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Lake County News
 
From Ann Maine  
 
Lake County Board & Forest Preserve District 21
 
September 2010
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In This Issue
Property Assessments
Forest Preserve
Transportation News
Environmental Concerns
Emergency Preparedness
Business Information
Community News
Public Hearing
Archives
 

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A Note From Ann
 
Dear Neighbors,

On Tuesday September 14 the County Board and Forest Preserve Board had their monthly meetings. Lake County is using $5.6 million of federal stimulus funds to implement programs that reduce energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs across Lake County departments. One project area within this program includes the retrofitting of County facilities with efficient heating and cooling systems, installing energy efficient lighting, upgrading electrical systems, replacing windows, improving insulation, and modifying controls and temperature sensing devices. When complete, these retrofits are projected to save the County in excess of $400,000 a year in energy costs.

I've high lighted additional decisions below.  If you'd like more details, the
County Board meetings are available on-line.  If you are interested in a specific item, you can look at the agenda and click on it.  In the next year the Forest Preserve meetings will also be available on-line.

At the end of the month we will begin our overview of the budget, leading into our budget hearings.  As in past years, these meetings last about 2 weeks and are open to the public.  We anticipate needing to cut at least another  6-8 million dollars from our budget to ensure a balanced budget.  As these meetings progress, I'll keep you posted.
 
As always, I welcome your comments on these or any
other issues.  Government works best when the citizens are heard, so I hope you'll continue to share your concerns.If you'd like me to come to your Homeowner's meeting of other group to address more issues in person, just contact me.
 
Sincerely,

Ann B. Maine

Lake County Board and Forest Preserve
District 21
847-374-9787

Help me go paperless!  I encourage you to forward this update to others who may be interested in Lake County news.  Persons who wish to automatically receive these free updates should send their email address information to: [email protected] or click "join our mailing" list above.
 
 
Property Assessment Information
Residents of Vernon Township, which includes all of Lincolnshire and parts of Mettawa, Riverwoods and Deerfield, should have received their 2010 assessment notice in the mail.  I have compiled an informational newsletter that gives you information on checking your assessment and the appeal process. 
Forest Preserve and Nature News
In September the Forest Preserve bought over 300 acres, including an entirely new preserve, Mill Creek, located in the Gurnee area.  As you can see from the map, the entire property is traversed by the creek. In addition, there is a lovely pond on the property, as well as beautiful, old oak forests.
Pond at new preserve
Mill Creek Pond

Location of the new Mill Creek Forest Preserve
Mill Creek Locator
 












Fall is a wonderful time to get out and explore your forest preserves, and the Hike Lake County Program offers you an incentive to visit some new preserves.  Hike 7 out of 12 designated Lake County Forest Preserve trails between August 15 and November 30 and earn a free commemorative shield for your hiking stick.

The Friends of Ryerson Woods are sponsoring a number of interesting programs associated with the Business of Being Green.  On September 30, George Ranney, from Chicago Metropolis 2020 will moderate a panel discussion with Randy Blankenhorn of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, Jerry Weber, the President of College of Lake County and Tom Hahn, the executive director of the Lake County Forest Preserves.  Join them for an interesting evening (7 pm-9 pm) as they discuss the Green Future of Lake County, (registration required) and look see the Friends of Ryerson calender of future events, including book discussions and art openings.

Give Peace a Chance :  John and Yoko's Bed-in for Peace
 
Is a special photography exhibit at Lake County Discovery Museum   It opens October 9 and runs until January 2, 2011.  It features never before photos by Life Magazine journalist Gerry Deiter.  Currently the museum is featuring a juried exhibit by mid west artists:  The Farm:  Images from the heartland.

See the Forest Preserve calender  for information on the many other programs offered or call 847-968-3321. 
Transportation Update
Metra is working on the UP North line, which has disrupted the train schedule.  Responding to complaints, they planned to start a new schedule on September 26.  However, this has now been delayed until October.  Passengers who would like to be notified when there are updates, can also log on to MyMetra and sign up by selecting the UP North line and checking the box that says "e-mail notifications of service alerts on my train routes." Passengers can also receive updates following on Twitter @MetraUPN.   You can also buy tickets on line from My Metra.

Here in Lake County we are continuing to approve construction improvements.  Here are some that  impact District 21.


Milwaukee Avenue from Route 137 to Route 120
At Tuesday's meeting we approved the sale of up to $32 million of Recovery Zone and Build America bonds for the purpose of road improvements including the widening and reconstruction of Route 21 (Milwaukee Avenue) from Route 137 to Route 120.  The Forest Preserve has been part of this planning as we work to  connect the Des Plaines River Trail to trails west of Milwaukee Ave. 

There will be a public meeting on September 28th at 6:30pm at the Libertyville Streets Committee meeting for Libertyville residents and business to see the plans.  IDOT is working on ROW acquisition and the letting is currently scheduled for June 2011. The project will likely take two years to construct.
 

Intersection of Route 22 and Milwaukee Avenue
Many of you contacted me asking when the Route 22 and Milwaukee Avenue intersection construction will be finished.  This is a State of Illinois project. Construction I have spoken with the Resident Engineer for the project.  He said the major road work should be done by the end of October.  Hopefully the weather will remain good for construction.


The bike path across the river on Deerfield Rd. is moving along.  Placement of the bridge will require closing the road for a few days in the fall.  I will let you know when that will happen.

Roundabout at Riverwoods and Everett Roads
The work on the roundabout is moving along quickly.  I have heard from many of you about how exciting it is to see a project move along.  With weather permitting, the roundabout will be open for traffic this construction season. There may be additional work next spring such as landscaping, and punch list items.Because of the placement of the roundabout, traffic will be able to move through the intersection during the construction.  You can learn more about roundabouts and how pedestrians and cyclists will use them too.


Winchester Road from Route 45 to Butterfield Road
On Tuesday we approved funding for the resurfacing of Winchester Road from Route 45 to Butterfield Road.  We will let the contract in October, with work scheduled to begin in the spring.

Over the past few months the Public Works and Transportation Committee has been reviewing the annual update for our proposed Highway Plan.  Despite the name, this does include expanding our bike path system.  Our "Complete Streets" program means that anytime we will be repaving or rebuilding a road, we look to see how we can fit bike traffic in--whether it be adding an off road bike path, a bike lane or widening the shoulder.  You can read the executive summary of the 2010-2015 plan.If you haven't used the Lake County Division of Transportation's PASSAGE program before.  This summer is the time to start.  Drivers can find real-time information, online or on the radio (1620 AM), about congestion, construction, accidents and detours on local roadways.  You can also get traffic updates on your PDA.  
 
 
Environmental Concerns
As mentioned earlier, Lake County is working to decrease its energy costs and reduce greenhouse emissions.  For more information on Lake County's energy conservation, visit Lake County Going Green.

More and more wind turbines are appearing across our landscape as businesses, homeowners and schools are harnessing clean, free wind energy. In response to this wind turbinetrend, Lake County organized a task force made up of Lake County communities to develop a comprehensive model ordinance that establishes uniform standards for the siting of wind energy facilities. Using the model as its guide, the County is
proposing changes to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) for the placement of wind facilities in the unincorporated areas. The public recently had an opportunity to provide input into these changes. In advance of considering this issue,I joined many other  County board members  to learn more about these facilities.  You can watch the wind video
 
SWALCO is hosting a household chemical waste pick up

   Saturday September 25, 2010
            Lake Forest Municipal Services Center
            800 N. Field Drive
            Lake Forest, IL  60045


For additional
 information on electronic recycling dates and locations,  visit the  county wide opportunities for recycling your electronics.

For many of us the hot summer had the air conditioning running more than it had in many years Before the cold weather sets in with the need for heating the house, take a few moments and look at ComEd's energy saving tips.  
 
Emergency Preparedness
September is National Emergency Preparedness Month  
In observance of National Emergency Preparedness Month in September,

Lake County encourages all residents to play an active role in preparing for emergencies. In this video, Kent McKenzie, Emergency Management Coordinator, shares important tips on how to prepare you and your family for an emergency.
Visit Alert Lake County to understand what kind of emergencies are possible in this area, find out what items to stock in your 3-day emergency supply kit, and learn how to create an emergency preparedness plan. Watch Video.

Job and Business Information 
Lake County Workforce Development  has a variety of information to serve businesses, adult job seekers and youth with a variety of career and training opportunities.  Another source of job information, including job sessions and Lake County Job postings is at the Job Center of Lake County.  
Community News
 
Vernon Township is sponsoring a Free Shred Day on Monday September 27 from noon to 2:30 pm.  Each resident may bring up to 2 boxes (no  magazines or newspapers).  Secure shredding will be provided by Secure Ec-Shred and material used in recycling efforts.  Questions?  Call (847) 634-4600.
 
The Secretary of State Mobile Drivers License Facility will be at the Vernon Township
Administrative Building from 10 am to 2 pm on Wednesday September 29.  You can
  • renew a driver's license
  • get a new State I.D. card (if you do not have a current State I.D. you need need original social security card, birth certificate and proof of residency)
  • license plate sticker renewal
  • vision screening
Notice of Public Hearing
Completion of Post Closure Care
Land and Lakes Wheeling Landfill

On April 29, 2010, Land and Lakes Wheeling submitted and application for certification of completion of post closure care to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA).  The Land and Lakes Wheeling landfill located at 21488 N Milwaukee in Deerfield has been closed since May 30, 1995, and post closure care has continued at the landfill since that time.
 
A public hearing on this application has been scheduled for:
Tuesday, November 9, 2010, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
in the Council Chambers of
Buffalo Grove Village Hall,
50 Raupp Blvd.,
Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089
 
The public hearing will begin at 6:00 p.m. and end no later than 8:00 p.m. If a large number of people wish to speak, time limits for each speaker will be set by the Hearing Officer.  Comments will be limited to those relevant to post-closure completion, the application and the application review process. Written comments will be accepted as part of the Hearing Record for 45 days before the hearing, at the hearing, and for 30 days after the hearing (if postmarked by midnight Thursday, December 9, 2010).
 
Written comments must be mailed to:
Dean Studer, Hearing Officer (#5)
Re: Land and Lakes Wheeling Landfill
1021 N. Grand Ave. East, P.O. Box 19276
Springfield, Illinois 62794-9276.
Telephone: 217-558-8280
TDD: 217-782-9143
 
Or emailed to (Note: this e-mail is only for public comments):
Dean Studer, Hearing Officer
[email protected]
Subject line must specify: Land and Lakes Wheeling Landfill

A copy of the application is available for public inspection and review during normal business hours at the Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire, Illinois, Telephone 847-634-3650. 

Questions concerning the permit application should be directed to Tammy Mitchell, Office of Community Relations, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, 1021 North Grand Avenue East, P.O. Box 19276, Springfield, Illinois, 62794-9276, telephone 217-524-2292, e-mail [email protected].  


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