Kudos to Filip Czarnecki, Jim Shaw, and James Magna for being the first three people to read the last edition of What's Happening!
Our goal is to provide you with useful information so that you know what is going on in our many departments throughout the City.

As always, if you have suggestions for ways to improve this email or content you'd like to see included, please let us know!
Need to Know
If you only have a few minutes, scan this section for key takeaways.
Human Resources
Submitted By: Human Resources Generalist, Brina Diaz
Save the date - 2023 Family Picnic and Rib Cook-Off! Saturday, September 23, 12 pm at Northcroft Park. Bring your family for an afternoon of good food and great fun! We can't wait to see you there!
Nice to Know
These submissions are still important, but they’re not as critical if you’re scanning for the key information.
Office of the City Manager
Submitted By: Communications Specialist, Ashley Love
  • Thanks to all who contributed to #CityHallSelfie Day! View the department selfies below.
  • Stay tuned to for more information on the Community-Wide Survey results
  • Last chance to review the Fall Dialogue, it will go to print Friday - Review the Dialogue.
  • Don't forget to visit Lake Forest Love!
Finance
Submitted By: Assistant Finance Director, Diane Hall
  • The FY24 Budget Calendar has been distributed. Important dates are as follows:
  • Plan-It and CIP Training – August 31, 2:00pm MS Training Room
  • Plan-IT available for input: CIP Targets Issued and Operating Capital Reminder August 31
  • GFOA Triple Crown Award – We were recently notified by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) that the City’s FY22 Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) was awarded the GFOA Popular Reporting Award. As winners of GFOA’s Budget Presentation, Annual Financial Reporting and Popular Reporting awards for the FY22 year, the City has earned its second consecutive “GFOA Triple Crown” award. There were 321 US and 10 Canadian triple crown winners in 2021, the City’s first time to earn this recognition. By comparison, there are approximately 85,000 units of government in the United States. Congratulations to the entire Finance team for this outstanding achievement!
Innovation and Technology
Submitted By: Business Analyst, Cameron Burell
  • New Water Camera! We recently installed a new Water Cam which is in super duper crisp high definition! This live stream can be found via the LFNow App in the ‘Beach’ section. We wanted to provide residents a live look at the lake and active conditions for the water. Take a look, you might spot some wildlife! 
  • Disaster Recovery Testing. Disaster recovery testing is an important annual activity for IT systems within the IT Department. The City relies on IT infrastructure to manage internal operations, provide essential services to residents, and to ensure public safety. Our disaster recovery plan outlines the steps and procedures that need to be followed to recover IT systems and data after a disruptive event. Testing this plan through regular disaster recovery testing is crucial for ensuring that we are prepared for anything that happens. We are currently in the midst of our testing and you will see notifications from Tony which alert City employees which systems we are testing and when we are testing them. These tests will primarily take place outside of normal business hours and should minimally affect your operations. If there are any questions about the testing itself, please feel free to reach out to [email protected].
Parks & Recreation 
Submitted by: Marketing & Communication Specialist, Kristin Elliott  
  • Downtown LF was rockin’ Saturday night for the LF Music Festival. There were great bands, drinks, food, and smiling faces everywhere. The last band of the night, Hi Infidelity, played a few extra tunes, so you know it was a good time! 
  • Our super busy camp season 2023 is a wrap, and we are looking forward to fall programs which are filling up quickly. We always love having our city staff kids in programs, so keep that in mind!  
  • Book lovers: Visit the Friends of Lake Forest Library Book Sale at the Rec from September 14-17. More info here.  
Police
Submitted by: Administrative Assistant, Barb Lueder-Manetti
  • On August 7, with family, friends, and colleagues on hand, Mayor Tack administered the Oath of Office to Kevin Zelk as he was promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief of Administration. In his 17 years with LFPD, Kevin has served as an officer, detective, patrol sergeant, patrol commander, and administrative commander. He also manages the Evidence Unit and Property Room. We know Kevin will achieve great success in his new role!
Public Works

Deerpath Community Park Improvement Project
Submitted By: Assistant Director of Public Works, Jim Lockefeer
As summer is winding down, construction on the Deerpath Community Park Improvement Project continues to hit major milestones!
Now that final grading and field base construction are almost complete, the project has officially transitioned to the turf installation phase! Earlier this week, crews began installing the turf system. Truck traffic is expected to return to a more moderate level during this phase.

Based on direction from the community, the City Manager's Advisory Group, and City Council, the turf system includes the most environmentally sensitive elements on the market. The turf system includes cradle to cradle certified Brock USA YSR PowerBase Shockpad to ensure all critical player safety measures are met; BrockFILL infill, a highly engineered 100% organic wood particle infill; and IRONTURF turf which is an industry leading turf carpet product known for both its durability and recyclability. Learn more about the project and view the live construction cam on the project webpage.
Building Maintenance
Submitted By: Building Maintenance Supervisor, Erik Huston
  • Installing new floors at Public Safety.
  • Rec week shutdown for cleaning.
  • Great room refinishing at the Senior Center.
Engineering
Submitted By: Superintendent of Engineering, Byron Kutz
  • Everett Road Closure between Telegraph Road and Waukegan Road for Metra work from August 16 to August 23. A local detour will be signed via Telegraph and Conway.
  • The Sir William Watermain project which replaces a deteriorating watermain from Lawrence to Everett is underway with the installation of new water services from the main to the B-Box.
  • For the annual resurfacing project, the contractor will be addressing any deficiencies in the remaining asphalt base in preparation for paving the first of two layers of new asphalt pavement. Paving will occur through the summer into the early fall.
Forestry
Submitted By: City Forester, Corey Wierema
  • Watering.
  • Dutch Elm Disease tree removal.
Parks
Submitted By: Parks Supervisor, Rich Paulsen
  • Music Fest prep.
  • Fall athletic fields going down.
  • Weekly grounds maintenance.
Sanitation
Submitted By: Sanitation Supervisor, Brian Pogachnik
  • SWALCO household chemical collection event for Lake Forest has been announced for Saturday September 23 at the Municipal services building. Go online at swalco.org or call 847-377-4950 to schedule a drop off time.
Streets
Submitted By: Streets Supervisor, Matt Brugioni
  • Gas lamp conversion has been completed on Crabtree.
  • McKinley and noble cross walk improvements.
  • Asphalt repairs .
Parks
Submitted By: Parks Supervisor, Rich Paulsen
  • Music Fest prep.
  • Fall athletic fields going down.
  • Weekly grounds maintenance.
Water & Sewer
Submitted By: Water & Sewer Supervisor, Rich Volpe
  • Catch Basin Repairs.
  • Leak Repairs from Leak Detection Report.
  • Working with Contractor on Valve Replacement.
Water Plant
Submitted By: Chief Water Plant Operator, John Gulledge
  • 41 & Deerpath IDOT Pump Station is communicating with the water plant now.
  • Continue working with the Integrator to have the Water Distribution Monitoring Stations communicate with the water plant.
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