The Lake County Board met Nov. 10, 2026 in Waukegan for a regularly scheduled session that opened with remembrances and the Pledge of Allegiance, honored multiple departing board members and county officials, accepted several state and federal grants for gun-violence prevention, approved multiple transportation contracts and appropriations, advanced zoning changes to encourage accessory dwelling units, adopted the FY2027 budget and tax levy, created a new Economic Incentive Fund and heard public comments — including petitions alleging misconduct by two county judges.

Discussion Points

•Administrator referenced total expenses and the balancing of operating funds.
•Board members thanked staff and emphasized municipal collaboration through Housing Lake.
•Board read formal proclamations recognizing multiple departing board members and officials.
•Both speakers named two county judges (Judge Bruno and Judge Lofthouse) and asked the board to pursue legislative impeachment or state investigation.
•Chair and Vice Chair thanked LCDOT Director Shane Schneider and staff for moving long-planned projects forward.
•Departing members reflected on institutional knowledge, public service, and priorities including water resources, ethics and public health.
•Member Frank urged consideration of bonding for capital projects rather than holding large balances.
•Member Roberts noted Senator Adrian Johnson helped secure the IDHS appropriation.
•Members debated speed versus vetting: some urged quick action for unique projects; others wanted clearer qualification parameters.
•Members emphasized pedestrian/bike improvements and regional connectivity.
•Members recorded roll-call votes to appropriate the funds as emergency grants.
•Members thanked budget team for multi-month work.
•Member Wasik announced intent to abstain pending more discussion on program rules.
•Michael Dobrow (Illinois Realtors) supported ADUs as a pragmatic housing option and highlighted affordability gaps (median household income vs median home sale price).
•Speakers described sealed reports and alleged due‑process violations in family‑court proceedings.

Decisions

•Both appropriation and contract award approved by roll-call votes.
•Both grant acceptances and emergency appropriations approved.
•Budget and real-property tax levy adopted on Nov. 10, 2026.
•Economic Incentive Fund created and $2M committed to Project Bravo; motion approved by roll-call with an abstention recorded during discussion.
•No board action (investigation or referral) initiated at the meeting.
•Resolutions honoring each outgoing official were read and adopted by unanimous acclamation during the meeting.
•UDO amendments approved by board vote.

Directions

•County administration to return with capital-prioritization and debt strategy options.
•Lake County DOT to start pre-construction tasks and report schedule to the board.
•No formal referral or vote recorded; board members acknowledged receipt and expressed interest in transparent processes.
•Staff to continue municipal outreach and provide implementation guidance for ADUs.
•Staff to provide eligibility criteria and follow-up materials for Project Bravo and the new fund.
•State's Attorney's Office to coordinate implementation and report back to county administration.

Nov

Video

Lake County Financial & Administrative Committee met Nov. 5, 2026, and approved guidelines for use of Monsanto environmental settlement funds, amended the countyeconomic incentive policy, created a new Economic Incentive Fund (Fund 104) and committed $2 million to a proposed "Project Bravo" semiconductor manufacturing site; the committee also approved several budget and procurement items and ratified labor and housing-authority governance actions.

Discussion Points

•Agreement covers 12 Coroner's Office employees and includes multi-year COLAs and two grade adjustments.
•Committee asked about 'me-too' clauses and received confirmation none were included in recent bargaining.
•Director offered attachments and follow-up briefings.
•Emergency procurement issued after termination of incumbent vendor; RFP process followed to award new contract.
•Matt Myers presented eligibility, geographic priorities and review process for settlement funds.
•Member Clark proposed RBO compliance amendment; discussion centered on applicability to funded portion of projects.
•Policy amendments clarify incentive types and add Monsanto settlement funds as an option.
•Project Bravo described as 400 jobs, >200,000 sq. ft. and $200M+ phase-one capital investment; decision on site selection imminent.
•Report covered contract counts and values, and noted Navy demolition project is reimbursable.
•Resolution approves supportive posture and board composition but does not itself effect transfer.
•Total combined units post-merger estimated at 4,400; North Chicago contributes ~920 units.
•Vital Records appropriation needed for unbudgeted digitization work.

Decisions

•Amendment adopted; resolution 8.26 approved as amended
•Committee supported the proposed transfer and seven-member board composition.
•Emergency procurement ratified; contract awarded to Midwest Moving; $37,000 appropriation approved.
•No committee action required; report accepted.
•Policy amendments adopted; Economic Incentive Fund created; $2M commitment to Project Bravo
•Resolution 8.24 approved.

Directions

•Annual review of guidelines to be scheduled.
•Any specific grant/allocation will return to the board for final approval.
•Clerk to work with finance on contract transition.
•County staff to apply RBO requirement only to funded portion where 'applicable'.
•HR to implement the negotiated changes and reflect costs in the budget.
•Members may request spreadsheets and further details after the meeting.
•Proceed with digitization project and return status updates as needed.
•Staff to continue coordination with the City of North Chicago and federal partners.
•Staff to negotiate economic development agreements with performance criteria to be discussed.

Nov

Video

Lake County Public Works & Transportation Committee hosted a Nov. 4 presentation of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) / NEDA 2027 regional budget, heard details on Lake County service and capital investments, approved two five-year software contracts, received an IDOT Route 120 hearing notice, and closed with the chair's farewell.

Discussion Points

•A proposed $10,000,000 initial dial‑a‑ride fund will be informed by the study.
•Chair's reflections on committee accomplishments and gratitude to members and staff.
•Clarification that ambassadors are mainly customer‑service/de‑escalation staff, with 80% drawn from CTA.
•Committee members asked for local service details and implementation timelines.
•County staff will monitor the study and attend the meeting.
•Director Schneider described the vendors and how the software supports organization of multiple funding sources and federal compliance.
•IDOT is conducting a Pell feasibility study and has scheduled a second public meeting on Nov. 10.
•Local capital projects and corridor candidates for sidewalk investments were highlighted.
•Members asked whether the pricing represented a good value; staff said vendors held prior pricing.
•Members spoke in tribute to the chair’s institutional knowledge.
•NEDA presented the proposed 2027 budget totals and priorities.
•Ongoing Boston Consulting Group study on paratransit with Dec. 31 report deadline.
•Specific routes identified for frequency improvements and Sunday service.
•Training schedule for transit ambassadors and app launch timing.

Decisions

•Both contract renewals approved
•Meeting adjourned

Nov

Vernon Hills Village Board Meeting - 11/2/26

Vernon Hills Village Board met Nov. 2, 2026. The board approved routine consent items and passed an ordinance to allow a PNC branch with a drive-up ATM; approved a seasonal outdoor salt-storage permit at Hawthorne Hills Shopping Center; directed staff to draft an ordinance for a proposed car wash with added landscaping conditions; heard a detailed community presentation on kratom and 7‑OH products and discussed next steps; received a concept review from Scout Motors on reuse of the former Bally's site; and approved an insurance renewal recommendation to bind with Travelers/IPRF (option 3).

Discussion Points

•Alliant presented three renewal options and cited premium impacts and deductible adjustments across coverage lines.
•Applicant described adaptive reuse plan including two additions (approx. 7,000 and 4,000 sq ft) and a focus on service rather than large on‑lot inventory.
•Committee discussed access, potential cross‑access with adjacent parcels and parking orientation, and noted required zoning entitlements.
•Planning staff reviewed six P&Z conditions, including deviations from water‑main loop requirements and canopy masonry.
•Planning & Zoning recommended approval 6–0 with conditions relating to trash enclosure materials, monument sign design and landscaping.
•Presenters and police/treatment providers cited availability in local smoke shops and possible harm from concentrated derivatives (7‑OH).
•Staff presented the selected location and safety measures to avoid storm‑drain contamination.
•Students and Stanstrong presented scan results and product risks, including packaging that resembles energy drinks and candy.
•Trustees asked about branch siting and market radius; applicant answered with drive‑time rationale.
•Trustees asked about sales‑tax interruption limits and whether excess coverage could restore a higher catastrophic limit.
•Trustees asked staff to review sample ordinances from neighboring municipalities for comprehensive definitions of natural and synthetic products.
•Trustees emphasized minimizing noise and neighbor disruption.
•Trustees requested more screening of stacked vehicles visible from Milwaukee Avenue and discussed snow storage and landscaping heights.

Decisions

•Consensus to pursue renewal option three and seek excess coverage information.
•Informal consensus to move ahead to technical review; no formal vote required at the concept stage.
•Motion to direct staff to prepare ordinance passed by roll call.
•No ordinance adopted at this meeting; direction to staff and council to continue drafting/review.
•Ordinance 2026‑102 approved by roll call.
•Resolution 2026‑045 adopted.

Directions

•Applicant to proceed to technical review and prepare materials for zoning entitlement.
•Applicant to provide updated drawings showing revised trash enclosure and monument sign.
•Council/counsel to review potential local ordinance and return with draft language and recommended enforcement approach.
•Finance staff to prepare ordinance for board consideration at next meeting.
•Permit includes signage, tight tarping and location away from storm drains.
•Staff to advise on potential variances and access agreements.
•Staff to bind the preferred renewal (Travelers + IPRF) and to explore excess coverage quoting to increase sales‑tax interruption limits.
•Staff to include additional east‑side screening landscaping in ordinance draft.
•Staff to return revised ordinance under omnibus for adoption.
•Staff to review Weedon and Naperville ordinance language and coordinate with Lake County Health Department and county partners.
•Staff to verify compliance during technical review.
•Staff to verify compliance during winter months.

Oct

Video

Lake County Legislative Committee held a special meeting Oct. 29, 2026 to review proposed federal changes to 2030 census counting and to direct staff to submit a county comment opposing the changes before the Nov. 2 deadline.

Discussion Points

•Clayton Cox explained the proposed rule would narrow who is counted and remove demographic questions, affecting apportionment and federal fund formulas.
•Committee requested staff to attempt to quantify potential local fiscal impacts for inclusion in the comment.
•Dominic Strazo explained potential impacts on HUD entitlement funds and local planning.
•Emily Gelber said loss of demographic data would undermine public-health planning and grant applications.
•Entitlement funding relies on population and housing-condition data; exclusions from the census could disproportionately affect funds allocated by formula.
•Overview of the proposed census changes and their national implications (apportionment, federal grants).
•Potential undercount would reduce access to demographic data used for public health planning and grant applications.
•Recommendation to focus comments on factual local impacts and dollar estimates.
•Removing race/ethnicity and other demographic questions would impair ability to measure disparities and trends over time.

Decisions

•Committee provided consensus direction to submit the county comment; no roll-call vote recorded.

Directions

•Ask grants team for estimates of affected HUD and other federal funding to strengthen the county comment.
•Staff and counsel to help prepare an impact-focused county comment and monitor association analyses.
•Staff to ask grants team for estimates of federal dollars that rely on census denominators to include in the county comment.
•Staff to circulate the draft to committee members before filing and to notify the full board after submission.
•Staff to coordinate outreach to NACo and ISACO and include contextual language about Lake County in the comment.
•Staff to draft and submit a Lake County comment opposing the proposed census changes before Nov. 2 deadline.

Oct

Video

Lake County Financial & Administrative Committee reviewed proposed FY2027 budget amendments, approved several building and HVAC contracts, and discussed guidelines for using $7.5 million in Monsanto settlement funds with a strong focus on Lake Michigan watershed communities; final budget action set for Nov. 5.

Discussion Points

•Annual membership memo reviewed
•Bid coordination to reduce mobilization costs
•Committee moved to executive session on a personnel matter
•Concept to create a small, budgeted economic-incentive fund to allow quick responses
•Consideration of bonding vs. levying property taxes for capital
•Eligibility limited to lakefront communities in Lake Michigan watershed and focus on environmental outcomes
•Environmentally responsible disposal and refrigerant recovery
•Initial staff draft included a 'no less than 50%' floor for Waukegan, North Chicago and Zion
•Members recommended adding Beach Park and Winthrop Harbor and increasing the priority floor to ~75%
•Proposed addition of Monsanto funds as an incentive type under the economic-incentive policy
•Public Defender staffing staggered hires to reflect recruitment timelines
•Reduction of contingency and settlements line in Risk & Liability Fund to avoid inflating operating budget
•Servers and HVAC equipment are beyond useful life
•Strong applicant pool for Ethics Commission appointments

Decisions

•All three contract items approved by voice vote
•Appointments approved by committee; executive session motion approved by roll call
•Committee provided consensus to advance recommended amendments and carry 7.1–7.3 to end of agenda for formal action next meeting
•Consensus to pursue drafting policy amendments and fund-creation proposals
•Consensus to return revised draft next week for formal consideration

Directions

•CFO to present end-of-year fund-balance/reserve analysis and proposed emergency appropriation process
•Clerk to forward appointments to full Board for confirmation
•Facilities to finalize contracts and coordinate with IT and DOT
•Include requirement for demonstrated net positive impact on water and/or air quality for a specified portion of projects and an annual FNA review
•Staff to add Monsanto option to policy draft and return next week
•Staff to draft creation steps and budget plan for economic-incentive fund next month
•Staff to prepare formal amendment for Nov. 5
•Staff to report progress to committee
•Staff to revise guidelines to add Beach Park and Winthrop Harbor and adjust the allocation floor and rubric

Oct

Video

This Lake County Planning, Building, Zoning and Environment Committee meeting on 2026-10-28 considered comprehensive amendments to Chapter 151 (Unified Development Ordinance) including ADU expansions, a Sustainable Development Incentives program (Appendix W), PUD process changes, and subdivision valuation/assurance updates; the committee voted to forward the consolidated packet (Group Exhibit 1) to the County Board for final action.

Discussion Points

•ADU expansion into residential zoning districts; minimum lot size reduction to 40,000 sq ft; removal of familial/employment occupancy limits; rural ADU threshold discussion (1 acre).
•Appendix W matrix linking sustainable features to incentives; qualifying features range from low-cost design tweaks to higher-investment items (geothermal, green roofs); matrix may be updated case-by-case.
•Creation of delegated PUD path for parcels 5 acres or less; allowing preliminary plan to serve as final in some cases to streamline timeline.
•Public commenters supported ADU expansion, incentives program, and conservation subdivision incentives; each highlighted different motives — affordability, addressing unit shortfalls, and habitat preservation.
•Staff outlined four exhibit packets (A–D) covering ADUs, sustainable incentives, PUD and subdivision changes; questions focused on TOD, graduated density, ADU thresholds and administrative reporting.

Decisions

•Committee voted to recommend Group Exhibit 1 to County Board.

Directions

•Forward Group Exhibit 1 to County Board for final action on 11/10/2026.

Oct

Video

Health & Community Services Committee accepted a $36,684 Emergency Solutions Grant appropriation for HMIS and discussed a proposed consolidation of the North Chicago Housing Authority into the Lake County Housing Authority; consolidation will be advanced to Finance & Administration on Nov. 5 for board action due to HUD timing.

Discussion Points

•Chair Park moved to convene executive session under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) to discuss a personnel matter.
•Committee had no substantive questions and approved the appropriation.
•County staff explained ESG pass-through and intended use to support HMIS staff.
•Members asked staff to provide dollar allocations, unit counts, and the methodology used to determine board seats.
•Members expressed surprise at late notice and lack of documentation; they questioned the equity of a 5–2 appointment split.
•Patrice Sutton introduced the consolidation request and described the proposed governance allocation (5 county appointments, 2 North Chicago).
•Roll call was held and the committee approved entering executive session.
•Staff explained consolidation would streamline processes and noted an existing MOU allows voucher portability from North Chicago to Lake County.

Decisions

•Entered executive session; returned to open session later and adjourned.
•No committee vote; item advanced to F&A for board consideration.
•No vote; item advanced to F&A for additional review.
•Resolution accepted and appropriation authorized.

Directions

•Item will be placed on Finance & Administration agenda for Nov. 5 to meet HUD timing.
•Staff to provide financial breakdowns and documentation to Finance & Administration before Nov. 5.
•Staff to record appropriation and proceed with grant administration.

Oct

Video

The joint Planning, Building, Zoning & Environment committee approved FY27 budgets for Planning, Building & Development and for Stormwater Management after staff presentations highlighted flat staffing, softer permitting revenue in 2026, a data-center moratorium and a request for more predictable capital funding for stormwater projects.

Discussion Points

•Budget presentations for PB&D and SMC
•Director Wagner presented FY27 budget, staffing at 34 FTEs and revenue outlook
•Federal grants for buyouts are competitive and have strict eligibility requirements
•Member questions on revenue sensitivity, IGAs, and capital match
•Members questioned revenue sensitivity and escalator clauses in IGAs
•SMC needs local cost-share to pursue buyouts and pre-project work
•Staff described DCEO grants (two $30M grants) and the need to make projects shovel-ready
•Staff outlined an 8-month data‑center moratorium and a draft sustainable development incentives ordinance
•Staff said the moratorium research will create state-compliant rules and a regional model
•Wolford presented SMC's five-year capital list ($11M) and argued for a 10% CIP target (~$1M) instead of the recommended $500,000

Decisions

•8b1 and 8b2–8b4 approved by voice vote
•Committee approved FY27 PB&D budget (8b1)
•Committee approved the stormwater budget items (8b2–8b4)
•No formal action on ordinance at this meeting
•No new buyout funding approved at this meeting

Directions

•Explore local funding match and use PEM fund for pre-project work
•Items approved to move into fiscal implementation
•No new FTEs requested; staff to proceed with reclassifications if budget adopted
•SMC to continue to prioritize projects and coordinate with municipalities and county finance to pursue capital match
•Staff to bring ordinance packet to PBZE next week

Oct

Planning & Zoning Meeting - 10/14/26

Vernon Hills Planning & Zoning Commission held public hearings on a proposed PNC Bank branch with a drive‑up ATM and a proposed El Car Wash at 1750 N. Milwaukee; the commission recommended approval of the PNC plans with conditions and recommended approval of the car wash special use and signage variances with conditions, including removal of a monument sign.

Discussion Points

•Access reconfiguration to a T intersection to preserve free‑flow east‑west movements and provide stop control on northbound driveway leg.
•Design and materials for PNC building (Nichiha panels, stone base).
•Enclosed vacuum bays to reduce noise and site clutter; membership business model with 85–90% members.
•Landscaping: retain most existing vegetation; remove a few trees for utility relocation.
•Operational details: drive‑up ATM is for under‑2‑minute transactions; after‑hours depository for business customers only.
•Practical need for additional signage given pond, tree buffers and distance from Milwaukee Avenue.
•Rooftop units to be screened by parapet and confirmed by staff.
•Signage: code‑compliant signage and guidance on placement; monument sign not part of this case.
•Signage variances needed due to site geometry, pond and tree buffer limiting visibility from Milwaukee Avenue.
•Staff conditions required masonry, landscaping adjustments, snow management, and directional signage coordination.
•Trade‑offs between monument vs. building signage and directional wayfinding needs.
•Traffic stacking and gating to manage peak queues with ~35 vehicles on site; petitioner modeled worst‑case as all trips new.
•Traffic stacking capacity and peak trip estimates (35 AM / 53 PM / 70 Saturday).
•Water reuse approach with 3‑stage separator and RO system; sanitary main extension of about 350 feet to the west to serve adjacent parcels.
•Water reuse via three‑stage separator and reverse osmosis; petitioner stated 50–75% reuse estimate.
•Whether testimony and written responses matched variance standards for sight lines and elevation orientation.

Decisions

•Commission recommended approval of the PNC special use with conditions; forwarded to village board for final decision.
•Commission required directional signage and landscaping adjustments as conditions to recommended approval.
•Monument sign removed from site plan by unanimous poll; signage variances recommended 5–1 to village board.
•Recommended approval of special use (unanimous) and sign variances (5–1); monument sign removed from the site plan by commission action.

Directions

•Petitioner to coordinate directional signage with the shopping center association and staff.
•Petitioner to provide final project narrative, civil/architectural plans, photometrics, and material samples.
•Petitioner to revise variance standard responses in writing and clarify sign elevations and orientation.
•Petitioner to show details of the water‑reclamation system in final plans; staff to confirm compliance with utility and stormwater requirements.
•Petitioner to submit corrected variance standard responses and clarify which elevations face each roadway.
•Petitioner to work with staff and association on directional signage; staff to reflect conditions in village board packet.
•Staff to confirm rooftop screening and color match for trash enclosure prior to village board packet.
•Staff to reflect monument sign removal and updated sign locations in village board packet.

Oct

Video

Retired Judge Mike Foos opened a Veterans History Project Day at the courthouse on 11/10/2023, encouraging 17 participating veterans to record their service stories for preservation with the Library of Congress.

Discussion Points

•Event logistics: volunteers (lawyers, judges, court reporters) recording 17 veterans representing multiple service branches
•Importance of preserving veterans' personal stories for historical record

Oct

Video

Retired Judge Mike Foos opened a Veterans History Project Day at the courthouse on 2023-11-10, inviting 17 veterans to record and preserve their service stories for the Library of Congress. The event emphasized the importance of capturing personal military histories for future generations.

Discussion Points

•Local logistics: 17 veterans participating; volunteers and court reporters will record and submit interviews to the Library of Congress.
•Personal context: Foos shared an anecdote about his father's WWII Navy service to illustrate why recordings matter.
•Purpose and archival role of the Veterans History Project explained by Mike Foos.

Oct

Vernon Hills Village Board Meeting - 10/6/26

Vernon Hills Village Board reviewed the fiscal 2026 audit (clean opinion, one reporting correction), received a public-works update on the Museum Boulevard intersection, approved a package of routine items and multiple ordinances (a fencing club special use permit, engineering contract for a multiuse path, sign variances for Marketplace Shopping Center, and early closure of the Milwaukee Avenue/Town Line Road TIF), and heard a public comment about kratom.

Discussion Points

•Auditor explained materiality and sampling limitations for audits.
•Auditor explained sampling and materiality rules.
•Auditors presented required communications, internal-controls report, comprehensive annual financial report and TIF compliance reports.
•Club coaches are Vernon Hills High School club coaches; hours mainly after school and on weekends.
•Contract covers design, bridge and Army Corps coordination.
•Correction tied to turffield license amendment; classification triggered by materiality (~$500,000).
•Early bond redemption of ~$14.2 million will be paid and produced estimated savings of ~$3 million in TIF resources.
•Planning recommended installing a bike rack and updating ADA signage.
•Planning & Zoning suggested restoring decorative cap and stone base and asked staff to research content restrictions for LED message centers.
•Project 99% complete; remaining restoration and tree plantings.
•Resident recounted personal experience and concern about kratom availability and youth risk.
•Staff and trustees are attending a regional symposium on kratom the following day.
•Temporary alignment planned to maintain pedestrian access during construction.
•TIF established in 2017 with EAV ~ $290,000; current EAV ~ $52.1 million; village contributed about $2.9 million in lieu of levy.
•Village attorney said content restrictions would require an ordinance and substantial-governmental-interest findings.
•Village is coordinating with mall/AMC to enable sidewalk tie-in but lease/parking constraints complicate that connection.

Decisions

•Ordinance 2026-695 approved by roll-call vote.
•Ordinance 2026-696 approved.
•Ordinance 2026-697 approved with design-related conditions.
•Ordinance 2026-698 approved for early TIF closure.

Directions

•Continue discussions with mall property owners and HOA about monument sign placement and pedestrian connections.
•No immediate ordinance to limit message content will be drafted without further board direction.
•Representative may coordinate with staff on parking and drop-off logistics.
•Staff to coordinate sign-panel backgrounds and legibility with owner; reach out to Kohl's Real Estate about the south sign.
•Staff to notify county and taxing districts, reserve funds for obligations and distribute surplus when able.
•Staff to report back with information from the symposium and examples of model ordinances.
•Staff to review contract with village attorney and confirm permitting schedule.
•Staff to revise scrivener's typo ("bike" vs "bike rack") in ordinance language and confirm condition language.
•Staff will finalize the financial-health and sustainability report after the audited numbers are issued.

Oct

Video

Lake County Financial & Administrative Committee met on 2026-10-01 to hear a public comment from the county state's attorney on prosecutor pay and public safety, approve several capital and design contract actions including a $2.75M design contract modification for a Multi‑Department Building, review the FY27 facilities capital improvement plan (roughly $100M over five years), approve smaller design contracts for juvenile and advocacy center systems, authorize a settlement authority for case 24 CV 10864, and enter executive session on pending litigation.

Discussion Points

•Committee agreed to discuss compensation as part of the FY27 budget process.
•County serves as conduit issuer to grant tax‑exempt status but is not the borrower; county retains covenant monitoring and reporting.
•Design contract requested to move projects to procurement.
•DLR Group had been working on the project and requires additional fee to support new timeline.
•Executive session held to discuss pending litigation.
•MDB schematic design and sustainability integration (geothermal must be included early).
•Members requested a comprehensive capital plan and funding model to evaluate bonds, cash, and timing.
•Modification aligns with ARPA fund shift and accelerated schedule.
•Owner plans to refinance bonds and HUD will replace Freddie Mac as mortgage holder; county will hold escrowed performance security for enforcement costs.
•Presentation of prioritized projects and daisy‑chain sequencing for major renovations.
•Reinhardt asked for investments for safety planning, technology readiness, and prosecutor pay.
•Rooftop HVAC units and CAC fire alarm are end of life and require replacement.
•Settlement authority approved in open session; details not disclosed.
•Site constraints include wetlands, soils and PUD parking requirements; members urged negotiation on parking size.

Decisions

•Contract 8.18 approved
•Contract modification #1 approved to complete design.
•Contract modification approved
•Resolution 8.15 approved
•Settlement authority approved for case 24 CV 10864

Directions

•County legal staff to act within the settlement authority granted.
•Proceed to design development and prepare financial assessment for sustainability features.
•Staff to present comprehensive capital plan and funding model next week (pending chair approval).

Sep

Video

Retired Judge Mike Foos opened a Veterans History Project event at the Lake County courthouse on Nov. 10, 2023, urging the 17 participating veterans to record their service stories for preservation at the Library of Congress.

Discussion Points

•List of participating veterans and volunteer roles
•Personal anecdote illustrating loss of unrecorded histories
•Purpose of Veterans History Project as described by Mike Foos

Directions

•Recordings to be sent to the Library of Congress for preservation

Sep

Planning & Zoning Meeting - 9/23/26

Planning & Zoning Commission heard three public hearings on sign variances and a special-use request; commissioners continued the Aspen Point sign case to Oct. 14, recommended approval with conditions for an electronic reader board at Farmers Best Market, and recommended a special-use for Halfday Athletics Fencing Club to go to the village board Oct. 6.

Discussion Points

•Applicant described operations, class sizes limited by eight fencing strips, typical hours, and parking adequacy for drop-off/pick-up.
•Commissioners agreed on technical conditions but were split on whether pricing should be permitted on the reader board.
•Commissioners discussed sign design, content and visibility, and the need for staff-legal review on content restrictions; fencing club code items were left to staff for verification.
•Commissioners focused on safety (controlled vestibule), restroom and ADA compliance, and bike-rack provision.
•Commissioners raised prematurity concerns without owner authorization to modify landscaping and asked for a cohesive resubmittal.
•Owner argued reader board is necessary to attract traffic to rear storefronts set back from Milwaukee Ave.
•Petitioner cited three hardships: 13 tenants vs. adjacent buildings, parking stalls that obscure sign panels, and grade ~5 ft below roadway reducing visibility.
•Staff summarized project status: Kitty Academy, VHIP, Postino, Mills Crossing (65 units), 99 Townline concept and Mallister's area redevelopment.

Decisions

•Commission recommended approval to village board (Oct. 6) with conditions.
•Commission recommended approval with conditions; directed staff to investigate content restrictions.
•Informational updates only; no formal commission action taken.
•Public hearing continued to October 14 for further review.
•Three formal actions recorded: continuation (Aspen Point), recommendation of sign variances (Farmers Best), and recommendation of special-use (Halfday Athletics).

Directions

•Petitioner to meet with ownership and village staff and return with revised sign package and landscape plan by October 14.
•Staff to confer with village attorneys on whether the village can lawfully limit reader-board content to product descriptions rather than explicit pricing.
•Staff to coordinate and advise on visibility improvements and potential parking adjustments.
•Staff to follow up on landscaping and visibility for Aspen Point, consult attorneys about reader-board content, and complete code review for Halfday Athletics.
•Staff to perform detailed code review and confirm restroom/ADA requirements and finalize entry/vestibule plan.
•Staff to publish notices for Oct. 14 and continue coordination on projects moving to technical review.

Sep

Vernon Hills Village Board Meeting - 9/15/26

Regular meeting of the Vernon Hills Village Board on Sept. 15, 2026: board approved reappointments and several ordinances including an amendment to the Hawthorne Mall redevelopment agreement, heard updates on ALPR cameras and a Route 45 closure, approved a senior day center special use, authorized TIF closures and bond redemption, and directed staff to plan the holiday lighting at Hawthorne Row.

Discussion Points

•Board asked clarifying questions about projects and reserves; staff said proceeds are in hand.
•Board confirmed affected taxing districts and asked clarifying questions about distributions.
•Chief explained case-number requirement, graduated access levels and newer audit tools.
•Director Lyons explained outstanding principal (~$14.2M) and reasons to redeem now to save interest.
•Director Lyons reviewed EAV growth, surplus calculation methodology and next steps for closing the TIF.
•IDOT scheduled closure and detour routing announced.
•Manager presented seven-year history and explained cost increases and new phasing.
•Manager proposed moving the event to Hawthorne Row to improve visibility and draw people to the central business area.
•Petitioner described hours, pricing and timeline for opening.
•Planning & Zoning recommended approval and listed two conditions (accessible parking review and confirmation that state license is not required).
•Resident voiced support for ALPR but raised misuse concerns and asked about safeguards.
•Staff has notified schools and will meet with state/contractor to finalize plans.
•Trustees discussed weather, visibility and costs related to the artificial tree.
•Trustees raised question about remedies for missed completion deadlines and restating the agreement.

Decisions

•Board approved ordinance 2026-087 R to adopt the third amendment.
•Board approved ordinance 2026-088 granting the special use permit.
•Board approved ordinance 2026-091 to close the TIF and proceed with distribution steps.
•Board approved ordinance 2026-092 authorizing bond redemption.
•Board directed staff to proceed with planning at Hawthorne Row.

Directions

•Chief to continue policy review and work with vendors to strengthen audit tools in response to public scrutiny.
•Complete legal review, refine reserves for objections/appeals and finalize required county notifications.
•Manager and attorneys to finalize the agreement language and exhibits for signatures.
•Petitioner to proceed with construction planning and agency approvals; staff to confirm accessible parking and licensing conditions.
•Staff to continue outreach to school districts and finalize detour signage and communications.
•Staff to proceed with planning for the usual date (Saturday after Thanksgiving at 5 PM), coordinate vendors and return to board if major changes required.
•Staff to reserve funds for final obligations, complete legal review and notify county collector and taxing districts.

Sep

Video

Retired Judge Mike Foos opened a Veterans History Project Day at the Lake County Courthouse on Nov. 10, 2023, urging the 17 veterans at the event to record their service so their stories can be preserved at the Library of Congress. Speakers reflected on the project's congressional authorization, the difficulty veterans may have recounting experiences, and the event's purpose of preserving memories for future generations.

Discussion Points

•Local hosting of the Veterans History Project since 2012 and the congressional authorization of the national program.
•Logistics: 17 veterans participating; volunteers (lawyers, judges, court reporters) will record interviews and send them to the Library of Congress.

Sep

Vernon Hills Village Board Meeting - 9/1/26

The Village of Vernon Hills board approved several permits and resolutions and held a lengthy concept review for the Mills Crossing townhome proposal, focused on density, traffic, right-of-way and transit access.

Discussion Points

•Applicant described operations and controls (membership and app reservations) to limit peak loads.
•Applicant said expansion would triple the current space and accommodate competitive teams and adult programming.
•Developers reduced density from 79 to 65 units and introduced a two‑story front‑load product (Revival series) to lessen perceived intensity.
•IDOT right‑of‑way for a possible Route 45 widening and the location of access points were the primary technical uncertainties.
•No public comment was made regarding the appointments at the meeting.
•One trustee abstained from voting because of employment with the Park District.
•Park District will staff the senior center weekdays and provide programming; village will provide space and reimbursement.
•Planning & Zoning recommended approval with three site conditions and an additional conditional parking-agreement requirement for tournament impacts.
•Planning & Zoning required parking‑lot lighting to be timed to business hours and asked staff to work with the property owner on a maintenance schedule.
•Resolution preserves ability to reimburse eligible project costs from future debt proceeds; $40 million maximum reimbursement figure is not an authorization to borrow.
•Staff described the interview process and that three candidates were interviewed for the vacancy.
•Staff described this as preserving financing flexibility only.
•Traffic study (ITE-based) projects roughly 23 morning and 29 evening peak hour trips—substantially less than historic commercial use, according to the developer's engineer.

Decisions

•Both appointment and reappointment approved by roll call.
•No formal approvals at this meeting; concept review only.
•Ordinance 2026-082 approved by roll call.
•Ordinance 2026‑083 approved by roll call.
•Resolution 2026‑040 approved by roll call; Park District board consideration pending.
•Resolution approved by roll call.

Directions

•Applicant to work with staff on landscaping, signage and bike‑rack installation; staff and applicant to monitor tournament parking demand and secure off‑site parking agreement if necessary.
•Developers to consider right‑of‑way dedication and landscape buffer details in technical submission.
•If Park District approves on Sept. 24, implement transition by Oct. 5; finalize reimbursement numbers and operational details.
•Staff to compare project plans with IDOT phase‑1 plans during technical review.
•Staff to continue planning and return with financing options if borrowing is considered.
•Staff to finalize lighting and maintenance conditions in permitting.
•Staff to process appointment paperwork and notify the appointee.

Sep

Video

Retired Judge Mike Foos opened a Veterans History Project Day at the courthouse on Nov. 10, 2023, introducing volunteers and explaining that interviews with 17 veterans will be recorded and sent to the Library of Congress for permanent preservation. Speakers emphasized the importance of preserving veterans' memories, urged participants to share difficult stories for historical record, and thanked volunteers and the community for supporting the project.

Discussion Points

•Purpose and history of the Veterans History Project; number of participating veterans (17); volunteers will record interviews for submission to the Library of Congress.
•Volunteers will record and forward interviews to the Library of Congress; project aims to preserve transient family memories and veterans' experiences.

Directions

•Interviews to be recorded and submitted to Library of Congress; volunteers thanked for participation.
•Volunteers and court staff will record and forward interviews to the Library of Congress.

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