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Dear Neighbors, |
I hope this finds you and family well. As the weather warms up, the birds are singing and people are getting out more to see neighbors they haven’t seen in a year. I hope more of you are getting out to enjoy the sunshine.
The most encouraging news first: We are receiving thousands more vaccines throughout the county, so the chances are you can get a shot soon if you're in the Phase 1b group of those over over 65 or a frontline essential worker. Teachers are continuing to be vaccinated at Round Lake and Stevenson High Schools. Visit our vaccine web page to learn about the various ways you can receive a vaccine. If you're registered in our ALLVAX system you'll get notified when an appointment is available for you. If you have questions or need help with the system, call (847) 377-8130.
The County Board passed a gas tax of 4 cents a gallon. It will go into effect on July 1. I know this tax may adversely impact many residents who have to drive and I'm certainly sensitive to that. As we work through the pandemic, I fully realize that the timing is not ideal.
Yet I want to tell you why I voted for the tax at this time. The benefits vastly outweigh the drawbacks.
Why do this now? We're severely behind on all of our county highway improvements -- we currently have a backlog of $1.7 billion in projects. Road quality, congestion and railroad freight delays get worse by the day. This winter has ravaged the roads even more.
So the longer we wait, the worse the road situation becomes. Like you, I find the dreadful drive along Routes 120 and 83 during the busiest times of the day to be supremely frustrating -- and unacceptable. For the past 35 years I've lived in Lake County, traffic has only gotten worse. It's time we did something about it.
What will this money be used for? Well, it certainly won't go to Springfield or Washington. It's going into local roads. More specifically, I asked that this money go towards a railroad grade crossing at Route 120 west of Rt. 83 and to modernize Route 83 from Route 137 north of Grayslake North High School. I've been fighting for both projects for years. Another project is called the Route 120 corridor improvement project, which would modernize this highway from Hainesville to Wildwood.
What's the math behind this tax? Keep in mind that inflation makes any road improvement more expensive in the future. A $1 million project would cost $30,000 more next year at an inflation rate of 3%. So doing projects sooner rather than later makes our money go further. And, in case you're wondering, this will not raise your property tax a dime. We've actually lowered our county rate for the past two years and hope to do so this year.
Okay, so what about people who have to drive and don't have the option of working at home? I don't have a reliable crystal ball, but I think gas prices will go down over time, although they may surge in the coming months. Demand for gasoline in recent years has been dropping due to more electric vehicles hitting the road. This trend will continue as every major vehicle maker converts their fleet to electric cars and trucks. Note: Electric car owners are already paying higher state vehicle registration fees. But that's not good enough to help those whose incomes will get dinged by this tax. This is what I'm doing to address the impact and other concerns about this tax:
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I've requested that the county board and staff address the equity issue in terms of helping those who have to drive. I have proposed that our key working committees draft a transportation equity policy that will better help those hit hardest by this tax.
- I've reached out to leaders in underserved and faith communities to address this issue. Unlike the past, they will be part of this ongoing dialogue with the county and transportation officials.
- I've engaged with the environmental community to see how a comprehensive policy can green our infrastructure while making public transportation and paratransit more accessible.
- Since the Biden Administration is proposing a major infrastructure bill, we will likely get federal dollars. As legislative chair, I've been lobbying our Congressional delegation to fund local projects. The more money we can put on the table, the more federal (and possibly state/local) dollars we can leverage. This means we can get more bang for our buck and fund more projects. With the passage of the federal American Rescue Act, Lake County is due to receive some $135 million, so short-term needs like rental/utility/small business assistance will be funded.
Hands down, though, the most compelling reason I voted for this tax is public safety. Grayslake has some of the most dangerous roads and intersections in the county and five railroad crossings. With more freight trains coming through, this is an undeniable growing problem. I know it's going to get worse because I've been negotiating with the Canadian National Railroad over the past two years to try to ease this ongoing burden to our community. At my request, the railroad is currently talking with our county highway engineers and the Village of Grayslake to find a route to a solution, which will have to include a grade crossing at Route 83 and 120. We've waited long enough for some action. I want to push forward.
Ultimately, if we do this right, we can build highways that will get you home and to work sooner. We will also overhaul our public transit system to better serve those who need buses and trains to get around. We're also building more pedestrian/bike paths and sidewalks.
Sitting in an idling vehicle is rarely time well spent. You'll even save more gas by not sitting in traffic getting zero miles to the gallon.
Still on the topic of highways, last week I watched consultants for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) present a plan for the modernization of Route 83 from Rt. 137 through Grayslake to Route 132 in Lake Villa.
This project has been "on the books" since 2012 and is designed to make this perennial vexing bottleneck safer and ease traffic flow. The plan I saw -- with four lanes, medians, turning lanes and adjacent bike/pedestrian paths -- proposes to alleviate the traffic and flooding problems that have plagued this corridor for decades.
One thing I discovered in watching this presentation is that our stretch of Route 83/Barron Blvd. is one of the most treacherous highways in the county: There have been more than 1,000 accidents along this route in recent years. That needs to change, of course, but like the other highway improvements mentioned above, it will take tens of millions of dollars from local, county, state and federal sources to fix. I'm lobbying for the money to do the job. For more information, click here.
I'm happy to report that our Forest Preserve Preservation Foundation is funding a project to grow select, rare prairie plants. Our Rollins Savanna Seed Nursery will be the main location for this effort.
Keep in mind that you can donate to our foundation: Your donation will fund an array of preservation programs from Blandings Turtle breeding to larger restoration efforts. Learn more at this link.
Another new Forest Preserve project is the addition of a beer garden at Independence Grove, which will be situated at the preserve's Beach House. We will have more details when we get closer to the summer season. As we come out of the pandemic, we are looking for ways to restore our normal suite of services from picnic permits to facility rentals. Stay tuned for more details.
Don't forget to vote in the municipal elections on April 6. There are myriad seats open on school, township and village boards. These folks decide how the bulk of your tax dollars are spent. Please note that the Fremont 110 precinct has been moved out of the Byron Colby Barn to the Forest Preserve offices on Winchester just East of Rt. 45. This is for public safety reasons (COVID). I am hoping we can have all of the Prairie Crossing precincts re-consolidated for the 2022 election. Early voting starts soon. Thanks for your patience.
If you need help with food, rental/housing or other social services, please call the United Way of Lake County 2-1-1 line. I'm also happy to speak to your community group either live or virtually.
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Lake County COVID-19 Update
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Tips for Finding a Vaccine Appointment
One year ago this week, Lake County recorded its first case of COVID-19. While it’s been a tremendously difficult year, we are fortunate to have access to effective vaccines that were developed in record time.
The vaccine supply is finally starting to increase this month, and although it will still take months for everyone who wants a vaccine to receive one, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
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Because of the increased supply, the Lake County Health Department has been able to expand the hours of its mass vaccination site at the Lake County Fairgrounds to six days a week, so more people are being offered appointments. Additional locations in the county will be available soon. We continue to encourage all residents to explore their options for COVID-19 vaccination and take the first available appointment if they are eligible. There are several ways to access the vaccine:
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Register to get notified of appointment availability in the county’s AllVax system. Check the box to give your consent for the Health Department to securely share your registration information with local vaccination partners. This will give you more options for receiving an appointment at partnering community vaccination sites that open as vaccine supply increases. Once registered, you can log in to your Allvax account any time to verify and/or update your information.
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Visit our vaccine web page to see a list of community vaccination sites. More sites are opening and will be listed on the page as they become available.
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Use the State’s Vaccine Locator that lists pharmacies and other providers that are offering vaccinations to the public.
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Check with your hospital system or healthcare provider group for registration and availability. Most systems are reaching out to their existing patients and cannot accommodate other people calling to inquire about appointments at this time.
- Stay informed--get the COVID-19 weekly newsletter: The Lake County Health Department sends out a weekly COVID-19 newsletter every Friday with the latest information about the COVID-19 vaccine, coronavirus in Lake County, how to protect yourself, and more. Subscribe here
Assistance With Allvax Portal
Residents who need assistance with the Allvax portal can email AllVax@lakecountyil.gov or call (847) 377-8130. The call center hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Recently, additional volunteers have been added to take calls from Lake County residents age 65 and older during special senior hours:
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Tuesdays: Noon to 3 p.m.
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Thursdays: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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Fridays: Noon to 3 p.m.
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Vaccine Help for Veterans
Veterans in Lake County who would like to establish care at the VA in order to be eligible to receive the vaccine should contact the Veterans Assistance Commission for assistance at 847-377-3344. Veterans age 50 and older who are already established patients of the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center may call 224-610-3899 to schedule a vaccine appointment.
Current COVID-19 Data
Positivity Rate: As of March 5, the rolling 7-day average testing positivity rate in North Suburban Region 9, which includes Lake and McHenry Counties, was 3.4 percent. View Region 9 information.
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Vaccination Count: According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), as of March 8, there have been 159,483 vaccine doses administered to Lake County residents, and 51,123 residents have been fully vaccinated with two doses. View IDPH Vaccine Administration Data
COVID-19 Testing
Drive-thru and walk-up testing is available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Waukegan at 102 W. Water Street.
Residents may schedule an appointment for their COVID-19 test by visiting the Illinois Department of Public Health MyChart website at https://rebrand.ly/idph. Sign in or sign up to create an account, and then select ‘Visits’ and then ‘Schedule an Appointment.’
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Testing is free and open to all regardless of symptoms. Be aware that high demand for testing may result in long wait times. Testing locations may close early due to inclement weather or if daily testing supplies are exhausted. Find additional testing locations and information at https://www.dph.illinois.gov/testing.
Lake County Government News
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Lake County Board Addresses $1.7 Billion Transportation Project Backlog with Adoption of Local County Motor Fuel Tax Ordinance
At its March 9 meeting, the Lake County Board enacted an ordinance to address the $1.7 billion transportation project backlog in Lake County. The new ordinance will provide an estimated $10 million each year in new transportation infrastructure investments through the adoption of a four cents per gallon local county motor fuel tax.
Learn more
Temporary Open Burning Restrictions in Unincorporated Lake County
The Lake County Board voted on March 9 to reinstate a temporary emergency ordinance effective through June 9, 2021, which allows open burning of landscape waste in unincorporated Lake County from sunrise to sunset only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The 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. |
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Some unincorporated areas are also subject to the open burning rules of their local fire protection district, which may be more restrictive.
Temporary emergency ordinances restricting open burning of landscape waste in unincorporated Lake County were in effect in 2020 in recognition of the increased risk of negative health impacts from open burning on individuals infected with COVID-19. The most recent ordinance expired on Dec. 31, but has been reinstated for the 2021 spring landscape waste burning season.
Learn more
How to Vote in April 6 Election
April 6 is Election Day for local offices including city, village and township officials, school board members, park district and library board members and more. Referendum questions will also be on the ballots for some communities.
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Vote by Mail: Due to COVID-19, all voters are encouraged to vote by mail and avoid lines during early voting or on Election Day. Request a ballot or track your request at lakevoterpower.info.
Early Voting: Early voting will be available at 16 sites countywide. Twelve sites will be open Monday to Saturday from March 22 to April 3, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Four sites will offer extended hours including evenings and Sundays, and will be open from March 22 to April 5. View early voting hours and locations or use our Early Voting Sites Finder. Wait times will be displayed on the finder beginning March 22.
Election Day Voting April 6: Neighborhood polling sites will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Reapportionment Committee to Look at New District Boundaries
Under Illinois law, every 10 years the Lake County Board must reapportion its districts so that each district has approximately the same number of residents. On Feb. 18, the board’s newly formed Reapportionment Committee met to discuss the framework of the redistricting process. Data collected from the decennial census is used to determine the population in Lake County and then political boundaries are redrawn based on the data.
The next meeting date has yet to be determined. Visit our Reapportionment Page for up-to-date information regarding the redistricting process and for a link to the video of the Feb.18 meeting.
Transportation News
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Stearns School Road Bridge Closed During Construction
A full closure of the Stearns School Road Bridge is scheduled to begin on Monday, March 15 and expected to remain closed for nine months as part of a project to replace the 70‐year‐old bridge over the Tri‐State Tollway (I‐94).
The full closure and a traffic detour are necessary because the bridge is too narrow to accommodate traffic while safely providing a work zone to complete the removal and reconstruction of the bridge. Up to 15,900 vehicles travel on this section of Stearns School Road daily.
Learn more
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Useful Things to Know
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Summer Youth Employment Program
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Young people from low-income families in Lake County are encouraged to apply for the Lake County Summer Youth Employment Program! This popular program from the Job Center of Lake County is funded by the Lake County Board and will provide meaningful work experiences in either onsite or virtual environments for approximately 215 young people this summer. Applications are due by April 30.
Learn more
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Spend Your Summer in a Stream!
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) is seeking two stream inventory interns to work this summer in the Squaw Creek and Fish Lake Drain Watersheds.
Interns will be responsible for performing a field-based assessment of channel conditions, hydraulic structures draining to the stream, available habitat in the stream and more.
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Protect Your Home from Flooding
The snow and ice around Lake County has melted, leaving the ground saturated, and now we’re heading into the rainy season of spring. Here are some steps homeowners can take to help prevent flooding:
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Inspect your foundation and seal any cracks to prevent water seeping indoors
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Check your sump pump to make sure it’s working
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If possible, clear storm sewer inlets near your house to prevent ponding and facilitate melt water run-off
Learn more
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Get High-Quality Plat Images Online
The Lake County Recorder of Deeds Office is offering a new service that provides online access to the 400DPI plat image database. This allows users to download high- quality full size scanned plat images in TIF or PDF formats without having to call or email the Recorder of Deeds Office to request a copy. All plat copies can be either billed to a credit card or charged to your monthly recording/copies statement account.
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Senior Designee Form for Property Taxes
Homeowners who receive the Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption may choose to designate another person to receive a duplicate copy of any delinquent real estate tax notice. If you would like to do this, please print and complete the form at this link, and mail it with a check for $5 to the Lake County Treasurer’s Office, 18 N. County St., Room 102, Waukegan, IL 60085-4361. Questions? Call the Treasurer’s Office at 847-377-2323.
Get Help
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SBA Loan Deadline for Small Businesses Affected by Civil Unrest in 2020 is Approaching
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding Illinois businesses that Economic Injury Disaster Loans are still available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and private nonprofit organizations affected by civil unrest that occurred from May 26 to June 8, 2020. The application deadline is March 23, 2021. Learn more
Get Help Paying Rent and Utilities
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.
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ComEd assistance: ComEd offers several different programs for individuals and small businesses experiencing financial hardship to receive assistance with their electric bill payments. To learn more, visit ComEd.com/Support.
Food for Families in Need
The Northern Illinois Food Bank maintains a list of mobile food pantries and pop-up food markets planned for Lake County. Families in need of food are invited to attend any of the markets to receive free groceries. No ID or registration is required. For a complete calendar, visit solve hunger today.
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Don't Go Without Health Insurance
Did you lose your health insurance when you lost your job, or are you uninsured for any reason at all? You may be able to purchase coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
A special enrollment period is open through May 15, 2021 to anyone who needs to obtain health insurance. Individuals who are already insured through the ACA but would like to change their current plan may do so at this time as well. Some people may qualify for subsidies (tax credits) to help reduce monthly premiums and other costs. Visit GetCoveredIllinois.gov to learn more and enroll.
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Mental Health/Substance Abuse
The Lake County Health Department’s Crisis Care Program has a free, confidential hotline staffed by professional counselors for those experiencing a mental health crisis or substance use issue. Services are available 24/7 to anyone. Call (847) 377-8088 or walk in to 3002 Grand Avenue, Waukegan. People can also get connected to this line by calling 211. |
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Employment Resources
Are you looking for a job during this challenging time of layoffs, furloughs, and hiring freezes? Here are some helpful resources from the Job Center of Lake County:
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Your Personal Brand and Resume, March 16 at 1 p.m.: Regardless of your job title or field, you have a personal brand. Learn how to customize your resume and other written tools to help you land a great job! Register here
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Mastering the Virtual Job Interview, March 23 at 1 p.m.: Virtual interviews are becoming a staple of the candidate recruiting process. Learn the necessary tips and tricks to successfully interview online and land your next job! Register here
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Find more workshops on the Job Center Calendar
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The Job Center of Lake County has computers you can use for your job search. Face coverings are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed. To schedule an appointment, call 847-377-3450.
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Get Hired Illinois: Get Hired Illinois is a single portal where individuals can access virtual job fairs, free online training, and current job listings.
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. To receive general COVID-19 information via text message, text "COVID19" to 211211. For more information, visit www.211lakecounty.org. |
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Forest Preserve News |
Maple Syrup Hikes & Programs
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Throughout March, enjoy self-guided Maple Syrup Hikes through Ryerson Woods in Riverwoods along with a variety of related virtual programs and field trips that teach the sweet science behind turning sap from sugar maple trees into maple syrup.
Browse all virtual education offerings and register online at LCFPD.org/calendar. Follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @LCFPD for more educational resources, webinars and videos. Learn more about maple syrup programs»
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Temporary Positions Available
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Looking to spend the summer outdoors in a beautiful, natural setting? We are in the process of hiring an array of temporary positions. "We offer a wide variety of seasonal employment opportunities with openings available this spring," said Laurel Diver, manager of human resources and risk.
Temporary positions are available at the three golf courses we operate, Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, Fox River Marina in Port Barrington and other locations. Learn more»
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Fast Facts About Your Preserves
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There are so many interesting fast facts and figures about your Lake County Forest Preserves. Created in 1958, we are the second-largest Forest Preserve District in Illinois, managing nearly 31,000 acres of land and 208 miles of trails.
A 162-acre land purchase in 1961 started things off, creating Lake County's very first preserve—Van Patten Woods in Wadsworth. Discover a dozen more facts»
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Community Events & News
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Successful Vegetable Gardening
The University of Illinois Extension, Lake County, and SWALCO (Solid Waste Agency of Lake County) invite all gardeners to get the dirt on vegetable gardening this season! The 2021 Garden Learning Series offers a monthly program from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month through July. The next session will be held April 14, and will explore Successful Vegetable Gardening: Beyond Basics. Learn more
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Get Ready to Golf, Lake County!
Lake County is a golfer’s haven! The County’s 46 golf courses are getting ready for spring and should be opening up in late March. Check out Visit Lake County’s Golf Lake County guide for information on where to golf in Lake County.
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Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
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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.
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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, click here.
All meetings are recorded, and are posted on the Lake County website. Here are links to the most recent board and committee meetings, including the video recordings and agendas:
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