PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNTY BOARD

PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNTY BOARD

KNOX COUNTY, ILLINOIS

February 25, 2004

STATE OF ILLINOIS )

)

COUNTY OF KNOX )

Proceedings of the regular meeting of the Knox County Board, held at the Knox County Courthouse, Galesburg, Illinois on Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 6:00 p.m.

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Sally Keener and upon roll call the following members reported present:

District 3 Dale Parsons

District 4 Sally Keener

District 5 Ricardo Sandoval

District 1 Allen Pickrel

District 2 Dana Shallenberger

District 3 Paul Hevland

District 4 Lowell Mannhardt

District 5 Gerald Link

District 1 Linda Roberts

District 2 Willliam Abel

District 3 Janet Occhi

District 4 Wayne Saline

District 5 Stephen Johnson

and those absent: District 1 Kimla Sheetz

District 2 Gayle Keiser

and also present was Scott Erickson, County Clerk.

Chairman Keener led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Rev. John Grimes gave the invocation.

Chairman Sally Keener asked if there were any additions to the agenda. W. Saline asked that Finance & Insurance Item #l5 be moved up to beginning of Finance Committee; Item #14 will be deleted.

Public Comment - Darin Smith, Local #649, Peoria, Il. a mechanic for Gunther Construction for l2 years addressed the Board asking for consideration of using local contractors and employees for Knox County projects. There are 66 operators who live in Knox County. Steve Fox, Local #538 Laborers, concurred asking to keep dollars in Knox County. Out of county contractors will spend their money in their own county.

Chairman Sally Keener presented the following consent agenda for approval: l) minutes of the board meeting held January 28, 2004; 2) claims against Knox County, Illinois, for the period of January 29, 2004 - February 25, 2004 (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); 3) claims by members for per diem and mileage for the meeting of February 25, 2004; 4) financial reports of Scott G. Erickson, County Clerk, Robin E. Davis, Treasurer, Nancy J. McCune, Recorder, Kelly Cheesman, Circuit Clerk, and James K. Thompson, Sheriff for the month of January, 2004, filed with the Clerk; 5) sales tax and various taxes for the month of November, 2003 in the amounts of $87,300.08 and $18,005.53 and public safety tax in the amount of $73,723.l5. Motion to approve consent agenda by Jan Occhi seconded by William Abel. Steve Johnson requested Item #2 be removed, and vote by roll call on Items l, 3-5 as follows: Ayes - Parsons, Keener, Sandoval, Pickrel, Shallenberger, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Roberts, Abel, Occhi, Saline, Johnson - (l3); Noes - (0). Motion carried. Motion by Wayne Saline to approve Item #2 seconded by Jan Occhi and vote by roll call as follows: Ayes - Parsons, Keener, Sandoval, Shallenberger, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Roberts, Abel, Occhi, Saline - (ll); Noes - (0); Abstain - Pickrel, Johnson - (2). Motion carried.

6:l5 p.m. - Gayle Keiser entered.

Eric Voyles presented the report on GREDA’s activities.

Chairman Sally Keener presented the following proclamation:

PROCLAMATION

OF THE

KNOX COUNTY BOARD

WHEREAS, the County of Knox recognizes the importance of existing business in the overall local economy;

WHEREAS, the County of Knox recognizes the statistics that show most new job growth will come from existing business;

WHEREAS, the County of Knox wants to continue to support existing business and asks local residents to support local business, as well;

WHEREAS, the County of Knox recognizes the formal efforts of the Galesburg Regional Economic Development Association’s annual Business Development and Retention Program through their task force of volunteers from throughout the community;

Greg Chance, Health Department Administrator, presented the annual report of the Board of Health ending November 30, 2003. The report will be on file in the County Clerk’s office. Motion by Dale Parsons to approve report seconded by Gayle Keiser. Motion carried.

Motion by Lowell Mannhardt to appoint Scott Erickson as Parliamentarian for the Board seconded by Dale Parsons and vote by roll call as follows; Ayes - Keiser, Parsons, Keener, Sandoval, Pickrel, Shallenberger, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Roberts, Abel, Occhi, Saline, Johnson - (l4); Noes - (0). Motion carried.

Wayne Saline, Finance/Insurance Committee, introduced Joe Hurley of the computer firm DevNet. Mr. Hurley stated all values from conversion were installed in the Assessor’s office today and office staff received training. Another staff member will work with them for the next two days and he will be back March 8^th. It is anticipated the Assessor’s office will be able to roll to the County Clerk’s office July l and after tax extensions are completed, tax bills will be printed and mailed approximately August or September. Different staffing options were discussed among Board members and Chairman Keener suggested we have monthly updates on the progress.

Wayne Saline made motion to go into closed session for pending litigation seconded by Steve Johnson and vote by roll call as follows: Ayes - Keiser, Parsons, Keener, Sandoval, Pickrel, Shallenberger, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Roberts, Abel, Occhi, Saline, Johnson - (l4); Noes - (0). Motion carried.

Motion by Steve Johnson Knox County pay the sum of $l2,687.l8 for final resolution to the worker’s comp. claim by Vicki Cadwell seconded by William Abel and vote by roll call as follows: Ayes - Keiser, Parsons, Keener, Sandoval, Pickrel, Shallenberger, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Roberts, Abel, Occhi, Saline, Johnson - (l4); Noes - (0). Motion carried. Motion by Steve Johnson the County of Knox pay amount of $30,000 for full and final settlement of law suit brought by Abend, Singleton & Associates seconded by Dale Parsons and vote by roll call as follows: Ayes - Keiser, Parsons, Keener, Sandoval, Pickrel, Shallenberger, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Roberts, Abel, Occhi, Saline, Johnson - (l4); Noes - (0). Motion carried.

Motion by Wayne Saline to adopt “Resolution abating the tax heretofore levied for the year 2003 to pay debt service on $8,000,000.00 General Obligation Bonds (Sales Tax Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2003 of the Public Safety Building, Knox County, Illinois” seconded by Rick Sandoval and vote by roll call as follows: Ayes - Keiser, Parsons, Keener, Sandoval, Pickrel, Shallenberger, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Roberts, Abel, Occhi, Saline, Johnson - (l4); Noes - (0). Motion carried.

Motion by Wayne Saline to adopt “Resolution abating the tax heretofore levied for the year 2003 to pay debt service on $8,000,000.00 General Obligation Bonds (Sales tax Alternate revenue Source), Series l999 of the Public Safety Building, Knox County, Illinois” seconded by Gerald Link and vote by roll call as follows: Ayes - Keiser, Parsons, Keener, Sandoval, Pickrel, Shallenberger, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Roberts, Abel, Occhi, Saline, Johnson - (l4); Noes - (0). Motion carried.

Motion by Wayne Saline to adopt “Resolution abating the tax heretofore levied for the year 2003 to pay debt service on $l,905,000 General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2001 of the Mary Davis Home, Knox County, Illinois” seconded by Lowell Mannhardt and vote by roll call as follows: Ayes - Keiser, Parsons, Keener, Sandoval, Pickrel, Shallenberger, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Roberts, Abel, Occhi, Saline, Johnson - (l4); Noes - (0). Motion carried.

Wayne Saline reported the audit by Blucker & Kneer of the County Clerk’s office found no discrepancies. The final audit will be presented in April and questions can be asked at that time.

Rick Sandoval made motion after the February Board Meeting, the Board forgo their per diems until the first tax disbursements are made seconded by Dana Shallenberger and vote by roll call as follows: Ayes - Keiser, Keener, Sandoval, Pickrel, Shallenberger, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Roberts, Abel, Occhi, Saline, Johnson - (l3); Noes - Parsons - (l). Motion carried.

Allen Pickrel, Public Safety Committee, reported the Mary Davis Home has 75 juveniles with ll from Knox County. The Home has $750,000 in liquid assets. The Department of Corrections conducted an inspection on February l7th with no report yet. The Knox County Law Enforcement Center enrollment averaged 80 inmates with 20 federal prisoners. Allen Pickrel made motion to bid and bring back bids for roof repairs and water heater for Courthouse seconded by Rick Sandoval. Motion carried.

Gerald Link, Highway, Landfill & Zoning reported the Zoning staff is going through files, cleaning, sorting and updating. Motion by Gerald Link to approve reorganization of Zoning Department - Health Department will continue to do field work and inspections, person hired to replace Bobbi McCullough will do office work and Joyce Skinner will do administrative work seconded by William Abel. It was suggested Alan Hallberg continue to do administrative work until tax bills are out. Motion by Jan Occhi to table seconded by Dale Parsons and vote by roll call as follows: Ayes - Keiser, Parsons, Keener, Sandoval, Pickrel, Shallenberger, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Roberts, Abel, Occhi, Saline, Johnson - (l4); Noes - (0). Motion carried.

Gerald Link, made motion to accept bid of Knapheide Truck Center for dump body, hydraulic system, salt spreader and snow wing in the amount of $38,973.00 seconded by Rick Sandoval and vote by roll call as follows; Ayes - Keiser, Parsons, Keener, Sandoval, Pickrel, Shallenberger, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Roberts, Abel, Occhi, Saline, Johnson - (l4); Noes - (0). Motion carried. Motion by Gerald Link to accept bid of Koenig Body & Equipment in the amount of $l6,708.00 for l0/l2 cu. yd. pup trailer seconded by Rick Sandoval and vote by roll call as follows: Ayes - Keiser, Parsons, Keener, Sandoval, Pickrel, Shallenberger, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Roberts, Abel, Occhi, Saline, Johnson - (l4); Noes - (0). Motion carried. Motion by Gerald Link to accept state bid on ½ ton pick up in the amount of $l2,308.00 and 3/4 ton pickup in the amount of $828.73 seconded by Steve Johnson and vote by roll call as follows: Ayes - Keiser, Keener, Mannhardt, Link, Abel, Occhi, Johnson - (7); Noes - Parsons, Pickrel, Shallenberger, Hevland, Saline - (5); Abstain - Sandoval, Roberts - (2); Motion carried. Motion by Gerald Link to approve purchase of computer equipment for GIS from TriLutions in the amount of $l5,449.00 seconded by Wayne Saline. After discussion, Wayne withdrew second and Jerry withdrew motion. Motion by Gerald Link to bid and bring back purchase of computer equipment seconded by Rick Sandoval. Motion carried. Motion by Gerald Link to approve low bid of $l39,637.50 for Knox Township bridge construction by Laverdeire, Macomb, Il. seconded by Jan Occhi and vote by roll call as follows: Keiser, Keener, Mannhardt, Link, Roberts, Abel, Occhi, Saline, Johnson - (9); Noes - Parsons, Sandoval, Pickrel, Shallenberger, Hevland - (5); Motion carried. Motion by Gerald Link seconded by Rick Sandoval to approve Hanson Professional Services, Inc. for professional engineering and design services on CH-29 Gray Corners Bridge Replacement and CH-20 Spoon River Rehabilitation seconded by Rick Sandoval and vote by roll call as follows: Ayes - Keiser, Parsons, Keener, Sandoval, Pickrel, Shallenberger, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Roberts, Abel, Occhi, Saline, Johnson - (l4); Noes - (0). Motion carried. Motion by Gerald Link to approve funding for North Lake Storey Road CH-30 approval for replacement bituminous hot mix and shoulder work paving l.95 miles $l50,000 project with 80% federal funding with $30,000 to be paid local seconded by Bill Abel and vote by roll call as follows: Ayes - Keiser, Parsons, Keener, Sandoval, Pickrel, Shallenberger, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Roberts, Abel, Occhi, Saline, Johnson - (l4); Noes - (0). Motion carried.

Gerald Link reported gate receipts at the Landfill were $244,0l5. The Landfill contracted with the City to grind brush. The EPA fined the Landfill for two $500 fines or total of $l,000 which was expected. The Committee tabled Larry Larson’s contract until next month. The committee would like to have amount Nursing Home owes Landfill in the packet each month.

Motion by Jan Occhi to approve Employee Handbook which was in the packet seconded by William Abel and vote by roll call as follows: Ayes - Keiser, Parsons, Keener, Sandoval, Pickrel, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Roberts, Abel, Occhi, Saline, Johnson - (l3); Noes - Shallenberger - (l). Motion carried. Motion by Jan Occhi to advertise for bids for special items in the Public Safety building seconded by Allen Pickrel. Motion carried. The Committee will work on committee structure and new ordinance on responsibility for bids.

William Abel, Social Services Committee, reported the Home is 22.30% on revenue and l8% on expenses and owes nothing to the Landfill. Motion by William Abel seconded by Dale Parsons to approve Abingdon Salvage for rubbish removal at the Nursing Home and vote by roll call as follows: Ayes - Keiser, Parsons, Keener, Sandoval, Pickrel, Shallenberger, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Roberts, Abel, Occhi, Saline, Johnson - (l4); Noes - (0). Motion carried. Motion by William Abel to renew farm lease with C. L. Palmer at $5,655 per year seconded by Jan Occhi and vote by roll call as follows: Ayes - Keiser, Parsons, Keener, Sandoval, Pickrel, Shallenberger, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Roberts, Abel, Occhi, Saline, Johnson - (l4); Noes - (0). Motion carried.

Chairman Sally Keener reported the next meeting will be Wednesday, March 24, 2004 at 6:00 p.m. at the Knox County Courthouse, Galesburg, Illinois.