PROCEEDINGS OF THE
STATE OF
) SS
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
Paul Stewart
District
3 Janet Occhi
District
4 George Knapp
District
5 Gerald Link
District
1 Allen Pickrel
District
2 Greg Bacon
District
4 Wayne Saline
District
5 Ricardo
Sandoval
District
1 Linda Roberts
District
3 Dale Parsons
District
4
District 5
Stephen Johnson
And
those absent:
District 3
Paul Hevland
District
2 Dana
Shallenberger
Also
present was Scott Erickson,
Chairman Occhi led the Members in the pledge to the flag. Dan Siems,
Reverend of First Baptist Church of Galesburg gave the innovation.
Chairman Occhi asked if there were any additions to the agenda. She asked
that agenda item 10, approve employment contract with landfill administrator
Larry Larson, and agenda item 15, approve union contract for F.O.P. supervisors,
be removed from this meeting’s agenda.
Chairman Occhi asked for public comments. There were none.
Chairman Occhi presented for approval the following items of the consent
agenda: 1) minutes of the Board meeting and closed meeting held September 14,
2005, 2) claims by Members for per
diem and mileage for the meeting of September 28,2005, 3) sales tax and various
taxes for the month of June 2005 in the amounts of $103,595.52 and $26,628.72
and public safety tax in the amount of $84,325.36, 4) re-appointment of Jay
McGee and Ron Moody to the Altona Fire Protection District, 5) re-appointment of
Sam Montooth and Charlie Coley to the Spoon Valley Lake Sanitary District, and
6) re-appointment of Harold Watters to Henderson Township Fire Protection
District. Member Parsons asked that consent agenda item number 2 be removed and
voted on separately. Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member
Johnson to approve consent agenda items 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 with roll call vote as
follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline,
Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(12). Noes—(0).
Pass—Stewart—(1). Motion carried.
Motion was made by Member Pickrel and seconded by Member Mannhardt to
approve consent agenda 2 with roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart,
Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons,
Mannhardt, and Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Chairman Occhi presented for approval claims against
Linda Utsinger presented the second quarter update from GREDA and
distributed information to the Board Members. The
Regarding transportation, the overpass on Hwy. 41 is now open. For
Highway 34, between
The logistics park is now “shovel ready”. We are advertising that
space through various media. We still have an intern program. During the summer
we had a Chinese student from
In the second quarter we had nine visits from companies who are outside
of this area. We are working with others on the Maytag property, both the
manufacturing and distribution sides, and are seeking to market that. The
business incubator has created about 27 new jobs and three new companies.
She stressed the fact that often the site selection process is not a site
approval process but rather a site elimination process. That fact that our
logistics park is move-in ready, is a great advantage.
Chairman Occhi presented for approval the employment contract with Chris
Wood for the Knox County GIS Coordinator position. Motion was made by Member
Pickrel and seconded by Member Parsons to approve this contract. Member Johnson
asked about the amount of the salary. Treasurer Robin Davis stated that it was
$32,000. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi,
Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, and
Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Chairman Occhi presented for first reading the proposed increase in
Health Department food permit fees. Greg Chance, from the Health Department,
reminded Board Members of the information in their packets. He stated that the
Board of Health has looked at this for the last three months. In September they
did approve this recommendation. This is part of the County Health Ordinance.
Therefore, in order for this to be implemented, action is necessary by the
Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Parsons to
approve the resolution from ATD Employer Solutions for voluntary pre-tax
flexible spending program with the County paying 50% of the administrative
costs. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi,
Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, and
Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Chairman Occhi presented the statement on condition of banks as of
Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Link to approve
the resolution offering Heritage Credit Union and Midwest Community Credit Union
as voluntary payroll deduction options. Treasurer Robin Davis stated that credit
unions are the only ones that offer these payroll deductions. These two are
community chartered credit unions. This measure will not cost the County
anything but could benefit some of our employees. This would be handled through
the Treasurer’s office. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(14). Noes—(0).
Motion carried.
Rod Cleair presented the Mary Davis Home business report. He stated that
for the month of August they billed out $85,320 for child care. They averaged
over 20 outside clients per day with about six clients from
Joyce Skinner presented the assessor/zoning report. She stated that they
have not yet received the tax multiplier. Zoning has slowed down somewhat.
Larry Larson presented the landfill business report. He stated that the
landfill is waiting for approval from the Illinois EPA on the new cell. This
could be a couple of months yet. We have been working on the tarp machine and
that is coming along pretty good.
Chairman Occhi presented for approval the liner bid from GSE for
$34,372.90 and CR Trucking for transportation of linear for $1,881.45. Motion
was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Parsons to approve this bid. Mr.
Larson stated that this liner will be for next year and for cell number 11. Roll
call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link,
Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, and
Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Duane Raterman presented the highway business report and distributed
pictures to the
Board members of the Spoon River Project on County Hwy 20. This project should
be completed on the end of this week. The first part of next week we will do
some seeding and tree planting.
On Monday there will be a bid opening for a box culvert project in Elba
Town-ship. If we get some decent bids, this project should be completed in
November. We probably have a dozen culverts to install for ourselves as well as
townships.
The Ninth Annual Snowplow Rodeo will be held in conjunction with the City
of
Member Link asked about the price of the tires and what vehicles they
were for. Mr. Raterman responded that they are for the tandems. They have had
some tires re-capped, because that is less expensive than buying new tires.
Member Link also asked about the $320 cost for tires. Mr. Raterman said that he
would look into that.
Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Bacon to approve
the bid from Louis Lakis Ford, Inc. for a 4X4 pick-up truck for a purchase price
of $25,307.95. Member Johnson questioned whether this price was without the
trade-in. Mr. Raterman responded that he thought it would be best to purchase
this vehicle without a trade-in, as the Blue Book value on the Blazer is about
$7,000, and on the truck it is about $3,000. He would like to put a minimum
price on the Blazer and offer it for sale to the general public. We have already
taken sealed bids on it. That was part on the new pick-up purchase. Roll call
vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link,
Pickrel, Bacon, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(10). Noes—Saline—(1).
Pass—Sandoval and Roberts—(2). Motion carried.
Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Parsons to approve
the bid from Altorfer, Inc. for a Caterpillar Rotary Mixer. Duane Raterman
passed out specification sheets to the Board Members. He stated that even though
they had received three bids, one of them did not meet the specifications.
Although we did budget $125,000 for this purchase this year, this price of
$169,000 is more than that. There are other funds available in the highway funds
to cover this cost. If we choose to keep our existing machine, we are probably
looking at $50,000 to $60,000 over the next couple of years in maintenance
costs. This new machine has a guaranteed zero repair cost for the next five
years. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi,
Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, and
Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Marianne Wiesen presented the Nursing Home business report. She reported
that after the payment of the bills today’s checking account balance is
$187,000. Yesterday they had a surprise visit from the federal government. This
was a CMS look-back on the Life Safety Survey that we just had. They visit 5% of
the Nursing Homes across the State. The good news is that they really found
nothing more than what was in our Life Safety Code. In fact some of the things
that we had previously been written up for, they did not agree with. If you
choose to go ahead with the new installation of the sprinkler systems, a good
number of the items that they are concerned about would be eliminated.
She also reported that she had received an approval letter from the
Illinois Department of Public Aid. After the recently completed renovations,
they had applied for a rate increase. Now they will be receiving an additional
amount of $2.75 per patient per day, for a total amount of about $110,000 per
year that they will get from now on. This will be effective July 1, so they will
be getting money stepping back. The
census today is 144 with 4 pending admissions.
Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Porter to
approve the sprinkler bid to complete phase 1 and phase 2 by Prevention Fire
Protection, Inc. for $426,098. Marianne Wiesen commented that she had spoken
with the accounting firm. They had informed her that if the cost of this project
plus the other wings amounts to $740,000, (which she is sure that it will), the
Nursing Home will be getting approximately another $70,000 of that back per
year, beginning July 1 of next year. It will take a little bit of time to offset
this cost. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi,
Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, and
Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Motion was made by Member Bacon and seconded by Member Parsons to approve
the payment of plan review fee to Illinois Department of Public Health for
$6,000. Marianne Wiesen stated that basically this is for a review of the
sprinkler system. We cannot go ahead with the project without their approval.
Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp,
Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, and
Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Roberts to
approve the removal of the interior enclosure of the front entrance door to
allow installation of handicapped controls. Member Johnson voiced his opposition
to this measure. He is concerned about energy conservation. These doors were
originally installed to try to keep the heating costs down. Additionally, he
feels that handicapped access controls could be installed on both sets of those
doors. Member Porter asked for a response from Marianne Wiesen who stated that
since she has been at the Nursing Home those interior doors are always open. She
has been told that the handicapped access controls could not be installed on the
doors as they are presently arranged. Member Saline asked that this measure be
postponed to explore other options. There could be a better solution. Member
Parsons and Member Roberts withdrew their motion.
Member Johnson stated that he is not against handicapped accessibility.
Chairman Occhi stated that this matter would be revisited as they explored other
alternatives.
Ms. Wiesen then distributed information about wind towers at the Henry
County Nursing Home which could produce additional $75,000 revenue over 40
years. She is investigating this as possibility for
Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Pickrel to bid
and bring back for color laser printer for the GIS Office. Chris Wood spoke of
the need of a more economical color printer than the plotter printer currently
in the office. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(13). Noes—(0).
Motion carried.
Chairman Occhi presented for approval to bid and bring back for office
equipment for the GIS office. Chris Wood told the Board that he needs room to
store things and perhaps a cubicle to provide some degree of privacy. Members
suggested checking for desks and such in the basement of the courthouse and the
nursing home. Motion was made by Member Sandoval and seconded by Member Link to
approve this item. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(13). Noes—(0).
Motion carried.
Chairman Occhi presented for approval the resolution to designate
Chairman Occhi presented for approval the cable franchise agreement with
Woodhull Telephone Company and Diverse Communications. Motion was made by Member
Johnson and seconded by Member Bacon to approve this agreement. Member Johnson
questioned why County Administrator Alan Hallberg did not attend this meeting.
Chairman Occhi responded that she didn’t know. She guessed that he could have
sent an e-mail, as she hadn’t checked hers since
In reference to this franchise agreement she stated that it is the
standard contract that we have had with all of the other cable companies. Roll
call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link,
Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, and
Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Chairman Occhi stated that the Administration report is included in the
Member packets.
STATEMENTS OF
GENERAL CONCERN
Member Porter had no comment at this time.
Member Stewart commented to seek to clarify his vote at the previous
meeting on the bio-fuel feasibility study. I am not opposed to the development
of bio-fuel production.
Member Occhi apologized for the long executive session. We will try not
to do that again but we cannot guarantee it.
Member Knapp had no comments at this time.
Member Link commented that he is concerned the Administrator is not
present tonight. We don’t even know why. Also I am concerned about some of the
things that I have been hearing. I hope that he continues to work with us.
Member Pickrel and Member Bacon had no comment at this time.
Member Saline commented that he had a couple of things to share. First of
all, a little over two years ago, we were approved for a $60,000 grant from the
State of
Member Sandoval and Member Roberts had no comment at this time.
Member Parsons commented that he is not trying to pick on anyone, the
Administrator or others. However, we are the employers of these people and we
are not trying to cause a fight. For the
Member Mannhardt had no comment at this time.
Member Johnson commented that he would echo the same comments made of
other Board Members tonight about the Administrator position. Through no fault
of our own, we received some bashing in the press.
We tried to do the right thing and we are getting bashed for it. I think
that it is imperative that people live up to their contracts, for the length of
their contracts. I think that we should stress that with all of our employees
and go from there.
Chairman Occhi stated that the next regular meeting will be held on
Motion was made by Member Roberts and seconded by Member Porter to
adjourn. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(13). Noes—(0). Motion
carried. Meeting was adjourned at