Public Meetings - Lake County, Illinois

The Lake County Technology Committee met on October 2, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. via in-person and remote attendance (Zoom). Chair Hart called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call showed members Altenberg, Cosman (with notice), Roberts (possibly absent), and Forth (Alterberg) absent with prior notice. The meeting covered several resolutions, a broadband update, an ERP system implementation update, and a director’s report. Consent Calendar - Item 8.1: Consent agenda approved unanimously by voice vote (motion by Frank, second by Kasmin). Discussion Items - Item 8.2 – Joint Resolution for Audio-Visual Upgrade in Courtroom 201: Lisa Wolf (Director of Finance for the Courts) and Winnie Weber (Director of Technology) presented a contract with Conference Technologies Inc. of Itasca, Illinois for $39,659 to replace equipment in courtroom 201 that has reached its end of useful life (15–17 years old). The upgrade will remove VHS capabilities and upgrade the monitor in the largest civil division courtroom. Member Frank commended maximizing the useful life. The resolution passed unanimously (motion by Frank, second by Peterson). - Item 8.3 – Joint Resolution Approving a Dig Once Policy: Betsy Brandon (Assistant County Administrator) and Kim Lunt (Digital Equity Coordinator) presented the Dig Once Policy, which standardizes annual coordination among Lake County land departments around five-year underground projects. The policy aims to minimize community disruption, encourage ISP infrastructure alignment, and promote digital equity. It was identified as a strategy in the Broadband and Digital Equity Action Plan adopted in December 2023. Questions from members focused on communication tools (e.g., GIS templates) and ensuring minimum specifications for department processes. The resolution passed unanimously (motion by Kasbin, second by Frank). Chair Hart expressed excitement, noting the policy will improve coordination and reduce repeated digging. - Item 9.1 – Broadband Update: Kate Crandall (Digital Equity Manager) and Kim Lunt provided updates on BEAD funding: Illinois received NTIA approval on August 25, 2025, and a notice of award from NIST on September 22, 2026, initiating a six-month timeline for grant agreements. In Lake County, 1,929 locations will be served: 1,248 by fiber (Strategic Management and Illinois Bell/AT&T) and 502 by satellite (Amazon). Chair Hart expressed disappointment that satellite lacks affordability components and that Amazon received billions without guaranteed discounts for residents. Crandall noted that the change was due to federal “benefit of the bargain” rules, and that competition from local ISPs is increasing. Public Wi-Fi pilot projects in Waukegan and North Chicago (funded by ARPA) have equipment ordered; installation expected by the end of 2026. A video highlighted summer youth employment program: 121 participants received digital skills training and laptops. Metrics from August 2025 to August 2026: over 6,600 residents served, over 6,200 learning sessions, nearly 2,000 devices distributed (cumulative over 2,000), over 5,500 hours of digital navigator instruction, and over 20,000 hours of participant engagement. The Digital Equity Coalition meeting had 47 attendees from 27 organizations; planning meetings for a partner-led continuation are scheduled for October and November. - Item 9.2 – ERP System Implementation Update: CIO Chris Blanding (remote) and Patrice Evans (ERP Program Manager) reported that the project is in parallel testing for payroll, comparing August 2026 legacy payroll to Workday processing. Goal is 95% accuracy in the first three-week period and 99% in the second; results are in the upper 80s to low 90s percent so far, which Strata (the implementer) considers impressive. End-to-end testing is behind schedule but a contingency phase is underway; business-critical tests are being executed with one-on-one guidance. Financial data validation is ongoing. Cutover planning (with 600–700 tasks) has started; data for the gold tenant (production environment) will be built next week. Change management includes newsletters, department meetings, a change champion network, and a dedicated Workday page on the employee portal. Training is targeted for November and December. Go-live is scheduled for December 1, 2026, with phased rollouts to functions. Chair Hart and members praised the thorough approach and emphasized the importance of change management. The project uses ARPA funding and is on time. - Director’s Report: CIO Chris Blanding announced October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The annual required security awareness training is delivered via a “Ninjo” video (theme: “don’t make it easy for them”) with John Lovett as a fan favorite. Monthly phishing tests are conducted; employees who fail receive follow-up education. Chair Hart noted the increasing threat of AI voice spoofing and asked about trends; Blanding confirmed tracking and can present quarterly stats. Key Outcomes - Item 8.2 passed unanimously: contract with Conference Technologies Inc. for $39,659. - Item 8.3 passed unanimously: Dig Once Policy approved. - Broadband updates received; committee noted progress and concerns about satellite affordability. - ERP update received; committee expressed support and noted go-live remains on track for December 1, 2026. - Director’s report received; cybersecurity training will be completed by staff within 30 days. - Member remarks: Vice Chair Kasmin thanked Chair Hart for leadership at NACO, presenting resolutions that became national priorities. Chair Hart commended Vice Chair Kasmin for representing the committee at Digital Equity Coalition meetings.

The Lake County Board's Financial and Administrative Committee met on October 1, 2026, at 8:30 AM. The meeting included public comment from the State's Attorney, approval of consent agenda items, and discussion and resolutions related to capital improvements, including a major multiple department building project. An executive session was held on pending litigation. Consent Calendar - Items 8.1 through 8.14 were approved unanimously on a motion by Member Hewitt, second by Member Clark. Public Comments & Testimony - Eric Reinhardt, Lake County State's Attorney, expressed support for strategic investments in public safety for FY2027. He specifically addressed the need to retain experienced prosecutors by adjusting pay grade maximums and incorporating cost-of-living increases. He noted the county's strategic plan's top goal is community safety and asked the committee to consider these public servants during budget planning. Discussion Items - FY2027 Facilities Capital Improvement Plan: Director Carl Carrar presented the recommended capital projects, with the Multiple Department Building (MDB) as the top priority. Other projects include sheriff's training facility, court tower build-out, first floor remodel, and center courts renovations. The presentation highlighted the daisy-chain dependencies among projects (e.g., MDB must be completed before Babcox jail medical expansion). Discussion covered project rankings, funding strategies (bonding vs. cash), parking lot size, sustainability goals, and security at the Libertyville campus. The committee deferred finalization until November for further input. - Resolution 8.15 - Whispering Oaks Apartments Bond Amendment: Patrice Sutton and Barbara Adams explained that the county acts as a conduit issuer for tax-exempt bonds. The owner is refinancing the debt, but the county retains compliance oversight to ensure affordable housing covenants. The resolution approved three documents. Approved. - Resolution 8.17 - MDB Design Services (2,746,416 dollars): Carl Carrar and Mark Price (FGMA) presented the schematic design for a 75,000 square foot facility to house the coroner and sheriff offices on the Libertyville campus. Construction cost estimated at 47.6 million dollars, plus sustainability add-ons (geothermal and solar) estimated at 5.85 million dollars. Discussion included site planning, parking compliance with Libertyville PUD, wetland protection, and net-zero design lessons from the Rock building. The resolution authorized the design contract. Approved unanimously. - Resolution 8.18 - HVAC Improvements and Fire Alarm Replacement (98,850 dollars): For the DEPC juvenile complex and Children's Advocacy Center. Approved. - Resolution 8.19 - Contract Modification for DEPK Juvenile Justice Complex (118,000 dollars): Fourth modification to continue design services for Phase 2 expansion, funded via capital funds. Approved. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda (8.1–8.14) was approved unanimously. - Resolutions 8.15, 8.17, 8.18, and 8.19 were all approved (8.17 with a motion by Member Clark, second by Member Hewitt; others similarly). - The committee entered executive session to discuss pending litigation (case 24 CV 10864) and subsequently approved settlement authority for that case. - The FY2027 capital improvement plan will be finalized at the November F&A committee and board meeting after additional input. - Meeting adjourned.

The Lake County Public Works and Transportation Committee met on September 30, 2026, at 8:30 AM. The meeting was called to order by Chair Clark with roll call and Pledge of Allegiance. The committee unanimously approved several resolutions related to capital improvements, contracts, land acquisition, and grant applications. Key discussions included the Cedar Lake Road realignment, Old McHenry Road underpass, and the establishment of a special service area for Del Mar Wood subdivision. Consent Calendar - Item 8.1: Consent agenda approved unanimously without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - 8.2 – 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program (CIP): Director McFarland presented the CIP for the Department of Public Works. No significant comments were received; the program was recommended for acceptance. - 8.3 – Contract with Kirschhofer Truck Service for sand, gravel, stone, and spoil removal services ($291,783): The contract supports restoration after water main and sewer repairs. Kirschhofer was the lowest responsible bidder. - 8.4 – Contract with Amber Mechanical Contractors for HVAC replacement at Vernon Hills New Century Town Water Reclamation Facility ($194,400): The unit had reached end of useful life (over 25-30 years). - 8.5 – Contract with Capital Industrial Coatings for painting of lift stations ($183,300): Painting protects exposed lift stations; specific paint specifications are used for durability (5-6 years). - 8.6 – Contract with Archline Construction for force main replacements at West Columbia Bay Road and Lakeside Drive ($1,672,084): These pressurized sewer mains have reached end of service life. Bypass pumping will be used to avoid service interruption. Director McFarland noted proactive assessment of water and sewer mains with CDM Smith to prioritize future repairs. - 8.7 – Resolution requesting quick take powers for Cedar Lake Road realignment: Director Schneider explained this is a risk management tool to secure a $19 million RAISE grant by allowing parallel land acquisition and negotiations. The project is about $50 million. Support from state legislators noted. - 8.8 – Resolution dedicating county property along Winchester Road to DOT for public roadway: Formalizes existing usage, including a bike path and intersection improvements. Also facilitates upcoming IDOT ADA improvements. - 8.9 – Resolution appropriating $7,600,000 for right-of-way acquisition for Old McHenry Road improvement: This transformational project includes an underpass under the Canadian National Railroad to eliminate 30-minute delays from 20 daily freight trains, plus intersection and non-motorized improvements. 50 parcels involved. Construction targeted for 2029. - 8.10 – Authorizing grant applications for ITEP grants for Patriot Path segment along IL 137 and non-motorized improvements for Cedar Lake Road: Patriot Path segment connects to Robert McClory bike path; previous $2M grant expired but they are reapplying for up to $5M. Discussion about delays with IDOT on appraisals for land acquisition at the naval base. - 8.11 – Appropriation of $200,000 for right-of-way acquisition for Fairfield Road culvert replacement at Round Lake Drain: Partnership with SMC; culvert replacement to address upstream flooding. Work to occur next year with staged construction. - 8.12 – Director's Report: Three items: (1) Returning a $6M CMAP grant for connected vehicle technology due to lack of standardization; (2) Low bid for Deerfield Road Reconstruction Project was $64M vs engineer's estimate of $50M – analysis underway; (3) Lake County will provide a semi-truck and worker to assist Cook County with debris removal after an August tornado (500,000 cubic yards of woody debris). - 8.13 – Ordinance establishing Special Service Area No. 18 for Del Mar Wood Subdivision: Deputy County Administrator Matt Myers and Attorney Steve Rice presented. This resolves a decades-long issue where the subdivision's sanitary district lacked maintenance funding. After public hearings and no petition, the county will take over operations. 110 homes will benefit. Future steps include dissolution of the old district. Key Outcomes - All resolutions (items 8.1 through 8.11 and 8.13) were approved unanimously by voice vote (all "Aye", no opposed). - The committee expressed support for creating signage to highlight Lake County infrastructure projects, similar to the "Rebuild Joaquin" signs in Waukegan. Staff will explore options and report back. - The next meeting is scheduled for October 7, 2026.

The Planning Building Zoning and Environment Committee met on September 30, 2026, at 5:00 AM (UTC) to discuss several agenda items including text amendments to subdivision regulations, the annual evaluation of the All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan, and a presentation on the results of the ARPA-funded tree planting program. No public comments were made. The meeting was called to order by Chair Altenberg, roll call was taken, and the consent agenda was approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was moved by Member Campos, seconded by Member Kenisneck, and passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were provided. Discussion Items 8.3 – Text Amendments to Chapter 151 (Subdivisions) - Krista Brown from Planning, Building and Development explained that the board had previously approved a resolution directing the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) to hold a public hearing on draft comprehensive amendments to Chapter 151 (the unified development ordinance). Staff has completed the process, and the public hearing for the full packet is scheduled for that afternoon. - The committee voted to schedule and conduct the public hearing. Motion by Member Schlick, second by Member Kenisneck, passed unanimously. 8.4 – Annual Evaluation Report of the All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan & CRS Recertification - Eric Wagner, Director of Planning Building and Development, introduced Joel Crow who presented the 2025 annual evaluation for the 2022 All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan. Lake County is a Class 6 community in the Community Rating System (CRS), entitling unincorporated residents to a 20% discount on flood insurance premiums (up to 20% discount). The discount represents approximately $165,000 in annual savings across 660 policies. - Joel Crow reported that the county maintains a voluntary floodplain property buyout program; currently, a grant is under review for buying out three homes. Since 1997, over 200 properties have been acquired through the program. - Public outreach to repetitive loss areas is conducted annually, and coordination with the Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) and township highway commissioners continues. - Member Wasick asked about achieving a higher CRS rating (Class 5). Joel Crow and Sharon Osterby (SMC) explained that moving to Class 5 would require approximately 300 additional points, and many small actions yield only 5–10 points, making it labor-intensive. They continue to evaluate cost-benefit tradeoffs. - Member Schlick inquired about insurance agent awareness of the discount. Staff noted that many agents are unaware, and education efforts include mailings, website updates, and library brochures. FEMA’s data reporting has become less reliable; the last policy count was received in October 2025. Staff expressed concern about federal funding for the discount but have not seen evidence of interruption. - Member Frank asked about verification of discount application. Staff explained that the community number triggers the discount, but residents may not be informed directly. The committee discussed additional outreach to lenders and insurance brokers. - The resolution was moved by Member Frank, second by Member Wasick, and passed unanimously. 8.5 – Director’s Report - Eric Wagner reported that three zoning amendment packets (ADU-related, sustainable development incentives, and comprehensive amendments) will be heard by the ZBA that afternoon. Anticipated committee review at the October 28 meeting and board action in November. 8.6 – Results of the 2024–2026 Tree Planting Program - Robin Hallgram, Sustainability Programs Manager, presented outcomes of the first program under the Lake County Tree Initiative, funded by ARPA. The program planted 2,350 trees across 672.42 acres on 38 sites in 19 jurisdictions. Sites included municipalities, park districts, townships, libraries, and other public lands impacted by stormwater. - Key requirements: high species richness (no more than 20% of any single species to prevent pest vulnerability), minimum caliper size of 1.25 inches, spacing of 15–20 feet (larger for oaks/hickories), and maintenance agreements for three years. - Estimated benefits at full maturity (20 years): 289,800 lbs CO2 sequestered, 278,300 gallons stormwater absorbed, and 1,000 lbs of air pollutants filtered annually. - Outreach kits with branded materials were provided to each site. The program aligns with the recently adopted Urban and Community Forestry Strategic Plan. Next steps include continued planting with Delta Institute (25 trees this fall in Winthrop Harbor and North Chicago), collaboration with other county departments, and pursuit of additional grants. - Member Wasick requested a district-level breakdown of planting locations for newsletters. Robin agreed to provide the data. - Member Frank asked about future replication. Robin noted that the program was limited by ARPA funds, but other grants and partnerships are being pursued. - Member Campos asked about the acreage calculation; the 672 acres was based on spacing requirements provided in applications. - Member Wasick inquired about partnerships with Chicago Regional Tree Initiative and Morton Arboretum; Robin confirmed ongoing communication and use of their priority maps. Key Outcomes - Motion to schedule public hearing on amendments to Chapter 151 (subdivisions) passed unanimously. - Resolution accepting the 2025 annual evaluation report of the All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan and directing posting and press release for CRS recertification passed unanimously. - The tree planting program presentation was received with appreciation; staff will provide district-level planting data to committee members. - No other actions were taken.

The Financial and Administrative Committee held a special meeting on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. The primary purpose was to enter executive session to discuss candidates for appointment to the Lake County Ethics Commission. The meeting included routine procedural items and adjournment. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were presented. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - The committee addressed no substantive public discussion items. All deliberation occurred in executive session. Key Outcomes - The committee voted unanimously to enter executive session to consider specific candidates for appointment to the ethics commission. Motion by Member Clark, seconded by Member Hewitt. All present members voted aye (Members Clark, Frank, Hewitt, Maine, Peterson; Member Volitsick was absent). - Following executive session, the committee reconvened in regular session and adjourned, with the next regular meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 1, 2026. Attendance - Present: Chair Frank, Members Clark, Hewitt, Maine, Peterson. Absent: Member Volitsick. Quorum was established.

The Lake County Board met in regular session on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 9 a.m. in Waukegan, Illinois. The meeting was recorded and live-streamed, with remote public participation via Zoom. No agenda or minutes were provided, so this summary is based solely on the transcript. The board opened with a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance, then heard employee recognitions, public comment, and action items. Presentations & Recognitions - Janine Richards was honored for 40 years of service in the Lake County Recorder’s/County Clerk’s Office, where she served as deputy recorder and land record coordinator. Richards said she was honored and planned to continue working. - Christy Dareux was honored for 30 years and 63 elections with the County Clerk’s Office, with roles ranging from absentee voting clerk to storeroom coordinator. Her grandchildren were present. - The board recognized September 2026 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The proclamation cited more than 48,000 U.S. suicide deaths annually, or one every 11 minutes; 14.3 million adults contemplating suicide each year, 4.6 million planning an attempt, and 2.2 million attempting; firearms as the most common method; and suicide as the second leading cause of death for ages 10-14. Deputy Coroner Steve Newton, chair of the Lake County Suicide Prevention Task Force, thanked the board and noted the task force works year-round. - The board recognized September 2026 as Workforce Development Month. Jennifer Serena accepted on behalf of the Lake County Workforce Development team and noted that team member Jeffrey Hubert was named a national workforce development hero. - The board recognized September 2026 as Safe Gun Storage Month. The proclamation cited 10,383 firearms reported missing, lost, or stolen in 2025; 80% of K-12 mass shooters using a firearm stolen from a family member; firearm injuries as the leading cause of death for ages 1-19 since 2020; guns used in about 55% of U.S. suicides in 2022; 79% of youth firearm suicides involving a family member’s gun; and unintentional child firearm deaths involving guns stored loaded in 74% of cases and stored unlocked in 76% of cases. The proclamation also noted the Illinois Safe Gun Storage Act took effect January 1, 2026. Several board members shared personal stories and urged safe storage; the State’s Attorney’s Office provides free firearm locks. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar, agenda items 5 through 30, was approved by roll call vote with no items pulled. There were no addenda to the agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - Linda Green, speaking on a matter not on the agenda, alleged that a Lake County contract with True Role (spelling as transcribed) placed every homeowner under real-time data surveillance under the guise of streamlining the homestead exemption. She claimed data were collected from public, private, purchased, and scraped sources; that an algorithmic black-box system could strip exemptions; and that the contract violated the Fourth Amendment. She asked the county to void the contract and reimburse residents. - For the Midlothian Manor items, Liz Nelson of Joining Forces for Affordable Housing/Connections for the Homeless expressed support for the project on behalf of seven residents and nine organizations. She cited a Lake County Partners analysis showing the need for 17,700 market-rate and 7,900 affordable housing units, and said 28% or 73,000 Lake County households are cost-burdened. - Reverend Daniel Morris, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Lake Zurich and a neighbor of the proposed site, said he was initially concerned but, after meeting the developer, supported the 24-unit development as needed housing security. - Steve Dubretto of Lake County Partners said housing affordability directly affects economic competitiveness. He said the county is building only about 1,000-1,200 units per year, that a local company paused expansion because it could not attract workers, and that a Wisconsin company reversed a move to Lake County due to housing costs. - For the data center moratorium, speakers overwhelmingly supported the moratorium. A Grayslake-area resident described a T5 data center mailer and asked for stronger protections, including notification, baseline measurements, and no hyperscale centers within three miles of communities. Susan Henning, a 30-year Gurnee resident, urged an eight-month pause, saying data center impacts are unknown. Alyssa Vincy cited T5 and Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin examples, including a proposed class action from residents 1.5 miles away, and urged baseline measurements before construction. Kira Lane of Clean Power Lake County strongly supported the moratorium and asked the board to go further and strengthen community engagement. Maida Mendis, executive director of Clean Power Lake County and a Zion resident, also supported the moratorium and asked for strong protections for water, air, and energy systems. Another resident said that if affordable housing efforts took 14 years to reach a good start, the board needed at least that much time to study data centers. Discussion Items - Member Park delivered the Board of Health report: the first human West Nile virus case in Lake County in 2026 was reported, mosquitoes remain active until the first hard frost, and Lake County has reported nine rabies-positive bats in 2026, six in August. The health department maintains a communicable disease data hub and a West Nile hotline. - Item 32: A joint resolution reallocating opioid settlement funds within the Lake County Health Department to stabilize A-Way Out funding by $247,732.74 passed by voice vote. - Item 33: A joint resolution accepting the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Program Year 2026 formula grant and authorizing an emergency appropriation of approximately $6.86 million passed by roll call vote. - Item 34: A joint resolution authorizing renewal of the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center program grant from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, including an emergency appropriation of approximately $693,003.75, passed by roll call vote. - Item 35: A joint resolution appropriating $1,785,000 in motor fuel tax funds for traffic signal and street light maintenance and authorizing a one-year renewal with Mead Inc. of Willowbrook, Illinois, for $1,487,143.71 passed by roll call vote. - Items 36 and 37: The board considered together the Midlothian Manor project in Lake Zurich, consisting of a rezoning of two parcels from R-1 to R-6 and a conditional use permit for a planned unit development with a 24-unit apartment building described as affordable housing. Board members spoke in support, citing the need for affordable and attainable housing. Both items passed by roll call vote; Member Kanisnik was excluded from that vote. - Item 38: The board adopted an ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance to define data centers and impose a temporary moratorium on data center uses in unincorporated Lake County. In discussion, members framed it as an eight-month moratorium on top of a four-month administrative deferral, with the chair saying it could run until May 2027 unless new regulations are adopted earlier. The chair also said the State’s Attorney’s Office advised that a one-year total moratorium was the maximum likely to be legally defensible, and that Lake County could be the first county in Illinois to approve a valid one-year data center moratorium. Member Wasick noted more than 1,200 public comments and about 1,500 data center proposals nationwide. Member Maine cautioned that the county only controls unincorporated territory and urged state-level action, noting Illinois had provided more than $660 million in data center tax incentives since 2019. The ordinance passed by voice vote. - Item 39: A resolution accepting and placing on file the estimated aggregate tax levy of $191,311,274 for fiscal year 2027 passed. Members noted this was a statutory estimate, not the final levy, and that final levy discussions would occur in October. - Appointments: Item 40 appointed Tina Commissioning, Sean Fitzgerald, and Kristen Jones to the Lake County Workforce Development Board. Items 41-43 appointed Robert Holbach to the Grub School Drainage District, Mara Altenberg to the Lake County Board of Health, and Sriya Alex, a registered nurse, to the Tuberculosis Sanatorium Board. All appointments passed. Key Outcomes - The consent calendar and all listed action items were approved; no failed votes or roll-call defeats were reported. - The board adopted the data center moratorium and directed staff to research best practices and draft data center regulations, with the moratorium intended to remain in place until regulations are adopted or May 2027. - The board approved the Midlothian Manor rezoning and conditional use permit, advancing a 24-unit apartment building described as affordable housing in Lake Zurich. - The estimated FY2027 tax levy was placed on file; final budget and levy decisions were scheduled for October. - The board adjourned the regular September session until October 13, 2026.

The Lake County Public Works and Transportation Committee met on September 2, 2026, at 8:30 AM. The meeting was held in person with remote attendance via Zoom. Members present: Chair (unidentified), Hewitt, Hunter, Jermaine, Roberts, Wasek. Member Maine participated electronically. The agenda included the consent calendar, updates from the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA), a change order for the Rollins Road Force Main Replacement, a presentation on the five-year capital improvement program (CIP), several resolutions for transportation and transit funding, a status update on the long-range transportation plan (Vision 2050), and a discussion on quick take authority for the Cedar Lake Road realignment project. Consent Calendar - Item 8.1: Consent Agenda – Approved unanimously. (Motion by Roberts, second by Hewitt.) Discussion Items - Item 8.2: NITA Quarterly Update – Kate Peterson, Mobility Outreach Coordinator, reported that the Northern Illinois Transit Authority officially launched on September 1, 2026. Key points: no transit service cuts; fare programs (reduced fare, free ADA paratransit, Access pilot) remain unchanged; $132 million allocated for immediate safety needs including rail slow zones and bus connections. A regional transit coordination study is underway to improve transfer times to 3–15 minutes. In Lake County, a Fox Lake project was selected under the development dialogue category for two parcels near the Metra station. Member Wasick asked about a timeline for studying expanded Metra service on the North Central line; Peterson agreed to follow up. Chair noted that Gary Gordon is Lake County's representative on the NITA board. - Item 8.3: Change Order No. 1 – Rollins Road Force Main Replacement – Director Austin McFarland explained that additional internal piping damage was discovered, requiring a change order with Burger Contractors Inc. The net cost increased from $2,278,831.30 to $2,333,426.30, covered by contingency funds. (Motion by Hunter, second by Kasbin; approved unanimously.) - Item 8.4: Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (FY27–FY31) Presentation – Assistant Public Works Director Mark Bourgot and Engineering Supervisor Brittany Sloan presented the department's CIP. Highlights include: enterprise budget of $83.3 million for FY26, with $22.2 million for capital; ARPA funding of $21.4 million nearly fully expended; new UV disinfection at the Des Plaines water treatment facility (100% effective against E. coli); completed water towers (Gages Lake, White Deer Run) adding over 3 million gallons of storage; ongoing projects (Manitou Creek shoreline stabilization, SCADA modernization, Oak Terrace water system improvements). The proposed five-year CIP totals $110 million, with FY27 funding of $25.9 million. Committee members praised the work and asked about coordination with IDOT, the John Mogg water tower retention, and the Highland Lakes project timeline. Member Hunter noted coordination with Lake County DOT on Fairfield Road and Route 59 water main projects. - Item 8.5: Traffic Signal and Street Light Maintenance Resolution – Authorized a one-year renewal with Mead Inc. for $1,487,143.71, covering about 200 traffic signals and 700 street lights. All county-owned signals are now LED. (Motion by Kasmin, second by Hewitt; approved unanimously.) - Item 8.6: Roundabout Safety Improvements – River Road and Roberts Road – Authorized Phase II engineering services with GFT Infrastructure Inc. at a maximum cost of $286,478, appropriating $345,000 in motor fuel tax funds. The existing hybrid roundabout will be modified to a single-lane roundabout to improve safety and reduce speeds. (Motion by Hunter, second by Roberts; approved unanimously.) - Item 8.7: Border Bridge MOU – State Line Road – Authorized a four-way agreement among Kenosha County, Wisconsin DOT, IDOT, and Lake County regarding maintenance responsibilities for the bridge over the Dutch Gap Canal. Kenosha County retains jurisdiction. (Motion by Hunter, second by Hewitt; approved unanimously.) - Item 8.8: CMAP Transportation Planning Staff Assistance – Authorized an annual agreement with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) for staff support to the Lake County Council of Mayors, with reimbursement of about $200,000. (Motion by Kasmin, second by Roberts; approved unanimously.) - Item 8.9: Federal 5310 Grant Agreement with NITA – Authorized a technical services agreement for federal Section 5310 funds supporting Ride Lake County paratransit. The grant covers 25% of annual operating costs (approximately $500,000 per year) and is retroactive to January 1, 2025. (Motion by Hunter, second by Kasbin; approved unanimously.) - Item 8.10: Cedar Lake Road Realignment – Right-of-Way Acquisition Funding – Authorized an agreement with IDOT to use $4 million in federal community project funding for right-of-way acquisition. The project also includes a $19 million RAISE grant, $7.5 million from the Council of Mayors, and $2 million from Metra. (Motion by Hunter, second by Wasick; approved unanimously.) - Item 8.11: Vision 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan Update – Mike Clemens, Manager of Transportation Planning, reported the plan is in Phase 3 (Decide). A travel demand model is being finalized using updated CMAP data. Up to 75 future projects will be simulated. Public engagement includes middle school sign contests, a high school student advisory council, and four in-person public meetings (November–December 2026). The plan is expected to be adopted by summer 2027. - Item 8.12: Director's Report – Quick Take Authority for Cedar Lake Road – Director Shane Schneider requested committee concurrence to pursue quick take authority from the Illinois General Assembly for land acquisition on the Cedar Lake Road realignment. The RAISE grant requires all land cleared by September 2028. A public hearing is scheduled for September 9, 2026. Quick take would allow the county to take possession after offering appraised value while continuing negotiations. Committee members expressed support; consensus was given to proceed. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved. - Change Order No. 1 for Rollins Road Force Main Replacement approved (cost increasing to $2,333,426.30). - Resolution for traffic signal and street light maintenance renewal with Mead Inc. approved ($1,487,143.71). - Resolution for roundabout safety improvements engineering services approved (max $286,478, appropriating $345,000). - Resolution for border bridge MOU approved. - Resolution for CMAP planning staff assistance approved ($200,000 reimbursement). - Resolution for federal 5310 grant agreement with NITA approved. - Resolution for Cedar Lake Road right-of-way acquisition funding approved ($4 million). - Committee gave consensus to proceed with quick take authority for Cedar Lake Road realignment. - Gabby Ocampo introduced as new executive assistant in the County Administrator's Office. - Next meeting scheduled for September 30, 2026.

The Planning Building Zoning and Environment Committee of Lake County met on September 1, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. to consider two main agenda items: a proposed moratorium on data centers in unincorporated areas and a proposal to amend accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations. Chair Altenberg opened with remarks expressing concerns about data center impacts and the need for a moratorium to allow research. The committee heard public testimony, deliberated, and voted unanimously on both items. A third item was postponed. Public Comments & Testimony - Ciara Lane (Clean Power Lake County) strongly supported the moratorium, urging the board to consider a longer duration and to require meaningful public engagement. She warned that hyperscale data centers could create new environmental justice communities. - Hal Biedling opposed data centers, citing enormous energy demands (1,355 megawatts for a single center) and arguing that renewable energy cannot reliably support them. He criticized current energy policies. - Javier R expressed opposition to data centers, calling the moratorium a temporary fix and asking how to make it permanent. - Alison Hans Liebin (unincorporated Grays Lake) supported the moratorium but urged a distinction between traditional data centers and generative AI data centers. She raised concerns about water use, heat islands, backup generators, and recommended requiring net-zero design, underground construction, and gray water use. - Diana Cruz (Zion unincorporated) opposed data centers, citing wildfire impacts and the need to consider cross-border environmental effects. She noted that Grays Lake residents had been ignored by their local council. - Ursa Sheller supported the moratorium, describing environmental catastrophes from data center construction in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, including runoff into lakes. She argued that Grays Lake's lakes would be irreparably harmed. Discussion Items 1. Proposed Moratorium on Data Centers - Eric Wagner, Director of Planning, Building and Development, presented the proposed amendments to Chapter 151 to impose a temporary moratorium on data centers in unincorporated Lake County. He explained that an administrative deferral was already in place but expires October 7, 2026. The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously recommended the moratorium on August 18. The moratorium would define data centers broadly and last until May 11, 2027, or until new regulations are adopted. Staff will conduct best-practices research and draft regulations, with potential for a subsequent administrative deferral to allow up to a year total. - Board members Peterson, Wasick, Frank, Campos, and Keniznik expressed strong support. They asked about the definition, the research process, community benefits, decommissioning requirements, and the need for transparency. Member Wasick noted that the definition is new to Illinois. Member Campos suggested requiring developers to notify nearby residents. Member Frank emphasized the importance of considering public benefits versus costs. All board members confirmed support for the moratorium. - A roll call vote was taken: Chair Altenberg, Campos, Frank, Keniznik, Peterson, and Wasick all voted aye. The motion passed unanimously. The matter will go to the full county board on September 8, 2026. 2. Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Text Amendment - Eric Wagner explained that Lake County is partnering with CMAP on the Housing Lake initiative. Currently, ADUs are allowed only on lots of 80,000 sq ft (2 acres) or more in certain residential zones. The proposed amendment would lower the lot size threshold and eliminate barriers, making ADUs easier to permit administratively. The ZBA has approved all recent variance requests for ADUs. Staff also plan to develop pre-approved plans to streamline the process. - Board members Keniznik, Peterson, Wasick, and Campos expressed support. They discussed the need for flexibility, multi-generational housing, and potential tax implications. Member Wasick suggested exploring incentives like lower assessment rates, but Wagner noted tax assessment is state jurisdiction. The committee voted unanimously to forward the amendment to the ZBA for a public hearing. Key Outcomes - Data Center Moratorium: The committee voted 6-0 to recommend the moratorium to the full county board. The moratorium will be effective immediately upon board adoption on September 8, 2026, and will last until May 11, 2027 or until new regulations are adopted. - ADU Text Amendment: The committee unanimously approved sending the proposed amendment to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a public hearing. - Item 8.3 (unidentified): Postponed to a future agenda due to illness of the presenter.

The Lake County Legislative Committee met on September 1, 2026 at 1:00 PM. Due to the absence of two members (Roberts and Hart), a quorum was not present, so consent agenda items were postponed. The committee received updates on state and federal legislative developments and reviewed the draft 2027 legislative program, including discussions on data centers, solar farms, and EV fire safety. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were submitted. Discussion Items - State Legislative Update (Item 8.3): Lobbyists Mike O'Dara and Derek reported that the Governor signed all 300+ bills with no vetoes. The fall veto session is scheduled for November 16-December 3, with the lame-duck session likely in January 2027. Early sales tax collections exceeded expectations. In response to a question from Chair Wasek, they noted the Power Act (data center regulation) is considered a top-three issue but its agenda placement depends on post-election negotiations. They said amendments to the bill would be possible if a framework emerges. - Federal Legislative Update (Item 8.4): Lobbyists Scott and Clayton reported that the House passed a continuing resolution funding the government through December 11, 2026, with strong bipartisan support. Six major non-appropriations bills (surface transportation, farm bill, flood insurance, etc.) face end-of-September deadlines and are likely to be addressed in the lame-duck session. They also discussed ongoing work with Representative Schneider's office on EV battery fire safety standards and opposition to heavier trucks pilot program. - Draft 2027 Legislative Program Review (Item 8.5): Matt Present reviewed the draft program. Key items include: - Support Items: Restoration of local health protection grant funding ($10M ask), tourism investment, decriminalizing homelessness, Waukegan coal plant remediation, Solid Waste Agency of Lake County program (including HHW, food scrap diversion, carry-out bag fee, vape recycling). - New Item – Illinois Power Act (hyperscale data centers): Eric Wagner explained the bill would require data centers to pay for grid upgrades, supply their own power, adhere to environmental controls, and provide local authority for zoning and community benefit agreements. Committee members expressed support but concerns about preemption and decommissioning bonding were raised. The county is pursuing an eight-month moratorium to develop local regulations. - Solar Farm Local Control: Member Hunter and Member Schlick raised concerns about state preemption on solar siting (e.g., setbacks). They requested staff to explore options to regain local authority, noting the state's lack of control for unincorporated areas. Eric Wagner cited the 50-foot setback as insufficient. Matt agreed to begin internal discussions and perhaps propose language for the 2027 program. - Other Items: EV battery fire standards (Member Hunter highlighted ongoing risks), railway safety, opposition to heavier trucks, and support for firearm accountability legislation. Key Outcomes - The committee will consider the draft legislative program for adoption at the October 6 meeting. - Staff will initiate discussions on potential state legislation to restore local control over solar farm siting. - The county continues tracking the Power Act, Federal farm bill, and other federal reauthorizations.