Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lake County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues with low priority
Public accuracy test of voting machines
Before early voting starts, the county publicly tests its machines — about 60 DRE units and optical-scan cards — checking ballot accuracy, vote-count limits, and the ability to redact a ballot if needed. Machines are sealed immediately after.
Ballot question numbering for local school referenda
Four school corporations asked that their local public questions be numbered sequentially after the two statewide constitutional questions. The board approved, so voters will see the school questions clearly numbered on the ballot.
State Line Bridge removal and relocation
The old State Line Bridge on the Kankakee will finally be disassembled, stored at the county highway garage for now, and rebuilt elsewhere as a historic bridge — possibly in Lake County parks — with removal hopefully done by year's end.
Revolving loan fund health
The fund has turned over about $8 million since the 1980s from a $2 million start, but there's little left to loan. Two borrowers are paying reliably, which kept the meeting from feeling all doom and gloom.
Minimum dwelling size variance for wetland lot in St. John
A homeowner wants to build all living space above a three-car garage because nearby lots have flooding problems. The variance allows a 288-square-foot first floor where the ordinance requires 768.
Lighting ordinance adopted
The council approved the county's new lighting ordinance on first and second reading, capping months of work by the commission.
Second dwelling on Hanover Township parcel with teardown deadline
A family can build a new house on their land while the old one is still occupied, but must demolish the 75-year-old house within 90 days after the new one is lived in. The board put the deadline in the motion so it can be enforced.
Primary Election Turnout
Only about 60,000 of 367,000 registered voters cast ballots in the May primary — a 16% turnout. Clerk Brown urged the public to trust that votes count and show up in November.
Stony Run erosion concerns in Eagle Creek Township
A township advisory member reported erosion, sloughing and sandbars on the east branch of Stony Run north of 165th Avenue; field work is underway to identify areas needing attention.
Union grievance procedure and binding arbitration
Councilman Bilski noted an agenda item on a grievance procedure with binding arbitration for unionized county workers was removed because it falls under the commissioners' authority, but said he supports extending similar protections to all county employees.
Second dwelling on a single lot in Cedar Creek Township
County rules normally allow only one detached house per lot. This variance lets a family build a replacement home on their property without moving out first — a common-sense accommodation, but the board made sure there's a demolition deadline so the old house doesn't linger.
County Line Road stop signs and Colorado Street weight limit
New stop signs will require east- and westbound Jay Street traffic to stop at Ruth Street.
Ozinga Slag federal port grants
The county signed on to support federal BUILD and MARAD grant applications on behalf of Ozinga Slag, LLC for port infrastructure.