Covid 19 is a contagious virus that has been spreading rapidly around the world. There is no need to panic, but you should take precautions to avoid getting sick.
The City of Highland Park has an emergency operations plan in place and is prepared in the event our area is impacted by the coronavirus disease or other emergency matters. The City Manager’s Office, Police, and Fire Departments are in communication with Highland Park Hospital, Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center, and Illinois Department of Public Health in addition to area partner agencies, and all are taking steps to prepare, prevent and aid in recovery should our area be impacted. There is additional information on the City website, including links to the websites of the Lake County and Illinois Departments of Health and Centers for Disease Control.
Information on basic protective measures from the World Health Organization is available here. Some of the recommendations are:
1. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
2. Disinfect frequently touched objects (phones, doorknobs, etc.).
3. Avoid touching your face – that’s a good way to spread germs.
4. Avoid contact with people who are sick.
5. Please stay home if you are sick. This will help stop the virus from spreading to others.
If you have travel plans, the Centers for Disease Control is recommending that people avoid non essential travel to South Korea, Italy, Iran and China as of this writing. Up to date travel advisories are here.
Be a Voter
Your vote is important! The primary election in Illinois is March 17, 2020. Early voting will begin Monday, March 2, 2020 at the Highland Park Police Station and other locations in Lake County. (Early voting has already begun at the Lake County Clerk’s office only.) Lake County voters may vote early at any early voting site in the county. On Election Day, you must vote at your assigned polling place. More information on times and locations for voting is here.
Are you registered to vote?
If you are not yet registered to vote, you can register to vote in person at Highland Park City Hall, 1707 St. John’s Avenue (call (847) 432-0800 for hours) or the Moraine Township Office, 800 Central Avenue (call (847) 432-3240 for hours). Voter registration at these locations closes February 18, but you can still register to vote at any early voting site during early voting or on election day at your polling place. Details on voter registration are here. You may check your registration or register online using the application available here.
More information about voting and voter registration is here. Please be sure to vote!
Winter Energy Tips
The cleanest energy is the energy you never have to use. Improving efficiency is also a great way to lower you energy costs. As we get into the colder months, a little bit of insulation or weather stripping can go a long way. Consider a smart thermostat – some models are eligible for rebates from ComEd. Larger energy efficiency projects may be eligible for a rebate from North Shore Gas. If you go on vacation, remember to turn down the temperature on your water heater. In the summer the electricity bills tend to go up, while in the winter, it’s the gas bill.
Check out these energy saving tips from NorthShore Gas.
ComEd has partnered with the gas company to provide FREE home energy assessments. They will bring and install a number of energy saving products and can recommend further savings opportunities.You can call 1-855-433-2700.
Climate Strike
It was inspiring to see so many young people standing up to take action on climate last week. Thank you to the Highland Park and Deerfield students who organized an event at the Ravinia Train Station. As someone who began working professionally to stop climate change in 1989, I am very excited to see younger people joining the fight and taking action. The City of Highland Park has set a goal of a 5% reduction in carbon emissions by the City by 2023. You can read about some of the steps the City has taken to reach that goal here.
Bike Fair and Family Friendly Bike Route Opening
Join Highland Park’s Bike Walk Advisory Group and Trek HP for a bike fair at the Trek parking lot, 1925 Skokie Valley Road on September 22 at 1 pm. The fair includes bike safety and helmet checks, a bike safety course, Aidan’s Crazy Bike Creations and more. Bring your bike and join us at 2 pm for the inaugural ride of Highland Park’s new Family Friendly Bikeway in the Highlands neighborhood. This new route is a short, on-street loop that is easy for families to ride. Working Bikes will be there to collect old bikes in any condition to refurbish for those in need of transportation.
Marijuana Discussion
The State of Illinois passed a law in the spring that will make Illinois one of 11 states to legalize recreational marijuana. The City of Highland Park has jurisdiction over zoning within our boundaries. This enables us to put in place regulations regarding where dispensaries can be located, and how many are allowed. We have a medical marijuana dispensary currently operating in Highland Park. A discussion regarding zoning for recreational marijuana dispensaries is scheduled to take place at the August 12 meeting of City Council. The meeting agenda will be posted to the City website on the Thursday before the meeting. You can find it by clicking on meeting information on the homepage. If you have an opinion on this issue, please email me to share your thoughts prior to the meeting.
Recycling Update
Clothing and Textile Recycling is now available 24/7 at 2 locations. In addition to the drop box at 1180 Half Day Road, there is now a bin in the parking space just south of the main Highland Park Metra Station. Please continue to bring paired shoes, styrofoam and compact fluorescent bulbs to the Recycling Center at 1180 Half Day Road between 7 am and 1 pm on Tuesdays and the first Saturday of each month.
Lakeshore Recycling Systems Seeks Input
Lakeshore Recycling Systems wants to know what you think of their service. This is your chance to provide input. Please click here to take the survey before July 1.
Spring Clean Up
Highland Park’s spring trash collection days are scheduled for April 27, May 4, 11 and 18. Please put recyclables out during your regular trash pick up and donate anything usable to a local charity. Learn more about how to recycle unusual items here and here.
If you have a bulky item under 50 pounds, you can place it next to your trash cart for pick up on your regular trash collection day rather than waiting for spring clean up. You can leave one large, or several small electronics at the curb on your first trash pick up day of the month. Electronic waste, styrofoam, and paired shoes can also be dropped off at the City’s Recycling Center. 1180 Half Day Road, from 7 am – 1 pm any Tuesday or the first Saturday of the month. Details are here. Textiles can be dropped off anytime in the collection box at the City’s Recycling Center. Used bicycles can be donated to Working Bikes.
If you have unwanted medications, please drop them off anytime in the disposal box at the HP Police Station, 1677 Old Deerfield Road. Details are here. SWALCO is hosting Household Chemical Waste drop off events on April 13 and 22 in Gurnee. Click here for more information and to make an appointment.