Lake County Board Meeting - August 12, 2025
Lake County Board Meeting - August 12, 2025
The Lake County Board met on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 9:02 AM. The meeting was called to order with 18 members present. The agenda included public comments, special recognitions, consent agenda approval, a joint resolution for workforce funding, a renewal of a crime victim fund grant, a sheriff's fee schedule, a construction contract award, updates from Lake County Partners and on ARPA implementation, intergovernmental agreements, and a resolution to begin dissolution of the South Lake Mosquito Abatement District. Several votes were taken.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Wayne Thorin discussed two transportation issues in Mundelein: the unsafe intersection of Route 60/83 and Hawley (citing 11 accidents from January 2019 to September 2024, 31% at night) and a speed limit reduction request on Route 176 west of Route 60/83. He asked for overhead lighting and a reduced speed limit of 40 mph. He thanked Jennifer Clark but expressed frustration with Adam Schlick's lack of response.
- Brother Blanks (Founding Chief President of Black Abolition Movement) announced the first Lake County Taste of Africa event on August 16, 2025, from 12 PM to 7 PM at 801 McAllister Avenue, Waukegan. He noted the organization is celebrating its 30th anniversary and sought guidance on compliance for the block party.
- Rayon Edwards addressed alcohol licensing, calling alcohol the number one drug, and criticized the PADS homeless shelter program, stating "Pads ain't doing nothing." He invited board members to the South Side Reunion at King Park on August 31, 2025.
Discussion Items
- Special Recognition: The board honored Helen Hammond Redding and Michael Redding Sr. for founding the Christopher D. Redding Youth Asthma Foundation. Since launching a mobile asthma van in 2023, the foundation has enrolled 26 schools, scheduled over 130 clinics, and served nearly 600 students in Waukegan, North Chicago, and Zion.
- Chair's Remarks: Chair Hart reported on the Alliance for Human Services Legislative Breakfast (concerns over federal budget cuts impacting basic needs), the Lake County Housing Coalition's attainable housing task force (next meeting September 10), a ribbon cutting for Sylvan Lake Dam (rebuilt 100-year-old earthen dam with funding from Congresswoman Underwood), the Workday implementation (Project One Lake entering end-to-end testing), and an event with Governor Pritzker urging child vaccinations.
- Employee Service Awards: The board recognized Wendy Anta Ramian Powell (35 years at the Lake County Health Department) and Paget Rollins (30 years at the State's Attorney's Office, plus 1 year as a temp).
- Board of Health Report: Member Maine reported the first case of neuroinvasive West Nile virus in 2025, with higher-than-average positive mosquito pools. August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day, and the health department has naloxone resources. An art show for National Recovery Month is set for September 9. Larry Mackey, Director of Environmental Health, was thanked for his upcoming retirement.
- ARS Program Year 2025 Grant: A joint resolution accepting $8,516,791 from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act program was approved (motion by Altenberg, second by Frank, voice vote).
- Lake County Partners Update: Member Hunter reported Lake County was named one of the top 10 counties for economic development by Site Selection magazine. Over five years, Lake County Partners has facilitated $1.33 billion in capital investment and 4,600 new jobs. A robust pipeline includes life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and housing.
- ARPA Implementation Update: Deputy County Administrator Matt Myers provided an update on the $135 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds. All funds are contracted, with a spending deadline of December 31, 2026. Highlights: 53,000 nights of shelter, $7 million for mental health, 6.5 million units of PPE, almost 2 million meals, 4,000 trees planted. Administrative costs were 0.91%. The recovery plan is online at lakecountyil.gov/ARPA. Board members expressed pride in the strategic and compassionate use of funds.
- Item 46 – Naval Station Great Lakes Agreement: The board approved an intergovernmental support agreement for demolition and installation support services, primarily to demolish Halsey Village (housing for military families). Chair Hart noted the dilapidated conditions and praised collaboration with the Navy.
- Item 47 – North Chicago Environmental Remediation: A sub-recipient agreement with the City of North Chicago for environmental remediation at the Sheridan Crossing property was approved. Chair Hart thanked Deputy Administrator Myers and Member Kyle for leadership.
- Item 48 – South Lake Mosquito Abatement District Dissolution: The board discussed a resolution to begin the dissolution process. Supporters (Frank, Clark, Hart) argued for local control, transparency, and efficiency, noting that most municipalities handle mosquito abatement themselves. Opponents (Maine, Peterson) raised concerns about disenfranchising unincorporated areas, lack of representation, and the short tenure of the current board. The motion passed, with Members Maine and Peterson opposed.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Agenda (Items 2-39): Approved by roll call vote (18 ayes), with Item 21 removed.
- Item 21 (Law and Judicial) – Renewal of Grant for Africa Center: Approved. Motion by Cunningham, second by Altenberg. Members Volitzik and Roberts recused. Passed with 19 ayes.
- Item 41 (Health and Community Services) – Workforce Grant: Approved by voice vote.
- Item 42 (Law and Judicial) – Sheriff's Fee Schedule: Approved by voice vote.
- Item 43 (Public Works and Transportation) – Vernon Hills Pump Station Contract: Approved by roll call vote.
- Item 46 – Naval Station Great Lakes Agreement: Approved by voice vote.
- Item 47 – North Chicago Environmental Remediation Agreement: Approved by voice vote.
- Item 48 – South Lake Mosquito Abatement District Dissolution: Approved by voice vote with two opposed (Maine, Peterson).
- Item 49 – Board of Review Appointments: Approved by voice vote.
The meeting adjourned. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for September 9, 2025.
Meeting Transcript
Thank you. Good morning, everyone. Today is Tuesday, August 12, 2025, and I called Lake County Board meeting to order at 9.02 a.m. The meeting is being recorded and live streamed on our website, Comcast Channels 18 or 30, and ATTU versus Channel 99, as well as on Zoom at the link on the agenda. In addition to being able to attend in person, remote attendance has been made available to the public via Zoom. I did not receive any notification that anybody wants to attend electronically. So we can start our agenda. Before we begin, though, is there anyone board members would like to remember today during our moment of silence, please? Vice Chair Cunningham, Five by Member Hewitt. Yes, I would like for everyone to pray for Tony Koval. Longtime, lifetime resident of Lake County, Waukegan. He worked for the Waukegan City Waqegan. And we was at his gone away service last week, Diane and I. So a very nice young man. His daddy was Peak of all. His dad was the um Walking Township Democrat chair for many years and tearing. So couldn't have a pray for Tony Kuball. Great guy. Thank you. Grew up under me. Nice guy. Thank you. Member Hewitt. On August 3rd, Tanner Cross was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident in Sturgett, South Dakota. Tanner was a very generous young man, and his organs are with others today. He is survived by his parents, Betty and Jason, and a sister, his in-laws, Timothy and Katie, but most of all his wife Sydney, my granddaughter. So please keep the families that are involved in your prayers and thoughts. But I have to say that if you know anyone, anyone at all who rides a motorcycle, please take the time to ask them to wear a helmet. If he was wearing a helmet, he would be alive today. Longtime Lake Forest resident Jim Lovell died a few days ago at the age of 97. I met him once at a service academy night. Jim Lovell was a hero for rescuing the failed Apollo 13 mission under dire circumstances. Captain Lovell once said, in reality, we often say we hope to go to heaven when we die. In reality, we go to heaven when we're born. Feel the breeze in your cheek. And know that God has given us the ability to be here, he said. Our deepest condolences to his family and countless friends. Yet his courage, focus, and ingenuity and compassion are still very much with us. Grace has a gravity that not only anchors us to this planet, but to each other. Thank you. Anyone else? If you join me in the Pledge of Allegiance, please. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. May I have a roll call, please, Clerk? Here. Member Cambo. Here. Member Clark.
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