The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By DAVID GRIMES - Quill Correspondent
OQUAWKA - Village board members were informed by mayor Todd Miller Monday night that Kevin Sumpter tendered his resignation as a board member earlier in the day.
Sumpter was offered a contract by his fellow board members a year ago to oversee the village's water and streets department.
Illinois law forbids the offering of a contract by a board to a sitting board member.
Additionally, according to state statute, the contract's annual salary is not to exceed $2,000.
Sumpter has received $250 per week since his contract began Aug. 4, 2003.
Asked last week about his understanding of the statute's limitations, Sumpter said that the law applied only to Chicago-area municipalities, not villages.
Sumpter also said no other persons were considered by the board in extending the contract and that a legal opinion was not sought by the board prior to extending the offer to him.
Illinois Attorney General's office has been asked to render an opinion on the hire by Henderson County State's Attorney Ray Cavanaugh but a response has not yet been received.
Following the open session portion of Monday night's meeting the board entered into executive session for the purpose of discussing personnel.
When the legality of that action was questioned by a member of the press, Miller said he believed it to be legal and asked that all persons leave except the board and village attorney Mike Neff.
The reporter again pointed out the violation according to the Illinois Open Meetings Act.
"You have other means of recourse," Neff said.
Following a brief closed session Miller said the board had reviewed Sumpter's job performance in overseeing the village's water and streets department and found it to be "satisfactory."
The board also decided to limit Sumpter's spending on village work, monitoring it on a monthly basis.