Galesburg Reporter

Knox County Board met April 27.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Proceedings of the Regular Meeting of the Knox County Board held in person at the Galesburg City Council chambers at 6:14 p.m. Chair Hawkinson apologized for starting a little late due to closed session running longer. Due to the coronavirus precautions, this meeting was presented via teleconference in order to alleviate the need for the public to be in person at the meeting.

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

And those absent: District 1 Roland Paulsgrove

District 5 Jeff Link

Also present was County Clerk Scott Erickson, County Treasurer Robin Davis. State’s Attorney Jeremy Karlin. Department Heads present were Nursing Home Administrator Jodi Mines, Landfill Administrator Rod Clair, Supervisor of Assessments Sonia Hochstettler and Knox County Health Department Public Health Administrator Michele Gabriel.

Sheriff Clague 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. He asked for Item 9 to be deleted and no items were added.

Chair Hawkinson asked for public comments. Connie Main stated that her and her husband are from Altona, taxpayers and citizens of Knox County. They feel like they did not receive their homeowner or senior citizen exemptions on their property taxes like they are entitled too for the last few years due to an oversite or misunderstanding with the Knox County Assessment Office.

Motion was made by Member Rohweder and seconded by Member Amor to approve the following items of the consent agenda: 1) minutes of the Regular and Closed Board Meetings for March 23, 2022, 2) claims for Members for per diem and mileage for the meetings of April 2022 and other claims for per diem from meetings, and 3) sales tax and various taxes for the month of January 2022 in the amount of $114,537.90 and $35,817.94 and public safety tax in the amount of $189,069.91. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, and Varner—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Olinger and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve a Proclamation for May 1st to May 7th as National Correctional Officers and Employees week in Knox County. Member Rohweder wanted to acknowledge the cutest officer in the lobby of City Hall and said hello puppy. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, and Varner—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Varner to approve a Proclamation for May 15th to May 22nd as National Police Week in Knox County. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, and Varner—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Olinger to approve the appointment to the Knoxville Fire Protection District of Thomas Hoben. This is a re appointment. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, and Varner—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Rohweder to approve appointments to the Williamsfield Fire Protection District of Ty Landon, Dustin Courson, and Michael Gibbs. These are all re-appointments. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes— Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, and Varner—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the appointment to the Knox County Board of Health of James Wolfe. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, and Varner—(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.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Bondi to approve the Resolution on Deed of Conveyance. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, and Varner—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Bondi to approve the Bid for Health/Life/Dental/Vision Insurance for 2022-2023. Member Friedrich stated that the representative said that Dental will go up 6%. That would be the only thing changing. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, and Varner—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Amor to approve a Resolution authorizing the Chairman to enter into an Investment Grade Audit Agreement with MSI, Inc. Chair Hawkinson stated that this is for performance contract and phase 2 for project manager to authorize for investment grade audit, review placatively and findings for further review. Member Friedrich asked what the cost would be. Chair Hawkinson said that there would be no cost if we move forward. Member Davidson asked if there were other venders or bidders. Chair Hawkinson said no one else put in a bid 2 months ago when it was bid out. Member Friedrich said that MSI was the only bid and this is the next step in the process to get things going. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Rohweder, and Varner—(11). Noes—Davidson--- (1). Abstain---Nache---(1). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Bondi to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between AFSCME Council 31 and the Knox County Board. Member Friedrich said that this is a snow day clarification. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, and Varner—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Amor to approve the Collective Bargaining Agreement with FOP Deputies and Detectives from December 1, 2020 through November 30, 2023. Member Friedrich said he wanted to thank Member Amor. Member Amor said that it took a long time to work through but a good negotiation. Member Davidson said thank you to Member Amor and also Treasurer Davis for helping with the numbers. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, and Varner—(13). Noes—(0). 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. He said that they are still waiting on bids for the Solenoid Flushometers for the Knox County Jail and the jail population is normal. He wanted to let everyone know that farmers are on the roads and to please watch out for them.

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 Bid and Bring Back for the purchase and application of lignin Sulfonate (Tree Sap) for Approximately 1.5 miles of Oversized Dirt/Gravel Road for the Landfill. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, and Varner—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Wilder to approve Oneida Network Services to Run Fiber to the Mechanics Building and Old Scale House for the Landfill. Member Bondi said that the expense will be $7,230 and we will own the fiber once installed. We will have a one-year warranty. After that one year the up keep will be on the county. Any additional line that a home owner wants run will be at there expense. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, and Varner—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve the appointment of Michael Gehring as the Republican Member of the Knox County Board of Review and appointed as Chair of the Board of Review for a 2 Year Term. Member Bondi stated that his resume is in the packet and he is well known to the Board and has been involved with the Assessor’s Office for many years. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, and Varner—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Rohweder to approve the appointment of Julie A’Hearn as Democratic Member of the Knox County Board of Review for a 2 Year Term. Member Bondi stated that her resume is in the packet and she has been a long term member of the Assessing and Review Board. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes— Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, and Varner—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Olinger to approve Case # AM-01-22 a Text Amendment Change in the Wind Farm Ordinance under 1.07 Permit Requirements. Member Hunigan asked if this was the same project with the wind farms. Assessor Hochstettler stated that this is just fixing clarity on where the wind project stands. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, and Varner—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve Case # AM-02-22 – Text Amendment Change in the Knox County Zoning Resolution Section 11.3. Member Bondi thanked Assessor Hochstettler for reviewing and clarifying things. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, and Varner—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Rohweder to approve Case # CU-07-22 – Conditional Use under Section 5.3.02 of Knox County Zoning Resolution, (27) Banquet Facility by Applicants Roger and Vivian Cochran, 1581 Barefoot Road Knoxville. Member Bondi said that this will allow for a banquet facility. This will be a fun location to have weddings, bands, parties and other outdoor events. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes— Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, and Varner—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve the Bids for Motor Fuels Tax Materials, Section 22-XX000-00-GG. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, and Varner—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Amor to approve the Bid for a New Wheel Loader. Member Bondi stated that the current loader is 17 years old and has 4,749 miles on it. It is used to load salt into the salt trucks. Due to that it has a lot of rust and corrosion. There were five bidders Sargent $159,973.75, Dustin Motors $189,995, Martin $210,190, Martin $205,435, and Caterpillar $232,658. The lowest bid was from Sargent Equipment at $159,973.75 with an estimated deliver of February 2023. Highway Engineer Ratermann recommended going with Sargent Equipment which was $30,000 less. It is a French piece of Equipment. They are an approved vendor with the State of Illinois which have their equipment in operation. They are a well-known brand in the region. They will fix and repair the equipment within a 24-hour period. Member Amor asked if February 2023 was when it was available. Member Bondi said yes, correct not until February 2023. Member Davidson said that it has foreign materials and we have Case and John Deer. Then we could have to ship it to an unknown vendor then be without the product. When we have service locally. It might be made in America but it is not Union made. She asked what if it breaks down. Member Bondi said that parts are plentiful and made in the Midwest. He said that the same question came up in the Highway Meeting but he understands her point. Member Nache asked about the 24 hours and if anyone around Knox County is using this equipment. Member Bondi said yes and Knoxville is. Member Nache said she stands with Member Davidson that this is a Union County and we need to look harder for Union made products. Member Amor asked if we know that it is not Union made. Member Davidson said yes that she looked it up by the VIN number. Chair Hawkinson said that service is out of St. Louis, West Chicago and Gilberts. They have next day air in the Midwest for parts. The equipment will send them an error code if anything is wrong so they know to send repair out. Member Bondi said that he appreciated the extra research. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Olinger, and Varner—(7). Noes—Davidson, Nache ---(2). Abstain--- Amor, Friedrich, Hunigan, Rohweder, ---(4). Motion carried.

Member Hunigan presented the report from the Nursing Home committee. The report is in the packet. Hunigan said that this is their third month without having to transfer money from tax revenue. Illinois Public Health is in the building and taking survey. He is confident that the Nursing Home will do well. Wing 4 is almost done and waiting for applicant for the memory wing which is for Alzheimer and Dementia. He said that Administrator Jodi, Member Amor and Chair Hawkinson are helping to apply for ARPA funds for the Nursing Home.

Motion made by Member Hunigan and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve the Write Off Amounts for the Nursing Home Accounts. Member Hunigan said that the finance and business office has been working with Jordan Health Care group. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, and Varner—(12). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Hunigan and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve the Extension of Agreement with Jordan Health Care. Member Hunigan said that their fee with Jordan Health Care is at $29,998 which is $4,398 over their original agreement so he is asking for $15,000 more so they have $10,000 to work with if needed. He said that the need for them has gone down tremendously and agency cost has also dropped significantly. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, and Varner—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Chair Hawkinson stated that the reports from the outside committee assignments are in the packet. 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 made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Amor to approve Opening of 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, and Varner—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Chair Hawkinson stated that there were several Line Item Changes this month and are listed in the packet and asked if there were any questions.

Motion made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Rohweder 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, and Varner—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Chair Hawkinson asked Treasurer Davis if any Manual Checks were issued besides the normal. Treasurer Davis said that there was one for the Landfill for EPA. Landfill Administrator Cleair said that this check is always done quarterly.

Motion made by Member Amor and seconded by Member Varner to approve the claims against Knox County, Illinois for the period of March 24, 2022 through April 27, 2022 (ordering that invoices be accepted and approved and that the County Clerk and County Treasurer be authorized and directed to issue County Warrants in payment of the bills in the aggregate amount approved by the County Board). Treasurer Davis reported that the vouchers submitted amounted to $1,657,081.40. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, and Varner—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

The next Regular Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 6:00 p.m., at Galesburg City Hall Council Chambers.

Motion was made by Member Sandoval and seconded by Member Bondi to adjourn the meeting. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Wilder, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Hunigan, Rohweder, and Varner—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 7:21 p.m.

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