Fulton County Board met Sept. 8.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
Chairman Patrick J. O’Brian called the Regular Session meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in Courtroom 201 at the Fulton County Courthouse in Lewistown, IL.
County Clerk Jennifer J. Bankert called the roll and found the following members present: Quorum was present. (Present-P; Absent-A)
| Cindy Arnett – P | Donna Hudson – P | Terry Pigg – P |
| Carolyn Blodgett – P | Laura Hepp Kessel – P | Warren Potter – P |
| Steven Bohler – P | Dan Kumer – A | John Spangler – P |
| Roger Clark – P | Nestor Madson – P | Jason Strandberg – P |
| Mary Deushane – P | Craig Medus – P | John E. Taylor – A |
| Susan Duquenne – P | Joe Murphy – P | Lisa Thompson – P |
| Vicki S. Hoke – P | Patrick O’Brian – P | Neil Williams – P |
Staff – Cindy Simpson – Fulton County Administrative Assistant
Guests – Jack Hall- Jack Hall Insurance, Dan Kiesewetter – Kiesewetter Insurance, Chris Walters – Walters Law Office Canton, IL, Laurie Sea – Central Illinois Agency Aging, Mitch Forest – Central Illinois Agency Aging and Fred Winterroth –Mayor of Hanna City
Media- John Froehling – Fulton Democrat
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
A. Regular Session – August 11, 2020
B. Special Session – August 24, 2020
Member Murphy moved to accept and place on file the regular session August 11, 2020 and the August 24, 2020, special session minutes with a second from Member Thompson. Motion carried by roll call vote (18-0) with no vote from Member Potter.
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA
Added to announcements, Communications and correspondence, C. Jennifer Bankert – Linda Rumler, D. Sheriff Jeff Standard and E. update Jim Nelson.
Moved from Action Agenda Finance b. and c. after Community Development and moved Misc. items c before the Executive Session, and moved from the Consent agenda #8e to Misc. D.
Member Kessel moved to approve the amended agenda with a second from Member Clark. Motion carried by roll call vote (19-0).
ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE
A. 9th Judicial Circuit Calendar, 2021 Legal Holidays
B. Laurie Sea – Central Illinois Agency on Aging
Laurie Sea and Mitch Forest from the Central Illinois Agency on Aging discussed the Agency on Aging is an independent, not-for-profit organization serving persons of all ages and incomes in Fulton, Marshall, Peoria, Stark, Tazewell and Woodford Counties. Some of the services provided are license plate stickers, price reduction or free CityLink bus passes. Gives caregiver assistance support that can lessen the caregivers’ stress levels and provide short term relief.
Other assistance offered is case management services, community education, Alzheimer’s support group, grandparents raising grandchildren program, Veteran’s assistance program, farmers market coupon program, information and assistance for legal services, nutrition, transportation, volunteering and other resources referral agencies. Information on the Illinois Agency on Aging was distributed at the meeting.
C. Jennifer Bankert – Brenda Rumler.
Clerk Bankert spoke that Brenda Rumler, the wife of former County Clerk Randy Rumler, recently passed away and was a teacher for 33 years. She treasured her family and will be missed by all that knew her.
D. Sheriff Standard – Troy Chisum.
Sheriff Standard advised the Fulton County Board the road signs for Deputy Troy Chisum Highway were installed on Saturday and Sheriff Standard wanted to thank the Fulton County Board for all the support.
E. Update Jim Nelson.
Chairman O’Brian discussed former County Clerk Jim Nelson received a liver transplant and Nelson is doing well but has a long recovery ahead.
PROCLAMATIONS:
A. Discussion/Action: Resolution: Fulton County Disaster Proclamation
Member Kessel moved to approve the Fulton County Disaster Proclamation with a second from Member Duquenne. Motion carried by roll call vote (18-0) with no vote from Member Potter.
PUBLIC REMARKS:
Name: Reema Abi-Akar from Tri-County Regional Planning Commission
Address: Peoria, IL
Topic: Hanna City Trail
Reema spoke about the Hanna City Trail, and the Tri County Planning Commission supports the Hanna City Trail. This is more than just a trail and the trail would benefit restaurants, hotels and local businesses. This could also be a key point for homeowners to sell their property by increasing the property value.
CONSENT AGENDA
Member Medus moved to approve Consent agenda with a second from Member Spangler. Motion carried by roll call vote (18-0) with no vote from Member Potter.
A. CLAIMS
1. Claims- Sheriff, Jail, Zoning, County Board, 3rd Quarter County Board Mileage & Per Diem
Miscellaneous, 3rd Quarter Employee Wellness Program, Public Defender, Property, Supervisor of Assessments, ESDA, Animal Control, Highway, VAC, Clayberg, Camping & Recreation, Spay/Neuter
B. REPORTS
1. Reports- Animal Control, Treasurer, FCCRA POS Report, VAC, Zoning
2. Other Reports- Public Defender, State’s Attorney/Circuit Clerk, Sheriff, County Clerk
C. APPOINTMENTS
1. Resolution: R. Joe Miles – Re-appointment of Trustee – Lewistown Fire Protection District
2. Resolution: Michael Specketer – Appointment of the Kerton Valley Drainage District
D. PROPERTY & PERSONNEL/COURTS
E. FINANCE/INSURANCE
1. General Fund Transfer
2. Other Funds Transfers
3. General Fund Immediate Emergency Appropriations
4. Other Fund Immediate Emergency Appropriations
5. Trustee Parcels
6. Local Cures Act: Remote work infrastructure laptop purchases
7. Polling Place Changes London Mills & Norris
8. Ordinance: Local CURE Program Financial Support Ordinance Moved to Action agenda Misc. D after Community Development.
F. PUBLIC SAFETY & CAMPGROUND
G. COUNTY HIGHWAY
1. Resolution: HWY-011 – Structure 029-3011 – Section 20-00130-14-BR – CH2 & Preliminary Engineering Agreement
2. Resolution: HWY-012 – For Improvement BLR 9110 – Rebuild Illinois Bond Monies
3. Amended – September 2020 Qualification Based Selection Policy
H. HEALTH
I. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
J. MISC.
ACTION AGENDA
TREASURER’S REPORT
Treasurer Mayall reported the August revenue at $1,442.976.53 and expenditures $768,644.38 leaving a surplus of $674,332.15. The current year to date overall deficit for County General is $507,925.96.
HEALTH
a. Discussion/Action: Resolution: Leta Henderson – Certified nursing assistance- 20 years’ service
Member Kessel brought to the Fulton County Board’s attention that the Clayberg has lost five CNA’s due to wages at the facility. The Health Committee will be working on a solution to rectify this issue.
Member Kessel moved to approve the resolution with a second from Member Strandberg. Motion carried by roll call vote (19-0).
COUNTY HIGHWAY – None
PUBLIC SAFETY & CAMPGROUND
a. Discussion/Action: Infrastructure Improvements Loan
Member Strandberg discussed an infrastructure improvement loan for the Fulton County Campground.
At this time there are several issues going on. First, this has been a tough year with Covid and the Campground being closed to campers. At this time the campground needs a new dump station which is required by law as the old one is decaying and cannot be repaired. Superintendent Young discussed the current dump tank is 43 years old. Kinsel Trucking & Excavating came out and gave an estimate of $6,445.00 to replace the dump tank with a poly tank. The information was sent to MSD for approval.
Member Strandberg discussed installing metering of all campsites for electricity. The current fees for a campsite with electric is $880.00 per year. Sometimes this covers the electricity charges but most of the time this does not cover the charges. By installing electric metering this will allow an accurate metering and charge campers the appropriate money for electricity used. Strandberg stated currently the county pays $55,000.00 for the electric charge per year. With individual electric metering charges for the campsites the Campground could use the $55,000.00 for other improvements.
Young discussed the quotes from Steve’s Electric was $22,000.00 for electric meter install and also discussed Mid- Century internet upgrade was for $10,934.00.
The committee would like approval to check for a two-year infrastructure loan at local banks.
Member Duquenne asked is the metering something that other campgrounds charge campers? Superintendent Young stated the Fulton County Campground is the odd ball and does not charge by individual metering.
Member Williams asked if the committee considered a line of credit from the General Fund for $40,000.00 with half to be paid back the first year and the other half paid back the second year and no interest charged for the loan.
Member Strandberg discussed that he would bring the options back to the board meeting in October.
Member Strandberg moved to approve to start the process to get two-year loan of $40,000.00 from County General Fund and also check with the local banks for loan rates with a second from Member Murphy. Motion carried by roll call vote (16-1) with Member Thompson voting nay and no vote from Members Blodgett and Potter.
b. Discussion/Action: Spay and Neuter program
Member Deushane added to the spay and neuter application an eligibility voucher for low cost spay and neuter. The animal control officer will be authorized to release the voucher upon receiving the application consent form and proof of license and rabies tag.
Member Deushane moved to approve the spay and neuter application change with a second from Member Strandberg. Motion carried by roll call vote (19-0).
c. Discussion/Action: Jail Door Grant update
Sheriff Standard discussed the jail door grant is moving forward and the final meeting was had with the contractor and the electrical engineer. Two weeks ago the agreements were received and have been reviewed and signed.
The timeline has been set for all the mechanical work and is expected to be done Jan 1, 2021. The cell blocks should be done by April 1, 2021 and Sheriff Standard will provide updates on the project after January 1, 2021.
PROPERTY & PERSONNEL/COURTS
Member Thompson discussed the attorney that is assisting with the sale of the landfill sale is recommending to rezone for liability reasons.
The landfill lease was paid September 1, 2020 and the renewal of the lease will be discussed at the next property meeting.
The renter of the landfill is baling hay off the landfill.
The Treasurer’s office air handler is scheduled to be replaced. The funding will come the debt certificate and the remaining amount will come from the maintenance repair line item.
The ethics ordinance is being worked on by the property committee. Ethics training is being worked on and the training is required by the State of Illinois and the plan is to deploy the training after January 1, 2021.
Policy work continues to be done.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Member Bohler discussed the compensation for the temporary plat officer through the end of the fiscal year 2020.
FINANCE INSURANCE
b. Discussion/Action: RFPs for TORT & Liability Insurance
Member Spangler discussed the Finance Committee recommended the broker for tort and liability insurance be Kiesewetter Insurance for the next three years.
Member Hudson discussed there was a past resolution that rotated the tort and liability agendas every three years.
Member Strandberg asked what the Finance Committee’s reasoning was for going with Kiesewetter Insurance. Member Spangler stated there was very little discussion and the information was reviewed and the Finance Committee was very happy with the service provided by Kiesewetter Insurance.
Member Williams stated it is wrong to stop the rotation for agent and the rotation keeps this very active.
Member Spangler moved to approve Kiesewetter Insurance for the tort and liability insurance broker with a second from Member Kessel. Motion carried by roll call vote (11-8) with Members Bohler, Duquenne, Hoke, Hudson, Madson, Medus, Pigg, and Williams voting nay.
c. Discussion/Action: Resolution: Temporary Plat Officer Assignment /Compensation
Member Spangler moved to approve the compensation for the temporary plat officer through with a second from Member Madson. Motion carried by roll call vote (19-0).
d. Discussion/Action: Hanna City Trail
Chairman O’Brian discussed the Ad-hoc committee report was included in the board packet.
Member Williams asked about the $400,000.00 State grant that was to be used. The funds were not used in the appropriate time and had to be returned to the State of Illinois. The funds could be transferred to the correct project with approval from the State of Illinois. Is the county still holding the funds for this grant? O’Brian stated the county does not have the money or access to these funds.
Member Strandberg moved to approve the Hanna City Trail with a second from Member Kessel. Motion failed by roll call vote (2- 17) with Members Arnett, Blodgett, Clark, Deushane, Duquenne, Hoke, Hudson, Kessel, Madson, Medus, Murphy, O’Brian, Pigg, Spangler, Strandberg, Thompson and Williams voting nay.
e. Discussion/Action: Ordinance: Local CURE Program Financial Support Ordinance
Member Kessel discussed this is the local CURES program for financial support. This was signed by the Fulton County Board Chairman. Member Kessel suggested to change the wording to; the Fulton County Board reaffirms that the Fulton County Chairman is hereby authorized to execute and deliver the certification. To eliminate any questions, the document was approved and signed prior to the ordinance being issued.
Member Murphy moved to approve the amendment to section 3 of the ordinance with a second from Member Pigg. Motion carried by roll call vote (19-0).
Member Kessel moved to approve the Local CURE program Finance support ordinance with a second from Member Duquenne. Motion carried by roll call vote (19-0).
EXECUTIVE SESSION: 5 ILCS 120/2(C)(1) appointment, employment, compensation, performance or dismissal of specific employee.
Member Murphy moved with a second from Member Deushane to go into executive session at 7:55pm. The motion carried by roll call vote (18-0) with no vote from Member Potter.
Member Strandberg moved with a second from Member Clark to return to open session at 9:03pm. The motion carried by roll call vote (17-0) with no vote from Members Potter and Williams.
a. Discussion/Comments: Regarding appointment, employment, compensation, performance or dismissal of Fulton County Supervisor of Assessments.
b. Comments by Fulton County Supervisor of Assessments in response to allegations
FINANCE/INSURANCE
3. Discussion/Action: Motion regarding Fulton County Supervisor of Assessment
Member Clark moved to authorize legal counsel to negotiate a settlement with the Supervisor of Assessment consistent with the amount discussed in the executive session with a second from Member Murphy. Motion carried by roll call vote (17-0) with no vote from Members Potter and Williams.
4. Discussion/Action: RFP’s for TORT & Liability Insurance Moved after Community Development
5. Discussion/Action: Resolution: Temporary Plat Officer Assignment /Compensation
MISC moved after Finance will be item d.
c. Discussion/Action: Hanna City Trail
RECESS
Time: 9:10pm
Member Strandberg made a motion to recess the meeting at 9:10pm with a second from Member Hudson. The motion carried with all present voting ayes (16-0) with no vote from Members Potter, Williams and Hoke. The next regular session meeting of the Fulton County Board will be held on October 13, 2020 at 6:30PM, Fulton County Courthouse, Room 201 Lewistown, IL.
http://www.fultonco.org/september-8-2020-fulton-county-board-meeting-minutes/
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