Briefs: U-46 art on exhibit
Vision 2008, an art competition and exhibit featuring the artwork of U-46 high school students, is on display at First Community Bank, 50 Tyler Creek Plaza in Elgin. The 150 paintings, photographs, sculptures and drawings will remain on display through March 7. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays.
District 158 to bid contract
The Huntley Unit District 158 school board has directed the administration to seek bids for the district's custodial services contract. The administration had recommended the board keep its current contractor, but instead the board took the recommendation of its building committee and directed the administration not to renew the existing contract.
Village stays in consortium
The Huntley village board has renewed its membership in Constellation Energy, a consortium of towns that buys electricity in bulk to get lower rates. The village staff estimates Huntley saved $60,000 in energy costs last year by joining Constellation Energy. "We went out and tried to find the best possible rate and we got that through Constellation Energy," Assistant Village Manager Dave Johnson said. Huntley was a charter member of Constellation Energy when it was formed one year ago. Other charter members were Lake in the Hills, Hampshire and five McHenry County towns. Algonquin and Johnsburg are considering joining the consortium.
District mulls expense raise
Community Unit District 300 is looking at raising the meal allowance for school board members. Currently, board members are reimbursed $10 for breakfast, $15 for lunch and $25 for dinner. The new policy would raise the allowance by $5 for each meal. Superintendent Ken Arndt proposed the change because the policy hasn't been updated since 2002. Policy committee Chairman John Ryan said board member travel is so infrequent that travel expenses rarely become an issue. "The general consensus of the committee was it was reasonable, so that probably will move forward," Ryan said.