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.
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