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Lake County News -- David Stolman
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November 15, 2013
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Please let me know what you think of this newsletter, or if you have any questions or comments.
It's an honor and a pleasure serving you on the County and Forest Preserve boards.
Thank you,
David Stolman
847.377.2300
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County Board Approves 2014 Balanced Budget
Me and my colleagues on the Lake County Board recently approved a balanced $488.3 million budget for fiscal year 2014. The budget has remained flat for the last three years and is $10 million less than five years ago due to reduced headcount and other money saving strategies, including operating more efficiently. More Information.
- Watch Nov. 12 Board Meeting BudgetPresentation (Click on Item #38)
- Visit the Budget web portal to view the 2014 budget and learn more about where the money comes from and where it goes
- Watch our Budget Story
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Lake County Wins Lawsuit Challenging Creation of Elections Commission
A recent court ruling overturned a new state law that would have created an elections commission in Lake County. The ruling also allows the Lake County Clerk to continue administering local elections.
Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor and Lake County filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the new law because it specifically singles out Lake County and eliminates voters' right to choose who administers elections. Other counties can establish an elections commission by voter referendum, or by ordinance of the elected county board.
Lake County estimates that this ruling has saved Lake County $500,000 to $700,000 by avoiding the creation of another layer of government. Read Full Press Release |
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Lake County Receives AAA Bond Rating from Two Top Rating Agencies
Lake County has again received a AAA bond rating -the highest government rating-from the nation's two largest bond rating agencies - Moody's Investors Services, Inc., and Standard & Poor's.
The rating serves as an indicator of the County's general economic health. Lake County is one of about 60 counties (out of about 3000 in the United States) that have AAA from both agencies. The top rating means the county can borrow money for essential projects at the lowest possible interest rate, and as a result, more tax money goes to government services and less to pay interest.
Both firms said the AAA rating is based on several strengths, including strong budgetary performance, well-managed financial operations with strong financial policies and practices, healthy reserves and manageable debt that provide budgetary flexibility.
Visit Lake County's Budget web portal for budget and finance information.
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County Board Allows Beekeeping and Hens in Unincorporated Areas
Lake County has amended the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to allow the keeping of bees, hens, and hoophouses used exclusively for local food production on residential properties in unincorporated areas. The UDO sets standards for the establishment and maintenance of beehives, chicken coops, and hoophouses. The following lot size requirements also apply:
- Two beehives are allowed on residential lots up to and including 10,000 square feet of lot area, with one additional beehive allowed for each extra 10,000 square feet.
- Hens may be kept on residential lots of a minimum of 10,000 square feet in area; the number of hens allowed on residential properties be dependent on the lot size, ranging from six hens on lots of a minimum of 10,000 square feet up to 12 hens on lots of a minimum 80,000 square feet.
- Hoophouses are allowed, 50 square feet in size for each 10,000 square feet of residential lot area.
These changes to the UDO are part of a series of sustainability initiatives that support local food production in the unincorporated areas.
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Winter Weather Preparedness
Are you ready for winter? The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) are encouraging people
 to begin preparing now for extreme cold, snow and ice before bad weather hits. Learn how to recognize the warning signs of Hypothermia or Frostbite and how to avoid over exertions while shoveling snow with the winter weather preparedness guide. Read tips on how to have a fun and safe winter, whether in your home, in your car or at school.
The guide is available on the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov or by calling 217.785.9925.
Watch this quick clip and see how to assemble a Winter Weather Travel Car Kit.
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Job Center Events
Resume Review
Monday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Get direct feedback on exactly what interviewers are looking for when hiring. Be prepared with your questions and bring three copies of your resume.
Flyer
50+ Mini Job Fair
Wednesday, Nov. 20, 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Jobseekers DO NOT need to pre-register. This event is free to everyone. All candidates should dress professionally and bring plenty of resumes to distribute to employers.
Details
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Upcoming Events
America Recycles Day is on Friday, Nov. 15
Pledge to tell a friend, recycle more and learn about recycling! Take Pledge
Recycle-o-Rama, Nov. 16 
Westfield Hawthorn Mall
122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills
Saturday, Nov 16, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
The Vernon Hills Park District will be partnering once again with SWALCO and Westfield Hawthorn Mall to host the 2013 America Recycle's Day collection event. Please bring your old electronics to the south lot in the Westfield Hawthorn Mall. We are also accepting eyeglasses, gym shoes, and batteries.
Great American Smokeout is Nov. 21
Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the US, yet about 43.8 million Americans still smoke cigarettes - Nearly 1 in every 5 adults. By quitting - even for one day - smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life - one that can lead to reducing cancer risk.
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Forest Preserves News 
Lake County Forest Preserves continue to improve preserve locations. These improvements provide excellent experiences for guests as well as conservation for local natural environments and wildlife.
New Preserve Improvements
Fourth Lake Forest Preserve
 Work is complete on the new Grand Avenue underpass and 1.5-mile gravel section of the Millennium Trail at Fourth Lake (Lake Villa). The trail now extends from just north of Rollins Road to Sand Lake Road where it connects to existing trails at Bonner Farm and McDonald Woods (Lindenhurst). Improvements at Fourth Lake also include a 0.3-mile grass loop trail. Trailhead parking is available at the Operations and Public Safety Facility on the north side of Grand Avenue west of Route 45.
Marl Flat and the Millennium Trail
 A new 1-mile paved section of the Millennium Trail extending from Route 120 north to Marl Flat (Round Lake) is complete. The entrance is located off of Fish Lake Road, north of Route 120 and south of Nippersink Road, and includes trailhead parking for the Millennium Trail, toilets, benches and an information kiosk. With the completion of this section, a continuous 15 miles of trail is now open from Hawley Street through Lakewood (Mundelein) and Singing Hills (Volo) to Marl Flat.
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Lake County
Villages
Schools & Libraries |
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