The public hearing on Thursday 19, 2009 was adjourned about 15 minutes after it had begun because of massive overcrowding. The room was set up with 160 chairs, but at the start of the meeting there were at least 200 more standing all over the room with dozens in the doorways and out into the hall. Hearing Officer Mr. Dockus was interupted by a woman standing in one of the doorways who said that were many people standing in the halls who could not hear. At this point, Attorney Rick Porter stood up and made a motion to dismiss based on the inadequate facilities. He explained that not only was the meeting breaking the fire code, but it was also violating the Illinois Open Meeting Act. After a short deliberation with Paul Miller the Planning and Zoning Director, Mr. Dockus adjourned the meeting.
Location and date for the next meeting has yet to be announced but will be at least 15 days from Thursday the 19th and likely several days more.
Reports indicate the following county board members attended Thursday night: Marlene Allen, Larry Anderson, Jerry Augsburger, Eileen Dubin, Kenneth Andersen, John Emerson, Julia Fauci, Michael Haines, John Gudmunson, Mark Todd, Pat Vary, Scott Newport, Riley Oncken, Michael Stuckert, Anita Turner, Stephen Walt, Sally DeFauw and John Hulseberg.
View clips from the meeting
