December 1, 2021
Dear Neighbors,
|
I hope you and your family had a great Thanksgiving. It was fun to get out for two turkey trots (in my Prairie Crossing neighborhood and Rollins Savanna). Many thanks to the organizers and participants.
I was also thrilled to see so many neighbors out for the tree lighting in downtown Grayslake following Thanksgiving. Remember to support our local merchants and restaurants.
As the glorious holiday season gets into full gear, I'd like to mention a charity that benefits everyone in Lake County, the Preservation Foundation of Lake County Forest Preserves.
|
|
 |
This non-profit organization raises money for things like rare seeds for the Rollins Savanna nursery and the stunning new Ansel Adams exhibit at the Preserve's Dunn Museum. (Note: As vice president of the Forest Preserve, I am on the board of the foundation).
You can help the foundation in so many ways. You or your family can "adopt" an acre in Rollins or sponsor a bench. If you're doing estate planning, you can contribute a part of your legacy or donate securities and/or cash. You can even engage your employer as a partner.
Want to learn more? You can go directly to the foundation's website or designate the foundation to receive a portion of your purchases through Amazon Smile. With a donation to our "Guardian Society," you will receive invitations to special events. Learn more
No matter how you choose to contribute -- you can also volunteer -- your time and treasure goes directly into supporting one of the largest forest preserve systems in the state, which protects 31,000 acres and $1 billion in assets for generations to come. I know a red oak tree that I donated in honor of my parents on Rollins will keep on giving long after I'm gone. Thanks in advance for your generosity.
And don't forget that the Forest Preserve has numerous events and educational programs that continue throughout the winter. There are fun things to do for the entire family. View the upcoming calendar of events.
It's my honor to serve you. If you have an immediate need for county services, please call 2-1-1. I'm available to speak before your community group.
Happy Holidays & Be Well!
John Wasik
Lake County Board District 6
John Wasik Webpage
Lake County Government News
|
Reapportionment Plan Receives Committee Approval, Goes to Board
The Lake County Board reapportionment plan, which details the boundaries of the proposed 19 County Board districts, was approved by the Reapportionment Committee at its Nov. 30 meeting. During the meeting, the committee reviewed the public comments submitted, the proposed final map, and an ordinance that establishes the compensation for the Board.
The reapportionment plan will next be brought to the County Board for approval. State law requires the County Board approve an updated district boundary map no later than Dec. 31, 2021. Watch the full meeting discussion
County Focuses on Immediate Needs, Long-term Investments After Pandemic
The Financial and Administrative Special Committee on COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery and Investment met on November 19 to continue the County’s efforts to address distribution of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to assist the County through the pandemic. Lake County is reviewing how to address immediate needs and looking at long-term investments such as household assistance and infrastructure. The Committee will plan further conversations to address public health, economic and business initiatives, and internal county operations. Watch the full meeting discussion
Winter Weather is Coming! Prepare Yourself So You’re Safe
Love it or hate it, winter weather is pretty much here. Prepare for the cold weather by preparing your home and creating an emergency supply kit for your car before the snowflakes start falling and the temperatures keep dropping. Learn more
Use Lake County PASSAGE to Know Before You Go
Prepare yourself and ease your drive, whether it’s to work, shopping or that upcoming holiday gathering by knowing the road conditions before you leave home. Make Lake County PASSAGE your go-to resource before you hit the roads. See the latest road conditions.
|
Discussion To Continue on Open Burning, Consolidated Waste Hauling Dec. 8
The public is invited to attend the Lake County Public Works, Planning and Transportation Committee meeting at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8 for a presentation and Committee discussion on draft unincorporated open burning regulations and highlights of proposed agreements for consolidated waste hauling services (including landscape waste) in unincorporated areas. No final action will be taken at the Dec. 8 meeting.
Information to attend the meeting virtually or in person will be available via the meeting agenda on the County website. Individuals who attend virtually and in person will have an opportunity to provide public comment. For more information about open burning and landscape waste disposal in unincorporated Lake County, visit lakecountyil.gov/openburninginput.
|
Lake County Dissolves Lake Bluff Mosquito Abatement District
The Lake County Board authorized an ordinance at its Sept. 14 meeting to dissolve the Lake Bluff Mosquito Abatement District. The dissolution of the district, which covered parts of Lake Bluff, North Chicago, Green Oaks, and unincorporated Lake County, eliminates a tax levy imposed on properties within the district's boundaries that totals around $100,000 annually. Residents living in the former area will see this levy removed from future tax bills. View the ordinance
Lake County COVID-19 Update
|
Adults Ages 18 and Older Are Eligible for COVID-19 Booster Dose
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 boosters for all adults, age 18 and older. Any adult, age 18 and older, who has received their second dose at least six months ago is eligible to get a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 booster shot. If eligible, visit Vaccines.gov to schedule an appointment near you.
|
Lake County Providers Administer Over 1 Million Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine
Lake County vaccine providers have administered over 1 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to Lake County residents. According to data provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health, more than 69% of eligible Lake County residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and more than 60% are fully vaccinated.
With over 200 vaccination sites throughout Lake County, residents are encouraged to explore their options for vaccination. Many providers, pharmacies, and community clinics offer appointments and walk-ups for both first and second doses as well as booster shots. Learn more
COVID-19 Helpful Links
Get Help
|
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. 211 is multilingual with English and Spanish speaking staff and interprets more than 150 other languages. Learn more
|
|
 |
Employment Resources
Additional Resources
-
Rental Assistance: Lake County’s program for renters provides needed relief to those who need help making past-due or current rent and utility payments. Learn more
-
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
-
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.
-
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
Transportation News
|
Metra To Install Ticket Vending Machines at Its Stations
Metra will begin installing ticket vending machines at every one of its 242 stations in the Chicago area beginning in 2022. This will eliminate cash sales of tickets onboard trains, while also making tickets easier and more convenient to purchase at the stations since many don’t have agents to sell tickets all day. This system will also have fare integration with CTA and Pace. Learn more
|
Health News
|
Community Is Invited to Join Free Event Commemorating World AIDS Day
The Lake County Health Department will host a free event to commemorate World AIDS Day from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Health Department, 3010 Grand Ave., Waukegan. The event, which is free and open to public, will feature a candle lighting ceremony, interactive art exhibits, and information on the Illinois Getting to Zero initiative. This plan aims to see zero new HIV infections in Illinois and zero people living with HIV who are not on treatment by 2030. Learn more
Enroll Today for 2022 Health Insurance
Keep yourself and your family healthy in 2022. Open enrollment has begun for 2022 health insurance. View the important deadlines to know if you wish to enroll in health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Visit HealthCare.gov for more information about coverage. If you do not have a health care provider and are interested in receiving services from the Lake County Health Department, call 847.377.8000 to learn more.
|
Property News
|
Board of Review Completes All Assessment Appeal Cases for 2021
The Lake County Board of Review has completed all assessment appeal cases for tax year 2021. The Board's Clerk has mailed out decision letters, which represent the final decision on your assessment appeal before the Board of Review. You may appeal this decision to the State of Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board by filing a petition for review with the Property Tax Appeal Board within 30 days after the notice is mailed to you or your attorney. Forms are available here.
|
Property Owners May Be Eligible for Flood Insurance Premium Discount
Property owners residing in unincorporated Lake County may be eligible to save an average of $297 a year on their flood insurance policies.
Currently, there are more than 851 flood insurance policies in unincorporated Lake County. Through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS) program, residents within unincorporated Lake County – who meet certain requirements – are eligible for up 20 percent savings on flood insurance premiums. This results in a potential annual total savings of $252,519 overall for residents across the county. Property owners should contact their flood insurance agent to obtain individual savings information. Learn more
|
Treasurer's Office News
|
Donate A Toy to Join Treasurer’s Office Annual Toy Drive
Bring some cheer to local families this holiday season. Donate a new, unwrapped gift now through December 10 as the Lake County Treasurer's Office joins local state representatives to hold its Annual Toy Drive. All toys will be donated to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office to distribute to agencies across the County. Learn more
|
Forest Preserves News
|
Reservations Open for 2022
Snowmobile Safety Course
The Forest Preserve Ranger Police are holding a snowmobile safety education course from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 22, at the Operations and Public Safety Facility in Lindenhurst. Completing eight hours of instruction and passing a written exam allows youth ages 12 and older to earn a state of Illinois Certificate of Competency so they can operate a snowmobile on their own. To reserve a spot in the free course, call 847-968-3404 from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.
|
AAA Bond Rating
The Lake County Forest Preserve District was awarded the AAA bond rating by Moody’s Investors Service, one of the top credit rating agencies in the world. The importance of the AAA rating was highlighted recently, when the District sold a $14.9 million series of bonds to refinance $16.9 million of outstanding bond issues. The sale resulted in about $1.6 million in total savings in tax levies through 2033. The savings, passed onto taxpayers, are worth about $1.5 million in today’s dollars. Learn more »
|
Community Events and News
|
Discover Some Fun this Holiday Season
Lake County is home to many holiday festivities, meet and greets with jolly old St. Nick, shopping sprees, delectable eats and more to enjoy with the family. Enjoy this jolly list from Visit Lake County of the top 10 holiday things to do in Lake County.
|
Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
|
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. |
|
 |
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. Here are links to the most recent board and committee meetings, including the video recordings and agendas:
|
