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Dear Neighbor,
Thank you for your comments on my last newsletter. Last week I attended a working session held by State's Attorney Mike Nerheim on the growing heroin and opiate epidemic facing Lake County. Law enforcement officials, members of the judicial system, medical personnel, and representatives from area social service agencies shared ideas and goals on how we can best combat the problem.
The Illinois Gaming Board released the data for August 2013, showing that the dollars lost over the last two months in Waukegan and North Chicago grew to $961,000, up from $800,000 for July and August. Most interesting is that as new machines are added, the revenue per machine is not negatively impacted. Click here to view a graph depicting the dollars lost for each community since the machines were installed.
As you'll read below, the Route 53/120 project is moving forward, with a meeting this week to discuss feasibility. We've also been working on supporting the Local Food Initiative by proposing updates to our ordinances.
In the next few weeks, we'll be discussing the Strategic Plan for the Forest Preserves, and the budget for the County and for the Forest Preserves. I'm also meeting with residents and representatives in Shields Township to determine how we can facilitate transportation for persons with disabilities.
It's a pleasure and honor representing you on the County and Forest Preserve Boards. Please contact me any time for any reason. I am always glad to hear your concerns, interests and ideas.
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Route 53/120 Project Update
Efforts to establish a more detailed understanding of how to fund, build, operate and maintain the proposed Route 53/120 into Lake County are moving forward. The Illinois Route 53/120 Project Blue Ribbon Advisory Council (BRAC) met recently to discuss the next phase, which specifically includes a two-pronged effort to examine the feasibility of the project with respect to financing and land use. There are five focus areas for this phase:
- Financing: What are the options to close the funding gap?
- Regulatory: What are the legal regulatory challenges of this project?
- Environmental: How do we achieve the environmental goals and what are the costs?
- Operations: What are the maintenance and operational costs?
- Design: What will it look like, taking in to account the boundary conditions?
The next phase of work builds on the BRAC's report that recommends a four-lane, 45 mph, tolled parkway that will address specific needs for congestion relief and provide greater connectivity, as well as protect the natural environment and preserve the character of Lake County. If you are interested in this project, I strongly suggest that you watch the video of the meeting. It's about 40 minutes long and provides a great synopsis of the work that will be done to undertake this important initiative.
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Talk With Your Legislators
Saturday, September 28, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Re-Invent Gallery, 202 East Wisconsin Ave., Lake Forest
I hope to see you at The League of Women Voters-Lake Forest/Lake Bluff event, "Culture and Politics." This is a great opportunity for legislators and residents to meet and talk about the issues that concern you. In attendance will be:
- Brad Schneider, U.S. Representative, 10th District
- Julie Morrison, State Senator, 29th District
- Scott Drury, State Representative, 58th District
- Sandra Hart, Lake County Board, District 13
- Mike Rummel, Lake County Board, District 12
Reservations required by September 25. Click here for more information.
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Encouraging Local Farming
As part of our strategic plan to improve quality of life, protect the environment, and support our local economy, the Lake County Board is considering new regulations to support local food production. There is unmet demand for locally grown food in Lake County. According to one estimate, if Lake County consumers bought $5 of food directly from local farms each week, local farms would earn an additional $182 million. To that end, we are proposing changes to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) around beekeeping, hens, and hoophouses in residential areas.
You can provide input on these proposed changes at the Zoning Board of Appeals. The County Board makes the final decision, which is expected in November.
Regional Planning Commission
Tuesday, Sept. 24th, 4:00 p.m.
Zoning Board of Appeals
Monday, Oct. 7th, 1:00 p.m.
Both meetings will be conducted at the Central Permit Facility, 500 W. Winchester Road in Libertyville.
By supporting and strengthening the sustainable local food system, Lake County can tap into the economic potential of increased jobs and production. Learn more about how local food systems offer many economic, environmental, and quality-of-life benefits that apply to businesses, residents, and Lake County as a whole. View/Download Flyer |
SWALCO Events for Recycling and Disposing of Chemical Waste
The landfills in Lake County are filling up at an alarming rate, with an estimated 10-12 years of remaining landfill capacity. The County and several municipalities have a goal to divert waste from the waste stream and increase the recycling rate in Lake County from 39% to 60% by 2020. Read more about Lake County's strategy for a sustainable future or visit SWALCO's website for more events in your area. Chemical Waste Collection in Lake Forest Saturday, September 28th, 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Lake Forest Municipal Services Center 800 North Field Drive, Lake Forest Pollutants from hazardous waste are often picked up by stormwater runoff and flow to local waterways where degradation occurs, affecting water quality and killing aquatic organisms. Bring household chemical waste items, including Aerosol Products, Antifreeze and Motor Oil, Fertilizers/Herbicides/Pesticides, Fluorescent Light Bulbs/CFLs, Furniture Stripper & Varnishes, Gasoline & Kerosene, Household Batteries (Lithium & Rechargeable only), Household Cleaners, Oil-Based Paints & Paint Removers, and Prescription and Over-the-Counter medicines and supplements. View Flyer Recycling Event for Hard-to-Recycle Items Saturday,October 5th, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lake County Division of Transportation
600 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville Bring hard-to-recycle items for recycling and reuse including electronics, eyeglasses, CDs, DVS and Cassettes, bicycles and bicycle parts, propane tanks, fire extinguishers, marine, RV and automotive batteries, paper documents for shredding, stuffed animals, clothing and textiles (in any condition gently used or other- includes sheets, towels and blankets), smoke and C02 detectors/alarms, shoes (all kinds excluding roller blades and ice skates) and more. |
Job Center News
Take a computer assessment, research careers, create a resume or cover letter, practice interviewing, and network with other job seekers throughout the month. View Full Calendar of Events
Know Yourself Know Your Skills
Monday, Sept. 23, 2-4 p.m.
Job Center of Lake County
1 N. Genesee St., Waukegan
Accelerated Training for Illinois Manufacturing Program
Wednesday, Sept. 25, 1 p.m.
Job Center of Lake County
1 N. Genesee St., Waukegan
Hands On Computer Workshops
Learn the basics for online job searching. English and Spanish classes are available monthly.
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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 resources like meeting rooms, media labs, and smart rooms where you can create and edit videos.
Use your 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.
Lake Bluff Public Library
Grayslake Area Public Library
North Chicago Public Library
Waukegan Public Library
Cook Memorial Public Library
Warren-Newport Public Library
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Municipal Vehicle and Equipment Auction
Saturday, September 28th, 9:00 a.m.
Lake County Fairgrounds
1060 East Peterson Road, Grayslake
You can register for the auction and inspect vehicles and equipment on Friday, September 27th, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday, September 28th from 8:00 a.m.
View Flyer |
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.
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Forest Preserves News
 Fall Issue of Horizons Available OnlineThe new issue of the Lake County Forest Preserves 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.
Habitat Restoration Volunteers WantedLove being outdoors in the fall? Want to help preserve and restore Lake County's beautiful natural habitat? Grab some work gloves and join other volunteers to help out Lake County's natural areas by helping out with Habitat Restoration. Volunteer Information
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