Title
Ordinance adopting the Wetland Restoration and Preservation Plan as an Amendment to the Lake County Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan.
Staff Summary
• The Wetland Restoration and Preservation Plan is identified as an action item in the Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan.
• The Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) developed the Wetland Restoration and Preservation Plan in coordination with a Technical Advisory Group representing a range of interests and expertise; incorporated field review of wetland sites in Lake County; and developed a technical report and online decision support tool to provide a wide audience of end-users support for wetland restoration and preservation efforts.
• SMC held a 60-day public review period for the draft Wetland Restoration and Preservation Plan report and decision support tool that included a public hearing (August 19, 2020 in Waukegan and virtual) and a public information meeting (July 22, 2020).
• SMC adopted the Wetland Restoration and Preservation Plan as an Amendment to the Lake County Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan on October 1, 2020.
Body
ORDINANCE
Whereas, the County Board of Lake County, in enabling the Stormwater Management Commission statutory authority has an adopted Lake County Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan, and said plan recommends the development of a Wetland Restoration and Preservation Plan; and
Whereas, the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission has been working to develop the Wetland Restoration and Preservation Plan hereinafter referred to as “the Plan”; and
Whereas, the purpose of the Plan is to provide a wide audience of end-users with decision-making support to help prioritize wetland restoration and preservation efforts; and
Whereas, the adoption of the Plan is necessary for the successful implementation of wetland restoration and preservation efforts to: reduce flood damage potential, improve water quality, and protect and enhance natural resources and the natural drainage system; and
Whereas, all public hearing and meeting requirements have been met in the preparation of the Plan; and
Whereas, a 60-day comment period; which included outreach and coordination with the general public has been accomplished; and
Whereas, the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission approved the Wetland Restoration and Preservation Plan on October 1, 2020.
Now, therefore, be it ordained, by the County Board of Lake County, Illinois, that the Wetland Restoration and Preservation Plan is hereby adopted as an Amendment to the Lake County Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan, in accordance with 55 ILCS 5/5-1062.
Be it further ordained that the Clerk of the County Board shall keep a record of this action.
DATED, at Waukegan, Illinois, on November 10, 2020.