Lake County Planning, Building, Zoning & Environment Committee Meeting – July 8, 2026

The committee met on July 8, 2026, to address a withdrawn application, approve a consent agenda, and vote on several resolutions. The meeting opened with a moment of silence for the late Vice Chair Dr. Mary Ross Cunningham and the Pledge of Allegiance. No public comment was offered. Key actions included approval of a plat amendment for the Daringwood subdivision, a memorandum of understanding with the Delta Institute for urban forestry, and a resolution endorsing the Community Solar Clearinghouse Solution (CS²) program. Presentations on the 2025 greenhouse gas inventory and the county’s energy program update provided detailed data on emission reductions and future pathways.

Moment of Silence & Pledge

• The committee observed a moment of silence in memory of Lake County Board Vice Chair Dr. Mary Ross Cunningham, a longtime advocate for affordable housing, homelessness, and equity.
• Member Frank led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was moved by Member Campos, seconded by Member Wasik, and passed unanimously. No specific items were listed in the transcript.

Unfinished Business

• Item 8.1: The applicant for a previously listed case withdrew; no further action was needed.

Discussion Items

• 9.2 – Daringwood Subdivision Plat Amendment: Planner Frank Olson presented a petition by John and Carol Bates to relocate deed-restricted open space on Lot 12. The proposal removes 1,079 square feet of open space (containing an existing pool and shed) and replaces it with 1,082 square feet of new deed-restricted open space further southwest, resulting in a net gain. No objections from government entities, adjacent owners, or the HOA. Minimal natural resources affected. Staff recommended approval. Member Frank noted that requiring an equal offset is not mandatory but strongly recommended. The motion passed unanimously.

• 9.4 – MOU with Delta Institute: Sustainability Programs Manager Robin Halgram presented a resolution approving a memorandum of understanding with the Delta Institute to advance Lake County’s Urban and Community Forestry Strategic Plan. The MOU, at no cost to the county, will enable Delta to conduct tree plan reviews, virtual presentations, one in-person training, and one tree planting event through 2027. It aims to form a countywide urban forestry coalition. Members expressed excitement about leveraging Delta’s grant funding for additional tree planting (estimated 100+ trees) and outreach to municipalities. The motion passed unanimously.

• 9.5 – Endorsement of Community Solar Clearinghouse Solution (CS²): Robin Halgram presented a resolution endorsing the CS² program organized by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and the Illinois Power Bureau. The program helps residents subscribe to community solar developments, providing discounts on ComEd bills through solar credits. No direct financial investment from the county is required. The county would be the first to endorse the program. Members asked about promotion and a landing page; staff indicated information would be shared on the county’s sustainability page. The motion passed unanimously.

• 9.6 – Annual Greenhouse Gas Inventory (2025): Robin Halgram and Energy Programs Manager Carl Hughes presented the 2025 greenhouse gas inventory. Key findings:

  • Baseline (2017) emissions: 35,823 metric tons CO₂e. 2025 emissions: 29,073 metric tons (18.8% reduction). Including renewables from the ROC solar array, the reduction is 22%.
  • Scope 1 (direct emissions) and Scope 2 (indirect from electricity) were measured, along with employee commute (Scope 3).
  • Largest categories: buildings & facilities, employee commute, vehicle fleet.
  • Vehicle fleet emissions increased due to more miles driven (82,000 additional miles) and fewer EV miles (6,000 fewer).
  • Employee commute: 93% drive alone; average 2.36 days/week working from home; more EVs but still low.
  • Buildings & facilities: energy use stable; the ROC solar offset some electricity use; natural gas use increased due to colder weather.
  • Wastewater treatment emissions unchanged.
  • Staff discussed upcoming projects: energy report, audits, community solar subscriptions, and maintaining a holistic approach.

• 9.7 – Energy Program Update: Carl Hughes presented the 2025 Energy Report, establishing a baseline and identifying high-priority facilities. Key data:

  • Countywide annual energy use: ~230,000 million BTU (60% electricity, 40% natural gas). Annual utility costs: ~$5M electricity, ~$1M natural gas.
  • Public Works and Facilities & Construction Services account for 85% of energy use.
  • Top 10 facilities account for 76% of energy; top 3 (Des Plaines Water Reclamation, Babcox Justice Center, Admin & Courts) account for nearly 50%.
  • Average Energy Use Intensity (EUI) score: 41.7 out of 100, indicating underperformance relative to national benchmarks.
  • Composite Priority Score (CPS) identifies Des Plaines WRF, Admin & Courts, Babcox Justice Center, Mill Creek WRF, and Central Permit Facility as top candidates for investment.
  • Three illustrative pathways to 2040 net-zero were presented: (1) rely on Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) – lowest upfront cost but highest long-term operating cost; (2) widespread solar with limited efficiency – moderate; (3) widespread solar plus significant energy conservation measures – highest upfront investment ($183M) but lowest operating costs and eliminates need for RECs.
  • Staff noted that pathway three could save ~$10M annually in avoided utility and REC costs. Members discussed potential for bonding to achieve revenue-neutral investments and the need for detailed energy audits to identify specific measures.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Item 8.1 (Unfinished Business): No action needed; withdrawn.
• Item 9.2 (Daringwood Plat Amendment): Approved unanimously.
• Item 9.4 (Delta Institute MOU): Approved unanimously.
• Item 9.5 (CS² Resolution): Approved unanimously.
• Item 9.6 (GHG Inventory): Presented; no vote required.
• Item 9.7 (Energy Program Update): Presented; no vote required. Staff committed to sharing a spreadsheet of facility EUI scores after meeting with department stakeholders, likely within one to two months.
• Next Meeting: July 29, 2026.