Milwaukee YMCA emerges from bankruptcy after judge OKs reorganization

What happens when a non-profit goes bankrupt?

The YMCA of Greater Milwaukee emerged from bankruptcy on Friday, a much leaner, debt-free nonprofit that will rein in its mission to focus more intently on health and wellness and the development of young people.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Susan V. Kelley approved the YMCA's reorganization plan Friday, rejecting a last-minute bid by members of the South Shore YMCA to delay the plan while they tried to find a buyer that would keep their Cudahy branch open.

YMCA President and Chief Executive Officer Julie Tolan called the closure of that decades-old facility "the hardest part of this whole thing."

But she said the resolution of the bankruptcy was an "important moment" for the YMCA and the Milwaukee community.

"We are just so grateful," Tolan said, acknowledging the financial hit lenders — particularly BMO Harris Bank — will take as part of the reorganization plan.

"All of the parties have sacrificed greatly," said Tolan.

"We're so appreciative of the way the community has come together...to demonstrate that the Milwaukee YMCA needed to be saved."

The YMCA filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in June, mired in $29 million in debt acquired over the years to expand and improve its facilities.

As part of its reorganization, the YMCA shed eight of its 11 properties, including the charter school Young Leaders Academy and YMCAs in Greenfield, Cudahy, Menomonee Falls, Wauwatosa, Saukville.

The new YMCA now owns just three facilities: the Rite-Hite Family YMCA in Brown Deer; the John C. Cudahy YMCA on Swan Road on Milwaukee's far northwest side; and Camp Minikani in Richfield.

It will continue to operate three others in lease arrangements: downtown at the Shops of Grand Avenue mall; the Northside YMCA in the Lindsay Heights neighborhood; and Parklawn YMCA at 4340 N. 46th St.

Under the reorganization plan approved by Kelley on Friday, the YMCA retains its $7 million endowment.

It will pay $9.2 million to BMO Harris, which faced the greatest exposure among its lenders. In addition, the YMCA will transfer two properties — the South Shore branch and land in Franklin — to a trust controlled by the bank for future sale.

The Grand Avenue YMCA, on the fourth floor of the John Plankinton Building at 161 W. Wisconsin Ave., was to go into the trust initially. But the Y has entered into an agreement to sell it to Kendall Breunig of Franklin-based Sunset Investors, which owns other properties in the building, according to Breunig. Neither side would divulge the price until it is finalized on Wednesday.

A group of members from the South Shore YMCA wrote a letter asking Kelley to postpone Friday's hearing while they try to find a buyer for that branch.

Attorneys for the YMCA said the delay would jeopardize the deal brokered with lenders and creditors and hinder the reorganized YMCA's fundraising efforts.

Tolan said the YMCA had tried unsuccessfully to find a buyer for the Cudahy branch, which closes on Saturday. She said it was not economically feasible for the YMCA to retain the facility because it was only marginally profitable, had declining membership and would have required more than $2 million in deferred maintenance.

Kelley approved the sale of the Greenfield, Menomonee Falls, Wauwatosa and Saukville YMCAs in October for $9 million. Young Leaders Academy sold for $5.6 million in July.

None of the YMCA's creditors objected to the plan, which will pay all creditors — other than the lenders — 90% or more of what they are owed.

Kelley, who also oversees the now 4-year-old Archdiocese of Milwaukee bankruptcy, acknowledged the speed with which the YMCA emerged from its Chapter 11.

"Congratulations," Kelley told the attorneys representing all parties. "It was a very, very excellent job counsel did in this case."

YMCA emerges from bankruptcy after judge OKs reorganization

BCJ: Postponement of Wind Text Amendment

Boone County Journal is available free of cost at merchants across the county.  It is also available on line at: http://www.boonecountyjournal.com/news/2015/Boone-County-News-01-30-15.pdf#page=1

 

 

 

 

 

Mainstream’s four page letter is available on this blog at: http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2015/01/mainstream-details-their-opposition-to.html

The”old” proposed text amendment is available on this blog at: http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2015/01/another-text-amendment-on-winda-half.html

BCJ: Letter to Editor on Mr. Walberg’s appointment

 

Because of questions regarding appointments--the resumes and letters requesting appointment were requested under the Freedom on Information Act.  See the FOIA request and results below: 

 

To

Ken Terrinoni

CC

Bob Walberg

 

Jan 26 at 3:58 PM

Chairman Walberg did not supply to the County Board all the resumes and application letters for the appointments approved on January 21, 2015. How can the board “advise” the chairman without this information. Mr. Walberg’s majority may blindly vote for his appointments but that does not mitigate board responsibilities.  If in the future all applications are supplied to board perhaps they will comply with their advisory responsibilities.

If the board is not interested in the qualification of appointees I know the public may be.

Under the Freedom of Information Act please supply all application letters and resumes for all applicants to the appointments listed below:

Boone County Regional Planning Commission, Housing Authority of the County of Boone, Capron Cemetery Association, Capron Cemetery Association

This information may be posted on my inter net blog which is free of advertisement. This information has no commercial value to me.

BILL PYSSON

 

The following is the information received:

 

Growth Dimensions for Boone County 2011 Tax Year

 

 

 

Above is from:  http://www.faqs.org/tax-exempt/IL/Growth-Dimensions-For-Belvidere-Boone-County-Inc.html

Exempt Organization Public Disclosure and Availability Requirements

If anyone wishes to see the tax records of a local tax-exempt this IRS source is a good starting point.

NOTE:  Each of these questions is interactive; Click on the question and your browser will automatically go to IRS’ answer.

Tax-exempt organizations must make annual returns and exemption applications filed with the IRS available for public inspection and copying upon request. In addition, the IRS makes these documents available. The questions below relate to the public disclosure and availability of documents filed by tax-exempt organizations with the IRS.

A. Questions about Requirements for Exempt Organizations to Disclose IRS Filings to the General Public

1. In general, what public disclosure requirements apply to tax-exempt organizations?
2. What organizations are tax-exempt organizations for purposes of the law requiring that certain tax documents be disclosed and copies of those documents be provided to persons requesting them?
3. What tax documents must an exempt organization make available for public inspection and copying?
4. What does the disclosure law require a tax-exempt organization to do?
5. What does the IRS consider to be a reasonable charge for copying costs, which an exempt organization may charge for copies of tax documents covered by public disclosure requirements?
6. What are our organization’s public disclosure obligations for the Form 990?
7. Are organizations that are not required to provide copies of their exemption applications also exempt from the requirement to provide copies of annual returns to requesters?
8. What disclosure laws apply to private foundations?
9. Is a tax-exempt organization required to disclose the names or addresses of its contributors?
10. Is there an exception to the requirement that an exempt organization provide copies of its exemption application and annual returns?
11. If an organization makes it documents widely available must it make the documents available for public inspection?
12. What are the penalties for failure to comply with the disclosure requirements, and who must pay them?
13. If a request for copies of exempt organizations documents is not fulfilled, to whom may the requester complain?
14. What disclosures is a charitable organization required to make to its donors?
15. What disclosures must an exempt organization, other than a charity, make to its donors?
16. Is personal identifying information provided on an exempt organization return subject to public disclosure?
17. How can I obtain a copy of an organization's annual return or exemption application?
18. What should I do if an exempt organization will not let me see its Form 990 or 990-T returns or exemption application materials?
19. How will the public get access to information on the e-Postcard?

B. Questions about Requirements that the IRS Make Exempt Organizations Filings Available for Public Inspection and Copying

1. How can one get a copy of an organization's exemption application or annual information return from the IRS?
2. Is personal identifying information provided on an exempt organization return subject to public disclosure?
3. How will the public get access to information on the e-Postcard?

View and print all FAQs (Adobe).

Page Last Reviewed or Updated: 18-Jun-2014

Above is from:  Exempt Organization Public Disclosure and Availability Requirements

Livingston County Still Weighing Wind Turbines - CIProud

 

01/23/2015 10:13 PM

 

By Associated Press

01/23/2015 10:31 PM

 

 

 

PONTIAC - The public has played a big part in the hearings for wind farms, around Livingston County.

PONTIAC - The public has played a big part in the hearings for wind farms, around Livingston County.
"We don't want to shut anyone off, hope we haven't yet. We don't intend to,” said Bob Young, vice chairman of the Livingston County Board. “We want everything out, try to be as honest as we can be."
For months, the debate has raged on: Is it worthwhile to add 136 wind turbines all over the county, which would nearly double the current total?
"There’ve been, like you said four or five meetings (normally) but this one there's a lot of emotion,” explained Young.
That emotion is coming from both sides,but Invenergy, the company that's looking to get the permits, does not consider the three hours per, three times a week meetings as an unnecessary evil.
"The more people know about the benefits, you know, of hosting a wind energy facility, with the economic infusion it brings through tax revenue and jobs, the better,” said Kevin Parzyck, Invenergy’s Vice President of Business Development.
Signs are up all over town, with people who are not blown away by the proposal. Many have said it could disrupt their way of life.
"They're concerned about the market value of their homes, they're concerned about health issues, wind noise, and they're very sincere,” said Young.
Invenergy says it will continue to bring in experts to help soothe whatever issues the public may be facing.
"I think it's been a very fair discussion,” said Parzyck. “There are disagreements, but it's in no way hostile. I think it's a very constructive discussion."
And one that could have maybe 11 more hearings before the process is over. The first will be Monday at Pontiac Township High School. The rest will be at the Walton Center in Fairbury.
Once these hearings are finished, the zoning board of appeals will make its recommendation to the county board. For the time being, the county won't allow anyone else to apply for permits, until at least June.

Livingston County Still Weighing Wind Turbines - CIProud

North American Windpower: ICC Approves Key Illinois Transmission Line

 

by NAW Staff Thursday October 23 2014

Commonwealth Edison's (ComEd) Grand Prairie Gateway Project, a transmission line that is expected to remove wind energy bottlenecks in Illinois, has received approval by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).
According to the company, the line will extend for 60 miles across Ogle, Dekalb, Kane and DuPage counties. The new line will create immediate customer savings by reducing grid congestion, increasing customers' access to lower-cost generation, including wind power. Construction is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of next year, and the line is expected to be in service in 2017.
"As the competitive electricity market expands, transmission lines become congested over time, just like highways do as the communities around them grow," says Terence Donnelly, ComEd executive vice president and chief operating officer. "This congestion impedes the flow of low-cost energy, increasing the cost of delivering that energy to our customers, and we’re obligated to solve that problem. We are pleased that the Commission has recognized the need for this important new line, which will offset those increases just as soon as it’s energized."
The line will expand ComEd customers' access to generation by approximately 1 GW, providing greater access to clean energy.
"Congestion on the system is inhibiting the lowest cost generating plants – like wind – from getting power to customers that want it," says Sean Brady, regional policy manager of Wind on the Wires. "These bottlenecks force wind farms to operate less efficiently and restrain the future development of more environmentally friendly wind generation in Illinois, so this project will further promote a competitive marketplace and the continued growth of wind power."
The 345kV electric transmission line will be constructed between ComEd's existing substations near the communities of Byron and Wayne. The route would begin at the Byron substation and run east until Plato Center in Kane County, where the line would run southeast along railroad corridors to the substation near Wayne. The project adds a third major transmission path across the ComEd territory, which also enhances reliability, particularly during extreme weather events.
The need for the project was first identified as part of the annual regional planning process managed by PJM Interconnection, the regional transmission organization that plans and operates the ComEd transmission system.

North American Windpower: ICC Approves Key Illinois Transmission Line

Plans Continue for Western Illinois Wind Farm | Tri States Public Radio

 

By Rich Egger

Developers are not worried even though it’s been six years since plans were unveiled for a wind farm in Warren and McDonough Counties.

 

A central Illinois wind farm

Credit Rich Egger

“Sometimes people forget how significant of a construction project we’re trying to do here,” said consultant Barry Fladeboe.

“I think when you look at the scale and the overall capital invested, a wind farm is about the same type of investment as many skyscrapers. So if you think about it like that, it’s a pretty neat project to bring out to a rural area.”

He said the wind farm will likely be “at least a $250 million capital raising effort.” Fladeboe said most of the costs go into the turbines.  He said the towers are all steel and it’s expensive to build and erect each turbine. 

Fladeboe said it’s typical to be four-to-seven years into a development before something happens.  So the development cycle is “very normal” for this project, which is called Cardinal Point.

“We’re very excited about 2016, ’17, and ’18,” he said.

“The primary reason this project hasn’t been built yet is simply that no one in Illinois has been buying power from renewable energy for the past couple of years.”

It’s not known when construction will begin. Fladeboe said the project is in an advanced development stage. He said most of the permits are in place. What's now needed is a power purchase agreement, ie, a contract with a company that will buy the energy produced.

The project was initially proposed by Eco-Energy.  Element Power took over about five years ago, and it recently sold the project to Canada-based Capitol Power.  Fladeboe has worked on it for both Element and Capitol.

Kim Pierce, Executive Director of the Macomb Area Economic Development Corporation (MAEDCO), said the project could benefit from the new ownership.

“Capitol Power is in the wind business. Element Power, while they’re a great company, that was not what their emphasis was,” said Pierce.

She said even though the project has changed names and owners a few times, she remains optimistic it will come to fruition.

Plans Continue for Western Illinois Wind Farm | Tri States Public Radio

Should an individual limit their Freedom Of Information Requests to a government agency?

 

Can a Freedom of information Request be denied because the requester is a recurrent requestor?

 

The apparent answers are  “yes” and “yes” based upon the Illinois Attorney General’s 2012 opinion.  SEE:  http://foia.ilattorneygeneral.net/pdf/opinions/2012/12-001.pdf                                                   

If you are a recurrent requestor you can be denied or receive less than normal response time. The  apparent statutory threshold  is quite large--thresholds of 50 requests within a year, 15 requests within 30 days, or 7 requests within 7 days.

Absentee and Early Voting | Boone County, Illinois

In-Person Absentee Voting

For the February 24, 2015, Consolidated Primary Election, In Person Absentee Voting will begin February 2, 2015, and end February 23, 2015.  In Person Absentee voting will be conducted at the Boone County Clerk's Office, 1212 Logan Ave, Suite 103, Belvidere, Illinois, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday thru Friday and Saturday morning February 21, 2015 from 9:00 am until Noon.  Please note that the office will be closed Monday, February 16, 2015, in honor of President's Day.   For more information about In-Person Absentee Voting please contact the County Clerk's Office at (815) 544-3103

Early Voting

For the February 24, 2014, Consolidated Primary Election, Early Voting will begin on February 9, 2015 and end February 21, 2015.  Early Voting will be conducted at the Boone County Clerk's Office, 1212 Logan Ave, Suite 103, Belvidere, Illinois, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday thru Friday and Saturday morning February 21, 2015 from 9:00 am until Noon.  Please note that the office will be closed Monday, February 16, 2015, in honor of President's Day.  For more information about Early Voting please contact the County Clerk's Office at (815)544-3103.

Absentee by Mail

For the February 24, 2015, Consolidated Primary Election, The Boone County Clerk's Office is now accepting applications to vote by mail.  If you wish to vote by mail click on the attachment below and return to the Boone County Clerk's Office at 1212 Logan Ave, Suite 103, Belvidere, IL 61008.  The last day applications are being accepted is February 19, 2015.  This is a primary election so the party ballot you want to receive must be on the application.  There is only a Republican ballot for the February 24, 2015 Consolidated Election.  If you have any questions please contact the County Clerk's Office at (815) 544-3103. 

Attachment
Size

Attachment
Size

Application for Absentee Ballot 2-24-2015.pdf
130.25 KB

Absentee and Early Voting | Boone County, Illinois

Voter Registration Ends, Grace Period Voting Begins | Boone County, Illinois

Mary S. Steurer, Boone County Clerk, announced that Tuesday, January 27 was the last day to register to vote for the February 24th, 2015 Consolidated Primary*.   If you missed the January 27th deadline you may grace period register from January 28th - February 20th Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday, February 21st from 9 am to Noon.  Please note that the office will be closed, Monday, February 16, 2015, in honor of President's Day.  In order to grace period vote you must have 2 forms of identification, one must have your current address. If you grace period register you must be prepared to vote at the same time. 

If you have any questions, call the County Clerk's office at (815) 544-3103.  We are located at 1212 Logan Ave, Suite 103, Belvidere, IL 61008.

*This only applies to residents in the City of Belvidere - Ward 5.  Registration remains open for all other Boone County residents.

Voter Registration Ends, Grace Period Voting Begins | Boone County, Illinois

Belvidere Daily Republican—Regarding January County Board Meeting

 

Boone County approves issuing bonds for new animal building
By Bob Balgemann
Reporter

BELVIDERE - Boone County has taken another step toward construction of a new animal services building.

...

The county board voted 12-0 Wednesday night (Jan. 21) to issue $800,000 in bonds for the project. At 1.33 percent interest, the total cost of the 3,000-square-foot building will be $817,000.

County Administrator Ken Terrinoni called that transaction "a good day in the financial market."

"This will ensure that the money is there for construction of the new building," said board member Karl Johnson, chairman of the finance, salaries and taxation committee. "We can proceed with the construction documents even though the location has not been selected."

The board also voted unanimously to approve spending $10,000 for architect Mark Schmidt to prepare construction documents and $4,600 for Legacy Designs for related engineering work.

Ground breaking is anticipated later in the spring, with occupancy slated for the end of 2015.

The favorite, unofficial choice for location of the new building has been county-owned land on the east side of Illinois 76, just south of Spring Creek Road, site of the highway department. But now interest is being expressed in property on South Appleton Road, where the current animal services building is located.

SOIL, WATER DISTRICT FUNDS

Board members resolved at least temporarily the issue of funding the Boone County Soil and Water Conservation District office for the 2014-15 fiscal year.

That became an issue last fall when the county board of health, which oversees the health department, refused to continue providing a $66,000 subsidy for the district's annual budget of about $133,000. That was done to help balance the department's 2014-15 budget, after the county took $50,000 from its budget to help defray expenses of the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund.

What evolved was a lengthy verbal skirmish between the health department and county dated back to 2008-09 when the department was allowed to increase its levy by $143,000 for two consecutive years to fund an expansion. But the expansion didn't occur and the department was asked to repay the $286,000 by subsidizing the soil and water conservation district budget.

Health officials said this year they believed that debt had been satisfied, and that they no longer were obligated to help fund the district. In fact, they said the department had actually paid back $307,000.

The county board action was to transfer $33,000 from the health insurance fund to the general fund, as the county's share of the $66,000. The board of health will pay a like sum, meaning the two are splitting that cost but only for the current fiscal year.

Obama Relents on Proposal to End ‘529’ College Savings Plans - NYTimes.com

 

WASHINGTON — President Obama, facing angry reprisals from parents and from lawmakers of both parties, will drop his proposal to effectively end the popular college savings accounts known as 529s, but will keep an expanded tuition tax credit at the center of his college access plan, White House officials said Tuesday.

The decision came just hours after Speaker John A. Boehner of Ohio demanded that the proposal be withdrawn from the president’s budget, due out Monday, “for the sake of middle-class families.” But the call for the White House to relent also came from top Democrats, including Representatives Nancy Pelosi of California, the minority leader, and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, the ranking member of the Budget Committee.

Ms. Pelosi pressed the case to senior administration officials on Air Force One as she flew with the president from India to Saudi Arabia, according to Democratic aides familiar with the discussions.

The move was an abrupt turn for the president, who had made the proposal during his State of the Union address only a week ago, a proposal he called part of his pitch for “middle-class economics.”

“Given it has become such a distraction, we’re not going to ask Congress to pass the 529 provision so that they can instead focus on delivering a larger package of education tax relief that has bipartisan support, as well as the president’s broader package of tax relief for child care and working families,” a White House official said.

Obama Relents on Proposal to End ‘529’ College Savings Plans - NYTimes.com

House Speaker Boehner acknowledges 'stumbles' - Yahoo News

 

Speaker John Boehner said on Tuesday, as legislative initiatives have been derailed by attacks from inside the party.

 

"There have been a couple of stumbles," Boehner told reporters after meeting in a closed session with his rank-and-file.

The latest Republican casualty was a border security bill aimed at demonstrating a tough law-and-order approach toward stopping illegal immigration, mostly along the southern border with Mexico.

The bill had been scheduled for House debate on Wednesday but was canceled due to a massive East Coast snow storm, according to a Republican leadership announcement on Monday.

But conservatives were bucking the bill, claiming it would do nothing to deport undocumented immigrants who manage to get over the border, leading some to wonder whether the votes existed among Republicans to win passage.

"A growing body of people are sick and tired of the 'trust me we'll do it later' approach," said Republican Representative Matthew Salmon of Arizona, "and want us to deal with both interior enforcement and border security at the same time."

The legislation could resurface in coming weeks, however.

One week ago, Boehner suffered a setback over an abortion bill that had been scheduled for House action. That time, it was more moderate Republicans, including some female lawmakers, who objected to the bill's provisions on abortions for victims of rape.

From the first day of the new Congress on Jan. 6, Boehner's conservative wing was restive, with 25 of them refusing to back his election to a third term as Speaker and resulting in a narrow victory for the nation's top-elected Republican.

On Tuesday, Boehner explained the legislative setbacks as an effort to get off to a fast start. It was, he said, "all in our effort to show the American people that we are here to listen to their priorities."

Republican Representative Pete Sessions, who chairs the powerful House Rules Committee that is controlled by Boehner, told reporters that leadership is taking a breather on the border security bill to give members more time to understand how immigration issues will be tackled this year.

The bill, Sessions added, "was well understood until it got confusing."

(Reporting By Richard Cowan and Susan Cornwell; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama

House Speaker Boehner acknowledges 'stumbles' - Yahoo News

Workforce Connection to host job fair with 50+ employers - WREX.com – Rockford’s News Leader

ROCKFORD (WREX) - More than 50 employers will attend the Workforce Connection's annual January Career Expo and Job Fair this Thursday. 
Employment and training opportunities are available in manufacturing, health care, customer service, logistics, sales and other job sectors. 
"We have had a huge response from employers wanting to participate in this event," says Darcy Bucholz, executive director of the Northern Illinois Workforce Alliance. "This is the largest job fair we have hosted in several years." 
The career fair takes place from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Community Building Complex, 111 W. 1st St. in Belvidere.
Rock River Training Corporation is running a shuttle bus from downtown Rockford to the event. To reserve a spot on the bus, call 815-847-7574. There is also a bus stop at the RMTD Belvidere route one block from the job fair site.

Workforce Connection to host job fair with 50+ employers - WREX.com – Rockford’s News Leader

Zoning Board of Appeals ATTN: Changes in Agenda | Boone County, Illinois

Zoning Board of Appeals ATTN: Changes in Agenda

Home › Zoning Board of Appeals ATTN: Changes in Agenda

Case 01-2015 regarding Ceroni Piping's map amendment will go forward as scheduled.

Case 02-2015 regarding Ceroni Piping's special use for a planned development has been postponed until next month due to uncertainty in plans.

Case 03-2015 regarding the wind tower text amendment has been postponed until next month due to the applicant amending the application requiring republishing and notification.

Above is from:  Zoning Board of Appeals ATTN: Changes in Agenda | Boone County, Illinois

Logan County Board rejects wind farm

There are limited details on this recent case however the highlighted statements may provide some insight to the denied wind turbine application.

The second to last article indicates the vote was six to six (a tie is a defeat) and possibly financial issues were a factor in the decision.

NOTE-- Last Article:  Logan County approved a wind farm in 2012. The project was delayed by financial issues.

 

Logan County rejects wind farm plan

2015-01-24T18:00:00Z Logan County rejects wind farm plan The Southern

January 24, 2015 6:00 pm

 

DECATUR — Logan County officials have rejected a plan to place 81 wind turbines in the southern portion of the county.

The $400 million wind farm project was one vote short of approval by the county board Thursday. Construction on the turbines would have begun in the spring had it been approved.

The (Decatur) Herald and Review reported that supporters say a project would have brought in nearly $2.5 million in revenues during the first year of operation. But others posed questions about the company that would construct the turbines as well as potential health issues from the turbines noises.

Board Chair David Helpner said he and other board members worked hard to learn all they could about the project.

-- The Associated Press

Above is from:  http://thesouthern.com/ap/state/logan-county-rejects-wind-farm-plan/article_4a5e4487-7ad1-5ebc-9608-d617383b669c.html

:

Logan County Board to decide wind farm fate

Credit: Kevin Barlow | January 13, 2015 | www.pantagraph.com ~~

MOUNT PULASKI — The Logan County Board is expected to decide on a proposed wind farm for the county, but will do so without a recommendation from the county’s Zoning Board of Appeals.

The board will meet in a workshop session Thursday night at the Logan County Courthouse and is expected to discuss the proposed Meridien Wind Farm, a $400 million project that, if approved, would include 81 turbines located south and west of Mount Pulaski, stretching from Broadwell to Elkhart.

Following three public hearings on the project before the ZBA in Mount Pulaski, the four members voted 2 to 2 on whether the project should be allowed to go forward. At least three members need to vote in favor of a recommendation before one can be forwarded to the full county board that has final say regardless of the ZBA’s vote.

ZBA Chairman Doug Thompson, who voted against the recommendation, said during the public hearings there was a lack of support for the project and he heard only opposition to the project from local residents.

“We know there are a lot of concerns in the community and this, in a way, passes that feeling on to the county board,” he said.

The project is being developed by Relight US Corp, a Delaware-based company. Relight spokesman Robert Paladino previously told the ZBA the county would receive about $2.44 million in property taxes during the first year of operation and more than $61 million over a 25-year period. A number of concerns, including the impact on property values, potential noise problems, shadow flicker issues, and a decreased quality of living experience were discussed during the public forums.

“We have always been willing to work with our neighbors on these issues both prior to, during and after construction of the towers,” said Paladino.

If built, the towers are expected to be about 300 feet high and the tips of the blades would reach 491 feet from the ground. Towers could not be built within 600 feet of a road or 1,000 feet from any residence.

If approved, construction could begin in the spring, Paladino said.

The full county board is scheduled to meet in a voting session Jan. 22 at the Logan County Safety Complex.

Above is from:  Logan County Board to decide wind farm fate | Wind Energy News

Who is Relight?

Relight US Corp. organized under Meridien LLC., a Delaware Limited Liability Company, has filed with the Logan County Zoning Office for a Conditional Use Permit for the construction and operation of a wind energy conversion system (wind farm) in the Agricultural and Special Zoning District. The wind farm consists of meteorological towers, 81 wind turbines, collector lines, substations, transmission lines, access roads and related appurtenances.

 

The Petition, Application and Plans are available for inspection in the Logan County Zoning Office, 529 South McLean Street, Lincoln, IL 62656.

The Petitioner/Applicant, Meridien LLC, is acting for itself. It is a limited liability company organized under the laws of the state of Delaware, with a business place c/o Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP, 140 Broadway, 31st Floor, New York, New York 10005. The sole member of Meridien LLC is Relight US Corp., a corporation organized under the laws of the state of Delaware and having the same business address as Meridien LLC.

Above is from:  http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2014/Nov/04/News/today_HEARING.shtml

Who is  Relight?

LINKED IN

Relight

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Relight is a leading international player in renewable energy, energy efficiency and mining: it purchases, develops and manages big projects portfolios.
Relight, consolidating its leadership position in the field, approaches the market with new profitable investments in sustainable development, becoming the reference point for each subject interested in business with environmental, ethical and social features.

Specialties

Wind and pv development, Mining, Led applications

• Website

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• Industry

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• Headquarters

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• Company Size

  51-200 employees

 

7,600-acre wind farm petition falls flat in Logan County

 

By Jessica Lema
The Courier

Lincoln Courier

By Jessica Lema
The Courier

Posted Jan. 23, 2015 @ 2:23 pm
Updated Jan 23, 2015 at 2:24 PM

By Jessica Lema
The Courier
Posted Jan. 23, 2015 @ 2:23 pm
Updated Jan 23, 2015 at 2:24 PM
Lincoln, Ill.

 

 

Crowdynews

By Jessica Lema
The Courier
Posted Jan. 23, 2015 @ 2:23 pm
Updated Jan 23, 2015 at 2:24 PM
Lincoln, Ill.

In a 6-6 vote Wednesday, the Logan County Board rejected a conditional use permit that would have brought a 7,600-acre wind farm to a stretch of land between Mount Pulaski, Broadwell, Lake Fork and Elkhart.

The petition came before the Board earlier this month with no recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals after they too came to a split-vote on the project on Jan. 8.

Throughout the process, both boards heard a great deal of opposition from people living within the proposed quarter-mile footprint of the 80-turbine wind farm.

While the owners of nearly 100 parcels of land signed agreements with the company to participate in the project, many of their neighbors cited concerns over the potential health risks associated with infrasound and shadow-flicker, as well as the impact on property values and aesthetics.

One particular point of contention offered up by the opposition was that of a ruling out of Brown County, Wisconsin in October which declared an eight-turbine wind farm there to be a human health hazard based on a study of low-frequency sound in nearby homes.

Prior to the vote Wednesday, the Logan County Board heard several comments from the public and from Bob Paladino, an attorney representing ReLight US Corp., the Italy-based parent company of Delaware-based petitioner Meridien, LLC.

Paladino claimed that one of the primary studies cited in the Brown County decision, the “James Study,” has never been peer-reviewed, cannot be obtained and that it most likely does not exist.

“I think the most important thing we have to understand about the references to the Brown County decision is it was a bad decision,” Paladino said, adding that it’s not “sustainable by science.”

He acknowledged that ReLight “may not have done a very good job at communicating with the public,” but that they came into the community with good intentions to bring a project that “Logan County can and will be proud of.”

Several residents of the Mount Pulaski area then took to the microphone to voice their concerns and opposition.

At one point, Cheryl Martin, a Certified Public Accountant from Mount Pulaski, brought forward the results of a background check she conducted on Paladino.

She went down the list of companies on his resume, which he provided to the Board at the previous meeting.

“A lot of the things were true,” she began. “Jasper Energy is a company formed by Mr. Paladino. However, the website no longer has a telephone number that’s valid and their registration with the State of Delaware is no longer valid.”

She said that he was president of another company that filed for bankruptcy during his tenure. She went on to discuss the finances of ReLight Corp., claiming they have a total capitalization of $750,000.

Page 2 of 2 - “I guess my question, as a CPA, is, according to Mr. Paladino this is a 400 million dollar project, how does a company with $750,000 in capitalization get the financing or investors to do a 400 million dollar project?” she asked.

“I have concerns that the project gets started and can’t be completed because of financial restrictions.”

She concluded, “You have to look at the representations being made and the promises made to these citizens who are putting their livelihood and their homes in risk in this farm and know why these big concerns are there.”

Paladino began his rebuttal by saying, “This isn’t supposed to be about me, but since my name was brought up I’ll address it.” He said that Jasper Energy, LLC. is no longer incorporated in Delaware because, like him, it’s moving to Florida.

He went on to cite several studies that the company has provided for the Board and told members that they have to ignore the anecdotal claims against wind turbines.

“They’re voodoo. They’re nothing. You cannot make public policy decisions on these. Look at the science,” he said.

Before the vote, Board members Chuck Ruben, Pat O’Neill, and David Hepler voiced their support of the project.

Chairman Hepler said he thought it would be a “tremendous benefit” to the county.

Ultimately, the amended motion to approve the conditional use of the land failed for lack of a majority vote.

As the room was clearing out, several residents of Mount Pulaski stopped at the railing that separated them from the board and thanked the members who voted against the project.

Read more: http://www.lincolncourier.com/article/20150123/News/150129747#ixzz3Py9jEV5e

 

This is not Logan County’s first application—Sugar Creek Wind One Farms, a 175 MW project was permitted in 2012 with actual construction delayed until 2014.

Above from:  http://renewableenergy.illinoisstate.edu/downloads/databases/062514%20Permitted%20Wind%20Farms%20in%20IL.pdf

Logan County wind farm construction delayed 2 years - News - Lincoln Courier - Lincoln, IL

The $1.5 million Logan County was expecting to collect this year in permit fees from the construction of a planned wind farm won’t materialize.  Work on the wind farm has been delayed at least two years.

It’s frustrating news for the county. The permit fees from Sugar Creek Wind Farm One construction have been seen as the salve to cover painful trial costs for Christopher and Jason Harris, brothers accused to killing a Beason family in 2009.

Stan Komperda, project manager for Sugar Creek Wind Farm One, said Friday that declining electricity demand and the overall outlook of the economy have slowed the project’s progress.

“We are moving forward, but it is at a slower pace than what we had originally hoped for,” Komperda said. “Really, the economy is what’s driving it. If we have a quick economic turnaround, and unemployment goes down and the factories get up and running again, that’s a much higher power demand and that’s going to change things fast.”

The Logan County Board had expected to start seeing revenue from construction permit fees come trickling in this year, and construction to begin at the site next summer.

Komperda said that, as of now, construction isn’t expected to begin until sometime in 2014.

When asked what can be done to help offset the lost projected funds, Logan County Board finance chairman Chuck Ruben grinned optimistically and threw his arms out to his sides.

In the dark

Read more of this article:  http://www.lincolncourier.com/article/20120724/News/307249952/?Start=2

Boone County Planning Department recommends “denial” of the Text Amendment increasing setbacks for Wind Turbines

The following is take from Pages 8 and 9 of the”Board Doc” published on the Boone County website, to view the entire document go to:  http://www.boonecountyil.org/sites/default/files/WEC%20BCPC%20staff%20report%20jan%202015.pdf

 

FLASH:  The hearing is postponed.  The following notification is going out: 

“Case 03-2015 for Cleverdon and Kinney will be postponed as the applicants wish to amend their application.  They will resubmit the language tomorrow or shortly thereafter for republishing and re-notification. “ The changes will be noted as soon as possible.   

 

Mainstream details their opposition to text amendment on Wind Turbine setbacks

The text amendment regarding wind turbine setbacks is available at:  http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2015/01/another-text-amendment-on-winda-half.html

This letter was sent to the Boone County Zoning Board of Appeals which will have public hearing on the Text Amendment this Tuesday 27, 2015.  

FLASH:  The hearing is postponed.  The following notification is going out: 

“Case 03-2015 for Cleverdon and Kinney will be postponed as the applicants wish to amend their application.  They will resubmit the language tomorrow or shortly thereafter for republishing and re-notification. “ The changes will be noted and posted soon by the Planning Department.  

To read newspaper coverage go to: http://www.rrstar.com/article/20150124/News/150129693#ixzz3PrSO4P7A

The Boone County Planning Commission recommended denial by a vote of 3-2.  For more details SEE J. Middleton,  “Text Amendment Proposed for Wind Setbacks, January 23, 2015 Boone County Journal of SEE:  http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2015/01/bcjs-major-articles-on-wind-turbines.html

Feel Good—Read about Harry Truman

 

THIS HAS BEEN AROUND BEFORE BUT WORTH READING AGAIN AND AGAIN.  WHAT A DIFFERENCE

63 YEARS HAS MADE IN THE AFTERLIFE OF POLITICIANS.

Harry Truman was a different kind of President. He probably made as many, or more important decisions regarding our nation's history as any of the other 32 Presidents preceding him. However, a measure of his greatness may rest on what he did after he left the White House. The only asset he had when he died was the house he lived in,which was in Independence , Missouri . His wife had inherited the house from her mother and father and other than their years in the White House, they lived their entire lives there.

When he retired from office in 1952 his income was a U.S. Army pension reported to have been $13,507.72 a year. Congress, noting that he was paying for his stamps and personally licking them, granted him an 'allowance' and later, a retroactive pension of $25,000 per year.

After President Eisenhower was inaugurated, Harry and Bess drove home to Missouri by themselves. There was no Secret Service following them.

When offered corporate positions at large salaries, he declined, stating, "You don't want me. You want the office of the President, and that doesn't belong to me. It belongs to the American people and it's not for sale."

Even later, on May 6, 1971, when Congress was preparing to award him the Medal of Honor on his 87th birthday, he refused to accept it, writing, "I don't consider that I have done anything which should be the reason for any award, Congressional or otherwise."

As president he paid for all of his own travel expenses and food. Modern politicians have found a new level of success in cashing in on the Presidency, resulting in untold wealth. Today, too many in Congress also have found a way to become quite wealthy while enjoying the fruits of their offices. Political offices are now for sale (ie. Illinois ).

Good old Harry Truman was correct when he observed, "My choices in life were either to be a piano player in a whore house or a politician. And to tell the truth, there's hardly any difference!”

We ought to have cloned him for telling it like it is and being frugal with our tax dollars!

Boone County Board to hear proposal for bigger distances for wind turbines - News - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL

 

By Susan Vela
Rockford Register Star
Posted Jan. 24, 2015 @ 6:00 pm
Updated Jan 24, 2015 at 7:08 PM

BELIVIDERE — The great wind-turbine-setback debate is back on in Boone County.

Residents David Cleverdon and Karen Kenney will approach the Boone County Zoning Board of Appeals with a proposal Tuesday to increase the 1,000-foot distance requirement between wind turbines and primary structures.

The new proposed separation is “not less than 2,640 feet, or 6.5 times the height” of the towers, including the blades at the highest point, whichever is greater.

Cleverdon plans to discuss the health and safety issues associated with wind turbines when the panel reviews an ordinance amendment at 7 p.m. in the Boone County Board room, 1212 Logan Ave.

• “It has to do with sleep deprivation,” he said, referring to the potential noise from the turbines. “Lack of sleep really can screw you up.”

  Boone County officials voted, after a spirited debate, in early 2014 against increasing the minimum setback distance from 1,000 feet.

  Kathy Miller, Boone County’s interim planning director, said staff members already plan to recommend that the board reject the proposed increase.

  Critics had raised health, safety and welfare concerns in response to an Irish company’s interest in building a $300 million to $400 million wind farm in Manchester and LeRoy townships.

  “Nothing has changed since the last time that it was submitted,” Miller said.

  Roxann Grenlund of Capron hopes that the zoning board supports the recommended denial, saying the proposed distance requirement would be "an extreme setback."

  Susan Vela: 815-987-1395; svela@rrstar.com; @svela

• By Susan Vela
  Rockford Register Star

Read more: http://www.rrstar.com/article/20150124/News/150129693#ixzz3PrSO4P7A

Employment Opportunities | Boone County, Illinois

Courthouse Lead Maintenance

Date: January 15, 2015

Department: Sheriff

Location: Belvidere, Illinois

Pay: $17.94

Pay Type: Hourly

Employment Type: Full Time

SUMMARY:

This position enforces provides support to all maintenance related issues at the Boone County Courthouse. The County is seeking an individual who has a proven successful record of independent judgment and flexibility with working in a variety of environments. An ideal candidate will have a wide variety of experience in working in the maintenance field.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

This candidate will be responsible for variety of tasks including work with pneumatic temperature control systems, low pressure hot water boilers, single and three phase electrical. Other tasks could include general electrical and plumbing maintenance. Other duties may be assigned. This is an on-call position. This position reports to the Sheriff’s Department.

QUALIFICATIONS:

This position requires knowledge in the fields of HVAC, electrical and plumbing fields. Valid driver’s license is required. Experience working in a related position is a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position requires physical demands. Job duties could require frequent standing, walking, and use of hands. Must have the ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds. Occasionally, candidate may be required to lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Exposure to disagreeable elements such as heat and cold.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Candidates must possess a high school diploma or general education degree (GED). Experience with electrical, plumbing and/or HVAC work a plus. Certification in refrigeration desired.

This position is 40 hours per week with a starting wage of $17.94 per hour. This is a union position. Boone County offers an excellent benefits package including health, dental, retirement, and vacation.

Please submit completed application, resume and cover letter to:

Boone County Sheriff’s Department

Attn: Maintenance Position

615 North Main Street

Belvidere, IL 61008

Applications must be received by Friday, February 6, 2015.

Boone County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

APPOINTMENT VACANCIES:

The following are volunteer Boards of the County of Boone that have vacancies:

CAPRON CEMETERY ASSOCIATION

Three (3) vacancies for a term that will expire February 1, 2021

BOONE COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

Two (2) vacancies for a term that will expire December 31, 2016

COMMISSIONERS OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF BOONE

Two (2) vacancies for a term that will expire January, 2020

Interested parties are asked to send a letter and/or resume expressing your interest and qualifications to Boone County Board Chairman Bob Walberg, 1212 Logan Ave., Suite 102, Belvidere, IL 61008.  Please respond by January 2, 2015 to assure being considered.

Employment Opportunities | Boone County, Illinois

U.S. Senate's Hatch sees support for tax reform -

 

Though there are disagreements on the details, there is bipartisan support for tax reform in Congress," said Orrin Hatch, Republican chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, at a conference for tax lawyers, analysts and economists.

"Members of both parties have expressed their support for a tax overhaul. And, I believe there is real momentum to get something done on tax reform this year, if we remain committed. And, believe me, I’m committed," he said.

Hatch took over leadership of the committee this month when Republicans gained control of the Senate. He has divided the panel into five working groups. He said he expects to get recommendations from the groups "later this spring."

The groups are looking at the individual income tax, business income tax, savings and investment, international tax and community development and infrastructure.

The U.S. tax code has not been overhauled thoroughly in 28 years. In that time it has become riddled with loopholes. As a result, tax avoidance is a growing problem.

The loopholes, together with deep tax cuts some years ago, means the government does not raise enough revenue to pay its bills.

At the same time, tax experts also generally agree that the system is so complex and often contradictory that compliance costs are excessive and economic productivity is harmed.

The main obstacle to fixing the code is that special interest groups immediately leap to the defense of their particular loopholes whenever lawmakers start talking reform.

Finding a way to overcome the gridlock that results is a task that has defied Congress and the White House since 1986.

Hatch has laid out basic principles for reform. At the conference, he said he has the impression that Democratic President Barack Obama might be willing to do a deal on business tax reform alone, setting aside individual income tax issues.

"We need to lower corporate tax rates and transition toward a territorial tax system," Hatch said. A territorial system is one that would exempt all or most of the foreign profits of U.S. corporations from the corporate income tax.

"The Senate Finance Committee is already fully engaged in a very real tax reform effort ... My goal is to introduce such a bill and mark it up in the committee later this year," he said.

U.S. Senate's Hatch sees support for tax reform - Yahoo News

University of Illinois finalizes Solar Farm agreements

 

University of Illinois finalizes Solar Farm agreements

Jan 20, 2015

Construction to start this spring

CHAMPAIGN, IL (January 20, 2015) – Construction of a 5.87 megawatt (MW) Solar Farm on campus will begin in Spring 2015 after university and state officials approved power purchase and land lease agreements with Phoenix Solar South Farms, LLC.
Once installed, the Solar Farm will be one of the largest on-site university arrays in the country, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency statistics, producing 7.86 million kilowatt-hours per year, or approximately two percent of the electrical demand for the Urbana campus in fiscal year 2015.
Facilities & Services Executive Director Al Stratman said, “We are very pleased to see this long awaited agreement completed and signed, so the installation can begin. This unique and challenging project was only made possible through the dedication of many people working together and focused on achieving our renewable energy goals.”
In 2008, the chancellor signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, pledging to be carbon neutral by 2050. As a part of this commitment, specific goals for energy conservation and renewable energy were outlined in the 2010 Illinois Climate Action Plan. The Solar Farm will contribute toward the renewable energy used on campus for at least twenty years.
"The Solar Farm represents the success of numerous efforts, including those made by the many hard-working students committed to advancing renewable energy and environmental sustainability,” said Amy Liu, chair of the Student Sustainability Committee. “Its construction will be a historic project and a source of great pride for campus."
Established in California in 2010 as the U.S. subsidiary of Phoenix Solar AG, Phoenix Solar Inc. (www.phoenixsolar.us) is a leader in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic power plants in North America. Phoenix Solar Inc. will be the contractor for the Solar Farm installation and operation.
Dr. Murray Cameron, CEO & President of Phoenix Solar Inc. said, “We are proud to support the university’s efforts to achieve their renewable energy goals and applaud Illinois for being a leader in sustainability amongst higher education institutions.”
The 20.8 acre solar farm, to be located along the south side of Windsor Road between First Street and the railroad tracks, was first approved by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees in November 2012.

University of Illinois finalizes Solar Farm agreements