July 27, 2022
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Dear Neighbors, |
I hope this finds you, family and neighbors well in this mid-summer time of buzzing cicadas and robust thunderstorms. This is one of my favorite times of the year. Not only can I visit with neighbors, I can check in with them to see how county government can make their lives better.
I was pleased to be able to remotely attend the Highland Lake Property Owners Association on July 25. Our Public Works Department provided an update on the $2.5 million water system modernization project they will be undertaking, which will add water storage capacity and ensure clean drinking water.
The water project is being funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act, so it will not raise user rates for existing customers. Our Public Works engineers will be working closely with the community on siting the water storage structure and other infrastructure, which is under consideration to connect to another water system on the other side of the lake. Needless to say, I'm always pleased when we can bring tax dollars back into our neighborhoods for needed projects.
There are several other future projects underway in our area. The major ones include the realignment of Cedar Lake Road in Round Lake, widening of Route 120 (Route 45 to Almond Road), and multi-use paths along Washington and Rollins. View the list of road projects countywide.
Although not being designed or managed by Lake County, the Village of Grayslake has asked the Illinois Department of Transportation to begin "Phase I" engineering for a grade separation of the Canadian National rail crossing at Routes 120 and 83, which are state highways. Sen. Melinda Bush and I have been lobbying for this project for more than four years.
Route 53 Commission Update
The most recent meeting of the Route 53 task force on Tuesday invited local mayors to outline how they would like to use the 1,000-acre corridor. Mayor Rhett Taylor from Grayslake, Steve Lentz from Mundelein, Bill Jacob from Long Grove and Dom DiMaggio from Hawthorn Woods made brief presentations.
Mayor Lentz said he hoped the Illinois Department of Transportation, which owns most of the land in the corridor would "retain ownership" of the property. "We won't commit to a corridor plan that won't relieve future traffic congestion," Lentz told the commission. He also favored trails and possible athletic fields.
Mayor Taylor said he wanted to "take future business development and traffic mitigation" into consideration along the northern end of the corridor, especially near the Cornerstone business park near Peterson Road and Route 83. He also noted the final plan should "include protections for sensitive wetlands and woodlands."
All of the mayors supported the general concept of a greenway with connecting trails along the corridor. Although the commission is not empowered to decide which agency or entities control the property, there will be future meetings to find common ground on "alternative uses," which doesn't include another highway. More meetings are scheduled. I will keep you posted.
Assessment Notices Coming
The annual "blue" notices will be arriving soon. They estimate the value of your properties for tax purposes. Think your assessment is too high? You can appeal it online. Learn more
Keep in mind these notices will impact your real estate tax bill for next year, but you only have a 30-day window to appeal. For a helpful video, check out my "Taxpayer Bill of Rights."
Lake County Fair
After a pandemic hiatus, the Lake County Fair is back in full swing from July 27 to 31 at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake.
I'll be in the main exhibition hall on Saturday from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Please stop by to say hello or ask me anything!
As always, it's an honor to serve you and your community. I'd be happy to speak before your neighborhood, faith or service organization.
Be well,
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John Wasik
Lake County Board District 6
John Wasik Webpage
Lake County Government News
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Your Input Is Wanted! Attend Final ARPA Community Night
Your feedback is requested to help the county identify local needs for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to aid in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and move Lake County forward.
The final community input night will be held in person on August 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Round Lake Beach Civic Center, 2007 Civic Center Way. This event is open to the public to give residents an opportunity to learn more, share information, and provide their input. No registration is required. All residents are encouraged to complete the online survey to provide their input. Individuals can access the survey in English and Spanish. The deadline to complete the survey is 5 p.m. Aug. 11.
Lake County recently held a virtual event that provided information and answered questions from residents about ARPA. Watch the recording in English or Spanish to learn more about the topics that will be covered at the Round Lake Beach event on Aug. 10.
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Resources Available Following the Highland Park Shooting Incident
Lake County is working with the City of Highland Park, governmental agencies and community organizations to provide resources and assist those affected by the tragic shooting at the Highland Park Fourth of July parade. View the available resources, and be sure to follow HPStrong.info for the most up-to-date information.
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Did You Know?
Ready to up your summer game? Watch this video to find out how Lake County can help you find different fun activities to do throughout Lake County including bike paths, forest preserves and the nearest farmer’s market.
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Property News
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Property Assessment Notices Are Being Mailed
The 2022 property assessment notices will be mailed to homeowners across Lake County through July and August. It’s important to read and understand this notice for accuracy as it contains important information about your property. Taxpayers are encouraged to contact their local township assessor’s office if they have questions regarding the valuation of their property.
Appeal Information
Property owners that decide to appeal must do so electronically. Property owners can appeal their assessment on their own through the Lake County Board of Review. No attorney is required for a residential appeal. Appeals can be done in a few minutes by using the new SmartFile E-Filing Portal.
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Environmental News
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Dispose Your Hard to Recycle Items Using New Service
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) launched a new program to handle your "hard-to-recycle" items including small propane tanks, residential fire extinguishers and latex paint. The items collected will be either recycled or refurbished for reuse.
There are minimal fees to help cover handling and processing costs. Schedule an appointment online to drive through and drop off materials on scheduled special materials event days. Learn more
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Clerk of the Circuit Court News
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Interest and Collection Fees Waived During Amnesty Week
All collection fees and accrued interest will be waived on any past due criminal and traffic fines owed at the Lake County Circuit Clerk’s Office for payments made Aug. 1 through 5. Full and partial payments will be accepted. Before submitting a payment, please contact the Lake County Circuit Clerk’s Office at any of their locations to find out the balance that is owed without the interest and collections fees. Learn more
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Health News
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Fight the Bite
Do you know the 4 Ds of Defense to fight the bite this summer? Protect yourself and your family from West Nile virus and mosquito bites by following the 4 Ds of Defense and more helpful tips. Visit Fight the Bite to learn more.
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Beat the Heat This Summer! Follow These Tips
During the summer months, the temperatures can reach dangerous levels. Extreme heat can be particularly hazardous for children, seniors, those with special needs, and pets. To protect yourself and others, familiarize yourself with these guidelines.
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Forest Preserves News
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Ribbon Cutting Takes Place
We finally cut the ribbon at Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve in Long Grove. Though the ceremony was delayed due to the pandemic, the preserve has been open with new improvements.
We partnered with the Village of Buffalo Grove and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago to help support this large regional project and achieve shared goals of providing improved public access, natural resource restoration and reduced flooding. The most recent public access improvements at Buffalo Creek include the addition of 1.7 miles of trails, seven new boardwalks, two scenic overlooks and 39 additional parking spaces. Learn more »
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YCC Receives Gift
Vernon Hills-based Gewalt Hamilton Associates Inc. gave a generous contribution of $10,000 to the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC). Todd Gordon, CEO of Gewalt Hamilton Associates, presented a check recently to Angelo Kyle, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves.
YCC participants Spencer Steeves and Debanhi Jimenez were at the event. The YCC program provides an opportunity to gain valuable conservation and forestry education and hands-on experience for high school and college students interested in preserving Lake County’s wetlands, prairies and woodlands. Learn more »
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Gospelfest takes place July 31
New Vizion, a music group from Washington, D.C., is the headliner at this year’s free Gospelfest event at Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago. The music festival takes place from 3–7 pm Sunday, July 31. The Greenbelt Cultural Center is located at 1215 Green Bay Road.
Admission and parking are free. All ages welcome. Concertgoers should bring a blanket or lawn chair and pack a picnic. A local vendor will also be available to purchase food. Waukegan resident Vernill Pipes will perform a solo during the festive event where other surprise guests will also sing. Learn more »
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Lake County COVID-19 Update
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COVID-19 Helpful Links
Get Help
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Call 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
If you need help 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. Speak to a person in English or Spanish when you call. The 211 team will also interpret more than 150 other languages. Learn more
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Other Resources for Help
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Food for Families in Need: Northern Illinois Food Bank operates a traveling food pantry that delivers nutritious food directly to those in need and coordinates pop-up food markets across Lake County. Find food
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Help for Veterans: The Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County can help veterans and their families with a variety of issues, including financial help, survivor spousal benefits, burial arrangements and more. Call 847-377-3344.
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Mental Health Support: The Lake County Health Department offers a free, 24/7 confidential hotline for those experiencing a mental health crisis or substance use issue. Call 847-377-8088 any time. Learn more
Employment Resources
The Job Center of Lake County is your career solution! Their mission is to cultivate and connect Lake County employers and workers to fuel economic growth and well-being in Lake County.
The Job Center of Lake County can help you to transition careers, identify job opportunities and connect with employers. Watch this video to learn more about the virtual and onsite resources that are available to all job seekers through the Job Center partners. And view the full Job Center calendar to learn about various upcoming events and resources.
Check Get Hired Illinois
The State of Illinois launched Get Hired Illinois, designed to connect workers with available job and career training opportunities across the state.
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Community Events and News
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Lake County Fair is Coming
The 93rd annual Lake County Fair returns July 27 to 31 at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake. Enjoy motor cross, monster trucks, a demolition derby, pig races and more. From ferris wheels to funnel cakes, there’s so much to enjoy.
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Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
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All Lake County board and committee meetings can be viewed on 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 also is welcome to attend all meetings in person at the Lake County Administrative Tower, 18 N. County Street, Waukegan or may attend meetings remotely using the registration link on the front page of each meeting’s agenda. |
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Individuals attending meetings in person or remotely may present their public comments during the meeting. Those not in attendance may provide written public comment via email or by mail. View the current meeting schedule.
All meetings are recorded, and are posted on the Lake County website.
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