Galesburg Reporter

Knox County Board met Aug. 23.

Here is the agenda provided by the board:

Proceedings of the Regular Meeting of the Knox County Board held in person at the Galesburg City Council chambers on Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023 at 6:21 p.m. This meeting was presented via teleconference for viewing only. 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 Cheryl Nache

District 2 Greg Bacon

District 3 Pamela Davidson

District 4 Jared Hawkinson

District 5 Ricardo “Rick” Sandoval

District 1 Anthony Weiss

District 2 Erin Pugh

District 3 Kimberly Thierry

District 4 Joshua Kramer

District 5 Brian Friedrich

District 1 Amanda Smith

District 2 Robert Bondi

District 3 Samuel Cohen

District 4 Todd Olinger

District 5 Patty Boone

All members present

Also present were County Clerk Scott Erickson, Sheriff Jack Harlan, State’s Attorney Jeremy Karlin, and Treasurer Robin Davis. Department Heads present were Nursing Home Administrator Jodi Mines, Highway Administrator Duane Ratermann, Landfill Administrator

Rod Cleair, Knox County Public Health Administrator Michele Gabriel, Mary Davis Home Administrator Wendi Steck and Supervisor of Assessments Sonia Hochstettler,

Sheriff Harlan 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 asked for additions or deletions to the agenda. There were no additions and he removed Item 4 and 10.

Chair Hawkinson asked for public comment.

Ken Springer the President of Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development said that the monthly Economic Development Report is in the packet. He spoke about Graham Hospital breaking ground on there 8 million-dollar facility that is being built off of Seminary St. This will be their third facility in Galesburg.

KCAP helped two startup businesses receive funding from the City of Galesburg’s Women/Minority startup grant program. County Square Treasurers is a new arts/crafts mall located on N. Henderson St. in Galesburg and Pho Lover is a Vietnamese restaurant that serves traditional cuisine. Both businesses received $10,000 each in startup funds from the Galesburg City Council.

He said that the Knox County CEO Program will start their sixth year of classes on Monday, August 21st. There are 13 students in the class. They have one student from Abingdon Avon, three from Knoxville, two from Rowva, one student from Galesburg Christian School, and six students from Galesburg High School. He let everyone know that there will be multiple opportunities to interact with this year’s class, so please stay tuned.

The KCAP new website is now Live at www.knoxpartnership.com. He said please check it out and let us know what you think. You can always contact him at 309-343-1194 or by email at ken@knoxpartnership.com.

Chair Hawkinson thanked Mr. Springer for speaking.

Motion was made by Member Kramer and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the following items of the consent agenda: 1) minutes of the Regular Board Meeting on July 26, 2023 and 2) sales tax and various taxes for the month of May 2023 in the amounts of $151,761.35 and $38,415.38 and public safety tax in the amount of $256,946.19. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Weiss, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen, Olinger and Boone—(15). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Kramer and seconded by Member Weiss to approve the Proclamation in Recognition of September 11th as National Patriots Day in Knox County. Chair Hawkinson said this is the 22nd Anniversary. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes— Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Weiss, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen, Olinger and Boone—(15). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Member Friedrich said that the monthly report from the Ways and Means Committees are in the packet. He said that the budget meetings will start next week at 6 pm so we can get that rolling.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Bondi to approve Per Diem Increase for Merit Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. Member Friedrich said that when they raised the per diems for the Board they left these two out. He said that this would raise them from this point forward from $35 to $60 per meeting. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Weiss, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen, Olinger and Boone—(15). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Kramer to approve removal of Member from Board of Review. Member Friedrich said that this is due to this individual not taking the required Board of Review test. This individual is not willing to take the test. His term was 6-1-2022 to 5-31-2024. Chair Hawkinson asked Member Friedrich to say his name for the record. Member Friedrich said his name is Mike Gehring. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Weiss, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen, Olinger and Boone—(15). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Kramer to approve Resolution Modifying Bid Requirements for Highway and Landfill Departments. He said he has been talking to Landfill Administrator Cleair for months about this to make it easier for them to be able to purchase tires and things needed to keep their machines running to allow for smooth functions in their respective Departments. This would add for purchases up to $5,000 that no bids would be required for purchase, for purchases $5,001 to $15,000 they would obtain at least 2 quotes for the item or service, and any purchases $15,001 or higher the department would follow the previously establish bidding requirements and processes as established in the policy.

Member Nache asked for an answer from Member Friedrich or Member Bondi if they would still see the bill.

Member Friedrich said that the bill would still go to the committee meeting to see the bill for approval.

Member Nache said that this is still taxpayer’s money and if it was her committee she would prefer to know.

Member Friedrich said it would be brought to the committee to be approved. He said at $15,001 it goes back to the original process. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache,

Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Weiss, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen, Olinger and Boone—(15). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Bondi to approve modifications to Broadband Coordinator Agreement. Chair Hawkinson spoke on behalf of David Amor the Broadband Coordinator of what he brought to the committee. He said since the number of hours Mr. Amor worked last year to this year would be much less, instead of making $1200 per month it was brought to committee and passed to have Item C changed to $30 per hour not to exceed $1200 per month. Mr. Amor feels that he would not be using very many hours until the next round. This would reduce how much needed to be paid out each month. Member Davidson said that it is really commendable of Mr. Amor on saving taxpayers’ dollars. He does a wonderful job and should be recognized. She said most would still just take the check.

Member Bondi said that it is very honorable of Mr. Amor and glad to have him as an assistant. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Weiss, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen, Olinger and Boone— (15). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Member Kramer said that the monthly report from the Public Safety and Justice Committees are in the packet.

Motion was made by Member Kramer and seconded by Member Weiss to approve appointment to Sheriff’s Merit Commission of Corey Malek. Member Kramer said that his resume and application are on the drive. He has 23 years of law enforcement experience, served as a Marine, in the National Guard, and education of Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice.

Member Davidson said that she would be voting yes but like she has said they need a female and a person of color. They need to be more diverse, not just white men and need to look harder.

Chair Hawkinson said that Darin Pitchford who Mr. Malek would be replacing is moving out of the County. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Weiss, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen, Olinger and Boone—(15). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Kramer and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve School Resource Officer for Williamsfield CUSD. Member Kramer said that this would be the Sheriff’s Department working with Williamsfield to have a resource officer in the school. The 3- year agreement is in the packet. The breakdown is 75% of cost would be the school and the other 25% of cost for vehicle and officer would be the County.

Chair Hawkinson said that the contract was drafted between the State’s Attorney and the School District. He said the school district on August 15th approved it.

Member Kramer said that they had discussed it back and forth to adjust language changes.

Member Nache said that she is voting no due to taking them down a road were first Williamsfield then other schools asking for the same. We are just starting budget meetings so we do not know where we are sitting. She thinks they need to investigate more and if finances are there then do it and talk to other schools. She said that she is not talking about Galesburg. She is talking about Williamsfield, Knoxville, Abingdon. She is looking at the financial aspect and not a good road to go down so she is voting no.

Member Kramer said he is not 100% but thinks the officer comes back to work for the County for the summer month.

Member Bacon said that he agrees with Member Nache. He is thinking that is bad. He said that we need them in all the schools to help out but, with the budget and stuff we should wait and see where the money is coming from. We need to wait and not be adding to our expenses right now since we are in contract negotiations. He said that he does not see where in the contract it says that the SRO position returns to work for the County during the summer. Member Olinger said that he is the SRO at Galesburg High School. He works for the City of Galesburg which is his first obligation so he returns to the City during the school holidays, summer and winter break. He said that there is grant funding available out there so it is not full obligation by the County. He said it is about the safety of the students and you can not put a price on that. He said that he is there for the children’s safety and when something happens he is the first to respond and take them on to stop them. He said that Williamsfield sits out there by it self and a longer response time. He said you cannot put a price on safety for children. Member Smith said she is voting no. She said research is pretty clear that School Resource Officers do not actually improve safety at schools, but they do increase negative outcomes for students. She said it escalates the situation. It turns non-legal issues into legal issues for children and is a pipeline to prison. She said more resource officers’ in schools is not the solution.

Member Boone said that due to time and travel distance for safety of students she will be voting yes. Williamsfield students are just as important as Galesburg student’s safety so she is voting yes.

Member Cohen said he agrees with Member Smith on being a school to prison pipeline. He said that they should bring it up with budgeting and not right.

Member Pugh said she agrees with Member Cohen. She understands both sides and safety but feels they need to check out the budget first.

Member Davidson said that no one wants any children to get hurt. She said we have to have the financial means to handle our corrections and vehicle. We have not done it in awhile but we might have to raise taxes. We are not an endless pit of money. She is suggesting that they bring it back after budget or table at this time. We are in a hard time and hard financial crunch. Member Thierry asked out Galesburg if was being paid by a grant for the resource officer position.

Member Olinger said that he does not handle how paid but grants are available. Member Thierry said so they are out there.

Member Olinger said yes.

Member Kramer said that the most important thing is the safety of the students and you cannot put a price on that. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Hawkinson, Sandoval, Weiss, Kramer, Friedrich, Bondi, Olinger and Boone—(8). Noes— Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Pugh, Thierry, Smith and Cohen----(7). Motion carried.

Member Bondi presented the monthly report from the Infrastructure Committee. He stated that the reports are in the packet.

Motion made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Kramer to approve Engineering Agreement with Foth Infrastructure and Engineering LLC for Construction Phase of Leachate Management Modification. (Estimated Cost $225,000.00). Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Weiss, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen, Olinger and Boone—(15). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Nache to approve agreement for Mowing and Baling of Landfill with Donald and Trent Trowbridge – 3 Year Contract. Member Davidson asked if this is the same company that has done it for years. Member Bondi said yes.

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Weiss, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen, Olinger and Boone— (15). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve Resolution Requesting Consent to Reappointment of Incumbent as County Engineer. Member Bondi said it is a 6-year term and the current expires November 15, 2023. He said this is a request of reappointment. Then they will do another resolution for another 6 years approved by committee. This is for Duane Ratermann if it escaped anybody. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Weiss, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen, Olinger and Boone—(15). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Kramer to approve Jail Emergency Work Draw 9 – Final for $100,896.40. Member Bondi said the information is in the packet along with the lien releases that he did not have a committee but they have now. This is the final payment. He said they saved $1,059.20. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes— Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Weiss, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen, Olinger and Boone—(15). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Kramer to approve the Performance Contact Phase 2 Invoice Application 8 for $22,269.23. Member Bondi said that all releases are in the packet. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Weiss, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen, Olinger and Boone—(15). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Weiss to approve Performance Contract Phase 2A Invoice Application 6 for $98,655.03. Member Bondi said all releases are in the packet. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Weiss, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen, Olinger and Boone—(15). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Member Bacon presented the report from the Health and Human Services committee. The report is in the packet. He thanked Member Nache for taking notes at the meeting.

Motion made by Member Bacon and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve Bid for Pharmacy Services Contract at Nursing Home. Member Bacon said this gives us different benefits on medicine then we have now.

Member Nache said that because she took the minutes she did not get a chance to add during committee that these are the same people just better deals. She said that this is a plus for the taxpayers and they did their diligence for our people.

Member Davidson said saving money.

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Weiss, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen, Olinger and Boone— (15). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Bacon and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve Bid and Bring Back for Wall Repair in Dish Room. Member Bacon said that they decided to go a different way and lease the dishwasher so before we lease we want to repair the wall behind. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Weiss, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen, Olinger and Boone—(15). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Bacon and seconded by Member Pugh to approve Bid and Bring Back for Replacement Flooring in Wing 1 Day Room, Dining Room, and Nurses Station. Member Bacon said that this would make it easier to wheel people around.

Member Nache said that she did not ask this during the committee meeting due to taking notes. She asked about asbestos being an issue when removing the flooring. Member Friedrich said no that it has been removed before.

Member Davidson said 2009. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Weiss, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen, Olinger and Boone—(15). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Bacon and seconded by Member Pugh to approve MOU for DNA Tuition Reimbursement. Member Bacon said this would reimburse CNA’s for their out of pocket expense. It is $1,800 and some change. They would be reimbursed quarterly and have to

work 2 years for them. If they quit one month after their first quarterly payment then they only receive their 1st payment. He asked if this was correct.

Nursing Home Administrator Mines said yes.

Member Bacon said good I listened.

Member Davidson asked about if the student had a grant.

Member Bacon said that if the grant was for $1600 of the $1800 they would only be reimbursed for the out of pocket expense.

Member Kramer asked how many.

Administrator Mines said one right now but they are hosting students and hopefully have more apply.

Member Pugh asked about possibly adding LPN’s.

Administrator Mines said that cost is $6000 and they will first see how successful this program is. They would have to have them stay longer then 2 years.

Member Nache asked about if they left after 6 months or if it was 5 months and 20 days. Member Bacon said they would have to stay the 6 months.

Chair Hawkinson asked about the estimated cost this first round.

Administrator Mines said that they have one interested that is in GAVC so it would be a $200 for her out of pocket expense. She said that this is the first time they have put it out there. Chair Hawkinson asked about a cap.

Member Bacon said that for $1895 maybe fifty.

Chair Hawkinson said so no cap.

Member Bacon said we will not have more then 50.

Chair Hawkinson asked where the money will come out of.

Administrator Mines said out of Training.

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Weiss, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen, Olinger and Boone— (15). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Member Bacon said they have over one million in the bank and are another month in the black.

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 Kramer and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve Opening of Budget for Line Item Changes. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Weiss, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen, Olinger and Boone—(15). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Nache for the approval of Proposed Line Item Changes. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon,

Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen, and Boone—(13). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Chair Hawkinson said that the Treasurer provided manual checks in the packet.

Motion made by Member Bacon and seconded by Member Kramer to approve the claims by Members for per diem and mileage for the Committee Meetings of August 2023, Board Meetings in July, and and other claims for per diem from Meetings. Chair Hawkinson said it is in the G-drive for review and the total is $3,118.18.

Member Cohen asked about per diems and if there was an update from June for ex officio, rules, and mistake in the rule changing.

Chair Hawkinson said that he is waiting on the documentation and opinion from the State’s Attorney. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Weiss, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen, Olinger and Boone—(15). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Kramer and seconded by Member Bondi to approve the claims against Knox County, Illinois for the period of July 27, 2023 through August 23, 2023 (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). Chair Hawkinson reported that the vouchers submitted were in the amount of $2,599,311.11. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Weiss, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen, Olinger and Boone—(15). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

The next Regular Meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 6:00 p.m., at Galesburg City Hall Council Chambers. The Zoom option is for public viewing 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—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Weiss, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen, Olinger and Boone— (15). Noes— (0). Motion carried. Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 7:19 p.m.

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