23 Dec 2013

SCOTT COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Tentative Agenda

By Chris Berge
December 23, 2013 - January 2, 2014
TENTATIVE AGENDA
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Committee of the Whole - 8:00 am
Board Room, 1st Floor, Administrative Center
1. Roll Call: Sunderbruch, Cusack, Earnhardt, Hancock, Minard
Facilities & Economic Development
2. Approval of second of three readings of an ordinance for establishing speed limits on
Scott County Secondary Roads. (Item 2)
3. Approval of a second and final reading 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 of Section 19, Princeton Township. (Item 3)
Human Resources
4. Approval of personnel actions. (Item 4)
Other Items of Interest
5. Other items of interest.
Regular Board Meeting - Immediately following the Committee of the Whole
Board Room, 1st Floor, Administrative Center
Page 1 of 1
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Organizational Meeting - 11:00 am
Board Room, 1st Floor, Administrative Center
23 Dec 2013

Governor Quinn Statement on the Passing of Richard Calica

By Brooke Anderson

CHICAGO - Governor Quinn today released the following statement on the passing of Richard Calica, former Director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) who led the department from December 2011 to November 2013.

"It is with great sadness today that we announce the passing of Richard Calica, a true public servant in the state of Illinois.

"Richard Calica was a dedicated advocate for our most vulnerable children. He always put their safety and well-being first.

"I send my condolences to Richard's family and friends. They are in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult of times."

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23 Dec 2013

Agenda for SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING

By Jennifer A. Nahra
City of Davenport, Iowa
Monday, December 23, 2013; 5:30 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
I. Moment of Silence
II. Pledge of Allegiance
Ald. Brown
III. Roll Call
IV. Meeting Protocol and Decorum
V. Public with Business
PLEASE NOTE: At this time individuals may address the City Council on any matters of City business. This is not an opportunity to discuss issues with the Council members or get information. In accordance with Open Meetings law, the Council can not take action on any complaint or suggestions tonight, and can not respond to any allegations at this time.
Please state your Name and Ward for the record. There is a five (5) minute time limit. Please end your comments promptly.
VI. Reports of City Officials
VII. Closed session for the purpose of discussing the purchase of particular real estate, pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(j).
VIII. Adjourn
19 Dec 2013

Suspicious person reported near the Neil Armstrong Elementary School

By Lieutenant Bryce Schmidt

On Tuesday, 12/17/13 at approximately 8:25 a.m., the Scott County Sheriff's Office took a report from a concerned citizen of a suspicious person and vehicle near the Neil Armstrong Elementary School in Park View. The suspicious person and vehicle resembled some of the same characteristics as those reported recently in rural Scott County and Davenport. The vehicle was gone upon the Deputies' arrival, but the citizen had obtained a plate number.

The subject was found to be from the Clinton area. A Scott County Detective along with the assistance of a Clinton Police Detective followed up on the reported information. It was found that the subject had legitimate business in the area and is no longer being looked at as a suspicious person.

The Scott County Sheriff's Office appreciates the efforts of the citizen in this circumstance and encourages citizens to be vigilant and immediately report suspicious information, especially related to activity around schools or involving children.

18 Dec 2013

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Tuesday, December 17, 2013**

By William Palmisano

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

 

Bill No.: SB 635

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Clarifies that previously-approved natural gas customers are not subject to a specific surcharge.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

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17 Dec 2013

SCOTT COUNTY, IOWA IS AWARDED HIGHEST HONOR IN GOVERNMENTAL BUDGETING

By Chris Berge

Larry Minard, Chairman of the Scott County Board of Supervisors announced today that Scott County has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for Scott County's current FY14 Budget.


Scott County is one of only two Iowa counties (Scott and Linn County) to hold the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. The County has received this award for the last twenty six consecutive years. Only 11 of the 1,488 governmental units in the State of Iowa currently hold this honor.


Larry Minard stated that this award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting. Its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by the elected officials and management of Scott County and reflects their commitment to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.


In order to receive the award, Scott County had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity's budget serves as 1) A policy document 2) A financial plan 3) An operations guide 4) Communications device. Budget documents must be rated "proficient" in all four categories to receive this award.

For budgets, including fiscal period 2012, the most recent year data is available, over 1,340 governmental entities have received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award nationwide. Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide excellent examples for other governments throughout North America.


Larry Minard stated that the Board designates the achievement of this certification as a high priority. The Board expressed their appreciation to Dee F. Bruemmer, County Administrator and to the County's designated budget analysts and support staff for their work and professional guidance in helping the county to obtain this governmental budgeting honor.


The budget analysts and support staff members that developed the 2013 budget are listed below:

  • Ed Rivers Health Director
  • Pam Bennett Office Administrator, Sheriff's Department
  • Chris Berge Administrative Assistant
  • Grace Cervantes Operations Manager, Recorder's Office
  • Lori Elam Community Services Director
  • Tim Huey Planning & Development Director
  • Craig Hufford Financial Management Supervisor, Treasurer's Office
  • David Farmer Budget Manager
  • Roland Caldwell Operations Manager, Auditor's Office
  • Kathy Walsh Office Administrator, Attorney's Office

The GFOA is a non-profit professional association serving over 17,800 government finance professionals throughout North America. GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program is the only national awards program in governmental budgeting.


For more information on this press release please contact:


David Farmer, CPA, Budget Manager
Scott County Administrative Center
600 West 4th Street
Davenport, IA 52801-1003
563-326-8651


Stephen J. Gauthier
Government Finance Officers Association
180 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60601
312-977-9700

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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