July 2, 2020
Dear Neighbors
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As we move into the Fourth of July Holiday weekend, we are completing our first week of Restore Illinois Phase 4. The details on what this means to you, your family and business are covered below. One of the most meaningful to me, is the ability of families to visit their loved ones in Long Term Care facilities. Going months without being able to see my mom was very difficult for our family. Illinois was able to get here because of the many sacrifices made by everyone. Our hospitals have capacity and medical personnel a much greater understanding of the course of the disease and possible treatment options. |
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The surge in cases in California, Florida, Texas and other places show that continued vigilance is necessary. None of us want to go backwards, so handwashing, wearing a mask in public places and keeping at least six feet distance from those not in your family group. There have been a number of questions related to testing. I have written a section on testing that you can find below. Timing of the test is very important and has crucial implications for personal actions.
The County Board took the following actions in June: authorized an agreement with Cook County to connect the Skokie Valley Bike Path by constructing a bridge over Lake-Cook Road, authorized a contract for the purchase of molasses to be used in our three wastewater treatment plants (as the bacteria use the molasses as a carbon source, phosphorous is removed from the water, thus improving water quality from the plant discharges), authorized almost 1 million dollars in Video Gambling Revenue to a variety of social service agencies for outreach and treatment of gambling addiction and associated issues. A Lamp Concrete Contractors was awarded a contract for the resurfacing of Deerfield Road from Riverwoods Road to Wilmot Road. Learn more about the County’s Annual Construction projects.
Last month I mentioned that Lake County has been adjusting its budget in response to the economic downturn. Some of you asked for details. While this list is a bit difficult to read, here is the link to Round 2 of COVID-19 related reductions. What is important is that you can see we are looking at all departments.
At last month’s Board meeting the Forest Preserve District approved purchase of native seed and awarded a contract for the design and engineering for Long Lake shoreline stabilization in Grant Woods Preserve.
July is a great time to look for the many amazing insects that contribute to our ecosystem. I know it is summer when I see the fireflies at night and the dragonflies on my daily walks. damselflies and dragonflies with their bright colors and amazing acrobatics make for a great spotting game with kids when out for a hike. The 12-spotted skimmers and ebony jewel wings are among my favorites.There are some great on-line sources for identifying butterflies and dragonflies. The dramatic decrease in insects, including the well-known Monarch butterflies also endangers the survival of birds and reptiles which rely on an insect diet. A recent study revealed a 33% decline of butterflies in Ohio.
Want to know what is happening in nature? Keep up with the Lake County Forest Preserve Nature blog.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact me. Also, I am available through Zoom to meet with your homeowners, civic, religious, youth or other groups.
Sincerely,
Lake County Government News
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Senior Freeze and Other Property Tax Exemptions Will Be Automatically Renewed This Year Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
Lake County residents who in 2019 applied for and received the Senior Citizen Freeze Homestead Exemption, the Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities, and the Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans With Disabilities will not be required to re-apply for those exemptions in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as long as the following criteria are met:
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The owner of record of the property as of January 1, 2020 is the same as the owner of record of the property as of January 1, 2019;
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The exemption for the 2019 taxable year has not been determined to be an erroneous exemption; and
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The applicant for the 2019 taxable year has not asked for the exemption to be removed for the 2019 or 2020 taxable years.
Lake County property owners who did not apply for and/or were not found eligible for the exemptions in 2019 but believe they are eligible to receive them for the 2020 tax year may still apply.
Lake County Recovery Programs Coming Soon
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Relief for Residents
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The Lake County Financial and Administrative Special Committee on COVID-19 Recovery met on June 19 and June 26 to discuss the distribution of $121.5 million in federal relief funds. Some of the funds are being allocated for assistance with rent, utility bills and food needs throughout the county.
Residents may soon apply for assistance through local social service organizations and townships. Information is subject to change and additional information will be shared soon on how and where to apply.
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Relief for Businesses and Municipalities
The Committee also further discussed guidelines and the mechanics for two other programs: $10 million for small business assistance and $10 million for municipalities and fire protection districts.
The Lake County Board has allocated $10 million to fund the Lake County Small Business Assistance COVID-19 Grant Program. Beginning July 7, businesses that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 will be able to apply online for up to $30,000 in grants to cover up to four months of occupancy costs (rent, mortgage, utilities) and other related expenses. Learn more
The $10 million for municipality and fire protection districts will be appropriated for the reimbursement of eligible COVID-19 expenses. More information on this program is forthcoming.
Watch the video and read the agenda from the June 19 meeting
Watch the video and read the agenda from the June 26 meeting
New Law Could Provide Significant State Funding to Reduce Flooding and Traffic Congestion
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Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly recently approved a new law as part of the state's proposed 2021 fiscal year budget package that could bring millions of dollars to Lake County for projects that will reduce flooding, improve roads, ease traffic congestion, and improve homeless service facilities.
Public Act (PA) 101-0638 includes more than $195 million for critical infrastructure projects in Lake County and puts Lake County on track to begin the discussion of how and when these projects will be implemented. Read more
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Lake County Liquor Commission Approves Temporary Outdoor Liquor Sales
The Lake County Liquor Commission has approved Class A and E bar and restaurant license-holders in Lake County unincorporated areas to temporarily serve liquor to patrons outside, on premises, while adhering to Illinois guidelines.
License-holders who were not previously authorized to serve liquor outside and would like to do so are asked to send a photo of the proposed set up to the Lake County Liquor Commission via email to countyboard@lakecountyil.gov, or via mail to the Lake County Liquor Commission, 18 N. County St, 10th Floor, Waukegan, IL 60187.
Marriages and Civil Unions to Resume
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, and in order to protect the health and safety of the general public, judges, and court employees, marriages and civil unions were suspended on March 17. The Nineteenth Judicial Circuit is now officiating weddings and civil unions, virtually for active-duty members of the military and couples where at least one participant is a Lake County resident.
Read more
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Tune in to Recording of COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall
Lake County held a live COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall on Tuesday, June 23. Hosted by Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart, panelists discussed the current COVID-19 situation, funding and relief efforts for residents and businesses, plans to reopen schools, what to expect in Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan. |
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Watch the meeting recording in English or Spanish. Those with questions that did not get answered during the town hall can email communications@lakecountyil.gov to get the information they need.
Forest Preserve News
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Dog Parks Open
#LoveYourPreserves
In the middle of this pandemic, the Lake County Forest Preserves offer hundreds of miles of trails to support our physical health, and beautiful views and vast open spaces to restore our mental health. As one user posted on Facebook: “Thank you for staying open. It has been our moment of Zen to hike the trails.” Since mid-March, more people are loving the forest preserves than ever. Visitation in May was 18% greater than the busiest summer weekend in any of the previous four years. Daily average visitation in April was 60% greater than the busiest summer weekend in any of the previous four years. Visit LCFPD.org/preserves/ to navigate your next adventure. |
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How to Grow a Modern Victory Garden
Do you have a garden at home? Whether you plant in the ground or in pots, growing food at home can be done in ways that are healthy for you and the planet. Learn how to start your own home garden by checking out this recorded webinar presented by Dunn Museum Educator Nicole Stocker in partnership with the Vernon Area Public Library. Home vegetable gardens are on the rise as families enjoy the idea of growing their own fresh food. Watch video »
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Route 45 Trail Connection Opens
The Lake County Forest Preserves announced the opening of a new community trail connection resulting from a successful partnership with the Village of Gurnee to provide safe and direct access to neighboring forest preserves and trails. This 0.4-mile crushed gravel trail links the Village's existing bike path and several large residential areas to Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve and to the Millennium Trail and Greenway. Learn more »
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Transportation News
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Join Northern Lakeshore Connectivity Plan Open House
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The communities of Waukegan, Zion, North Chicago, Winthrop Harbor, and Beach Park have been working on the Northern Lakeshore Trail Connectivity Plan to connect the northern lakeshore. The plan is set to improve walking and bicycling connections in this area. After months of work, a draft of the Northern Lakeshore Connectivity Plan is ready for public input! Join a Virtual Open House on Tuesday, July 7 from 6 p.m to 7 p.m. to learn more about the plan and provide your feedback.
Register for the Open House via Zoom
Learn more about the project
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Lake County Fleet Recognized as Top 100 in North America
Lake County was recently recognized as having one of the 2020 Top 100 Best Fleets in the Americas by the National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA). The 100 Best Fleets in the Americas program recognizes fleet operations that have high levels of performance improvement and innovation within the public fleet industry.
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Some of the initiatives that demonstrated Lake County Division of Transportation’s (LCDOT) effectiveness are the installation of idle-reduction software that lowers a vehicles RPMs when it’s stationary and adding 14 low emission vehicles to its fleet in 2020, leading to an approximately 72 percent reduction in tailpipe emissions. Learn more
Buffalo Grove Road Reconstruction Update
A new traffic pattern is in place on Buffalo Grove Road
between IL 22 and Aptakisic Road as excavation and storm sewer work have begun for stage 1 construction.
Traffic Impacts: Watch for trucks coming in and out of the jobsite. A new traffic pattern is in place. Please drive carefully through work zones.
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Weiland Road from Lake Cook Road to Deerfield Parkway
Work continues on the Weiland Road reconstruction project. Traffic was recently shifted to use the new northbound lanes, so that the second half of the construction can begin on the southbound lanes. Visit weilandproject.com to learn more, and view drone videos, progress photos, and the construction site webcam. |
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Lake Cook Road Reconstruction Update
Work is continuing on the Lake Cook Road reconstruction project. For the latest updates, visit cookcountylcr.org.
Transportation Links-
Tollway Construction
IDOT
Metra
Travel Midwest
Wisconsin Construction
Lake County COVID-19 Update
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Case Count Update
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The Lake County Health Department continues to monitor COVID-19 cases in Lake County. As of July 2,
9,812 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, and there have been 400 deaths associated with COVID-19. View the most current information.
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Lake County Joins State to Move to Phase 4
- More businesses will be able to open following state safety guidelines;
- Gatherings of 50 people or fewer will be permitted while social distancing and wearing face coverings;
- Restaurants and bars will be able to reopen for indoor dining with capacity limits and safety measures;
- Travel can resume; and
- Childcare and schools can reopen under guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Watch the video and Read more
What to Expect During COVID-19 Testing
Are you curious about what a drive-thru COVID-19 test is like? Watch this video for a step by step, first-person view. The Waukegan drive-thru test site at 102 W. Water Street is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Anyone can get tested, regardless of symptoms or other criteria. No appointment, doctor referral, or insurance is needed, and testing is free.
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Walk-ins Welcome at COVID-19 Testing Site
Walk-ups are now allowed. Walkers should enter off of Genesee Street and follow the line marked by orange cones. The Illinois National Guard will guide walkers. Learn more about COVID-19 testing
Health Department Expands COVID-19 Testing in Long-Term Care Facilities
Health Department staff have been working very hard to protect residents and staff of long-term care facilities in Lake County. On June 1, the Health Department started a new testing program to help these facilities identify active COVID-19 infections, prevent further spread of the virus, and collect baseline data to help in ongoing testing plans. Read more
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Beware of Contact Tracing Scams
Lake County officials are warning residents of contact tracing scams where criminals pretend to be contact tracers to steal vital information like Social Security
numbers and banking information over the phone, via email, and text message. At least one Lake County resident has claimed to have given vital information such as their Social Security number during what they thought was a contact tracing call.
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The Lake County Health Department reminds all residents that a contact tracer will NEVER:
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Ask for your Social Security number;
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Ask for money, bank account or credit card numbers, or any other form of payment;
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Ask for your immigration status; or
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Threaten consequences of not participating or answering questions.
If you receive a suspicious call, text message, or email about contact tracing or exposure to COVID-19, you may call the Health Department’s Communicable Disease program at (847) 377-8130. Staff can help verify if you have been contacted by the Health Department. Read more
Testing for COVID-19
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A number of people are rightly confused about testing and what it means. There are two types of tests: those that test for active infection and those that test for the presence of antibodies demonstrating past infection.
The Waukegan testing site (free test) uses the Molecular test looking for the genetic material (in this case RNA) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19 illness. In order for the test to be accurate (detect all positives and eliminate all negatives) there must be enough genetic material present in the sample. This relies on a number of factors, including enough virus in your system. For this reason, although the testing is open to anyone, it is most accurate for those who either have symptoms, or someone who was in the presence of a positive person five days previously. Getting tested a day or two after you were exposed to someone who is positive will be too soon for the test to be accurate. Most likely, your test will be negative, even though you may develop an illness in a few days. Recent studies suggest that eight days after exposure may give the most accurate result. This also means that people who have been exposed should minimize their contact with others until they can get an accurate test.
Other testing sites may use a different approved test for active infection, which looks for the presence of viral antigens (proteins). These tests are very rapid, but are less sensitive than the genetic material test, so a negative test may not be truly negative.
Some at-home test kits are available, but the FDA has issued warnings about people using unapproved tests.
The other type of test is looking for antibodies to the virus. This is done for people who are fully recovered. Their presence means one was exposed to the virus. It does not mean that one is immune to future infections. Importantly, for many people, the level of antibodies appear to decrease dramatically within eight weeks of infection; those who were asymptomatic or had mild symptoms have correspondingly low levels of antibodies. Current testing in the Chicago and Lake County area suggest 5% of the population has been infected.
Read more about testing from the Mayo Clinic.
What Happened in Committees
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Lake County Board Special Call
During the Lake County Special Call Meeting on June 26, the Lake County Board extended the county's emergency declaration, approved an agreement for the Small Business Recovery Program, and passed a resolution to raise the LGBTQ Pride flag. Watch the video and read the agenda |
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Watch All County Board Meetings
All Lake County board and committee meetings are continuing to be conducted remotely. Meetings are live-streamed at lakecounty.tv, and on cable television (Comcast channels 18 or 30, depending on where you live, and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99). To see a current schedule of board and committee meetings, and to find links of recordings of past meetings, click here.
Public comments will be accepted by email and phone call only. Learn more
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Get Help
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Business Interruption Grants Program (BIG)
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has launched the first round of Business Interruption Grants (BIG) by providing $60 million to businesses experiencing losses or business interruption as a result of COVID-19 related closures. The BIG Program is available for up to 3,500 businesses that experienced a limited ability to operate due to COVID-19 related closures. DCEO will accept applications until 5 p.m. on July 7. Check eligibility criteria and access the English or Spanish Application form.
State Resources Available for Illinois Families
The Pritzker Administration, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, has launched a new initiative to help Illinois families access and afford home energy assistance and other essential services during COVID-19. Families seeking emergency assistance to cover costs of utility bills, rent, temporary shelter, food and other household necessities may visit
www.helpillinoisfamilies.com for program details and how to apply. Read more
The Immigrant Family Support Project
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) is dedicating $2 million in pandemic-related emergency assistance funding to Illinois immigrants - regardless of immigration status - who are facing unemployment, loss of income, medical costs, and food and housing insecurity as a direct result of COVID-19 and are ineligible for any federal funding relief. Learn more at this link, or call the COVID-19 Immigrant Family Support Hotline 855-437-7669.
Employment Resources
Are you looking for a job during this challenging time of layoffs, furloughs, and hiring freezes?
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Call 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
If you need assistance finding food, shelter, rent or utility assistance, or other essential services, call 211 or TEXT your zip code to 898211 to speak with someone who can help 24/7. To receive general COVID-19 information via text message, text “COVID19” to 211211. For more information, visit www.211lakecounty.org.
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How to Help
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Census 2020 Follow-Up Calls Are Underway
Census workers occasionally follow up with households over the phone to ask questions about their responses to the 2020 Census. The Census Bureau’s goal is to ensure a complete and accurate count and that no person is left out of the census or counted in more than one place. |
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By law, all responses to the 2020 Census are kept confidential. If you receive a call, the caller will only review the responses that you previously provided. They will not ask about your financial information or Social Security number. If you receive a call asking about this information, do not provide it and report the call to the Census Bureau. Learn more
If you have not already done so, there is still time to respond to the 2020 Census. Your participation is vital to ensuring that Lake County gets adequate funding to support healthcare, schools, public transportation, roads and more. Fill out your form now at mycensus2020.gov, or call 844-330-2020. While the census self-response date has been extended to Oct. 31, don’t delay and respond today!
For a list of ways you can help your community, visit Lake County/Covid-19/ How to Help
Health Department News
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Ethylene Oxide Air Monitoring Program Concludes
The Lake County Health Department, Village of Gurnee, and City of Waukegan have received the final set of results from the last phase of outdoor air monitoring for ethylene oxide (EtO) near Vantage Specialty Chemicals in Gurnee and Medline Industries in Waukegan.
The third phase of outdoor air monitoring in Lake County began April 4, 2020. Samples were collected from 12 sites every third day during a 30-day period, which ended on May 2, 2020. The three phases of air monitoring were conducted over 120 days, with samples collected on 54 separate days between June of 2019 and May of 2020. A total of 606 samples were collected throughout the program, with an additional 54 samples collected by Medline and Vantage.
Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Lake County
A mosquito “pool” or batch of mosquitoes sampled on June 4 in Hawthorn Woods has tested positive for the West Nile virus, the Lake County Health Department reported. This mosquito pool is the first confirmed indicator of West Nile virus presence in Lake County in 2020.
Help ‘Fight the Bite’ from mosquitoes and protect yourself and your family by practicing the “4 Ds of Defense.” Learn more
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Des Plaines River Watershed Workgroup News
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Chemicals in Pavement Sealants Can Cause Environmental Harm
Summer is here! For some residents and businesses, the nice weather is a chance to perform maintenance on driveways, parking lots and playgrounds by using sealants to protect and enhance the appearance of the underlying asphalt. While this is a common practice, coal-tar sealants contain Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), a class of chemicals that harm humans and aquatic life.
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Stormwater runoff carries these chemicals into waterways, and the particles caused by normal wear and tear can be tracked into homes. PAHs in asphalt-based sealants are 1,000 times lower than in coal-tar sealants. This summer, consider choosing contractors that only use asphalt-based sealants on driveways, parking lots and playgrounds. Learn more.
Community Events and News
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