17 Dec 2013

SCOTT EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER (SECC) BOARD Agenda

By Annie Nugent
Board Room, 1st Floor, Scott County Administrative Center,
600 West Fourth Street, Davenport, Iowa
DECEMBER 19, 2013 at 3:30 p.m.
MEETING AGENDA
1. Roll Call: Frieden, Gallagher, Gluba, Minard, and O'Boyle.
Ex officio members: Bruemmer, Frederiksen, Malin, and Ploehn
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Approval of Minutes
4. Director Search Update
5. Approval of an Upgrade to the Priority Dispatch Software
6. Approval of FY2014-2015 Budget
7. Interim Director's Report
8. Next meeting date - January 16, 2014 at 3:30 p.m.
9. Adjourn
16 Dec 2013

Vote for 2013 Award Winners and LeClaire Chamber Board by Dec. 23!

By LeClaire Chamber of Commerce
It is time to vote for Annual Awards for 2013 and for Board Members for the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce!  All 2013 Chamber members are invited to go to www.leclairechamber.com to complete ballots.  The deadline to vote is December 23, 2013, 5:00 p.m.  The Award Winners for 2013 will be announced, and the Board will be introduced at the Annual Dinner, February 1, 2014, Davenport Country Club.  Invitations and the Announcement with details for the Annual Dinner will be out soon!
Thank you for your membership and for participating in voting!
13 Dec 2013

Waste Commission holiday closings

By Brandy Welvaert

DAVENPORT, IA–Waste Commission of Scott County facilities will close at noon Dec. 24 and will remain closed Dec. 25. Facilities will reopen Dec. 26. However, no appointments will be available for drop-off of household hazardous materials on Dec. 28.

 

Facilities also will be closed Jan. 1 and reopen Jan. 2.

 

Facilities include the following:

  • Scott Area Recycling Center, 5640 Carey Ave., Davenport
  • Scott Area Landfill, 11555 110th Ave., Davenport
  • Scott Area Household Hazardous Material Facilities, Davenport
  • Electronic Demanufacturing Facility, 1048 East 59th St., Davenport

Waste Commission of Scott County is an intergovernmental agency whose mission is to provide environmentally sound and economically feasible solid waste management for Scott County. For more information about the Commission, please call (563) 381-1300 or visit www.wastecom.com.

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13 Dec 2013

Agriculture Secretary Announces Electric System Improvements in 25 States

By USDA Office of Communications
Smart Grid Technology and Improved Service for Native Americans among Highlights

WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2013 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced more than $1.8 billion in funding for electric utility infrastructure projects in 25 states and one territory to improve service for more than 37,000 rural customers. The projects include more than $45 million for smart grid technology, $73 million for renewable energy projects and over $213 million targeted to benefit Native Americans. This funding will build or improve more than 6,500 miles of line to deliver electricity to rural America.

"Rural electric cooperatives have provided reliable, affordable power to rural communities for more than 75 years. Today's investments will help ensure our electric infrastructure continues to deliver reliable and affordable electricity for years to come," Vilsack said. "This funding is part of the Obama Administration's vision for a new rural energy economy and USDA's commitment to creating economic opportunity in rural America. Investments in smart grid technologies will continue to modernize our nation's electric system and improve operational efficiencies."

Today's funding announcement is provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Utilities Service Program.

Among the projects being funded is the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, which serves rural electric consumers in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. The utility will receive funding of nearly $168 million to build approximately 1,215 miles of line, invest in smart grid technologies and make other system improvements. Nearly 3,800 rural electric consumers in the three states will see direct benefits from this investment. Of the $168 million in funding, more than $166 million will serve Native Americans.

In North Dakota, the Nodak Electric Cooperative will receive a loan of $31 million to serve 920 consumers, build 450 miles of line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $2.4 million for smart grid projects and $540,000 for service to Native Americans.

In Alabama, Covington Electric Cooperative will receive a $42.5 million loan guarantee to construct 539 miles of line and make other system improvements, including $8,000 for smart grid applications. These funds will increase electric system reliability for approximately 5,400 rural Alabama customers.

Both South Dakota and Alabama are part of USDA's StrikeForce for Rural Growth and Opportunity which leverages community resources in persistent poverty areas in targeted states.

Secretary Vilsack said that today's announcement is another reminder of the importance of USDA programs for rural America. A comprehensive new Food, Farm and Jobs Bill would further expand the rural economy, Vilsack added, saying that's just one reason why Congress must get a comprehensive Bill done as soon as possible.

Look here for a list of rural electric utilities that will receive USDA funding, contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan agreement.

President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users)

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13 Dec 2013

Tentative Agenda SCOTT COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS December 16 - 20, 2013

By Chris Berge

Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Committee of the Whole - 8:00 am
Board Room, 1st Floor, Administrative Center
1. Roll Call: Cusack, Earnhardt, Hancock, Minard, Sunderbruch
Presentation
2. Presentation of the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)...9:00 a.m. (Item 2)
3. Presentation of PRIDE Recognition for Years of Service...9:00 a.m. (Item 3)
4. Presentation of PRIDE Recognition for Employee of the Quarter.
Facilities & Economic Development
5. Approval of the purchase of a Heavy 1/2 Ton Pickup and an SUV. (Item 5)
6. Approval of first reading of an ordinance for establishing speed limits on Scott County Secondary Roads. (Item 6)
7. Approval of the first of two readings of an ordinance to rezone approximately 7 acres from Agricultural-Preservation District (A-P) to Agriculture Service Floating Zone (A-F) in the southwesterly corner (precisely the south 865 feet of the west 355 feet) of the SW¼ NW¼ of Section 19, Princeton Township. (Item 7)
8. Approval of a contract with Wold Architects and Engineers for the Sheriff Patrol Headquarter Project in the amount not-to-exceed $192,625.00. (Item 8)
9. Approval of the purchase of six MFP Machines from Office Machine Consultants in the amount of $35,892.00. (Item 9)
Human Resources
10. Approval of various Human Resource and General Policy Updates. (Item 10)
11. Approval of personnel actions. (Item 11)
Health & Community Services
12. Approval of tax suspension requests. (Item 12)

Finance & Intergovernmental
13. Approval of the allowance and the disallowance of Family Farm Tax Credit
Applications for 2013 as recommended by the Davenport City Assessor and the Scott
County Assessor. (Item 13)
Other Items of Interest
14. Approval of Board Appointments. (Item 14)
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Regular Board Meeting - 5:00 pm
Board Room, 1st Floor, Administrative Center

13 Dec 2013

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Thursday, December 12, 2013**

By William Palmisano

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bill:

Bill No.: SB 1845

An Act Concerning: Education

Amends the School Code to extend the deadline for students to enroll in alternative teacher certification programs to Sept. 1, 2014 and extends the date for completing those programs to Jan. 1, 2016.

Action: Signed

Effective: June 1, 2014

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12 Dec 2013

SCOTT COUNTY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT.

By Brian McDonough

DECEMBER 18, 2013
4:00 P.M.
First Floor Board Room
Scott County Administrative Center
600 West Fourth Street
Davenport, IA 52801

AGENDA
1. Call to order
2. Approval of Minutes of the November 20, 2013 meeting
3. Public Hearing - Variance - Thomas Holst (applicant): Request for a front yard variance in order to construct a new 40' x 60' detached accessory pole building within a front yard, and observing an approximately thirteen (13) foot front yard setback if allowed as proposed. The property is located in Section 16 of LeClaire Township, 23270 270th Avenue.
Public Hearing Procedure:
a. Chairman reads notice of public hearing.
b. Director reviews case.
c. Applicant/Representative speaks on behalf of request.
d. Public may ask questions or make comments.
e. Director makes staff recommendation.
f. Applicant may respond to comments and/or recommendation.
g. Board members may ask questions.
h. Chairman closes the public portion of the hearing. (No more comments from public or applicant.)
i. Discussion period to determine justification for decision.
j. Board members move to accept, reject, or modify request.
k. Final vote. Case closed. Three members of the Board constitute a quorum. The concurring vote of three members of the Board shall be necessary to reverse any decision or determination of the zoning administrator or to decide in favor of an application for a variance or conditions for a special use permit. The Board of Adjustment is "quasi-judicial" and not a recommending body. Therefore, any appeals to their decisions should be filed with District Court within 30 days of the meeting.
Please turn off or silence all cell phones and other electronic devices

11 Dec 2013

Rock Island County Chairman Stalls Negotiations

By Dino Leone

East Moline, IL- Ongoing negotiations between Rock Island County and Hope Creek Care Center are stalled again. Rock Island County Management proposed their last and final offer on September 23rd, 2013. The contract is currently scheduled to go to arbitration. AFSCME Council #31 is responding to County Board Chairman Phil Banaszek's inaccurate statement in the Rock Island Argus on November 23rd, 2013. Chairman Banaszek shamefully mislead the public by insinuating that the Union refused to accept a proposal from the County that would keep the Center county operated. No such proposal was ever made. On December 4th, 2013, the Union has responded to the employer's last and final offer through a Federal mediation proposal. The Union's proposal offered the County hundreds of thousands of dollars in savings. In fact, the Union's proposal offered more savings to Rock Island County taxpayers and Hope Creek than the last and final offer by the County. It is obvious to the Union that the main problem with Hope Creek is the Chairman himself, who is intentionally and purposefully getting in the way of the Center becoming more financially secure. For more details or comments, call Dino Leone, AFSCME Council #31 Staff Representative, at 309-738-3193.

11 Dec 2013

One Year after Newtown, Iowa Has Little to Show for Protecting Citizens Iowa Scores C- on Gun Safety

By David Axelrod

Des Moines, Iowa?Nearly a year after Newtown, Iowa still ranks low among states' efforts to protect citizens against gun violence according to a new state analysis by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.

Iowa received a C- and ranks sixteenth among states, in this year's, "2013 State Scorecard: Why Gun Laws Matter," produced by the organizations.

Iowa did not take up legislation to expand background checks. Policies like universal background checks on all guns not just hand guns can help to keep guns from falling into the wrong hands.

"When states act to pass stronger gun laws, those gun laws protect our citizens from gun violence and send a message to Congress that it is time to act. There is still work to be done in Iowa should be leading the way in creating a safer state we all deserve and our legislature can do more. We hope to see our legislators take action to keep us safe in the coming year," added Rev. Cheryl R. Thomas of Iowans for Gun Safety.

Gun reform measures, like expanding background checks to all gun sales, are effective and popular policies. Recent polls show 9 in 10 Americans support expanding background checks to online and gun show sales. This includes over 80% of gun owners and 74% of NRA members. 88% of Iowans supported background checks in a February poll.

The deadly shooting in Newtown prompted eight states to pass major gun reforms in 2013.

 

Five states passed new laws requiring background checks on all gun sales. In addition, four states approved provisions requiring owners to report lost or stolen firearms to police, while three states enacted laws aimed at strengthening record-keeping and background check requirement for ammunition sales.

 

The state scorecard ranks all 50 states by letter grades and on a 100-point system that is based on laws that can prevent gun violence and reduce firearm death and injury.

 

States received points for having effective laws in each policy area, with stronger laws receiving more points. States lost points for irresponsible measures that increase the likelihood of gun violence, such as laws that allow individuals to carry loaded, concealed weapons in public without a permit. Ultimately, every state was awarded a letter grade indicating the overall strength or weakness of its gun laws.

 

This collaborative report empowers advocates by putting the Law Center's in-depth research on America's gun laws into the hands of the extensive networks of the Brady Campaign and States United to Prevent Gun Violence, a coalition of 27 state groups, so they can continue to fight for effective gun policies in communities across the country.

 

For more information about Iowa's scores and scores of other states please visit the websites of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence http://bit.ly/GunLawsScorecard and the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence http://bit.ly/GunLawsScorecard

 

 

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Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence (www.bradycampaign.org)

The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence works to pass, enforce, and protect sensible laws and public policy that address gun violence at the federal and state level.  We do this by engaging and activating the American public, electing officials who support common sense gun laws, and increasing public awareness of gun violence.

Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence (www.smartgunlaws.org)

The Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence is the only national law center focused on providing comprehensive legal expertise in support of gun violence prevention. Founded by lawyers after an assault weapon massacre at a San Francisco law firm in 1993, we remain dedicated to preventing the loss of lives caused by gun violence by providing trusted, in-depth research and information on America's gun laws.

States United to Prevent Gun Violence (www.supgv.org)

States United to Prevent Gun Violence is a national nonprofit organization working to decrease gun death and injury. States United works with a network of 27 state-based gun-violence-prevention organizations, including Iowans for Gun Safety, that believe all Americans deserve to live in a country free from the fear, threat and devastation caused by gun violence.

 

Iowans for Gun Safety (www.facebook.com/IA4GS)

Iowans for Gun Safety is a broad coalition of groups and individuals working to reduce gun violence in Iowa through common sense solutions to violence. Founded in 2010 by Rev. Calos Jayne, Iowans for Gun Safety works with groups throughout the state of Iowa to reduce gun deaths by homicide, suicide and accident.

09 Dec 2013

Governor Quinn Announces More than 1,470 Affordable Apartments to be Built or Rehabbed

By Brooke Anderson

New Round of Funding to Spur Housing Construction and Preservation, Support 2,400 Jobs in Communities Across Illinois

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced more than 1,470 affordable apartments will be created or preserved for working families, seniors and people with disabilities in communities across the state. Today's announcement is part of the Governor's agenda to ensure quality affordable housing for working families, seniors and people with disabilities across Illinois.

"Easing the cost of housing for hard-working families, seniors and people with disabilities is a priority in Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "We must do everything we can to both increase and preserve quality affordable housing to help working families achieve housing stability and create thousands of jobs."

Financing for the apartments was approved from two sources - the federal low-income housing tax credit (Housing Credit) and the Illinois Housing Development Authority's (IHDA) Preservation Now program. A new round of Housing Credit financing will support the construction and rehabilitation of 1,021 units in 16 developments in the areas of Chicago, Metro East, Springfield and Peoria. Under the state's Preservation Now program, more than 450 units of affordable housing for hard-working families and seniors will be preserved in six developments located in Southern Illinois, Peoria and the Quad Cities. This combined financing will support an estimated 2,400 jobs statewide and local real estate tax and revenue will be generated to spur economic activity. Under Governor Quinn, the IHDA has financed the creation and preservation of more than 17,800 rental homes statewide.

As the state's housing finance agency, the IHDA allocates the federal Housing Credits through a competitive process to finance qualified affordable housing developments. With the recent approval of the IHDA board, developers will now seek private investment for the new developments. Work to build new housing or rehabilitate existing multifamily developments will generate construction and post-construction jobs. Construction is expected to begin by next spring.

In 1986, Congress created the federal tax credit program to spur the development of affordable housing. It is widely considered the most productive affordable housing financing tool in the nation. The sale of federal housing credits to private investors generates equity, and this equity reduces the need for the developer to borrow money for the new development. This savings results in lower rents.

This was the second round of funding under the Preservation Now program, which Governor Quinn launched this year. Last month, the IHDA approved financing to preserve an additional 600 affordable rental units for seniors and people with disabilities in Chicago and Peoria, creating more than an estimated 500 jobs. Approximately $245 million in project-based rental subsidy will be preserved over the next 20 years as a result of Preservation Now, which provides funding through the Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund and other resources. Trust Fund revenue is generated from half of the state real estate transfer fee.

"Governor Quinn is a strong advocate for leveraging public-private partnerships to meet the affordable housing needs of the state's low- to moderate-income residents," IHDA Executive Director Mary R. Kenney said. "The Housing Credit and Governor Quinn's Preservation Now program effectively safeguard the affordability of these developments for decades."

To qualify for the affordable units, residents must earn at or below 60 percent of the area median income (AMI), or $35,340 in the Chicago area, $32,280 in the Springfield area, or $33,240 in Madison County for a two-person household.

Developments approved for financing include :

·         Nehemiah Homes in Springfield - A new construction family development of 30 rental single-family homes will be built on various sites in Springfield's Eastside neighborhood. Developed by the Calvary Mission Baptist Church, this is the third phase of the Nehemiah Homes development initiated to provide decent affordable housing after storms ravaged the area.

·         Aurora Impact Initiative in Aurora - Forty units of vacant single-family homes will be acquired and rehabilitated to return to the market as rental housing in Aurora. All units will receive rental assistance through the Aurora Housing Authority.

·         Wisdom Village of Oak Street - An abandoned building and unused tennis courts on Chicago's Near North Side will be replaced with a 106-unit new construction mixed-income development for seniors.

·         Bloomington-Normal Scattered Site - In the Bloomington-Normal area, 26 vacant single-family homes will be acquired and rehabilitated to return to the market as rental homes. Work will include upgrades to add more energy-efficient features.

·         May Apartments in Edwardsville - An existing independent living development serving seniors and people with disabilities will be rehabilitated, and a new wing will be built in Edwardsville - creating and preserving 70 affordable apartments.

·         Shawnee Village in Marion - The 120-unit Shawnee Village for working families and seniors in Marion will be equipped with new flooring, roof and HVAC replacements, energy efficient appliance and lighting upgrades.

·         Sandburg Village Apartments in Galesburg - New flooring, windows, roof and HVAC replacements, energy efficient appliance and lighting upgrades will be added to the 128-unit Sandburg Village Apartments in Galesburg.

For a full list of approved developments, please visit www.ihda.org/about/news.

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