McDonough County Law & Legal Committee met Aug. 3.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
The Law & Legal Committee held its monthly meeting at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held at the McDonough County Courthouse, Courtroom 201. Committee Members present included Committee Chair Rod McGrew, Vice Chair Joe Erlandson, Lee Calvert, Michael Kirby, Bob Mahr, Julie Melvin, and Paul Trimmer. Member Hiel were absent. Other persons in attendance were County Chair Scott Schwerer, Stacey Alexander, Patrick Stout, Ric Smart, and Chief Deputy Adam Cremer.
Chair McGrew called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Review & Approve July 6, 2020 Minutes
Member Erlandson motioned to approve minutes as submitted, Member Mahr seconded. Motion carried on a voice vote.
Waste Management Update
Dave Schaab was not available to give a report.
Tri-County Recycling
Tim Lobdell was not available to give a report. He did say via email that they have been very busy in June and July, they collected approximately 90,000 pounds each month. They have started to confirm the fall clean-up schedule.
Veteran’s Assistance and Van Report
Ric Smart gave the report. Five veterans were given assistance in July totaling $964.16. He has not received any communication for the Iowa City VA regarding when the transportation van can resume. Smart does not think that they will start the van again until the Covid 19 cases are either decreasing or holding steady in Johnson County, Iowa. The Veteran’s Assistance Commission held their meeting in July.
Sheriff’s Report
Chief Deputy Adam Cremer gave the report. They had an average of 26 inmates in July, all new inmates have been quarantined for 2 weeks. Department of Corrections is now accepting inmates, so they will be trying to get some of them transported. Member Kirby asked Cremer how documented complaints against the Sheriff’s Department are handled, does Law & Legal handle those complaints? Cremer said the department handles those, Chair Schwerer also stated that is not something Law & Legal handles.
Assessor’s Office Update
No report.
Claims Review and Approval
Member Calvert moved with a second by Member Trimmer to approve the claims as submitted. Motion carried on a voice vote.
Other
None
Executive Session
None
County Board Chair Comments
A Court Security meeting was held, they have not had any issues. A representative from the wind farm will be attending the County Board meeting on August 19, 2020 at 7:00p.m. regarding a new wind farm in another County. He will review the wind farm ordinance.
Public Comment
Jeffrey Butler with the McDonough County Farm Bureau, a resident north of Good Hope that lives near the wind farm attended the meeting to discuss some issues he has with the wind farm. There is a turbine 1800 feet from his house and is able to hear it while inside of his house. A turbine that is 3200 feet from his house casts shadow flickering on his house. In the ordinance he would like to see some set backs for those who do not have, or want a turbine, and would like the noise to be addressed as well as the shadow flickering.
Member Kirby – Why don’t you sign up if they are being a problem for you? Jeff said he is not for sale. Kirby asked how long the shadow flickering is a problem, Jeff said approximately 30 minutes in the morning.
Member Erlandson – Do you get compensated? Jeff said he is only compensated for crop damage on the land that he rents, not his personal property.
Member Trimmer – Have you checked with the State on an ordinance regarding shadow flickering, and a setback?
Member Melvin – Is your home the closest? Jeff said it is of those not participating.
Adjourn
With no further business to discuss, Member Mahr moved with a second by Member Melvin to adjourn at 7:32 p.m.
http://mcg.mcdonough.il.us/documents/2020%20Minutes/2020-08-03%20Law%20&%20Legal.pdf
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