Lake Forest council honors two retiring battalion chiefs; approves omnibus items and reminds voters about early voting

At its March 4 meeting the Lake Forest City Council adopted resolutions honoring two retiring battalion chiefs and approved routine governance items in an omnibus vote.

Mayor Tack read a resolution honoring Battalion Chief Corey Casamore for service to the city since 01/03/2005 with roles including firefighter, paramedic, fire inspector, lieutenant and battalion chief; the document cited Casamore’s union leadership and work on regional response teams. After the council’s voice vote the retiree spoke briefly: “It was an honor serving this community, and I’m very thankful and proud,” he said.

The council then read and approved a resolution honoring Battalion Chief Matthew H. Panar, who the mayor said has served since 05/15/1997 and retired effective 03/03/2024. Panar thanked colleagues and reflected on nearly 27 years of service.

City Manager Jason introduced one staff item and turned the floor to City Clerk Biddy Boyer for an elections update. Boyer said early voting had begun at City Hall, summarized early voting hours (Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.–2 p.m.), and noted Lake County had consolidated election‑day polling places (from 108 to 91), which resulted in some residents receiving notices that their election‑day sites had changed. She directed residents to lakevoterpower.info or the Lake County Clerk’s Office for polling place information.

The council moved to approve six omnibus items by a single motion. The listed items included approval of the Feb. 20 meeting minutes; the check register for Jan. 27–Feb. 23; a two‑year extension with Lake Forest Bank and Trust for banking services through 06/30/2026; authorization for design engineering services for a Safe Routes to School project with Gewalt Hamilton Associates in the amount of $42,276 plus a $2,724 contingency (total $45,000); and plan commission recommendations for condominium and subdivision matters. The clerk recorded the omnibus roll‑call as seven ayes, zero nays.

The meeting closed open session business and the council voted to adjourn into executive session to discuss personnel matters and the purchase/lease/disposition of real property under the Illinois Open Meetings Act.