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
2 Greg Bacon
District
3 Paul Hevland
District
4 Wayne Saline
District
5 Ricardo
Sandoval
District
1 Linda Roberts
District
2 Dana
Shallenberger
District
3 Dale Parsons
District
4
District 5
Stephen Johnson
And
those absent:
District 1
Allen Pickrel
Also
present was Scott Erickson,
Chairman Occhi led the Members in the pledge to the flag. Darrell Hughes,
Elder of
Chairman Occhi asked if there were any additions to the agenda. There
were none.
Chairman Occhi asked for public comments. Mike Shelley from the Fraternal
Order of Police of Knox County addressed the Board saying that he had heard that
there might be questions and he would be willing to respond to those questions.
However, there were no questions.
Judy Johnson also addressed the Board saying that she had attended the
last two finance meetings in regards to the health insurance. She would like to
ask the
A presentation was given by
Chairman Occhi presented for approval the following items of the consent
agenda: 1) minutes of the board meeting and closed meeting held
Chairman Occhi presented for approval claims against
Chairman Occhi introduced for discussion bid proposals and an update.
Member Saline reminded the Board that all the bids for I.T. services were too
high and therefore were rejected. Those will be re-bid and another meeting will
be held the 19th. At the next full Board meeting, we will bring a
recommendation. County Clerk Scott Erickson stated that he would inform the
bidders that the bids had been rejected and they can resubmit their bids. He
further stated that he had received other inquires about providing these
services. These bids are due by October 18, at
Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Parsons to
approve the bid from Carpentier, Mitchell, Goddard & Co. for auditing
services for the County for the next two years. Member Saline stated that there
was only one bid. This bid is higher than what had been previously paid. This
firm does the auditing for
Chairman Occhi
introduced for approval to bid and bring back for countywide gas prices. Member
Saline stated that we really need a firm number for gas prices to insert into
the projected budget. Sheriff Thompson addressed the Board saying that in
conversations with the City of
Member
Bacon asked if the County was still exploring the possibility of getting our own
fuel tanks going. Rod Cleair responded that he is still gathering information.
Sheriff Thompson stated that when the costs of maintenance and inspections are
added up, this plan may not be economically feasible. Mr. Cleair said that he
would try to get more information and hard numbers by the 19th.
Motion was made by Member Bacon and seconded by Member Johnson to table this agenda item with roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Chairman Occhi presented for approval the ordinance revision to increase
Health Department food permit fees. Motion was made by Member Parsons and
seconded by Member Stewart to approve this fee increase. Greg Chance stated that
this is something that the Board of Health has been discussing for a number of
months. We also brought this before the Food Advisory Group and there was a
consensus with that group. These fees have not been increased since 2001. Should
this fee increase be approved tonight, it would represent about 40% of our costs
to provide this service. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter,
Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts,
Shallenberger, Parsons, and Johnson—(13). Noes—Mannhardt—(1). Motion
carried.
Chairman
Occhi presented for approval to increase the number of
Chairman
Occhi introduced for approval the union contract with the Sheriff’s Department
F.O.P. Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Stewart to
approve this contract. Member Johnson stated that he thinks that it is a very
good contract. We need to approve this contract and move on. Member Bacon said
that this was a long, involved process. There was a lot of give and take. He
thinks that based on the explanations previously given, this is a good contract.
Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp,
Link, Bacon, Hevland, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, and
Johnson—(12). Noes—Saline and Mannhardt—(2). Motion carried.
Chairman
Occhi introduced for approval the union contract with Sheriff’s Department
AFSCME. Motion was made by Member Stewart and seconded by Member Hevland to
approve this contract with roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart,
Occhi, Knapp, Link, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger,
Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Treasurer
Robin Davis presented a budget update. She stated that they are still working on
proposals before the budget can be finalized. We did approve the insurance and
may have to do some adjusting. We do need to get the budget on display by
November 1. Member Johnson reported from the Ad Hoc Finance Committee which met
the previous evening. At the next meeting we will present the following
recommendations: 1) health and life insurance should stay with our current
provider, Blue Cross-Blue Shield, which will not create a rate increase for that
next year; 2) property, casualty, and liability insurance, we should accept the
proposal from A.J. Gallagher, for $309,340; 3) COBRA insurance should be
purchased from Blue Cross-Blue Shield at a lower fee than what we are currently
paying; and 4) the stand alone life insurance policy should remain.
County
Clerk Scott Erickson presented possible membership in National Association of
Counties. He stated that in the process of going through the purchases that need
to be made for the elections, he has been investigating improving aspects of the
Rod
Cleair presented the Mary Davis Home business report. He stated that he had
received a budgetary estimate for the storage shed in the $86,000-$95,000 range,
depending on different door options. This is an all inclusive bid. For the sally
port the estimate is $33,000-$35,000.
He
is still waiting to see what the State decides regarding the housing of the 17
year juveniles. If this passes, we may have to change the building. Maybe there
would be grants available for that.
In
reference to the cameras, there are many possibilities suitable for our use. We
are still looking and should have a recommendation for the next meeting.
Today
we have 33 clients with 6 of those are from
Member
Johnson asked about the status of the bill concerning the housing of 17 year old
juveniles. Mr. Cleair stated that he thought that this measure is dead. Several
rural areas are against this bill as well as
Joyce
Skinner presented the assessor/zoning report. She reported that we are waiting
on the multiplier from the Department of Revenue. She had contacted them earlier
in the day and still waiting. Permits have slowed down. Member Johnson asked
about the abatement of taxes at Briggs Manufacturing in Abingdon. He asked if
the County paid for that appraisal. Mrs. Skinner responded affirmatively. Member
Johnson asked if letters had been sent to the other taxing bodies to ask them to
share the cost of that. Mrs. Skinner stated that she had not yet done so as she
had not heard from the State. Member Johnson stated that since we will have to
return some of tax monies, he hoped that a payment schedule could be arranged.
He expressed his concerns about the
Larry
Larson presented the landfill business report. He stated that they are presently
working on the levy for the next cell for next year.
Motion
was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Johnson to approve to bid and
bring back for 8000 tons of sand. Larry Larson stated that we would need this
sand for the next cell. We would get the best rates during this time of year.
Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(14). Noes—(0).
Motion
was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve to bid and
accept bids for diesel and gas for the landfill department. Larry Larson stated
that due to the volatility of the oil market, we cannot take bids and let them
sit for a day or two. We would be seeking those bids for six months. He thought
October would be a better time to do this, rather than waiting until the heating
season gets underway. The present contract expires in December. Voice vote is
recorded as follows: Ayes—(14). Noes—(0).
Larry
Larson stated that the highway department is also looking at those bids and
Duane Ratermann expressed a desire to be included in this bidding process.
Member Porter asked about how much money would be involved. Mr. Larson responded
that if it is $2.50 per gallon and he secures the bids for six months, the
landfill will probably use 60,000 gallons. The highway department will probably
use 20,000 gallons. These bids are usually opened at the Administrator’s
Office. Member Porter voiced her concerns about the large sum of money involved
in this process without the
Duane
Ratermann presented the highway business report. He stated that the summer
maintenance work is winding down for this year. We are installing culverts for
ourselves and the townships. We did have the winning team at the Snowplow Rodeo.
Motion
was made by Member Shallenberger and seconded by Member Link to approve the bid
for a concrete box culvert for the replacement project in Elba Township Section
04-04125-00-BR. Duane Ratermann stated that this location is about two miles
east of the covered bridge. Bid information is in the Member packets. Seven bids
were received, and we recommend that you accept the lowest bid from Laverdiere
in the amount of $75,397.88. Roll call vote is recorded as follows:
Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval,
Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(14). Noes—(0).
Motion carried.
Chairman Occhi presented for approval on first reading the resolution on
re-appointment of the Knox County Highway Engineer.
Administrator
Alan Hallberg stated that the Nursing Home business report is in the Member
packets.
Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Parsons to
approve the bid of $34,452 for a small van for the Nursing Home. Member Johnson
questioned if this purchase was included in the Nursing Home budget. Chairman
Occhi responded that it would be paid from the referendum account. Roll call
vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Bacon,
Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and
Johnson—(13). Noes—Link—(1). Motion carried.
Chris Wood presented the GIS business report. He stated that the office
has been busy, working on land use parcels. We have 10,000 parcels to do and it
can be a slow process which could take about six months. However, this project
by State mandate is to be completed by
He
had three map requests that have generated $80 in revenue.
Chris Wood presented information about the Bi-State Regional Planning
Commission Membership. He stated that he had worked with this commission before
and recommended that the County explore membership with this organization.
Financially speaking, the County would get more than they pay for, and they do
provide excellent service. Membership would involve the County obtaining a
waiver from our current regional development group to be able to join.
Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Roberts to
approve the bid for a color laser printer for the GIS Office from Trilutions for
$3,158. Chairman Occhi reminded the Board of the information included in the
Member packets. Chris Wood stated that he needs a color printer that is capable
of printing larger sizes for maps. Roll call vote is recorded as follows:
Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval,
Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(14). Noes—(0).
Motion carried.
Member Bacon left the meeting.
Chairman Occhi presented for approval the bid for office equipment for
the GIS office. Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Porter
to approve this measure. Chris Wood said that he had looked at all the options
that the County has available for office furniture. He had gone to the Nursing
Home. They only had one desk but he would like a work station, and some degree
of privacy. Member Johnson stated that he had a real problem with this proposal.
He reminded the Board of the move of a Public Defender’s Office to the Annex.
They got a $400 desk and found dividers in the courthouse basement. There are
two dividers in attic here at the courthouse. Roll call vote is recorded as
follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, and Occhi—(3). Noes—Knapp, Link, Hevland,
Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and
Johnson—(10). Motion failed.
Chairman Occhi introduced the discussion concerning the
STATEMENTS OF
GENERAL CONCERN
None of the Board Members had any comments at this time.
Chairman Occhi announced that the next regular meeting will be held on
Motion was made by Member Sandoval and seconded by Member Hevland to
adjourn. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(14). Noes—(0). Motion
carried. Meeting was adjourned at