PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNTY BOARD

KNOX COUNTY , ILLINOIS

March 9, 2005

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 9, 2005 at 6:00 p.m.

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

District 1         Caroline Porter

District 2         Gayle Keiser

District 3         Janet Occhi

District 4         George Knapp

District 5         Gerald Link

District 2         Greg Bacon

District 3         Paul Hevland

District 4         Wayne Saline

District 5         Ricardo Sandoval

District 1         Linda Roberts

District 2         Dana Shallenberger

District 3         Dale Parsons

District 4         Lowell Mannhardt

District 5         Stephen Johnson

and those absent:                 District 3         Allen Pickrel

Also present was Scott Erickson, County Clerk .

            Chairman Occhi led the members in the pledge to the flag and Darrell Hughes from Bethel Baptist Church gave the invocation.

            Chairman Occhi asked if there were any additions to the agenda. She asked for an addition to the agenda under item 7a, a letter for discussion. Member Johnson asked to discuss a landfill update under item 13a.

            Chairman Occhi asked if there were any public comments. Randy Lynch,

Union Representative, addressed the board about the policy for employees and advised the Board to take a long hard look at it. He recommended that the Board vote to abide by the County policy. He also stated that the County Board should continue to meet in the Courthouse. Will Azer of Azer Rehab Systems also addressed the Board. He spoke in regard to the physical therapy contract for the Nursing Home. If the County is looking to save money, three things should be pointed out: 1) Since we are locally based, our people are available and only a mile away; 2) We have serviced the County Nursing Home for 19 years; and 3) We have provided efficient service and since we know how to categorize patients, the reimbursement rate is higher. He stated that he would be available later to answer questions when this contract is discussed.

            Chairman Occhi presented the following consent agenda for approval: 1) Minutes of the Board Meeting held February 23, 2005; 2) Claims against Knox County, Illinois, for the period of February 24, 2005-March 9, 2005 (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); and 3) Claims by Members for per diem and mileage for the Meeting of March 9, 2005. Member Bacon moved that Consent Agenda item number 2 be removed and voted on separately.  Motion by Member Johnson, seconded by Member Saline to approve consent agenda items 1 and 3 and roll call as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson – (14); Noes – (0). Motion carried.         

            Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Shallenberger to approve Consent Agenda Item 2 with roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson – (13); Noes – (0); Pass –Bacon (1). Motion carried.         

            Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Mannhardt to approve the Appointment of Richard D. Allen as Trustee of Galesburg Sanitary District with roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson – (14); Noes – (0). Motion carried.

            Member Porter discussed the tax bill timetable. This was presented for information only; this is not a measure to be approved. Member Porter said that she thinks that communication was the issue. Recently, she had spoken to Joyce Skinner, Supervisor of Assessments; Robin Davis, Treasurer; Mike Gehring, Board of Review Chairman; and Member Knapp who is on the Board of Review. She distributed a handout to the Members which contained some research of State deadlines for the schedule of tax assessments, publication, tax bills, complaints, and Board of Review work. She stated that the situation this year is not ideal. The Board of Review hearings will be March 17 and 18, which is late.  Supervisor of Assessments hopes to roll over the assessments to the County Clerk ’s Office by March 23. The County Clerk ’s Office will need about three or four weeks to apply the rates and get the multiplier. Hopefully the Clerk can roll to the Treasurer by April 20. The Treasurer’s office can get the bills out in about two weeks which would be by May 4. If we have a 28 day deadline for people to pay their taxes, the due date would be June 1. If we have a 30 day deadline, the due date would be June 6. Last meeting Member Johnson disturbed information about the Illinois Property Tax Code which clearly shows our deadlines. We need to get back to what is stated in the Property Tax Code. Property assessments are to be determined as of January 1, 2005 . The Assessor’s work should be completed by April. Assessments should be published by July 10. Complaints due by August 10 and the Board of Review work should be done by October 7. She also related that Joyce Skinner told her even though the deadlines can be great; the State Legislature keeps changing the requirements that her office has to follow. The State Department of Revenue is operating with a much smaller staff. She reports that Joyce Skinner is looking forward to the new system of electing multi-township assessors this April election; however, they do not start until January 2006. She believes that this new system will relieve the Assessor’s office of much responsibility and work. Member Porter recommends the hiring of at least one more Staff person to assist with this year’s work. Chris Gray has had to spend a lot of time working with the GIS system and has been not as available to help. Member Porter also recommended that the Assessor’s office and Board of Review should follow state guidelines as closely as possible, regardless of deadlines of County Clerk or Treasurer’s offices and regardless of additional Certificates of Error that may have to be issued. If these deadlines are unrealistic, our State legislators should be contacted. Member Johnson stated that previously he has said that we need another person in the Assessor’s office, due to the increased work load. He thinks that it would be appropriate to add another person to that staff. Member Saline stated that this was his concern when we moved GIS to that office. We were assured at that time that they were not under staffed. When we prepared the budget, they told us that they didn’t need another person. He does not think that we are getting all the information and these facts continue every year and we are always late. We need to go with this deadline. Member Porter recommended that we hire another full-time person. Joyce Skinner responded that there is a part-time person in the budget. She says that she does not need another person and that last year was the first year they were late since she has been here. Member Saline responded that she had been late almost every year. Skinner stated that she had not been late; there were no late tax bills until last year. Member Saline stated that according to State Statues, that is not true. Skinner stated that December 31 is the deadline and another staff person would require training and schooling. She doesn’t want a part-time person; it is not the amount of work as it is the deadlines.  Skinner also brought up the fact that if the multiplier that comes from the State is incorrect then the County would have to pay the State’s half of her salary.  Skinner stated that the Board makes a timeline she will see that they meet it, but she will not be responsible for the repercussions of it. She is also not happy with the Members pinning the blame on the late bills to her office.  She said the Board wanted the computer system that caused all the problems.  Member Saline stated that we did have a flawed system, but the reason for the big delays was with the CAMA System that Joyce wanted. Joyce wanted it even though it was a pilot program. We got it for free; however, it could not be easily converted. Other counties did not seem to experience similar problems. Member Shallenberger asked about the handout that Member Porter had prepared saying that Deputy Gray had spent a lot of time working with the GIS System in progress. She was hired for that job and has been paid a good salary for doing so. Member Johnson stated that the guidelines are in the State law that we need to go by and we need to emphasize that point. If it takes a part-time person to work the GIS, to free up Deputy Gray, then that is something that needs to be looked at. Administrator Hallberg stated that was the original plan for GIS. At the end of this year we finish out the contract, they will be looking at hiring a GIS person beginning in 2006. At the present time there is no GIS system up and running. Right now, she is working at loading materials onto computers as they are provided to her. Once we have the whole system, toward the middle or later this year, there will be money to hire a GIS person from the recorder’s fees starting January 1. The final big payment on that contract will be at the next meeting. Then the farmland assessment program and training expenses will be left in that as expenses. Member Mannhardt stated that we should try to follow the State guidelines which have been brought to our attention. If there are problems, bring it to the Board’s attention so that we can act accordingly.

            Chairman Occhi introduced discussion regarding the Per Diem payments, saying that since the county is now meeting as a Committee of the Whole, that she had been getting some questions about this. She asked for the Member’s input about what they want to do. Member Parsons stated that anyone who attends the meetings and represents the county should receive a per diem for it. Member Johnson responded that the only people on this Board who are entitled to a per diem for attending a meeting are those individuals who are assigned to that entity. Member Occhi had prepared suggested guidelines that she included in the Board Member packet. These suggestions state that one per diem per Committee would be allowed per month.  Some executive boards will have two meetings per month. This will be brought up at the next meeting. Member Saline asked a question about conferences, saying that this shouldn’t be left open-ended. Chairman Occhi reminded the Board of her suggestion to limit it to not exceed $250 for that event.

            Chairman Occhi introduced for Discussion the Resolution Regarding the Use of Renewable Fuels in County Vehicles as per Member Link’s request. Member Link stated that at the next meeting he would like to present a resolution and asked for input from the Board about how strongly to word this Resolution. Should we say that we “will use,” or “should use”, or “must use”? How much teeth should we put in this resolution? He feels strongly that the County should use ethanol and bio-diesel fuels. The Sheriff’s department uses the fuel from the City of Galesburg tanks. We have talked to the city about switching to ethanol and he expressed doubts that they will switch. Member Johnson suggested that the wording should be “whenever practical or possible bio-fuel should be used.” Member Saline suggested that perhaps we put a fuel tank out at the Highway Department for the County to use.  Member Link said that this might not be easy for people to use.  Administrator Hallberg said that there is a State House Bill pending that would require that all diesel powered vehicles owned or operated by a city or county use a blend of at least 50% bio-diesel fuel. This would be something that would force us to start using bio-diesel fuel. This measure is up for second reading in the House.  Rod Cleair from the Mary Davis Home stated his concerns about driving out to the Highway Department to fill up and the security issues.  Member Bacon suggested that another idea would be to set up the tank at the Mary Davis Home. Member Link stated that even with the help of Administrator Hallberg that it took several phone calls to the City to determine our agreement with them regarding administrative fees. He found out that an administrative fee is charged due to the fact that the City maintains the responsibility of ordering the fuel, maintaining the fuel in storage, processing, and billing. However, this is a 10% fee.  He expressed hope that the City would change to ethanol. Member Link had received a price quote comparing straight unleaded fuel and 10% ethanol blend; ethanol is 6¢ a gallon cheaper. Member Keiser asked Member Link if he had checked into the price to install a fuel tank at the Mary Davis Home. Member Link responded that there are two suppliers that the City has worked with. These suppliers might share the cost of the tank and maybe add 2¢ a gallon extra until the tank is paid for. Member Keiser asked Member Link to check into this. Member Parsons raised a question about security and how many fuels tanks were being proposed. Member Mannhardt asked if there was room to put a fuel tank close to the jail. Member Occhi said that might be a security issue. Member Johnson said that we might run into problems with the stone wall and the school being close to the tank area. Member Occhi said that we would look into this and bring information back to the Board on it.

            Member Occhi then introduced an addition to the posted agenda regarding a letter for the Galesburg Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. They are in the process of applying for certification by the Illinois Bureau of Tourism and would like a support letter from the Board so that they can apply for the certification and grant money. Their application must be in by March 21. Chairman Occhi asked if it was the consensus of the Board to write a support letter. Members voiced their approval.

            At 6:37 p.m. , Member Parsons moved and Member Roberts seconded the motion to move to a Closed Session to Discuss Litigation Update with roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson – (14); Noes – (0). Motion carried.

6:46.m. – Back to open session.

Administrator Allan Hallberg presented the Animal Control Report. He reminded the Board Members that the invoices are in the member packets. Doc Joe’s sent a letter which is also in the packet. He expressed interest in continuing to serve as Administrator; however, he cannot attend meetings and will not buy a computer.  Administrator Hallberg asked for some direction from the Board as to how to reply to him. Officer Kennedy has expressed his main concern about where he goes to for direction for non-animal related issues. He suggested hiring Doc Joe as a part time administrator and give the other administrative duties to the Sheriff’s department.  Member Johnson questioned the fees involved. Hallberg responded that it is about $1,500 per year which is for room and board and are reasonable. Member Johnson reminded the Board that we are required by the law to have an Animal Control Administrator. At the present time the administrative work has been done by the Sheriff’s office. Chairman Occhi stated that we will put the approval of Doc Joe on the next agenda for a vote.  Member Shallenberger asked if Doc Joe could show up at the next County Board Meeting. She also asked that if he is only a part time administrator that he should only be paid half of what the full time position would pay.  Member Bacon asked if Doc Joe’s responsibilities are decreasing.  Deputy Kennedy stated that in the past he and Linda had compiled all of the reports. Member Saline said that this money has already been budgeted and we should approve this but go forward in the search immediately. This would give us eight months to find someone to fill this position. Member Johnson said that we need someone with the veterinarian license and no one wants to do it. It will cost us $1,500 to maintain Doc Joe as our Administrator as he has the license. Hallberg said that he would contact Doe Joe and tell him of this discussion, and explain the administrative fees, also that he will be voted on at the next meeting.

            Administrator Hallberg presented the Mary Davis Home Report. Rod commented that there are 29 clients and 4 from Knox County as of today. This is more in line with the normal census for this time of year.   He also stated that they are hanging in there money-wise and the State is slowly catching up.

            Administrator Hallberg presented the Assessor/Zoning Business Report. He reminded Board Members that the February report is in the Member packets. There were 13 building permits issued. There was one violation which was for a deck without a permit. No complaints were received. Regarding property taxes, there are 32 complaints which will be heard by the Board of Review. He also addressed the Maytag situation. The Board of Review has denied their hearing. Maytag is trying to challenge the result and will try to check with the State.  It does look like at this point that Maytag is locked in to the original assessed value. Member Keiser asked if we have an appraisal on those properties, including the Maytag property. Hallberg responded that we do not since they will not be able to challenge their assessment.

            Administrator Hallberg presented the Landfill report saying that Larry Larson has recently had surgery and will be out for a few weeks.

            Member Occhi introduced for discussion purposes only agenda item 13a, Landfill update as per Member Johnson’s request. Member Johnson stated that at the landfill we have three trucks that we are running very hard. We have discussed maintenance of equipment at earlier meetings. He suggested that we look into the purchase of a fourth tractor, so that when one of the tractors breaks down, this fourth one could be put into service. At the present time, when one tractor breaks down, the other two tractors can’t do the work that needs to be done and satisfy our contracts during the day. The other pressing problem is that there is no really good place to maintain our equipment out there. The building they have there is inadequate as you can’t even pull a truck inside and close the door. He proposes that we look into adding onto this building and renovating that. This building should also include an office for our Administrator out there. Member Saline stated that while he thinks that this is a good idea but our fluff contract is up at the end of the year. It would be prudent to secure an extension of this contract before we consider doing anything with the trucks, because if we lose this contract then we won’t need the extra trucks. Member Link said that at this point, he is not in favor of buying another truck. He had talked to Larry and Larry thought if it would be cheaper to contract another owner/operator to pull one of our trucks when necessary. Member Link is in agreement on the maintenance building and he thinks that we do need a full-time maintenance man there. Member Bacon shared the same opinion. Member Parsons asked about space at the Landfill to build this building.  They responded that there is enough room to build.  Member Bacon stated that before we proceed with something like that that we need to secure the fluff contract. The contract would allow us to determine how big of a building to construct and whether or not another tractor is needed.

            Administrator Hallberg presented the Highway Report. Back in November when we were negotiating with the Labor Union, they said that they were going to file an unfair labor practice. However, we haven’t heard anything about it.  He asked Duane to send a certified letter to them regarding this.  The union representative said that the paperwork had been filed in Chicago , but we are still waiting to hear back on this. Duane said that when he had contacted to the union representative yesterday, he had asked for the name and number in Chicago to phone and get this thing moving. He has not yet received the name and number to contact them.    

            Administrator Hallberg presented the action item to approve an Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement for Spoon River Rehabilitation on County Highway 20 for $5,000 from the highway department. Member Link moved and Member Parsons seconded the motion to approve this agenda item. Duane addressed the Board saying that we entered into an agreement with the Hanson company a year ago. This project is north of Maquon. The alignment of the bridge is such that when brush comes down the river, it piles up against the bridge piers. The brush got so bad last June that we had to pay to have it removed. That changed the scope of what Hanson Professional Services had to do regarding the original plans. They asked to amend the regular contract. They asked to add another $5,000 to this contract as additional work will be involved as well as the additional cost of the necessary permits. What they have done was above the original agreement. The design work has already been done and the project should be completed this summer. Member Mannhardt asked if the work is done already, then why are they asking for more money.  Duane replied that it was above the scope of the original contract.  Member Saline asked which fund would pay for this. Duane replied that it would be the Federal Aid matching for engineering fees. Roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Bacon, Hevland, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson – (13); Noes – Saline (1). Motion carried.

            Administrator Hallberg presented the Nursing Home Report saying that census was 147 people. Two were in the hospital and there were two deaths. There have been seven inquiries so the Nursing Home is moving towards the 150 mark. The operating budget is for 153 residents. We did take bids for renovation of wing two on Monday. Member Mannhardt and Hallberg were present for the opening and a recommendation for that bid will be coming at the next meeting. The referendum account is still at $225,000.  At a meeting with Robin and Marianne the other day, we had some discussion on paying back those funds. Toward the end of the year, Marianne is expecting to have about a $40,000 profit for the year. It gets to be ridiculous to pay this account back and take it out the next day. We decided it would be best to wait for the quarterly statements and make a realistic payment back. The total amount might not be paid off in November. Member Saline stated that he did not have a problem with quarterly payments but it does need to be monitored on a meeting by meeting basis.  If the amount swells too high, the Board needs to know about this.  Hallberg said that he would provide an update at every meeting. Also Hallberg said that Marianne has been reviewing employee benefits with the non-union people. She is looking at the holiday time that has accrued and there is a lot of time on the books. She has set up some new rules to ask for time off or a holiday. From this point on, things will be deducted as they should be. There shouldn’t be any more than employees with 30 to 60 holiday hours sitting there on the books. The Medicaid Audit has been completed. There will be challenges from the Nursing Home regarding the Medicaid Audit. Reimbursements were not being sought on a timely basis and there might be some over-payments now. If there are, that would come out of future Medicaid funds. Marianne stated that the County auditors are there now and she plans to research and challenge the audit findings.

            Administrator Hallberg presented for approval the bids for the cooling tower from MSI for $32,196 for the Nursing Home. Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Knapp to approve these bids. Bids were opened February 28. There were five bids and the bid information is in the Member packets. We are recommending that MSI receive the bid. This was not the lowest bid; however, the lowest bid only had a one year warranty. Also the lowest bid unit has a lower capacity with 240 gallon per minute instead of a 560 gallon capacity. Hallberg referred to the bid sheet that $2,500 was deducted as the pot feeder part is not needed. Member Johnson asked Hallberg if the specifications were issued on that on the bid were for a 560 gallon capacity or 240 gallon unit. Hallberg responded that it was 560 gallon. Member Johnson said that the lowest bid, therefore, did not meet the specifications. Member Keiser asked about the approximate life span on a cooling tower. Hallberg said that it should be longer than 10 years that the current one lasted.  Apparently the combination of Knoxville ’s water at the time and lack of maintenance regarding the chemicals that should have been added on a regular basis shortened the life of the present cooling tower. Member Keiser questioned if the new contract would include maintenance over a five year period. Hallberg responded that the 5 years is the actual warranty for the cooling tower. The chemical part is actually the Nursing Home Administrator’s duty to supervise the maintenance in house. Roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson – (14); Noes – (0). Motion carried.

            Member Knapp moved and Member Saline seconded the motion to approve the approve the bid for elevator repair for $32,880 and 5 year maintenance contract for $160 per year from Long Elevator for the Nursing Home.  Member Johnson questioned the beginning date of the maintenance contract. The contract states that it is to begin April 1, 2005 . He suggested that the new elevator would not even be installed by that date. Hallberg responded that we could amend that start date of the warranty to be after the completion of the project. He further stated that the County did receive three bids: 1) Kone, 2) Long, and 3) Johnson Building Systems. Johnson’s was a lump sum with no specs or quarterly maintenance so we didn’t even consider that bid. Kone’s bid was a little cheaper; however they required that they be added to the County policy for liability issues. As another County is finding out, this experience can be a nightmare. He recommended that Long be awarded the bid. Member Keiser asked if it is in our specs that we ask the company to carry liability. Hallberg responded that it is. Roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson – (14); Noes – (0). Motion carried.

            Member Parsons moved and Member Mannhardt seconded the motion to approve the bid for physical therapy services at the Nursing Home with PTS. Administrator Hallberg told the Board that the County had received bids from the following companies: 1) Sundance, 2) PTS, 3) Rehab Care, and 4) Azer. The bid sheets are in the member packets. He is recommending that PTS be awarded this contract. This bid is recommended due to low bid for Medicare Aid. We did check the references and they have good reports. They do provide free consulting with family and physician. This bid has been reviewed by Marianne and her staff and this was their recommendation. Member Keiser asked Mr. Azer to address the reason for differential in his bid. He noted the comparison between the 85¢ and 96¢ fee per minute. He stated that his company had been in business for 23 years and they are experienced in categorizing nursing home patients and are knowledgeable about the prospective payment system for Medicare. It is very important that patients be appropriately categorized so that the full amount can be reimbursed.   His company trains others on how to optimize the payments for services rendered.  This price difference is not the whole picture to see whether you will save money or not. He reiterated that fact that they are locally based and only a phone call away and they have local therapists. Their record has proven what we can do for you. The quality of our work has been good and I feel that we can do a good job for the County. Member Johnson asked a question about the consulting fees. Although the bid sheet states that PTS does consultation with family and physician at no charge, there is also a $60 per hour consulting fee listed. Marianne responded that when it is related to Medicare Part A or B there is no charge.  However, when therapists sit in on morning meetings (for example) there is a fee. Member Johnson asked where the PTS corporate offices are located and if they charge the county travel time? The company representative responded that they are based in Peoria and that there is no charge for travel to the facility. They have staff in Knox County and have been servicing nursing homes for 24 years. She had submitted a list of 25 area nursing homes for references. Member Keiser asked if the contract stated a time frame in which a new resident would have to been seen.  She assured the Board Members that a new resident of the Nursing Home would be seen by PTS either on day one or day two of their nursing home stay. Medicare has different parameters for different levels when the patient needs to be initiated. Roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Bacon, Saline, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, – (11); Noes – Hevland, Sandoval, Johnson -- (3). Motion carried.

            Chairman Occhi introduced the farmland lease with C.L. Palmer for approval on first reading. Administrator Hallberg reminded the Board Members that the lease agreements are in the Member packets. He has talked to Mr. Palmer and he is willing to lease this year. If the Board does decide to sell this property, then he would be out of there by November. Member Mannhardt responded that this should be put out for bid.  Hallberg stated that in the past when the lease was bid out that Palmer was the only bidder. Member Knapp suggested that if it is the desire of the Board to bid this lease, that it is too late in the season to do so this year. Perhaps, the County could bid this out in the fall. Member Link asked about the cost per acre and why it was so low.  Since some of the land can not be planted with corn or beans it would lower the cost. Member Knapp also questioned the lack of a legal description on this property and the fact that the lease language was very loose. Member Saline stated that the contract extension should also include the months otherwise there is no termination notice. Without a date, you can never legally terminate the contract. Member Knapp asked if Palmer leased the land last year.  Member Porter had a question about who pays for the seed. Member Link responded that we do not pay for the seed. Member Knapp said that normally with cash rent, the lessee pays everything. Member Occhi asked if Member Saline and Member Knapp would work with Hallberg to revise the present lease. Hallberg said that this is the lease that has been in effect about 20 yrs. He is not sure that this lease has ever been brought to the Board before. Chairman Occhi said that the lease would be brought back to the Board for approval.

            Administrator Hallberg presented his business report. Emergency Management materials are included in the member packets. There will be emergency response training at the end of the month, which will include Member Occhi and Hallberg. There was a recent presentation on Risk Management. They would like to bring this presentation to the Board to discuss certain matters and answer questions. The representative wants interaction with the Boards that he is working with. GREDA has approached him about some of their other volunteer training programs. They are seeking to identify possible economic development. If the Board wishes we can set something up with this training. Eric Voyles will be at the next meeting for a quarterly report. The information for the County Flag has been out there. So far we have three entries. We have publicized this contest through the papers, radio stations, schools and the Civic Art Center . Member Johnson commented that even though the Nursing Home is going to narrow the competition down to the final five designs, the County Board should make the final selection. Elected officials should vote on the final selection.  Hallberg said entries would be accepted through March 31. He also said that State legislative information is in the Member packets. Subjects of interest include bio-diesel, animal control, juror’s fees, county jail expenses, open meetings act revisions, and a county centralized purchasing bill.

            Administrator Hallberg asked for direction from the County Board regarding the use of the Galesburg City Hall for the Board meetings. Member Porter addressed the issue of costs at both the courthouse and the City Hall. It might be less money to meet at the City Hall. It is unfortunate that a meeting place has not been a priority as we have been shuffled all over. We are not in a place where we can all be seen and directly communicate with the people who come to listen. Member Johnson stated his opinion that he is opposed to moving from the Knox County Courthouse and suggested the Board Members returned to the protocol of standing when speaking. With the newly added microphones to that courtroom as well as additional seating, I believe that it would be a mistake to move.  Member Porter recalled when the Board consisted of 25 members and they were able to meet in the court room.  She suggested a different table arrangement that would allow the audience to face the County Board Members . Member Link voiced his opinion that the County Board should stay at the County Courthouse and some type of arraignment of tables should be attempted. Member Knapp stated that County business should be conducted at the Courthouse.  Chairman Occhi asked the Board if it was their consensus that the County Board continue to meet at the County Courthouse . The majority of the Board agreed to stay at the Courthouse.

            Administrator Hallberg introduced the personnel policy review for discussion. He reminded the Board that Member Keiser had asked for something written up by Department heads. A consensus from Department heads is that they would prefer to see the personnel policies stay as they are at the present time. The Nursing Home, Landfill, and the Highway all indicate that. Member Knapp shared his opinion that he thinks that it will have to stay the way that it is.  A uniform policy will raise the price of operations. Treasurer Davis stated that our liability insurance carriers recommend one personnel policy for the County. Member Johnson asked about forming an Ad Hoc committee to revisit our personnel policy for the primary purpose to combining these into one policy so that we have one unified personnel policy for all non-union personnel. Different issues could be addressed within different sections of this policy. He fears without one policy that the County could be setting itself up for the possibility of liability issues. This situation needs to be unified. Chairman Occhi said she would be forming an Ad Hoc committee and names would be given to the Board Members at the next meeting. Member Porter asked who set up the current personnel policy. Chairman Occhi replied that it was the Planning Committee.

STATEMENTS OF GENERAL CONCERN

            Member Porter stated that she wanted to make it very clear to Joyce Skinner that she does not hold her responsible for the late schedule either this year or last year. I think that it is late this year because everything was done in a five or six month period that usually takes a year. Her interest is simply that this year or next year we get ourselves back on schedule and place the rest of this stuff in the past.

            Member Keiser had no comment at this time.

            Member Occhi asked the Board Members that if they are interested in serving on the Ad Hoc Committee to let her know.

            Member Knapp told the Board that if they missed the Risk Management meeting held March 1 they missed a lot of good information. He also said that then ext time they come back that more people would attend.  Member Keiser said that she intended to go to the meeting but was not able to.  She would like to see another one scheduled.  The County Administrator will work on this for the future.

            Member Link, Member Bacon, Member Hevland, Member Saline, Member Sandoval, Member Roberts, and Member Shallenberger had no comments at this time.

            Member Parsons thanked those in attendance for their support for the Knights of Columbus Chili-Cook-Off. He reported that they had a great turn-out and the Nursing Home even won first prize for their chili.

            Member Mannhardt and Member Johnson had no comments at this time.

            Member Occhi reported that the next regular meeting of the Board will be March 23, 2005, 6:00 p.m. at the Knox County Courthouse, Galesburg, IL.

            Member Bacon moved and Member Shallenberger seconded the motion to adjourn. Voice vote and motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:57 p.m.