The agenda for the November 20, 2013 County Board Meeting and Budget Hearing are available at: http://www.boarddocs.com/il/boone/Board.nsf/Public
As Bill sees it the major issues decided are as follows:
1. Re-vote of the Josipovic Special Use request for parking of semi-cab and truck near Candlewick. See the proposed zoning ordinance:: https://www.boarddocs.com/il/boone/Board.nsf/files/9DGMGC579751/$file/ORD%2013-25%20Special%20Use%20for%20Parking%20Semi-Trailer_201311150853.pdf See newspaper coverage of the issue at: Truck parking issue returns to county board by clicking on the following: http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-belvidere-daily-republican-featured_19.html Bill voted “NO” on this re-vote and the zoning request did not pass.
2. Discuss and vote on spending $40,000 for a consultant to negotiate prisoner fees with U.S. Marshall Office. For the newspaper account go to County seeks more money for housing federal prisoners at: http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-belvidere-daily-republican-featured.html Bill felt that insufficient research and reference checking was done on the Summerill firm and questioned the large sum being expended. Bill moved to send the issue back to subcommittee to review the firm’s references. This motion was denied 2-10. The board approved the contract but amended the contact so it would not be effective until 12-4-2013 and is now subject to review of references etc. by the county staff. Bill was the lone vote in opposition to the contract.
3. FY 2014 budget approved. There was some interesting discussion on several items. . Bill voted “no” for the budget itself. Several board members spoke of “unfair” raises to non-union personnel . Bill agreed with their statements. In addition Bill spoke out that the budget is concealing expenses that are anticipated and will occur. More specifically, the board will purchase more than two squad cars for the Sheriff’s Department even though only two are budgeted. These additional cars should be budgeted . The vote was 8-4 for the budget. For the newspaper account go to: http://www.rrstar.com/article/20131120/NEWS/131129916/0/SEARCH or http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2013/11/boone-county-leaders-pass-balanced.html
4. Action on Tollway exit at Irene Road. (Northwest ramp) Bill voted “YES”. The vote was 10-2 in favor. See for the story: http://www.rrstar.com/article/20131121/NEWS/131129829/0/SEARCH or http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2013/11/boone-leaders-approve-land-purchase-for.html
5. The Tootsie Roll crisis has been solved. See earlier the story, Committee recommends another change to food code, [Belvidere Daily Republican] at: http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-belvidere-daily-republican-featured.html Boone County Health Code was amended no health permit will be required to distribute or sell factory wrapped food products. The exact wording of the ordinance mirrors the wording of Winnebago County’s ordinance. Board member, Ron Wait, was instrumental in getting this issue resolved in a reasonable manner—no fee—no permit from the Health Department..This revised ordinance passed by voice vote.
6. Take as look at what happened at Tuesday’s 11-26-2013 Zoning Board of Appeals. See above posting or click on the following: http://boonecountywatch.blogspot.com/2013/11/zoning-board-of-appeals-meeting-tuesday.html
