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Board Meeting:
April 10, 2012
 | | Behind the Badge: Highway Patrol |
LCTV can be seen on Comcast cable channel 18 or 30 or channel 99 for AT&T U-verse subscribers.
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Lake County Edition
April 2012
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County Board Plans for Long-Term Facilities Needs of the Judicial System
Lake County's population growth is placing huge demands on its court system, which includes all court services (criminal and civil), as well as the jail, and the services of the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, State's Attorney, and Public Defender. For the last several years, Lake County has been undergoing an extensive master planning process to address space issues and develop a long-term plan for facility expansion over the next 20 years.
The County has already implemented several phases of the plan, which included constructing new branch courts across the county. The court system has also implemented operational efficiencies, including a program that allows cases to move through the justice system based on when the case is ready, rather than a set timeline. This is called intensive case management and it reduces the amount of time necessary to resolve cases.
Still, there is not enough available courtrooms to meet the increased demand and this can result in delays in the justice process. The main downtown courthouse was built more than 40 years ago and it presents significant constraints as it relates to holding inmates for court calls, and transporting them to and from the jail. Also, the County is using conference rooms as temporary courtrooms, and some do not meet state standards for courtroom space.
The County Board recently approved moving forward with Phase 3 of the Justice Agency Master Plan (implementation and project development study) that will provide the level of detail needed to develop the long-term plan from both a financial and operational perspective. For example, it will recommend specific space plans, identify additional operational efficiencies, and evaluate budget/funding plan options, as well as an implementation and construction schedule. The overall goal is to provide effective justice as efficiently as possible.
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National County Government Month
Lake County is celebrating National County Government Month (NCGM) during the month of April. The theme for this year's celebration is "Healthy Counties, Healthy Families." Lake County provides many services that promote the health of individuals and their families through the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center, as well as programs that support a healthy environment. National County Government Month is a great opportunity for the public to take a closer look at county services and foster a greater understanding of the role and responsibility of county government. To learn more, visit our website or browse the videos in the Health Department Video Library, and the Going Green Video Library.
National Volunteer Week April 15 -21, 2012
In honor of National Volunteer Week, Stan Villarreal shares his experiences as a volunteer for the Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission. In this video, Villarreal, a Vietnam vet, explains why he volunteers and highlights how he continues to serve his country. Whether it's picking up litter along one of Lake County's highways or serving as a Medical Reserve Corp, there are several opportunities to volunteer throughout the county. More information can be found on the Lake County website.
Lake County Needs Volunteers! Are you interested in volunteering to serve on a government board?When citizens participate in government, it enhances transparency, openness, as well as effectiveness because government officials benefit from citizens' input, perspective, and expertise. The Lake County Board is seeking volunteers to appoint to various boards, agencies, and commissions. Residents can now visit one page on the County's website to search county board appointed committees/boards/agencies, check eligibility, see if there is a vacancy, and apply on-line. Information about each committee, including term, composition, compensation, and contact information is also available on the site.
Lake County Board Office: 847-377-2257
Tax Bills to be Mailed First Week of MayThe Treasurer's Office will be mailing tax bills to Lake County property owners in the first week of May. Homeowners that depend on the US Postal Service to "Temporarily Forward" your annual tax bill to a second location should be aware that due to new postal regulations, your bill may not be forwarded as it was in the past. If this applies to you, sign up for the Treasurer's e-news service and an email will be sent when your tax bill is available. If you have not received a bill by mid-May please visit the Treasurer's website, or call the office at 847-377-2323 for more information. Due dates are June 6 and September 6.
Workforce Investment Board Annual Report
The Lake County Workforce Investment Board 2011 Annual Report  is now available. Learn more about local economic conditions impacting our businesses and workers, outcomes of workforce programs, and the impacts of those programs on our local economy. The report also highlights services available to businesses, youth and adult job seekers, and some of 2011's greatest success stories. View the report here.
Career Chat: Preparing and Responding During Behavior Based Interviews
In today's job market, employers are turning to behavioral-based interviews to see how candidates may have handled different situations and experiences to see if they are a good fit for the organization. For example, an interviewer may ask, "Tell me about a time when you worked in a team." In this edition of Career Chat, learn what types of questions to expect, how to prepare, and how to respond during a behavioral interview.
E-filing for Statement of Economic Interests
County Clerk Willard Helander announces e-filing as an option for government employees and officials who are required to file a Statement of Economic Interests. E-filing is fast, easy, reduces paper and postage costs, and is good for the environment. Historically, the filing process involved stacks of out-going letters, forms and postage, return of the completed forms, and mailing receipts to filers. Now, this can be done online. The e-file program was designed and created by county staff at no additional cost. Plans for phase II include governmental agencies updating their list of required filers on-line and e-filers generating their receipts once the filing is successfully submitted. |
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U.S. Senator Durbin Tours PASSAGE
Lake County Board Chairman David Stolman recently welcomed  U.S. Senator Dick Durbin to the Transportation Management Center (TMC) in Libertyville. Durbin was able to see Lake County PASSAGE in action and shared why the federal government has invested in this state-of-the-art transportation monitoring tool that provides real time traffic congestion information to motorists. Watch video from Senator Durbin's visit to the TMC and learn how you can save time and avoid congestion with Lake County PASSAGE.
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Coming to Terms with Depression
Did you know 20 percent of the population will experience a significant depressive episode in their lives? If you ever feel depressed, remember that there is always someone to talk with. Friends, teachers, ministers are among your options as well as the 24/7 crisis care program phone line provided through the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center. If you recognize signs of depression in friends or family, we encourage you to reach out to them in a direct way.
Try Meatless Meals for Your Health and Your Budget
Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center Dietitian Toby Smithson explains ways to enjoy a plant-based diet that not only decreases the fat and cholesterol in your diet, but increases fiber, vitamins and minerals. Watch Now!
"Healthy Lake County" News
 This month's "Healthy Lake County" video features segments on: Living with wildlife; the success of the Express Clinic for sexually transmitted infections; and help by phone for a mental health crisis. Watch Now!
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Lake County Sustainability Progress Report 2011 Now Available
The Lake County Board adopted a "Strategy for a Sustainable Lake County" in 2009. Throughout the past year, Lake County has made progress toward accomplishing goals put forth by our sustainability agenda as well as including new objectives that will lead our County into a healthy and sustainable region. Progress Report.
How do you go green, Lake County? Native Plants
Lake County boasts plenty of beautiful forest preserves and natural space. Homeowners can support and preserve the natural green ecosystem by planting more native plants. Native plants serve as food to many songbirds and other native wildlife, protect water quality by controlling soil erosion and moderate flooding, and they can look just as beautiful as store-bought plants! Find out how easy it is to contribute to the green movement by watching this installment of How Do You Go Green, Lake County? Watch Video
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Upcoming Events
Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption Outreach Sessions
The 2012 Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption Applications have been mailed and outreach sessions are under way! Anyone who needs assistance can attend one of the outreach sessions being held by the Chief County Assessment Office, and the Lake County Township Assessors Association. Staff will work one on one with residents to complete their exemption forms based on a first come, first serve basis.
Dates and Locations
Rain Barrel, Compost Bin, Native Plant Sale
Saturday, May 12
Rain barrels collect rain water for watering plants and yards and reduce the amount of runoff entering the storm drain system. Compost bins create nutrient rich for yards and gardens and dispose of less materials going to the landfill. Planting native species in your yard can reduce the amount of water needed for gardens, can eliminate the need for fertilizers and chemicals, and creates habitats for birds, butterflies and other pollinators.
Saturday, May 12, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
(plant sale runs through Sunday, May 13)
Independence Grove Forest Preserve, Libertyville
Free Workshop for Homeowners Associations and Property Owners
This workshop is for homeowners associations and property owners responsible for maintaining detention ponds, drainage swales, wetlands and natural areas. Information about legal responsibilities, budget considerations and Best Management Practice case studies will be shared.
Thursday, April 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Central Permit Facility, Libertyville
Learn more
RSVP for the workshop
Buffalo Creek Clean Water Partnership Stakeholder Meeting
The mission of the BCCWP is to address issues like flooding and erosion, water quality and habitat loss along the stream that drains through parts of eleven communities in Lake County including Buffalo Grove, Barrington, Long Grove, Lake Zurich, and Deer Park.
Wednesday, April 25, 7 p.m.
Village of Buffalo Grove council chambers
Learn more
North Branch Chicago River Watershed Planning Committee Quarterly Program Meeting
The NBPC will meet to discuss potential projects for the upcoming Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Section 319 grant application. We will tour the Dalitsch Pond, and then have an open forum to gather feedback on potential projects for the upcoming 2012 application deadline. Have an idea for a 319 project in the North Branch? This is your opportunity to receive feedback from experienced grantees!
Wednesday, May 9, 1:30 p.m.
City of Lake Forest Municipal Services Center
Learn more
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