Volume 1 July 14, 2020
Kathleen M. O'Connor
Supervisor
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From the Supervisor's Office

Libertyville Township Offices are now open during our normal business hours: Monday thru Friday; 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. 

Food Pantry Update

The food pantry will continue to operate on Tuesdays from 10 am - 3 pm for any Libertyville Township resident in financial need and provides proof of residency. If an individual is not a registered user of the food pantry, they will be asked to provide a photo id and a copy of a current utility bill as proof of residency. Once the current situation improves, additional documentation may be required. The bagged food will be distributed via drive thru. Residents will remain in the car and Township staff will load the food items. 

The pantry is in need of paper bags, pasta, pasta sauce, rice, ramen noodles, canned tuna, macaroni and cheese, bar soap, toilet paper, paper towels, any personal care items and cleaning supplies. Monetary donations can be made out to the Libertyville Township Gift Fund.

Food and/or monetary donations will be accepted during the regular business hours of 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
Upcoming Libertyville Township Board Meeting Announcement

Libertyville Township Board July 16, 2020 Meeting

July 16, 2020 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)



Meeting ID: 842 2615 1471

Password: 7pZmL9

Please submit Public Comments to Kathleen O’Connor by 4:00 on Thursday, July 16, 2020. Any public comment received will be read aloud by the Clerk.

------Public Notice------

Oak Spring Road Bridge Improvements Study

The Libertyville Township Road District will hold a Public Information Meeting concerning proposed improvements to the Oak Spring Road Bridge. The Road District will be following all IDPH guidelines for social distancing and attendees will be expected to wear a face mask. The meeting will be held in an open house format at the Libertyville Township Offices, 359 Merrill Court, Libertyville, IL 60048 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on August 11, 2020. This is a federally-funded project, and the public Information Meeting is being held incompliance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements and the Illinois Department of Transportation’s public involvement policy.
The Road District is seeking public comments on the effects that proposed improvements to the Oak Spring Road Bridge will have on the Wilmot Woods Canoe Launch. The Wilmot Woods Forest Preserve, which is under the jurisdiction of the Lake County Forest Preserve District, is a significant, publicly owned park. As such, it is subject to protection under Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966. For the Oak Spring Road Bridge project, the Road District intends to seek a Section 4(f) “de minimis” impact finding from the Federal Highway Administration based on a determination that the project will not adversely affect the features, attributes, or activities that qualify the Wilmot Woods Forest Preserve for protection under Section 4(f).
Effects of the project on the Wilmot Woods Forest Preserve will include 0.06 acres for placement of the new bridge and 0.22 acres for temporary construction activities. Mitigation will include improvements to the parking lot after construction of the bridge. Detailed documentation describing the impacts and mitigation associated with the effects of the project on the Forest Preserve will be available for review at the meeting.
Exhibits will be on display for viewing and representatives from the Road District and their consultant staff will be available for discussion and to answer questions. Inquiries may be directed to Mr. Martin Neal Highway Commissioner, Libertyville Township Road District (847) 362-3350. This meeting will be accessible to persons with a disability in compliance with current Accessibility Standards prepared by the Capital Development Board. Persons with a disability planning to attend and needing special accommodations should contact the person listed in this Notice by August 4, 2020.
Voting Information

  • Required ballot application available now on the November 2020 Vote By Mail page.
  • Ballots mailed 40 days before Election Day
  • Available to any registered voter
  • No need to qualify
  • Starts 40 days before Election Day only at the Lake County Clerk's office
  • Opens county-wide 15 days before Election Day
  • Use any site regardless of where you live in Lake County
  • Some locations offer evening and weekend hours
  • Grace Period Registration available
  • Polls are open 6 AM to 7 PM
  • Use assigned neighborhood site serving your address
  • Grace Period Registration available

Important dates

Sept. 24

First Day to Mail Ballots
Ballots will be mailed to your residence or alternate mailing address beginning
September 24, 2020.
                                                                                              
Oct. 29 

Last Day to Accept Ballot Applications
All ballot requests must be received (mailed, emailed, or personally delivered) in the
Lake County Clerk's Office by 5 PM. 
 
Nov. 3  

Election Day
Your voted ballot by mail must be hand delivered to the Lake County Clerk's office by
7 PM or postmarked no later than Election Day.
Apply Now for Small Business Assistance Grant Program

Through July 20, 2020, Lake County small businesses can apply for the Small Business Assistance Grant Program. Businesses can apply online for grants of up to $30,000 to help cover rent or mortgage payments, utility costs and other expenses. 
To learn more about this program and to apply, visit lakecountyil.gov/forward .
Open Burning Ban in Unincorporated Lake County Extended

The Lake County Board has extended the open burning ban in unincorporated Lake County until August 12, 2020. You can not burn yard waste.
 
Recreational fires that are no larger than 3’ x 3’ x 3’ used for warming, cooking, and other recreational purposes are not included in this ban. A recreational fire cannot contain garbage, junk and debris, tree trunks, or specified landscape waste.
 
The temporary ban is in addition to existing prohibitions which include burning garbage, refuse, or construction materials.
How will the temporary ban be enforced?
Not adhering to the temporary ban can result in a violation of the Lake County Temporary Emergency Nuisance Ordinance. 
 
To report an open burning violation occurring in the unincorporated area, please call the Lake County Open Burning Hotline at 847-377-2999.

Please have the address, specific location or   Property Index Number (PIN)
Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus in Lake County

A mosquito “pool” (batch of mosquitoes) sampled on June 4, 2020 in Hawthorn Woods, Illinois has tested positive for West Nile virus. This mosquito pool is the first confirmed indicator of West Nile virus presence in Lake County in 2020.
“As we approach the summer season, our time outdoors increases, and so does our exposure to mosquitoes,” said Mark Pfister, Executive Director of the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center. “Please remember to ‘Fight the Bite’ and protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes that may carry West Nile virus.”
Practice the “4 Ds of Defense” to protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes:
  • Drain: Drain standing water from items around your home, yard, and business.
  • Defend: When outdoors, use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, 2-undecanone, or IR3535 and reapply according to label directions.
  • Dawn and Dusk: Protect yourself all day and night, and wear repellent outdoors during these prime times for mosquito activity.
  • Dress: Wear long sleeves, pants, and closed toe shoes when outdoors to cover your skin

Renewal Applications for Senior Freeze, Disabled Persons and Disabled Veterans Homestead Exemptions Will Not Be Required This Year Due to COVID-19 Pandemic 

Lake County residents who in 2019 applied for and received the Senior Citizen Freeze Homestead Exemption, the Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities, and the Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans With Disabilities will not be required to re-apply for those exemptions in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Normally, residents who qualify for those exemptions need to reapply annually. However, on June 5, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law legislation that grants counties the option of approving renewals without application for the 2020 tax year.  Because the County Board has declared a local disaster related to the COVID-19 public health emergency, Lake County Chief Assessment Officer Robert Glueckert announced that he will exercise that option and automatically approve the three exemptions without application for the 2020 tax year only provided the following conditions are met: 
  • The owner of record of the property as of January 1, 2020 is the same as the owner of record of the property as of January 1, 2019; 
  • The exemption for the 2019 taxable year has not been determined to be an erroneous exemption; and 
  • The applicant for the 2019 taxable year has not asked for the exemption to be removed for the 2019 or 2020 taxable years. 
“So many of our Lake County residents are experiencing hardship this year because of COVID-19,” Glueckert said. “I’m pleased my office can help do its part to ease the burden by waiving the renewal application requirements for these exemptions.” 
The Chief County Assessment Office retains the authority to conduct audits of any taxpayer claiming an exemption to verify that the taxpayer is eligible to receive the exemption. 
In 2019, 10,555 Lake County properties received the Senior Freeze Homestead Exemption, 2,322  received the Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities, and 2,621 received the Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans With Disabilities. 
Lake County property owners who did not apply for and/or were not found eligible for the exemptions listed above in 2019 but believe they are eligible to receive them for the 2020 tax year may still apply. The application deadline has been extended to Oct. 1, 2020. 
To qualify for the  Senior Citizen Freeze Homestead Exemption , homeowners must: 
  • Be 65 years of age or older 
  • Have owned and occupied the home as their principal residence on Jan. 1 of the past two years 
  • Have a total household income of $65,000 or less 
  • Submit an application online through the Smartfile E-Filing Portal 
To qualify for the  Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities , applicants must: 
  • Own or have a legal or equitable interest in the property. 
  • Have lived on the property on or before January 1st of the tax year. 
  • Be disabled under the Federal Social Security Act and supply required documentation. 
  • Submit an application online through the Smartfile E-Filing Portal
To qualify for the  Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans With Disabilities , homeowners must: 
  • Be a Lake County, Illinois resident and have served in the United States Armed Forces, The Illinois National Guard, or U.S. Reserve Forces, and have received an honorable discharge. 
  • Have a total equalized assessed value (EAV) of less than $250,000. 
  • Have owned and occupied the property as the primary residence on or before January 1st of the tax year. 
  • Supply required documentation. 
  • Submit an application online through the Smartfile E-Filing Portal
For more information, or for assistance in applying for the first time, contact the Chief County Assessment Office at 847-377-2050.
North Libertyville Estates Levee Signage Update

Levee signage will be updated this summer to emphasize that all residents do their part in keeping the levee in good condition. More information on the levee that protects North Libertyville Estates from flood events is provided at the Lake County website here https://www.lakecountyil.gov/316/North-Libertyville-Estates-Levee . Note specifically that residents are directly responsible to maintain areas near the levee clear of debris and structures as described in the FAQ section: “ What else should residents know about living next to the levee? Residents should keep fences, trees, bushes, fire pits, and garbage barrels away from the levee. These encroachments can hinder operations and maintenance, or negatively impact the integrity of the levee. Also, do not dump leaves and grass clippings in levee ditches, and refrain from driving motorized vehicles on the levee. Your assistance in this regard will help minimize levee maintenance costs.”
COVID-19 INFORMATION

Lake County  Now In Phase 4 of Restore Illinois Plan  
On June 26 ,  Lake County entered  Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan  as part of the  Northeast region . Under Phase 4,  gatherings of 50 people or fewer are allowed with this limit subject to change , and face coverings continue to be required in all indoor public spaces and outdoors when maintaining six feet of social distancing is not possible.     
Under Phase 4,  additional businesses may open subject to restrictions.  Lake County Forward has developed guidelines to prepare businesses and employers  to implement new safety guidelines and bring employees back to work. Learn more about the State of Illinois guidelines for businesses .
P eople at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19, including older people and those with a health condition that may make them vulnerable, are urged to stay in their residence and minimize in-person contact with others to the extent possible. 
How to Wear a Cloth Face Covering or Mask 

Wearing a cloth face covering CORRECTLY can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others. When you go out on essential trips, follow these tips from the CDC. If you have a child, remember those under age 2 should not wear a face covering. 

  • Make sure you can breathe through it 
  • Wear it whenever going out in public 
  • Make sure it covers your nose and mouth 
  • Wash after using 
Lake County Coronavirus Data Hub :

Lake County Health Department & Community Health Center business guidance:
Paycheck Protection Program: 

Health insurance options:

Information on filing federal income taxes: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus

Resources for cloth face coverings:


Anyone needing assistance finding food, shelter, rent or utility assistance, or other essential services can call 211 or TEXT their zip code to 898211 to speak with someone who can help 24/7. United Way of Lake County is also coordinating volunteers via its website:


Please see the attached information:  The President's Coronavirus Guidelines for America

For information on the Coronavirus Disease 19, please click here.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention-  https://www.cdc.gov/


The State of Illinois Coronavirus website:  https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/coronavirus

Illinois Department of Public Health: http://www.dph.illinois.gov/

Lake County Health Department: www.lakecountyil.gov/coronavirus

Interested in donating blood: https://www.vitalant.org/  

For individuals co-quarantined or isolated with an abuser can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1.800.799.7233 or www.thehotline.org
Community -Based Testing Site Reopens in a New Location in Waukegan  
The  COVID-19 drive-through testing site in Waukegan has opened in a new location at 102 W. Water Street . Testing is available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or until the daily capacity of 750 tests is reached. The previous site at Northwestern Avenue in Waukegan is no longer being used for COVID-19 testing and will revert back to
an Illinois Vehicle Emissions Testing  Program site. 
                          
Things to know before you go :   
  • Testing is free of charge, and available to anyone with or without symptoms. 
  • No appointment, insurance, or physician referral is needed.
  • Photo identification is required. 
  • Anyone in the vehicle who wants a test must be seated at a functioning
  • window.  
  • Once you enter the line in your vehicle, you will not be permitted to exit your car.  
  • For the safety of the testing personnel, walk-ups are not allowed. Individuals must arrive in a vehicle.  
State health officials are urging everyone who has attended recent protests to be tested for COVID-19 five to seven days after the protest  even if they do not have symptoms , or sooner if symptoms develop.  F or more information visit  Lake County/COVID-19 Testing  
Reducing Stress and Anxiety

The outbreak of coronavirus has been stressful for many people; however, maintaining self-care and coping with stress will help make you, your community, and those you care about stronger. Some ways to support yourself during this time include:
  • Taking breaks from news stories, including social media.
  • Maintaining physical self-care through routines like meditation, healthy eating, and exercise.
  • Connecting with loved ones. Social distancing doesn't mean social isolation and it is important to talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
It is important that people with pre-existing mental health conditions continue their treatment and be aware of new or worsening symptoms. For more information on how to lessen stress during the coronavirus outbreak please visit:  https://bit.ly/3bMWr9x
Volunteers Needed  

Volunteers are needed to serve meals to the homeless, deliver meals to seniors, provide general office support, and much more. Both telework and in person volunteer opportunities exist.  
Interested volunteers are asked to complete an online registration form with United Way of Lake County that asks for contact information, areas of interest and times of availability, in order to appropriately match volunteers with organizations in need of assistance.  

211 Is Here to Help

211 is a free, confidential, 24-hour information and referral helpline connecting individuals & families in need with access to available health and human services. 

211 is Lake County's one-stop shop for help!

Lake County residents can connect to a wide range of services by phone or text, and an expert navigator will guide them to the help they need, regardless of the time of day, the language they speak, or where they live.

Ride Lake County Central

This curb-to-curb Pace bus service travels East in Lake County – any destinations located in Libertyville, Fremont Shields Townships, Village of Libertyville, Village of Mundelein, Vernon Hills Shopping Center, Metra Station (Lake Forest), Lake County Health Dept., Walmart Fountain Square, Grayslake Medical Offices, Doctors on Winchester Road, College of Lake County, Greenleaf Medical Offices. Call Pace at 1-800-201-6446 to register and schedule your rides.

Who are my legislators? To contact your legislator, click on the names below:
Township Officials


Supervisor

Clerk

Highway Commissioner

Assessor
Carol A. August, Trustee
Matthew Kovatch, Trustee
David Nield, Trustee
Terry A. White, Trustee
Township Contact Information
Office of the Supervisor
359 Merrill Court, Libertyville, IL 60048 
Phone: 847.816.6800
Fax:     847.816.0861
 
Office of the Highway Commissioner
343 Merrill Court 
Phone: 847.362.3350

Office of the Assessor
Phone: 847.362.5900


Office of the Clerk:
Phone:847.816.6872