Lake County Board Meeting - April 14, 2026

The Lake County Board met on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 9:00 AM in Waukegan, Illinois. The meeting was live-streamed and included remote participation by Vice Chair Cunningham and members Hewitt and Parrack. The board considered several special recognitions, a presentation on America 250 celebrations, public comments, a consent agenda, committee reports, and multiple resolutions. Key actions included the creation of a special service area for stormwater improvements, approval of opioid settlement and video gaming grants, a bridge rehabilitation contract, and an emergency appropriation for liability insurance.

Consent Calendar

• Items 6 through 31 were approved as a consent agenda, with recusals recorded: Member Hunter recused on items 12 and 13 (fire protection districts), and Member Kasmin recused on items 14 and 15 (health and community services reappointments). The motion passed by a voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Margaret Carrasso: Criticized the board for failing to recognize Mario Pena, a community leader who helped over 5,000 immigrants become U.S. citizens and registered them to vote. She also alleged unfair treatment by the Lake County State's Attorney's Office regarding a case involving a victim of a narco gang member, urging the dismissal of charges against the victim.
• Rayon Edwards: Expressed strong support for the Lake County State's Attorney's Office, stating, "I am extremely proud of the work that our lake county states of attorney office is doing." He also raised concerns about the condition of a local hospital in the largest city of the county and criticized HUD-funded housing conditions in gated communities and apartment complexes, stating, "We are asking our people... to live in squalor." He called for fair, affordable, and livable housing.

Special Recognitions

• Maureen Reedy (22 Years of Service at Visit Lake County): Member Kasbin read a proclamation honoring Reedy for her leadership. Under her tenure, visitor spending reached $1.96 billion in 2024, and Lake County became the third largest tourism economy in Illinois. Reedy thanked the board and noted upcoming events for America's 250th anniversary and Six Flags Great America's 50th anniversary. Several board members offered remarks praising her legacy.
• ALS Awareness Month (May 2026): Chair Hart read a proclamation recognizing May as ALS Awareness Month. Jim Chamernick, whose wife Amy was diagnosed with ALS in 2004, spoke about the devastating effects of the disease, noting that every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed and someone dies, and that patients typically live 2–5 years after diagnosis. He highlighted the importance of awareness and advocacy, citing the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act and the ALS Registry Act.
• Fair Housing Month (April 2026): Member Altenberg read a proclamation designating April as Lake County Fair Housing Month. Maya Zavella of Prairie State Legal Services stated that in 2025, their Lake County office served 1,600 clients, including over 470 older adults, nearly 700 individuals with disabilities, and over 340 survivors of domestic violence. She highlighted cases where legal help prevented eviction and homelessness. Several board members spoke about the importance of housing equity and the new "Housing Lake" initiative.
• National Child Abuse Prevention Month (Blue Kids): Member Roberts read a proclamation recognizing April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Carrie Flanagan, Executive Director of the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center, reported that the center conducts nearly 1,000 forensic interviews and serves over 2,000 families annually, and reached 7,000 children and adults through awareness efforts. Board members thanked the center for its work protecting children.

Presentation

• America 250 Celebration: County Administrator Dur Sutton presented updates on Lake County's America 250 initiatives. The Lake County Independence Academy will begin next week; the K–12 art and essay contest submissions are due by April 15, 2026. A new interactive Self-Guided History Tour map was introduced, allowing residents to explore historic sites and submit photos. The tour will be available on the county website. Board members expressed enthusiasm for the initiative.

Discussion Items

• Board of Health Report: Member Maine reported that National Public Health Week (April 6–12) was observed, and National Infant Immunization Week will be April 20–27. He noted a dramatic rise in measles cases: 285 in 2024, 2,285 in 2025, and an on-pace projection of over 6,000 cases this year. He urged residents to follow recommended immunization schedules.
• Item 33 – Opioid Settlement Funds: A joint resolution approving $405,000 in program year 2026 opioid settlement funding recommendations. Motion by Member Altenberg, seconded by Member Kyle. Approved unanimously.
• Item 34 – Video Gaming Grant Funding: A joint resolution approving $841,100 in video gaming grant recommendations and an emergency appropriation of $16,100 from the video gaming revenue fund balance. Member Kasmin recused herself (abstained). The roll call vote passed (15 ayes, 1 abstention).
• Item 35 – Special Service Area 18 (Delmar Woods): An ordinance to create Lake County Special Service Area 18 in the Delmar Woods Subdivision to fund storm sewer improvements. Motion by Member Clark, seconded by Member Parrack. Members praised the years-long effort to resolve this intractable problem. Approved unanimously.
• Item 36 – Dillies Road Bridge Rehabilitation: A joint resolution authorizing a contract with Roush Infrastructure LLC for $2,152,618.82 and appropriating $2,584,000 from matching tax funds for the bridge rehabilitation at Mill Creek. Motion by Member Clark, seconded by Member Kasmin. Roll call vote passed.
• Item 37 – Unified Development Ordinance Amendment: An ordinance amending Chapter 151 (Unified Development Ordinance) relating to logistics facilities in unincorporated Lake County. Motion by Member Altenberg, seconded by Member Schlick. Approved unanimously.
• Item 38 – Emergency Appropriation for Liability Insurance: A resolution authorizing an emergency appropriation of $2 million from the fund 206 balance for settlement expenses. Motion by Member Frank, seconded by Member Clark. Roll call vote passed.
• Item 39 – Appointment to Public Aid Committee: A resolution appointing Nancy Chowzah Schaefer as an alternate member of the Lake County Public Aid Committee. Motion by Member Frank, seconded by Member Kyle. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda Approved: Items 6–31 passed with recusals by Members Hunter (12-13) and Kasmin (14-15).
• Opioid Settlement Funding: $405,000 approved for FY2026.
• Video Gaming Grants: $841,100 approved, plus $16,100 emergency appropriation; Member Kasmin abstained.
• Special Service Area 18 Created: For Delmar Woods storm sewer improvements.
• Dillies Road Bridge Contract: $2,152,618.82 awarded to Roush Infrastructure LLC; $2,584,000 appropriated.
• UDO Amendment: Passed regarding logistics facilities.
• Liability Insurance Emergency Appropriation: $2 million approved.
• New Appointment: Nancy Chowzah Schaefer as alternate to Public Aid Committee.
• Next Meeting: The board will reconvene on May 12, 2026.