I always feel it is better to give a third party opinion as to the county board and my actions so here is a break down on some stories across the media regarding last month’s meeting.
- Even if you attended the meeting you may not know that there was action taken after the closed session regarding some litigation regarding jail personnel. (Bill requested that in the future that if action after an executive session is “probable” that the agenda reflect that matter so the public is aware of the situation) A newspaper report of the action regarding the required but unpaid briefing period for jail staff is available at: http://www.boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2013/03/bcj-county-reaches-accord-without.html or http://www.rrstar.com/updates/x711928178/34-Boone-County-Jail-staffers-unpaid-work-now-paid-for If you wish to see the formal union complaint go to: http://www.boarddocs.com/il/boone/Board.nsf/files/956KDW50F925/$file/Corrections%20grievance.pdf)
- An additional Assistant States Attorney for civil litigation was approved despite effort to delay the decision by sending it back to subcommittee. Bill requested a roll call vote on the motion to send it back to committee; the motion failed and Bill voted that the new attorney be added .The additional staff which will be financed in part by revenue generated by the States Attorney Office. See the second half of the BCJ article which discusses the matter at: http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2013/03/bcj-funding-was-subject.html or see the Belvidere Daily Republican article at: http://www.belvideredailyrepublican.net/news/states-attorney-responds-to-questions-about-adding-an-attorney/
- Tentative agreement to pursue a possible refunding of Administrative Building bonds to possibly save $200,000. See the first half of the above BCJ article: http://www.boonecountyjournal.com/news/2013/Boone-County-News-03-01-13.pdf#page=1 (Bill was very hesitant to agree with this plan because the county is using an advisor they selected in 2007-8. This will be generating commissions in the $10,000’s. Is this still the proper choice of advisor? Because of the importance of having a plan available right now (in case interest rates start to rise) Bill did not question the action beyond a simple email question regarding the process of selecting the current advisor.)
- A number of appointments were approved. Bill abstained because of Mr. Walberg refused to reappoint Mr. Luhman(see: http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2012/12/mrwalberg-decides-not-to-reappoint-bill.html ). To read Bill’s statement justifying abstaining go to: http://boonecountywatch.blogspot.com/2013/02/bill-abstains-from-voting-on.html In the future I will attempt to post all of the openings for appointments across the county, the most recent is at: http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2013/03/boone-county-needs-you.html
- The full agenda for February’s county board meeting is available at: http://www.boonecountyil.org/sites/default/files/CBAgenda%2002-20-2013.pdf
- A special meeting regarding the Irene Road Toll Way exit was schedule for Monday, March 4, 2013. SEE: Belvidere Daily Republican coverage at: http://www.belvideredailyrepublican.net/news/second-irene-road-interchange-ramp-to-be-built-in-2013-14/ or for the Boone County Journal coverage: http://www.boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2013/03/bcj-taken-for-irene-rdi-90-project.html
