LCMLetterNews you can use
July 26, 2012
In this issue
:: Issues in Legislature Discussed
:: Construction Update
:: Two Bills Signed by Governor
Greetings!
The LCMLetter is published twice a month and its goal is to keep Lake County Municipal League members informed on municipal issues. As issues relevant to municipal officials arise, the LCMLetter will provide you with a synopsis of the issues and provide you with a link for further details.
Issues in Legislature Discussed 

At the recent LCML meeting on Thursday, July 19, Legislative issues were discussed with LCML members and Joe McCoy, IML; and Taylor Anderson, Anderson Legislative Consulting. The most critical issue for municipalities is  public safety pension reform. LCML and the other COGs have to keep the pressure on the Legislature, especially with the possibility of so many new members being elected in the coming year.

We will continue to keep you informed. For pictures from the latest LCML meeting, go to www.lakecountyleague.org. 
Construction Update from County

Talkin' Transportation - Construction Projects

It's that time of year again in Lake County - construction season! Find out about current construction projects, including the Cedar Lake Road extension, the construction on Delany Road, other projects planned for the near future, and important safety tips for traveling through a work site. Click here to view the video.
Two bills signed by Governor

Governor Quinn signed two bills into law at the end of last week.

HB 4687 amends the Open Meetings Act concerning requirements for meeting agendas. LCML originally opposed the bill because of the ambiguous requirement that items on a meeting agenda be "sufficiently descriptive" concerning the issue to be discussed. The IML worked with municipal clerks to replace "sufficiently descriptive" with the more agreeable phrase of "general subject matter." The bill was enacted into law on July 19 as P.A. 97-0827. The law takes effect on January 1, 2013.

HB 5362 allows non-home rule municipalities to use the proceeds of its sales taxes for expenditure on municipal operations from 2015 to 2020. Such use is in addition to or in lieu of any expenditure on public infrastructure or for property tax relief. This applies only to taxes approved by a referendum after July 14, 2010. The bill was enacted into law on July 20 as P.A. 97-0837. The law became effective on July 20.
Please share this LCMLetter with staff. It is our aim to keep elected officials and their village staff informed about the issues facing municipalities.
 
Sincerely,
Christine Gentes
Lake County Municipal League