Board Considers Referendum to Reduce Size of County Board

By Tom Kocal

Mt. Carroll ­ During the State's Attorney/Finance committee report at the Feb. 19 Carroll County Board meeting, Kevin Reibel (D-1) said they are considering placing a referendum on the Nov. 2010 ballot for the reduction of the county board size. At the committee meeting Feb. 11, SA Scott Brinkmeier distributed a copy of the Counties Code that deals with Reapportionment for counties under 3 million in population. Brinkmeier explained that the board had to review this every 10 years to determine the board size. The next review is set for 2011 for the 2012 general election. The code provides for an advisory referendum whereby either the county board by ordinance, or by a petition of the voters of the county, can place the issue of the size of the County Board to the voters as an advisory referendum only. There is currently a bill in the legislature to make the referendum results binding instead of advisory. Reibel said the committee decided to have the matter brought to the Board for review in June of 2010.

The Board approved the resolution to "memorialize the changes adopted by the County Board at the January Board meeting regarding the cost study analysis for fees in the County Clerk/recorder's office.

In the Finance committee portion of Reibel's report, he stated that due to the economic conditions in Carroll County, Charles Lease of the Veteran's Assistance Commission (VAC) said that he has noticed an increase in activity in the office, which may have an impact on the budget. Lease will provide VAC budget adjustments at the next committee meeting for further review and consideration. "This is something we will keep a close eye on," Reibel said.

Ron Preston (D-2) reported on the Sheriff/Property committee, saying that the Courthouse Beautification project received a cost estimate that provided an inspection report to determine the extent of the exterior work to repair deficiencies on the courthouse soffits, frieze molds, window casings, gutters and other trim, before they advertise for bids to complete the work, estimated to be around $2,900.

Edie Block (D-3) reported for the Zoning & County Services committee. They will seek approval for a Fire Protection District Data Sharing agreement for digital GIS sharing with Jo Daviess County at the March Board meeting.

Michael Doty, CC Administrator, reported on the Tri-County Economic Development Alliance (TCEDA) Transportation Surveys being distributed. He said they are hoping for a 2 to 5% county response.

"Think of not only your transportation needs now, but your possible future needs. Will there be means of transportation for you if you should lose your license due to failing vision, for example."

Block said the County Zoning Ordinances are currently being reviewed, starting with the Ag-1 in particular. "We have had considerable discussion about the wind tower portion, and the size of lot parcels in the Ag-1 districts. That discussion will be very interesting. We have six people on the committee with six different opinions. It could go on for awhile."

In a report from the Highway Committee, Sharon Hook (D-2) made a request from the Animal Control Department to re-direct animal control capital spending. There was a request for $1500 to purchase a custom-made live transport. The dept. would prefer to purchase live traps and a tranquilizer gun instead, since they could transport animals in the traps. The request was approved unanimously.

The board also approved the Cherry Grove-Shannon Twp. Bridge petition, and a Joint Bridge Agreement with Ogle County.

A request for a joint purchasing salt requisition with the State of Illinois that came in too late for the Highway committee to approve was approved. There was a deadline to consider, so the board approved the requisition for 2,600 tons of road salt.

Hook also said that the Highway committee will schedule their meetings for 1:00, beginning in March. They tried for 3:00 meetings, but feel the 1:00 time is best.

Joyce Schubert (D-3) reported that the Blackhawk Hills RC&D, on behalf of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) had submitted a list of shovel-ready Carroll County projects for inclusion in potential Stimulus Bill funding. CEDS is also planning "educational meetings" with Carroll County legislators. New officers have been elected for CEDS, with Nina Cooper, Mt. Carroll as President, Daryl Johnson, Shannon, Vice-President, and Tom Kocal, Lanark, Treasurer. CEDS will meet the 3rd Wed. of the month, rather than quarterly, as of March 18.

Quorum standards of county board committees were discussed. There has been disputes about what number of board members represent a quorum. There are 5 person committees, with the Board chairman added as an ex-officio member so that if needed, the chairman could be added in order to create a quorum. A wording change from "shall" be added to "may" be added will alleviate any questions, and will be addressed after being formally changed by the State's Attorney.

The Board entered into executive session to discuss collective bargaining and personnel, then re-entered regular session, taking no further action.

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