PROCEEDINGS OF THE

PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNTY BOARD

KNOX COUNTY , ILLINOIS

August 10, 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, August 10, 2005 at 6:03 p.m.

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

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 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 1 Caroline Porter

District 4 Wayne Saline

Also present was Scott Erickson, County Clerk .

Chairman Occhi led the Members in the pledge to the flag. Terry Renwick from Bethel Baptist Church gave the innovation.

Chairman Occhi asked if there were any additions to the agenda. She asked to discuss an addition to the minutes of the previous meeting.

Chairman Occhi asked for public comments. Robert Benedict addressed the Board requesting to purchase acreage which is currently the property of the Knox County Nursing Home. He presented handouts to the Board Members to identify specifically the land that he would like to purchase for development. He desires to enter into negotiations with the County concerning a fair market price. He understands that there could be the need for an extension of the water main and/or road back to the Nursing Home. He is interested in developing the property as a whole parcel, and is not interested in just frontage. He would like to maintain a buffer on the side of the Nursing Home. Chairman Occhi stated that the Board had not yet reached a decision on selling any farmland presently attached to the Nursing Home. We do not have a recommendation yet from State’s Attorney Paul Mangieri office. At the next meeting, we should have something. Mr. Benedict concluded his comments saying that this is a valuable piece of property and he would like to develop it and get it on the tax rolls.

Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Roberts to approve the minutes of the Board Meeting held July 27, 2005 and claims by Members for per diem and mileage for the meeting of August 10, 2005 . Chairman Occhi noted that an addition should be made to the minutes of the previous meeting to say that the Board had given a consensus to hire a secretary for the Public Defender’s Office and proceed with the order for the computer and the necessary wiring involved for that office. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(12). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Chairman Occhi presented for approval claims against Knox County , Illinois for the period of July 28, 2005-August 20, 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). Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Roberts to approve this item. Member Mannhardt commented that the phone bill for the courthouse is way over budget. Chairman Occhi stated that they are looking into it and it would be addressed later in this meeting. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Occhi, Knapp, Link, Hevland, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(10). Noes—(0). Pass—Pickrel, Bacon—(2). Motion carried.

Jeff Monroe presented the OnPoint LLC update. He reported that they had discovered that Knox County is paying Federal taxes and they are working with Gallatin River to have those taken off. Further, according to legislation in Springfield , counties do not have to pay late fees. We are asking for credit on those accounts. Additionally in the course of our investigation, we discovered that the courthouse has 124 telephone lines. Normally for the building of this size we would expect no more than 40. We are working to trace down those lines and verify their location. Surely some of those are dead lines. At a cost of over $20 per line, these fees add up quickly. There seems to be a similar situation at the Sheriff’s Office. The long distance rates that the County pays seem to be within industry norms but he thinks that we could do better. They did find a franchise agreement that dates back to 1964. He plans to approach Gallatin River about that as it does not offer any discounts on telephone bills. We will ask to re-negotiate that agreement and discuss right-of-way issues. If the Board would want to, we could investigate call accounting packages.

Member Bacon questioned the length of the 1964 franchise agreement. Mr. Monroe stated that it is “forever”, and at the time it was common business practice. We are working with various counties to re-negotiate franchise agreements with SPC and others, especially looking at the right-of-way concerns.

Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Sandoval to remove from the table the previous meeting’s discussion about the purchase of the County flag. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(12). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Hevland to purchase eight flags with no fringe for $34.95 each from Midwest Flags in Rio and coordinate the purchase with the Knox County Historical Sites group. Member Mannhardt stated that the Knox County Historical Sites group hopes to use this as a fund raiser to support the Knox County Museum . Board Members discussed whether they wanted the flag to have fringe. It was felt that fringe should be only for indoor flags. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, and Johnson—(10). Noes——Shallenberger—(1). Pass—Mannhardt—(0). Motion carried.

Chairman Occhi introduced for approval the voucher approval procedure memo, which is contained in the Member packets. County Clerk Scott Erickson informed the Board that the bill reviewing group has discovered some quirks and inconsistencies in the system. This memo is just a gentle reminder to make sure that we have the correct documentation included with the bills. This would save time in our office. Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Shallenberger to approve this measure with voice vote recorded as follows: Ayes—(12). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Chairman Occhi introduced for discussion the fence repair bill from bridge work. Member Link stated that he was surprised that this was on the agenda. In his opinion, even though the fence crosses the County line, this is a township level situation. He had talked to the property owner and Duane Raterman. Mr. Raterman stated that he had contacted the highway commissioner from Lynn Township and stated that they were going to take care of it. This is a routine procedure and it is being taken care of.

Member Parsons presented a short report from the IACBM Conference. He passed around some information and reminded Board Members of the conference agenda that is included in the Member packets. He stated that he learned a lot about County Government . One of the points learned was of the importance of Board Members to get together in groups of three and get to know each other better and therefore, communicate more effectively.

Chairman Occhi presented for discussion department head evaluations. Evaluation sheets were passed around to the Board Members. There are five department heads that need to be evaluated. She stated that there would be a special closed meeting Wednesday, August 31 at 6 p.m. to return these evaluation sheets and discuss the results. Every employee should have an annual review and this is part of that process. County Clerk Scott Erickson stated that reminder notices would be mailed to Board Members.

Chairman Occhi presented for discussion the budget update. County Treasurer Robin Davis informed the Board Members of the scheduled budget meeting August 16 at 6 p.m. at the annex. County Clerk Scott Erickson stated that reminder notices were mailed to Board Members.

County Clerk Scott Erickson presented for first reading revisions to the Knox County Liquor Control Ordinance. He stated that the current liquor control ordinance contains a five step fee schedule. We are currently in the last step of the schedule. We have had some questions from groups and organizations who are seeking a special use liquor license. The proposal contained in the Member packets addresses both the issue of the fees and adding a new classification for caterers. Other governmental units are using a similar classification. This is something to think about. We don’t need to add another classification but we will need to address the fee schedules. The packet also contains fee comparisons with Peoria County , the City of Peoria , and the City of Galesburg . These entities use a flat fee schedule with certain riders attached. We will need some direction from this Board about how to revise our fees. Member Mannhardt asked what budget item these fees support. Clerk Erickson responded that some fees go into the Clerk’s office and the rest goes into the County General Fund.

Rod Cleair presented the Mary Davis Home business report. Presently, there are 35 kids and 30 of those are from outside the County. Member Mannhardt asked Mr. Cleair to discuss having 17 year olds placed in juvenile facilities instead of the County Jail . Mr. Cleair responded that this would cost the County money and he will have more information for the next meeting. He shared his opinion that 17 year old boys should not be housed in the same facility as 11 year old girls. More juveniles will have to be placed at Arrowhead or mental heath centers. We may have to hire more probation officers.

Administrator Alan Hallberg presented the assessor/zoning report and reminded Members of the information in the packets. There were several complaints and they have been resolved.

Larry Larson presented the landfill business report. They are ready for the liner installation which is scheduled to begin August 16 and should take three or four days.

Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Parsons to approve the trash compactor bid from Thompson Equipment for $13,345.00 for the landfill. Mr. Larson stated that this trash compactor would replace an existing unit which is badly rusted out and no longer in safe working condition. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(12). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Duane Raterman presented the Highway Business Report. On this coming Monday, August 15, there will be a bid opening for pavement striping. In order to obtain a cheaper bid, we go together with two or three other counties within District 4. We will also be opening bids on the County Highway 20 Spoon River bank stabilization project. We do have the necessary permits. Due to the drought the river is lower and the work should be easier.

The seal coat work in Walnut Grove and Henderson Townships has been completed. The recycler has been in Fulton County . Their mix wasn’t working properly, so that project is on hold. We have been working on an extension project on County Highway 7 out by Oak Run. The engineering staff has been working on County Highway 39, 2 ½ miles east of Herman, with a drain structure replacement. Next year there are federal funds allocated for that project. Member Link asked how the Durapatcher was working. Mr. Raterman responded that they are getting better with time.

Chairman Occhi presented for first reading the resolution requesting consent of the Department of Transportation to the reappointment of the incumbent as County Engineer . Duane Raterman stated that he had included a copy of the resolution along with the letter from IDOT in the Member packets. His six year term will expire November 16, 2005 . The first step in the reappointment process is to consent to this appointment.

Marianne Wiesen presented the Nursing Home business report. On August 18th bids will be opened for the sprinkler system. Information about that is included in the Member packets. So far no bids have been received. After paying the payroll and the bills, the balance in the checking account is $153,994.33. Our census is 145 residents. She passed around photos of the entrance that she desires to have removed. There was some discussion about the reasoning behind that decision. Ms. Wiesen stated that she thought that removing it would improve the appearance. Member Johnson stated his concerns about energy conservation.

Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Pickrel to bid and bring back for installation of handicapped access doors in the garden room and living room of the Nursing Home. Ms. Wiesen informed the Board Members that currently you have to go on the resident neighborhoods to get to those areas. This would be a feasibility study. Member Pickrel stated that this would be a great idea. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(12). Noes (0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Mannhardt to approve the request to write off $47,851.19 of uncollectible account receivables over 180 days. Member Johnson stated that it was his understanding that these were the accounts of deceased persons who left no assets. Chairman Occhi stated that there was the need to remove these accounts from the books. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(12). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Bacon to approve the purchase of an additional power lift for the Nursing home at an estimated cost of $4,000. Ms. Wiesen stated that currently the Nursing Home only has one power lift. It would be advantageous to have another unit. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(12). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Link to approve the in-house installation of handicapped controls for the front entrance doors not to exceed $1,500. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(12). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Chairman Occhi introduced for discussion procedures for delinquent account collection. State’s Attorney Paul Mangieri stated that this is really the flip side of writing off the accounts already voted upon. There are some accounts at the Nursing Home that are uncollectible. Yet there are others that have available assets. To go after those accounts we would have to sue the resident and get a monetary judgment entered against them. He purposed that the County Board should discuss a procedure to be followed. It is important that the County Board Members be informed when a resident from the Nursing Home is being sued. He purposes that as a matter of routine, Ms. Wiesen inform Board Members when there is a situation in which we believe a delinquent account has assets that could be attached. She would make the referral to the State’s Attorney’s Office. This information would be listed for Members on the agenda as they occur. Board Members did give their consensus to pursue these delinquent accounts.

Administrator Alan Hallberg presented for first reading the cable franchise agreement with Insight Communications. This covers the Westport area. The 5% franchise fee attached to the gross revenue raised from cable customers will go into the general fund. This will be brought back at the next meeting.

Administrator Alan Hallberg presented the business report. He stated that he and Treasurer Robin Davis had been working on the budget. Tomorrow GIS interviews will be held for the six applicants. All of these candidates have college degrees and experience with GIS. The farmland will be on the agenda for the next meeting with survey information. The RFP’s for the County’s insurance and auditing services are completed and will be published Friday. On September 28, we should have a recommendation for the Board to consider. The Rio Cable Franchise is still in limbo. The attorneys are arguing on that.

The union arbitration set with AFSCME on the 15^th has been postponed until October 7. We do have a meeting scheduled with the FOP and the Federal Mediator on the 29^th. We still haven’t heard anything concerning the unfair labor practices suit with the Highway Department. Repeatedly we have contacted them and tried to speed this process along. Apparently this is in Springfield .

STATEMENTS OF GENERAL CONCERN

Member Occhi, Member Knapp, Member Link, Member Pickrel, Member Bacon, and Member Hevland had no comments at this time.

Member Sandoval commented that it is nice to have Member Shallenberger back.

Member Roberts had no comment at this time.

Member Shallenberger stated that it is good to be back.

Member Parsons stated that it is nice to Member Shallenberger and Member Hevland back.

Member Mannhardt had no comment at this time.

Member Johnson commented that the reason that he was late for the executive session was that the front page of the Member packet did not say anything about the executive session. It just said that we were going to review the bills at 5:30 . Then if you turn to the agenda page, there is a tiny, hard to read notice. When I looked through the agenda, I didn’t even see that. My suggestion is that a special insert be included or a notice should be listed on the first page to inform us about the executive meetings.

Chairman Occhi stated that the next regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 24, 2005 , 6:00 p.m. , at the Knox County Courthouse, Galesburg , Illinois .

Motion was made by Member Roberts and seconded by Member Knapp to adjourn. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(12). Noes—(0). Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:08 p.m.