September 26, 2019
 Dear Neighbors,
I’m very pleased that after months of discussion, we will finally have a town hall meeting in Lake County about ethylene oxide. Illinois State Senator Melinda Bush is hosting the meeting, and many worked hard behind the scenes to bring in experts from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), who will present information at the meeting. We deserve answers to what is in the air we breathe, and what the emissions from Medline Industries in Waukegan and Vantage Specialty Chemicals in Gurnee mean to the employees who work there and the families who live nearby. The IEPA has committed to fund a second round of ambient air monitoring in Lake County near Medline Industries in Waukegan and Vantage Specialty Chemicals in Gurnee which is expected to begin in October 2019.
The blue assessment notices are being sent out today from the Chief County Assessor's Office to Shields and Warren Township residents. Please read below for important information on how to appeal your assessment if you believe that your home has been over-assessed.
Every month, I report to my colleagues on my previous month's work. I've included the September Report for your reference. I hope you will take a moment to read about some of things we are working toward to improve the quality of life in Lake County. As always, it is an honor to serve you on the Lake County Board and the Forest Preserve Board. Please be sure to check out below what's happening around Lake County and don't hesitate to contact me with any questions, concerns or suggestions.
Thank you,
Ethylene Oxide Town Hall Meeting
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State Senator Melinda Bush will host a Multi-Agency Informational Town Hall on Ethylene Oxide on Wednesday, October 2, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the College of Lake County, Auditorium A011, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) will present to the public.
Since November 2018, Lake County and its partners have been working to address concerns of EtO emissions from Medline Industries in Waukegan and Vantage Specialty Chemicals in Gurnee. The Lake County Health Department also created a summary of what has been done since first learning of this issue late last year. More information can be found at www.lakecountyil.gov/eto.
County News
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Shields and Warren Township Assessment Notices in the Mail
2019 assessment notices were recently mailed to property owners in Shields and Warren townships. Assessment notices will be mailed to property owners in Libertyville Township in October.
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An assessment notice is not your tax bill. It is a value placed on your property by your township assessor to estimate the market value of your home as of Jan. 1, 2019. There is a 30 day deadline to file an appeal.
Understand Your Assessment The Chief County Assessment Office is hosting tax assessment help centers in September and October. Here, property owners can receive help on how to file an appeal, talk one-on-one with taxpayer advocates to understand the information on their assessment, see how to use the County's new web applications, and learn about homestead exemptions which can potentially provide tax relief.
Appeals Must Be Filed 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. Prior to filing a formal appeal to the Board of Review, property owners should contact their local township assessors office to discuss their concerns. There is a 30-day deadline to file an appeal, and it must be done online.
Call 211 to Get Connected to Social Services
As of Sept. 24, anyone in Lake County who needs help finding health and human services can call 211 and get quickly connected to available resources. The 211 service, provided by United Way of Lake County, is a free, confidential information and referral helpline that will enable Lake County residents to get the help they need 24 hours a day, regardless of the language they speak or where they live. There is no doubt in my mind that the 211 program is going to improve people’s lives, and in some cases, even save lives.
When you’re facing a crisis, it is so difficult to know where to turn. Particularly in a mental health crisis, an issue that is especially important to me, time is of the essence. Being able to dial 211 to get connected with immediate help will truly make a difference.
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When you call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 from anywhere in Lake County, you will be connected to an expert navigator who will guide you to critical health and human services, including counseling, housing and shelter, food programs, healthcare and mental health services, addiction and problem gambling support, transportation, and so much more.
The Lake County Board contributed a portion of the funding for the new 211 program, allocating $80,000 in video gaming revenue, which is generated from video gaming in the unincorporated areas.
Learn about all 211 Lake County services.
What to Do if You Had Flood Damage
If your home or personal property was damaged by the flooding, contact your insurance company to determine coverage and start the claim process. Be sure to complete emergency clean-up activities, including removing water-damaged property (carpeting, cabinets, etc.).
Permits for Repairs: Once the flood water recedes, contact your local municipality or the Lake County Planning, Building and Development Department (for unincorporated residents) to inquire about permits that may be required to do additional repairs, such as replacing drywall. Be sure to document your flood damage with pictures and keep all receipts related to the clean-up and repair of your property.
Free Well Water Testing: The Lake County Health Department is offering free well testing to residents who were impacted by the recent flood. Find out more.
Innovative Program Helps Low-Income Drivers Get Back on the Road
I'm very proud of Vice-Chair Cunningham's work on the Road to Reinstatement Driver’s License Pilot Program, which is the first in the state. The program was established to address an issue that is experienced by many low-income individuals nationwide: the loss of their driver’s license because of an inability to pay outstanding fees and fines. When unpaid, penalties are incurred and a lower level ticket can turn into hundreds of dollars. Nationally, approximately 40 percent of individuals who lose their driver’s license do so for reasons unrelated to improper driving. Losing a license has consequences beyond not being able to drive. It can impede an individual’s ability to commute to a job and earn a living to support themselves and their families.
Approximately 20 participants who successfully completed the application process were able to request a reduction in their outstanding fees and fines, which when paid, would allow them to renew or reinstate their license.
Individuals were not eligible if they had traffic offenses such as DUI citations or felony charges, were habitual offenders, or had their license suspended because of a child support issue. We are very grateful to the courts and the attorneys who volunteered their time to support this life-changing program.
Read more
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Get Paid to be an Election Worker
The Lake County Clerk’s office needs approximately 2,000 election workers to staff election day voting sites for the March 17, 2020 General Primary. Election workers are vital to ensuring the proper, lawful conduct of the election. Pay is based on Election Day assignment. English/Spanish speaking applicants are encouraged. Required training is free and begins in Nov. 2019.
To apply or get more information, contact the Lake County Clerk’s Election Judge Department:
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Lake County Examines Regulating Recreational Cannabis
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act legalizing the production, sale and adult use of recreational cannabis in Illinois effective January 1, 2020. Local governments across the state and in Lake County are currently evaluating how they will regulate and/or restrict recreational cannabis businesses through zoning (to the extent permitted by law) in terms of location, operations, parking, security, distances to sensitive land uses and other considerations.
The Lake County Planning, Building & Development Department is currently leading a Recreational Cannabis Regulatory Task Force with participation from a majority of Lake County municipalities and community organizations. The goal of this Task Force is to jointly develop regulatory options (from jurisdictional bans to allowing subject to restrictions) to address commercial cannabis in our respective jurisdictions. At the Task Force’s first meeting, the group discussed a number of topics, including health, law enforcement, revenue implications and the new law’s parameters for local government regulation.
As the task force meetings conclude, Lake County will continue its study of the issue, develop its own regulatory strategy (taking into account the Task Force’s model options) and encourage residents to provide input. Updates will be provided as the Task Force continues to meet and when the public meetings are scheduled.
New State Law: County Boards Now Able to Remove Board Chair
I'm very pleased that Governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law a bill that I advocated for when first becoming Chair of the Board in December. Prior to this law, County boards, like Lake County, that are empowered to choose their county chair did not have the legal ability to remove the board chair. This law changes this: If the board is unhappy with the performance of the Chair of the Board, at least four-fifths of board members must vote in favor of his/her removal. As public servants, we need to be held accountable to our residents and in this case, to our colleagues. It is simple good government. Read more.
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Fall Hydrant Flushing Begins this Week
Lake County Public Works is conducting its semi-annual water hydrant flushing program. The expected completion date is Oct. 25. The process will be performed daily, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., until all water mains have been flushed. View the hydrant flushing schedule.
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Residents are urged not to do laundry during periods of flushing in your area to avoid staining of clothing, which may occur due to the disturbance in the water main. This is not harmful and will dissipate after a short time. It is recommended to run cold water for several minutes to clear your pipes. Signs will be posted in each area before the start of hydrant flushing. For further information, contact Lake County Public Works at 847-377-7500.
Lake County Workforce Growth Boosted by Tech, Tourism
Lake County employment is up significantly, 9,000 year-over-year, which is the most in the region! Many factors have contributed to Lake County’s job growth, including the growth of advanced manufacturing and tech companies, families moving to the suburbs and the continuing surge of tourism. Illinois set a new tourism record in 2018, and Lake County continues to be one of the top destinations in the state. Learn more about Lake County’s workforce.
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Environmental News
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Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve Wetland Improvements
The Lake County Forest Preserve is currently expanding and improving the Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve. As part of the work, the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) constructed a wetland mitigation bank by returning former farm fields to a sustainable natural condition. |
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More than 25 acres of wetlands have been created, and a new section of path was added that will be part of Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve’s path system.
View pictures of the wetland mitigation bank and an aerial tour of the new bike trail!
Sheriff News
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Cyber Safety Tips for Parents
Almost all school-age children and teens have access to the Internet, which opens up a world of educational resources but also poses safety concerns. Watch this video to learn important tips for protecting your children from cyber predators. More tips
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Drive Safely Near School Buses
What is the most dangerous part of the school bus ride? The bus stop! Children are at greatest risk when they are getting on or off the school bus. Watch this video from the Lake County (IL) Sheriff's Office about what to do when driving near a school bus.
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Health News
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Become a Mental Health First Aid Instructor
The Lake County Health Department is offering free training to qualified individuals interested in becoming Mental Health First Aid instructors. The training, which normally costs $2,000 per person, will be held Oct. 28 to Nov. 1, 2019 in Waukegan. |
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Applicants accepted into the program must agree to teach three 8-hour Mental Health First Aid classes in 2020. Trainees will learn how to teach the Adult Mental Health First Aid course, including the five-step action plan, evidence-supported treatment, and self-help strategies. Application deadline is Sept. 27, 2019. Learn more and apply.
Low Cost Pet Vaccination Clinic
The Lake County Health Department’s Animal Care and Control program is offering its final low-cost pet vaccination and microchip clinic of 2019 from 9 a.m. to noon on Oct. 5 at Milton C. Jensen Public Works Facility, 40185 N. Glendale Ave., Beach Park. For more information call (847) 377-470 or visit the pet clinic web page.
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All pets must be at least 4 months old
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Dogs must be leashed, and cats placed in carriers
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Only cash is accepted
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Proof of spay/neuter is required
What Happened in Committees?
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Helping to Improve the Flow of Traffic
Helping to Improve the Flow of Traffic
Often times people think the only way to fix traffic congestion is to make roads bigger, or to construct new roads. But through a new program through the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT), traffic flow can be improved by making roads smarter.
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On Aug. 28, the Public Works, Planning and Transportation Committee discussed a contract with a qualified vendor to provide software for Automated Traffic Signal Performance Measures (ATSPM). With ATSPM, LCDOT can review inconsistencies in traffic progression and address traffic signal issues in as little as one hour. Watch the discussion.
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Ethics and Oversight Committee
Committee members discussed proposed changes to the ethics ordinance, creating a new Conduct section, and clarifying complaint procedures for Board Members and Appointees. View the discussion.
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Watch All County Board Meetings
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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Job News
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Summer Youth Employment Program A Great Success
More than 215 youth gained meaningful work experience this summer through the Summer Youth Employment Program. The program, funded by the Lake County Board, often represents the first job for those who participate. Read stories about some of the students who were in the program this year.
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Forest Preserve News
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Waukegan Savanna Dog Park
The Waukegan Savanna Dog Park in Wadsworth was scheduled to open Sept. 13. The 11-acre off-leash park features amenities including a separate enclosed area for small dogs weighing less than 25 pounds, shade shelters, and drinking water for dogs and people. |
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Annual or daily permits are available for the new dog park located within Waukegan Savanna Forest Preserve. The new dog park joins four other parks operated by the Lake County Forest Preserves.
Buckthorn Event: Sept. 28, 10am-11am
Join Lake County Forest Preserve Commissioners Julie Simpson and Jennifer Clark and Forest Preserve staff to learn about the impacts of European buckthorn on our local ecosystems, and how to manage this invasive shrub in your home landscape. |
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They will share best practices for buckthorn removal and suggest great replacement plants. Be inspired to join the movement toward a healthier Lake County. Saturday, Sept. 28, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Cook Memorial Library, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Learn more »
Bring the entire family out for the native tree and shrub sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., then stay for free nature-themed activities and guided tours of the autumnal woodland from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Native Flower and Grasses and Tree Planting 101 workshops are offered throughout the day, starting at 9 a.m.
Learn more »
Hike Lake County Challenge
Grab your hiking shoes and head to the trails to participate in the Hike Lake County challenge while enjoying fall breezes and autumn colors. You have until November 30 to complete seven hikes throughout the Lake County Forest Preserves and earn a commemorative shield for your walking stick or a zipper pull when you turn in your Travel Log. Learn more »
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Education Opportunities for Students, Scouts
Interactive learning, exploring nature and history and incorporating hands-on activities are key aspects that are woven into field trips, in-school programs, and Scouting programs provided year-round by professional educators at the Lake County Forest Preserves. Award-winning programs are designed to meet Illinois Learning Standards. Learn more »
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Community Events and News
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Securing Your Identity
Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim, First Midwest Bank and Restoration America have partnered to offer residents a free Financial Literary course. Learn how to secure your identity on Saturday, Oct 5. From 10 a.m. to noon at the University Center, 1200 University Center Dr., Grayslake.
For more information or to enroll, call Anton Mathews at (847) 377-2043 or email AMathews@lakecountyil.gov.
CLC Theatre Presents “The Little Princess”
The College of Lake County Theatre department presents its fall children’s play “The Little Prince,” on
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Thursday, Sept 26 at 10 a.m.
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Friday, Sept 27 at 4 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m.
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Sunday, Sept 29 at 2 p.m.
Performances take place in the Mainstage Theatre, James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, on CLC’s Grayslake Campus. Learn more
University Center Open House
The University Center of Lake County will host an Open House on Tuesday, Oct. 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the University Center's Grayslake facility, 1200 University Center Drive. Attendees can learn about more than 120 accredited programs available through the University Center to enable students to remain living and working in Lake County while they complete a bachelor’s degree, earn a graduate degree, or pursue professional development certificates. Register for the Open House
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 Lake County Vehicle and Equipment Auction
Cars, trucks, landscape equipment and other surplus items from municipalities and government agencies will be up for sale at the Lake County Municipal Auction conducted by Obenauf Auction Service, Inc. View the list of items
that will be auctioned.
Inspection and Registration:
Friday, Sept. 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 28, 8 a.m.
Auction: Saturday, Sept. 28, 9 a.m.
Where: Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Rd., Grayslake
 Fall Festival Guide
One of the best things about the summer farewell is fall festivals in Lake County. Enjoy an Oktoberfest with your friends and family, get spooked at a haunted house, pick out enormous pumpkins or get lost in a maze of maize. View Lake County’s guide to the County’s fall festivals.
 Zombie Wauk in Waukegan
Come out for the Zombie Wauk, listen to rock bands, get face painting, or simply enjoy the food on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Sterns Plaza, 37 S. Genesse St.
Waukegan. Learn more
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