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Village Newsletter - Spring 2026

Mayor’s Update

I want to share how optimistic I am about where we are headed as a community. This year, the America 250 celebration begins, marking our nation’s 250th anniversary. It is a time to reflect on where we have been, but also to think about where we are going. Right here in Round Lake, I see that same spirit every day; a community proud of its roots and motivated to build something even better for the future.

Last year, I identified that we need to do better in engaging our residents to participate in our local government. We need independent thinkers, dreamers, and people willing to step forward with innovative ideas and fresh perspectives. Our community is strongest when more voices are part of the conversation, when residents feel informed, involved, and empowered to help shape the future of our village. To that end, I am building a roster of residents that would consider serving on our boards and committees. If interested in learning more, please reach out to discuss with me.

I am particularly enthusiastic about the Redwood project on the south side, which supports Lake County’s housing goals, the opening of Orale Café downtown, and Habitat for Humanity's plans to build a second home in Round Lake. Projects and small businesses like these do not happen by accident; they happen because people believe in Round Lake. They see what we see: a community on the rise. These additions bring new neighbors, new energy, and continued investment into our local economy.

And we are not stopping there. We have more economic development activity on the horizon, and I can tell you firsthand that there is growing interest in Round Lake. We are being more intentional, more strategic, and more focused than ever on bringing in the right kind of growth for our community. It is imperative that we keep pushing for smart economic development.

A big part of that progress comes from improving how we work with our county, state, and federal partners. I have made it a priority to strengthen those relationships, and it is already opening doors to new grants and funding opportunities that directly benefit our residents. Simply put, Round Lake has a stronger voice at the table and we are using it.

Looking ahead, one of the most important things we are working on over the next several months is updating our Village’s Comprehensive Plan. This plan will guide our future, from housing and development to infrastructure and quality of life. But this is not just a Village document, it is your plan. I strongly encourage everyone to be part of it. Whether it is taking a few minutes to participate online or attending one of our open houses or workshops, your input matters. The best plans are built with the community, not just for it.

In closing, I want to hear from every resident. Even though the mayor role in our Village is part-time, I take the work seriously and will make time to listen and respond by phone, text, email, or in person. Those who have engaged with me know that a timely response is a priority. Your voice matters, and together we can ensure that Round Lake’s future reflects the values and aspirations of the people who call it home.

We have a lot to be proud of, and we are moving forward. I am grateful to serve this community and excited about what we are building together.

Follow the village on all the social media platforms and sign up for our e-communications. (Links can be found on our website)

Let’s keep moving Round Lake forward!

Sincerely,

Mayor Brian Brubaker

Mayor, Village of Round Lake

Email: bbrubaker@roundlakeil.gov

Phone & Text: 847-746-4269

Keep Up To Date With What's Going On!

We need you! Share your thoughts and voice your

opinion on the future of Round Lake!

OUR Round Lake Comprehensive Plan is well underway! We are still looking for your opinions and involvement to shape the future of Round Lake.

The Village of Round Lake is creating a new Comprehensive Plan, a roadmap for the future growth and development over the next 20 years. Your participation is key in the creation of the Plan.

The online survey and Map.Social are still active and available for people to provide their input.

Village Staff conducted workshops with high school students at Grayslake Central, Round Lake and Grant Community high schools this month. This was a fun experience engaging students in the comprehensive plan. We had a great discussion with them about Village operations and being good community residents. Gaining a younger person’s perspective on the community is a great way to engage kids to consider staying in Round Lake after high school and/or college.

The next big opportunity for public input and participation is the Visioning Workshop. The Visioning Workshop will be Thursday, April 30 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM at the Round Lake Park District Community Center at 814 Hart Road. This is a workshop where attendees will work in small breakout groups to create maps of Round Lake identifying planning priorities, indicating areas for future development, and proposing projects and improvements. There will be a Spanish interpreter at the workshop. We hope to see you at the workshop!

America 250: Celebrating Our Nation Throughout the Community

In 2026, our nation marks an extraordinary milestone, 250 years since the founding of the United States of America. America 250 is more than an anniversary; it is an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, honor the ideals that shaped our democracy, and recommit to the values of service, civic pride, and community that continue to define us today.

The Village Board has proudly adopted a resolution supporting America 250, recognizing the importance of this historic moment and our role in celebrating it locally.

America 250: Through Our Community

Here in Round Lake, we’ll celebrate all year long by weaving America 250 into the events and traditions that already bring our community together. Beginning in May and continuing through September, residents will see signs of America 250 pride throughout the Village, including:

Commemorative America 250 banners
Red, white, and blue streetlight bunting
Special flags displayed at Village facilities and the Veterans Memorial
America 250 decals featured on Village Police, Public Works, and Community Development vehicles

🎶 Featured Event: America 250 Band Concert

As part of the celebration, the Village is proud to partner with the Round Lake Area Park District to host a special America 250 Band Concert:

Saturday, June 27

12:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Robert W. Rolek Community Center (814 Hart Rd)

Enjoy a live performance by the Round Lake Area Community Concert Band as we come together to celebrate our nation through music and community spirit. Additional event details will be shared as they become available.

America 250 is about more than history, it’s about neighbors, families, service, and the shared pride we feel in our community.

We look forward to celebrating this historic milestone together and hope to see you at Village events throughout the year. Be sure to check the Village events calendar for ways to join the celebration!

Village Rate Increase Effective May 1

As part of the rate plan approved in November 2024, rates are adjusted annually each May 1 through 2029. The rate effective May 1, 2026 is:

💧What’s Changing?

$14.93 per 1,000 gallons of water usage
$20.77 flat monthly fee

When Will You See It?

The Village bills in arrears. The new rate will appear on your July bill (covering early May–early June usage).

💡 Curious how your dollars are used?

Visit the draft FY2027 Capital Improvement Plan, click Capital Projects, and expand Water & Sewer Improvements. You’ll find all infrastructure projects planned over the next six years that are funded with your Village Fee portion of the bill.

👉 The updated rates will first appear on your July bill, which reflects usage from early May through early June.

For more information visit our website.

New! Cost Share Programs for Residents

The Village of Round Lake is excited to introduce two cost share programs designed to help residents enhance their property while improving our community.

Programs Offered:

50/50 Parkway Tree Replacement Program - Keep Round Lake green and vibrant! Plant a tree in the parkway.
50/50 Sidewalk Replacement Program - Help keep our sidewalks safe and accessible! Replace defective public sidewalk sections in front of your property.

How it works:

Replace the sidewalk or plant the tree at your own expense.
Submit an application before work begins.
Receive reimbursement after approval, subject to program rules and funding availability.

Apply & Learn More www.roundlakeil.gov/costshareprograms

Both programs make it easier and more affordable for residents to maintain beautiful and safe property while supporting the community.

Don’t miss out, apply before starting your project!

Village Streets & 2026 Road Improvements

The Big Picture

Have you ever wondered why some streets get resurfaced while others in worse condition seem to wait? The answer comes down to strategy, cost, and making the most of taxpayer dollars.

Every five years, the Village hires an engineering firm to evaluate all roadways. Each street is rated on a scale from 1 to 10, giving us a clear picture of overall conditions, the good, the fair, and the roads that need the most attention. The most recent Pavement Management Report was completed in 2023 and is available on the Village website.

Like many communities, our streets fall into a mix of conditions. While some are in good shape, others are rated fair or poor. Naturally, residents notice and report the roughest roads but addressing those first isn’t always the most effective approach.

Here’s why:

Repairing a road in poor condition can cost up to 10 times more than maintaining a road that is still in fair condition. Because of this, the Village follows a proactive strategy focusing on streets just before they significantly deteriorate. This allows us to improve more roads overall and stretch every dollar further.

As the report explains, prioritizing only the worst streets can actually cause the entire system to decline faster. Instead, the Village balances the program primarily maintaining fair-condition roads while still dedicating a portion of funding to the most critical repairs.

At the same time, we don’t ignore streets in poor condition. Public Works crews work year-round to patch potholes especially during winter and complete targeted asphalt repairs in the summer to improve the worst areas.

Investing More in Our Roads

The Village is making a significant investment in improving our streets.

Over the next six years:

$7.3 million is allocated from Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds
$1.7 million+ is committed from the Capital Projects Fund
A 66% increase in resurfacing investment compared to six years ago

This is a major step forward and reflects a strong commitment to improving infrastructure responsibly.

2026 Street Improvement Program

Thanks to careful budgeting and previous projects coming in under cost, the Village was able to add approximately $1.2 million to this year’s program.

This means we can complete two years’ worth of planned resurfacing in one season accelerating improvements across the community. We’re also proud of the sustained investment in our roads.

Over the next six years, the Village has committed more than $9 million for road improvements, an average of $1.5 million each year! This represents a 66% increase in funding compared to six years ago, significantly boosting our capacity for resurfacing projects using MFT and Capital Projects Funds.

Streets scheduled for resurfacing include:

Autumn Drive (Spruce Drive to East End)
Autumn Court (Autumn Drive to Cul-de-Sac)
Birch Drive (Spruce Drive to Silver Leaf Lane)
Magnolia Lane (Spruce Drive to Silver Leaf Lane)
Spruce Drive (Autumn Drive to Silver Leaf Lane)
Biros Lane (Amarias Drive to Elizabeth Lane)
Caldwell Drive (Amarias Drive to East End)
Dalton Drive/Court (Meadow Lane to South End)
Eagon Lane (Meadow Lane to Caldwell Drive)
Elizabeth Lane (Amarias Drive to Caldwell Drive)
Mara Lynn Court (Eagon Lane to East End)
Meadow Lane (Cedar Lake Road to Dalton Drive)

The project is currently out to bid, with construction anticipated to begin in late June or early July, weather and scheduling dependent.

What This Means for Residents

This approach may not always align with what you see day-to-day but it ensures:

✔ More streets are improved overall

✔ Tax dollars are used efficiently

✔ Long-term roadway conditions continue to improve

We understand the frustration of driving on rough roads, and we appreciate your patience as we continue making steady, strategic progress across the Village.

Earth Day 2026

Join us for our Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 25th from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Public Works Garage (751 W. Townline Rd.) for a fun, family-friendly morning focused on sustainability, community, and caring for our planet.

This interactive event offers something for all ages! Connect with local environmental experts, explore eco-friendly resources, and discover simple ways you can make a positive impact at home and in our community.

The Village has partnered with the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) to offer both a compost giveback and textile recycling at this event.

Residents are encouraged to bring a bucket or container to collect free compost. You can also bring gently used clothing, linens, and fabrics to be recycled.

Event Highlights:

Touch-a-Truck featuring Public Works vehicles, A-Tire and the Round Lake Fire Protection District.
Free compost and tree saplings (while supplies last)
Enter to win a rain barrel, compost bin, or tree
Make-a-Plant Station
Free Face painting
Kids workshop activity hosted by The Home Depot
Live demonstration on how Public Works repairs a water main break

Whether you're looking to start composting, plant your first garden, or simply enjoy a morning out with the family, this event is a great way to celebrate Earth Day and learn how we can all work together to protect our environment.

We hope to see you there!

New Construction Update

Now that spring is here, various projects are under construction throughout the Village.

We’re excited to share that several new single-family home projects are currently underway in our community. Construction is in progress at Capri Court, Park Road, and Lakeview Drive, bringing new homes to these neighborhoods in various stages of development.

In the Industrial Park, a new business at 694 Valentin, Premier Paving, is almost finished with construction and is set to open later this year. The Village is excited for the new developments and wants to highlight all the work being completed. Follow along for updates on new construction projects in Round Lake.

Round Lake Police Department Beat Program

The Village of Round Lake is strategically divided into three distinct geographic beat areas to promote effective, localized policing and a strong connection between officers and the community they serve. Each beat is overseen by dedicated sergeant(s) and supported by a team of patrol officers who are specifically assigned to that area. This structure allows officers to become familiar with the unique characteristics, concerns, and priorities of their neighborhoods, enabling a more personalized and responsive approach to public safety.

Within each beat, officers are tasked not only with responding to calls for service, but also with actively working to reduce crime through prevention, visibility, and community engagement. By maintaining a consistent presence, officers are better able to identify patterns, address emerging issues early, and build trust with residents, businesses, and local organizations.

Beat officers take a proactive, solution-focused approach to addressing community concerns. This includes collaborating with residents, coordinating with other village departments, and implementing problem-solving strategies tailored to specific issues such as traffic safety, quality-of-life concerns, and neighborhood disputes.

This community-oriented policing model reinforces the Village of Round Lake’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and partnership.

Learn more by scanning the QR codes above or visit the website at www.roundlakeil.gov/beatprogram

Planning a Spring Project?

Don't Forget a Building Permit!

Just a friendly reminder that building permits are required for most construction projects in the Village of Round Lake. This includes:

Accessory buildings (sheds, garages)
Fences
Decks
Home additions
New construction
Structural changes
Driveways
Pools (including temporary pools)

Before submitting your permit application, be sure to check with your HOA for any required approvals.

Permits help ensure your project is safe, up to code, and won’t cause issues down the road.

Stop by Village Hall to pick up an application or download one on our website to get started!

Questions? We’re here to help, reach out anytime before you begin your project. buildingdept@roundlakeil.gov To view the full list of projects that require a permit, please visit our website.

Overnight Parking

The Village restricts overnight street parking to keep roads safe, accessible, and properly maintained.

Keeping the streets clear also ensures emergency vehicles can move quickly and safely, especially in low-visibility conditions at night. In addition, this helps prevent people from using public roads as long-term vehicle storage, which keeps parking spaces available and neighborhoods more orderly.

Overall, overnight parking restrictions are designed to balance convenience with public safety and efficient Village operations.

Overnight parking permission may be attained through the Village website or by scanning the QR Code.

Animal Safety: Don't Leave Your Pet in the Car

As temperatures begin to rise in the spring and summer months, the Round Lake Police Department is reminding residents to be mindful of the serious dangers associated with leaving pets in parked vehicles. Even on what may feel like a mild day, the temperature inside a car can increase rapidly within minutes, creating life-threatening conditions for dogs.

Animal safety experts warn that cracking windows or parking in the shade provides little protection against heat buildup. Inside a parked vehicle, temperatures can quickly soar to dangerous levels, putting pets at risk of heatstroke, dehydration, and even death.

For the safety and well-being of your furry companions, pet owners are strongly encouraged to leave dogs at home in a cool, well-ventilated environment when running errands. Taking this simple precaution can help prevent avoidable tragedies and keep our community’s pets safe during the warmer months.

Spring & Summer Lawn Care:

What Residents Need to Know

As the growing season kicks into high gear, one of the most common concerns across the Village is tall grass and overgrown weeds.

To help keep neighborhoods looking their best, Village code requires that all grass and weeds be maintained at a height of 8 inches or less.

Staying ahead of growth not only keeps your property looking neat, but also helps you avoid notices of violation or potential citations. With warmer weather and frequent rain, lawns can grow quickly so a little extra attention can go a long way.

Here are a few simple tips to help keep your yard in compliance:

Keep a consistent mowing schedule. Grass and weeds can grow rapidly, especially after rainfall. If you notice growth between regular mowing days, consider adding an extra trim to stay ahead.
Don’t forget the details. Mowing alone may not be enough, be sure to trim around trees, fences, the sides of your home, walkways, and garden beds. These areas are often overlooked but still count toward compliance.
Maintain the parkway area. The strip of land between the sidewalk and the street is the homeowner’s responsibility and is commonly missed during routine yard work.

Natural Ways to Keep Weeds in Check

White vinegar for basic weeds: Regular household vinegar (about 5% acetic acid) works well on small, young weeds. Spray directly on the leaves for best results.
Herbicidal vinegar for tougher weeds: For more stubborn weeds, a stronger vinegar (20–30% acetic acid) can do the trick. To make it even more effective, add a small amount of dish soap and salt. These help the solution stick to the leaves and increase absorption.
Application tips: Focus on spraying the leaves of the weeds, not the soil to avoid temporarily affecting surrounding plants. The solution breaks down quickly in the soil, but direct contact with leaves is what kills the weeds.

A well-maintained yard not only enhances curb appeal but also contributes to the overall beauty of the community. Keeping up with regular maintenance ensures a cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable environment for everyone.

Thinking About Adding a Pet? Read This First

Pets are family but not every animal is allowed within the Village of Round Lake.

The Village has seen an increase in questions and complaints related to animals like chickens and other non-traditional pets.

While they may seem like a fun addition, some animals are not permitted within Village limits.

Before bringing home a new pet, especially anything beyond the usual cats and dogs. It’s important to check Village regulations first. This can help you avoid the difficult situation of having to rehome an animal after you’ve already grown attached.

Even with traditional pets, residents are reminded to:

Keep yards clean and free of waste
Be mindful of noise that may disturb neighbors
Follow limits on the number of pets allowed per household
Always clean up after your pet in public areas

Taking a few minutes to review the rules ahead of time can save a lot of stress later and helps keep both your pet and the community safe and happy.

For full details, please visit the Village website or contact Village Hall.

Small Changes, Big Savings: Easy Ways to Cut Water Use This Season

As we head into the warmer months, water use naturally increases but a few small changes at home can make a noticeable difference on your utility bill.

The good news. Saving water doesn’t have to mean major lifestyle changes. A few simple habits can go a long way:

Stop the silent leaks. A dripping faucet or running toilet may not seem urgent, but over time, it can waste hundreds of gallons of water. A “silent” toilet leak can be costly, even though you may not see any water dripping. A faulty toilet seal or a continuously running tank can quietly waste hundreds of gallons over time, driving up your water bill. Not sure if your toilet is leaking? The Village offers free dye tabs at Village Hall, just drop one in your tank to easily check for hidden leaks.
Be mindful of daily routines. Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or shortening your shower by just a couple of minutes can add up more than you think.
Rethink outdoor watering. Lawns don’t need as much water as we often give them. Watering early in the morning or in the evening helps reduce evaporation and keeps your yard healthier. You can also consider using a rain barrel to collect and reuse rainwater for your garden and landscaping. The Village is giving away a rain barrel at the Earth Day event. You can also purchase rain barrel's from SWALCO.
Upgrade where it counts. If you’re replacing appliances or fixtures, look for water-efficient options like low-flow showerheads or high-efficiency washers, they use less water without sacrificing performance.

Saving water isn’t just good for your wallet, it also helps conserve a valuable resource for the entire community. Small changes at home can have a big impact when we all do our part.

Concerts in the Park

Get ready to grab a lawn chair, call your friends, and enjoy some summer vibes the Concerts in the Park Series is back! We’re excited to partner once again with the Round Lake Area Park District to bring live music, great food, and cold drinks to the community.

📅 Mark your calendars:

June 18 | 5:45 – 8:15 PM | School of Rock and The Messengers
July 16 | 6:30–8:00 PM | Judson Brown Band

Enjoy live music under the open sky, delicious food trucks, and beer available for purchase, the perfect recipe for a fun summer evening! 🍔🍺🎸

Get ready to rock your summer at the park!

Check out the full list of 2026 Village Events!

News and Announcements

Promotion - Deputy Chief of Police

At the February 2 Village Board meeting, Nicole Cheney was promoted to Deputy Chief of Police.

Nicole has proudly served the Village for 18 years and most recently held the role of Patrol Commander. We congratulate Nicole on this well-deserved promotion and wish her continued success in her new role.

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

Mi Tierra – 701 W. Long Lake Dr.

VILLAGE OFFICES

Village Offices will be closed on the following dates;

May 25th, 2026

June 19th, 2026

July 3rd, 2026

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION: BOARD MEETINGS HELD EVERY MONTH

The Village Board meetings are the first and third Monday of the month and they begin at 6:00 PM.

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.