PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNTY BOARD

KNOX COUNTY , ILLINOIS

April 13, 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, April 13, 2005 at 6:05 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 2         Dana Shallenberger

District 3         Dale Parsons

District 4         Lowell Mannhardt

District 5         Stephen Johnson

And those absent:                 District 3         Paul Hevland

Also present was Scott Erickson, County Clerk .

            Chairman Occhi led the members in the pledge to the flag and Terry Rennwick, Elder from Bethel Baptist Church gave the invocation.

            Chairman Occhi asked if there were any additions to the agenda. Member Johnson asked for an addition to the agenda under agenda item 8 to discuss tax due dates, for discussion only.

            Chairman Occhi asked for public comment. There was none.

            Chairman Occhi presented the following consent agenda items for approval: 1) minutes of the Board Meeting and closed Board sessions held March 23, 2005; 2) claims against Knox County, Illinois, for the period of March 24-2005-April 13, 2005 (ordering that invoices be accepted and approved 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 April 13, 2005. Member Pickrel moved that consent agenda item 2 be removed and voted on separately. Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve consent agenda items 1 and 3. Member Porter asked for additions to the minutes. Roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson—(14); Noes—(0). Motion carried. Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Johnson to approve consent agenda item 2 with roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson—(12); Noes—(0). Pass—Pickrel, Bacon (2). Motion carried.

            Member Pickrel stated that the Knox County Scenic Drive Association had phoned him with questions. He told them that it would be better if the representatives from this organization could attend and address the County Board Meeting. He then introduced Janis King, President of the Knox County Drive Association; Donna Cecil, Vice-President; and Michele Bizarri, Advertising Chair. Janis King informed the Board of the history and success of the Knox County Scenic Drive . There are seven official stops at the present time: Galesburg Scarecrow Festival, Knox County Fairgrounds, Knoxville , Walnut Grove Farm, Orange Chapel, Maquon and Yates City . Thousands of people come to Knox County during the first two weekends of October for this event. There has been an increase in room nights sold during those two weekends in October, a total of 1,645 last year. Out of town requests for information have been increasing over the past years. We have provided fund raising opportunities for a large group of non-profit organizations that have earned a substantial portion of their yearly budgets during the Drive. Local businesses have also benefited for the economic boost of added visitors. Since the Drive is directed and staffed almost totally by a volunteer workforce, we have been able to keep the budget low with an annual budget of $12,500-$14,000. However, since we have lost both vendor fees and stops in recent years, this has caused a shortage of funds. We do receive grants from the City of Knoxville and the City of Galesburg . We receive postage, mailing expenses and in-kind services from the Galesburg Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Gallatin River hosts our website for us. We are hoping to include the County Board in our active community support groups. The Knox County Scenic Drive Board would like to maintain the past advertising budget, which is the majority of the total budget. Our goal is to attract more visitors from a distance and encourage more overnight stays and an even greater influx of dollars into our local economy. Ms. King then introduced Michele Bizarri to speak to the Board about obtaining funds from the Knox County Board. Ms. Bizarri stated that due to the decrease in stops, for example, Abingdon not being on the Scenic Drive last year that is one of the reasons that funding has been lowered. In order to keep this Drive alive they are here tonight to ask for your support and request for additional funding to help bring the Drive back up. Some of the areas that we need the funding in are more permanent signage. Also, last year we had a small group of entertainers that performed at each stop. This was very well received and we would like this activity to increase. Due to our decreased budget, we have had to cut back on our advertising. Either this year or next year, we would like to secure funding for vendor recruitment. Most of our revenues come from vendor fees and vendor numbers are beginning to come down. Our initial request for the Board to consider is for a $5,000 grant that would help us to improve all of these areas. The Board could stipulate to us how they want the money spent. For example, Knoxville ’s funding to us comes through their hotel-motel tax. Therefore, their funds are only used to advertise outside a fifty mile radius, due to their goal of creating hotel-motel stays. Currently the capacity of rooms available those two nights each weekend is about 2,400. We are currently filling over 1,600 rooms those two weekends. There is room for growth and improvement. We are hoping to increase the Drive to include ten stops as it had been in the past. Member Pickrel told the Board Members that this matter would be discussed at a later date. Ms. King told the Board that if they had any questions they could contact any of the representatives that were here tonight. She gave contact information to the County Clerk .

            Motion was made by Member Porter and seconded by Member Knapp to appoint Harold E. Ziehr as Treasurer of the Wataga Sanitary District with roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson—(14); Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Keiser and seconded by Member Johnson to appoint Alan Swearingen as Trustee for Maquon Community Fire Protection District with roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson—(14); Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Roberts and seconded by Member Johnson to appoint Gene Sauders as Trustee for Elba-Salem Fire Protection District with roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson—(14); Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Mannhardt to approve the resolution on distribution of reconveyance funds for parcel ID# 99-15-104-002. County Clerk Erickson reported that this is a housekeeping measure for a property that was sold at the tax sale. Member Mannhardt questioned that throughout the resolution there is reference to a finance committee. Erickson responded that this occurred back in 2001 when it was sold in the tax sale and that is why it is referring to the finance committee. Member Mannhardt asked if someone owns the property and is paying taxes on it regularly now. Treasurer Robin Davis responded yes. Roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson—(14); Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Member Johnson presented the added agenda item, concerning the property tax due date, saying that this was added at the request of Treasurer Davis. She told the Board that the multiplier had been received this week but we are still waiting on overlapping values. Her question for the County Board involves the due dates. By law the due dates should be June 1 and September 1. In the past several years, we did not have the ability to let that happen. This year we do, if we have no major problems. To help our senior citizens who don’t receive their social security checks until the 3^rd of the month, she would like to make the due dates June 6 and September 6. This would make it easier for some of our taxpayers. Member Parsons remarked that it is a good idea, and other Members agreed. Member Porter asked if we could go ahead and give the Treasurer direction to make that the due dates. Chairman Occhi asked for a consensus from the Board Members and they agreed.

            Chairman Occhi introduced for approval the resolution regarding use of renewable fuels in County vehicles. Member Link stated that this has been in the Member packets for the last two meetings. He suggested an effective date of May 15^th. Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Keiser to approve this resolution with this effective date. Roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson—(14); Noes—(0). Motion carried.

County Clerk Scott Erickson presented an update on the 2005 consolidated election. He stated that everything had gone smoothly and the election judges are starting to feel more comfortable with the equipment. We started having election results come in about 7:30 p.m. this year versus 8:30 p.m. last year for the general election. We have had positive responses from both the voters and judges on the new equipment. He also asked for help as the number of election judges have dwindled. We need more election judges. Member Mannhardt asked if this is a communication problem. In this age of so much unemployment, you would think that people would be willing to serve as election judges. Erickson addressed the subject of the pay for judges saying that they earn about $90 for serving as a standard substitute election judge. If they attend the training school, then they earn about $100. Additionally, a judge of each party from each precinct must bring the ballots and supplies back to the courthouse. They earn extra money plus a mileage reimbursement. It is a good way to spend the day and perform community service.

            In Administrator Hallberg’s absence, Chairman Occhi presented the animal control business report, and stated that the information is in the Member packets.

            Rod Cleair presented the Mary Davis Home business report, saying that currently there are 33 clients at the Home with 4 of those from Knox County . We received the money for the kitchen grant and are in the process of spending those funds. Everything else is status quo.

            Chairman Occhi presented the Assessor/Zoning business report saying that on Monday our assessor had surgery on her knee. Therefore, she was not able to attend this meeting.

            Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the zoning classification change for case no. ZA-01-05 at 1438 Knox Highway 9. Member Johnson questioned the exact location of the property and was told that it is on the northwest corner of the Interstate 74 interchange. Mr. Joseph Krupps from the Knox County Zoning Board of Appeals stated that since this property will be involved in a different kind of activity it needs to be re-zoned. Member Shallenberger questioned about the cabinet business that is to employ 12 to 14 people, asking if others will lose their jobs. Mr. Krupps responded that this is a new plant and these are additional jobs. Member Johnson questioned if the County Board approves this zoning change on the County level, if we will have to involve the Knoxville City Council. Mr. Krupps stated that the City of Knoxville and Mayor Phil Myers had been contacted and notified as required by law. Mayor Myers replied that the reason for their objection was that their planning commission had not had opportunity to review this zoning change. The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously voted in favor of the requested change citing that the property is not located in Knoxville . Member Mannhardt asked if the Knoxville City Council has provided any comment. Mr. Krupps responded that he had no knowledge of any comment. Roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson—(14); Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Larry Larson, Landfill Administrator, presented the landfill business report. He stated that currently business at the landfill is running on a pretty steady basis. Later on this month, we will be starting on our new cell construction, which will be cell # 10.  Hopefully we will complete that this year. Member Bacon asked how he was feeling and if he was back to full time yet. Larson responded that yes he was working full time and is feeling good.

            Duane Raterman, from the Highway Department, presented the highway business report. In reference to the County Highway 1 bridge project, the road was to have been closed this morning, however that did not happen. Monday we found out that there was a problem with a fiber-optic phone line. We are trying to work that issue out before we close the road. This Highway will have to be closed for about 6 – 8 weeks. On current operations, our maintenance priority at the moment is a base widening project on County Highway 2. We are excavating a two foot wide trench a foot deep. Essentially we are taking dirt out and putting rock in trying to widen the base so we can hold the edge of seal coat better. This is a constant problem on this particular section of road as the edges keep breaking off. Member Sandoval asked if there was on a warranty on the 1999 Mack truck purchased in December 2004. Raterman responded there was a 30 day warranty, which is typical on a used piece of equipment. Member Sandoval then questioned that this happened six weeks ago and we just found out about it. Raterman stated that two meetings previously Member Link had asked him about it. At that point it was not included in the report as they were trying to figure out what was wrong with it and what we were going to do about it. They have located a used or remanufactured engine to put in that truck about two weeks ago. For some reason, that engine didn’t work out and they have located a second engine. As of Monday, they said they would probably have the truck finished by next week. Member Sandoval asked if this engine is covered by some type of warranty. Member Bacon asked if it is remanufactured or used engine. Raterman responded that they usually look for an engine out of wrecked truck. Member Bacon asked about the cost. Raterman answered that the price would be $4,000 to $6000. Member Bacon asked about the cost of a remanufactured engine. Raterman responded that he didn’t know, but that this is the cheaper way to go. The truck dealer is trying to find the best deal as they are paying 50% of the bill. Member Saline stated that some people had called and asked him to pass their question to Raterman regarding why the County didn’t plow the snow during the last storm. Reportedly during the last storm, some motorists met other vehicles on those snowy roads and wound up in the ditch. Motorists are inquiring why the roads were not plowed. Raterman responded that we did plow. Member Saline that roads were not plowed on the north end of the County. Raterman repeated that those roads were plowed but it might not have been at 6:00 A.M. but they did plow that day. The night crew had ended at that point. It wasn’t a matter of overtime pay but rather waiting for the storm to be over. It was still snowing at 7:00 A.M.

            Duane Raterman presented the proposal for wages of non-union personnel at the Highway Department, stating that this is the second reading for this proposal. Motion was made by Member Porter and seconded by Member Mannhardt to discuss this wage increase. Member Shallenberger reiterated that we need to maintain 2% across the board. She doesn’t see why the secretary/bookkeeper should get 2.6% increase to bring her up to comparable salary levels. Other counties may have more money. We have stressed 2% and that is it. Member Saline stated that what is not reflected is seniority or years of service. Our person has only been in this position a couple of years; some of these others may have been there for 20 years. Thus, the comparison with other counties is not necessarily a fair one. We need to hold the line at a 2% increase. Raterman then questioned how a person ever gets to where they should be on the pay rate. In the personnel policy, a merit pay or performance evaluation is described. A department head can give a merit based pay raise or increase. You call it a 2 ½% raise; I call it a 2% raise and a ½% adjustment to get her to where she needs to be. The ½% increase will not even get her where she needs to be. Member Shallenberger stated that there are several County employees who are not at the levels they should be. However, the Knox County taxpayers just cannot afford it and we must hold the line at 2%. Member Johnson stated that for this very reason, he would have to vote no on this proposal. In all of our negotiations we have held the line at 2% and it should remain at that. If this motion is defeated, he will offer a motion for a straight 2% pay increase. Roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter (1); Noes—Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson—(13). Motion failed.

Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Keiser to award the non-union personnel at the Highway Department a straight 2% increase in wages. Member Bacon asked how many employees are out there. Raterman answered that there are four employees: one secretary, two technicians and one maintenance man. Roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson—(14); Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Duane Raterman asked the Board to group agenda items 18 through 23 together since they are all like items. Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the following agenda items: 18) bid for aggregate hauling/stockpiling, 19) bid for calcium chloride, 20) bid for bituminous materials, 21) bid for various road signs, 22) bid for various pipe culverts and 23) bid for micro-surfacing of roads. Member Link expressed his disappointment in the lower number of bidders, especially for the pipe culverts. Raterman responded that Metal Culvert Company has a plant in Havana , Illinois and they regularly supply pipe to us. Their bid ended up at the courthouse and was picked up on Tuesday morning. We opened the bids on Monday. We had very specific directions that the bids shall be turned in to the County Engineer ’s Office. He had no choice but to return to them unopened. Member Link stated that it is understandable but still disappointing. It is better to have at least two bids and some of these bids were more than 10% over the engineer’s estimate. Raterman responded that, for instance, the culverts were 50% over what we paid about four years ago. With steel prices, that is what culverts cost these days. I would hope that the motion is not for low bid but for ones recommended on the bid tabs. Member Saline asked about the micro-surfacing. Raterman said that this is considered a maintenance item and paid for with motor fuel tax funds. Member Johnson asked who was recommended that was not the lowest bidder. Raterman responded that it was for bituminous materials and one bidder did not submit a sufficient bid check. Therefore, we rejected that bid in favor of other bidders who did submit their bids in accordance with our rules. That is why those recommendations are the way they are. We have had these rules in place for ten years. . Roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson—(14); Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Pickrel and seconded by Member Parsons to approve the bid for County Highway 31 (Sec. 02-00098-01-RS) resurfacing and storm sewer project. Raterman asked the Board if they had any questions about this project. This project is at Knox County Highway 31 starting at the west entrance of Carl Sandburg College or where Lake Storey Road goes on the north proceeding westerly 1½ miles to the County line. The first half mile will be a storm sewer project where we will fill an open ditch in and make it a curb gutter. That is probably the biggest part of the money. We have been working on this for a couple years. Member Link asked about an estimate for this project. Raterman said that the bid was 2% over the Engineer’s estimate. Member Link asked if there was only one bid. Raterman responded yes and it was close to the estimate. Roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, Johnson—(14); Noes—(0). Motion carried.

                        Chairman Occhi asked the Board Members if they had other questions for Raterman. Member Bacon asked about the intersection in Henderson that we were asked to help with. Raterman responded that we haven’t heard back on that. The Village did apply for truck route funding. As part of that, they would have to improve that intersection. No word on whether this has been approved or not.

                        Marianne Wiesen, Administrator from the Nursing Home report saying that currently there are 146 patients with 8 Medicare A, 8 Medicare Part B, 1 HMO. They have had 15 inquires this month, 8 admissions and 3 pending admissions. She reminded the Board Members of the financial information that she had included in the Member packets. Member Johnson thanked Wiesen for including the memorial account records in the packet information. He has been aware of the existence of this account as it was there when he served on the Nursing Home Committee. However, he did not know that this fund was not regulated by the Treasurer’s office and that the Administrator is the sole governing agent as far as the spending, disbursement, and depositing of these funds. He said that is wrong. He examined several of these pages and has a lot of questions about where some of the money went to out of this memorial account. He called for a full and complete investigation into this account. There are hundreds of dollars being withdrawn with no mention of the purpose for the withdrawal. There are hundreds of dollars being withdrawn from this account into “cash on hand.”  It warrants a full investigation and we should talk to the State’s Attorney’s Office. Wiesen stated that Treasurer Davis and I have a meeting with the State’s Attorney tomorrow morning. She brought in all of the files for the last two years that could be found. Member Bacon asked if during the last three of four years, the Nursing Home had been audited. Various Members replied that it had been audited. Member Bacon further asked if the accountants told us anything about this. Wiesen replied that the County auditors say that this fund cannot be controlled by the Treasurer’s office. However, the Treasurer should be getting the information. She needs to have an accounting statement given to her. What they recommend is to set up a mini-board, which might consist of local bank, or local attorney, and a member of the clergy. We would look at how this money is being spent. She does not like being in total control of this account. Member Bacon asked why the Board was never informed that these practices were going on. Member Saline responded that although he understands the questions, since Wiesen is new to this position, the questions are directed to the wrong person. She inherited this problem. Member Bacon asked why the auditors didn’t present this problem to the County Board ; were they not doing their job. Member Saline stated his thanks to Wiesen for preparing this information. This is a breath of fresh air to be able to sit here and look through this and not harp at somebody to give me this information. Before, this information would never have been supplied to the Board Members and again I want to thank you. Wiesen asked the Board if they had received a Medicaid Cost Report in their packets. Board Members said that it didn’t seem to be included. She will make sure that they get a copy of this report. She and Treasurer Davis have been discussing this and it shows that tax referendum receipts and the farm income as part of the income to the facility, which made it look like we had a gained a $6,000 profit. We are going to contact American Express about this. Chairman Occhi stated that we would be looking into this and bringing it back. Member Shallenberger commended Wiesen for opening up this issue and trying to dig us out of this mess that went on before.

            In Administrator Hallberg’s absence, Chairman Occhi presented the business report, telling the Board Members that it is in the Member packets.

            STATEMENTS OF GENERAL CONCERN

                        Member Porter raised a question about the highway salary increase, saying that it seemed to her that she should vote for her own motion.

                        Member Keiser stated that she liked that way that this meeting had gone, with the Department heads presenting their own reports as opposed to Administrator Hallberg doing it all. It has brought forth more information for us. She would like it to stay this way in the future.

                        Member Occhi and Member Knapp had no comments at this time.

                        Member Link stated that he agreed with Member Keiser about the Department heads presenting the business reports. Further, Wiesen is doing an outstanding job.

                        Member Pickrel stated that although he was a proponent of the reorganization of the County Board Structure and meet as a Committee of the Whole. He is not comfortable with the way that things are going. We said that in a year that we would re-evaluate it. I hope that with the department heads and elected officials presenting the reports that more information will come out. Otherwise, I would like us return to the committee system, because I feel that we have less information than ever in my four terms on this Board. Maybe this will help. I admit that I was for this system. But I am uncomfortable with it right now.

                        Member Bacon thanked Wiesen for the Nursing Home financial statements included in the Member packets.

                        Member Saline had no comment at this time.

                        Member Sandoval agreed with Member Keiser. Tonight felt like it used to be. Wiesen is doing a great job, including the memorial fund information in the packet. I am glad that we have that information to keep the Board informed.

                        Member Roberts stated that she agreed that Wiesen is doing a great job. It also nice to hear these reports from the Department heads.

                        Member Shallenberger addressed the subject of the memorial account. Whichever fund includes the donation money for the chicken coop and the residents’ Christmas fund; she would like to see a clear explanation such as this is. I think that you are doing a fantastic job. It is also good to see Larry Larson here.

                        Member Parsons stated that he was glad to see the information of the memorial fund, saying that he has asked about it through the years. He had never received financial statements from former administrators. He thanked Wiesen.

                        Member Mannhardt stated that he echoed everything that had been said.

                        Member Johnson stated that there is a piece of paper distributed to the County Board Members which he needed to talk about. We based our budget on an EAV of $630,000,000. At the time when we wrote that budget, we questioned that figure, saying that a $600,000,000 figure might be more appropriate or even something between these two figures. Our Assessor adamantly said that it would be $630,000,000. The EAV figure is $601,294,373, which means just the general fund is going to be short $111,505.19 of the budgeted amount. That eliminated our carry-over; that eliminated everything. We are now looking at a deficit in just the general fund of $111,000.As you look at this first column, you will see the other funds listed there, that is how this EAV will affect those budgets. This is food for thought because this means that we are going to have to revisit our budget and cut some items.

                        Member Occhi reported that the next regular meeting of the Board will be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 , 6:00 p.m. , at the Knox County Courthouse.

                        Motion was made by Member Sandoval and seconded by Member Bacon to adjourn. Voice vote and motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:08 p.m.