Galesburg Reporter

McDonough County Board met Aug. 19.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The monthly meeting of the McDonough County Board was held at the McDonough County Courthouse at 7:00 p.m. roll call resulted in 20 present, 0 absent, and 1 vacant. Sheriff Nick Petitgout made the opening declaration. Chair Schwerer led the Pledge of Allegiance.

EXHIBIT 1

Board Member McGrew moved with second by Board Member Mahr to approve the minutes of July 15, 2020. Motion carried with a voice vote.

EXHIBIT 2

The report from Public Defender, Stephanie Hilton for the month of July 2020 was received and filed.

EXHIBIT 3

The report of Sales Tax collected in May 2020 was received and filed. County Sales Tax, Public Safety tax, and Transportation Tax were all down from the previous month.

EXHIBIT 4

The report of Balances and Investments from County Treasurer Graves for the month of July 2020 was received and filed.

EXHIBIT 5

The report of Circuit Clerk Wilson for the month of July 2020 was received and filed.

EXHIBIT 6

The report from County Clerk DeJaynes on Warrants Issued in Vacation for the month of July 2020 was received and filed.

EXHIBIT 7

The Transfer of Appropriations of Monies was referred to the Finance Committee. County Clerk Gretchen DeJaynes reported the finance committee did not transfer any funds as Exhibit 7A

EXHIBIT 8

Board Member Aurelio moved with a second by Member Mahr to approve the report of the Finance Committee as read. Motion carried with a roll call vote of 20 yeas, 0 absent and 1 vacant as Exhibit 8A.

EXHIBIT 9

Board Member Nissen with a second by Board Member Marcott to dispense with the reading of the claims report and to approve it as approved by the Claims committee. Motion carried with a roll call vote of 20 yeas, 0 absent and 1 vacant as Exhibit 9A.

EXHIBIT 10

Oliver Ellen, the wind development manager with RWE Renewables Americas LLC made a presentation regarding a new proposed wind farm in the south east corner of the County. There would be approximately 49-66 turbines with construction beginning as early as 2024. He discussed that this would be a $300 million project, locally providing 300 plus temporary jobs with 8-12 being permanent, roads and bridges would receive upgrades, the County would receive $50 million plus and landowners would receive $40 million plus in payments over a 30 year life. The history of the company was also discussed. For further information or questions their website can be visited at www.rwe.com/usa

EXHIBIT 11

Board Member McGrew moved with a second by Board Member Cortelyou to approve the Resolution to Replace the Bed on Truck 13 (2003 Sterling) with a Stainless Bed. Motion carried with a roll call vote of 20 yeas, 0 absent and 1 vacant as Exhibit 11A.

EXHIBIT 12

Board Member Twaddle moved with a second by Board Member Cortelyou to approve Resolution #08-00103- 00-BR Rebuild Illinois Allotment #2. Motion carried with a roll call vote of 20 yeas, 0 absent and 1 vacant as Exhibit 12A.

EXHIBIT 13

Board Member Cox moved with a second by Board Member Cortelyou approve Resolution #19-03116-00-BR Furnished Materials Purchase. Motion carried with a roll call vote of 20 yeas, 0 absent and 1 vacant as Exhibit 13A.

EXHIBIT 14

Board Member McLean moved with a second by Board Member Litchfield to approve the Extension of the Proclamation to Declare McDonough County a Disaster until 9/18/20. Motion carried with a voice vote as Exhibit 14A.

EXHIBIT 15

Board Member Hiel moved with a second by Board Member Aurelio to approve the Resolution to Amend FY 2020 General County Fund for the State’s Attorney. Motion carried with a roll call vote of 20 yeas, 0 absent and 1 vacant as Exhibit 15A.

EXHIBIT 16

Board Member Clark moved with a second by Board Member Marcott to approve the Resolution to Amend FY 2020 General County Fund for the Public Defender. Motion carried with a roll call vote of 20 yeas, 0 absent and 1 vacant as Exhibit 16A.

EXHIBIT 17

None

EXHIBIT 18

Jeffery Butler addressed the Board regarding making updates to the wind farm ordinance. He recommends setting the distance from house to turbine to 1 mile east and west, and 3⁄4 mile north and south for separation distance. The noise is only bad during the winter. He also stated that the wind farm is good to turn the turbines off during the times that the flicker effect happens.

Melanie Monroe, a resident of Point Pleasant Township in Warren County informed the Board that she is against wind farms, her leading complaint is the noise from the turbines.

Ben Thompson with the McDonough County Health Department provided an explanation on why the Health Department is only reporting Monday thru Thursday. They are doing contact tracing 7 days a week for Covid. On August 7th the County had a positivity rate of 4.2%, the first positive case was reported on April 10th and half of the staff came to work that day and currently have 2 employees on call. The Illinois Department of Public Health has a new program that has been helpful but the McDonough County Health Department employees are getting tired.

EXHIBIT 19

Member Hiel informed the Board that they have conducted the first round of budget meetings.

Chair Schwerer read a letter of resignation from Board Member Trevor Toland. Schwerer also commented on what an excellent job that Toland had done.

Chair Schwerer entertained a motion that Days and Miles are checked, Roll be called and the Board adjourn until Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. Board Member McGrew made the motion which was seconded by Board Member Dixon. Motion carried with a roll call vote of 20 yeas and 1 vacant. With no further business to discuss the meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m. Sheriff Petitgout gave the closing declaration.

http://mcg.mcdonough.il.us/documents/2020%20Minutes/2020-08-19%20Board.pdf