The following is taken from the Boone County Journal which is available free of cost at merchants across the county and on-line at: http://www.boonecountyjournal.com/news/2013/Boone-County-News-02-01-13.pdf#page=1
Click on the photocopy to enlarge:
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Road commissioner responds to statement on township issue | Belvidere Daily Republican
A row between supervisor candidate and Belvidere Township Road Commissioner/Current Township Supervisor?
Written by Bob Balgemann
The project, including improvements to the intersection and resurfacing, was estimated to cost $750,000 and it had taken several years to raise enough money for the work.
“Les Reid just dinked around with it,” Lee said. “He sent it (paperwork) to his lawyer; he wanted us to buy this and that. It finally got to be too late and we decided to spend the money on other projects.”
Now the intersection project is a dead issue, he said. But resurfacing of five roads in the subdivision is on the project list for this year.
les reidReply
January 31, 2013 at 2:31 am
If this was such an important project it would appear by Mr. Lee’s own comments he did not allow adequate time to plan this project. If “dinking” around with it refers to having a lawyer review the documents prepared by the the road department before I signed them I stand guilty as charged. The written documents if agreed to by me without counsel could have created a problem for me. The Township was informed there would have to be an appraisal of my property before and after the donation to the Township. This must have been the basis for the comment that I wanted to sell my land. The land is still available at no gain to me as it was in the past. If following someone elses rules is a challange for Mr. Lee I offer no apology
Owen G CostanzaReply
January 31, 2013 at 7:31 pm
I am responding to this newest article, after reading Mr. Murphy’s last quotes to the Register Star, where he was solely blaming the Belvidere/Boone County Food Pantry for the Belvidere Township’s legal fees. If the paranoia of the supervisor (“I’m so paranoid now that if I make a decision or tell the board” – direct quote from the RRSTAR) and complexity of residents’ questions to the board and supervisor require the Township to seek legal counsel in order to respond, then, really, how hypocritical of Mr. Murphy and Mr. Lee to blame Les Reid for the Township Board’s stopping of what sounds like an essential project for the safety of school buses. It is simply a responsibility of any homeowner in Mr. Reid’s situation to go over paperwork with one’s lawyer and mortgage holder to properly donate land to the township. Additionally hypocritical is the accusation that Mr. Reid was merely “dinking” around in order to specifically delay and/or completely bring the project to a halt. I guess the educational lawyer services were unavailable to help with the quote.
I was close to Mr. Reid when this situation came up – he only asked the township to pay for the REQUIRED Appraisal that the lender asked for and the legal fees to in order for Mr. Reid to GIVE the corner to the township. I repeat, GIVE – this land project in question was not at all a sale, but a donation of Mr. Reid’s own property for his community that he is proud to reside in. Les will be happy to share all of the written correspondence with anyone asking to see them. Additionally, it should be noted that it took the State of Illinois YEARS to negotiate the property for expanding 173 in Poplar Grove with residents; I guess the rules are meant for the citizens and no one else, least of all our local government boards. I am not in the township and I am for open and honest government. I have known Les for a very long time; he is very thorough with everything he does!
Here is a question for the township, since this sounds like a very noble and needed cause. You have the money to go forward with this project and Mr. Reid is still willing to donate the land – why pass the project up for any reason? I wonder if it is perhaps because this is an election cycle and Les Reid is running against Mr. Murphy on the Republican ticket in February. So what better reason then to shelve a needed project when you have the money and you have a willing resident to give you the property you need other than politics.
Mr. Murphy, if you want to play politics over the peoples’ views and in public comments, please do so. I welcome the debate. I simply cut and pasted quotes from both officials in this response. Please both of you, Mr. Murphy and Mr. Lee, let’s be adults and act your age – do not put your politics and agenda before peoples’ children (“Thirty-some school buses are in there any given time,” he said, adding that access was wide enough for one school bus and one car). SHAME on you both. It’s perfectly fine to disagree with others, but please do not use people’s children and citizens’ safety to point fingers at your politic opponents and to push your political agenda.
People of Belvidere Township, it sounds like you have some important decisions to make in the upcoming election. It seems as if the recent derogatory quotes by Mr. Murphy against not only political opponents, but those who dare to disagree with him, really speak for themselves.Owen G Costanza
Click on the following for all of the article: Road commissioner responds to statement on township issue | Belvidere Daily Republican
Split county board approves lowering Newburg Road speed limit | Belvidere Daily Republican
Written by Bob Balgemann
But that wasn’t the case during the Jan. 16 county board meeting, when members voted 7-5 to approve the recommendation.
Specifically, the lower speed limit will be in effect from 630 feet west of Irene Road to a point about 2,090 feet east of Irene Road, or approximately one-half mile.
The motion to approve lowering the speed limit as requested passed, 7-5, with board members Mike Schultz, Marion Thornberry, Johnson, Freeman and Chairman Bob Walberg dissenting. Support came from board members Brad Fidder, Bill Pysson, Denny Ellingson, Paul Larson, Craig Schultz, Ward and Wait.
Appeals court withdraws ruling in Chrysler racial discrimination case - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
Otto May, a Cuban-born Jew, first filed suit against then DaimlerChrysler in 2002, alleging the company did little to stop 20 years of abuse, including having death threats called to his home, derogatory sayings written on his locker and having his tires shredded by homemade spikes.
The case has taken several turns, including the death of May's original attorney. Finally in 2010 a jury in Rockford ruled in May's favor, awarding him more than $700,000 in compensatory damages and $3.5 million in punitive damages for the alleged harassment that May says continued up to 2005.
On appeal though, U.S. District Court Judge Frederick Kapala lowered the compensatory damage to $300,000 and threw out the punitive damages, ruling that May didn't prove that Chrysler "recklessly disregarded his federally-protected rights."
The case was heard in April 2012 and the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision on Aug. 23 reinstating the entire punitive damage award.
Chrysler has continuously denied May's claims and asked for a rehearing. The Seventh Circuit granted the request on Jan. 9 but has not yet scheduled a rehearing.
Read the entire article by clicking on the following: Appeals court withdraws ruling in Chrysler racial discrimination case - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Guest Column: Lee County wind closing arguments | The Rock River Times
Note U-tube coverage actual hearing is available
By Richard Boris
Village of Lee President
The Lee County wind turbine siting hearing begins closing arguments Jan. 23. The closing arguments continue Feb, 4-6. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. at the Old Court House, 112 E. Second St., third floor, Dixon, Ill., and usually run to 7 or 9:30 p.m., but often run a little later.
Northwest Herald | Ill. GOP senators get extra work, pay after losses
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Republicans in the Illinois Senate hold a dubious distinction: because of a November shellacking, every one of them will hold a caucus or committee leadership post.
The (Springfield) State Journal-Register (http://tinyurl.com/a7pjrwj ) reported Tuesday that every GOP senator will receive a stipend for extra work on top of a $68,000 salary....
Early starts fuel pay dispute for Boone County Jail officers - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
The two groups took a step last week: Leaders implemented a policy that requires corrections officers to arrive five minutes before their shift, instead of 15, and also read an email detailing jail safety concerns. It’s unclear whether employees will be compensated for this time.
“The important thing is that the officers know when they are coming on duty what to expect, what the problem have been on the post or jail-wide,” said Lt. John Hare, jail supervisor.
Bixby Case: Rockford’s former Energy Director accused of abusing his power
This case is ongoing and was previously detailed in the following posting: http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2013/01/former-city-worker-pleads-not-guilty.html
Here are some background reports regarding the case.
City of Rockford’s statement on the case:
The City of Rockford has released the following statement concerning Bixby's charges:
“The City of Rockford applauds the efforts of Federal Law Enforcement in this investigation. In 2010, following receipt of information from a local private attorney, the City of Rockford launched an investigation into the City’s energy grant assistance program. Following a preliminary investigation by the Rockford Police Department the matter was referred to Federal Law Enforcement agencies. That investigation led directly to the indictments announced today.
During the early stages of the investigation, Mr. Bixby was placed on administrative leave. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Bixby was notified of the City’s determination to terminate his employment, at which time Mr. Bixby submitted his resignation.” from: http://www.wifr.com/home/headlines/Former-Rockford-Energy-Director-Indicted-on-Public-Corruption-Charges-187931751.html
The case regarding Mr. Bixby’s elderly mother: http://www.wrex.com/global/story.asp?s=12119629
Questions and answers on Illinois insurance exchange plans - DailyHerald.com
By Associated Press
Here are some fast facts about how buying health insurance will change in Illinois as President Barack Obama's health overhaul takes effect and the first insurance exchange starts operating later this year:
Q. How many people are uninsured in Illinois and how many of those are projected to get insurance under the exchange?
\
A. Nearly 1.8 million Illinois residents are uninsured. An estimated 486,000 Illinois residents will get coverage from commercial insurers through the exchange in 2014, growing to 1 million customers by 2016.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Former City Worker Pleads Not Guilty
ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- There are new developments in the case against Rockford’s former Energy Director accused of abusing his power. Today he plead not guilty to federal charges of fraud, bribery, extortion and lying to the FBI. So why is he packing his bags for a tropical vacation? 23 News reporter Meghan Dwyer was in court this morning and is live at the federal courthouse with more on this disturbing story.
Click on the following for more details: http://www.wifr.com/home/headlines/Former-City-Worker-Pleads-Not-Guilty-188757001.html
Boone County elderly advocacy group looks for new leader - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
Its current leader, John Slattengren, submitted his resignation in late December, effective in March.
narrow the candidate pool, the Council will pay Staff Management, Inc., of Morrissey Family Businesses, up to $4,200 not including newspaper advertisements. Slattengren said the Board will interview about five finalists before selecting a new director.
The new director will likely be hired before his resignation becomes effective to ensure a smooth transition.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Rockford Register Star View: Belvidere Township should open up to taxpayers - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
The township lobby in Springfield likes to tell everyone that township government is “closest to the people.” What this huge lobby group doesn’t say is that townships have developed a cloaking device so that while they may be close, they can go to great lengths to be invisible.
Belvidere Township is a good example of how this cloaking device works. Based on a review of news stories we’ve written over the past few years, it seems as if this group of public officials works diligently to limit input from the taxpayers at meetings, to keep public information away from the public and to attempt to do things — trying to buy the old Moose Club for example — that benefit only themselves.
The township officials are so afraid of their constituents that they make them jump through hoops to look at documents that are the property of the owners of the township — the citizens.
“We don’t have anything to hide, but some of the questions were so complicated that the board had their fill of (residents’ requests) and said, ‘Don’t do anything. Send it to the attorney,’” Township Supervisor Pat Murphy told Register Star reporter Jennifer Wheeler.
Wow! Does Murphy think he’s mayor of New York City, where things really are complicated? This is a small township in northern Illinois, for heaven’s sake.
The township hired a Chicago lawyer to examine all requests to see public information. She charges taxpayers $190 an hour for legal work, $105 for paralegal work and $95 for education services.
Education services? Pardon? We may have been born at night, but it wasn’t last night. “Education services” means public relations. Why the heck does a township need a PR person to run interference? Answer: It doesn’t.
When the 1970 state constitution was written, the idea of many delegates was to streamline government in Illinois by eliminating the archaic system of townships.
But the township lobby was so strong it succeeded in retaining some functions for townships: assessing property, providing township assistance and maintaining some roads.
That’s too bad for supporters of limited government and lower taxes.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Boone-tollway land swap may give Irene Road an I-90 ramp - Rockford, IL - Register Star
By Brian Leaf
Development of a $4.5 million Chicago-bound ramp from Irene Road to Interstate 90 may hinge on the acquisition of 13 to 15 acres of farmland right-of-way by May 1.
The Illinois Tollway Authority needs land to park equipment and store materials when it rebuilds I-90 over the next few years. It is willing to build a ramp to Irene Road if Boone County and Belvidere buy the right-of-way, which will cost an estimated $850,000.
Below is the 11 page report Hanson Profession Services mentioned in the RRStar article.
The last paragraph of the Rockford REGISTER STAR article states:
“An economic impact study in 2010 by Hanson Professional Services estimated a full interchange would create up to 18,350 jobs within a mile of the project and add $2.4 billion a year to the economy, 20 years after completion”
This is very misleading—See page 3 of Hanson Report above: “The study does not attempt to answer whether development will or will not occur”….The study is based upon the assumption that development will occur” Read on what other factors are key to development.
The assumption of development is reiterated on Page 5. Note also that the impact results are based upon a continuation of the demographics of 2008.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
County board approves buying 12 vehicles for sheriff’s office | Belvidere Daily Republican
County board members at their Jan. 16 meeting approved the expenditure. Of the total amount $229,000 was included in the 2012-13 budget, while $61,000 was not.
Click on the following to read all of this story: County board approves buying 12 vehicles for sheriff’s office | Belvidere Daily Republican
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Assessor’s petty cash box creates a stir in Belvidere Township | Belvidere Daily Republican
Written by Bob Balgemann
For a long time the Belvidere Township Assessor’s Office has been charging a nominal fee for providing copies of some documents…
Helnore said the majority of the requests do not fall under provisions of FOIA. Her office only has received two FOIA requests in the past three years, both recently, and she said both involved Murphy. “Hence, the problem,” she said.
She added that the township attorney has not discussed this matter with her or the county supervisor of assessment. “Her opinions are third party and given to Pat Murphy based solely on his research of her conversations with him,” the assessor said.
Click on the following for all the details: Assessor’s petty cash box creates a stir in Belvidere Township | Belvidere Daily Republican
Monday, January 21, 2013
Boone County’s Russellville Road home to some unkempt properties – Problem Tracker - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
Old story (2011) but perhaps tells us about some of the problems of Boone County.
Posted on April 27, 2011 at 3:21 pm by Betsy Lopez
“It’s not enough to have a violation, you need to have some sort of health or safety issue,” said Boone County State’s Attorney Michelle Courier, speaking generally. “For instance, if they have something that’s going to effect the water supply, vehicles that are inoperable and sitting and leaking antifreeze, going into the water — that’s something we could do something about. It needs to affect public health and we could file suit for a nuisance. If it’s something that will affect water, septic or other neighbors, that’s when we can file suit. If it’s unsightly, that’s not enough.”
Extra attorney's fees put strain on Belvidere Township leaders - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
By Jennifer Wheeler
The Belvidere Township’s decision to not donate to the Belvidere Boone County Pantry may have cost it tens of thousands of dollars more in legal fees last year.
The fees added up to more than $45,000 in 2012.
The board voted in late December 2011 against giving $5,000 to the pantry in Capron because it’s a private organization.
Supervisor Patrick Murphy said the decision started a snowball of public scrutiny, with more residents questioning every action at meetings and filing burdensome Freedom of Information Act requests.
Click on the following for more details: Extra attorney's fees put strain on Belvidere Township leaders - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
Sunday, January 20, 2013
ZBA Meeting, Tuesday, January 22, 2013, 7:00PM—Note change
ATTENTION: IT APPEARS THAT TESTIMONIES ON THE WIND SETBACKS WILL BE POSTPONED. PLEASE READ THE EMAILS WHICH FOLLOW
Bev KoppenActions
To:MCounty Board
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 10:22 AM
County Board members:
FYI from Kathy Miller about the ZBA meeting tonight, January22, 7:00 p.m.Bev Koppen (for Ken Terrinoni)
From: Ken Terrinoni
Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2013 10:16 AM
To: Bev Koppen
Subject: FW: ZBA meetingFrom: Kathy Miller
Sent: Monday, January 21, 2013 1:44 PM
To: Ken Terrinoni; Bob Walberg
Subject: ZBA meeting
Ken and Bob,
FYI
Both sides of the WECS discussion tried to have individuals for direct
testimony at the January 22 meeting.
Both sides will not be able to present on the 22nd, so at the meeting
the ZBA chair will suggest postponing the WECS hearing to the ZBA
February meeting on February 26,2013 at 7:00pm.
Kathy
What will be happening at the ZBA Meeting.Note the probable change in wind turbine setback testimony.First, the agenda is shown below.
The above is taken from: http://www.boonecountyil.org/sites/default/files/ZBA%201-22-2013%20Agenda.pdf
Second, the proposed rules for testimony.
Dear Board Members:
Attached is an email from Kathy Miller about the ZBA hearing Tuesday January 22nd.
Have a good weekend all.
Ken Terrinoni
_____________________________________________
From: Kathy Miller
Sent: Thursday, January 17, 2013 3:44 PM
To: Ken Terrinoni; Bob Walberg
Subject: ZBA meeting January 22
Ken and Bob,
FYI
The ZBA Chair requested that time be allotted for “expert” or “first hand” testimony for both sides at the next ZBA meeting.
Both sides will be allowed 20-30 minutes for presentation and questions pertaining to setbacks. If there are others to present information that has not
been presented, they will be allowed five minutes each. I contacted Vince Green at Main Stream and Karen Kinney with the concerned citizen group to let them know of the chair’s request. Both groups were amicable to the idea. Realizing that it is short notice, if either group cannot get a presenter or
presentation together by January 22, the ZBA Chair is open to postponing the hearing to January 29 or February 26.
I just wanted to let you know where we were. The agenda was mailed out and posted on our website today. The staff report and clean ordinance elements are attached for your information.
Please let me know if you have questions.
Thanks.
Kathy
Thirdly, the advisory report from the Planning Department.
BELVIDERE - BOONE COUNTY
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
401 Whitney Boulevard, Suite 400 - Belvidere, Illinois 61008 PH 815 544-5271 FAX 815 547-9214
January 7, 2013
ADVISORY REPORT
CASE NO: 10-2012 APPLICANT: Boone County Board Revisions for WECS
REQUEST:
On December 19, 2012, the Boone County Board approved a portion of the original text amendment, mainly focusing on the decommissioning plan; the entire setback section (4.8.7.H) was sent back to the Zoning Board of Appeals for further review. This was done based on the advice of the State’s Attorney due to the significant changes made to the language (setbacks measured from primary structure to property lines). The proposed text amendment reads as follows:
4.8.7.H. Setbacks. All WECS towers shall provide the following minimum setbacks:
1. WECS towers shall be setback a distance of one and one-half miles from a municipal zoning jurisdiction unless the Applicant has submitted a setback waiver from all municipalities within one and one-half mile of the WECS (65 ILCS 5/11-13-26.)
2. From non-participating property lines Primary Structure(s): Three times the WECS tower’s height One thousand (1,000) feet from non-participating property line. Primary Structure. The distance shall be measured from the point of the property line closest to the WECS tower foundation Primary Structure. The owner of the property Primary Structure may waive this setback requirement but in no case shall a WECS tower be located closer to a property line Primary Structure than 1,200 feet 1.10 times the WECS tower’s height. The applicant does not need to obtain a variance from the county upon waiver by the property owner of this setback requirement. Any waiver of this setback shall run with the land and be recorded as part of the chain of title in the deed on the subject property.
3. From Platted Subdivision: 1,500 feet or 3.5 times the WECS tower height, whichever is greater from the platted lot line. The distance shall be measured from the point of the platted lots nearest property line to the center of the WECS tower foundation.
4. From public roads, all utility easements, access easements, recorded easements, third party transmission lines, and communication towers: 1.10 times the WECS tower’s height.
5. From water wellheads: Three times the WECS tower’s height. This separation may be reduced to a minimum of 1.1 times the WECS tower’s height upon submission of a private waiver signed by the owners of the wellhead. The private waiver must specify the agreed minimum separation.
6. From liquefied natural gas storage or liquefied petroleum gas storage or gasoline and volatile oils storage exceeding a 10,000-gallon capacity in the aggregate: Three times the WECS tower’s height.
7. From an easement for a gas pipeline, a hazardous liquid pipeline and/or an underground water main: Three times the WECS tower’s height.
8. There shall be a one-mile buffer around all restricted landing areas, regional airstrips and airports.
xxxxxxxxxxx = (Standard text) existing text within the zoning code; no changes proposed.
xxxxxxxxxxx = (Strike through text) text that is proposed to be deleted from the zoning code.
xxxxxxxxxxx = (Underlined and highlighted text) new text that is proposed to be inserted into the zoning code
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF FINDINGS:
The public hearing for the originally proposed text amendment had three days of public testimony with additional public comment at the Planning, Zoning and Building Committee and County Board meetings. The majority of the information presented was not based on first-hand testimony; individuals with the first-hand knowledge were not present for cross examination or to answer public hearing questions leaving many unanswered questions and conflicting testimony.
The planning staff has the following comments regarding the eight proposed setbacks:
- The one and one-half mile setback from municipalities is reiterating state law. The proposal for the Zoning Ordinance does not specifically call out Illinois municipalities; therefore, the staff believes that municipalities in Wisconsin are included in this requirement.
- Language for the non-participating property owner setback was amended multiple times with some suggestions that were not decided. Two major changes from the originally proposed text are being proposed; one is changing the setback from a primary structure to a non-participating property line; the other is changing the distance from 1,000 feet (current ordinance) to three times the tower height.
During the public hearing process, there was testimony regarding residents not able to build houses because of the required setback. The setback within the Zoning Ordinance is not a reverse setback. The current Zoning Ordinance states that the WECS is to be 1,000 feet (or greater depending on the discussion) from a primary structure. The setback is for WECS tower and not for residences. The ordinance allows a residence to be constructed less than 1000 feet to a constructed WECS as long as it met all regulations of the zoning district (setbacks range from 15 to 75 feet from property lines), if they chose to do so.
The planning staff is supportive of the set-back distance based on a multiplier. This allows for setbacks to change with technology; however, the multiplier of three times or three and one-half times the tower height is excessive. During the public hearing process, data was not submitted that stated that three times the tower height was the definite distance needed for public safety; however, most of the suggested setbacks seemed to be based on personal preference and not verifiable data. A review of twelve Illinois counties (Bureau, DeKalb, Iroquois, LaSalle, Lee, Livingston, Logan, Marshall, McLean, Stephenson, Tazewell and Woodford) with existing WECS projects shows only one county (Livingston) with a setback as great as three times the tower height (the waiver allows for a setback reduction to 1.1 times the tower height). All of the other eleven county’s setbacks range from 500 feet to 1,400 feet from a primary structure or 429 feet to 1.1 times the tower height from a property line. The majority of counties measure WECS setbacks from the primary structures and not the property lines.
These distances concur with the information provided to the planning staff from counties with WECS application and construction process experience; these counties leave the zoning ordinance setback minimal and regulate the setbacks individually during the special use process. By reviewing the specific facts during the special use process, setbacks can be determined with the actual studies rather than on hypothetical situations. If this setback scenario was not adequate, the planning staff believes that the contacted counties would not provide such advice and would not continue the practice themselves if it was found to be detrimental.
If the setback is amended to a multiplier, the accompanying waiver should be a multiplier as well. Having a waiver of 1,200 feet is only beneficial if the WECS are significantly taller than 400 feet. Since the text amendment impacts all potential projects, the 1,200-foot waiver could be meaningless. If the waiver was a multiplier less than the required multiplier, then any proposed project would be able to utilize the waiver--the purpose of placing a waiver in the zoning ordinance.
It appears that a setback of three times the tower height or 1,500 feet (as commonly discussed) from the property line would make it impossible to site a single WECS regulated by the Zoning Ordinance within Boone County.
3. The planning staff does not see the purpose of the 1,500-foot or 3.5 times the WECS tower height from the lot line of platted subdivision setback if the WECS setback is being changed from a primary structure to a property line. Previously it was discussed that the platted subdivisions should be given extra consideration because not all the lots have structures and the setback was from existing primary structures. Now that the proposed setback is from a property line, there is no need to consider un-built primary structures.
4. The intent of the 1.1 times the WECS tower height setback from public roads and utility easements is not greatly different than the current text.
5. The three-times-the-tower-height setback (1.1 times the tower height with waivers) was amended to regulate only water wellheads. Although the waiver and setback are both multipliers, the required minimum of three times the WECS tower height is still excessive and was not based on any specific data but personal preference. Is this setback meant to regulate well heads for the participating property owner or is this meant to regulate well heads for non-participating property owners that already have a three-times-the-height-of-the-tower setback from the property line? The planning staff believes that section #5, #6 and #7 are unnecessary as utility easements are addressed in section #4.
6. The planning staff does not understand why setbacks for gas storage and gas pipelines (#6 and #7) are called out differently and why neither one allows a waiver. If the company controlling the pipelines and easements are acceptable to a waiver, why prohibit them from providing one. The three-times-the-tower-height setback was not based on any data, rather personal preference. In ordinance interpretation, #4 and #7 are presenting conflicting information as one section requires a setback of 1.1 times the height of the tower for utility easements and the other section of the ordinance requires a setback of three times the height of the tower for gas-line utility easements.
7. There was conflicting testimony presented regarding setbacks from gas pipelines such as the Enbridge line. Public hearing testimony indicated the industry standard for WECS setback was 1,600 feet. The planning staff has not been able to find any factual evidence to support an industry standard. The planning staff contacted Lorraine Little with Enbridge Inc. (phone 715-398-4677) and she stated that Enbridge did not say that a WECS needs to be 1,600 feet from their pipelines or that they prefer the setback to be that great. When the staff requested the information in writing, Joel Kanvic, Enbridge’s in-house counsel responded by phone. He reiterated what Lorraine Little stated and said that as legal counsel, he does not advise putting things in writing. Mr. Kanvic indicated he would be glad to speak with anyone that wished to contact him. The planning staff also contacted Phil Dick, McLean County Building and Zoning Department Director and Chris Henkel, Lee County Zoning and Plat Officer with questions regarding utilities and pipelines. Mr. Dick and Mr. Henkel have both stated that their Zoning Ordinance does not specifically call out setbacks for such improvements and that none of the county’s special uses for wind projects addressed them any differently than a setback from a right-of-way. If there was a true industry standard for such setbacks, then the planning staff believes that Enbridge Inc. would have stated so and that the other counties in Illinois that have projects would have to comply with the 1600-foot setback. This does not appear to be the case. The three-times-the-tower-height setback seems excess and is not based on verifiable data.
8. There is no argument that restricted landing areas, air strips or airports should be considered when siting WECS; however, there was no verifiable evidence stating the required distance for safety. The planning staff believes that such setbacks should be handled through the special use process. A reference was made regarding ultra light landing areas and setbacks. This would be a difficult setback to enforce since ultra-lights do not need landing areas; they can take off and land anywhere.
Based upon the above information, the planning staff recommends denial of the setbacks amendments for case 10-2012.
Submitted by: Reviewed by:
___________________________ _______________________________
Gina DelRose, Associate Planner Kathy Miller, Interim Planning Director
Fourthly, The proposed ordinance change
. Setbacks. All WECS towers shall provide the following minimum setbacks:
1. WECS towers shall be setback a distance of one and one-half miles from a municipal zoning jurisdiction unless the Applicant has submitted a setback waiver from all municipalities within one and one-half mile of the WECS (65 ILCS 5/11-13-26.)
2. From non-participating property lines: Three times the WECS tower height from any non-participating property line. The distance shall be measured from the point of the property line closest to the WECS tower to the center of the WECS tower foundation. The owner of the property may waive this setback requirement but in no case shall a WECS tower be located closer to a property line than 1,200 feet. The Applicant does not need to obtain a variance from the county upon waiver by either the county or property owner of this setback requirement. Any waiver of this setback shall run with the land and be recorded as part of the chain of title in the deed of the subject property.
3. From Platted Subdivision: 1,500 feet or 3.5 times the WECS tower height, whichever is greater from the platted lot line. The distance shall be measured from the point of the platted lots nearest property line to the center of the WECS tower foundation.
4. From public roads, all utility easements, access easements, recorded easements, third party transmission lines, and communication towers: 1.1 times the WECS tower’s height.
5. From water wellheads: Three times the WECS tower height. This separation may be reduced to a minimum of 1.1 times the WECS tower’s height upon submission of a private waiver signed by the owner of the wellhead. The private waiver must specify the agreed minimum separation.
6. From liquefied natural gas storage or liquefied petroleum gas storage or gasoline and volatile oils storage exceeding a 10,000-gallon capacity in the aggregate: Three times the WECS tower height.
7. From a gas pipeline or hazardous liquid pipeline, underground water main or easements for such utilities: Three times the WECS tower height.
8. There shall be a one-mile buffer around all restricted landing areas, regional airstrips and airports.
Need a job? Headstart in Rockford needs a bus driver and a teacher’s assistance
Go to: http://www.rockfordil.gov/human-resources/communications/job-postings.aspx
The following is from: http://www.rockfordil.gov/human-resources/communications/job-postings/assistant-teacher.aspx
The following is from: http://www.rockfordil.gov/human-resources/communications/job-postings/bus-driver.aspx
Illinois Issues blog: DCFS faces massive layoffs if additional funding is not approved
Friday, January 18, 2013
DCFS faces massive layoffs if additional funding is not approved
By Jamey Dunn
Lawmakers hope to get additional funding approved for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, but if they fail, the department will lay off two-thirds of its staff in a few months.
When Gov. Pat Quinn vetoed money for prisons and other state corrections facilities from the budget approved by the General Assembly, he called on lawmakers to put that money into DCFS to prevent hundreds of layoffs. The same budget cut nearly $90 million from DCFS. Legislation to put some of that money back never made it to a floor vote during the January lame-duck session. The measure up for consideration contained other budget items that met opposition. However, Chicago Democratic Sen. Heather Steans, who sponsored the bill, said she thinks there is support for passing an additional $25 million for the agency early in the new legislative session. “I do think there’s general agreement on the DCFS funding,” she said. Chicago Democratic Rep. Sarah Feigenholtz, the former chair of the House Human Services Budgeting Committee, agreed. “I think that there is a relatively strong commitment to do this.”
If the money does not come through, DCFS plans to lay off nearly 2,000 employees this spring. “The answer to the what-if questions is that if the budget cuts are not restored, that sometime in March or thereafter we will have to lay off about two-thirds of our staff statewide,” said Dave Clarkin, a spokesman for DCFS.
DCFS currently has about 600 investigators; Clarkin said the agency hopes to avoid laying off any of them. “It’s a primary responsibility of the department. It is something that by statute can’t be outsourced or done by anybody else,” he said of the investigators’ work. The department is restructuring its staff in an effort to put more than 100 additional investigators on the front line.
The possibility of mass layoffs comes after a year when DCFS saw in increase in abuse- and neglect-related deaths, and a spike in the number of downstate abuse cases. According to DCFS, neglect or abuse played a factor in 90 deaths last year. The department is still investigating 60 other cases. “Once those investigations are closed, we will have seen the highest number of deaths we have seen in Illinois in 32 years,” Clarkin said. “Child abuse generally and sex abuse in particular are both on the rise.” From July 2012 to October 2012, the department's abuse hotline received 25,348 reports of suspected abuse, compared with 24,053 during the same period in 2011. Last year, 35 downstate counties had abuse and neglect rates of more than double the statewide average. Cook County had rates just below the state average.
Suffocation by neglect was the leading cause of death in cases the department investigated in 2012. The second leading cause was abuse, and the third was inadequate supervision. “Most deaths occurred when parents, ignoring the advice of the American Academy of Pediatrics and safety experts, slept with a newborn or infant in their bed, rolling over on the child in the night and smothering her or him. In other instances, parents ignored safety warnings and allowed a newborn or infant to sleep with a blanket, on an adult mattress or couch, or on their stomachs, suffocating the child,” a prepared statement from DCFS said. Clarkin said the department is making efforts to educate the public on the proper sleeping conditions for newborns, as well as ways to prevent child abuse and neglect in their communities.
Illinois Issues blog: DCFS faces massive layoffs if additional funding is not approved
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Assets of state pension systems sag - Springfield, IL - The State Journal-Register
By DOUG FINKE (doug.finke@sj-r.com)
Audits of the five state-funded systems released Wednesday show the net assets of the systems dropped by nearly $1.5 billion during the budget year that ended June 30, 2012.
The systems still had assets of nearly $62 billion at the end of the 2012 fiscal year.
The systems’ 2012 performance were a reversal from fiscal 2011, when their investment income was higher.
“What this points out is the unpredictability and volatility of the economy,” said Dave Urbanek, spokesman for the Teachers’ Retirement System, the larges
Overall, auditors said, the systems ended the 2012 fiscal year with a 39 percent funding ratio. That was down from 43.3 percent the year before.
The best-funded of the systems was the State University Retirement System at 41.3 percent. The worst was the General Assembly Retirement System at 17.5 percent.
t of the retirement systems.
CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING FOR MORE DETAILS;Assets of state pension systems sag - Springfield, IL - The State Journal-Register
Rockford mayor wants union arbitration hearings open to public - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
By Corina Curry RRSTAR.COM
But Morrissey says he’s far from done. He intends to file further motions, push for a change in state law that would require all hearings to be open, shine a spotlight on the state’s arbitration process and help taxpayers understand what makes the cost of government so high.
Click on the following for more details: Rockford mayor wants union arbitration hearings open to public - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
Friday, January 18, 2013
Chrysler CEO admits Dodge Dart sales are disappointing - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
Marchionne blamed the slow takeoff for the Dart to poor decisions made by the company on what to build first and not on the car itself.
The first batch of Darts to hit dealer lots only had manual transmissions. Then Chrysler came out with two versions with six-speed automatic transmissions that shift more often and accelarate more slowly than what U.S. drivers are used to.
Boone County homeless count Wednesday - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
Homeless Project, in collaboration with the Winnebago/Boone Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness, will conduct a Point In Time (PIT) count on Wednesday.
To participate in the PIT, complete a brief survey between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at one of the following locations:
— Poplar Grove United Methodist Church: 105 E. Grove St., Poplar Grove; 815-765-2001.
— Crusader Community Health Belvidere: 1050 Logan Ave., Belvidere; 815-547-0282.
— Belvidere Township: 8200 Fairgrounds Road, Belvidere; 815-544-2027.
— Rosecrance Belvidere Clinic: 475 Southtowne Drive, Belvidere; 815-544-4849.
— Helping Hands: 925 Belvidere Road, Belvidere; 815-544-1409; 9 a.m. to noon only.
— United Way of Boone County: 220 W. Locust St., Belvidere; 815-544-3144.
— The Salvation Army, 422 S. Main St., Belvidere; 815-544-3892.
In addition, a PIT count will be conducted from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 29 at Belvidere Boone County Food Pantry, 200 S. Fifth St., Capron; the pantry can be reached at 815-569-1571.
For information on the PIT count or the Boone County Homeless Project: Danice Loveridge, 815-509-9445, office.bchp@gmail.com. For information on the Winnebago/Boone Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness: hope4thehomeless.org.
The Dwindling Deficit - NYTimes.com
All fiscal conservatives need to read this opinion piece to get their hearts racing.
But neither the current deficit nor projected future spending deserve to be anywhere near the top of our political agenda. It’s time to focus on other stuff — like the still-depressed state of the economy and the still-terrible problem of long-term unemployment.
Click on the following to read the article: The Dwindling Deficit - NYTimes.com
Boone County Journal: CORRECTION
The following is taken from the Boone County Journal, January 18, 2013, page 2. The newspaper is available free of cost at merchants across the county and on line at:
http://boonecountyjournal.com/news/2013/Boone-County-News-01-18-13.pdf#page=1
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Agenda for Belvidere Township
Will the trustees be talking about providing space for the Boone County Veterans Commission?
AGENDA
BELVIDERE TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWNSHIP BOARD
8200 Fairgrounds Road
January 22, 2013 – 5:00 P.M.
I. Call to Order/Roll Call
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Public Input
IV. Discussion and potential action on approval of Prior Meeting’s Minutes
V. Discussion and potential action on Transfers
VI. Reports
a. Supervisor’s Report-Budget dates, Prichard’s Town Hall Meeting
b. Highway Commissioner’s Report
c. Assessor’s Report
d. Clerk’s Report
e. Trustee’s Report
VII. Unfinished Business – Discussion and Potential Action May Occur on the following items:
a. Enclosed bulletin board
VIII. Legal
IX. New Business
a. Veterans Commission
X. Discussion and Potential Action on Treasurer’s Report and Approval of Bills
XI. Closed Session-Personnel Issues
XII. Action on Closed Session Items
XIII. Adjournment
Next Meeting: February 11, 2013 @ 5:00 P.M.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
2011 Management Letter to Boone County: Will any of the criticisms be corrected? See how few were corrected from 2010.
The auditors are currently looking at the books. How many of these criticisms will be corrected? Was something really done to correct these problems? We will find out in June when the new audit is received.
Only two of the situations that following were corrected.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)