved acceptance of the state cannabis tax, so revenue is not a large part of the current discussion.) The moratorium resolution will be acted upon at our next committee meeting; if it passes, the full Board will vote in February. More info below.
At January’s Forest Preserve board meeting, we passed the Master Plan for Lakewood. Lakewood is the county’s largest forest preserve and staff has spent years studying its use and preparing a plan to make it more efficient. Operating costs for Lakewood alone used to cost taxpayers $1 million per year. The new master plan reduces operating costs by over 40% a few ways: reduces under-utilized parking spaces and interior roads; reduces area of mowed turf; and demolishes the property’s aging buildings that cannot be deemed historic and are too costly to maintain (the barn will be preserved). The plan also incorporates a new, net-zero energy building to replace the aging grounds maintenance building, an asphalt loop trail, a nature-based play area, ADA accessibility requirements, access from the southern end (in Phase II), and increased conservation and restoration areas, including wetlands. Whew! View the master plan here.
Have a good week.
County News
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Report Blocked Railroad Crossings
If you drive regularly in Lake County, chances are you've had the frustrating experience of being blocked by a train that is moving slowly or stuck on the tracks altogether. Not only does it inconvenience motorists, but these delays can prevent first responders from getting where they need to go to provide help in a timely manner.
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Now, you can report delays at railroad crossings caused by trains through a new web portal developed by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The site asks users to provide specific information, including date, time, location and duration of delay so the FRA can better understand the scope of the problem. The FRA will share the information with stakeholders, using it to help facilitate local solutions to blocked crossing issues.
Become a Census Worker and Help Our Community
The 2020 Census is around the corner, and it's vital that every person in Lake County is counted. You can be part of that effort, and get paid for it! The U.S. Census Bureau is hiring census workers here in Lake County for a wide variety of full-time and part-time jobs. There is a great need for all types of workers, from office/clerical to enumerators and supervisors. Bilingual speakers are especially needed. |
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Hours are flexible
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Pay is excellent
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The work is important
Due to exceptional need, non-citizens with language skills other than English are also invited to apply. The application is online and takes 30 minutes. Please consider applying or pass along to others who may be interested. Learn more and apply today at 2020census.gov/jobs, 1-855-JOB-2020.
Lake County Board Passes Diversity Resolution
At the Jan. 14 County Board meeting, board members passed a resolution affirming that Lake County embraces diversity. Lake County’s strength is rooted in our people. We stand against hate and discrimination and affirm that Lake County should be a welcoming community for all. The board action was taken following a recent incident of vandalism at a Lake County school that included swastikas being spray painted on the school wall and playground equipment. |
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“We want to reassure all those who live, work and visit Lake County that you are welcome. We will continue to promote inclusion and understanding, and to actively stand up against hate and intolerance,” said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. Read the Resolution
Update: Recreational Cannabis in Unincorporated Lake County
The recreational use of cannabis in Illinois became legal on Jan. 1. Under the law, jurisdictions in Illinois within their boundaries can ban recreational cannabis businesses or establish regulations to allow the production and sale of cannabis. This includes Lake County government, which enforces zoning regulations for unincorporated Lake County. Lake County is currently evaluating its options for regulating recreational cannabis in the unincorporated area.
After discussion at its Jan. 8 meeting, the Lake County Public Works, Planning and Transportation (PWPT) Committee directed staff to prepare a County Board resolution enacting a one-year moratorium on unincorporated recreational cannabis businesses. Committee action on the proposed moratorium will be taken at its Jan. 29 meeting and final action by the full County Board is anticipated at its Feb. 11 meeting. The resolution, if adopted by the Lake County Board, will formally prohibit recreational cannabis businesses within the unincorporated area for a period of one year (until 2021). Read more
Lake County Public Works Customers – Sign Up for CodeRED!
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Do you receive water services from the Lake County Public Works Department? Don’t miss out on notifications about boil water orders, watermain breaks, service disruptions, upcoming project work and more. Lake County Public Works (LCPW) customers can sign up for CodeRED, the new alert system used by LCPW. Register online today to receive alerts by phone, text message and email. Learn more by viewing this video and by visiting the CodeRED web page.
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Apply for the Senior Citizen Tax Deferral Program by Feb. 28
The Senior Citizens Tax Deferral Program allows qualified senior citizens to defer part or all of the property taxes on their personal residence. Seniors who qualify for this program may defer up to $5,000 in property tax during each year they qualify, and receive a state loan with a 6% simple interest rate, payable upon the sale of the home or the death of the homeowner. |
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You may apply for other senior tax programs even when you are on the Senior Deferral Program. Applications will be accepted through the Lake County Treasurer’s Office until Feb. 28. Learn more and apply
Get Ready to Vote in the March 17 Primary
The Illinois General Primary Election will be held March 17, 2020. Here are some important dates to be aware of to make sure you are ready to vote:
Register to Vote No Later than March 1, 2020
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Apply to Vote by Mail No Later than March 12, 2020
To vote by mail, you must fill out a short application to request a ballot. Applications must be received by the County Clerk’s office no later than noon on March 12. They will then mail you a ballot, which must be postmarked or returned no later than Election Day.
Early Voting Begins Feb. 6, 2020
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Feb. 6 to Feb. 28, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Lake County Clerk’s Office, 18 N. County St., Waukegan
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March 2 to March 16, 2020: Vote early at one of 16 early voting sites, regardless of where you live in Lake County. Many locations offer weekend and evening hours.
Election Day Voting is March 17, 2020
What Happened in Committees?
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Public Works, Planning and Transportation Committee
At its Jan. 8 meeting, the Public Works, Planning and Transportation Committee discussed the regulation of cannabis in unincorporated Lake County, and road construction and public works projects. Watch the discussion.
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Energy and Environment Committee
The Environmental Health Division of the Lake County Health Department presented on its work to keep our water, air, soil, and food safe for everyone in Lake County. They discussed recent ethylene oxide (EtO) testing near Medline in Mundelein and Vantage in Waukegan, water sampling from wells, the danger of algae blooms and more. 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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Environmental News
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Health Consequences of Marijuana Use
The recreational use of cannabis (commonly known as marijuana) became legal in Illinois on Jan. 1, 2020 for adults ages 21 and older. If you use marijuana, make sure you understand the health effects of cannabis on your mind and body and how to be safe.
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Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component in marijuana, impacts normal brain function and development, even in adults. The THC component of today’s marijuana is three times what it was 25 years ago.
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Like tobacco, smoking marijuana can harm your lungs.
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Over-consumption of marijuana can result in negative, harmful side effects including hallucinations and paranoia.
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Driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal and can increase your risk of getting into an accident.
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There is no safe amount of cannabis while pregnant or breastfeeding, regardless of how you consume it. THC can be transferred to your baby through your placenta or breast milk.
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month
More than 79 million Americans are living with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cervical cancer and other cancers. Every year, approximately 19,400 women and 12,100 men are affected by cancers caused by HPV. The HPV vaccine can prevent HPV, and cervical cancer can be prevented with regular screening tests and follow-up care.
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The Health Department’s Need2Know Lake County program offers visual exams for HPV. For more information call (847) 377-8450. Read more
Protect Your Family from Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes and build up over time. It can’t be seen, tasted, or smelled — making it easy for radon problems to go unnoticed. The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center recommends that all residents test the radon levels in their homes and apartments during winter, when indoor radon levels are highest. |
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The Health Department offers radon test kits for $10, available at 500 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville, or for $13 by mail. The cost includes return postage, laboratory analysis and interpretation by Health Department staff. Call 847-377-8020 to request a kit. If the results reveal elevated levels of radon in your home, contact a professional to fix the problem. Read more
Treasurer's Office News
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2020 Vision for Your Business
Join Holly Kim, Lake County Treasurer, and a panel of experts for a free economic development workshop discussing how to start or grow your business.
Tuesday, Feb. 11, English – 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Spanish – 10:40 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., University Center of Lake County, 1200 University Center Drive, Grayslake. Register by emailing Anton Mathews
AMathews@lakecountyil.gov or call 847 377 2043. Learn more
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Stormwater Management Commission News
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SMC Wetland Internship
Summer is right around the corner, and the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission is accepting applications for their paid Summer 2020 Wetland Internship. College students and recent graduates with a background in wetland science, ecology, biology or related natural resource field are encouraged to apply. The intern will collect field vegetation, soil, hydrology data, identify wetland plants and analyze findings. Applications will be accepted until March 13. Apply now
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Circuit Clerk’s Office News
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Passport Services
Starting to make your travel plans this year? Make sure getting or renewing your passport is part of your plans! Apply for or renew your passport at one of the several Mobile Passport Events the Lake County Circuit Clerk’s Office will host this year. View the full schedule.
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Passport applications also are processed from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Circuit Clerk's Office, 18 N. County Street, Waukegan. View application requirements, including fee information.
Sheriff News
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College Scholarships
Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg will be awarding two college scholarships for $500 each as part of the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association (ISA) college scholarship program. The scholarships will be awarded to students who wish to pursue higher education in 2020-2021 academic year. Applicants must be enrolled full-time at a certified institute of higher learning. Applications are available at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office or ISA Website. Students must submit all documentations to their Sheriff’s Office by March 15, 2020.
Learn more
Download the application
Forest Preserve News
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Refreshed Logo Launched
The Lake County Forest Preserves recently introduced a refreshed, modernized logo. It incorporates multiple colors for the first time in the organization’s 61-year history. The logo keeps the recognizable green representing trees, foliage, grasses, and mature growth. Light green to signify new growth was added along with light brown to represent soil and new life, and blue to represent water. Learn more »
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Lake County Artist Exhibit
“Reima Ratti: Life and Art in the Great Depression” is on exhibit at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville, Jan. 25 through April 12. Artist Reima Ratti (1914–1945) was born in Waukegan to Finnish immigrants and came to age during the Great Depression. The exhibit allows visitors to explore the Great Depression through the eyes of one of Lake County’s most famous artists. Learn more »
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Groundhog or Woodchuck
Celebrate the tradition of Groundhog Day by dropping in anytime during open hours to learn about Lake County’s largest squirrel and one of the few true mammal hibernators. The program runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 2, at Ryerson Woods in Riverwoods. Participants will have the chance to get close to a real groundhog, make some tracks, and test their trivia knowledge.
Learn more »
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Community Events and News
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Participants Sought for Lawn Care Focus Group Discussions
Are you the caretaker of your lawn? The University of Illinois Extension, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG) invites you to take part in a focus group to learn how you care for your lawn, what environmentally-friendly practices you use, and to discuss how to maintain healthy lawns while also protecting local watersheds. Jan. 23, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Grayslake. The specific meeting address will be provided upon registration. For more information or to register, contact Sarah Zack at
szack@illinois.edu or 217-300-4076.
Indoor Winter Farmer’s Market
Come shop at the farmer’s market, Sunday, Feb. 2 and 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ela Township Community Center, 380 Surryse Road, Lake Zurich.
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New Apprenticeship Program
Benefits Students and Employers
Looking to earn an education while working in the industry? College of Lake County (CLC) has new apprenticeship opportunities for students seeking a career-related work experience and for area employers looking for qualified candidates. By August, CLC plans to have 60 apprentices in manufacturing,
healthcare, automotive technology, horticulture, information technology and business. Read more
GO Mundelein Walk
Stay active in winter by walking regularly, and join the indoor walk on Thursday, Feb. 13, 6 p.m. at the indoor track at the Mundelein Community Center, 1401 N. Midlothian Road. Read more
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