PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNTY BOARD

KNOX COUNTY, ILLINOIS

March 24, 2004

STATE OF ILLINOIS )

) ss

COUNTY OF KNOX

Proceedings of the regular meeting of the Knox County Board, held at the Knox County Courthouse, Galesburg, Illinois on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 at 5:30 p.m.

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

District 1 Kimla Sheetz

District 2 Gayle Keiser

District 3 Dale Parsons

District 4 Sally Keener

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 William Abel

District 3 Janet Occhi

District 4 Wayne Saline

District 5 Stephen Johnson

and those absent: District 5 Ricardo Sandoval

and also present were: James K. Thompson, Sheriff and Scott G. Erickson, County Clerk.

Motion by Dana Shallenberger to go into closed session to discuss personnel seconded by Jan Occhi and vote by roll call as follows: Ayes - Sheetz, Keiser, Parsons, Keener, Pickrel, Shallenberger, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Roberts, Abel, Occhi, Saline, Johnson - (l4); Noes - (0). Motion carried.

6:08 - Return to open session.

Sheriff Thompson delivered the proclamation, Chairman Keener led the members in the pledge to the flag and Rev. Leigh Nygard gave the invocation.

Chairman Keener asked if there were any additions to the agenda. Orpheum update would be added and Tony Franklin, University of Illinois Extension would introduce a new member.

Chairman Keener asked for public comment. There was none.

Chairman Keener presented the following consent agenda for approval: l) Minutes of the Board Meeting held February 25, 2004; 2) Claims against Knox County, Illinois, for the period of February 26, 2004 - March 24, 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 March 24, 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 February, 2004, filed with the Clerk; 5) Sales tax and various taxes for the month of December, 2003 in the amounts of $87,300.08 and $l8,005.53 and public safety tax in the amount of $73,723.l5; 6) Appointment of Mr. Harold D. Wilson as Trustee of the Galesburg Sanitary District; 7) Appointment of Mr. William R. Shea as President of the Wataga Sanitary District Board; 8) Appointment of Mr. Greg Wessel to the Board of Trustees of the Elba-Salem Fire Protection District. Motion to approve the consent agenda by Steve Johnson seconded by Jan Occhi and vote by roll call as follows: Ayes - Sheetz, Keiser, Parsons, Keener, Sandoval, Pickrel, Shallenberger, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Roberts, Abel, Occhi, Saline, Johnson - (l5); Noes - (0). Motion carried.

Jennifer Rakestraw, Civic Center Authority Managing Director, presented highlights of the fourth quarter and Mark Blackburn addressed the financial statement. The Orpheum has had 60% growth over previous year with 87 events compared to 53. $80,740.52 was received in donations and $60,599.5l from hotel/motel tax. As of December 3l, 2003 total revenue was $367,784 with expenses at $328,94l showing $38,843 profit on cash basis which is invested back into the building.

Tony Franklin, University of Illinois Extension introduced Eric Hanson who has joined the staff to help in grant writing class and will work with GREDA.

Chairman Keener reported the conditions of the banks as of December 31, 2004 are on file in the County Clerk’s office.

Chairman Keener informed the Board Alan Hallberg will present Ben Perkins with a written letter of reprimand in response to the scathing article in his newsletter which will be placed in his permanent file.

Wayne Saline, Finance/Insurance Committee reported $764,000 fund balance. Public safety has $73,700 balance with next bond payment due in June. Revenues and expenses should be at 25% and are 23.5% and 28.3% respectively. Update on property tax billing process, it appears the tax bills will be sent out in September.

Wayne Saline presented the following resolution:

WHEREAS, the County of Knox operates that enterprise known as the Knox County Nursing Home; and

WHEREAS, previously on November 24, 2003, the Knox County Board did approve by Resolution Number 2003-0058, which provided that monies, on a revolving basis, however, not to exceed in the aggregate an outstanding indebtedness of $560,000.00 was authorized to be transferred from time to time from the Knox County Landfill Fund to that of the Knox County Nursing Home Fund to meet current expenses; and

WHEREAS, the County of Knox is now anticipating a delay in the receipt of its anticipated tax revenues, which may result in the general fund having insufficient revenues to meet its ongoing obligations; and

WHEREAS, the Knox County Nursing Home also presently has the sum of $776,232.55, on hand in the Knox County Nursing Home’s tax levy account, which could be used for the purposes of the payment of expenses necessary for the care and maintenance of the home, as well as the maintenance, personal care and nursing services of the patients therein, and to meet payroll, but not for use in increasing the payment of the wages and salary of personnel; and

WHEREAS, it would be more prudent to allow the Knox County Nursing Home to borrow from itself and allow the Knox County general fund to borrow from the Knox County Landfill, so as to avoid incurring the costs associated with the issuance of tax anticipation warrants.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Knox County Board that:

a. The Knox County Board’s Resolution of November 24, 2003, entitled “Resolution Authorizing Transfer of Funds from Knox County’s Landfill Fund to Knox County Nursing Home”, Resolution Number 2003-0058 is hereby rescinded.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Knox County Board that:

b. Monies, on a revolving basis, however, not to exceed in the aggregate an outstanding indebtedness of $560,000.00, is authorized, as necessary, to be transferred from time to time from the Knox County Nursing Home Tax Levy Account to that of the Knox County Nursing Home General Account to meet current expenses of the Knox County Nursing Home General Account in accordance with the above.

c. The Knox County Treasurer with the prior written authorization of the Knox County Nursing Home Administrator is hereby authorized to make such transfers as required to effect the intent of this Resolution.

d. Any interest earned, however, on any monies loaned to the Knox County Nursing Home General Account, that become invested by the Knox County General Fund prior to expenditure and earn interest, shall be credited and allocated to the Knox County Nursing Home Tax Levy Account.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TRANSFER OF FUNDS

FROM KNOX COUNTY’S LANDFILL FUND TO KNOX COUNTY GENERAL FUND

WHEREAS, the County of Knox operates that enterprise known as the Knox County Landfill; and

WHEREAS, the Knox County Landfill is generating sufficient revenues to meet and pay its payroll, bills, expenses and other obligations as they become due; and further has in reserve a sum of money in excess of l.5 million dollalrs; and

WHEREAS, the County of Knox is now anticipating a delay in receipt of its anticipated tax revenues, which may result in the general fund having insufficient revenues to meet its ongoing obligations; and

WHEREAS, it is anticipated that upon receipt of the collection and distribution of real estate property taxes, the Knox County General Fund will have sufficient income to repay the monies borrowed from the Knox County Landfill Fund by the end of fiscal year 2003 to 2004, that being November 30, 2004; and

NOW THEREFORE, it is hereby resolved by the Knox County Board that:

l. Monies, on a revolving basis, as necessary, are authorized to be transferred from time to time from the Knox County Landfill Fund to that of the Knox County General Fund to meet current expenses of the Knox County General Fund.

2. The Knox County Treasurer is hereby authorized to make such transfers as required to effect the intent of this Resolution.

3. Any interest earned, however, on any monies loaned to the Knox County General Fund, that become invested by the General Fund prior to expenditure and earn interest, shall be credited and allocated to the Knox County Landfill Fund.

4. All monies transferred to and borrowed by the Knox County General Fund from the Knox County Landfill Fund shall be repaid at the earliest opportunity, but in any event all monies so borrowed shall be paid no later than November 30, 2004.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION

FOR KNOX COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

WHEREAS, the County of Knox and the Knox County Sheriff’s Department maintains and operates a county jail; and

WHEREAS, in the initial budget for fiscal year 2003-2004, the budget for the Knox County Sheriff’s Department included the following income and expenses for the operation of the jail and the housing of out of county and federal prisoners:

Income:

Housing Out of County Prisoners $160,000.00

Expenses:

Permanent Jail $735,500.00

Transference of Federal Prisoners 0.00

Utilities 75,000.00

Cleaning/Household Supplies 5,000.00

Food 70,000.00

Building/Maintenance 30,000.00

Office Supplies 3,500.00

and

WHEREAS, the Knox county Sheriff’s Department as of February 29, 2004, has already received in income the sum of $l82,229.6l, in housing federal prisoners; and

WHEREAS, the County of Knox has received and is receiving a direct monetary benefit from the Knox County Sheriff’s Department housing out of county and federal prisoners; and

WHEREAS, the Knox County Sheriff and the Knox County Treasurer have reviewed and have seen the opportunity for the County of Knox to be innovative and creative in identifying new sources of revenue that may inure to the benefit of the Knox County General Fund; and

WHEREAS, the County of Knox in conjunction with the Knox County Sheriff’s Department desires to continue to house out of county and federal prisoners, thereby receiving income far in excess of the amount previously budgeted for same; and

WHEREAS, in order to properly, adequately and safely continue the housing of out of county and federal prisoners beyond that which was previously budgeted for it is necessary to increase the anticipated income and expenses associated with the ooperation of the jail and the housing of such prisoners; and

WHEREAS, this amendment to the 2003-2004 fiscal year budget for the Knox County Sheriff’s Department is anticipated in resulting in an additional net income to the County of Knox in the approximate amount of $l00,000.00.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the 2003-2004 fiscal year budget for the Knox County Sheriff’s Department is hereby amended to reflect the following income and expenses for the operation of the jail and the housing of out of county and federal prisoners:

Income:

Housing Out of County Prisoners $345,000.00

Expenses:

Permanent Jail $765,500.00

Transference of Federal Prisoners 5,000.00

Utilities 100,000.00

Cleaning/Household Supplies 12,500.00

Food 80,000.00

Building/Maintenance 35,000.00

Office Supplies 6,000.00

Motion by Wayne Saline to approve supplemental appropriation for Knox County Sheriff’s Department seconded by Dana Shallenberger and vote by roll call as follows: Ayes - Sheetz, Keiser, Parsons, Keener, Sandoval, Pickrel, Shallenberger, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Roberts, Abel, Occhi, Saline, Johnson - (l5); Noes - (0).

Allen Pickrel, Public Safety Committee, reported the animal rabies clinics will begin in May in nine locations. Animal control for the month of February reported five bites, six tickets issued and agreement with East Galesburg to pay $l5.00 per call. The Mary Davis Home has $655,000 in assets. There were 38 juveniles, l3 from Knox County. The DOC reported the Home was in compliance on their inspection. Randal Storm, Superintendent, tendered his resignation on February l9th, effective June 30, 2004. Six applications have been received and interviews will begin March 30^th at 8:00 a.m. with Allen Pickrel, Randal Storm, Judge Ronald Tenhold and John Condon. Hopefully someone will be hired to work with Randy for thirty days prior to his retirement. The Knox County Law Enforcement Center has 16 federal prisoners with average inmate population at 96. Allen Pickrel made motion to approve bid from Dowers Roofing in the amount of $5,273. for repairs on courthouse roof (North side and elevator shaft) seconded by Wayne Saline. After discussion William Abel made motion to table seconded by Allen Pickrel and vote by roll call as follows: Ayes - Sheetz, Keiser, Parsons, Keener, Sandoval, Pickrel, Shallenberger, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Roberts, Abel, Occhi, Saline, Johnson - (l5); Noes - (0). Motion to table carried.

7:05 Gayle Keiser left.

Gerald Link, Highway/Landfill/Zoning reported the highway is getting started with Spring work. Motion by Gerald Link to approve bid from TriLutions in the amount of $l5,468.00 for computer equipment and network server seconded by Linda Roberts and vote by roll call as follow: Ayes - Sheetz, Parsons, Keener, Sandoval, Pickrel, Shallenberger, Mannhardt, Link, Roberts, Abel, Occhi, Saline, Johnson - (l3); Noes - Hevland - (l). Motion carried. Gerald Link reported the next committee meeting will be the third Thursday in April. Gate receipts at the Landfill totaled $234,834 for the month. Larry Larson, Administrator is working on storm water permit. Motion by Gerald Link seconded by Jan Occhi to approve employment contract with Larry Larson and vote by roll call as follows: Ayes - Parsons, Keener, Link, Roberts, Occhi - (5); Noes - Sheetz, Sandoval, Pickrel, Shallenberger, Hevland, Mannhardt, Abel, Saline, Johnson - (9). Motion failed.

Jan Occhi, Planning Committee reported the committee has been going ahead with discussion on committee as a whole and would like all department heads to attend their meeting for input.

William Abel, Social Services Committee, presented the following resolution:

RESOLUTION

Resolution Knox County Board authorizing application for and execution of a Public Transportation Capital Assistance Grant under the Illinois Department of Transportation’s general authority to make such Grants.

WHEREAS, the provision of specialized paratransit service is essential to the transportation of elderly, disabled and other transportation disadvantaged persons; and

WHEREAS, the Illinois Department of Transportation’s general authority to make such Grants, makes funds available to offset certain capital costs of a private non-profit or an IDOT Certified Public Provider transportation system providing specialized paratransit service; and

WHEREAS, grants for said funds will impose certain obligations upon the recipient.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE KNOX COUNTY NURSING HOME:

Section l. That an application be made to the Division of Public Transportation, Department of Transportation, State of Illinois, for a financial assistance grant under the Illinois Department of Transportation’s general authority to make such Grants, for the purpose of offsetting certain Elderly and Disabled Transportation Program capital costs of Knox County Nursing Home.

Section 2. That Ben Perkins, Administrator, an employee of Knox County Nursing Home, is hereby authorized and directed to execute and file such application on behalf of Knox County Nursing Home.

Section 3. That Ben Perkins, Administrator of Knox County Nursing home is authorized to furnish such additional information as may be required by the Division of Public Transportation in connection with the aforesaid application for said grant.

Section 4. That Ben Perkins, Administrator of the Knox County Nursing Home is hereby authorized and directed to execute and file on behalf of the Knox County Nursing Home any grant agreement pursuant to said application.

Motion by William Abel to approve resolution seconded by Dale Parsons. Motion carried. Motion by William Abel seconded by Dale Parsons to bid and bring back proposals for an asbestos study at the nursing home. Motion carried. William Abel reported cash basis at the home is $7l0,222.33 for February, 2004 with census of l75. Revenues are at 20.92% and expenses are at 26.3l with no State funds received in February. The Committee approved renewal of agreement with Azer Rehab. Systems. A work session has been scheduled with the full board to review renovation project on April 7^th at 6:00 p.m.

Alan Hallberg, County Administrator, presented Zoning Case Z-0l-04 on Nelson’s Auto Salvage’s request to rezone farm land into M-2 involving 9.9 more acres due to business expansion. The Zoning Board of Appeals has recommended the request be denied. Motion by Steve Johnson we accept the Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation to deny Z-0l-04 seconded by Allen Pickrel and vote by roll call as follows: Ayes - Roberts - (l); Noes - Sheetz, Parsons, Keener, Sandoval, Pickrel, Shallenberger, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Abel, Occhi, Saline, Johnson - (l3). Motion failed. Motion by Gerald Link seconded by William Abel to take reorganizing Zoning Department off table and vote by roll call as follows: Ayes - Sheetz, Parsons, Keener, Sandoval, Pickrel, Shallenberger, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Roberts, Abel, Occhi, Saline, Johnson - (l4); Noes - (0). Motion carried. Alan Hallberg presented the following recommendation: Incorporate zoning into the Assessor’s office, hiring an individual, under the Assessor’s authority, to do the office work and the Health Department would do the fieldwork for the County zoning activity. Motion by Jan Occhi to approve proposal seconded by William Abel and vote by roll call as follows: Ayes - Sheetz, Keener, Sandoval, Mannhardt, Link, Roberts, Abel, Occhi - (8); Noes - Parsons, Pickrel, Shallenberger, Hevland, Saline, Johnson - (6). Motion carried.

Chairman Keener reminded the Board of the special work session Wednesday, April 7^th at 6:00 p.m. at the Courthouse and the next regular meeting will be Wednesday, April 28, 2004 at 6:00 p.m. at the Courthouse.