Galesburg Reporter

Knox County Board Met June 23.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The Meeting was called to order by County Board Chair Jared Hawkinson and upon roll call the following Members reported present:

District 2 Robert Bondi

District 3 Tara Wilder

District 4 Jared Hawkinson

District 5 Ricardo “Rick” Sandoval

District 1 Darla Krejci

District 2 David Amor

District 3 Pamela Davidson

District 4 Todd Olinger

District 5 Brian Friedrich

District 1 Cheryl Nache

District 2 John Hunigan

District 3 Kyle Rohweder

District 4 Sara Varner

District 5 Jeff Link

And those absent: District 1 Roland Paulsgrove

Also present was County Clerk Scott Erickson, State’s Attorney Jeremy Karlin, and County Treasurer Robin Davis.

County Clerk Erickson delivered the Proclamation. Chair Hawkinson led the Members in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. In lieu of a formal invocation, Chair Hawkinson asked that a moment of silence be observed.

Chair Hawkinson asked for additions or deletions to the agenda. Member Sandoval asked to remove Item #14 approval of Sheriff app. Member Friedrich asked to remove Item #8 the revised workman’s compensation light duty policy. Chair Hawkinson stated that this was at the request of the labor attorney. Without objection, Chair Hawkinson removed and advanced the items.

Chair Hawkinson asked for public comments. There was no public comment at this time.

Motion was made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the following items of the consent agenda: 1) minutes of the Regular and Closed Board Meetings for May 26, 2021, 2) claims for Members for per diem and mileage for the meetings of June 2021 and other claims for per diem from meetings, and 3) sales tax and various taxes for the month of March 2021 in the amount of $165,291.19 and $44,620.17 and public safety tax in the amount of $267,555.74. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Varner, and Link—(13). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Chair Hawkinson provided an update on the American Rescue Plan Act Task Force. The meeting was held on June 21, 2021. The Task Force reviewed the applicants for the 5 general public positions on the Task Force. There were 6 applicants that expressed interest. The persons selected to serve were Christine Brown of Williamsfield, Josh Gibb of the Galesburg Community Foundation, Thomas Schmidt from Gilson, Hailey Weyhrich from the Knox County Farm Bureau, and Laun Dunn from the Knox County United Way. These candidates were elected unanimously. Member Nache asked where the ordinary people are for this Task Force. Chair Hawkinson stated that anybody could have applied. Member Nache stated that there was not enough public notice and awareness of the opportunity to serve on the Task Force. She was disappointed that no ordinary people applied. Chair Hawkinson stated that they had 26 days to apply. He did reach out to others and they did not have time to serve. This is going to be a good working group.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Amor to approve the special procedures for voucher payment of manual checks. Chair Hawkinson reported that the County Treasurer and County Clerk brought forward concerns about the manual check process. The Committee Chair and Board Chair (or designee) are to review and approve. In the Board packet is a voucher for an out of State judicial service that cannot be issued without this new policy. This is a special authorization and not intended to circumvent the Committee Chairs. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Member Friedrich presented the monthly report for the Finance, Insurance, Treasurer, Judicial, Veterans, and Clerk/Recorder Committee. The reports are included in the packet. He reported that the Budget meetings will be starting soon. They plan to start with the Landfill and Highway Departments.

Motion made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Davidson to approve the Resolution on Deeds of Conveyance. This is a routine action item for the Board. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Davidson to approve the bid and bring back for voting equipment upgrade. County Clerk Erickson reported that this is a request for proposals from the Election vendors for a voting system upgrade. The current equipment still works but is showing its age. The new systems will incorporate the latest in security and technology and will have a long service life. Member Davidson asked if there was grant money available for this purchase. Clerk Erickson stated that the ARPA money could be used and he is hopeful that some Federal funds will be made available specifically for this project. This will be used for budgeting planning to determine funding options. This has been in the planning stages for a few years with the goal of rolling out a new system for the 2023 Election. That is the smallest of the Elections and will allow for a smooth implementation prior to the 2024 Presidential Elections. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Bondi to approve the personnel changes. Member Friedrich stated that last month there was no information provided to the Board. There is now information provided on these changes for the Landfill Administrator and Highway Engineer. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(12). Noes—(0). Abstain-Davidson, and Nache—(2). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Nache to approve the payment of CMS fines for the Knox County Nursing Home. Member Friedrich stated that this had been discussed at the Nursing Home Committee and they have the money to pay it. Chair Hawkinson stated that June 24th will be the first tax distribution to the entities for this year. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Hawkinson, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(11). Noes—Bondi, and Sandoval—(2). Motion carried.

Member Sandoval presented the monthly report for the Sheriff, Jail, Mary Davis Home, Animal Control, and Building Committee. He reported that the information was in the Board packet.

Motion made by Member Sandoval and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve the bid and bring back for County facility maintenance contract. Chair Hawkinson stated that in 2019 was the last time that the Board approved this contract. This is for the HVAC, plumbing, electrical, sheet metal, drain cleaning, and fire services. This is not the same as the maintenance contract that was signed for the HVAC system at the courthouse for Fall and Spring maintenance work by MSI. The Sheriff had signed that contract. Member Amor asked if the terms were the same as the current contract. Chair Hawkinson stated that this will be a 2 year contract the same services as before. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner, and Link— (13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Member Bondi presented the monthly report from the Assessor, Zoning, GIS, Highway, IT, and Landfill Committee. The reports only partially were available in the packet. The remaining ones were sent out by e-mail to the Board.

Motion by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve the appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals of Joshua Rollins. Member Bondi stated that the resume was in the Board packet. It was approved by the Committee and Mr. Rollins is on the call if there are any questions. Member Nache stated that it was a very nice resume. He is everything that we could want. Member Davidson stated that his resume was very thorough. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Nache to approve the text amendment change for Case AM-01-2021, a needed revision to correct conflicting verbiage under Article 5 in the “B” Local Business District, Section 5.5.01 permissive uses, and Section 5.5.02 conditional uses, and to correct “B-2” Highway Business District, Article 5, and Section 5.6.01 permissive uses. Member Bondi stated that these are 3 separate changes that have been grouped together for approval. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner, and Link— (12). Noes—(0). Abstain-Amor—(1). Motion carried.

Motion by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve the bids for MFT materials, Section 21-XX000-00-GM. Member Bondi stated these are bids for materials for use by the County and Township Highway Departments for maintenance. The funds are allocated in the budget. Member Amor asked if there was a total amount listed for this purchase. Member Bondi said it was hard to read but the total proposal is $338,500. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Davidson to approve the bid and bring back for a new skid loader for the Landfill. Member Bondi stated that this was approved last year. The present unit is worn out and too small to be effective. The cost is in the budget. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner, and Link— (14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve the bid and bring back for a new pickup truck for the Landfill. Member Bondi stated that they are looking for a new or used 4X4 single cab truck. The Landfill only has 1 vehicle that is road worthy. They will split the costs across a few line items. Currently Rod is using his own vehicle. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner, and Link— (14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Member Hunigan presented the report from the Nursing Home Committee. The report is in the packet. He has met with the new representative from the AFSCME Union. The talks were encouraging and in good faith. He wants to put aside the rumor that the County is going to sell the Nursing Home. There is no intent by the Board to sell the facility. The Nursing Home is an asset to the County and is on the right direction.

Motion by Member Hunigan and seconded by Member Bondi to approve the bid and bring back for a Vulcan 5-pan electric convection steamer. This will be for the kitchen/dietary at the Nursing Home. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion by Member Hunigan and seconded by Member Bondi to approve the bid and bring back for parking lot line painting or top coat/painting of parking lines. Member Hunigan stated that the parking lot needs a lot of work. It is not yet a safety hazard, but it does need attention. There are no amounts yet as we are just seeking bids. Member Davidson stated that she is at the Nursing Home daily and is concerned about just painting lines. It needs new asphalt. She also stated that it is hard to roll wheel chairs over the surface. It has large holes that need fixed. Member Hunigan stated that it does need a top coat and repairs but we need to watch the costs. Chair Hawkinson asked about getting bids for both a top coat and a repair. Member Friedrich asked about allowing the contractors to evaluate the parking lot and recommend what is needed. Chair Hawkinson said that the parking lot is a part of the marketing and appeal of the Nursing Home. Member Nache stated that as long as the contractors know we really need a top coat. Member Hunigan said that the maintenance supervisor and Administration will review. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, and Varner—(12). Noes--Link—(1). Abstain—Davidson—(1) Motion carried.

Chair Hawkinson reported that the reports from the outside committee assignments will be included in the packet if provided. If anyone has a question in regards to an outside committee or their report, they should contact the Board Member that is serving on that committee and ask them directly.

Motion by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Bondi to open the budget for line item changes. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Amor to approve the budget changes as presented. Chair Hawkinson stated that there are changes for the line item changes are include in the packet. Member Nache asked that the Departments need to make sure that they are following the budget. Treasurer Davis stated that the majority of changes are due to increases in personnel lines that had been set at zero percent. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Chair Hawkinson discussed the review of checks that were paid during the time the

Board was not in session. There have been some emergency process service checks that needed to go outside of normal procedures. This will now become a regular part of the agenda for review.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Amor to approve the claims against Knox County, Illinois, for the period of May 27, 2021 through June 23, 2021 (ordering that invoices be accepted and approved and that the County Clerk and County Treasurer by authorized and directed to issue County Warrants in payment of the bills. Treasurer Davis reported that the vouchers submitted amounted to $1,326,849.65 this month. There were some vouchers that were submitted after the Committee meetings. Chair Hawkinson said that unless it falls within the guidelines of an exemption then they should be held until next month.

Treasurer Davis said that sometimes the Departments forget to take a voucher to their

Committee. Many of those are credit card transactions. Member Davidson stated that she will vote No as the Board is not able to look at vouchers. Chair Hawkinson said that they are working on the issues with the group policy on the laptops. In the next few weeks we will be setting up training with Treasurer Davis. The previous issues with CIC seem to have been worked out now. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(12). Noes- -(0). Abstain—Davidson and Nache—(2). Motion carried.

The next Regular Meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, 6:00 p.m., in person at the council chambers at Galesburg City Hall.

Motion was made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Amor to adjourn the meeting. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 7:13PM.

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