THE BULLETIN

League of Women Voters^®
of the Edwardsville Area

LWVEA Newsletter

March 2010. January 2010. August 2009. March 2009. January-February 2009. November 2008. August 2008. May 2008. April 2008. March 2008. February 2008. January 2008. October/November 207. September 2007. April 2008.

March 2010

March 2010 Bulletin
The Bulletin
Vol. 56, No. 5

March 2010
Important Dates at a Glance:
4/22 Health Care Informational Meeting 7:00 p.m. Edwardsville Public Library- Community Room
5/13 Annual Meeting Café Aroma + Registration will begin at 5:30pm and dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Our speaker this year is Ms. Leah Dettmers, Solid Waste Coordinator for Madison County. She will speak on the Recycling Program for the County, its present and future - watch for your invitation in the mail!
10/6 New Judicial Programs for Madison County, with Judge Barbara Crowder. 7:00 p.m. Edwardsville Public Library- Community Room
Air Quality and Local Environmental Initiatives
John May, chair of the Creve Coeur Climate Action Task Force, spoke about greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies they are employing. He noted that 40% of such strategies pay off financially during the life of the project. In Phase 1, his task force will focus on the development of knowledge, one or two high visibility projects, and education. To begin with, they want to concentrate on any opportunity to abate for under $50 a ton, through which they could abate 50 gigitons of greenhouse gas, 40% of their total emissions. These are such ideas as no idle policies, green construction techniques and green purchasing policies. Whereas solar panels are high profile but expensive, such prosaic measures as replacing residential electronics and lighting with energy efficient models, or fuel economy packages for non -hybrid vehicles are inexpensive but effective. For Phase 2, they will focus on developing municipal knowledge, skills, motivation and structure, and such high visibility initiatives as a light bulb swap, as well as an educational campaign, and the formation of a city 'green team'. They support renewable energy audits and replacement of HVAC and hot water systems with energy efficient models.
Dave Gocken, the chair of the Edwardsville Cool Cities Initiative Advisory Board, described the growth of the Cool Cities program. It is a grass-roots initiative in which municipalities voluntarily undertake the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to the levels dictated by the original Kyoto Protocol (which the USA did not sign), or 7 % below 1990 levels by 2012. Seattle was the first Cool City, the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement initiator, under Mayor Greg Nickels, on February 16, 2005. There are currently 1000 Cool Cities, or signers of the Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement. The Four Steps to Become a Cool City are to take the Cool Cities Pledge, then conduct a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory. Edwardsville is currently undertaking this step. The next step is to create a Solutions Plan, then, finally, to implement the plan and to monitor progress.
Dave Gocken talked about the difficulty inherent in changing people's behavior, using as an example the percentage of people who do not recycle. He described efforts in Europe where a household's non-recycled trash is weighed and fees are determined by that weight. With that type of financial incentive, recycling rates climb quickly.
Kathy Andria, of American Bottoms Conservancy and Kaskaskia Sierra Club reported that she is on the national and the state Air Quality Committees. She was born in Granite City and returned as an adult shocked at the pollution situation, which does not meet federal standards for ozone particulates or for lead. Fine particulates enter deep into human lungs and even blood stream. Shockingly, in Granite City there is a preschool down the block from a coke plant. Benzene, a pollutant, is linked to leukemia incidence. In the Metro-East, there are many coal fired power plants: Rush Island, Labadie, Portage du Sioux, Dynegy Ballwin, Dynegy Wood River and Prairie State, a new plant in Marissa. Coal fired power plants are the largest emitters of the neurotoxin mercury, which accumulates in fish. Major Emitters must obtain operating permits, Granite City Steel does not have one (American Bottoms Conservancy has been objecting to their application) and has been out of compliance for years with emission standards. Madison County was found second in the country for cancer risk by the US EPA after an air toxics assessment. Kathy Andria urged citizen involvement in cleaning up air pollution locally. She has left material at Edwardsville Public Library to walk a citizen through how to respond to a Title V permit application. She requested a health risk assessment for subsistence fishing in Frank Holten State Park and was able to have local mercury emissions reduced. More monitors are needed for the EPA. Permits can be reviewed at the EPA Envirofax Warehouse. EPA.gov website lists resources for communities, to learn about air and water quality. Citizens can attend permit hearings. Get involved!
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE EDWARDSVILLE AREA PROPOSED BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2010 + 2011

FY 2009-10 FY 2009-10 Proposed Budget
Estimated Total Budget FY 2010-2011

Income
Member Dues
(@$60.00) $3,175.00 $3,500.00 $3,600.00
Contributions
Members 585.00 700.00 500.00
Non-Members 0.00 0.00 0.00

Fundraising Fundraiser 0.00 1,000.00 1,200.00
Garage Sale 0.00 350.00 0.00

Interest Money Market Acct. 13.77 25.00 5.00

Miscellaneous Income
Annual Meeting 700.00 700.00 800.00
Holiday Meeting 0.00 300.00 0.00

Total Income $4,473.77 $6,575.00 $6,105.00
Expenses
Board/Administrative Coms.
Bulletin $319.44 $600.00 $300.00
Annual Meeting 800.00 800.00 850.00
Holiday Meeting 26.40 200.00 0.00
General Meetings 0.00 50.00 0.00
Membership 49.02 150.00 50.00
President 0.00 50.00 25.00
Publicity/PR 0.00 50.00 25.00
Publications
Membership Directory/
Annual Report 100.00 100.00 75.00
Vice President 0.00 25.00 0.00

General Operating Insurance 95.00 100.00 100.00
P.O. Box Rental 60.00 60.00 60.00
Website Maintenance 200.00 200.00 220.00
Other (Stationery) 0.00 150.00 0.00

Fundraising Fundraiser 0.00 300.00 200.00
Garage Sale 0.00 50.00 0.00

Nat'l. PMP @ $29.80 2,408.60 2,408.60 1,951.90
State PMP @$26.00 2,158.00 2,158.00 1,703.00
Program & Position Support 0.00 100.00 25.00
Voter Service 0.00 50.00 25.00

FY 2009-2010 FY 2009-2010 Proposed Budget
Estimated Total Budget FY 2010-2011

Expenses (continued)
Delegate Travel &
Affiliations
LWVIL Convention $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 300.00
LWVUS Convention 0.00 1,500.00 0.00
Workshops/Meetings 0.00 50.00 0.00

Total Expenses $6,241.46 $9,301.60 $5,909.90
LWVEA NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT
Office Name Term Ends
2nd Vice President Alison Lamothe 2012
Treasurer Karen Buescher 2012
Director Jeanne Brunworth 2012
Director Evie Gorski 2012
Director Kathy Jones 2012
Director Joann Nabe 2011
Nominating Committee for 2011
Judy Thompson, chair Ruth Ellis Lisa Brennan
__________________________________________________________________________
The following officers and director will continue their terms through June 2011:
President Mary Pearson
1st Vice President Kim Kirn
Secretary Ellen Nore
Director Lorraine Krusa
Director Rachel Tompkins
Presented by the 2010 Nominating Committee: Meg Oberlag, chair Angela Farrell Ginger McCall Kathy Jones Joann Nabe
LWVEA Proposed Local Program for 2010 + 2011 The LWVEA proposes to: a. support an effective Human Relations Commission; b. support an effective Edwardsville and Glen Carbon Historic Preservation Commission and encourage the designation of areas and/or sites in the communities as historic landmarks; c. support the recreation systems consensus position. The LWVEA also proposes to support possible ways of improving recreational facilities and programming through existing governmental entities, private developers, and/or the creation of a Park District; d. support the governance and quality of education positions that have been developed previously and support appropriate tax propositions (especially those related to funding, physical facilities, and district boundaries) after review and further study; e. support the consensus on the City of Edwardsville Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the six approved recommendations; f. support the consensus on the Village of Glen Carbon Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
Additional Recommendations The LWVEA also proposes to:
1. gather information regarding the funding mechanism of recreational opportunities including Park District funding, including establishment of a community pool;
2. gather information on the ecological impact of local development;
3. continue to support the recycling efforts in place, including republication of Living Lightly on the Earth, and monitor possible changes to the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon recycling programs;
4. continue to support the Cool Cities Initiative;
5. present information regarding Home Rule. DISTRICT 7 BOARD OF EDUCATION Observed by Meg Oberlag
March 22, 2010 + This was a short and somber meeting as the Board voted to approve 3.1 million in cuts for next year. These are done to "preserve our fiscal responsibility" according to Supt. Hightower. He said that Illinois is one of 29 states and D.C. that has cut support for schools. Illinois will cut $500 per student from the state aid formula causing District 7 to lose 4.5 million. So far, the State has not cut special education and transportation, but if it does, that will make an even greater impact on our situation.
He again stated three goals: maintain class size, preserve a quality and safe learning environment, and preserve extracurricular activities. (Observer note: He is to be commended for the latter goal since this is the first to go in many districts.)
The Board voted to freeze all discretionary items; freeze administrative salaries: reduce administrative, teaching and ESSPA positions; curb building expenses; preserve reserves; maintain a tax rate of $4.00 or less; and not ask for any education tax rate increase. These cuts will impact 60 employees! Dismissals include 7 administrators, 25 probationary (non tenured) teachers, 4 parent educators, 1 central office position and 17 part-time education assistants. (Observer note: In past years, March dismissals were routinely made because of a law and then hired back later, but this year is different. No new money will magically appear from a state that is 13 billion dollars in debt.)
CITY COUNCIL Observed by Susanne Web
City Council 2/2/10
Twombley excused.
A building facade award of $10,000 was made to the Steigers for 215 S. Main St.
An award was made for the Raw Water Detention Basin and Brine Storage Capacity to Keller Construction in the amount of $597,542.
Passed a resolution approving the preliminary and final plats for Cote Place Subdivision.
City Council 2/16/10
All present.
Presented the Mayor's Award for the Arts to Vivian Raffaelle the former director of the Edwardsville Municipal Band who still plays oboe in the band.
Awarded a contract for the Wildey Theater renovation to Miller & Maack, Inc. in the amount of $2.9 million dollars. Alderman Butts cast the lone dissenting vote.
Awarded a sole source contract to Miller & Maack, Inc. for the residing of the Leclaire Academy in the amount of $25,689.
Defeated a motion (4 to 3) to allow for electronic attendance at meetings.
City Council 3/2/10
Alderman Butts Excused.
Neal Gilb, Public Relations Manager of Charter Communications, reported that ECTV Channel 10 will be moved to Channel 993 effective March 16, 2010. However, I have located it at Channel 118-11 with the particular package that I have with Charter (expanded basic).
Bryan Kress was appointed to the Historic Preservation Committee.
The city's ordinances are now available for viewing on line.
Passed a motion approving a memorandum of understanding between the city and the school district to renew the School Resource Officer Program and the School Crossing Guard Program.
Approved a construction engineering agreement with Oates and Associates for $38,000 using MFT funds.
Awarded the Fourth Street Reconstruction Program to Keller Construction for $358,727.
Approved the final plat of the replat of Lot 7 in Peony reek.
League of Women Voters Edwardsville Area, Minutes of Meeting Jan. 7, 2010
Present: Kathy Jones, Larraine Krusa, Alison Lamothe, Ellen Nordhauser, Meg Oberlag, Mary Pearson, Carol Reinking.
I. Minutes of the Meeting of November 5, 2009 were accepted. II. The Treasurer's Report was accepted and discussion on need for a fund-raiser followed III. Old Business a. Committee Reports: Rachel Tompkins announced that the Forum on "Air Quality and Local Environmental Initiatives had been scheduled for March 3, 2010, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., at the Edwardsville Public Library. Kathy Andrea, of the American Bottoms Conservancy, will be among the speakers, which include Mr. Scott, Director of the Illinois EPA, Dave Gocken, who heads the Mayor's Cool Cities Committee in Creve Coeur. Ellen Nordhauser volunteered to contact newspapers about this event. b. Various: Rachel Tompkins passed around an Action Memo in opposition to the Mirkowsk Amendment that would weaken the Clean Air Act of 1970, by lowering the standards for clean air. A letter supporting re-districting will be sent to the State League. c. Mary Pearson reported the John Harvey will present a program on comparative health care systems in April (4/22). d. Lorraine Krusa had met with the owner of Cage Aroma, where the Annual Meeting will be held on May 13. Leah Dittmers, the Environmental Coordinator for Madison County, will talk about Madison County's recycling program and the ways in which it has changed since it was implemented. IV. New Business a. Board Membership: Needed for the next year are a 2nd Vice-Presidents, Treasurer, and three new Directors. b. The Board voted to donate League photographs to the LWV Archive at SIUE's Lovejoy Library. c. Mary Pearson will call Karen Buescher about heading the Budget Review Committee. Other possible members are Nina Baird and Dottie Hummel. Meg Oberlag pointed out that the Budget must go to the members 30 days before the annual meeting. V. Program Planning for 2010 + 2011 The following programs were suggested: September 2010: Illinois Responsible Budget Coalition October 2010: New Judicial Programs for Madison County November 2010: Illinois Redistricting December 2010: Annual Christmas Party January 2011: Program Planning February 2011: Pre-school at Risk Programs in Madison County Public Schools March 2011: Edwardsville Land Use Plan: Ecological Impacts of Development, with Ben Dickman, City Planner April 2011: Implications of Home Rule for the City of Edwardsville Mary 2011: Annual Meeting
During the discussion, Ginger McCall phoned to suggest updating "Living Lightly on the Earth, " published in 1972. Members discussed a Trivia Night as a possible fund-raiser.

January 2010

January 2010 Bulletin
The Bulletin
Vol. 56, No. 3

January 2010
Important Dates at a Glance:
1/17 Candidate Forum 2:00 p.m., Edwardsville Library- Community Room
1/27 Program Planning Meeting 7:00 p.m., at Ellen Nordhauser's home
3/3 Symposium: Air Quality and Local Environmental Initiatives 7:00 p.m. Edwardsville Public Library- Community Room
5/13 Annual Meeting Café Aroma
January Candidate Forum
Sunday, January 17th, 2010, there will be a Candidate Forum at the Edwardsville Public Library (Community Room) from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. There are two contested races for the Primary Election February 2, 2010. The following candidates have been invited to attend the meeting:
U.S. Representative to Congress, District 19: Rep. John Shimkus (incumbent) Republican, Michael Firsching (challenger) Republican
Madison County Board District 17: William Catalano Republican, Douglas Hulme Republican
The program begins with the U.S. Congressional candidates. Coffee is planned immediately following and before the Madison County Board portion of the meeting. ECTV Channel 10 will tape the forum for viewing on cable news.

Voter's Guide Post Dispatch

Linda McDaniels, St. Louis LWV, has contacted Carol Gipe to discuss the feasibility of our helping with a November 2010 Voters Guide to be printed in the Post Dispatch. The newspaper approached St. Louis League asking for help in this endeavor. They (PD) hope to be able to round-up some money through sponsors. We will cover Madison County, IL. There will be planning meetings in the future. If there is any money for the purpose, we would get a share of the funds to help with any costs we might incur.
Campaign Finance Reform Legislative Update A Campaign Finance Reform Bill, SB1466, passed on the last day of the Fall Veto Session, October 30th. The gains in the legislation include:

Limits on money coming into the political system. o There are limits for individuals, corporations, unions and associations, and PACs for the primary and general elections o There are limits for political party and legislative caucus committees during primary elections
A framework for better disclosure and enforcement. o Contributions of $1000 or more must be reported electronically within 5 days o More detailed quarterly (rather than semi-annual) reports from campaign committees of contributions and expenditures o Random audits conducted by State Board of Elections to ensure compliance with the laws o Enhanced penalties for violation of the law's provisions

There has been a lot of criticism because the political party and legislative caucus committees are not limited in the money that they can transfer to candidates in the general election. However, having limits in the primary is an important step. It will encourage more people to challenge an incumbent or party-backed candidate and help level the playing field for challengers. This is the first time that there are any limits in Illinois of money that can be used to fuel political campaigns. LWVIL has been working on campaign finance reform and to get limits on contributions since 1995. It took countless hours of negotiations between Change Illinois and the Democratic Leadership to come to an agreement with contribution limits and improved disclosure and enforcement. Efforts will continue to work for limits on the political party and legislative caucus committees.
Curbside Recycling The following information is provided in response to interest expressed at the Christmas party, after Ginger McCall gave an interesting and informative review of our local League history in the area of recycling. If you live in a single or two family residential dwelling in Madison County, you have access to curbside recycling. Most curbside programs, and all Drop-off Recycling Stations accept the following:

Newspapers
Junk Mail
Magazines & Catalogs
Corrugated Cardboard
Aluminum Cans
Tin/Steel Cans
Glass Bottles & Jars
NEW!!! #1- #5 Plastics
NEW!!! #7 Plastics Items that ARE NOT accepted include:
Pizza Boxes
Diapers
Cooking/Motor Oil
Plastic Grocery Bags How Should I Prepare My Recyclables?

Sort materials before you put them in the trash. Remove lids from plastic and glass bottles & jars. Put lids in trash. No need to remove labels.
Put all recyclable items in your recycle bin. Containers go at the bottom of bin. Put paper items in paper bags, place this on top. Break down/flatten boxes. Corrugated cardboard no larger than 2'x3'.
Set out once a week, or as assigned by your hauler. If you live in an apartment or multiple-family residency that doesn't have access to curbside recycling then drop-off recycling is the answer! You may recycle all of the items from the list above at Home Depot (on Troy Road, Monday-Thursday only). Retrieved from http://www.madisoncountyrecycles.com/index.aspx?page=8
Annual Meeting Membership Chairs, Alison Lamothe and Lorraine Krusa have scheduled the Annual Meeting at Café Aroma on May 13th!
DISTRICT 7 BOARD OF EDUCATION Observed by Meg Oberlag
October 26, 2009 - The bulk of the meeting was a report by Supt. Hightower about the results of the last ISAT testing. Our students performed well above the state level, especially in math and reading. In the 8th grade, 97% of the general students (excluding IEP) met or exceeded state standards. One sub group did not perform up to the No Child Left Behind requirements and this caused the District to not make adequate growth for 2009 + the first time this has happened. The percentage requirement will increase by 7.5% each year until 2014 when 100% of all students are expected to meet or exceed the goals. Eighty nine out of 395 students with disabilities came into District 7 during 2007 and 2008 so interventions are in place to bring these students up to expectations. They are:
1. At EHS intensive lab courses in English and Math will double their daily instruction.
2. At the middle schools and EHS, two teachers (one special ed and one regular) will team teach these students to provide individualized instruction.
3. The Reading Lab will offer daily instruction materials that ensure growth in skills and comprehension.
4. During the 35-minute activity period at the middle schools, there will be small group instruction in math and study stills for those needing it.
5. The District will offer a specialized, research-based reading program for those who need a different approach to reading.
The Superintendent said that the District takes a serious commitment to academic achievement for all sudents
November 9, 2009 + Dave Courtney gave the time table for the 2010-11 tax levy. The tax rate will probably be $3.9795. This is assuming no growth in EAV (Equalized Assessed Valuation). EAV dropped to 3.14 in 2007-08 after reaching a high of 14.15 in 2006.
Tim Funkhouser proposed starting a Middle School Baseball Program which would have 16 players from each of the two schools. The EGHM (Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Hamel, Midway) Foundation would fund the start up cost of $35,000 and the continuing annual cost of $15,000. These teams would play 12-15 games in the fall at the Sports Complex. Also, an EHS summer baseball program with 2 or 3 teams would play 25 to 30 games in the area.
Supt. Hightower announced that parents and students will be able to make course selections for 2010-11 online starting Nov. 30 during the school day. The parents will have to sign a request form and students will finalize it personally with their counselor.
Hightower also said that he has spoken to the high school and middle school students and all District 7 teachers about his concern over the senseless violence, poor judgment, lack of tolerance, respect and civility that is showing up throughout the country. He showed graphic slides of some of these behaviors and said that any student who violates another by any means will be dealt with promptly and severely. He discussed the seriousness of social networking such as My Space, Facebook etc. and the legal consequences of Sexting. He asked the students to take seriously these issues, to be responsible and step up when they see something happening to one of their peers.
December 21, 2009 + The Board recognized recent contributions from the St Cecilia's Knights of Columbus ($8,351) and the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon Junior Service Club ($1,000). They also introduced Ginger McDaniel and Dorothy Kraus who have become Nationally Certified Teachers which brings the total of sixteen in District 7. They also recognized Sandy Pringle who is retiring after 26 years, first as media clerk and then as a financial secretary at EHS. She organized the secretary's union in 1983.
Supt. Hightower gave a year end report recognizing student successes and contributions from the public, and stated that the District has been able to meet its goals and maintain the budget. However, next year will be a different story as the State of Illinois will likely be 13 billion dollars in debt and will not be able to meet its obligations to any area, not just schools. As of today (Dec. 21) the State owes our District 2.3 million dollars! Therefore, we must continue to make changes to the 3-year plan. This will include freezing all nondiscretionary purchases, reducing operating expenses such as staff cutting and vowing to keep the tax rate under $4.00. At present we have the lowest tax rate in Madison County and the city of Madison has the highest at $6.86. Hightower also vows to not request any additional education funding through a tax referendum.
CITY COUNCIL Observed by Susanne Web
City Council 10/06/09
Walker excused.
Approved sidewalks as follows: $16,000 across from Lincoln School and $58,000 along Governors' Parkway.
Adopted a Parks Dept. Master Plan.
Approved $99,000 for Vadalabene Park parking lot ($70,000 was budgeted for reconstruction. City Council 10/20/09
All present.
Passed a resolution approving renovation of the Wildey theater.
Alderman Stamer informed the council of the purchase of two Ford Crown Victoria police vehicles with financing by the Bank of Edwardsville in the amount of $44,698.
Approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to sign an intergovernmental agreement with Madison County regarding funding the Governors Parkway paved shoulders as a bike trail.
Approved an ordinance vacating a portion of right-of-way on North Second Street.
Suspended the rules and passed on first reading an ordinance authorizing the sale of certain personal and government property.
City Council 11/3/09
Mallon absent.
Accepted the resignation of Mary Castellano from the Human Relations Commission effective November 10, 2009.
Amended the Commercial Building Facade Program to include North Main and St. Louis Streets and to increase the amount to include 25% of one facade up to $7,000 and two to $10,000.
Passed a resolution supporting H.R. 3415 introduced by Congressman Jerry Costello to postpone mandatory flood insurance until scheduled levee repairs can be made.
Adopted an ordinance enacting a new code for the City of Edwardsville that provides for the repeal of certain ordinances not included therein, a penalty for the violation thereof, the manner of amending such code and provides when such code and this ordinance shall become effective.
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE EDWARDSVILLE AREA TREASURER'S REPORT JANUARY 2010
BALANCES 01/06/10
Small Business Checking Account $2,485.28
Business Insured Money Market Account 2,588.88
LWVIL Education Fund
General 254.62
Helen Delicate 975.00

TOTAL $6,303.78

ACTIVITY 12/03/09 + 01/06/10
Income
11/30/09: Interest on Money Market
Account $ 1.17
01/06/10: Membership Dues & Extra
Contribution 100.00

TOTAL $101.17

Expenses
01/06/10: Check # 1036, Lorraine
Krusa, reimbursement for postage
For December meeting mailing $26.40

TOTAL $26.40

August 2009

August 2009 Newsletter

March 2009

March 2009 Newsletter
The Bulletin
Vol. 55, No. 4 March 2009

Important Dates at a Glance:
3/19 Mayoral Debate at Main Street Community Center, 1003 N. Main St. Edwardsville, 7:30 p.m.
3/21 Candidate Forum: City of Edwardsville and District 7 School Board at Edwardsville Public Library Community Room, 1:00 p.m.
3/28 Candidate Forum: Village of Glen Carbon and District 7 School Board at Glen Carbon Senior/Community Center (behind Village Hall), 1:00 p.m.
3/28 League Roadside Cleanup 8:00 a.m., meet at Watershed Nature Center Parking Lot
3/29 Candidate Forum: Village of Worden at Worden Elementary School, 2:00 p.m.
3/16 + 4/3 Early Voting.
4/8 Fundraiser Culver's Restaurant, Edwardsville, 5:00 + 7:00p.m.
Early Voting
Early voting begins March 16th and ends April 3rd. Ballots are available at the Madison County Courthouse weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon). The Edwardsville City Clerk's Office is also providing ballots weekdays only 9:00 to 5:00.
March Candidate Debate/Forums
March 19, 2009 Mayoral Debate: Main Street Community Center 7:30 p.m. Thursday 1003 North Main St., Edwardsville
Candidates: Mayor Gary Niebur and challenger Alderman Wesley Tippit
March 21, 2009 Candidate Forum: City of Edwardsville and District 7 School Board 1:00 p.m. Saturday Edwardsville Public Library Community Room
Candidates: City Clerk, Aldermen for Wards 4 and 6; 4 School Board Candidates.
March 28, 2009 Candidate Forum: Village of Glen Carbon and District 7 School Board 1:00 p.m. Saturday Glen Carbon Senior/Community Center (behind the Village Hall)
Candidates: Village Trustees (4 candidates for 3 seats); 4 School Board Candidates
Unopposed candidates will give brief speeches: Edwardsville City Treasurer, Ward 2 Alderman, Glen Carbon Mayor, Glen Carbon City Clerk and District 7 School Board.
All three events will be taped by ECTV Channel and aired several times before the election April 7, 2009.
March 29, 2009 Candidate Forum: Village of Worden 2:00 p.m. Sunday Worden Elementary School
Candidates: Village President, Village Clerk, Village Board The League of Women Voters of the Edwardsville Area is participating at the request of Concerned Citizens of Worden and is providing support. We are not sponsoring this event.
Submitted by Carol Gipe
Join the League of Women Voters of the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Area for a Fundraising Dinner at Culver's of Edwardsville Culver's has generously agreed to donate to League 10% of their revenues from this date. We will need 6-8 waitresses to greet diners, bus tables and help out. Call LWV member Kim L. Kirn to volunteer. Here are the details:
What: You order off Culver's regular menu which includes soups, salads, shrimp, pork tenderloins, fried chicken and Atlantic cod (in addition to the regular burgers and fries) snacks and frozen custard Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2009 Time: 5-7 pm only Place: Culvers, 6724 Old Troy Road, Edwardsville Who: You, your family, friends and neighbors are all invited Questions: Call Kim L. Kirn 288-0109
League Roadside Cleanup
The next roadside cleanup is scheduled on 3/28 at 8a.m. Meet at the Watershed parking lot for distribution of gloves, trash bags, and reflective vests.
Wi-Fi Program
The League of Women Voters of the Edwardsville Area recently sponsored a discussion of Wi-Fi in our community as many cities and town across the nation begin implementing programs which provide free wireless internet connection for residents in their communities.
League member Pat Hulme organized the program which took place in the Edwardsville City Hall Conference Room on February 18, 2009. Several members of the League, residents of Edwardsville, and a member of Edwardsville Community Television (ECTV) Committee, Mike Pashae were in attendance.
Packets of information were distributed and participants discussed the pros and cons of Wi-Fi in the Edwardsville Area as well as the resources currently available regarding internet access. Ms. Hulme, who had just returned from a trip to California, told the group in attendance about the city of Pleasanton. CA which offers free Wi-Fi for their downtown Main Street area by using part of their local inter-governmental communication system. Another community she studied, St. Cloud, FL, offers free Wi-Fi service to "all residents, businesses and visitors in the 15 square mile radius" of their town. It was also noted that larger cities such as Philadelphia had hoped to make money through advertisements on their Wi-Fi programs, but have not been successful and have even encountered many problems.
The evening's discussion brought to light the possibility that community Wi-Fi could be an asset to area businesses and may help create equality for all citizens, some of whom may not be able to afford internet services. Mr. Pashae told the group he and a few others on the ECTV Committee would like to see the city of Edwardsville offer Wi-Fi along Main Street as a service to businesses and the customers who frequent the downtown businesses.
Although no formal consensus was reached, the discussion proved to be a strong start to this important concept in improving our community.
Submitted by Lisa Brennan `
DISTRICT 7 BOARD OF EDUCATION Observed by Meg Oberlag
February 23, 2009 + Supt. Hightower discussed a plan for addressing the reduced funding that will probably occur during the rest of this year. The state will likely reduce its funding and the amount will not be known until May or June. The $250,000 in Medicaid funding has not been received and any shortfall will be taken from the Working Cash Fund.
The District projects a $700,000 decline in Education Fund revenue and will address that with the following moves:

Eliminate all roving custodians ($94,500)
Offer only one entrée at lunch ($50,000)
Reorganize cafeteria staff and cut down on lines in some buildings ($40,000)
Freeze all discretionary spending ($25,000) Transfer $300,000 from Transportation Fund to Education Fund. We will not layoff teachers or increase class size!

The following information pertains to the 2009-2010 school year when General State Aid could decline by 1.3 million:

Reduce five certified positions by attrition ($209,175)
Eliminate six roving custodian positions ($162,500)
Eliminate fourteen educational assistant positions ($154,000)
Reduce summer school expenditures ($150,000)
Consolidate food service positions and costs ($125,000)
Eliminate two administrative positions ($105,362)
Reduce curriculum study expenditures ($100,000)
Eliminate two roving and EHS South SSO resource officers ($46,436)
Outsource all mail services ($25,000)
Consolidate printing services ($10,000)
Increase student parking fees at EHS to $100 ($20,000)
Freeze construction/renovation projects ($200,000)
Delay summer renovation at Hamel and LeClaire ($1,000,000)

Mr. Courtney gave an update about changes to the technology projects and funding. The Financial Information System will have its own separate server and the total cost of $75,000 will be divided between two years. The Student Information System will start in July at a cost of $172,000. The Board will request a lease/purchase with the Bank of Edwardsville for the software (54 months at 4.2% or $37,845 annually). It has been ten years since the original lease. He also discussed security updates such as new and better cameras, better entry access control, job application on line, electronic time sheets for hourly workers, etc.
Supt. Hightower presented the calendar for 2009-2010 with the following highlights: Aug. 17, 1st teacher day; Aug. 18, 1st student ½ day; Dec. 21-Jan. 1, winter break; March 29-April 2, spring break; May 25,last student day if no emergencies; June 2, last day if all emergency days used.
City Council 2/17/09 Sue Webb, observer
All present.
Presentation by Chief Bedell on the activities of the Police Dept. for the past year.
Approved purchase of two 2009 Chevrolet Impalas at a cost of $39,614 from state bid for the Police Dept.
Approved the purchase of a thermal imaging unit costing $7,760 for the Fire Dept.
Approved a mowing contract change with Greenside Lawn Services to add 2 new locations at a cost of $705 per occurrence.
Approved an engineering contract with Oates & Associates at $31,900 for the Hillsboro Avenue resurfacing project.
Approved a preliminary engineering agreement with Kaskaskia Engineering for the Fourth Street rehabilitation project (part of the brick street project.
Authorized the sale of the old Merlin Phone System (96 phones).
Awarded the bid for the Hoppe Parking Lot Improvements to Rooters American Maintenance, Inc. for $94,708.
City Council 2/3/09 Sue Webb, observer
All present.
Robert Parker resigned from the Mobile Intensive Care System Trust Committee and Dee McDonald, CFO of Clover Leaf Bank, was appointed in his place.
Passed an ordinance authorizing sale of certain surplus personal property (fire truck, $35,000) of the city of Edwardsville.
Adopted an ordinance requiring the registration of rental property in the city.
Approved an SIUE Party in the Park on April 24, 2009 and a March of Dimes Walk for Babies on April 25, 2009.
LWVEA Proposed Local Program for 2009-2010
Current Local Positions
The LWVEA proposes to:
a) support an effective Human Relations Commission;
b) support an effective Edwardsville and Glen Carbon Historic Preservation Commissions and encourage the designation of areas and/or sites in the communities as historic landmarks;
c) support the recreational systems consensus position. The LWVEA also proposes to support possible ways of improving recreational facilities and programming through existing governmental entities, private developers, and/or the creation of a park district;
d) support the governance and quality of education positions that have been developed previously and support appropriate tax propositions (especially those related to funding, physical facilities, and district boundaries) after review and further study;
e) support the consensus on the City or Edwardsville Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the six approved recommendations;
f) support the consensus on the Village of Glen Carbon Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
Additional Recommendations
The LWVEA also proposes to: 1) gather information regarding the expansion of MetroLink to the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon area or the expansion of bike trails to encourage energy savings for commuters;
2) gather information regarding the funding mechanism of recreational opportunities including Park District funding;
3) gather information on the ecological impact of local development;
4) continue to support the recycling efforts in place and monitor possible changes to the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon recycling programs;
5) continue to support the Cool Cities Initiative;
6) revise the "Here Is Madison County;"
7) present information regarding Home Rule;
8) present written and electronic information regarding The Open Meetings Act at the local level.
League of Women Voters Edwardsville Area BOX 841 Edwardsville, IL 62025-0841
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
The goal of the League of Women Voters is to empower citizens to shape better communities worldwide. Membership is open to any U.S. Citizen who is at least 18 years of age. Dues of $50.00 include membership in our local, state and national organization. Send your check to Treasurer, LWVEA, P.O. Box 841, Edwardsville, IL 62025-0841

January-February 2009

January/February Newsletter PDF file
The Bulletin
Vol. 55, No. 3 February 2009

On March 18th, the League of Women of Voters of the Edwardsville Area is hosting a Public Education Event, to inform community members about Wi-Fi issue/developments in our area. Two speakers are scheduled to make a presentation, to be held at 7:00 pm, in the City Hall meeting room.
Important Dates at a Glance:
02/11 7:00 pm Monthly board meeting, Meg Oberlag's home.
02/18 7:00 pm Public Education Meeting. Wi-Fi developments, City Hall meeting room.
LWVEA Annual Program Planning Meeting
The Program Planning Meeting commenced at 7 pm on January 28, 2009 at the home of Lisa Brennan. The consensus of this meeting was to keep all of the programs from last year. At this time, our local platform summary booklet, Where We Stand Locally, was reviewed and an update to this booklet was discussed. Program items, identified at the Program Planning Meeting, will be reviewed and accepted by the Board, for presentation to League members at the annual meeting.
In line with local program planning, the Illinois League is preparing to choose issues for Where We Stand 2009 + 2011, the platform of the League of Women Voters of Illinois. As part of this process our local board will complete the State League Program Planning Response Form, to provide local input. This is a companion to Impact on Issues, the League of Women Voters of the United States' program book. Taken together, these publications and the League Principles form the basis for all action taken by Illinois Leagues on state and national issues.
This state form can be viewed on the state web site at lwvil.org and is previewed, in part, below:
Summary of the LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF ILLINOIS, PROGRAM PLANNING RESPONSE FORM 2009 - 2011
Part one of this form requests recommendations on current position to retain, restudy/update, or drop. Areas include:
GOVERNMENT Constitutional Implementation, County Government Structure, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, State Election Laws, Gun Violence Prevention, Schools, State Fiscal Policy, State Redistricting
NATURAL RESOURCES Land Use, Large-Scale Livestock Facilities, Pesticides
SOCIAL POLICY Children's Services, Immigration, Income Assistance, Mental Health
The update process requires that the local League identify areas to restudy/update, and then to elaborate on the 1) position to be restudied, with specificity as to all or which part, 2) rationale behind recommendations for restudy, and 3) local League commitment and resources available.
Part Two of this form requests recommendations regarding new studies and action focus items.
Cool Cities Initiative
Inspired by the League of Women Voter's screening of Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" at the Edwardsville Public Library in February 2007, board member Carol Gerdt and I began to collect petitions for Edwardsville to become a Cool City. Some were collected at LWV events. We then worked with the Paisa Sierra Club's staff member, Christine Favilla, and John Byrd also of the Sierra Club. Cool Cities is a grass roots greenhouse gas emissions reduction initiative begun in Seattle and sponsored by the Sierra Club. In one such meeting we met Phillip Hudson, an Edwardsville resident with strong environmental leanings who formerly worked for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. We met with the mayor and Barb Stamer in April of 2007. Progress was slow and frustrating, until Edwardsville resident and Sierra Club Board Member Dave Gocken took over representing the Sierra club. Dave, Chris Krusa, Phillip Hudson and I formed the Citizen's Committee for Cool Cities. We have met frequently, Dave kept in good communication with the mayor's office, and we finally met with the mayor, Public Works Director, City Manager and the Director of Parks and then with the ACS Committee, and finally, on 1/22/09, Mayor Niebur signed the Cool Cities U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement. We now await the mayor's appointment of an advisory board, which will represent city personnel and citizens. The Citizen's Committee will continue to meet, to exchange ideas for recommendations to the advisory board, as well as other needed public education projects etc. Would the League be willing to partner with this Committee to undertake community education projects? Reported by Rachel Tompkins
The following articles about the Cool City initiative are from the Edwardsville Intelligencer and the Belleville News Democrat, respectively.
By ANN NICCUM aniccum@edwpub.net Published: Friday, January 23, 2009 10:32 AM CST The city of Edwardsville is now officially a "Cool City."
Surrounded by residents and members of the local Sierra Club and League of Women Voters (LWV) on Thursday, Mayor Gary Niebur signed the U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement.
Under the agreement, the mayor took a pledge on behalf of the city to become a Cool City and take steps to reduce global warming through solutions such as, smart lighting, renewable energy, energy efficiency, green vehicles, clean transportation, green buildings and green communities.
Niebur became the 911th mayor to sign the agreement in the U.S. and the second in the Metro East.
Dave Gocken, of the Piasa Palisades Sierra Club in Alton, and Niebur thanked all who had worked on the process to get the city to join the Cool Cities Initiative.
Gocken said the goal of the agreement is to reduce global warming at a local level.
Gocken said the Sierra Club program uses the Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement as a guiding tool to reduce carbon emissions in line with the Kyoto Protocol.
"Over 900 mayors from all sizes of cities across the United States representing nearly 85 million citizens have signed the agreement," Gocken said. "Until the federal government acts, mayors are spearheading local efforts to reduce GHGs (greenhouse gases) which contribute to global warming."
Niebur said the city has been working with the Sierra Club for months on this measure.
"This is more than just signing a piece of paper," Niebur said. He said the city is making a commitment.
"Edwardsville has been a leader in many ways. We were one of the first communities to have weekly recycling and to ban leaf burning. Some of this was met with opposition, but it was the right thing to do," Niebur said.
Niebur said the city has initiated many environmental and energy efficient projects over the years.
According to Public Works Director Tim Harr, some of the city's energy efficient projects have included: using an $80,000 grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to distribute more than 300 energy efficient kits to residents, inspecting and tuning 53 residential furnaces for low income residents, replacing traffic signal bulbs with energy efficient LED bulbs and replacing an HVAC unit with a more energy efficient unit at City Hall.
Gocken said the steps to become environmentally friendly are also fiscally savvy.
"Reducing carbon emissions cuts down on global warming, these actions also save taxpayers money and in this saving of money citizens are better served by their elected officials," Gocken said.
Rachel Tompkins, a member of the Sierra Club and LWV of the Edwardsville area, spoke on behalf of the local LWV.
Tompkins said the organization supports the mayor's decision to sign the agreement. She said the LWV on the national and local level supports this initiative.
"The League of Women Voters is pleased today to have the city of Edwardsville designated as a Cool City," Tompkins said.
Three Rivers Project Coordinator Christine Favilla said she too was happy with the city's decision. She said hopefully neighboring communities will follow in Edwardsville's footsteps.
"Edwardsville is truly a leader in this matter," Favilla said.
There are four steps to become a Cool City: take the Cool Cities pledge, conduct a global warming emissions inventory, create a solution plan and implement and monitor progress.
Niebur said the next step in the process for the city is to form a committee to review opportunities for the city to reduce carbon emissions and advise the city as to which steps can be taken.
Alton's mayor signed the same agreement last year.
To learn more about the initiative, visit http://www.sierraclub.org/coolcities.
Posted on Friday, Jan. 23, 2009
Edwardsville makes it cool to live in the city By ELIZABETH DONALD
EDWARDSVILLE -- Edwardsville is now the second "Cool City" in the metro-east. Mayor Gary Niebur became the 911th American mayor to sign the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, pledging to reduce the city's contribution to global warning along the lines of the Kyoto Protocol. "Until the federal government acts, mayors are taking steps," said Dave Gocken, on the executive committee of the Sierra Club's local chapter.
Niebur said the city is forming a committee to find ways for energy efficiency. "This is much more than signing a piece of paper," Niebur said. "This is a renewed commitment this city is making." Niebur pointed out that Edwardsville was one of the first cities to begin weekly recycling and ban open burning, which he said were not always popular decisions. Other environmental steps Edwardsville has taken include:

A state grant funded energy-efficient lighting at City Hall, police and fire stations and the library, as well as energy-efficient HVAC systems at City Hall.
Traffic signals at many intersections were replaced with LED lights.
The parks and recreation department has switched to a hybrid vehicle.
Single-pane windows have been replaced with energy-efficient windows.
Promotes recycling, including mulching Christmas trees and buying recycled plastic park equipment. "There's a definite impetus toward a cleaner, brighter future," said Christina Favilla, Sierra Club representative. Niebur said the Edwardsville High School Environmental Club also intends to get involved, under the leadership of President Yanyi Luo, who wishes to join the committee. Gocken said the energy-efficient policies serve taxpayers as well by saving money, and Rachel Tompkins of the League of Women Voters offered the group's support for the initiative. Alton was the first metro-east city to sign the agreement but has not yet formed a committee, Favilla said. No St. Clair County cities have joined the initiative. There are 31 Cool Cities in Illinois, most in the Chicago region. Contact reporter Elizabeth Donald at edonald@bnd.com.

DISTRICT 7 BOARD OF EDUCATION Observed by Meg Oberlag
January 12, 2009 - The director of the Southwestern School Board Association spoke about the services and activities of the organization which includes the counties of Madison, Monroe, St. Clair, Jersey and Randolph. It is one of 21 divisions in the state. They have four meetings each year and offer networking and seminars for superintendents and school board members. This summer they will offer training sessions for new school board members who are elected in April. (Edwardsville has four seats that will be up for election.)
The board approved a new course for EHS + Veterinary Technology + which will be part of the Agricultural Education department.
Dr. Andre gave an overview of the planning to get ready for the 2010-11 federal mandate called Response to Intervention. This program requires school districts to give extra help to students who are falling behind and hopes to remedy the situation before they become labeled as disabled or in need of special education. The main targets are language arts, math and behavior. RTI is a strategy for meeting the goals of No Child Left Behind. Our District has already been working on this since 2004 when we started at EHS with the state Small Learning Communities grants.
City Council Observed by Susan Web
12/16/2008
Tippitt excused.
Appointed Eric Scott Hanson from Columbia, Mo. as new city planner.
Passed an ordinance making an assessment, levy and collection of taxes for the fiscal year May 1, 2008 to April 30, 2009.
Authorized sole source awarding of the East Lake culvert and roadway replacement project to Baxmeyer Construction, Inc. at an estimated cost of $230,000.
Passed an ordinance making all telecommunicators full time.
At 12/16/08 meeting also approved Edwardsville's participation in the Cool Cities program to help reduce global warming.
1/6/2009
All present.
Made presentations of appreciation to retired fire captains Anderson and Schrage.
Authorized purchase of a used (1999) aerial fire truck from Lake Forest Fire Dept. at a cost of $150,000.
Awarded the Children's Museum parking lot project to DeLaurent Construction for $49,444.40.
Approved agreement with Jim McAdams for resident engineering services as needed.
1/20/09
All present.
Passed a resolution supporting application for recycled content equipment grant from Madison County Solid Waste Recycling Program.
Had first reading of an ordinance authorizing sale of certain surplus personal property owned by the city and another ordinance adopting a registration program for residential properties rented within the city limits.
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS BOARD MINUTES - NOVEMBER 2008
Present: Lisa Brennan, Ruth Ellis, Carol Gipe, Ellen Nordhauser, Meg Oberlag, Mary Pearson, Judy Thompson
WALK FOR DEMOCRACY: Mary Pearson reported that this event broke even. If we do it again next year, she suggested that we buy more T-shirts. Board members agreed that it had been a good event. Hal Patton and Mark Von Nida were there in support. Participation was fine for a day when other events were also scheduled. The connection with the Saturday Market worked well.
ILLINOIS STUDENT VOTE was also a success at local high schools. More than 3000 students participated and League Members assisting with the event registered more than 200 new voters from throughout the County. Carol Gipe suggested that, in the 3 schools where she worked that day, that teachers regarded the event as extra work, while administrators considered it a feather. Mark Von Nida, the County Clerk, gave major support to this event.
MEET AND GREET THE CANDIDATES NIGHT, held on Wednesday October 8, proved a great success. Ten of 11 invited candidates attended, and 90 citizens turned out to hear them. Press coverage was good. The meeting was replayed on the Public Access Channel. Melissa Levy of the Collinsville LWV handed out a sheet of information about the candidates. Lisa Brennan and Melissa Levy welcomed the crowd.
MENTORING FOR NEW MEMBERS, Judy Thompson observed, has been a new initiative. She called all of them for the candidates' meeting. Carol Gerdt and Mary Pearson will write an invitation to new members to the Christmas Social.
Carol Gipe asked Meg Oberlag to write up for THE BULLETIN a summary of her talk, given with Ginger McCall to the WOMEN IN POLITICS CLASS at SIUE.
TAD ARMSTRONG, a local attorney with a strong interest in popular education on Constitutional issues will speak to LWV members and the public at the Auditorium in the Madison County Historical Society Annex on Wednesday, November 19.
The TREASURER'S REPORT was approved. After expenses, the Garage Sale fund-raiser, held in September, netted $377.50. The Board also approved asking Karen Buescher to conduct the annual audit. Meg Oberlag will call her.
A remembrance of our deceased member and friend, SARAH TWOMBLY, written by Ann Stolte will be in the Bulletin.
Board Members approved a list of local program items proposed by members in January 2008 and taken from the 2006-2007 listing in the Annual Report. On the list approved by the Board for continued discussion and study were the following:

Continuing the Smart Growth study of rapid growth and development within the boundaries of the LWVEA with special emphasis on the I-55 Corridor Plan.
Following the National LWV position on Health Care, the LWVEA puts a high priority on hosting informational events for public discussion of health care issues.
Looking at the question: What are the human relations issues in Edwardsville?
Looking at the City's response to issues of human contribution to climate change, examining the "Cool City" initiative.
Possibly organizing an informational meeting on "home rule," perhaps combined with an update on issues connected with Tax Increment Financing [TIF].
Exploring the ramifications of community-wide Wi-Fi.
Possibly organizing an informational meeting regarding land usage and eminent domain, if compatible with the LWVIL program.
Educating the public regarding the Open Meetings Act.

Submitted by Ellen Nordhauser

November 2008

November newsletter PDF file

August 2008

August newsletter PDF file

May 2008

May Newsletter PDF file

April 2008

April Newsletter PDF file

March 2008

March Newsletter PDF file

February 2008

February Newsletter PDF file

January 2008

January Newsletter PDF file

October/November 207

October/November Newsletter PDF file

September 2007

The Bulletin

Vol. 54 No. 2 September 2007

Minutes of LWVEA Board Meeting 10-2-2007 at 5pm at Ellen Nore's home
Present: Lisa, Ellen, Judy, Kathy, Kim, Mary, Carol Gipe, and Ruth. Absent: Carol, JoAnn, and Jody
Lisa announced consent, by e-mail, to approve minutes of the September 11, 2007 meeting and the September treasurer report. It was determined that minutes will be considered approved if no objections are received by e-mail. Prior to this meeting, Lisa and Jody Keating discussed a possible redefinition of Jody's board position. Board members agreed that Jody would be considered a member-at-large.
Using Education Funds to pay for the website is not yet approved. Both Lisa and Ruth continue to check with their contacts at the LWVIL office. Money is not due until October 20th.
Fundraising was discussed. The Pasta Dinner will be revisited next year. Other, possible fundraising events were discussed. A letter soliciting support from local businesses will be developed. Ruth said that a letter from a former business solicitation might provide a model for this project. This letter is possibly in the archives. The Chamber of Commerce should have a computerized list of local businesses that could be used to generate mailing labels. Members discussed the advantage of having a League member with name recognition send the letter. Other alternative fund raising events suggested include a quilt or needlepoint show and a 5K run/walk, to coincide with upcoming elections. Carol Gipe will confirm election dates.
About 15 people attended the War Made Easy event. Kim reported that the speaker was excellent and the movie thought provoking.
The October 11th Moderator Training, with Paula Lawson and Edith Auchter, will be preceded by a public and media reception. The reception is scheduled from 5 + 6:00pm, immediately followed by the moderator training. The Glen Carbon Library usually closes at 8:00; however, Kim will check to see if the time can be extended for this event. The phone tree will be activated prior to the Moderator Training, as all members are encouraged to attend the reception and invited to attend the training.
The Leadership Conference in Springfield will be attended by Lisa, Carol Gipe, Carol Rienking, and Joanne Nabe. The fifty dollar budget will be split between these members.
Ellen reported that road pickup has been delayed, as the city reports the application file was misplaced. Road pickup is now scheduled for 11/4/07. Participants will meet at 9:00 at the Watershed. 3 members are needed to attend a training session prior to this time, to include Ellen and Kathy. Mary will contact the EHS National Honor Society sponsor, Ms. Larson, to offer service hours for this project.
Several membership letters were mailed this past month. Judy suggested that we send a brief, hand-written note with membership materials, and has volunteered to do this. Lisa will provide Judy with letterhead paper and envelopes. The LWVIL was not chosen for LWVUS membership initiative, but Lisa reported that membership training will be available in December through the state office. Ruth handed out Dues Notices to board members.
Judy was approached by several members about the Annual Meeting. Judy, Meg, and Carol Rienking will explore dining and meeting room options for this event. Judy will report on findings next month.
The Goshen Market is available on October 20th. Lisa will be present for voter registration. Small plants, brochures, pencils, etc. will be given away. Members are invited to volunteer.
Judy reported that the library is not available to serve as the location for a November training session, to help members use the computer to obtain information from the National, State and Local League websites. The training will be rescheduled closer to the elections, when related information will be available on the Edwardsville Area League website. This meeting might be promoted with a postcard announcing the website and time and date of the training.
Kim is interested in following up on the water tasting idea. She will explore possible hosts for this event. She will also explore options for the Christmas party.
Collinsville will host an informational session to explain the Show Us Amendment. If available, a flyer for this event will be posted on the newsletter.
Respectfully submitted, Mary Pearson for Carol Gerdt
DISTRICT 7 BOARD OF EDUCATION Observed by Meg Oberlag
Sept. 24, 2007
Supt. Hightower announced that the district will benefit if the state legislature passes the school construction grants and road improvements (Gov. Parkway and Glen Crossing) that are being considered. Also, the June 7, 2008 graduation will not be held at SIUE due to remodeling of Vadalabene. Parents will vote for either EHS gym or athletic field.
A balanced budget for 2007-08 was approved. There will be 7.8 million in the Working Cash Fund. The following construction bids were approved: 8-room addition to Glen Carbon, EHS South conversion to Alternative School, wheel chair lift at Woodland, EHS track resurfacing, and installation of a 605 foot fence at Woodland for a girls' softball field.
Linda Andre said that a recent study was completed to ensure that no student "falls through the cracks" to failure. Early intervention will look at grades, attendance, regular communication with parents and offer of free academic support services such as after-school tutoring and a writing center (open all day). These will be staffed by regular teachers.
August 27, 2007
Jill Bertels gave a construction update on the following: groundwork for the Worden expansion; steel framework up at the two in-town new elementary schools; new entrance, canopy and teacher parking lot at Glen Carbon; new front canopy at Midway and track at Lincoln Middle School. New driveway at LeClaire is also completed.ugust 27 school board
Supt. Hightower gave the 5th day enrollment figures as follows: 7414 total, 499 in kindergarten (2nd only to last year's 505), 3277 in grades 1-5, 729 at Lincoln Middle School, 898 at Liberty Middle School, and 2500 at EHS. 500 high school students go to the Lewis &Clark campus each day for three classes which helps alleviate overcrowding at EHS which was built for 2400. He said, "We can adequately address growth at the high school for the next 7 to 8 years." Boundaries may have to be changed at the middle schools due to disparity in enrollment.
The auditor contract with Schowalter & Jabori was extended to June 30, 2010. Delta Dental Insurance will be offered to employees, but with no cost to the district.
Edwardsville City Council Sue Webb, observer
10/2/07
Haroian excused.
Accepted the Housing Impact Study and approved proceeding with the TIF plan for North Main St. Final approval will come later.
Approved the IDOT Utility Permit Resolution for the Park Plaza Project.
Commended the Lincoln Middle School girl's softball team for winning fourth place in the state.
9/19/07
All present.
Mayor Niebur read a proclamation recognizing SIUE's 50 years of existence.
Allowed David Ulriede to address the council on the topic of the amended dumpster ordinance. He was against it, labeling it "folly".
Approved a tourism request for $3000 from the Friends of the Edwardsville Children's Museum.
Approved the annual Fire Dept. Open House on Sat. Oct. 6, 2007 from 9AM to 3PM.
Passed an ordinance amending the Dumpster ordinance to require that they be enclosed and have gates. Tippitt voted nay.
Authorized the mayor to sign an intergovernmental agreement with Lewis and Clark Community College regarding use of property att the N.O.Nelson Complex.
9/4/07
All present.
Appointed James Bedell as Director of Police.
Approved payment of membership dues of $1500 to the Tourism Bureau of Southwestern Illinois.
Approved the final plat of the Villas of Eagle Rock (formerly the Villas of ESIC).
8/21/07
All present.
Approved the final change order to Moniger Excavating for $36,887 for the 2006 Brick Street Project.
Extended the mowing contract with Greenside Lawn Care to 2012.
Annexed two properties owned by Logan D.P. Development Co. LLC and one at 7407 Leslie Drive.
Appointed Eric Williams as Interim City Engineer with an annual salary of $67,000 effective 8/22/07.
Approved the EHS Homecoming and Halloween parades.
8/7/07
Janet Haroian served as mayor pro tem in the absence of Mayor Niebur. Alderman Hummel was excused.
Received a letter of resignation from City Engineer Cynthia Watters and one from James McKee, planning and zoning intern.
Suspended the rules and passed on first reading an ordinance authorizing issuance of General Obligation Certificates, Series 2007A for the purchase and renovation of a building at 200 E. Park St. for use by the Public Works Dept.
7/17/07
Stamer excused.
Received letters of resignation from Steve Black and Kimberly Berry, operator and Police/Fire/EMS telecommunicators.
Approved an ordinance making appropriations for the current fiscal year.
Background Information for LWVEA Local Affordable Housing Action
National League Position:
Housing Supply. Support policies to provide a decent home and a suitable living environment for every American family.
Exerpt from the National League's Where We Stand: Meeting Basic Human Needs The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that one of the goals of social policy in the United States should be to promote self-sufficiency for individuals and families and that the most effective social programs are those designed to prevent or reduce poverty. Persons who are unable to work, whose earnings are inadequate or for whom jobs are not available have the right to an income and/or services sufficient to meet their basic needs for food, shelter and access to health care. The federal government should set minimum, uniform standards and guidelines for social welfare programs and should bear primary responsibility for financing programs designed to help meet the basic needs of individuals and families. State and local governments, as well as the private sector, should have a secondary role in financing food, housing and health care programs. Income assistance programs should be financed primarily by the federal government with state governments assuming secondary responsibility.
Exerpt from the National League's Where We Stand: Criteria for Housing Supply

When families or individuals cannot afford decent housing, government should provide assistance in the form of income and/or subsidized housing.
Government at all levels should develop policies that will assure sufficient land at reasonable cost on which to develop housing and that will assure fulfillment of other goals such as access to employment, preservation of open space, environmental cleanliness and beauty, and other aspects of a suitable living environment.
Lower-income families should not be segregated in large developments or neighborhoods. As their economic status improves, lower-income families should be enabled to continue to live in the same units as private tenants or as homeowners, if they are so inclined.
Housing should be designed to meet human needs and should be built with amenities that will encourage economic integration within apartment buildings as well as within neighborhoods.
Publicly assisted housing should be included in viable, balanced communities, with provision for quality public services and facilities, including schools, transportation, recreation, etc., that will encourage integration and stability.
Zoning practices and procedures that will counteract racial and economic isolation should be promoted.
State and local tax structures should be examined and revised to: a. benefit communities that build housing for lower-income families; b. encourage private owners to improve their homes; c. reduce speculative land costs.
Citizen groups should participate in the development of publicly assisted housing programs by: a. evaluating performance; b. activating nonprofit sponsorships; c. supporting legislation; d. developing public awareness of housing discrimination and need.

Structural Causes of Homelessness in the U.S.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) operates several programs to provide limited housing and services to homeless persons, with most services targeted to populations of persons with serious or permanent disabilities.
The HUD model reflects widespread beliefs that attribute homelessness to problems, deficiencies and defects experienced by individual persons. However there are clear, direct structural causes for the rise of homelessness in the last 25+ years.
In fact, homelessness as we know it did not exist as a noteworthy social issue prior to the early 1980's in this country. Major causes of endemic homelessness include:

Huge decline in number of low-rent and affordable housing units across the country along with significant increases in rental costs

Huge reduction in overall HUD budget for housing subsidy and development

Long period of static and declining wage levels, particularly for low wage workers

Decline in value and availability of public income assistance and related programs

Deinstitutionalization of persons with mental illness without building a comprehensive community system of car

Significant reduction in single-room occupancy units, particularly in urban areas

Elimination of public housing units

Shift in overall Federal housing subsidy to mortgage deductions over low-income subsidies

 For every $1 the Federal government spends on low income housing, it loses $4 to housing-related tax deductions, 75% of which go to households in the top fifth of income distribution
Lack of Institutional Remedies for Homelessness
The homeless assistance system can neither prevent people from becoming homeless nor change the overall availability of housing, income, and services that will truly end homelessness.

The homeless assistance system does not control or influence wages or income support

The homeless assistance system does not manage, fund, or build affordable housing

The homeless assistance system is not equipped to provide long-term or comprehensive support--resources are too scarce and other systems exist to accomplish this.

People who experience homelessness are often the clients of major service systems, such as: the mental health system, the public health system, the welfare system, the veterans system, the criminal justice and the child protective service systems (including foster care).

The more effective the homeless assistance system is in caring for people, the less incentive these other systems have to deal with the most troubled people and the more incentive they have to shift the cost of serving them to the homeless assistance system.

Sources:
http://wraphome.org/wh_press_kit/Without_Housing_20061114.pdf
http://www.endhomelessness.org/section/tools/tenyearplan/execsum
Background information compiled by: John Harvey
League of Women Voters Edwardsville Area BOX 841 Edwardsville, IL 62025-0841
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
The goal of the League of Women Voters is to empower citizens to shape better communities worldwide. Membership is open to any U.S. Citizen who is at least 18 years of age. Dues of $45.00 include membership in our local, state and national organization. Send your check to Treasurer, LWVEA, P.O. Box 841, Edwardsville, IL 62025-0841

April 2008

April Newsletter

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