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Dr. Dwight Mayberry, Lindenwood School Superintendent, addresses the board on Tuesday night. Mayberry and his school received the Illinois Recycling Association 2012 Outstanding Education Program Award. (Photo by Tina Ketter) |
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BY TINA KETTER
Editor
THE Ogle County Board considered a resolution Tuesday night that would give the Ogle County Board of Review (BOR) a portion of their salary the board voted in October of 2011 to eliminate.
The resolution called for adjusting their salaries from $2000 to $3000 and paying the members an additional $50 per hour when working on Exelon Nuclear assessments.
The county board reduced the salary from $4500 to $2000 in October of last year. County Board Chairman Jim Barnes sited the reason for the reduction to the BOR was due to the amount of time the board of review put in was minimal compared to the pay received.
In December long-time members Jerry Griffin and Paul Lower resigned from their positions. One of the reasons cited as lack of pay. Griffin thought the board mishandled the situation and felt it more appropriate to change salaries at the beginning of an appointment or term rather than mid-way thru the cycle.
Currently the BOR is comprised of Joe Yockey, who was appointed in May of 2011 and Robert Goodman of Byron and Thomas Lewandowski of Oregon. Goodman and Lewandowski were appointed to fill Griffin and Lower’s positions.
After discussing the pay raise, several board members asked the resolution be sent back to the Planning, Zoning and Supervisor of Assessments Committee. Board member Jason Bauer questioned the legality of the resolution. Several months ago it was brought up to pay per appeal and that was found to be illegal. Bauer questioned why paying per hour was any different.
Board member Skip Kenney was confused about the whole situation. “It smacks of political overtones since Day 1.” He went on say that what began as a couple people complaining resulted in the replacement of a long-standing chairman, adjusting the salaries of the remaining two, losing those members and now we are at this point.
Board members were also concerned who would approve the hourly expenses and how to control the expenses.
After discussion it was decided to send the resolution back to committee and revisit at the July meeting.
Eswood Grade School receives award
Joy Bliton, Ogle County Solid Waste, introduced Dr. Dwight Mayberry to the board. Mayberry is the Superintendent of Eswood Schools, a K-8 school of 100 students located in Lindenwood. Bliton has worked with Mayberry over the past several years to make Eswood a shining example of schools in Illinois and Ogle County for recycling. Eswood Schools recently received the Illinois Recycling Association, 2012 Outstanding Education Program Award.
Eswood School has formed recycling programs and has been working since 1996 to make the school more energy efficient. Recently they just unveiled their new wind turbine that will save the school around $1500 each month in energy costs.
Mayberry addressed the board and thanked them for their support over the years. He is retiring after 18 years as superintendent. Mayberry said “It is time for us to realize our earth is a gift. The education process needs to be there. We need to teach children so they can teach their children.”
In other news
The board voted unanimously to hire Mr. Spizzo of Vedder Price, Chicago office at their new labor attorney. Spizzo has experience with the Fraternal Order of Police Unions and was chosen after several interviews with candidates. Spizzo’s rates are $275 an hour plus one way travel expenses.
Appointments and Vacancies
The board unanimously approved the following appointments:
Kimberly Boyden was appointed to the Byron Museum District.
Paul Soderholm was appointed a regular member of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Jason Klaske was appointed alternate #2 for the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Laura Medlar was appointed to the Mental Health 708 Board.
The following vacancies were announced:
The Ogle County Civic Center Authority currently has five vacancies.
Lost Nation/New Landing RCD has one unexpired term that ends on April 20, 2013.
Application and resume deadline is Friday, July6 at 4:30 p.m. in the county clerk’s office located at 105 S. 5th Street, Suite 104, Oregon.
The next Ogle County Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the Ogle County Courthouse.
