WHERE IS THE AUDIT...AGAIN?

SAUK VILLAGE |  In the footsteps of the criminal charges and a plea agreement for embezzlement by the Village Treasurer James Griegel, the Village has yet to complete and publish its audit reports.  Per Illinois law, the Village's Audit Reports were due October 31, 2016; however, the Village filed for an extension with the Illinois Comptroller's Office until December 26, 2016.  The date has come and gone and now the Village faces fines from the Illinois Comptroller due to delinquent audit reports.

Sauk Village has had a history of delinquent audit reports and Mayor David Hanks blamed it on the Police Pension Board for causing the delay at a meeting November 1, 2016.  The Police Pension Board denied at that time they were the cause for the audit delay. "We require information from the Village regarding payment to the fund for withholding of contributions from the members and pensionable wages for the members.  It took multiple requests, dating back to July (2016), to receive the proper information from the Village.  The final piece we needed to complete the IDOI (Illinois Department of Insurance) report was received on 10/21/16 where it was determined a withholding payments was incorrectly sent to the Fire Pension Fund instead of to the Police Pension Fund."  according to the Pension Board.

The Village Board approved a payment to the Audit firm last week from September, 2016 in the amount of $21,000 which could have been the delay in receiving the current audit report.  It was also learned that some of the Village Trustees, not all, authorized taking over $2 million from the water fund without a public vote, which in previous audit reports it was reported by auditors as being inappropriate to do.  Trustees Derrick Burgess, Kelvin Jones and Cecial Tates stated they did not authorize moving money.  Burgess said according to Illinois law a public vote should occur even if consensus was given to do so.

The Village's Finance Committee, chaired by Trustee Rosie Williams-Biag, has not addressed the Village's audit report nor given the Village Board any updates as to when the Village Board and the public will receive last year's audit as the Village is due to begin a new Audit as the fiscal year comes to a close in April. 

The Village had been denied a grant from the Illinois Housing Development Authority for $75,000 and the Housing Commission Chair said it was due to social media post, particularly "YouTube"; however, the prior Audit Report indicated that Village officials mismanaged the grant and one village official used an ATM card to make a cash withdrawal for the grant which is a violation.

Hanks was so excited that auditors finally completed audit reports form 2009 to 2014, which in many successful communities these are done annually without much fanfare.  

CONTROVERSIAL CANDIDATE DEBBIE WILLIAMS FACES CHALLENGES

CHECK PAYABLE TO DEBRA WILLIAMS

Copy of Exhibit from Anderson v Williams

obtained from FOIA and Illinois Attorney General

Binding Opinion

PETITION CHALLENGER SAYS PROCESS IS RIGGED

SAUK VILLAGE |  The incumbent Village Clerk Debra Williams faces a formal challenge being filed by former Village Trustee Francine Anderson against Debra Williams's name being certified to be placed on the April, 2017 ballot.

Anderson states in her 33 page objection, among several other matters, that Williams accepted a check for $500.00 from the Village's Attorney Odelson and Sterk for her trip to Washington DC. for the Building One America Summit which began the "Travelgate" scandal.  Anderson contends that since the Office of the Illinois Attorney General  determined that the trip was in her "official capacity as Village Clerk" that the money should have been rightfully deposited with the Village and consequently, Williams owes the money to the Village.  Anderson cites the Illinois law and Illinois Supreme Court ruling stating that a person cannot be a candidate for office if that person owes the Municipality money.

Anderson also objects to certain notaries on the petitions filed by Williams as Williams notarized some of her own petitions as did another notary who signed Williams's petitions a violation of State law according to Anderson.  Anderson claims in her objection that this would leave Williams without the requisite number of signatures to have her name as a candidate for Village Clerk and she should not be certified for the ballot.

Williams, who could not afford to pay for the trip to Washington DC on her own dime in 2013, has  apparently hired a high profile downtown Chicago attorney to defend her to keep her on the ballot.  Anderson is stating that there is a blatant show of conflict of interest in the Electoral Board process if they should allow Clerk Williams' daughter, Trustee and now Mayoral Candidate Rosie Williams to continue to be a part of the Electoral Board process with charges against her mother.  Anderson filed a motion to recuse or exclude Rosie Williams from the Electoral Board and Debbie Williams is fighting that challenge as well.

"At what point do you say that this entire process is rigged" asks Anderson?  "When you have the daughter sitting in judgment over her mother, you know which way that is going to go", Anderson said.

Williams's attorney filed a motion to dismiss the entire matter at last week's hearing and Anderson expects that the Electoral Board will likely vote to dismiss the matter.  "Well, when you have an electoral board that is clearly biased, the results are a foregone conclusion" Anderson said.

"We will immediately appeal the electoral board's decision if they vote to dismiss the matter.  Rosie knows better, but this goes to show you what kind of ethics that this family has", Anderson said. 

The matter is being presented before the Village's Electoral Board at 6pm tonight at Village Hall.  The Electoral Board is comprised of David Hanks, Rosie Williams and Trustee Derrick Burgess who will also act as the "temporary clerk" during the proceedings since Clerk Debbie Williams is the subject of the challenge. 

Marva Campbell-Pruitt

While Williams may be on the April ballot, she will face a formidable candidate and the outcome of the election is anything but certain.  Marva Campbell-Pruitt has filed proper nomination petitions for Village Clerk and will challenge Williams one-on-one this April.   Pruitt did not challenge the validity of Williams' nomination petitions; however, she does intend on beating her at the ballot box.  Williams failed to gain 50% in a crowded field of candidates in 2013 but won a majority of the votes cast for her re-election bid.  Pruitt believes that the residents have "Williams fatigue" and are ready for change and to restore faith and trust in the office of Village Clerk.

Pruitt is running as an independent candidate for Village Clerk and said she is ready to restore confidence in the office of Village Clerk once more.  Pruitt plans on running a "progressive" and grass roots campaign for Village Clerk.

Pruitt currently serves as Vice President of School District 168 and revitalized the Village's current Beautification Committee in 2009 bringing back the time-honored "Hootsie Award" and annual village-wide clean up campaign. 

CLICK LINK TO READ MORE

CLICK LINK TO READ BINDING OPINION ISSUED BY ATTORNEY GENERAL

WILLIAMS CANDIDACY CHALLENGED

TRAVELGATE SCANDAL COULD KEEP WILLIAMS OFF BALLOT

SAUK VILLAGE |  Shades of Travelgate, the so-called “personal trip” that Debra Williams and her daughter Trustee Rosie Williams took to a Building One America Summit in July, 2013, continue to plague the Village Clerk.  

Former Village Trustee Francine Anderson filed a formal objection to Debra Williams’s candidacy for Village Clerk claiming that she in fact owes the Village money from the trip.  Anderson in her objection claims that Williams solicited “donations and sponsorships” in her official capacity as Village Clerk.  That Williams accepted a check for $500 from a village vendor and provides a copy of the check to support her claim.  Anderson claims that Williams did not deposit the money into the village’s account, as required under law, therefore, owes the Village said money.  Under Illinois law, a person cannot be in arrears on any debt or owe money to a municipality and be eligible to run for office.  Anderson cites case law to support this claim in her objection.

To support Anderson’s claim, she included a copy of the Binding Opinion issued against Williams by the Illinois Attorney General stating Williams “acted in her official capacity as Village Clerk…” during the solicitation of funds for the Building One America Summit.

Anderson lists other objections to Williams’s candidacy along with several exhibits to support her claims.  Williams apparently notarized her own petitions, which Anderson cites that under Illinois law, that a Notary Public cannot notarize any document to which they are a party to within the document.

Attempts to reach Anderson for comment were unsuccessful; however, she did provide a copy of her 33 page objection to the Sauk Villager.

The objection further asks the electoral board for the recusal of certain members from serving on the board including the Village Attorney, David Hanks, Debbie Williams, her daughter Rosie Williams, Trustees Derrick Burgess, Lynda Washinton and Edward Myers for various reasons and conflicts of interest.  Typically Electoral Boards are not to have any conflicts of interest in the matter which they are to decide.  The Mayor, Village Clerk and the senior most Trustee which would be the daughter of Debra Williams, Rosie Williams, would serve on the Board.  Anderson claims all three have a direct conflict of interest in rendering a decision in the matter.  Anderson claims that Rosie Williams was a participant in the Building One America trip and that Debra Williams is her mother. 

Williams was first elected in 2009 as Village Clerk and ran with former mayor Lewis Towers.  Williams is being challenged for Village Clerk by Marva Campbell-Pruitt, who currently serves as Vice President of the School Board.  Campbell-Pruitt challenged Williams in 2013 in a crowded four-way race and Williams won with less than 50% of the vote.  Campbell-Pruitt promises rebuilding faith and trust in the office of Village Clerk.  Campbell-Pruitt promises not to solicit village vendors for personal gain.

FEDERAL INVESTIGATION: HAS THE VILLAGE MISAPPROPRIATED GRANT MONEY? PAY TO PLAY?

ILLINOIS ATTORNEY GENERAL ISSUES DETERMINATION- VILLAGE VIOLATED LAW... AGAIN!

SAUK VILLAGE | The Illinois Attorney General has once again issued a determination that the Village has violated the Freedom of Information Act.

A request through the Freedom of Information Act for documents was made to the Village on May 11, 2016 for documents pertaining to a grant the Village received from the Illinois Public Risk Fund to purchase bullet proof vests for members of the Sauk Village Police Department.  We requested “all receipts, invoices, purchase order/requisitions, communication and correspondence showing the use and expenditure of these funds from said grant”.

On June, 2, 2016, the Village finally responded and furnished a one-page accounting which appeared to be an account ledger.  The Illinois Attorney General determined that the Village violated the Act because it did not respond to the request nor did it ask for additional time to complete the request as the law states.

On July 7^th the Village submitted a response to our Request for Review to the Attorney General’s office.  The Village stated that Mohan Rao, the Village’s Finance Director, is the “record keeper for grant materials”.  In the Village’s response they provided additional information that they submitted to the Attorney General in confidence and the Attorney General therefore could not provide us with copies of that confidential “information”.

Our response to the Village at that time was that the Village did not deny they received the grant and therefore it should maintain additional records related to its receipt and expenditure.

The Illinois Attorney General’s office determined that the Village violated the Freedom of Information Act because their response was “untimely” that it did not conduct a “reasonable search” for the documents we had requested. 

The Village’s official response was that the Village Finance Director “cannot locate the records, nor the specific measures the Finance Director took to search for them.”  Additionally the Illinois Attorney General stated that the confidential correspondence with the Village Attorney “does not adequately describe the scope of the search…”.  According to the Attorney General “The records related to a State grant recently received by the Village, and it appears likely that additional records exist regarding the application, award and expenditure.”

It appears that the Village has once again "lost" pertinent records regarding the details of the grant.  Accordingly we have reported this information to higher authorities.

The Illinois Attorney General had issued a rare binding opinion ordering the Village of Sauk Village to turn over “all documents” we requested with respect to Village Clerk Debbie Williams and her daughter Rosie Williams’ “personal trip” to Washington DC, which we have referred to as the Travelgate Scandal. ***CLICK HERE TO VIEW BINDING OPINION*** The Williams duo had used the Village’s website and Village resources to solicit “donations” from Village vendors, yet the Williams duo claimed “this was a personal trip”.  Both Debbie Williams and Rosie Williams spoke at a Building One America Summit in Washington DC in July, 2013.  Village vendor Pat Couch, now a Police and Fire Commissioner was appointed shortly after the trip to the Police and Fire Pension Board which may have been a “quid pro quo” or “this for that” or more commonly referred to as “pay to play”.  After the documents were finally disclosed two years later, it revealed that Couch actually paid for the dynamic duo's, Debbie and Rosie Williams, airfare to fly to Washington DC for this “personal trip”.  Couch actually attended this conference with the Williamses.  No documents were provided showing that Debbie and Rosie Williams reimbursed Couch for her money.

The Village Administration, supported by Rosie Williams and the votes she cast, has established a pattern of blocking the public’s access to documents and overall transparency.  The Village sued the Attorney General in order to block production of the documents concerning the “Travelgate” scandal.  Hanks and the Williamses spent thousands of tax dollars in their failed attempts to block the production of these documents.  

It is only due to the persistence of information can we find the answers we seek from this administration.  The big question for Sauk Village residents is WHY? WHY CAN'T INFORMATION BE FORTHCOMING WITHOUT BEING MADE TO DO SO?

For more information on Travelgate ***CLICK HERE***

SHAKEDOWN AND PAY TO PLAY CONTINUES AT VILLAGE HALL

OPINION EDITORIAL | With the Village Treasurer James Greigel facing Federal criminal charges of stealing money from the Police Pension Fund along with his heroine, whores, embezzlement and corruption scandal, the Travelgate scandal naming Debbie Williams and Rosie Williams as particiants; both occurring on David Hanks' watch!  Now we find David Hanks getting in on the act too shaking down village vendors for his own personal and political campaign! 

Photo courtesy Social Media

Let's face it blowing up $6,000 is not “American”, at least that was the unanimous decision of the Village Board of Trustees at the May 24^th Village Board meeting.  Why did they take this action and cancel fireworks for their Independence Day celebration?  Well frankly blowing up $6,000 when they budgeted ZERO dollars to start any youth programs to keep kids off the streets or perhaps making the Sauk Village Police Station a healthy and safe work environment is more responsible!  Or, it could be that the three Bobble Heads were shamed into it by the responsible actions of Trustees Derrick Burgess, Cecial Tates and Kelvin Jones!

So what does the meathead “Mayer” David Hanks plan to do now?  He’s planning on continuing to shakedown  Village vendors, ala Travelgate, just like Debbie Williams and her daughter Rosie Williams did to scheme money for their “personal trip”, so that Hanks can blow it up in a 15 minute fireworks show.  So how do you suppose any vendors will recover their money?  You got it!  On the backs of the taxpayers completely circumventing the Village Board's action which already voted “NO” to fireworks!

If you don’t believe anything, believe this!  David Hanks continues to show his immaturity during village meetings just like a spoiled child who did not get his way!  How can anyone respect a person who would intentionally harm the health and welfare of Village employees nor give a darn about the kids of Sauk Village.  His actions speak volumes!  Don’t be fooled by his follies and lies he continues to put out through his surrogates and brainwashed minions.  I have no respect for a man who lies to peoples’ faces, whose actions intentionally hurt people and their welfare (i.e. cancelling their health insurance while they were out on medical leave).  Also and even more troubling for taxpayers and residents taking action without public votes, without the consent of your board and ruling by royal fiat and edict.

Let's not also forget the pattern of lies that David Hanks appears to have in his personal life as (CLICK LINK TO LEARN MORE).  This man is a pathological liar!  Read the facts and do your own research.  Son of a preacher!  Yeah he's a son of a something alright.  Know your history Sauk Village.... KNOW your history!

The rule of David Hanks has been one hundred times more damaging to the Village than that of the previous administration!  Why do I say that?  He has 3 Bobble Heads, Lynda Washington, Rosie Williams and Ed Myers, who support his misguided political agenda!

Original material copyright 2016 Sauk Villager News; all rights reserved. 

HANKS & HIS BOBBLE HEADS IN CAMPAIGN MODE FOR 2017

Bobble Heads with Towers in 2009 and Today

OPINION EDITORIAL
The 2017 campaign has kicked off in Sauk Village!  David Hanks has been telling people he’s in and Lynda Washington announced before a handful of people in July of last year she was running.  Tuesday night, from the dais at a Public Meeting no less, Ed Myers, a one-time Lewis Tower staunch supporter turned David Hanks staunch supporter, did what no other Trustee in the history of Sauk Village has done and announced he is running for re-election.  Did the Mayor say anything about politicking in Village Hall and at the “sacred” Village Hall chambers!  Not one word!  Way to support your Bobble Head! 

Shouldn’t these three individuals be worried about doing the job instead of keeping or moving up in their positions?  Let’s face it, Lynda Washington is so busy defending David Hanks and advocating for his misguided policies why the hell would anyone want a Bobble Head who doesn’t have a clue about how a budget works, how a TIF district works, in fact she doesn’t understand much about anything except book bags and Harvey Illinois!  Sorry Lynda you just do not have what it takes to be a Mayor!  Things like integrity, character and as Chuck Thompson called you “morally objectionable” and you turn around and vote for him to the Police & Fire Commissioner!  You are a BOBBLE HEAD! 

The Village Budget that both Myers and Washington voted for along with the precious and innocent Rosie Williams was $3.3 million dollars out of balance!  No information was provided about the fund balances, in fact this was absolutely the worst budget that has ever been passed and it took the vote of David Hanks himself to pass it. 

What as laughable Tuesday night was Hanks appointed Ed Myers in charge of getting quotes for fireworks until Trustees Derrick Burgess and Cecial Tates embarrassed them into voting no for taxpayer dollars to be blown up in 15 minutes when the Police Station and Community Center have asbestos in them and there was $0 in the budget for youth programs!  Hanks would rather people go out on street corners and beg for money like a prostitute, despite the fact that the Village taxes the residents to fund such youth programs.  So Myers, Washington and Williams voted for a budget that included $6,000 for a 15 minute fireworks extravaganza but then turned around and voted no for the fireworks!  You can tell it’s election time when the three Bobble Heads (Myers, Washington and Williams) go against their own King and vote no!  It’s a shame they had to be embarrassed into doing the right thing finally!

People of Sauk Village send a strong message to Hanks and his Bobble Heads!  It’s too little too late!  Your days are numbered and it’s time for you to go!  345 more days and counting!  Enjoy your taxpayer funded paycheck for now, you certainly have not earned it!

UNBALANCED VILLAGE BUDGET APPROVED - HANKS BREAKS TIE AGAIN

Rosie Williams (far left) trying to make a point before she

voted YES to approve the unbalanced budget.

SAUK VILLAGE | This past Tuesday, Mayor David Hanks for the second time in the history of Sauk Village voted to break a tie vote to approve his budget which calls for a $3.3 million deficit.  Trustees Derrick Burgess, Cecial Tates and Kelvin Jones voted no while Trustees aligned with Hanks, Lynda Washington, Rosie Williams and Ed Myers voted along with Hanks to pass the budget.

The Hanks Administration presented the Budget to Williams and Myers, who comprise his Budget and Finance Committee on April 12, 2016 but did not release this information to the public.  A request was made to the Village for a copy of the “proposed” budget under the Freedom of Information Act.  The Village claimed it was a “draft” and was not subject to the Act and denied the request through their taxpayer funded attorney, consequently the Illinois Attorney General’s office was asked to intervene and make a determination if the Village violated the Freedom of Information Act for failing to make available a public document.  The matter is still under review by the Attorney General.

Hanks said of this budget on a social media post “This year's budget has gone through more scrutiny and provided more opportunity for public input than any year prior”.  We say emphatically that this statement is patently false.

Here are some observations on this years budget:

#1 The presentation and approval of an Appropriations Ordinance on May 24^th violated the Illinois Open Meetings Act as this was not placed before the Village Board of Trustees nor the public prior to this meeting.

#2 The Corporate Authorities did not hold any public hearing on the Appropriations Ordinance pursuant to 65 ICLS 5/8-2-9  “the corporate authorities shall hold at least one public hearing on that proposed appropriation ordinance”.  Last week the Corporate Authorities held a “Budget Hearing” and not a Public Hearing on the Appropriations Ordinance according to law.

#3 the public was not provided, nor privy to the Appropriations Ordinance 10 days prior to the adoption of this Ordinance.  The Trustees received this very ordinance on Monday, May 23, 2016 and therefore it is not in compliance with 65 ICLS 5/8-2-9.

#4 the Budget is not balanced as there is $13,269,223.28 in projected revenues and transfers and $16,634,917 in projected expenses and transfers according to the appropriations ordinance which means this is not balanced which leaves this budget out of balance and revenues short by $3,365,693.72

#5 the Budget, as proposed spends revenues within the General Fund which are not intended for the General fund.  There is no corresponding expenditure or transfer to the other funds for the corresponding amounts.

#6 Various funds are penalized for having to take up covering the shortfall of the willful negligence of the administrations past and present as money is spent in the General Fund and not their legally intended purposes.  

#7 there is no allocation, nor accounting for the outstanding bills owed by the Village of Sauk Village.  At times the outstanding bills reach $1.1 millions (per the 2015 Audit report).  A balance budget means that “all expenses and all revenues are balanced”.  If this budget was in fact balanced, it would have accounted for paying all of the bills and this budget does not.

#8 This budget is irresponsible as this administration has chosen to hire additional personnel and pay for them out of the water and sewer fund and they will not be performing any services for the water or sewer departments what-so-ever.

#9 This administration continues its irresponsible pattern of robbing Peter to pay Paul borrowing money to make payroll from the water fund and any other funds and it is irresponsible to hire more people that we need to borrow money to pay them.  

 

#10 despite the fact that Hanks and his allied Trustees voted to eliminate the Police Dispatch under the guise of a "cost savings initiative" in the 2015-16 budget, they have approved hiring additional personnel in the latest budget.

As Trustee Derrick Burgess said following Tuesday’s meeting “ this budget is irresponsible, is not balanced and continues to hide the facts from the residents and taxpayers of Sauk Village and is not fair to our employees and employees who were ‘laid off’ and have not been recalled from layoff”.

 

 

HANKS & WILLIAMS NO TRANSPARENCY

OPINION EDITORIAL
SAUK VILLAGER NEWS

The administration of Sauk Village Mayor David Hanks and his lead Bobble Head Trustee Rosie Williams continue to do everything they can to prevent the public from obtaining information.  Including invoking the taxpayer funded attorney to do their dirty work instead off issuing a simple "form letter" that they could obtain from the Attorney General's web page!  What is more disturbing is that instead of being open, honest and transparent, this dynamic duo have led an effort to keep Village business closed off from the public, conducted in the back office and veiled in secrecy.  Without even mentioning the numerous other occurences about "consensus" votes via email to the village trustees instead of conducting actual recorded votes at public meetings, but we're talking about this budget that they put together with chicken wire from the Hanks farm!  Hanks plops it down and asks the Trustees to hurry up review it and let's ram rod this piece of crap down the taxpayers throats before they taste it.  Mayors in successful communities do not have a budget process so closed so cloaked and so stupid as David Hanks.

This year's budget is yet another example of this administration's lack of transparency.  Hanks submitted his secret clandestine budget to his so-called Budget and Finance Committee on April 12th.  Rosie Williams is the chairperson of the Budget and Finance Committee and her co-chair Trustee Ed Myers.  A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request on April 12th for a copy of the documents submitted to the Budget and Finance Committee by Hanks was refused.  The Village, through their paid legal team, denied the FOIA request claiming that this was a "draft" and therefore this was "exempt" under FOIA. 

The Illinois Attorney General was asked to intervene and issue an opinion on this matter, since the Village's Ordinance #15-012 which created the Budget and Finance Committee states "The Village's Finance Director shall make ever effort to submit to the Finance Committee, on or before March 15th of each fiscal year, a proposed budget for the next fiscal year..."  Any document submitted to a public body, like the Finance Committee, is a public document subject to the act we contended in our response to the Village's denial.

The million dollar question to all of this?  What the hell are they hiding in the first place?  Why not put out for the public to see what numbers you are proposing in your budget?  Over the last several days we heard your numbers discussed in an open meeting!  Then your arrogant head Bobble Head Rosie Williams was heard saying during the meeting "oh look he has a copy of the budget already...".  Well newsflash know-it-all Rosie Williams, the budget I had and was following was from last year that you voted on!  It clearly wasn't balanced then as you voted YES to and from what I heard neither is this budget which you will vote YES to and offered no solutions to the many many problems that the Village faces. 

SAUK VILLAGE FINANCIAL MESS - Auditors miss policy... What Policy?

This is the fifth in a series of revelations of the 2014-15 Audit Report.  The Village was delinquent in filing their audit with the Illinois Comptroller (due December 26, 2015).  The Audit report (see attached link at the end of this report) reveals the status quo with the Village finances continues with 3 years into David Hanks’ Administration.

SAUK VILLAGE |  Residents should be asking the questions?  How is this administration handling my tax dollars? 

Clearly there is no oversight by this administration when it comes to your tax dollars.  Mayor David Hanks’ move to put Trustee Rosie Williams and Ed Myers as chairman and co-chair of the Village’s Finance Committee was a joke.  These same trustees have virtually nothing to say when it comes to the Village’s budget or audit reports.  It’s kind of like putting the fox in charge of the hen house.  The only checks and balances that the residents have for their tax dollars are three trustees who seek answers to the Village’s money Trustees Derrick Burgess, Cecial Tates and Kelvin Jones.

Burgess, Tates and Jones voted no for what is clearly an "irresponsible and unbalanced budget", voted no to raise property taxes twice, routinely demand that public votes be taken when it comes to spending and transferring money around, continually ask questions about the accounts payable and voting no on reckless spending some $200,000 for computers and software which are still not in use today.

The following are additional items in the Village’s Audit Management Letter:

3.       Expense Reimbursements (Repeated from Prior Year)

We noted that not all expense reimbursement requests include evidence of approval prior to reimbursement.  We recommend that all expense reimbursement request be reviewed and approved by an individual in supervisory capacity, prior to reimbursement.

Additionally, the Village’s per-diem expense allowance policy does not require the submission of receipts to substantiate the amount paid to the individual.  Per-diem allowances that lack receipts as evidence of the business nature of the expense, and which are in excess of IRS-prescribed amounts, are required to be reported as income to the individual on Form W-2 or 100, as appropriate.  Consideration should be given to reevaluating the village’s expense reimbursement policy in light of its current practice and IRS reporting requirements. 

Editorial note:  Why not simply do away with the antiquated and archaic “per-diem” policy.  Do like most corporations do reimburse individuals for their out of pocket expenses after the fact.  Seems simple enough!

4.       Purchase Orders (Repeated from Prior Year)

We noted that the Village lacks a formal purchasing policy, and that purchase orders are not used for most purchases.  We recommend that the Village develop and adhere to a formal purchasing policy.  Purchases that require a purchase order should be formally approved by an individual other than the employee initiating the purchase order.

Editorial note:  Where do the auditors get that there is no “purchasing policy”?  The Village adopted a Purchasing Manual in the early 1990s and amended said Purchasing Manual on June 23, 1993 and again on July 23, 2003 and votes were taken to waive certain requirements of the Purchasing Manual.  Most of which, David Hanks was on the Village Board when they waived such requirements!  What is puzzling, is why hasn’t this Administration taken the same votes to in the form of an Ordinance to “waive” competitive bidding for items never included in the Village’s Budget for instance, the computers and software that the Village bought to the tune of some $200,000?  Bet that is going to be in the next audit finding report!

An expert on Illinois Municipal Finance, intimately familiar with Sauk Village’s financial history reviewed the Village’s audit and management letter and stated the following:   “I don't believe any of these are just normal issues.  In a well run environment, none of these issues should occur.  There should always be a system of "double-check" in order to eliminate any possibility of wrongdoing.  We have many of these safeguards in place to prevent fraud and provide transparency with taxpayer’s money.   What I don't get is the lack of attention being paid to account receivables.  What exactly does everyone working at Village Hall do?  Why is it that the Finance Director has no backup from existing staff? What does this so called Village Administrator or the Mayor do? (by the way the Finance Director  seems to have a lot of authority according to this report)?  This report is pathetic!”

VILLAGE BOARD VOTES DOWN RESTRICTING PUBLIC COMMENT

SAUK VILLAGE |  After months of back and forth and delays by Mayor David Hanks, the Public Comment Ordinance finally had a vote, after over 30 minutes of debate, and the vote failed 4 to 2.  Trustees claim that the recommendations by the Ordinance Committee were just too restrictive and did not go far enough to permit the public to comment.  Trustees also said that it essentially this was the same ordinance already on the books. 

Originally Trustee Cecial Tates introduced the idea of expanding public comment during Village Board Meetings to any topic on the agenda.  Currently the rules only permit Public Comment on "agenda items only" during the Village Board meetings held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday with Hanks routinely telling residents "that is not on the agenda" and that they he would not permit the question or comment to be stated.  There are currently two pending complaints filed with the Illinois Attorney General regarding Sauk Village's Public Comment period which are still under review.  Another recent incident of the public getting shot down was School District 168 Board President Philip Bazile who was told he could not address the Village Board concerning matters involving the School Board.

Trustee Derrick Burgess introduced the original Ordinance to the Trustees about six months ago.  The ordinance which Burgess introduced at that time merely did away with the restriction which only allowed public comment on agenda items only.   "Look the Attorney General and the Open Meetings Act laws are clear, they state that the public has a right to comment during our Village Board meetings.  We do not have a legal right to restrict public comment" Burgess said following the meeting. 

Trustees Burgess, Tates and Kelvin Jones were joined by Lynda House in voting against the measure while Trustees Ed Myers and Rosie Williams (who voted by phone) supported the move which virtually kept the same ordinance in place.  The ordinance which failed did add new provisions imposing  penalties to the public who violated the ordinance.  "I do not believe people want to be arrested for coming to a Village Board meeting, speaking their mind because it violates David Hanks' petty, capricious and arbitrary rules" Tates said after the meeting.

Burgess offered an alternative Ordinance, which took the Village's original ordinance and merely did away with the language "on agenda items only".  Burgess said that it was the exact same ordinance which was drafted by the village's current Attorney when it was originally passed.  Tates suggested that since the issue is on the agenda the Village Board should vote on the Ordinance offered by Burgess.  Village Attorney Matthew Burns of Odelson and Sterk said that the vote on Burgess' proposed Ordinance would not be proper because it was not on the agenda.  Tates disagreed and said that it's the same ordinance and same action.  "If one Ordinance does not pass and the other does then there is no violation of the law" Tates said.  Burgess wants the matter on the Village Board's Committee-of-the-Whole meeting for next week with a vote to follow the week after.

Hanks believes that the Ordinance needs to go back to the Ordinance Committee.  Burgess said it does not that the Board does not accept their recommendation.  "The Board voted 4 to 2 and does not accept the recommendation of the Ordinance Committee, why send it back to them other than to delay another vote and delay the public's questions.  What is he (Hanks) afraid of"? Burgess said following the meeting.  Myers agreed that the Ordinance Committee already looked at the matter gave their recommendation.

"Many public bodies do not need to adopt the recommendations of committees, this Village Board is no different.  We need to allow the public the opportunity to speak to their elected officials.  They have delayed this, and put more road blocks to deny the public their right to speak" Tates said following the meeting.

THERE'S A RUMBLING IN SAUK VILLAGE...

OPINION EDITORIAL - There's a rumbling in Sauk Village!  Indeed a rumbling!  Many voters are fed up with Sauk Village's Mayor David Hanks, Village Clerk Debbie Williams and the treacherous-trio of Bobble Headed Trustees Rosie Williams, Lynda Washington and Ed Myers!  This was easily seen in the 2015 election as not a single person endorsed and supported by David Hanks or Debbie Williams won election to the Village Board!  Nor did a single candidate supported by Hanks and Williams garner even 40% of the vote in 2015!  The voter apathy was a telltale sign of the exasperation of the residents of Sauk Village over the abject failure of the Hanks/Williams administration.   Somehow this group have gotten the idea that the Village is their own personal fiefdom.  

Many residents, including long-time residents, are fed up with the abuse of their authority, the political theatrics and circus atmosphere and are sick and tired of paying the Mayor and Village Clerk a salary when meetings are routinely cancelled and the business of the Village is not getting done in an open and transparent process.   Keep in mind, these individuals were elected to hold OPEN and PUBLIC MEETINGS, identify issues facing Sauk Village, share solutions to those issues and vote IN PUBLIC for the solutions they have, reach out and compromise and working together!  Yet the residents and taxpayers do not see this happening from this administration and his allies!  These individuals are not lobbyists supporting one group or another, they were. elected to represent all community members.  Clearly they have failed in their duty and their oath!    If the residents want to attend a show or a sporting event they could very well go to the movies or a sporting event.  Seeing the childlike theatrics of Hanks with his condescending attitude and contempt for Village Trustees he does not agree with is outrageous!  Hanks' predecessor never conducted himself in such a childlike manner,  and I never agreed with how he handled village business or issues facing Sauk Village. 

Supporters of David Hanks, Debbie Williams and the treacherous-trio of bobble heads believe that cutting Village Meetings to only two per month; a 40% reduction, is a "cost savings initiative"!  While I agree it will reduce the Village Trustees stipend, it would only be fair that the Mayor and Village Clerk should "give back" the identical percentage of their salaries.  Traditionally, Trustees are paid for 5 meetings per month (2 board committee, 2 board meetings and 1 trustee chaired committee) at $125 per meeting that they "actually attend" (emphasis added on "attend") for a total annual savings of $18,000.  So, if the Mayor and Village Clerk volunteered to "give back" 40% of their salaries, Hanks reduction in pay would save taxpayers some $7,600 per year and Williams reduction in pay would save the taxpayers another $6,800 per year saving the Village a total of $32,400!  All of which could be given to Parks and Recreation for programs! BUT!  Now we would see if these two really cared about "cost savings".  

Village Board meetings are business meetings and should not be used as a bully pulpit for Hanks and Williams to pontificate nor an acting stage for Lynda Washington's play!  REALLY A PLAY?  Hanks and Williams supporters believe that the 3 Un-Trustees that don't support Hanks should not be paid because they offer no viable solutions for the Village's problems. My question to them is:  What "viable solutions" have David Hanks, Debbie Williams, Rosie Williams, Ed Myers or Lynda Washington proposed?  Nada, None, Zilch!  The Village's General Funds Deficit continues to grow, the Village's finances are an absolute mess, David Hanks' treasurer is indicted and he's still on the payroll, Village Employees continue to file grievances and lawsuits that are instigated by David Hanks himself!  

Hanks has had total control of the Village Board and the Village since 2012...What improvements have been realized in the Village since then?  Where are the solutions to these problems that he and his supporters constantly squawk about?   For some strange reason, they blame the 3 Un-Trustees.   So who is to blame for Sauk Village's steady decline?  David Hanks, Debbie Williams and the treacherous-trio of bobble heads!    

You better believe there is a rumbling in Sauk Village and the taxpayers are definitely restless!  The residents' of Sauk Village signed and filed a petition of NO CONFIDENCE in this administration, the very first ever filed against a Mayor by the People of Sauk Village!  The lack of confidence contributed to the tidal wave that swept two bobble heads out of office in 2015.  As this administration's antics continue into 2016, they can expect a tsunami in 2017 that is aimed to sweep this garbage out of office and give the residents of Sauk Village a CLEAN START and a chance at a new beginning!    

 

EDITORIAL NOTE:  I would like to thank the supporters of David Hanks and Debbie Williams for inspiring this editorial.  A loyal reader sent me a diatribe posted on social media.

NO STUDENT GOVERNMENT DAY... NO MORE WILLIAMS DUO

Trustee Rosie Williams reading during a Village Board
Meeting on Tuesday, January 26 th night as a fellow
Trustee is speaking

OPINION EDITORIAL
SAUK VILLAGER STAFF

Let’s recap this last couple weeks shall we.  Let’s look at the pattern of arrogance and entitlement and you can be the judge.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016:          CONFUSION & ACCUSATIONS… Village Trustees Ed Myers and Rosie Williams engage in a debate on students of District 168 and how atrocious their reading skills are during Student Government Day in the past.  Rosie Williams even goes as far as to say that she believes teachers of District 168 might be helping students write their essays.

Monday, January 25, 2016:          ACCUSATION & DISRESPECT… School District 168 holds their regular school board meeting, Village Clerk Debbie Williams attends and has a meltdown.  Williams accuses students and teachers of academic plagiarism to get selected for Student Government Day.  Williams disrespected the entire School Board by storming out of the meeting but not before saying “I don’t have to sit here and listen to this shit…”.  Village Trustee Ed Myers apologizes for Williams disrespectful actions and for his comments made Tuesday.

Tuesday, January 26, 2016:          DISRESPECT… School Board President Philip Bazile is disrespected by Mayor David Hanks as he attends a Village Board meeting and Hanks does not allow Bazile to address the Village Board.

Wednesday, Januay 27, 2016:    DISRESPECT… School Board President Bazile calls a special Meeting for Friday to discuss the relationship between the Village and School District.

Friday, January 29, 2016:               APPROPRIATE ACTION! Village Clerk Debbie Williams, Trustee Rosie Williams and a handful of their supporters attend the School Board’s Special Meeting.  School Board members Bazile, Marva Campbell-Pruitt, Sharon Davenport, Tammy Jones, Jimo Kasali and Deloris Green agree that School District 168 will not participate in Student Government Day.  The sister to the Mayor David Hanks, Mary (Hanks) Howard is the only one to disagree and wanted the district to participate.

The time for change is now!  Trustee Rosie Williams, and by extension her mama Village Clerk Debbie Williams have ruled Student Government Day for 10 long years now.  The Mayor and Trustees are often scolded before Student Government Day to behave themselves.  Why do grown adults need to be disrespected and told that they need to behave?  Seems like the child telling her parents what they need to do!

It’s time for change now!  Rosie Williams and her mama Debbie Williams need to be replaced so that new ideas, new concepts a new direction for Student Government Day can evolve!  As the School Board said Friday night new guidelines need to be established and work between the two body’s Intergovernmental Relation Committees needs to happen!   I believe one nonstarter is to have the Williams duo heading up any future Student Government Day events!

HANKS SHOULD RESIGN... NOW!

OPINION EDITORIAL
by Sauk Village Voice

Never before in the history of the Village has a mayor openly criticized his own Police Chief that he himself appointed and other village employees.  David Hanks took the opportunity to criticize former Chief of Police Tim Holevis and current Police Sergeant Rebecca Sailsbery at his meet the mayor event this month claiming they were "destroying the village".

First, David Hanks seems to forget that he appointed Holevis Chief of Police and sang his praises at that time.  In a post on (September 17, 2013) David Hanks’ Facebook page, you know the one he said he never goes on, Hanks said:

Mayor David Hanks considers the appointment a much needed boost for the morale of the department as well as a feeling of stability for the community. Restoring Pride and Progress is a daily battle. Chief Holevis and the entire Police Department have the support of the Mayor and the Board of Trustees to do whatever is needed to provide safety to our residentsMayor David Hanks considers the appointment a much needed boost for the morale of the department as well as a feeling of stability for the community. Restoring Pride and Progress is a daily battle. Chief Holevis and the entire Police Department have the support of the Mayor and the Board of Trustees to do whatever is needed to provide safety to our residentsMayor David Hanks considers the appointment a much needed boost for the morale of the department as well as a feeling of stability for the community. Restoring Pride and Progress is a daily battle. Chief Holevis and the entire Police Department have the support of the Mayor and the Board of Trustees to do whatever is needed to provide safety to our residentsMayor David Hanks considers the appointment a much needed boost for the morale of the department as well as a feeling of stability for the community. Restoring Pride and Progress is a daily battle. Chief Holevis and the entire Police Department have the support of the Mayor and the Board of Trustees to do whatever is needed to provide safety to our residents

“M””Mayor David Hanks considers the appointment (of Tim Holevis) a much needed boost for the morale of the department as well as feeling of stability for the community.  Restoring Pride and Progress is a daily battle.

Chief Holevis and the entire Police Department have the support of the Mayor and Board of Trustees to do whatever is needed to provide safety to our residents”

How does one go from pouring praise upon your own appointee to destroying the police department’s morale and telling the residents of Sauk Village that Holevis and Sailsbery were “destroying the village”.  Oh and now there is no crime in Sauk Village since Holevis left and crime is dramatically down?  Really?  I hope he can smell what he's shoveling!

Second, Hanks has attacked Trustees who do not agree with his political dogma or ask him questions calling them "lazy" and wanting to be "spoon fed".  Hanks stated at a village meeting he wants residents to be arrested and removed from meetings if they go over an arbitrary 3 minute time limit.  Hanks continues to disrespect residents, village employees and Village Trustees whenever the mood strikes him.  He is more concerned about people who talk about him than about moving the village forward.

Third, Hanks is a coward and uses his three Bobble Head trustees Rosie Williams, Lynda Washington and Ed Myers to do his bidding.  Hank’s actions cost him two of his Bobble Heads in April, 2015 and many residents who once supported Hanks and his coalition have abandoned him and realized that he is not what he portrayed himself to be in 2013.  He is a proven LIAR and a hypocrite! 

Now the Village faces a multi-million dollar lawsuit as a result of Hanks’ reckless actions and the residents of Sauk Village will be left to pick up the tab long after Hanks is gone in 2017.  David Hanks you should do the taxpayers of Sauk Village a big favor and give them an early Christmas gift... RESIGN NOW!  But you are too  arrogant and self centered to do that, but the time is now to begin the calls for Hanks’ resignation!  The time is now for residents to begin the process of telling the remaining three Bobble Heads your time is up!  2017 cannot come soon enough, but the time is now for the Bobble Heads to say David Hanks you’re a proven LIAR, we can no longer follow an arrogant liar, self serving hypocrite and misogynistic megalomaniac who is costing taxpayers money by his words and actoins!  But that would take one thing that those three bobble heads clearly do not have!  Integrity!

NO CONFIDENCE: RESIDENTS BEGIN CALLS FOR HANKS RESIGNATION

OPINION EDITORIAL
By Joseph Wiszowaty
How can someone get it so wrong?   Mayor David Hanks has been Mayor since November, 2012 and has been on the Village Board since May, 1999 some 16 years now and yet he still doesn’t get it.  He suppose to be working for all the people of Sauk Village, not just a small handful!

Hanks has been on a whirlwind trying to ramrod all these changes and votes down the Village Board’s throat, and the Bobble Head 5 are going along with it.  Just like Pat Quinn was doing on his way out the door of the Governor's office!  Trustees Ed Myers, Rosie Williams and Lynda Washington apparently do not give a damn about what the public think and about all that has been going on.  Apparently they think Hanks is doing a “fine job”.  REALLY?  Let’s go back two weeks ago when Hanks lost 2 of his Bobble Heads John Poskin and Jeffrey Morden.  The loss of 2 incumbent trustees has not happened since 1971!  Apparently they didn’t get the message but I assure you they will hear the people in 2017!

So let’s recap the missteps and blunders this administration has made in just the last few weeks (I could go on and on but this is just a small recap):

1-      They hurried to create two political positions and without any public consideration, in a move reminiscent of Lewis Towers.  Hanks did this in anticipation of the April 7th election and how it might not turnout his way.  Hanks appointed his handpicked appointee and the Bobble Heads voted 5 to 1 to approve it!  Towers only wished he had the Bobble Heads that Hanks does!  Closed Door Politics at it's best here!

2-      Hanks’s new political hack was intended to replace Veteran Chief of Police Tim Holevis and Holevis is forced to retire after serving the People of Sauk Village for 30 years!  Holevis didn't want to retire and wanted to continue to serve as chief but was forced into an early retirement.

3-      Hanks and his Bobble Head 5 plan on ram roding Kurtz Dispatch down the throats of Sauk Village Taxpayers with virtually NO PUBLIC INPUT and closed door meetings and no input from the Sauk Village Police or Fire Departments!

4-      Hanks now apparently plans on Demoting Deputy Chief of Police Rebecca Sailsbery and hiring his own political hack to become Chief of Police, again in a move reminiscent of Lewis Towers!  Hanks condemned Towers move to bring in an outsider stating at the time that the Village “cannot afford it”. 

5-      The 2015-16 Budget.  Hanks has not publicly released any information on his secret budget process, despite the fact that his nemesis Trustee Derrick Burgess has been asking for months about the Budget.  Well Hanks plans on jamming the budget through with his 5 Bobble Heads before the new Village Trustees are sworn in!  So Hanks plans on getting the budget voted on in 22 days (or less) with virtually NO public input or review!  For the record Hanks didn't get a vote on the Budget until July of last year!   (Editor Note:  50 ILCS 330/3 "....Such budget and appropriation ordinance shall be prepared in tentative form by some person or persons designated by the governing body, and in such tentative form shall be made conveniently available to public inspection for at least thirty days prior to final action thereon. Provided, that in townships such tentative ordinance for purposes other than the road and bridge fund shall be prepared by the board of town trustees. At least one public hearing shall be held as to such budget and appropriation ordinance prior to final action thereon, notice of which shall be given by publication in an English language newspaper published in such municipality, at least 30 days prior to the time of such hearing."

6-      Hanks releases figures on the Village’s General Fund deficit showing virtually NO DEFICIT!  This is a complete lie!  Hanks is confusing the General Fund Deficit with the Village’s Accounts Payable Aging Report (the bills not yet paid).  After 16 years you would think this dunder head would have gotten it right?

He’s not done yet!  Nope Hanks actually plans on running for re-election and announced that he is running and did so in 2014!  Is this really the direction you wanted to go with the Village?  If the last 60 days has been any example of the leadership of this administration, imagine what the next 6 years could be like!  If you remember Lewis Towers and how things were done, you got that right! 

I believe Larry Steward had it right, it’s time for David Hanks to go.  It’s time for the people to start demanding Hanks's resignation!

Pride, Arrogance and Entitlement have brought you to where you are Mr. Mayor!