The Lincolnshire Village Board recently adopted a new 1 percent food and beverage tax to generate additional revenues to compensate for the loss of significant sales tax revenue sources in the village.

Ela Township

Community Services to host Mother-Daughter Program

Ela Township Community Services will host its Mother-Daughter Program for Girls (ages 9-14) from 10-11:30 a.m. Oct. 21 at Ela Township Community Center, 380 Surryse Road, Lake Zurich. The program, featuring guest speaker Emily Smith, RN, will consist of of an interactive discussion on the challenges and changes that girls will experience prior to entering their high school years. Topics include physical changes, communication tips, confidence and self-esteem. Refreshments will be provided. The deadline to RSVP is Oct. 18. To register, and for more information, call (847) 540-8380 or visit www.elatownship.org.

Barrington

Village, Park Dist. partner for land exchange

The village announced that Barrington is in the process of finalizing a partnership agreement for a land exchange with the Barrington Park District that will assist the village in reducing flooding in the Miller Park area (Summit Street and Lincoln Avenue). Under a joint intergovernmental agreement, the village would transfer ownership of Meinhard Park (located at the corner of Bristol Drive and Concord Lane) to the Barrington Park District, and — in exchange — the Park District would transfer ownership of the open space area at Miller Park to the village (except for the Roy Wilmering Scout Cabin and its immediate surroundings, which would remain owned by the Park District). The village then plans to redevelop Miller Park as a combination of open space and a new stormwater retention pond aimed at lowering the risk of neighborhood flooding. In turn, the Park District would improve Meinhard Park with playground and other equipment appropriate for a neighborhood park. Through this land swap, the village will enhance stormwater management and the Park District will have a new recreation space for the neighborhood. For more information, call (847) 304-3400 or visit www.barrington-il.gov.

Wheeling

Citizens’ Police Academy alums to host fundraiser

The village announced that the Wheeling Citizens’ Police Academy Alumni Association will host An Evening in Hawaii: Hawaiian Luau, beginning at 5 p.m. Oct. 20 at St. Joseph’s the Worker Social Hall, 185 W. Dundee Road. The fundraising event includes a Hawaiian buffet, catered by Market Square at 6:30 p.m., followed by a show with the Hokule’a Academy of Polynesian Dancers at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50 (adults), $10 (ages 6-10) and free (ages 5 and under). Seating is limited. For tickets, and more information, call (847) 541-8783 or visit www.wheelingil.gov.

Fox River Grove

Public Works Dept. to begin fall hydrant flushing

The village announced that fall hydrant flushing is scheduled to begin the week of Oct. 23. The Fox River Grove Public Works Department flushes, inspects and flow-tests all fire hydrants twice a year, in spring and fall. The entire water distribution system is flushed clean to improve water quality and ensure that all fire hydrants are in good operating condition for emergencies. Residents are advised to check for hydrant flushing signs posted at major intersections and at entrances to subdivisions. In addition, when Public Works crews are flushing, there may be some loss of water pressure, as well as discoloration. Residents are encouraged to turn on the cold water until there is no more discoloration. For more information, call (847) 639-3170 or visit www.foxrivergrove.org.    

Lincolnshire

Village adopts new food and beverage tax

The Lincolnshire Village Board recently adopted a new 1 percent food and beverage tax to generate additional revenues to compensate for the loss of significant sales tax revenue sources in the village. The new tax is similar to the tax imposed by surrounding communities, including Deerfield, Bannockburn, Buffalo Grove, Highland Park and Libertyville. Effective Nov. 1, the new tax will apply to the purchase price of prepared foods, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for immediate consumption. The village is sending information packets to all food and beverage establishments in the village, corporations with on-site cafeterias, banquet facilities with on-site kitchens and catering, as well as food truck vendors selling food at special events in the village. The packets provide background on the tax and outline reporting requirements. For more information, contact Finance Director Michael Peterson at (847) 913-2303 or via email at mpeterson@lincolnshireil.gov — or visit www.lincolnshireil.gov.

Highland Park

Policy change promotes downtown commercial occupancy 

The village announced that the Highland Park City Council unanimously approved an amendment to the Pedestrian Oriented Shopping Overlay (POS) District Boundaries. This proactive change aims to increase downtown commercial occupancy and to ensure the long-term economic liability of the Central Business District (CBD). The change will concentrate retail use within the CBD core but allow new types of services, such as medical or law offices in the areas outside of and adjacent to the new POSO boundaries. As a next step, the City Council directed staff to consider additional services used in the CBD, as well as possible modification of parking restrictions. Allowing additional services used in shopping districts is a national trend in response to the increased popularity of online shopping. By locating some services used within a retail corridor, synergistic advantages can be achieved to help support retail stores as clients and employees of service businesses patronize retail and restaurant establishments. Consideration for the change is also based on input from downtown property owners, business owners, realtors and other downtown stakeholders. For more information, call (847) 432-0800 or visit www.cityhpil.com. 

–Lake County News Briefs–