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Cove council mulls new ethics law
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COVE — With Mayor Richard Thew absent, Cove City Councilor James Lundy presided over the council’s monthly meeting Tuesday evening. As expected, part of the discussion focused on new state ethics requirements that have generated much controversy and confusion recently — even prompting the entire Elgin Planning Commission to resign. Several on the council noted that they were willing to disclose the required financial information for themselves, but balked at the idea of doing the same for their family members, as requested by the new laws.“I don’t have a problem with reporting my ethical character ... but how invasive are they going to be with my relatives?” asked Councilor Lyndon Rose. Lundy said he personally would decide what to do after he received the Statement of Economic Interest — which must be filed by April 15 — but that, most likely, he would comply with the requirements this year and see where the issue goes, a sentiment echoed by Councilor Scott Johnson. In other business, a contingent from Cove High School — instructor Bruce Macke and students Ryan Paslay and Steven Schrago of the Natural Resources Class — presented a proposal for bringing curbside recycling to the city. It would be difficult, the students explained, to institute recycling at the school without a citywide mandate from the council, because it is not economically feasible for City Garbage to service just the school. The council, hesitant to pursue such a mandate, said it would further consider the issue, and thanked Macke and the students for their presentation. Currently, residents can transport recyclables to the bins beside City Hall on Alder Street. The council also approved further conceptual planning and design on a federal grant project to replace a culvert and install a bridge on Mill Creek to improve fish passage. Regarding its investigation of possible improvements to the municipal wastewater system, the council decided to hold a work session in the near future. Meanwhile, Councilor Rose noted that the wet winter boded well for this year’s hydroelectric production at Cove’s plant on Mill Creek. The Cove City Council convenes the first Tuesday of every month, at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 504 Alder St. |
