Lake Bluff Letter

Message from Village President Kathleen O'Hara

Neighbors,
 
We began to shelter in place from the COVID-19 pandemic on March 21. For all of us, these two months must feel like a lifetime – even though they were the smallest fraction of our lives.
 
Our shared sacrifice has mattered. A recent analysis by ProPublica found that Illinois is just one of two states meeting all of the federal guidelines for safely reopening. Governor Pritzker said earlier this week that “we seem to have come off the peak.” This weekend will feel like a victory lap: Our local restaurants will be open again; stores and salons will begin to take customers; and, of course, the weather will be beautiful.
 
However, I must emphasize this: While we are safer than we were on March 21, we are not safe. Even though some features of normal life start again today, we cannot yet return to normal. Winning against COVID-19 remains a marathon, not a sprint. Please, for your own safety and our shared safety, continue to:

• Wear a face covering as much as possible while in public.
• Remain six feet distant from others, even friends. Continue to refrain from handshakes, hugs, and other contact.
• Limit social gatherings. Restore Illinois limits gatherings to ten people. A weekend filled with a series of ten person gatherings, while technically lawful, will still promote the spread of the virus in our community faster than we can contain it.
• Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently and train yourself not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth. 

I am sure you still have many questions about how the coming months will look. I and other local leaders will be hosting a community forum Tuesday night at 7 p.m. More details are included below. If you have questions, you can send them to LFLBCommunityForum@gmail.com before noon Monday.

COVID-19 Updates

• Social gatherings and many types of outdoor activities will be permitted in groups of 10 or fewer.
• Thousands of people will return to work and businesses will reopen, including retailers, offices, manufacturers, physical fitness facilities, barbershops and salons. (People who can work from home should continue to do so.) Curious? State rules and guidelines for different industries are available here.
• Travel can resume subject to IDPH and CDC guidelines.
• Limited child care and summer programs can open.
• Bars and restaurants can open outdoor seating.

Village and Community Updates

COMMUNITY FORUM. Leaders from the Village, the City of Lake Forest, Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, Lake Bluff Schools, Lake Forest Schools, and Lake Forest College will host an online community forum on Tuesday, June 2, 7-8 p.m. Join us at lakebluff.org/COVID19CommunityForum. (Add to your calendar.) You can send your questions to LFLBCommunityForum@gmail.com by noon Monday.
FARMERS MARKET. With extra safety measures to promote social distance and deter the spread of COVID-19, the Lake Bluff Farmers Market will begin next Friday, June 5, 7 a.m. on the Village Green. This year's Market is sponsored by Northwestern Medicine.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED. This year's Farmers Market will take more help than ever before to produce. Volunteers will be provided PPE and stationed at a market entrance for shifts of 2-3 hours to help educate visitors on safety precautions. If you are interested, e-mail farmersmarket@lakebluff.org​ with your name and availability.
OUTDOOR DINING. The Village Board recently approved a pathway which will allow Lake Bluff's restaurants to serve patrons outdoors as soon as today.
PROPERTY TAX RELIEF. The Lake County Board has approved property tax payment deferrals for all Lake County homeowners. Generally speaking, a homeowner will need to pay 50% on the original due date and the remaining 50% within 60 days. Click for more information.

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, many advisory board and committee meetings are cancelled and no physical meeting will occur. Village business will be conducted virtually; click here for details on the format and how to participate.

• Possible changes to the biennial budget necessary due to the economic impacts of COVID-19.
• Updates to the intergovernmental services agreement with the City of Lake Forest.
• A change to the Village's payroll processor.
• A plan to dispose of surplus construction escrows and bonds. 

• Extended the Village's declaration of emergency. 
• Authorized regulatory flexibility to facilitate outdoor dining during the COVID-19 emergency.

• A site plan and signage for the Animal Hospital of West Lake Forest, 999 Sherwood Drive.
• Signage for "BONK" restaurant, 77 E. Scranton Ave.
• The addition of sound louvers at the Central Lake County Joint Action Water Agency, 200 Rockland Road.
• Changes to the courtyard at the Carriage Way Shopping Center, 201-235 S. Waukegan Road.