PROCEEDINGS OF THE
STATE OF
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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
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
Also
present was Scott Erickson,
Chairman Occhi led the Members in the pledge to the flag. Terry Renwick
from
Chairman Occhi asked for additions to the agenda. Member Parsons asked
for an addition to the agenda to give a report from the Conference of Illinois
County Board Members that he attended in November. Chairman Occhi inserted that
agenda item at 6A. Greg Chance also asked for an addition to the agenda to
present the Healthy Communities Project: 2005. Chairman Occhi inserted that
agenda item at 6B. Additionally, Member Johnson asked for an addition to the
agenda to discuss hiring a
Chairman Occhi asked for public comment. Randy Bryan, union
representative addressed the Board in reference to their decision to not pay
longevity and clothing allowances to the landfill union employees. This is
really an elimination of past practices and therefore, unlawful. You cannot make
unilateral changes. Further he stated that when this was decided landfill
employees were working in single digit cold temperatures, often in equipment
that does not have heated cabs. He asked that the clothing allowances and
longevity pay immediately be put back in place.
Chairman Occhi presented for approval the following agenda items: 1)
minutes of the Board meeting held November 28, 2005, 2) claims by Members for
per diem and mileage for the meeting of December 14, 2005, 3) appointment of
Member Steve Johnson to the Knox County Teen Court Board, and 4) appointment of
Member Saline to the Ad Hoc Negotiations Committee. Motion was made by Member
Parsons and seconded by Member Shallenberger to approve these measures. Member
Porter mentioned that contrary to the statement in the packet concerning Member
Johnson’s appointment to the Teen Court Board, this is not a political
appointment. County Clerk Scott Erickson responded that this was an error as
that line on the appointment form should have been omitted. Roll call vote is
recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon,
Hevland, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, and Mannhardt—(13). Noes—(0).
Pass—Saline and Johnson—(2). Motion carried.
Chairman Occhi presented for approval claims against
Member
Mannhardt complained about the $3,771.17 amount of the phone bill at the
courthouse. The original motion to pay the bills was amended to exclude the
payment of the mileage for the landfill. Roll call vote is recorded as follow:
Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts,
Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardtt, and Johnson—(13). Noes—(0).
Pass—Pickrel and Bacon—(2). Motion carried.
Member Parsons made a short presentation concerning the Conference in
Linda Utsinger presented the GREDA quarterly update. She reminded Board
Members of the information included in the Member packets. The
Member
Johnson stated that it seemed like it was the same report as previously
presented every time GREDA brings an update. He questioned how close we are to
getting more jobs in this community, and if GREDA is going to continue to tell
us the same thing. If this remains unchanged, continued County funding of GREDA
could be in jeopardy. Ms. Utsinger responded that, of course, she could not
speak in specifics. However, they are working with 40-50 prospects. These things
don’t happen quickly. Member Johnson questioned if any one those were even one
or two “hot prospects”. Ms. Utsinger responded that they are not allowed to
share information until businesses are ready.
Greg Change presented the Healthy Communities Project: 2005. These
findings just represent phase one of this project, concerning identifying
community health issues in
Chairman Occhi introduced discussion concerning the office move in the
annex for Chris Wood. Member Johnson stated that the Member packet contains no
documentation for this and yet it is on the agenda to approve this move.
Chairman Occhi stated that the plan would be to move Mr. Wood into the office
formerly occupied by Administrator Hallberg. If another administrator is hired,
it would be more efficient if that office was located at the courthouse. Member
Johnson disagreed with moving Mr. Wood to the former administrator’s office
saying that Mr. Wood is fine where he is as he has access to the public, zoning,
and the assessor’s office. Member Porter spoke in favor of the proposed move.
She asked Mr. Wood what he wanted to do. He responded that he wanted to stay in
the zoning area and build a small cubicle back there. He would also need a
secure place to lock up things. He does have funds in his budget for such
related expenses. After continued discussion it was decided that Mr. Wood would
bring plans and bids to the next meeting.
Chairman Occhi introduced for approval changing the signs at the annex.
This involves changes to five doors as well as changes and repairs to the sign
in the front of the building. Not all of the doors are at the annex. Some
include the door for Dan O’Brien’s office. Additional doors could be added
at a cost of $60 per door. Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by
Member Porter to approve this change with services provided by Vinyl Graphics at
a total cost of $988.50. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter,
Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts,
Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(15). Noes—(0). Motion
carried.
Chairman Occhi introduced discussion of the hiring of a
Member
Link agreed. If the Board is to continue to meet as a committee of the whole,
the last couple months have proven we need an administrator. Member Porter
shared her opinion that regardless of which structure is chosen that the Board
needs an Administrator. However, it doesn’t have to be a big high powered
professional full-time position. Member Stewart stressed the need to specify
qualifications and experience required. All Board Members should be part of the
selection process.
Member
Saline stated that the Board seems willing to pay $60,000- $65,000 in a salary
and benefit package for an administrator. Yet other counties are moving away
from having an administrator as they realize that they will never get their
money’s worth. Chairman Occhi stated that this would be on the agenda for the
next meeting.
Chairman Occhi then introduced discussion on the Knox County Board
operating structure. Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member
Parsons to table this vote until the next meeting after a decision is made
regarding the hiring of a County Administrator, with roll call vote as follows:
Ayes—Occhi, Knapp, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, and Johnson—(6). Noes—Porter,
Stewart, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, and Mannhardt—(9).
Motion to table was defeated.
Motion was made by Member Pickrel and seconded by Member Porter to return
to the committee system. There followed a lengthy discussion weighing some of
the advantages and disadvantages of both the committee system and the committee
of the whole. One of the advantages of the committee of the whole system
involves the paying of the bills, as under this system the bills are presented
to the Board twice each month.
Some
Members felt that they were better informed under the committee system and
others felt that they were better informed under the committee of the whole
system.
Member
Link stated that whichever structure that the Board chose, the Board needs to
continue to work together. If the committee of the whole system is chosen, we
need an administrator. Further under that system the Board needs to do a better
job of examining the bills, even if that would involve an additional meeting,
possibly with department heads present and available to answer questions.
Member
Saline stated that department heads should be required to attend the
Member Porter asked to know the proposed committee structure before this vote on organization is taken. Motion was made by Member Pickrel to table this discussion until Board Members knew of the committee appointments which are included, if necessary, in the next agenda item. There was no second to this motion and the motion died. Chairman Occhi stated that it was not necessary to share that information at that time. Member Saline said that it was not appropriate to discuss committees and appointments before this vote on organization is taken. Member Bacon stated that this is hard decision that he has lost sleep over. He could see advantages to both systems. Roll call vote on the motion to return to the committee system is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Sandoval, Shallenberger, and Parsons—(7). Noes—Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Hevland, Saline, Roberts, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(8). Motion defeated. The Board will continue to meet as a committee of the whole.
Since
it was not necessary, the agenda item to approve committees and committee
appointments was dropped.
Chairman
Occhi presented the UCCI 2005 membership dues refund in the amount of $2,200.
She stated that they had only paid $800 and received a refund of more than the
amount paid. It does look like they will also reimburse for the coming year.
Member Johnson reminded that Board of other reimbursements when he had attended
UCCI meetings.
Chairman
Occhi presented the division of duties from the Administrator’s Office. She
stated that the legal contracts are being referred to the State’s Attorney’s
Office and the financial matters are going to the Treasurer’s Office. Chairman
Occhi is conducting the department head meetings. County Clerk Scott Erickson is
handling the bidding. Member Pickrel asked about the amount of hardship this
places on the
Circuit
Clerk Kelly Cheesman presented for first reading the resolution on a court
automation fee increase from $5.00 to $10.00 and the resolution on a document
storage fee increase from $5.00 to $10.00. These funds would go in the county
general fund.
Since
Sheriff James Thompson was absent and no gas bids were included in the Member
packets, motion was made by Paul Stewart and seconded by Member Mannhardt to
table this agenda item to approve gas bids. Roll call vote to table this measure
is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel,
Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt,
and Johnson—(15). Noes—(0). Motion to table this matter carried.
John
Kennedy presented the animal control business report. He has not yet met with
the State’s Attorney’s Office concerning a job description for the deputy
administrator. Regarding the new state animal control law, the public health
department still does not have a plan to implement this by January 1. However,
they did suggest that we begin collecting the $25 fee for the redemption of
animals. Then we are to sit on it until they get their procedures in place. They
are supposed to have a written decision sometime this month. When he receives
that, it will be placed on the agenda.
Motion
was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve option 3
included in the packet to provide for a rabies administrator and veterinarian
consultant. This option allows the
Motion
was made by Member Sandoval and seconded by Member Link to remove from the table
the proposal for animal control services with Maquon. John Kennedy stated that
he had made attempts to make contact about this with the Maquon police officers.
He has the impression that this proposal has not even gone to the village board.
He recommended that this proposal be dropped. Member Sandoval and Member Link
rescinded the motion to remove this item from the table.
Rod
Cleair presented the Mary Davis Home business report. He had received a
budgetary estimate for above ground fuel tanks for slightly less than $30,000.
The estimate for the underground tanks was slightly over $120,000. The estimates
are included in the Member packets. Member Link stated that the above ground
tanks would be more feasible. Although he had no solid gas bids, it seemed like
it would only be a difference of four or five cents a gallon, compared to the
current method. At that rate it would take 40-50 years to pay the difference.
Member Saline asked Mr. Cleair to check into insurance liabilities. Treasurer
Robin Davis stated that she checked into the cost and it would be under $1,000.
Mr. Cleair stated that cost of the necessary permits is included in the
estimate. However, the costs to run electricity, provide the gravel, and install
security measures are not included. The purposed location would be on the north
side of the trees. There would be security measures in place if we decide to
proceed with the fuel tanks on this site.
Mr.
Cleair stated that he finally received a check from the State for the month of
July in the amount of $99, 960 which might seem high but it contained three pay
periods.
Due
to a family medical situation, Joyce Skinner was absent. Chairman Occhi stated
that the report is included in the Member packets. Mrs. Skinner had reported
that she was waiting for complaints to come in, and the rest is routine
business.
In
the absence of Debbie Canier, Chairman Occhi presented for approval the
conditional use permit for case # CU-0405. This permit would allow a horse
boarding and riding stable on property close to
Since
Larry Larson was on vacation, Chairman Occhi said the only item from the
landfill was the hiring of a mechanic, which is currently on the table. There
was no motion to remove this issue from the table. Member Johnson stated that at
the next meeting clothing and longevity pay for the landfill should be placed on
the agenda.
Duane
Ratermann presented the highway business report. He reminded Members of the
information contained in the packets. During recent snows, we have been busy
plowing snow and spreading about 500–600 tons of salt. In a typical snowstorm,
if we spread salt on every mile of the highways, we spread about 100 tons. The
Highway Department can store 1,000 tons and purchased 1,750 tons through the
state bid. He repeated the County policy of only plowing when there is 2 inches
of snow on the ground. In the event of blowing snow, if the Sheriff’s
Department calls, then snowplows are mobilized. Sometimes it is a judgment call
as we do try to wait as long as possible. When we call a driver out it is a
minimum of two hours overtime.
Motion
was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Bacon to approve the local agency
agreement for federal participation, Knox County Highway 10, Section
05-00123-02-RS. Duane Ratermann stated that this is a normal housekeeping
measure as federal funds are involved. This spells out who is paying for what.
For this project, the federal funds will be paying 80% and the County will be
paying 20%. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart,
Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts,
Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(15). Noes—(0). Motion
carried.
Chairman
Occhi introduced for the first reading the resolution on 2006 County Motor Fuel
Tax Salary.
Motion
was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Johnson to bid and bring back
for the purchase of a new tandem dump truck, snow wing, and salt spreader for
the highway department. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(15). Noes—(0).
Motion carried.
Marianne
Wiesen presented the Nursing Home business report. The state surveyor had been
in the building. Because of the weather Ms. Wiesen was unable to attend the
County Nursing Home Association Meeting. She did present to the Board of copy of
that meeting’s minutes as well as other information.
She
reported that the Federal government has accepted the plan of corrections
regarding the life safety. She invited Board Members to attend the quality of
assurance meetings held monthly throughout the year.
She
reported that the Nursing Home had recently lost $20,000 because the Nursing
Home was not able to get a lien placed in a timely manner. This is a total of
$30,000 for the year. A few months ago State’s Attorney Paul Mangieri
discussed this matter with this Board. In other counties the policy has been to
allow the nursing home to independently file these liens. She requested
direction from the Board about how to get these liens filed and prevent the
forfeiture of these revenues. We need to have a procedure in place. Member
Porter asked if someone in the State’s Attorney’s Office could be designated
to handle this responsibility. Chairman Occhi stated that she and the State’s
Attorney would look into this matter.
Ms.
Wiesen reported that there is a new method to retrieve Medicare co-payment
funds. They do have the approval letter to proceed and expect to collect $67,500
from this old debt. She had not anticipated collecting these funds. For the year
revenues were $711,000 under budget at 90.24%. Expenses were $964,000 under
budget at 86%. We ended the year in the black at $256,000. After paying the
bills, the current checking account balance is $267,197.
Additionally
the Nursing Home had been working on a redesigned web page. She will be sharing
that with the Board at the next meeting. She would like Members to see it before
it is posted on the web.
Chris
Wood presented the GIS business report. He shared with Board Members some
examples of the maps that he has been preparing. He reminded Members of the two
key documents that he had shared at the last meeting from two different Attorney
Generals, which stated conflicting opinions regarding the collection of fees on
the internet. He would like to assemble a committee to discuss and form a policy
regarding what should be done with this data. Then when we are ready to post
data, a policy would be in place. We will need a policy to establish what
information will be available and at what cost. This policy should also define a
legal structure.
When
asked about the Freedom of Information Act, Mr. Woods responded that this act
does not cover GIS data. The Board has the control of this GIS data and
decisions will have to be made concerning the distribution of this data.
Member
Johnson shared his opinion that he doesn’t want this information posted on the
internet. If someone desires GIS information, they should come to the GIS office
to get the appropriate information. Mr. Wood stated that a negative factor to
consider is that some companies research these web sites looking for a specific
location to establish their new business. You don’t want to lose this
marketing advantage. Member Johnson responded that they should contact GREDA.
Chairman
Occhi stated that if any Members are interested in serving on this committee,
they could contact her. Regarding the land use layer, Mr. Wood reported that he
is almost ready to begin working in Township 13. He expects to be finished the
first week of January and then that will be turned over to Sidwell.
STATEMENTS OF
GENERAL CONCERN
Member Porter and Member Stewart had no comments at
this time.
Chairman Occhi asked for the names of those who desire to serve on a GIS
committee.
Member Knapp had no comments at this time.
Member Link commented that department heads should be present at the
Board meetings. Also there had been no report from the Sheriff’s Department
for the last two meetings. He also noted that in the report of the department
heads meeting, apparently several department heads were not present. Chairman
Occhi stated that she had forgotten to include that in the report. She is not in
the habit of doing these meetings.
Member Pickrel had no comments at this time.
Member Bacon commented that we need to address the administrator’s job
and get a person to help out in the Clerk’s Office. There is too much work for
too few people. This does weigh on people.
Member Hevland, Member Saline, Member Sandoval, Member Roberts, Member
Shallenberger, Member Parsons, and Member Mannhardt had no comments at this
time.
Member Johnson took this as an opportunity to congratulate Board Members
on the way the discussion was held regarding the committee system and the
committee of the whole. It could have been a very volatile issue. He thinks that
everybody handled themselves with decorum.
Chairman Occhi announced that the next regular meeting will be held on
Motion was made by Member Stewart and seconded by Member Parsons to
adjourn. Meeting was declared to be adjourned at