Galesburg Reporter

Knox County Board met March 27.

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 2 David Amor

District 3 Pamela Davidson

District 5 Ricardo “Rick” Sandoval

District 1 Cheryl Nache

District 2 Robert Bondi

District 3 Tara Wilder

District 5 Brian Friedrich

District 1 Patrick Harlan

District 2 John Hunigan

District 3 Kyle Rohweder

District 4 Sara Varner

District 5 Todd Shreves

And those absent: District 4 Jared Hawkinson

District 4 Todd Olinger

Also present was 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. Member Amor asked that agenda item #15 A, approve agreement for Donna Motz, be removed from this agenda. Chairwoman Davidson added that they do not have adequate documentation to proceed.

Chairwoman Davidson asked for public comments.

Connie Main from Altona addressed the Board in reference to agenda item # 20; approve revisions to the Animal Control Ordinance. She is a dog lover and spoke of the problem of stray animals in the County. State law prohibits stray dogs. These animals have no registration or documentation of their rabies shots. For the last few years she has been reporting repeat offenders. These stray dogs frequently visit their property. The dog owners have reportedly been ticketed but nothing really changes. There are laws on the books and yet they are not upheld. These are irresponsible animal owners. This is no different than the animal owners who leave their pet out in the elements and forfeit custody of their pet. These two dogs continue to run free with no tags or collars. Her family has made attempts to catch both of these dogs and did catch one and took it to the Sheriff’s Department. They have reported this dog for the last three years. She is also concerned about the safety of children. She has been told that the State’s Attorney makes the decision about stray dogs and wonders why it is his decision.

Motion was made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Amor to approve the following items of the consent agenda: 1) minutes of the Regular and Closed Board Meetings on February 27, 2019, 2) claims by Members for per diem and mileage for the meetings of March 2019 and other claims for per diem from meetings, and 3) sales tax and various taxes for the month of December 2018 in the amounts of $119,569.79 and $18,029.48 and public safety tax in the amount of $200,687.40. 

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Amor, Davidson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner and Shreves—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Sandoval and seconded by Member Bondi to approve the Proclamation of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. A copy of this proclamation is included in the packets. A copy of this proclamation was also presented to Sara Robison of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). She also shared information about the Blue Ribbon Task Force and their goal to increase awareness of child abuse. Their annual event of “Hands Around the Courthouse” will be held at the Courthouse April 18th at 1:00 p.m. Currently CASA is serving four area counties: Knox, Warren, Henderson and McDonough. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Amor and seconded by Member Wilder to approve the resolution in support of a grant project for Central Congregational Church in Galesburg. A copy of this resolution is included in the packets.

Gayle Kieser addressed the Board. She stated that they have been working on securing a grant offered through the Park Service. The purpose would be to repair the stained glass windows on the north side of the building. These windows have fallen into disrepair. Additionally, the wind has cracked some of the windows. So they are looking at a lot of expenditures for window repair. This grant would help fund these repairs.

Chairwoman Davidson thanked Ms. Keiser for pursuing this grant. Galesburg would not be Galesburg without this church. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the letter of support for the Galesburg Convention and Visitors Bureau Certification. A copy of this letter of support is included in the packets. Galesburg Director of Tourism, Michelle Kim reported that each year as they apply for recertification through the State of Illinois this letter of support is included. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the reappointment of Kenneth C. Swanson as trustee to the Galesburg Sanitary District. Information is included in the packets. Member Bondi commented that he was appreciative of the resume included in the packets.

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Amor, Davidson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner and Shreves—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Rohweder and seconded by Member Olinger to approve the reappointment of Larry Mackie as trustee to the Williamsfield Sanitary District. Member Bondi questioned if additional documentation was submitted. County Clerk Scott Erickson responded that this law firm usually only submits a request letter. They did not submit the form that the Board has previously approved. Mr. Mackie is currently serving on this board. Mr. Erickson stated that at the Board’s direction, he is willing to contact the law firm and instruct them to include the appropriate form.

Motion was made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Amor to table the reappointment of Larry Mackie as trustee to the Williamsfield Sanitary District. 

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Amor, Davidson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Friedrich, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner and Shreves—(11). Noes—Johnson and Olinger—(2). Motion to table this appointment carried.

Motion was made by Member Amor and seconded by Member Nache to approve the corrected pay scale for the AFSCME #3217 contract. Information is included in the packets. 

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Amor, Davidson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner, and Shreves—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Hunigan to approve the farmland lease extension for one year. 

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Amor, Davidson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner and Shreves—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Member Amor presented the monthly report from the Finance, Insurance, Treasurer, Judicial and Clerk Committee. The committee met March 20th. Information from this meeting is included in the packet. One topic of discussion had to do with the coming court fee changes in the State of Illinois. During next month’s Board Meeting there will be some action items that relate to these changes.

Motion was made by Member Amor and seconded by Member Olinger to approve the resolution on the deed on conveyance for PIN 99-14-204-006. Member Amor stated that this will place this property back on the tax rolls. A copy of this resolution is included in the packets. 

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Amor, Davidson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner and Shreves—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Amor and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve to bid and bring back for Health/Life/Dental/Vison insurance. Member Amor reported that this is something that is not done every year but this is a good time to do it. 

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Amor, Davidson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner and Shreves—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Amor and seconded by Member Nache to approve to bid and bring back for telephone services for the Courthouse. Member Amor added that part of this relates to the severance of the 9-1-1 lines last year and the added problem of no adequate back- up system in place. There was a lot of scrambling to try to keep up with that circumstance. 

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Amor, Davidson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner and Shreves—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Member Wilder presented the monthly report from the Nursing Home Committee. The report is included in the packets.

Motion was made by Member Wilder and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve the employment contract for Jennifer Dunk as Nursing Home Administrator. Member Wilder reported that they had gone through the interview process and are prepared to offer the employment contract to Jennifer Dunk. They are eager for her to come aboard.

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Amor, Davidson, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner and Shreves—(10). Noes—(0). Pass—Sandoval, Nache and Bondi—(3). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Wilder and seconded by Member Amor to approve the resolution to authorize the Nursing Home to comply with prescription orders for residents. Member Wilder read aloud this resolution. This will allow the use of cutting edge treatments or things are sometimes outside the range of the normal routine. There are some residents who have requested oils that are outside the normal range. The Nursing Home wants to keep up with the latest treatments that are available. The physician would still have to prescribe it and since it is not covered by insurance, the resident would have to pay for it out of pocket.

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Amor, Davidson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner and Shreves—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Member Johnson presented the monthly Sheriff, Jail, Mary Davis Home, Animal Control, and Building Committee report. The report is included in the packets.

Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Shreves to approve the purchase of four squad cars for the Sheriff’s Department at a cost of $109,840.00. Information is included in the packets. 

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Amor, Davidson, Sandoval, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner and Shreves—(12). Noes—Nache—(1). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve the low bid submitted by Titan Industries for the Circuit Clerk spiral staircase renovations at a cost $6,340.00. Information is included in the packets. Circuit Clerk Kelly Cheesman stated that she uses these steps sometimes 20-25 times per day.

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Amor, Davidson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner and Shreves—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Amor to approve to bid and bring back for the building maintenance contract for the County. County Clerk Scott Erickson stated that this will include the HVAC, plumbing, and sheet metal work. The present contract expires this month. 

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Amor, Davidson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner and Shreves—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Shreves to approve revisions to the animal control ordinance.

Chairwoman Davidson reported that Member Harlan had done the research. They are mirroring the ordinances of Mercer County to try to make sure that animals are in a shelter when it is cold.

Member Rohweder commented that there should be more amendments to this ordinance. More matters need to be addressed.

Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Wilder to table this motion. 

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Amor, Davidson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Hunigan, Rohweder and Varner—(10). Noes—Johnson, Friedrich and Shreves—(3). Motion to table this 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.

Motion was made by Member Hunigan and seconded by Member Bondi to approve Zoning Board of Appeals Case #CU-04-19—Request for Conditional Use Permit for a roadside stand to display and sell agricultural products raised on the premises under the Agricultural Zoning District, filed by Spurgeon Veggies, 279 Knox Rd 2550N, Rio, Illinois. (One condition— only agricultural products to be sold are to be raised on the owners’ property.) 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, Amor, Davidson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner and Shreves—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Hunigan and seconded by Member Bondi to approve Zoning Board of Appeals Case # CU-05-19—Request for Conditional Use Permit for a greenhouse under the Agricultural Zoning District filed by Spurgeon Veggies, 279 Knox Rd 2550N, Rio, Illinois. The recommendation from the ZBA is to approve this request. Information is included in the packets.

Roll call vote to approve Zoning Board of Appeals Case # CU-05-19—Request for Conditional Use Permit for a greenhouse under the Agricultural Zoning District filed by Spurgeon Veggies, 279 Knox Rd 2550N, Rio, Illinois, is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Amor, Davidson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner and Shreves—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Hunigan and seconded by Member Shreves to approve Zoning Board of Appeals Case # AM-01-19—Request for text amendment to the Knox County Zoning Resolution in the Agricultural Zoning District, Section 5.3 as requested by Tillage Solution American Inc., (Niffty Ag), 427 Old Post Road, Galesburg, Illinois. The recommendation from the ZBA is to approve this request. Information is included in the packets. This would be limited to no more than three employees at a time. Member Amor commented that if this text ordinance is approved than other similar businesses could do the same thing.

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hungan, Rohweder, Varner and Shreves—(11). Noes—(0). Pass—Amor and Davidson—(2). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Hunigan and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve Zoning Board of Appeals Case #CU-06-19—Request for Conditional Use Permit for farm implement/equipment sales, repair, design and maintenance. Also light manufacturing that allows assembly, fabrication or processing of farm implement/equipment using processes that ordinarily do not create noise, smoke, fumes, odors, or health, or safety hazards, and all processes are housed and take place entirely within a building. (One condition attached.) The recommendation from the ZBA is to approve if text changes are approved. 

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Amor, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner and Shreves—(12). Noes—(0). Pass—Davidson—(1). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Hunigan and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve Zoning Board of Appeals Case # CU-07-19—Request for Conditional Use Permit for a privately operated outdoor recreational facility, provided they are located on sites containing not less than 5 acres under the Conservation Zoning District, filed by Jodie Haynes, 774 Knox Rd, 600E, Abingdon, Illinois. The recommendation from the ZBA is to approve this request. This is a horse riding stable facility. Information is included in the packets. 

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Amor, Davidson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner and Shreves—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Hunigan and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve the low bids for various Motor Fuel Tax and Non-Motor Fuel Tax items, Section 19-XX000-00- GM for the Highway Department. Information is included in the packets. 

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Amor, Davidson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner and Shreves—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Hunigan and seconded by Member Shreves to approve the engineering services agreement for bridge design, Galesburg Township, Section 19-05115-00- BR. Information is included in the packets. This project is located on St. Joseph Road. This bridge was originally constructed in 1954 and had to be closed in January due to failure of three of the timber piles.

Roll call vote to approve the engineering services agreement for bridge design, Galesburg Township, Section 19-05115-00-BR is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Amor, Davidson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner, and Shreves— (13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Hunigan and seconded by Member Rohweder to approve Local Agency Agreement for Federal Participation, County Highway 4 Bridge Replacement; Section 07-00017-01-BR. Information is included in the packets. This bridge is located near Altona. Federal funds will pay 80% of the cost estimated to be $520,000 and the County will pay the remaining 20% estimated to be $130,000.

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Amor, Davidson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner and Shreves—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Hunigan and seconded by Member Johnson to approve the Resolution on Local Appropriation, Section 07-00017-01-BR for the Highway Department. Information is included in the packets. 

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Amor, Davidson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner and Shreves—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Hunigan and seconded by Member Nache to approve the engineering agreement with Foth Engineering for the Landfill at an estimated cost of $302,100. Information is included in the packets. The recommendation from the committee is to approve this agreement. 

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Amor, Davidson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner and Shreves— (13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Member Bondi presented the monthly report from the Knox County Board of Health. He stated that he was not able to attend the meeting. The minutes of this meeting were forwarded to him. They are proceeding with the capital planning projects for the health department. The Quality Compliance is underway.

Member Varner presented the monthly report from the Galesburg Convention and Visitors Bureau. They held their meeting March 18th. They welcomed several new members and were updated about new marketing that is being done.

Since Member Hawkinson was not present, there was no presentation from the 9-1-1 committee.

Ken Springer presented the monthly report from the Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development. The end of the year trade show for the CEO Program will be held April 30th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Lake Storey Pavilion. They are inviting all elected officials and members of the public to be in attendance. This will be a big time trade show, where the students will unveil their businesses. Another importance event will be the Grand Opening of Culver’s on April 8th. They continue to work on marketing the logistics park. They do have the “shovel ready” designation on this site.

Member Johnson presented the monthly report from the Prairie Hills Resources Board. He reported that there was no meeting this month.

Member Johnson presented the monthly report from the United Council of Counties. He reported that the meeting was that day and he was not in attendance.

Member Amor presented the monthly report from the Western Illinois Regional Council. The meeting date was moved to April 11th.

Member Rohweder presented the monthly report from the Knox County Mental Health 708 Board. This meeting was held March 1. They simplified some application forms which are due by April 8th. They also approved and updated the criteria. They scheduled review of these applications for 708 Board Funded Projects for April 19th. There was some discussion about the Best Fit Program that is launching and held in conjunction with KCCDD. The funds from the 708 Mental Health Board paid for the staff and equipment for this project. It is important for the public to be aware how this funding is making a direct positive impact. They are looking at hiring a very part time administrative assistant to take over some of the duties of this 708 Board. He stated that personally this is one of the coolest things that he has ever had an opportunity to be a part of.

Since there were no budget line item transfers, agenda item #40, approve opening of the budget for line item changes; agenda item #41, presentation of the proposed budget line item changes; and agenda item #42, approval of the proposed line item changes, were removed from this agenda.

Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the claims against Knox County, Illinois, for the period of February 28, 2019 through March 27, 2019 (ordering that invoices be accepted and approved and that the County Clerk and County Treasurer be accepted and approved and that the County Clerk and County Treasurer be authorized and directed to issue County warrants in payment of the bills.) 

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Johnson, Amor, Davidson, Sandoval, Nache, Bondi, Wilder, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner and Shreves—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

STATEMENTS OF GENERAL CONCERN

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

Member Wilder thanked Donna Motz for all she had done at the Nursing Home during the last eight months. All of her help to run the Nursing Home is so appreciated. She has done an awesome job. Member Wilder also welcomed the new Administrator, Jennifer Dunk. This is the team that will help the Nursing Home to move forward.

Member Olinger had no comments at this time.

Member Friedrich also echoed the comments of Member Wilder. He also welcomed the new Nursing Home Administrator Jennifer Dunk. He knows that the interview process was not easy. He thinks that together this will be a good team and they will get things done. He thanked Donna Motz and Jennifer Dunk.

Member Hunigan echoed the comments of Member Wilder and Member Friedrich. He was happy that the Central Congregational Church project is a great thing for the community. His work with the Community Kitchen project was greatly assisted by this church. This program gave meals to persons who would otherwise not have anything to eat for several days.

Member Rohweder commented that there are a lot of rock stars in our community who are overlooked and underappreciated.

Member Varner and Member Shreves had no comments at this time.

The next Regular Meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 6:00 p.m., at the Galesburg City Hall Council Chambers, Galesburg, Illinois.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Bondi to adjourn from this Regular Meeting. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:12 p.m.

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