September 7, 2013
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Lake County Board Chairman Announces Plan Establishing Standards of Conduct for Commission and Board Appointees

Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor announced a plan that would require the nearly 300 appointees that serve on various boards and commissions to adhere to Standards of Conduct.
  

Appointments are made to more than 70 local appointed units of government including drainage and mosquito districts, regional transportation boards, board of health, and board of review.

 

These standards of conduct will help create a culture of accountability for our appointees and establish clear expectations. The adherence to common sense standards will improve, accountability, fiscal responsibility, transparency and ethics, efficiency, and overall communications to our citizens we serve.

   

"The important work of our boards and commissions would not get done without these conscientious citizens. We commend them for dedicating countless hours of their personal time for the betterment of their community and to improve the quality of life for residents. We sincerely thank our appointees for their service," Lawlor said. 

 

The chairman's proposal will be discussed and voted on by the county board at its regular meeting Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 9am.

 

View Proposed Standard of Conduct for Appointed Boards and Commissions
County Update: Strategic Plan

The Lake County Board recently adopted its Strategic Plan which serves as a road map for Lake County government over the next several years. It includes five major goals: Enhance Economic Opportunities, Promote a Sustainable Environment, Build Healthy and Resilient Communities, Provide Public Safety, and Reduce Congestion and Improve Transportation in Lake County.  Lake County obtained input into its plan earlier this year at five community forums and through its website. In this episode of County Update, learn more about this plan and what it means to you. Watch now.
Heroin Use in Lake County

In 2012, 81 deaths occurred in Lake County as a direct result of substance abuse. In this video, State's Attorney Mike Nerheim and Sheriff Mark Curran give some startling statistics about the heroin problem in Lake County, and local residents share their personal experiences with heroin addiction.  Watch Now.
Chemical Collections and E-Cycling with SWALCO

Keep toxins out of our water!  
Wondering what to do with unwanted pool and cleaning chemicals, driveway sealers, varnishes/stains, garden fertilizers, and bug sprays?  Bring your unwanted chemical products and medical prescriptions (for people and pets), to SWALCO Household Chemical Waste (HCW) Collection events.  See list of acceptable HCW items here

Electronic Collections Events Around Lake County
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) is holding collection events for electronic waste (e-waste) around Lake County. Proper disposal of items such as computer equipment, digital equipment, microwave ovens, and batteries is important because of potential hazardous waste within them. Protect your community by bringing your unwanted electronic items to these local collection opportunities. 

City of Highland Park
City Firearms Training Center
1180 Half Day Road
ONLY Tuesdays and Fridays
7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (excluding holidays)
(fluorescent light bulbs, foam containers and packaging materials are also accepted at the Highland Park Electronic collection)

Village of Deerfield (Public Works Facility)
465 Elm Street
.

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 21
Recycling Changes Coming to Lake County Unincorporated Neighborhoods

If you live in the unincorporated area and you don't currently have recycling as part of your trash service, a new law now requires your hauler to provide recycling along with your trash service. In an effort to increase recycling and extend the life of our landfills, the Lake County Board approved modifications to the Solid Waste Hauling and Recycling Ordinance effective January 1, 2014 making it mandatory for haulers in the unincorporated area to provide recycling containers. 


Read fact sheet, or visit www.lakecountyil.gov/Recycle/NewLaw   for more information.

English Fact Sheet
Spanish Fact Sheet 
September is Library Card Sign-up Month

Libraries aren't just for books anymore. With a library card, residents can check out DVD's and computer programs or take advantage of modern resources like media labs and smart rooms where you can create and edit videos. Use a library card from home to access resources online, like foreign language programs and research databases. For more information on how to sign up for a library card, visit your local library in person or visit their website.   
Highland Park Public Library
Deerfield Public Library
Forest Preserves News

Endangered Plant Species Found
Presumed extinct in Illinois-it has been nearly 100 years since bog rosemary (Andromeda
glaucophylla) was last found growing in Lake County. However, this spring we found a small
population in a forest preserve wetland. "It was like stepping back in time," recall District botanists upon discovering the plant. "We knew we were in a special place when we saw the rich diversity of native grasses, sedges and forbs." Many are extremely rare in Lake County or listed as threatened or endangered species in Illinois. Lake County's bog rosemary has very likely been growing in this wetland for 10,000 years, ever since the glaciers melted and mastodons, mammoths and beaver the size of bear roamed our area. Today, just a few plants remain.

Controlled Burn Season is Here
If you see smoke rising from a forest preserve this fall, chances are that it's from a controlled burn. Controlled burning removes weedy non-native species, helping native grasses and wildflowers thrive. Check LCFPD.org/burninfo for daily announcements.
 
Special Exhibitions at the Lake County Discovery Museum 
September 21, 2013-February 16, 2014
Charley Harper's (1922-2007) life-long love of nature inspired his work in this wonderful collection entitled "Beguiled by the Wild." Harper was best known for his highly stylized wildlife prints, posters and book illustrations. He called his style "minimal realism," capturing the essence of his subjects with the fewest possible visual elements.
 
Passenger Pigeon's Flight to Extinction
September 21, 2013-February 2, 2014
2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the extinction of the Passenger Pigeon. This original exhibition explores connections between the human world, and looks at some of the work being done today to help prevent similar extinctions from occurring.
 
Click here for Lake County Discovery Museum: Hours, Admission, Location and more information 
 
Forest Preserve Events in September
Sunday, September 8, 1 - 4 p.m.
North Bay Pavilion at Independence Grove, Libertyville
Join us in celebration of water conservation and our beautiful waterways as part of the Water Connects Lake County initiative. Activities include aquatic animal hikes, crafts, fishing, ponding, kayaking, boating, water monitoring, conservation and more. Learn about lake ecology, watershed and glacial activity, and aquatic species such as fish, turtles and frogs. 
 
Saturday, September 14, 10 -11 a.m.
Greenbelt Cultural Center, Waukegan
Join us for stories and activities that explore the connections between art and nature. Enjoy crafts, stories and hands-on activities while meeting other families. 
 
Sunday, September 15, 2-7 p.m.
Greenbelt Cultural Center, Waukegan
Live music, native dancing and authentic food are all part of this traditional Mexican and Central American independence celebration. Enjoy the costumes and flare of Erandi folkloric and Aztec dancers, mariachi and marimba music, soccer games and more. The event is free, and all ages are welcome.
 
Saturday, September 21, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve, Lake Forest
Lend a hand and a few hours for International Coastal Cleanup day. Drop in and join other volunteers to remove trash and collect data.

Farm Heritage Festival
September 21 & 22, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Lakewood Forest Preserve, Wauconda
This family festival celebrates Lake County's agricultural roots. Tractor parade, sheep herding, wagon rides, animals and more.
 
Fred Fest: five bands playing for a great cause!
Sunday, September 15, 1 - 7 p.m.
Fox River Forest Preserve in Port Barrington
This year's music festival features Master of Ceremonies Jaime Laurita, and five popular bands: Sixteen Candles, Pat McKillen, Sons of Bildor, Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press, and Hudson McCoy. Tickets are $20 in advance or $30 at the gate. All net proceeds from the festival benefit the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves.

Feel free to call me on my cell at 847.456.6933 or email at [email protected].

 

It's an honor to serve you.

 
Sincerely,


Steven W. Mandel
Lake County Board Member

Lake County Forest Preserve Commissioner

 

District 11,  Highland Park - Highwood - Deerfield

 

2157 Saint Johns Avenue

Highland Park, IL 60035

847.456.6933 cell

847.831.0373 home

847.831.0374 fax

[email protected] 

[email protected]