Galesburg Reporter

Knox County Board met Sept. 28.

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 6:07 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 and still participate. 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 1 Mary McGunnigal

District 2 Robert Bondi

District 3 Kimberly Thierry

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 Erin Pugh

District 3 Kyle Rohweder

District 4 Sara Varner

District 5 Jeff Link

All members were present

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

Clerk Erickson delivered the Proclamation and 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 welcomed the two new Board Members Kimberly Thierry and Erin Pugh. He said the third Board Member Mary McGunnigal was seated at the last meeting on September 14th, 2022. He said that we are now a full Board of Fifteen. He thanked them for stepping up and volunteering.

Chair Hawkinson asked for additions or deletions to the agenda. No items were deleted or added.

Chair Hawkinson said that they have several signed up for public comment.

Pam King said that she wanted to speak about the pipeline coming through Galva. It would be just hundreds of yards from her house. She is concerned with all the unknowns such as issues with sending that much pressure through the pipes, emergency response time and the required training to deal with a leak. She wants the Board to consider putting some ordinances in place to protect Knox County.

Colonel John Feltham said he is a member of the Farm Bureau and against the pipeline. It would come within a half mile of his farm. He said the pipeline pumps 20-30 gallons a minute. He is concerned with it destroying grass waterways and drain tiles which would cause erosion. This would destroy his farmland and once destroyed it will never be back to the same. He said that this would devastate farmland in Knox County.

A.J. Harland said he is from Lynn Township. He said his mothers’ people have been there for 185 years. He echoes the concerns and safety of it being less then a half mile from his house. He says this is very scary to think about and worries about the future to come after this. He wants the Board to give careful consideration, to oppose the pipeline.

Zach Shreves said he is a business representative out of Peoria, Illinois. He said that there are already oil and gas pipelines all around the county that are drive powered. He would like everyone to educate themselves before spreading false information about the pipeline.

Kevin Malley apologized for being late but, he was in the fields harvesting. Maquon Big River resources stands to make money from this since it is the best land and draws the highest taxes. His concern is damaging the 80 acres of farmland that they plan on cutting through. He said that it would be damaged and never be the same. Also, that he is the Henderson Township Supervisor so people can contact him with concerns.

Chair Hawkinson said that he appreciates all their thoughts and opinions. There was no public comment via zoom.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Nache to approve the following items of the consent agenda: 1) minutes of the Regular Board Meeting for August 24, 2022, and 2) claims for Members for per diem and mileage for the meetings of September 2022 and other claims for per diem from meetings, and 3) sales tax and various taxes for the month of

June 2022 in the amount of $150,778.95 and $33,510.55 and public safety tax in the amount of $258,587.11. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—McGunnigal, Bondi, Thierry, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Pugh, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Varner to approve the Proclamation on Manufacturing Month. Chair Hawkinson read the Proclamation. Ken Springer spoke about the CEO Program and invited everyone to come to see the new Galesburg GAVC facility on Thursday, October 27th from 9am-2pm. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes— McGunnigal, Bondi, Thierry, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Pugh, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Chair Hawkinson introduced Lane and Pam Richards to speak. They are from the Coalition Against CO2 Pipeline. They gave a presentation on their concerns they have about the CO2 pipeline and showed a video of CO2 pipeline ruptures and the after effects. They answered

questions that the Board had from what they heard and saw. Chair Hawkinson stated that at the next Board meeting the other side will present a similar presentation.

Motion was made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Rohweder to approve the Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance of Not to Exceed $9,300,000.00 General Obligation (Alternate Revenue Source) Bonds of the County of Knox, Illinois for the Purpose of Capital Improvements. Chair Hawkinson said that the information is on the Google drive. After a full discussion thereof, Chair Hawkinson directed that the roll call be called for a vote upon the motion to adopt said ordinance. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—McGunnigal, Bondi, Thierry, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Pugh, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Olinger and seconded by Member Amor to approve the Collective Bargaining Agreement with AFSCME Local 3217-Civilian Sheriff Unit. Chair Hawkinson said the information is in the packet. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes— McGunnigal, Bondi, Thierry, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Pugh, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(15). 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 Sandoval to approve the Renewal Premium for Liability, Workman Compensation, Vehicle and Property Insurance. Chair Hawkinson said that the policy would take effect on Dec. 1st. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—McGunnigal, Bondi, Thierry, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Pugh, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Amor to approve the Second Round of ARPA Grants. Member Amor stated that there were 6 more grants. Galesburg Christian School for $80,000 and National Railroad Hall of Fame $250,000 with the condition that this would be the last dollar in by July 1, 2024. Stearman Foundation for $150,000 and Galesburg Civic Art Center for $20,000 to help startup and that they would be fully funded by advertising in 3 years. Galesburg Tourism & Visitors Bureau for $45,000 to help sponsor murals throughout Knox County and outside of the City of Galesburg. Volunteer Network for Aging (VNA) for $25,000 to help with home-delivered meals for the aging. Member Nache is voting no because she agrees with some but disagrees with others. She would rather vote on it one by one. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—McGunnigal, Bondi, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(12). Noes—Nache--(1). Abstain—Thierry and Pugh—(2). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Amor to approve the Holiday Calendar for 2023. Member Friedrich said that there are 14 days on the calendar and it is in the packet. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—McGunnigal, Bondi, Thierry, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Pugh, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Bondi to approve the Resolutions on Deed of Conveyance. Member Friedrich said that there are two this month. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—McGunnigal, Bondi, Thierry, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Pugh, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Member Friedrich gave a shout out to Member Amor and the Budget Committee. Chair Hawkinson said that on October 3rd at 5:30pm they would dive deep in working on the reductions recommended.

Member Link 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 all the flushometers are installed and working at the Mary Davis Home and they will see how much water they will be saving. There are also three new Sheriff vehicles arriving.

Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve the Professional Services Fee Contract & Bid Packages for Performance Contract. He said that there would be six different Bid packages. Chair Hawkinson said that Phase 2 pending approval is set to go in area newspapers the 1st week of October. It is set for October 13th for Bid opening if approved. Member Davidson is thankful for the Bid and Bring Back. Chair Hawkinson said that like normal Bid packages they will come sealed to the County Clerk’s Office where Bid opening will take place. Then the Bids will go to the Building Committee and then on to the full Board. He said everything is done by State Statutes. Member Bondi suggested that for air conditioning and heating there is proper Bid certification clarification statement required saying they need proper certification to Bid. Member Thierry asked for someone to explain the jail project since she is new to the Board. Chair Hawkinson explained why the project was needed. Member Amor added that last month the contract was approved for a scope of the work. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—McGunnigal, Bondi, Thierry, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Pugh, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(15). 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 Friedrich to approve the Bid for Purchase of John Deere 850L Bulldozer from Martin Equipment for $447,434.00. Member Bondi said that they received three Bids and Martin Equipment was the lowest Bid. Landfill Administrator Clair said that this one will not have GPS since they already have two that have it and don’t need a third. Member Bondi said that they can decide later if they want the extra warranty for $28,330 and it has a 12-month warranty. He said that this will come out of the 2022-2023 Budget. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—McGunnigal, Bondi, Thierry, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Pugh, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(14). Noes—(0). Abstain—Davidson—(1). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Rohweder to approve the Bid and Buy for County Fuel for Fiscal year 2022-2023. Member Bondi said that Bid opening will be October 26th. He said it is Bid and Buy since they have a short 24-hour window before prices change. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—McGunnigal, Bondi, Thierry, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Pugh, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Rohweder to approve Case # AM-11-22, Under Article 5, Use of Premises is Regulated, Section 5.5 Add “Commercial or Personal Storage Building” as Permissive Uses. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes— McGunnigal, Bondi, Thierry, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Olinger, Friedrich, Pugh, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(13). Noes—(0). Abstain—Davidson and Nache--(2). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Amor to approve Case # AM 12-22, Under Article 4, Districts and Boundaries Add Words “No Split or Subdivision will be allowed that would create a Non-Conforming Building use within any district”. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—McGunnigal, Bondi, Thierry, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Pugh, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Rohweder to approve Case # AM-13-22, Under Article 4, Districts and Boundaries, Add Words “Principal/Primary Structure” in Section 4.6.04. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—McGunnigal, Bondi, Thierry, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Pugh, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve Case # AM-14-22, Under Article 5, Use of Premises is regulated, Section 5.12.05, Add Words “Accessory Dwellings Defined in 3.1.01.1, and then There Can Be One (1) Located on each parcel or Pin Number”. Chair Hawkinson asked if this is additional to exceed more than one addition and adding an accessory dwelling. Knox County Assessor Sonia said that there was none prior. She stated that before it said that per parcel they cannot have one accessory. She said that this is for family members only for the accessory. Member McGunnigal asked why they cannot have more than one. Assessor Sonia said that in the past only allowed one but this would allow for one apartment for college student or parents and has a size restriction. Member Varner said correct can still subdivide. Assessor Sonia said yes. Member Nache asked why only family. Assessor Sonia explained that charging rent is an issue. Member Nache said so they can stay just cannot charge. Member Thierry asked if there was a problem with renting. Assessor said that they would have to subdivide the accessory building from the primary building. Member Varner said cheaper for homeowner insurance and taxes. Assessor Sonia said that these are all great points but this had already passed and they are just cleaning up the wording. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—McGunnigal, Bondi, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Olinger, Friedrich, Rohweder, and Link—(9). Noes— Hawkinson, Davidson, Nache, Pugh and Varner---(5). Abstain—Thierry—(1). Motion carried.

Member Rohweder presented the report from the Nursing Home committee. The report is in the packet.

Motion made by Member Rohweder and seconded by Member Amor to approve Bid for Parking Lot Replacement using ARPA Funds. Member Link asked Highway Administrator Ratermann if he was approached and if they could have done it. He also asked if what they were doing if it is overkill or not. Administrator Ratermann said that they did the overlay like 30 years ago. Nursing Home Administrator Mines said it is what is needed. Member Bondi asked if there was only the one Bid. Member Rohweder said yes. Chair Hawkinson said that the Nursing Home ARPA Funding was restricted to lost revenue, wages, salary and supplies. Treasurer Davis said

that she will need a Resolution to be able to pay out of ARPA funds. Member Davidson said that yes, she believes that this needs to be done but not under ARPA Funds. She feels that other things need to be fixed and replaced, like a new van. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—McGunnigal, Bondi, Thierry, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Olinger, Rohweder, and Varner—(10). Noes—Davidson, Friedrich and Link---(3). Abstain— Nache and Pugh—(2). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Rohweder and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve Increase in Private Room Rate (Effective December 1, 2022). Chair Hawkinson said that these rates would become effective December 1st and the new base rate would be $225 plus $10 additional for Level 2, and $20 additional for Level 3 for Semi-Private. Private would be $235/day for Level 1, $245/day for Level 2, and $255/day Level 3. Private Suite would be $255/day for Level 1, $260/day for Level 2 and $265/day for Level 3. Administrator Mines that that these rates compare to other facilities. The lowest in Galesburg starts at $288 and up from there and Allure of Lake Story is $272. She said that if our rates do not match Medicaid we will not get full Medicaid reimbursement and that we are the only all-inclusive rate in Knox County. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—McGunnigal, Bondi, Thierry, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Pugh, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(15). 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 Sandoval to approve Opening of Budget for Line Item Changes. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes— McGunnigal, Bondi, Thierry, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Pugh, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Chair Hawkinson stated that the Proposed Line Item Changes are in the packet along with additional added today for the nursing home on the Google drive.

Motion made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Sandoval for the approval of Proposed Line Item Changes. Chair Hawkinson said that the Proposed Budget Line Item Changes are in the packet and on the G-drive. He said that all members are aware of the Budget Change. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—McGunnigal, Bondi, Thierry, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Pugh, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Chair Hawkinson said that there was only one manual check and it was approved at last weeks Board Meeting. There are no other outstanding.

Motion made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Rohweder to approve the claims against Knox County, Illinois for the period of August 25, 2022 through September 28, 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 $2,114,434.45. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes— McGunnigal, Bondi, Thierry, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Pugh, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

The next Regular Meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 26, 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 Varner to adjourn the meeting Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—McGunnigal, Bondi, Thierry, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Davidson, Olinger, Friedrich, Nache, Pugh, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.

https://co.knox.il.us/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Board-Minutes-September-28-2022.pdf