PROCEEDINGS OF THE

PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNTY BOARD

KNOX COUNTY , ILLINOIS

May 25, 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, May 25, 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 1 Allen Pickrel

District 2 Greg Bacon

District 4 Wayne Saline

District 5 Ricardo Sandoval

District 1 Linda Roberts

District 3 Dale Parsons

District 4 Lowell Mannhardt

District 5 Stephen Johnson

And those absent: District 3 Paul Hevland

District 2 Dana Shallenberger

Also present was Scott Erickson, County Clerk .

Chairman Occhi led the Members in the pledge to the flag and Barb Devina, Elder of First Christian Church, gave the invocation.

Chairman Occhi asked if there were any additions to the agenda. She asked that agenda item number 8 be changed from approval to first reading.

Chairman Occhi asked for public comment. Chris Ryan-Keimig told the County Board that Les Peach had taken over the position at Gallager and is now our risk management contact person.

Chairman Occhi presented the following consent agenda items for approval: 1) minutes of the Board meeting held May 11, 2005; 2) claims against Knox County, Illinois for the period of May 12, 2005-May 25, 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); 3)claims by Members for per diem and mileage for the meeting of May 25, 2005; 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 May 2005 (filed with the Clerk); and 5) sales tax and various taxes for the month of February 2005 in the amounts of $80,472.71 and $17,901.37 and public safety tax in the amount of $63,444.39. Member Bacon asked that consent agenda number 2 be removed and voted on separately. Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Pickrel to approve consent agenda items 1, 3, 4, and 5. Member Link questioned a statement in the minutes. Roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson—(13); Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Johnson to approve consent agenda item number 2. Duane Raterman of the Highway Department asked for a total correction to add in the credits shown on page 28 of the Member packets. Member Saline stated that he that he wanted to question some bills. At the last meeting, we discussed not purchasing things outside of the County for the Highway Department. We bought Grease In a Can® from a Minnesota company for $132 and we bought Road Runner®, for $2,148. 75. He asked Raterman for clarification. Raterman responded that the Grease In a Can® is simply what it says it is. Member Saline asked if it could have been bought locally since we had just discussed this at the last meeting. Raterman answered that this was probably purchased before the last meeting. Road Runner® is a fuel additive that increases mileage by approximately 7%. We have been buying it for about four years. Member Saline questioned if a similar product was available locally. Raterman stated that no one locally had tried to sell that product to him.

Member Johnson also had a question on the bills, specifically on page 22 of the Member packet. The Knox County Coroner has a bill for an autopsy from Violette S. Hnilicia for $1,400. Member Johnson stated that usually we pay $600-$700 per autopsy. Hopefully, that is for two and not one. Chairman Occhi stated that we would check into it and get that information back to the Board. County Clerk Scott Erickson stated that we could pull that bill; more than likely it is for two autopsies. Member Johnson asked that that bill be held and not paid until it can be verified that it more than one; if it is, go ahead and pay it.

Member Link questioned a bill on page 50 of the Member packets. In the Sheriff Department bills, there is a maintenance of vehicles charge from the City of Galesburg for $5,422.67. I realize the majority of this is gas. He questioned whether the City does maintenance on our vehicles. Member Johnson stated that he thinks that the City does most of the maintenance work on our vehicles. Member Link then questioned another item; the maintenance charge of $2,798.99 from Smith and Allen Garage and how big of a time frame does this represent? Chairman Occhi responded that they usually bill every 30 days. Member Pickrel stated that we need to talk to the Sheriff about that. I thought that he had gotten away from the City doing the maintenance work. The City’s costs have become higher than privately owned businesses. Chairman Occhi stated that she would look into this matter and report back to the Board. Roll call vote on consent agenda item 2 as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson—(11); Noes—(0). Pass—Pickrel, Bacon (2). Motion carried.

Eric Voyles presented the GREDA quarterly report. He told the Board that he had provided each of them an information packet, which also contains a quarterly report. He asked for questions. Member Parson had a question about the 140 acres that is to be brought into the City. We should have known in advance what was going on with that land. Voyles stated that GREDA is not involved; rather our focus is on industrial attraction. We have been doing an outreach program to inform community members of our attributes that we are trying to sell to the outside world. The next presentation will be June 7 at the Public Library at 5 p.m. The County Board is invited to attend. During these presentations we explain our rail related distribution and the incubator at National Seal. We also describe how the revolving loan program fits into our efforts and provide information on how you can promote our assets to others.

Regarding the Maytag building and the possible sale of the company should not affect the plans for redevelopment of the property. This property will remain out of the transaction. I am hoping to continue to work with the real estate agents. We do have a mailing list of now over 1,100 commercial real estate agents and site search consultants.

Recently we attended a real estate market forum in Chicago , which was hosted by Chicago Industrial Properties. The portion of the program that we put on was about how deals come together in rural areas and why commercial markets should be looking at rural areas. Our report was well received.

We have recently updated our regional community profile. We continue our efforts to try to encourage Chinese foreign investment. Our efforts have taken another step forward as we have taken many of marketing materials and translated them into Mandarin, which is their official government language. Also included in the GREDA packet is the logistics park property information which is now translated and also available on the Internet. During a recent visit, we were actually able to use a power point presentation for both the English side of the table and the Chinese at the same time.

When you read the quarterly GREDA report, you will see that Mayor Sheehan and I went to Washington D.C as guests of BNSF and inadvertently Representative Don Moffit’s name was omitted. He also attended.

Regarding the entrepreneurship center, this is a grant that came down from the Governor’s office. I encourage you to refer your constituents to the entrepreneurship center. In the nine months from July 1 through the end of March, there have been over 133 different entities that have come through this office, which is a huge increase.

Member Bacon asked about the water in the logistics park and if everything else is on schedule. Voyles replied that yes it is. It has been annexed in to the City and has permission from the State, as soon as we sign application, to extend the enterprise zone over the top of it. It already has the gas and electricity running next to it. It is moving forward and we are working with the sanitary district to make sure that we have the appropriate sewers for the properties, to upgrade that to handle a million gallons per day. Member Bacon asked about the timetable involved. Voyles responded that hopefully, it would begin this year. We have looked at a cost estimate to put the two entrances in. We were able to get IDOT to look at two separate build out scenarios. One would be for the current traffic flows and the other would be for the maximum predicted amount. Both of these have been approved. Member Bacon asked if it is ready for inhabitants. Voyles responded that it ready to move into now. We could put in a temporary road, which would allow construction trucks to have access to that location. Member Pickrel asked how things are going with the sanitary district. Voyles stated that we were able to resolve the problems. We are paying the $3,500 permit fee to make sure that the line is capable of being run along the right to way. Harold Wilson, a trustee on the sanitary district, stated that $1,600,000 is allocated to this project. We are ready to go, as soon as we get the bids done. We have the money set aside for it. There is a $500,000 federal grant. We expect Senator Durbin to be in town to make that presentation. Member Bacon asked if the grant has been approved. Wilson responded affirmatively. Member Bacon then asked if the bids had been let out yet. Wilson answered that the bids had not been let out yet. Member Bacon asked about the time table. Wilson responded that there is one easement that runs along the railroad that still has to be signed.

Member Porter asked if there is a Rural Task Force working on development outside of Galesburg . Voyles stated that actually the Rural Development Task Force began last quarter. We have representatives from several smaller communities in Knox County . We are trying to figure out how to work with existing groups in these communities to help them deal with various hurdles that they face. We can even help them make application for federal or state grant dollars. Member Porter questioned how the County Board can play a role in this process. Since we have established guidelines in the County, we ought to have some input. For example, if prime farm land is going to be involved, it might be advantageous if Administrator Hallberg or some other representative from this governmental unit be involved in that task force. Voyles responded that he thinks that is a good idea. We can add those names to the mailing list. During our meetings we discuss what you are doing and then look at what we can do to build on it. Member Porter stated that although Administrator Hallberg has other responsibilities, it would be good if he were involved in this. In the past, the zoning administrator has established some guidelines. We need to look at the whole picture. Member Link stated that concerned citizens had recently toured the Briggs facility. Has GREDA been in touch with them? Voyles responded that they had. Recently, we have had a long conversation about the possibility of redevelopment. We are going to have to have better commitment out of the company that they want to redevelop the property, that or the City will have to try to wrestle the property away from them. Before they take that step, they better make sure that that is something that they really want to do. You would have to do an environmental assessment, before you move in that direction. One of the real assets of that property is the three separate rail sidings. We talked to BNSF about what they think of redevelopment opportunities.

Member Bacon questioned if the Maytag distribution complex was sold. Voyles responded that it was sold to a group called Industrial Realty Group.

Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Parsons to appoint Terry Bruner, Doug Gibb, Jeanne Harland, and Amy Mefford to the Knox County Health Department with roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson—(13); Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Agenda item number 8 concerning the appointment of Bill Butts to the Galesburg Sanitary District was changed from approve to first reading. Although Harold Wilson sought to address the Board about this appointment, the Members felt that he could not do so according to Board rules; he could have spoken during the earlier part of the meeting when Chairman Occhi had asked for public comments. Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Keiser to appoint Bill Butts to the Galesburg Sanitary District. After much discussion it was decided to stick to the original agenda and vote to appoint with roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Saline, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson—(9); Noes—Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Sandoval—(4). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Porter and seconded by Member Mannhardt to appoint Roger L. Anderson as Trustee for Galva Community Fire Protection District with roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson—(13); Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Keiser and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the bill audit from OnPoint LLC. Chairman Occhi reminded the Board of information contained in the Member packets. Member Johnson stated it is an excellent advantage to this Board and could save us a great deal of money. We need to go ahead with it. Roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson—(13); Noes—(0). Motion carried.

As per Member Bacon’s request there was a discussion about transferring the Highway Blazer to the Landfill. Member Bacon stated Duane Raterman had suggested putting the Blazer up for bid. Transferring this vehicle to the Landfill would be better than paying the mileage for Larry Larson to use his own car. This would give him a County vehicle to drive. Member Porter questioned if it was a safe vehicle. Member Bacon answered affirmatively. As far as I know, Raterman wanted to keep it until the end of August. Raterman stated that he wanted to keep it and use it during the summer so that the summer help could drive it. I am not sure what the word “transfer” means in this case. Member Johnson stated that we had done it before with vehicles from the Mary Davis Home. It is really a bookkeeping issue. Chairman Occhi said that the money from the sale of this Blazer is in the budget. Larry Larson questioned why if it isn’t good enough for the Highway Department to use, is it good enough for the Landfill to use? Member Bacon questioned Raterman if the vehicle is still in good shape. Raterman stated that the vehicle has about 90,000 miles on it. The reason that I wanted to trade it off was to get the most money back out of it. Member Porter stated that we would get a lot more money out of it if we trade it in as we planned. Member Bacon questioned the mileage if it just from the health department to the landfill. Larson responded that it is to Monmouth, Kewanee, Peoria , and Canton . I think that last year I put on my vehicle between 12,000 and 14,000 miles. Raterman stated that he was expecting a selling price of about $7,000, which is about the fair market value at this point. Member Parsons asked why the Landfill can’t buy a vehicle for Larson, as there is enough revenue there. Member Porter stated that if Larson isn’t interested in using the Blazer than it is not a good idea to do that. Member Mannhardt stated that it should be sold to have the money to pay for the new vehicle. Member Johnson added if we maintain that vehicle, we would be adding another vehicle to Knox County ’s fleet and therefore additional costs of insurance and since it has 90,000 miles on it, probably major repairs. Member Bacon asked about buying a new vehicle. He shouldn’t have to drive his own vehicle wherever he goes. We do pay him mileage but we don’t pay him wear and tear. Member Porter asked if mileage is supposed to include maintenance and costs. Chairman Occhi responded that it does not. Member Link asked that this item be discussed in the new budget.

Chairman Occhi introduced the discussion of the update from the Personnel Policy Ad Hoc Committee. Member Bacon reported that the final plan was to be presented tonight but we had more discussion last night. We still need to talk to a couple of groups of non-union employees. We want to let them know that we want them involved in the process. Those groups are the Nursing Home, the Highway Department, and some Courthouse employees that were previously overlooked. We have talked to the Landfill and the Sheriff. The sticking point is trying to figure out a formula for longevity pay to be included in the Personnel Policy. We only made one or two changes in the whole thing. We are just trying to straighten a few things out. We are interested in what these employees have to say. We decided last night that we need one more meeting. By the end of next month, we should have it set. Member Porter stated that she understands that the planning committee worked on the Personnel Policy for quite some time and just passed by the Board last year. She questioned why we are doing this again. Chairman Occhi responded that we went down to one Personnel Employee Handbook for the entire County and we are trying to encompass everybody in there. Member Porter asked if we had one now. Chairman Occhi stated that we have two or three and getting down to one would be good for our liability insurance. Member Mannhardt asked if there are any working copies of these revisions. Member Bacon stated that we could have some by the next Board meeting.

Chairman Occhi presented the agenda item for bid for new vehicle for the Sheriff’s Department. Since there was no information contained in the Member packets, motion was made Member Pickrel and seconded by Member Parsons to table this item. Pickrel stated that we have nothing to act on; we have no bids. Member Porter questioned if there was information in last month’s packet and was told by several Members that there was not. Member Johnson asked that the Sheriff attend the next meeting to give us a report on his department along with that bid. Roll call vote to table this bid as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson—(13); Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Administrator Hallberg presented the animal control business report. He stated we have been watching a Bill that is going through Springfield which would require the setting up of a spaying and neutering program. It does look like this bill is going to pass. John Kennedy is preparing an outline that will be included in the next Member packet.

Rod Cleair presented the Mary Davis Home business report. In April we averaged 37 clients with 5 of those from Knox County . The amount of $95,000 was billed out, which is about $20,000 more than usual. The juvenile court services are doing a good job. In April we had four kids that were tried as adults. Today, we have 36 kids and 5 of those from Knox County . On the per diem part, we are going well. We do not anticipate State reimbursements until the end of June. My concern is that they will start paying only a couple times a year. That makes it very difficult to budget.

We are looking at installing gas tanks by the Mary Davis Home. It would be an expensive venture. We would like the County Board Members to come out and see the Mary Davis Home if they haven’t already done so. There have been many changes in the past year. We are also implementing new counseling techniques. Member Saline asked if the Mary Davis Home would be solvent until the State’s reimbursement check arrives. Cleair answered that we should be. My concern is that we will not be paid again until December or January. Member Saline asked if the other counties are paying their bills on time. Cleair replied that they are just like every other county board and pay when they want to.

Administrator Hallberg stated that regarding the assessor/zoning report, there was nothing to report. Member Bacon questioned that if we re-zone something for the purpose of a person doing business there, and that person couldn’t follow through, could someone else come through and use that zoning? Hallberg responded that it is zoned as long as the business is there and meets the outlined specifications. Member Bacon questioned what would prevent a shell company from setting up? Hallberg stated that we have the authority to enforce our guidelines. Greg Chance commented that zoning changes are required to come back before the Zoning Board of Appeals. In theory we are not to makes changes based on the applicant but rather on the proposed industry.

Larry Larson presented the landfill business report. We continue to work on cell expansion. We have about ½ of the compacted dirt in there. In about another month, we will have the rest of the dirt in there. Then we will be waiting for the contractor to come in and install the liner. It will take about another month to install the pipe and the sand. After that we wait 90 days for the EPA approval, so are talking about winter before it gets final approval. Gate receipts have been consistent with what they have been this year.

Chairman Occhi presented the agenda item to bid and bring back to furnish and install a HDPE liner. Larry Larson stated that HDPE is a high density polyethylene liner. We need to purchase that and find someone to install it. We need to take bids on that. We don’t have the equipment to do it ourselves. Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Pickrel to bid and bring back to furnish and install a HDPE liner with voice vote as follows: Ayes—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Chairman Occhi presented the agenda item to bid and bring back to purchase a new semi-tractor and trailer. Larry Larson said that he had outlined three different ways to do that: purchase a new unit, purchase a used unit, or hire a trucker to provide this service for us. This afternoon I did find someone who could haul the fluff for us for about $750 a ton. At this time, I believe that is the most economical way to go. I recommend this action rather than purchasing new or used equipment at this time. Member Johnson stated that since no purchase is being made, this action would not require a vote. Member Link stated this action will more than pay for itself, as it will equal more income for the landfill.

Chairman Occhi introduced the bio-diesel discussion. Larry Larson stated that one of the sites that we looked at as a possibility of the bio-diesel site was the Butler Manufacturing site. Before we look into that too far, we would like to take a look at their environmental assessment report. However, they will not let us look at that unless we sign a confidentiality agreement. I need your authorization to sign that agreement. If it is something that is straight forward, then we can just review it. If it is not, we may need to hire a consultant for about $1,500 to review it and come back with some cost estimates. After this, I could maybe see us trying to get an option on the property. We would need to investigate if the city would allow us to build there. If those two things would work out, we could maybe do a feasibility study to build on that site. If that is still favorable, we could investigate getting incorporated and obtaining financial partners. Maybe the County wouldn’t be involved in it at all except to get it going. All of those decisions could be made down the road. Member Pickrel stated that he had recently read an article that stated that bio-diesel although cheaper decreased gas mileage. Larson stated that the energy output is about the same. Member Link said 85% ethanol is the lower output fuel, not bio-diesel. Right now the first step of this venture would not cost anything. Dean Stone, Assistant to the State’s Attorney, informed the Board that he had talked to the State’s Attorney this morning. Since we are non-home rule county, we are limited as to what exactly we can do. Mangieri shared his opinion with Stone that in reviewing the statutes there is nothing in there about purchasing land for a bio-diesel property. Although we encourage economic development in the County, in this regard the County cannot be directly involved. Larson stated that we could still proceed up to the purchase and then get other groups involved. Member Saline questioned why we can’t facilitate this as long as we have no ownership. Stone agreed. Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Parsons to take the first step. Member Saline asked if taking that first step is authorizing the expenditure of $1,500. Board Members said no, it is not. Member Saline stated that he would be in favor of getting the confidentiality agreement and see what kind of package we can put together. Chairman Occhi told Larson that he can’t spend money but he can proceed.

Member Johnson reminded the Board that a couple months ago, we discussed the shed or utility building at the landfill and the fact that it does not meet our current needs. We cannot work on our vehicles in there. Has anything else been done on that? Member Bacon responded that is something that we need to put in the budget. Member Johnson said that we need to use some of that money to improve the facility. We need to evaluate the needs of that building and start addressing them. We will begin working on the budget in about a month. Member Parsons stated that we have talked about this before; it is not a new item. That building needs to be enlarged to hold three vehicles.

Member Mannhardt asked about the moveable cover. Larson responded that we have all of the hydraulics are in except for the motor and the shaft. As soon as they arrive, we will finish assembling it. We still have to find the tarps and the steel cable that goes in the tarps.

Duane Raterman presented the highway business report. He said that it is maintenance construction season and passed around pictures showing the progress of the work on County Highway 40. We are stabilizing the first mile and a half as you come out of Wataga. We are adding strength and making it smoother than what it was. It should be a much better road that it was before. The road is currently closed. We finished the stabilizing process today and it needs to cure out through the weekend. We are going to prime it on Friday and seal coat on Tuesday. It should be re-opened Tuesday afternoon.

An update on County Highway 1, at the last meeting I told you that the structure would be set on May 23, but that didn’t happen. There has been a delay relating to when the power company can turn the power off. The earliest date is May 31. The soonest that we can co-ordinate efforts with the material suppliers is June 8. We are now looking at that date to set those structures. The road will probably remain closed for about three weeks after that.

The project on the road west of Lake Storey , County Highway 31, is proceeding as planned. Gunther was begun their portion of the base widening. They should be installing the curb and gutter sometime in the next week or so.

Regarding our Caterpillar recycler which we currently own, it is in our budget this year to replace that. On June 1, we are going to get a demonstration of a bigger, heavier machine. Since they are going to let us demo it, we are going to do a project between the Interstate 74 interchange in Knoxville and East Galesburg . Basically, we are going to recycle that roadway. It is about 1/3 or 1/4 of a mile. It is an old hot mix about six inches thick. Our machine probably would not chew up asphalt that thick, whereas this one will. I invite you to come out and see it. We will be starting about 9 a.m. and will be an all day process. The rest of our current operations are listed in the packet.

Member Saline directed comments to Raterman saying that in the last meeting he asked about buying a 55 gallon drum of ground sterilant, which was actually a 50 pound drum. Then you responded that you had not done this and that you contract for weed spraying. However, I have signed invoices by you for $947.28 that were paid in April. This proves you did that. Why couldn’t you tell me that you did? Raterman responded that at that meeting he stated that he did not purchase a 55 gallon drum of this product. We did buy a box of granular. We use it around our office. Member Saline stated that his real question is buying products out of state. Member Saline said that this product could have been bought locally. Raterman responded that he would not argue that. Member Saline stated that we have addressed this issue before and then had two more bills tonight from out of state. If we can at all, we need to do business locally. If it is not cost competitive, then absolutely we should not purchase those items. We need to check out our options and not buy from out of state. Raterman responded that he would not argue that. If the Board wants me to put up a sign outside my office that states, “No outside vendors welcome,” then I will. Member Saline questioned why Raterman could not call local vendors for the needed products and get a price quote. You have a phone. Raterman replied that is right; he does have a phone and will use it.

Member Link asked Raterman how the Durapatch was working. Raterman replied that we are working the bugs out of it. It is a new process. We are using it as much as we can, as personnel are available. The stuff that we have done is working well. Member Link asked about the City of Galesburg using one of our machines. Raterman responded that they had expressed interest in renting the machine from us. However, the timing has not worked out. We also have three of four townships interested in us doing some work for them. Member Link expressed his disappointment with the cost of the engine and the clutch for the truck. Raterman stated that this company says that they are interested in doing business with Knox County , but after this, I don’t think it would be wise. Member Link shared his opinion that he doesn’t think the County should do any more business with this company.

Marianne Wiesen presented the Nursing Home business report. As you see in the Member packets, we have $290,501.98 in the checking account. By the end of June, we should know how much we can pay back to the referendum fund. There is a correction to be noted in the date of the Friends of the Nursing Home Committee, it should be June 10. I am going to check into buying water softener from local vendors.

Administrator Hallberg introduced discussion about the survey of Nursing Home land. Motion was made by Member Bacon and seconded by Member Link to approve the survey. Member Saline questioned the cost of the survey and from which line item in the budget these funds would come. Member Johnson stated that it would come out of the farm account and asked confirmation from Dean Stone, Assistant State ’s Attorney. There was some discussion as to which fund would pay for this survey. Member Mannhardt asked if we do this before we have any ideas on subdivisions or do we do this after we survey. Shouldn’t we have a plan for subdivisions before we survey so those locations could be all set out? Member Pickrel responded that we do not want to be in the real estate business. Member Mannhardt stated that we had talked about a road that would run on the south side. Hallberg stated he had received advice that when we do the survey we should have a preliminary engineering report also done. They could determine the best location for a road through there with a preliminary cost estimate. Member Johnson asked if we would be out of order if we asked for survey cost estimates to be brought back to us at the next meeting. Hallberg stated that the estimate should include both the survey and the preliminary engineering report. Member Saline asked if since the survey cost could come from the farm account, if that account would also be credited with the revenue from the sale of the farm land. Different Members replied that it would be different funds. Chairman Occhi stated that we would probably have to open the budget to increase that line item. Treasurer Davis stated that it is not in the current budget. Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Bacon to table this matter with roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson—(12); Noes—Porter (1). Motion carried.

Administrator Hallberg presented the business report. Regarding the power lights at Hardee’s, they are in the process of doing some engineering work to move those lights. An update on the union situation is that we have received word that an arbitrator has been chosen and a meeting is scheduled for August 4. Regarding the Policemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association Labor Committee, they are requesting that we start negotiating for a new collective bargaining agreement with the County’s patrol deputies. The first meeting for that will be June 21.

An update on the cable television, State’s Attorney Mangieri and I have sent out a new joint letter about that. In regards to Rio Cable, we have received a letter questioning that authority. This is left to the attorneys for now. I just recently talked with Oneida telephone and sent them a franchise agreement. They are providing service through their phone lines similar to Mid-Century. They should be signing that and returning it to us.

In regard to the gas, I have been in contact with Gary Goddard and he is to meet with me to discuss the terms of that contract.

In regard to the annex, there were a couple of things included in the Member packets. First there is a leak in the roof on the north side of the building where we connect with the Corner Connection. The only time the leak appears is when there is heavy rain or snow. I am going to have a couple of roofers look at this and see what they recommend. Also, I am looking at combining the three electrical meters into one meter. This would save us some money. MSI said that they would do the work for $432. Member Mannhardt asked how much money this would save each month. Hallberg responded that it would save $80 a month. Member Bacon asked in the combined meter would be inside as Hallberg desired. Hallberg responded that they would have to move it outside.

The budget schedule is in the packet. June 15^th will be the information session for the Board. The work sheets are due by the end of July. August and September will be busy months as we put the budget together. As we recently discussed in a meeting with the Department heads, this is going to be a tough budget especially for the general fund. As noted in the Member packets, revenues for the general fund should be at 41.67% but are at 35.58%. The main reason for that is that the fees have been low and sheriff’s fees have been extremely low. Expenditures should be at 41.67% and are at 42.54%. Actually the taxes have been running 2 to 3% higher what was estimated. We are going to have to watch our spending and make sure that we try to close this gap a little bit. Member Pickrel asked if all the department heads were attending the meetings. Hallberg responded that they are not required to attend except during the budget meetings.

Treasurer Robin Davis commented that tomorrow we are distributing $5.8 million in tax money. This is the first time that we have been able to do a tax distribution for the taxing bodies this early. This represents 11.98% of the total tax collected. The taxes are not due until June 6. Member Keiser questioned how she was able to do the distribution now. Treasurer Davis responded by statute we have to do the distribution within 30 days after the due date. We have enough money collected that we were able to make this distribution. We have never been able to do that before.

Motion was made by Member Porter and seconded by Member Link to approve the resolution on prevailing wage for 2005. Administrator Hallberg reminded the Board of the information in the Member packets. This is a normal house keeping thing that we do. Member Mannhardt stated that he read the State law on this and read what the Department of Labor does. It is limited in that if there is any work that we want done that isn’t classified, it takes a court order to establish it. I don’t like the way that is limited by the State because of all the hoops that you have to jump through to get certain things done. Roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Johnson—(12); Noes—Mannhardt (1). Motion carried.

STATEMENTS OF GENERAL CONCERN

Member Porter commented that she would like to encourage Board Members if there is any homework that we can do between meetings, and we have questions of the department heads as a result of the Board packets, that we talk to them ahead of time. I think that it would save time at the Board meetings. I think that it would result in better communication between us and the department heads.

Member Keiser commented that she seconded the point that Member Saline has made. It is important for us to buy locally. I would like to have bids brought back to this Board. Then we could examine the option to go with a local bidder.

Chairman Occhi and Member Knapp had no comment at this time.

Member Link asked about the vote for the County Flag . County Clerk Scott Erickson informed the Board Members that the votes are in. The results will be announced at the next meeting.

Member Pickrel asked about a fire at the Health Department. Greg Chance responded that there was a small fire related to the installation of a generator. Expenses relating to the fire were picked up 100% by the contractor. We incurred no out of pocket expense. It was mostly minor damage as an electrical surge went through the system so it blew out every surge protector that we had. We had to replace those and repair a small singe mark that went up the wall and some other work. Today, I received a written report of what caused the fire. The generator has been on line for three weeks now and is tested weekly.

Member Bacon commented that he was recently out to visit the Nursing Home. I want to say that the remodeled wing is looking very nice. If the rest of you haven’t had a chance to go out and see it, you need to do so.

Member Saline commented that this morning Member Occhi, Mr. Harrell and I met with the judges and we discussed some of their concerns, as well as some of ours, on our proposal. We had a couple of issues and have been able to work those out. We are pretty much in 100% agreement that this is going to work. There are a couple of other things to solve to allow us to move forward. My understanding is that we are going to be able to get this done.

Member Sandoval and Member Roberts had no comments at this time.

Member Parsons commented that we he would encourage all of the Board Members to go out and visit the Nursing Home and the remodeled wing. The change is simply unbelievable.

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

Chairman Occhi announced that the next regular meeting of the Board will be held on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 , 6:00 p.m. at the Knox County Courthouse, Galesburg , IL .

Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Sandoval to adjourn. Voice vote and motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:46 p.m.