The purpose of this report is to provide information and to aid in government transparency.
Planning and Development: I attended January 17. (A) Environmental Grants: I moved the approval of 13 environmental grants totaling $181,893 approved unanimously by the committee. Three grants totaling $45,000 went to municipalities in District Three. These included Hamel, Highland, and New Douglas each for $15,000. (B) I argued for and moved the Resolution Authorizing Madison County Soil and Conservation District for FY 2019 which passed unanimously. (C) I argued and voted for the Heartland Conservancy for Storm Water and Floodplain Management Consulting Services FY 2019 which passed unanimously.
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Highland News: (A) Appointments: I voted for appointment of Laurie Plocher to the Madison County Health Advisory Committee and Roddy Riggs the Tri-Township Water District Board. (B) The approval of the Soil Conservation District and Heartland Conservancy Resolutions will people with Highland mailing addresses in District Three with flooding and erosion problems.
Hamel News: Working with Mayor Bloemker I opposed a request for solar array along IL 157 and Il 140. Summit Ridge withdrew their proposal. No citizens were for this solar project.
Worden News: Working with Mayor Hall I opposed a request for a solar array on the outskirts of Worden. Summit Ridge withdrew their request. No citizens were for this solar project.
Tax Cycle Committee: (A) Quadrennial Assessments: In an effort to better serve the citizens of Madison County Joe Dauderman Chief Assessor is considering realignment of the Quadrennial Assessment. Currently, the Quad is unbalanced leading to personnel issues. He will report to the committee on feasibility and cost savings. (B) GIS Fees Some Real estate concerns want Madison County GIS information to be provided for free to them. Current GIS fees provide a revenue stream for the county. Initial research shows no Illinois Counties in the Metro East provide this information for free. The committee asked staff to research the issue. (C) Recorder Fee Schedule: The Committee requested a review of the recorder’s Fee Schedule to ensure we are within new state guidelines.
Facilities Committee: ADA The Recorder raised the issue of ensuring compliance for her office to ADA standards. I am for compliance but a current request for money included many for new office furniture for her staff and carpeting over and above the county standard. I will vote for any changes to ensure ADA access. However, the county has a great surplus of ‘good used’ office furniture and a standard operating procedure for cost effective replacement of carpeting. So this portion of the request needs close scrutiny. It appears the project can be completed for approximately $8,500 rather than a proposed $25,000.
Respectfully submitted,
Philip W. Chapman
County Board District Three
