Boone County Fair Starts Tuesday August 6

Click on the photocopies to enlarge: 

For more information go to:  http://www.boonecountyfair.com/home.htm

Belvidere Daily Republican has an excellent summary of the ZBA meeting (7-23-2013) on wind turbines

 

Please read the entire article, however the section on wind developer, Mainstream, was the real highlight of the meeting.  Part of Bob Balgemann’s article is below:

 

Mainstream is proposing a setback of 3.1 times the tip height of the tower, now estimated at 529 feet, from the property line, with a possible waiver to 1,200 feet.

A non-participating property would have a setback of 1.1 times the tip height of the tower, with a waiver possible to 1.1 times the blade length.

The setback would be 1.1 times the tip height from roads and utilities, including pipelines, measured from the utility, not the easement.

Restricted landing areas would have a 3,000-foot setback from the end of the runway, with Poplar Grove Airport having a five-mile buffer. There would be a 1½-mile setback from all municipalities, including nearby Sharon, Wis.

--Written by Bob Balgemann

 

Click on the following to read all of the story:  Hearings on wind farm rules likely to run through autumn | Belvidere Daily Republican

 

Here is actual Mainstream summary slide presented at the meeting: 

 

Click on the photocopy to enlarge:  

Former Board Member, Mike Schultz criticizes Bill Pysson’s action on appointments.

For the benefit of all the public I am publishing Mr. Schultz’ email to the members of Boone County Board. 

I believe that Mr. Schultz’ statements incorrectly reflect some of my statements.  Mr. Walberg has a very inconsistent record regarding posting of vacancies, procedures for applicants applying and submission of applications to the county board.

Yes, a minority of the board is complaining. But the sentiment that things are not being done in a reasonable manner is held by much of the public. 

It is up to Mr. Walberg to come up with a reasonable procedure. 

In the case of the District #3 Board position--Submitting a  press release on the 25th of June which cannot be published until Friday, the 28th, requiring that applications be received at the Administrative Office by Sunday, June 30, appears impossible. County offices are closed during the weekend.  Neither the press release nor the vacancy notice for the position was posted on the website. 

Things need to be done in a more professional manner.

BILL PYSSON

Thursday, July 18, 2013 2:26 PM

Dear Members of the County Board:

No longer being a county board member, I was not part of the appointment process that named my replacement to the Boone County Board. That being said, I did follow the appointment process through our local media. I was disappointed to read the recent negative and accusatory comments directed at Chairman Walberg as they related to filing the seat I vacated.

The majority of the criticism I read was voiced by Mr. Bill Pysson. Mr. Pysson criticized the appointment, in part, on the basis the appointee, Mr. Chris Berner, submitted an application prior to the date of my formal resignation. Mr. Pysson went on to infer Mr. Berner was an “insider” (whatever that means). These statements by Mr. Pysson are not support by fact. The timing of my resignation was no secret. I sent each of you and our administrative staff notice in early May of my pending resignation. The Belvidere Daily Republican ran an article quoting my notice on May 8^th (an article Mr. Pysson is aware of, as it is posted to his internet blog). Using Mr. Pysson definition of an insider, does he mean every reader and subscriber of the BDR is an “insider”?  If there was additional context to the quotes made by Mr. Pysson that I missed, I stand ready to eat crow (in a non-literal sense).  But, I do not see how, knowing my pending resignation was public record, Mr. Pysson can infer Mr. Berner is an "insider" for submitting a letter of interest prior to my formal resignation.

During my time on the board, the Chairman was criticized by a minority of the board on his appointment procedure. This minority, from my recall, requested that appointments be vetted through interviews by the Administrative Committee. Despite following this procedure, Chairman Walberg is still being criticized for, as Mr. Pysson put it, following “any policy he wishes.” This statement begs the question, exactly what procedure/policy do you feel the Chairman should be following? I have little doubt Chairman Walberg would have been criticized no matter what procedure he followed. For putting Chairman Walberg in a no-win position, I must apologize.

I do not mean this to be a personal attack on Mr. Pysson. That being said, there is no excuse for twisting facts to support what I believe amounts to a witch hunt against the Chairman. Being critical of other board members is vital so that board members hold each other accountable. But, criticism must be based on fact and must be warranted.  From where I sit, I do not see this criticism as being warranted against the Chairman.

I thank each of you for your continued service to Boone County, and I congratulate and wish Mr. Berner much success in serving District 3.

Very Truly Yours,

Mike Schultz (resident of District 2)

 

For newspaper coverage of the appointment controversy the following newspaper articles are available:

• http://www.rrstar.com/news/x853691088/Wanted-More-transparency-on-Boone-County-board-appointments#ixzz2ZOvLumOB parts also available at:   http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2013/07/wanted-more-transparency-on-boone.html
• http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2013/07/boone-county-journal-editorial-on.html 
• http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2013/07/boone-inconsistent-appointment-process.html

ZBA: Wind Turbine Setback hearings continue however the Plote Case for extended hours maybe the most contentious case.

 

7-24-2013  The Plote and other zoning hearings were postponed to next month because the hearing notices were not published in a timely manner.  Instead testimony and cross examination regarding the wind turbine ordinance encompassed the entire meeting.

See the Belvidere Daily Republican’s coverage at:  http://www.belvideredailyrepublican.net/news/hearings-on-wind-farm-rules-likely-to-run-through-autumn/

 

 

This Tuesday, July 23, 2013 Zoning Board of Appeals will work on three new cases. And if there is time, continue the hearings on the wind turbine setback ordinance.

The neighboring Carr Subdivision may have objectors to extending the hours especially if additional blasting is involved.

July 17, 2013 Board Meeting

 

A very long discussion, debate and heated words about appointments. 

The process more than the actual candidates was the major concern. There appears to be no consistence in Mr. Walberg’s process. The public at times is given no public notice of openings.  He expects his “boys on the board” to rubber stamp all appointments. Often there is no letter of application or resume. If there is such documentation, Mr. Walberg does not always wish the documents be available to the public. He does not wish all the applicants to be known. Interviews sometimes occur but board members may or may not be made aware of the interview.

Mrs. Ward ask for reconsideration of the appointments from last June’s board meeting when members were not even given the appointments in advance. Her motion to reconsider was defeated. Bill voted to reconsider.   Last month Bill opposed the appointments because of the lack of notification before the meeting by Chairman Walberg.

Here is coverage of the vote to reconsider:http://www.boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2013/07/boone-inconsistent-appointment-process.html

There was page one coverage of the July appointments in Thursday’s Rockford Register Star.  The on-line version is quite different but sheds additional light on the issues.  See:  http://www.rrstar.com/news/yourtown/boone/x853691088/Wanted-More-transparency-on-Boone-County-board-appointments

Former Board Member, Mike Shultz, believes that Bill was leading a “witch hunt” against Mr. Walberg.  See his email at:  http://www.boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2013/07/former-board-member-mike-schultz.html

SOME OF THE OTHER BUSINESS OF THE MEETING

Approval was granted to pay addition costs for the abandoned landfill, request City of Belvidere waive some costs for connecting water and sue to Maple Crest nursing home and request bids (for the 2015 farm year) for the 66 acre farmland owned by the county.  Read more about these issues by clicking on the following: http://www.belvideredailyrepublican.net/news/long-closed-belvidere-landfill-continues-to-be-costly-2/

Belvidere Daily Republican/Boone County Journal coverage of Bill’s FOIA procedure question.

Look at 2nd portion of article:

The board member said July 3 that he didn’t think his constituent’s FOIA request was handled in a business-like manner.

While a county employee by law doesn’t have to be an appointed FOIA officer to respond to a request, he said more workers will be taking the one-hour training class. “This is what I was asking for and I believe it will be done,” he said.

Click on the following for more details:  Spring Township faces maintenance costs to save Johnson Road Bridge | Belvidere Daily Republican

Click on the photocopy to enlarge: 

 

The above article is available on-line at:  http://www.boonecountyjournal.com/news/2013/Boone-County-News-07-12-13.pdf#page=1

Has Chairman Walberg handled the appointment of a 3rd District Board Member in a reasonable manner?

HERE ARE SOME OF THE POSSIBLE ISSUES

Mr. Walberg says he sent out a press release regarding the opening on District #3 Board seat

But where is the press release—it was not put on the website.

Click on the photocopy to enlarge:

Take a look for yourself:  http://www.boonecountyil.org/pressreleases

When requested Mr. Walberg did supply the press release.  It was dated Wednesday, June 26, 2013.

Was there really enough time for one to reply based upon the Press Release?  The deadline was Sunday, June 30—is that even possible?  The Administrative Office are not open during the weekend. There was a matter of hours to apply.

The only apparent publication of the news release was in the Boone County Journal. It appeared in the June 28, 2013 Journal which did not hit news stands until late morning or PM on Friday. It is on the back page (page #16) under News Briefs

Employment Opportunities | Boone County, Illinois

 

Current Job Openings : 

Public Health Nurse

The Boone County Health Department is currently hiring a full-time Public Health Nurse to serve as a Maternal Child Health Case Manager in our Family Case Management and WIC Programs.  Must possess a strong desire to work with children and families.  Other duties include but are not limited to providing nursing care during our Immunization, Seasonal Flu, and School Physical clinics.  Bilingual in English/Spanish encouraged to apply.  Must be a registered nurse licensed to practice in Illinois.  Excellent working environment and great benefit package.  Paid holidays, weekends, and most evenings off.  Send resume to Amanda Mehl, Boone County Health Department, 1204 Logan Ave., Belvidere, IL 61008 or submit electronically to info@boonehealth.org    EOE

The above is from:  Employment Opportunities | Boone County, Illinois

Food Distribution Event July 22, 2013

UPDATE: Bill Pysson questions FOIA Procedures for Boone County

UPDATE:  Besides Mr. Terrinoini there are now four others administration personnel fully trained as FOIA officers.  The training took less than an hour.  The States Attorney is supplying  sample letters which could be used to transmit FOIA information or denial to requesters.

 

The following email was sent to Sub Committee Chairmen last Thursday.  The item is on the agenda for Monday’s Admin & Legislative Subcommittee which meets Monday, July 1, 2013 at 6:00PM,

 From: Bill Pysson
Sent: Thursday, June 27, 2013 12:16 PM
To: Karl Johnson; Ken Terrinoni; Denny Ellingson
Cc: Bob Walberg; Michelle Courier; ,
Subject: FOIA compliance by

Recent communications with the Building Department and the County Administrator have shocked me. Please review the documents which I have attached.

A denial of a Freedom of Information Request was sent to my constituent without informing him of his appeal rights by an employee (using the employee’s signature) and the employee is not trained in FOIA requirements.  I don’t understand how this is possible.

Additionally I received a statement from Mr. Terrinoni that according to the States Attorney that it is “not a violation to have a non FOIA trained personnel respond”.  I find that statement to be inconceivable and incompatible with the required training which board members and FOIA officers are required to complete by the Attorney General.

I request that the PZB Subcommittee, Administrative Subcommittee and/or other appropriate officials comply with the following requests:

1. Who is the FOIA officer for inquiries to the Building Department and Zoning Compliance Office? Are all the individuals named on the county’s website (http://www.boonecountyil.org/page/foia) fully FOIA trained?  (Quite naturally this request is not for any county department administered by an elected official.)

2. Provide an administrative review (by an employee who is fully FOIA trained as a FOIA officer) of all FOIA request which were answered by personnel not FOIA trained. Upon review provide whatever remedial action that is required. I request that a summary of the findings be submitted in writing to the county board.

3. Have our States Attorney provide (preferably in writing) a statement regarding county board members’ responsibilities in insuring that county departments (not supervised by an elected official) are complying with FOIA requirements. And possibly explain, Mr. Terrinoni’s email statement about when there is and when there is not a violation of the Freedom of Information Act.

I thank everyone in advance for their prompt response to these requests. 

Based upon previous requests, I am sending a copy of my request to the States Attorney but understand that I cannot expect a reply unless a subcommittee chairman or department head requests her opinion.  I trust that the information supplied warrants her assistance. 

BILL PYSSON

Boone County Board

The County Administrator has sent this response, dated June 28 but sent (by email) July 1. 

Click on the photocopy to enlarge: .

The following is taken from the Boone County website:  http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/government/FAQ_FOIA_Public.pdf

Click on the photocopy to enlarge: 

 

Here is the page on the Boone County Website which indicates FOIA Officers.(http://www.boonecountyil.org/page/foia)

Click on the photocopy to enlarge: 

Note that Roger Tresemer is listed as a FOIA Officer. According to Mr. Terrinoni’s memo above, Mr. Tresemer is not FOIA trained. 

Mr. Tresemer recently completed FOIA training.