Contractors from William Charles Construction….[are]constructing an “engineered barrier” that will protect local residents from potentially harmful chemicals located in the site’s soil.
largely funded by a $200,000 grant from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, became necessary after soil samples on the Spring Street site revealed low levels of poly nuclear aromatic (PNC) compounds and arsenic.
In order to be sold, the prison must be considered surplus, which means that it must be vacant before the sale.
All of the inmates being housed at Thomson were moved to the East Moline Correctional Center on April 16, according to IDOC spokesperson Shyran Elman.
The Thomson facility was built in 2001, but never fully opened because of state budget cuts. The 200-bed minimum-security unit was opened in 2006, but the 1,600-bed maximum-security portion has never been utilized.
The Next Step
Congress has yet to start negotiations for the facility. But the government still maintains that it hopes to have the appropriations by Oct. 1, 2010, the start of the fiscal year, according to Assistant Attorney General Lee Lofthus in a statement on Feb. 1.
There will be three appraisals of the prison to determine its value — two on behalf of the state and one from the federal government.
Click on the following for more details: Thomson prison closes Friday - Freeport, IL - The Journal-Standard
It’s a practice that began last year with the deployment of two cameras.
The newest cameras have been added to a problem area frequented by street gangs and vandals.
The city ended the year with 53 people ticketed, 45 arrests and 588 documented gang contacts from March 13 through Nov. 1, according to the department’s 2009 annual report.
Belvidere adds 2 cameras to fight gangs, graffiti - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
In a 6-1 vote Monday, the council agreed to bring back an ordinance that would eliminate life and health insurance for aldermen.
Click on the following for more details: Our View: Benefit trim a start for DeKalb | Daily Chronicle
The last time I hear Poplar Grove was three months in he rears on payment. Has that been settled?
Beginning Saturday, that contract will expire and month-to-month service will begin — and one less deputy will be visible from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. The department won’t cut the deputy until it is forced to do so.
Poplar Grove close to losing one Boone County deputy - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
Boone/Winnebago County officials want Metra trains. Everyone should take a look with what comes with the train.
Executive Director Phil Pagano may have gotten an unauthorized $56,000 bonus late last summer…. Mr. Pagano, who is paid $269,625 a year in regular salary, has held Metra's highest staff job for two decades
"Metra does not pay bonuses. Metra pays (only) annual salaries. We are looking into the matter you asked about," she said. "We are thoroughly investigating the matter."
Mr. Pagano "is currently not conducting any Metra business." That is "at the request" of Metra board Chairwoman Carole Doris, the spokeswoman said.
Metra was hit with a huge scandal four years ago, when former director Don Udstuen pleaded guilty to shaking down Metra contractors for kickbacks. He received an 8-month prison term after cooperating in the government's prosecution of former Gov. George Ryan.
Click on the following for more details: Metra probes, puts head Phil Pagano on leave | Greg Hinz | Crain's Chicago Business
Illinoisans now know of one area that certainly can, should and must be cut: the Legislature’s fleet of vehicles.
multibillion-dollar budget deficits, [yet] the Illinois Senate still owns a fleet of six vehicles available for use by top leaders of both parties. Along with two other Ford Escapes, the Senate fleet has two late-model Ford Tauruses and a 2005 Dodge Caravan.
Not to be outdone, the Illinois House has eight state-owned vehicles at its leaders’ disposal: a 2010 Mercury Milan hybrid, 2007 Ford and Chrysler vans, 2007 GMC Yukon, 2006 and 2005 Chrysler 300s, a 2004 Chrysler Concorde, and a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer.
Click on the following to read the entire editorial: Northwest Herald | Cut leaders’ fleet of cars
detailing how Boone County can become part of a three- to five-county office. He won’t, however, specify which counties will merge.
. Mailand believes core programs, like locally run 4-H and the master gardeners, won’t expand and will stay local.
Click on the following for more details: U of I Extension director says reorganization plan near - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
The proposal includes entire new sections such as restrictions against those who are regularly employed by the county from also collecting on a retirement annuity, as well as prohibitions on employment by family members and general rules on serving on boards and commissions.
The proposal combines the county's current ethics ordinance with language from similar documents from the state of Illinois; DuPage, Kendall and Cook counties; the Kane County Forest Preserve District; and various municipalities.
Click on the following for more details: Kane Co. kicks off new ethics law review :: The Courier News :: Local News
Brereton wants to amend the city’s municipal code to make a common practice of moving all utility tax money directly into the city’s general fund.
Revenue from the utility tax generally is reserved for road and infrastructure projects. Last week, the council failed to get the required supermajority needed to use the tax to balance the budget. A vote on an ordinance requires a simple majority for passage.
Click on the following for more details: Back door offered to balance Belvidere budget - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
Island Lake is a village in Lake and McHenry Counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. The population was 8,153 at the 2000 census.
Do Boone County officials have to file FOIA requests? If so, which departments require it and why?
village attorney Scott Puma said FOIA requests aren't necessary for trustees because they are entitled to such information to perform their village duties. Additionally, a top village staffer said the trustees' copious requests take multiple employees several hours to fill.
The Daily Herald inspected the Island Lake trustees' requests through its own Freedom of Information Act inquiry. The examination was prompted by a Daily Herald story in which Rabattini and Ponio claimed they were being unfairly forced to file FOIA requests for documents.
Both said they'll continue to file formal requests to ensure they get records in a timely manner.
"I have to file a FOIA request if I want anything, otherwise I'm not going to get anything," Ponio said.
Daily Herald | Island Lake FOIA requests covered a variety of topics
The FDIC and Harris National Association entered into a loss-share transaction on $2.0 billion of Amcore Bank, National Association's assets. Harris National Association will share in the losses on the asset pools covered under the loss-share agreement. The loss-share transaction is projected to maximize returns on the assets covered by keeping them in the private sector. The transaction also is expected to minimize disruptions for loan customers….
The FDIC estimates that the cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) will be $220.3 million. Harris National Association's acquisition of all the deposits was the "least costly" resolution for the FDIC's DIF compared to all alternatives.
Click on the following for more details: FDIC: Press Releases - PR-84-2010 4/23/2010
second time in less than two years Infrastructure Defense Technologies has filed a protest with the Government Accountability Office against the Defense Logistics Agency. The company makes protective barriers for the military and argues it should have never been defeated by british-based Hesco Bastion Limited. I.D.T. leaders say the government dismissed their protest last fall so they could look into the matter. And in the end, still rewarded a contract to the foreign company.
Click on the following for more details: Belvidere Defense Contractor Issues Bid Protest
the League of Women Voters announced Monday that its citizen initiative to put the Fair Map Amendment on the ballot has collected only 120,000 signatures, less than half of the 288,000 necessary.
Reform in Illinois won’t come about because of a clarion call, or, apparently, from a citizen initiative. It would take a miracle, and the politicians in charge have outlawed miracles.
Click on the following for more details: Our View: Tough times for remap reform fans | Daily Chronicle
Developer problems in South Beloit.
The subdivision was built under the partnership of Sunil Puri, president of First Rockford Group, and affiliate Chris Cannell, who developed plats one through five under Roscoe Development Co. LLC.
Residents are planning to sue the developers and the city over the problems.[Drainage, flooding, misrepresentation?]
Click on the following for more details: City finds original plans for Winfield subdivision - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
Boone County Housing Authority made a few head lines in 2008/2009. Allegation and facts showed some of the following: failure to have books audited by a CPA for multiple years when such is required by federal law; questionable housing vouchers to individuals who may have not really been county residents; contracting services with individuals related to the administrator. After these allegations became public the administrator resigned and a new administrative team from Winnebago County took control of daily operations of the Housing Authority. The Boone County Housing Authority is still controlled by a Board of Commissioners, all appointed by the Boone County Board Chairman (with the advise and consent of the Boone County Board). There now is a vacancy on that board.
Since February 2010 Boone County invited applications for the position of Commissioner of the Boone County Housing Authority. The closing date for application for that post was March 26, 2010. Only one person has applied—S. Anthony Gould of Poplar Grove. To date, Mr. Walberg has not announced his selection.
Below is the Freedom of Information Request which verify Mr. Gould’s application. Click on the photocopy to enlarge.
Chicago-based Harris National Association agreed to acquire Amcore Bank's deposits….The failure of AMCORE is expected to cost the FDIC's deposit insurance fund … $220.3 million;
Click on the following for details about other bank failures: News from The Associated Press
Click on the following for more details: Feds seize AMCORE; Chicago’s Harris takes over - - BusinessRockford.com
This article supplies a good update of Vatican sex abuse cases in Europe.
The longest-serving bishop in Belgium resigned Friday after admitting to sexually abusing “a young man in my close entourage” many years ago, becoming the latest cleric to quit in a spreading abuse scandal.
This is currently available on line at: http://boonecountyjournal.com/news/2010/Boone-County-News-04-23-10.pdf#page=3 This address maybe changing in the coming week.
Alderman Racz Voices Concerns about Operation
of 911 Center
By Rebecca Osterberg
Belvidere Alderman Andy Racz (Ward 1) had many
questions for the communities-shared Emergency Telephone
System Board (ETSB), or 911 board. In recent weeks he
has not been afraid to share his questions in a very public
manner.
At the April meeting of the Belvidere and Boone County
City/County Coordinating Committee, Racz brought his
questions to the attention of everyone who would listen.
Racz’s concerns stem from his angst over the lack of
security cameras and other measures he feels would provide
a safer environment at the city/county Public Safety Building
(PSB). But, his questions suggest a much broader concern;
government transparency.
That transparency is of concern to many government
officials, but some argue that transparency may come at a
price, including the security of employees and residents. In
light of these ideas, recent efforts to improve transparency
have included aggressive adjustments to the Freedom of
Information Act legislation.
The ETSB is similar to the board of the Boone County
Department of Public Health, Council on Aging and others,
in that they operate independently of, but are answerable to,
the city and or county and one or more members of city or
county government serves by statute, on their boards.
Racz recently asked a series of questions, which he
handed out in writing to both officials and the public on
March 10 and followed by an even longer list he distributed
on April 14.
“What I am most concerned about is opening up
communications with the 911 board,” said Racz. “Those first
six questions were about opening up those communications.
They’ve done many good things for the community and the
services they provide. But...”
Racz questioned the makeup of the board, where their
minutes are kept and when and if they are published, whether
or not the body has a budget, how much money they have
collected via a telephone surcharge on land lines and cell
phones, and to whom the board answers.
In response to one of Racz’s concerns involving the
makeup of the board, county legilators voted to place
county Representative Danny Anderson (District 1) on the
E911 board.
Answering Racz’s questions on April 14, Lt. Perry Gay,
who manages the PSB and the 911 call center, noted he had
already attended several meetings with Racz where he had
already answered all of those he was aware of.
Gay explained that the ETSB meetings are public and
anyone is welcome to attend. He also told the committee
that the ETSB budget is seperate from that of the Boone
County Sheriff’s Department and the city. “It is independent
due to the referenedum Public Safety Sales Tax and as such
has its own budget,” said Gay. “We are trying to follow
suit with other counties with $500,000 to one million. We
need to build the next generation 911 system. There’s no
requirement to have a budget.”
Racz noted that the board answers to the Illinois State
Commerce Commission. “Where does that come into
play?” asked Racz.
Boone County Sheriff Duane Wirth noted the success
of the ETSB while they have continued to operate by only
charging .60 cents a month. “There are other counties who
charge over a dollar for doing the same work that we’ve
done,” said Wirth.
“I’m not talking about anyone having done anything
right or wrong,” said county Representative Pat Mattison
(District 3). “I am talking about transparency. It may not be
legally required, but it would be smart if we do it.”
Belvidere Alderman Mike Chamberlain (Ward 3) was
concerned with problems posed by overexposure. “When
you look at it there is a certain amount of nontransparency,”
said Chamberlain. “That is to protect the privacy and
functioning of what goes on and through that system. While
I applaud anyone who wants to go through this meeting, I in
no way want to support some kind of a witch hunt that they
aren’t spending their monies properly. I’d rather hear that
they have used a certain amount of money.”
“There are certain items that are exempt from public
disclosure,” said Gay. “We don’t have a budget because
there are things we are required to do by the PTSB.” Gay
detailed several projects in which the board has come through
with hundreds of thousands of dollars for various projects,
including the latest Motorola StarTac radio communications
system.
The new system and programs came about after the
September 11 attack on the World Trade Center in New
York, when law enforcement and public safety officials
found themselves unable to communicate after a massive
system failure. The new radios enable communication
with multiple emergency management agencies and brings
Belvidere and Boone County in line with the rest of the
country.
Racz continued that some of his concerns were basic,
including the idenity of board members, term limits and
other issues.
“These are not state secrets,” said Racz. “How is the
911 board going to communicate with the public? You know
priorities change but if you have a list to work off of people
can give you support. You can push forward and get things
done.”
Racz last question revealed his main point; the safety of
the current 911 call center.
“When I read the last statement...I hope you would be
concerned with what those things are,” said Racz. “You
need to have better communications with the public so we
can have better security. The job of an intergovernmental
committee is to report to both bodies that support them.
The minutes of their meetings should be forwarded to the
city/county committee each month. You know what you
have to do under the law. That’s fine. But when I read how
much there is in that account. We raised the money for an
architect to look at the building [for improvements].”
Gay indicated that there are strict rules as to what the
ETSB money can be used for. “As far as the expenditures
of money, I’ve worked very hard on this,” Gay said.
“The money can only be used for things that are directly
responsible for receiveing and directing incoming 911
calls. If you’re going to pay an architect $30,000 to design
something, of course we would be on board with you and
pay part of it. We never got a public safety tax passed so the
whole thing was mute I thought.”
Gay also said the current money held in the ETSB
account is a “drop in the bucket” when compared to the
cost of some of the projects and tasks the board is charged
with completing. “A number of the things that you appear
critical of the 911 center we can’t do. I am the one who
brought forward the safety of the building, not the sheriff.”
Racz has called often for a “reverse 911” setup at the
call center.
Gay has just as relentlessly explained that it can’t be
done. “Unless the law is changed we can’t do a reverse
911,” said Gay, since the system would not directly impact
the intended use of the 911 call center.
One complication of funding was also explained.
“The surcharge on wireless phones if it is 847 or 800 or
other county [area codes]; the surcharge does not come to
us, it goes to that county,” said Gay. “On top of that, the
[surcharge] expires in 2013.”
Chamberlain noted that many people have recently
chosen to do away with their land lines and go exclusively
with cell phones. “That is a major loss of revenue so they
need the banked money they have,” said Chamberlain.
Racz noted for the record...the ETSB funded radio
communications, a Starcom console at PSB, Oct. 2007.
“They gave us $8,000 to move the pipes [in the PSB] and
I’m sure there are other things they have done that the
public is not aware of. It is important that they know, OK?
We’ll count on your good sense and willingness to talk
openly. Perry
Poplar Grove Debates Growth Dimensions Grant
By Bob Balgemann
It didn’t take the Poplar Grove Village Board long on
April 12 to give tentative approval to its 2010-11 Budget.
The balanced spending plan, including the general fund
and the water and sewer fund, totals about $2.2 million and
includes two new taxes plus a 10 percent increase in the
water and sewer rate.
The budget will be on display at the village’s website,
www.poplargroveonline.us, until the public hearing
scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, April 26. A special village
board meeting will follow, when trustees will give final
approval to the budget, which goes into effect May 1.
While the budget received preliminary approval without
any fanfare, trustees debated whether to renew the village’s
membership with Growth Dimensions, at a cost of $3,000.
Trustee Kris Campbell didn’t think it was a wise
expenditure of Poplar Grove’s limited revenue. “What will
they do to help us?’’ he asked, before recommending that a
lesser amount be approved.
Support for the economic development organization
came from Village President Bradley Rightnowar, who
posed a question and then answered it.
“Do we see direct benefits from Growth Dimensions?’’
he asked. “No,’’ he replied, “but Growth Dimensions acts as
a lobbying arm for this area with the (state) Legislature. We
use it as a resource for grants.’’
Campbell countered, “It seems this is a discretionary
expense and we’re not getting any direct benefit from it.’’
“Economic development is a complicated function,’’
Rightnowar said. “I wish Growth Dimensions did a better job
of coming to this body and explaining why it is relevant.’’
The village Finance Committee, which recommended
paying the $3,000 membership fee, said it wanted an official
of the organization, such as board member or even the
president, Richard Van Evera, to appear before the village
board and provide an update. But that recommendation
wasn’t given to the village board Monday night so no
follow-up action was taken.
Trustee Ron Quimby also supported being part of Growth
Dimensions. “Small communities like this one don’t have a
lobbying arm to go after businesses,’’ he said. “We can’t
go to all the meetings; we can’t meet with all the people
looking to come to the area.’’
Campbell said finally that he would support a decreased
contribution to Growth Dimensions, not the full amount.
The Finance Committee’s chairman, Trustee Robert Fry,
said members “really struggled with this. But if we’re not
at the table they’ll recommend companies to whoever pays
their salary.’’
“Maybe that’s why we don’t get much,’’ Campbell
interjected.
But Rightnowar said Poplar Grove “will become a player
as we grow. We need to have a place at the table, we do.’’
Payment of the fee was approved, 5-1, with Campbell
dissenting.
All of the discussion was moot to an extent because
Village Treasurer Maria Forrest said the bill had been paid
last week.
Details About the Budget
Fry provided the handful of residents in the audience
with highlights of the 2010-11 Budget, such as the new
telecommunications and utility taxes, which will be assessed
starting this summer and generate about $220,000 a year.
The water and sewer rate increase, on top of the 9
percent hike imposed last year, will bring in an additional
$100,000.
Residents will receive less police protection next year
because the contract for additional hours with Boone County
Sheriff Duane Wirth is being halved, to $80,000.
Officials are continuing to prepare a referendum for the
November 2 general election ballot, which will ask residents
how they want to pay for the extra hours of police patrol.
Rightnowar reiterated that the general fund no longer can
afford to pay for coverage above the basic patrol, which
Wirth is obligated by state law to provide.
The general fund will have a surplus of about $4,000
when the new fiscal year ends April 30, 2011. That’s down
from an original estimate of $100,000 because the village
was forced to take out a $150,000 tax anticipation loan to
pay expenses through the end of the current fiscal year. That
loan must be paid off by October 2011.
Beyond that, Trustee Cliff Stetter, a member of the
Finance Committee, said 40 percent of the village’s water
and sewer fund budget is going to pay off some of the
$11 million worth of bonds, sold over the years to finance
a variety of projects such as road improvements and new
village hall.
Incorporation
Letters Draw no
Response
By Bob Balgemann
Efforts are continuing to have a referendum on the
November 2 general election ballot, asking Candlewick
Lake residents if they want their unincorporated community
to become a city.
For that to happen there needs to be a positive vote of
residents and no objections from any of the three nearby
villages. The second condition applies because Candlewick
Lake has fewer than 7,500 residents and is within 1½ miles
of the villages of Caledonia, Poplar Grove and Timberlane.
Given that, Paul Folster, chairman of the Candlewick
Political Action Committee, has sent letters to the three
village presidents to see if they have any objections to the
incorporation. Each of the village leaders said he didn’t plan
to respond.
Caledonia Village President Rodney Fritz said he talked
with the two other village officials and the consensus was
not to reply to the letter. “There is no advantage to any of
us to have another municipality right next door,’’ he said.
“They (Candlewick Lake) would be right on our doorstep.
They’re going to want commercial.’’
Poplar Grove Village President Bradley Rightnowar said
Folster has “no standing in the community to be asking for
anything.’’
“We are ready to meet with the members of the elected
board of the association to discuss anything they want to,’’
he added.
Beyond that, he said, “We have engaged in conversations
with the villages of Timberlane, Caledonia and Capron on
what we can do to mutually benefit each other. We could
welcome such discussions with the Association Board of
Candlewick Lake.
“Obviously, we believe common areas may exist in
police protection and in water and sewer.’’
The Candlewick Lake Association has a seven-member
board that runs the community, levying annual dues and
providing various services. Several years ago it agreed to
incorporation being explored, but it has not taken a position
on the question.
Timberlane Village President Stephen Rapp said that
municipality’s board agreed not to comment on Candlewick
Lake’s possible incorporation until it receives “an official
inquiry from the association.’’
He added his village does seem to be “getting letters
(about incorporation) from a number of groups in Candlewick Lake.’’
Request for Permission
Folster is a former
member of the Candlewick
Lake Association.
In his letter to the
village presidents, he cited
Illinois law that requires an
unincorporated community
of fewer than 7,500 residents
to receive permission to
incorporate from existing
municipalities within 1 ½
miles of its borders.
“As such,’’ he wrote,
“this is our formal request
for your permission to
incorporate. Should you
have any objections to
our incorporation, we
have quoted that section,
in part, below for your
convenience.’’
An objection may be
filed with the Boone County
Circuit Court Clerk’s office,
according to the letter. It
must show that incorporation
would adversely affect the
existing municipality.
Folster wrote that
Candlewick Lake’s reason
for becoming a city “is to
gain control over our water and sewer utilities to lower resident costs for same. We are
also hoping to acquire our own police force to better secure
our neighborhoods.
“It is our understanding that you may have a concern
with allowing us annexation power, but please rest assured,
we have no intention of expanding any of our boundaries
and are willing to enter into boundary agreements should
you wish this.
“Lastly, we feel that our incorporation could also benefit
you, our neighbors, in many ways. Should the need ever
arise within your own communities, we could develop
partnerships with each or all of you, through the use of
districts, in the sharing of water/sewer, police protection,
park facilities and/or any other need that we all share.’’
He closed by saying if any of the village presidents had
questions or concerns they should call him, and he listed his
telephone number.
Efforts are continuing in Candlewick Lake to have
a referendum on the November 2 general election ballot.
The Candlewick Voice, a year-old activist organization in
the community, is expected to spearhead a petition drive
starting in June. The signatures of at least 200 registered
voters are needed for the referendum to be held.
Meanwhile, the Political Action Committee is expected
to have another town hall meeting on incorporation, with
updated information, in May or June. The committee is
serving as a clearing house of information for the issue and
has not taken a position on incorporation.
Candlewick Lake
Residents Finally
Reach a Quorum
By Bob Balgemann
The second time was the charm Sunday as the Candlewick
Lake Association had a quorum and could conduct the
community’s business during its once-postponed annual
meeting.
There were 710 lot owners represented through proxies
or by showing up at the Recreation Center for the 1 p.m.
gathering. On March 21, the count was 468, leaving the
association 116 short of the 584 needed for a quorum.
Board President Rich Witt thanked residents for their
proxies and for being at the meeting.
General Manager Tracy Carter gave the financial report,
which led into the primary matter of business: deciding
what to do with any excess money the community might
have at the end of each fiscal year.
Carter said Candlewick would have an estimated
$100,000 surplus on April 30, conclusion of the 2009-10
Fiscal Year. The resolution up for action provided three
options for what to do with that money: apply it to the
previous year’s property assessments, add it to the reserve
fund, or use it for a major repair of some kind.
Residents were handed ballots as they signed in before
the meeting began, giving them a chance to vote on the
resolution.
Carter said this action was necessary because carryover
money is taxable. He added that boards in the past had
applied any surplus dollars to the reserve fund. (That was
done informally because the board did not follow provisions
of the association’s bylaws that lot owners vote on the
proposal).
There was some debate among the lot owners in
attendance Sunday but none chose to be identified.
One resident thought the surplus should be divided
among lot owners. Carter said that could happen but that it
wouldn’t take place until the 2011-12 Fiscal Year.
Another said any per-lot rebate would be small and
that the money would be better spent on some kind of
community project. The fact that there is a surplus means
“the manager and departments are doing a great job of
controlling expenses,’’ she said.
The final tally of ballots, as read by board President Witt,
was 657 in favor of the resolution and 48 opposed.
How About More Fire Hydrants?
Once that was known, there was a brief discussion
of projects, with one resident suggesting additional fire
hydrants for the community. “That would lower our (fire)
insurance rate and be a good investment,’’ he said.
But another resident countered that fire hydrants are only
good for “flushing out the (water) system and for dogs.’’
There also was a brief flurry of comments over the
proposed incorporation of Candlewick Lake. Incorrect
information was given out that should Candlewick become
as a city, any excess money would go to the state. Someone
on the other side of the issue refuted that when Witt
interjected, “We don’t want to get into this discussion. It’s
not on our agenda.’’
Someone else countered that the meeting was in the
“open discussion’’ phase at that point, which would permit
conversation about incorporation. But comments from the
audience were not an agenda item this year, as they were for
the 2009 annual meeting.
The meeting wrapped up with two of three recently
elected association board members – Benita “Bonnie’’
Barron and incumbent Gary Kurpeski – taking the oath of
office.
Board Secretary Pam Cangelosi, who administered the
oath, said the other newly elected member, Cathy Headley,
was at the March 21 meeting but was not able to attend the
April 18 session.
At the outset of the meeting and before it was known if
there was a quorum, Cangelosi told residents of upcoming
community events.
A bicycle rodeo for youngsters is planned for June 5.
Witt said taking the course would result in boat insurance
being reduced, possibly by as much as 20 percent. A boat
safety class is being held the same day.
Cangelosi said sign-up for a Neighborhood Watch
program continues. The Fourth of July parade will be
held on July 3, a Saturday. Among invited participants are
the Belvidere Police Chief Jan Noble, the Boone County
Sheriff’s Department, Capron EMTs, State’s Attorney
Michelle Courier and … two alpacas.
“It’s a celebration of neighbors,’’ Cangelosi said.
Additionally, a luau is being planned for Memorial Day
weekend; kids’ fishing is on tap for Father’s Day; a family
camp-out is in the works for The Outpost; and the Concert
in the Park will return this summer.
County Approves
4-Year Wage Freeze
for Elected Officials
By Rebecca Osterberg
Boone County Board members voted to freeze elected
officials’ wages for four full years at the April 21 board
meeting.
The move was preceded by lengthy discussions at
both the Finance Committee and board levels, with many
opinions shared that it was either to lengthy a freeze or not
enough in the current economic recession.
While there are preliminary signs that financial recovery
is progressing, numerous media publications have indicated
that on the state level, it will take as long as four years for
solvency to return to their coffers.
The freeze was voted on in committee and approved by
a vote of three-to-two. County Representative Paul Larson
(District 2) amended the motion to include a 1.5 percent
increase for 2013 and 2014, but that amendment was
defeated.
County Representative Pat Mattison (District 3) spoke
to county Administrator Ken Terrinoni about state income
tax receipts.
“Ken, didn’t you get information that we may have a
reduction in state income tax [revenue] next year?” asked
Mattison. “Is the reduction at about $504,000?”
“Yes,” Terrinoni replied. “We are currently four months
behind with income tax. Last year you only received 11
payments and as you know there are twelve months to a
year.”
“I don’t think under the economic conditions that we
can project out that things are going to be better three years
from now or four years from now,” said Mattison. “I can’t
see anything reasonable about passing any kind of raise
under those circumstances.” According to figures provided
by Terrinoni, the latest projected deficit stands at $288,000.
“I am looking at the very strong possibility we are going
to have to start laying people off,” said county Representative
Terri Glass (District 3). “Then have to tell these people
that their bosses are going to get raises...3 percent is a lot
more on [a salary of] $80,000 than on one of $30,000. I
appreciate the work our department heads do....but we don’t
have a department head that at the end of the year is going
to make less $50,000.”
County Representative Marshall Newhouse (District
1) said his own appreciation for the work of the county’s
elected department heads, but was in agreement. “What
has been said across this room, is that Boone County stands
to make significantly less [next year] than this year,” said
Newhouse. “In union negotiations, to take a hard line will
be difficult. I will continue to support a four-year freeze.”
The possible alternative of using the Social Security
cost-of-living wage index as a means to set up a pay raise
schedule, but the idea was rejected as too complicated.
Most county board members agreed there was no way to
afford any raises. County Representative Peggy Malone
(District 3) asked her fellow board members about the need
for a four-year solution. “Is there a reason there is a fouryear
solution?” asked Malone. County Representative Karl
Johnson (District 2) explained that the timeline is due to the
four- year term of office for the positions.
When Malone asked if there was no way to change it,
Boone County State’s Attorney Michelle Courier noted that
there was, in fact, a prohibition against it. “I think [there’s]
something that’s getting lost in the shuffle here,” said
Johnson. “Mr. Larson’s motion is not for this year. It is for
the next five years. I would suggest you look at yourselves.
Look in the mirror. What would you say if your boss said
that you were doing a great job, but now you will be doing
more with less?”
Boone County Board Chairman Bob Walberg (District
1) concluded discussion. “I voted in the affirmative before,
but I still think that a five-year freeze is a long time,” said
Walberg. “I reluctantly vote for these freezes. I’ve heard
the crowd noise and these are hard times. They don’t want
to see anyone being treated differently.”
Each officer’s wages were voted on separately, passing
for all three positions, including county clerk, sheriff and
treasurer.
Harris N.A. has submitted a bid with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. to purchase all or part of Amcore Bank, according to people familiar with the matter.
It’s unclear whether Harris, Chicago’s third-largest bank, has been joined by other bidders
Harris is bidding on teetering Amcore Bank | Crain's Chicago Business
Illinois is not the only state in trouble.
April tax collections are down 19 percent from the same point last year, and collections are down 13.8 percent so far for the 2010 fiscal year that runs through June 30.
The average income tax payment has fallen nearly 30 percent this year compared to last year, while the average income tax refund has risen 8 percent, Luebbering said. State sales tax collections have declined for 10 straight fiscal quarters.
Click on the following for more details: Missouri revenues down, more spending cuts planned - Yahoo! News
Christiansen indicated, however, that revenues are expected to continue declining during the next two years, implying the county’s 218-employee reduction in the last 18 months may not be the end of workforce cuts.
county board will vote April 22 whether to issue $6,266,000 in tax anticipation warrants
Christiansen also expressed optimism that a new Economic Development District created in cooperation with Boone County will open the door for federal infrastructure grants through the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Click on the following to read more of Chairman Christiansen: Christiansen: County ’still strong,’ poised for future growth | The Rock River Times
Hey—did any politician in Boone County every think of such an idea.
People are welcome to chat online with Elgin Mayor Ed Schock from 7 to 8 p.m. today. To do so, go to the Web site www.cityofelgin.org, click on "Live Chat with Mayor Schock" to be brought to a webcast page, then sign in as a guest. Those who would like to chat with Schock in person can watch the live chat at The Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way, then talk with the mayor after the webcast.
Briefs: Elgin mayor hosts online chat tonight :: The Courier News :: Local News
"If anything's killing employment in Illinois, it's workers' comp
Illinois chamber exec: State is own worst enemy :: The Courier News :: Local News
A couple years after it was first assessed, the ordinance outlining it was amended to add wording that the fund be used only for city-wide street reconstruction projects. Along with this amendment was a provision that the funds could be used for other purposes, but only with a super-majority (3/4) vote of the corporate authorities. The corporate authorities include all ten aldermen, plus one mayor, or 11 votes. A super-majority of the corporate authorities, then, would be nine votes.
the city’s current reserve balance is about $3.1 million, a figure the recent audit pointed to as below the recommended level for the city Belvidere’s size. If the city continued to draw on reserves to operate, [Alderman]Chamberlin predicted the balance could fall to $465,000, barely enough for a month or two of operating expenses.
Click on the following for more details: The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Budget passes, but major funding source rejected
Belvidere police issued nearly 90 tickets to students for breaking the city’s daytime curfew law.
City Attorney Mike Drella said the students in court today or April 29 may have the ability to avoid paying a fine or court fees if they agree to eight-hour service projects set to begin May 19.
If students already paid their fine, the city may be able to provide reimbursements and work with them to arrange service projects, Drella said.
The School District likely will coordinate the community service of students found guilty or who plead guilty to violating the daytime curfew, Drella said.
Click on the following for more details: Belvidere students may receive alternative to tickets - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
Salaries for the Boone County clerk, treasurer and sheriff will be frozen through December 2014, the Boone County Board decided Wednesday.
Board member Terri Glass asked the board to review the process of reopening its budget to make additional cuts and avoid running a deficit this year. Figures suggest that the board could face a shortfall of more than $200,000 by month’s end. The item will be discussed at next month’s Finance Committee meeting.
Click on the following for more details: Boone County Board freezes officials’ wages - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Brady has changed his mind and will release his income tax returns after all.
Quinn earned $155,486 in salary in 2009, which compares to $120,227 in wages he claimed on his 2008 returns. For 2009, he paid $27,547 in federal and $4,468 in state income taxes, his returns show. His property tax bill on his west side Chicago home was $3,211.
Click on the following for more details: Brady says he'll release tax returns | Daily Chronicle
All owners of houses built before 1978need to read this article. The policy was adopted April 22, 2008, and goes into effect Thursday. It also applies to work started before but not completed by Thursday.
70 percent — about 59,000 homes — of the housing stock in Winnebago County and 60 percent of the housing stock in Boone County was built before 1978, the last year that it was legal to use lead-based paint in houses built or rehabilitated using federal money.
The EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting rule — issued April 22, 2008 — applies to any project affecting at least six square feet indoors or 20 square feet outdoors and requires contractors for projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child-care facilities and schools built before 1978 to be certified as having been trained in specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.
requires landlords, whether they are renovating the property themselves or hiring a contractor, to provide tenants with an EPA pamphlet about lead hazards and have the tenants sign a form acknowledging that they received the pamphlet before work begins.
Fines for noncompliance can run up to $37,500 per violation per day.The rule does not directly apply to homeowners doing work in their own houses, although the EPA encourages them to get the pamphlet laying out safe procedures and to follow them.
“Actually, the homeowner has some responsibility, too,” Sweeny said. “If you live in a pre-1978 house and you’re doing your own work, you have the added burden of trying to follow these rules because once you start doing this stuff, what’s the next thing they’re going to want — some type of certification that it was done this way when you go to sell your house.”
provide 32 million uninsured Americans with coverage by the time it's fully in place in 2019.
about 23 million people will remain uninsured for reasons including exemptions from the requirement to buy health insurance, the Congressional Budget Office estimates.
- prohibits illegal immigrants
- exempts people with religious objections
- those for whom even the cheapest insurance would cost more than 8 percent of their income
Click on the following for more details: http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/health/2176150,CST-NWS-health20.article
the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests called Paprocki an extremist Tuesday.
It notes that Paprocki once said the devil was behind the sexual abuse lawsuits against the Catholic church
Click on the following for more details: Pantagraph.com | News from Associated Press
The train will depend upon state.
while Quinn reportedly had said it was IDOT officials who had decided on the change, Kollias said that "the governor made the decision, and we support the governor's decision."
Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari said Wednesday that because the state will be paying the bills for track upgrades and a yearly operating subsidy, Amtrak will run the train on whatever route the state wants. He said it also will be up to state officials to figure out how soon the construction can begin.
a new connecting track would have to be built in Elgin between the Metra line and the Union Pacific line. The Union Pacific line also would need to add electric stop-go signals, sidings to enable oncoming trains to pass each other, new track in some areas and some new stations. But if all those items were installed to handle the Amtrak service now, they would already be in existence when and if Boone and Winnebago County join the Regional Transportation Authority and Metra decides to start Rockford commuter service.
Sens. Joseph I. Lieberman (I-Conn.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) issued the first congressional subpoenas of the Obama administration Monday after accusing the White House of stonewalling their requests for information about the Fort Hood shootings
Click on the following for more details: Two senators subpoena Obama administration for information on Fort Hood shootings
City officials say they’ll probably have to borrow money to pay their police, fire, and building and street department employees in the next fiscal year.
A vote Monday to pay them from the utility tax failed to garner a nine-vote supermajority.
Click on the following for more details:
Belvidere aldermen expect to borrow to cover payroll - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
7th Annual Spring Fever Charity Classic Car Show will be 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 15 near Doc’s Upholstery along Logan Ave.
This local businessman is known for his work at Doc’s Upholstery, 6544 Joan Ave., which has given him access to many classic and custom car buffs around the region.
The proceeds of the event will help the Special Olympics, His Glory Belvidere Mission and Helping Hands Network.
This charity car show has provided many thousands of needed dollars to the charities it supports with over $17,000 being collected and distributed to these charities in the event’s best year.
The year’s event will also have a silent auction to benefit the Belvidere Boone County Food Pantry, a 50/50 raffle and a variety of foods offered by local commercial and volunteer organizations.
The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Charity car show to return this year
Grass root economics: Little Wrigley Field in Freeport.
Funds donated to the effort will help the organization build bleachers in the outfield at the stadium on Empire Street, allowing as many as 400 people to attend events at the field.
Last year the attraction drew visitors from 47 states and 26 counties. According to statistics gathered by the Freeport and Stephenson County Visitor’s Bureau, Little Cubs Field generated more than $130,000 in local economic impact.
Click on the following for more details: Donate a dollar for a Cubs dream - Freeport, IL - The Journal-Standard
he plans to return campaign contributions from employees of Goldman Sachs Group Inc. to his campaign for a U.S. Senate seat…"I will err on the side of caution,..”
Click on the following for more details: Daily Herald | Kirk to return Goldman Sachs donations
This sounds like a good program. With Mr. Hursh and Mr. Tobin going at it in a race for judgeship perhaps they could spend some time at the county’s three high schools and get our students informed of the law.
[Kane County Judge]Boles stunned students [Dundee-Crown High School] with specifics of the law, including the possibility of arrest for those at a party where there is alcohol but they haven't been drinking…
The same goes for those in a car that has drugs in its glove compartment.
"Anyone within reach is what the law considers 'control of the area,' " Boles said.
New DUI laws are imposing even stricter penalties. The usual Class A misdemeanor can now be upgraded to a fourth class felony -- punishable up to one year in prison -- if it's not the driver's first or if they don't have a valid license or auto insurance.
Students also seemed unaware that an 18 year-old having sex with a minor would deem them a sex offender, requiring registry at their college campus.
Click on the following for more details:
Getting schooled on the law :: The Courier News :: Local News
Read the entire article by clicking on the following: mortgage-deduction-americas-costliest-tax-break: Personal Finance News from Yahoo! Finance
event, organized by the county, is being called an “open-forum” meeting, and is designed to offer the public a chance to speak to County Board members, department heads, and other officials about a “variety of issues,” Graham said. All county residents are invited to attend the meeting, which will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on April 26, 2010, at the Stephenson County Farm Bureau in Freeport.
“My vision is to at least do it semi-annually,” Graham said
Click on the following for more details: County plans town hall-style meeting - Freeport, IL - The Journal-Standard
This guest opinion piece by Clint Morris is from the April 16, 2010 Rockford Register Star.
As an alderman in Belvidere, I feel that taxpayers have not been fairly informed when it comes to understanding and determining whether local government is being responsible with their tax dollars.
A recent Register Star article led readers to believe that I had proposed job cuts in order to add a surplus to an existing budget surplus — not true. What the article failed to mention is that Mayor Fred Brereton is touting a balanced budget that grabs nearly $2 million collected from taxing Belvidere residents and businesses monthly on their essentials: gas, electricity and phone bills.
Click on the following for the rest of this opinion piece: Guest Column: Belvidere wrong in use of utility tax money - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
The following stories are hot off the presses at the Boone County Journal: http://boonecountyjournal.com/news/2010/Boone-County-News-04-16-10.pdf#page=1 Or pick up a free copy nearly anywhere around the county.
Poplar Grove to Borrow More Money
By Bob Balgemann
Poplar Grove officials thought the soon-to-be-imposed
telecommunications and utility taxes would generate enough
additional money to produce a $100,000 budget surplus by
April 30, 2011, the end of the 2010-11 Fiscal Year.
But that won’t happen.
The village was forced to borrow more than $200,000 to
make ends meet during the final weeks of the current fiscal
year, which ends April 30. Officials wanted to increase the
$500,000 line of credit they had with Poplar Grove State
Bank to $650,000.
That won’t happen, either.
So the village now faces getting a tax anticipation loan
of $150,000 that, joined with the $150,000 left in the line
of credit, should tide them over for the next three weeks.
Village Treasurer Maria Forrest said the loan must be paid
off by October 2011, which will consume the $100,000
budget surplus officials hoped to have at the end of 2010-11,
plus a little more.
All of that forced members of the Finance Committee
to make more cuts in expenses Monday night, paramount
among them scrapping plans to paint the water tower, to save
$37,000, and only buying one back-up generator, heading
for the Oak Lawn lift station, a savings of $32,500.
While Public Works Director Jeff Strate would like to
have two new generators, he said one at the Prairie Green
lift station was needed more than at Oak Lawn. Poplar
Grove has no alternate sources of electricity at most of its
the Machesney Park ordinance as a model, which does
have a rebate but it’s for those 65 years of age and older
who qualify, not younger families. “We misinterpreted the
Machesney Park ordinance,’’ Fry explained.
Community Unit School District #200 also qualifies
for a rebate, but the committee recommended against that
for the time being. Though no one had a figure, Village
President Bradley Rightnowar and others were concerned
that loss of income might throw the 2010-11 Budget into
another deficit.
“Right now the new budget will have a surplus of about
$1,000 following the cuts we made tonight,’’ he said,
referring to April 30, 2011. Of the rebate for the school
district, he said, “We can always change that later.’’
While they’re in financial difficulties, committee
members still agreed to recommend paying $3,000 to
be members of Growth Dimensions for another year.
Rightnowar is hoping to work with that organization, the
economic development arm of Boone County, in bringing
commercial growth to the village.
“It’s time for their annual pitch (for money) to Poplar
Grove,’’ committee member Cliff Stetter said.
But the committee agreed it wanted one of the
organization’s board members, such as the president,
Richard Van Evera, to provide the annual update, not
someone on staff.
Special Education
Changes Draw Dist.
#200 Lawsuit
By Bob Balgemann
Special education students in North Boone Community
Unit School District #200 will continue to receive services
in 2010-11.
That’s the bottom line after a recent flurry of activity that
began Friday, April 9, when District #200 filed a lawsuit
against Belvidere Community Unit School District #100
for taking “illegal action to dismantle the Boone County
Special Education Cooperative, thereby leaving North
Boone children with disabilities without access to needed,
specialized educational programs.’’
A mediation session was held Tuesday, with Boone
County Circuit Judge Eugene Doherty helping the two
districts hammer out a settlement agreement. In the final
analysis, District #200 Board of Education Chairman
Don Ward said on Wednesday, North Boone students in
kindergarten through 12th grade will receive the same
special education services as they did this year.
The District #200 board is expected to act on the
settlement at their April 26 meeting.
The path to Monday’s settlement began March 18, when
the District #200 board, following a lengthy executive
session, retained a Chicago law firm to “prepare pleadings,’’
including the possible filing of a lawsuit against District
#100 for hiring 57 staff members out of the Boone County
Special Education Cooperative. That organization provided
services to about 125 children, most of them from District
#100.
District #200 officials said in a statement that action
by District #100 was an attempt to “gut the cooperative...’’
In addition to hiring the 57, the statement added District
#100 “has taken actions to terminate all but one of the
cooperative’s remaining employees.’’
Attorneys filed the lawsuit in Boone County Circuit
Court on Friday, and this was an action that was “about
protecting our special needs children,’’ Ward said at the
time. “Belvidere left us with no choice but to file this
lawsuit. Without court intervention, Belvidere will destroy
the cooperative.’’
Dr. Rita Brodnax, superintendent of District #200, issued
this strongly worded statement: “North Boone’s many and
ongoing efforts to resolve this dispute with Belvidere have
so far failed, which is why North Boone is forced to pursue
this lawsuit to protect its students. We cannot stand by while
our children with disabilities are deprived of their rightful
education.’’
However, District #100 Superintendent Michael
Houselog said during a coop board meeting Tuesday night
that Belvidere district’s intent was to bring the programs
in-house.
Joel Moeller, District #100 assistant superintendent for
Administration and Human Resources, said previously that
the board’s action was a cost-saving measure and that there
was no intent to disband the cooperative.
“We don’t believe we have done anything outside the
terms of the agreement,’’ Houselog said. “We have an offer
on the table for North Boone students to attend our schools.
It has been there since the end of March. We haven’t heard
from them.’’
Despite Houselog’s assurances, Ward said Wednesday, “I
don’t see how we could have gotten to this point without the
lawsuit. I think both districts were doing what they thought
was best for the students, but their approaches differed.’’
For families of special needs students, he said the
settlement agreement covering 2010-11 would provide
continuity for the coming year. The cooperative will
continue to exist though it will have minimal staff. Anne
Risen is the executive director.
Ward said he wanted to thank Judge Doherty for
mediating the agreement, which is good for one year.
North Boone for many years has provided special
education programs through the cooperative, which serves
children who have significant needs due to disabilities such
as autism, developmental delay, emotional and cognitive
disabilities.
All of the cooperative’s programs are housed in Belvidere
school buildings, except for the early childhood program for
students 3 to 5 years of age, which is located in the Boone
County Center in Belvidere.
Changes in County
Extension Services
By Rebecca Osterberg
On April 9 the University of Illinois Extension announced
the complete restructuring of programs from fiscal changes
to locations, personnel and service areas. Earle Mailand
spoke about those changes and the future plans for the
Boone County Extension Service at the Tuesday night
Boone County Board Finance Committee meeting.
“I was at a meeting this afternoon with some of the
other county directors,” said Mailand. That meeting, he
explained, was to discuss the ramifications and time limits
that are being applied to the reorganization effort by U of I
officials. “Three offices will be incorporated into one and
of the current 76 county directors, there will end up being
30. What we are is looking for input from the county board
as to what they think. We’re under a timeline. By May 10th
we have to have proposals submitted to the regional director
as to the county reorganization.”
According to a document provided by Mailand titled
“University of Illinois Extension Reorganization 2010 –
Phase 1: April 9, 2010,” the extension service is “ever on the
alert to identify current issues and future trends that require
more research to help citizens meet changing societal and
personal needs.”
The document addressed the restructuring as an evolution
of structures and methodologies to “adapt to changes in
society, technology, and fiscal demands.”
Having had “listening sessions” in February and March
throughout Illinois, the document stated that input was
sought from the public as well as the extension staff on
“the development of a new model to better accomplish our
mission and develop a vision for the future.”
The document also explained that the Extension Service
will continue to maintain four core program areas, including
agriculture and natural resources, community and economic
development, family and consumer sciences and 4-H youth
development.
County board Representative Cathy Ward (District 2)
noted the closure of several large offices. “Are you saying
you have some options?” Ward, asked. “I’m really surprised
to see them closing Winnebago and Springfield.”
Ward referred to a press release that announced some of
the planned changes, including maintaining the Cook County
office as a single-office operation; closure of Carbondale,
Effingham, Matteson, Macomb, and Mt. Vernon offices on
or around June 30, 2010; and the earliest possible closure
of the Quad Cities, Rockford, Countryside, East Peoria,
Springfield, Champaign and Edwardsville offices.
“That is their first move as cost-savings,” Mailand said.
“The educators would be relocated to save rental costs.”
Ward also asked who is making the decision regarding
what offices will remain open. Mailand had no answer.
“They’re not telling us,” Mailand said. “That’s why it’s
important to me that you tell us what you would like.
Because of [Boone County’s] population, a three-county
population should be enough to get us through. This is
local, not state money, but locally generated dollars.”
“Did I misunderstand that our office may or may not
be here, as we determine with our makers?” asked county
board Representative Marshall Newhouse (District 1).
“That is something that is to be determined,” said
Mailand. “If we were to try to become the hub so to speak,
certainly that would be a high priority. But, whether or not
we would be a hub for this unit...”
“It sounds like you would like some recommendation
from us,” said Ward. “Would a small county be better?”
Ward was referring to the possible partnering with other
counties.
“I think we need a melding of that,” Mailand said. “My
preference would be to take that input and try to come up
with what would be best and a combination that would serve
Boone County best.”
Discussion included what other contiguous counties
would make the best partners. Ward noted some would say
DeKalb would serve the need best. Mailand offered that a
third county could then possibly be considered.
“I think from my standpoint, the first priority is to keep
an extension office here,” said county board Representative
Karl Johnson. “I am disappointed that they are forcing
offices to combine. I guess I didn’t read this very well. I have
some concerns that as a community we kick in $250,000 as
a county for extension. You are talking that we have to
put in a $350,000… (Mailand interjected, “Minimum”).
Cook County is not the only county that deserves an office.
Boone County has one of the largest fairs. I think we should
be able to make the case that we deserve to have our own
office.”
“The dollars generated are similar but how they’re
generated varies from county to county,” said Mailand. In
DeKalb, for instance, a county that Mailand said generates
about the same amount of money as Boone County, funds
come from the Farm Bureau, the Conservation District and
other similar sources.
Mailand asked that the county board provide a
recommendation as soon as possible.
“The counties to the east of us are doing the same thing
I am today, meeting with groups and getting their input,”
said Mailand.
“I can foresee that while there might be some preferences,
if you can’t get a full unit together you are going to have to
look at ‘what is my best case’ scenario,” said Mailand. “You
might look at the demographics so when you put together
the educators you would meet the programming needs of
that county best. What is a priority in this county might not
be a priority in another. Think about that as to compatibility.
So that you would end up with a grouping that would be
going in the same direction rather than a group that’s going
in all different directions with different needs. “
Compatibility and contiguous location are both criteria,
Mailand explained. “Boone County has enjoyed incredible
support. He also said their grand plans for the future are
now being reevaluated.
To see other interesting stories, pick up a copy of the Boone County Journal or go to: http://boonecountyjournal.com/news/2010/Boone-County-News-04-16-10.pdf#page=1
More than 2,400 ash trees have been identified in the county to date, not including the city of Belvidere and one remaining township. Deizman said for every public tree, typically, there is another one in a private area — meaning that more than 4,000 infected ash trees could be in Boone County
Full List of Articles
District 201 ponders closing South School
District 201 votes to shut South’s doors
District 201 incumbents win re-election
District 201 parents form advocacy group
Public allowed to speak at School Board meetings
Parent frustrated with communications
Board told by state it must respond to public's request
School Board defies attorney general regarding superintendent contract
School Board reverses closed session policy after contacted by state
Residents shown doors at District 201 meeting
Miller parents concerned about composition of fourth-grade class
Special ed parents upset about communication lapse
High school nets poor test score rankings
Park District to sponsor canceled trip
Eight residents running in District 201 School Board race
District 201 School Board needs new leadership (letter # 2)
A Better 201 slate wins all board seats
Post Election Articles
Below are the open session minutes of the March 17, 2010, Board of Health meeting at which Stephanie (Seaworth) Crawford resigned. At this meeting 90 days of severance pay was authorized by the board of health.
Among other items I question, how can this board authorize such a large amount of compensation without a role call vote. Apparently none of the members wish the public to really know how they voted or they all believed that level of severance was deserved by Ms. Crawford, who did not meet the initial qualifications for the job and served approximately 13 months.
Were not the employee grievances against Ms. Crawford and her mentor, Mr. Empereur? If these grievances were justified ,why would severance pay be award to Ms. Crawford?
Susan Karras was the employee who resigned because of the grievance and her record was expunge of the questionable disciplinary action. Why did Ms. Karras not receive severance? If someone deserves severance, I believe it is Ms. Karras.
Click on the photocopy to enlarge.
bill, introduced by U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, (D-Chicago), March 25, would increase the public’s ability to access information about lobbyists, Congressional committees and executive agencies
federal agencies to post on the Internet their responses to public requests for information filed under the Freedom of Information Act.
Congressional committees would be required to post votes, hearing transcripts and video online. In addition Congressional earmark requests would be posted in a public database. All legislation would need to be made available to the public at least 72 hours prior to consideration by the House of Representatives. And lobbyists would need to disclose the names of legislators and officials with whom they met.
Click on the following for more details: Transparency bill would put earmarks, FOIA results online
That's the claim of the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club [Chicago]
The funds or the state could borrow again, "but that will just make the problem worse," with the state now without a way to make up an estimated $80-billion-plus in unfunded liability in the pension funds.
Click on the following for more details: State pension funds could be insolvent in a decade, biz leaders say | Greg Hinz | Crain's Chicago Business
the state rented office space in 116 locations where its leases had expired. That's 22 percent of its 525 leases. Ten percent have been "holdovers" for five years or more.
Procurement reform that took effect Jan. 1 prohibits any holdover lease of more than six months. Beginning July 1, the comptroller begins withholding payment for any rented space where the lease has been expired that long.
Click on the following for more details: Pantagraph.com | News from Associated Press
McHenry County may have allocated all of its bonds and Boone County has not allocated a single dollar. Look at the final paragraph—the Northwest Herald believes all the unused funds will go back to the State. Boone County Board could do nothing until Growth Dimension passed judgment on the stimulus bonds—perhaps Growth Dimension can see to it that the stimulus bonds are allocated locally before the June cutoff.
allocate the last of McHenry County's economic stimulus bonding authority to two sports ventures are now on their way to the McHenry County Board.
Its Finance and Audit Committee voted Tuesday, 6-1, to recommend giving the proposed Lakewood Sportsplex $18 million of its bonding authority from the 2009 economic stimulus bill. The remaining $3.57 million will go to the proposed McHenry County K-Nines baseball stadium in Woodstock, far short of the $15 million asked for by its developer, EquityOne Sports Development.McHenry County received $27.5 million in bonding authority for private projects under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. The bonds are meant to encourage lending for ready projects by giving investors a 45 percent refund of the federal taxes payable on them. The county only grants the ability to borrow and not the bonds themselves.
The state likely will collect the unused bonding authority in June from county and municipal governments, and authorize the Illinois Finance Authority, a self-financed state bonding and loan agency, to disburse it to shovel-ready projects. The state’s 102 counties and eight of its largest cities divided up $1.67 billion in stimulus bonding authority.
For the next seven days you may read the rest of the story by clicking on the following: Northwest Herald | Stimulus bonds for sport complexes take step forward
Take a look at the community college increases—McHenry County College is up only 2% but Harper and Elgin CC are up 20%
….economy that continues to hammer the housing industry. But another factor appears to be a growing number of property owners challenging their assessments and, far more often than not, winning. Last year, the county's Board of Review heard a record 4,328 challenges and, Mayberry estimates, about 90 percent of them succeeded.
By levying the same or more, the taxing bodies force the county clerk to set a higher tax rate, allowing them to come up with the chosen amount amid declining assessed valuations.
Daily Herald | Look for McHenry Co. tax rates to rise as property values decline
