District 21 News 
from Ann Maine

 

Lake County Board Member 

and Lake County

Forest Preserves Board President

 


November 2013
Read Old Newsletters
In This Issue
Quick Links

Transportation Links

Community Resources


If your village, township, library district or school is having an event that is open to the public, let me know and if space allows I'll include it in my newsletter. 

Job and Business

Lake County Employment



Career Chat Video Library


 
A Note from Ann
Dear Neighbors,

The late fall weather has brought out beautiful colors.  The trees seem to glow red, yellow and orange.  It's been a wonderful time for raking leaves, taking a hike and watching local high school (and younger) sports.

This fall has also been a busy time in the County and Forest Preserves.  The County has been working on its budget (see more below), as well as updates to the UDO which could allow chickens and bees in the unincorporated area.  This is in addition to our usual work on roads and economic development.  Our biggest project ever, Rollins Road is set to close Monday November 11.  Details below.

The Forest Preserve has begun a strategic plan.  This has not been done in many years.  With a new Executive Director, this is a good time to look forward and plan for stewardship of our natural resources.

 

 Remember that you can view the agendas and watch the meetings for both the Forest Preserve and the County Board online, any time!  

 

As always, please contact me about these or other issues.  I'm happy to come and meet with you or your homeowner's association or scout, church or other group.

 

Late breaking news--I'm very happy that Kane County Judge David Akemann struck down the state law setting up an election commission in Lake County without voter input.  His ruling supports the County's position that this was special legislation.  We estimated that this law would have cost up $500,000-$700,000. 

Sincerely,

Ann

 

Ann B. Maine

President, Lake County Forest Preserve District

Lake County Board  District 21

amaine@lakecountyil.gov

847-857-1732--this is a new number

 

 I encourage you to forward this e-mail to others who may be interested in Lake County news.  Persons who wish to automatically recieve these free updates should send their email adddress to me at amaine@lakecountyil.gov of click "join our mailing list" above. 
 
Veterans Day Observances
many-waving-flags.jpg Deerfield
The Deerfield American Legion Post will hold its Veterans Day Memorial Ceremony Monday, November 11, at 11 a.m. at the veterans' memorial in Jewett Park.

Lake Forest
10:45 AM - 11:45 am;  Lake Forest High School Auditorium
1285 N. McKinley Road
Principal Speaker: US Marine Corps Gunner, Charles Major.

Visit The Great Lakes Naval Museum for more information on hours and programs.  It is located at the Great Lakes Naval Station by the Main Gate. Admission and parking are free.  It is not open every day, so be sure to check before you go.

Address: Building 42, 610 Farragut Avenue, Great Lakes, IL 60088




Leadership Lake County Initiative Targets Young Professionals
Lake County wants to know what it can do to attract young people to live and work here. Leadership Lake County--a brand new young professional initiative spearheaded by Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor and Lake County Board Member Nick Sauer--aims to retain and attract young professionals. The goal is to develop sophisticated leaders with a 21st vision that will serve and grow the Lake County community. Businesses and young professionals can learn more about the program on the Leadership Lake County Facebook page  and can follow on Twitter @LeadLakeCounty

 
Board Considers Recommended FY 2014 Budget
The recommended FY 2014 budgetis now available. The budget is balanced at $487.7 million. The budget has remained flat for the last three years and is $10 million less than five years ago. Lake County maintains its fiscal stability. Earlier this week we discussed the proposed budget at a series of hearings, and adoption of the budget is on the agenda for the Nov. 12 county board meeting. Visit theBudget web portalfor budget information and to view the recommended budget. View Board calendar
for meeting information.
 
County Update: Lake County Courthouse Expansion Project 
In this episode of County Update, learn about the new Lake County Courthouse Expansion Project which will enhance efficiency in the justice system, address a shortage of courtrooms, and provide "the same or better justice sooner." Work on the first phase of the project-a tunnel that will connect the existing courthouse and the new nine story courthouse tower-is scheduled to begin soon. Construction on the new courthouse will begin next year. Watch video to learn more.   Get more information.

Water Meter Replacement Coming for Lake County Public Works Customers
Lake County is replacing 20,600 water meters with new automated meters, which provide for accurate, timely, and reliable reading without having to gain access to customers' properties. The new meters -which will be replaced at no cost to customers-will be able to identify high water usage and potential leaks, and customers will be able to access their water usage and account information conveniently on-line. If you haven't already, you will soon receive a postcard from Professional Meters, Inc. (PMI) to schedule an appointment to replace your meter.  See our FAQ

 
Enroll Lake County! Educates Residents about Insurance Options Available through the Affordable Care Act
Residents looking for information on the new health insurance options available through the Affordable Care Act can talk with counselors in person at locations throughout the county. Counselors will help consumers understand coverage options, determine eligibility, and enroll in affordable health insurance options. To find a convenient location, simply enter your address in our interactive map. Enrollment locations will be highlighted on the map and relevant information about each location displayed.

The Enroll Lake County! initiative is being led by the Lake County Health Department and includes government representatives, community-based organizations, faith and civic groups, library networks, schools, businesses, and primary care providers. Visit EnrollLakeCounty.com for more information.
 
Lake County Achieves Highest Principles of Governmental Budgeting
For the sixth consecutive year, Lake County has received a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). This means that Lake County's budget meets nationally recognized guidelines for effective budgeting. It serves as a financial plan, influences policy, guides operations, and is a communications tool for taxpayers. More

Forest Preserves News
LCFPD.org
 
Fall Issue of Horizons Available Online
The new issue of the Lake County Forest Preserves magazine is now available online. Learn how woodland restoration and species monitoring efforts throughout the next 20 years will help to secure a sustainable ecosystem. Read now
 

Upcoming Programs
Restoration Workdays
Grab some work gloves and join other volunteers to save some of Lake County's natural areas. New volunteers and groups of four or more, please RSVP to Tom Smith, Stewardship Coordinator. More

Special Events
Chocolate, Champagne and Shopping Fundraiser
Friday, Nov. 15, 4:30 - 9 p.m.
1899 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville
Sip champagne and enjoy delicious chocolates while shopping for gourmet kitchen tools, fair trade gifts, candles, jewelry, and more. All proceeds benefit the Lake County Discovery Museum. More info and tickets

Forest Preserves News
Seismometer at Ryerson Woods
A seismometer (a sensitive instrument that measures movement in the ground, including earthquakes) was placed underground at Ryerson Woods in the summer of 2011 as part of a nationwide research project, recording earthquakes from around the world. To see if any special activity was recorded today, click here.

Rainbow Trout Season Opened Saturday, Oct. 19
Anglers are reminded that no trout may be taken until the fall trout season opens on Oct.19 at 6:30 am. Most of the trout range in size from three-quarters to one pound. Daily creel limit is five and fishing is free. 
Trout Season Info
Download a guide to fishing or call at 847-367-6640 to request a free copy. 
 
Featured Preserve:  Van Patten Woods
This preserve was the first purchased by the Forest Preserve District.  There is something for everyone here.  It offers hiking, biking, a playground, a lake for fishing as well as a canoe and small boat launch!  The fishing piers are wheel chair accessible.
Transportation News
Construction At our October Board meeting we approved funding for a number of District 21 projects.  These will be done in the summer.  Riverwoods Road will be resurfaced from Route 60 to Route 22.

There will be safety enhancements for  North Shore Bike Path at Butterfield Rd, so that cyclists will need to use the cross walk at Route 176.

November 11--Rollins Road Closure
The Lake County Division of Transportation will be closing Rollins Road to through traffic at Illinois Route 83 Monday, Nov. 11, at 4 a.m. There will be two stages to the Rollins Road closure.

In order to keep you better informed about the progress on the project, The Lake County DOT has developed a dedicated web page for the Rollins Road project.

Rollins Road Stage 1 November 11-18 
Rollins Road will be closed between Illinois Route 83 and the shopping center entrances east of Illinois Route 83. This will allow for placement of the temporary bridge for Illinois Route 83 traffic over existing and proposed Rollins. Both Illinois Route 83 and the shopping center entrances will be open at all times.  
Detoured route for Nov. 11-18: Hainesville Road to Washington Street to US Route 45.  See detour map.

Rollins Road Stage Two Nov. 18 - 25 
Rollins will be closed between Hainesville Road and Illinois Route 83. This will allow the construction of a temporary railroad track and crossing for the temporary Rollins Road. Hainesville Road will remain open during this period.
Detoured route for Nov. 18-25: Hainesville Road to Washington Street to Illinois Route 83.  See Stage 2 detour map.

Deerfield Road will have rolling closures  November 11-December 13.  Get more information. (This is not a county project, but it will impact many drivers). 
 

Recycling Information 
Recycle symbol
Recycling programs accept many more items than most people realize.  Take a few minutes and find out more about our Recycle First-Trash Last program.

 
Recycle-O-Rama 
Saturday, Nov. 16, 9 a.m. - noon

southwest parking lot of Westfield Shopping Center
Routes 21 and 60 in Vernon Hills


Sponsored by the Vernon Hills Park District in partnership with SWALCO  There will be electronic drop off as well as on-site document shredding.  Hearing aids, eyeglasses, lap tops gym shoes, batteries and televisions are among the items accepted.  Get more information. 
Reminder: Get Your Annual Flu Vaccine

The Health Department is encouraging residents to remember these important health recommendations when it comes to fighting the flu:

  • The most important step in protecting against the flu is getting an annual flu vaccine.
  • Take everyday preventive steps, such as staying away from sick people and washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs. 
  • If you are sick with flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading influenza to others.

The Health Department is just one of several locations offering the flu vaccine this year as it is available at pharmacies and at other providers throughout Lake County. Get more information or contact the Health Department at: (847) 377-8470.
County Update: Enhancing Economic Opportunities
There is a lot going on behind the scenes to improve our local economy, including efforts to attract, retain and expand business and jobs. Lake County Partners is the "go-to" organization for economic development in Lake County. Learn more in this edition of County Update. Watch now

Lake County Board Approves Plan Establishing Standards of Conduct for Commission and Board Appointees 
The county board approved a Standards of Conduct Plan spearheaded by Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor that requires 300 appointees-that serve on everything from drainage and fire districts, to the transportation service boards, affordable housing commission, and board of review-to adhere to conduct standards. More

Community Happenings 


Main Street Libertyville has already set their calendar for 2014.  But there is still a lot to see and do this year, including First Friday on Dec 6 and Dickens of a Holiday Victorian Tea December 7 and 14.  This requires registration.

Do you have family coming in for the holidays?  Visit Lake County, Illinois for ideas, coupons and more.

The Patty Turner Center in Deerfield offers book clubs, outings and many other programs for seniors.  You can also learn about available social service programs.

Rondout School District 67 is having a State of the District Annual Report November 18 from 7-8:30 pm.

Confused about Twitter?  Facebook?  Excel?  Sign up for a computer course at Vernon Area Public Library.

The Stevenson High School Community Foundation presents Heartache tonight, an Eagles tribute band on November 16.

Sincerely,

Ann Maine, Lake County Illinois | 847-857-1732 amaine@lakecountyil.gov | http://www.lakecountyil.gov
18 N. County
Waukegan, IL 60085


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