Galesburg Reporter

Knox County Board met Oct. 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 on Wednesday, October 25th, 2023 at 6:15 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 1 Amanda Smith

District 2 Robert Bondi

District 2 Greg Bacon

District 2 Erin Pugh

District 3 Kimberly Thierry

District 3 Pamela Davidson

District 3 Samuel Cohen

District 4 Todd Olinger

District 4 Jared Hawkinson

District 4 Joshua Kramer

District 5 Ricardo “Rick” Sandoval

District 5 Brian Friedrich

District 5 Patty Boone

And those absent: District 1 Anthony Weiss

Also present were County Clerk Scott Erickson, 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,

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 asked for additions or deletions to the agenda. There were no additions and Chair Hawkinson removed Items 21,26,27,28, and 29 from the agenda.

Chair Hawkinson asked for public comment. He asked if there was anyone that did not get a chance to sign up before the meeting started.

Jerry Ryberg said that he is addressing the Knox County Board of eight Republican and seven Democrats. He wanted to speak about the lack of transparency and why the change from having the informative packets on the website that ended last March 23rd. He wants to know what happened. He said lack of transparency is what happened. He was going to talk about the executive minutes but he is going to let that go. He said Chair Hawkinson seems to be well off financially and he feels this is due to financially benefiting from taxpayer’s money. Chair Hawkinson said that he is out of order personally attacking current Board Members. He asked him to either move on or his time will be expired. He said he can take up the issue with him personally later.

Cory Teel said she is a Deputy in the County Clerk’s office. She has been employed with the County since 2021 and has lived in Knox County since 2012.

She said she is here today to speak on the behalf of her fellow Union sisters and brothers of ASCFME Local 3217. She said that they are currently in contract negotiations and have several concerns, with the biggest being their current wages.

She talked about when growing up she always thought working for the government would be a position of honor, a position to be proud to have, and a position of stature. She said that they are all proud of what they do, and honored to be working for their community but feels when they are offered pennies above what the current minimum wage is she wants to know where is the honor, the pride, and the stature is in that.

She said their current starting wage is $13.43 and in December of 2022 the County Board voted to give them a $2.00 pay increase across the board effective 1/1/2023 with the understanding that if they do not come to a new agreement by the end of the current contract on 11/30/2023 their wages would revert back to the prior wages.

She said that in the past the County has asked the employees to not take raises, and in good faith they have been told that it will come. The raises in the past have not been competitive and have not kept up with the cost of living increases or with recent events that have caused other life altering hardships. She mentioned that many of them have two jobs to keep up with their every day to day expenses.

She said that per the United States Census Bureau, the Median income for Knox County is $45,994 with an estimated population of 48640 people. She said that they are currently the lowest paid county employees in the area. She said the starting pay for Fulton County is $19.68.

Her current position and tenure in that county pays $21.87. She stated that they do not just have one job duty, they have multiple, and all pitch in and help when necessary within their departments to make the day to day functions possible. She feels there is no one department that could function properly without them.

She said they are not asking to make what their elected officials make, they understand that they are well educated and very well versed in their areas of expertise but they are asking for a fair livable wage that is comparable with the wage study. That has been ordered and paid for by the County Board. She said that they are asking to be paid comparatively to what the other surrounding counties are paid. She said it would be easy to say go work there but like Knox County they want to hire from their county.

Chair Hawkinson said that Mrs. Teel’s three minutes were up.

Hailey Hennenfent said she had a plaque to deliver to the Board from the Farm Bureau for their support. She said she has Farm Bureau Members with her to help pass out corn and soybeans from their crops to the Board. She said that Treasurer Davis and Clerk Erickson will have to fight over who gets the plaque. She said thank you again for all the support from the Board.

Ken Springer the President of Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development he wanted to invite the Board and the community to the Manufacturing Skills Trade Show on Thursday, October 26 from 8:30am-2pm. There will be several employers there from the area. They plan on having at least 1,700 students come through to hopefully become future employees in the trades. This will be located in the new GAVC building. He said that everyone from the public is invited.

Chair Hawkinson thanked everyone for speaking.

Motion was made by Member Kramer and seconded by Member Bondi to approve the following items of the consent agenda: 1) minutes of the Regular Board Meeting on September 27, 2023 and 2) sales tax and various taxes for the month of July 2023 in the amounts of $136,891.44 and $33,898.19 and public safety tax in the amount of $234,119.74. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen and Olinger —(13). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Member Bondi said he wanted to introduce Kate Bullis to speak about the update on the Galesburg Amphitheatre Development Project.

Kate Bullis said thank you. She said that she had handouts and a copy of the email proposal. She said that she is President of Downtown Community Partnership of Galesburg. She talked about her excitement of wanting to put The Railyard which would be an outdoor performance venue located in the vacant O.T. Johnson lot in the 100 block of East Main. The venue can host 1000 attendees in a bring-your-own-seat event, or over 2500 attendees in a standing-room-only event. She figures they could get 3,000 people but they do not want it so large that they cannot keep control in there. They plan on not only building a stage but also build out the entire space as a venue with bathrooms, fencing, and gates. So, they can have a gated event with the presence of alcohol. She wants this stage to compete with Peoria and other surrounding areas. The venue will cater to bands, choral, yoga, symphony, theatre, and community activities. The space will be managed through a partnership between the City of Galesburg, Tourism, Galesburg Downtown Council, and Downtown Community Partnership. She said the cost would be $750,000 without built in bathrooms. They are asking the city to cover 50% of this cost at $375,000. The remaining costs will be raised through grants and donations. She said they could also sell naming rights. They would need a full-time employee to fun the venue. They plan on having free and ticketed shows. She said that she would work together with John Taylor and Erin Glasnovich to sink the calendar of events for the area. She spoke about the money that this would bring into the community on a weekly and yearly basics and help to bring in more residential growth, restaurants, and retail businesses. She said that this would also help bring investors to help restore the 2nd stories of the downtown buildings so they would no longer be falling apart. They have been working with Bruner, Cooper and Zuck with the stage design which as not been released yet. They would like it to look something close to the Galva stage design. They already have an offer from a business to donate the roof at cost. She said that she believes this is going to happen and wants everyone to get excited with her. She thanked Knox County Board for their support.

Chair Hawkinson said thank you.

Member Smith asked if she had consulted with the public safety officer with having that many people and their safety.

Ms. Bullis said that she agrees and will talk to them and she feels safety is very important.

Member Bondi said he wanted to elaborate on Bruner, Cooper and Zuck. He said that this is the first of a dozen and a half of things being brought to Knox County and of business opportunities. He thanked Ms. Bullis for her presentation and hoped there were more questions. Member Friedrich said that Ken Springer asked college students in the area what it would take for them to stay in the area. They said night life in the community was their number one answer.

Member Cohen asked about the businesses close by and Hospice that is across the street. Ms. Bullis said that she thinks that Hospice is just offices but not positive and there are law offices. They would not do a large event during business hours or do anything to make the property value less then they would not be doing their job. She knows there is a sound ordinance. Anything past 10pm would probably not be acceptable. She said that their goal is to build up downtown not to upset people.

State’s Attorney Kalin said that he was able to go to the pop-up concert and noticed that on the sound issue it tunnels the sound. You could not hear the music a block away each way. Ms. Bullis said yes, they had Memphis Dives for a pop-up concert and wanted to use the sound space before winter.

Member Thierry said that the Galva’s Levitt AMP Series draws people from all over and is supported very well. Galva has so much going on and the community support amazes her.

Chair Hawkinson said thank you to everyone that spoke.

Motion was made by Member Kramer and seconded by Member Cohen to approve the Proclamation on October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen and Olinger —(13). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Kramer and seconded by Member Friedrich to approve Town Contract between City of Abingdon and Knox County Sheriff. Chair Hawkinson said that the information is in the packet and going to have Member Kramer speak on this.

Member Kramer said that this is a contract between the County and the City of Abingdon. He said that the information is in the packet but going to cover a few key notes. He said that the city does not have enough coverage and the contract says they will pay $60 per hour every hour a deputy is down there.

Chair Hawkinson said that this would be up to 80 per week. The $60 would cover salary, equipment and cars.

Member Kramer said they can end this agreement after 30 days and just have to notify them 90 days prior to prices changes. He said that they can renegotiate. He said that they had discussed it being $80.

Member Bacon said so they can be called away for a County emergency and use them when they are needed.

Chair Hawkinson said correct.

Member Cohen asked about this just covering their pay or above.

Chair Hawkinson said that the $60 is slightly above for equipment and this passed unanimously in committee.

Member Davidson said that she feels 60 is lower then what it should be due to mileage, wear and tear, wages and overtime. She said that as a County she feels we are taking a bigger hit. Member Kramer said that they can renegotiate in 90 days and it is not set in stone. Chair Hawkinson said that after 30 days they will look at and renegotiate if needed. Member Bacon said that so if our price goes up then their price goes up. Member Friedrich said that during the negotiations meeting they understand that it could go up. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen and Olinger —(13). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Chair Hawkinson spoke about the Knox County 708 mental Health Board and said that this grant cycle round is complete. He said that there was 13 requestees. He stated that Mr. Watts will give a full presentation next month and also noted that two Board Members term will expire in December. He wanted it publicly known that they are publicly appointed and if interested contact anyone of them and do the application process to put your name in the hat.

Member Friedrich said that the monthly report from the Ways and Means Committees are in the packet. He said that they have had 16 budget meetings this year and he has only missed one in the past 10 years. He said that 16 has been challenging and they plan on starting in July next year.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve Resolution on Deeds of Conveyance. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen and Olinger —(13). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Kramer to approve Resolution Amending Election Judge Pay Rate. Member Friedrich said this is to up the election judges pay $20 and is zero cost to us.

Clerk Erickson said that they currently get paid $200 and this would make it $220 per election for the judges.

Member Davidson said that this is more then the city.

Clerk Erickson said that the city is different they just have to drive within the city. Some have to drive 45 mins to an hour not get mileage so this would be helpful. Member Nache wanted to know the reason they do not get paid for mileage in the county. Clerk Erickson said that they try to have them work in their areas they live. He said that only one person gets paid to drive the equipment back. He wants to keep persons interested in serving and thankful of their dedication on serving. This is zero cost to the county, and has no effect on the budget. He said that this is only a plus side.

Member Nache said thanks.

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen and Olinger —(13). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Kramer to approve Holiday Calendar for 2024. Member Friedrich said that the Judges put this out and we follow. It is in the packet. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen and Olinger — (13). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Kramer to approve Resolution Advising County Clerk of Expenditure Authorization from Previously Restricted Funds. Member Friedrich said that in last year’s budget of the $100,000 it was asked by Member Bacon for Clerk Erickson not to spend. He said that Member Bacon asked him to spend it this year. Clerk Erickson was asked not to spend until next year.

Chair Hawkinson said that this is for election equipment up to $100,000.

Clerk Erickson said that the money was set aside and it was restricted not to be touched. He said when Member Bacon said not to touch he followed that and now was told to spend it. He said most would run with what he said but he wants the Boards approval to spend the money. Member Davidson asked it would be spent on election equipment.

Clerk Erickson said that it would not be equipment but on other election related supplies for the next election coming up. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen and Olinger —(13). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Kramer to approve appointment to Board of Review of Bob Bondi. Member Friedrich said that Member Bondi agreed to step up as temporary replacement and finish out Mr. Gehring’s term on the Board of Review. He said thank you and appreciates him stepping up.

Member Bacon asked Member Bondi if he got the book read yet.

Member Davidson asked if he knew what his was doing.

Member Bondi said thank you for the vote of confidence.

Member Nache said thank you for stepping up.

Member Friedrich said that Member Bondi’s resume is in the packet.

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Cohen and Olinger —(12). Noes— (0). Abstain---Bondi---(1). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Kramer to approve Resolution Authorizing Additional Gate Fee at Landfill for Building Fund. Member Friedrich said that this was created since they did not have a building fund until Member Bacon had brought the idea up and was started years ago. They now do this every year since Member Bacon had brought this up. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen and Olinger — (13). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Kramer to approve Resolution Authorizing Transfer of Portion of Gate Fee Charged at Landfill for Building Fund. Member Friedrich said the last one was to do it and this one is to transfer the funds. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen and Olinger —(13). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Kramer to approve Resolution Authorizing Additional Gate Fee at Landfill for General Fund. Member Friedrich said that they do this every year. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen and

Olinger —(13). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Kramer to approve Resolution Authorizing Allocation of Certain Gate Receipts at Landfill to Special Contingency Fund. Member Friedrich said that 10% of the fees coming in go to this fund. Member Davidson said you kind of mumbled at the end.

Member Friedrich said they go to the Special Contingency Fund. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen and Olinger —(13). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Kramer to approve Resolution Authorizing Allocation of Interest from certain accounts at Landfill to Special Contingency Fund. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen and Olinger — (13). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Kramer to approve Resolution for ARPA amending previous Resolution – Sheriff Truck Purchase. Member Friedrich said what has happened is the supplier listed for the three trucks was unable to produce. He said Sheriff Harlan found three at a new location. This would amend where they are purchased from and fix the typo in there.

Chair Hawkinson said notation that it is for $153,129 supplement context. He said the previous amount does not change just record keeping. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen and Olinger —(12). Noes— (0). Abstain---Davidson ---(1). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Kramer to approve Resolution for Special Contingency Fund Use. Member Friedrich said that he does not have. Chair Hawkinson said that it is page 73 in the packet. He said that this is for the Treasurer to be able to transfer funds for County Nursing Home from County funds for general maintenance.

Member Friedrich said that these funds are restricted to certain entities.

Member Davidson said that she will be voting yes to keep the facilities up and going and paying bills. She said in the future they need to look into removing this and keeping the funds at the landfill. She said it has been on the docket for years and years.

Member Friedrich said that they have talked about the what if and talked about not moving money from landfill. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen and Olinger —(13). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Kramer to approve display of Tentative Levy for FY2023-2024. Chair Hawkinson said he will have Treasurer Davis came up about the estimated EAV 1,070,920,448.00. He spoke about the approved rate and the actual rate.

Treasurer Davis said that funds for social security, pension and tort are based on to create the estimated EAV. She said we project high in order to make sure we have money for those funds.

Member Bacon said that the county only gets 10-11% other goes to school, fire and others.

Clerk Erickson said there will be a copy in our office.

Member Bacon said that it is like one billion but we do not get that.

Treasurer Davis said we get a small part of that. She said a very small part.

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen and Olinger —(13). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Kramer to approve display of Tentative Budget for FY 2023-2024. Member Friedrich said that they have worked hard on this. He said that Department Heads worked with them. They went back and forth with Treasurer Davis and she worked with us.

Member Friedrich said next year is going to be hard and they will work even harder on the budget.

Chair Hawkinson said that on August 15 they were at a $3.4 million-dollar deficit and on August 28th $2.946 million dollars and then now Treasurer Davis said we are balanced due to multiple departments that helped to make $648,868 in revenue to make a balanced budget.

Member Bacon said thanks to Treasurer Davis for the long hours and good job. Chair Hawkinson said that Treasurer Davis attended all 16 not just 12 like last year. He also thanked Tracey Bailey and the rest of Board Members that took time out of their schedules and time away from their families. He said they did 16 meetings. They lasted 2-3 hours and some were 3 ½ hours long.

Member Nache said she wants it to be known they are $1.4 million in the hole. We are using funds to fix the problem short term. She said that she only missed one meeting this year due to a medical procedure. She said this needs to be understood. They are $1.3 million in the hole and that is what everyone needs to understand.

Member Friedrich said they will work harder next year.

Member Davidson said Member Nache is a trooper. She said that by taking out of contingency we are hurting everyone. She warned everyone and Department Heads about if we have another really bad crisis emergency we will be hurting. We were fortunate for ARPA funds from Covid. We need every Department Head to research and work harder on your budget. She said that this is taxpayer’s money. She said every last one of you this is your money.

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi and Cohen—(12). Noes—Olinger--- (1). Motion carried.

Member Friedrich said the budget will adjust a little more but, it should not be much.

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 Friedrich to approve replacement of wrecked squad car. He said that this is to replace the squad car that was wrecked. Member Friedrich asked if it is a low number for reimbursement due to the car needing retired.

Member Kramer said yes it was an older one.

Member Davidson asked if it had over 100,000 miles on the squad car.

Member Kramer said yes 130,000 miles.

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen and Olinger —(13). Noes— (0). 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 Sandoval to approve Bid for County Fuel for Fiscal Year 2023-2024. Member Bondi said that there were two bidders, West Central FS for $696,145.60 and Herr Petroleum for $700,940. He said that the bid opening was today in the County Clerk’s Office at 11am.

Member Cohen asked them to scroll down on the agenda on the screen so the viewing public could see.

Member Nache asked for Member Bondi to repeat the numbers for her. Member Bondi repeated the numbers FS $696,145.60 and Herr $700,940. Member Nache asked if this is a first that Herr did not get the bid. Landfill Administrator Cleair said that at least for the last four years that he knows of. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen and Olinger —(13). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Nache to approve invoice for $46,872.16 for IEPA Quarterly Tonnage Fee. Member Bondi said that if he is correct this is paid on the 15th of the month.

Landfill Administrator Cleair said correct. This is a routine bill and a set fee that we have to pay.

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen and Olinger —(13). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Kramer to approve rate increase for Landfill for 2024. Member Bondi said that the increase is $1 per ton across the board. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen and Olinger —(13). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Kramer to approve Performance Contract Phase 2 Invoice Application #10 for $73,029.73. Member Bondi said that the current payment due is $71,029.78. and not $73,029.73. He would like to make the adjustment in the motion. He said that the remaining balance would be $236,535.22. The invoices and lien licenses are in the packet.

Chair Hawkinson said that the exterior sealant is complete. He said that have been working on the booking area but it is used 24/7.

Member Bondi said that they are gaining on it and should be done by year end. Chair Hawkinson said that the entire project will be done by year end. He said that the exterior will be done by the end of the month and the entryway is completed. Member Nache said that she will have to go look at it.

Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen and Olinger —(12). Noes— (0). Abstain---Sandoval---(1). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Kramer to approve Performance Contract Phase 2A Invoice Application #8 for $120,613.89. Member Bondi said that the invoices and lien waivers are in the packet. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes— Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen and Olinger —(12). Noes— (0). Abstain---Sandoval---(1). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Bondi and seconded by Member Kramer to approve Bid and Bring Back for County Wide Facility Maintenance Contract. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen and Olinger —(13). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Member Bacon presented the report from the Health and Human Services committee. The report is in the packet. He said thank you to Member Nache and the committee. He said that they have had a few bumps in the road but still have not borrowed from the referendum. Chair Hawkinson said thank you for the lengthy report.

Chair Hawkinson stated that the reports from the outside committees 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 Kramer to approve Opening of Budget for Line Item Changes. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen and Olinger —(13). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Friedrich and seconded by Member Sandoval for the approval of Proposed Line Item Changes. Chair Hawkinson said that the line item changes are lengthy due to end of year to cover expenses. He said that they were made available last Friday.

Member Nache asked if any certain one stands out to Chair Hawkinson that he is concerned with.

Chair Hawkinson said not to himself. If anyone did they asked questions prior to the meeting. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen and Olinger —(13). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Chair Hawkinson said that the manual checks are in the Board packet. He thanked Treasurer Davis for getting them ready and in the packet for review early.

Motion made by Member Kramer and seconded by Member Olinger to approve the claims by Members for per diem and mileage for the Committee Meetings of October 2023, Board Meetings in September, and other claims for per diem from Meetings. Chair Hawkinson said the total is $5,250.52. He said that the information was put on the G-drive on Monday morning. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen and Olinger —(13). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

Motion made by Member Olinger and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the claims against Knox County, Illinois for the period of September 28, 2023 through October 25, 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 $2,200,278.27. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes— Nache, Bacon, Davidson, Hawkinson, Sandoval, Pugh, Thierry, Kramer, Friedrich, Smith, Bondi, Cohen and Olinger —(13). Noes— (0). Motion carried.

The next Regular Meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 22, 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.

Chair Hawkinson said that a few Board Members were requesting to change the date for the Board Meeting in November due to traveling for Thanksgiving to visit family. Member Bondi said that he would really appreciate it due to him traveling for Thanksgiving.

Chair Hawkinson said that he had talked to Treasurer Davis and she would prefer Monday or Tuesday due to being so close to the end of the year.

Treasurer Davis said Monday would be appreciated.

Meeting recessed at 7:44 p.m.

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