PROCEEDINGS OF THE

PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNTY BOARD

KNOX COUNTY , ILLINOIS

September 14, 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, September 14, 2005 at 6:28 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 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 3 Dale Parsons

District 4 Lowell Mannhardt

District 5 Stephen Johnson

And those absent: District 2 Dana Shallenberger

Also present was Scott Erickson, County Clerk .

Chairman Occhi led the Members in the pledge to the flag. Darrell Hughes, Elder of Bethel Baptist Church of Galesburg gave the innovation.

Chairman Occhi asked if there were any additions to the agenda. Member Parsons asked to give a report concerning the convention that he recently attended. This addition to the agenda will be item 8A.

Chairman Occhi asked for public comments. Ms. Debbie Strauch addressed the Board on the behalf on CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program. This largely volunteer organization works with abused and neglected children. She shared the organization’s concerns over the restructuring of the Public Defender’s Office. Under the restructuring plan, only two attorneys will be handling all of the CASA cases. CASA doesn’t think that this change is in the best interest of the children. CASA was not consulted about this change. She told the Board of CASA’s involvement and work with the children. She understands the Board’s desire to cut costs. Yet, the right decision is not always the cheapest decision. Judge Mathers and Judge Walton voiced their concerns to the Board asking that you look at qualifications and not just the cheapest bid. Some of the cases that we work with last from 18 months to more than 4 years. Judge Walton has decided to keep the currently appointed attorneys with the present cases until these cases are closed. Only cases after December 1 would be appointed to the two new attorneys. However, the Judge has the right to appoint another attorney to the mother, father, or CASA if she feels that they would be better served. One major concern is that one new attorney has never had a juvenile case and the other attorney has removed himself from several juvenile cases. Another concern is the matter of scheduling. What if attorney’s services are required on a day other than the Tuesday or Thursday that they are contracted to be available? In a year’s time CASA handles approximately 30 cases for abuse and neglect, which can represent 50 children. Two attorneys cannot do justice to this many children. We understand the Board’s desire to trim expenses. However, intervention in the lives of these children can possibly prevent the likelihood of drug and substance abuse, or incarceration in the penal system, which costs even more money. We will inform Judge Walton and this Board of any problems and issues as they arise, and we will do our part to try to make this plan work.

Chairman Occhi presented the following items of the consent agenda: 1) minutes of the board meeting and closed meeting held August 24, 2005 and closed meeting held August 31, 2005 , 2) claims by Members for per diem and mileage for the meeting of September 14, 2005 , and 3) appointment of Wayne Saline to 9-1-1 Board. Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Johnson to approve these items with roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(12). Noes—(0). Pass—Saline—(1). Motion carried.

Chairman Occhi presented for approval claims against Knox County , Illinois for the period of August 25, 2005-September 14, 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 Parsons and seconded by Member Hevland to approve this agenda item. Member Pickrel drew the Board’s attention to a typo on the top of page 50 of the Member packets which references his name. This is an error as he was not paid. Member Johnson also questioned a reference to “friends” on page 29. Chairman Occhi stated that this was probably to reimburse funds. State’s Attorney, Paul Mangieri stated that “Friends” is a non-profit organization which assists with the expenses of the Child Advocacy Center . Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(11). Noes—(0). Pass—Pickrel and Bacon—(2). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Porter to approve the appointment of Mr. Paul Stewart to District 2 County Board Seat. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

County Clerk Scott Erickson administered the oath of office to new Board Member Paul Stewart.

Chairman Occhi introduced Tony DiToro representing ATD Employer Solutions. He spoke to the Board about Flexible Spending Accounts. ATD is an insurance agency in Moline , Illinois and handles this region of Central Illinois and Eastern Iowa . This program saves money for both the County and the employee. The program handles health, dental and vision care and works by employees putting money in a flexible spending account. This contribution comes off the gross income versus the net income. Therefore, the employee does not pay taxes on the contributed amounts. This can be compared to a 35% coupon from the government. Many municipal governments and other businesses are using flexible spending accounts. Knox County does not yet have a program like this. He reported that he had spoken with Treasurer Davis and she thought that it was a great idea, and further stated that she would like to take this to the Board. She had sent a questionnaire to Knox County employees and over one third expressed interest in receiving more information about saving money on child day care, health related expenses, and other costs such as eye glasses. He passed out information to the Board to further explain this program. ATD purposes using a debit card system which can only be used for health care items. Regarding the costs of this program, Knox County would actually make money. Because participating employees would be reducing their salaries (contributions come off the gross not the net income), this would reduce the FICA tax to the County. Thus, this program would save the County money. Some employees save upwards of $150-180 each month for day care. Member Johnson stated that it would be prudent for the County to make this program available to interested County employees and asked that this matter be placed on the agenda for the next meeting.

Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Mannhardt to approve the purchase of an EMA trailer for $7,000 from Unique Farm Store and interoperable radios for $59,143 from Supreme Radio Communications to be purchased from a Homeland Security Grant. Galesburg Fire Chief John Cratty reminded that Board that the State had made the County the conduit for the local governmental unit for approximately $604,000 in Homeland Security Funds. These are the last couple of bids for this grant. The interoperable communication equipment will go in the command vehicle. This piece of equipment would allow all emergency responders to be heard on the same frequency. In case of a major disaster, effective communication between the different response teams is vital. Previously he had spoken to the Board about a NIMS (National Incident Management System) Resolution. One of the requirements of compliance with NIMS will be interoperable radio communications. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Mr. Cratty then gave an update about the possibility of Knox County receiving Hurricane Katrina evacuees. In the past he had spoken of the County Emergency Operations Plan. During the meetings of the past few weeks, we have worked out the details for a primary and back up intake center. We have also delegated certain responsibilities to specific people. At this point, authorities have told him that no evacuees are scheduled to come to Knox County . This last week was a busy time trying to co-ordinate this Emergency Operations Plan, yet worthwhile as we have learned from this experience.

Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Bacon to bid and bring back for part time computer services agreement with voice vote as follows: Ayes—(14), Noes (0). Motion carried.

Member Parsons presented his report to the Board about the Resource Conservation and Development Council of Illinois. This is funded by grants and loans. Prairie Hills RC&D covers a six county area and has provided $970,000 in loans for new and expanding businesses. There is a total of revolving loan funds of $7.6 million in private and public sectors. They had recently received another $750,000 for loan programs.

Chairman Occhi introduced for approval the resolution for funding of HAVA required voting equipment. County Clerk Erickson stated the Federal Government is bringing in a new phase of HAVA. By January 1, 2006 , all polling places must have one totally handicapped accessible machine, which basically means a touch screen machine. This is similar to a touch screen for an ATM machine. This will not replace the optical scan voting system but work in conjunction with it. Since it is federally mandated, we don’t have a lot of options. However, we do have an option of how much we purchase. We would not have to purchase additional conversion software. Although originally Fidlar Elections proposed 30 units, since some precincts were consolidated, we could manage with 28 units. That would cover all of the 26 polling places as well as the emergency back ups that we would need. The Federal Grant for this will cover approximately $150,000 of the total cost, which leaves a difference of around $5,000. The State is still holding some money in reserve but we do not know when it will be released. Once these funds are released we should be able to tap into these funds to pay the extra costs. We must have all the paperwork submitted by the end of this month, which includes a signed copy of the vendor’s contract and a copy of this resolution that we will be voting on tonight. This resolution states that the County will only spend these funds for HAVA purposes and also appoints Clerk Erickson as the contact person. Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Knapp to approve this resolution with roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Chairman Occhi presented for approval the purchase of HAVA voting equipment from Fidlar Elections. County Clerk Scott Erickson stated that we are seeking to purchase the touch screen machines which will be compliant with both federal and state required mandates. These new systems also have the ability to do an audio track which is part of the HAVA requirement. It looks like the cost to the County would be $5,540. There are additional funds coming but we don’t know when.

Motion was made by Member Bacon and seconded by Member Parsons to approve this purchase. Member Bacon asked about the grant. Mr. Erickson replied that these are HAVA grants and federally mandated so most of them are coming down from the federal level. They do audit these grants every year. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Chairman Occhi presented for approval the ILEAS Grant for the Sheriff’s department. Sheriff Jim Thompson reminded Board Members that a couple of months ago he had told them about a grant that the Sheriff’s Department was applying for through ILEAS. They were awarding grant moneys for various projects. One of these grants was specifically designed for public safety in governmental buildings. As we applied for this grant, we addressed the following items: (1) camera system for the courthouse from Interface Security System for $8,879.12, (2) wireless duress notification system from Thompson Electronic Company for $7,116.00, (3) security station upgrade from Cato Woodworks for $10,900.00, (4) design of the security station from Merle Banks for $1,596.95, (5) security lock down button from Allied Lock and Key for $2,436.00, (6) moving of the air conditioning unit from M.S.I. for $966.00, (7) security gates for Knox County Jail from City Gates for $2000.00, and (8) installation of the security gates at the jail for $172.73. ILEAS has informed the Sheriff’s department that all of the items qualify for inclusion in this grant in the total amount of $34,067. Although in some cases there was only one bid, Sheriff Thompson stated that overall he was happy with the bids. There is no expense to the County for these items. Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve this ILEAS Grant. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Pass—Pickrel—(1). Motion carried.

Sheriff Jim Thompson distributed copies of the August activity report to the Board Members. He also reported that one member of the department will be going down to Louisiana under ILEAS, to help with recovery efforts there.

Motion was made by Member Johnson to table agenda item 12) union contract for AFSCME correctional officers, and 13) union contract for F.O.P. supervisors until the next meeting. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Rod Cleair presented the Mary Davis Home business report. Today we have 35 clients with 7 from Knox County . He stated that since he did not go through an architectural firm to draw up plans, he did not receive any bids for the storage shed/sally-port. He did get an estimate of what it would cost to install fuel pumps. He has asked Pratt Audio-Visual & Video Corporation to give an estimate on updating the Mary Davis Home security system. More information will be coming in the next two or three weeks.

Chairman Occhi presented for approval the recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals Case #CU-02-05. Debbie Canier stated on July 25, the Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing regarding the request from Jerald Brown, Brown’s Construction for a conditional use permit for sand and fill dirt. During that meeting a letter from the Knox County Soil & Water Department was read. They stated that they had gone out to inspect the site and recommended not re-instating this conditional use permit, as Mr. Brown had not complied with the reclamation plan for the property. This plan was to include a silt fence built on the property; slopes were to be taken care of; and there was to be a 50 ft. set back from the creek. Mr. Brown was upset as he stated that as far as he knew, no one from the Knox County Soil & Water Conservation Department had been out to inspect the property. Knox County Soil & Water Conservation Department informed us that even though they had not done the inspection at the property, Mr. Brown was required to comply with the reclamation plan which had been previously drawn up. Another meeting was set up August 9, with Ron Hall, District Conservationist; myself; and others to discuss the Brown property and seek clarification of what Mr. Brown needs to do the get this approved. The Zoning Board of Appeals recommends the reinstatement of a conditional use permit for Brown’s Construction with the following stipulations: compliance of the reclamation plan as outlined with the Knox County Soil and Water Conservation, and a field inspection (before the construction season ends…toward the end of October) with Ron Hall, Chairman Joe Krupps, Debbie Canier, and Jerald and Patsy Brown, Brown’s Construction, to see if the plan has been adhered to before reinstatement of the permit on January 18, 2006. Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Pickrel to approve this recommendation. There followed some discussion regarding the lack of the on site inspection before the July hearing. Mr. Blake, attorney representing Mr. Brown, stated that Mr. Brown plans to comply with these requirements. Member Saline stated that in his experience sometimes the recommendations from Soil and Water Conservation are ridiculous. We need to approve this and allow them to move forward and get about their business. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(14). Motion carried.

Larry Larson presented the landfill business report. The landfill has completed the new cell construction. Today the paperwork should have been sent in to the EPA. They will then come out and do their own inspection. Then we wait for their approval. Hopefully, within one to three months we can begin using this new cell. Work on the tarp machine was to begin today.

Chairman Occhi introduced for approval of the pre-feasibility study for a bio-diesel plant. Larry Larson stated that this preliminary study would look and see if the pieces are in place to make this an economical business venture in Knox County . It would look at transportation, feedstock, as well as interested buyers for the finished product. There is a copy of the proposed study included in the Member packets. There could be an amendment to this. DECA, the economic development arm of the State could desire input. Additionally, they may fund half the cost of this study. The Soybean Association has informed us that they will fund the other half of this cost. In the event that DECA doesn’t fund that half, we would need someone to fund that portion. It could be the Landfill or it could be the Galesburg Enterprise Center .

If the pre-feasibility study looks good, then the next step would be to proceed with a full feasibility study and develop a business plan. There probably are some grants to fund a portion of that cost.

Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Sandoval to do this pre-feasibility study and pay half of it if necessary. Member Saline questioned that since the County cannot own a Bio-fuel plant; can they still spend money to do the pre-feasibility study. State’s Attorney Mangieri stated that there are a number of ways to fund this relative to economic development.

There followed some discussion of whether or not the County should be involved in this venture. Member Porter questioned what would be the value if the County were to be involved in this. The greater advantage would be for the others to do this. Mr. Larson replied that we are trying to get it going, and then find the investors. This could have an economic benefit to the County. Member Porter shared her opinion that although this could be a good business, the County should really stay out of it. Member Link stated that he is hoping to get the study started. Member Stewart asked about zoning requirements for a bio-diesel plant. Mr. Larson replied that the original purposed site is the former Butler facility. Although the specific location may not work out, that area has the correct zoning. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Occhi, Knapp, Link, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(10). Noes—Porter, Stewart, Pickrel and Bacon—(4). Motion carried.

Chairman Occhi presented for approval to bid and bring back for HDPE liner and transportation to landfill. Larry Larson stated they will be building another cell next year of approximately 2 ½ acres. Since we had a three week delay with the liner this year, he would like to go ahead and get this liner bought and transported to the landfill so it would be ready for the new cell. Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve this measure. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(14), Noes – (0). Motion carried.

Chairman Occhi presented for approval to increase landfill fees by $1.50/ton to $26.00/ton. Larry Larson stated that this is the second rate increase since last year. This is mostly due to the EPA charging us an additional $1.25. Fuel costs used to be approximately $.95 per gallon and now have increased to $2.60 to $2.80 per gallon. Fortunately we had the insight to take bids and are currently paying $1.38 per gallon until December. After that our fuel costs will increase dramatically. Each year we use approximately 138,000 gallons of fuel. This proposed increase is just to keep our revenue stream intact. We need to act on this promptly to allow cities to calculate this additional fee in their budgets. Motion was made by Member Pickrel and seconded by Member Johnson to approve this increase in fees. Member Link stated that even with this increase, the fee schedule is under that charged by other landfills in the area. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Duane Raterman presented the highway business report. Today, we began the County Highway 20 Spoon River Project. Almost daily we are working on seal coat work and should be done next Tuesday with that portion of summer maintenance. The striping has begun in the County. On Monday, September 19, we will be opening bids for a ¾ ton four wheel drive pickup truck. This will be brought to the Board’s next meeting for approval.

Member Johnson remarked that he had received some calls regarding the condition of County Hwy 9 from the interstate north. He asked if there were a plan to repair that. Member Mannhardt described that road as corduroy lanes. Mr. Raterman responded that there is some waviness in that southbound lane and the intent is to overlay that section next year.

Marianne Wiesen presented the Nursing Home business report. The good news is that they did clear their survey. They came back last Tuesday and cleared all of their tags. Also they had the survey from the Life Safety Code and waiting to hear if they will accept the plan of corrections. In recent weeks, she has learned that there will be $50,000 to $80,000 less in the budget than what was originally planned. This is due to cuts by the State on co-insurance and Medicare Aid. The balance in the checking account is $274,302.96. Our census is 146 with 2 pending admissions. Member Johnson questioned the amount of the outstanding loan. Ms. Wiesen responded that it was $100,000.

Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Roberts to bid and bring back to replace two gas dryers with electric dryers. Member Johnson questioned whether electric dryers would be as efficient as gas dryers. Ms. Wiesen responded that maintenance feels that it would be more efficient. If you approve this bid and bring back then we can compare to see whether gas or electric would be more efficient. Member Johnson asked for a comparison in operational costs. Ms. Wiesen stated that it would depend on whether gas prices increase by 70%. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(14), Noes – (0). Motion carried.

Chairman Occhi introduced for discussion the sprinkler system bid for wings 1 & 2, center core and basement for $272,800 and for wings 3 & 4 for $170,188. Ms. Wiesen stated that she had sent out the bid packets to three vendors and received a response back from one. This also appeared in the newspaper. Currently we do have sprinklers in all of the hazardous areas. It is the Board’s choice if you desire to proceed with this next step. Member Saline stated that we could not just do the sprinklers for one wing. It would be all or nothing. Ms. Wiesen stated there is no requirement that sprinklers have to be installed throughout the facility. Member Porter said that it would be good to do so anyway, not just the hazardous areas. Ms. Wiesen informed the Board that there is a little over $1,000,000 in the referendum account. If we are going to invest $500,000 for this project and then the redo on the two wings, we are looking at $1,000,000 commitment without any other items that we may need. It will pretty much take all of our monies. She further stated that in order to capitalize on reimbursement funds, she would like projects completed before June 30, 2006 . This is a highly respected firm that submitted this bid. Member Johnson asked that this matter be put on the agenda for the next meeting. Ms. Wiesen said that the contractors had informed her that this project will take up to six months to complete, and cautioned against delay.

Administrator Alan Hallberg presented for first reading the resolution to designate County farmland at the Nursing Home and available for sale. He reminded Members that this resolution and legal description are included in the Member packets. These are based on the survey conducted by Bruner, Copper, and Zuck. This resolution designates two separate parcels of land. It does define which parcel of land is not necessary for the establishment and maintenance of the Nursing Home and could be sold.

Administrator Hallberg presented the administration report. There are a couple more franchise agreements coming this way. One is with Woodhull Telephone and the other is a subsidiary of them in Alpha. He hopes to have these agreements back within the month.

STATEMENTS OF GENERAL CONCERN

Member Porter had no comment at this time.

Member Stewart took this occasion to introduce himself. He was born and raised in Galesburg . My father and grandfather were both conductors for the Burlington Railroad. I graduated from Corpus Christi High School and also graduated from Loyola University in Chicago . I have an undergraduate degree and a master’s degree in social work. I worked 29 years as a social worker for the Aurora School District . In 1994, I took early retirement. I was very involved in Aurora in a lot of community activities. Among other things I have served on the Aurora Planning Commission and the Aurora Township Board of Trustees for several years. I think that I have had a lot of experiences that equip me for a position of this nature. I am looking forward to working with all of you and meeting all of you.

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

Member Sandoval expressed a warm welcome to Member Stewart.

Member Roberts had no comment at this time.

Member Parsons welcomed Member Stewart.

Member Mannhardt likewise welcomed Member Stewart.

Member Johnson had no comment at this time.

Chairman Occhi announced that the next regular meeting will be held Wednesday, September 28, 2005 , 6:00 p.m. at the Knox County Courthouse, Galesburg , Illinois .

Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Sandoval to adjourn. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(14). Motion carried. Meeting was adjourned at 8:08 p.m.