Galesburg Reporter

Knox County Board met April 24.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The Meeting was called to order by County Board Chairwoman Pamela Davidson and upon roll call the following Members reported present:

District 1 Lyle Johnson

District 3 Pamela Davidson

District 4 Jared Hawkinson

District 5 Ricardo “Rick” Sandoval

District 1 Cheryl Nache

District 2 Robert Bondi

District 3 Tara Wilder

District 4 Todd Olinger

District 5 Brian Friedrich

District 2 John Hunigan

District 4 Sara Varner

District 5 Todd Shreves

And those absent: District 2 David Amor

District 1 Patrick Harlan

District 3 Kyle Rohweder

Also present was County Treasurer Robin Davis, County Circuit Clerk Kelly Cheesman and County Clerk Scott Erickson.

County Clerk Scott Erickson delivered the Proclamation. Chairwoman Pamela Davidson led the Members in the pledge to the flag. In lieu of a formal invocation Chairwoman Davidson asked that a moment of silence be observed.

Chairwoman Davidson asked for additions or deletions to the agenda. She added an item a 4 A, University of Illinois Extension 4-H Robotics Club will bring their presentation. Member Hawkinson asked that agenda item16, remove from the table revisions to the Animal Control Ordinance and agenda item 17, approve revisions to the Animal Control Ordinance, be removed from this agenda.

Chairwoman Davidson asked for public comments.

Connie Main from Altona again addressed the Board concerning tabled animal ordinance revisions that were on this Meeting’s agenda. She repeated some of the previous concerns that she had shared. Her neighbor’s dogs continue to urinate and defecate in her yard. These animals are not registered or inoculated. Previously, they have captured one of these animals and taken it to animal control. There are ordinances that require animals to be detained and given their rabies shots. During the last three years there have been repeated violations from the same family. Although she filed a Freedom of Information Request concerning the registrations and inoculations of these dogs, she is not satisfied with the information that was provided. She is unhappy that nothing has been done to remedy this situation.

Tiffany Barracks addressed the Board concerning the need for public transit in the County. She is a property manager in Wataga and has learned that transportation is a huge issue for the clients that they serve. Mostly this is a low-income population. This is also an issue for the local general population. She would like the County to join forces in order to bring a transit line into the rural areas of Knox County. She has spoken to authorities in the Galesburg Transit System. They are also interested in pursuing such a program. She had also spoken to County Clerk Scott Erickson who reported that previously there had been an interest in a project like this. There is such a need for a transit system. People need transportation for employment, higher education, and medical appointments. She is willing to work with the Board to help write grants to make this project happen.

Motion was made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Olinger to approve the following items of the consent agenda: 1) minutes of the Regular and Closed Board Meeting on March 27, 2019, 2) claims by Members for per diem and mileage for the meeting of April 2019 and other claims for per diem from meetings, and 3) sales tax and various taxes for the month of January 2019 in the amounts of $86,135.21 and $20,190.34 and public safety tax in the amount of $143,048.91. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Varner and Shreves—Ayes— (12). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the proclamation of May as Motorcycle Awareness Month in Knox County. A copy of this proclamation is included in the packets. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(12). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Program Co-coordinator for the University of Illinois Extension 4-H Robotics Club, Julian Inniss, presented the members of this team and spoke of their many accomplishments. These members introduced themselves and reported how long they had been involved in 4-H. Presently there are thirteen members of this team which is in its fourth year of existence. They brought their robot with them and gave a demonstration. The robotics club has competed in various locations in the country and has gone to State competitions the last three years and competed against 180-190 other teams. This year they placed seventh in the State tournament and received the design award. That makes them one of the top eleven teams in the State. There is a national tournament but they missed being able to attend this tournament by one mark. Some of the seniors on this team will be moving on to college to study engineering; another will be studying bio-chemistry with the goal of becoming a doctor. The members of this group are glad to be a part of this Robotics Club.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the re-appointment to the Williamsfield Fire Protection District Trustee of Michael Gibbs. Information is included in the packets. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Varner and Shreves—Ayes—(12). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Bondi to approve the new appointment to Wataga Sanitary District Trustee of Teresa Cozadd. Information is included in the packets. Member Bondi requested that a resume also be submitted and kept on file. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Varner and Shreves—Ayes—(12). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Member Bondi presented the monthly report from the Finance, Insurance, Treasurer, Judicial and Clerk Committee. The monthly report is in the packet.

Motion was made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve the resolution on Civil Clerk Fees from the Circuit Clerk. A copy of this resolution is included in the packets. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Varner and Shreves—Ayes—(12). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Member Bondi presented an update concerning the Health/Life/Dental/Vision Insurance. The time line on this has to be extended. County Treasurer Robin Davis reported that May 6th there will be a special meeting of the finance committee to discuss insurance. There will also be a special meeting of the full Board to approve insurance coverage.

Motion was made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the bid for telephone services for the Courthouse, Sheriff’s Department and the Annex with Stratus. Bid information is included in the packets. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Varner and Shreves—Ayes—(12). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Chairwoman Davidson presented the monthly report from the Nursing Home Committee as Member Wilder was out of state and unable to attend this meeting. The report was forwarded via e-mail to the Board Members.

Motion was made by Member Nache and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve to bid and bring back for sewer repairs at the Nursing Home. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Varner and Shreves—Ayes—(12). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve to bid and bring back for roof repairs at the Nursing Home.

Member Hawkinson questioned if this is an emergency repair or if this is something that they can hold off on. Perhaps it would be good to get input from SmartWatt.

A Nursing Home employee stated that this could go bad at any time and there are currents leaks.

Member Friedrich stated that this motion is just to bid and bring back. They aren’t spending any money.

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Varner and Shreves—Ayes—(12). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Chairwoman Davidson expressed her thanks to the committee. They went out and walked the grounds and having this meeting at the Nursing Home gave it a more personal touch. It was good to see the residents as well as the new Administrator. This is beneficial to understand more about the Nursing Home. They are looking good, financially and with the grounds.

Member Hawkinson presented the monthly Sheriff, Jail, Mary Davis Home, Animal Control, and Building Committee report. This meeting was held April 15th. Klingner and Associates presented their structural engineering report as per the County’s request. The first of the points listed in this report is the sagging floor in the first floor of the Courthouse. They provided photographs in the report that demonstrate various problems in the Courthouse. They discussed the problems with the fourth floor attic space. That space should not be used for additional storage. They talked about the additional storage building that was built a few years ago at the Mary Davis Home. Some of the things stored in the Courthouse attic, need to be relocated, possibly to this storage area. They are suggesting a day to coordinate activities with the department heads to move and/or get rid of some of these things. They need to relieve some of the stress on the fourth floor. They also heard the report from SmartWatt and the investment grade audit that they are proposing. There was some discussion about the maintenance contract for some of the County buildings that went out for bid. These bids will be opened next month. The Mary Davis Home did receive a check from the State for the month of October. Herr Petroleum was the low bidder for the fuel at a cost of $2.15 per gallon. In the fall there will be additional fuel bids for all the departments in the County.

Motion was made by Member Hawkinson and seconded by Member Johnson to approve an investment grade audit from SmartWatt. Information is included in the packets. Member Hawkinson stated that this audit is available to the County at no cost. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Bondi, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Varner and Shreves—Ayes—(9). Noes—(0). Pass—Davidson, Nache and Wilder—(3). Motion carried.

Member Hunigan presented the monthly Assessor, Zoning, GIS, Recorder’s Office, Highway Department, Veteran’s, and Landfill Committee report. The monthly report is included in the packets. The Assessment Office rolled out their assessments for 2018. The final 2018 abstract was taken to the County Clerk. Regarding the Zoning Department, the community solar lottery was held April 10th. Knox County has not been accepted yet but there are several projects from Geronimo Energy that are on the “wait list.” The Landfill has a need to purchase a new fuel truck. Last year they budgeted $20,000 for the fuel truck and couldn’t find one. So this year they are going to use those funds to purchase a service truck for $18,500.

Motion was made by Member Hunigan and seconded by Member Bondi to approve the decision on Zoning Board of Appeals Case #08-19—Request for Conditional Use Permit to operate a wind data collection tower, under the Wind Energy Ordinance, in the “A” Zoning District, located in the north 1⁄2 of the northeast of section 33 of Walnut Grove Township, filed by Orion Renewable Resources, LLC. (The recommendation from the ZBA is to approve this request.) Information is included in the packets. Member Hunigan stated that this will be a 60 ft. tall metrological tower to gather wind data for two years to determine if this area is suitable for a wind farm.

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Varner and Shreves—Ayes—(12). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Hunigan and seconded by Member Bondi to approve the decision on Zoning Board of Appeals Case # 09-19—Request for a Conditional Use Permit to operate a wind data collection tower, under the Wind Energy Ordinance, in the south 1⁄2 of the northeast section of Section 7 of Lynn Township, filed by Orion Renewable Resources, LLC. (The recommendation from the ZBA is to approve this request.) Information is included in the packets. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Varner and Shreves—Ayes—(12). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Hunigan and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve the bid for the concrete work from the lowest bidder, Laverdiere Construction, for the Landfill in the amount of $33,300. A copy of the bid tabulation is included in the packets. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Varner and Shreves—Ayes—(12). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Hunigan and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve the purchase of Marin Max Coverage (preventative maintenance coverage and extended powertrain warranty) for the Landfill. Information is included in the packets. Member Hunigan stated that the cost is $13,500 for 28 months or 4,000 hours, whichever comes first.

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Davidson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Varner and Shreves—Ayes—(11). Noes—(0). Pass—(Hawkinson)—(1). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Hunigan and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve the agreement with Foth Engineering for the Landfill. Member Davidson explained that under terms of this agreement Foth is to provide documentation for the administrator or assistant administrator on how to operate the Landfill more efficiently. The subject of safety is also to be addressed. This is an addition to last month’s draft agreement.

Member Hawkinson asked if there is a copy of that agreement.

Member Hunigan responded that he did not see a copy of this agreement in the packets.

County Clerk Scott Erickson stated that the Board packet went out on Wednesday. All action items for this Meeting had to be summited by that time. He submitted all the action items that he had.

Chairwoman Davidson stated that the original amount of this engineering agreement was $300,000. Now that figure is $83,000.

Member Hunigan added that several items were removed from this agreement that were somewhat superfluous and not necessary. He expressed his thanks to Chairwoman Davidson for whittling down those costs.

Chairwoman Davidson commented that there will be a special Board Meeting coming up. This agreement could be added to that agenda. This will allow Members to review this agreement.

Motion was made by Member Hawkinson and seconded by Member Friedrich to table the motion to approve the agreement with Foth Engineering for the Landfill. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(12). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Chairwoman Davidson presented the monthly report from the Knox County Board of Health as she attended that meeting. They are looking into the increased minimum wage and how that will affect their budget. They discussed some grants that are coming up. They are pro-active and trying to stay on top of things.

Member Varner presented the monthly report from the Galesburg Convention and Visitors Bureau. She reported that this was their off month and asked Galesburg Convention and Tourism Director Michelle Kim to bring an update. They are working on bringing a new brand to the Galesburg Area. This is much more than just a logo. This brand will be implemented on all of their marketing and promotion materials. In the past they distributed a calendar to showcase events throughout the year and they are transitioning to a more seasonal format to highlight those special events. This will be more modernized in content. Advertisements will also be included. They will be examining how they distribute this guide. They are also working on updating their website.

Chairwoman Davidson inquired about more diversity in these promotional materials. Ms. Kim responded that they are working on that.

Member Hawkinson presented the monthly report from the 9-1-1 Committee. This meeting was held April 18th. For the months of February and March the call center received 20,914 calls. There were 367 abandoned calls for 9-1-1. As he has reported in the past, each of these dropped calls must be investigated to make sure that there is no emergency. They approved a contract extension for Smart 9-1-1. This system allows someone to store their medical information in this system for use in an emergency. They also approved an agreement with Stratus Network. CenturyLink will be kept for some 9-1-1 services. Radio console updates were also approved.

Ken Springer presented the monthly report from the Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development. He presented some upcoming events. The final CEO program event of the year will be held April 30th at the Lake Storey Pavilion. This is a trade show and all of the students will be showcasing their businesses. They will be selling and promoting their goods. Additionally they will be speaking about this program. Another event will be held May 2nd at the Galesburg High School. KCAP will be partnering with Delabar CTE Systems, the Regional Office of Education, the Galesburg Area Vocational Center, District 205, and Carl Sandburg College. They will be sponsoring CTE (Career Technical Education) signing day. They will be recognizing students who are taking part in manufacturing, auto tech and health care. This event is designed to celebrate these students that are going from the Galesburg Area Vocational Center either directly into the work force, on to the military, or on to further study. This is designed to draw more attention to career technical education. May 16th, they will be holding an entrepreneurship program in partnership with the Galesburg Community foundation. This program will be held in Monmouth. This is similar to an event that was held in January. The purpose of this program is to get a group of entrepreneurs together to allow them to network and share their experiences with each other. In 2019 KCAP launched a quarterly luncheon series that is to provide area decision makers with economic data. The next luncheon will be held May 17th, at Cedar Creek Hall in Galesburg. There will be panel discussion about education.

Member Johnson presented the monthly report from the Prairie Hills Resources Board. This was a joint meeting with the Prairieland Conservancy to celebrate that they are finally accredited; both Prairie Hills and the Conservancy are now fully accredited. Only four other programs in Illinois have received this accreditation and they are the only one south of I-80. It is easier to solicit funding now that they are accredited. They are growing in the amount of properties that they are developing in the conservancy.

Member Johnson presented the monthly report from the United Council of Counties. There was no meeting this month.

Member Wilder presented the monthly report from the Western Illinois Regional Council. She commented that she really enjoyed attending this meeting. One of the things this organization does to manage the funding for the lead grant that is utilized in Galesburg to assist low income residents to remove the lead from their homes. They talked about a lot of things that they want to bring to Knox County.

Chairwoman Davidson presented the monthly report from the Knox County Mental Health 708 Board. They met April 19th. Currently there are two vacancies on this board. The Chairperson of this board, Greg Bacon, stated that they could go back to the original list of names that they were given, to determine if any of these individuals would be interested in serving. The 708 Board is moving forward. Mr. Bacon had commented that he didn’t realize how hard it is to give money away. Applicants are required to fill out forms and provide documentation of how they spend these funds.

Since there were no budget line item transfers, agenda item #32, approve opening of the budget for line item changes; agenda item #33, presentation of the proposed budget line item changes; and agenda item #34, approval of the proposed line item changes, were removed from this agenda.

Motion was made by Member Nache and seconded by Member Bondi to approve the claims against Knox County, Illinois, for the period of March 28, 2019-April 24, 2019 (ordering that invoices be accepted and approved and that the County Clerk and County Treasurer be authorized to issue County Warrants in payment of the bills.) Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Varner and Shreves—Ayes—(12). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

STATEMENTS OF GENERAL CONCERN

Member Johnson, Chairwoman Davidson, Member Hawkinson, Member Sandoval, and Member Nache had no comments at this time.

Member Bondi commented that he had sent all Board Members an e-mail regarding the recent changes in the Recorder’s Office. They have changed how they record documents. As he understands it, the change is in timing. Documents received in the Recorder’s Office after 3:30 p.m. will not be recorded that date, but the next day. He encourages Members to take a look at this new policy. They need to know why this change has occurred. This creates problems for insurance and real estate matters, as well as other things that need to be recorded on a timely basis. Those documents must have the date and time stamped on them. By statute things need to be recorded in a timely manner. He wanted to bring this is everyone’s attention. This needs to change.

Chairwoman Davidson thanked Member Bondi for his comments. She has received several complaints.

Member Wilder thanked Chairwoman Davidson for sitting in for her on the Nursing Home Committee. Member Wilder thanked Tiffany Barracks for bringing her comments to Board regarding the need for transportation. Member Wilder is a social worker and finds transportation to be a real concern for some of her clients. She has been in other counties that had rural transportation services. She agrees that there is a need for public transit especially in the rural areas of the County.

Member Olinger referred to the comments about dogs that run loose. The current ordinances should be enforced. The situation needs to be rectified.

Member Friedrich thanked the Robotics Team for their presentation.

Member Hunigan offered his congratulations to the Robotics team. That is pretty cool stuff.

Member Varner echoed Member Bondi’s comments about the changes in the Recorder’s Office. As a realtor, this deadline makes it more difficult, especially on a Friday afternoon. This makes it hard to take care of insurance matters that need to occur, as nothing can be done over the weekend.

Member Shreves had no comments at this time.

The next Regular Meeting will be held Wednesday May, 22, 2019, 6:00 p.m., at the Galesburg City Hall Council Chambers, Galesburg, Illinois.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Sandoval to adjourn from this Open Meeting. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(12). Noes—(0). Motion carried. Open Meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

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