[JULY 12, 2005] The Logan County Sheriff's Department applied
for and received two grants that have assisted with replacing and
adding computers in their vehicles. One grant was full coverage,
providing $44,000. The other was matching funds that provided
$17,000, and the county matched $1,900. The matching funds came out
of the sheriff's department expenses.
The computers provide immediate up-to-date assistance for deputies
when they are out in the field. The computers not only facilitate
and speed up work up by providing information in an efficient and
accurate manner, but often supply important facts in an instant that
serve to protect deputies and others in a hazardous situations.
Sheriff Nichols said the computers have been installed.
Finance chairman Chuck Ruben credited the sheriff for going after
the grants. "We would have had to do this anyway, and it saves the
county from paying out an additional $61,000 expense," he said.
"Thank you, Sheriff."
* * *
A new tax will be added to real estate transfers.
* * *
St. Paul's Travelers was awarded the general liability insurance
contract. Coverage cost is $192,000 and lasts to July 2006.
* * *
Experienced parliamentarian and board member Paul Gleason read
and reminded the board of procedures established in 1998 that the
board is to follow. A new resolution is to be read at the board of
the whole. Lengthy resolutions can be waived from second and third
readings by roll call. It is to be discussed on three occasions
before it can come to a vote.
Gleason said that in regard to what happens on Thursday evening
at the board-of-the-whole meeting, the Policies and Procedures I,
Part E reads:
All
resolutions and ordinances presented for deliberation and passage
shall be read in public at a regularly scheduled
committee-of-the-whole meeting of the board prior to the vote being
taken on such resolution or ordinance or the next regularly
scheduled adjorned [adjourned] meeting. All matters should be taken
to committee or board study committee prior to vote unless said
review by committee or study committee is waived by the
board-of-the-whole. In the case of an exceptionally long or
complicated resolution or ordinance or for other reasons, such as
emergency or urgent circumstances, and where the opportunity to
review such resolution or ordinance has been afforded to all members
of the board prior to vote being taken, a proper motion may be made
to waive the reading of such resolution or ordinance may be made and
if seconded and passes will waive the requirement for such
reading. This waiver provision should be used sparingly and with
caution and only in exceptional cases.
All votes on
resolutions and ordinances shall be by roll call vote.
Gleason pointed out that the practice provides an opportunity for
board members to think things over and the public to have a chance
to hear about it.
He chastened that the board had deviated from this procedure in
recent history and they need to return to it.
The reminder delayed a vote on a change in the liquor ordinance
in the June session.
* * *
Buildings and grounds chairman John Stewart said that he has
heard comments that some people have thought the parks abandoned.
They're not, he assures. Labor has just been focused on getting some
extra work done around the courthouse and new playground equipment
assembled. Regular maintenance will soon resume in the parks.
The Rotary Club has stepped up to assist. They are donating all
the timbers and labor to complete the playground project.
* * *
Airport chairman Bill Sahs and county coordinator Dewey Colter
met with representatives of the Illinois Department of
Transportation, Aeronautics Division, at the airport and went over
safety procedures that are being implemented at small airports as
part of homeland security efforts. General aviation brochures are
available for pilots. A new electronic vehicle access gate will be
added to the grounds. Bloomington added a gate to access private
planes two years ago.
* * *
Elkhart has activities scheduled every day for their
sesquicentennial July 21-24.
The Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival will be Aug. 26, 27 and 28.
