The latest news for you

See Upcoming Events

Village Newsletter - Summer 2024

Greetings!

Summer has arrived, it’s been hot, humid, dry and more recently...wet! Hopefully the weather will even out to gentle rains and nice winds that refresh us instead of making us run for cover.

We received fantastic news recently: the US Department of Transportation was awarded a grant of $18.8 million to support the Cedar Lake Road re-alignment project. This is the first time we've received such strong support from federal authorities. In January, Village Administrator Brandy Schroff and Director of Economic and Community Development Katie Parkhurst met with leaders from the Lake County Division of Transportation, along with Members of Lake County's Congressional Delegation to showcase the project. I also had the opportunity to meet with Representative Schneider and his team. We are deeply grateful for the endorsement of so many local representatives. This grant funding will help reduce the Village’s financial commitment. This is a significant milestone for us, as we've often felt overlooked in the past.

Despite some rain before our first Concert in the Park, the event turned out to be a success. Attendees enjoyed themselves, thanks to the dedication of food vendors, Round Lake Area Park District, and our Village Staff who organized the event.

Additionally, we celebrated the grand opening of the Avon Cares Food Pantry, located at 319 Nippersink Rd. They are a valuable resource for families in need. Please consider visiting them if you require assistance.

Village Clerk Stacy Michael and I had a delightful experience recently. We surprised Elaine Weiss, a beloved resident celebrating her 100th birthday on July 1st, with a special proclamation honoring her youthful spirit. She was thrilled and shared her positive goal of reaching 105 years!

As summer continues, we look forward to upcoming events like the Car Show, National Night Out, and our next Concert in the Park. We hope to see everyone there enjoying the season with us.

If you have any comments, questions, or ideas you would like to see included in the e-newsletter, please email me at rskraly@roundlakeil.gov.

Sincerely,

Mayor Russ Kraly

Keep Up To Date With What's Going On!

Cedar Lake Road Realignment Project

Big New! The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced a $18.8 million RAISE Grant earmarked towards the Cedar Lake Road Realignment and Mobility Improvements Project, making this one of the largest federal investments the County has ever received for a local infrastructure project.

For more information on this project please visit Cedar Lake Rd Realignment

Downtown TIF District

Tax Increment Financing is a tool utilized by municipalities in Illinois and across the nation to help meet economic development challenges without raising property taxes. With this development tool, local governments can make improvements to infrastructure and provide incentives to developers and property owners to attract new businesses or help existing businesses stay and expand.

The Village of Round Lake adopted a Downtown TIF District (January 2021) to help kick-start development of vacant parcels in the Downtown, incentivize private development, encourage public-private partnerships, and support existing businesses, all to create a thriving, economically viable Downtown.

The establishment of this TIF area set a base amount for the Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) for all property within the area boundaries. This does not reduce property tax revenues available to the overlapping taxing bodies (school, park, library, fire protection districts, etc.) and property taxes collected on these properties continue to be distributed to all taxing districts in the same manner as if the TIF did not exist. Any taxes generated from an increase in the EAV of properties within the TIF district will be designated for use by the Village of Round Lake for development projects within the TIF District.

Beginning in tax year 2022 (for taxes paid in 2023), owners of property within the TIF District began seeing a new line item on their tax bills – “Round Lake TIF”. This is not an additional tax assessed on the property, it is only a reallocation of how the taxes are distributed.

TIF Area properties are assessed and taxed the same as in non-TIF areas. The only change is that during the life of the TIF District, the property tax revenue is distributed differently. Incremental increases in real estate taxes go to the municipality to help finance TIF eligible project costs within the TIF Redevelopment Project Area.

For more information regarding the Downtown TIF District, CLICK HERE.

If you have questions specific to the Round Lake TIF on your tax bill, you may contact our Director of Finance, Kevin McCann at kmccann@roundlakeil.gov.

Guide to Recycling Right

Solid Waste Agency of Lake County has put together a recycling guide to help residents learn what can and cannot be recycled.

Recycle clean paper and cardboard. No food, greasy or waxy paper. No plastic bags are accepted. Drain all liquids and reattach caps before recycling. Toss items directly into the recycle bin, without a bag. No plastic bags are accepted.

Recycle glass. Only recycle bottles and jars. Rinse, wipe or scrape out food. Drain all liquids. Reattach caps when possible. Toss items directly into the recycle bin, without a bag.

Recycle metal. Only recycle these metal items. Rinse, wipe or scrape out food, drain all liquids. Toss items directly into the recycle bin, without a bag.

Recycle plastics. Only recycle these plastic items. Rinse, wipe or scrape out food. Drain all liquids. Caps, rings, handles and labels can be left on. Toss items directly into the recycle bin, without a bag.

National Night Out

Make sure to save the date for this year’s annual celebration of National Night Out! Every year members of your Round Lake Police Department look forward to celebrating with all members of the community in a positive way to help build a stronger and safer village. This year’s event will take place on the front lawn of the police station at 741 West Townline Road, Round Lake. The date is Tuesday, August 6, 2024 and the time is from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

National Night Out is a free community event and great way to spend a fun time with members of the police department and your neighbors. There will be hotdogs, a bounce house, snow cones, music, hay rides, a petting zoo, a magic show at 6:30 pm, prizes, a raffle and more!

Village of Round Lake Car Show

Start your engines! The Village of Round Lake Car Show is back for the 3^rd year in a row! Come on down to Downtown Round Lake to check out this year’s collection of all different makes and models of cars, and motorcycles.

The Car Show will be held on Thursday, July 25^th from 6-8:30 PM. Participants will arrive at 5 PM and will pay a $10 cash only entry fee. The event is free for spectators. Cedar Lake Rd (from Nippersink to Rt. 134) Avilon, and the Goodnow parking lot will all be closed off for the event. Show Cars will enter onto Avilon from Goodnow and be guided in to a spot upon entry. Free parking will be available for spectators at the Metra lots on Route 134 and Cedar Lake Road.

To add on to the fun, this year we are also introducing a face painting station as well as Giant Jenga, Giant Connect Four, and Cornhole to make this event more enjoyable for people of all ages! Downtown businesses and restaurants will also be open to make this event a great time for all!

This event will be a great experience for people of all ages and we can’t wait to see you there!

Reminder: Temporary pools require a permit

Why do I need a permit?

It protects you! A permit protects you, your family, your friends, and your home. By following code guidelines, your completed and inspected project will meet minimum standards for safety.

A pool permit is required when the pool has the capability of containing a water depth of 24” inches or greater. All work must conform to the 2018 IRC, 2018 ISPSC, NEC 2017, 2015 IECC and the Illinois Plumbing Code.

Temporary pools are allowed from May 1 to November 1. They must be taken down by November 1^st. Permits are valid for one season. You must reapply each year.

What happens if I don’t get a permit?

Your safety is at risk if no proper inspections are done on your project.
Fines (double the permit fee)
You may be required to remove or uninstall said project

Who is responsible for getting a Building Permit?

The property owner is ultimately responsible for obtaining a building permit.

To view the 2024 Pool Safety Brochure click here.

For more information on our local ordinances visit www. roundlakeil.gov

Short Term Vacation Rentals

Vacation Rentals including Airbnbs, Vrbo, and other online platforms that rent properties for a less than 30 days, are the preferred alternative housing options for many on small trips. While vacation rentals can be flexible and the appealing option; the Village wants to remind community members the importance that any short-term rental follow the code for safety regulations. If you are hosting a short-term/vacation rental in Round Lake please note that there are additional requirements outside of the regular rental registration policies.

Regular Rental Program: Inspection required at the change of every tenant. Annual registration and payment.

Short-Term Rentals: An annual inspection is required at the time of annual registration. The rental registration and occupancy certificate expire each year on January 31^st.

For the inspections checklist and additional information please visit the Village website and the Municipal Code Title 15.

If you have a short-term rental in Round Lake, please contact Community Development to register. The Certificate of Occupancy will be issued for both regular rentals and short-term rentals once the inspection has passed and the registration is complete.

2024 Street Resurfacing

This project is anticipated to begin the week of July 8^th and finish by late August. Work includes resurfacing streets per the 2023 Pavement Management Report: Greywall Dr, Prairie View Ln, Meadow Mist Ln, Highplains Rd, Winding Trail Circle, Prairie Walk Ln & Edgewood Ct (blue highlighted streets). It also includes spot curb & gutter and sidewalk repairs.

Concert in the Park

The Village and the Round Lake Area Park district hosted the first Concert in the Park and it was a success! Thank you to everyone that came out.

The next concert is August 8th, from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm, at 814 Hart Rd. The band Wild Daisy will be performing.

Food will be available to purchase. Parking is available at the Robert Rolek Community Center and across the street at Hart Hill.

Fight the Bite! Protect Yourself Against Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are not only annoying but they can be carriers of the West Nile Virus as well. To help combat mosquitoes, Clarke Environmental will be treating Village areas for mosquitoes again this year. Residents can sign up to be notified when spraying will occur by calling the Mosquito Hotline at (800) 942-2555. More information can be found on the Village website.

Remember to practice the “4 Ds of Defense” to protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes this summer:

Drain items that collect standing water, such as bird baths, gutters, plant containers, and buckets from around your yard and business
Defend yourself by wearing insect repellent containing DEET
Dawn to Dusk: Be extra cautious during these peak hours of mosquito activity
Dress with long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes to cover skin

Find more prevention tips and information on the Lake County Health Department website at: https://fightthebitenow.com/

Code Enforcement

It takes hard work to maintain a home of any size, but considering your own efforts is only half of the picture. You also rely on your neighbors to do their part, because what you do, or don’t do, impacts others, and what your neighbors do or don’t do, impacts your home’s appearance and worth.

The benefits of your hard work can be less enjoyable without the combined commitment of the community. When making improvements to your home, or just maintaining its appearance, there are some things you should keep in mind. Below are a few reminders to help…

You may be waiting for the weekend to cut your lawn, but remember that if weeds or grass grow longer than 8 inches, you may receive a reminder on your doorknob.
When cutting your grass, the parkways are also the responsibility of the homeowner or landlord. These areas near the street sometimes get missed, but need to be mowed along with your lawn.
Some homes have limited storage; however, porches and exposed outdoor areas are not to be used to store discarded tires, furniture, toys, or miscellaneous debris. Unwanted and unused items need to be disposed of properly so they do not negatively impact your home, or the appearance of the neighborhood.
Holiday decorations can be magical, but they do have an expiration date. When they’re left up, the sparkle and joy they once had can be lost very quickly for others who see them on a daily basis. Please make sure you remove decorations within 45 days after the holiday.
Building a patio or other exterior structures onto your home, or on your property, can add outdoor living space; but a permit is required to ensure that the structure is safe, as well as looking awesome for relaxing or entertaining.

Please visit the website www.roundlakeil.gov or call 847-546-0963 to get more details regarding the Village of Round Lake’s commitment to our community, as well as the public’s health and safety.

News and Announcements

Promotions, Retirement & New Hire

At the May 20th Village Board meeting, Nicole Cheney was promoted to Patrol Commander. Commander Cheney will oversee the police department’s largest section.

Also at the May 20th Village Board meeting, Officer Rick Tinsley was promoted Sergeant. Sergeant Tinsley will take command of the Investigations Section.

Commander Cheney and Sergeant Tinsley each bring years of experience to their new positions.

Sergeant Peter Marquardt also retired from the Round Lake Police Department in June, after more than twenty-three years of service. We are very grateful for the service Pete provided to the community and wish him all the best in retirement.

Officer Erik Landsverk was promoted to Sergeant. Sergeant Landsverk has been with the Department for nearly twenty years and has a wealth of knowledge and experience to guide him in this important leadership position.

Tiffany Diaz was hired as a Police Officer. Tiffany Diaz joins the Department as a lateral officer.

Sergeant Landsverk and Officer Diaz were both sworn into their positions in front of their families at the Village Board meeting on June 17^th.

The Round Lake Police Department is proud of each of these dedicated public servants and we congratulate them all on their achievements.

Happy 100th Birthday

Congratulations to long time resident Elaine Weiss on her 100th Birthday!

NEW BUSINESSES! The Village encourages everyone to support our local businesses. The Village would like to welcome the following new businesses to Round Lake:

Specialty Motors located at 775 Long Lake Drive
Avon Cares Food Pantry at 319 W Nippersink Rd

VILLAGE OFFICES CLOSED Village Offices will be closed on September 2, 2024 in observance of Labor Day.

SOCIAL MEDIA - Remember to like and follow all our social media pages to stay up to date on current information happening throughout the Village of Round Lake.