Connect - February Edition

We need YOUR input - Voluntary Biometric Screening

HR is seeking your input regarding interest in a voluntary biometric screening in late summer/early fall 2026. These screenings would be performed with a small blood draw, offered at no cost, and provide an insight into your overall health. Employees benefit from this free preventative screening, and the City can be reimbursed for the costs based on the number of participants. The more participants, the higher the reimbursement which can be reinvested into future employee wellness initiatives.

Complete this survey by Monday, February 15, to share your interest in participating in this screening. Your response does not commit you to participate but does allow HR to gauge how many employees may take part in order to secure the necessary on-site resources.

Confirm Your Wellness Points Payout Today

Lake Forest’s partnership with Asset Health promotes all areas of wellbeing and the opportunity to earn points throughout the year with the “Think Healthy” program. Employees who earn 150+ points receive a deposit in their Health Savings Account (for the High-Deductible PPO plan); Flexible Spending Account (for the Traditional PPO plan); or 457(b) retirement account. If you qualified for the payout in 2025, funds were recently posted to your preferred account. The “Think Healthy” program has returned this year, so prioritize your physical and mental health to earn money to use on medical expenses or in retirement. Here's to a happy and healthy 2026!

Get More Money in Your Pocket by Using BCBS Member Rewards

Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Member Rewards program allows subscribers to earn a cash reward up to $500 for services for employees or their dependents. This program pays employees for using certain providers for routine and specialized services. To learn more, visit the program website and start your search for a reward-eligible provider.

Pick Your Sick Leave Payout - Submit Forms ASAP

Each month, HR highlights a policy for clarification and simplicity. This month, we’re breaking down the City’s Sick Leave Payout policy. Qualifying employees (i.e., those who use four or fewer sick days throughout the fiscal year) have three options:

Cash Payout – you receive a payout equivalent to the number of sick days for which you qualify. This payout can range from 1-5 days of pay, depending on sick leave used. The days are then subtracted from your sick leave bank because of the payout.
457(b) Buyout / Transfer – you can transfer the cash equivalent of qualifying sick days to your 457(b) account.
Bank All Hours – you can transfer sick days eligible for the buyout to your “Sick Retirement” account. If you have at least 480 hours banked, you will receive a payout of a portion of those hours in you Sick Retirement account upon resignation or retirement from the City.

HR and Finance distributed letters and election forms detailing payout options to each eligible employee the week of January 19. If you haven’t received an election form, contact your section supervisor or department manager. If you have not submitted your form, send it to Mark Krygeris, Staff Accountant I, in-person or via email by Friday, February 6.

1095-C Forms are Now Available in PlanSource

Each year, employees receive a 1095-C Form as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting requirements. This form provides information about the health insurance coverage offered to you, including whether you were eligible for coverage and the months you were enrolled. While you don’t need to submit the 1095-C with your tax return, it’s important to keep it with your records to confirm your coverage status and answer any questions when completing your taxes.

To access this form:

Log into PlanSource
Click on "ACA Documents" (under the Documents tab)
Within that tab click on "Prior Calendar Years" to see all 1095-C IRS forms.

PlanSource Log In Assistance:

Because employees do not access PlanSource frequently, included below is the standard format for employee account credentials:
Username: The first two letters of the employee's first name, last name, and ending with _LakeForest.

Password: Employee's date of birth in YYYYMMDD format. For example, an employee born on January 7th, 1968 would use 19680107 as their password.

If you still have trouble logging in to PlanSource, you can reach out to Maria for help at pietrzakm@cityoflakeforest.com or (847) 810-3531.

Kaden Jahnke

Police Officer

Kaden joins the Lake Forest team as a Police Officer. He has his Associate's Degree of Applied Science in Business Management from Western Technical College in La Crosse, WI. He's excited to meet and learn more about the beautiful city of Lake Forest!

Kaden enjoys spending time outdoors and loves camping or hiking with his dog. Kaden and his wife, Elizabeth, are expecting a baby boy in June!

Jacob Kadzielawski

Firefighter

Jacob joins the Lake Forest team as a Firefighter. He graduated from Stevenson High School and also attended Western Illinois University. He's excited to serve such a welcoming and diverse community.

Jacob grew up in Lake Zurich and spends much of his time there and the surrounding areas. His biggest hobby is physical fitness and is planning to run his first half marathon in 2026.

Susan Thomas

Assistant Director of Community Development

Susan joins the Lake Forest team as the Assistant Director of Community Development. She attended Lake Forest High School and has received multiple degrees: BA from University of Kansas, MUPP from University of Illinois at Chicago, and JD from Roger Williams School of Law.

Susan is a die-hard baseball fan (especially the Cubs). Her 13.5 year old lab/golden mix is even named Wrigley! She loves music (especially Led Zeppelin), reading, and getting out in the garden.

Josh Kaye

Water Plant Operator

Josh joins the Lake Forest team as the Water Plant Operator. He attended Kenosha Tremper High School and Gateway Technical College.

Josh was born in Waukegan, IL but currently resides in Kenosha, WI. His hobbies include music and drums, tech and gadgets, lawn care, outdoor activities, and spending time with friends and family.

Kari Kan

Part-Time Youth Services Assistant

Since moving to Lake Forest in 2013, Kari has been a regular patron of the library and is delighted to join the team as the Youth Services Assistant.

Outside of work, she spends much of her time gardening, baking sourdough bread, cooking for her family, and exercising their two dogs. In her spare time, she enjoys refinishing furniture, drawing, painting, sewing, and creating cotton-spun ornaments.

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

HMO Buzz

HMO Vision Coverage

HMO Members are covered for one routine vision exam per calendar year at no cost, and members must use an EyeMed provider to cover service costs and to take advantage of any hardware discounts.

Delta Dental Buzz

Information Article & Video:

Article: Build a Strong Smile Habit by Habit

Video: Why Are Dental Benefits Important?

VSP Buzz

Click here to learn how you can save money on frames!

Everyday Habits To Support Your Immunity During Winter

Warming Chicken and Rice Soup with Lime and Peanuts

Upcoming Webinars

Monday from 12pm - 1pm:

Enrolling in your 457(b) plan

Wednesday from 12pm-1pm:

The Medicare Puzzle: Understanding Your Medicare Options

Wednesday from 12pm-1pm:

Navigating the Next Chapter: Preparing for Your Retirement

Wednesday from 12pm-1pm:

Planning for the Future: The Fundamentals of Retirement Investing

Don’t Delay Your Retirement Planning – Schedule an On-Site Appointment with MissionSquare

Jeff Cook, the MissionSquare account rep for Lake Forest, will be on site February 18 and 19 at the Municipal Services building. Appointments begin at 8 a.m., but depending on employee interest, could start as early as 6:30 a.m.

Send an email to Ben Roesler, Director of Human Resources, if you’re interested in an early morning appointment. Otherwise, schedule an in-person or virtual meeting with Jeff Cook using the links below.

Click here to schedule an in-person meeting in Lake Forest

Click here to schedule a Virtual meeting with MissionSquare