- Judicial/Public Safety Committee
Regular Meeting
02/17/15, 8:15 am
Location: Room 3500B - Economic Development Committee
Regular Meeting
02/17/15, 8:45 am
Location: Room 3500A - Public Works Committee
Regular Meeting
02/17/15, 9:15 am
Location: Room 3500B - Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)
LEPC Meeting
02/17/15, 10:00 am
Location: DuPage County Local Emergency Planning Committee - Transportation Committee
Regular Meeting
02/17/15, 10:00 am
Location: Room 3500B
Monday, February 16, 2015
This Week's Meetings
Friday, February 13, 2015
Questions Arise About 116.4 Million Dollars Savings from DuPage County's ACT Initiative
During the February 10 DuPage County Strategic Planning committee meeting, several questions and comments arose with regards to the savings from the ACT Initiative. For example, the elimination of the DuPage County Water Commission sales tax was done by legislation. Senate Bill 580 (Public Act 96-1389) was signed into law on July 30, 2010. The ACT Initiative was introduced in May of 2012. Although former Senator Dan Cronin,current DuPage County Chairman, sponsored the legislation, this legislation is not part of the ACT Initiative and should not be presented as such.
It is almost impossible to project savings out 20 years when we have no idea as to what the financial or political climate will be, "I am not comfortable throwing out numbers that have risen from 80 million to 100 million to 116.4 million," I said. I asked for an audit or something from our financial department that shows two years of savings and exactly where these savings came from.
We learned the projected savings numbers are based on budgeted numbers, not actual numbers. We have based savings on manufactured budget numbers rather than what was actually spent. Staff has been given direction to run the savings on actual numbers. My colleague Brian Krajewski said "we don't want to fool anybody," and I agree.
It is almost impossible to project savings out 20 years when we have no idea as to what the financial or political climate will be, "I am not comfortable throwing out numbers that have risen from 80 million to 100 million to 116.4 million," I said. I asked for an audit or something from our financial department that shows two years of savings and exactly where these savings came from.
We learned the projected savings numbers are based on budgeted numbers, not actual numbers. We have based savings on manufactured budget numbers rather than what was actually spent. Staff has been given direction to run the savings on actual numbers. My colleague Brian Krajewski said "we don't want to fool anybody," and I agree.
Monday, February 9, 2015
Governor Rauner Visits DuPage County
While not really knowing what to expect from Governor Rauner's first official visit to DuPage County I thought it was important that I attend. The event was held in my district and I was eager to hear what the Governor had to say about the State and more importantly, DuPage County. The funny thing was, DuPage County was not mentioned once in the speech. No talk of working with the elected officials in DuPage County to make sure our constituents needs are met or what plans he has for DuPage. Unlike in the State of the State Address, today's speech was void of any talk or praise about DuPage County's ACT Initiative.
What was mentioned in the speech many times was Texas, Wisconsin and Indiana. Are these the states we want to emulate? I certainly do not wish that, but I feel that is going to be the fate of our State.
"We are going to be the greatest state in the country, ready to compete with Texas and Wisconsin." - Bruce Rauner
Workmen's compensation, trial lawyer's, unemployment, liability systems and conflict of interest were hot topics.
Although the governor said he will not advocate for Right to Work and his grandfather was a "union guy", he did talk about "Employment Empowerment Zones". Don't let that fool you, "Employment Empowerment Zones" targets unions and prevailing wage.
Education was touched upon. The Governor wants to reward good teachers and pay them based on performance. I did like and agree with the Governor about bringing vocational training back to our high schools.
The Governor ended his speech asking that we all get behind him and support his agenda, talk to our neighbors, knock on doors and even go to Springfield to help him fulfill this mission. Although there were a few things that I agreed with and could support, I can't support his agenda; I will be taking a pass on that request.
What was mentioned in the speech many times was Texas, Wisconsin and Indiana. Are these the states we want to emulate? I certainly do not wish that, but I feel that is going to be the fate of our State.
"We are going to be the greatest state in the country, ready to compete with Texas and Wisconsin." - Bruce Rauner
Workmen's compensation, trial lawyer's, unemployment, liability systems and conflict of interest were hot topics.
Although the governor said he will not advocate for Right to Work and his grandfather was a "union guy", he did talk about "Employment Empowerment Zones". Don't let that fool you, "Employment Empowerment Zones" targets unions and prevailing wage.
Education was touched upon. The Governor wants to reward good teachers and pay them based on performance. I did like and agree with the Governor about bringing vocational training back to our high schools.
The Governor ended his speech asking that we all get behind him and support his agenda, talk to our neighbors, knock on doors and even go to Springfield to help him fulfill this mission. Although there were a few things that I agreed with and could support, I can't support his agenda; I will be taking a pass on that request.
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Vaccinations DuPage County
This morning I spoke before the DuPage County Board of Health about my concerns regarding the increase of parents that are not vaccinating their children. I asked that the Health Department run public service announcements about the benefits vs the risks of vaccination. Today only two states do not allow parents to claim religious or philosophical exemptions; however, all states only allow for medical exemptions. I believe that DuPage County needs to be a leader on this issue and call for no religious or philosophical exemptions and add this to their Legislative Agenda. I hope the DuPage County Board of Health would support such legislation.
On April 18, 2014, I had expressed similar concerns and you can read my comments here.
On April 18, 2014, I had expressed similar concerns and you can read my comments here.
Sunday, February 1, 2015
East Branch DuPage River Watershed Resiliency Strategies Meeting
RESILIENC Y STRATEGIES FOR DUPAGE COUNTY
February 5, 2015
WHEN: TIME:
WHERE:
Thursday, February 5, 2015 7:00 to 8:00 P.M.
Wheaton City Hall 303 West Wesley Street Wheaton, IL 60187
The April 2013 flood put a strain on local communities, especially along the East Branch DuPage River. To ensure this area is protected in the future, DuPage County has an ongoing effort to make the area more resilient for severe weather. Join DuPage County, East Branch municipalities and other partners to discuss resiliency strategies, sustainable development and natural resource enhancements. Also, learn how you can help to better your community now and in the future. This event is open to the public.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣-407-6706 to request a survey or submit your feedback online at:
www.surveymonkey.com/s/DPCResilience
Friday, January 30, 2015
DuPage Convalescent Center Encourages Community to Send Valentines Wishes to Residents
For Immediate Release
Jan. 29, 2015
DuPage Convalescent Center Encourages Community
to Send Valentines Wishes to Residents
Wheaton – The DuPage Convalescent Center is offering the community an opportunity to send Valentine wishes to residents who reside at the facility.
Last year, more than 800 heart-shaped helium balloons decorated the corridors and rooms of the Center on Valentine’s Day. Volunteers and staff delivered the balloons to the more than 350 residents living at the Center, brightening the day and bringing lots of smiles along the way.
“We look forward to continuing this tradition again this year,” said Robert Larsen, DuPage County Health and Human Services chairman. “Every year, Valentine’s Day gives us an additional opportunity to warm the hearts of the many elderly and disabled individuals who live here in our community.”
Balloons will be delivered to residents on Friday, Feb. 13.
By making a donation of $3 per balloon, members of the community can help spread cheer to our residents on Valentine’s Day. Donations will be accepted until Thursday, Feb. 12, and may be sent to: DuPage Convalescent Center, Attn: Valentine Balloons, 400 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187.
Funds from the sale of balloons will benefit the Resident Recreation Fund, which provides programs and activities to improve the quality of life of residents living at the Center. For more information, please call Linda Gray at (630) 784-4303.
###
Johnna Kelly
Public Information Officer
DuPage County
421 N. County Farm Road
Wheaton, IL 60187
Office Phone: (630) 407-6022
Thursday, January 29, 2015
DuPage County Animal Control
By Robert Sanchez - Daily Herald
Some current and former DuPage County Animal Care and Control staff members and volunteers are voicing concerns with what they called the termination of the agency's veterinary administrator and the county's perceived lack of a plan to ensure the shelter can operate without him.
County officials confirmed last week that Dr. Todd Faraone no longer works there. A county spokesman on Tuesday declined to discuss the reason for Faraone's departure.
Former and current employees and volunteers told county board members Tuesday that the shelter needs help now that Faraone is gone.
You can read the full story here.
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