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 Budget Presentation (Click 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 Budget Story 

On October 21, 2013, the Village Board voted to place the draft 2014 Village budget on public display for one month. 

We encourage all residents to review the 2014 draft budget. Copies (paper and PDF digital copies on CD) are available at Village Hall. Please Click Here to review the entire draft on-line. Please note, you should download the document prior to opening it in order for it to format correctly.

Any questions or comments should be directed to Kristin Kazenas, Chief Financial Officer via email kkazenas@vhw.org or phone 847.847.3590. A public hearing on the 2014 Recommended Budget will be held at 7PM on Monday, November 18 at Village Hall.  

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.

As your Lake County Board Chairman and with Lake County, we 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  

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.  

Are you ready for winter? The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the 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. 

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 and Registration 

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.  

America Recycles Day is on Friday, Nov. 15
Pledge to tell a friend, recycle more and learn about recycling!  Pledge Here

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.
Get tips on how to quit and sign up for the Great American Smokeout

Yard waste stickers are available at the Village Hall for $2.17 each. The last day that Advanced Disposal will pick up your yard waste is November 26th. For more information contact Advanced Disposal at 847.623.3870

Help provide Christmas gifts for children and families in need. Toys For Tots asks that donations be new, unwrapped toys. Suggestions include sports equipment, games, action figures, dolls, toy vehicles, puzzles, or anything for babies and toddlers. Please include batteries, should toys require them.  

Hawthorn Woods Holiday Craft Fair
Saturday, Nov. 30, 12 -4 p.m.

Hawthorn Woods Village Hall, 2 Lagoon Drive, Hawthorn Woods
Mark your calendars for Hawthorn Woods' annual spectacular Holiday Craft Fair. Browse 25 unique and creative vendors. Admission is free. Start your holiday shopping at the barn the Saturday following Thanksgiving. Info 

Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show
Experience 97 acres of enchanting holiday lights and decorations while relaxing in the comfort and warmth of your car. Bundle up the kids and take them for a car ride they are sure not to forget! You can enhance your experience by tuning in to the local radio station (directions given upon entering light show) for a dual musical/ visual experience. See Website  

Friday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m.
The Barn, 2 Lagoon Drive, Hawthorn Woods
Be there as Mayor Mancino and the Village Trustees mark the beginning of the holiday season as they light up the light up the Village Hall, and welcome Santa on a fire truck. Enjoy treats and holiday music and please bring an unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots donation. More

Vernon Hills Holiday Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony
Saturday, Nov. 30, 4:30 p.m.
Vernon Hills Golf Course, 291 Evergreen Drive
Help bring the holiday season in by assisting Mayor Roger Byrne flip the switch to the holiday tree. Bring the family, the neighbors, and the kids out for hot chocolate, cookies, and cider. With the assistance of the Countryside Fire District, Santa has been able to clear his calendar in order to attend this event. More

See other Holiday Light Ceremonies around Lake County Here

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. 

Dear Neighbor, 

I hope you find this information helpful.  Please continue to ask questions and suggest topics for the e-newsletter. 

With so much going on at all levels of government, don't hesitate to contact me with your questions and concerns regarding this or other issues.  You can reach me via email or on my cell at (847) 971-0454.  

It is an honor to serve YOU on the County Board and Forest Preserve Board.

Sincerely,

Aaron Lawlor

P.S.  If this email was forwarded to you, please click here to sign up so I can get you information directly - especially in the case of a road closure, weather emergency or other issues.