Volume 1 March 3, 2020
Kathleen M. O'Connor
Supervisor
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Spotlight On Open Space

Spring Greetings!
Smoke will soon be rising into the sky throughout Libertyville Township. Fire is a natural, essential and historic component of Midwest ecosystems. Trained crews conduct controlled burns (also known as prescribed burns or prescribed fire) to mimic pre-settlement fire patterns and achieve restoration goals that benefit plants, animals and people. They are one of the most efficient and cost-effective tools for managing natural areas.
A properly executed controlled burn provides many benefits: the recycling of nutrients, increasing seed germination and reducing non-native plant species. Fire converts dead above ground vegetation to ash returning vital nutrients to the soil, clears dead vegetation which allows new seeds to germinate and decreases the vigor of invasive plants providing an opportunity for native vegetation to thrive.
Controlled burns are conducted when most animals are dormant or absent. Animals that are active either flee the area or escape to underground burrows or other protected areas. Following a fire, green vegetation provides food for herbivores and plants produce an abundance of seed and nectar.
Safety is of the utmost importance. All burns are supervised by a Certified Prescribed Burn Manager and are conducted by properly trained crew members. There are many necessary environmental factors that allow for a safe and successful burn, if any are not observed, the burn will be rescheduled.
Months before a prescribed burn:
·          Permits are obtained from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and local authorities.
·          Equipment is prepared.
·          Post cards are mailed notifying neighbors District wide.
·          Neighbors are notified.

Shortly before and during burns:
·          Weather conditions are monitored closely to ensure they are within the limits of tolerance.
·          Prescribed burn plans are developed and reviewed.
·          Appropriate entities are notified.

Following a burn:
·          Anything smoldering near the edge of the burn unit is extinguished.
·          An evaluation of the success of the burn is conducted.
·        T he burn will allow for a lush carpet of green to reclaim the landscape.

This spring, controlled burns are planned for the following Open Space parcels: Old School Road, St. Mary’s, Casey South, Casey North, and Rt. 137. If you would like more information regarding upcoming burns in your area or you would like to volunteer, please contact the Libertyville Township Open Space office at (847)362-9760

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

CORRECTION:

The next regularly scheduled Volunteer Workday is on  Saturday, 
March 14 at Liberty Prairie.  
An up-to-date list of dates and locations including directions is located on the Libertyville Township website which can be found by clicking HERE .
From the Township Assessor Office

Tax Relief
There are several exemptions available to provide tax relief to homeowners. For eligibility requirements please explore the links below:

To review the property exemptions available, please visit

To apply for the
  • Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption (owner must be 65 years or older)
  •  Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze
(Total GROSS household income $65,000 or less)
please visit

Please note, the Chief County Assessor Office is no longer providing a paper form to apply for the senior citizen assessment freeze. They require seniors to apply online every year they qualify going forward.
Please contact the Chief County Assessor Office with any questions at 847-377-2050 using their website.

The Libertyville Township Assessor Office is happy to help you file your online senior citizen assessment freeze application. 
Please bring your:
  •        2019 federal income tax return and any schedules
  •      2019 tax returns of those residing in your household
  •        Your driver’s license or state identification card
News From the Highway Commissioner

Oak Spring Road Bridge Improvements Study                         
The Libertyville Township Highway Department cordially invites the public to attend a Public Information Meeting regarding proposed improvements to the Oak Spring Road Bridge. The purpose of the meeting is to seek public input and comments on the proposed preliminary design plans. 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 March 16, 2020. Exhibits will be on display for viewing and representatives from the Highway Department and their consultant staff will be available for discussion and to answer questions. Written comments may be completed at the meeting or mailed in until April 1, 2020. Inquiries may be directed to Mr. Martin Neal Highway Commissioner, Libertyville Township Highway Department (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 March 9, 2020.                    
Boy Scout Food Drive--Saturday, March 14
Libertyville Connect Coalition Coffee Talks
March is Illinois Poison Prevention Month

This week, the Illinois Poison Center (IPC) kicks off Illinois Poison Prevention Month, which serves as a timely reminder of the substantial harm poisoning can cause to the young and old alike. The issue may not make headline news every day, but the danger to the public can’t be ignored: In Illinois, more people are hospitalized for poisoning than for injuries from firearms and motor vehicle collisions combined.

Census Count Begins This Month 

The U.S. Census Bureau will begin counting every resident in the United States this month. It is critically important that all residents of Lake County are counted. Census population data is used to determine the distribution of about $675 billion in federal funding to states and local communities. For every person not counted, Lake County loses out in approximately $1,400 per person per year in federal funding. That money goes to support local schools, health care services, housing, infrastructure and much more. 
Responding to the census is fast, easy and convenient, and you can do it online, by phone or by email. Lake County established a 2020 Complete Count Committee to help ensure an accurate 2020 census count of Lake County residents. Check out  lakecountyil.gov/census2020  for helpful information and resources.   
Watch for information in your mailbox  in March from the U.S. Census Bureau, and be sure to get counted, Lake County! 
Food Pantry Needs

The Food Pantry is in need of shampoo, conditioner and bar soap.
Daylight Savings begins Sunday, March 8th
Government Job Fair 

Lake County Forest Preserves  is hosting a free governmental job fair from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, March 12, at the  Greenbelt Cultural Center , 1215 Green Bay Road in North Chicago. Fourteen local organizations, ranging from the Village of Libertyville, Buffalo Grove Police Department, and Zion Park District, have a variety of full-time, part-time, temporary and seasonal positions they are seeking to fill.  Learn more »  
Take Steps Now to Protect Your Home from Costly Flood Damage 

After a very wet summer and fall in 2019, river levels in Lake County reached record highs. Since we're still expecting more rain and snow this winter, the National Weather Service cautions that there are higher risks of flooding in the spring. Though there is no immediate concern, we encourage all Lake county residents to start thinking about flood preparedness now.  
For floodproofing tips and information about flood preparedness and flood insurance, check out  this guide. 
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Report Blocked Railroad Crossings 

If you drive regularly in Lake County, chances are you've had the frustrating experience of being blocked by a train that is moving slowly or stuck on the tracks altogether. Not only does it inconvenience motorists, but these delays can prevent first responders from getting where they need to go to provide help in a timely manner.  
Now, you can report delays at railroad crossings caused by trains through a new web portal developed by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The site asks users to provide specific information, including date, time, location and duration of delay so the FRA can better understand the scope of the problem. The FRA will share the information with stakeholders, using it to help facilitate local solutions to blocked crossing issues. 

The March Township Board Meeting will be
held on the 12th at 7 p.m.
Get Ready to Vote in the March 17 Primary 

T he Illinois General Primary Election will be held March 17, 2020. Here are some important dates to be aware of to make sure you are ready to vote: 
 
Apply to Vote by Mail No Later than March 12, 2020   
To vote by mail, you must fill out a short application to request a ballot. Applications must be received by the County Clerk’s office no later than noon on March 12. They will then mail you a ballot, which must be postmarked or returned no later than Election Day.    

Early Voting
  • March 2 to March 16, 2020: Vote early at one of 16 early voting sites, regardless of where you live in Lake County. Many locations offer weekend and evening hours.  

Election Day Voting is March 17, 2020   
Visit the  County Clerk’s Primary Election web page  for additional information. 
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.

RTA Reduced Fare Pass Applications
New Applicants--

Seniors 65 and over may apply for the RTA Pass at Libertyville Township. Taking the train downtown? This will save you money and it is free. It takes 3 to 4 weeks to receive the pass in the mail. Bring in a 2x2 inch photo and your Illinois driver's license.
The RTA Reduced Fare Permit allows older adults, age 65 and older, and qualified people with disabilities and Medicare recipients to ride all RTA fixed-route services (regularly scheduled CTA, Metra and Pace buses or trains in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will Counties) at a reduced fare.

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