McHenry County Blog

The day before the election and District 200’s tax hike committee is still collecting contributions large enough to required immediate reporting to the Illinois State Board of
Elections.

The $1,000 comes from another developer - Centrum Realty Services Inc., 225 W. Hubbard Street, Chicago, IL 60610.

From the December 16, 2003, Woodstock City Council minutes-

FLOOR DISCUSSION:

Jan Vanderspool, 8708 Bull Run Trail, Woodstock, noted that he is a member of the District 200 School Board but stated that he is speaking on behalf of himself, not the School Board. Mr. Vanderspool noted that the equalized assessed valuation percentage of residential property versus commercial property has increased from 55% residential in 1985 to 70% residential in 2002. He questioned if 70% is an appropriate percentage and suggested that there is a clear upward trend in the residential percentage. He volunteered that perhaps 60% would be a better target for residential development noting that the schools would be better funded with a higher commercial percentage.

Secondly, Mr. Vanderspool referenced reports prepared by Dunmoore Corporation in relation to Centrum Properties specifically the Fields of Woodstock and Banford Oaks. He requested that the City Council refer to these reports and consider the impact on other taxing bodies with relation to the course being taken by the City in regards to development. Mr. Vanderspool suggested that in some cases, the schools end up in a deficit situation while other government bodies end up with a surplus.

Mr. Vanderspool also urged the Council to review a film called “Save Our Land, Save Our Towns” which he distributed to the Council at the conclusion of the October 30, 2001 meeting. He noted that the increased growth in our City may have a negative impact on the quality life in Woodstock.

He also questioned what types of plans are being made to address increased traffic on Route 47 due to increased growth in the City.

No further floor discussion was forthcoming.

This time the $500 comes from another District 200 vendor. This time it is Terracon, a Kansas-based firm with offices in Rockford. The company had an asbestos removal contract approved last summer:

From minutes of May 24, 2005-

Approval of Summer 2005 Life Safety Abatement Management Contract

The Board was asked to approve a contract with Terracon Consulting Engineers and Scientists for life safety asbestos abatement project manager. The Board discussed their concerns that the contract amount is “estimated.” Mr. Heckmon asked if there could be a ceiling placed on the amount of the contract? Mrs. Hanson responded that there could not be a cap placed on the dollar amount for abatement and hopefully the cost would be less than the estimated amount. Mr. Pitcher added that if the project was determined to be more extensive than anticipated, the additional cost for abatement would be charged as time and materials. This would allow for a more fixed pricing.

MOTION – Moved by Mr. Birchfield and seconded by Mrs. Piekos to approve the contract with Terracon Consulting Engineers and Scientists for an estimated amount of $98,800 for Summer 2005 Life Safety asbestos abatement project management, with roll call vote as follows: (M-14747)

From minutes of June 28, 2005-

Approval of a Summer 2005 Life Safety Work Change Order

MOTION – Moved by Mr. Birchfield and seconded by Ms. Palmore to approve a change order to HEPA, Inc, for an increase of $10,800 and a change order to Terracon Consulting Engineers & Scientists for an increase of $4,000 for additional asbestos abatement at Northwood Middle School, with roll call vote as follows: (M-14790 – M-14793)

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Read again Mr. Vanderspool's comments to the Woodstock City Council that I have put in boldface type above. Woodstock long had a reputation for its high ratio of factories to housing. They deserve serious attention, I believe, regardless of where one lives.

The contribution from a vendor whose contract is subject to school board-approved change orders is particularly troubling.