BEFORE THE ILLINOIS POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
FOX MORAINE, LLC
)
)
Petitioner,
)
)
v.
)
)
)
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE, CITY )
COUNCIL
)
)
Respondent.
)
PCB No. 07-146
(Pollution Control Facility Siting
Appeal)
NOTICE OF FILING
To:
See Attached Service List
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on September 24, 2008, Leo P. Dombrowski, one
ofthe attorneys for Respondent, United City ofYorkville, filed via electronic filing the
attached
United City of Yorkville'sMotion
in
Limine #1, Motion
in
Limine #2,
Motion
in
Limine #3 and Motion
in
Limine
#4
withthe Clerk of the Illinois Pollution
Control Board, a copy
of which is herewith served upon you.
Respectfully submitted,
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
By:
/s/ Leo P. Dombrowski
One
of their Attorneys
Anthony
G. Hopp
Thomas
1. Matyas
Leo P. Dombrowski
WILDMAN, HARROLD, ALLEN
&
DIXON LLP
225 West Wacker Drive, 30th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60606
Phone: (312) 201-2000
Fax: (312) 201-2555
hopp@wildman.com
matyas@wildman.com
dombrowski@wildman.com
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
BEFORE THE ILLINOIS POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
FOX MORAINE, LLC .
)
)
Petitioner,
)
)
v.
)
)
)
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE, CITY )
COUNCIL
)
)
Respondent.
)
PCB No. 07-146
(Pollution Control Facility Siting
Appeal)
YORKVILLE MOTION IN LIMINE # 1
Pursuant to the Hearing Officer'sOrder of September 22,2008 and 35 Ill. Admin. Code ยง
101.610, Respondent, the United City of Yorkville, City Council ("Yorkville"), by and through
its attorneys, moves the Hearing Officer in limine to exclude from the hearing on this matter the
following information: any and all arguments statements, questions, testimony, or evidence
of
any kind from Petitioner Fox Moraine and its counsel and from any other party, that refer to,
directly or indirectly, the alleged bias, predisposition, or unfairness
ofany City Council Member
other than Mayor Burd and Member Spears.
In
support of its motion, Yorkville states as
follows:
1.
In
this appeal, Fox Moraine generally alleges that Yorkville conducted an unfair
hearing and vote on Fox Moraine'slandfill application and that "various members"
ofthe
Yorkville City Council were biased against Fox Moraine, prejudged its application, and.were
otherwise fundamentally unfair. (Petition for Review'5.A-N)
2.
Because Fox Moraine chose to file its landfill application on December 1,2006,
the public hearing process fell in the middle
of campaigns for the Yorkville City Council, which
elections were held on April 17, 2007. A new Mayor and three new City Council members were
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
elected. As the applicant, Fox Moraine both provided and received loads of information
regarding the proposed landfill siting.
3.
The public hearing process
on Fox Moraine'sapplication was held over 23 days,
which resulted in over 125 hours of testimony and thousands of pages of related exhibits from a
wide variety of witnesses, including witnesses for the applicant, opposition groups, and members
of the public.
4.
If sitting City Council Members or candidates running for office displayed any
indication
of bias, predisposition, or unfairness, Fox Moraine had ample
~pportunity
to ascertain
this and raise it during the local siting process. Fox Moraine could have moved to disqualify
Council Members up to May
24,2007 (the last day of the public hearings was on April 20, 2007
(C15629-C15705); the last day
of the post-hearing public comment period was on May 21, 2007
(C15704); and the City Council voted
on the application on May 24,2007 (C18640-C18643)
(citations are to the Record
on Appeal).)
5.
During the public hearing, Fox Moraine did move to disqualify two Council
Members (but no others), alleging bias, predisposition and unfairness.
(See
Motion to Disqualify
at pp. 2-3, attached as Exh. A.) Fox Moraine acknowledged that it would waive these issues
if it
did not raise them at the local siting stage:
We are going to file at this time a motion to disqualify Aldermen Burd and Spears
from participating
in the decision-making process. . .. As you are well aware Mr.
Clark [Hearing Officer], the decisions of the Pollution Control Board indicate that
in the absence
of that type of motion, there is a - a danger of waiver should that
issue be raised in the future. And so the purpose
of that motion, really, at this
point, is to protect the record
in this matter. We want to bring of record our
concerns regarding prejudgment and bias.
.
(Transcript
of 3/7/07 Hearing at 15:12-16:1, attached as Exh. B.) Fox Moraine made no other
objections regarding bias, predisposition and unfairness
of any other Council members at the
-2-
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
public hearing, during the post-hearing period, or at any time else before Yorkville voted on Fox
Moraine's application.
6.
Yorkville raised the waiver issue early in this appeal through a Motion for a
Protective Order, seeking to limit Fox Moraine'sonerous and wide-ranging discovery. Fox
Moraine responded that it could not have raised issues
of bias, predisposition and unfairness
(other than as to Burd and Spears) because it was not aware
of them at the time ofthe landfill
hearings. (Fox Moraine Response to Yorkville's Motion at pp. 7-8, attached as Exh. C.)
7.
The Hearing Officer denied Yorkville's Motion for a Protective Order, noting that
Fox Moraine "seeks discovery
of information concerning fundamental unfairness that extends
beyond issues
of alleged bias and prejudice of Council Members [and] discovery may proceed
under the circumstances
of this case." (9/20/07 Order at p. 4, attached as Exh. D.)
8.
Yorkville agrees with the Hearing Officer that questioning regarding alleged
ex
parte
contacts are fair game at the hearing. However, through its various representatives, Fox
Moraine attended every public meeting regarding the annexation
of the landfill property and
every landfill public hearing. Fox Moraine also hosted at least two landfill informational
meetings at which the public and some Council Members attended. (Burnham Dep., 28:22-29:8,
attached as Exh. E; Murphy Dep., 18:18-20:19, 108:18-23, 122:1-12, attached as Exh. F; Varsho
Dep. 12:6-15:22, attached as Exh. G.) Fox Moraine also regularly monitored the press and
collected newspaper articles regarding City Council Members, election campaigns, and the
annexation and landfill hearings. (Exh. F, 25:8-28:4
(Q: Throughout the entire process, was Fox
Moraine "monitoring the press to see what was being written about it? A: "Yes."); Exh. F, 20:7-
21:2)
-3-
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
9.
Now that discovery has been had, it appears that Fox Moraine believed that every
Council Member except Member Besco was biased against it at the time the landfill hearings
were being held:
Q:
So everyone but Mr. Besco was biased?
A:
I believe that is the case.
(Exh. F, 18:8-9;
see also
Exh. F, 18:18-21 :21,23:11-48:23,59:6-63:11,66:8-67:9,67:14-70:16,
74:11-85:7,92:18-96:21,97:15-100:7, 105:9-106:11, 107:6-121:8, 124:1-125:7; Exh. E, 31:7-
35:15,39:22-40:7,44:3-24,46:17-55:21,58:11-59:11; Exh. G, 27:13-32:21, 40:6-44:4, 46:16-20
(these additional citations show that Fox Moraine believed every Council Member who voted on
the application, other than Member Besco, was biased against it and that Fox Moraine believed it
had evidence
of its claims of bias, predisposition, and unfairness well before Yorkville voted on
its application).
10.
The deposition testimony and documents provided by Fox Moraine in discovery
refute its claim that
it
did not know of "additional bias ... at the time of the hearing." (Exh. C at
I
p.7.)
11.
Fox Moraine concedes that ithad several opportunities to raise issues of bias,
predisposition, and unfairness before, during, and after the landfill hearings, and up until
Yorkville voted on its application, but chose not to do so (other than as to Burd and Spears).
(Exh. E, 66:5-24.)
12.
The law regarding waiver of unfairness and bias allegations in landfill siting
proceedings is well-settled. Failure to raise a claim
of disqualifying bias, predisposition or
unfairness in the original proceeding results in waiver
of such claims. "To allow a party to first
1 In
response to Yorkville'sdocument requests asking for all documents Fox Moraine had to support of its
claims
of bias, predisposition, and unfairness, Fox Moraine produced numerous newspaper articles, which
it had been collecting throughout the landfill hearing process. (Exh. E, 16:3-11.)
.
-4-
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
seek a ruling in a matter and, upon obtaining an unfavorable one, permit him to assert a claim of
bias would be improper."
E
&
E Hauling, Inc.
v.
Pollution Control Bd,
107
Ill.
2d 33,38-39
(1985); see also Waste Management ofillinois, Inc.
v.
Pollution Control Bd,
175 Ill. App. 3d
. 1023, 1039 (2
nd
Dist. 1988) ("claim of bias or prejudice on the part of a member of an
administrative agency or the judiciary must be asserted promptly after knowledge of the alleged
disqualification.");
A.R.F Landfill, Inc.
v.
Pollution Control Bd,
174 Ill. App. 3d 82,88-89 (2
nd
Dist. 1988) (landfill applicant waived claims of bias or prejudice of county board members when
it
withheld claims of bias until its appeal of unfavorable decision to PCB);
Land and Lakes Co.
v.
Village ofRomeoville,
PCB No. 92-25 at *16, 1992 Ill. ENV LEXIS 424 (Jun 4, 1992) (where
applicant claimed trustees' campaign literature showed bias against landfill siting, Board found
that applicant failed "to explain why it was unable to ascertain information relating to the alleged
bias which appears to have been available" prior to Village'svote
on application).
13.
Waste Management
is particularly applicable. There, the landfill applicant
contended that eight members
ofthe county board were biased and should have been disqualified
from voting
on its application. However, the applicant'smotion to disqualify at the local siting
stage alleged only four members were biased. The court held that the applicant had waived any
claims
of bias or prejudice as to the remaining four members and those claims would not be
considered. 175 Ill. App. 3d at 1039-40.
14.
As noted above,
Fox Moraine acknowledged it risked waiver if it did not raise
allegations
of bias, predisposition or unfairness at the local siting stage. Further, its claim that it
did not know
of"additional bias ... at the time of the hearing" is incorrect.
-5-
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
WHEREFORE. Respondent, UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE, CITY COUNCIL
requests that the Hearing Officer enter an order barring any and all arguments statements,
questions, testimony,
or evidence of any kind regarding the issues of bias, predisposition or
unfairness other than as to Mayor Burd or Council Member Spears as discussed in this motion.
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE, CITY COUNCIL
By:
/s/ Leo P. Dombrowski
One
of Its Attorneys
Dated: September 24, 2008
Anthony
G. Hopp
Thomas
I. Matyas
Leo
P. Dombrowski
WILDMAN, HARROLD, ALLEN
&
DIXON LLP
225 West Wacker Drive, 30th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60606
Phone: (312) 201-2000
Fax: (312) 201-2555
hopp@wildman.com
matyas@wildman.com
dombrowski@wildman.com
-6-
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
EXHIBIT A
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE,
KENDALL COUNTY, ILLINOIS
IN THE
MAnER OF:
)
)
REQUEST OF FOX MORAINE, LLC
)
FOR SITE APPROVAL FOR A NEW
)
LANDFILL SITING IN THE UNITED
)
CITY OF YORKVILLE, KENDALL
)
COUNTY, ILLINOIS
)
)
MOTION TO DISQUALIFY
NOW
COMES, FOX MORAINE, LLC, by and through its attorneys, George
Mueller and Charles
F. Helsten, and moves to disqualify Valerie Surd and Rose Ann
Spears from participation in the siting hearing to be held and the decision to be
rendered in this matter, and in support thereof states as follows:
1.
This proceeding is being conducted pursuant to 415 ILCS 5/39.2 and the
Yorkville Pollution Control Facility Siting Ordinance No. 2006-117. This
is an
adjudicatory proceeding, in which the decision is to be made on the basis
of the
evidence, and not on the basis
of bias, prejudgment, the wishes of constituents, or other
political
or personal motivation.
2.
The Courts have held that, "a claim of disqualifying bias or partiality on the
part
of a member of the judiciary or an administrative agency must be asserted promptly
after knowledge
of the alleged disqualification. The basis for this can readily be seen.
To allow a party
to first seek a rUling in a matter, and upon obtaining an unfavorable
one, permit him to assert a claim
of bias would be improper-"
Fairview Area Citizens
-1-
7051 7788v2 863858
,"
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
Task Force
v.
Pollution Control Board,
'190 III.App.3d 541, 555 N.End 1178 (3
rd
District
1990).
3.
That Alderman Burd and Alderman Spears have, between September 26,
2006 and the current date, made statements and engaged
in conduct which suggests a
disqualifying bias
on their part, and which prevents them from rendering a
fundamentally fair decision, These items include, but are not limited to:
(a)
Receipt
of legal advice by Alderman Spears from and on the
letterne'ad of Jeep & Blazer, LLC, attorneys retained by
Ke~dall
County to
oppose this application, said advice pertaining to the siting application and other
activities related thereto, including adoption
of a host agreement and annexation
agreement between the City of Yorkville and Fox Moraine, LLC;
(b)
Statements that the decision should be based upon the wishes
of
the majority of constituents rather than on the evidence, the most recent such
statement being from Alderman Burd at the Yorkville City Council meeting on
February 13, 2007;
(c)
Campaigning by Alderman Burd during the pendency of this
application on a platform
of unconditional landfill opposition;
(d)
Multiple statements to the press and members
of the public
evidencing bias and prejudgment
4,
Prejudgment
of adjudicative facts, is an important elements in assessing
fundamental fairness.
Hediger v. 0
&
L Landfill, Inc"
PCB 90-163, slip op. at 5(Dec.20,
1990). Courts have held that the local siting hearing
is the most critical stage of the site
approval process.
Land and Lakes Co. v. PCB,
245111.App.3d631, 616, N.E.2d 349,
-2-
70517788v2 863858
.,"
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
356 (1993). Where a municipal government "operates in an adjudicatory capacity, bias
or prejudice can be shown if a disinterested observer might conclude that the
administrative body,
or its members, had in some measure adjudged the facts as well
as the law of the case in advance of hearing it."
Concerned Adjoining Owners,
288 III.
App. 3d 565, 573, 680 N.E.2d 810,816. The appearance of impropriety as well as the
ability
to infer, even implicitly, that a decision was made because of
p~blic
opinion would
violate fundamental fairness.
Rochelle Waste Disposal v. City
of
Rochelle,
PCB 03-218
(slip opinion; April 15,2004).
WHEREFORE,
for the foregoing reasons, Fox Moraine, LLC respectfully prays
that Aldermen Rose Ann Spears and Valerie Burd be disqualified from participating in
the decision in this matter.
Respectfully submitted,
FOX MORAINE, LLC
George Mueller
MUELLER ANDERSON, P.C.
609 Etna Road
Ottawa,
IL
61350
(815) 431-1500 Phone
(8'15) 431-1501 Fax
Charles F, Helsten
HINSHAW & CULBERTSON
100 Park Avenue
Rockford, IL 61105-1389
- 3-
)
705 177&8v2 863&58
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
EXHIBITB
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
,',
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03'0707
UNITED CITY OF
YdRKVI~LE>
ILLINOIS
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1
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3
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7
8
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PROCEEOINGS had and testimony
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PRESENT:
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MAYOR ARTHUR 'PROCHASKA, ,chai.rmaii,
,)VIR;' JAMES
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Alderman,
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'MS.ROS~
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'MS.
V~LERIE' BU~!J,
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MR. ' fv1AR"rY MUNNS ,A1de rman,
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MR~'
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,
,ALSO PRESENT-:'
MR,.:'JOHN 'JUSTIN WYETH,:Ci tYAt'to-rney0,
J.
"
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
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Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
'HEARING OFFICER
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Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
030707 '
7'advisement wiJh all 'other'pretiminary inotiQnsand
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Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
EXHIBITC
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
Electronic Filing, Received, Clerk.s Office, August 30, 2007
BEFORE THE ILLINOIS POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
Fox Moraine, L.L.C.,
Petitioner,
v.
United city ofYorkville, City Council,
Respondents.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
PCB No. PCB No. 07-146
PETITIONER'SRESPONSE TO THE MOTION FOR .
PROTECTIVE ORDER LIMITING DISCOVERY
NOW COMES the Petitioner, FOX MORAINE, L.L.C., by and through its attorneys,
Charles
F. Helsten and George Mueller, and in response to the Motion for a Protective Order
Limiting Discovery, states as follows:
INTRODUCTION
The gist of the City's Motion for Protective Order Limiting Discovery is that the
Petitioner did not preserve its right to challenge the fundamental fairness violations
in
the
proceedings below, and is therefore barred from discovering evidence
of those violations and
revealing that evidence
in this appeal before the Board. The City'sassertion is not only patently
false, it ignores this Board'sRules concerning discovery and is an affront to the very principles
offundamental fairness.
The Petitioner, Fox Moraine, raised fundamental fairness concerns from the onset
of the
public hearing for siting approval, on March 7, 2007. (petition for Review, Exhibits B and
C).
At the
commenc~ent
of the hearing, the Petitioner filed a Motion to DisqualifY in which it
delineated the bias demonstrated
by two members of the. Council based.on their pre-hearing
expressions
ofpublic opposition to the Application, their solicitation oflegal advice for purposes
of opposing the Application, and a variety of other disqualifying conflicts ofinterest.
Id.
After
the close
of the siting hearing, when the rules prevented Fox Moraine from making any further
70S35372vl 863858
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
Electronic Filing, Received, Clerk.s Office, August 30, 2007
comments or presentations, three newly elected Council members were seated; the timing of
their arrival then leaving the Petitioner unable to take any action to disqualify them.
Despite the recommendation
ofits own independent review staffand the Hearing Officer,
the City Council denied the siting Application, and, in the aftennath
of that decision, the
Petitioner appealed
to this Board on the basis of multiple fundamental fairness violations and on
the basis
that the decision was against the manifest weight ofthe evidence at the bearing.
In conjunction with its appeal to this Board, the Petitioner propounded discovery
consistent
with
35 Ill.Adm.Code 101.616. That section provides that "[a]11 relevant infonnation
and infonnation calculated to lead
to relevant information is discoverable, excluding those
materials
that would be protected from disclosure in the courts of this State pursuant to statute,
Supreme Court Rules or common law, and materials protected from disClosure under
35 ill.
Adm. Code 130." 35 ID.Adm.Code 101.616(a).
The Petitioner'sInterrogatories seek disclosure
of evidence that establishes bias,
ex parte
contacts, prejudgment and a decision based on matters outside the public record, all legitimate
areas
of inquiry as established by the case law
in
this area. The City bas been asked to disclose
the
ex parte
communications; the gifts and/or transfers between Council members and the
Participant/Objectors; the Council members' affiliations with the Objector organizations;
and the
materials and infonnation outside the record
of proceedings which were considered by the
Council in reaching
its decision.
The
~etitioner's
Requests for ,Production simply seek
production
of the documentary evidence of these violations. The discovery propounded
in
this
case is
narrowly tailored to. result in disclosure of the evidence establishing violations of
fundamental fairness which lie at the heart ofthe instant AppeaL
Upon receiving the Petitioner's requestS for disclosures of evidence, the City responded
with a Motion foi Protective Order in
whiCh it asserted that it did not need to produce the
2
70S3S372vl 863858
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
Electronic Filing, Received, Clerk.s Office, August 30, 2007
evidence because the Petitioner purportedly "waived the issues on which it seeks discovery." In
support
of this assertion, the City pointed to the fact that Motions to Disqualify were only filed
against two members of the siting authority. (Motion for Protective Order at p. 2). However,
and again, the City'smotion completely ignores the fact that the Petitioner also seeks evidence
of
ex parte
contacts, as well as evidence of the Council's consideration of materials outside the
record in reaching its decision,
and similarly ignores the timing of the post-hearing seating of
three members ofthe Council.
The
City's assertion that the Petitioner ''waivedits right" to discover evidence of the
fundamental fairness violations is not only
in contravention with the Board'srules providing for
discovery, it also seeks
to
deny the Board access to vital evidence. This attempt to withhold
evidence suggests the City
may be well aware of the fundamental fairness violations which
occurred in the proceedings below, and is doing everything possible
to prevent such conduct
from seeing the light of objective scrutiny.
ARGUMENT
1.
The Board'sProcedural Rules Concerning Discovery
Under the Board's Procedural Rules, "[a]l1 relevant infonnation and infonnation
calculated to lead to relevant information is discoverable, excluding those materials that would
be protected from disclosure
in
the courts ofthis State pursuant to statute, Supreme Court Rules
or common law, and materials protected from disclosure under 35 Ill. Adm. Code 130." Sec.
101.616(a).
The Rules provide that a protective order is available solely
"to prevent unreasonable
expense, or harassment,
to
expedite resolution of the proceeding, or to protect non-disclosable
materials from disclosure consistent with Sections 7 and
7.1 of the Act
and
35 Ill.Adm.Code
130." Sec. 101.616(d). No such basis for a Protective Order has been raised
by the City, and
3
70535372v1863858
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
Electronic Filing, Received, Clerk's Office, August 30, 2007
indeed, the discovery requested by the Petitioner falls into none of the above-referenced
categories. Rather, the discovery here seeks only production
of evidence showing fundamental
fairness violations, including a request for disclosure
of
ex parte
contacts, any inappropriate
relationships between the Council members and Objector Participants, and materials
or
infonnation outside the record which were considered by the Council in reaching its decision.
For purposes
of Discovery, "the Board may look
to
the Code of Civil Procedure and the
Supreme Court Rules for guidance where the Board'sprocedural rnles are silen!." Sec. 101.616.
In
describing the scope of discovery, Supreme Court Rule 201(b)(1) states that "full disclosure
regarding any matter relevant
to the subject matter involved
in
the pending action" can be had.
Although the City points
to
Joliet Sand and Gravel v.
PCB,
163 D1App.3d 830, 516
N.E.2d 955 (3
rd
Dist. 1987) as authority for the Board to deny discovery, in that
case
the
petitioner sought
to "depose, subpoena or both no Less than 19 people. Many of these persons
bad
no direct bearing on the denial of the operating permit."
ld.
at 835. The Appellate Court
accordingly upheld
the .hearing officer's decision to limit the number of testifying witnesses
to
five, and declined. to require production of memoranda which had been created by IEPA
personnel and attorneys with respect to a decision on whether to bring an action against an
alleged polluter.
ld.
The discovery limitations imposed in
Joliet Sand and Gravel
clearly have
no relevance to the instant case, where the Petitioner has submitted narrowly tailored requests
which go directly to the issues raised in this appeal.
The other cas.e relied upon
by the City
in
its argument for limiting
discovery~
Snoddy v.
Teepak,
198 m.App.3.d 966,556 N.E.2d 682 (1
st
Dist. 1990), is a battery case far afield from the
matters before this Board, in which a worker sued his employer and
the manufacturer of
chemicals used at his employer's facility. The case is so dissimilar, and so utterly bereft of
factual
detai~
that its applicability to the instant case is nearly impossible to discern. Its only
4
70S3SJ72v1863858
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
Electronic Filing, Received, Clerk.s Office, August 30, 2007
relevance derives from the fact that the Appellate Court held the trial oowt properly declined to
compel discovery which was "not calculated
to develop specific probative evidence regarding
the issue
of fraud, collusion, or tortious conduct."
Id.
at 969. Unfortunately, the opinion offers
no indication
as to what kind of evidence the plaintiff did seek, or on what subjects.
In
any
event, the Appellate Court found that the trial court correctly held that the requested discovery
was unnecessary
sin~
the case could be decided without an evidentiary hearing. Moreover, the
fact that there exists a case in which the Appellate Court once found that
it was appropriate to
limit discovery hardly supports the City's motion here. Finally, in contrast
with
Snoddy,
the
discovery
in
this case is focused directly at the issues on: appeal.
2..
Discovery
in
the Context of Fundamental Fairness
Ii1 the instant appeal, the Petitioner clearly raised fundamental fairness as an issue during
the proceedings below, and raised the issue again in its Petition for Review. Indeed, fundamental
fairness
is
the very core of
this
appeal. Thus it is clear that discovery intended
to
reveal
information and documents evidencing the fundamental fairness.violations that occurred below
is tailored to matters entirely relevant
to the instant appeal.
Because a Section 39.2 hearing must be fundamentally
fair to all participants, and must
be heard by a siting authority
which is objective and unbiased, the Board has a
statutory duty
to
consider the fundamental fairness ofthe siting process. 415 ILCS 5/40.1 (2002);
E
&
E Hauling,
Inc~
v.
Pollution Control Bd.,
116 m.App.3d 586, 596, 451 N.E.2d 555, 564 (2d Dist. 1983);
affd,
107 m.2d 33, 481 N.E.2d 664 (1985). ''TheAct
provid~that,
in reviewing a section 39.2
decision on site approval, the Board
must
consider the fundamental fairness of the procedures
used by the local governing body
in reaching its decision."
Land and Lakes v. PCB, 245
nl.App.3d 631, 616 N.E.2d 349 (3
m
Dist.
1993) (emphasis added) (reversing the Pollution
Control Board'sdecision, based on a lack
of fundamental fairness in proceedings below).
5
70535372vl 863858
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
Electronic Filing, Received, Clerk.s Office, August 30, 2007
It
is well-settled
that
although the Act requires that Board hearings on siting decisions be
based exclusively on the record before the siting authority, the Board may consider new evidence
relevant to the fundamental fairness of those proceedings "where such evidence necessarily lies
outside ofthe record."
Land and Lakes Co. v. PCB,
319 lll.App. 3d 41, 743 N.E.2d 188, 194 (3rd
Dist. 2000) (emphasis added). Such a situation is present in this case, and is often true when it
comes to fundamental fairness violations.
Fundamental fairness involves considerations of bias, prejudgment, decisions based on
matters outside the record, and
ex parte
contacts. The discovery requests to which the City has
so strenuously objected merely ask that the City provide any evidence in its possession which
establishes such bias, prejudgment, consideration of matters outside the record, and
ex
parte
contacts (again, all well.;.established areas offundamental fairness inquiry).
It
is axiomatic that no person may play a decision-making role in a judicial or
administrative proceeding
in
which he or she has any personal or pecuniary interest in the
outcome which might influence his or her decision.
See e.g., Board ofEduc. ofNiles Tp. High
School Dist.
219.
Cook Co. v. Regional Bd. o/School Trustees o/Cook Co.,
127 m.App.3d 210,
213 (1
st
Dist.1984). Participation by such interested parties
in
the decision making process is
said to ''infectthe whole" and render the decision voidable.
[d.
Here, multiple members of the Council had a personal interest in the outcome, and
engaged in a variety of improper acts and conduct with respect to the Application, yet the City
asserts it should
be
.completely insulated from disclosing the evidence related to that conduct and
establishing those conflicts because the Petitioner didn't discover much of it until the hearings
were oVer. That assertion is at total odds with the law.
3.
Waiver
6
70S3S312v1863~S8
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
Electronic Filing, Received, Clerk.s Office, August 30, 2007
. The City asserts that the Petitioner ''waived''its right to seek disclosure ofthe evidence of
fundamental fairness violations because it only filed a motion to disqualify two of the siting
authority members.!
In
support of its argument, the City cites to
E
&
E Hauling
v.
PCB
for the
proposition that it is improper for a party to raise a claim of bias for the first time on appeal.
(City's Motion at p.3).
In
the instant case, of course, bias was, in fact, raised as an issue in the
proceedings below, therefore bias is
not being raised as an issue for the first time on appeal.
Moreover, the City's argument and citation
to
E
&
E Hauling
fails to acknowledge that in that
case the Illinois Supreme Court observed the exceptions to the waiver rule, and went on to
address the petitioner's claims
of bias
in
great depth, despite the fact
that
they were apparently
not raised in the proceedings below.
E
&
E Hauling v. PCB,
107 m.2d 33, 38-9 (1985). It is also
worth noting that in
E
&
E Hauling,
the Supreme Court affirmed the Appellate Court, which had
explained that the waiver
rule
is ''not inflexible and may encompass challenges to the
composition
of administrative bodies made for the first time on administrative review wherein
injustice
might otherwise result."
E
&
E Hauling v. PCB,
116 rn.App.3d 586, 593, 451 NE2d
555 (2
nd
Dist. 1993),
aff'd
107 m.2d 33, 481 N.E.2d 664 (1985). The City points to
Waste
Management v. PCB,
175 Dl.Appp.3d 1023, 530 N.E.2d 682 (2
nd
Dist. 1988) as allegedly
providing additional support for
its waiver theory, yet the petitioner in that case failed to seek
disqualification
ofsiting authority memberS despite the fact that it knew they bad publicly voiced
opposition
to
the landfill, and
instead
urged disqualification ofthem only on appeal. The instant
case is easily distinguishable, since
the Petitioner here promptly nioved to disqualify those
members who publicly opposed
the Application,
and
now appeals concerning additional bias .
which was unknown at the time
ofthe hearing.
1 Notably, the City relies exclusively
on cases that are in excess offifteen years old to support its
waiver theory, thereby ignoring the
Board's clear duty to consider fundamental fairness issues,
as is clearly reflected
in
more recent cases addressing the subject.
7
70535372vl 863858
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
Electronic Filing, Received, Clerk.s Office, August 30, 2007
The City's reliance on
A.R.F. Landfllll'. PCB,
174 m.App.3d 82, 528 N.E.2d. 390 (2
nd
Dist. 1988), is similarly misplaced. The City asserts that in
A.RF.
the Appellate Court found a
landfill waived claims of bias when it withheld those claims until its appeal of an unfavorable
decision. (City's Memorandum of Law at p. 3).
In
A.R.F.,
however, the petitioner had been
allowed to submit written questions to the members ofthe siting authority prior to the hearing,
in
which the members were asked to - and did - disclose their public statements critical of the
landfill. Nevertheless, the petitioner failed to seek disqualification based on the statements
received from members until after the siting decision was annOlmced, raising its claims of bias
for the first time on appeal. The Appellate Court held in
A.R.F.
that the petitioner in that case had
a duty to raise the claim promptly after it obtained knowledge ofthe alleged disqualification.
Id.
at 88. This
is
clearly distinguishable from the facts present in the instant appeal
Here, waiver is inapplicable because the infonnation was unknown at the time of the
hearing.
A
waiver,is the voluntary relinquishment of a known right, and the Petitioner cannot be
deemed to have waived its objection to individuals who were not even seated as members of the
Council until after the hearing, when it was too late for the Petitioner to move for their
disqualification to disqualify them. Even
the
City acknowledges that a "claim of bias' or
prejudice on the part of a member ofan administrative agency...must be asserted promptly after
knowledge of the alleged disqualification." (City's Memorandmn of Law at p. 3, citing
Waste
Management v. PCB,
175 1ll.App.3d 1023 (2
nd
Dist 1988)(emphasis added). Here, knowledge
ofthe additional disqualifications
did
not occur until after the hearing had conclude4.
Similarly, the Petitioner could not possibly "waive" its right to discover materials outside
. the record which were considered by the Council in reaching its decision by failing to raise an
objection during the hearing to something which had not yet occurred or which was not yet
known.
8
70535372vl 863858
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
Electronic Filing, Received, Clerkws Office, August 30, 2007
Fox Moraine had reason to believe at the outset of the hearings that two Council
members were tainted, and properly moved to disqualify them. Fox Moraine did not and could
not know
at the time that the entire process was tainted, however, a decision which shockingly
ignored the strong recommendations for approval
by both the Hearing Officer and the City'sown
independent review staff makes no other conclusion possible. It
is the very nature of
ex parte
contracts that they are furtive, and it is the essence of bias that it is hidden. from those against
whom it will be directed. That is why the Board has a statutory obligation to examine the
fundamental fairness
ofa proceeding. No action on the part of Fox Moraine was required during
the hearing to preserve this issue beyond what was done.
The fact that Council members participated in heretofore undisclosed
ex parte
contacts,
based their final decision on previously undisclosed materials, communications, arid other .
infonnation outside
the record, and in other ways prejudged the Application and disregarded the
evidence at the hearing, does not justify a determination that the hearing was fundamentally fair,.
and the Board
has a statutory responsibility to detennine whether, in fact, the hearing process in
this case met the standards offundamental fairness.
If the City has no information or materials that would substantiate the violations, it has
nothing
to fear
in
answering the Petitioner's discovery requests.
It
is the altemative to that
proposition which should raise concern for this Board, and most likely explains
why the City has
so strenuously objected to an otherwise routine discovery request
in fundamental fairness cases.
CONCLUSION
It
has been said that the very essence ofconstitutional due process is based on the concept
of fundamental fairness, and llIinois courts have consistently held that at a minimum,
fundamental fairness
requiTes a fair hearing before a fair tribunal.
See e.g. Van Harken v. City of
Chicago,
305 m.App.3d 972 (tst Disl. 1999).
9
70S3S372v) 863858
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
Electronic Filing, Received, Clerk's Office, August 30, 2007
As the Appellate court bas observed, shielding off-record considerations from judicial
review not only frustrates the purpose of review by preventing consideration of fundamental
fairness issues, it also visits unjust results on parties who have been "actually victimized by
unfair or improper procedures not ofrecord
u
E
&
E Hauling, Inc. v.
PCB,
116 D1App.3d 586,
593,451 N.E.2d 555, 562 (2
nd
Dist. 1983),
affd.,
107 ll1.2d 33, 481 N.E.2d 664 (1985). That
type
of victimization occurred in this case, and the Petitioner should be afforded access to the
evidence which reveals the extent ofthe violations that occurred in the proceedings below.
The City's Motion for Protective Order seeks to obfuscate this Board's
inquiry
into the
fundamental fairness
of the proceedings below, and to prevent consideration of relevant
evidence. The Petitioner accordingly requests that it be denied.
Dated:
August 30, 2007
Charles F. Helsten
Hinshaw
&
Culbertson LLP
100 Park Avenue
P.O.
Box
1389
Rockford,
n.
61105-1389
815-490-4900
George Mueller
Mueller
Anderson, P.C.
609
Etna
Road
Ottawa, minois 61350
815-431-1500
Respectfully submitted,
On behalf
ofFox Moraine, LLC
lsi
Charles F. Helsten
and
lsi
George Mueller
This document ntilized
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recycled paper products.
70S35372vl
8638S8
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
EXHIBITD
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE, CITY
COUNCIL,
)
)
)
)
)
)
PCB 07-146
)
(Pollution Control Facility
)
Siting Appeal)
)
)
)
)
)
)
FOX MORAINE, LLC,
Petitioner,
v.
Respondent.
KENDALL COUNTY,
Intervenor.
ILLINOIS POLLUTION
CONTROL BOARD
September 20, 2007
RECEIVED
CIJ:RK'S
OFAOE
SEP 202007
STATE OF IWNOIS
PollUtIon contfoI
BoIRI
HEARING OFFICER ORDER
On August 2,2007, petitioner Fox Moraine, LLC, (Fox Moraine) served respondent
United City
of Yorkville, City Council (Yorkville) with a fIrst set of interrogatories and first set
. of requests to admit. On August 23, 2007, Yorkville fIled a motion for a protective order
limiting discovery (Mot.), accompanied
by a memorandum of law (Memo.) in support,attaching
among other things the discovery requests that are the subject
of this motion; (Memo, Ex. C
&
D). In its argument for the protective order, Yorkville argues that petitioner has waived its
discovery requests regarding possible bias
or prejudice against petitioner by seven of the nine
members
ofthe City Council because it did not object to these members' participation as
decision makers at the local siting hearing. Yorkville also fIled a motion for stay
of discovery
pending the hearing offIcer'sruling
on the motion for protective order, noting that otherwise
. Yorkville'sresponses
would be due today, September 20, 2007. To date, Fox Moraine has not
fIled a response.
On August 30, 2007, Fox Moraine fIled its response, asserting that discovery was
.necessary and that
it had not waived issues ofbias or prejudice (Resp.). On September 13,2007,
Yorkville fIled a motion for leave to fIle a reply and its reply in favor of issuance of a protective
order. (Reply).
Yorkville'smotion
for leave to fIle a reply is granted. For the reasons set forth below,
Yorkville'smotion for a protective order is denied.
As a practical matter, Yorkville'smotion for
a discovery stay has
in essence been granted. Yorkville'sresponses are now due to be fIled on or
before September 28,2007.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
2
Procedural Status of the
Case
On June 27, 2007, Fox Moraine filed a petition for review asking the Board to review the
May 24,2007, decision
ofYarkville's decision on petitioner'sproposed siting of a pollution
control facility in Yorkville, Kendall County. Petitioner appealed to the Board
on the grounds
that 1) Yorkville'sdecision was fundamentally unfair, alleging bias and prejudice on the part
of
various and unnamed council members, and 2)Yorkville 's findings regarding certain criteria
were against the manifest weight
ofthe evidence.
Kendall County was granted intervenor'sstatus
by the Board on
Augu~t
23, 2007. The
County has not participated in the briefing
of this discovery issue.
Pursuant to Fox Moraine'swaiver, the statutory decision deadline
in this case is now due
January 24,2008. Hearing has yet to
be scheduled.
In
the hearing
offic~r
order entered August
20,2007 after the telephonic status conference entered that day, Yorkville'stime to respond to
outstanding discovery requests was extended to September 20, 2007.
Yorkville's Motion ForA Protective Order
In
its memorandum supportingits motion fora protective order,Yorkvillerelates that it
held23 days:ofpublic hearings concerning Fox Moraine'sapplication for siting. Yorkville also
noted that the hearing process
fell in the middle of the campaign process for the CityCouncll,
withanewrnayQrarid three new council
members.beillgele9t~d
on April 17, 2007. Yorkville.
acknowledges
Fox Moraine objected to two dfthe nine council members at the local siting
hearing alleging bias,predisposition and unfairness
in its motion to disqualify at the March 7,
2007 hearing. Memo..at 2. Yorkville argues that because Fox Moraine failed to object at the local
siting hearing concerning the other seven members
ofthe City Council on those grounds, Fox
Moraine waived its right to raise these issues
in the proceedings before the Board. Yorkville
accordingly objects to providing discovery concerning, the remaining seven council members
Memo.
at2.
In
support ofits waiver argument, Yorkville cites various ,siting cases, finding
especially relevant Waste Management
of Illinois v. Pollution Control Board, 175 IlL App. 3d
1023 (2d Dist. 1988).
See
Memo. at 3-4, and cases cited therein. Yorkville argues that Fox
Moraine's"discoveryrequests to the unchallenged seven ,Council members are unreasonably
burdensome
and, unduly onerous attempt to uncover some evidence perhaps relevant to its
unsupported claims
ofunfairness, bias and prejudice". Memo. at 4.
Petitioner's Response
Oh August 30, 2007, Fox Moraine filed a response in opposition (Resp.) to Yorkville's
motion for a protective order. Fox Moraine argues,
in
summary, that Yorkville'smotion
"ignores the fact that the Petitioner also seeks evidence
of
exparte contacts,
as well as evidence
ofthe Council'sconsideration ofmaterials outside the record in reaching its decision, and
similarly ignores the time
of the post-hearing seating ofthree members of the Council." (Resp. at
3). The petitioneragrees that at the local siting hearing, it only moved to disqualify two
of the,
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
3
council members alleged to be biased, but argues that it.has not waived its right to discovery
requests'concerning the other council members, including the three newly elected Council
members
.. Resp. at 1-2. Fox Moraine states that it asked the City to disclose" the
ex parte
communications; the gifts and/or transfers between Council members and the
Partic~pant!Objectors;
the Council members' affiliations with the Objector organizations; and the.
materials and information outside the record ofproceedings which were considered by the
Council in reaching its decision". Resp. at 2. Fox Moraine characterizes its discovery requests as
"narrowly tailored to result in disclosure
of the evidence establishing violations of fundamental
fairness which lie at the heart of the instant appeal. Id. Petitioner argues that case law and the
Board'sprocedural rules require disclosure, and that the Waste Management case cited by
respondent is distinguishable on its facts. Resp. at 3-6.
Finally, Fox Moraine argues that the respondent does not allege that the issuance
of a
protective order motion would prevent unreasonable expense, or harassment, or to expedite
resolution
of the proceeding pursuant to Section 101.616 (d) ofthe Board'sprocedural rules.
Respondent's.Reply
On September 13,2007, Yorkville filed a motion fOJ;leave to file a reply and its reply.
Yorkville takes issue with Fox Moraine's allegation that due to the timing of the newly elected
,Council members,
it could not timely object or move to disqualify the new members.. Yor1..rville
" arguesthat.Fox Moraine could have objected below becausethe three new Council members
were-elected
on April 17, 2007; and the public heanpg did not close until April 20,2007.
Additionally, Yorkville argue!i.that petitioner could-have moved.for disqtialificatioricat any time
during: the post-hearing comment period. Reply at
2"
Finally; Yorkville argues that it '"'shouldnot be put to.the time and expense in responding
. to pointless discovery".
Replyat L
Discussion
'. On appeal of a municipality'sdecision to grant or deny a siting application, the Board
generally confmes
itselfto the record developed by the muIiicipality. 415 ILCS 5/40.1 (b) (2006).
However~
the Board will hear new evidence relevant to the fundamental faimess ofthe
proceedings where such evidence lies outside.the record. Land and Lakes Co.
v~
PCB ,.319 TIL.
App.
3d 41,48, 743 N.E. 2d 188., 194 (3d Dist. 2000). Public hearing before a local governing
body is the most critIcal stage
of the site approval process. Land and Lakes Co. v. PCB, 245 TIL
App. 3d 631,616 N.E.2d 349,356 (1993). The manner in which the hearing is conducted, the
opportunity to
be heard, whether
ex parte
contacts existed, prejudgment of adjudicative facts, and
.the introduction
ofevidence are important, but not rigid, elements in assessing fundamental
. fairness. American Bottom Conservancy
v. Village ofFainnont City, PCB 00-200 (Oct. 19,
20(0). The Board
must consider the fundamental fairnessofthe procedures used bythe
.. respondent in reaching its decision. 415 ILCS 5/40.1 (a) (2006). Additional evidence outside the
record
that may be considered include pre-filing contacts.
See
County of Kankakee v. City of
Kankakee, Town and County Utilities, me., and Kankakee Regional Landfill, LLC., PCB 03-31,
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
4
03-33,03-35 (cons.) (Jan. 23,2003).
The purpose
of discovery is to uncover all relevant infonnation and information
calculated to lead to relevant information. 35 Ill. Adm. Code 101.616(a). The Board'srules also
allow issuance
of a protective order that deny, limit, condition or regulate discovery to prevent
unreasonable expense,
or harassment, or to expedite resolution ofthe proceeding. 35 Ill. Adm.
Code 101.616(d).
Yorkville'smotion for a protective order is denied. When
a fundamental fairness issue is
raised before the Board, the whole purpose
of discovery is to attempt to uncover relevant
evidence
or evidence calculated to lead to relevant evidence that is outside the record, evidence
that is presumably unknown to the party propounding the discovery.
Fox Moraine has
persuasively argued that
it seeks discovery of infonnation concerning fundamental unfairness
that extends beyond issues
of alleged bias and prejudice of Council Members. Fox Moraine has
cited case law and distinguished
thatcited by Yorkville sufficient for the hearing officer to
conclude that discovery may proceed under the circumstances
of this case. This is particularly so
since, as
Fox Moraine alleges, Yorkville does not allege that the requested discovery creates an
unreas<mable expense
or engenders harassment as set forth in 35 lll. Adm. Code 616(d)..
Yorkville
statel? only that it "should notbe put to the time and expensein.responding topointless .
discovery. Reply
at 1. For all of these reasons, Yorkville'smotion for a protective order is
dei1ied. YorkVille.
must file. its resQonses to the requested discovely on or before September 28, .
2007:.'
.
Finally;theprocedurahules-provide that parties may seek Board review ofdiscovery -
ndings pu(suant to 35 Ill. Adm. Code 101.616(e). The hearing officer reminds the parties that
the filing
of any such appeal of a hearing officer ruling does not stay the proceeding. In a
deadline date
ca..<;e, the hearing officermust manage the case to insure that discovery, hearing,
and briefirig schedules'allow for timely Board deliberation and decision
of the case as a whole.. '
ITIS SO ORDERED
Bradley P. Halloran
Hearing Officer
lllinois Pollution Control Board
James
R.
Thompson Center, Suite 11-500
100 W. Randolph Street
Chicago, lllinois 60601
312.814.8917
1
The ultimate determination as to whether the petitioner has waived any issu.es as to one or more
Council Members is a decision for the Board, and not the hearing officer, to make.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
EXHIBITE
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
BEFORE THE
1
INDEX
~
ILLINOIS POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
::.:
FOXvs.MORAINE,
Petitioner,
LLC,
~
No.
)
PCB
)
07 146
3
2
WITNESSJAMES
D. BURNHAM
EXAMINATION
I
UNITED CITY OF YO KVILLE, CITY )
I
COUNCIL,Respondent.
)
)
4
By Mr. Dombrowski
P.4
Ei
5
'J
The discovery deposition of JAMES D. BURNHAM,
i
taken in the above-entitled cause, before JENNIFER
6
~
CAMPBELL, anotary public of Kendall County,
~
2:10
Illinois,
p.m.,ontheat80012thGame
day of
Farm
September,
Road, Yorkville,2008
at
7
i
Illinois, pursuant to Notice.
8
~
9
~
nO
~
~
ReportedLicense
No.:
by:
084-003282
Jennifer Campbell, CSR, RPR
h2
n1
NUMBER
EXHIBITS
MARKED FOR ID
;
~
13
Yorkville Deposition Exhibit
I
~
14
NO.5
P.
5
-~
Ii
n5
(Retained by Mr. DombrowskL)
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16
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~
1
APPEARANCES:
1
(Witness duly sworn.)
~
!~
2
MUELLER ANDERSON, P.C., by
2
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Let the record reflect that
,""
1
3
MR. GEORGE MUELLER
3
this
is the deposition of Jim Burnham taken
"
4
609 Etna Road
4
pursuant to notice and agreement.
5
Ottawa, Illinois 61350
5
JAMES
D. BURNHAM,
6
(815) 431-1500
6
called
as a witness herein, having been first duly
7
Representing the Petitioner,
7
sworn, was examined
and testified as follows:
8
8
EXAMINATION
9
WILDMAN HARROLD ALLEN & DIXON, LLP, by
9
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
10
MR. LEO P. DOMBROWSKI
10
Q.
Would you state your full name for the
11
225 West Wacker Drive
11
record, please, sir.
12
Chicago, Illinois 60606
12
A.
James D. Burnham.
13
(312) 201-2562
13
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Mr. Burnham, I introduced
~
14
Representing the Respondent.
14
myself earlier to you. My name is Leo Dombrowski.
15
15
I'm an attorney for the City of Yorkville in this
~.
'.,
16
16
appeal. I'll be asking you some questions today.
"
:;
17
17
You understand that there's a court
'{
18
18
reporter here to record everything, and that we
19
19
shouldn't talk over each other; is that all right?
20
20
THE WITNESS: I do. Yes.
21
21
MR. DOMBROWSKI: And what will you do if you
22
22
don't understand a question or are confused by it?
23
23
THE WITNESS: Say as such.
24
24
2
4
"~
..
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1 (Pages 1 to 4)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
MR DOMBROWSKI: And if you go ahead and answer
1
2
one of my questions, I will assume that you have
2
3
understood it; fair enough?
3
4
THE WITNESS: Fair enough.
4
5
BY MR DOMBROWSKI:
5
6
Q.
Are you on any drugs or medication or
6
7
anything today that would impair your ability to
7
8
give
full, complete, and honest testimony today?
8
9
A. I'm not.
9
10
Q.
Let me show you what we have marked as
10
11
Yorkville Deposition Exhibit NO.5.
11
12
Have you seen that before?
12
13
A. I have. Yes.
13
14
Q.
And have you taken a look at the document
14
15
rider that's attached to it?
15
16
A. I have. (Phone interruption.) Sorry.
16
17
Pardon me.
17
18
Q. Sorry. What was your answer to that
18
19
question?
19
20
A. Repeat the question, please.
20
21
Q.
Have you before today taken a look at the
21
22
document rider, the Exhibit A that is attached?
22
23
A.
You said Exhibit
A.
Yes.
23
24
Q.
And have you brought any documents with
24
5
A. I believe there was some transcripts to
some of the various hearings that I also reviewed
or looked
at.
Q.
And what hearings were those?
A. The document in regard to one of the
meetings hosted by Yorkville
on November -- or, you
know, it was
an informational meeting, and there
was a transcript attached to that that I reviewed.
I looked at some of the transcripts from
the decision process, the deliberation that the
Yorkville people at the -- the night that the vote
was rendered
on the Fox Moraine matter. And I
think that there was another transcript from one of
the hearings
in review of the -- the meeting
that -- a city council meeting at Yorkville looking
at or it was a meeting that they were reviewing
either the host agreement or maybe when they
re
visited the - revisited the annexation, annexation
vote.
Q.
Any other documents?
A. No. Not tliat I recall.
Q.
So as far as transcripts that you reviewed
to prepare for today's deposition,
we have first
the transcript of the meeting hosted by Yorkville
7
1
you today?
2
A. No.
3
Q.
And is it fair for me to assume that you
4
have no new exhibits or documents to give us other
5
than what Fox Moraine has already produced
in this
6
appeal?
7
A. That is correct.
8
Q.
What have you done to prepare or help
9
yourself remember what you're going to be
10
testifying about today?
11
A. I reviewed the interrogatory responses
12
that was supplied to me by Mr. Mueller. And
13
basically read the - read the document that had,
14
you know, principally newspaper'articles and a few
15
other -- a few other documents
in that regard.
16
Q.
So you read the newspaper articles that
17
Fox Moraine has produced to us?
18
A. Correct.
19
Q.
And what else did you read?
?O
A. Within the document was a letter from Dean
21
Wolfer to his constituents. There was an invoice
~2
from Wildman Harold, I believe. And there was --
~3
that's all I can recall.
124
Q.
Any other documents besides those?
6
1
in November 2006; is that correct?
2
A. I think it was November 30th.
3
Q.
2006?
4
A. Correct.
5
Q.
And the second was the transcript from the
6
evening the city council voted
on the landfill
7
application;
is that right?
8
A. I believe so, yes.
9
Q.
And third and final was a transcript of a
10
city council meeting where they were either
11
discussing the host agreement or revisiting the
12
annexation issue; is that right?
13
A. Correct.
14
Q.
Why did you review those three transcripts
15
in preparation for your deposition?
16
MR. MUELLER: I think that's been asked and
17
answered. He said he did it to refresh his
18
recollection.
19
MR. DOMBROWSKI: I haven't asked him that. Go
20
ahead.
21
THE WITNESS: I reviewed them because I thought
22
that some of those -- those transcripts were
23
available, and I thought it would be helpful to
24
remember, try to remember
and recall some of the
8
2 (Pages 5 to 8)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
comments that were made during those meetings by
1
business modeling. I do some project development
2
some of the people that were
in the public-comment
2
work similar to the role that I functioned with the
3
portion
of those meetings.
3
Fox Moraine Landfill. I do some valuation reports
4
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
4
for companies, and I participate
in brokering of
5
Q.
Did you ask someone for copies of these
5
companies for sale to other interested buyers.
6
transcripts or were they given to you?
6
Q.
What is the name of your business?
7
A.
I asked George for the transcript for
7
A.
JOB Consulting Services, Inc.
8
the -- the final vote by Yorkville. And the other
8
Q.
And where is your business located?
9
two, one I found
in some invoices for the project,
9
A.
4532 Seeley Avenue, S-e-e-I-e-y, Downers
10
one
of them I found in the invoices for the
10
Grove, Illinois.
11
project, and the other one I think it was forwarded
11
Q.
How long have you had the business?
12
to me by George, although I didn't request it.
12
A.
Five years in October.
13
Q.
Have you talked to anyone in preparation
13
Q.
And what's your relationship and the
14
for your deposition today?
14
relationship of your business to Fox Moraine, LLC?
15
A.
I spoke with George, and that's it.
15
A. They're a client of mine.
16
Q.
No one else other than Mr. Mueller?
16
Q.
When were they first a client?
17
A.
Not
in preparation for this. I know that
17
A.
September
of 2004. Maybe around that time
18
Charlie Murphy was deposed, but that's all
that--
18
frame.
19
Q.
Have you talked to him since his
19
Q.
And what did you start doing for them in
~O
deposition?
20
September of 2004?
121
A. I have.
21
A.
Pardon me. I misspoke.
~2
Q.
And what did you two talk about?
22
Could you repeat the question
on Fox
123
A.
A variety
of things, but nothing in regard
23
Moraine?
~4
to this.
24
Q.
Yes. When did you first start doing work
9
11
1
Q.
Nothing in regard to the landfill appeal?
1
for Fox Moraine?
2
A. Correct.
2
A.
I guess Fox Moraine was -- became an
3
Q.
Nothing in regard to his deposition?
3
entity
in 2006, maybe around March, so that's when
4
A. No.
4
I started doing work for Fox Moraine.
5
Q.
He didn't mention anything about his
5
Q.
In March of 2006?
6
deposition?
6
A. Yes.
7
A.
I asked how it went, but that was just
7
Q.
And what did you start doing for Fox
8
general conversation.
8
Moraine
in March of 2006?
9
Q.
And what did he say?
9
A. I was working on the Fox Moraine Landfill
10
A. He said it went -- it went fine. It was
10
project for them.
11
what it was.
11
Q.
And tell me everything you've done for Fox
12
Q.
Where do you work?
12
Moraine
on this landfill project.
13
A. I don't understand. Physically where do I
13
A.
Could you be more specific?
14
work?
14
MR. MUELLER: Kind
of a broad question.
15
Q.
Yeah. Who do you work for?
15
BY MR. DqMBROWSKI:
16
A. Myself.
16
Q.
Well, just tell me generally for starters
17
Q.
What do you do?
17
what you've done for Fox Moraine on this landfill
18
A. I'm a consultant for a variety
of clients
18
project?
19
that I have.
19
A.
Participated
in negotiations and the
20
Q.
What kind of consultant are you?
20
relationship with Fox Moraine and Groot.
21
A.
I don't really know how to describe it.
21
Participated in negotiations for the operation -
22
I do work for acquisitions, so companies
?2
the proposed operator of the landfill, Peoria
23
that are looking to buy other companies need people
23
Disposal. I participated in engaging the various
24
to do due diligence, I do some
of that. I do
~4
consultants that were expert witnesses. And, as we
10
12
3 (Pages 9 to 12)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
proceeded to file an application, I participated
1
, time I interfaced with the attorneys that represent
2
in, you know, attending various county meetings,
2
Fox Moraine
and represent or participate in various
3
attending the various meetings in regard to 2000
3
discussions with the management and owners of Fox
4
or,
you know, Fox Moraine's application of, you
4
Moraine.
S
know, petition for annexation, the -- the
5
Q.
If the landfill is eventually approved,
6
application
for -- the formal application for --
6
will you have any role
in the landfill after that
7
for the landfill.
7
point?
8
Q.
So you helped put together the formal
8
A.
Can you be more specific?
9
application for the landfill?
9
Q.
Well, we're going through an appeal
0
A.
I participated in -- I didn't put the
10
process. Should the iandfill be approved and cited
1
thing physically together, but, yes, I under -- I
11
and become an operating landfill, will you have any
2
was involved in preparing that application for
12
role in the landfill?
3
submittal.
13
A. Notthat--
4
Q.
And that application was submitted to the
14
MR. MUELLER: Go ahead.
5
City of Yorkville on December 1, 2006; correct?
15
THE WITNESS: Not that -- not that I've been
6
A.
Yes.
16
told that Iwould.
7
Q.
Did you have anything to do with the
17
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
8
landfill project after the application had been
18
Q.
So as far as you know, you wouldn't have
9
submitted?
19
any role?
~O
A.
Yes.
20
A.
I don't think that determination has been
71
Q.
And what was that?
21
made by the owners of Fox Moraine, that once the
I
22
A. I was involved in the hearing process. I
22
landfill would be started, what my participation
~3
sat through all, if not most of the hearing itself.
23
would be, if any, or not. I don't know.
24
Met with the expert witnesses, the attorneys, was
24
Q.
Do you have any financial interest in the
13
15
1
involved in the -- you know, the project management
1
landfill project?
2
of that project in conjunction with Charlie Murphy.
2
A.
Beyond consulting fees and a success fee,
3
Q.
So you went to all the landfill hearings;
3
no.
4
correct?
4
Q.
So if it does get approved, you get some
5
A. I believe so.
5
type
of bonus or contingency?'
6
Q.
And those were 23 or 24 in number?
6
A. That's correct.
7
A. Something in that regard, yes.
7
Q.
How long have you known Don Hamman?
8
Q.
Why did you go to all or most of all of
8
A. Probably -- I've met him from time to time
9
the landfill hearings?
9
starting in, you know, probably around 1995 range.
10
A. Because I was involved in the project and
10
Q.
Do you have anything to do with his
11
that was part of my scope of participation.
11
composting facility?
12
Q.
Did you testify at any of those hearings?
12
A. I do not.
13
A. I did not.
13
Q.
Now, I have seen you identified in
14
Q.
So was it fair to say that you showed up
14
newspaper articles as the spokesman for Fox
15
to basically see what was going on and who was
15
Moraine, LLC;
is that a fair characterization?
16
testifying as to what?
16
A. There was a time when -- when I was
17
A. Yes.
17
interfacing with the reporters, and that was, I
18
Q.
Did you have any involvement with the
18
guess, known that if they wanted to ask questions,
19
landfill project once the landfill hearings had
19
that I would
be available, so, yes, I was a
~O
ended?
~o
spokesman for the Fox Moraine Landfill, but not for
~1
A. Yes.
21
everything.
22
Q.
And what was that?
~2
Q.
Well, what then were you a spokesman for?
23
A. Dealing with various issues. I processed
~3
A. Like I said, the Fox Moraine .Landfill, but
24
the invoices to have people paid. From time to
24
there was other issues that people reached out that
14
16
4 (Pages 13 to 16)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
didn't involve me, so I wasn't the spokesman for
1
particular exchange basically said that Don Hamman
2
issues that
J
wasn't a spokesman for.
2
and, in conjunction, Fox Moraine had his hand in
3
Q.
And what other issues are you talking
3
the back pocket of Mayor Prochaska, which, in my
4
about?
4
opinion was, you know, just an example of just the
5
A.
Well, I guess if -- if you're -- if you
5
tactics that some of the people that were against
6
look at a company spokesman, a company spokesman,
6
the -- against the project, you know, presented
7
largely, you know, they deal with -- with all
7
their arguments and intimidated in some regards the
8
external and sometimes internal discussions in
8
various city council people.
9
regard to the company.
9
Q.
How do you think Mr. Milliron intimidated
10
I didn't -- I dealt with some of the
10
the city council members?
11
reporters specifically in regard to the application
11
A. Well, I think it was an example of
12
or the hearing process from time to time, but not
12
somebody would take a photograph out of the
13
always. So there could be other issues that people
13
newspaper, which could have been anybody, and that
14
needed to speak with Fox Moraine, the entity,
14
photograph was taken out of context and basically
15
about, but it didn't go through me.
15
defamed in some regard, at least in the way I look
16
Q.
Okay. How many times do you think you
16
at things, not only Mr. Hamman, but also the mayor.
17
spoke with reporters beginning in March of
'06
17
Q.
And as a matter of fact, Mr. Hamman sued
18
through, let's say, the filing of this appeal,
18
Mr. Milliron for defamation; right?
19
which was in July of
'017
19
A. I believe so, yes.
20
A.
25
times.
20
Q.
And that case was dismissed; correct?
21
Q.
Let's go back to the three transcripts
21
A. I'm not -- I don't exactly recall the
22
that you mentioned earlier. You said that you
22
outcome.
23
looked at those to see what members of the public
23
Q.
Do you know anything about the outcome?
24
had said at those public meetings; is that right?
24
A. I can't recall.
17
19
1
A.
Not all, all the transcripts, no.
1
Q.
Do you have any idea if the suit is still
2
Q.
But the three or so transcripts you
2
ongoing?
3
mentioned earlier is what I'm talking about.
3
A. I do not know.
4
A. Yeah. But all those didn't have public
4
Q.
Any other comments from that transcript
5
comments in it.
5
that you find relevant?
6
Q.
But some of them did?
6
A. I think George Gilson was another person
7
A.
One of them did.
7
that was outspoken in his opposition to the
8
Q.
Which one did?
8
landfill project. And I thought that his comments
9
A.
The re-annexation hearing or meeting
9
were also caustic. I thought that that was the --
0
transcript.
10
the reason that I was looking at that particUlar
1
Q.
And did you find any comments in there by
11
transcript is I thought that that was the one where
2
anyone from the public to be significant or
12
he basically stood up and said to the city council
3
relevant to this appeal?
13
people that if you move forward on this landfill
4
A. I thought that Todd Milliron's comments
14
project that you're -- nobody is going to want to
5
were a good example of how the public was
15
sit by you in church, and, you know, the
6
interfacing with the -- with the council, and, you
16
neighborhood is watching. And I also thought it
7
know, how they were presenting their side of the
17
was one of the times when he said that, you know,
~8
story and their -- their belief, I guess. And I
18
voters are going to vote you out of office if you,
~9
thought that that -- a couple of the people that
19
you know, go forward with this. So I thought
~O
spoke in that regard was reflective of, you know,
20
that -- I thought that is where he made some of
~1
the level of just how nasty the process at the time
21
those comments. And the one about the people
D2
had been going.
?2
sitting next to them in church wasn't in that
~3
Q.
Well, what did Mr. Milliron say?
23
transcript. I can't recall which one it is in, but
~4
A.
Well, he -- at that particular -- at this
24
it's in one of the transcripts. So I thought,
18
20
5 (Pages 17 to 20)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
again, that that was, you know, reflective
of how
1
meetings.
~
2
the opposition group, or FOGY,
if you'll call it
2
Q.
But you did have the opportunity to do so
>
3
that, the Friends
of Greater Yorkville, were really
3
just as members - other members of the public did;
4
going after the city council people during the time
4
correct?
~
56
leadinglandfill. up to the formal application
of the
56
A.
Q.
WeGo
ahead.did,
but if I may add.
I
~~
Are you saying, though, that the citizens
7
A.
John Phillipchuck, an attorney
~
7
Q.
~
8
didn't have a right
to say these things?
8
representing Fox Moraine, was also in attendance, I
;
I'm saying that I've been involved in
9
believe, at that meeting.
~
9
A.
,
10
various projects like this and I hadn't seen, one,
10
Q.
Let me show you what has previously been
1
i
11
people draw into, you know, public comments, and I
11
marked as Yorkville Deposition Exhibit No.3.
a
~~
12
even think that those comments were taken at an
12
MR. MUELLER: Are those the interrogatory
13
awkward time, at least in my view, of how they ran
13
answers?
i
,
14
a city council meeting, but that those comments
14
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Yes.
~
~
~
15
were - were just basically out of order when you
15
BY
MR. DOMBROWSKI:
1
~
1
16
bring into, you know, people's religion and, you
16
Q.
And have you seen these before?
:;
'\
ยง
17
know, defaming people about hands in back pockets
17
A. Yes.
il
18
and that kind of thing, so I thought that it
18
Q.
How did you come to see them?
I
2019
werereflectedreallythatgoingthoseafter-
thatthe thecity oppositioncouncil
people.people
2019
Mueller.
A.
They were provided to me by George
I
/,~
21
And I also thought it was also unusual that the
~1
Q.
When was that?
~
22
city council people were allowing them to just go
22
A. Couple days ago on one occasion, and then
H
?3
on and on, time after time, similar type of
23
maybe three or four weeks ago on another occasion,
I
24
comments.
24
by Chuck Helsten.
21
23
1
Q.
So Fox Moraine through you, for example,
1
Q.
Have you seen the petition for review in
I
;~
2
had a presence at these meetings; right?
2
this matter?
~
)
3
A.
I was - I was - I par - I
wa~
in those
3
A. I can't recall at this moment.
?i
4
meetings, yes.
4
Q.
All right. Let me show you what has
~
1
5
Q.
Was anyone else from Fox Moraine at these
5
previously been marked as Yorkville Deposition
~
:i
6
meetings?
6
Exhibit No.2, which is the petition for review
,
~
7
A.
Charlie Murphy was there. And I believe
7
that Fox Moraine has filed. And I'd like to ask
11
~1
8
George Mueller was at these meetings as well.
8
you some questions about these two documents.
i~
109
A.
Q.
NotAnyonethat
elseI
recallfromthatFoxspecificMoraine?one.
109
before?Have
you seen the petition for review
I
11
Q.
Did anyone for Fox Moraine speak up at any
11
A. I believe so, yes.
~
~~
12
of these meetings and say that the process was
12
Q.
And how did you come to see it?
~3
unfair or biased or anything like that?
13
A. I believe it was supplied by George
~
"
~4
A. Our position was it was going to be - you
14
Mueller or Chuck Helsten.
15
know, the burden
of proof was on Fox Moraine, and
15
Q.
And this would have been in the last week
16
that was going to be coming at the time that
we
16
or two?
-
~7
filed a formal application.
17
A. I don't recall when I actually got this.
~
~8
So our - our belief was that, once we
18
Q.
Let me refer you to Exhibit No.3, which
i
:i
~9
filed the application, that we would be able to
19
is the interrogatories, and specifically
.,
:i
~
20
demonstrate the merits
of the project in context of
20
Interrogatory
No.1 and the answer.
:i
~
21
the criterion as set forth in SP172, and that, you
21
Interrogatory 1 says identify each person
~
D2
~3
fundamentallyknow,
the basisfair,
of thatso
weprocessdid notis-
towebedid
not
2322
whopreparingsuppliedyourinformationresponse
thereto,or
documentsand
youusedseeinthat
I
I
:1
~
124
make public comments in that regard during those
24
you are one
of the people listed; correct?
22
24
~
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6 (Pages 21 to 24)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
A.
Yes.
1
time to time would e-mail out articles in regard to
2
Q.
What was your role in putting together
2
the project.
3
. these interrogatory answers?
3
From time to time, Charlie would give me,
4
A.
I believe I may have supplied some of the
4
Charlie Murphy would give me hard copies of various
5
newspaper articles, and I may have had some
5
articles that he saw in the paper.
6
discussions with George or Chuck Helsten in regard
6
I believe I had received some of the
7
to their preparation of documents like this.
7
articles that I have from - from Don Hamman.
8
Q.
You say you supplied some of the newspaper
8
Q.
And why were these three people giving you
9
articles that Fox Moraine has given us?
9
the articles?
10
A. I said I may have.
10
A. It was just on informational type of
11
Q.
You don't know whether you did or not?
11
project information.
12
A.
I don't know if they used those -- mine or
12
Q.
And Jesse Varsho, he is with Shaw
13
not, or they used duplicate copies of somebody
13
Environmental, and he was the project manager for
14
else, because there was -- I would surmise that
14
the landfill at least at Shaw Environmental?
15
there was a variety of people giving the same
15
A. I believe so.
16
information to the attomeys.
16
Q.
And Charlie Murphy, he was also a
17
Q.
Am I right, though, that throughout the
17
consultant for Fox Moraine; correct?
18
process, beginning with your involvement through
18
A. Correct.
19
the city council's vote, that you were collecting
19
Q.
And Mr. Don Hamman, he is officer or
20
newspaper articles all along the way; is that
20
owner, I believe, of Fox Moraine, LLC?
?1
right?
21
A. He's one of the owners of the Fox Moraine,
22
A. That was times that I would collect
22
LLC.
23
newspaper articles and some that I did not collect,
23
Q.
And am I right that throughout this whole
24
because it either wasn't circulated to me or I just
24
process, which began with your involvement through
25
27
1
didn't get it.
1
the city council vote, Fox Moraine was monitoring
2
Q.
What reporters did you speak to throughout
2
the press to see what was being written about the
3
the process? What papers were they writing for?
3
landfill?
4
A. Heather Gillers was a reporter, and I
4
A. Yes.
5
think she was with the Beacon News, if I'm correct,
5
Q.
Did you do anything else other than --
6
out of -- she was office'd in Aurora. And Tony
6
other than you say you may have supplied some
7
Scott was another reporter that I talked with, and
7
newspaper articles and you spoke to Fox Moraine's
8
he, I believe, is with the Kendall County Reporter.
8
attorneys, did you do anything else to help Fox
9
Q.
Did you speak with any other reporters
9
Moraine prepare these interrogatory answers?
10
other than these two?
10
A.
Not that I recall.
11
A. I may have, but I don't recall their
11
Q.
All right. What do you understand the
12
names.
12
basis of Fox Moraine's appeal to be, by that I mean
13
Q.
Do you or does your business subscribe to
13
the landfill appeal?
14
the Beacon?
14
A. In -- in like a very general terms?
15
A. No.
15
Q.
Yes.
16
Q.
How about the Kendall County Reporter?
16
A. That the -- the hearing process was - the
17
A.
No.
17
decision makers were bias against the landfill, and
18
MR. MUELLER: Just so that the record is clear,
18
that the -- wasn't fundamentally fair in context of
19
it's actually the Kendall County Record.
19
SB
172,
which is the siting process.
?O
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
20
Q.
I'd like to ask you some questions about
21
Q.
Thank you.
11
that.
22
How did you come then to have some
22
Were there any landfill hearings,
?3
newspaper articles?
23
annexation hearings, any other hearings that
24
A. Shaw Environmental, Jesse Varsho, from
24
related to the landfill site or the landfill
26
28
7 (Pages 25 to 28)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
application that you did not attend?
1
A.
Well, I believe that the responsibility
2
A.
There may have been one or two, but I
2
that the host municipality or authority is -
3
don't recall which ones those were. There may have
3
they're required to, per the act, do a
4
been a meeting that I missed because I was out of
4
fundamentally fair hearing, and I think that's
5
town on a different project.
5
the -- that's my interpretation of number one that
6
Q.
So it's fair to say that if you weren't at
6
you mentioned.
7
all of them, you were at 95 or 98 percent of them?
7
Q.
So how was the hearing not fair?
8
A.
I was --yes.
8
A.
I believe that some of -- a majority of
9
Q.
Let me refer you to Page 2 in the
9
the people that rendered the decision were -- were
10
interrogatories. And there are 12 items numbered 1
10
bias against the landfill application in general.
11
through 12 on that page. What I'd like to do is
11
Q.
Okay. Since this is a deposition, what
12
ask you what information or evidence or documents
12
I'd like to ask you about is any facts that you
13
or anything that Fox Moraine may have in support of
13
have to support this charge of bias, and I think
14
each of these items. All right. Are you with me?
14
you'll agree with me that saying someone is bias is
15
A.
I believe so.
15
a conclusion; would you agree with that?
16
Q.
By the way, have you been asked to testify
16
A.
I guess so.
17
at the hearing on this matter scheduled for
17
Q.
So what I'd like to ask you is what facts
18
October?
18
do you have to support that conclusion, and if you
19
A.
I'm not aware -- I -- I do not know.
19
would identify the council members that you think
~O
Q.
You have not been asked; correct?
20
were biased and, as I say, any facts in support of
~1
A.
I don't believe so.
21
the charge that they were biased?
~2
Q.
If asked to testify at that hearing, would
22
A.
I think that during the hearing process,
~3
your schedule or anything else prevent you from
23
Council Person Burd put on a -- a mayoral campaign
~4
doing so?
24
to be elected as the mayor, and I believe that some
29
31
1
A.
When is it set for?
1
of her comments in the newspaper included in the
2
Q.
It is scheduled for October 6th, 7th, and
2
attachment to these interrogatories suggest that
3
the 8th.
3
she was not -- and specifically she -- she states
4
A.
I'm not - I'm not sure. But I think I
4
that in the newspaper article that landfills aren't
5
have a business trip in New York maybe the 6th and
5
safe is the way I read the comment, and that was in
6
the 7th that's been scheduled, but I'm not - I'm
6
the middle of the hearings. That's one specific
7
not positive that that couldn't be moved should I
7
item.
8
need to, if I'm called as a witness on this.
8
I believe that other council people that
9
Other than business, no.
9
ultimately rendered the decision, Wally Wederich
10
Q.
All right. Let's look at the first item
10
was a pro Burd supporter. I think he was even
11
on this Page 2. And here Fox Moraine is saying
11
involved in her campaign. And then I think he
12
that the hearing on the application was not
12
ultimately ran for one of the council member's
13
conducted in accordance with Section 39.2 of the
13
seats. And I believe in the same article that
14
Illinois Environmental Protection Act, and that is
14
mentions the - in general, the candidates that are
15
the section that deals with landfill hearings;
15
running for reelection, how they feel about the
16
correct?
16
landfill and whether it's safe, that he believed
17
A.
I believe so.
17
that they weren't safe, either.
18
Q.
So for each of these items I'm going to
18
And I believe Joe Plocher, who Mayor Burd
19
ask you what information, evidence, documents or
19
supported in his reelection campaign, also made a
~O
anything that you or Fox Moraine have in support of
70
statement similar, too, that, you know, landfills
Q1
each of these allegations. Okay?
21
aren't safe.
22
A. Okay.
~2
And Robin Sutcliff, who ran in the
23
Q.
All right. What can you tell me about
~3
election and was also a decisionmaker at the end,
24
this Item No.1?
~4
was quoted as, you know, she felt that landfills
30
32
8 (Pages 29 to 32)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
weren't safe as well. So I believe that those
1
2
council people
who were ultimately elected in the
2
3
middle ofthe hearings ultimately
rendered a
3
4
decision at
the end and that they were elected on
4
5
an anti-landfill platform. And I believe that
5
6
Mayor
Burd, you know, knowingly had, you know, "no
6
7
landfill" signs
below her mayoral signs as you went
7
8
through town. It
was, the perception was that she
8
9
was against the landfill, and, you know, her -- her
9
10
responsibility as being one of the participants in
10
11
the SP
172
process, you know, she - she didn't do
11
12
anything to not take away from -- from that
12
13
perception as she would put out a mayoral sign and
13
14
a No Landfill sign goes below it, she didn't - she
14
15
didn't seem to mind that that was the case.
15
16
So I think that those particular people -
16
17
as well as -- more so not Rose Spears - during the
17
18
actual hearing process, but before the hearing
18
19
process, was -- was clearly bias and perhaps
19
20
intimidated by some of the public ongoings in
20
21
the -- in the, you know,
14
or
15
or
16
hearings
?1
22
relating to the annexation or informational
122
23
meetings and such where -- where, you know, she was 123
24
--
she was against the landfill as well.
124
33
1
Q.
All right. Let me ask you about your
1
2
statement that Burd
had landfill signs,
2
3
anti-landfill signs below or next
to her campaign
3
4
~~.
4
5
Are you saying Mayor Burd herself put
5
6
these signs next
to each other?
6
7
A.
I'm saying that I believe that I didn't
7
8
see them put the signs in the ground, whether whose
8
9
was there first, but
on several or, you know, quite
9
10
a.number of locations, they were together, so . . .
10
11
Q.
You're not saying Mayor Burd herself had
11
12
anything to do with that; correct?
12
13
A.
I'm saying that I'm not knowledgeable that
13
14
she had anything to do with putting them in
14
15
conjunction with each other, but I believe that her
15
16
responsibility in regard to this process, she -
16
17
she wasn't concerned about the perception that that
17
18
had.
18
19
Q.
And you say that helped render the process
19
bo
fundamentally unfair?
20
21
A.
I think it -- I think that she had an
11
22
anti-landfill platform in her mayoral campaign that
?2
?3
was supported by, in one instance, you know, the
23
?4
proximity of these signs together that I think that
24
34
she had a -- a bias that appeared in the middle
of - that's one instance, that was
in the middle
of the proceedings.
Q.
Are you saying Mayor Burd had a
responsibility
to drive around town and see what
signs,
if any, had been placed next to her campaign
signs?
MR. MUELLER: I'm going to object to that.
That calls for a legal conclusion.
And it is an
issue that the PCB has to address. That having
been said, Jim, you could answer
it, if you can.
THE WITNESS: Can you repeat the question?
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Read it back, please.
(Record read as requested.)
THE WITNESS: I think she did.
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
Q.
And why do you say that?
A.
It's a small community, Yorkville. There
is a lot of -- there was a lot of hearings prior to
the application, there was a lot of acrimony.
There was a lot of public citizens, people, you
know, saying
all kinds of, you know, things in
public, in public hearings, and that they -- they
were aware of their responsibilities
in -- in this
35
process in my opinion and she didn't have a - she
seemingly didn't have a concern that she was
related to a No-Landfill type of sign.
Q.
How often should she have driven around
town --
A. I don't know.
Q. --
to check the placement of the signs?
A. I don't know.
Q.
Well, you say she had a responsibility,
but you're saying you don't know how often she
should have exercised that responsibility?
A.
Correct.
Q.
And let's say she had driven around town
and saw an anti"landfili sign next to one of her
signs, what should she have done?
A. The landfill sign that I saw that had the
No Landfill underneath it, she could have easily
moved it a couple feet, and the perception would
have been different than it was as placed.
Q.
What if she were trespassing on someone's
property, should she still have done it?
A. I don't know.
Q.
Well, let's say the signs were on private
property, what's your position, should she have
36
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1
gone on the property and moved a sign or no?
2
A. I don't know.
3
Q.
How far should she have moved one sign
4
from the other?
5
MR. MUELLER: Leo, we're beating this to death.
6
What he thinks is not relevant in terms of what the
7
Pollution Control Board is going to think on this
8
issue.
9
MR. DOMBROWSKI: I'm almost done. Go ahead.
10
THE WITNESS: Repeat the question.
11
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
12
Q.
How far do you think she should have moved
13
one sign from the other?
14
A. I don't know.
15
Q.
Anything else that you would like to add
16
to this Item NO.1 on Page 2?
17
A. That's alii can think of at this time.
18
Q.
You say that Mayor Burd ran on an
19
anti-landfill platform; correct?
20
A. I didn't say landfill platform, but I
21
believe that she did.
22
Q.
And you mention the one statement in the
23
newspaper something to the effect that landfills
24
aren't safe.
37
1
ask you questions and get facts from you. Her
2
being quoted in a newspaper is a fact, whether she
3
was correctly quoted or not, but, as I say, I'd
4
like to go beyond your perceptions. Do you get me?
5
A. I can't recall anything at this time.
6
Q.
All right. So all you have is the one
7
statement by Mayor Burd in the newspaper; correct?
8
A. If you have a copy of those newspaper
9
clippings, I can look at that to refresh my memory.
10
Q.
Well, those say whatever they say. We
11
don't have to go through those. I'm asking you if
12
you know of anything other than what's in those
13
newspaper articles?
14
MR. MUELLER: All right. Now we're getting
15
someplace. Anything besides what's in the
16
newspaper articles that we've already produced.
17
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Correct.
18
THE WITNESS: Anything inside or outside?
19
MR. MUELLER: Anything outside that.
20
THE WITNESS: I'm trying to think at this
21
point. I can't think of anything.
22
MR. DOMBROWSKI: That's fine. You know of no
23
campaign literature, for example, that said, "I'm
24
opposed to the landfill."
39
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
What other statements, if any, did she
1
make that you would consider to be biased against
2
the landfill?
3
MR. MUELLER: That you can remember as you sit
4
here now.
5
MR. DOMBROWSKI: He's a big boy, George, he can
6
testify for himself.
7
MR. MUELLER: I think it's a pretty broad
8
question. He didn't memorize all of those
9
statements.
10
THE WITNESS: My comment is -- is general in
11
nature. I believe that -- I believe that through
12
the course of this -- this whole process, that she
13
was generally against the landfill, and that's --
14
that's -- that's my perception.
15
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
16
Q.
Well, I'd like to go beyond your
17
perception or belief or your feelings and ask you
18
if you have any facts in support of these
19
allegations. That's the point of this deposition.
20
I understand that it's your feeling, and
21
it's Fox Moraine's feeling and Charlie Murphy's
22
feelings that the process wasn't fair.
23
We're sitting here today so that I could
24
38
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
A. I'm not aware of that. I'm aware of that
Wally Wederich was involved in her campaign, and he
was a vocal opponent of the landfill, and I thought
it -- it, to me, made sense that she was
surrounding herself with people that were against
the landfill.
Q.
Other than the one statement that you
mentioned of Mr. Wederich and other statements that
might be in the articles you've given us, do you
know of anything that Mr. Wederich said that was
anti-landfill?
A. I can't recall.
Q.
And, again, not only as to Mayor Burd and
Alderman Wederich, but as to anyone either on the
city council before the elections of April 17th or
who was running for a spot, you know of no one who
had any campaign literature that proclaimed an
anti-landfill position; correct?
A. I did not see any physically myself.
MR. DOMBROWSKI: All right. We've been going a
little over an hour. Why don't we take a
five-minute break.
MR. MUELLER: How much more do you think you
40
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McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
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BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
Q.
Well, I don't think it is. I mean, he
said he thought it was a summary denial.
So my question is: Is this what you would
consider to be a summary denial?
A. My -- my comment on summary denial was
that I don't recall them going through each
individual criterion and discussing them, the
merits of why they felt the applicant did or did
not meet that criteria.
Q.
Anything else in support of
NO.2
here?
A. Well, I believe that some of the council
people, you know, basically did not take into
account or had, you know, reservations about not
being able to review some of the work product from
the hearing officer and or the attorney
representing
the staff. And I thought that their
recommendations'
as being professionals was
important to the process. And some of them said
that they didn't have the time or they did not
review it.
it not?
MR. MUELLER: That's asking him to draw a legal
conclusion.
1
have?
1
2
MR. DOMBROWSKI: I guess that all depends on
2
3
how much Jim has. An hour maybe.
3
4
MR. MUELLER: I think your question is does he
4
.5
know anything other than what's in our discovery
5
6
responses,
the answer is going to be no.
6
7
MR. DOMBROWSKI: That would make it quick then.
7
8
MR. MUELLER: In a hurry then.
8
9
(Discussion off the record.)
9
10
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Let's go back on.
10
11
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
11
12
Q.
Mr. Burnham, as we go through the
12
13
remainder of my questions here, you can exclude any
13
14
statements that are made in the newspaper articles
14
15
you've given us, so we don't have to retread that
15
16
ground. Okay?
16
17
A. Okay.
17
18
Q.
So when I ask you what information or
18
19
evidence, et cetera, that you have in support of
19
20
one of these allegations, you can tell me if
20
21
there's anything that - that is not in the
121
22
newspaper articles. Okay?
122
23
A. Okay.
23
24
Q.
All right. Let's go on to 2, which is
124
41
(
~
I
I
I~
I
~
~
43.\
1---------------1-----------------4
1
1
that the vote taken by the city council was not
1
2
taken in accordance with Section 39.2.
2
3
What is Fox Moraine's basis for that
3
4
statement?
4
5
A. I believe that the official action was a
5
6
denial
of sorts. And I was under the impression or
6
7
I believe they need to go through each individual
7
8
criterion to say why the applicant proved or did
8
9
not prove that it satisfied that criteria. And, to
9
10
my recollection, they didn't do that. They just
10
11
summarily denied the application.
11
12
Q.
Let me refer you to Exhibit No.2, and
12
13
attached to that exhibit is the City Council's
13
14
resolution of May 24, 2007. Do you see that?
14
15
A. Isitthisone?
15
6
Q.
Yes.
16
17
A. Okay.
17
18
Q.
And on Page 2, Paragraph 2, if you would
18
~
9
turn to that, please.
19
~O
Do you see that the city council voted
20
~1
that certain criteria, I. believe six or seven
21 .
~2
criteria had not been met; do you see that?
22
~.
A.
~L
n
~4
Q.
That's different from a summary denial; is
24
42
Q. Anything else in support of this NO.2?
A. Not that
I can think of at the moment.
Q.
Let's go on to No.3. The allegation here
is that the city council failed to comply with its
siting ordinance, and that this failure rendered
the proceedings unfair.
What does Fox Moraine have to support that
allegation?
A. Well,
I believe that the -- that the
siting ordinance, that the Yorkville siting
ordinance, the framework for that siting ordinance
is to demonstrate compliance with, you know, the
Section 39.2, and I believe the obligation is
to
render a fundamentally fair hearing, and, in not
doing so,
I believe that that's the basis for
NO.3.
Q.
When you say in not doing so, what are you
referring to?
A. In - in my belief that the city council
people were bias against the project.
Q.
Well, again, I'm asking you for facts that
support that allegation.
A. Outside of what we've offered, I do not -
I don't have anything.
11 (Pages 41 to 44)
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Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
Q.
Had the city council voted in favor of the
1
procedures used by the city council and that
2
application,
would that have meant that the hearing
2
those -- excuse me -- the proceedings, the
3
process was fundamentally fair?
3
post-hearing proceedings employed by the city
4
MR. MUELLER: That calls for him to speculate
4
council in their deliberations were not
5
on a fact not in evidence.
5
fundamentally fair.
6
MR. DOMBROWSKI: That's okay. You can answer.
6
What does Fox Moraine have in support
of
7
THE WITNESS: Well, I'm not going to speculate
7
that allegation?
8
on that.
8
A. I stated earlier that I don't think
9
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
9
that - that they -- some of the council people
10
Q.
Well, in your last answer, I thought you
10
reviewed the hearing officer's recommendation for
11
were saying that the fact that they voted against
11
the staff recommendation, and I thought that those
12
the recommendations of the hearing officer rendered
12
were valuable to the process.
13
the process unfair; is that correct?
13
Q.
Anything other than that?
14
A. I don'tthink I said that.
14
A. No.
15
Q.
Did the -- did the fact that the council
15
Q.
NO.6 says that the decision-making
16
voted against the hearing officer's recommendations
16
procedures used by the city council were not
17
make the process unfair?
17
fundamentally fair.
18
MR. MUELLER: That calls for a legal
18
What does Fox Moraine have
in support of
19
conclusion.
19
that allegation?
20
MR. DOMBROWSKI: I don't think
50.
20
MR. MUELLER: That's unique to that allegation
21
MR. MUELLER: Well, we're certainly going to
21
as opposed to that would be the same as the answers
22
argue that it did, legally.
22
to the previous allegations?
23
MR. DOMBROWSKI: You can go ahead and answer.
23
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Well, these are your
24
THE WITNESS: I stated, I believe, that they
24
interrogatory answers.
45
47
1
did
not incorporate their recommendations into
1
MR. MUELLER:
I understand, Leo, but, you know,
2
their decision process. Not that they voted
2
there's still some overlap here, and then some of
3
against it, the recommendation.
3
them you're rephrasing stUff.
4
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
4
MR. DOMBROWSKI: I understand. If he's got
5
Q.
And you're saying they should have
5
nothing new, he's got nothing new.
6
incorporated those recommendatic:ms into the
6
MR. MUELLER: Okay. That makes it simple for
7
process; correct?
7
you, Jim.
8
A.
I believe
they should have reviewed them,
8
THE WITNESS:
I don't have anything new to talk
9
yes.
9
about.
10
Q.
And if they reviewed them, would you say
10
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
11
that their vote was taken then in accordance with
11
Q.
No.7 charges that various members of the
12
39.2 and with
their siting ordinance?
12
city council were biased against Fox Moraine.
13
A. I'm
not going to speculate as to what they
13
What have you got in support -- or what
14
would have done
if they would have reviewed them.
14
does Fox Moraine have in support
of that
15
Q.
Anything else in support of this No.3?
15
allegation?
16
A. No. Not at this time.
16
A. In addition to what we've already offered?
17
Q.
Let's move on to No.4. That the hearing
17
Q.
Yes.
18
procedures and overall site location procedures
18
A. I don't have anything.
19
used by
the city council were not fundamentally
19
Q.
How about No.8, various members of the
='0
fair. What has Fox Moraine got in support of that
20
city council prejudged the merits of the
='1
allegation?
21
application.
22
A. Outside of what we've Offered, I don't
22
What does Fox Moraine have to support that
='3
have anything else outside of that.
23
allegation?
~4
Q.
NO.5 talks about the post-hearing
24
A. I think it's -- it's relatively the same
46
48
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Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
as
what I previously said, so nothing.
1
You know, in general,
as I sat through
2
Q.
Nothing new to offer on that one; correct?
2
these, these hearings, it just seemed to me that
3
A.
Correct.
3
there was a lot more discussion amongst people.
I
4
Q.
9 says that various members of the city
4
think Fox Moraine we pretty much kept to ourselves
5
council tainted the collective decision-making
5
in regard to communicating with the city council
6
process
of the council as a whole.
6
people, but there was times when presentations were
7
What does Fox Moraine have to support that
7
made, and then right after the presentation, the
8
allegation?
8
opposition group or something would
be interfacing
9
A.
Nothing more than we've already offered,
9
with the city council.
10
that I've already offered.
10
So, specifically, do I recall those exact
11
Q.
And 10 says that various members of the
11
instances, no, but, in general, I felt that there
12
city council had disqualifying conflicts
of
12
was a lot of -- there was interaction amongst
13
interest.
13
people that didn't make sense to
me.
14
First off, can you explain to me what that
14
Q.
Anything else in support of this No. 11?
15
means?
15
A. No.
16
A. In what context? Can you-
16
Q.
All right. Let me ask you a couple things
17
Q.
Well, in the context of this landfill
17
about the various things you've mentioned here.
18
appeal.
18
You say, for example, that Jason Leslie
19
A. I don't know at this moment.
19
was
on his computer a lot; correct?
20
Q.
Okay. What does Fox Moraine have to
20
A. Correct.
?1
support the allegation here, NO.1
O.
21
Q.
Though you have no idea what he was doing
22
A.
Nothing beyond
what we've said.
22
on his computer?
?3
Q.
No. 11 says that the ultimate action,
23
A. I didn't know why he wouldn't have
24
meaning the vote, taken by the city council on the
24
otherwise been listening and paying attention to
49
51
1
application was not based upon the evidence and was
1
the proceedings instead
of working on his computer.
2
based,
in material part, upon matters outside the
2
Q.
Might he have been doing both?
3
record. What does Fox Moraine have to support
3
A. I could speculate, yes.
4
that?
4
Q.
But, again, you have no idea what he was
5
A.
In some cases, some of the city council
5
doing
on his computer; correct?
6
people, specifically Rose Spears, I believe, was
6
A. I did not ask him, no.
7
doing research
on their own, which is evidence that
7
Q.
And not only did you not ask him, you have
8
is outside
of the record.
8
no other means
of knowing what he was doing on his
9
I remember the -- Marty Munns having a
9
computer; right?
10
newspaper, or not a newspaper but a magazine
10
A. Correct.
11
article in regard to gasification, and I think. it
11
Q.
You say Mr. Munns read or at least had in
12
was on the same day or near to the day that
12
front
of him an article on gasification; correct?
13
somebody gave a presentation on gasification as
an
13
A. Correct.
14
alternative disposal methodology such that, in
14
Q.
And you said someone may have given to
15
general, you know, I felt that somebody may have
15
him. Any idea who may have given to him?
16
given it to him, you know, and there was, during
16
A. I can't remember the gal's name, but she
17
the process, during the hearings, there was
17
was a supporter of gasification as an alternative
18
various, I think specifically Jason Leslie was
on
18
disposal methodology.
19
his computer a lot, and, you know, it was -- it
19
I thought, as I mentioned before, that I
20
was -- I didn't understand exactly what he was
20
don't know where he got the article or where he got
21
doing on his computer, and if that was something
21
the magazine, but it seemed odd that it was at the
22
that was adding information to him that was
22
same time that or in close proximity to the time
23
material outside
of the -- outside of the evidence
23
that she gave a presentation.
24
in the process.
24
Q.
How do you know he had this article?
50
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1
A.
I believe it was a Popular Mechanics
1
wasn't -- didn't seem to make sense that she would
2
article or the magazine, and that was on his pile
2
have learned that outside
of the hearing process.
3
of stuff at his place where he sat during the
3
Q.
For example?
4
hearing.
4
A.
She spoke to types of grasses that are
5
Q.
Was it the entire magazine?
5
used on existing landfills. I specifically recall
6
A.
It was.
6
that, because
I. thought that that was unusual that
7
Q.
Was it open to a certain page or was it
7
she would even know it, and that those grasses were
8
closed?
8
apparently being used at the Settler's Hill
9
A.
It was just the entire magazine when I --
9
Landfill. I just thought that that was just
10
when I saw it.
10
outside
of common knowledge in her day-to-day job
11
Q.
How did you know that that issue contained
11
or - and it wasn't anything that we had introduced
12
an article on gasification?
12
into the application, I don't believe.
13
A.
Because somebody had given it to me
13
Q.
All right. So as far as specific things
14
that - somebody had given me a PopUlar Mechanics
14
go, you think or you believe that she may have. done
15
magazine that had that article in it.
15
independent research
on a certain type cover, is
16
Q.
Who gave you that issue?
16
that it, that's used at landfills?
17
A. I believe it was a friend. It was
17
A.
Vegetative cover.
18
completely outside
of these proceedings.
18
Q.
But you don't know this for a fact, you
19
Q.
So by chance you happened to have the same
19
are surmising this based on questions she asked at
20
issue that Mr. Munns had?
20
the landfill hearing; correct?
21
A. Correct.
21
A.
Correct.
22
Q.
Do you know whether he read the article on
22
Q.
And as far as anything she may have done
23
gasification?
23
before the application was filed, you have no facts
24
A.
I did not ask him.
24
as to research she did at that point; correct?
53
55
1
Q.
All right. That's the only thing as to
1
A.
I do not have facts.
2
Mr. Munns; correct?
2
Q.
It is all conjecture on your part;
3
A. I'm sorry?
3
correct?
4
Q.
That's the only thing as to Mr. Munns
4
A.
I believe in one instance that she was
5
that's relevant to Issue 11; correct?
5
given some information from Michael Blazer in
6
A.
That I recall, yes.
6
regard to Glenn Sechen and Charlie Murphy's work
7
Q.
And you mentioned Alderman Spears, but you
7
experience, and I believe she said that she came
8
didn't say anything about her -- well, you did say
8
across that on the Internet, and I found that hard
9
you thought that she had done some
of her own
9
to believe. And it made more sense to me that
10
research and accessed or read things outside
of the
10
somebody gave her that information. So
ifthat's
11
records; correct?
11
conjecture, then, so be it.
12
A. Yes.
12
Q.
And so the record is clear, Mr. Sechen had
13
Q.
And what did she do?
13
been proposed to be the landfill hearing officer;
14
A.
My general impression is that during the
14
right?
15
hearings and city council meetings that I sat in,
15
A.
Correct.
16
prior to the application being filed, she was, you
16
Q.
And then it came out that he, Mr. Sechen,
17
know, touted herself as looking at all the detail
17
had had business dealings with Charlie Murphy;
18
and doing her own research and being very diligent
18
correct?
19
about understanding the entire issue at hand. And
19
A.
Correct.
20
I believe that she was -- acted
in a similar
20
Q.
And the city council found that to be a
21
fashion during the application in the hearing
~1
disqualifying conflict of interests; correct?
22
process, and I thought that some
of the questions
~2
A.
I believe so.
23
that she asked some
of the expert witnesses were --
123
Q.
Now, how do you know she was given
24
were -- wasn't even remotely common knowledge and
~4
information about Mr. Sechen by Michael Blazer?
54
56
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1
A. Because Michael Blazer and Valerie -- or
1
Q.
Have you any idea what they spoke about?
2
Rose Spears, you know, they openly admit that they
2
A.
No. But, in general, when, you know, you
3
were talking to him, and he was involved in the
3
see the same people talking time after time, my --
4
same case with Charlie, Glen Sechen, such that I
4
my common sense tells me that it's not about the
5
thought that that was a logical conduit of that
5
weather.
6
information as opposed to a search on the Internet.
6
Q.
And you're saying they were -- there were
7
Q.
Well, if Mr. Sechen had a conflict of
7
nefarious conversations about the landfill
8
interest, wasn't it fair for the city counsel to
8
application?
9
say he shouldn't be the hearing officer?
9
A. I'm not speculating exactly what those
10
A. But I think that that conflict of interest
10
conversations were, but I found that the extended
11
was determined before he even was interviewed for
11
conversations were unusual.
12
it such that he wasn't even asked.
12
Q.
Anything else about those conversations?
13
Q.
Well, let me ask my question again.
13
A. No.
14
If the city council thought that there was
14
Q.
Let's move on to Item
12,
which is that
15
a conflict of interests between Mr. Sechen and Mr.
15
members of the city council engaged in prejudicial
16
Murphy, wasn't it fair for them to vote that
16
ex parte contacts with other participants in the
17
Mr. Sechen shouldn't be the hearing officer?
17
hearing process.
18
A. Well, I guess the question was in relation
18
What does Fox Moraine have in support of
19
to Rose Spears doing research on her own.
19
that allegation?
~O
Q.
Right. Now I've asked another question.
120
A.
Nothing beyond what I've just previously
b1
A. And so what's your question again.
~1
said.
~2
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Read it back if you would,
122
Q.
Did Fox Moraine at any time -- and by that
b3
please.
~3
I mean before the landfill application was filed or
~4
(Record read as requested.)
124
after the landfill application was filed -- express
57
59
1
THE WITNESS: Well, if there was a conflict of
1
its opinion or displeasure or whatever to the city
2
interest, I guess so, but was that a conflict of
2
council that the hearing process was unfair or that
3
interest? I don't know.
3
certain members were biased or that someone had
4
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
4
pre-judged the application or that something should
5
Q.
Anything else regarding Alderman Spears
5
be done to change the process to make it fair to
6
doing or allegedly doing independent research other
6
Fox Moraine?
7
than the vegetative cover and the hearing
7
A. Preceding, the time before the application
8
officer -- or the proposed hearing officer? Excuse
8
was filed, Fox Moraine did not attempt to cause
9
me.
9
more of a -- of an uproar than was already going
10
A. No.
10
on. So as far as that time frame, Fox Moraine did
11
Q.
Now, regarding this Item
11,
you also
11
not.
12
mention that members of opposition groups
12
Q.
All right. Well, let's -- let me stop you
13
interfaced with the city council at the landfill
13
there, and then we'll move on to after the
14
hearings. What do you mean by that?
14
application was filed.
15
A. I mean that at various times throughout
15
But you say that Fox Moraine didn't want
16
the hearing, the opposition groups during breaks or
16
to do anything to cause more of an uproar; is that
17
afterwards would be in extended conversations with
17
what you said?
18
various people of the city council, specifically
18
A. Correct.
19
Valerie Burd or Rose Spears, and I thought that
19
Q.
What do you mean by that?
bo
those -- those conversations were unusual.
~o
A. I mean that in theory we had as much - we
~1
Q.
How were they unusual?
121
could have made public comments during the public
~2
A. Typically, the opposition group people
~2
comment period as well. And we felt that -- that
b3
don't get an audience with people that are making a
~3
the whole process that City of -- or that Yorkville
?4
decision in the process.
~4
had let go on, we would not be adding to that by
58
60
15 (Pages 57 to 60)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
being confrontational during those -- during those
1
offered regarding the property protection plan if
t
.1
}!
2
hearings.
2
the application had not yet been filed by the time
3
Q.
Well, you could have gotten up at those
3
this meeting was held?
I
m
4
hearings and said something nonconfrontational;
4
A.
Because it was contained within the host
:)l
lj
5
correct?
5
agreement.
;
6
A. Such as?
6
Q.
And did you say something to the effect
1
~
7
Q.
Well, couldn't you have gotten up and said
7
that this should allay people's concerns about
โข
8
to the city council, "I'm Jim Burnham, I'm here on
8
property values?
il
9
behalf of Fox Moraine, this is what I perceive to
9
A. Yes.
i
10
have taken place at these hearings, I ask that the
10
Q.
What did you say about the groundwater
;
12
11
city
A.
councilI
believedo
X
in
tosomeremedycircumstancesthat"?
or some of
11
12
issue?
A. That it should also be a -- encompass more
.
~
"
t.
13
the hearings, some brief statements were made, but
13
of the people that felt that they were going to be
I
14
I don't recall exactly the context of those brief
14
affected by - potentially affected by the
J
15
statements.
15
landfill.
I
')
~
16
Q.
Who made those statements?
16
Q.
And one purpose of these statements that
~1
~
~i
17
A. I believe I made -- made one of them
17
you made was to show the people of the City of
;>;
'l
18
during an informational hearing in regard to the
18
Yorkville that Fox Moraine was presenting what it
~l
:8;:;
19
property protection plan as well as the groundwater
19
thought to be an application that had merit;
.~
~
20
protection plan.
20
correct?
~
~
21
Q.
Who else made statements?
21
A. I don't think it was - that's a -- I
~.
1
22
A. I believe George Mueller at times made
22
guess I don't understand your statement.
i
2423
well,statementswho is
and
an attorneyPhillipchuckfor FoxmadeMoraine.some
statements as
23
24
making
Q.
Well,or
notwhenmakingI
askedpublicyoucommentabout Foxon Morainethe
fairness
I
~
~
61
63
,
J
~
1
Q.
All right. The informational meeting that
1
or unfaimess of the process, I believe you first
1
~
2
you just referenced, that was a meeting before the
2
said that Fox Moraine could have made public
1
3
application was filed; right?
3
comment, but it didn't; correct?
4
A. Correct.
4
A.
We chose not to in some - in - correct.
I
5
Q.
And that meeting was where?
Here at
5
Q.
But now you're saying Fox Moraine did make
'1
6
Yorkville City Hall?
6
some comments; correct?
H
0
7
A. No. It was at the high school.
7
A. Yes.
&
Jf
8
Q.
And that was a meeting to inform the
8
Q.
And the point of the comments was to -- am
~
~
9
public regarding the upcoming landfill hearings?
9
I correct, to tone down what you perceived as the
I
~
10
A. Yes.
10
hostility of the process?
ti
]
11
Q.
And what's -- you say you made a statement
11
MR. MUELLER: I don't think he ever testified
,1
,~
"
12
about the property protection plan and something
12
to that.
~~
;1
3
about the groundwater; right?
13
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
i.
.~
14
A. Correct.
14
Q.
You can answer. Go ahead.
"
1:
t~
15
Q.
What did you say?
15
A. I think there was some criticism that Fox
~
6
A. I believe we made a decision that we were
16
Moraine was receiving, and we felt that we would
~
"
7
going to propose an adjustment to the existing
17
present a broader coverage for some of the
18
property protection plan and a groundwater
18
environmental issues in regard to protection for
19
protection plan. That would be an expansion of
1,9
ground water and as far as the property protection
~O
what was previously offered.
~O
plan.
~1
Q.
And this property protection plan was part
~1
Q.
And these statements by you on behalf of
~2
of the application; correct?
~2
Fox Moraine at the meeting, that was to counter the
~3
A. II was contained within the application.
~3
criticism that you thought the public had been
~4
Q.
How did people know what had already been
24
leveling at Fox Moraine; correct?
62
64
16 (Pages 61 to 64)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
A. Correct.
1
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Why don't we take a short
2
Q.
Okay. Anything else regarding the
2
break. Let's go off the record.
3
statements you made pre-application?
3
(Discussion off the record.)
4
A. No.
4
MR. DOMBROWSKI: All right. Let's go back on.
5
Q.
What statements did Mr. Mueller make
5
Couple things to finish up, Mr. Burnham.
6
pre-application?
6
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
7
A.
There was various circumstances where we
7
Q.
Have you ever talked to any city council
8
made some statements, but they -- it was really --
8
members regarding the landfill application?
9
I don't know how to describe it. It wasn't a
9
A.
Yes.
10
statement, a public statement as in regard to the
10
Q.
Who?
11
fundamental fairness, but I was just saying that
11
A. Let me rephrase that. The landfill
12
from time to time during 15 odd hearings before the
12
application that was filed or about a landfill
13
application, we did make some statements. I don't
13
application?
14
recall the specific context of those statements.
14
Q.
About a landfill application.
15
Q.
Well, did they have to do with the
15
A.
All of them. I've talked with all of them
16
fairness or unfairness of the proceedings?
16
about the landfill application.
17
A. I don't recall. I don't believe so.
17
Q.
When did you speak to them about the
18
Q.
How about Mr. Phillipchuck, what did he
18
landfill application?
19
say?
19
A.
Initially in August of 2006.
~O
A. He made various comments, but, you know, I
120
Q.
And you spoke to all eight sitting council
1?1
don't recall the specific - I know that he made
~1
members plus the mayor?
~2
some comments, but I don't recall the specific
122
A.
Yes.
1?3
context of those comments.
~3
Q.
And where did these meetings take place?
~4
Q.
But, in sum, is it fair to say that,
Q4
A.
At Yorkville City Hall.
65
67
1
pre-application, members of the public had
1
Q.
Was Mr. Charlie Murphy with you?
2
opportunity to make comment as well as Fox Moraine;
2
A. Yes.
3
correct?
3
Q.
Anyone else with you on behalf of Fox
4
A. Yes.
4
Moraine?
5
Q.
All right. Let's go to the period
5
A.
Not that -- no.
6
following the filing of the application. You've
6
Q.
Was this one meeting?
7
talked about different things that you and Fox
7
A.
In regard to the council people, men and
8
Moraine believe rendered the process unfair. So
8
women, yes.
9
during the period from December 1, 2006 when the
9
Q.
So you spoke to all eight council people
10
application is filed up through the end of May 2007
10
at one meeting?
11
when the city council takes its vote, did Fox
11
A. No.
12
Moraine do anything to complain about or register
12
Q.
All right.
13
its displeasure as to what it perceived to be an
13
A. You asked if I -- if it was just once.
14
unfair process?
14
Q.
No. I said was it one meeting.
15
A.
J
think we took -- I think we filed a
15
A.
One meeting, for -- we met with Charlie
16
motion with the hearing officer to have Valerie
16
Murphy, and I met with I think it was Joe Besco and
17
Burd and Rose Spears not in the process.
17
Rose Spears together. We met with each council
18
Q.
Did Fox Moraine do anything other than
18
person with -- by ward; so, in other words, I can't
19
filing this motion to disqualify Burd and Spears?
19
remember who is in which ward, except for I think
20
A.
Not that I recall.
20
Marty Munns we met individually, and Jim Bock we
21
Q.
And had Fox Moraine wanted to, it could
21
met individually. Meaning that we met with Rose
22
have moved to disqualify aldermen other than these
22
Spears and Joe Besco together and Dean Wolfer and
23
two; correct?
23
Valerie Burd, I believe, together and Jason Leslie
24
A.
I would guess so.
24
and Paul James together, I believe.
.,
66
68
17 (Pages 65 to 68)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
Q.
And you also met with the mayor?
1
individually by ward was a prudent thing to do. We
I
2
A.
I have met with the mayor.
2
didn't - we didn't - we thought it would be
~
3
Q.
When did you meet with him?
3
better on an individual or by-ward basis as opposed
i
"i
1
4
A.
I don't recall a specific time that I met
4
to everybody at all once.
j
);
5
with him.
5
Q.
Well, had you met with them in more than
6
Q.
How many times did you meet with him
6
groups of two, you would have violated the Open
i
J
7
regarding the application or the application that
7
Meetings Act; correct?
~
~
1
8
was going to be filed for the proposed landfill?
8
A.
I - I guess so, yes. Is the Open
"
9
A.
Probably three times.
9
Meetings Act -- what is the Open Meetings Act,
~
10
Q.
And when did these meetings take place,
10
exactly?
11
approximately?
11
Q.
Well, I'm asking you.
12
A.
I believe there was a meeting in maybe
12
MR. MUELLER: Apparently, he doesn't know.
13
March of
2006,
I belieVe there was a meeting in
13
MR. DOMBROWSKI: He answered yes. That's good
,
1
Q;
14
maybe June or JUly of
2006,
and then a meeting
14
enough.
~
โข
1615
probably
Q.
Why
in earlierdid
youAugustmeet with
2006.
these elected
16
15
BY
Q.
MR.
WhatDOMBROWSKI:
did you tell the members of the city
I
m
17
officials in groups of two or indiVidually?
17
council?
1:
~
18
A.
There was a lot of misinformation being in
18
A. We described the -- the SB
172
process in
~
~
~9
the press or we thought it would be wise to give
19
general. And that the burden of proof that the
I
~O
the council people by ward, you know, an overview
20
application, the burden of proof that the
~
~1
of what Fox Moraine was proposing.
21
application or the site was suitable in accordance
I
~.
~2
~
Q.
You say there was a lot of misinformation
22
with the criteria was that of the proposer, being
,
~
~3
in the press. What do you mean?
23
Fox Moraine, and that a - an application would be
>
~
~4
A. Kendall County had been going through a,
24
most likely forthcoming.
;
;~
69
71
~i
t
~
~
1
you know, a process by which they basically changed
1
Q.
And you told them how to vote; right?
I
2
their solid waste management plans so as to allow
2
A. No.
i
~
,
3
. landfills, and there was information in regard to
3
Q.
After these meetings, did you call up any
~
4
companies that were interested in coming to Kendall
4
of these people on the phone?
~
5
County to propose a landfill, and Fox Moraine was
5
A. I did not.
~
~
,
6
one of them. And there was various articles in the
6
Q.
Once the application had been filed, did
j
;;
7
newspaper about landfills, Kendall County, you
7
you talk to any city council members or the mayor?
~~
@
8
know, informational type of -- informational type
8
A.
Other than "hello," and just being --
9
of articles.
9
being a normal person saying hello, no.
I
10
Q.
So am I right you met with these people to
10
Q.
Anyone else assocIated with Fox Moraine
I
'f
11
counter this misinformation in the press; correct?
11
talk to the city council members or the mayor after
:;
12
A.
We met with these people to just tell
12
the application had been filed?
;j
m
13
them, you know, explain to them what our landfill
13
A. I'm not aware of what everybody did or
~
14
project was looking like at the time and that we
14
didn't do.
I
i
15
were going to go forward with filing an application
15
Q.
Did you have any involvement in putting
1
i
~
16
at some point and we wanted to make sure that they
16
together Fox Moraine's.post-hearing comments?
~
17
heard it from us.
17
A. As submitted by Shaw?
~
~
18
Q.
So you saw this as your opportunity to
18
Q.
Correct.
~
i
19
inform the city council members and the mayor as to
19
A. I reviewed them, but I didn't assemble the
a
~o
what you would be proposing; right?
20
documents or add documents to be put into it.
~
~
121
~2
A.
Q.
Basically.Why
didn't you meet with them in groups of
'1
22
of the
Q.
post-hearingWhy
were thosecommentsubmittedperiod?on the last day
I
ct
1
~3
three or four or all of them together?
23
A.
I believe that's when they were ready.
124
A. We fell that just that meeting them
'4
Q.
Could Fox Moraine have submitted them
I
70
72
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18 (Pages 69 to 72)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
before that?
1
2
A. I-- I do not know.
2
3
Q. Couple questions regarding the landfill
3
4
hearings.
4
5
Fox Moraine isn't claiming that it was
5
6
shortchanged
on time at the hearings; is it?
6
7
A. In what regard?
7
8
Q. Well, Fox Moraine had opportunity to put
8
9
on all its witnesses; correct?
9
10
A. Yes.
10
11
Q. And Fox Moraine had opportunity to submit
11
12
all the exhibits and materials in support of its
12
13
application; correct?
13
14
A. Yes.
14
15
Q.And Fox Moraine is not claiming that it
15
16
was somehow prevented or didn't have enough time at
16
17
the hearing to do what it wanted; correct?
17
18
A. Not to my knowledge.
18
19
Q. DoyouknowwhethertheCityofYorkville
19
20
had a Web page that it maintained throughout the
20
21
landfill hearing process?
21
22
A. I believe it did.
22
23
Q. Were things such as landfill hearing
23
24
transcripts and the application and other exhibits
24
73
understand that?
A. Yes.
Q. So my question is -- I don't want to be
blind-sided at the hearing,.so is there any reason
why you would be offering something additional at
the hearing that you didn't say today?
A. I couldn't think of anything. The only
thing that I would is that if I'm required to read
this transcript, it might refresh my memory on
something, but I can't imagine it's substantive to
the point that you feel you're blind-sided.
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Okay. Fair enough. I have no
further questions.
MR. MUELLER: We'll reserve signature.
FURTHER DEPONENT SAITH NAUGHT.
75
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
o
1
2
3
4
~5
~6
~7
~8
~9
~O
~1
~2
~3
~4
posted to that Web page?
A.
I believe so.
Q.
Did you, yourself, at any time access that
Web page during the hearing process?
A.
I may have once or twice.
Q. And why did you do that?
A.
I believe I checked one of the transcripts
of the real estate appraiser, Harrison.
Q. And is it your recollection that the City
of Yorkville would post, for example, hearing
transcripts to its
Web page within a couple days
after that hearing had concluded?
A.
I don't recall what the schedule of having
information posted was, but
I thought it was, in
general, relatively quickly.
Q.
Mr. Burnham, if you are called as a
witness
at the hearing on this matter, can you
think
of any reason why your testimony at that
hearing would be different from
your testimony
today?
A. In
what regard?
Q.
Well, I have tried to ask you questions to
elicit all the information you have
or Fox Moraine
has in support
of its petition for review; do you
74
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
BEFORE THE
ILLINOIS POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
FOX MORAINE, LLC,
)
Petitioner,
)
vs.
) No. PCB 07 146
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE, CITY )
COUNCIL,
)
Resporident.
)
This is to certify that I have read the
.transcript
of my deposition taken in the
above-entitled cause by Jennifer Campbell,
Certified Shorthand Reporter,
on the 12th day of
September, 2008, and that the foregoing transcript
accurately states the questions asked and the
answers given by
me as they now appear.
JAMES
D. BURNHAM
SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO
before me this
day
of
2008.
Notary Public
76
19 (Pages 73 to 76)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
STATE OF ILLINOIS
MC CORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
200 North LaSalle Street
2
) SS:
2
Su~e
300
3
COUNTY OF KENDALL )
Chicago, Illinois
60601
3
4
I, JENNIFER CAMPBELL, a notary public within
September 17, 2008
4
5
and
for the County of Kendall and State of
5
Mueller Anderson
PC
Mr. George Mueller
6
Illinois,
do hereby certify that heretofore,
6
609 Etna Road
7
to-wit, on
the 12th d.ay of September, 2008,
Ottawa, Illinois 61350
7
IN RE: Fox Moraine vs.
Un~ed C~y
of Yorkville
8
personally appeared before me,
at 800 Game Farm
8
Dear
Mr. Mueller:
9
Enclosed
is your copy of the
depos~ion
of JAMES D.
9
Road, Yorkville, Illinois, JAMES D. BURNHAM, in a
BURNHAM taken
on 9-12-08, in the above-entnled
10
action. Also enclosed are
add~ional
signature
10
cause
now pending and undetermined before the
pages and errata sheets. Please note that
11
signature was not waived.
11
Pollution Control Board wherein FOX MORAINE, LLC is
12
Please
subm~
the transcript to the deponent for
12
the Petitioner, and
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE, CITY
review and signature. The errata sheets have been
13
provided for
any
changes or corrections the
13
COUNCIL is the Respondent.
deponent wishes to make. All changes or
14
corrections must be made on the errata sheets, not
14
I further certify that the said witness was
on the transcript
~self.
Then have the deponent
15
sign all signature pages and have the signature
15
first duly sworn
to testify the truth, the whole
notarized. All errata sheets should also be
16
truth and nothing but the truth in the cause
16
signed.
17
After the deponent has completed the above, please
17
aforesaid; that the testimony then given by said
return all signature pages
and errata sheets to me
18
at the above address, and I will provide copies to
18
witness
was reported stenographically by me in the
the respective parties.
19
19
presence of the said witness, and afterwards
.If you have
any
questions regarding the above
reduced
to typewriting by Computer-Aided
20
procedure, please feel free to contact
me at
20
(312) 263-0052.
21
Transcription, and the foregoing is a true and
21
Sincerely,
22
correct transcript
of the testimony so given by
22
McCorkle Court Reporters, Inc.
23
said
witness as aforesaid.
23
24
I further certify
that the signature to the
24
BY:
----------------
77
79
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foregoing deposition
was reserved by counsel for
the respective parties.
I further certify
that the taking of this
deposition
was pursuant to Notice, and that there
were present at the deposition the attorneys
hereinbefore mentioned.
I further certify that I am not counsel for nor
in any way related to the parties to this suit, nor
am I in any way interested in the outcome thereof.
IN
TESTIMONY WHEREOF: I have.hereunto set my
hand and affixed my notarial seal this 17th day of
September, 2008.
78
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
20 (Pages 77 to 79)
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
EXHIBITF
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
(Witness sworn.)
2
CHARLES MURPHY,
.3
called as a witness herein, having been first duly
4
sworn, was examined
and testified as follows:
5
EXAMINATION
6
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
7
Q.
Good morning, Mr. Murphy.
8
A. Good morning.
9
Q.
My name is Leo Dombrowski. I represent
10
the United City of Yorkville. I'll be asking you
11
some questions today.
12
What do you understand this deposition to
13
be about?
14
MR. PORTER: Objection. Vague.
15
THE WITNESS: Could you clarify that?
16
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
17
Q.
Pardon?
18
A. Could you clarify that?
19
Q.
Well, I think iI's a simple question. Do
20
you have any understanding of what this deposition
21
is about?
22
MR. PORTER: Objection. Vague. Argumentative.
23
Counsel, if you want to ask him a question, feel
24
free. It's your deposition. You tell us what it's
1
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~5
~6
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~9
~O
1:21
~2
~3
1:24
BEFORE THE ILLINOIS POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
FOX MORAINE, LLC,
)
Petitioner,
)
vs.
) No. PCB-07-146
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE,
)
CITY COUNCIL,
)
Respondent.
)
The discovery dctposi ticn of CHARLES MURPHY,
taken in the above-antiUed cause, before
Elizabeth L. Vela, a. notary public of Cook County,
Illinois, on the 29th day of August, 2008 at the
time of 9:35 a.m. at 24 North Hillside, Hillside,
Illinois, pursuant to Notice.
Reported
by:
Elizabeth L. Vela, CSR
License No.: 084-003650
APPEARANCES:
HINSHAW & CULBERTSON, by
MR. RICHARD S. PORTER,
100
Park Avenue
P.O. Box
1389
Rockford, IL
61105
(815) 490-4900
Representing Fox Moraine, LLC,
WILDMAN, HARROLD, ALLEN
&
DIXON, by
MR. LEO
P. DOMBROWSKI,
225
West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL
60606
(312) 201-2562
Representing United City of Yorkvill,
JEEP & BLAZER, LLC by
MR. MICHAEL S. BLAZER,
24
North Hillside Avenue, Suite A
Hillside, IL
60162
(708) 236-0830
Representing Kendall County.
1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
o
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
'0
?1
'2
'3
?4
INDEX
WITNESS
EXAMINATION
CHARLES MURPHY
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI
4
BY MR. PORTER
127
EXHIBITS
NUMBER
MARKED FOR ID
Yorkville Deposition Exhibit
NO.1
7
NO.2
13
NO.3
14
No.4
15
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1 (Pages 1 to 4)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
about.
1
that would prevent you from giving complete and
2
THE WITNESS: I've asked
if you could restate
2
honest testimony today?
3
the question.
3
A. I'm not.
4
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
4
Q.
Anything else that would keep you from
5
Q.
You can't answer that question?
5
giving full and complete answers to
my questions
6
A.
I've asked you to restate the question.
6
today?
7
Q.
Well, answer my question. Can you answer
7
A.
Could you clarify that? It seems pretty
8
that question?
8
broad-based.
9
MR. PORTER: Counsel, it's been asked and
9
Q.
Well, you say you're not on any
10
answered. Please move on.
10
medications that would prevent you from doing so,
11
MR. DOMBROWSKI: It hasn't been answered.
11
correct?
12
MR. PORTER: It has.
12
A. Correct.
13
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
13
Q.
Just a general question. Anything else
14
Q.
You have no idea what the deposition is
14
that would prevent you from giving full and
15
about?
15
complete answers to
my questions?
16
MR. PORTER: Objection. Asked and answered.
16
A. From a medication, from a handicap,
17
Don't answer that.
17
from --
18
MR. DOMBROWSKI: What's the objection?
18
Q.
Anything.
19
MR. PORTER: The objection is, it's
19
A. Not that I'm aware of.
?O
argumentative, counsel. If you want to ask the
20
Q.
Let me hand you what we have marked as
21
witness a question, feel free. You tell us what
21
Yorkville Deposition Exhibit NO.1. Have you seen
?2
the deposition is about. It's pretty simple.
22
that before?
23
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
?3
A. I have not.
?4
Q.
So you got up this morning and you thought
24
Q.
It wasn't given to you by anyone?
5
7
1
I'll come over to Mike Blazer's office and see if I
1
A. No.
2
can get a free cup of coffee?
2
Q.
Did you bring any documents with you
3
MR. PORTER: Objection. Argumentative. Don't
3
today?
4
answer.
4
A. Ididnot.
5
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
5
Q.
And no one informed you that we were
6
Q.
Do you understand we have a court reporter
6
asking for documents
as part of the deposition?
7
here?
7
MR. PORTER: Counsel, I'll speak to that.
8
A. I
do.
8
There are
no documents responsive to your
9
Q.
And that she's here to record everything
9
production
re -- your rider today other than what's
10
you,
I, and your lawyer say?
10
already been produced
in Fox Moraine's Answers to
11
A. I
do.
11
United City of Yorkville's First Set of Document
12
Q.
And you are represented by counsel,
12
Requests.
13
correct?
13
I
do have a copy of that. If you need the
14
A.
lam.
14
documents, I have extras and you're welcome
to
15
Q.
What will you do if you don't understand
15
them.
16
one
of my questions?
16
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
17
A. I will ask you to clarify
it.
17
Q.
Well, that was my next question. So as
18
Q.
Fair enough.
18
your counsel has said, as far as you know, you have
19
A. Restate it.
19
brought no documents because there's nothing new to
~O
Q.
And if you go ahead and answer a question,
20
produce,' correct?
e1
I'll assume that you've understood the question.
21
A. That's correct.
t22
Is that fair enough?
22
Q.
Can you think of any reason why your --
~3
A. That's fair.
23
let
me back up a second.
24
Q.
Are you on any medications or anything
24
You understand that there's a hearing
68
2 (Pages 5 to 8)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
scheduled on this matter for October 6th through
1
Mr. Murphy?
2
the 8th?
2
A.
Self-employed.
3
A. Ido.
3
Q.
Whatdoyoudo?
4
Q.
And have you been asked to be a witness at
4
A.
A host of things, I guess. A consulting
5
that hearing?
5
business.
6
A.
I have not.
6
Q.
What type of consulting do you do?
7
Q.
If you are a witness at that hearing, can
7
A.
Environmental consulting, transactional
8
you think
of any reason why your testimony at that
8
consulting in the solid waste field.
9
hearing would
be different from your testimony
9
Q.
What's your relationship to Fox Moraine,
10
today?
10
LLC?
11
MR. PORTER: Objection. Vague. He hasn't
11
A. I was asked to be the project manager for
12
finished testifying today. It calls for
12
the permitting of a landfill.
13
conjecture.
13
Q.
And what was the scope of your duties as
14
THE WITNESS: Considering that I haven't
14
the project manager?
15
testified, I don't know that there would
be any
15
A. Prepare -- or excuse me. Put together a
16
difference
in the opinion.
16
team
of people to prepare for a landfill
17
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
17
application and potential siting on a piece
of
18
Q.
What did you do, if anything, to prepare
18
property from developing -- working through, I
19
for today's deposition?
19
guess, any -- some
of the political positions, host
20
A.
I had met with counsel to review generally
:>0
agreement, preparing -- working with counsel on
21
the documents that we had submitted upon request.
21
host agreements or siting ordinances, review with
22
Q.
Did you review anything else?
:>2
the municipalities.
23
A.
No, not that I can recall.
~3
Just basically working through --
24
Q.
Did you review the interrogatory answers
~4
permitting through a hearing process coordination.
9
11
1
that Fox Moraine has submitted in this case?
1
Q.
What's the name of your consulting
2
A.
That would have been part ofthe
2
business?
3
interrogatories and our responses.
3
A. Fox Valley ConSUlting Services, Inc.
4
Q.
Did you speak to anyone to prepare for the
4
Q.
And where is that located?
5
deposition?
5
A.
In St. Charles, Illinois.
6
A.
I met with my counsel.
6
Q.
Who is Mr. Don Hammon?
7
Q.
Okay. And when did you meet with him?
7
A. Don Hammon is one
of the principals of Fox
8
And your counsel, you're referring to Mr. Porter
8
Moraine, LLC.
9
here?
9
Q.
Do you hold any position in Fox Moraine?
10
A.
Mr. Porter and Mr. Helston and
10
A. I do not.
11
Mr. Mueller.
11
Q.
Do you have any financial interest in Fox
12
Q.
When did you meet with them?
12
Moraine?
13
A.
This week.
13
A.
I do not.
14
Q.
How long did you meet with them for?
14
Q.
You're strictly paid for your time that
15
A.
We met for -- Rick and I had a little' time
15
you put into this matter by Fox Moraine?
16
this morning prior
to your arrival and I met with
16
A.
That's correct.
17
George and Chuck for - it might have been three
17
Q.
Have you any other business dealings with
18
hours or so this week.
18
Mr. Hammon?
19
Q.
And as far as you know, Fox Moraine will
19
A. I do.
~O
not be using any documents other than the ones you
20
Q.
And what are those?
~1
have already produced in this appeal at the October
21
A.
I'm a customer to his yard waste land
~2
hearing, is that correct?
:;12
application business.
~3
A.
I believe that's correct.
23
Q.
And what do you mean by being a customer'
~4
Q.
Where are you currently employed,
24
to his yard waste business?
10
12
3 (Pages 9 to 12)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
A. I own a business called Midwest Compost,
1
documents that Fox Moraine produced in this case,
2
LLC, which owns and operates two landscape waste
2
please feel free to do so, okay?
3
transfer stations.
3
A.
Sure.
4
Q.
Let me show you what has been marked as
4
Q.
Let me refer you to Paragraph NO.4 in the
5
Yorkville Deposition Exhibit NO.2. Have you seen
5
petition for review.
6
this document before?
6
And you see in there that Fox Moraine is
7
A.
Excuse me. I have.
7
alleging that the hearing that was conducted on the
8
Q.
And did you have any input in putting this
8
application was not conducted in accordance with
9
document together?
9
requirements
of Section 39.2 of the Environmental
10
A. I had reviewed it prior
to its submittal
10
Protection Act.
Do you see that?
11
and filing.
11
A. Isee that.
12
Q.
And why did you review it before it was
12
Q.
What evidence or facts or information does
13
filed?
13
Fox Moraine have to support this allegation?
14
A. That would have been part
of my
14
MR. PORTER: Objection, compound, but go ahead
15
responsibilities, I guess, as what's called project
15
and answer.
16
manager.
16
THE WITNESS: I believe the submittals that -
17
Q.
And did you provide comments on it?
17
written -- or documents that we've produced and --
18
A. I believe I did.
18
on information regarding the fundamental fairness
19
Q.
What were those comments?
19
issue
of -- that they weren't compliant with the
~O
MR. PORTER: Objection. It invades the
20
act or didn't follow the law in this.
~1
attorney-client privilege.
21
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
~2
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
22
Q.
Okay. What did the City of Yorkville not
~3
Q.
Did you provide comments to attorneys for
23
follow?
~4
Fox Moraine?
24
A. Again, fundamental fairness, that there
13
15
1
A. For -- yes.
1
was bias, possibly outside -- information outside
2
Q.
Did you provide comments to anyone else
2
of the record was considered.
3
regarding
the petition?
3
Q.
Now, the documents that you have produced,
4
A.
No, not that I'm aware of.
4
those consist almost entirely
of newspaper
5
Q.
And as far as you know, the things - the
5
articles, correCt?
6
allegations in
the petition -- by that, I mean in
6
A. To a large part, I believe.
7
Paragraphs 4, 5, 6, and 7 were true
at the time the
7
Q.
And the only other things in there are a
8
petition
was filed, correct?
8
one-page letter or e-mail from Alderman Wolfer and
9
A.
To the best of my knowledge, yes.
9
then an invoice of my law firm, Wildman Harrold,
10
Q.
Let me show you what has been marked as
10
correct?
11
Deposition Exhibit No.3. And you've seen this
11
A. Correct.
12
document before, correct?
12
Q.
So what in there or anywhere else shows
13
A. I have.
13
that the hearing conducted on the application was
14
Q.
And what is this document?
14
biased or that the -- I guess better put the
15
A. This is
our response to the City of
15
Council Members were biased in conducting the
16
Yorkville's request for interrogatories.
16
hearing?
17
Q.
And you were the person who certified
17
A. I -- in reviewing, one, the distribution
18
these answers on behalf of Fox Moraine, right?
18
by Alderman Wolfer discussing the landfill and
19
A. I was.
19
process for such.
20
Q.
I'd like to ask you some questions about
20
And many of the subsequent articles in
;l1
the petition for review, which is Exhibit No.2,
21
there also reflecting throughout the time from the
~2
and the interrogatory answers, which are Exhibit
22
date
of conversation of annexation to a hearing,
123
NO.3.
23
there is a substantial mention and comments of --
~4
And if you need to refer to any of the
24
on behalf of outside opposition members and others,
14
16
4 (Pages 13 to 16)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO,
ILLINOIS
(312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
counsel for the County and comments that were made
1
And the behavior
of - during those
2
that were preadjudication
of the merits of our
2
times -- or meetings was made to be an open forum
3
application prior to basically filing where it was
3
by the opposition group, the public, other members
4
made to be
of issue that the -- whether it was an
4
of the public.
5
annexation or host agreement or such, there were
5
The County had weighed in on their
6
many comments and rancorous activity amongst
6
position regarding consistency with the plan and
7
members
of the opposition group that led to a
7
the threat of suit.
8
prejudgment, I believe,
on the Council's part in
8
And I think that the behavior
of -- the
9
their ability to make a fundamentally fair decision
9
aggressive nature
of the behavior of the public and
10
on the merits of the hearing and process that
10
the opposition people, I think lends itself to be
11
subsequently followed all of those activities.
11
intimidating, and as well, showing that at the time
12
Q.
So which members of the Council do you say
12
of consideration of these prior issues to a
13
were biased?
13
landfill application that it was more about a
14
A.
Well, I believe Alderman Spears.
14
landfill than it was about the issues at hand.
15
Alderman Burd at the time prior to being elected, I
15
And I think that her legislative position
16
believe as well.
16
was compromised - or compromised her ability to
be
17
And subsequent to filing, I guess Plocher,
17
a quasi-judicial judge for a subsequent landfill
18
Sutcliff, Werderich, were biased in their decision
18
application.
19
ultimately
in the ultimate vote. I'm forgetting
19
Rose Spears had also had during the --
20
what --
20
during -- had also had outside contact regarding
21
Q.
Well, if you look at Exhibit 2, there's
21
issues relative to the process.
22
a -- the last page
of Exhibit 2 lists the mayor and
22
I believe she's had communications and
23
the eight alderman.
23
open communications with the County's attorneys
24
A. Spears, Sutcliff, Plocher--
24
regarding process and host agreement -- other
17
19
1
Q.
You've given me five names of people you
1
comparisons, potential hearing officers.
2
are claiming were biased.
2
And as well, she had out -- information
3
A. Munns.
3
gained outside
of the process through
4
Q.
Pardon?
4
communications that she had with Kane County
5
A. Munns.
5
Environmental Group regarding issues that weren't
6
Q.
Munns was biased?
6
the subject of the -- the subject of the
7
A. Actually, Leslie, Golinski.
7
application.
8
Q.
So everyone but Mr. Besco was biased?
8
Q.
Okay. Let's go through those. So you say
9
A. I believe that is the case.
9
her legislative position was compromised because
of
10
Q.
Okay. I'm going to ask you some follow-up
10
the -- are we talking about Friends of Greater
11
questions. I want you to be as specific as you can
11
Yorkville, that group?
12
for me, because you can say someone was biased.
12
A. That - yes, that would be the most
13
It's, I think, a
very general statement,
13
boisterous group, along With, I guess,
14
but I want you to give me any facts that you
14
Todd Milliron, who was or wasn't a member but the
15
have --
any facts that Fox Moraine has to support
15
most aggressive behavior at these meetings.
16
these allegations. Fair enough?
16
Q.
But these were pUblic meetings, correct?
17
A. Fair enough.
17
A. They were public meetings.
18
Q.
Okay. Tell me how you think
18
Q.
And were you present at these meetings?
19
Alderman Spears
was biased.
19
A. twas.
120
A. Well, I believe she was party to the
20
Q.
What behavior did you see that you claim
121
process which was the initiation of this ultimate
21
to be hostile or intimidating?
~2
landfill application by annexation, host agreement,
22
A. Aggressive, in your face accusations.
~3
siting ordinance preparation, reannexation and so
23
Q.
Well, can you give me any example -
124
forth.
24
A. If you approve the landfill -- or approve
18
20
5 (Pages 17 to 20)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
the annexation, you're approving a landfill.
1
I gave you one.
2
Throughout those times, the public was --
2
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Well, then, you make that
3
you know, you're going to be --if you decide--
3
objection.
4
make these decisions, you could be sitting alone.
4
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
5
You know, going to the restaurant, you'll
5
Q.
Go ahead and answer.
6
be sitting alone. If you're going to church,
6
A.
I believe that would be subject to the ex
7
you'll be sitting alone. I think things that were
7
parte rules.
8
intimidating to me sitting there for someone who's
8
Q.
So you're claiming that would be an
9
been sitting in a crowd as one of the only people
9
example of an improper ex parte contact?
10
representing a project was intimidated by that.
10,
A.
I believe it would.
11
I'm sure that that had to be as difficult
11
Q.
Now, when you say threatening calls or
12
for someone that was in a decision-making position.
12
statements, did they go be -- did those statements
13
Q.
All right. Who made what statements?
13
go beyond anything like we're not going to vote for
14
A.
It would be the group. It was
14
you if you vote for the landfill?
15
George Gilson to Todd Milliron to Gilmour, Judy and
15
Were these people threatened with physical
16
Tom, and others who were very aggressive in their
16
harm?
17
behaviors, along with other residents.
17
A. My understanding, it was more of the
18
I don't have specific recollection of the
18
nature of threatening physical harm.
19
exact statements by each. I think the records from
19
The comments of you're going to lose your
~O
those meetings would reflect that and I think that
20
seat if you vote for this, that was definitely in
~1
would show in specific, I guess.
21
the conversation throughout all of these meetings.
~2
Q.
You're not claiming any of these people
22
They were -
~3
did anything illegal, are you?
23
Q.
But they--
~4
MR. PORTER: Objection. It calls for a legal
?4
A.
They were told that they were going to be,
21
23
1
conclusion. You can answer to the extent you know.
1
you know, voted out. People were going to vote
2
THE WITNESS: I am aware of threats to people
2
them out of office if they pursued this.
3
at their home, be it - Alderman Munns, I believe,
3
Q.
Okay. I understand that, but my question
4
was one who represent - or Alderman Besco had
4
is, there were no threats of physical harm to
5
represented he had threats at home.
5
anyone, correct?
6
And I believe, as well, Alderman Munns had
6
A. My understanding is, there was threats to
7
concerning phone calls, as well as, I believe at
7
physical harm.
8
the time, the Mayor, Mayor Prochaska, had
8
Q.
And what is your understanding based on?
9
concerning phone calls to his home.
9
A. Conversations with -- from those people at
10
Q.
Well, when you say concerning phone calls,
10
meetings that they had had calls to their home
11
can't a constituent call up -
11
threatening them and to where they had actually
12
A. Threatening phone calls.
12
called and talked to the police about it.
13
Q.
- his or her elected officials and make a
13
Q. .
Okay. Who -- now, when you say
14
comment as to an important issue in the community?
14
threatening, go deeper for me. What do you mean by
15
MR. PORTER: I'll object to the extent that
15
that?
16
calls for a legal conclusion.
16
A. Some sort of threat that related to a
17
Counsel, as you probably know, no, they
17
positive vote supporting this process, be it
18
cannot. That's the decision-maker. That is an
18
annexation or the landfill potentially would lead
19
improper ex parte communication. Having said that,
19
to some type of harm to them.
20
if you know, go ahead and answer.
20
Q.
Some sort of physical harm?
21
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Well, you can make an
21
A. Some sort of harm. I don't know if it was
?2
objection. I think that's in the nature of a
22
physical or what.
23
speaking objection. You're coaching him.
23
Again, it's a secondhand conversation or
24
MR. PORTER: You asked for a legal conclusion.
24
understanding. I don't have the specific details
22
24
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of that.
1
saying. I think there are other issues relative to
2
Q.
Well, tell me other people you had such
2
that -- relative to the process that haven't been
3
conversations with.
3
disclosed.
4
A.
These were public comments or
4
I think -- or discussed, I guess, at this
5
conversations expressed by Munns and Besco.
5
point and elements of deliberations with the
6
I think the Mayor expressed it at
6
information upon decision from their experts and
7
meetings, as well, that he had had calls to his
7
just the gathering of that throughout the -- or the
8
home. And I probably heard that in those settings.
8
information and review and how they held the vote,
9
Q.
So it was limited to those three?
9
I think were against the manifested weight of the
10
A.
That I can recall.
10
evidence.
11
Q.
Did any of these three go to the police
11
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
12
and report this?
12
Q.
You mean how they voted was against the
13
A.
I don't recall.
13
evidence, is that right?
14
Q.
You don't recall that happening, do you?
14
Not how they held the vote but how they
15
A.
I don't recall that.
15
voted, is that what you mean?
16
Q.
So as to Alderman Spears, you're saying
16
A.
No, I believe it's how they held the vote,
17
because she was present at these public meetings
17
how they -- and how they voted.
18
where people voiced their opinions, she
18
I mean, you're -- the information --
19
subsequently became biased and couldn't vote fairly
19
there's a fundamental fairness issue in the bias or
~O
on the application, is that a fair summary?
70
in the outside -- the information from outside
~1
A.
I don't know if that's a fair summary.
I
21
sources potentially, I believe, were elements that
~2
think that it's more than -- it's the way the
72
are concerning their ability to make a fair
~3
behaviorwas.
23
decision.
~4
And it's again that the issue of a
24
Q.
All right. You mentioned this now a
25
27
1
landfill had not even been presented and these
1
couple times, that at least Alderman Spears, you
2
people were allowed to make statements,
2
say, consulted information outside the record, is
3
allegations, tainting, I think, the quasi-judicial
3
that right?
4
ability to be a fair judge. So--
4
A.
That's correct.
5
Q.
Why do you think the people who voted on
5
Q.
Anyone else besides Alderman Spears?
6
the application couldn't have listened to those
6
A. I believe again information that's outside
7
statements and all the statements throughout the
7
the record given public comment testimonies at the
8
hearing and rendered a fair decision on the
8
meetings prior being at annexation up through
9
application?
9
reannexation, public comment and e-mails that were
10
A.
Because I don't think -- I don't think
10
sent and represented on record by members of the
11
that was the process that was followed.
11
public to the Council, along with Council Members
12
Q.
I don't get your answer. What do you mean
12
who had -- were considering other information
13
you don't think that was the process that was
13
during the hearings, reading on alternative energy.
14
followed?
14
Alderman Munns reviewing a Popular Science
15
A.
I think there were other circumstances
15
magazine on Plasmark Technology during the hearings
16
that kept them from making a fair decision based on
16
openly, I think that's a consideration outside of
17
the manifested weight of the evidence.
17
the record.
18
Q.
So simply because some people spoke out
18
And the basis of information that people
19
against the annexation or spoke out against the
19
had again considered what was being told or sent to
70
landfill, you feel that tainted the whole process?
20
them via e-mail.
21
MR. PORTER: Objection. It mischaracterizes
21
An example, the February 13th Council
22
the previous testimony. Go ahead and answer if you
22
Meeting, if you review the minutes and tapes of
23
can.
23
that, there are people who are again standing up,
74
THE WITNESS: I don't think that's what I was
24
very rancorous, intimidating.
26
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2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
71
22
23
24
I believe representing, as well, they sent
1
information regarding the merits
of a landfill --
2
siting
of a landfill. And it was represented that
3
they sent it to the Council Members and the Mayor
4
and outside issues, information such as that that
5
was received.
6
Q.
All right. What was sent to the Council
7
and the Mayor?
8
A. Information regarding the landfill or the
9
concern from the residents to deny approval
of a
10
landfill.
11
Q.
Well, as part of the process, the
12
residents were allowed to weigh in and express
13
their views, correct?
14
A.' Not in the ex parte -- this was ex parte.
15
This was -- the application had been filed.
16
The City's holding public hearings and
17
comment that was open and aggressive against the
18
landfill when it was supposed to be an ex parte.
19
And there was no intent -- or effort, I guess, on
20
the City's part to stop that.
21
Q.
To stop what?
22
A. The public from commenting and prejudging
23
the landfill prior to the manifested weight of the
24.
29
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
Q.
So what's your understanding of an ex
parte communication?
A. My understanding would be contacts with
people outside of the process for which we're --
the landfill application or hearings or the process
who
are not part of the process and have
judgmental -- or information shared
to those
decision-makers who
are going to hear it.
Q.
So you're saying, for example, any e-mails
sent
by a Yorkville resident to someone on the City
Council would have irretrievably tainted the
process,
is that right?
A. I believe that's a possibility, yes.
Q.
Is it also possible that people on the
City Council who received e-mails or who received
phone calls could have disregarded those
and made
their decision based
on the evidence?
MR. PORTER: Objection. It calls for
conjecture.
He can't possibly read their minds.
THE WITNESS: Yeah.
MR. PORTER: Take their depositions to find
that out, counsel.
31
1
evidence to be put on. There hadn't been a hearing
2
yet.
3
Q.
Well, comments made at a public hearing
4
would not be ex parte communications, would they?
5
MR. PORTER: Objection. It calls for a legal
6
conclusion. We'll stipulate to that, counsel.
7
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
8
Q.
So you're saying you claim that the City
9
Council did nothing to prevent ex parte
10
communications?
11
A. I believe that's correct.
12
Q.
What is your definition of an ex parte
13
communication?
14
MR. PORTER: Again, counsel, you're asking this
15
witness, who's not an attorney to give you a
16
definition of a very specific legal term. And it's
17
the crux of the litigation we:re here to discuss.
18
I mean, I can-
19
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Fair enough.
~O
MR. PORTER: I can give you a definition if
~1
you'd like.
~2
MR. DOMBROWSKI: He was the first one to use
t23
the term. He's got some understanding of it.
~4
30
1
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
2
Q.
You can go ahead and answer.
3
A. I can't determine what their answer is
4
going to be or how they handled that.
5
Q.
Now, you've used the phrase manifested
6
weight
of the evidence a couple of times today.
7
What do you mean by that?
8
A. That would be the combination of the
9
record,basically the application, the findings of
10
fact, the hearing officer's finding, the attorney's
11
special counsel, Fox Moraine's. And those were the
12
filings from the County to the hearing process.
13
Q.
All right. I want to get back to the
14
issue
of information outside the record.
15
You've talked about e-mails and phone
16
calls, correct?
17
A. Correct; and I guess public -- public
18
comment.
19
Q.
Wouldn't public comment, though, be part
20
of the record?
21
A. Could you clarify record for me, I guess?
22
Q.
The record is all the documents that the
23
City
of Yorkville put together and filed with the
24
Illinois Pollution Control Board. Have you taken a
32
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
look at that, by chance?
1
A. Yes.
2
A. I believe I have. I don't recall offhand.
2
Q.
And what were those communications?
3
Q.
Okay. Well, in there, we have the siting
3
A.
The County -- the State's Attorney and
4
application, we have transcripts of the landfill
4
Mr. Blazer had participated in -- early on in
5
hearing, we have things like that.
5
September, October annexation hearings and
6
A. Okay.
6
informing the City that they were going to sue for
7
Q.
So that is what I consider to be the
7
consistency with the plan should this effort go
8
landfill record. Now, e-mails to an alderman, that
8
forward and ultimately take on a landfill on this
9
would be something outside the record.
9
property if it's annexed.
10
So we have -- when I've asked you about
10
I believe that that is -- as given that
11
any alderman consulting information outside the
11
it's a -- it created a lot of rancor and -- given
12
record, we have talked about e-mails, we have
12
that the County is another governmental body.
13
talked about phone calls. Is there anything else
13
And I think that it helped the groundswell
14
that you're claiming --
14
of the public and the people to participate more
15
A.
The statement --
15
actively as a landfill issue than an annexation
16
Q.
Wait. Let me finish my question. Is
16
issue because of the credibility that potentially
17
there anything else you're claiming any of the
17
another governmental body offers and the
18
Aldermen or the Mayor was influenced by that was
18
representation from the State's Attorney's Office
19
outside the record?
119
that that becomes more of a factual consideration
bO
A.
Statements that would be outside
of the
~O
on behalf of the City Council Members or in the
01
record would be as the April something article -- I
t21
opposition group to get very excited about.
b2
guess I can refer to this or --
~2
Q.
When you refer to the State's Attorney,
b3
Q.
Sure.
t23
you're referring to Mr.. Eric Weiss?
b4
A. The pre-election information and positions
04
A. Melissa Barnhart was the State's Attorney
33
35
1
of the Alder -- or the folks running for office as
1
at the time.
2
to their statements, as Valerie Burd, who is an
2
Q.
She was his predecessor?
3
alderman running for mayor at the time had made
3
A. That's correct.
4
statements that a safe landfill, I believe, is an
4
Q.
And the statements that they made were
5
oxymoron prior to a vote.
5
made at a public hearing, is that right?
6
Q.
Right, but that's her statement. I'm
6
A. Yes, they were.
7
asking about things that they - you're saying they
7
Q.
Just in one public hearing?
8
consulted that were outside-the record.
8
A. I believe it was repeated more than once.
9
A. Let's see. Well, I think that
9
Q.
So it was made at say two or three
10
communications with -- I believe communications
10
different public hearings?
11
with the --again, representatives for the County
11
A. More than one.
12
and County Board Members as referenced in some of
12
Q.
Any other communications that you're
13
the articles here who had made comment to the City
13
referring to on behalf of Kendall County?
14
Council Members regarding process.
14
A. There's a reference in something I read in
15
Q.
Anything else that was consulted outside
15
some of the information we supplied regarding
16
the record?
16
County Board communication with -- I believe it was
17
A. I don't recall at this time.
17
Valerie Burd regarding possible ex parte
18
Q.
All right. Let me ask you --
18
communications or what is and what isn't ex parte,
19
A. I know I'm forgetting something.
19
but I don't recall without reviewing through all
20
Q.
- about things you have mentioned about
20
the documents, I guess.
21
the County.
Q1
Q.
Well, weren't those statements made at one
22
You say there were communications with the
~2
of those public hearings?
23
County that you're claiming tainted the process, is
23
A. I don't recall the tone of that, if it was
24
that right?
Q4
at a public meeting or if it was a representation
34
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Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
that she had spoke
to somebody prior to one of
1
to weigh
on the minds of those decision-makers who
2
those meetings and --
2
were ultimately going to
be voting on the
3
Q.
So is--
3
application.
4
A.
She commented on it.
4
Q.
Well, you understand this whole landfill
5
Q.
So is it Fox Moraine's position that
5
hearing
and vote was obviously a very contested
6
Kendall County should not have made any statements
6
issue
in the City of Yorkville, right?
7
throughout the process?
7
A.
Very contested.
8
A.
I believe that it preadjudicated the
8
Q.
And Kendall County weighed in with its
9
ultimate position of a filing for a landfill.
9
position, correct?
10
Q.
How did -- when you say preadjudicated, do
10
MR. PORTER: Objection. It's vague, counsel.
11
you mean prejudiced or --
11
When are you talking? Are we talking in the
12
A.
Yes.
12
hearing? Are
we talking outside the hearing?
13
Q.
Well, how did it do that? Wasn't that the
13
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
14
official position of the County and why shouldn't
14
Q.
Let me talk about prior to the filing of
15
they be allowed to do that?
15
the application, which was December 1, 2006.
16
A.
Well, I think as I've stated prior, it
16
It's Fox Moraine's position that Kendall
17
was -- because of the potential of a credible
17
County should not have said anything prior to that
18
source and that prior to it being an issue that
18
date -
19
there was a landfill application in process or in
19
A.
Yes.
20
play, it was -- created in a sense -- as they were
20
Q.
-- am I right?
21
competing with their own landfill potential
21
A. Correct.
22
hearings with another site, it created a lot of
22
Q.
So the State's Attorney, for example, an
23
concern, I think, amongst the public.
23
elected official of Kendall County, you're saying
24
I think it questioned in the mind of those
24
should not have said anything regarding the
37
39
1
sitting decision-makers at the time as
to that
1
landfill really up until the hearing started in
2
weighing on their mind as to being able to make a
2
March
of
'on
3
fair decision ultimately on the landfill.
3
A.
Prior to there really being a landfill
4
Q.
Well, answer me this. Is it Fox Moraine's
4
issue, which could be looked at as a December
5
position that the County -- that Kendall County
5
filing or the process
of the hearings, but there
6
should not have said anything throughout the
6
was certainly notice and filing
of an application.
7'
annexation and landfill process?
7
Q.
All right. So anything that the County
8
A. I believe that the position outside
of the
8
did other than speak at the couple public hearings
9
landfill hearing process was improper.
9
and possibly some communication with Mayor Burd
10
Q.
Their position outside the landfill
10
that may have been at a public hearing or not,
11
hearing process was improper, did I get that right?
11
anything that you're claiming the County did was
12
A.
Or their saying what they have said or
12
improper? Anything else?
13
taking the position they did prior to a landfill
13
A. Offering, I guess, for residents or
14
application being filed, I believe was incorrect.
14
objectors to communicate with them regarding
15
Q.
So they should not have said anything
15
concerns.
16
before December
1, 2006, is that what you're
16
Again, it creates some concern for their
17
saying?
17
ability to
be a fair participant in the hearing
18
A. I believe that would be correct.
18
regardless given that they have a competing
19
Q.
And anything they said after December 1,
19
landfill project coming, as well, and tainting the
DO
2006 would be fair game, is that right?.
70
water, I guess, for the decision-makers, as well as
~1
A. Actually, I think I would correct that and
71
creating more rancor amongst the public.
22
say that after -- it should have been part
of the
22
Q.
Well, give me all the specifics that you
23
hearing process, that something said even upon
~3
have on this.
24
filing still had the potential
or the opportunity
~4
What did they do to -- I don't know. What
38
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Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
are you claiming? They stirred up the pop --
1
for a landfill -- it became a much bigger issue
2
A.
Well--
2
than just the landfill application.
3
Q.
Let me finish my question.
3
There was a competitive issue between who
4
MR. PORTER: Let him get done and then --
4
had a better host agreement and what the terms of
5
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
5
those were.
6
Q.
They stirred up the populus, is that
6
I didn't see the merits of that, other
7
right?
7
than bolstering their position for their process
8
A.
That would be a part of it, yes.
8
and their landfill project that was to follow ours.
9
Q.
All right. But how did they do that?
9
Q.
Well, are you saying the public shouldn't
10
Give me specifics.
10
be informed about differing host agreements?
11
A.
Well, hosting a public meeting to compare
11
A.
I'm not saying that. I'm saying that I'm
12
conceptual host agreements between one - between a
12
concerned that it was done in a fashion to sway a
13
landfill to be in the County and one to be proposed
13
decision that was -- I believe it was misleading to
14
potentially in Yorkville.
14
the public or --
15
And that created a lot of angst and
15
Q.
How was it misleading?
16
anxiety and rancor amongst the public that one was
16
A.
I believe the comparisons weren't all
17
better than the other, and yet, we didn't have the
17
correct and factual as to why it was better.
18
merits of the case in front of us.
18
Q.
What was not correct and factual?
19
Q.
Well, these host agreements are public
19
A.
I mean, elements of a guaranteed host fee
20
documents, correct?
20
but -- if one was a guarantee or not but elements
21
A. They are at the time that they're
?1
to that type of situation but -- there were other
22
executed.
22
elements.
23
Q.
When did Kendall County host this public
?3
And I don't recall the specifics at this
24
meeting to compare the host agreements?
24
time, but I'd have to review the documents again,
41
43
1
A. I believe it was in October.
1
which I didn't do prior to this.
2
Q.
And by that time, both host agreements
2
Q.
Well, people could read the host
3
were public documents, correct?
3
agreements and come to their own conclusion as to
4
A. I don't recall the date of the Yorkville
4
which one might be better or how they differed,
5
approval.
5
right?
6
Q.
Well, even when it's a draft host
6
A.
They potentially could come to their own
7
agreement, it's still a public document, is it not?
7
conclusion if potential misleading information was
8
A. Potentially, yeah. I don't know if it was
8
not out there.
9
a public document in draft. And I think that was
9
Q.
Have we exhausted everything you think
10
part of contention amongst -- the residents were
10
that Kendall County did improper -- improperly?
11
concerned that they didn't have some involvement
11
A.
At this time, my recollection, yes.
12
or -- in preparing the document.
12
Q.
Have we exhausted everything regarding
13
Q.
Well, I'm a little puzzled. I don't
13
Alderman Spears and how you claim she acted
14
understand how Kendall County hosting a public
14
improperly?
15
meeting to compare host agreements would have
15
A.
Did we discuss her contact with the Kane
16
somehow tainted the process.
16
County group? Have we stated that?
17
A.
Well, I think that the comparison
of the
17
Q.
I don't believe so. What do you mean by
18
documents and the issues related to specific
18
that?
19
elements of it boasting one's better than the other
19
A. With the Kane County Environmental
20
draws question or -- to everybody involved prior to
20
Department, she had conversations regarding
?1
the decision-makers being involved or adds to the
21
landfill and plantings and the Kane County landfill
22
rancor of the rank and file objectors and 'public as
22
and closings with the Environmental Department, the
23
to being able to be heard fairly.
23
director or employees at Kane County.
?4
The ultimate position of an application
24
Q.
And how do you know she had conversations
42
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1
with Kane County officials?
1
the process than it was about the information
2
A.
I was told by the Kane County officials.
2
presented or the facts as to her position on --
3
Q.
And who did you speak with at Kane County?
3
MR. PORTER: Take the time to find it if you
4
A.
Tim Harbaugh and Steve Garrison.
4
need to. We've got some time here.
5
Q.
And what did Alderman Spears talk about
5
THE WITNESS: I know it's in there. There it
6
with these people or so you heard?
6
is.
7
A.
She talked about -- she asked questions
7
MR. PORTER: It's the April article?
8
about landfill closure plans and plantings to be
8
THE WITNESS: Yeah.
9
used on the landfill and subsequently was -- asked
9
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
10
questions in the hearing process about plantings
10
Q.
So you're saying her statement she made a
11
and things that weren't -- specific plantings that
11
few days before the election was improper?
12
weren't part of our application.
12
A.
I'll hold until I get to it here.
13
Q.
And you're saying that questioning was
13
MR. PORTER: Is it this one?
14
improper by Alderman Spears?
14
THE WITNESS: Yeah. Yeah, it wasn't -- I guess
15
A.
I'm saying that the communication, the
15
it wasn't in her statement here that I'm thinking
16
contact to gather that information was an outside
16
of.
17
source of the process.
17
There's a -- somewhere in the decision or
18
Q.
How is it improper for an alderman who's
18
in the process, she had stated her frustration over
19
going to sit and vote on your application -- why is
19
the process here.
~O
it improper for her to consult with Kane County as
20
It was more about the process of
121
to what proper plantings or closure materials might
21
annexation and host agreement approvals and timing
~2
be for a landfill?
22
and variables than it was about the substantive
123
A.
Because that would have been information
23
information or weight of the evidence that she had
~4
outside of the record, garnered from outside of the
24
voted against -- excuse me. Against the landfill.
45
47
1
record and it's ex parte communication.
1
And again, her statement if it had nothing
2
Q.
Why can't she consider that when she's
2
surrounding it for acres and if it was proven to be
3
jUdging your application -- comparing your
3
safe as far as leakage and it would have no impact
4
application with what she found out about Kane
4
on traffic, that would be a perfect scenario.
5
County?
5
She's looking for the perfect scenario.
6
MR. PORTER: Objection, counsel. That isn't
6
And again, the criteria isn't a perfect scenario,
7
her job. You're asking -
7
because traffic for one is not a perfect scenario.
8
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Well, he can answer--
8
It's based on a minimalization of traffic or
9
MR. PORTER: You are asking the witness to
9
minimal impact to traffic, not a perfect scenario.
10
assume facts that are not in the record and stating
10
So I think that statement prior to her
11
an improper hypothetical. Go ahead.
11
vote and subsequent is a prejudgment of her
12
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
12
decision -
13
Q.
Go ahead.
13
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
14
A. I don't know how -- I don't know what her
14
Q.
So you're saying --
15
decision process was or her ability to make -- to
15
A. Stated publicly.
16
separate that, but I don't think that it was proper
16
Q.
She disregarded the evidence at the
17
contact.
17
hearing and was -- prejudged and was going to vote
18
Q.
All right. Anything else about
18
against the application no matter what?
19
Alderman Spears that you find -- you and Fox
19
A.
I believe that is potentially true, yes.
120
Moraine find objectionable?
20
Q.
Anything else about Alderman Spears?
~1
A. I believe, as well, that she based her
21
A.
I think we--
~2
decision on - if I can go back, to a comment in
22
Q.
Covered her?
123
the April newspaper election statement.
23
A. I think so.
124
It was more about Alderman Spears about
24
MR. DOMBROWSKI: All right. We've been going
46
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about
an hour. Why don't we take a five-minute
1
that dot
on the map if it comes to be?
2
break?
2
MR. PORTER: And you mean him personally when
3
(A short break was taken.)
3
you say you?
4
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
4
MR. DOMBROWSKi: Him and his company.
5
Q.
Mr. Murphy, are you still project manager
5
THE WITNESS: I
am not aware of any future
6
for the Fox Moraine landfill?
6
opportunities.
7
A.
lam.
7
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
8
Q.
And are you doing anything other than
8
Q.
Take a look at Exhibit No.3, if you
9
testifying today regarding the landfill? Have you
9
would, and the answer
to Interrogatory No.1 on the
10
done anything lately on it?
10
first page.
11
A.
Well, it would be terrible if I said no.
11
The interrogatory asks to identify each
12
My client might read this. Well, certainly, we're
12
person who supplied information or documents. And
13
monitoring the activities of this process, I guess,
13
you are one of the people listed, correct?
14
and as well--
14
A.
lam.
15
MR. PORTER: Let me -- right now, he's just
15
Q.
What information or documents did you
16
asking you a yes or no question, are you doing
16
supply?
17
anything. I think -- go ahead.
17
Let me break that up. Did you supply any
18
THE WITNESS: Yes.
18
documents?
19
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
19
A.
I didn't supply any documents outside of
120
Q.
All right. What are you doing?
20
what would have been an attorney-client memo
~1
MR. PORTER: Now, counsel, I'm going to object,
21
regarding concerns.
122
because that's beyond the scope of this proceeding.
22
Q.
It's a memo you wrote and gave to your
~3
The question is whether or not the underlying
23
counsel?
124
proceedings were fundamentally fair.
24
A. Yes.
49
51
1
If you can tie it in for me, I'll let him
1
Q.
Any other documents?
2
get into it, but I don't see how it's relevant or
2
A. Not that I recall.
3
admissible
or likely to lead to admissible
3
Q.
And the memo you wrote generally touched
4
evidence.
4
on -- let me finish the question.
5
MR.
DOMBROWSKI: Well, I'd like to find out if
5
Touched
on things that are alleged in the
e
he has an interest in the outcome of the process.
6
petition for review?
7
That's certainly relevant.
7
A. I think that's fair to state.
8
MR. PORTER: That question, I wouldn't object
8
Q.
Did you supply any documents other than
9
to. I mean, that would go toward bias arguably.
9
this one memo?
ho
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
10
A.
For? Could you clarify that?
~1
Q.
If the landfill gets approved, will you
11
Q.
Well, the question here in Interrogatory
h2
have a role in running the landfill or doing
12
NO.1 is identify each person who supplied
h3
anything with the landfill?
13
documents, correct? And you are one of the people
H4
A.
No.
14
listed, right?
~5
Q.
Then, why are you continuing to monitor
15
A.
lam.
he
the process?
16
Q.
So other than this one memo, did you
H7
A.
I'm in it for the win.
17
supply any other documents to Fox Moraine regarding
h8
Q.
What do you mean by that?
18
these interrogatory answers?
h9
A.
I take my responsibilities in a process
19
A.
To Fox Moraine? Could you clarify?
Is
DO
like this -- I've been challenged to get a siting
20
that my counsel?
D1
and that's my objective. And the win is getting
21
Q.
It includes your counsel.
~2
your local siting or putting another dot on the
22
A.
I don't believe so.
D3
map.
23
Q.
What--
D4
Q.
But you won't have anything to do with
24
A. As it's related to Interrogatory 1, I
50
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1
guess, or these documents, yes.
1
to some
of this. It would have been part of the
2
Q.
As it relates to all of the
2
memo to my attorney.
3
interrogatories and all
of the document requests.
3
Q.
Basically based on things you observed at
4
A.
I -- there may have been some of these,
4
the different public meetings and the landfill
5
but I don't recall
if -- I wasn't the sole source
5
hearing process?
6
for those.
6
A.
That would be correct.
7
I mean, there were -- there may have been
7
Q.
Let me ask you a couple of things that are
8
duplications, but I don't recall -- I have some of
8
listed here
in this answer to NO.3. First off, at
9
those, but I don't recall frankly giving those. I
9
the bottom
of the page --
10
think they came from another source.
10
A. Which page?
11
MR. PORTER: And the record can't see this.
11
Q.
Page No.3. There's a statement that says
12
Those being the documents attached
to the
12
there was a request by certain decision-makers for
13
production request, is that correct?
13
ex parte input from the public outside the hearing
14
THE WITNESS: Yes.
14
process. Do you see that?
15
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
15
A. I see that.
16
Q.
So the memo was the only document you
16
Q.
What information does Fox Moraine have to
17
provided, correct?
17
support that statement?
18
A. That's my recollection.
18
MR. PORTER: I'll object to the extent you're
19
Q.
How about as to information? What
19
asking him to speak for the entire organization of
20
information did you supply that was used in
20
Fox Moraine. I would certainly agree that he could
?1
preparing these interrogatory answers and document
?1
answer for himself personally.
122
requests?
22
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
123
MR. PORTER: Counsel, I'm going to object to
123
Q.
Go ahead.
124
the extent that invades the attorney-client
124
A. Yeah. My recollection to this would be
53
55
1
privilege.
1
the document that was ultimately circulated by one
2
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Well,
if there's information
2
of the aldermen regarding the landfill and the
3
listed
in the interrogatory answers, I don't see
3
process, which was one
of the submittals, I
4
how that invades the attorney-client privilege.
4
believe, we had.
5
MR. PORTER: The question is just phrased
in a
5
Q.
That's the --
6
manner that I'm not used to, quite honestly.
6
A. Attached to --
7
If there's a specific interrogatory of
7
Q.
The letter from Alderman Wolfer?
8
which this witness had input, I think that would be
8
A. Alderman Wolfer, yes, who subsequently
9
proper.
9
resigned.
10
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
10
Q.
So he did not vote on the landfill
11
Q.
Well, let's look at Interrogatory No.3
11
application, correct?
12
and the answer to Interrogatory NO.3.
12
A. He did not.
13
And by the way, the answer to
13
Q.
Any other member besides Alderman Wolfer
14
Interrogatories 3 through 17 is the same, correct?
14
who asked for ex parte input from the public?
15
A. I believe that's right.
15
A. I believe that's all I'm aware of.
16
Q.
Did you supply any of the information that
16
Q.
So as you sit here today, that's the only
17
we see listed here in the answer to Interrogatory
17
one you know of?
18
NO.3?
18
A. Well, the -- as it's stated, a request by
19
A.
If I can take a minute to refresh my
19
certain decision-makers, I guess, and - I guess
?O
memory --
20
again going -- if I could go back to Rose Spears or
21
Q.
Sure.
21
Valerie Burd or communications possibly with either
22
A. -- and read through that, I would
12
the County's attorneys or representatives from the
23
.appreciate it.
23
County for information that would be considered
?4
I believe there is some input that I had
24
ex parte that I stated earlier, I guess that would
54
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1
be needed to be clarified and that that would be in
1
deny the application, correct?
2
addition to what I'm aware of here as far as
2
A.
That I'm aware of. We've got other
3
requests for information.
3
potential people to answer as we've noted here.
4
Q.
And those requests to the County, those
4
Q.
I understand.
5
were the requests made at the public hearing,
5
A. Responsive.
6
right?
6
Q.
There's a phrase used after the phrase
7
A.
Or public meetings. Not particularly
7
we've been talking about that says the use of
8
public meetings to which no vote or no action was
8
hidden agendas.
9
taken.
9
What, if anything, is meant by that
10
Q.
Okay. But in a public forum, right?
10
statement?
11
A. Correct.
~1
A.
I think the reference to the hidden
12
Q.
Okay. Let's move up five or six lines and
12
agendas from my perspective is in regards to the
13
let me direct you to the statement that says that
13
bolstering of the landfill as a campaign issue.
14
there were communications from decision-makers to
14
Q.
What do you mean by that?
15
constituents within their respected wards, which
15
A.
I believe that the issue of a landfill
16
evidence a predisposition to deny the application.
16
siting became an opportunity for those to run for
17
Do you see that?
17
elected office on the single issue of opposition to
18
A. Yes.
18
a landfill.
19
Q.
What information do you have to support
19
Q.
And who are you referring to?
t20
that statement?
?O
A.
I'm referring to Burd, Robyn Sutcliff.
~1
A.
Again, my -- I believe that this document,
21
Certainly Burd being -- running from alderman to
t22
Exhibit A of our submittal would be what's
22
mayor. And it would probably be more of the
~3
reference to that.
23
primary one to that.
Q4
Q.
And by that, you mean just the letter from
24
The others had an anti-landfill position,
57
59
1
Alderman Wolfer?
1
but they weren't -- it wasn't probably much of a
2
A. Alderman Wolfer to his constituents.
2
hidden agenda for them. It was pretty well known.
3
Q.
Anything else besides that?
3
But the mayor as she processed --
4
A. I don't believe so. I don't --
4
beginning meetings from the infamous two on twos to
5
Q.
And by the way, what in Alderman Wolfer's
5
where it was a nonissue and she was looking forward
6
letter or e-mail here evidences a predisposition to
6
to seeing more and so forth to I think seeing the
7
deny the application?
7
opportunity and having it on her agenda to run for
8
A. Can I take a minute and reread it?
8
mayor.
9
Q.
Sure. And doesn't he say in there, by the
9
Q.
What are the infamous two on twos you're
10
way, that he has not yet voted on the landfill?
10
referring to?
11
A. He does reference that he's not voted at
11
A.
The concern and displeasure of the public
12
this point on the landfill.
12
that was expressed regarding the Council Members
13
Q.
Anything you --
13
meeting with Fox Moraine in meetings that were two
14
A. He also notes that they have hired the
1.4
on two that they felt were meant to circumvent open
15
legal expert whose job it is to guide them through
15
meetings or these smoke-filled rooms and so forth.
16
the process. And I think, ultimately, they didn't
16
Q.
Those were the meetings you set up, right?
17
utilize the legal expert.
17
A. They were meetings that I was involved in,
18
Q.
Is there anything in there to evidence a
18
yes.
19
predisposition to deny the application?
19
One of my other partners actually set the
120
A. On the face, I don't believe there is.
20
meetings up and I was certainly one of the
~1
Q.
And again, this is the only document or
21
attending. Fox Moraine set them up but --
~2
information you're claiming that would support this
122
Q.
Well, what does that have to do with
123
statement that there were communications from
23
people running on an anti-landfill agenda, as you
~4
decision-makers which evidenced a predisposition to
24
claim?
58
60
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McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
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1
A I believe the hidden agenda was - in
1
A. Additionally, Councilman Wally
2
Valerie Surd's
example was that she had an interest
2
Werderich - Councilman-elect Wally Werderich - as
3
for this, hear more - let's hear more, let's go
3
you said, they say what they say and they're
4
along.
4
inclusive in these articles that Wally Werderich
5
And the opportunity was,
she saw where
5
prior to announcing his position as an alderman for
6
her - the sitting mayor was and saw the
6
the aldermanic race was the secretary/treasurer of
7
opportunity with - as the groundswell
came about
7
the FOGY group, had made open statements about
8
to .run for
mayor and use this as a campaign issue.
8
landfill and the development
of a landfill in
9
Q.
Well, the documents that you have
9
Yorkville, which became part
of his transition into
"
10
produced,
many of those newspaper articles say that
10
running for elected office.
11
during the campaign, for example, all of the people
11
Q.
And you say those statements were
12
running
for office said they couldn't talk about
12
improper?
M
t
13
the landfill,
am I right?
13
A. I believe it ultimately created bias for
~
14
A.
I guess you'd have to show me that
14
him to then ultimately be able to vote impartially
~
~
15
specifically. I don't recall that it says that -
15
as a newly elected -- one
of the issues for him to
~
w
16
I don't recall it
says that specifically.
16
be as a newly elected Council person.
1
j
181719
touching
A.
Q.
NotYou
onsaydon'tthat
to
issue?recall-
notanyin--documentinageneralizedinthere
171819
group,A.
Q.
Well,Howwhichdidservingclearlythatcreateastheirtheagendabiassecretaryonishiswe
of
part?thedon'tFOGYwant
II
~
~O
comment, it's certainly out there, but in the
20
a land fill in Yorkville.
I
~1
specifics, I guess I would want you to pin that
21
And he was aggressively and actively'
.
I
~2
down more to a specific person or -
22
participating in that, attended and was part of
~
~
23
Q.
Well, the documents say what they say. We
123
their hosting of meetings, had made statements in
~
24
don't have to go through all of them, but can you
61
24
the newspaper regarding negatives to a landfill and
63
i
~
Ii
1
point me to anyone who was running for office or
1
the negative potential development, along with his
i
~
2
who was a sitting Council Member who either ran on
2
statement here two days before election that I
@
a
43
landfill?an
anti-landfill campaign
or said I am against the
43
Yorkville.don't
think that a landfill is a good thing for
I
5
A.
Well, yeah. I think that when you look at
5
It's a pretty prejudicial statement, I
i
j
6
those
-- again - I should have marked it.
6
think, considering a vote and the fact he hadn't
\
-~
7
Those pages that reflect the comments
7
been the participant throughout the process as a
8
prior to election in the April
newspaper article.
8
sitting Council person to hear all of the facts and
9
There are the Valerie Surds and the
9
have to certainly anticipate that he was able to
10
Wally
Werderichs and -- who all had comments that
10
catch up upon taking seat and being able to base
11
said - made specific comments, is there such a
11
his vote on the facts and --
12
thing as a safe State-compliant landfill. I don't
12
Q.
Now, he resigned from the Friends of
13
know. I think it's an oxymoron.
13
Greater Yorkville organization before he announced
14
Well, that's a pretty aggressive statement
14
his candidacy, right?
15
on
her behalf, prejudgual -- prejudging what was to
15
A. He did.
16
come about as a final
vote and inciting the public
16
Q.
Any other statements you can point me to
17
to basically help - creating a rancor
amongst the
17
other than this one newspaper article and the
18
public and the support she needs to be elected
18
statements you say that Mr. Werderich made before
19
mayor in the community.
19
he announced his candidacy?
~O
Q.
And that article appeared two days before
20
MR. PORTER: I'm sorry, counsel. Vague. Any
~1
the election, is that right?
21
statements as to what?
~2
A.
I believe yes, it was, the 15th.
22
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Well, the theme we're on here
~3
Q.
Can you point me to any other statements
23
is people running on an anti-landfill campaign or
t24
other than ones in that article?
24
sitting members or members that were elected that
62
64
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16 (Pages 61 to 64)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
made anti-landfill statements before the vote was
1
MR. PORTER: Any.
2
taken.
2
THE WITNESS: Well, in addition to
3
THE WITNESS: Well, the -- additionally, I
3
Valerie Burd, her disclosure that her campaign
4
guess the statement that wasn't made, I guess, to
4
committee was made up
of not only a witness for the
5
inter - with
Wally Werderich disclosing that he
5
opposition but was made up
of other members of the
6
was the secretary of -- to us or in the
6
Council who were running on an anti-landfill
7
interrogatories
that he was a secretary of FOGY.
7
campaign, which I believe creates somewhat of
8
I
guess that would be the lack of a
8
additional inclusive effort to run as one as they
9
statement that's concerning as to why he wouldn't
9
called it.
10
have disclosed that.
10
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
11
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
11
Q.
She's testified that she never discussed
12
Q.
Well, that was public information, though,
12
the landfill with her campaign people, right?
13
wasn't it?
13
A. I don't recall.
14
A.
But if it's public, he shouldn't have been
14
Q.
Okay. I'm talking about public
15
bashful
about releasing it either, I guess, but
15
statements.
16
going down, in addition, you have Arden
Plocher--
16
Your perceptions may
be whatever
17
Q.
No, no, no.
17
perceptions you have, but I want you to point me to
18
A. You're
just sticking with Wally or --
18
any public statements that you are aware
of that
19
Q.
I know the article you're referring to.
19
supports Fox Moraine's allegation that people ran
20
I'm saying, is there anything else you can point
me
20
on an anti-landfill campaign.
21
to other than this article and the precandidacy
21
MR. PORTER: Counsel, you interrupted the
22
days of Mr. Werderich?
22
witness. He was doing that very thing.
73
Any other statements that you can point me
23
And clearly, a deposition,
if that's where
24
to regarding people taking anti-landfill positions
24
she gave that statement is a public statement. So
65
67
1
before the vote was taken
on the application?
1
. I'd ask you to let him finish his answer.
2
MR. PORTER: Well, counsel, so we're clear, he
2
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
3
was going to go through some
of the other Council
3
Q.
Go ahead.
4
Members.
4
A.
Statements that were made on her part
5
MR. DOMBROWSKI: I said other than that.
5
regarding the members
of her campaign committee, I
6
MR. PORTER: But you don't want him to, because
6
believe were incorrect and misrepresent her
7
they're reflected in this article, correct?
7
position as to her predetermined position as a --
8
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Right.
8
being against the landfill development.
9
MR. PORTER: Okay.
9
It was clear by not only the members
of
10
THE WITNESS: Can you just repeat the question?
10
her committee and the agenda of running as one, as
11
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
11
they all had, and the statements they all made,
12
Q.
Sure. We have the one article here that
12
which are in this April 15th Beacon News article,
13
appeared in the Beacon, I believe April the 15th --
13
be it Arden Plocher, Wally Werderich, Valerie,
14
A. Correct.
14
Robyn Sutcliff all had aggressive and strong
15
Q.
-- as is written there. And we have the
15
statements that were -- that a landfill is not a
16
statements you claim Mr. Werderich made before he
16
good thing prior to being --
17
announced his candidacy to run for alderman.
17
Q.
I understand what the article says. I'm
18
My question is, is there anything else you
18
asking you for any other information.
19
can point me to that shows that people ran
on an
19
A. Well, all of those people were parties to
~o
anti-landfill campaign or were somehow biased
20
all of the var -- to various comments within these
21
against the landfill before the vote was taken on
21
articles.
22
the landfill application?
22
!
And they are what they are on whatever
23
A. Additionally to statements or other
23
page they are in the package to which we submitted
24
elements relative to --
24
for Fox Moraine answers that I believe are
66
68
17 (Pages 65 to 68)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
statements in their position -- running for their
1
Council they
said had already made their decisions?
j
2
position or prior to running statements against a
2
A.
I do not without rereading every one of
i
1.
3
landfill being developed in Yorkville
and-
3
those.
~
4
Q.
So other than what you have given us in
4
Q.
So there's nothing in these documents that
1
~
5
your document production, you've got no other facts
5
lend support
to this statement? You've got no
6
or information
or evidence to say that these people
6
other information
on this, right?
t
J
7
were anti-landfill, am I right?
7
MR. PORTER: Whoa, whoa, whoa. Read that back,
1
'1
8
MR. PORTER: Other than what's already been
8
please.
~
9
testified to?
9
MR. DOMBROWSKI: That should be an if.
t
i
10
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Yes.
10
MR. PORTER: Well, could you reask the
B
1
11
THE WITNESS: I believe that's correct.
11
question? The question as stated doesn't make
~
12
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
12
sense, counsel.
~
~
13
Q.
Turn to the next page.
13
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
~
14
A.
4?
14
Q.
All right. You've meniioned that you
,~
,
15
Q.
Yes, please. The top of Page 4, there's a
15
think in these documents you've given us, there are
:f
,
16
statement that says members
of the landfill
16
articles that support this statement here at the
~
iJ
17
opposition group FOGY, F-O-G-Y, publicly stated
17
top of Page 4, correct?
~
~
18
that they believed a decision to deny the
18
A. Yes.
I
19
application had, in fact, been made by members of
19
Q.
And you've got no other information that
I
~
20
the City Council even before the public hearing
20
touches on this issue other than the documents
I
21
process had been completed.
21
you've given us is what I'm getting at.
I
22
What statements are you referring to
22
A.
To the best of my recollection, that's
1
,
23
there?
23
correct.
,
?4
A.
With - included in the documents that
24
Q.
If you go down a couple more lines -
~
~
69
71
~
I
1
we've supplied, there are comments within the
1
strike that.
I
:;j
2
public domain of
ne~spaper
or responses by the
2
If you go to the second to last sentence
~
3
members of FOGY that they felt that the position
3
of the -
I
4
and relationship, I believe, in their comments to
4
A.
On what page and what paragraph?
I
.,
5
some of these - to the members of the Yorkville
5
Q.
Same page of the Answer to Interrogatory
~
City Council and I think inside -- or felt
6
NO.3.
~
6
'i'
~
7
information -- the pulse of the way they were read,
7
A.
Beginning with meld?
,
~
8
I believe led us to feel or believe that they had
8
Q.
Well, the second to the last sentence that
;<:
~
9
inside information as to members
of their specific
9
begins with moreover.
;~
,~
10
Council and of their support team or the support
10
A. Oh, the complete -- okay.
,~
)~
11
team to those running, they knew what their vote
11
Q.
Where Fox Moraine's answer talks about
1
12
was going to be before the process had ended.
12
Council
Members' desire and/or perceived need to
13
Q.
And you say that those statements are
13
improperly merge and meld
their legislative duties
I
14
contained in the documents you've given us?
14
with their quasi-judicial duties.
Do you see that?
15
A.
I believe there is comments that would
15
A. I see it and can I take a minute to read
16
supportthat.
16
it?
j
,"
17
Q.
Any other information, facts, evidence to
17
Q.
Go ahead.
:\
18
support this statement here at the top of Page 4
18
A.
Or do you have a specific question and -
r1
19
other than what you've given us
in those documents?
19
Q.
Well, my question is, I don't understand
~
~O
A.
I don't recall other -
~O
that. So can you help me out and explain what's
121
Q.
Do you recall what members of FOGY
~1
meant by this answer?
122
publicly stated this?
~2
A.
Well, I believe that the legislative
~3
A. I do not recall.
~3
duties would be those which are representing their
24
Q.
Do you recall which members of the City
~4
constituents in the various elements of their
70
72
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18 (Pages 69 to 72)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
day-to-day activities as an elected official or to
1
Members, but it clearly calls for conjecture.
2
be a seated elected official.
2
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Same thing.
3
And the quasi-judicial would be their
3
MR. PORTER: It's not the same thing, counsel.
4
ability to separate that and be a fair, unbiased
4
lobject.
5
quasi-judicial judge to this period.
5
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
6
I don't think they were able to separate
6
Q.
Do you know of any independent research
7
themselves from their constituents' interaction and
7
done by any Council Member?
8
rancor and objection and obsession with the fact
8
A.
As I stated prior, I discussed
9
that it's all about a landfill and it's not about
9
Rose Spears --
10
what they should be doing in their legislative role
10
Q.
Okay. Other than--
11
to represent their constituents in their day-to-day
11
A.
-- and the contacts with Kane County.
12
city activities versus their ability to be a fair
12
MR. PORTER: Counsel, please, let him finish
13
judge. By allowing those things to come together,
13
his answer.
14
it tainted the process.
14
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
15
Q.
Okay. Turn to the second to the last page
15
Q.
Sorry. I'm just asking for new
16
of the exhibit, if you would, please. That's your
16
information, n?t what you've already testified to
17
signature, correct?
17
regardin!! Spears.
18
A. That looks like it.
18
MR. PORTER: That's not what your question was,
19
Q.
And you certified on behalf of Fox Moraine
19
counsel. Do you want to reask your question?
~O
that the interrogatory answers were true to the
20
THE WITNESS: Yeah. I mean, if you could.
~1
best of your knowledge?
21
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
~2
A. I did.
22
Q.
Other than what you have already mentioned
~3
Q.
What did you do to ensure that all of the
23
about Alderman Spears, do you know of any
~4
interrogatory answers were true?
24
independent research by any Council Member?
73
75
1
A.
I would have reviewed them, I guess,
1
A.
I had also discussed Mr. Munns and his
2
with -- or reviewed them myself, and if I had
2
research with Popular Mechanics regarding
3
questions, discussed with my counsel.
3
alternative disposal.
4
Q.
And what counsel is that? Who are you
4
Q.
Anything else?
5
referring to?
5
A. The -- let's see. The -- I'm going to
6
A. That would have been Chuck Helston and/or
6
respond that the combination of the ex parte
7
George Mueller.
7
contacts by the siting opponents led to
8
Q.
Did you do anything else?
8
information-sharing with Council Members in the
9
A.
I believe that would have -- not that I
9
form of e-mails that were sent.
10
recall, I guess.
10
As I noted, Glen Poole and others as noted
11
Q.
Let me refer you to Exhibit 2, which is
11
or stated in the various minutes or recordings of
12
the petition for review.
12
some of the public comment or public meetings that
13
And these pages are unnumbered, but in
13
referred to them forwarding on information to them
14
Paragraph 5 (h), there's the allegation that the
14
regarding landfills and sitings or specifics of the
15
action of the City Council was based on matters
15
landfill.
16
outside the record, including ex parte contacts by
16
They'll speak for themselves as to the
17
siting opponents and so-called independent research
17
transcripts of those meetings. I don't recall the
18
by several Council members. What independent
18
specific of that, but that wOL!ld have led to it
19
research is meant there?
19
being an independent research as to reviewing and
20
MR. PORTER: Objection. It calls for
20
assessing those documents from the public.
21
conjecture of this witness as to what is meant by
21
And not only that, I believe there's other
22
the pleading.
22
members of the public that forwarded on information
23
You can certainly ask him if he knows of
23
regarding alternative energy.
24
any independent research of the City Council
24
Kristie Vineyard spoke and had a DVD that
74
76
19 (Pages 73 to 76)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
Q.
No. My question is, this was publicly
available information?
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
hearing, there was reference to communications that
were sent directly to the decision-makers
of the
siting hearing outside of the hearing process.
He's now answered several times. I'm
not --
and you keep reasking it, apparently looking
for a new answer. It
is what it is.
to answer a different way.
MR. DOMBROWSKI: No. I want a clarification,
because I'm not clear
on his answer.
MR. PORTER: I'll allow it one more time.
BY
MR. DOMBROWSKI:
Q.
Was this information that you're referring
to
and is it fairly summarized as information that
you say was
on alternative energy or alternative
waste disposal methods?
Is that a fair
characterization?
A. That's some of the information. There
were other factors that -- I mean, the -
Glen Poole,
as I stated, I don't recall his
position.
Thai might have been on ground water or
issues relative
to why somebody should deny a
landfill, but it's
in the public domain, his
comments, his reference
to the document he's
forwarded, along with other people through those
processes
in the public domain that said I sent to
or I've distributed in nonlandfill hearing
scenarios.
Kristie Vineyard
as an example had made
reference and public comment that -- she handed out
1
was out for distribution on alternative energy
1
2
sources, which would have led to independent
2
3
research and review by members of the
3
4
decision-making body. So those would be additional
4
5
examples that I have.
5
6
Q.
Any other examples?
6
7
A. To the best of my recollection at the
7
8
moment, that's what I have.
8
9
Q.
Who's Glen Poole?
9
10
A. A member ofthe public. An opposition
10
11
member. Well, let me just clarify. I'm not sure
11
12
if he's a FOGY member or he's just standing alone
12
13
as-
13
14
Q.
This information that you say was passed
14
15
on to Council Members, that all was included in the
15
16
public record, am I correct?
16
17
A. Again -- or if I can --I'm sorry, if you
17
18
could just clarify public record.
18
19
I mean, it's in a pUblic domain. It was
19
20
at a Council Meeting with public comment, but the
20
?1
public record of the landfill hearings, no.
21
22
Q.
You're saying they were not made part of
22
~3
the landfill record, but they were given to Council
23
124
Members in some other public meeting?
24
77
1
A. In an ex parte period, from the time we
1
2
filed
to the time the hearings started, there was
2
3
public comment -- open comment that was allowed by
3
4
the city that became inciteful.
4
5
I mean, it - the people were up
in arms
5
6
about annex
--all of the issues that have come to
6
7
this point
and what are you doing to stop this
7
8
landfill
and I've sent you information for your
8
9
review and so forth where the public becomes
9
10
inciteful into their concern for the landfill in
10
11
meetings prior to a hearing to hear the merits of
11
12
the facts of the case that was presented in
12
13
December.
13
14
And in an ex parte period, there's public
14
15
record of those meetings and comments made by the
15
16
public and representations that they forwarded
16
17
information to members of the Council.
17
18
Q.
So this wasn't secret information, this.
18
19
was information that you say out in the public
19
20
domain?
20
21
A. Itwas-
21
?2
MR. PORTER: Objection, counsel. You keep
22
23
mischaracterizing his testimony. He's telling you
23
~4
that at a public hearing that was not the siting
24
I
,
j
:1
j
~
~
~
j
j
ij
~
By that, I mean, it was identified, and if
l'\
someone wanted to look at it or wanted a copy, they
il
~
knew what to ask for, correct?
~
MR. PORTER: No, counsel.
i
MR. DOMBROWSKI: No, no, no. Let him answer
i
thequestion.
I
~
MR. PORTER: Let me make my objection.
i
MR. DOMBROWSKI: If you've got an objection,
!
make the objection.
Ii
J
~
MR. PORTER: I have an objection. You're
~
mischaracterizing his previous testimony. He's
I
~
already told you there was reference to nonpublic
1
3
information at those public meetings.
!j
1
He's already said that several times and'
~
you keep asking the same question trying to get him
j
79
1
1-----------------------1---------------------.-01
1
1
~~
ij
;
;
~
78
80
20 (Pages 77 to 80)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
DVDs for alternative energy sources or information.
1
at her deposition?
2
So it's - there's a difference, I guess,
2
A. I think it was a misleading dep -- or
3
between the public forum that you're asking, I
3
question. She didn't answer it thoroughly.
4
guess.
4
Q.
What was the question?
5
Q.
Who's Kristie Vineyard?
5
A.
She was asked who the members were of her
6
A.
She is one of the objectors.
6
campaign committee.
7
Q.
And do you know if any Council Member
7
Q.
And you say she failed to identify someone
8
relied on this information passed on to them by
8
in her answer?
9
these objectors in reaching their final decision?
9
A.
Yes.
10
A. I do not know.
10
Q.
Who did she fail to identify?
11
Q.
And do you know if any of that information
11
A.
Ed Sleezer.
12
became part of the landfill record?
12
Q.
How do you spell that?
13
A. I believe her testimony was part of the
13
A.
E-d, L -- or E-d, S-I-e-e-z-e-r, I
14
landfill record.
14
believe.
15
Q.
We have talked to some length about
15
Q.
And who was he?
16
Alderman Spears. Let's go through the other
16
A.
He was a member of her campaign committee
17
aldermen who you say were biased.
17
and he was also one of the opposition's witnesses
18
And other than what you've already
18
against the landfill siting.
19
testified about, I want to ask you if you have any
19
Q.
Any other information regarding
20
other information to support these allegations of
20
Mayor Surd?
?1
bias and prejudice, et cetera.
21
A. Regarding? Go back and refresh me what --
22
As to Mayor Burd, you talked about her
22
Q.
Well--
?3
leaking of the memos, correct?
23
A. -- you're chasing at.
24
A. Correct.
24
Q.
I want to go through the other aldermen
81
83
1
Q.
You say she ran on an anti-landfill
1
that you've mentioned who you claim were biased
2
campaign, correct?
2
prejudiced,et cetera.
3
A.
Correct.
3
You mentioned several things about
4
Q.
Any other information regarding Mayor Burd
4
Mayor Burd. My question is, can we move on to the
5
that she was biased, prejudiced, or otherwise acted
5
next person or have you anything additional to
6
improperly?
6
offer about her?
7
A.
We spoke of, as well, her statements and
7
A.
As far as information or her ability to
8
her campaign committee that was made up of -- and
8
impartially and fundamentally be fair with the
9
admittedly on her part of the landfill objectors,
9
process or the decision?
10
but as she failed to disclose, that one of them
10
Q.
Right. That's what we're all talking
11
upon questioning of who was on that was one of the
11
about.
12
lead witnesses for the opposition at the landfill
12
A. Okay. Again, beginning with Day
1
13
hearings.
13
annex -- or Day
1
two-on-two meetings to the
14
Q.
What questioning was this?
14
subsequent final vote of this, I believe she
15
A.
In her -- she had stated these members and
15
actively participated as opposing the process and
16
so forth in her deposition.
16
opposing the position of Fox Moraine, whether it be
17
Q.
So you've reviewed her deposition?
17
annexation or host agreement or siting ordinance
18
A. Yes.
18
participation and her voicing local opposition to
19
Q.
And you say she made a wrong statement?
19
how that was handled and the process for that,
t20
MR. PORTER: I'm sorry. Counsel,offthe
20
because that wasn't correct.
~1
record.
21
And as you go down to the vote, which she
22
(Discussion off the record.)
22
didn't participate in but yet was -- she was an
23
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
23
active member of the hearing body up until a point
24
Q.
Are you saying she made a false statement
24
of election, to which then, she made statements
82
84
21 (Pages 81 to 84)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
that I think impeded others' decision because of
1
A.
No, that wouldn't be a fair
:1
'{
2
her representation that there isn't such a thing as
2
characterization that I wanted them to know my
1
3
a safe landfill
and she's one who's been actively
3
position.
I
~
4
sitting
on that - sitting in that position.
4
It was to - we discussed with them the
:i
5
Q.
Any other information on her?
5
process of - first about what a landfill is but -
1
,
6
A. At this point, I'd say we could move to
6
and then, the process.
~,
7
the next one.
7
And then, we showed them - didn't leave
1
~
8
Q.
All right. Let me - before we do that,
8
them with anything other than the nine criteria, I
โข
)
9
let
me ask you about these two-an-two meetings that
9
believe,
439".2, but we reflected some conceptual
&
10
you say were set up by Fox Moraine. When did these
10
artist's renderings
of - as they requested of what
11
happen?
11
would it look like, what do you think here.
1
12
A. I believe they were in August of '06.
12
But we discussed the potential
of what it
13
Q.
And who did you meet with?
13
takes to go through a process like this to aid --
14
A.
We met with all eight of the Council
14
stem to stern and get - and took their pulse on
15
Members
in meetings that were by ward. So four
15
it.
16
wards, two Council Members a piece.
" 16
It didn't -- we didn't ask for any
17
Q.
So you would meet with the two aldermen in
17
decision or determination on their part to approve.
18
Ward 1?
18
We just asked if they would be open-minded and if
19
A. Correct.
19
that would be a consideration that they think would
20
Q.
And then, the two aldermen in Ward 2?
20
warrant further merits to bring forward.
21
A.
And so on, yes.
21
Q.
And what did people say to you generally?
i
22
Q.
And then, 3 and 4?
22
A. To all four wards and all eight people,
-'
1
23
A. Correct.
23
all said they were interested to see more.
1
24
Q.
And what was the purpose of the meetings?
85
24
Q.
Why did you meet with them in groups of
87
I
โข
1
~
1
A. As I had been involved in not only
1
two?
~
2
development for a lot of years and outside the
2
A. It was suggested that we meet with the
~
3
environmental side,
but when I've developed
3
people.
II
4
landfill transfer stations, just operations to park
4
We had determined our best way
to manage
~
~
5
garbage trucks, it can be a controversial issue.
5
it and most effectively on a smaller scale and to
"
~
e
And the purpose was to take a pulse of the
6
be able to have open discussion and -- with them
~
fj
7
Council to see if they had an interest - given
7
was to do it by ward.
~
~
98
sometheCityindicationswerenotthatgoingwetohadplaythatnicethetogetherCountyasand
89
two
on
Andtwo.byAndward,twoitjustontwohappenedisthefacttobethatitwas
I
l(
ho
far as Fox Moraine maintaining a siting in the
10
Jim Burnham and I were the two representing Fox
.
I
[
n1
County", if they would have an interest in Fox
11
Moraine.
I
n2
Moraine proposing the project in Yorkville.
12
So it could have been two on ten or
[
~
h3
Q.
Who was there at these meetings besides
13
whatever, but the cities were two
on two because of
I
g
n4
yourself on behalf of Fox Moraine?
14
the ward size.
j
"$
n5
A.
Jim Burnham.
15
Q.
SO had there been three aldermen per ward,
~
he
Q.
Anyone else?
16
you would have met with three of them?
n7
A. No.
17
MR. PORTER: Objection. It calls for
he
Q.
So is it a fair characterization of
18
conjecture.
19
these - so there were four meetings then?
19
THE WITNESS: It didn't matter. I guess, yeah,
~O
A. Thafs correct.
~o
we could have met with three.
~1
Q.
A fair characterization was you,
21
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
22
Fox Moraine, you said were interested in siting a
12
Q.
Or did you meet with them in groups of two
~3
landfill in the city of Yorkville and we want you
23
to avoid any problems with the Open Meetings Act?
~4
to know what our position is?
24
A. I don't think that that was a primary
86
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McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
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Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
consideration. It became, I think, 'an issue at a
1
A.
It looks to be our Answers to Yorkville's
2
later point, but it wasn't our primary
2
Document Request, First Set.
3
consideration.
3
Q.
Take a look at the last page. That is
4
Q.
But it was a consideration of yours,
4
your signature, correct?
5
correct?
5
A.
Thatis.
6
A.
It was at a later point but more after the
6
Q.
And in this certification, you're saying
7
fact, I believe, than it was at the time we were
7
that the production is full and complete, correct?
8
scheduling meetings.
8
A. I am.
9
Q.
Well, how about before the meetings were
9
Q.
And what did you do to ensure that the
10
set up?
10
production was, indeed, full and complete?
11
Was there any discussion amongst Fox
11
A.
I reviewed again with attorneys and I
12
Moraine people that you couldn't meet with more
12
guess participants for the applicant, information
13
than two at a time?
13
that they had at the time to submit to the
14
A. I don't recall if it was prior or -- if we
14
attorneys for submittal
of this document.
15
had that discussion prior and that's how they were
15
Q.
All right. Responses 4 through 14 and
16
set up or -- it seems to me it was an after the
16
then -- or I guess the remainder
of the responses,
17
fact but --
17
they all basically say the same thing, right, see
18
Q.
But you knew before these meetings were
18
Answers 1 and 3?
19
held that you couldn't meet with more than two at a
19
A.
Basically.
20
time, right?
bO
Q.
And then, they say as all such documents
21
A. I knew that -- I'm aware of open meetings,
~1
show that -- or that all such documents are
22
sure,
of the Meetings Act.
~2
relevant to whatever the issue is? Do you see what
23
Q.
Which means you cannot meet with more than
~3
I'm referring to?
24
two at a time, right?
b4
A.
In the response portion, are you saying,
89
91
1
A. That's correct.
1
or-
2
Q.
So -- and then, did you follow up the
2
Q.
Right. For example, the response to NO.4
3
meetings with phone calls
to the individual
3
is see petitioner's response to Nos. 1 and
3, as
!
Ii
4
aldermen?
4
all such documents demonstrate the hearing process
5
A.
We had left the door -- we had some
5
where procedures were not fair.
6
conversations with some,
who had additional
6
A. I'm sorry?
7
questions,
some who had asked -- had called with
7
Q.
My question is, does every single document
8
additional questions
or we left it open that they
8
in your production go to prove -- or does every
9
could call us
if they had additional questions.
9
single document
in your production touch on each of
10
Q.
But you called all eight after the
10
these issues or is that just a sloppy
11
meetings?
11
characterization?
12
A.
I don't recall calling all eight, no.
12
A.
I don't - I think the characterization of
13
Q.
How about anyone else at Fox Moraine?
13
it being sloppy, I guess, is - wouldn't be my
14
A.
I can't speak for -- it would have been
14
representation.
15
Jim,
if anybody, and I can't speak for him.
15
I think that it is intended to say that
16
Q.
So generally, you made your presentation
16
what has been -- the documents that we've supplied
17
and people said we're
of an open mind and we're
17
intended to demonstrate the fundamental fairness
18
interested in
the process and we may ask you for
18
issue.
19
additional information?
19
Q.
All right. Let's talk about the remaining
1:20
A.
That's correct.
20
aldermen. We're done with Burd, right?
121
Q.
Before we move on to the other aldermen
21
A. I believe so.
~2
and before I forget, let me show you what's been
22
Q.
The next one is Joe Plocher.
~3
marked as Deposition Exhibit No.4. And can you
23
A.
Okay.
124
tell me what this is?
24
Q.
And give me all of the facts, evidence,
90
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McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
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Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
and information you have to show that he was biased
1
facts?
2
or unfair, prejudiced, anything that would support
2
A.
The hearing officer's recommendation and
3
Fox Moraine's petition for review.
3
the recommendation
of the attorney representing the
4
MR. PORTER: Objection to the extent it's
4
City.
5
compound, but go ahead and answer.
5
Q.
Are you saying that's a statement he made
6
MR. DOMBROWSKI: He knows what we're talking
6
on the public record?
7
about.
7
A. Yes.
8
THE WITNESS: Joe Plocher announced his
8
Q.
Anything else about Alderman Plocher?
9
candidacy -- well, he first ran for a County Board
9
A.
No. I think he was fundamentally in
10
position and failed at that.
10
opposition to the landfill
and" took up a candidacy
11
And then, he was a participant in the
11
based on that and was elected, as they called it,
12
opposition
of the landfill process and the
12
as well referenced
in articles that there was the
13
landfill.
13
group - there was a group
of -- running on an
14
And he ran for the landfill -- or ran for
14
anti-landfill campaign in support
of Mayor Burd.
15
the Council seat on
an anti-landfill position, as
15
Q.
All right. We have the one statement that
16
it's reflected again in the famous April 15th
--
16
appears in the April 15th newspaper article.
17
his comments that are made there, as well as, he
17
Are you aware
of any other statements that
18
participated in other open meetings, to which he's
18
he's made?
19
got statements out there, which I believe are
19
MR. PORTER: Objection, counsel. You just
20
reflective in some
of these documents that he was a
20
asked him and he already said there were other
21
participant and supporting a FOGY stance against a
21
statements contained in here. He also testified --
22
landfill activity in Yorkville.
22
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
23
Joe was also an active member
of
23
Q.
Okay. In the documents you've given us -
?4
Mayor Burd's campaign committee. And actually, he
24
fair enough.
93
95
1
was the one that disclosed that Ed Sleezer was
1
Any other statements other than those that
2
additionally a member
of Mayor Burd's campaign
2
appear in the documents you've produced to us?
3
committee, believing that his -- he, along with all
3
A.
He had made other --
4
of the Council people at the time the vote was made
4
MR. PORTER: Again, let me voice an objection.
5
had a bias and had the lack
of -- or couldn't make
5
He's already referenced these public statements he
6
a decision on the manifested weight
of the evidence
6
made in the transcript the night of the hearing
7
because there was complaints certainly in their
7
regarding the inability to review the record, the
8
position that they didn't have time to read
or
8
expert's comments, and the public comment followed
9
evaluate their expert's recommendations and that
9
by Fox Moraine.
So--
10
they weren't capable of making the decision or
10
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Beyond that.
11
reviewing those in time to make a decision, but
11
MR. PORTER: Okay.
12
yet, they voted for a denial and voted for that in
12
THE WITNESS:
In other open public forum,
13
bulk versus on an item-by-item basis or
a"
13
public comments were allowed and he spoke up
14
criteria-by-criteria basis.
14
against that.
15
So I would pool that as a bigger issue for
15
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
16
all
of -- for every one of the Council Members, but
16
Q.
"Were those statements recorded?
17
starting at that back, I guess, to --
if we talked
17
A.
I'm guessing they're either part of a
18
about Spears, Valerie didn't vote, but she was --
18
Council Meeting or an annexation meeting or
19
didn't have the same basis
of information in front
19
whatever. Yes, I'm guessing that they were.
~O
of her, but Arden, that would have been a part of
20
Q.
And tell me all the statements that you
t21
being biased or impartial or not fundamentally fair
21
recall that Mr. Plocher made.
~2
in his ability to vote, because he didn't consider
22
MR. PORTER: Counsel, before you do that, I do
Q3
all the facts that were presented to him.
23
have to make a record here.
24
Q.
You're saying he didn't consider what
24
We have requested those documents from the
94
96
24 (Pages 93 to 96)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
City of Yorkville for the transcripts of the
1
A.
Well, according to her statement, she
.~
i
2
various meetings. As a matter of fact, I saw the
2
doesn't think that a landfill would be a good thing
,
~
.,
3
e-mail reiterating that request by Mr. Mueller
3
for Yorkville.
"
~
4
recently.
4
So that's - that gives me a good
~
65
eventually,So
thoughwe
hopewe
don'tto,
andhavetheythosewill,
transcripts,
of course,
65
there.indicationI don'tthatwanther
-awhatlandfill.she's telling you
I
I,
7
be part of the record that we intend to use at
7
Q.
Any statements that she made that do not
ti
~
8
hearing.
8
appear in the documents you've given us?
9
Now, I'm sorry for interrupting. If you
9
A.
I'm not aware of any statements on her. I
10
could rephrase your question.
10
know she was - participated with the anti-landfill
11
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Well, I don't know why you
11
group, but I'm not aware of any statements that she
~
12
mentioned that. That had nothing to do with the
12
made at this point.
,
13
question I asked him.
13
Q.
Was she a member of FOGY?
.~
f;
14
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
14
A.
I don't know that.
"
15
Q;
Tell me all the statements you heard from
15
Q.
How did she participate with them?
'"
,%
16
Mr. Plocher at these public forums you mentioned.
16
A.
Well, I didn't say she participated with
,~
,~
17
A.
The specific recollection is -- I don't
17
FOGY. I said as an anti-landfill person.
;?:<
$
18
have the specific recollection.
18
She can make statements on her own or
J
"
~O
19
my -
Myis
going--
what'sto
beemblazonedpart of or is
inthemyrecordmind
thatand
in
2019
that'sopposemya belief.landfill
just as an individual. And
i
I
121
will show that.
21
And again, coming down to the decision and
~2
And as I've stated with - whether it's
22
the vote, her ability to render a fair vote with
123
the Glen Poole or specific meetings, there are
123
the night of the decision even.
II
~4
elements that we will be supporting these comments
124
And she did not have the ability to make a
Ji
!
97
99
"
,
~
I
q
1
made in specific, but knowing that those people
1
decision - an informed decision based on the
2
actively made comments in public in opposition to a
2
facts. There were complaints, whether by her or at
1
~
landfill is part of what I'm telling you at this
1
3
3
that night that the Council had just received their
~
4
point.
4
information and couldn't assess that prior to
5
Q.
Any other information on Mr. Plocher?
5
voting.
I
6
A.
I don't believe so.
6
Q.
Anything else on Ms. Sutcliff?
il
7
Q.
Let's move on to Robyn Sutcliff. Tell me
7
A.
I don't believe so.
I
8
everything you have that would show she was biased,
8
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Why don't we take our last
I
j
9
prejudiced, et cetera.
9
break, and then, we'll finish up?
I
1
10
11
sheA.wasn'tRobynforagaina landfill.was
-- actively had said that
10
11
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:(A
short break was taken.)
I
"
;~
12
I believe her story on the 15th said that
12
Q.
Okay. Let's go back on. Before we finish
"1
1413
haveit
wouldno be
questiona
negativeaboutadditionthat.
Soto herthe strongcity
and I
1314
offagainwithtotheExhibitindividual
2, whichaldermen,is the petitionlet
me
forrefer
you
I
1
15
statement prior to election and based on running on
15
review.
~
t~
]
16
an anti-landfill campaign.
16
In Paragraph 5 (c), there is the
~
17
Again, the process to which it came down
17
allegation that the post-hearing proceedings
.j
~
18
to a final vote, which she was a participant in,
18
employed by the City Council were not fundamentally
19
the ability to be biased as a member of the group
19
fair. What is your understanding of that charge?
20
running against - campaigning against the landfill
20
A. I'm sorry. You said 5 (c)?
21
or running against - on a single issue for the
21
Q.
5 (c).
22
landfill. She had that determination in her mind
22
A.
I touched a little bit with the various
23
that she wasn't open to a landfill.
23
aldermen.
124
Q.
How do you know she had that in her mind?
24
The
post-he~ring
and predecision position
98
100
25 (Pages 97 to 100)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
of Yorkville that weren't, fundamentally fair
1
A. I don't recall.
2
related to the various findings on behalf
of their
2
Q.
Could that -- could Fox Moraine have
3
experts, the hearing officer, and their attorney
3
submitted that earlier?
4
and I guess even subsequently you could say Fox
4
A.
I don't believe so. It was -- as I
5
Moraine and our findings, statements post-hearing
5
recall, it was very voluminous. The window was
6
to be reviewed prior to a vote.
6
closing.
7
There was in the discussion -- at the
7
The public - the public throughout the
8
decision time, there was multiple complaints about
8
process
of this hearing put them -- put the City at '
9
the fact that it was voluminous and it wasn't fair
9
risk, I believe,
in that they got up and
10
and it was arduous for them to consider that and
10
filibustered this thing and it almost backfired on
11
why did we pay for this expert information if we
11
them that it got to the point where they're going
12
aren't going to be able to consider it
in our
12
to run out on a decision date, they're going to
13
decision. So I think it's fundamentally unfair and
13
miss the decision date.
14
part
of the process that that be considered.
14
So I
don~t
believe that by the time the
15
And again, they are their experts.
15
City voted -- or when the City voted that Fox
16
They're people they hired, trusted to put on in the
16
Moraine could have done anything to close out our
17
hearing
to help them through the hearing and their
17
record any sooner.
18
decisions, which actually were in conflict
of their
18
Q.
But there was a full 30-day post-hearing
19
final decision, manifested weight
of the evidence.
19
comment period, correct?
~O
Their position was much different than those of the
~O
A. There was but -- go ahead.
~1
Council.
~1
Q.
And what was in Fox Moraine's submittal,
t22
Q.
But you're not saying the proceedings were
22
if you recall?
~3
unfair, are You?
~3
A. I don't recall.
t24
You're just saying they didn't consider
24
Q.
Was it any new information that Fox
101
103
1
what was submitted in the post-hearing proceedings?
1
Moraine
had to generate or was it just a
2
MR. PORTER: Objection, counsel. Again, are we
2
compilation of articles and already existing
3
getting into semantics?
He just said the
3
information?
4
proceedings were unfair because they didn't have
4
MR. PORTER: Objection, counsel. He just told
5
the opportunity
to review the record and you're
5
you he doesn't recall, and now,you're asking him
6
asking the question again.
6
what the specifics were. It clearly calls for
7
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
7
conjecture.
8
Q.
All right. Now, Fox Moraine -. did Fox
8
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
9
Moraine submit something
in the post-hearing
9
Q.
If you know.
10
comment period?
10
A. I don't recall.
11
A.
We did.
11
Q.
Let me refer you to the next page, 5
(t).
12
Q.
And did you spearhead putting that
12
It's the allegation that multiple members of the
13
submittal together?
13
City Council
had disqualifying conflicts of
14
A.
No. It would have been spearheaded by the
14
interest.
15
attorneys
and some of the engineers in putting that
15
What's your understanding of that phrase,
16
together.
16
disqualifying conflicts
of interest?
17
Q.
So that would have been Mr. Varsho and
17
A. Again, I believe the agendas or conflicts
18
Mr. Moose?
18
of interest in their decision were tainted by ex
19
A. Moose and counsel.
19
parte
and people with other agendas who were trying
20
Q.
Did you have any input or participation in
20
to influence them to vote against or to deny this
21
putting that together?
21
application.
22
A. I don't believe, other than summarily
22
Q.
What's your understanding of the
23
reviewing it, the timing, getting it filed.
23
definition here of conflicts of interest?
24
Q.
When did Fox Moraine submit that?
24
A.
That you would have some sort ofoutside
102
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26 (Pages 101 to 104)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
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Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
or other influence or other involvement that would
1
was --
2
otherwise conflict you
in this process.
2
Q.
Right. And he produced his letter of
3
Q.
So is it another way of saying or
3
resignation, I believe, from December
of '06.
4
synonymous with improper ex parte contacts?
4
A.
Okay. Maybe I've missed that. 1--
5
A.
I don't know if that's the intent
5
Q.
Okay.
6
specifically. I guess I've expressed what I
6
A.
Additionally, his par - active
7
thought the disqualifying conflicts of interest
7
participation
in the opposition and his -- what I
8
was. I guess I stand with that.
8
would say again that he was exposed to.
9
Q.
All right. Let's move on to
9
And he attended meetings prior to being
10
Alderman Werderich.
10
elected where all this aggressive, rancorous
11
A.
Werderich?
11
behavior went on by the opposition group at public
12
Q.
Yes. And tell me everything that you have
12
forums without the City ever saying sit down, shut
13
that supports the charge by Fox Moraine that
he was
13
up,getout.
14
biased or prejudiced or prejudged the application
14
Actually, they have had the police come
15
or
had improper ex parte contacts, all the stuff
15
and escort Todd Milliron out. You know, it was
16
we've been talking about.
16
threatened to, as well, escort others out, but they
17
MR. PORTER: Same objection, compound, but go
17
never stopped the conversation prior to our public
18
ahead.
18
record
or prior to the hearing process.
19
THE WITNESS: First of all,
we talked about him
19
And Werderich and those people sat
in the
20
but --
20
crowd. Actually, Plocher was a participant to
21
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
11
that, as well. They sat and listened to this going
22
Q.
We talked about him to some extent.
22
on.
23
A.
I wanted to make sure I'm not losing my
13
They were aware that they shouldn't be
24
mind.
?4
talking about this. They were aware they were
105
107
1
Q.
Yeah.
1
potentially looking to be elected to possibly vote
2
A. We talked about his being the secretary
2
on this but maintain their position in the chambers
3
for the FOGY group.
3
or at the time of these meetings.
4
Q.
Right.
4
Q.
Let me stop you there fora second. You
5
A. I want to make sure that --
5
say Werderich and Plocher attended some
of these
6
Q.
He's got a statement in the April 15th
6
nonlandfill hearing public meetings
and listened to
7
article?
7
Milliron and others talk against the landfill?
8
A.
He's got a statement in the April 15th
8
A. That's correct.
9
article. He actively has -- or he has other
9
Q.
Okay.
0
statements within the articles that are
10
A. In addition, as stated with the others,
1
submitted -
11
they came down to a point where this filibustering
2
Q.
Fine.
12
went on and dragged on and on.
3
A. - by Fox Moraine. I don't know if you
13
And they got to a point where they didn't
4
want to clarify it for the court reporter but other
14
allow the remaining witnesses even for FOGY to
5
documents as our submittal, comments of
15
testify, because they -- it was going to conflict
6
Mr. Werderich, as well as failure to disclose, I
16
with the closing
of the hearing in order to get a
7
think, that which I said for his interrogatory, his
17
decision in time for the 180-day review.
8
participation as secretary.
18
Q.
But there were still 23, 24 days of
9
Q.
Well, it was disclosed in the
19
hearing, were there not?
;}O
interrogatories.
20
A. Certainly. Certainly. There was a long
;}1
A. Well, I don't -- I either missed it then,
21
hearing process to which --
:12
because that was something I took note of.
22
Q.
Were you there for all of them?
:13
Q.
Well--
23
A. Iwas. Iwas. That's where the gray hair
;}4
A. As it specifically said Wally Werderich
24
is from. One
of the longest I've ever been through
106
108
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1
but -- and probably most painful from the
1
A.
That is not my position.
2
standpoint of that filibustering and participation
2
Q.
Do you take issue with how they
3
and more perception than reality presentations on
3
participated?
4
behalf of the opposition group and so forth, but
4
A.
I do.
5
Wally came down with a decision that I believe
5
Q.
And again, you see no problem with
6
couldn't have been made with the weighted evidence
6
Mr. Werderich participating in now Mayor Surd's
7
presented, because again, they didn't have the
7
campaign, you just take issue with how it was done?
8
benefit of reviewing of Fox Moraine to their own
8
A.
I take issue with the participation of how
9
hired experts and hearing officer review prior to
9
it was done and the issue that it was clustered
10
making their vote.
10
together or as a group on, I believe, a knowing
11
And I think that that is a big part in the
11
anti-landfill campaign.
12
reason that there's a difference in their hired
12
Q.
Other than the statements that we have of
13
guns and experts and hearing officer's summary of
13
record that appear in the documents you've given us
14
the proceedings versus the ultimate vote.
14
or in any transcripts that we have, are you aware
15
Q.
All right. I think you just said that
15
of any other statements by Mr. Werderich that he
16
some of the FOGY witnesses were not able to testify
16
was anti-landfill --
17
because there wasn't enough time left in the
17
A.
And --
18
hearing procedure. Did I get that?
18
Q.
-- as you claim?
19
A.
You did.
19
A.
And I will go back to just the
20
Q.
Now, you Fox Moraine folks, you folks had
20
clarification counsel made on those transcripts and
21
enough time to put on your whole case, right?
21
things that we don't have in front of us --
~2
A.
We did put on our whole case.
22
Q.
Right.
23
Q.
Anything else about Mr. Werderich?
23
A.
-- but I was aware of where statements
24
A.
Again, he had a participating role with
24
were made where we will show that in further
109
111
1
Valerie Surd in her election and was part of the
1
record. I believe that -- I believe I've accounted
2
group running as one and it was basically on an
2
for --
3
anti-landfill campaign.
3
Q.
Everything?
4
Q.
You say that it was improper that he had a
4
A.
For what I can recall, yes.
5
role in her campaign?
5
Q.
Okay. So are we done with Mr. Werderich?
6
A.
I believe that the message of it being an
6
A.
I believe so.
7
anti-landfill campaign and that it was more of a
7
Q.
Just three left. How about Mr. Munns?
8
single-item agenda and a participation, if that
8
A.
Marty Munns, again, subject to like the
9
network of people get elected, we can defeat this
9
rest sitting through all the rancor and proceedings
10
application.
10
prior to the landfill leading up to the behavior,
11
And that was the support from the
11
the comments by all who participated in that that
12
opposition group rolled. And the opposition group,
12
potentially influences his ability to make a
13
remember, were people that -- a big part of those
13
decision based on the fundamental weight of the --
14
people were county residents and not voting members
14
manifested weight of the proceedings to come.
15
of the public, but they influenced and participated
15
Marty, as well, I believe, had ex parte
16
to the groundswell to Yorkville residents in the
16
contacts with a gentleman named Greg Ingemunson.
17
election to elect those that were on this that they
17
Greg is an attorney. His father is Dallas, a
18
felt or knew were going to vote no on this
18
political - at one point a political engine in the
19
application.
19
Kendall County area tied to the waste management
20
Q.
So are you saying county members should
20
application.
21
not have participated in the process if they were
21
Greg Ingemunson also represented one of
22
not Yorkville city residents?
22
the annexed properties along the way, but there was
23
A.
I did not say that.
23
expression of concern regarding Mr. Ingemun -- from
24
Q.
That is not your position?
24
Mr. Ingemunson regarding Marty's approval of the
110
112
28 (Pages 109 to 112)
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116
annexation.
A. I don't take it that he wanted him to deny
the annexation. I took it that his ultimate goal
was that the landfill didn't get sited.
Q.
But the annexation was all part of that,
right?
A. The annexation was a part of the property
being brought into Yorkville.
Q.
Anything else --
A. Additionally, with -- as far as
Ingemunson -- Boyd Ingemunson, who ran for State's
Attorney, it
was knowledge that, as well, the
Ingemunsons' campaign
or Boyd Ingemunson's
campaign; they
had peppered the community with
anti-Eric Weiss brochures that I believe created -
intending
to create a bias to Eric because he took
campaign donations from
Hammon and had pictures of I
Eric Weiss in front of garbage - or in front of a
!
landfill with garbage behind him and they sent out
i
these fliers.
II.".'
SO the knowledge of the Ingemunsons or -
~
and the play of them to market in a campaign prior
and during this period of time also showed that
there
was a bias on their part. certainly in
wanted the landfill property annexed or -
1
A. No.
2
Q. - he
didn't want it?
3
A. He
would prefer it didn't get annexed.
4
Q. But
Munns voted in favor of the
5
application - in
favor of the annexation, correct?
6
A. He voted in
favor of the application but
7
ultimately denied - voted in denial
of the
8
landfill.
9
Q.
Right. You said application. I think you
10
meant annexation, right?
11
A. He voted in favor of the annexation and
12
ultimately voted -- or denied the application for
13
the landfill.
14
Q.
Right. So he took a position contrary to
15
what Mr. Ingemunson may have wanted him to?
16
A. I don't know that you can say that.
17
Ultimately, the landfill was denied.
18
And I think ultimately, the concern for
19
the landfill was as much the concern versus the
20
annexation.
21
His client was part of the annexation
22
corridor, but I think ultimately, the concern was
23
for the landfill. His father has ties to the
24
114
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
annexations and ultimately approval of a landfill.
1
competing landfill in the county and political
And I believe that he was biased in that a
2
influence, I believe, hoping to swing a vote there.
member of the community with some political
3
Q.
So the father, Dallas. has ties to waste
horsepower.
And if Mr. Munns was looking at --
4
management?
felt - or maybe felt intimidated or concerned that
5
A. To their application, yes.
he could have - it could have affected his own
6
Q.
Does he represent them?
political career or other activities
in the area
7
A. He is - he is representing them not
may have been weighted heavily on his decision to
8
specifically on the application but on other
vote for
or against.
9
issues.
Q.
That's just speculation on your part? I
10
Q.
But again, if Mr. - if Greg Ingemunson
mean -
11
told Marly Munns to vote against the annexation,
A. No. That's conversation I got from one of
12
Munns would have disregarded that admonition,
the Council people.
And it was either
13
correct?
Alderman Munns directly
or Alderman Besco at some
14
MR. PORTER: Objection. It calls for
point.
15
conjecture.
Q.
So did Alderman Munns tell you he had
16
THE WITNESS: If you could restate that or
spoken with
Greg Ingemunson or did you get that
17
re--
~c
information from someone else?
18
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
~
A. I got that from Mr. Munns.
19
Q.
Right. Are you saying Greg Ingemunson
~
1
Q.
VVhen did he tell you that?
20
told Marty Munns to vote against annexation of the
~
~
A. And that was prior to our filing the
21
landfill properly?
.l
application that the concem for Ingemunson was out
22
A. He was concerned about annexation and
I
i
there, contact.
23
subsequent to have a landfill.
~
a
Q.
So did Ingemunson say to Munns that he
24
Q.
Right, but let's just stick with the
I
~~
1---------------------+---------------------1l
113
115
โข
il
'1
~
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1
influencing the public to try to intimidate them or
1
And I guess Dean Wolfer is somebody that I don't
2
to vote for someone other than Eric Weiss or to
2
think we can take off the list either, but Gary
3
vote for Boyd because of the landfill connection.
3
came into the process in the middle of all of the
4
Q.
Wasn't their a bias on the part of Fox
4
craziness going on. I don't remember exactly when
5
Moraine to influence the landfill -- to influence
5
he was seated.
6
the public and the aldermen to vote in favor of the
6
He was appointed by Mayor Prochaska, but
7
landfill?
7
he would have been subject to all of the acrimony
8
A.
Is there a bias -
8
and rancorous behavior and public comment and so
9
Q.
Right.
9
forth in these public forums that were not about
0
A.
- on Fox Moraine's part to influence the
10
the landfill prior to the landfill.
1
public?
11
And he sat through the hearings and
2
Q.
And the aldermen to vote in favor of the
12
listened to all of the testimony on both sides and
3
landfill.
13
then was subject to making a decision based on
h4
A. How was that?
14
something short of all of the record without having
~5
Q.
I'm asking you.
15
the ability to -- and he commented in the decision
h6
A.
No, I don't see how we biased that. We
16
meetings that they were unable to and it wasn't
~7
presented our application and we're looking for a
17
fair and it would be hard for them to consume the
h8
fundamentally fair hearing down the road.
18
hearing officer's transcript and the -- their
h9
Q.
Right. And you put on your case, correct?
19
attorney and their experts and then subsequently
bO
A. We put on our case.
~o
Fox Moraine's, as well.
b1
Q.
And the objectors put on their case,
121
So I believe that that puts him in a
b2
correct?
~2
fundamentally unfair position to vote on the merits
~3
A.
That's correct.
123
or the manifested weight of the evidence for Fox
b4
Q.
And you had competing interests, am I
~4
Moraine.
117
119
1
right?
1
Q.
Because he was replacing Alderman Wolfer?
2
A.
I did.
I didn't have competing
2
A.
Not just--
3
influences.
3
Q.
And--
4
Q.
Anything else on Mr. Munns?
4
A.
Go ahead.
5
A.
Mr. Munns, as well, during the hearing was
5
Q.
And didn't have enough time, you say, to
6
evaluating or looking at alternative energy sources
6
get up to speed on everything?
7
and -
7
A.
I think that time was an issue, but at the
8
Q.
That's the one article you had referred to
8
time he came on, he was in the height of the rancor
9
earlier?
9
and the craziness going on in these open meetings
10
A.
The Popular Science.
10
where you come in and you're shell-shocked:
11
Q.
Anything else?
11
You see the deer in the headlights and
12
A. His -- well, I think I started with his
12
people coming at you and intimidating or
13
overall participation from stem to stern of the
13
threatening that you're going to be voted out, so
14
open meetings and public meetings from annexation
14
on and so forth. You're not going to be sat by at
15
and all the way up to filing and subsequently
15
a restaurant. You'll be alone at church.
16
participated in the meetings that the public
16
And then, he's got that in his mind, and
17
commented on that were clearly ex parte or were on
17
then, he's got to sit through the landfill hearings
18
the issue of landfill when the landfill was not up
18
to where that behavior and that goes on again.
19
for consideration yet. We hadn't had our day in
19
We never had any -- we didn't present
bO
court yet.
120
during any time prior to the application -- or the
~1
Q.
Anything else on Munns?
121
hearing, I should say, we didn't present anything
b2
A.
I think that will tie him up.
~2
to -- or we didn't have that opportunity because it
b3
Q.
How about Golinski?
~3
was time to shut up.
~4
A.
Jerry Golinski, he replaced Dean Wolfer.
124
It was time to wait to put it on at the
118
120
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1
hearing where all
of the public took that chance
1
A.
No.
2
and the Council never objected to that, never that
2
Q.
Let's move on to Mr. Leslie. Wait. One
3
behavior. They allowed it. He was part
of that.
3
thing. You said
we shouldn't take Mr. Wolfer off
4
So I believe that his position would have
4
the list. What did you mean by that?
5
been biased
in accepting that information when we
5
A.
Well,
my -- I believe that Mr. Wolfer--
6
weren't supposed to be dealing with Fox Moraine.
6
his decision to resign, I believe, was because
of
7
Whatever our meeting tonight is, it is about that
7
all
of the rancor and craziness that was created by
8
and nothing else.
8
the public.
9
So then, he comes down to sit through the
9
I think it was a little more than he could
10
hearings, he listens to the information, and he
10
digest. And I personally believe that as he tried
11
votes on what's available to him or what he could
11
to reach out to the public, he understood that no
12
digest. And that was stated that he couldn't
12
matter how he tried to reach out and tried to
13
digest his own hearing officer's information and
13
explain that this -- I've not made a decision, it's
14
his own experts and Fox Moraine.
14
not fundamentally fair, he didn't like all the
15
Q.
So whatever he said is on the record,
15
attention and phone calls and all
of the craziness
16
correct?
16
of that process. That's not what he signed up for
17
A. That's correct.
17
when he ran for Council.
18
Q.
Now, you say Fox Moraine didn't have an
18
So when he resigned, there was -- that was
19
opportunity to make any presentation before the
19
part
of the story in conversation. He was
70
landfill hearings started, which I believe were in
70
concerned that --
21
March '07--
121
Q.
That's speculation on your part, I assume?
72
A. That's correct.
~2
A. No. I've had concerned conversations with
23
Q.
-- is that right?
~3
Mr. Wolfer that it was a lot more than he
74
A. That's correct.
~4
anticipated.
121
123
1
Q.
But didn't Fox Moraine's attorneys show up
1
Q.
Okay. All right. Let's move on to
2
at these public meetings before March '07 and speak
2
Leslie.
3
to the public and make presentations?
3
A.
Jason Leslie was someone that I would say
4
A. Not in the period from filing the -- not
4
participated throughout the process, actually voted
5
on the issue of the landfill.
5
for the annexations and the road vacation and
6
We had attorneys that attended meetings
6
publicly has stated did that to avoid the potential
7
that were after - post the filing of the
7
ofa lawsuit.
8
application that were there and nonlandfill
8
Whether that's a fair position --
9
attorneys,
be it John Philipchuck or Vince Rosanova
9
ultimately, it ended up with a vote for us, but
10
who represented Fox Moraine
on annexation or
10
whether that was his fair representation, I'm not
11
legislative issues versus those of a quasi-judicial
11
sure or if he was concerned because of the City
12
issue.
12
being sued, but Jason Leslie, as well, went through
13
But we didn't take
on and embrace or
13
the hearing process, went through all
of these
14
acknowledge the rancor and the filibustering about
14
meetings, participated
in the debates of the
15
a landfill because
we were waiting for our day to
15
opposition group presented at the City Council
16
start come March.
16
meetings and open forums.
17
Q.
Now, you were a participant, obviously,
17
Q.
So the same for him as to the other
18
and the public was not, correct?
18
people?
19
A. A participant in?
19
A. Very similar -- very same. And he came
?O
Q.
In the landfill hearing?
20
down to the end
of the day with a vote that he
21
A. I was not a participant.
21
voted against, again without the manifested weight
22
Q.
Fox Moraine was, though?
?2
evidence, because he didn't have his hearing
23
A. Fox Moraine was, yes.
23
officer, his experts, and Fox Moraine's information
24
Q.
Anything else on Mr. Golinski?
24
to review to make his -- a fundamentally fair
122
124
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1
decision.
1
2
Q.
All right. Other than what is in the
2
3
documents you've given us and the transcripts that
3
4
we all have or will have, anything else regarding
4
5
Mr. Leslie, any statements that you know of he made
5
6
that showed bias, prejudice, et cetera?
6
7
A. Not that I'm aware of.
7
8
Q.
One other thing. Are you aware that Fox
8
9
Moraine has been inquiring about the City of
9
10
Yorkville's retention of the law firm that I work
10
11
for, Wildman Harrold?
11
12
A. I am.
12
13
Q.
Okay. What do you know about that?
13
14
MR. PORTER: Objection. Vague. Go ahead and
14
15
answer if you can.
15
16
THE WITNESS: I am aware of the request for
16
17
review of the legal bill.
17
18
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
18
19
Q.
Anything else?
19
~O
A. I'm aware of a request for the timing and
~O
~1
the authority of the hiring and the scope of work.
~1
122
Q.
And is it Fox Moraine's position that
122
~3
these issues are relevant to the appeal?
~3
124
A. Itis.
b4
125
MR. PORTER: I have a couple quick follow-ups.
EXAMINATION
BY MR. PORTER:
Q. .
There was a mention of the meeting hosted
by Kendall County. Was that attended by City
Council Members?
A. It was.
Q.
There was a question regarding the
allegation concerning disqualifying conflict of
interest.
Could that conflict
of interest include
running and campaigning on
an anti-landfill
platform?
A. I suppose it could.
MR. PORTER: Nothing further.
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Done.
MR. PORTER: Are you familiar with your
signature rights? Do I need to explain that to
you? I personally recommend that you read
it.
THE WITNESS: Read it. Yeah, I think I want to
read
it.
MR. PORTER: Okay. We'll reserve.
(FURTHER DEPONENT SAITH NOT)
127
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
19
16
17
18
19
bo
121
122
b3
124
Q.
And why is that?
1
A. Because again, I believe that it shows
2
Valerie Burd's bias as
an alderman, because at the
3
time of the activity and the meetings that she was
4
having, she was
an alderman participating in the
5
hearings prior to the election.
6
And as the legal bills reflect, it's for
7
scope
of services for work opposing a landfill.
8
And there's no record that the law firm was hired
9
to participate on behalf
of the City for the
10
landfill and the dollars -- or the request for Fox
11
Moraine to pay that with the acknowledgment that
12
there was no authority to hire issue and no request
13
on Fox Moraine -- to Fox Moraine that they be hired
14
as an additional consideration for our
15
reimbursement and the subsequent bias that it
16
reflects and shows clearly for Mayor Burd -- well,
17
Alderman Burd at the time is the concern expressed
18
by Fox Moraine as far as I know.
19
Q..Okay. Anything else on that issue?
20
A. There may be other concerns from the
21
attorneys or from a legal perspective. That's my
22
general understanding.
23
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Okay. All right. I am done.
24
126
BEFORE THE ILLINOIS POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
FOX MORAINE, LLC,
)
Petitioner,
)
vs.
)No. PCB-07-146
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE, )
CITY COUNCIL,
)
Respondent.
)
This is to certify that I have read the
transcript of my deposition taken in the
above-entitled cause by Elizabeth
L. Vela,
Certified Shorthand Reporter, on August 29, 2008,
and that the foregoing transcript. accurately states
the questions asked and the answers given by me as
they now appear.
CHARLES MURPHY
SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO
before me this
__
day
of
2008.
Notary Public
128
32 (Pages 125 to 128)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
STATE OF
ILLINOIS)
McCorkle Court Reporters, Inc.
200 N. LaSalle Street Suite 300
2
) SS:
2
Chicago, Illinois 60601-1014
3
COUNTYOF
COO K )
3
4
DATE: September 17, 2008
4
I, Elizabeth L. Vela, a notary public within
MR. GEORGE MUELLER
5
and for the County of Cook County and State of
5
MUELLER ANDERSON
628 Columbus Street, Suite 204
6
Illinois,
do hereby certify that heretofore,
6
Ottawa, IL 61350
7
IN RE: FOX MORAINE vs. UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
7
to-wit, on the 29th day of August, 2008, personally
COURT NUMBER: PCB-07-146
8
appeared before me, at 24 North Hillside, Hillside,
8
DATE TAKEN: August 29,2008
DEPONENT: CHARLES MURPHY
9
Illinois, CHARLES MURPHY, in a cause now pending
9
Dear Mr. Mueller,
10
and undetermined before the Illinois Pollution
10
11
Control Board, wherein FOX MORAINE, LLC is the
Enclosed is the deposition transcript for the
11
aforementioned deponent in the above-entitled
12
Petitioner, and UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE, CITY
cause. Also enclosed are additional signature
COUNCIL is the Respondent.
12
pages, if applicable, and errata sheets.
13
13
Per your agreement to secure signature, please
14
I further certify that the said witness was
submit the transcript to the deponent for review
14
and signature. All changes or corrections must be
15
first duly sworn to testify the truth, the whole
made on the errata sheets, not on the transcript
16
truth and nothing but the truth in the cause
15
itself. All errata sheets should be slgned and all
signature pages need to be signed and notarized.
17
aforesaid; that the testimony then given by said
16
After the deponent has completed the above, please
18
witness was reported stenographically by me in the
17
return all signature pages and errata sheets to me
19
presence of the said witness, and afterwards
at the above address, and I will handle
18
distribution to the respective parties.
20
reduced to typewriting by Computer-Aided
19
If you have any questions, please call me at the
21
Transcription, and the foregoing is a true and
phone number below.
20
2
correct transcript
of the testimony so given by
21
Sincerely,
22
3
said witness as aforesaid.
Margaret Setina
Court Reporter
I further certify that the signature to the
23
Signature Department
Elizabeth L. Vela
. 24
24
cc: Mr. Dombrowski
129
131
1
foregoing deposition was reserved by the witness.
2
I further certify that the taking of this
3
deposition was pursuant to Notice, and that there
4
were present at the deposition the attorneys
5
hereinbefore mentioned.
6
I further certify that I am not counsel for nor
7
in any way related to the parties to this suit, nor
8
am I in
any way interested in the outcome thereof.
9
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF: I have hereunto set my
10
hand and affixed my notarial seal this
day
11
of
,2008.
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
130
33 (Pages 129 to 131)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
EXHIBITG
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
(NO EXHIBITS MARKED)
EXHIBITS
NUMBER
MARKED FOR ID
INDEX
WITNESS
EXAMINATION
JESSE VARSHO
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI
5
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
1
WILDMAN, HARROLD, ALLEN & DIXON, by
MR. LEO P. DOMBROWSKI,
225
West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL
60606
(312) 201-2562
Representing United City of
Yorkville.
APPEARANCES:
MUELLER ANDERSON, by
MR. GEORGE MUELLER..
628
Columbus Street, Suite
204
Ottawa, IL
61350
(815) 431-1500
Representing Fox Moraine, LLC,
Reported by: Elizabeth L. Vela, CSR
License No.: 084-003650
BEFORE THE ILLINOIS POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
FOX MORAINE, LLC,
)
Petitioner.
)
vs.
) No. PCIl-07-146
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE. )
CITY COUNCIL,
)
Respondent
)
The discovery deposilion of JESSE VARSHO. taken
in the above-entiUed cause, before Elizabeth L.
Vela, a notary pUblic of Cook County, Illinois, on
the 29th day of August, 2008 at the lime of
1
:30 p.m. at 24 North Hillside, Hillside, Illinois,
pursuant
to Nolice.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
~2
~3
14
15
16
17
18
~9
120
~1
t22
123
~4
}
1--------------+--------------1,
3 '"
~
(Witness sworn.)
;;
~
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Would you state your name,
~
please, sir?
I
THE WITNESS: Jesse Varsho.
~
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Mr. Varsho, my name is
!
Leo Dombrowski. I represent the United City of
~
~
Yorkville in this landfill appeal. We're going to
~
be asking you some questions.
~
8
Do you understand we have a court reporter
~
;<,
here and she'll be taking down everything you, I,
~
and your lawyer say?
~~
THE WITNESS: Yes, I understand that.
I
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Please answer audibly so that i\
she can get that down.
~
Also, let me finish my question before you
't
},
start answering. Is that all right?
~
THE WITNESS: That is understandable.
~
~
MR. DOMBROWSKI: And I will let you finish your'
1
answer before I proceed on to my next question.;
Now, if you don't understand a question,
~
would you let me know?
~
THE WITNESS: Okay.
MR. DOMBROWSKI: So if you don't understand it,
I'll rephrase it.
2
4
1 (Pages 1 to 4)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
If you do answer a question, I'll assume
1
project notes?
2
that you've understood it. Fair enough?
2
A.
Just myoid calender.
3
THE WITNESS: Fair enough.
3
Q.
What was your first involvement -- or let
4
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Are you on any type of
4
me back up. Who are you currently employed by?
5
medication or anything that would prevent you from
5
A.
I'm currently employed by Shaw
6
giving full, complete, honest testimony today?
6
Environmental.
7
THE WITNESS: No, I'm not.
7
Q.
And how long have you been with Shaw?
8
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Anything else that you're
8
A.
Over seven years now.
9
aware of that would keep you from testifying
9
Q.
And what is your current position with
10
truthfully and honestly?
10
them?
11
THE WITNESS: No.
11
A.
I am head of the landfill engineering
12
JESSE VARSHO,
12
department.
13
called as a witness herein, having been first duly
13
Q.
And what do you do as head of the landfill
14
sworn, was examined and testified as follows:
14
engineering department?
15
EXAMINATION
15
A.
Mainly, our department focuses on our
16
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
16
engineering -- excuse
me. Our landfill projects.
17
Q.
Let me show you what we have marked as
17
Those consist of greenfill landfills,
18
Yorkville Deposition Exhibit NO.1. Have you seen
18
landfill expansions, and closure of existing
19
that before?
19
landfill units.
?O
A.
Yes.
20
My role
is to oversee the work product,
21
Q.
And did you have an opportunity to go
21
make sure that we have appropriate quality control
?2
through the document rider that's part of that
22
and quality with the product, along with scheduling
23
deposition notice?
23
to make sure that we have the appropriate resources
24
A.
I don't believe I've seen this
24
to finish a project in a timely basis, along with,
5
7
1
Attachment
A.
1
I do ha\{e a couple projects myself that I do
2
Q.
All right. Well, Attachment A asks for
2
manage.
3
documents that are relevant to this landfill
3
Q.
Have you ever been deposed before, by the
4
appeal.
4
way?
5
You may know that Fox Moraine has already
5
A.
This will be
my second deposition.
6
produced documents
in this appeal. I assume you
6
Q.
What was the first one?
7
have nothing new to give
us --
7
A.
The first one was related to the Morris
8
A. Correct.
8
Community Landfill in Grundy County, Illinois.
9
Q.
-- is that correct?
9
Q.
Were you deposed as part of a landfill
10
A. Yes.
10
appeal?
11
Q.
Now, what have you done to help yourself
11
A. That was part of a pending violation case.
12
remember what you're going to be testifying about
12
As part - it was at the Pollution Control Board
13
today?
13
level.
14
A. I reviewed the articles that were part of
14
Q.
There was a violation brought by the
15
the -- excuse me. The newspaper articles that were
15
Illinois EPA?
16
part
of the submittal for Fox Moraine.
16
A. Correct.
17
I also just reviewed old project file
17
Q.
And what generally was the substance of
18
notes I had on -- related to this project.
18
your testimony?
19
Q.
Anything else?
19
A. I was mainly focused on closure,
?O
A. No.
~O
post-closure care funds and the landfill gas
21
Q.
Are your project notes part of the
~1
collection system.
22
landfill record, do you know?
22
Q.
What was your first involvement
~ith
the
?3
A. No.
~3
attempt by Fox Moraine to get a landfill sited in
24
Q.
And what's generally contained in your
~4
Yorkville?
6
8
2 (Pages 5 to 8)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
A.
I was first involved in the summer of 2005
1
the project for Shaw?
1
2
when my boss mentioned the project and said that
2
A.
That's probably an accurate assessment.
~
,
3
the client was thinking aboulsiting a landfill
3
Q.
You were aware that the property that was
I
~
4
there.
4
to have the landfill on it that that was the
}
5
So I went out and took a look at the
5
subject of an annexation procedure, I believe in
~
.
property that was - the client was interested in.
6
the fall of 2006?
(,
6
7
Q.
And then, generally, tell me your
7
A.
I'm aware of that.
8
involvement and what you did between the summer of
8
Q.
Did you have any role in the annexation
9
2005 and December 1, 2006 when the application was
9
proceedings?
10
filed.
10
A.
No.
11
A.
I'll try not to get into too much detail
11
Q.
What - so once the application gets filed
1
.'
12
here, but essentially, at that time, I was assigned
12
on December 1, 2006 up until the first landfill
~
13
as the project manager on behalf of Shaw to this
13
hearing, which I think is in March of '07 --
1
j
14
project.
14
A.
Correct.
'J
i1
~
15
And that consisted of developing the team
15
Q.
-- what do you do in that three or
I
17
16
this.or
group of people that are going to be working on
1617
four-monthA.
Duringperiod?that 90-day period, we start
i
18
So really, the first step was doing a fail
18
preparing for the hearing. So that consists of a
~
~
19
flaw analysis to see if the landfill -- or excuse
19
series of different tasks.
;
20
me. The property was feasible to be developed as a
~O
The first task is getting the witnesses
~
~1
"
21
landfill.
prepared, getting their PowerPoints ready, going
"
?;
.,'
22
{
22
And then, the next stage was to delineate
through mock hearings to make sure that they were
23
and start performing hydrogeologic investigation to
23
all clear on consistency.
'i
24
characterize the property.
24
One of the things we do do is make sure
t
!
9
11
~
~
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1
And then, the next step, and these were
1
that all of the other witnesses listen to the other
.1
23
kindproject
of sometimesteam,
selectdoneappropriateconcurrently,expertswasfordevelopthe
a
32
witnesses'picture,
andtestimonythen, preparingso
peopleexhibitskind of
andseeassistingthe
full
;
d
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other criteria besides Criteria 2, which I was
4
the lawyers with any technical information that
I
~
5
focussing on, and then, develop the actual siting
5
they may need for the hearings.
.~
~
6
application, make sure that met with all of the
6
Q.
How many landfill hearings were you
~
~
7
appropriate ordinance requirements, and then, file
7
present for?
~
8
the application, assist in preparation during
8
A.
For Fox Moraine or in -- can you rephrase
(%
~:
9
hearings and whatever other assistance that needed
9
the question? Sorry.
<:.
10
to be done during the siting hearings.
10
Q.
Well, I'm referring just to this.
\;
11
Q.
Were y.ou the main guy at Shaw in charge of
11
A. Okay.
;1
,}
;;
1312
the
A.
project?Can
you rephrase that question?
1213
landfill-Q.
Just to this appeal, just to this one
I
14
Q.
Well, maybe it's easier to ask it this
14
A. All right.
I
15
way. What was Mr. Moose's role?
15
Q.
-- not your past. So how many of the
16
A.
Mr. Moose was the design engineer. I
h6
Yorkville landfill hearings did you attend?
.,
,
~
17
worked under his direction. So he signed off on
17
A.
It was probably over 25 or 30. You're
~
j
18
all of the application, but I was the project
18
talking the individual days of hearings, correct?
โข
<
!,
19
manager.
19
Q.
Yes.
"
โข
:~
,
120
So I was responsible for the invoicing,
120
A.
It was over 25 hearing days, I believe.
,
"
,
121
and you know, putting together the application and
121
Q.
I think there were 24 total.
1
:
~2
really the - kind of archiving all of the
122
A. Okay. So probably 24 then.
,
123
information for the project.
t23
Q.
So you would have attended all of them?
124
Q.
So is it fair to say that you spearheaded
124
A. I believe so.
10
12
3 (Pages 9 to 12)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
Q.
Now, Mr. Murphy earlier today talked about
1
Q.
What was the purpose of those meetings?
~
i
2
public hearings
that I guess were in the nature of
2
A.
The purpose of the meetings were to
3
informational public meetings - I
guess hearings
3
provide both general information on landfills, and
,
~l
4
is probably
not the right word but public meetings
4
then, also provide more site-specific information
\1
il
5
that took place prior to the beginning of the
5
on the project in itself.
~
6
landfill hearings.
Did you attend any
of those?
76
to mostIt's
of
somethingour
clients.thatAndShawwe findrecommendsthat it's a
to do
I
10
7
A. Yes.
j
8
Q.
How many of those did you attend?
8
way that the public can get some of their questions
!l
~
ii
9
A. Two.
9
answered about the project, because they're used to
~
10
11
A.
Q.
Well-
And-
10
11
goingsaying,towell,the Citywhat'sCouncilorthis
projectthe
Countyabout. Board and
i
;i
t
12
Q.
Go ahead.
12
And because
of the unique nature of
j
1413
Are
A.
youI
apologize.talking
aboutI
probablypublic
informationmisunderstood.meetings
1413
landfillsCounty
Boardand
thecan'tSB
really172
process,answer thethoseCityquestions.and
i
~
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~
15
that Shaw put on or public information meetings
15
So we found that this is a way to just be
4
"
~
1716
that
Q.
otherWell,partieslet's
firstput
on?talk
about public
1716
someable
to
of
gettheoutcommentssome informationfrom
the public.and
try to address
I
I
\l
18
information meetings
that Shaw put on.
18
Q.
How long did the two meetings last?
i
II
19
A.
Okay. I attended
two public informational
19
A.
They were approximately, I believe, three
@
?O
meetings that Shaw hosted.
20
hours
in nature.
~
122
~1
A.'
Q.
I
And
believewherethosewerewerethose?in the Beecher Center
22
21
A.
Q.
Yes.Three
hours each?
i
1
03
in Yorkville, Illinois.
.23
Q.
They were held in the evening?
..
24
,
124
Q.
And when did those two meetings take
A.
Yes.
,
j
13
15
i1
a
21
place?
A.
The middle of November, I believe.
21
from
Q.
theHowpublic?many
people attended those meetings
I
I
]
3
Q.
So that was November 2006?
3
A.
Based on my recollection, I believe
~
4
A.
Yes, sir.
4
between 20 and 30 people.
,
,
5
Q.
That was before the application was filed
5
Q.
Did any City Council members attend?
~
~
6
or after?
6
A.
I think there might have been one or two,
::;
~
;;:
7
A.
Before.
7
but I'm not positive on that.
I
8
Q.
Did Fox Moraine schedule those meetings?
8
Q.
Was there any court reporter?
~
J.
9
A.
Yes.
9
A. No.
i
Ii
10
Q.
And who attended those meetings?
10
Q.
Any minutes or summary of the meeting
11
A.
On behalf of Fox Moraine or just --
11
transcribed?
I
12
Q.
First on behalf of Fox Moraine.
,)
12
A. Nope.
~
13
.A.
There was a series of Shaw personnel, such
13
Q.
Did you take notes at these meetings?
<1
~
14
as Devin Moose, Dan Drommerhausen, along with some
14
A. No.
~
15
legal counsel for Fox Moraine.
15
Q.
Anyone 'at Shaw or Fox Moraine take notes?
~~
16
In addition, there was also some of the
16
A.
I don't know.
j
~
17
project managers that were representing Fox
17
Q.
Anyone prepare a summary, do you know?
~
19
18
Moraine,
Q.
Assuchfar asaslegalCharliecounselMurphyfor Foxand Moraine,
Jim Bumham.
1918
A.
Q.
NotAndtodidmyyouknowledge.get
questions from the public?
;
20
who was there as legal counsel?
~O
A. Yes.
~
21
A.
I believe at the first meeting,
~1
Q.
What kind of questions?
1
~
22
George Mueller and Chuck Helston. And then, I
b2
A.
They're a wide range of questions related
,
i.
~
2423
believeGeorgeatMueller.the second meeting, it was only
b3
~4
towhere- oneyou're
of thegoingcommonto
dischargeissues
wasstormstormwater,water,how
i
14
16
11
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,~.,'~~;i~ti*'''<>.~
4 (Pages 13 to 16)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
you're going to discharge it.
1
Q.
Why did it take you so long to get that on
2
There were questions on the liner system,
2
file?
3
the geology, how we were going to fill
it, property
3
A.
Well, the sheer volume
of analysis that
4
values, property value protection plan, traffic.
4
went into it.
5
Q.
Now, once the application gets filed on
5
Again, it was two four-inch three-ring
6
December
1, 2006, did Shaw put on any of this type
6
binders to rerun the analysis, whether it was the
7
of public information meeting before the landfill
7
storm water -- I also recollect there was also
8
hearings got started?
8
slope stability. It
just took that length of time
9
A. No.
9
toperform.
10
Q.
Did Shaw make any type of public
10
Q.
What was the other one besides the storm
11
presentation--
11
water?
12
A. No.
12
A. Slope stability.
13
Q.
-- during that time period?
13
Q.
Am I right that most of the submittal,
14
A.
Sorry about that. No.
14
though, was simply copies of articles that were
15
Q.
How about Fox Moraine? Did Fox Moraine
15
available in the public domain?
16
make any type
of public information presentation
16
A. I can't recall.
17
during that time period?
17
Q.
Who did the storm water analysis?
18
A. No.
18
A. That was done under
my direction.
19
Q.
And so once the landfill hearings get
19
Q.
That was done in-house at Shaw?
120
started, you say you're there every night on behalf
20
A. Correct.
~1
of Fox Moraine, correct?
?1
Q.
How about the slope analysis?
122
A. Correct.
22
A. It was also done in-house under my
~3
Q.
And once the landfill hearings are
?3
direction.
124
finished, which was sometime in April of 2007, what
24
Q.
Any other work done by Shaw as part of
17
19
1
is your role at that point?
1
that post-hearing submittal?
2
A. My main role was to prepare the additional
2
A. I can't recall at this time.
3
filings that go with the 30-day public comment
3
Q.
Once the 30-day post-hearing comment
4
period.
4
period ends, which is sometime
in May, do you still
5
Q.
Anything else?
5
have any role at that point?
6
A. No.
6
A. From a practical standpoint, no.
7
Q.
What did Fox Moraine submit in that
7
Q.
So since May of '07 to today, you haven't
8
post-hearing period?
8
done anything regarding the landfill or the
9
A. We submitted, I believe, two five-inch
9
proposed landfill?
10
three-ring binders. The contents were trying to
10
A. The only thing I really have done was
11
address some of the questions or comments that were
11
Chuck Helston, which is counsel for Fox Moraine
12
raised during the hearing process.
12
requested any information related to -- you know,
13
For example, we had submitted an
13
for the appeal.
14
additional or supplemental storm water analysis to
14
And I provided him my newspaper archived
15
demonstrate that the landfill could handle a
15
files for the project.
16
16.91 inch rainfall event, which was a question
16
Q.
And how did you keep that archived?
17
that was raised during the hearings.
17
A. Through a couple different mechanisms.
18
Q.
So there were two separate Fox Moraine
18
One thing is,
we get the local -- or at least I get
19
submittals
in the post-hearing comment period?
19
the local paper. So
I, you know, just clip the
20
A. I believe they were submitted at the same
20
files.
21
time and were considered one submittal.
21
We also have a newspaper clipping service
22
Q.
And at what point during that 30-day
22
that Shaw uses that clips out landfill-related
23
period was that submitted?
23
articles.
24
A. Towards the end.
24
So between those two different mechanisms,
18
20
5 (Pages 17 to 20)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
I
just keep them in a file in chronological order
1
it says petitioner may call four people to testify
2
per project.
2
as to the subject matter listed in this
3
Q.
When did Mr. Helston ask you for this?
3
Interrogatory NO.2.
4
A. I can't recall.
4
And you're one
of the people listed there,
5
Q.
But at sor;ne point, you recall he called
5
right?
6
you up and said give me your file or what does he
6
A. That is correct, sir.
7
ask for?
7
Q.
Have you been asked to -- strike that.
8
A. I believe he asked for the newspaper
8
Let me ask you this first.
9
article archive.
9
Do you know that there's been a hearing
10
I work with him on several landfill
10
scheduled in this matter?
11
projects. So I sometimes get mixed up which -- the
11
A. Yes.
12
time frame for which project. I apologize.
12
Q.
And do you know when that's scheduled for?
13
Q.
I got it. All right. Let me show you
13
A.
I think it got rescheduled. So I'm not
14
what
we have marked as Exhibits 3 and 4.
14
exactly sure of the exact date.
15
These are - well, first off, let me ask
15
Q.
Have you been asked to keep your calender
16
you, have you seen these before?
16
clear so that you'll
be able to testify as a
17
A.
Yes, I have.
17
witness at that hearing?
18
Q.
And how did you come to see these?
18
A. Not at this time.
19
A.
They were forwarded on to me by legal
19
Q.
You haven't been approached at all or
ยฐ0
counsel for Fox Moraine.
20
requested at all to appear as a witness?
b1
Q.
Did you get draft versions, as well?
'1
A. Not at this time.
b2
A.
No.
~2
Q.
Do you expect to be called as a Witness?
123
Q.
Did you provide any input into preparing
13
A. I don't know.
124
answers to these?
24
Q.
Well, if you would take a minute to look
21
23
1
A. No.
1
at the list of items
on Page 2 and also Pages 3 and
2
Q.
Let me show you on Exhibit No.3,
2
4.
3
Interrogatory No.1, which reads with regard to
3
And I'd like to ask you some questions
4
each interrogatory and document request, identify
4
regarding whether you have any information
on these
5
each person who supplied information or documents.
5
issues.
6
And you are one
of the people listed,
6
And generally, the issues listed on this
7
correct?
7
Page 2 are allegations made by Fox Moraine in this
8
A. Yes.
8
landfill appeal.
9
Q.
And we have just talked about you -- you
9
A. Starting with one up here?
10
supplied documents, which was your newspaper
10
Q.
Right. And the general nature of my
11
archive?
11
questions is going to be do you have any
12
A. Yes.
12
information or facts or evidence that would lend
13
Q.
Did you supply any other documents?
13
support to the allegations made here by Fox
14
A. No.
14
Moraine.
15
Q.
Did you supply any information?
15
A.
Okay.
16
A.
Does --
16
Q.
Have you gone through them?
17
MR. MUELLER:
In addition to the newspaper
17
A. Yes, I have.
18
archive?
18
Q.
All right. Beginning with the first one
19
THE WITNESS:
Just verbal communication.
19
on Page 2, have you any information, facts, or
?O
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
20
evidence that would support the allegation that the
121
Q.
Take a look, if you would, at this
21
landfill hearing was not conducted in accordance
122
Exhibit 3 and specifically -- well, if you look at
22
with Section 39.2 of the Environmental Protection
~3
the bottom of Page 2, the last sentence there,
23
Act?
124
which is part of the answer to Interrogatory No.2,
24
A. No.
22
24
6 (Pages 21 to 24)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS; INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
Q.
And you're familiar with the criteria,
1
engineering documentation. So no.
2
correct, in Section 39.2?
2
Q.
Not even a day or two earlier?
3
A.
The nine criteria, and then, the unspoken
3
A.
I don't believe so, no.
4
tenth one?
4
Q.
Because as I recall, Fox Moraine submitted
5
Q.
Yes.
5
its post-hearing materials on the last day of the
6
A.
Yes, I'm aware of those.
6
comment period. Do you recall that or no?
7
Q.
And also, the other things in
7
A. I can't recall that.
8
Section 39.2?
8
Q.
Anything else to offer on this issue here?
9
A.
I believe so.
9
A. No.
10
Q.
How about No.2, anything that would
10
Q.
How about Issue 3, that the City Council
11
support that the vote taken by the Yorkville City
11
failed to comply with its local siting ordinance?
12
Council was not taken in accordance with
12
A.
No.
13
Section 39.2?
13
Q.
No.4, that the hearing procedures and
14
A.
Yes.
14
the -- I believe that's supposed to read siting
15
Q.
And what have you to say about that issue?
15
procedures employed by the City Council were not
16
A.
I think there's several statements that
16
fundamentally fair?
17
were provided by the City Council that suggest that
17
A.
Yes.
18
the requirements of Section 39.2 were not observed.
18
Q.
And what fact -- facts, evidence, or
19
The first one is, at the deliberation
19
information do you have regarding that?
~O
meetings, hearings, whatever you want to call those
~O
A. Well, I think you have to look at the
~1
that were done at the end of May right before the
121
procedures that happened prior to the filing of the
~2
vote on the landfill application, several aldermen,
~2
application, meetings that occurred between the
~3
mainly Besco and I believe Munns made statements
123
90-day filing of the application and the public
~4
that they had not had enough time to review
~4
hearings and even during the public hearings
25
27
1
everything that was in the public record, mainly
1
themselves, starting with -- the first item was,
2
the information that was filed during the 30-day
2
during the annexation process, the City Council,
3
post-hearing public comment period, along with some
3
specifically the Mayor allowed petitioners to come
4
of the memorandums and -- I don't know if they're
4
up and voice their concerns related to the
5
memorandums or findings of fact or how you want to
5
landfill.
6
characterize them that were submitted by both the
6
And it was fundamentally unfair, because
7
hearing officer and the consultants hired by the
7
Fox Moraine did not have the same opportunity to
8
city of Yorkville to review the application.
8
come up and say whether that information was fair
9
In addition, statements were made mainly
9
or not.
10
by Alderman Surd during those deliberations that
10
Essentially, the opposition group got a
11
stated that she based her opinions on facts that
11
first shot, no holds barred opportunity to voice
12
were not in the record.
12
their displeasures and even submit disinformation
13
Mainly, she stated that the application
13
about landfills in this process prior to even going
14
did not meet Criteria 2 because the underground
14
to filing the application. And then, even -- go
15
storage tank was not out of a certain type of
15
ahead.
16
material.
16
Q.
Let me stop you there. Well, why didn't
17
The issue with that is, the application
17
Fox Moraine take an opportunity to rebut what these
18
did not propose an underground storage tank at all
18
people were saying?
19
in any part of the landfill or adjacent ancillary
19
A.
I don't believe we had the opportunity
20
facilities.
20
during the -- during the meetings for the
21
Q.
Could Fox Moraine have submitted its
?1
annexation to even discuss that.
22
post-hearing materials any earlier?
22
Q.
Were you present at any of these meetings?
23
A.
Not without doing the required quality
23
A.
Yes.
24
control/quality assurance that you need on
?4
Q.
I thought you said you weren't.
26
28
7 (Pages 25 to 28)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
MR. MUELLER: You never asked him whether he
1
Q.
So as far as that goes, there was no
2
was present. You asked him whether he had anything
2
difference between these annexation meetings and
3
to do with the annexation process.
3
the landfill meetings, right?
4
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
4
A. No.
5
Q.
How many of these preapplication meetings
5
Q.
All right. So have we exhausted
6
were you at?
6
everything that you thought was unfair about the
7
A.
You mean prefiling meetings?
7
prefiling period?
8
Q.
Yes.
8
A.
Yes.
9
A.
Probably three or four.
9
Q.
All right. And next, you were, I believe,
10
Q.
And these were separate from the two
10
talking about the 90-day period between filing and
11
meetings that Shaw and Fox Moraine put on, correct?
11
the start of the hearings, is that right?
12
A.
Correct.
12
A.
Correct.
13
Q.
Now, at those two meetings, you certainly
13
Q.
And what did you think was unfair about
14
had an opportunity to provide information about the
14
that?
15
landfill and to address people's concerns, correct?
15
A.
Well, I think the -- there's a couple
16
A.
It was an informational meeting.
16
conditions.
17
Q.
And you took questions from the public,
17
First of all, the County lawyers showed
18
correct?
18
up. And this kind of transitions to the prefiling,
19
A. Yes.
19
but during the prefiling, the County showed up and
20
Q.
Well, why do you think that having
20
threatened a lawsuit if the City annexed it and
21
citizens of Yorkville voice their displeasure or
21
already was providing a -- you know, an attitude
22
however you want to put it with the annexation
22
that we're going to fight you, you know, if you
23
process rendered the proceedings fundamentally
?3
annex this piece of property prior to the siting.
24
unfair?
24
Then, during the 90-day kind of stand-by
29
31
1
A.
Well, there's a couple reasons. I mean,
1
period between filing the hearings, the County's
2
first is, the City Council is essentially required
2
attorneys showed up and essentially threatened the
3
to attend the annexation meeting. They were not
3
City on their choice of a hearing officer at that
4
required to attend the Fox Moraine informational
4
time and made statements that I thought were really
5
meetings.
5
inappropriate, stating that - taking attacks on
6
Second of all is, one of the things I
6
personnel from Fox Moraine that weren't even at the
7
think makes the siting S8 172 process a very good
7
meeting, alleging connections or innuendos about,
8
process, it requires experts to go under testimony
8
you know, behind-the-room deals, and then, just,
9
and provide scientific data or evidence, where at
9
you know, offering legal advice to the City Council
10
these meetings, these public meetings, people can
10
even though they were -- had already showed bias
11
go up and just voice their displeasure.
11
towards this application.
12
They're not recognized as experts, they're
12
In addition, during the - you know, this
13
not experts, they're not being - providing
13
90-day period was, there was a reannexation hearing
14
evidence under sworn testimony.
14
where there were threats made to the City Council
15
So there is a very large difference, you
15
by its citizens saying that if you vote for the
16
know, between that process. And I believe that's
16
annexation, you know, we won't sit next to you at
17
why the -- our State Government set up the S8 172
17
church, we'll -- you know, during the elections,
18
process, to help separate evidence from concerns by
18
we'll vote you out.
19
the public.
19
And you know, it could have provided a
~O
Q.
And during the landfill hearings, people
20
bias or intimidation factor to the City Council
Q1
also had the same opportunity to get up and say
21
before we even got to the public hearing.
~2
whether they were pro-landfill or anti-landfill,
22
Q.
So you think the citizens of Yorkville did
~3
correct?
23
not have a right to voice their concerns about the
Q4
A. Correct.
24
landfill?
30
32
8 (Pages 29 to 32)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
A. I didn't say that.
1
A.
Yes.
;
j
2
Q.
You think they did have a right to voice
2
Q.
And what's wrong with that?
~
,;
3
their concerns about the landfill?
3
A. I don't -- the reason they were
"
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4
A.
They have a right to voice their concerns
4
threatening a lawsuit was that they couldn't have a
Ij
!
,
5
about the landfill at the appropriate time.
5
landfill within the City of Yorkville. And that
1
~
6
Q.
You mean they can't as citizens register
6
was based on their determination.
~
7
their concerns during some time that doesn't fall
7
And it was not the appropriate time,
~
8
within a landfill hearing?
8
because during the annexation, this was about
, .
'>:
~
9
A.
That's how the process was set up.
9
annexing the property into the United City of
1
10
Q.
Was anything illegal done by the citizens?
10
Yorkville. It was not about siting a landfill.
I
@
12
11
himMR.forMUELLER:alegalconclusion.Objection.He'sInotthinkayou'relawyer.asking
12
11
CityaboutAnd
if
sitingtheyawantedlandfill,tothatthreatenshouldtohavesuethe
~
13
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
13
occurred during the landfill siting process where
I
14
Q.
Anything you know to be illegal done?
14
Fox Moraine would have had the opportunity to
15
MR. MUELLER: If you know, Jesse.
15
either rebut, agree, or disagree with that
I
16
THE WITNESS: No.
16
assertion.
I
,~
il
17
MR. MUELLER: No, you don't know, or no,
17
Q.
Well, if they had to, Fox Moraine would
~',
""
18
nothing illegal was done?
18
have had an opportunity to take a position on the
,
'j
\
19
THE WITNESS: No, I don't know.
19
lawsuit, right?
ยง
20
21
BY
Q.
MR.SoDOMBROWSKI:you're
saying, for example, someone
20
21
A.
Q.
IfNow,theyyou- yes,mentionedyou're correct.something
about
,
(,
22
saying to an elected official jf you vote for the
22
backroom deals. Did I hear that right?
I
g
23
landfill -- or for the annexation or whatever it
23
A. Correct.
74
was, you will be shunned at a restaurant, you're
24
Q.
And,who :said what about that?
J
33
I
21
saying
A. Yes.that
tainted the process?
21
between
A. Therethe
proposedwas
concemshearingaboutofficerthe relationshipat
that time
I
3
Q.
Why would that have tainted the process?
3
and his relationship to Charlie Murphy, PDC.
1
โข
4
A. I believe that's intimidation.
4
Q.
That's Peoria Disposal?
~
~
5
Q.
Well, certainly, it wasn't any - there
5
A. Correct, Company.
6
were no threats of physical intimidation, were
6
Q.
Well, again, who said what?
I
7
there?
7
A. I believe it was Mr. Blazer came in and at
~
j
8
A.
Not to my knowledge.
8
the beginning of the meeting stood up, said he
1
1
9
Q.
So let me ask you a couple of things about
9
represented the County and made, you know, four or
,J
~O
the County.
10
five claims, which again, in my professional
i
~1
%l
And this is Kendall County we're talking
11
opinion were not appropriate at that time,
~2
about, right?
12
especially considering that at that time, he had
I
il
!l
~3
A. Correct.
13
also made it clear that they were going to fight
4
!l
~4
Q.
What's wrong with the County saying we're
14
the facility, showing bias towards this
~
~5~6
goingCountyto
hassueayouright
if youto
dotakethat?certain
action if the
15
16
application.
Q.
Well, Kendall County is not the
i
J
~7
A. Can you specify what action you're
17
decision-maker on your application, right?
I
18
referring tp?
18
A.
Correct.
~
,
9
Q.
Well, you're saying that the Kendall
19
Q.
Who was the proposed hearing officer?
;
~
20
County attorneys threatened who? The City?
20
A. At that meeting, it was Glen Seshon
I
71
A. Yes.
~1
(phonetic).
i
22
Q.
All right. Threatened the City of
~2
Q.
And some of the City Council also had
j
23
Yorkville that they would sue if the City annexed
23
concerns about Mr. Seshon, did they not?
โข
74
the property? Was that it?
~4
A.
Correct.
34
36
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9 (Pages 33 to 36)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
Q.
And as it turned out, he withdrew, I
1
MR. DOMBROWSKI: What I wanted to do here is
2
believe, his name for consideration?
2
discover any information that Mr. Varsho has that
3
A.
I believe so.
3
he thinks supports the allegations
of the petition
4
Q.
Was there anything improper about pointing
4
for review.
5
out these conflicts
of interest?
5
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
6
A. I think the manner that he went about it
6
Q.
So we were talking about the claims that
7
was improper.
7
Mr. Blazer made about the proposed hearing officer.
8
Q.
How should he have done it in your
8
And who is Mr. Burnham, by the way?
9
opinion?
9
A.
He was someone that was hired by Fox
10
MR. MUELLER: You know, I'm going to interpose
10
Moraine to help work on the project. I don't know
11
an objection at this point of relevance, which is
11
what his official title was.
12
that the witness' knowledge is obviously based upon
12
Q.
Is he an employee of Fox Moraine?
13
his attendance at some public meetings.
13
A.
He's a consultant to Fox Moraine.
14
And you're asking him about his personal
14
Q.
All right. We've exhausted the issue of
15
impressions
of what was right and wrong at those
15
the backroom deals as you put it?
16
meetings.
16
A. Correct.
17
His impressions are pretty much
17
Q.
And you also said Mr. Blazer gave legal
18
irrelevant. He's not the one that's going to write
18
advice to the City Council?
19
the brief.
19
A. He offered to provide a list of hearing
?O
And I think unless you ask him about
20
officers he believed would
be unbiased in this
21
knowledge that he has that's unique to him or not
21
case.
22
based upon observations
of things that are part of
22
Q.
Anything wrong with doing that?
?3
the record, it doesn't matter.
23
A.
I think it was poor judgment but not
24
I mean, I'm just saying, yoti know, to
24
illegal.
37
39
1
shorten it up, just ask him is there anything that
1
Q.
All right. Does that take us through the
2
he knows other than
just his subjective impressions
2
90-day period?
3
of, you know, what occurred at meetings, because
3
A. I believe so.
4
his impressions are not going to control the
4
Q.
All right. So now, we're into the
5
arguments that Fox Moraine makes, or for that
5
landfill hearings.
6
matter, the response that the City is going to make
6
And was there anything at the landfill
7
at the hearings.
7
hearings that rendered the proceedings
8
Those meetings were what they were. We're
8
fundamentally unfair?
9
both going to be free
to argue the implications of
9
A. I think the biggest issue was that you had
10
them. And Jesse Varsho's impression frankly
10
several members who were
on the City Council that
11
doesn't matter a whit.
11
listened to the case that did not vote on the
12
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Well, I see your point, but I
12
application where -- yet several members that at
13
think the facts and anything he perceived also kind
13
the time the hearings went through, you know, were
14
of spills over into what he thought of them, but
14
in the public - you know, appeared to
be part of
15
I'll try to shorten this up.
15
the FOGY group and they ended up voting
on the
16
MR. MUELLER: No, I'm not telling him not to
16
application.
17
answer, Leo.
17
Q.
Well, what's wrong with that?
18
MR. DOMBROWSKI: No, I understand.
18
A. They were biased towards the process and
19
MR. MUELLER: Because I don't think it's
19
the evidence during the process.
~O
harmful. I just think that we're going into an
20
Q.
Well, Fox Moraine filed its application
~1
area that's not likely to lead to anything.
21
four, five months before the election, right?
Q2
MR. DOMBROWSKI: No, I understand your point
22
A. Yes.
23
but
--
23
Q.
So it was certainly possible that some
24
MR. MUELLER: Okay.
24
people who were City Council members
on the
day
the
38
40
10 (Pages 37 to 40)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
application was filed wouldn't be voting on the
1
Q.
And who was at this meeting?
2
application because they might be voted out
of
2
A. Besides myself?
3
office, right?
3
Q.
Yes.
4
A.
Correct.
4
A.
There were - I would probably say, you
5
Q.
So why did that change after the election
5
know, probably
over 20 other, you know, public
6
render the proceedings unfair?
6
members.
7
A. Well, here's why it's fundamentally
7
Q.
Who called the meeting or who scheduled
a
unfair.
a
it?
9
The people that were part
of the FOGY
9
A.
FOGY.
10
group and had already, you know, made their
0
Q.
Why were you there?
11
decision prior to the hearing did not excuse
1
A. Because I wanted to see what they were
12
themselves from the vote. They voted no on the
2
saying.
It was an open meeting to the public.
13
application.
3
Q.
Anything else on Mr. Werderich?
14
Q.
How do you know they made their decisions
4
A. No.
15
on the application before the hearing had been
5
Q.
Anyone else who you claim prejudged the
16
completed?
6
application?
17
A.
You know, just, you know, the fact that
7
A. I believe the gentleman's
name was
1a
they showed up to the hearing to fight the
~a
Joe Plocher.
19
landfill, I think shows bias.
~9
Q.
What's up with him?
t20
Q.
All right. What members are you referring
~O
A. He made numerous statements at the
~1
to and what actions did these members take?
~1
annexation meetings before we filed, during the
t22
A.
The first one is Wally Werderich. You
D2
reannexation meeting, after we filed, you know,
~3
know, he attended several -- let me step back.
~3
against the landfill.
~4
I know of at least one instance where he
~4
Q.
And he just said generally I'm against the
41
43
1
attended a FOGY meeting prior to the public hearing
1
landfill?
2
where he spoke and tried to elicit advice on how to
2
A.
You know, the landfill is going to leak
3
fight the landfill.
3
and contaminate the groundwork supply. It's going
4
Q.
How do you know that?
4
to affect property values.
5
A. I attended the meeting.
5
Q.
Anyone else other than those two?
6
Q.
Where was the meeting?
6
A. Those are the most that I can recall at
7
A. I believe the meeting was in the old
7
this time.
a
Kendall County Courthouse.
8
Q.
So no one else?
9
Q.
And what was the date of that meeting?
9
A. Correct.
10
A. It was in the fall of 2006.
10
Q.
Anything else that you claim rendered the
11
Q.
So this was before the application was
11
landfill hearings fundamentally unfair?
12
filed?
12
A. No.
13
A. Correct.
13
Q.
All right. Let's move on to No.5, which
14
Q.
And at this point, I believe Mr. Werderich
14
is that the post-hearing proceedings were also
15
was a FOGY member, right?
15
fundamentally unfair.
16
A. I believe so.
16
A.
I think I mentioned this previously but
17
Q.
And what did he say at this meeting?
17
just the statements by some of the City Council
18
A. He was trying to organize and figure out
18
members thall had mentioned before that they had
19
ways to attack and defeat the landfill.
19
not
had the -- enough time to review the memos from
~O
Q.
When you say he was looking for ways to
20
the hearing officer, the City Council expert or
~1
defeat the landfill, what do you mean?
21
consultants or some of the material that was filed
t22
A. He talked about legal strategies,
22
during the 30-day public comment period.
~3
fundraising, because they would need funds to hire
23
Q.
Anything else other than they didn't have
~4
expert witnesses.
24
enough time?
42
44
11
(Pa~es
41 to 44)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
21
A.
Q.
No.How
about the next one, No.6, which
21
theA.statementsYes,
I thinkthatI hadwerediscussedmade
by theaboutCitysomeCouncil
of
I
J
3
alleges that decision-making procedures employed by
3
during the deliberations prior to the vote.
~
~
4
the City Council during the course
of its
4
In addition, during the hearing process,
1
5
deliberations were fundamentally unfair?
5
there was a City Council member -- I believe it was
~
6
A. No.
6
Marty Munns, who stated that he was reviewing a
%
!i
7
Q.
All right. 7 says that various members of
7
Popular Science magazine
on alternate waste
R
8
the City Council were biased against Fox Moraine.
8
technologies, again outside the record.
~~
~
9
Anything to add other than what you've
9
Q.
Okay. And the - when you referred to
~
10
already testified to?
10
statements during the deliberations, you meant the
11
A. No.
11
one statement by Mayor Burd about the underground
1312
And
Q.
you've8
talkstalkedaboutaboutprejudgingthat.
Anythingthe
application.new
to add?
13
12
storageA.
Thattank?was one of them. An additional one
I
~l
14
A. No.
14
was -- I believe it was Mr. Plocher stated that he
I
15
Q.
9 talks about various members of the City
15
couldn't vote
on this application because his
i
W
16
Council tainting the collective decision-making
16
brother had asthma and he couldn't come to heart
I
17
process as a whole.
17
with that.
[
i
18
Anything to add there other than what
18
Q.
Any other statements?
1
19
you've already talked about?
19
A. No.
i
~
20
A. No.
20
Q.
All right. As far as the second part of
~
21
Q.
How about 10, which alleges that various
21
No. 11, it talks about the Council basing its
.'
22
members of the City Council had disqualifying
22
decision on matters outside the record.
~
h
23
conflicts of interest?
23
Do you have any facts, evidence, or
~
,
24
A. I think as I discussed before about the,
24
information other than Mr. Munns reading this
"
~
~
45
47
~
i
1
you know, members that were elected on after the
1
article in Popular Science.
i
2
hearing process that, you know, ran an election
2
A. Well,
the statement made by Ms. Spears
~
3
campaign on - you know, an anti-landfill campaign.
3
about there's
the material - the underground
ยง
,
4
Q.
Well, how do you define the term conflicts
4
storage material
wasn't compatible with landfill
{
5
ofinterest?
5
leachate.
6
A. I term-
6
Q.
Was that the statement you had mentioned
7
MR. MUELLER: I'm just going to object based on
7
earlier?
8
relevance here.
If you can -- and also, I think
8
A. Yes.
9
you're asking for a legal conclusion. Jesse,
if
9
Q.
I thought you said Mayor Surd made that.
10
you can answer it, go ahead.
10
A. Oh, I apologize. I misspoke then. Sorry
11
THE WITNESS: I would define it as there's two
11
about that.
12
different interests that you are a part
of that,
12
Q.
It was-
;\
~
13
you know, would conflict each other so that you
13
A. It
was Ms. Spears.
~
~
14
can't attain both interests.
14
Q.
All right. How about the last one, that
~
J
15
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
15
members of the City Council had prejudicial
~
1716
example,
Q.
Okay.Mr.
WerderichFair
enough.beingSoayouformerthinkmemberthat for
of
1617
exhearingparteprocess?contacts with other participants in the
i
~
1918
process?FOGY
irretrievably tainted his decision-making
1918
discussedA.
Nothingtoday.that -- besides
what I've already
I
~o
A. Correct.
20
Q.
Let me refer you to just a couple other
~
~
~1
Q.
Anything else on 10?
21
things also here in Exhibit 3 on Page 3..
~
1
~2
A. No.
'2
And we've already talked about many things
,
23
Q.
How about 11, that the vote by the Council
23
that are touched on here. I
want to refer you to
~4
on the application was not based upon the evidence?
24
the sentence about two-thirds
of the way down that
46
48
12 (Pages 45 to 48)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
1
begins with in addition, petitioner's response
1
A. No.
2
includes.
2
MR. DOMBROWSKI: All right. Let's take a
3
And that's referring to the documents, the
3
break, I'll look at my notes, and we may be done.
4
newspaper articles, communications from
4
(A short break was taken.)
5
decision-makers to constituents within their
5
BY MR. DOMBROWSKI:
6
respective wards, which evidence a predisposition
6
Q.
All right. Mr. Varsho, you said you don't
7
to deny the application.
7
know whether or not you'll be asked to testify as a
8
I didn't see anything in there that
8
witness at the October hearing, correct?
9
touches on this issue. Can you recall anything?
9
A. Correct.
10
A. Not at this time.
10
Q.
If you are asked to testify as a witness
11
Q.
Look at the last two lines. It talks
11
at that hearing, can you think of any reason why
12
about the request by certain decision-makers,
12
your testimony at that hearing would be different
13
meaning the City Council for ex parte input from
13
than what you've testified to today?
14
the public outside the hearing process.
14
A. I don't know. I've never been part of a
15
Do you have any information on which of
15
PCB hearing so --
16
the City Council members might have asked for
16
Q.
Well, I imagine the issues would be - at
17
ex parte input?
17
least some of the issues would be regarding what
18
A. I can't recall anything at this time.
18
we've talked about today.
19
Q.
At the top of the next page -- and I've
19
The reason for my question is, I just want
20
been through the documents that Fox Moraine has
20
to be sure you're not keeping anything back,
21
produced.
t21
withholding any information regarding the issues
22
This talks about FOGY members who may have
22
we've talked about today. And I assume you
23
publicly stated a reason to believe that a decision
t23
haven't, correct?
24
to deny the application had already been made by
24
A. Correct.
49
51
1
some members of the City Council before the hearing
1
MR. DOMBROWSKI: Okay. I'm done.
2
process had been completed.
2
MR. MUELLER: We'll reserve signature.
3
Do you have any facts, information,
3
(FURTHER DEPONENT SAITH NOT)
4
anything that touches on this issue?
4
5
A. Nothing that I re -- nothing that I can
5
6
recall at this time.
6
7
Q.
And again, you were not provided with a
7
8
draft of these interrogatory answers before they
8
9
were final, is that right?
9
10
A. That is correct.
a
11
Q.
Did you ever contact any City Council
1
12
members regarding the application?
2
13
A. No.
3
14
Q.
Do you know of anyone at Fox Moraine or on
4
15
behalf of Fox Moraine contacting a City Council
5
16
member?
6
17
A. During what time period?
n7
18
Q.
During any time period regarding the
~8
19
application or proposed landfill.
n9
20
A. No.
DO
21
Q.
Have you got anything else to add
P1
22
regarding anything you perceived that touches on
D2
23
these issues of bias or prejudgment or prejudice or
D3
24
these different things we've been talking about?
24
50
52
13 (Pages 49 to 52)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
18
before me this __day
19
of
2008.
20
21
Notary Public
22
23
24
foregoing deposition was reserved by the witness.
I further certify that the taking of this
deposition was pursuant
to Notice, and that there
were present at the deposition the attorneys
hereinbefore mentioned.
I further certify that I
am not counsel for nor
in any way related to the parties to this suit, nor
am I in any way interested in the outcome thereof.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF: I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed my notarial seal this
day
of
,2008.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
BEFORE THE ILLINOIS POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
FOX MORAINE, LLC,
Petitioner,
vs.
)No. PCB-07-146
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE, )
CITY COUNCIL,
Respondent.
This is to certify that I have read the
transcript of
my deposition taken in the
above-entitled
cause by Elizabeth L. Vela,
Certified Shorthand Reporter, on August 29, 2008,
and that the foregoing transcript accurately states
the questions asked and the answers given by me as
they now appear.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
JESSE VARSHO
17
SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO
53
55
1
STATE OF ILLINOIS)
McCorkle Court
Reporters, Inc.
2
) SS:
200 N. LaSalle Street Suite 300
2
Chicago, Illinois 60601-1014
3
COUNTY OF COO K )
3
4
DATE: September 17, 2008
4
I, Elizabeth L. Vela, a notary pUblic within
MR. GEORGE MUELLER
5
and for the County of Cook County and State of
5
MUELLER
ANDERSON
628 Columbus Street, Suite 204
6
Illinois, do hereby certify that heretofore,
6
Ottawa, IL 61350
7
IN RE: FOX MORAINE vs. UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
7
to-wit,
on the 29th day of August, 2008, personally
COURT
NUMBER: PCB-07-146
8
appeared before me, at 24 North Hillside, Hillside,
8
DATE TAKEN: August 29,2008
DEPONENT: JESSE VARSHO
9
Illinois, JESSE
VARSHO, in a cause now pending and
9
10
undetermined before the Illinois Pollution Control
Dear
Mr. Mueller,
10
11
Board, wherein FOX MORAINE, LLC is the Petitioner,
Enclosed is the deposition transcript for the
11
aforementioned deponent in the above-entitled
12
and UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE, CITY COUNCIL is the
cause. Also enclosed are additional signature
13
Respondent.
12
pages, if applicable, and errata sheets.
13
Per your agreement to secure signature, please
14
I further certify that the said witness was
submit the transcript to the deponent for review
14
and signature. All changes or corrections must be
15
first duly sworn to testify the truth, the whole
made on the errata sheets, not on the transcript
16
truth and nothing but the truth in the cause
15
itself. All errata sheets should be signed and all
signature pages need to be signed and notarized.
17
aforesaid; that the testimony then given by said
16
18
witness was reported stenographically by me in the
After
the deponent has completed the above, please
17
return all signature pages'and errata sheets to me
19
presence of the said witness, and afterwards
at the above
address, and I will handle
18
distribution to the respective parties.
20
reduced to typewriting by Computer-Aided
19
If you have any questions, please call me at the
21
Transcription, and the foregoing is a true and
phone number below.
20
22
correct transcript of the testimony so given by
21
Sincerely,
said witness as aforesaid.
22
23
Margaret Setina
Court Reporter
24
I further certify that the signature to the
23
Signature Department
Elizabeth L. Vela
24
cc: Mr. Dombrowski
54
56
14 (Pages 53 to 56)
McCORKLE COURT REPORTERS, INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (312) 263-0052
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Susan Hardt, a non-attorney, certify that I caused a copy of the foregoing Notice
of Filing and United City of Yorkville'sMotion
in
Limine #1, Motion
in
Limine #2,
Motion
in
Limine #3 and Motion
in
Limine #4 to be served upon the Hearing Officer
and all Counsel of Record listed on the attached Service list by sending it via Electronic
Mail on September 24, 2008.
/s/ Susan Hardt
[xl
Under penalties as provided by law pursuant to ILL. REV. STAT.
CHAP. 110 - SEC 1-109, I certify that the statements set forth
herein are true and correct.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008
SERVICE LIST
Bradley P. Halloran
Hearing Officer
Illinois Pollution Control Board
James R. Thompson Center, Suite 11-500
100 W. Randolph Street
Chicago, Illinois 60601
hallorab@ipcb.state.i1.us
George Mueller
Mueller Anderson,
P.e.
609 Etna Road
Ottawa, Illinois 61350
george@muelleranderson.com
Charles He1ston
Hinshaw
&
Culbertson, LLP
100 Park Avenue
P.O. Box 1389
Rockford, Illinois 61105-1389
che1sten@hinshawlaw.com
Michael S. Blazer
Jeep
&
Blazer, LLC
24 N. Hillside Avenue, Suite A
Hillside, IL 60162
mblazer@enviroatty.com
Eric C. Weiss
Kendall County State'sAttorney
Kendall County Courthouse
807 John Street
Yorkville, Illinois 60560
eweis@co.kendall.i1.us
James. H. Kippen, II
Walsh, Knippen, Knight
&
Pollack, Chartered
601 W. Liberty Dr.
Wheaton,IL 60187-4940
jim@wkkplaw.com
James.
B. Harvey
McKeown, Fitzgerald, Zollner,
Buck, Hutchison,
&
Ruttle
2455 Glenwood Avenue
Joliet, Illinois 60435
jim@mckeownlawfirm.com
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, September 24, 2008