Galesburg Reporter

Knox County Board met May 25.

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 6:00 p.m. 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. Chair Hawkinson stated that the zoom code used tonight will stay the same for future meetings and can be found on the County website.

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 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

District 3 Tara Wilder

Also present was County Clerk Scott Erickson, County Treasurer Robin Davis and County Sheriff David Clague. Department Heads present were Nursing Home Administrator Jodi Mines, Highway Administrator Duane Ratermann, Landfill Administrator Rod Clair, Mary Davis Home Administrator Wendi Steck, and Supervisor of Assessments Sonia Hochstettler.

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 11 to be moved in front of item 4 so we can get the officers back out on the streets to protect and serve the community. No items were deleted or added.

Chair Hawkinson asked for public comments. There was no public comment in person or via zoom.

Motion was made by Member Olinger and seconded by Member Rohweder to approve the following items of the consent agenda: 1) minutes of the Regular and Closed Board Meetings for April 27, 2022, 2) claims for Members for per diem and mileage for the meetings of May 2022 and other claims for per diem from meetings, and 3) sales tax and various taxes for the month of February 2022 in the amount of $121,984.02 and $37,645.58 and public safety tax in the amount of $207,507.27. 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 was made by Member Varner and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve a Resolution on Salary Continuation for Fallen Officer. Chair Hawkinson stated that due to the loss on April 29, 2022 in the Line of Duty we would like to continue the salary for up to 1 year or until the death benefits start from the Line of Duty Compensation Act. We want to thank the Sheriff and FOP Lodge our thoughts and prayers are with everyone. Member Rohweder said please vote yes. Sheriff Clague said we thank the Board. 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 was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Rohweder to approve the Annual Knox County Audit for FY2020-2021. Chair Hawkinson introduced auditors Matt Sheeler and Audrey Blocker. Mr. Sheeler said that the document he is going to go over was handed out and would also be emailed out to the Board. He said that a small document for the 3.6 million Covid Funding was not signed off. Everything was all good with the Circuit Clerk. Veterans Assistance was missing documentation for checks. The Nursing Home accounts receivable has had some issues to work through. There was 3.9 million in restricted 2.8 unassigned and 5.8 million this year in the general fund which is 1.6 million more which are significant increases. Landfill had $362,000 which is also an increase. Deposits at banks were covered, safe and secure. Pension investments had significant increases. Nursing Home funds have improved. Member Bondi said thank you to the auditors. He said that Veteran Assistance is now implementing the changes needed on documentation to fix the issues from this audit. The Nursing home is working on A-L. They have corrected issues and are doing a tremendous job. Member Hunigan said yes that is quite accurate. Chair Hawkinson said that they are both on a path in a positive direction. Member Amor asked if there were any suggestions from the auditors.

Member Bondi said that they did not have any but improvement with cyber security is a big thing. County Clerk Erickson said that the election information is very cyber secure. Chair Jared feels that they have come to a decent place in the last year. Treasurer Davis said that in June 2021 they closed the Veterans Assistance petty cash. All payments now go through accounts payable and everything is working well. 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 was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Rohweder to approve an appointment to Quad Cities Regional Economic Development Authority of Ken Springer for reappointment. 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 was made by Member Rohweder and seconded by Member Varner to approve an appointment to the Williamsfield Sanitary District of Larry Mackie for reappointment. 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 was made by Member Rohweder and seconded by Member Olinger to approve an appointment to the Victoria-Copley Fire Protection District of Jerry Fox for reappointment. 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 was made by Member Rohweder and seconded by Member Amor to approve Revisions to Investment Grade Audit Agreement with MSI, Inc. Chair Hawkinson said they revised the IGA wording and made two changes. Item number 1 on resolution $7500 for each phase. If they go with the IGA performance contract the $7500 fee is waived. Change two is Phase 1 is 60 days of agreement and Phase 2 is 60 days. Those are the only 2 changes. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Olinger, Friedrich, Rohweder, Varner and Link—(10). Noes—Davidson and Nache---(2) and Abstain— Hunigan---(1). 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 Amor to approve the payment of Invoices to MSI from the Building Fund not to exceed $115,011.06. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bondi, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Hunigan, Rohweder, Varner and Link—(12). Noes—(0). Abstain---Nache---(1). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Rohweder to approve a Resolution Establishing the Salary for the Knox County Sheriff. Member Friedrich stated that 66 2/3% of the Sheriff Salary is paid by the State and 33 1/3% paid by the County. 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 was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Bondi to approve a Resolution Establishing the Salaries for Other Offices Elected in November 2022. Member Friedrich said that this is a $10,000 a year increase for the next 4 years. Member Amor said that this is the mid-point of the wage study. Member Friedrich said that it is not the high and not the low. It is more middle range. Chair Hawkinson said that per State Statutes any raises have to be done 90 days in advance of the General Election and it is for the position not the person. 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 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.

Motion was made by Member Sandoval and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve the Bid for Flushometers. Member Sandoval said that the Bid from Winn System was for $59,879 for the Mary Davis Home and the Knox County Jail. Member Davidson asked where Winn who won the bid is from. Member Sandoval said that they are from the Quad Cities. Member Friedrich asked if they were the low bid. Member Sandoval said yes. 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 was made by Member Sandoval and seconded by Member Rohweder to approve the Bid and Bring Back for Garage Door Repair. Member Sandoval said that this is the west door on Sally Port. It is broken and been patched but now needs repaired. Chair Hawkinson said that it is the original door from when the Knox County Jail was built. It has been fixed several times but now needs replaced. 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 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 Rohweder to approve the Bid for Purchase and Application of Lignin Sulfonate (Tree Sap) for Approximately 1.5 miles of Oversized Dirt/Gravel Road for the Landfill. Member Bondi said that there was only one Bid for $6,800 and the committee voted unanimously. 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 Bondi and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve the Purchase of a 1999 Navistar International Fuel Truck for the Landfill. Member Bondi said that the cost is $15,000 plus cost of paperwork from Steve’s Garage in Dixon, Illinois. He said they drove, inspected the truck and it is in good condition. They have put down $1,000 and it is non refundable. It was approved in previous years but they could not find one. The current truck does not run and is now only used as a storage tank. Member Friedrich said that it is very needed. Landfill Administrator Rod Clair said that they have needed it for several years. 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.

Chair Hawkinson announced that the Knox County Highway Administrator Duane Ratermann received the 2021 Rural County Engineer of the Year Award (NACE). He is the second generation in his family to receive it. His father received the award in 2000 and was able to go with to watch him receive the 2021 NACE Award.

Chair Hawkinson said that the Assessment office has four active cases they are working with to get cleaned up in Knox County. There are violations of tires and junk that needs cleaned up.

Member Hunigan presented the report from the Nursing Home committee. The report is in the packet. Hunigan said there is one action item which is a budget change. He asked for a moment of silence for the nursing home staff and for the staff members family that passed. The Nursing Home started using agency in August of 2020 to help with staffing. From January to April they had a significant decrease in the use of Agency. He said that Administrator Mines said in committee that the June schedule has no Agency scheduled. This is the first time in almost two years that Agency has not had to be used. He said he feels that they are moving in the right direction. Illinois Public Health completed their survey. One of the tags has already been taken care of and the three Health and Safety tags, they are working on fixing. He wanted to say thank you to Administrator Mines and her team. Chair Hawkinson said that this is the fourth month that they are not having to dip into the referendum which is excellent.

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 Bondi and seconded by Member Nache to approve Opening of Budget for Line Item Changes. 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 Amor and seconded by Member Nache for the approval of Proposed Line Item Changes. Chair Hawkinson said that the Proposed Budget Line Item Changes are in the packet and there are several. 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.

Chair Hawkinson said that there was one out of the ordinary bill which was for the State’s Attorneys Office for processing fees for Out of State costs of Civil Service.

Motion made by Member Amor and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the claims against Knox County, Illinois for the period of April 28, 2022 through May 25, 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 $1,273,436.38 (Due to the approval of the MSI bill for $115,011.06 and Landfill Truck payment of $14,900 the actual total was $1,403,347.44). 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.

The next Regular Meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at 6:00 p.m., at Galesburg City Hall Council Chambers. The Zoom option will be available to the viewing public only. Board Members will be present in person for this meeting.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Sandoval 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 6:50 p.m.

https://co.knox.il.us/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Board-Minutes-June-2022-1.pdf