Sandy Hart Endorsed by Daily Herald for Lake County Board
The Daily Herald has endorsed Lake County Board Chairwoman Sandy Hart for re-election, highlighting her strong leadership and accomplishments. Over her 12 years of service, Hart has guided the county through major challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and delivered key initiatives like the Regional Operations and Communications Facility.
As the Daily Herald states, “Hart’s record speaks for itself.” Her proven leadership and dedication to Lake County have earned her the trust of residents and the endorsement of one of the area’s most respected publications.
More information here: https://www.dailyherald.com/20241017/endorsements/our-endorsements-for-lake-county-board-2-5-12-13-and-18/
‘Really spectacular’: Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve on Lake Michigan to grow with acquisition
From The Daily Herald
Lake County forest preserve holdings near Lake Michigan will increase with the pending acquisition of about 18 acres adjoining the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve at Fort Sheridan.
Forest commissioners Tuesday agreed to buy the U.S. Navy-owned property for $6 million. The forest preserve district last year was gifted the 71.5-acre Lakeshore Preserve from the Chicago-based Openlands regional conservation organization.
Openlands Lakeshore Preserve, which reopened last fall, includes a mile of Lake Michigan shoreline and a landscape of bluffs and ravines. It’s to the south of Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in Lake Forest, Highland Park and Highwood and connected by a strip of shoreline.
The new acquisition east of Patten Road consists of a bluff surrounded on three sides by the ravines of Openlands Lakeshore Preserve.
Forest preserve officials say there aren’t many properties like this available.
“It is really spectacular, really special,” said forest Commissioner Sandy Hart. “All of Lake County is so, so lucky to have this.”
Openlands had been pursuing the 18.2-acre property for several years. Forest preserve staff closed the deal after being gifted the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve, officials said.
Funds to buy the property will come from a $20 million bond issue approved by the district in March to acquire high-priority properties. Two already have been acquired for about $2.2 million as additions to Lakewood Forest Preserve near Wauconda.
The new property meets forest preserve goals of protecting wildlife habitat, preserving wetlands, prairies and forest, providing scenic vistas, protecting its holdings and adding to existing preserves.
The district has the money from the bond issue to buy the Fort Sheridan addition. However, future investments in the property likely will be given as examples to voters of what can be done if they agree to give the district authority via referendum in November to borrow $155 million.
“One of the line items would be restoration and funding a master plan to hopefully tie this into the rest of the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve,” said Ty Kovach, forest preserve executive director.
The staff-recommended referendum project list includes $1.5 million for that purpose, said Rebekah Snyder, director of community engagement and partnerships.
Commissioners in June authorized filing the $155 million referendum question with the Lake County Clerk’s Office. The staff recommendation is that $90 million be directed toward habitat restoration and dozens of projects, and about $65 million targeted for land preservation and acquisition.
Lake County Board approves bird-friendly building design policy to reduce collisions
From The Daily Herald
While symbolically recognizing World Migratory Bird Day, the Lake County Board this week also advanced a new building design policy to protect birds from colliding with glass or other transparent/reflective surfaces.
Effective on its approval this past Tuesday, the policy requires newly-constructed Lake County government-owned facilities to use at least 80% bird-friendly glass on the exteriors from ground level to 100 feet high. The policy to reduce the number of bird strikes and deaths also applies to substantial renovations or additions of county-owned buildings.
Bird-friendly glass has a pattern or design on the exterior that mutes reflections and alerts birds of a solid barrier.
“A policy like this is really monumental,” said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. She cited figures showing as many as 1 billion birds potentially are killed by collisions into buildings in the U.S.
A specially made window is lifted into place as part of the construction last winter of a new environmental education center at Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods. The window’s glass has an ultraviolet pattern that birds can see, so they avoid flying into it.
Lake County is within the Mississippi Flyway, one of the major bird migratory routes in North America, county officials said.
According to Birdcast, a service managed by Colorado State University, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, more than 30 million birds have crossed the region so far this spring with hundreds of thousands passing through on any given night.
The county began finding ways to reduce the numbers of birds killed in building collisions in 2017 after board Member Paul Frank of Highland Park said he was educated by a constituent on “the catastrophic impacts we are having on these critically important bird populations and how some of the solutions are affordable and attainable.”
Knowing a new policy was pending, bird-friendly glass was incorporated into the $53.8 million Regional Operations and Communications center being built on the county’s Libertyville campus. There are no other new county-owned buildings underway but a retrofit of its nearby Central Permit Facility with bird-friendly measures is being considered.
The Lake County Forest Preserve District’s new environmental education facility in Riverwoods and the College of Lake County’s new building in downtown Waukegan are others incorporating bird-friendly glass.
Frank, who chairs the board’s finance and administrative committee, said the policy is a big step and hopes municipalities, other counties, businesses and residents adopt bird-friendly practices.
The county board on June 11 is expected to expand bird-friendly design requirements to new construction and renovations of nonresidential properties and nonresidential planned unit developments in unincorporated Lake County.
County board member Jessica Vealitzek of Hawthorn Woods chairs the board’s planning, building, zoning and environment committee. She said being accountable for government buildings is the first step.
The actions, she said, will save an increasing number of birds, which are an important part of Lake County’s ecosystem.
Read The Article HereRead The Article Here
Lake County Government News
Dear Neighbor,
First, thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter-I hope you find it informative!
I've received some questions regarding the former Scooters site on the corner of Waukegan Road and Route 176. Scooters closed several years ago and the new owner, who also owns the nearby Shell station, applied for a Lake County liquor license. During the application process, it was found that there were three violations at the Shell station for selling liquor to minors. For this and other reasons, the liquor license was denied. This decision was upheld by the Lake County Courts. Click here to read the Court Order. The owner re-applied and was again denied.
When someone applies for a liquor license in Lake County, a thorough background check is completed, which includes fingerprinting and a search through law enforcement databases. It also includes researching any other establishments the applicant owns or manages in the state of Illinois. I am comfortable with the decision I made in consultation with the three board members who also serve on the Liquor Commission and am pleased that the courts upheld the decision.
I take my position as Liquor Commissioner very seriously. It would be devastating if something terrible happened as a result of a minor getting alcohol at an establishment in which I approved a liquor license.
The leaves are changing and our Forest Preserves are looking better than ever! Check out Hike Lake County: Our annual fall walking program is a great way to enjoy time outdoors and reconnect with nature while exploring trails in preserves across the county.
As always, please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns you have about Lake County Government or our Forest Preserves. I would be happy to speak with you. It is an honor to serve as your representative.
Sincerely,
Sandy
Sandy Hart: 2022 candidate for Lake County Board District 13
From the Daily Herald, October 14, 2022
Office sought: Lake County Board District 13
City: Lake BluffAge: 54Occupation: Chair, Lake County Board
Previous offices held: Incumbent; before this I served on the Lake Bluff Park District board
Q&A
Q: Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?
A: I am running for reelection because I love living in Lake County. It has been my family's home for over 22 years. I'm proud of the work we've done during COVID to protect small businesses and keep people safe and healthy. I am determined to focus on residents' priorities. We will continue to find efficiencies to hold the line on property taxes as we've done for the last three years under my leadership as chair. Continuing to invest in much-needed infrastructure improvements to attract and retain businesses, reduce traffic, and protect properties from flooding is critical to keep Lake County vibrant and successful. Caring for those who live with mental illness remains a critical issue for me, and while I'm proud of the expansion of mental health services, we can and must do more, particularly for young people who are struggling. Lastly, I will remain focused on improving public safety/combating gun violence by collaborating with local law enforcement and the state's attorney's office.
Q: If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of any important initiatives you've led. If you are a challenger, what would you bring to the board and what would your priority be?
A: Since I became chair of the board we have kept the property taxes flat for the last three years for the first time in over two decades. We've increased transparency and accountability by eliminating credit cards for county board members, providing video recordings of our meetings, and required disclosure of familial relationships for contractors. We have partnered with Independence Center to provide a drop off center for people in mental health crisis. We prioritized efficiency and consolidated the Recorder of Deeds and Clerk's Office and dissolved other outdated taxing bodies. We now have a countywide paratransit system for seniors and people with disabilities. We have increased funding for the Veterans Assistance Commission. We are investing more in infrastructure to reduce traffic congestion and protect properties from flooding. We are working with the SAO to combat gun violence through the Gun Violence Prevention Initiative. We are prioritizing shared services to reduce costs.
Q: Given the recent history of flat tax levies, do you think the county/forest preserve have done good jobs of budgeting or do you see specific area that can be improved?
A: I am proud of the work we've done to hold the line on property taxes and improve the budget policies since I became chair. I pushed for policies to stop budgeting for vacancies that are unlikely to be filled, resulting in a more accurate picture of our true costs. We also began budgeting for long term capital instead of "sweeping" excess dollars, giving far greater transparency into the county's capital needs. We are adding an internal audit function to improve financial controls. I am pressing to centralize more of the county's operations, particularly in human resources and finance to ensure every department is following best practices. We are constantly assessing our operations to ensure we right-size our government to meet the changing needs of our residents and workforce. While Lake County government and forest preserves makes up approx. 9% of the tax bill, I'm proud of the services we deliver, and we will continue to be fiscally responsible with tax dollars into the future.
Q: Would you support putting a referendum on the ballot for voters to decide if they wish to issue new bonds to preserve open spaces, restore habitats, create more trails and upgrade forest preserves?
A: Yes, I support a referendum to ask voters if they would like to protect and restore more land. A recent countywide survey showed that Lake County residents highly value their forest preserves and want more investment in preserves, trails, and facilities and for us to focus on the restoration of habitat for native wildlife and plants. Lake County has more endangered and threatened species than any other county in Illinois, so providing green corridors to support biodiversity is incredibly important. Our forest preserves also play a critical role in managing flooding across our county. A one-acre parcel of wetlands can hold the equivalent of 1.5 million gallons of water. By preserving and restoring land, we use natural green infrastructure to provide recreation, create habitat, and save money to protect homes and businesses from catastrophic flooding. The 2008 referendum was supported by 2/3 of the voters. In the end, it is up to the voters to determine if this is something they value.
Q: What is the single most important issue facing your district and how should the county address it?
A: Residents tell me that they are concerned about high property taxes and the flooding that is closing roads and putting homes and businesses at risk. While Lake County government and the forest preserves only make up less than 10% of the average property tax bill, I'm proud that Lake County government hasn't increased property taxes for the last three years, and we will continue to create more shared services, find efficiencies in service delivery, and dissolve more outdated taxing districts to reduce the overall tax burden. I support an asset utilization study to ensure we are prepared for the future needs of our workforce and to look into new technologies that may enable us to reduce our footprint and operating costs. Flooding is an enormous problem and is predicted to get worse. Lake County SMC received over $120 million in state and federal dollars to combat flooding and we will continue to work with partners to protect properties from current and future stormwater damage.
Q: Lake County officials want public feedback on how to spend portions of some $135 million in leftover federal pandemic funding. What are your thoughts on how the money ought to be spent?
A: First, it is very important that we use these dollars, where possible, to make transformational change across Lake County. I have always advocated for increasing behavioral health services, and the feedback we received showed a strong desire that we invest in public health and in particular, mental health. The demand for these services are skyrocketing, particularly among young people. An expansion of behavioral health services is necessary and we can use ARPA funds to build capacity. I also support the use of ARPA funds for public safety, like our gun violence prevention initiative, and to provide a permanent shelter for people experiencing homelessness. First mile/last mile transportation has been a need for many years and I want to partner with transportation agencies to help people get to and from work. We are fortunate to have groups of experts to help us determine the best way to meet needs while ensuring the monies are used effectively and within the Treasury guidelines.
Lake County Government News
Dear Neighbor,
Dear Neighbor,
I hope you are having a great week! Even though the weather is getting cooler, there is still plenty to celebrate and do in Lake County. Lake Bluff recently celebrated another birthday this past weekend; the Wildwood Park District held their Harvestfest; and Gurnee's American Legion had another successful craft beer event. Lake County is the place to visit in the fall; check out Visit Lake County for great ideas on where to go. Consider taking a walk in one of our many Forest Preserves - the changing colors will make it spectacular!
Hard to believe, but early voting for the General Election begins on Thursday, September 29 at Lake County's Main Courthouse lobby only. Other early voting sites will open on October 24. To register, check your voter registration or polling place, or to request a vote-by-mail ballot, click here or call 847.377.VOTE.
As always, it is an honor to serve as the Chair of the Lake County Board and as your board member for Lake County Government and our Forest Preserves. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Sandy
Lake County Government News
Dear Neighbor,
It was great to see so many people at the Lake Bluff Farmer's Market today! Thank you for stopping by to speak with me about Lake County Government and the Forest Preserves. Several mentioned how much they love the biking and walking trails and the new paratransit service - Ride Lake County - for seniors and people with disabilities. I'm glad that Lake County will be the first in the state with Pace's all-electric fleet of buses, instead of the current diesel-powered vehicles, by 2026. This will go a long way to making the air cleaner, particularly in Waukegan, where the bus terminal is located.
211 continues to be a great success in Lake County, connecting people with assistance on housing, utilities, food, mental health, and other critical needs. The most recent quarterly report shows that the vast majority of calls are for Housing & Shelter, followed by Utilities and Mental Health & Addiction Services. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please consider calling 211.
If you've spoken with me at all you know that the mental health crisis is something I've been working on since joining the board. The Living Room Wellness Center, a vital partnership between the Independence Center and Lake County Government, provides a safe comfortable, inviting environment where skilled Certified Recovery Support Specialists (CRSS) provide crisis intervention referrals and other needed services for guests experiencing a crisis. The Living Room is an alternative to the emergency room and is a life-saving addition to the mental health services provided by caring individuals and non-profits in Lake County.
Lastly, the Lake County Board is holding monthly Committee of the Whole meetings focused on the impact of gun violence. Earlier this month we heard from Mayors Rockingham (North Chicago) and Rotering (Highland Park) about how gun violence affects their communities and the ripple effects they can expect to see for the future. We also heard from experts regarding the Gun Violence Prevention Initiative here in Lake County and the state of Illinois. Our next meeting will be on September 9, 2022 at 9am and will focus on the public health implications of Gun Violence locally and beyond.
As always, it is an honor to serve as Chair and your representative on the Lake County Board and the Forest Preserve Board. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.
Sincerely,
Sandy
Lake County Board votes to support state bill to ban automatic weapons, large magazines for ammo
From ABC7, August 9, 2022
In the weeks following the mass shooting in her town on July 4, Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering has spoken tirelessly to lawmakers about gun control legislation.
"We owe it to those who experienced the horror in our town, in country. We owe it to our children," she said.
The Lake County Board has no authority to ban weapons, but at Tuesday's meeting, they considered a resolution to support a state bill that would ban both automatic weapons and large magazines for ammunition.
"Our legislators need to hear from us that they want to live our lives freely," said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart.
Highland Park mayor urges support for statewide assault weapons ban
From the Chicago Sun-Times, August 5, 2022
Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering urged the Lake County Board to support a statewide ban on assault weapons during a wide-ranging discussion Friday about gun violence and how to curb it.
“I know that restricting access to assault weapons does not stop all gun violence, but banning weapons of war is one commonsense step we can take. It is worth it even if just one life is saved. I am sickened that my town, and you should be sickened that our county, like so many others, has been added to an ongoing list of places where mass shootings have happened — a list that should not even exist,” Rotering said, a little more than a month after the Highland Park parade shootings that left seven dead.
…
Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart responded [to a comment blaming shootings on mental health], “Mental health issues exist around the world. But it is a uniquely American problem to have mass murders.”
‘Weapons to kill’: Highland Park, North Chicago mayors address Lake County Board on gun violence
From the Lake County News-Sun, August 5, 2022
North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham Jr. and Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering shared the challenges their communities face with gun violence with members of the Lake County Board during its Committee of the Whole meeting Friday morning.
Both mayors expressed support for a County Board resolution adding an assault weapons ban to its legislative advocacy agenda and for the county’s new Gun Violence Prevention Initiative. …
Lake County Government News
Final ARPA community night, Property assessments, County fair, and More
Dear Neighbor,
I hope this email finds you well. Personally I am still reeling from the horrific mass murder in Highland Park. Many of us have friends and family who attended the Highland Park parade and are continuing to struggle with their experience and the aftermath. There are resources available for those who are traumatized; if you or someone you know needs support, please read below or call 211 to get help. I am grateful for the expressions of sympathy and support from the many non-profits and businesses that reached out and am proud of the actions of the first responders and medical professionals who acted quickly to save lives.
On a much lighter front, the new Ride Lake County service for seniors and people with disabilities continues to grow, increasing ridership for people to get to work, medical appointments, and shopping. We know that transportation is an issue for people in Lake County, and this new service has provided an important resource for employment and health care. I want to thank PACE and our Lake County Division of Transportation staff for their hard work in creating this important service.
As always, it is an honor to serve as your representative on the Lake County Board and the Forest Preserve Board. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.
Thank you,
Sandy
Lake County officials answer questions about uses for $135M in American Rescue Plan Act funds
Lake County News Sun
Lake County officials hosted the second of three forums about how the county can allocate some of its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding on Tuesday night.
For about an hour, Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart, assistant county administrator Matt Meyers and other county officials answered questions and received input about how the county should allocate some of the roughly $135 million it received in federal funds. …
Hart, who called the federal funds “historic opportunity” for county investments, encouraged all residents to share their thoughts and to reach out to county officials if they wanted to learn more. …
Lake County officials looking at more Pace stop shelters, funding them with ads
Lake County News Sun
Members of the Lake County Board’s Public Works, Planning and Transportation Committee have warmed to the idea of allowing advertisements at Pace Suburban Bus stops.
At a meeting Wednesday, committee members cited a need for more bus shelters that shield passengers from the weather, leading to a discussion of how to pay for them.
Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart, who represents District 13, said one specific site with a need for a shelter is at a stop on Green Bay Road in North Chicago.
The stop, part of the 569 route, is often frequented by veterans visiting the nearby Midwest Veterans Closet. Without a shelter, Hart worried that passengers face a tough commute, especially when exposed to harsh weather elements.
“I see veterans sitting outside in the snow, in the rain on a shower chair,” Hart said. “Cars go by, they can get splashed with the water, it’s unconscionable.” …
Lake County Government News
Landscape waste burning regulations, Early voting, 2022 concert lineup, and More
Dear Neighbor,
I hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day holiday and were able to participate in one of the ceremonies held across Lake County. We are fortunate to have many veterans living in Lake County - home to the second largest population of veterans in the State of Illinois - and we are grateful to them for their sacrifice, and certainly to those who gave their life for our country.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and in late May I attended a National Association of Counties conference in Tucson, Arizona to discuss the national crisis of people with serious mental illness in our jails. Thanks to States Attorney Rinehart, Sheriff Idleburg, Independence Center, and the Lake County Health Department, Lake County has made enormous strides in helping to divert people from the court system and toward treatment. Using data to guide policy and with the help of mental health providers, peer advocates with lived experience, and supportive programs, we are able to connect people with the behavioral health resources they require.
Last week, Representative Schneider announced his Community Project Funding (CPF) submissions to the House Appropriations Committee as part of the 2023 federal appropriations legislation. I am pleased to see that Representative Schneider has included many critical projects, like the Lake Bluff Downtown Flood Mitigation Project, which would correct the long-standing issue of the closure of Rockland Road below the railroad tracks in east Lake Bluff during heavy storm events.
As always, it is an honor to represent you on the Lake County Board and the Forest Preserve Board. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sandy
State allocates $1.25 million for Lake Bluff bridge improvements; ‘People should have safe passage’
Lake Forester
Susan Boyle and her two daughters live in Lake Bluff and enjoy using the bicycle path near Green Bay Road in the northern part of the village.
The problem is getting to that path as the current bridge, constructed in 1954 and used by approximately 9,500 drivers per day, lacks a sidewalk.
Determined to make a change, Boyle contacted Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart about a year ago.
Afterward, Hart sought state funding and that goal was realized in the latest state budget as $1.25 million has been set aside for construction of a new structure for bicycle and pedestrian access, the village announced last week.
Riders flock to new Lake County bus service for seniors, disabled; ‘This is a seamless, borderless system for all of Lake County’
Lake County News-Sun
Years of planning and a pair of pilot programs were necessary to get Ride Lake County off the ground, but once it started earlier this month there were nearly 1,000 registrants and more than 400 rides the first five days.
Ride Lake County began operation May 1 providing seniors 60 and over — as well as people with disabilities — a ride anywhere in the county they need to go for no more than $12 per round-trip on a specially equipped Pace bus.
“This is a seamless, borderless system for all of Lake County,” Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart said at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 6 at the offices of the Lake County Department of Transportation. “Before, it was a complicated patchwork where people had to change buses.” …