November 11, 2011

Transportation News:

County Board Approves Funds for US Route 45/ Millburn Road/Grass Lake Road
At its November meeting, the County Board approved an agreement with the State of Illinois that allocates $34 million from the ¼ cent sales tax for the realignment and widening of US Route 45 from two to four lanes at the Millburn Road/Grass Lake Road intersection. The funds will go toward engineering, right of way acquisition, construction and construction engineering of this project that was deemed a high regional priority for congestion relief among Lake County elected officials and other stakeholders.

Route 45 is a state road under the jurisdiction of the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) took the lead to secure federal funding and LCDOT has worked with IDOT and the Federal Highway Administration on the federal Phase I preliminary engineering study for this improvement, which is nearing completion. IDOT, as the lead agency, will now move forward with the bypass for US Route 45, along with the realignment of Grass Lake Road and Millburn Road to make a continuous road.
  

Transit and Paratransit in Lake County

The Lake County Division of Transportation developed a new website that includes all the available transit/paratransit resources in Lake County. This website was designed to serve as a "one stop location" for Lake County residents to find out what transportation options are available within their area. There are many transportation options within the County borders provided by Metra, Pace, taxis, nonprofit services, and various human service agencies. The information in this website will offer a comprehensive understanding of where these transit services are located, which communities they serve and how these modes of transportation connect with one another. 

IDOT Road Restriction Notice: Washington Street and Route 45 
 

Beginning  Friday, November 11, 2011 left turns from westbound Washington Street (Lake County Highway A-22) to southbound US Rte 45 and eastbound Washington Street (Lake County Highway A-22) to northbound US Rte 45 will be restricted until approximately November 24, 2011.  This will allow completion of the concrete pavement in the middle of the intersection. 

Health Department News

"Drop in" Facility Helps Veterans Cope with Challenges 
 

County Board Approves 2012 Budget 

Over the last several years, like all local governments, Lake County experienced declines in revenues due to the economic downturn, as well as cuts in state funding. The 2012 budget is less than it was in 2009, but it does reflect growth consistent with an improving economy, while adhering to the county board's conservative fiscal philosophy.

In response to the "new normal" of today's economic conditions, the County Board made smart decisions, applied sustainable strategies, and implemented sound investments.

Some examples of investments that are producing positive results include:

• The county has decreased personnel expenses (the biggest piece of our budget) by implementing efficiencies and new technology. The County has aggressively reduced headcount for three consecutive years through various initiatives, such as: the accelerated retirement option, consolidation of divisions, adjustments in staff levels to align with workload, and holding vacant positions open. Departments across county government contributed to these efforts and as a result, Lake County has saved nearly $50 million cumulatively in salary expenses (between 2009 and 2011).
• Another example is in the area of energy conservation. The County has been aggressively investing in energy saving technology and practices resulting in a cumulative savings of $7 million. Even with the addition of new buildings, total expenditures on utilities are expected to total just $4.4 million this year, a reduction of 36% compared to 2007.
• The County has also focused efforts and investments on controlling insurance costs. Through a combination of safety initiatives, education, and aggressive claim management, the County has saved $8 million since 2009. A focus on employee well-being and wellness initiatives has had a similar impact on health insurance claims.

The County Board approved a balanced budget for fiscal year 2012 at its November meeting. The budget is almost $17 million less than the 2009 budget, as a result of budget cuts and efficiency measures implemented by the county board over the last several years. The $487.8 million budget funds more than 30 Lake County departments and divisions, including the eight county-wide elected offices.

More Information

For more information on the budget, the public can visit the county's website. The entire budget is posted on the county's website at www.lakecountyil.gov.

Lake County Honors Veterans

North Shore Gas Provides Winter Safety Tips

"Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Have Appliances Checked"

Winter may be the coldest season and the busiest season as residents prepare for holiday cooking and shopping. It's also the season when North Shore Gas receives the highest number of carbon monoxide-related calls.

To help customers stay safe while using natural gas this winter, North Shore Gas has the following vital safety tips. The utility encourages everyone to help get the word out by passing them on.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas and that can cause sickness and in some cases, death. Every year, especially during the winter months, we hear about residents becoming ill due to the possibility of breathing carbon monoxide fumes, or even dying from the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide can come from inadequately burned fuel and improperly vented appliances, such as water heaters, furnaces, space heaters, boilers, ranges/stoves, clothes dryers, grills, fireplaces and portable generators. It's extremely important that residents have a working carbon monoxide (CO) detector as required by Illinois law in their homes and apartments. The presence of carbon monoxide detectors can save lives. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed within 15 feet of sleeping areas. Batteries should be changed every six months to ensure they are working.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include:

• Sudden flu-like illness
• Dizziness, headaches, sleepiness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fluttering or throbbing heartbeat
• Cherry-red lips, unusually pale complexion
• Unconsciousness

If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, you should leave the premises immediately, get to a safe location and call 911 first, then the North Shore Gas emergency number at 1-866-556-6005. If your CO detector should sound an alert, and you are not experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning you should leave the premises immediately and contact your HVAC professional. For more information on CO safety, please visit www.northshoregasdelivery.com.

Residents should have their appliances inspected and/or repaired by a licensed or certified technician. Having an unqualified person connect, inspect or work on your appliances presents a safety hazard that not only puts your household at risk, but can pose a danger to your neighbors.

Whenever natural gas service has been disconnected, there are certain steps that must be taken before service may be restored. It is the customer's responsibility to make proper arrangements with his or her natural gas company for service reconnection. Recognize that tampering with natural gas services, meters or any other utility equipment can create a serious safety hazard and is illegal. Tampering with natural gas facilities can cause leaks and endanger not only those who tamper with the utility facilities, but also their neighbors and the community as well.

More than 150 employees featured in the Lake County Services Video!
 

Thank you to everyone who participated in this video. Please share the link with your employees so they can see how the work they do contributes to the overall services provided by Lake County government.

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