Lake County Health and Community Services Committee Meeting - March 3, 2026

The Lake County Health and Community Services Committee met on March 3, 2026, at 8:31 AM to discuss and approve several items, including a fee schedule update for animal care and control, a major housing initiative presentation, and a memorandum of understanding with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). The meeting featured extensive discussion on the Housing Lake regional initiative, its Phase 1 summit results, and the roadmap for a multi-year implementation phase.

Consent Calendar

• 8.1: Motion by Member Kasman, second by Vice Chair Altenberg, to approve the Health and Community Services Committee meeting minutes from February 3, 2026. All in favor, none opposed. Motion passed.

Discussion Items

• 8.2 - Joint Resolution Amending Lake County Health Department Environmental Health Fee Schedule: Mike Adam, Director of Environmental Health, and Robin Van Sickle, Animal Care and Control Coordinator, presented the proposed changes. The fee schedule, last updated in 2018, is being revised to reflect increased costs for housing animals, veterinary care, and rehoming fees. Changes include simplification and consolidation of fees, as well as an increase for non-contracted municipalities to encourage contracts. The Environmental Health Advisory Committee approved the changes in November 2025, and municipalities were notified in advance. Members asked clarifying questions about the process, the scope of services, and the frequency of fee updates. The resolution was approved unanimously.

• 8.3 - Presentation on Highlights from the Housing Lake Summit and Next Steps: Eric and Dominic presented an update on the Housing Lake initiative, a regional coalition launched in July 2025. The presentation featured a video summarizing the initiative's goals and Phase 1 work, which included a kickoff meeting, a series of workshops, and a February 7, 2026 summit. The summit, held at the Regional Office of Education in Conway Park, culminated in a "Call to Action" document that memorializes insights, strategies, and a stakeholder engagement toolkit. The initiative addresses a projected countywide housing gap of over 11,000 market-rate units, 1,200 affordable senior units, and 6,700 affordable family units by 2027. The implementation phase will focus on four pillars: Policy and Regulatory Reform, Funding and Finance Tools, Partnerships and Development Capacity, and Communications and Education. A three-year partnership with CMAP is planned to develop work plans and deliverables. Members discussed strategies for increasing housing supply, including ADUs, modular construction, mixed-income developments, inclusionary zoning, and state-level advocacy. Concerns were raised about NIMBYism, the need for radical approaches, and the importance of addressing unhoused populations. Members emphasized the urgency of action and commended staff for their work.

• 8.4 - Resolution Approving Memorandum of Understanding with CMAP: A resolution to approve an MOU between Lake County and CMAP to advance the Housing Lake Coalition's work for the next three years. The MOU outlines roles, responsibilities, and a framework for coordinating the implementation phase. Members discussed funding challenges and expressed willingness to consider county funding if external sources are insufficient. Motion by Member Kasman, second by Member Cunningham. All in favor, none opposed. Motion passed.

County Administrator's Report

• Federal Funding Safety Net: County Administrator Patrice Sutton reported that a $2 million emergency appropriation request for a federal funding safety net fund will be presented to the Finance and Administrative Committee on Thursday. The fund is designed to protect critical programs, particularly in the health department, workforce development, and community development, from potential federal cuts. Members expressed appreciation for the proactive preparation.

• Healthy Houses Program Update: Dominic announced that the $2 million Healthy Houses program, previously approved, opened for applications on March 2, 2026, with a deadline of April 2, 2026. The program provides funding for HVAC replacement or insulation in properties with six or fewer units. Over a dozen applications were received on the first day. Members offered to assist with outreach to municipalities.

Key Outcomes

• 8.2 Approved: Unanimous approval of the amended fee schedule for animal care and control.
• 8.4 Approved: Unanimous approval of the MOU with CMAP to advance the Housing Lake initiative.
• Next Steps: The Housing Lake implementation phase will proceed with CMAP, with a work plan and deliverables to be developed. The $2 million emergency appropriation for federal funding safety net will be discussed at the Finance and Administrative Committee meeting on Thursday, March 6, 2026. The Healthy Houses program application period is open until April 2, 2026.