Essential Voting Information, Budget Hearings, Employment Resources and more

 

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Sandy Hart
 

October 23, 2020

Dear Neighbor,

I hope this email finds you well. Early voting is well underway, and the Clerk O'Connor is reporting record turnout. To avoid waiting in long lines, the Clerk's Office is offering a map (see below) that shows the estimated wait time at each site. Remember that you can use any early voting site you choose, now through November 1st. As the weather gets colder, it is so important for us to remember to wear a mask, wash our hands, and stay socially distant with people not in our households. The Illinois Department of Public Health is monitoring COVID-19 cases across the state, and we all play a part to ensure that our kids can stay in school, businesses can remain open, and people can continue to gather (in small groups!). Click here for the latest bulletin from the Lake County Health Department.

Yesterday the Lake County Board completed our review of the 2021 proposed budget, and I am pleased that it does not include any increase in property taxes for only the second time in at least twenty years. I am grateful to our Finance team, led by CFO Patrice Sutton, for their hard work, and to the entire board for their engagement and review over the last several days.

This Monday, October 26 is the virtual public open house for Oriole Grove Forest Preserve, and I hope you will join us! We need to hear from you about what you want for this important connection. It's a beautiful spot and I look forward to the increased restoration so that it becomes as pristine as Lake Forest Open Lands to the south and Lake Bluff Open Lands to the north. 

In closing, I wish you and your family a healthy and safe few weeks. It is an honor 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.

Take care,

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Lake County Government News  

vote early

Early Voting:

Record numbers of voters have already voted in Lake County, and as I write this the lines continue to be long. To avoid a wait, you can visit the list of early voting sites and see current wait times. Early voting sites across Lake County are open through November 1st seven days a week—Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All Lake County voters may vote at any polling location, regardless of where they live. Safety precautions at all polling places are being implemented to protect against the transmission of COVID-19. Be sure to wear a face covering, maintain social distancing, and if possible bring your own pen. 

Vote by Mail:

When you complete your ballot, be sure to sign it. Election judges verify the legitimacy of your ballot by comparing the signature on your ballot certification envelope to the signature on your voter registration record. You may return your completed ballot through the U.S. mail, hand-deliver it to the Lake County Clerk’s office no later than 7 p.m. on Nov. 3, or drop it in a postage-free dropbox provided by the Lake County Clerk’s Office. If you have a Vote-by Mail Ballot but instead want to vote in person, simply bring the ballot with you to the voting location. I encourage you to check out the links below for answers to many questions you may have.

Vote on Election Day, Nov. 3: You may vote in-person at your assigned neighborhood voting site between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3. You may also vote at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake or in the lobby of the Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan. 

More information: Visit the Lake County Clerk November 2020 Election Page for everything you need to know about voting, including candidate lists, sample ballots, voter registration and more. Still have a question?  Call 847-377-VOTE (8683). 


Lake County Voters to Decide on Elimination of Recorder of Deeds Office 

A question related to the elimination of the Lake County Office of the Recorder of Deeds is on all Lake County voter ballots this November. 

  • A 'yes' vote supports eliminating the Lake County Office of the Recorder of Deeds and consolidating its duties with the Lake County Clerk’s Office. 
  • A 'no' vote opposes the elimination of the Lake County Office of the Recorder of Deeds. 

The Recorder of Deeds Office is not mandatory under the Illinois Constitution, and numerous counties in Illinois have consolidated this office, including Cook and McHenry. 


Case Count Update   

The Lake County Health Department continues to monitor COVID-19 cases in Lake County. As of Oct. 22, there are 19,930 Lake County residents who have tested positive for COVID-19, and 507 deaths associated with COVID-19. View the most current information. As of Oct. 20, the testing positivity rate in the Region 9 (Lake and McHenry County) is 7.8 percent, with daily increases every day over the last 10 days. View the region 9 current information.      

OG

Oriole Grove Virtual Meeting 

The Planning Committee of the Lake County Forest Preserves is holding a special meeting to gather additional public comment regarding a master plan for Oriole Grove Forest PreserveThe meeting will be held virtually from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday, Oct. 26. Click here for instructions on how to join the meeting. Staff will present two concept plans that explore a range of ideas and opportunities for public access improvements and natural resource restoration at Oriole Grove in Lake Bluff. The public will have the opportunity to comment and provide feedback. Learn more


Lake County Forward

Update on CARES Act funding

The Lake County Board has committed $121.5 million in funding we received from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to support Lake County residents, communities, taxing districts, businesses, and countywide services in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic. I am extremely grateful for our talented and dedicated staff for their hard work over the last several months to ensure that the money is distributed to the people and agencies most in need. Many checks have been sent out to our government partners, small businesses, and non-profits. 

I’m very proud of the work Lake County has done to ensure that relief monies are reaching residents in an efficient way while carefully following the direction of the federal government:

• $42 million to reimburse local municipalities, fire protection districts, and other taxing bodies for COVID-19 expenses
• $28.05 million for Lake County essential services related to COVID-19
• $17 million for small business and economic assistance
• $15.7 million for public health support and assistance, including contact tracing, health education, vaccinations, behavioral health and other services
• $15 million for food, rental, utility, housing, employment and other resident support and assistance
• $1.75 million for the stockpile and distribution of personal protective equipment
• $2 million contingency/reserve for other COVID-19 related expenses*

*These dollars are subject to change so that we can be responsive to any changes that may occur as the pandemic continues to take a toll on our economy and the health and well-being of our residents.
For more information, including the list of government agencies, non-profits, and businesses that have received funds, please visit lakecountyil.gov/forward.


Halloween

Halloween Guidelines From IDPH  

As we approach Halloween, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued guidance for celebrating safely. As noted by IDPH Director Dr. Ezike, "We are still in a pandemic, and unfortunately, this year, that means the safest way to celebrate is to stay home and plan virtual gatherings." If you do choose to gather, the IDPH recommends the following:  

  • If trick-or-treating, wear a proper face covering. Only trick-or-treat with members of your household. Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others while trick-or-treating.  
  • Consider leaving individually wrapped candy spaced apart on a drive way, in front of walkways, or any outdoor space where social distancing can be maintained.  
  • Do not eat any candy from trick-or-treating until you have washed your hands.  
  • Consider alternatives to trick-or-treating that limit interactions.  
  • Follow IDPH safety tips for small social gatherings.  
  • Haunted houses are NOT permitted. 

If you participate in any in-person gatherings and believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, take precautions for 14 days after the event. Learn more recommendations for Halloween festivities here


Tax Installment

Final Property Tax Installment Due Nov. 9

If you have been paying your property taxes using the 4-payment option, remember that the due date for the fourth and final installment is Nov. 9.

The Lake County Treasurer's Office encourages you to mail in your payment early to ensure that it arrives by the due date. For more information, visit the Frequently Asked Questions. 

Questions? Submit a help ticket 24 hours a day or call the office at 847-377-2323 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 


Lake County Forward

Rent and Utility Assistance   

If you're a Lake County resident and need help paying rent or utility bills because you've lost income due to COVID-19, you are encouraged to apply for the Lake County COVID Housing Relief Program (CHRP).  Applying is easy—simply dial 211 from your phone or text your zip code to 898211, and you will be connected with someone who can help.  To learn more about the Lake County COVID Housing Relief Program, click here 

Get Assistance With ComEd Bills    

ComEd has developed several programs to help customers who are experiencing financial hardship. Customers who are challenged in paying their outstanding balances and energy bills should contact ComEd's customer care team as soon as possible at 1-800-EDISON-1 (1-800-334- 7661), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to take advantage of assistance options.   

  • Customer Hardship Grants: Residential customers facing financial hardship may be eligible to receive one-time CARE grants from ComEd to help them get back on their feet.    
  • Bill Payment Assistance Program: A one-time bill assistance credit of up to $500 is available this year for income eligible households with a past-due balance. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply at ComEd.com/BillAssistance.    
  • Flexible, Extended Payment Arrangements: For a limited time, residential customers may be eligible for flexible payment arrangements.     

Learn more at ComEd.com/Support  


2021 Budget

Proposed Budget Continues Flat Levy for Second Year

This week the Lake County Board held our hearings on the  
proposed 2021 Fiscal Year budget
The proposed budget does not include any increase in property taxes for only the second time in the last twenty years and is balanced as is required by our board policies.  This budget is 2.3% lower than the 2020 budget and takes into account anticipated reductions in revenue due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. There will be two more discussions on the budget at upcoming Finance & Administrative Committee meetings (10/29 and 11/5), and the board is anticipated to vote on the final budget at our November 10th meeting.  

All County Board and committee meetings, including the budget hearings, are streamed live in their entirety, and available for viewing afterwards at 


211

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 

To help United Way of Lake County celebrate its first anniversary of 211, join a Zoom meeting to learn how 211 has transformed the way individuals and families are connecting with essential health and human services.
Learn about 211's impact, data on community needs, the

increased needs arising from the pandemic, and success stories of how 211 has made a difference for community members, employers, agencies, and local government. 

Date: Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. 

Learn more and register 


Flue Vaccination

Flu Shots are Critical This Season  

This year it is more important than ever to get a flu shot. Different viruses cause COVID-19 and influenza. That means you could get sick from both, even at the same time. Individuals at higher risk for severe COVID-19 symptoms could get serious complications from flu as well. Getting the seasonal flu vaccination before the end of October is the best way to protect yourself and others.  

Recently many Lake County employees participated in a drive-thru flu vaccine clinic. Drive-thru clinics like these will be used when a COVID-19 vaccine is available. The Lake County Health Department is using this time to help ensure that its process is efficient and effective.  

You can get your flu shot at one of our Community Health Centers by calling our Patient Access Center at (847) 377-8800 or by visiting VaccineFinder.org to find a provider near you.  


Expired Driver's Licenses and ID Cards Extended Until Feb. 1, 2021  

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that the expiration dates for
all driver's licenses and
 state ID cards have been extended an additional three months from Nov. 1, 2020 until Feb. 1, 2021. This extension applies to those who have October, November, December, and January expiration dates 

The license plates stickers remain extended until Nov. 1, 2020, and can be renewed online at cyberdriveillinois.com. You can take advantage of the 
online services to obtain a duplicate driver's license, duplicate ID card, a driving record abstract, or renew a standard driver's license through the Safe Driver renewal program.  Read more  


Ethylene Oxide (EtO) Update  

On June 16, the Health Department posted results from the final phase (Phase III) of EtO air monitoring, which included samples collected between April 4 and May 7.  Due to concerns over some samples' validity, the Health Department formally requested that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conduct a thorough review of the Phase III monitoring results. The U.S. EPA completed this review and returned their analysis on Oct. 6. The sample data has been updated on the Health Department’s website to incorporate the U.S. EPA’s findings. Full details are available at www.lakecountyil.gov/eto. 


Employment Resources   

Are you looking for a job during this challenging time of layoffs, furloughs, and hiring freezes? Here are some helpful resources focusing on the Manufacturing Industry in October and more:  

mechatronica 2020
  • Manufacturers are Continuing to Hire: Lake County Partners reports that many of Lake County’s manufacturers are seeing significant growth and are hiring for good, well-paid jobs.  Companies such as Abbott, Takeda, Fischer Paper Products, Laser Precision, Handi-foil, and MacLean-Fogg are looking for talented local residents to fill over 2,000 new jobs. Individuals interested in working for these companies should contact the Job Center of Lake County. 

  • Job Center of Lake County has the following resource for more helpful information:    
  • Get Hired Illinois: Get Hired Illinois is a single portal where individuals can access virtual job fairs, free online training, and current job listings.  

Mental health day

Mental Health Awareness Week 

Oct. 10 was World Mental Health Day. If you or someone you know is experiencing increased stress or anxiety as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, know that you are not alone. A recent report from the CDC showed that 40% of adults who were surveyed had struggled with mental health or substance use during the pandemic. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call the Health Department's Crisis Care Program any time of day or night to speak with a counselor at (847) 377-8088 or by walking in at 3002 Grand Avenue, Waukegan. 

If you are looking for ways to practice mindfulness, check out the Health Department's Mindful Minute series. Taking time to practice self-care can reduce stress and improve your mental and physical health. 


SWALCO

Recycling Guidelines from SWALCO   

Do you have electronics and/or other items to drop off for recycling that can’t be placed in your bin
SWALCO reminds residents to please obey the guidelines of their drop off locations Acceptable items at some drop off sites include textiles, clothes and accessories, cardboard, shoes, food scraps, and certain electronics. 
Items that are not accepted include furniture,  paint, chemicals, construction debris, and certain electronics. For detailed information, refer to the drop off location page and the residential electronics pageor watch the video.    

reef

Underwater Limestone Reefs Installed 

This is such an exciting project! The waters of Lake Michigan along Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in Lake Forest are now friendlier to aquatic resources and wildlife. In July and August, contractors used cranes and other heavy equipment on barges to construct underwater reefs along 1.5 miles of lakeshore. Built from tree trunks and branches, root wads, limestone slabs and glacial erratic boulders, these structures will act as human-made reefs to provide submerged habitat for fish and wildlife. 
The Lake County Forest Preserves partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete this project through the federal Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Restoration program. Learn more » 


Open Burning Hours in Unincorporated Lake County 

The Lake County Board voted on Oct. 13 to amend a temporary emergency ordinance that is effective through Dec. 31, which allows open burning in unincorporated Lake County from sunrise to sunset only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and SaturdaysThe amended ordinance also permits open burning from sunrise to sunset on any day of the week if the burning occurs at least 500 feet from the nearest habitable structure. 

Some unincorporated areas are also subject to their local fire protection district's open burning rules, which may be more restrictive. 


Arin video

Interview with the Chief County Assessment Officer  

If you’re a property owner in Lake County, you have probably heard of the Chief County Assessment Office. Recently, our communications director sat down with Chief County Assessor Robert Glueckert to get a deeper understanding of the assessment process in Lake County, available exemptions, the appeal process, and how the Board of Review (which rules on assessment appeals) is operating in a virtual environment. Watch the video 


Strawberry condos

Stormwater Management Projects and Project Submissions

Flooding is the number one natural disaster in the United States, and heavy rain and flooding creates costly damages and loss of property. Last year, the Lake County Board committed more than $2 million for Stormwater Management Commission's (SMC) new capital improvement program, which aims to reduce impacts of flooding countywide. One program is The Strawberry Condos project, an area that has been frequently impacted by major flooding over the last several years. I was able to visit the site last week and it will be such a relief for the residents to know that this year their homes will be protected. Visit lakecountyil.gov/STOCIPMap to see other projects we are working on.

The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission is now accepting nominations for the 2020 Stormwater Awards. The program recognizes organizations, communities, groups and individuals for their projects and other proactive and innovative efforts to improve water quality, reduce flooding and to help restore the natural drainage system. There are several award categoriesNominate a group or an individual who has shown dedication and commitment to stormwater management efforts before the deadline on Dec. 4. 


native orchids

Conservation Forum: Native Orchids 

The 2020 Ethel Untermyer Conservation Forum: Native Orchids takes place 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 18. Join Dr. Pati Vitt, manager of ecological restoration at the Lake County Forest Preserves, for this free virtual program. Learn about these fascinating plants and her efforts to save them. Known for their beauty and curious charm, orchids capture more hearts than possibly any other family of flowers. Many people do not realize that Illinois has 45 native orchid species, 18 of which can be found in small populations in Lake County. Reserve your free ticket 


Fall horizons

Fall 2020 Horizons Magazine 

The fall issue of Horizons magazine is now available. Horizons is the quarterly publication of your Lake County Forest Preserves, featuring articles on Lake County wildlife, nature and history, Forest Preserve news, and a calendar of programs and events.
The cover story is about expanding your experience in your local preserves. You can also 
subscribe to receive the free magazine in print form. Read it online. 


Things To Do In October In Lake County  

Fall colors are all on display and Lake County has family fun events you can enjoy this fall, while wearing a mask and following proper social distancing guidelines, including a photo contest,
outdoor recreationfestivals and more.   

Visit lake county

Virtual townhall

Listen to the Sept. 30 Virtual Town Hall   

Lake County held a live Virtual Town Hall on Sept. 30. Hosted by Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart, panelists discussed the current COVID-19 situation, relief efforts including programs that have provided funding to Lake County businesses and residents who have been financially impacted, and information about voting in the November General Election.  
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.  


Adopt a highway

County Seeking Volunteers for Adopt-A-Highway Program 

The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) is seeking volunteers to help pick up litter and debris along Lake County highways and bike paths starting in spring 2021. Volunteers adopt a section of a county highway and commit to cleaning it twice a year. LCDOT provides the safety vests and bags, we just need you to provide the manpower (or kid power)!
When your cleanup is done, LCDOT collects your garbage and recycling bags from the side of the road. Groups are asked to provide their own gloves. 
 

Sign Up in Two Steps  

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What Happened in Committees?

LCTV

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 all meetings in person at 18 N. County Street, Waukegan in the 10th Floor Assembly Room. To maintain social distancing, the number of people permitted to attend is limited. Public comments can also be submitted by email and phone call. Learn more    

To see a current schedule of board and committee meetings, click here All meetings are recorded, and are posted on the Lake County website. Included here is my recap of the October 13 County Board meeting.

Sandy's video