August 4, 2020
Dear Neighbor,
I hope this email finds you and yours safe and healthy! In this uncertain time, I am so proud of the work Lake County Government is doing, and I feel very fortunate to work with outstanding professionals who are so dedicated to helping others. As you'll read below, the County has allocated over $100 million in federal funds to various agencies to assist residents in paying their rent, utilities, and accessing food. We also work with non-profit agencies whose volunteers and staff do so much to people in need. We are happy to work with Lake County Partners, which is evaluating thousands of grant applications from local businesses to help them get back on their feet and purchase Personal Protective Equipment.
Our outstanding Lake County Health Department continues to partner with the state in caring for residents and employees in long-term care facilities, along with providing important contract tracing and other resources for people and locales impacted by the virus. They work closely with area hospitals to closely monitor any outbreaks and educate the public, educational institutions, and businesses on how to best protect against COVID-19.
I am honored to play a part in helping our county recover from this pandemic and to represent you on the Lake County Board and the Forest Preserve Board. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns you may have.
Take care,
 
Lake County Government News
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4 Days Left to Apply for Paycheck Protection Program!
The deadline to apply for the Federal Paycheck Protection Program is August 8. This program provides forgivable loans for small businesses to help pay up to eight weeks of payroll costs, including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. Read more
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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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$105 Million Allocated for COVID-19 Recovery
On July 27, my colleagues and I on the Lake County Board unanimously passed a $75 million emergency appropriation of CARES Act funds (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) to support residents and agencies across Lake County. To date, we've committed $105 million for COVID-19 recovery in Lake County over the past two months toward the following:
- $35 million municipality, fire protection district, and other taxing body reimbursement for municipal and local essential services
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$20 million small business assistance
- $18 million food, rental, utility, housing, employment and other resident support and assistance
- $15.3 million Lake County COVID-19 expenses
- $13.7 million contact tracing, education, vaccination, behavioral health services, and other public health support and assistance
- $3 million personal protective equipment
We are grateful for the collaboration and input we've received from fire protection districts, municipalities, local businesses, and non-profits. For more information about how Lake County Government is supporting recovery efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit lakecountyil.gov/forward.
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Case Count Update
The Lake County Health Department continues to monitor COVID-19 cases in Lake County. 12,101 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, and there have been 427 deaths associated with COVID-19 as of August 4th. View the most current information.
Lake and McHenry Counties Make Up the North Suburban Region
Under a plan recently rolled out by the State of Illinois to track the health impacts of COVID-19, Lake and McHenry County together make up the North Suburban Region. Under the plan, any region that sustains an 8% positivity rate for three consecutive days or sees an increase in positivity rates and simultaneous decrease in hospital capacity will need to implement additional community mitigation interventions.
While the North Suburban Region metrics currently meet state targets, health department leaders are concerned about the recent spike in cases and are proactively evaluating future interventions. Data-informed mitigation measures in the region could include restricting the size of social gatherings, reducing capacity at businesses, or scaling back operations in industries that pose a higher risk of transmission, such as indoor dining, bars, salons or personal care services. All Lake County residents are encouraged to do their part and wear a mask or face covering when appropriate to help keep our county open.
To view the North Suburban Region metrics on the Illinois Department of Public Health website, visit illinois.gov/regionmetrics and select Region 9. Metrics are updated daily, including testing positivity rates, hospital admissions, and hospital capacity. Learn more
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Employment Resources
Are you looking for a job during this challenging time of layoffs, furloughs, and hiring freezes?
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The Job Center of Lake County is here to help, with four vital Virtual Tools for Job Seekers.
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Census Jobs: You can still apply for a temporary part-time position with the 2020 Census. Interested in learning more? The census is hosting a virtual job fair every Monday and Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. until noon. During those hours, dial 1-872-888 6261 and enter conference id 290994639# to talk to a census recruiter.
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Recommendations for Quarantine After Travel
The Lake County Health Department recommends that individuals returning from travel to areas with a high incidence rate of COVID-19 self-quarantine for 14 days and monitor their symptoms daily.
Currently, this list includes the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin. Read more on how to travel safely
This list will be updated every Tuesday on our website. This quarantine period will help reduce the risks of spreading the virus if you are infected and don't know it yet.
Please note, this is only a recommendation. There is not a mandatory quarantine for travelers to Lake County.
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Property Tax Bill Reminder
In recognition of the financial hardship that many Lake County taxpayers are experiencing in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the County Board enacted a one-time ordinance that allows taxpayers to spread their property tax payments over four installments, instead of the usual two installments. The new due dates are as follows:
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50 percent of first installment was due June 8
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50 percent of first installment is due Aug. 7
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50 percent of second installment is due Sept. 8
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50 percent of second installment is due Nov. 9
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2020 Property Assessment Notices Mailings
Lake County property owners will soon be receiving their property assessment notice in the mail. It’s important for taxpayers to read, understand and check this notice for accuracy as it contains important information about their property. Taxpayers are encouraged to contact their local township assessor’s office if they have questions regarding the valuation of their property.
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County Saves $98,000 Annually by Moving Lake County Regional Office of Education
The Lake County Board has been working diligently to save operational costs and will continue to look for opportunities to utilize existing County-owned facilities wherever possible in an effort to save taxpayers significant dollars. The Lake County Regional Office of Education's (ROE) Administrative Office and Truancy Division has moved from its previous location at the College of Lake County in Grayslake and is now located at the Lake County Central Permit Facility, 500 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville. This move will save the County approximately $98,000 annually in rent and utility costs. Read more
Even with the move, all Lake County ROE offices are continuing to operate remotely due to COVID-19. For assistance, visit lake.k12.il.us.
Census Workers to Start Home Visits in August
Your participation in the 2020 Census is vital to ensure that Lake County gets adequate funding to support healthcare, schools, public transportation, roads and more.
Households that have not yet responded to the 2020 Census will be receiving a final postcard directly from the U.S. Census Bureau during the last week of July reminding of the importance of self-response during the ongoing global pandemic. Beginning Aug. 11, census takers will start visiting households that haven’t yet responded.
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We Need Your Input!
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We need your help! After a year-long wayfinding study that included resident surveys, community open houses, and meetings with local municipalities, Lake County and the Division of Transportation have implemented a test route to assess the accessibility, legibilty and usefulness of the new signage standard.We are testing out new Explore Lake County signs on the North Shore Bike Path between Butterfield and St. Mary's Road. See them for yourself, and let us know what you think through this survey. The public comment period ends on August 14. Watch the project video.
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Northern Lakeshore Connectivity Plan
A draft of the Northern Lakeshore Trail Connectivity Plan has been published, and the public comment period is open! The plan was created to provide strategies and actions to improve walking and bicycling connections between and among five northern lakeshore communities: Beach Park, Zion, Winthrop Harbor, Waukegan, and North Chicago. A key objective is to identify potential bicycle and pedestrian routes between partner communities and Illinois Beach State Park, as well as other recreational open spaces along the lakefront and within the study area.
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Provide Input on Public Transit Projects
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is seeking your input on its new regional framework, which outlines how RTA, Metra, Pace, and CTA projects are chosen and funded in our area. Read the plan and provide your comments to
Communications@RTAChicago.org through Aug. 28. The RTA board will then consider adopting the new framework at its September meeting.
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Public Comment Period for Watershed Development Ordinance Amendments Open
The Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) opened a 60-day public comment period on Thursday, July 9, to collect feedback regarding 29 amendments, which are being proposed as additions to the Watershed Development Ordinance (WDO), a countywide ordinance that sets minimum requirements for the stormwater management aspects of development within Lake County. The goal of the WDO is to ensure that new development does not increase existing stormwater problems or create new ones by establishing minimum countywide standards for stormwater management, including floodplains, detention, soil erosion/sediment control, water quality treatment, and wetlands. Comments may be submitted to Kelcey Traynoff at ktraynoff@lakecountyil.gov until Sept. 8, 2020. Learn more
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Eat Great Food and Support Local Restaurants During the Lake County Restaurant Rally Beginning July 31
Savor amazing flavors and tastes throughout Lake County by taking part in the Lake County Restaurant Rally sponsored by Visit Lake County. From July 31 to Aug. 9, more than 100 restaurants will offer a variety of delicious food, ranging from fast food options to fully-plated dinners to tempting desserts for dine-in, carryout and outdoor dining options. Each location provides a chance for diners to win a gift card, valued from $25 to $50. Local media personalities will also be at select locations, sharing their food and libation experiences with Facebook Live streams.
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Lake County Problem-Solving Courts Receive Certification
The Illinois Supreme Court approved Lake County’s 19th Judicial Circuit Court’s Certification of its problem-solving courts, including Drug, Mental Health, and Veterans Treatment and Assistance Courts.
The mission of the problem-solving courts is to reduce crime, enhance public safety, and reduce jail populations by providing a comprehensive treatment and supervision plan. With court oversight and accountability, problem-solving court participants can achieve and maintain recovery, become contributing members of their communities, and dramatically decrease their risks of recidivism. Read more
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New Trails at Buffalo Creek
Public access and restoration improvements are complete at Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve in Long Grove. Through an intergovernmental agreement with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and the Village of Buffalo Grove, new trails and natural resource restoration efforts were completed as part of expansion of the preserve's flood control reservoir. Improvements include 1.7 miles of new gravel trails, seven new boardwalks, two scenic overlooks, 30 additional parking spaces, 45 acres of land restored, and more than 1,000 native trees planted.
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Ask an Educator Live: Paddle Sports
Join Environmental Educators Jenny Sazama and April Vaos, along with Paddle Sport Volunteer Paul Klonowksi, as they answer your paddle sport questions live from 7 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 5. This biweekly Q&A series features a panel of educators excited to share their expertise about Lake County nature and history. Join us live via Zoom or Facebook every other Wednesday for a new topic about amazing history, creatures and places that make our county special. Learn how to join »
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Summer Horizons Magazine Online
The summer issue of Horizons magazine is now available. Native orchids are the feature story of the magazine that can be found online. Horizons is the free quarterly publication of your Lake County Forest Preserves. You can subscribe to receive a free printed copy in the mail.
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What Happened in Committees?
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Health and Community Services Committee
At its July 28 meeting, the committee discussed the appropriation of a state grant of $4.9 million to support contact tracing efforts, and a $680,000 grant to expand testing capacity for COVID-19. Watch the discussion and read the agenda.
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Public Works, Planning and Transportation Committee
At its July 29 meeting, the committee discussed several items, including the appropriation of Motor Fuel Tax funds for road construction projects, an update on the temporary burn ban, public works projects and more. Watch the discussion and read the agenda.
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Energy and Environment Committee
At its July 29 meeting, the committee discussed the path to net zero emissions and clean air policies. Watch the discussion 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). The public is also welcome to view the livestream of all meetings in-person at 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, 10th Floor Assembly Room. To maintain proper social distancing, the number of persons permitted to attend will be limited. Public comments can also be submitted by email and phone call. Learn more
To see a current schedule of board and committee meetings, and to find links of recordings of past meetings, click here.
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