The new ordinance is 16 pages long and is available at the following: https://www.boarddocs.com/il/boone/Board.nsf/files/92YTVD793001/$file/Ordinance%2012-40.pdf
Thus far there are four possible amendments to the ordinance: https://www.boarddocs.com/il/boone/Board.nsf/files/92XRJY6E2BA8/$file/add'l%20floor%20motions%20for%20Ord%2012-40.pdf
As of 2:39PM, 12-19-2012 these floor motions are being suggested by members of the Boone County Board concerning the text amendment regarding wind farms.
Floor Motions for
ORDINANCE NO. 12-40
#1.
4.8.7.H(7) From a gas pipeline or hazardous liquid pipeline, underground water main or easements for such utilities: Three times (3x) the WECS tower height.
Change to:
4.8.7.H(7) From easements for a gas pipeline, hazardous liquid pipeline and underground water main: Three times (3x) the WECS tower height.
#2.
4.8.13.E(3) Adjustments to the financial assurance amount that reflect changes in the decommissioning costs and salvage values shall be submitted every five years and shall be adjusted for inflation and other factors. The escrow account shall be adjusted accordingly within six months of receiving the updated information as determined by an Illinois professional engineer.
Change to:
4.8.13.E(13) Adjustments to the financial assurance amount that reflect changes in the decommissioning costs and salvage values shall be submitted every five years and shall be adjusted for inflation and other factors. The escrow account shall be adjusted accordingly within six months of receiving the updated information as determined by an Illinois professional engineer. Failure to provide financial assurance as outlined herein shall be considered a cessation of operation.
#3.
4.8.7.H(7) From easements for a gas pipeline, hazardous liquid pipeline and underground water main: Three times (3x) the WECS tower height.
Change to:
4.8.7.H(7) From easements for a gas pipeline, hazardous liquid pipeline and underground water main: Three times (3x) or 1500 feet, whichever is greater, of the WECS tower height.
#4.
4.8.7.H(2) From non-participating property lines: Three times (3x) the WECS tower height from non-participating property line. The distance shall be measured from the point of the property line closest to the WECS tower-foundation. The owner of the property may waive this setback requirement but in no case shall a WECS tower be located closer to a property line than 1,200 feet. The applicant does not need to obtain a variance from the county upon waiver by either the county or property owner of this setback requirement. Any waiver of this setback shall run with the land and be recorded as part of the chain of title in the deed of the subject property.
Change to:
4.8.7.H(2) From non-participating property lines: Three times (3x) the WECS tower height from non-participating property line. The distance shall be measured from the point of the property line closest to the WECS tower-foundation. The owner of the property may waive this setback requirement but in no case shall a WECS tower be located closer to a property line than 1,200 feet. The applicant does not need to obtain a variance from the county upon waiver by the property owner of this setback requirement. Any waiver of this setback shall run with the land and be recorded as part of the chain of title in the deed of the subject property.
#5
4.8.7.H(5);
4.8.7.H(6);
4.8.7.H(7); (on all three ordinances add the words) or 1,500 feet, whichever is greater in each sentence that reads:
Three times (3x) the WECS tower height.
ALL 3 AMENDMENTS WILL THEN HAVE A SENTENCE THAT WILL READ:
Three times (3x) or 1500 feet, whichever is greater, the WECS tower height.
Advocacy
Governmental Relations and Legislation
IACBMC serves as the official voice of Illinois county government in Springfield. On behalf of member counties, the Association communicates and advocates positions in the legislative and regulatory arenas at the state level.
Legislative Representation
One of IACBMC's primary responsibilities is to represent the collective interest of its member counties before the Illinois General Assembly and the state elected and administrative offices. The Association's legislative policy is set by its members and reflected in the official issues platform which is revised annually. IACBMC staff coordinates testimony before legislative committees, prepares amendments and meets with legislators and their staff regularly.
Legislative Tracking
In an average year, one in every five bills introduced in the Legislature affects county government. IACBMC staff review all bills introduced in the General Assembly. Based on the annual platform and action by the Board of Directors, the Association's legislative consultant and executive director present the county viewpoint during the legislative session. The Association supports legislation which will materially assist counties in their daily operations and opposes bills which would seriously hinder their abilities to govern themselves or that mandate additional costs.
Legislative Committee
The IACBMC Legislative Committee meets as needed during Session to advice staff on policy direction. The committee, which consists of representatives of each member county, has been given authority by the Board of Directors to set legislative direction in those instances where the annual platform is silent, legislative circumstances have changed or quick action is needed.
Legislative Reports
During the hectic pace of legislative sessions, county officials and legislators alike value the "Counties at the Capitol" legislative bulletin for its timeliness and content. The publication is e-mailed periodically during Session to inform members of the status of bills of county interest and current legislative developments. Special editions of the bulletin are published during non-session months as issues of significant county interest arise. Members without e-mail may request a fax version.
Legislative Summary
Published annually at the close of Illinois' legislative session. Summarizes bills passed by the General Assembly and acted upon by the Governor. Includes brief descriptions of each bill and its implications.
Above is take from: http://www.ilcounty.org/news/8-1.html
The Illinois Association of County Board Members and Commissioners, also known as the Illinois Association of County Board Members & Commissioners, is a government sector lobbying association in Illinois. It is one of three Illinois chapters of the National Association of Counties. The other two are the Metro Counties of Illinois and the United Counties Council of Illinois.
The Illinois Association of County Board Members has lobbying representation from Anderson Legislative Consulting.[1] The Association advocates legislative and regulatory policy positions before the Illinois General Assembly and the state elected and administrative offices.[2] The Association's legislative consultant and executive director present the county viewpoint during the legislative session. These positions are considered the "collective interest of its member counties."[2] These legislative policies are set by its members and published annually in the official issues platform.
IACBMC staff review bills introduced in the General Assembly, summarizing relevant legislation in the association's "Counties at the Capitol" bulletin, which is available to county officials and legislators.[2] The IACBMC Legislative Committee also meets as needed during Session to advise staff on policy direction. The committee, which consists of representatives of each member county, has authority by the Board of Directors to set legislative direction in those instances where the annual platform is silent or quick action is needed.[2]
Year
Total Expenses
Total Income
Membership dues
(included in Total Income)
2006[3]
$98,495
$121,629
$78,413
2005[4]
$89,192
$125,358
$76,580
2004[5]
$83,474
$106,319
$67,605
Note: Tax years begin September 1 in the current year and end August 31 the following year.
The Illinois Association of County Board Members and Commissioners supported a bill in 2006 which would allow counties to pass smoking bans. The bill passed. [6]
The organization's executive director at the time said
"We feel that local officials have the right and responsibility to deal with matters of public health and safety [...] This would allow the counties to determine by public support and local policy if that's what their community desires to do."[7]
The Illinois Association of County Board Members sponsors the Annual Partners in Planning Conference, which features trainings sessions, panel discussions, and leadership-building activities on issues such as:[8]
IACBMC distributes publications geared towards county officials and the general public on county government and its activities. The association also works to make the media more aware of the issues and positions of county government through press releases and reports.[9]
Through pooling and service negotiation, the association provides purchasing programs allowing for significant savings to counties. Such services include the Counties of Illinois Risk Management Agency (CIRMA) and the John Deere Equipment program.[9]
The association recognizes state legislators it sees as showing consistent support to counties' perspective in legislation with a Legislator of the Year award.[10] [9] It also runs a joint program with the University of Illinois, the Institute for Excellence in County Government, which produces Certified County Officials. Certification includes proficiency in:[11] [9]
Read more: http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/Illinois_Association_of_County_Board_Members#ixzz2FWtryvkC
Also see information on the Democratic Caucus
Written by Bob Balgemann
…was a lengthy process because he worked to be sure board members were placed on the committees they wanted. Each of the five newly elected board members was selected to chair or to serve as vice chair of a committee.
Carlson at Democratic meeting…..
Click on the following to read all of these story: Carlson, a member of the township board of trustees who is not seeking re-election, said she found it unusual that she would be singled out when others also stayed for the party’s business meeting. In addition, she said the meeting was held in a public building.
….here are the subsidy amounts per megawatt hour: gas, oil and coal receive 64 cents each, hydropower 82 cents, nuclear $3.14, wind $56.29 and solar $775.64….
Click on the following to read the entire letter to the editor: Letter: Wind power not so great an opportunity - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
The article states the "vast majority" of people are in favor of this. I would say just the opposite. I guess it all depends on your address in the county.
— Brad Fidder, Boone County District 1
Click on the following to read the entire letter: Letter: Most people are not in favor of wind farms - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
Here are the four comments which Mr. Fidder’s article generated:
Comments (4)
Hard to imagine where you must be doing your surveys. It is hard to find people anywhere who can't see the benefits of wind farms. Of course there are always a few uninformed people but for the most part wind energy is highly thought of.
fender
Yeah I'm against clean energy because I would rather have a Nuke plant in my backyard!
JRM_CommonSense
The people against wind farms are worried that all of those rotating blades will upset the stability of the earth, which is flat, and they will all slide off.
popeye77
'You can't fix stupid.' Forrest Gump
….We also believe the farmers who have agreed to have wind turbines on their land have a right to harvest the wind as much as they have a right to harvest the crops in the ground.
Jobs, tax revenue and an investment in alternative energy are good reasons to support wind power. We hope County Board members agree.
Read the entire editorial by clicking on the following: Our View: Time for Boone County to embrace wind power - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
