The Lake County Board convened to recognize retired employee Dawn Patch for 35 years of service, discuss significant infrastructure and economic achievements from 2025, and vote on several operational resolutions. The meeting featured public comments regarding a proposed gas pipeline and concerns about county law enforcement, followed by unanimous or majority approvals on workforce contracts, drainage district dissolution, and new solar energy initiatives.
Good morning. Today is Tuesday, December 9, 2025, and I called the Lake County Board meeting to order at 9 a.m. The meeting is being recorded and live streamed on our website, Comcast Channels 18 or 30 and ATT Uverse 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. Per County Board Rules Open Meetings Act, I think I have everybody who nobody has told me that they cannot attend. So we are good. Before we uh get into our agenda, is there anyone board members would like us to remember during our moment of silence today? Thank you. I'll uh start with Member Altenberg, followed by Member Kasbin. Thank you, Chair. Today we mourn the sudden and unexpected passing of recently retired Buffalo Grove village president Beverly Sussman. Village President Sussman left an indelible mark on the village that will be felt for many years to come. Her dedication and tenacity to make the village the best it can be was felt during her more than three decades of service to her hometown. As we speak, she's being laid to rest in the village she loves so dearly. Beverly and I worked side by side on many important issues over several years, and I was proud to call her my friend and colleague. We always supported each other and rallied behind one another. She was synonymous with Buffalo Grove. Beverly and her husband Marty were loyal and steadfast to the village and were seen at events across the village several times a week. Even as Beverly retired in 2023, she was not eager to leave a position she always held with love and compassion for those she served. Sussman served as village president from 2015 to 2023, and for several years prior from 2009 to 2015, she served as village trustee. Beverly's tenacity was unmistakable, getting a new downtown type development called the Cove, which brought hundreds of new housing units and new businesses to our community. It is one of the largest retail developments in the village history. Her legacy continues to shape our vision for the future, he said. Her spirit will continue to be an endearing part of our community. He added. He founded the Nocturnal Adoration Society in Joaquin, volunteered as a Eucharistic minister, belonged to the Sembradores Comunidad Guadalupe, and was the Sacristan for most blessed Trinity Parish, Holy Family Catholic Church in Joaquegan. Antioko was a beloved husband, father, brother, godfather, Catholic, volunteer, co-worker, and friend. After becoming a naturalized citizen in 1999, Antioco was adamant about the importance of voting and getting others to vote. He loved traveling with his family, rooting Fortaluca and all the Chicago sports teams, playing Pokemon Go and enjoying good tequila. Most importantly, he loved his family and friends. He was obviously a pillar of our community and of the Latino community in both Gurney and Waquegan, and he will be greatly missed. Thank you. Member Hewitt. Thank you. I would like us all to remember December 7th and Pearl Harbor and all the people that we lost and their families. Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else? Can you join me in a moment of silence, please? Member Peterson, if you would lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. And to the Republic for which she stands. One nation under God, invisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. We have no addenda to the agenda. We do have one special uh presentation today. I want to thank Member Maine for uh pointing out that it'd be nice to have our employee recognitions on our agenda. So we do have an employee service award for Dawn Patch. Oh, pardon me. Oh, you're right. We didn't call the roll.