Grundy Co. adds members to ethics commission
By Sarwat S. Ahmad Correspondent March 22, 2013 10:00PM
Updated: April 25, 2013 6:34AM
On the same night that the County board decided to pursue allegations against board member Frank Halpin for possible misappropriation of per diem reimbursements, it also voted to add members to its Ethics Commission.
The 16 board members present unanimously voted to increase the number of members on the commission from three to seven. Board members Frank Halpin and Ken Iverson were absent.
According to the resolution, the commission will be a bipartisan one with no more than four members belonging to the same political party. Party affiliation will be determined by affidavit of the person appointed.
At the first meeting of the commission, four members will have two-year terms, while three will have one-year terms and the determination of terms will be made by drawing lots. After the initial terms, all commissioners will be appointed to two-year terms.
Members will be appointed by the Chairman of the County Board “with the advice and consent of the county board,” the resolution reads.
In other action, the board passed an ordinance on the disposal of surplus property. According to the ordinance, all surplus property (which includes motor vehicles, equipment, furniture and supplies that are no longer useful) can be sold by the county whether through an auction, in a closed bidding, or any other manner deemed appropriate.
The drafting of the ordinance resulted from the Sheriff department’s need to get rid of old police cars. Those vehicles will probably go up for auction in about 45 days, according to State’s Attorney Jason Helland.
