PROCEEDINGS OF THE
STATE OF
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Proceedings of the regular meeting of the Knox County Board, held at the
Knox County Courthouse,
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 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
District 5 Stephen Johnson
Also present was Scott Erickson,
Chairman Occhi led the members in the pledge to the flag and the Barb Devina, from the First Christian Church gave the invocation.
Chairman Occhi asked if there were any additions to the agenda. Member Johnson asked for an addition under agenda item 12. He asked for a short executive session in reference to a workman’s compensation claim. Member Occhi asked for an addition under agenda item 13 to discuss an update concerning Maytag’s taxes.
Chairman Occhi asked for public comment. There was none.
Chairman Occhi presented the following consent agent for approval: 1) minutes of the Board Meeting and closed Board Sessions held March 9, 2005; 2) Claims against Knox County, Illinois for the period of March 10, 2005- March 23, 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 March 23, 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 March 2005 (filed with the Clerk); and 5) sales tax and various taxes for the month of January 2005 in the amounts of $111,986.26 and $24,198.57 and public safety tax in the amount of $98,053.56. Member Bacon moved that consent item 2 be removed and voted on separately. Member Porter asked for two spelling corrections to the minutes. Member Johnson also asked for a correction to minutes stating that the Nursing Home Referendum Account is still owed the stated amount in the minutes. Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Parsons to approve consent agenda items 1, 3, 4, and 5 and roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson—(15); Noes—(0). Motion carried. Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Hevland to approve consent agenda item 2. Member Johnson asked a question concerning some of the bills. He questioned the State’s Attorney’s bills asking if pages 50 and 51 in the member packets are a repeat. Chairman Occhi replied that there is a repeat and an addition. Member Johnson also questioned a bill included under the Sheriff’s expenses for $240 from May Storage and another from Gale Credit Union for $247.48. Sheriff Thompson replied that the May Storage bill is for the storage of items and the Gale Credit Union bill is to pay a credit card expense. Member Johnson also questioned the bill for two security cameras asking if these cameras were for the squad cars or for the jail. Sheriff Thompson replied that these cameras are for the jail as they had been having problems with the cameras. Member Johnson did ask if the cameras were still under warranty. Sheriff Thompson replied they are not. Roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson—(13); Noes—(0). Pass—Pickrel, Bacon (2). Motion carried.
Linda presented the quarterly GREDA report. She reminded the Board of the
packet of information that had been presented to them prior to the meeting. Two
major things that did happen last quarter at the logistics park are curb cuts
and intersections. These have been annexed and we are ready to go. The logistics
park website at galesburglogistics.com has been launched. We have had good
contacts on that already and a lot of feedback. Other projects that we are
working on are finance and budgeting. The overpass for the Highway 41 project is
progressing as the mounds have been built and the overpass should be completed
by October of this year. The third annual State of the Burg luncheon was
recently held. Several matters were discussed such as how rural counties can
compete with the big cities and major metropolitan areas. We have been working
closely with
Chairman Occhi then introduced the GREDA Proclamation for existing
business months in
Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Link to approve the appointment of Dave Peck as trustee for the Knoxville Fire Protection District with roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson—(15); Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Chairman Occhi introduced for approval the following six appointments to the Ad Hoc Committee for Personnel Policy revisions: Member Link, Member Sandoval, Member Knapp, as well as members of the negotiating committee Members Pickrel, Bacon, and Occhi. Motion by made by Member Shallenberger and seconded by Member Bacon to approve these appointments with roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt,—(12); Noes—Johnson (1). Pass—Knapp, Sandoval, (2). Motion carried.
Member Johnson presented his review of the recent UCCI Conference. He
reported that this conference was the first for him and was a two day event held
in
Chairman Occhi introduced for approval the directive on per diem
payments. Member Porter referred to her experience on the tourism council and
said ordinarily those members do not get a per diem. She questioned Chairman
Occhi if under this policy it would be mandatory to put in for a per diem.
Chairman Occhi replied that you don’t have to put in for a per diem if you
don’t want to do so. Motion was made by Member Shallenberger and seconded by
Member Johnson to approve the directive on per diem payments. Member Keiser said
that if an individual on the county board might be requested to participate on a
temporary basis on an Ad Hoc Committee or something on a one time basis, in the
past that had been a basis for reimbursements if the Chairman of the committee
did request the presence of the board member.
Chairman Occhi responded that in the directive it states that the
Chairman would reserve the right to assign an alternate member to attend a
meeting if the assigned person is not available. Member
Saline questioned the actual wording of the directive because a member cannot
show up to every meeting and expect payment. Member Keiser responded that no,
but if the chairman has requested a member’s presence, then that member should
be entitled to per diem. Chairman Occhi drew the board’s attention to page 58
in their member packets. Member Johnson offered the explanation of which county
board members are entitled to a per diem saying that regarding the six member Ad
Hoc committee appointed tonight, if the other nine members of the county board
show up to attend that meeting, they are not entitled to a per diem. Only those
people appointed to that committee are entitled to a per diem. Member
Shallenberger stated that basically that is her interpretation of this situation
as well. Member Johnson added another question about policy. The directive
states “one conference or convention per year for the appointed board not to
exceed $250 for the event.” The UCCI meet quarterly and costs more than $250
which we are reimbursed for as we get $75 per member who attends that. This $250
limit might be a little low. Chairman Occhi asked the Board members if they
wanted to strike out this portion or change it. Member Parsons stated that he
had attended some conferences and they are always a lot more than $250. Two day
conferences up in
Member Link addressed the Board concerning his proposed Resolution
regarding the use of renewable fuels in County vehicles. Member
Link told the Board of the information in the member packets as well as the
revised copy that was handed out prior to the meeting, saying that this revised
copy would explain things a little better. He asked Members to direct their
attention to the last paragraph of the Resolution which states, “…any diesel
powered vehicle owned or operated by the County of Knox, shall when refueling
use a bio-diesel fuel blend that contains at least a 2% bio-diesel,” and he
added “any gas powered vehicle owned or operated by the County of Knox, shall
use an ethanol fuel blend of 10% ethanol, when these renewable fuels are priced
competitively, and as those terms are defined in the Illinois Renewable Fuels
Development Program Act, where available, unless the engine is designed or
retrofitted to operate on a higher percentage of bio- diesel.” In order to
give the City of
At
Treasurer Davis informed the Board Members that the conditions of the
banks as of December 2004 are on file with the
State’s Attorney Paul Mangieri presented an update concerning Maytag. The $94,000 tax bill sent to Maytag was paid under protest. By law they are required to file a complaint within 75 days of last due date. Yesterday was the 75th day and Maytag did not file and follow through on that protest. They have missed the deadline.
Administrator Hallberg presented the animal control report. He reminded
the Board members that the invoices and activities are in the Member packets
regarding the number of animals that they have dealt with and number of licenses
sold. We have also had discussion in the department head meeting regarding the
bill in
Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Shallenberger to approve the appointment of Doc Joe as the Animal Control Administrator with a one year contract. Member Johnson asked if we did get a copy of the contract, included in the packets. Administrator Hallberg responded that there is no actual contract, but rather a verbal agreement. Roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson—(15); Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Administrator Hallberg presented the Mary Davis Home business report and
reminded the Board members that the invoices are in the member packets. On March
11, they had 31 clients in the Home, with 4 from
Administrator Hallberg presented the action item from the Mary Davis Home to bid and bring back for kitchen equipment. Chairman Occhi informed the Board that there are grant funds that need to be spent by the end of the month. Because of the grant purposes, Member Pickrel then amended the motion to bid and buy instead of bid and bring back; Member Bacon seconded the motion. Rod Cleair informed the Board members that bid is to replace out-dated kitchen equipment, specifically a convection oven and a commercial refrigerator. Any funds that are left over would be used for pots and pans and smaller items. Rod informed that board that due to the grant timeline that he needs to spend these funds by March 31, or forfeit these funds. Member Saline questioned if Rod was sure that he has this money. Rod responded that yes he is sure. Member Saline stated that we need to get it done and not miss this deadline. Rod said that in January he had obtained three bids. He would like Hawkeye to get the bid for the refrigerator, simply because our maintenance man can install this refrigerator with no problems. It will fit right through the door. He recommends that Hobart of Peoria get the convection oven bid. It is exactly what the grant is calling for. Member Bacon questioned Rod if he would be able to spend the entire allocated amount. Rod replied that any extra money would be allocated for pots and pans. Member Bacon asked if Rod needed any more big ticket items. He said he would like to purchase a new dishwasher. He had to write the grant in such a way that it is for child’s vocational needs and they are starting a home economics class. Voice vote to amend the item to bid and buy as follows: Ayes—(15); Noes—(0). Motion carried. Roll call vote on to bid and buy the equipment as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson—(15); Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Administrator Hallberg presented the assessor/zoning business report. He
told the Board that he had nothing of note to report from the zoning office.
Next month there will be a February activity report in the packets. Regarding
the assessor’s office, he has drafted a letter for the Board of Review to ask
tax entities for contributions for defense appraisals. The Board of Review
accepted that letter and it is being approved and sent on right now to the other
taxing bodies to ask for their contributions. The assessor did roll to the
Administrator Hallberg presented the landfill business report. Last Thursday he had talked to Larry Larson who was back to work but not with a doctor’s release. Hallberg suggested that Larry wait to return to work until he had that doctor’s release. The report of the gate receipts are in the member packets. Member Link commented about the gate receipts saying for the first three months of this year, it has been the second highest we have had. Member Bacon asked Hallberg to check on the expiration date of the Fluff contract asking if we are working with that.
Administrator Hallberg presented the highway business report. He informed
the board that the daily activity report is in the member packets. There will be
a bid opening on April 4. This is
for the remaining motor fuel tax maintenance materials, a micro surfacing
project on County Highway 3, and resurfacing storm sewer project on County
Highway 31, west of
Administrator Hallberg presented for first reading a proposal of wages of non-union personnel for the highway department. There is information in the member packets about this. Duane Raterman is proposing a 2 per cent increase over last year for all of the non-union employees except for the 2.5 per cent increase for the Secretary/Bookkeeper. In the member packets Duane explains his reasons for this difference.
Administrator Hallberg presented the Nursing Home business report. The census today is 147. The referendum account at this time is owed $299,000. Auditors at the Nursing Home have finished examining the books and reveal a tentative $588,000 in outstanding debt, mostly due to delinquent private accounts and some other sources. Currently, the State’s Attorney is working on some letters asking for payment of $150,000 in delinquent accounts, and seeking other legal actions on that. We are getting some of that money back. Hallberg saw a report that some rather large amounts have begun to come in. We will continue to pursue this and get what we can to settle these accounts. Marianne told the Board that some checks have come in. There is $100,000 owed to the Nursing Home for exceptional care. We hope to get this money. Member Bacon questioned the amount in outstanding delinquent accounts. Hallberg responded that the amount is $588,000. Member Bacon asked how much of that amount Mangieri is going to pursue and if the difference is just lost money. Marianne responded that a lot of it will be a write-off and there will a report from the Nursing Home. Member Bacon questioned if this is because the County did not take the initiative to go after it. Marianne stated that the books are difficult to understand even for the auditors. Member Saline stated that these things have happened previously and some are just unrecoverable debts. Marianne thinks that the recommendation from the auditors will be to take the $588,000 off of the books.
Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Knapp to approve
the revised lease to farm the Nursing Home farmland with C. L. Palmer.
Administrator Hallberg told the Board members that the copies of the revised new
farm leases have been distributed to them earlier in the evening. These new
leases contain a full legal description and are little more in depth than what
the old ones were. These leases contain a termination clause, which the old
leases did not have. He had talked to Mr. Palmer and he is ready to get going
and farm out there. Hallberg then asked for questions and the Board’s approval
on this. Member Saline asked Hallberg if Palmer is going to come in and sign
this. Hallberg replied yes. Hallberg did tell the Board that these leases are
dated from March
Administrator Hallberg presented the bid for approval from the Nursing Home for renovation of Wing 2 from Johnson Building Systems for $164,886. Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Pickrel to approve this bid. Hallberg told the Board that when we wrote the specifications we received two complete bids: one from Johnson Buildings Systems and one from Robert Webster, Contractor. The bid from Johnson Building Systems contained a lump price of $136,566 which is listed in the agenda. However, there is the addition of $34,800 for carpet, which Johnson Building Systems will purchase and install. There is also a deduction of $64.80, which is the alternate and listed in the member packets and has to do with metal tiling on the roof. Marianne is agreeing to this alternative. This brings the total bid from Johnson Building Systems to $164,886. The other bid from Robert Webster, Contractor has a lump price of $162,200. This bid adds an additional $33,232 for carpet, which makes the total bid there of $195,432. We are recommending that Johnson Building Systems receive this bid. Member Saline questioned the amount of money that is currently in the referendum account. Treasurer Davis responded $865,125.58. Member Saline commented that in his opinion this is what the referendum account was created to do, that is to repair and maintain the facility. We need to approve this and start to renovate this facility. Member Johnson stated that he thought that in the member packets there were some bids for carpeting from other suppliers and he doesn’t recall a bid for $34,000. Hallberg responded that this was in the bid from Johnson Building Systems. Member Johnson questioned the carpet amount and asked if it was correct that the bid for $34,000 is for the carpet if we decide to approve Johnson’s bid. Marianne responded that it is the same carpet. The other companies were only bidding to do the carpet. There were not enough other bidders to do the total project. Member Parsons shared his opinion that the Nursing Home needs this project as it drastically needs these repairs. Member Bacon asked if these repairs would be completed within the timetable. Marianne reminded the Board of the June 30th deadline and stated that it could be done if we all work together. Member Keiser asked if we could anticipate completion by May 30th. Marianne stated that she would like that, the sooner the better. Roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson—(15); Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Administrator Hallberg told the Board members that the bids for
renovation materials for Wing 2 of the Nursing Home from
Administrator Hallberg presented the business report. He spoke to the
Board about the risk management presentation. This presenter would be glad to
come and speak to the Board at any time to provide information. We could make
this a quarterly or bi-annual meeting where he could come at
Motion was made by Member Bacon and seconded by Member Shallenberger to discuss the service provider contract for HVAC, electrical, and plumbing work from MSI. Administrator Hallberg informed the Board that these services had been bid out. We did receive four plumbing bids, four HVAC bids and one electric bid. All of the bid information is in the member packets. He is recommending that MSI be awarded all three of these bids for the following reasons: the regular hourly wage of $59.85 and $79.80 for overtime, weekend rate of $102.60, and a 20% markup. These were not the lowest bids. The lowest bid for HVAC was $1.66 cheaper, and for the plumbing $.10 cheaper. He put the most weight on this bid when he considered the regular hours. Except for emergencies, we should be able to manage the overtime hours. He also felt that if one company were awarded all three of these bids, (MSI was the only company to bid all three bids) there would be greater consistency in the work being done, and we could track it a little easier. Also for each of these facilities, it would be less confusing to know that one business would be handling each of these responsibilities. If that is not the option that you choose, the lowest plumbing bid was from Benbow, Neil Thomas was the lowest bid for HVAC, and MSI was the lowest bid for the electrical. Member Keiser questioned the total difference between the bids. Hallberg responded that hourly wise, it is about $1.66 less for HVAC with Neil Thomas and $.10 less for the plumbing with Benbow. Member Link then questioned the percentage of the usual markup of the materials and how big of a factor that is. Hallberg responded that it depends on the job and the raw materials that are used. There is usually a 15-20% markup. Member Link questioned how big of a factor the additional 5% markup would be in the difference of the submitted bids. Member Pickrel stated that on work under $5,000, the markup would be less. Hallberg stated that there is a stipulation that anything over $5,000 or as determined by the Board and not an emergency situation, is subject to bid on the open market. Member Keiser questioned if this service contract is for the courthouse. Hallberg responded that it is for the courthouse, the annex, jail, the highway department and the Nursing Home. Member Keiser asked about how often we call these contractors. Hallberg responded he had called for plumbing once, never for electrical, and once for HVAC; this is not a huge thing. Member Keiser stated that it was not clear to her if we are getting a better price by paying more with MSI. Hallberg responded that by awarding all three of these contracts to MSI, it would save the County money. Member Mannhardt questioned if really this is for emergency purposes more than regular maintenance. Hallberg responded that it is for regular maintenance, the day to day things plus emergencies. This is a two-year contract. Roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Occhi, Knap, Bacon, Hevland, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Johnson—(9); Noes— Keiser, Link, Saline, Sandoval, Mannhardt—(5); Pass—Pickrel (1). Motion carried.
Motion was made by Member Keiser and seconded by Member Johnson to discuss the waste removal contract for the courthouse, annex, and the jail. Administrator Hallberg told the Board that he had received two contracts: from Abingdon Salvage and from Waste Management. According the specifications that we put out, Abingdon Salvage had the lowest bid. It was changed a little bit from our present pick-up schedule. It has been once a week at the courthouse and annex, with three times a week at the jail. He had noticed some trash overflow at the jail, courthouse, and also at the annex. That is why the bid specifications were changed to include more pick-ups. We are increasing those pick-ups to twice a week at the courthouse, once a week at the annex, and daily pick-up at the jail. With these added pick-ups, Abingdon Salvage had the lowest bid. Therefore, he recommends that Abingdon Salvage be awarded this contract. However, it will cost more than we are currently paying because of the additional pick-ups. It will be about an additional $813 per year. Member Keiser asked if adding another trash bin would be cheaper than paying for additional pick-ups. Hallberg responded no, what costs is the pick-up, not the size of the bin. Sheriff Thompson replied that we had tried to get the large size first and they were unavailable in the past. You pay a rental fee for those. Member Keiser questioned the cost of manpower that pick-ups five days a week. She withdrew her motion and is seeking additional information whether a second bin and twice a week pick-up would be cheaper than five day pick-up. Member Shallenberger questioned the cost of how much to rent a bin. Hallberg said that the information is in the packets, but it does not include the bin charge. Member Pickrel questioned the size of the bins whether four or eight cubic yards. Member Porter asked if we can decide which company that we want to provide this service for us, and not the details. Motion was made by Member Porter and seconded by Member Shallenberger to accept the contract from Abingdon Salvage to provide this service. Roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Occhi, Knapp, Pickrel, Hevland, Sandoval, Shallenberger, Parsons, Johnson—(9); Noes— Keiser, Link, Bacon, Saline, Roberts, Mannhardt—(6). Motion carried.
STATEMENTS OF GENERAL CONCERN
Member Porter and Member Keiser had no comments at this time.
Member Occhi said she would like us to look into the Nursing Home land sale and see where we want to go with this. Lately she has had a lot of calls. So we need to decide if we want to go ahead with this or not. Let her or Administrator Hallberg know what your feelings are on this, and then we will move from there.
Member Knapp said that as far as making any decisions about the Nursing Home land, we need to know who, what, and where. We need more information. I am in favor of selling but we do need a lot more information.
Member Link expressed his point of view about the seating arrangement, saying that we need to continue to work on it. This is a trial but it is an error. We can’t hear over here on this side at all for some reason. Let’s keep working at it. We need to work toward a better arrangement.
Member Pickrel echoed Member Link’s comments. I didn’t think that it was so bad before, especially with the microphones. He also said that he has received lots of calls regarding the sale of the farmland at the Nursing Home. As we look to the future, I don’t think that we want to get in the real estate business. Most of his calls have dealt with people who desire to purchase two or three acres. If we decide to go down that avenue, we need to sell it all, not just two or three acres here and there.
Member Bacon said that he likes the idea of looking at the audience during the meeting.
Member Hevland had no comment at this time.
Member Saline also commented about the seating arrangement. We have 15 members, not 5. It is more important that we can look at each other and hear what each other is saying. If the members of the audience can’t hear, then they can ask us at the end. We are the ones that need to hear and communicate. Looking at the other person’s back is not the way to do business.
Member Sandoval and Member Roberts had no comments at this time.
Member Shallenberger wanted to
commend the
Member Parsons and Member Mannhardt had no comments at this time.
Member Johnson echoed what Member Link and others were saying about the seating arrangement. This arrangement defeated the purpose of having the microphones. I could hear the far table all night and hear what they were discussing and yet I couldn’t hear what Member Parsons said, who is sitting right in front of me. If we go back to the way we were and stand when we speak, then people will be able to see us and hear us.
Member Occhi reported that the next regular meeting of the Board will be
April 13, 2005,
Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Parsons to
adjourn. Voice vote and motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at
CORRECTION TO THE MINUTES OF
BOARD MEETING
At the
Member Porter asked for a correction in the minutes to reference page 3, the fourth line down on the page. The word should be “distributed” and not “disturbed”. The corrected sentence should read, “Last meeting Member Johnson distributed information about the Illinois Property Tax Code which clearly shows our deadlines.” She also requested another correction in the minutes of that same page and the seventh line down on the page. The word should be “Assessors’” and not “Assessor’s”. The corrected sentence should read, “The Assessors’ work should be completed by April.”
Member Johnson also asked for a correction to the minutes to reference page 8, the second paragraph on the page and the seventh line. The word “at” should be replaced by the word “owed”. The corrected sentence should read, “The referendum account is owed $225,000.”
Respectfully submitted this date
Scott Erickson
Knox