Galesburg Reporter

Knox County Board met Oct. 26.

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 6:04 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 Knox County Health Department Public Health Administrator Michele Gabriel, 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 stated that the Bond Hearing was completed at 5:30 p.m. and 14 members were present.

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.

Colonel John Feltham said he is a member of the Farm Bureau and spoke about why he is against the Pipeline due to pipeline failures. He gave an example of a CO2 pipeline failure that sent 50 people to seek medical attention in 2002 and that it can affect pets and farm animals up to a mile away. He said that Christian, Fulton, and McDonough County put a 2-year emergency moratorium in effect until they can get more information and data request before Congress.

Pam King said that for 70 years farmland has supported her family. She said that the jobs that this will create are temporary. Navigator will leave and we will remain. She is a land owner, resident and tax payer. She is concerned how this will impact our area. She wants to know why so fast and why right now. She hopes the Board will allow time to pass so they can pass zoning, litigation, and get emergency first responders trained.

Randy Bryan said he lives in Knox County in Eiker Acres where there is a pipeline that was placed before 1973. There are also pipelines from the 1940s and 1950’s. He has worked as an operating engineer working with pigs to inspect and deal with weak links. He gave an example of the pipeline that pumps water from the Mississippi River that we are all able to take showers because of, but if it burst it would also have effects.

Dan Tuthill said he is a Knox County resident and part of the Laborers Union that has 200 members that like these jobs and have just finished jobs like this. All members are trained on this. Every one of our jobs are temporary jobs and very important to us.

Zach Shreves said he is a business representative for International Union Operating Engineers Local 649. He graduated from Abingdon and has worked on multiple pipelines for distribution. He respects everyone’s concerns on the new pipeline but what you should be afraid of are the pipelines from the 40’s and 50’s like Randy said. Those are the ones that are corroding.

Danielle Anderson said that Navigators CO2 union workers are skilled and qualified like David Zimmerman and Chris Brown will discuss later and answer questions. She spoke about the benefits of the Navigator project for Knox County and encouraged Members to ask questions during the presentation.

Mike Landon is a Galesburg resident and local Union member. He stated we have many pipe fitters in the County and are a united association in support of the pipeline.

Kevin Malley said he is a lifelong resident of Maquon. He said that if this was cutting through and not next to phonelines, gas lines, sidewalks, fences or your favorite apple tree you would have issues. They say they will work hand and hand with land owners but they called on the phone and I told them no. They then updated the path instead of coming from the east to coming directly at my neighbor’s house and limiting him from any future expansions just to be nasty. These might be union jobs but not safe work sites.

A.J. Harland said he is from Lynn Township. He said he has grave concerns and hopes they slow things down until they have updated rules on CO2 pipelines. He said he wants to listen and hear what is being said. He will then write a letter with his concerns and hopes the Board will take the time to read.

Tresha Faull said she is from the Knoxville Gilson area. She is hoping the Board passes the side by side ordinance so they can keep enjoying it here in this area.

Beth Bragg said she is a business owner and Road Commissioner in Knox County. She said her side by side friends have Fun Runs that raise money for great causes. They had one in Fulton County for St. Jude where over 200 machines showed up. People like to get together and they travel to West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee to ride trails where they eat out and spend money. It would be nice to keep that money here. These people are on fire departments, nurses, farmers and business owners who just like to blow off steam and have some fun.

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

Motion was made by Member Rohweder and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the following items of the consent agenda: 1) minutes of the Regular Board Meeting for September 28, 2022, and 2) claims for Members for per diem and mileage for the meetings of October 2022 and other claims for per diem from meetings, and 3) sales tax and various taxes for the month of July 2022 in the amount of $138,346.23 and $21,592.03 and public safety tax in the amount of $235,965.97. 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 Rohweder to approve the Proclamation on Breast Cancer Awareness 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.

David Zimmerman the CEO for Big River Resources gave a presentation about the CO2 pipeline along with Chris Brown who is Vice President of Engineering and Management of the project. They answered questions that the Board had from what they heard.

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 Rohweder to approve Resolutions on Deed of Conveyance. 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 Resolution Authorizing an Additional Gate Fee to be charged at the Knox County Landfill for Building Fund. 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 Resolution Authorizing a Transfer of a portion of the Gate Fee to be Charged at the Knox County Landfill. 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 Sandoval to approve the Resolution Authorizing an Additional Gate Fee to be charged at the Knox County Landfill for General Fund. 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 Rohweder to approve the Resolution Authorizing Allocation of Interest Funds Earned from certain accounts at the Knox County Landfill to the Special Contingency Fund. 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 Resolution Authorizing Allocation of certain Gate Receipts at the Knox County Landfill to the Special Contingency Fund. 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 Resolution on Use of Special Contingency Fund. 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 Acceptance of Revised Wage Compensation Guide. Member Friedrich said Member Amor and the Treasurer Davis worked on endlessly. Member Amor said that it is necessary because of the economic impact of Covid and to look at the market. Chair Hawkinson said that the past study did not cover all positions but this one does. He said that Member Amor has spent multiple hours comparing minimum wage and inflation. Member Amor said that certain positions have been incorporated in to the budget already. 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 Nache to approve Display of County Levy for FY2022-2023. Member Friedrich said thank you to the Budget Committee there is a lot of work involved in this process. Chair Hawkinson said that he had been on the Board for 6 years, longer for other folks. He has seen the tax rate go down. Member Davidson said thank you to the Treasurer Davis, her numerous hours and we could not have done it without her. Also, thank you to Member Amor and Friedrich. Member Amor said that she seconds that about Treasurer Davis. He said in his 6 years on the Board he has seen a decrease in the tax rate and thank you to other Members for spending tax payer’s money wisely. Member Nache said she also echoes what they said. Treasurer Davis can pull a rabbit out of a hat on last minute. She is here when we are home in bed. Member Rohweder said like Wayne and Garth would say we are not worthy. 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 Sandoval to approve the Display of County Budget for FY2022-2023. Chair Friedrich said we will recess until next month. The Budget will change slightly and be on display. Member Amor said that it will be available on display to look at on the website in the Transparency Public Document Section. Chair Hawkinson stated that you can view online or view a copy of it in the County Clerks Office. 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 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.

Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Varner to approve the Ordinance for Non-Highway Vehicles. Member Link said that it will be on the County Website for viewing. The vehicle has to have a slow-moving sign, turn signal, the driver has to be 18 years of age or older, no passengers under the age of 10. It would take effect February 2023. All county roads except County 10 other then to cross and Knoxville and Abingdon that have their own permits. The County Clerk’s Office has agreed to handle the licensing of the permits. Chair Hawkinson said that it passed unanimously within committee. He said that County Highway 10 can only be used to pass from one road to another to cross. The inspection is four pictures, one of each side and the fifth picture of VIN number which will help with identification if stolen we could provide to Sheriff. This would be effective February 1, 2023. This gives the County Clerk time to prepare. In January have potential plans for pre-registration at Oak Run and Lake Bracken. More information will be to come. We did have one call of opposition of location of the permit being in the rear of the vehicle so we added or drivers’ side of vehicle. Member Amor asked about providing a map with municipalities that have their own ordinances. Chair Hawkinson said that the committee level would have to provide. Member Nache said that if the rules are followed, provide fundraisers that’s a good thing to be able to blow off steam and be careful. 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 Link and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve Bid Package #3 Mechanical for Jail Project. Member Link said that Housing and Administration approved Bid and Bring Back for five packages for public Bid. After review they tabled packages one and two. Package three for mechanical is in the packet. He said it came in at $237 less then what they had budgeted for. Member Amor asking for confirmation that this was for Phase 1. Chair Hawkinson said that this is for Housing and Administration. Member Davidson is there was only one Bid summited for package three. Chair Hawkinson said yes. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—McGunnigal, Bondi, Thierry, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Olinger, Friedrich, Rohweder, Varner, and Link—(12). Noes—(0). Abstain---Davidson, Nache, and Pugh---(3). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Link and seconded by Member Rohweder to approve Bid Package #4 Fire Alarm for Jail Project. Member Link said that there was two Bids and the lower Bid was Teufel Hunden. 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 Link and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve Bid Package # 5 Lighting for Jail Project. Member Link said that the Bid was a littler higher then budgeted since they are changing out the fixture. The new fixtures will be LED and last a longtime. Member Rohweder said that they saved money elsewhere. Member Davidson asked if there was only one Bidder. 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 Link and seconded by Member Rohweder to approve Projected Cost Amendment for Performance Contracting. Member Link said that they have a language clarification that is in the packet. Chair Hawkinson said the cost summary two that was tabled needed to be removed and do figures for temporary heating services so there is ample heat when work is being completed since temperatures dropped faster then planned. The complete contract with the amendment is on the G-drive. Member Davidson said her question will always be the cost. If I get a new roof I know the cost of the shingles. The taxpayers should know the cost. I know how much my roof would cost before doing it. Chair Hawkinson said that this is approving the change order. All receipts will go to the committee level for review before going on to the Board for approval and is not to exceed Bid specks. Member Davidson said that this has happened in the past and has been approved. She wants Transparency. Chair Hawkinson said noted for record. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—McGunnigal, Bondi, Thierry, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Krejci, Amor, Olinger, Friedrich, Pugh, Rohweder, Varner, and Link— (13). Noes— Davidson and Nache---(2). 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 and an email was sent this afternoon for the fuel purchase. There were two Bidders FS and Herr. They went with the lower Bid which was Herr. For Clarification this was a Bid and Buy and the approval was last month. Member Bondi said that this is just a disclosure formality.

Motion made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Varner to approve the Landfill Rate Increase for Calendar Year 2023. 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 Waste Disposal Contract with City of Galesburg (5 Year Contract). 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 Bid and Bring Back for New Tandem Truck Cab and Chassis. Member Bondi said that the new dump truck will replace a 2005 Sterling tandem dump truck with 220,400 miles. The dealers say it should arrive sometime in late 2023. He said that they will bid the dump body, hydraulic system and other accessories next year. 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 asked if there were any objections on combining Item 28 and 29. There was no objection.

Motion made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve the Resolution Local Agency Supplemental Appropriations, County Highway 10 Bridge Rehabilitation, Section 18-00043-01-BR and approve Amendment #1 to the Local Public Agency Agreement for Federal Participation, County Highway 10 Bridge Rehabilitation, Section 18-00043-01-BR. Member Bondi said that the original Joint Funding Agreement was approved by the Board in February 2022. The estimated cost of the project was $2,778,000. The low Bid submitted in April 2022 was $5,031,097. Two million will be covered by Grade Crossing Protection Funds from the Illinois Commerce Commission and the remaining $253,097 will come from Knox County. Chair Hawkinson said that a Cost Resolution will be needed. Highway Administrator Ratermann said yes. Chair Hawkinson asked if there would be closures and detours. Administrator Ratermann said that the detour would be marked using 4th Street and back down Seminary St. 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 Rohweder presented the report from the Nursing Home committee. The report is in the packet.

Motion made by Member Rohweder and seconded by Member Olinger to approve Training for Business Office. Member Amor asked if they have a letter of understanding. Chair Hawkinson said that it is not to exceed $39,999. It changed by not being charged at $95/hour. It will be charged in 6-minute increments not per hour. Member Amor asked how quickly would it take to go through this money. Chair Hawkinson said that it would take quite a while. He said the bulk of training is to teach the business management how to do the changes not just doing themselves. Member Davidson asked if they are working with the billing agent person. She said that we have had this service before and just cancelled Jordon so how will this be effective this time. Administrator Mines said they will help accounts receivable figure out a lot of different claims from Medicaid to different insurance agencies to see what happened with claims and recoup to get their full refund. Member Amor 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 on the Google drive. He said every October there are a plethora of them.

Motion made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Friedrich for the approval of Proposed 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 said that there were no manual checks.

Motion made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the claims against Knox County, Illinois for the period of September 29, 2022 through October 26, 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 $2,110,139.17. 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 Sandoval and seconded by Member Friedrich for the Board to go into Closed Session at 8:11p.m. for Personnel, Collective Negotiations, Security Procedures, Property, and Pending Litigation. (5 ILCS 120/2c-1,2,8, & 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.

Returned to Open Session at 8:38 p.m.

The next Regular Meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 23, 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.

Meeting recessed at 8:39 p.m.

https://co.knox.il.us/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Board-Minutes-October-2022.pdf