October 11, 2011

Hunt Club Road & Millburn Road Roundabout Now Open to All Traffic

The Lake County Division of Transportation has opened the new roundabout at Hunt Club Road, Lake County Route W-15, and Millburn Road, Lake County Route A-14, from all directions, to all traffic, effective Monday, October 10, 2011. This is the third roundabout intersection in Lake County.

The road closure was necessary to complete construction of a new roundabout intersection. The roundabout has replaced the existing multi-way stop intersections at Hunt Club Road and Millburn Road. This project will result in more effective traffic movement through the area, in conjunction with the roundabout located nearby at Hunt Club and Wadsworth Roads, which opened to traffic earlier this summer.

For additional information on roundabouts please visit our website: www.lakedot.info.

Talkin' Transportation: Roundabouts in Lake County

In this episode of Talkin' Transportation, Marty Buehler, the Director of the Lake County Division of Transportation talks about newly constructed roundabouts in Lake County. Lake County motorists can try out this new feature in our road network in Lincolnshire and Old Mill Creek. In this video, learn more about the safety of roundabouts, and how roundabouts ease traffic congestion and even help with air quality! 

Lake County Board of Review Implements New Preliminary Review Process

Over the last several years, due to the historic changes in the housing market, the Lake County Board of Review - the panel responsible for reviewing and making determinations on property assessment appeals - has seen a drastic increase in the volume of appeals from taxpayers. Recent appeal filings from three townships show an increase between 100% and 400%.
 

To more efficiently manage this high volume of appeals, expedite the process, and produce faster results for taxpayers, the Board of Review (BOR) will issue a preliminary decision and attempt to settle the case without going to a formal hearing. The BOR evaluates evidence submitted from the taxpayer (or their representative), and the township assessors. In those cases where the evidence supports a clear determination, the BOR member can make a preliminary decision and present it to the taxpayer who can choose to accept it, or decide to pursue a formal hearing.
 
Chief County Assessment Officer Marty Paulson recommended the change to the Board of Review after seeing the success of a similar program in Winnebago County, Illinois.

"This change will result in a time savings for taxpayers because in most instances they will not have to come to Waukegan for a hearing. We will be able to resolve their appeals much faster," Paulson said. "Over the last few years, the volume of appeals has increased by four fold.  As a result, the BOR started doing limited preliminary reviews - about 30% of the cases - and taxpayers were satisfied with the results."

In addition to providing a convenience to taxpayers, the new process reduces the number of in-person hearings, allowing the BOR to more efficiently manage the increased number of appeals, and conduct hearings within a timely manner. This change will benefit township assessors as well, allowing them to use their staff time more effectively in preparing the evidence for cases. Furthermore, it is critical that the Board of Review process is not delayed so that final assessments are reported to the treasurer in time to distribute tax bills.

For more information about the Board of Review, and the appeal process, visit www.lakecountyil.gov/assessor.  

LIHEAP Expands New Program to Aid Low-Income Utility Customers

Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) Caps Utility Costs

The federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is expanding enrollment eligibility for its Percentage of Income Plan (PIPP) to aid qualified customers. PIPP, which began as a limited-enrollment pilot program in September of 2009, is now open to all customers who qualify.

Created by Senate Bill 1918, PIPP is funded through the State of Illinois' Supplemental LIHEAP Fund. The program targets households with incomes up to 150 percent of the poverty level guideline. Families who qualify for LIHEAP funding will also be eligible for the PIPP program. This program adds an additional resource for families who are struggling to pay energy costs.

PIPP creates a payment plan option for low-income customers to pay an affordable amount each month (no more than 6 percent of their income) for their natural gas and electricity, caps the amount those customers pay for utilities, and expands an energy-efficiency program. As an added incentive, the program also provides arrearage reduction in exchange for on-time monthly payments.

PIPP also encourages participants to reduce usage and participate in conservation and energy efficiency measures. The program will take advantage of the American Recovery and Investment Act (ARRA) funding by educating customer about ways to conserve energy and by making energy efficient repairs to their homes. Customers with the highest bills and lowest incomes will be targeted to receive weatherization services funded by the federal government.

"Now families have the ability to choose the best option for their energy assistance resource," says Adrienne M. Jones, director, Government and Community Relations. "We are encouraging customers to apply and take advantage of PIPP or other options to help stabilize their bills and manage their accounts during this tough economic environment."

The PIPP program will be administered in Lake County by the Community Action Partnership of Lake County which also administers LIHEAP. Customers can apply for either program at one location. To apply and find the location of the closest application site, North Shore Gas customers can call the Community Action Partnership of Lake County at 1-847-249-4330.

Customers can also visit www.northshoregasdelivery.com for a list of application sites and guidelines, as well as for tips on keeping warm, energy conservation and options for managing their energy bills.

North Shore Gas Urges Customers to Apply for LIHEAP Grants;

Households With Children Five and Under May Apply October 1

The second priority period for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) opens on October 1 and North Shore Gas is urging all those who may be eligible, to apply while funds are available. During this priority period, LIHEAP will accept applications from persons needing reconnection assistance, from households with children under 5 years of age and from those who require assistance to replace or repair a furnace.

LIHEAP provides grants to assist low-income families with their energy bills and is administered in Lake County by the Community Action Partnership of Lake County. This assistance helps families pay outstanding bills, reconnect service, and maintain their home's natural gas service.

"We realize that in this tough economy, families are struggling financially to pay their energy bills," says Adrienne M. Jones, director, Government and Community Relations. "We want to encourage our customers who meet the criteria to apply as soon as possible. LIHEAP grants are based on the last 30 days of income. This means if anyone in the household has recently lost their job or had their work hours reduced, they may be eligible to receive these funds."

The following documents are needed to apply for a LIHEAP grant:

• Proof of gross income from all household members for the 30-day period prior to the application date.
• Copy of most recent utility bill.
• Proof of Social Security Numbers for all household members.
• If a member of your household receives TANF, you must bring their Medical Eligibility Card.
• Applicants who have their utilities included in the rent must bring proof of rental agreement stating monthly rental amount, what utilities are included, and landlord contact information. (Rent costs must be greater than 30% of household gross income for 30 days prior to application).

Customers may be eligible for a grant if their income is 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines according to the following chart:

To apply and find the location of the closest LIHEAP application site, North Shore Gas customers can call the Community Action Partnership of Lake County at 1-847-249-4330. Customers can also visit www.northshoregasdelivery.com for a list of application sites and guidelines.

LIHEAP opened on September 1 for seniors and households with disabled family members who are still encouraged to apply during this second priority period. The program will be open to any and all eligible families on November 1.

The utility is also encouraging customers to consider signing up for Budget Billing to help manage heating bills year-round. Budget Billing spreads annual payments more evenly over the year to help customers plan their utility payments.

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About North Shore Gas

North Shore Gas, a subsidiary of Integrys Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE: TEG), is a regulated natural gas delivery company that serves approximately 158,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers located in 54 communities within the northern suburbs of Chicago. For more information on North Shore Gas visit the company's website: www.northshoregasdelivery.com

A new dental discount card program is now available that will help Lake County residents save money on their dental service expenses. The NACo Dental Discount Card Program, provided by the National Association of Counties (NACo) in partnership with Careington International Corporation, can help Lake County residents save up to 50 percent on their dental care services, and 20 percent on orthodontic services. Individuals or families may opt to pay for a monthly or yearly membership. The cost for a yearly individual membership is $59 and $69 for families. More than 200 providers in Lake County are participating in this program. Discount card holders will receive significant savings from these providers on dental cleanings, x-rays, braces, dentures, crowns, root canals and more. This plan is not insurance.

To sign up for the Dental Discount Card Program, residents can download a registration form at: www.nacodentalprogram.com.  A list of participating providers and more information is available.

Prescription Drug Card