Lake County Planning Building Zoning and Environment Committee Meeting - March 4, 2026

The Planning Building Zoning and Environment Committee met on March 4, 2026, at a time not specified but commenced in the morning with Chair Altenberg presiding. Member Kenizhnik participated electronically due to a medical reason and was eligible to vote. No public comments were made. The committee approved two resolutions and received a presentation on the Housing Lake initiative.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was moved by Member Campos, seconded by Member Schlick, and passed unanimously with no discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered during the meeting.

Discussion Items

8.2 – Resolution Adopting Program Design for Lake County Green Business Program

• Robin Holgram, Sustainability Programs Manager, presented the final design for the program, which will recognize businesses with sustainable features, practices, and planning. The program uses a free online verification tool and internal staff review. Businesses must certify truthfulness; rewards can be rescinded for false claims.
• Member Wasick questioned verification methods, noting the honor system for some claims. Holgram explained that certain items require artifacts (e.g., photos of EV chargers, invoices for renewable energy certificates).
• Member Frank suggested that the recognition ceremony, initially proposed at County Board meetings, should be an asterisk to avoid overcommitting time. Holgram noted the resolution mentions a ceremony with the Board Chair but could be flexible.
• Member Schlick requested future updates on the branding toolkit and emphasized that certification is not an endorsement.
• Chair Hart thanked Holgram for research and noted the program aligns with the board’s values.
• The resolution passed unanimously.

8.3 – Joint Resolution Authorizing Emergency Appropriation of $155,159 for Meadow View Material Transfer Facility Siting Application

• Ruth Ann Hall, Assistant County Administrator, explained that Waste Management filed a local siting application for a material transfer station adjacent to the Countryside Landfill in Grayslake. The $155,159 includes a $150,000 filing fee and $5,159 in legal fee reimbursement, paid by Waste Management under a host agreement approved in January 2025.
• The funds must be appropriated to cover county expenses for review and public hearing. The public hearing is set for Monday, May 18, 2026, at the University Center of Lake County, from 2:00 to 4:30 PM and 6:00 to 9:00 PM, with possible continuances through May 21.
• Member Wasick, whose district includes the proposed facility, asked why it was an emergency appropriation. Patrice (budget) clarified that the revenue was received now and must be appropriated before spending.
• Karen Fox, State’s Attorney, explained the hearing process: objectors may file forms, and the hearing officer (John McCarthy, an independent third party) will present recommendations to the board. County staff and members cannot discuss the application due to quasi-judicial roles.
• The resolution passed unanimously.

Presentation on Housing Lake Summit Highlights and Next Steps

• Eric Wagner, Planning Building Development Director, and Dominic Streso, Community Development Administrator, provided an update on the Housing Lake Coalition’s Phase 1 work, which culminated in a February 2026 summit. The coalition, involving over 175 stakeholders, addressed a countywide housing gap: projected shortage of over 11,000 market-rate units, 1,200 affordable senior units, and 6,700 affordable family units by 2027.
• A video showcased the collaborative approach, emphasizing four pillars: policy and regulatory reform, funding and financing tools, partnerships and development capacity, and communications and education.
• The “Call to Action” document distills the work into a digital resource with strategies, an engagement toolkit, and next steps. An MOU with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) for implementation was recommended by the HCS committee and will go to the County Board.
• Members praised the effort. Member Wasick and others discussed alternative housing (e.g., container homes, modular construction, 3D printing). Member Keniznik shared examples from East St. Louis and a Lake County business (SI Container Builds). Member Peterson suggested better branding for container homes. Member Volicek emphasized education and trust-building.
• Chair Altenberg noted the importance of partnership between staff and elected officials to maintain momentum.

Dominic Streso – Healthy Homes Program Update

• An appropriation of $2 million from the state was received for HVAC improvements at eligible rental properties (six units or less, tenant income below 80% AMI, about $96,000 for a family of four). The application window opened March 2 and closes April 2, 2026. Funds must be spent by July 2027.

Key Outcomes

• The resolution adopting the Lake County Green Business Program was approved unanimously.
• The resolution authorizing the emergency appropriation of $155,159 for the Meadow View Material Transfer Facility siting application was approved unanimously.
• No vote was taken on the Housing Lake presentation; it was informational with a recommendation for future action.
• The Healthy Homes Program update was noted; applications are being accepted.
• The meeting adjourned until April 1, 2026, at a time corresponding to the next regular meeting.