COVID-19 Updates
This Wednesday, Governor J.B. Pritzker announced plans to reintroduce restrictions in regions where COVID-19 transmission is rising. The same day, Lake County Health Department reported a daily total of over 100 new COVID-19 cases for the first time since May. Coronavirus is not done, and Lake Bluff can't be done taking precautions.
“Negligence will threaten our health, our businesses, and our children’s ability to return to school in the fall,” said Village President Kathleen O’Hara. “We each need to take personal responsibility for what’s happening in our community.”
We want to draw your attention to three critical risks in our community:
Social gatherings, especially among people younger than 30, have been linked to outbreaks of COVID-19 in Lake Zurich, Chicago, and downstate. Based on Georgia Institute of Technology estimates, there is a 1-in-4 chance that at least one COVID-19 positive individual will be present at a gathering of 25 people in our community. Ask yourself:
- Do I have to attend this gathering?
- Do I trust everyone attending to wear a face covering? All the time?
- Is there enough space for me to keep six feet from others comfortably? All the time?
- If I have to stay home for 14 days after attending, will I regret going? If I get sick, will I regret going? If my family gets sick, will I regret going?
Face coverings are not required by current Illinois public health orders when they can stay at least six feet distant from others. Yet some people rarely use face coverings in private settings or outdoors, even when in close contact with others. Evidence continues to mount that face coverings reduce transmission of COVID-19. Ask yourself:
- When leaving your house, do you have a face covering with you?
- Do I need to take my face covering off right now? Why?
Youth sports have also been linked to outbreaks of COVID-19. In St. Louis, youth sports are now subject to severe limits due to multiple outbreaks. In Lake Bluff, young athletes are required to wear face coverings and stay at least six feet apart when not playing. Local sports organizers say that kids haven’t gotten the message. Ask yourself:
- Does my child’s league separate kids at least six feet apart when they aren’t playing? Do coaches get within six feet of kids? All the time?
- Do my child’s coaches wear face coverings? Do kids wear face coverings when they aren’t playing? All the time?
The Village will be communicating these messages urgently in the coming weeks, including new signage in public spaces and by partnering with other government agencies. We need your help.
“We need people to speak up and demand better of their neighbors when they see these unsafe behaviors,” said Village President O’Hara. “The only way we can continue our progress towards normal life is together.”
Village and Community Updates
ANOTHER BRICK IN THE... WALKWAY. Time is running out to order your Lake Bluff 125 commemorative brick. The order deadline is August 15.
VEHICLE STICKER renewals are due by July 31. You can renew your sticker online, by U.S. mail, or postage-free using the white dropbox across from Village Hall.
LAKE COUNTY FORWARD. Lake County has announced a grant program for small businesses that can provide up to $30,000 in assistance with occupancy and COVID-19 related expenses.
WATER METER REPLACEMENT. The Village's water meter replacement program is resuming. Affected households will receive a scheduling invitation by mail.
Board and Committee Actions
For more information, visit the Village's meeting packets and videos page. Agendas and meeting materials are typically available the Friday before a meeting; videos within a week after the meeting; and minutes after they are approved at the next meeting of the public body. Not all meetings are recorded on video.
Due to the COVID-19 emergency, meetings are primarily virtual. Click here for details on the format and how to participate.
Recent Village Board Meeting (July 13, 7 p.m.). The Village Board:
- Extended the Village's declaration of emergency.
- Approved:
- An agreement to maintain the Village's elevator safety inspection program.
- A transfer of $33,100 from the water fund to the general fund for stormwater investemnts
- A change order for the water valve and hydrant replacement project.
- A wall extension at the Lake Bluff Elementary School, 31 E. Sheridan Place.
- A window replacement, air conditioner, and fence installation modifying a single-family home at 105 E. North Ave. (Required due to R-5 Zoning.)
- The Sale of three police cruisers and the purchase of two replacements.
- Residential bulk variations at 709 Sheridan Road (Ragsdale) to allow construction of a ~590 square foot master suite on the second floor.
- Zoning relief to allow the relocation of BONK, the operation of the Cache speakeasy in the basement of Inovasi, and liquor retail sales inside Inovasi.
- Liquor license changes necessary for Inovasi's request, as well as to permanently allow beer and wine deliveries (currently allowed temporarily during COVID-19).
Recent Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting (July 15, 7 p.m.). The PCZBA discussed the Comprehensive Plan’s Residential Environment policies, alternative housing, and accessory dwelling units; and requested that Staff prepare an additional workshop regarding accessory dwelling units in the Village.
There are no public meetings scheduled the week of July 20.
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