Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Sparland, Il faces state investigations over FOIA issues as village officials resignation

This story has been printed in the Chicago Tribune however the original story is for the Peoria Star: http://www.pjstar.com/news/x1481469243/Another-resignation-cuts-Sparland-board-down-to-threeimage

The resignations come in the wake of a third investigation by the Illinois Attorney General's Office into village practices. That involves alleged failure to comply with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, while two earlier probes focus on possible violations of the state's Open Meetings Act.

In addition, the board had to revote on some major ordinance amendments that had been passed with illegal "proxy" voting by absent members, including a water rate increase. The village also faces enforcement action from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency over a sewer problem. And Fluffers, which opened last spring, has continued to generate divisions on the board

Here is earlier article on the story:

http://www.pjstar.com/news/x2140450728/Sparland-faces-new-investigation-alleged-violation-of-Freedom-of-Information-Act

Resident Margaret Murry, who has been a vocal critic of village government in recent months, submitted the FOIA request on Nov. 17 to village clerk and then-FOIA officer Susan Persinger. Murry asked for records that included meeting minutes, copies of some ordinances and amendments, certain financial records and the oaths of office taken by elected officials.

State law requires a response to FOIA requests within five working days. Murry asked the AG's Office to review the matter after two weeks had passed.

"The public body has failed to respond to my request," she wrote.

The investigation comes at a time when the village has no one filling the legally required position of FOIA officer

Attention: Citizens of Belvidere Township—The Food Pantry Donation is still on the Agenda

This maybe the  opportunity for which the Board of Trustees is waiting.  A meeting in which there will be few members of the public so the board can dispose of this matter they way they wish. Remember that our community’s current hunger problems are not going away soon.

Please come on Tuesday at 5:00 and be heard.   Or call your township official shown below:

AGENDA

BELVIDERE TOWNSHIP

MEETING OF THE TOWNSHIP BOARD

8200 Fairgrounds Road

December 27, 2011 – 5:00 P.M.

I. Call to Order / Roll Call

II. Pledge of Allegiance

III. Approval of Prior Meeting’s Minutes

IV. Transfers

V. Reports

a. Supervisor’s Report

b. Highway Commissioner’s Report

c. Assessor’s Report

d. Clerk’s Report

e. Trustee’s Report

VI. Unfinished Business

a. Disposal of Equipment

b. Financial Request Forms

c. Belvidere/Boone Co. Food Pantry Request

VII. Legal

VIII.New Business

IX. Treasurer’s Report and Approval of Bills

X. Public Input

XI. Closed Session

a.

XII. Adjournment

* Please note in order to take final action on an item it must be specified on the posted agenda 48 hours in advance of the meeting.

 

 

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