Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lake County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues in environment with high priority
Storm debris cleanup agreements with New Chicago
After this year's storms, the county paid contractors to pull trees and debris out of Schoon Ditch and Turkey Creek laterals — about $300,000 so far, with a $750,000 cap set by the council. A new state drone-assessment program could reimburse most of future work at only ~6% local cost, but if crews clear trees themselves, state money is off the table.
MS4 cover crop program for 2027
A $20,000 agreement with Lake County Soil & Water would fund cover crops in 2027 to reduce erosion and runoff into county ditches.
Little Calumet River drainage investment
Cedar Creek's representative reports nobody's complaining about the Kankakee since the county's work, and the Shelby gauge shows the river staying much lower after rain than the old models predicted.
Flooding and drainage in Eagle Creek Township
Two residents described repeated flooding along Singleton Ditch and 165th Avenue, saying the former marshland floods with every heavy rain and that added development and truck traffic are making it worse.
Unpermitted floodplain work worsening West Creek Lat 4 flooding
Farmer John Kramer has lost roughly 60 acres to standing water for three-plus years due to beaver dams and overgrowth between 151st and 185th. Staff admitted nobody called him back and promised to follow up.