Pubdate: Mon, 08 Sep 2003
Source: Pantagraph, The  (IL)
Copyright: 2003 The Pantagraph
Contact:  http://www.pantagraph.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/643
Author: Kay Bose, and Dave Hinton

REGIONAL REPORT: COLFAX BOARD EXEMPTS SELF FROM VILLAGE DRUG TESTING

COLFAX -- Colfax village employees will be subject to random drug tests, 
but the board voted 5-1 last week to exempt itself from the program.

The same meeting also saw Mayor Gordon Ehlers change assignments for six of 
the eight board committees. Trustee Lawrence Baker, who has argued with 
Ehlers before on how the village should be run, was removed from all 
committee assignments.

Baker promised to take the committee changes to the McLean County state's 
attorney.

On the drug-testing issue at the meeting, village Clerk Nancy Kiper asked 
board members for their addresses and telephone numbers for BroMenn 
Healthcare, which will administer the tests. She said the elected officials 
are employees because they are paid by the village.

The board voted in August to create a random drug-testing policy for all 
village employees.

Trustee Rick Wagoner said drug testing "should include all employees, 
including the trustees."

Baker asked that the program be limited to employees who operate equipment.

The board voted to amend the program to test Kiper, police officers and 
other employees.

On the issue of committee assignments, Baker accused Ehlers of shaking up 
the committees to isolate him.

Ehlers did not offer a reason for the changes, but during the discussion he 
told Baker to "get along with the other six board members or get off the 
board."

Ehlers appointed committees after the village elections in April, but 
village attorney Tom Shields said Ehlers can change committees at will.

"The mayor has the right to establish committees," he said. "I believe it 
is appropriate to change committees."

Shields also said appointments can be made without trustees' approval.

Ehlers said Baker came to his home several times and swore at him. Baker 
agreed he and the mayor have argued in the past, but they disagree on who 
swore at whom.

Baker said he would abide by Ehlers' decision for now. He said he was still 
free to attend committee meetings, even if he is not a member, because 
those meetings are open to all trustees.

Baker served sewer, water, streets and ordinance committees. Ehlers also 
changed the lights and liquor committees, but Baker did not serve on them.

The finance and police committees did not change. Baker was not on those, 
either.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart