21 Dec 2015

Governor Announces Appointments 12/18/2015

By Catherine Kelly

CHICAGO - Governor Bruce Rauner announced today he has made appointments to the Illinois Labor Relations Board and the Illinois Arts Council.

Name: John Hartnett

Position: Chairman - Illinois Labor Relations Board

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has reappointed John Hartnett as the Chairman of the Illinois Labor Relations Board (ILRB). He has served as the board's chairman since 2012. Hartnett has an extensive background in labor relations from his time as a state employee and as a consultant in labor negotiations.

For 26 years, Hartnett served as a labor relations manager at Central Management Services and then at the Illinois Department of Human Services. In these positions, he administered the labor relations program for the agency. In 2003, he joined JHDH, Inc. as Vice President. It is a negotiation and labor relations consulting firm that represents employers in the public and private sectors.

In addition to his time in the private sector, Hartnett was a senior associate at the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois, where he provided leadership education and management development to elected officials of local governments. In addition, he was an adjunct professor at the University of Illinois-Springfield in the School of Public Administration until 2012.

Hartnett earned his bachelor's degree and master's degree from Western Illinois University. He lives in Springfield.

 

Illinois Arts Council Appointments

Christina Gidwitz

Tim Touhy

William Brattain*

Peggy Montes*

Cecilia Rodhe*

Howard Tullman*

 

*denotes reappointment

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18 Dec 2015

Governor Takes Bill Action 12/17/2015

By Catherine Kelly

CHICAGO - Governor Bruce Rauner took action today on the following bills:

Bill No.: HB 500

An Act Concerning Regulation

Action: Signed

Effective: December 31, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 155

An Act Concerning Civil Law

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 1380

An Act Concerning Local Government

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 1596

An Act Concerning Local Government

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

 

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16 Dec 2015

HOLIDAY CLOSING - CHRISTMAS - CITY OF DAVENPORT

By Rick Martin
City of Davenport will observe the Christmas holiday on Thursday, December 24th and Friday, December 25th.

All City of Davenport & Public Works offices will be closed.

Police Department front desk, lobby area and records office will be closed.

Library Main, Fairmount and Eastern branches will be closed.

River's Edge facility will be OPEN until 5pm on Thursday, December 24th and CLOSED Friday, December 25th.

Vander Veer Conservatory will be closed.

Adler Theatre box office will be OPEN Thursday, December 24th and CLOSED Friday, December 25th.

No charge to park at parking ramps: Redstone (101 Main St), RiverCenter (102 East Second St), Harrison Street (202 Harrison St)

CitiBus service WILL BE provided for part of the day on Christmas Eve, December 24th. Buses will be off the street and in the garage by 3:00pm.

CitiBus service WILL NOT be provided on Friday, December 25th.

Compost Facility will be closed. Reminder - Compost Facility is now closed on weekends.

Solid waste collection is normal Monday, December 21st through Thursday, December 24th.

No collection on Friday, December 25th. Friday collection will be one day late with collection occuring on Saturday, December 26th.

Please refer to the solid waste collection calendar for the holiday schedule and more information.

Residents may set out 3 extra bags of garbage next to their carts, without stickers, on their garbage day during the period of Saturday, December 26th - Thursday, December 31st

If you have questions please contact Tiffany Thompson at 563-888-2066 or tthompson@ci.davenport.ia.us

Please visit www.cityofdavenportiowa.com or www.davenporttoday.com for additional City news and events.
15 Dec 2015

Fifteen Iowa Cities Receive $9.1 Million in Low-Interest State Revolving Fund Loans for Water Quality Initiatives

By Ashley Jared

State Revolving Fund Assists Cities with Moving Water Quality Projects Forward

 

Des Moines - Fifteen Iowa cities will benefit from a combined total of more than $9.1 million in low-cost water quality loans through the State Revolving Fund. State Revolving Fund Construction Loans are a low-cost construction financing option available for Iowa cities and municipalities for water quality initiatives. Planning & Design Loans are zero percent loans that assist with the first-phase of project expenses. The Iowa Finance Authority and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources jointly administer the State Revolving Fund in Iowa.

"The State Revolving Fund provided low-cost financing for water quality infrastructure improvements benefiting one million Iowans in last fiscal year alone." said Iowa Finance Authority Executive Director Dave Jamison. "The fifteen Iowa cities that most recently received low-cost financing join more than 500 other Iowa cities in recognizing the State Revolving Fund as their best choice for financing of their water quality initiatives."

"Quality water is fundamental to protecting Iowans' health as well as Iowa's natural resources," said Iowa Department of Natural Resources Director Chuck Gipp. "The State Revolving Fund is an important resource for Iowa communities as they face a wide-array of water quality improvement needs."

The State Revolving Fund has awarded Iowa communities and municipalities more than $2.5 billion in Construction Loans and $130 million through Planning & Design Loans since the program's inception.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides annual capitalization grants to states. Leveraged bonds and loan repayments expand the reach of the federal investment. More than $3.00 in assistance has been leveraged for Iowa water quality projects for every $1.00 of federal funds.

More information is available at IowaSRF.com.

The Iowa Legislature created The Iowa Finance Authority in 1975 to undertake programs to assist in the attainment of low- and moderate-income Iowans. IFA also administers the State Revolving Fund (SRF) in partnership with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The SRF assists communities with the costs of upgrading or constructing local wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects.

 

Recent Loan Recipients:

 

Loan Recipient

County

Amount

Project Type

Contact

Newhall

Benton

$2,671,000

Sewer Treatment Improvements

Keri Touro: 319-223-5709

Aplington

Butler

$1,020,000

Drinking Water Storage

Deb Prier: 319-347-2425

Granger

Dallas, Polk

$406,000

Storm Water Runoff, Stream Restoration, Sponsored Project

Kristy Trzeciak: 515-999-2210

Ryan

Delaware

$282,000

Drinking Water Well

Natalie Tucker: 563-932-2051

Wahpeton

Dickinson

$107,500

Drinking Water - Planning & Design

Bonnie Roberts: 712-337-3522

Dike

Grundy

$200,000

Sewer - Planning & Design

Patti Freese: 319-989-2291

Little Sioux

Harrison

$102,000

Drinking Water Treatment Improvements

DeEtte West: 712-649-2211

Spragueville

Jackson

$250,000

Sewer Treatment Improvements

Elizabeth Portz: 563-689-6162

Letts

Louisa

$600,000

Sewer Infiltration & Inflow Corrections

Karen Koope: 319-726-3251

Winterset

Madison

$1,400,000

Sewer Treatment Improvements

Mark Nitchals: 515-462-1422

Osage

Mitchell

$96,500

Sewer - Planning & Design

Cathy Penney: 641-732-3709

Harris

Osceola

$192,000

Sewer - Planning & Design

Holly Wilson: 712-832-0094

Underwood

Pottawattamie

$313,000

Sewer Lift Station & Force Main

Jill Willard: 712-566-2373

Tama

Tama

$1,037,000

Sewer Infiltration & Inflow Corrections

Judy Welch: 641-484-3822

Blakesburg

Wapello

$450,000

Sewer Infiltration & Inflow Corrections

Roberta Leffler: 641-938-2413


$9,127,000
14 Dec 2015

Governor Announces Appointments 12/11/2015

By Catherine Kelly

CHICAGO - Governor Bruce Rauner announced today he has made appointments at the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and the Illinois Finance Authority. He also reappointed the Kane County Public Guardian and Administrator.

 

Name: Kreg Allison

Position: Director of the Division of Real Estate - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

Governor Bruce Rauner will appoint Kreg Allison to become the next Director of the Division of Real Estate for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Allison's experience in real estate and managing a large government operation make him the ideal candidate for the position.

Allison is currently Senior Counsel for Avison Young. Avison Young is the world's fastest-growing commercial real estate services firm with more than 2,100 real estate professionals operating out of 73 offices in five countries.

Prior to joining Avison Young, Allison served as the Administrator and Chief Legal Officer for the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts in Cincinnati, Ohio. During his tenure there, Allison managed the largest Clerk of Courts office in the State of Ohio with more than 300 employees and a $15 million annual budget.

Allison earned a law degree and MBA from The Ohio State University, and his bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University. He lives in Chicago.

 

Name: Lyle McCoy

Position: Board Member - Illinois Finance Authority

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Lyle McCoy to the Illinois Finance Authority. He brings nearly 40 years of experience in finance and banking to the board.

McCoy is the former Managing Director of BMO Capital Markets where he was the head of public finance and infrastructure. He spent more than 30 years working for the company in a variety of roles.

McCoy earned his bachelor's degree from Queen's University and holds an MBA from York University; both universities are in Canada. He lives in Lake Forest.

 

Name: Diana Law

Position: Kane County Public Guardian and Administrator

Governor Bruce Rauner has reappointed Diana Law as the Kane County Public Guardian and Administrator. She has served in the position since 2012. Law has dedicated her legal career to helping senior citizens navigate the legal system.

Law is currently an attorney at Law ElderLaw, where she represents clients in litigation in regards to guardianships, financial abuse of the elderly and estate administration. She has worked for the firm for nearly ten years. In addition, she is fluent in Spanish, allowing her to serve and represent a broader group of elderly citizens.

Law earned her bachelor's degree from Goshen College and her law degree from Northern Illinois University. She lives in Geneva.

###
11 Dec 2015

Clayton R. Lee Announces Candidacy for Circuit Court Judge

By Dick Potter

East Moline Attorney Clayton R. Lee will formally announce his candidacy for the office of Circuit Court Judge in the upcoming Rock Island County Democratic Primary on March 15th, 2016. Mr. Lee will hold a press conference from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, December 14th at Laborer's Union Local 309, 2835 7th Ave., Rock Island Ill. 61201.

The press is invited to attend and the event is open to the public.

Mr. Lee currently is president of Lee & Lee Attorneys, East Moline. Mr. Lee began his practice in 2003 with his father, Graham J. Lee. Mr. Lee is a general practitioner with experience in contracts, real estate, civil litigation, collections, landlord/tenant law, probate, estate planning, municipal law, felony and misdemeanor defense and juvenile law, among other legal areas.

An East Moline native, Mr. Lee earned his undergraduate degree from St. Ambrose University. He earned his law degree from Northern Illinois University. Mr. Lee is married to Lindsay Lee. They have three children: Andynn, 5, Grayson, 3, and Elynn, 14 months.

Mr. Lee currently represents six local municipalities, sits as a board member of the Illini Hospital District and serves as Social Chair of the Rock Island County Bar association.

Candidate's Statement

"I believe my extensive general legal practice, coupled with my experience as a small business owner, husband and father, along with my years-long service to many local communities has given me a powerful set of credentials, which combine to qualify me for the position of Circuit Court Judge," Mr. Lee said in making his announcement. "If elected, I promise the citizens that they will be treated with dignity, respect and fairness - no matter from what walk of life they come. "In my courtroom, I guarantee that what matters to the people will matter equally to me,"  Mr. Lee continued. "It is my real-world experience and expertise in myriad areas of the law that has driven my decision to enter the race for Circuit Court Judge."

Contact Information: Dick Potter / 309-235-1630 / cleeforjudge@gmail.com

11 Dec 2015

Governor Branstad announces appointments to Iowa's boards and commissions

By Rick Martin

(DES MOINES) - Governor Terry E. Branstad today announced appointments to Iowa's boards and commissions.

 

The following individuals' appointments are effective Dec. 8, 2015, and are subject to Iowa Senate confirmation:

 

Commission on Tobacco Use Prevention and Control

George Belitsos, Ames

 

The following individuals' appointments are effective Dec. 8, 2015, and are NOT subject to Iowa Senate confirmation:

 

Armory Board

Chad Stone, Des Moines

 

Iowa Council for Early ACCESS

Dr. Ryan Allen, Sioux City

Stephanie Peters, Des Moines

Patrick Judkins, Long Grove

 

Juvenile Justice Advisory Council

Trevor Lynn, Brighton

 

Vocational Rehabilitation Council

Brian Dennis, Des Moines

09 Dec 2015

Governor Takes Bill Action 12/07/2015

By Catherine Kelly

 

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner took action today on the following bill:

Bill No.: SB 2039

An Act Concerning Appropriations

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

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08 Dec 2015

Governor Takes Bill Action 12/04/2015

By Catherine Kelly

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner took action today on the following bills:

 

Bill No.: HB 1285

An Act Concerning Employment

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate, except that changes to Sections 602 and 611 of the Unemployment Insurance Act take effect January 3, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 1365

An Act Concerning State Government

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3213 

An Act Concerning State Government

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

 

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08 Dec 2015

Loebsack Applauds Passage of Five-Year Highway Bill

By Joe Hand

Legislation also reverses devastating cuts to crop insurance; reauthorizes job creating Export-Import Bank

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today voted in favor of the conference report on Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. This measure reauthorizes highway, bridge, transportation safety, and public transit projects for the next five years and provides $281 billion in guaranteed funding. Also included in the conference report is a fix to the devastating cuts to the crop insurance program, which were included in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 that passed earlier this year. Loebsack helped lead the fight to restore these cuts since they were originally proposed.

"I am pleased that Congress could come together in a bipartisan fashion to pass a long-term highway reauthorization bill today," said Loebsack. "For too long, Congress has passed one short-term extension after another, leaving state and local governments in limbo and preventing many transportation projects from being built. By providing guaranteed funding for the next five years, this measure will help create jobs in Iowa and give communities the certainty needed to invest in necessary infrastructure improvements."

"Earlier this year, in a misguided and potentially devastating attempt, Congress tried to balance the budget on the backs of America's farmers and ranchers by cutting the crop insurance program. I strongly opposed this move and was pleased to help lead the fight to reverse these cuts."

The conference report includes a number of key transportation provisions, including:

·       Loebsack's amendment to create a nationwide $1.5 billion grant program to update aging buses and bus facilities. The Bus and Bus Facilities Competitive Grant Program gives all 50 states the ability to compete for limited bus funding based on the merits of the project not just geographic location.

·       Injecting $3.7 billion over five years into bus funding - a 75 percent increase over current levels.  This will reduce traffic congestion, by providing more public transportation options.

·       Increasing American manufacturing jobs by strengthening Buy America requirements.

·       Boosting commerce and strengthening our economic competitiveness by providing dedicated funding specifically for freight projects, including freight rail, for the first time.

·       Authorizing $10.2 billion for intercity passenger rail investment, including Amtrak, while providing $199 million in guaranteed funding to help commuter railroads implement Positive Train Control systems.

The measure also reauthorizes the critically important Export-Import Bank for four years, which helps American workers and businesses compete in the global economy.

"I am also very pleased to be voting today to reauthorize the job-creating Export-Import Bank," Loebsack said.  "For more than eight decades, the Export-Import Bank has helped level the playing field for American workers and businesses, big and small, to compete in the global economy. The Bank has created and supported hundreds of thousands of jobs over the years, all at no cost to taxpayers."

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