Galesburg Reporter

Knox County Board met Jan. 26.

Here are 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 and County Treasurer Robin Davis. Department Heads present were Nursing Home Administrator Jodi Mines, Highway Administrator Duane Ratermann, Landfill Administrator Rod Clair, Supervisor of Assessments Sonia Hochstettler, and Knox County Health Department Public Health Administrator Michele Gabriel.

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 Bondi asked for two additions to be added. One for Veterans Assistance Commission and the second for the Health Department. Chair Hawkinson said Item 4A will be Assistance Commission and 4B will be for Public Health Administrator Michele Gabriel from the Knox County Health Department to talk about staffing and procedures. These are for discussion only. No items were deleted. 

Chair Hawkinson asked for public comments. Rita Shultz with Save Hawthorne Pool discussed about them wanting to help keep open the pool, which is set to close May 2022. On January 31st they have a meeting with the Mayor. She said they want to be able to save the eighty-year-old pool that the city got in 1981 for $1. She says the city has had to put very little money into the care and upkeep of the pool over the years. She is aware of during Covid-19 the attendance has been low. She is asking to be able to submit an application for ARPA funding to be able to help them reach their goal of keeping the pool open. Chair Hawkinson thanked Ms. Shultz for speaking.

Motion was made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Rohweder to approve the following items of the consent agenda: 1) minutes of the Regular and Closed Board Meetings for December 28, 2021, 2) claims for Members for per diem and mileage for the meetings of January 2022 and other claims for per diem from meetings, and 3) sales tax and various taxes for the month of October 2021 in the amount of $133,453.54 and $29,482.80 and public safety tax in the amount of $226,945.15. Member Davidson stated that she did not agree with the minutes and wanted that noted. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner and Link—(12). Noes—(0). Abstain---Davidson (1). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Rohweder and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve a Proclamation for February as Black History Month. Member Davidson stated that she did not agree with the wording of the Proclamation. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner and Link—(12). Noes—Davidson---(1). Abstain---Nache (1). Motion carried. 

Member Bondi stated that it was brought to his attention that the veterans’ families are not being reimbursed on gravestones in a timely matter. Chair Hawkinson stated that this is the first he has heard about this and he will reach out to the superintendent.

Knox County Public Health Administrator Michele Gabriel spoke about how the Health Department are handling things during Covid-19. Cases had spiked but it is starting to level out. Of those cases, 85% were the Omicron virus verses the Delta. Knox County residents are 57.2% fully vaccinated and 49.6% fully vaccinated, with the Booster. Five months after the 2nd PfizerBioNTech or Moderna vaccine you are eligible for the booster and 28 days after the Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. This in now their 3rd year of testing and due to inclement weather they have had to cancel and reschedule some testing days and times due to trying to keep their staff safe. There has been some questions from the community about using other locations for testing. Their grant paperwork runs under the scoop of 1361 W. Fremont St. address. They have to stay within their grant parameters on testing locations. The State is pushing for more demand of non-medical saliva tests. The new quarantine protocol is 5 and 5. Which is 5 days after testing positive or first having symptoms and then the next 5 days fully mask and social distance due to a 30% chance of still being contagious. Unless in the medical field then they have their own limits on time away from work. Some new things that are happening are that you can now order self-testing kits through the federal government. Anti-viral meds are coming out in pill form with a doctor’s prescription for people more susceptible to the illness due to such things as being diabetic. To try and to help keep them from being hospitalized. Member Amor asked her to speak about any repercussions of Cottage Hospital Closing. She said that they did not have any direct repercussions other then maybe picking up some of their testing they did there for Covid. 

Member Hunigan said that he had gotten a few calls about their testing procedures. He asked what the process was to get a test scheduled. She said that the best way is to call back until you are able to reach someone. They have also been short staff due to Covid. They have only same day testing now due to too many no shows in the past when scheduled other days. Member Nache had concern with places not having enough test kits, families having to be off work due to covid, loss of wages and needing a note saying they were clear to return to work. Gabriel said that there is a State testing facility in Peoria. She said that her staff is willing to talk to employers if they have questions about protocols. Several members of the Board thanked Gabriel for taking time out of her busy schedule to talk to everyone.

Member Friedrich presented the monthly report for the Finance, Insurance, Treasurer, Judicial, Veterans, and Clerk/Recorder Committee. The reports are included in the packet. Motion made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Rohweder to approve the Resolution to Abate Levy for General Obligation Alternate Revenue Bonds, Series 2010A and Series 2010B for Tax Year 2021 for Build America and Recovery Zone Bonds. 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 Bondi to approve Bid for Revision of Wage Study. Member Friedrich stated that this is to update the wage study to reflect the minimum wage increase. So we are accurate and falling behind. The cost will be $25,000 and should move along faster than last time. Member Amor stated that Treasurer Davis volunteered to help to be able to speed up the process. He also wanted to know if they were going to address the shortcomings of the original study and things learned. Member Bondi wanted to make sure that they would be interacting with all departments. Member Amor wanted to make sure that they conferred with Ms. Gabriel with questions, concerns and needs. 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 Wilder to approve County Board action item Submission Policy and Procedure. County Clerk Erickson spoke about how this would streamline things to have more full and complete documentation for the Board so they can make a proper decision. Implementing a Friday deadline and if the information does not arrive in time then it would wait until next month. Also, to have proper documentation ahead of time for Bid and Bring Back so that the committee in charge of that department can review it properly. This would speed up the approval process because they would have all the proper documentation lined up ahead of time. 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 Amor to approve Resolutions and Deeds Conveyance. 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 Amor to approve Resolution for ARPA Disbursement for Governmental Purposes. Such as squad car remaining funds. Member Friedrich stated that in November, they discussed with Sheriff Clague the purchase of squad car. At that time, he did not have a final cost but did have a figure not to exceed. They saved $31,000 by doing this ahead of time. Member Davidson stated that this should have been done in a budget for cars. ARPA money is not designed to buy cars so she will be voting no. Member Friedrich stated that they had it in the budget but pulled it out since they planned paying for them this way. Member Amor stated that ARPA funds are to be used for lost revenue and used for normal not inappropriate use. Member Friedrich said they could add it to the budget down the road. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder Varner and Link—(13). Noes—Davidson----(1). Motion carried.

Member Sandoval presented that the monthly report from the Sheriff, Jail, Mary Davis Home, Animal Control, and Building Committee. He stated the reports are in the packet.

Member Bondi presented the monthly report for the Assessor, Zoning, GIS, Highway, IT, and Landfill Committee. He stated that the reports are in the packet.

Motion made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve the purchase of two 30 yard roll off containers from Gregory Container for a total of $17,640 for the Landfill. Member Bondi states that there was only the one bidder. Member Friedrich asked if this was a solid estimate. Chair Hawkinson asked if the delivery cost was included. Administrator Clair said yes and that they are 6 months out. 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 Friedrich to approve Bid for replacement copier for the Assessment office. Member Bondi stated that there was three bidders and the lowest bidder was Office Machine Consultants. We would be saving $164.64 over the other bidders by leasing it over a 5-year period from them. 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 Member Rohweder to approve Bid for Hydraulic Tree Shear for Highway. Member Bondi explained that the tree shearer is an attachment for the end of the boom. There is a large amount of dead trees. That are mostly ash trees due to ash borer that will fall on the roadway if not removed. They are located on steep sloops and would be dangerous to be removed by chainsaws. The bid was for $22,450 by Little Mule Equipment out of Huntington, Vermont. There is $261,000 in the Budget to cover expenses. 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. Hunigan stated that they have raised the starting wage for CNA, LPN, and RN positions to be able to reduce the agency cost. The Nursing Home is working to be more financially solvent. Office Manager Wicks and Administrator Mines are going over accounts receivable that had been neglected and making this now a priority moving forward. Union Negotiations are at 10 a.m. January 27. They are close to coming to an agreement. 

Motion made by Hunigan and seconded by Member Rohweder to approve Memory Care Unit Proposal. Member Hunigan stated that Wing 2 would be the dedicated Memory care wing. There would be 46 beds, in two different Levels 12 semi-private 14 private, and 18 semi-private and 2 private. The rooms can be converted back if needed. There will be Level 1 semi-private $275 and $300 private. Level 2 will be $285 semi-private and $310 for private. We will be able to offer a service that no other long term care facility offers. Member Davidson said her aunt who is 96 years old lives in Evergreen, Chicago has Alzheimer’s and takes tremendous care is already on the waiting list. The staff does a wonderful job at the facility and she will be voting yes. Member Amor stated that he is strongly in favor. Member Friedrich asked if this wasn’t cost effective if it would cost anything to convert the space back. Member Hunigan said that there would be no cost. Administrator Mines said Wing 2 will be ready March 1st it has already been redone and they would use current staff. 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 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 was made by Member Sandoval and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve

Opening of Budget 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.

Chair Hawkinson stated that there was one in packet for the Nursing Home on page 74 and one for ARPA Funding on page 75 for housing reimbursement.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Amor for the approval of Proposed 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.

Chair Hawkinson discussed the review of checks that were paid during the time the Board was not in session. There were no checks out of the ordinary. Treasurer Davis stated that there was one check that paid off the Sherriff’s Loan early in the middle of the month and not at the end of the month to save interest fees.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Nache to approve the claims against Knox County, Illinois, for the period of December 23, 2021 through January 26, 2022 (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 in aggregate amount approved by the County 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. 

The next Regular Meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 6:00 p.m., in person and via zoom at the council chambers at Galesburg City Hall. 

Motion was made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Sandoval to adjourn the meeting. 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 and meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.

https://co.knox.il.us/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Board-Minutes-January-0222.pdf