Want to hear Ringmaster Jack Franks try to tame the Republican lions who have not shown themselves to be pussy cats at the Committee of the Whole meeting on Thursday.
You can do so by clicking on the audio button on February 17th.
Typing “McHenry County Board” in Google will bring you to this page.
What you will see is below:
Click on the “Meeting Portal” button near the top right and it should take you to a page which will allow you to listen to the meeting. The “audio” button does not work until the meeting starts at 7 PM.
If that doesn’t work, click here.
The meeting starts at 7 and the Democrats have been recruiting people to criticize Republican members and praise Chairman Jack Franks, so it might be a show you want to attend in person.
If you listen or attend, please share what’s happening in the comment section for those who are otherwise occupied.
A month ago, you will remember that Chairman Franks sprung three referendum questions on the members right before he adjourned the meeting.
That’s despite his explanation of the purpose of Committee of the Whole meetings was to allow members to discuss what would be considered at the upcoming Tuesday Board meeting, which starts at 9 AM.
Cal, I think you have it backwards. Committee of Whole at 9am, regular board meeting at 7pm (unless they have changed the schedule again…)
Who has had the chance to read the 800 page agenda for the regular county board meeting? It was available online yesterday morning.
There is no possible way our part-time board members can properly prepare for the COW-the meeting where questions are to be asked in preparation for the regular county board meeting.
This new meeting structure benefits government, not residents.
A better spacing would be two weeks between the committee of the whole meeting and the regular board meeting.
Kelly, calm down. Is someone not taking their meds?
Moderate, you certainly mark yourself as what you are. It is a shame that you don’t have the courage to use your real name.
Perhaps, Moderate, I should have said that it is a shame that you don’t have the integrity to use your real name. If you did, perhaps you would be more thoughtful in what you said.
I doubt it Patricia. The Queen of the morons will always be stupid no matter what name they hide behind.
Liebmann was looking for a handlput running for office. Why else would she run as a Republican and not a libertarian. Also, she doesn’t even have a job, so has plenty of time to read.
Handout*
Liebmann probably ran as a republican because of the slate requirement.
Why don’t we ask? Kelly why didn’t you run as Libertarian?
Normally I would use the word ‘ignorant’ to describe what ‘Moderate’ has posted above but he / she has gone way beyond that to the point where he / she will be ignored in the future.
He / she is the ultimate example of a troll in the worst way possible.
I don’t usually agree with Kelly but she brings up a good point and she wasn’t freaking out about it Moderate.
I think Moderate has Liebmann confused with Kathryn Potter.
Have you seen Kelly at meetings? I have. She freaks out, is borderline hysterical. So, don’t sit and tell me I’m a troll when I’m telling the truth.
The truth is, Liebmann is a RINO who should have run as a Libertarian, something she has proclaimed MANY times in letters to the editor and on Facebook. But she ran as a Republican because she is unemployed and needed to be electable to get a paycheck. And since she is unemployed has PLENTY of time to read.
Quit
Complaining
Kelly
Small-l libertarians are one of the largest factions in the Republican Party, so I don’t get where the RINO comment comes from.
That’s like criticizing a freeloading socialist who hates his country for identifying as a Democrat. It’s part of their core constituency.
Moderate is a Jack Franks cheerleader and agitator (see Project Veritas’ Rigging the Election series).
Moderate is a Madigoon type (watch the free online Michael Madigan movie: “Michael Madigan. Power. Privilege. Politics.”
The movie is available on YouTube with a link from http://www.MichaelMadigan.com.
One method used to achieve a desired board meeting outcome is to dump large amounts of information on board members shortly before a meeting.
In this case it was noted the Board does not have ample time to review the 800 page board packet prior to the meeting.
So a few suggested reforms:
– Searchable board packets allowing copy and paste should be provided to board members and the public on the Board website 7 days prior to the meeting.
– The Regular Meeting should be two weeks after the Committee of the Whole meeting.
– If the Board Chair asks for a vote on any certain measure before members have had adequate time to review a measure, board members should move to vote whether or not to table the measure for this meeting.
A yes vote agreeing to table the measure would result in postponing a vote until the next regular board meeting.
Liebmann the RINO is part of nearly 10 Libertarian FACEBOOK groups, the Fox Valley Libertarians thanked her here:http://www.google.com/amp/s/foxvalleylibertarians.com/2016/12/04/fox-valley-libertarians-support-tax-freeze-referendum/amp/
She the membership director of the Fox Valley Libertarians
She posted in the Libertarian Party of
Illinois group (Not ILGOP) in January.
She posted in 2015 about a Libertarian Chilli cook off
She posted the below on Facebook in 2014 before running as a RINO:
Kelly Liebmann April, 2014
The Libertarian Party of Illinois needs your help to get on the ballot this November!
ANONYMOUS donor to MATCH $10,000 in donations toward IL petition drive!!
Wonderful news! An anonymous donor has informed the Illinois Libertarian Party that they will match all donations made to the Illinois petition drive up to $10,000! That means your donation will be doubled!! Give the value of one page, $40, and your contribution is worth $80; give $200 for 5 pages, and the value is $400.
However, Illinois LP needs to raise $10,000 to get the matching $10,000 offer. We currently are not on target to achieve the match. I encourage everyone to immediately donate at least $25.00 and to solicit the same from at least one friend, family member or chapter member….
McHenry County Board Committee of the Whole Meeting was at 9AM today, Thursday February 16, 2017.
An audio tape of the meeting is available through the McHenry County Meeting Portal website.
http://www.mchenrycountyil.iqm2.com/Citizens/default.aspx
The direct URL to the McHenry County Board Committee of the Whole Meeting held today, Thursday February 16, 2017 at 9AM contains a link to the 16 page agenda packet (once downloaded the file is noted as “full agenda”).
The direct URL also contains a 2:46:40 audio tape of the meeting.
http://mchenrycountyil.iqm2.com/Citizens/SplitView.aspx?Mode=Video&MeetingID=4231&Format=Agenda
Here is the URL to the Agenda Packet for the County Board Regular Meeting to be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2017.
https://mchenrycountyil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=1&ID=3887&Inline=True
The Agenda Packet was updated on February 14, 2017 at 9:21AM.
No version control other than noting the update date and time is used.
In other words, how does one determine exactly what updates were made in the 801 page agenda packet, either for this update or any future updates.
+++++++++++++
The agenda packet is available through the County Board’s Meeting Portal website.
The audio live stream and taped audio and will also be made available through the County Board’s Meeting Portal website.
You’re missing the point again, Moderate. A Libertarian, either small-l or large-L, cannot really be a RINO, because there is much overlap in core beliefs.
It’s analogous to Bernie Sanders not being considered a DINO, even though he is a socialist, because there is so much overlap in core beliefs between the Democratic Party and socialists.
A classic example of a RINO would be Mark Kirk.
Did the Board really only have half hour to go over the 800 pages?
Liebmann is right.
Here is the path to the McHenry County Board Meeting Portal website.
http://www.co.mchenry.il.us > County Government > Meeting Portal
The 800 pages is referring to the agenda packet for the upcoming February 21, 2017 Regular Board Meeting.
The agenda packet for the February 16, 2017 Committee of the Whole Board Meeting was 16 pages.
Moderate is here to be a Jack Franks cheerleader, to discredit anyone against a Jack Franks proposal, and in general to create agitation on the blog since the blog is an effective tool.
If the blog was not effective, Moderate would not be here.
Wow, We have way to many board members.
Mark is here because he is going through another manic episode. Pray for him.
Committee of the Whole should be spaced two weeks from the Regular Board Meeting.
Moderate and Jack Franks are trying to the wool over the eyes of board members, citizens and voters.
It’s to taxpayers advantage to have adequate time to digest, research, and respond to information from the Committee of the Whole Meeting, prior to the Regular Board Meeting.
Stop rushing decisions.
pull the wool
Mark,
We live in a republic and the taxpayers entrust their elected representatives to digest, research and respond to information from the committee of the whole meeting. I am greatly offended by the notion that you don’t think the taxpayers are capable of digesting information en masse. You sound elitist, Mark. Quit belittling the public.
SALARY ADMINISTRATION POLICY
I. Purpose
The purpose of the Salary Administration Policy document is to state McHenry County’s
compensation processes and procedures that have been established to ensure that the policy is
administered fairly and consistently.
II. Statement of Policy
It is the policy of McHenry County to establish and maintain competitive salary ranges consistent
with the economic/budgetary requirements of the County which will allow the County to effectively
compete for qualified personnel, retain productive employees, and ensure that salaries are
equitable and commensurate with the duties performed by each employee. This policy is
implemented through the following sections:
A. Position Analysis
For each position, the appropriate Position Analysis form will be completed describing all the
pertinent factors relating to the position. The department head must sign the form and submit
it to the Human Resources Department, where it will be evaluated using the McHenry County
Job Classification System. The Human Resources Director will notify the department head of
the final rating.
B. Position Descriptions
1. Position descriptions shall be maintained by the Human Resources Department for all
positions (full-time, part-time, seasonal and temporary). Position descriptions will be
developed by the Human Resources Department, in consultation with the Department
Head, from the completed Position Analysis form.
2. Position descriptions will contain a summary description of the position and essential
duties performed by incumbents, as well as list the knowledge, skills, and abilities an
employee should have in order to succeed in the position. Examples of duties listed in
the position description are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work
performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the
work is similarly related or a logical assignment to the position.
3. The position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the
County and the employee and is subject to change as the needs of the County and the
requirements of the position change.
C. New Positions
1. A Position Analysis Form must be completed and a position description developed for
any new position (not already contained in the current Job Classification System).
2. The completed Position Analysis must be submitted to the Human Resources
Department. The information provided will be applied to the established McHenry County
Job Evaluation System to determine the appropriate classification of the position. When
necessary, the consultants will be utilized to assist in determining the appropriate
classification of the position.
3. All new positions should be planned for and submitted to the Human Resources Director
and the Associate County Administrator of Finance during the budget process. Priority
will be given to requests presented in the context of a reorganization that enhances
customer service and/or reduces the cost of doing business. Mid-year requests for new
positions will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and must be approved by the
Page 60
Liaison Committee, the Human Resources Committee, the Finance and Audit Committee
and the County Board.
New position and reclassification requests submitted during the budget process must be
position specific to be considered for funding. If funding is approved during the budget
process and the department wishes to use the funding for positions other than the
approved position, a resolution authorizing the change will be required by the County
Board prior to the change taking place.
4. Sections C-1 and C-2 must be completed before any new or reclassified positions can be
presented to the appropriate board committees and County Board for approval.
D. Position Evaluation: Classification System
The County maintains a job classification system (Resolution R-200802-12-058) which
contains an inventory of jobs, designated by title, within the various classifications existing at
the County. The Classification System consists of a grouping of similar positions into
categories of substantially similar complexity and responsibility and general qualifications. All
positions will be evaluated and classified in order of their relative value, utilizing the approved
evaluation techniques of the McHenry County Job Classification System.
E. Salary Structure
The County is committed to maintaining a salary structure, consisting of position grades and
salary ranges that will allow the County to effectively compete for qualified personnel and to
ensure that salaries/wages are equitable and commensurate with the duties performed by
employees.
1. Salary Ranges –
All position grades will have a salary/wage range that indicates their minimum,
midpoint, and maximum monetary value. Salary ranges should be broad enough to
provide salary/wage growth for competent personnel.
2. Maintenance –
Salary Ranges will be reviewed from a competitive standpoint based on prevailing
trends (salary survey data and economic indicators) and the County’s ability to pay
on an annual basis by the Director of Human Resources. Appropriate changes will
be recommended by County Administration and approved by the County Board.
3. Starting Salaries –
All new employees will normally be paid the minimum rate in the appropriate salary
range. However, the County recognizes that department heads may need flexibility
during the hiring process to recruit qualified candidates. The recognition of
extraordinary experience or qualifications, labor market demands, or other
qualifications of the candidate may justify a higher rate of pay, subject to the following
conditions:
Hiring Range Approval
Minimum of Salary Range Department Head
Minimum to 1st Quartile Dept. Head & Dir of Human Resources
1
st Quartile to Midpoint County Administrator
Over Midpoint County Board
In no event shall the salary offered exceed the salary range of the grade.
Page 61
4. Vacant Positions
If a position becomes vacant, steps must be taken to fill it within 90 days.
Failure to take the appropriate steps to fill the position within 90 days will result in the
position being eliminated. If a department has difficulties filling a vacant position, a
request for an extension can be granted by the Director of Human Resources.
Budget is allocated based on position, and not the employee in the position. If
budget savings from an unfilled position occurs and is used in any other manner
without board approval, the unfilled position will cease to exist and will need to be re-
established as a new position in the next budget process.
5. Promotions
a. A promotion is considered movement into a job classification that is at least one
(1) salary grade higher than the employees’ current position.
b. At the time of promotion, an employee is normally eligible for a salary adjustment
based upon the following considerations:
The employees’ performance history;
The amount of additional responsibility, including education and
training required for the new position;
The location of the employees’ current salary in the new salary
range;
Internal equity;
Departmental budgetary constraints.
c. A completed performance appraisal will be required anytime an employee is
promoted.
d. A promotion normally results in a salary increase not to exceed 6% of the
employees’ current salary. If the minimum of the new salary range is higher than
the proposed promotional increase, the employee shall be moved to the new
minimum of the salary range. In no case can the increase exceed the budgeted
amount of the position the employee is being promoted into without approval of
the County Board.
e. For departmental promotions within the same grade, due to increased
responsibilities and job duties, the normal salary increase will be 3% but not
greater than 6% of the employee’s current salary. In no case can the increase
exceed the budgeted amount of the position without approval of the County
Board.
f. In the event the promotion is into a position that is two grades or more above the
employee’s current position, salary will be determined by the department head,
the Director of Human Resources and the County Administrator.
g. For internal promotions into a salary grade 15 or higher, the annual salary
amount (not to exceed the budget for the position) will be determined by the
department head, Director of Human Resources and the County Administrator.
h. In the rare event labor market conditions warrant considering internal equity for
an internal promotion into a professional position (Grade 10E to 14E), the annual
salary may be allowed over the normal increase as set forth in Section 5C, but
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OH MY GOD!!!
Susan!!!
That’s too much to read!!! Post less.
You are going to trigger Mark.
Susan you should send a copy of that to Peter Austin.
Peter Austin knows the hirings violated policy.
That is why he purposely tried to pass off an old copy of the salary administration policy to the Internal Support Committee members Wednesday 2/8/17.
Newly elected Board Chairman Jack Franks proposed the changes to the spacing of committee meetings so he can ramrod through his favored policy.
Previously, Regular Board Meetings occurred about every two weeks, about two per month.
Previously, Committee of the Whole Meetings occurred on average once a month or less.
Jack Franks proposed changes to that structure.
Now there is one Regular Board Meeting per month, with a Committee of the Whole meeting a few days prior to the Regular Board Meeting.
That is not a good structure.
A better structure would be the original structure, or at least having the Regular Board Meeting two weeks after the Committee of the Whole meeting
One can look at the County Meeting Portal to see the history of meetings.
+++++++
The public and the board should be allocated enough time to read the board packet prior to board meetings.
The public is allowed to comment at Regular Board Meetings and Committee of the Whole Board Meetings during the Public Comment section of the meeting.
The Board allows Public Comments so the public can voice their opinion.
The Public is a part of the process.
++++++++++++
Susan posted the McHenry County Salary Administration policy.
We can read it and form opinions on how the County may or may not have have violated their salary administration policy in the hiring of Oliver Serafini and Bridget Geenen.
++++++++++++
Electing Jack Franks to the McHenry County Board was important to many contributors outside of McHenry County.
Jack Franks announced he was running for McHenry County Board Chair on May 15, 2016.
From June 7, 2016 – February 17, 2017, contributions to the Supporters of Jack D Franks PAC from:
Inside McHenry County – $61,480
Outside McHenry County – $419,302
TEST
Thus From June 7, 2017 through February 17, 2017:
– 13% ($61,480) of contributions to the Supporters of Jack Franks PAC came from within McHenry County
– 87% ($419,302) of contributions to the Supporters of Jack Franks PAC came from outside McHenry County.
For a County Board Chair position.
The Democrats want more power in McHenry County.
One way to achieve that is to increase the number of County Board Districts, and simultaneously converting each district to a one member district.
Currently there are (6) 4 member districts, for a total of 24 elected representatives.
Reducing each of the existing 6 districts by one member would result in 18 board members.
Reducing each of the existing 6 districts by two members would result in 12 board members.
Moderate does not like readers to have information that Moderate, Jack Franks, or Oliver Serafini does not distribute or approve.
If the information portrays Jack Franks or Democrats unfavorably, Moderate goes into agitation mode.
I’d like to point out the agenda for Tuesday’s meeting is no longer available online.
Transparency much?
I went back to the website because Mark reminded me of something with is statement
“The Democrats want more power in McHenry County.”
Member Jung noted a Bob Paddock was Franks’ choice for Gravel Advisory.
Jack casually stated “he works in the gravel industry,” brushing off the fact that Paddock works for Local 150. Jack then insinuated “water under the bridge”–I think we can assume any rejection of this candidate will be made political by Franks.
One would think the conflict of interest would be enough to keep Paddock off, if the Board has a backbone.
Xout the packet and agenda are back up there.
Posted at 3:08 after your 2:37 comment.
I looked at the other liaisons Jack wants to appoint. Carolyn Schofield for CMAP? Who doesn’t think this is political playback? Voters got rid of that useless crony in the primaries after she caved to the township people about consolidation. We don’t want her involved in county government anymore.
This section seems to be relevant.
Will someone who is not tagged as ‘frequent foia-er’
please request the Position Analysis Forms for the 3 newly created positions.
C. New Positions
1. A Position Analysis Form must be completed and a position description developed for
any new position (not already contained in the current Job Classification System).
2. The completed Position Analysis must be submitted to the Human Resources
Department. The information provided will be applied to the established McHenry County
Job Evaluation System to determine the appropriate classification of the position. When
necessary, the consultants will be utilized to assist in determining the appropriate
classification of the position.
3. All new positions should be planned for and submitted to the Human Resources Director
and the Associate County Administrator of Finance during the budget process. Priority
will be given to requests presented in the context of a reorganization that enhances
customer service and/or reduces the cost of doing business. Mid-year requests for new
positions will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and must be approved by the Liaison Committee, the Human Resources Committee, the Finance and Audit Committee
and the County Board.
New position and reclassification requests submitted during the budget process must be
position specific to be considered for funding. If funding is approved during the budget
process and the department wishes to use the funding for positions other than the
approved position, a resolution authorizing the change will be required by the County
Board prior to the change taking place.
4. Sections C-1 and C-2 must be completed before any new or reclassified positions can be
presented to the appropriate board committees and County Board for approval.
This section seems to be relevant.
Will someone who is not tagged as ‘frequent foia-er’
please request the Requests for Extension granted by Human Resources Director for the 3 positions which were reclassified to personally serve County Board Chair, and the dates on which each of those 3 vacancies commenced.
4. Vacant Positions
If a position becomes vacant, steps must be taken to fill it within 90 days.
Failure to take the appropriate steps to fill the position within 90 days will result in the
position being eliminated. If a department has difficulties filling a vacant position, a
request for an extension can be granted by the Director of Human Resources.
Budget is allocated based on position, and not the employee in the position. If
budget savings from an unfilled position occurs and is used in any other manner
without board approval, the unfilled position will cease to exist and will need to be re-
established as a new position in the next budget process.
McHenry County Blog
McHenry County Has No Rules for Hiring Employees
January 14, 2017
http://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2017/01/14/mchenry-county-has-no-rules-for-hiring-employees
McHenry County Blog
Authority to Hire Jack Franks’ Two Democratic Party Patronage Workers
January 19, 2017
http://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2017/01/19/authroity-to-hire-jack-franks-two-democratic-party-patronage-workers
2 FOIA requests submitted, Susan.
Good deal.
The parliamentarian introduced at the January 17, 2017 County Board Regular Meeting is Nicholas S Peppers (Nicholas Peppers aka Nick Peppers) of the law firm Storino, Ramello & Durkin in Rosemont.
The Supporters of Jack D Franks PAC reported a $1,000 contribution from Storino, Ramello & Durkin on November 7, 2016.
Was that disclosed to the County Board Members by Jack Franks or anyone else?
Jack Franks was elected McHenry County Board Chair on November 8, 2016.
Someone can submit a FOIA request to the County for any documents and emails mentioning Storino, Ramello & Durkin; Nicholas S Peppers; Nicholas Peppers; and Nick Peppers.
Does anyone other than Jack Franks make the final decision on selecting a County Board parliamentarian?
What is the process for selecting a parliamentarian for McHenry County Board Meetings?
Who was the previous County Board Parliamentarian?
Regarding the budget process to hire Jack Franks patronage workers.
The FY 2017 Budget still has not been approved (the fiscal year is from December 1 through November 30, so that would be the budget for December 1, 2016 through November 30, 2017).
The budget has historically been approved annually in November (one year it was approved in October).
The Transmittal Letter included in the budget has historically been sent the third Tuesday in November (one year it was sent the third Tuesday in October).
Mark, would you interpret the circumstances as new position and reclassification requests during the budget process?
If so , doesn’t the following exerpt apply, and doesn’t it then require a Resolution to execute these new hires?
“New position and reclassification requests submitted during the budget process must be
position specific to be considered for funding. If funding is approved during the budget
process and the department wishes to use the funding for positions other than the
approved position, a resolution authorizing the change will be required by the County
Board prior to the change taking place.
What is the enforcement or recourse mechanism for citizens seeking Board compliance with rules and laws?
Is it County Clerk?
Would submit that to a County Board member whom is willing to question Jack Franks about the issue.
Yvonne Barnes is Chair of the Internal Support & Facilities Committee.
The taxpayers need a parliamentarian.
The taxpayers fund the County Board parliamentarian whom was selected by Jack Franks and contributed to the political campaign of Jack Franks who will interpret rules to the political advantage of Jack Franks.
Regarding the new County Board parliamentarian who was selected by Jack Franks.
On November 7, 2016, the Supporters of Jack D Franks reported receiving a $1,000 contributed from Storino, Ramello, & Durkin.
On November 8, 2016, Jack Franks was elected County Board Chair.
On January 17, 2017, Jack Franks introduced Nick Peppers of Storino, Ramello, & Durkin as the new County Board parliamentarian.
The introduction was during the 7PM Regular County Board meeting.
The audio for that meeting is located here:
https://mchenrycountyil.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=4230
Begin at the 7:00 (7 minute) point.
From the County Board Rules:
SECTION 2 MEETING SCHEDULES, LOCATIONS AND GOVERNANCE
2.7 Parliamentarian: The Chairman shall designate a parliamentarian who shall not be a member of the County Board. The parliamentarian shall advise the County Board on any rule when called upon by the County Board Chairman. The Chairman shall then rule.
One could deduce that the Chairman designates a parliamentarian, is does not say he may hire one.
Wonder how much the county is paying this parliamentarian compared to past parliamentarians?
I believe the past parliamentarians were from the States Attorney’s office.
Wonder if the parliamentarians from the States Attorney’s office were paid a stipend or anything extra for the parliamentarian duties.