Village Newsletter - Fall 2022 |
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Greetings!
It is hard to believe that we’re coming to the end of another year, and what a year it has been!! We completed a critical water main replacement on Carpi and Avilon. The water main in this area had the highest number of water main breaks in the Village. The repair included new water lines, new sidewalks, curb and gutter, and new paved roads. It really looks great and I’m sure the residents are thrilled with the improvements. We also have a new Dunkin Donuts going in on Fairfield and Rt. 134, a project that’s been in the works for almost a year!
We had several new appointments to the Village Board and Planning and Zoning Commission this year. We are always looking for volunteers to serve on the Village Board; Planning and Zoning Commission; Police Pension Board; or Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. If you are interested in joining, please complete the Application for Village Boards and Commissions and email it to rskraly@roundlakeil.gov or return the application to Village Hall, 442 N. Cedar Lake Road.
I would like to compliment and thank Village Staff for all of their hard work this year!! Several projects were either delayed, canceled or came in more expensive than planned because of the shortage of materials. We ordered new vehicles for the Police and Public Works Departments, and all were delayed and some we still have not received. We were supposed to paint the water tower this year, but we couldn’t get the paint we needed to complete the project, so hopefully next year it will get done. Village Staff was able to adjust and make things work out, and we moved forward as best we could. It’s hard to make plans when your dependent on outside services meeting the needs with supplies and equipment; a big “Thank You” for their patience and dedication!!
The Village will be hosting some great holiday events this year. Although the Covid crisis’ kept us from our usual holiday celebrations the last couple of years, we are excited to be back at it this year. We will be hosting a holiday decorating contest, decorating the downtown area, and Santa will be appearing with the help of the Fire Department at our tree lighting ceremony, with refreshments and much more. Please come and celebrate the holiday season with your neighbors and Village Officials. I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season!!
If you have any comments, questions, or ideas you would like to see included in the e-newsletter, please email me at rskraly@roundlakeil.gov.
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Sincerely,
Mayor Russ Kraly
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Keep Up To Date With What's Going On! |
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Trick-or-Treat in Round Lake |
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Trick-or-Treating in Round Lake will be Sunday, October 30th from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
In an effort to promote a safe and enjoyable Halloween for all ages, the Round Lake Police Department would like to share the following safety tips:
- Have a way to reach your kids
- Check all candy before eating
- Wear reflective clothing or carry lights/glowsticks
- Watch for food your kids are allergic to
- Keep your home lit all night
- Put the electronic devices down and watch for vehicles
- Use common sense
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Village Board & Planning and Zoning Vacancy |
The Village is seeking applications to fill the vacancy of Village Clerk and a vacancy on the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Village Clerk
The position requires attendance at all meetings of the Village Board, currently scheduled for 7:00 pm on the first and third Monday of each month. The Village of Round Lake Clerk is an elected position, typically serving a four-year term of office. Due to the appointment, the position will be up for re-election in April 2023 for a two-year term.
Duties of the Village Clerk include:
- Attend all meetings of the Board of Trustees (7:00 pm, 1st and 3rd Monday), keep a complete and accurate record of all proceedings, and publish and maintain a record of approved minutes.
- Post minutes, audio recordings, Village Board Meetings, and other notices as required by law.
- Keep Village records, and maintain files of all approved Ordinances, Resolutions, and other documents as required by law in a systematic order utilizing existing filing structures for easy reference.
- Deliver to the Village President all Ordinances or Resolutions in the Clerk’s charge which are required to be approved or acted upon by the President.
- Maintain custody and control over Village documents that are not assigned to the custody of some other officer.
- Maintain custody of Village Seal and affix on documents whenever required.
- Receive nominating papers and certify names of all candidates for local elections entitled to be printed on the Election Ballot.
- Administer Oath of Office to persons elected or appointed.
- Maintain a record of Elected Officials, appointed committees and commissioners, and regular employees.
- Perform other duties as may from time to time be delegated by the President and Board of Trustees.
In accordance with Ordinance 16-0-23, the Village Clerk shall be salaried and compensated $4,200 annually.
Planning and Zoning Commission
The Planning and Zoning Commission is a group of appointed citizens who guide the orderly development of the Village. The Commission prepares and amends the Village's Comprehensive Plan (which guides future land use and transportation decisions), advises on amendments to and administration of the Village's zoning ordinance, and reviews proposals for new development against the Plan and ordinances. The Commission is involved in the approval of requests for rezoning, special use permits, site plans, subdivisions, and other development proposals. The Commission meets at 7:00 pm on the last Tuesday of each month, as needed.
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Election Packets Available |
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Courtesy Election Petition Packets for the April 4, 2023, Consolidated Election are available at Village Hall.
The following Public Offices within the Village of Round Lake are up for Election on April 4, 2023:
Office Term # of Positions
Village Trustee 4 years 3
Village Trustee 2 years 2
Village Clerk 2 years 1
Important Dates:
- September 20, 2022- First day to pick up and circulate nomination papers for April 4, 2023, Consolidated Election.
- December 12, 2022- First day to file Candidate Petitions
- December 19, 2022- Last day to file Candidate Petitions
Place of Filing:
Village of Round Lake
442 N. Cedar Lake Rd
Round Lake, IL 60073
Village Hall Hours:
Monday through Friday- 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Monday, December 19, 2022, ONLY- 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
For more information visit the Village website. |
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Holiday Light Decorating Contest |
Register your home or business to participate in the 2022 Holiday Lights Decorating Contest and help us spread holiday cheer! Show off your jolliest decorating skills to create the magic of the season. The Village will compile a listing of all entries to post on the Village website to share the holiday joy.
- Register online by Sunday, December 4th to be entered in the contest. Registration will open in November.
- Judging will take place the week of December 5th. Make sure your decorations are up and the lights are on.
- Awards will be given for the best Clark Griswold (overly festive), Winter Wonderland (beautiful), “Green” Christmas (natural or environmentally friendly), and Best Decorated Business. All entries must be within the Village of Round Lake corporate limits.
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Winners will be announced on the website on December 12th and will receive recognition at a Village Board meeting.
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Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony |
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The Village is excited to host our annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony! The tree lighting will be held at Village Hall on Friday, December 2nd starting at 5:30 pm.
Join your neighbors for hot chocolate, cookies, crafts, and a visit from Santa! Kids- Don't forget to bring your letter for Santa's mailbox.
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Downtown Streetscape Program Underway |
We are pleased to announce the start of Round Lake’s Downtown Streetscape Planning effort. The purpose of this project is to build upon Lake County’s Cedar Lake Road realignment project to reinvest in our downtown and to reinforce a sense of place within Downtown Round Lake. This planning effort will be facilitated by Teska Associates, a professional landscape architecture and community planning firm based in Evanston, IL.
Streetscape includes elements of design for streetlights, benches, bike racks, planters, signage, decorative pavement and more to enhance walkability, aesthetics and create a defined area. The study area is generally focused on Downtown Round Lake, bounded by Hart Road on the north, Nippersink Road on the south, Capri Drive on the west and MacGillis Drive on the east. Special areas of focus include the Cedar Lake Road Realignment project (by Lake County DOT) and the green space areas within and surrounding the Metra station and parking lots.
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The project timeline is mid-September through mid-March. A steering committee (which includes staff, an elected official, business owners, property owners, and residents) will participate in the design process. Teska will also present the concepts through an online poll to get even more feedback from the community. Having more engagement with a process that will be changing the appearance of downtown will be good for rebuilding the downtown area with support. The streetscape plan done by Teska will be used to coordinate a more vibrant downtown, setting the stage for developments/redevelopments after the realignment. |
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2022 Street & Water Improvement Projects |
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The Capri/Avilon water main replacement and road resurfacing project has been ongoing since July. The new water main has been installed and all the homes and businesses are now connected to it. Final paving is wrapping up so only some landscape restoration work is remaining. Thank you to all the residents that kindly put up with the noise, the dust, and the inconvenience of a construction project! |
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Fall signifies a time of year that is all too familiar with property owners - leaf cleanup! As you glance at the colorful leaves now laying at your feet, here are some options to consider using or collecting those leaves this fall. |
Mulching
Leaf mulch is simply chopped-up leaves. You can make it very easily; just run your lawnmower. Once leaves are chopped, spread them over your garden beds to act as a mulch. You can also work them loosely into the top few inches of soil.
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Composting
Leaves provide some of the building blocks for good compost! Collect them to start composting in and around your home. Check out some helpful tips from the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County to get started. More info.
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Leaf and Yard Waste Collection
The Village contracts with Groot Industries for weekly curbside yard waste and food scrap collection. Yard waste is collected once per week from April 1st through November 30th. Fees are billed separately from residential garbage and recycling for this service. Rates are not prorated. Please contact Groot for more information.
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Burning
Is burning still allowed in Round Lake? The only items allowed by Village Code to be openly burned on private property are leaves and twigs, generated from vegetation on the property, between the hours of 8:00 am and sunset. The burning cannot create a nuisance or hazard to the neighbors or drivers. Please be considerate of your neighbors who may have breathing issues.
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Lake County Rental Assistance Program |
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Renters that have faced financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic may apply for the new Lake County Rental Assistance (LCRA) Program, which provides help for individuals paying rent. The application period will run from Oct. 11 – Nov. 15, 2022.
Eligible households may receive up to six months of assistance with rent. This can include up to three months' future rent. Households can receive up to six months of assistance in total, including assistance from past programs such as the Lake County Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (FERA). To apply visit, www.lakecountyil.gov/renthelp.
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Free Online Homeowners Association Workshop |
In September, the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission hosted a free Homeowners Association Workshop. If you’re part of a homeowner's association or a property owner responsible for maintaining detention ponds, wetlands, and natural areas, you can access the recorded workshop online. The workshop agenda and presentation slides are posted online.
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New Illinois Smoke Alarm Law |
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Effective January 1, 2023
What is the New Illinois Smoke Alarm Law?
- Since 1988, all dwellings in Illinois have been required to have smoke alarms.
- In 2017, Public Act 200 was passed to update the Illinois Smoke Detector Act to reflect advances in technology.
- Come January 1, 2023, single and multi-family homes that are still using smoke alarms with removable batteries are required to install new alarms that feature 10-year sealed battery alarms.
Exemptions
- Homes built after 1988 already have hardwired smoke alarms.
- Homes with wireless integrated alarms that use low-power radio frequency communications, Wi-Fi, or other Wireless Local Area Networking capability.
- Homes within Chicago city limits.
Are You Protected?
3 of every 5 home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no working smoke alarms!
- Install smoke alarms on every level and in every bedroom.
- Test smoke alarms monthly.
- Alarms don’t last forever, remember to replace your smoke alarms every 10 years.
- Plan and practice your escape route with your family at least twice a year.
- If your smoke alarm does sound, leave the home immediately and call 9-1-1.
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Round Lake Hosts 1st Car Show |
On August 25, 2022, the Village hosted a Downtown Round Lake Car Show. A variety of makes, models, and years entered the show. We had a great turnout of participants and spectators. With over 25 participants we had three winners for each of the following categories: participant’s choice, spectator’s choice, and mayor’s choice.
The night was a success with cool cars and good music. Thank you to everyone who attended the event and celebrated the community with us. We hope to see you all at the next community event. And look forward to the Round Lake Car Show next summer.
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Participant’s Choice winner:
Joe Beres with 1972 GMC Sprint
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Spectator’s Choice winner:
Linda Eley with 1970 Ford Mustang Fastback
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Mayor’s Choice winner:
John Kochopolus with 1956 Ford F100
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With the onset of fall, the days are growing shorter and evening is setting in sooner. The Village owns and maintains the decorative street lights throughout most of the subdivisions and the downtown area. The remainder of the street lights are owned and maintained by ComEd.
The Public Works Department does periodic night checks of our street lights but if you notice one is out or flickering, it’s very helpful if you report it by calling 847-546-0962 or emailing pwdept@roundlakeil.gov. |
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Be Prepared for Severe Weather |
Severe weather can happen anytime, anywhere. A weather emergency can include hazardous conditions produced by thunderstorms, including damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, flooding, flash flooding, and winter storms associated with freezing rain, sleet, snow, and strong winds. When bad weather strikes, severe weather alerts are some of the best ways to stay informed.
The National Weather Service’s Chicago office has a Facebook and Twitter page to keep Lake County residents informed about our weather before and as it happens. This is an incredibly trusted and reliable source to get your weather information from when bad weather starts to brew.
Another option is to use Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). Residents with compatible devices can select to receive messages alerting them to potential weather warnings for their area. Follow the steps below to turn on your mobile device emergency alerts.
- Android - Go to Settings > Connections > Safety and emergency > Wireless Emergency Alerts. Switch on Allow alerts
- iPhone - Go to Settings > Notifications > Emergency Alerts
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Convenient Payment Options |
Did you know that you can manage your Village utility account, including paying your bill, online?
Create an online account to receive e-notifications of new bills, view billing and consumption history, schedule payments using your bank or credit card account, sign up for paperless billing, and much more!
Setting up your online account is easy! All you need is your utility bill showing your account number. To manage your utility account online, visit: www.roundlakeil.gov
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Tips from Code Enforcement |
Carbon Monoxide Reminders - With the fast approach of the fall and winter seasons, it is important to keep in mind that using more gas appliances can produce carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide, also known as the silent killer, is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is produced when using furnaces, stoves, vehicles, water heaters, and fireplaces. It is important to make sure that our homes are properly equipped to prevent any hazardous situations and fatalities. It is highly recommended that carbon monoxide detectors are located on every level of the home and are required to be 15 feet from all sleeping bedrooms. It is also recommended to test your detectors at least once a month. If you hear “chirping” coming from the detector, it could mean that it needs a change of batteries or the detector itself needs to be replaced (most detectors will have an expiration date on them).
What to do if your Carbon Monoxide detectors go off? Leave the building with any family members or pets and immediately dial 911. It is important to wait for an official to let you know when it is safe to go back into the home.
Although Carbon Monoxide can’t be seen, can’t be smelled, and can’t be heard, it CAN be prevented!
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Snow on Sidewalks - Please remember to clear the sidewalk of snow and ice for pedestrians during the winter season to prevent any hazards. If there is a fire hydrant on your property, please provide a 3-foot clearance for the Fire Department to access them in the event of an emergency.
The occupant of the home/property shall be the responsible party to clear the snow per the Village code.
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Police Chief Dave Prus and Deputy Chief Rob Bell had the privilege recently of meeting with the “Badge Buddies” at the Round Lake High School. This group of honor students invited Chief Prus and Deputy Chief Bell to meet and collaborate on new and positive ways for the police and Round Lake Area students to foster positive relationships that benefit the community. The Police Department looks forward to working further with the students on this important goal. |
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NEW BUSINESSES! The Village encourages everyone to support our local businesses. The Village would like to welcome the following new businesses to Round Lake:
- Aces Training Center, 389 N Wilson Road
- Dog Fancy Spa, 419 N Wilson Road
- Midwest Track Builders, 810 Sunset Drive
- Play Cloud, 653 W Railroad Ave
- Southbound Trucking, 400 S Curran Road, Suite 2
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Promotion - The Round Lake Police Department is proud to announce the recent promotion of Michael Stevens from Police Sergeant to Patrol Commander. Commander Stevens has been with the Department for 18 years and he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this position. Commander Stevens was sworn into the Commander position at the October 3rd Village Board meeting with his family in attendance. |
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New Officer - The Police Department is also pleased to introduce new Police Officer Gregory Gasperini. Officer Gasperini is a recent graduate of the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy at the College of Dupage and is currently in field training with the Department. He was sworn in at the October 3rd Village Board meeting with his family in attendance as well. Officer Gasperini comes from a family with a long tradition of law enforcement service and we look forward to him having a long and successful career. |
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Service Awards - The Village would like to congratulate and thank the following employees for their service and dedication!
- Robert Bell, Police Department - 15 years
- Nicole Cheney, Police Department - 15 years
- Brian Simonsen, Public Works - 10 years
- Rick Tinsley, Police Department - 10 years
- Melissa Hansen, Community Development - 5 years
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Public Works Staffing Changes - Public Works is pleased to announce Eric Penkava (left) was promoted to Public Works Superintendent in August. Eric's leadership and experience will be a great asset to the department. Brian Simonsen (center) was promoted to Crew Leader. Brian recently celebrated his 10-year anniversary with Round Lake. The Village hired Josh Brubaker (right) as a Maintenance Worker I. Josh grew up in Round Lake and has worked for the Village as a summer seasonal employee for the past two summers. We wish them a long and successful career with the Village.
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Adopt-A-Highway Roadside Cleanup! On Friday, October 21st, Village Staff and Trustee Amann participated in our annual roadside cleanup along Cedar Lake Rd. between Rte. 120 and Townline Rd. The volunteers filled 9 bags of trash!! A special thank you to each of our volunteers!
Help keep Round Lake looking good by properly disposing of waste.
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VILLAGE OFFICES CLOSED - Village offices will be closed November 24 & 25 for the Thanksgiving Holiday, December 23 & 26 for the Christmas Holiday, and close at 12:00 pm on December 31st.
From all of us at the Village of Round Lake, we wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season!
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Village Officials
Russ Kraly, Mayor
Trustees
Charlie Foy, Sanjay Patel, Paul Law
Carolina Schottland, Sergio Rodriguez, Mark Amann
442 N. Cedar Lake Road Round Lake, IL 60073 · 847-546-5400
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