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. Darrell Hughes
from
Chairman Occhi asked for additions to the agenda. She asked for an
addition to the agenda to discuss bill review and inserted that agenda item at
4A. There were no other additions.
Chairman Occhi asked for public comments and there were none.
Chairman Occhi presented for approval the following items of the consent
agenda: 1) minutes of the Board Meeting held December 14, 2005, 2) claims by
Members for per diem and mileage for the meeting of December 28, 2005, and 3)
sales tax and various taxes for month of September 2005 in the amounts of
$89,124.98 and $22,098.46 and public safety tax in the amount of $75,511.00.
Motion was made Member Parsons and seconded by Member Roberts to approve these
agenda items. 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 Porter and seconded by Member Parsons to hire a
Member Johnson stated that in lieu of the county administrator position,
at least the County should hire an administrative assistant to work in the
Member Parsons responded that at the very least an administrative
assistant should be hired for the
Regarding salary, Member Pickrel stated that the county administrator
should not be paid more than elected officials. We need an organizer and
facilitator. One of the duties should be to set up centralized purchasing.
However, we need to scale down our expectations and the salary.
Some Board Members expressed concerns about the proposed time line of a
year. Member Pickrel suggested the possibility of hiring someone for the
Member Saline spoke in favor of hiring an employee to work in the
Motion was made by Member Pickrel and seconded by Member Knapp to form an
ad hoc committee to look into guidelines to establish the workload for an
administrative assistant. This is not to be confused with the person to be hired
to assist in the
Chairman Occhi introduced for discussion the process of reviewing the
bills. She reported that earlier that week there had been an informal meeting
scheduled for Members to review the bills. However, at this informal meeting
only two Members showed up and that doesn’t add up to a quorum. The press was
notified and minutes were taken which are on file in the
Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Pickrel to
approve the amended resolution to increase the court automation fee from $5.00
to $10.00 for the Circuit Clerk’s Office which would exempt fees paid on
traffic, ordinance, and conservation offenses over the counter. Voice vote is
recorded as follows: Ayes—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Johnson to
approve the amended resolution to increase the document storage fee from $5.00
to $10.00 for the Circuit Clerk’s Office which would exempt fees paid on
traffic, ordinance, and conservation offenses over the counter, Voice vote is
recorded as follows: Ayes—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
County Treasurer Robin Davis presented the year end financial report and
distributed to Members the 4th quarter report. For the year the
County received $233,000 more in interest than in the previous year. In part
this is because interest rates are beginning to go up. She also presented copies
of the new budget to the Members. Last year the County received $6,339,000 in
tax revenue. However, we had budgeted for $7,100,000. The difference is because
of the decline of equalized assessed evaluation. There are over 13 taxing bodies
and 39 funds. Overall in looking at just the general fund as an example, the
revenue over expenses is $2,700. This is particularly outstanding as the Federal
prisoners owe the County 5 months’ worth of money, which is about $200,000.
Outstanding grant money amounts to about $20,000. Considering how much money was
lost in tax revenue and the economy, she thinks that everyone is doing an
outstanding job. One positive thing to note is that the County did receive more
tax money from the State than was anticipated.
The Mary Davis Home had an exceptional year especially considering that
they are four months behind receiving their State revenue. Originally they
budgeted for a $295,000 deficit and yet finished the year with a positive
balance of $120,000. The Veterans started getting Social Security reimbursements
and completed the year with a positive balance of $20,000. The Nursing Home
recorded a $405,000 positive balance. In part this is due to the successful
collection of old debt. There were also other funds in which originally deficits
were written and yet they completed the year with positive balances.
In summarizing the financial report she stated that although $234,000 was
budgeted as a positive balance, the actual year end balance is $2,700,000. Some
of this is because of one time things, but overall she feels that the elected
officials and department heads do not get the credit that they deserve. We must
all continue to be financially responsible.
Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Parsons to
remove from the table the gas bids for the County. 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 Saline and seconded by Member Link to accept
the bid from The Junction/Phillips 66 effective February 1-
Sheriff
Thompson stated that it would be best if each employee was to sign a receipt and
records should be kept by department and by employee. This plan could generate a
couple thousand dollars in savings, compared to purchasing gas from the City of
There
was also some discussion regarding the time line. Since it is still undecided
about the timeline of installing fuel tanks at the Mary Davis Home, it seemed
unrealistic to be able to set up these accounts by January 1; 2006. The target
date of beginning in February is more practical. If need be, this bid could be
extended. 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.
John
Kennedy presented the animal control business report and stated that business
was continuing as usual.
John
Kennedy proceeded to the next agenda item of collecting $25.00 redemption fees
for
He
had spoken with Treasurer Robin Davis to set up the necessary accounts. For the
time being there needs to be two separate accounts: 1) the $5.00 fee to go to
the County’s animal control fund for administrative costs, and 2) the $20.00
fee is to go to the State’s Pet Overpopulation Fund. We are advised to put
these funds in separate accounts and keep them until we receive direction from
the State. Motion was made by Member Porter and seconded by Member Mannhardt to
collect the $25.00 redemption fee as per the second option. Roll call vote is
recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Bacon, Saline,
Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(12). Noes—(0). Motion
carried.
Rod
Cleair presented the Mary Davis Home business report. In November, they averaged
26 out of county clients, and billed out $74,000. They averaged 10
He
has not moved forward on the bond issue as he doesn’t have a definite estimate
on the purposed security cameras. Earlier there was discussion about a bond
extension in the amount of $1,000,000. His best estimate for the security would
be approximately $250,000. Included in the Member packets is an end of the year
report.
Member
Saline stated that it would be wise to wait a few weeks before proceeding with
the bond. We want to make sure that the amount of the bond is enough for the
proposed security cameras, fuel tanks, as well as servicing the debt. Rod Cleair
suggested that an ad hoc committee be formed to address these concerns.
Joyce
Skinner presented the assessor/zoning business report. She reported that due to
the change in the season, building permits are slowing down.
The
Board of Review is scheduled to meet January 23, and 24, for two full days from
Larry
Larson presented the landfill business report. He reported the loss of a
transmission in one of the older trucks and thought that it could still be under
warranty. Also the tarping machine is up and running. They have about $14,000
invested in that machine besides labor. It should pay for itself in one month.
Recently one employee at the landfill did retire and they do not plan to refill
that position.
Motion
was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Link to approve the fluff
contract with Behr Peoria, Inc. Mr. Larson stated that we only haul 50% now as
the remainder is now going to Tazewell County. That facility says that they have
one more year to remain open and offered Behr a better rate. Due to the current
price of fuel, we can’t outbid Tazewell. When asked about what fluff really
is, Mr. Larson responded that for example when a refrigerator is scraped out,
fluff is the non-metal materials that are left over. In the case of an
automobile, this could be the insulation, the seats, rubber mats, etc. This
contract will decrease our anticipated revenue from Behr by $283,800 this year.
He reminded them of the other fluff contract with Allied which expires next
December. We haul all of their fluff. Since we won’t be hauling so much fluff,
we plan to put that truck to use hauling other materials. 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 Stewart and seconded by Member Link to approve the payment of
clothing allowances and longevity pay for the landfill employees. 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
Ratermann presented the highway business report. One big project has been the
box culvert in
Duane
Ratermann presented for first reading the engineering services agreement with
AMENT, INC for the design of an equipment storage building for the highway
department. Member Johnson questioned the $50,000 price tag and whether any
local contractors had been contacted. Mr. Ratermann responded that he had not
contacted local companies for a design build. This company designed a similar
building for
Mr.
Ratermann continued that only 10% of the estimated cost of this building will be
for the design. Member Bacon commented about the special needs of this building.
This company can design the wash bays and other problem areas. One of the
problems is the oil and waste that washes off of this equipment cannot be just
flushed down the drain. Special measures must be taken and this company is aware
of how to do this to reclassify these materials and secure the EPA approval.
Other Members voiced the same concerns as Member Johnson that local architects
should be given the opportunity to bid on this project, as well as concerns
about the $50,000 price tag.
Mr.
Ratermann presented a Power Point presentation to pinpoint their present
location, and the purposed site of this new storage building. Their current
storage building is 40 years old and has 7,800 sq. ft.; however, it has become
functionally obsolete. A new building is needed to store and make signs, and to
store equipment. The highway department has over $1,500,000 invested in
equipment. As much as possible it should be stored indoors. Currently we do not
have enough truck and trailer storage space available. Additionally, it would be
nice to have a new employee meeting room/lunch area. Also, the present wash bay
areas are in need of repair.
The
new proposed building would contain 9,000-15,000 sq. ft. for storage. The plan
would be to tear down the old building and replace it with this new building on
the same site. The appearance would be similar to the building built in 1994.
Member
Johnson repeated that Mr. Ratermann should contact local architects. Mr.
Ratermann purposed forming an ad hoc committee for this building project. Member
Saline spoke in favor of a new building; but stated that as much as possible
that the services of local professionals should be utilized.
Motion
was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Parsons to approve the 2006
resolution on county motor fuel tax salary. 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. Although she had planned to
give a Power Point presentation to preview the Nursing Home’s new website,
there were technical problems and this was postponed to the next meeting. She
wanted Members to see this before it is posted to the web.
Marianne
Wiesen introduced for approval the review policy and procedure for facility
protocol with the memorial funds for the Nursing Home. This policy is included
in the Member packets. Earlier this year, the auditors suggested that certain
guidelines be written and adopted. Motion was made by Member Johnson and
seconded by Member Porter to approve this measure with voice vote recorded as
follows: Ayes—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Marianne
Wiesen stated also at the next meeting she will include the professional
liability insurance report.
Chris
Wood presented the GIS business report. He stated that he had completed the 14th
township and was beginning the 15th township for the land use layer.
He reported that last Friday morning one of the project files pertaining to the
land use was deleted from his computer. He didn’t know how this occurred but
was able to retrieve these files. There could be serious consequences if these
files were lost. Several things hinge on this land use layer. Security continues
to be one of his major concerns.
Member
Porter questioned the accuracy of the maps that he had been preparing. Mr. Wood
responded that if a client desires parcel lines and photos behind it, they
should know that these documents are not recognized in court, as photos do tend
to distort the image. There is an accuracy rate of 5-10 ft. The parcel lines are
accurate but the photos may be distorted.
Member
Pickrel addressed the security concerns saying that the tumblers had been
changed and he didn’t see how anyone without a key could be entering the annex
building.
Motion was made by Member Stewart and seconded by Member Pickrel to
approve the bid for construction of two walls for the GIS Department. There
followed a lengthy discussion. Chris Wood presented his visual recommendation of
the placement of two partition walls. Later this partition could be moved if so
desired. Again he addressed the issue of security. He had sought bids for these
two partition walls.
Member Pickrel reminded Members that there is $3,300 included in the GIS
budget for this kind of office related expenses. It would cost approximately
$1,300 for these partition walls.
Chris Wood stated that the combined cost of the partition walls and the
office furniture would cost approximately $4,500.
Member Mannhardt spoke in opposition to the original motion as half of
the equipment is still unsecured. He suggested the placement of another small
wall and door in the back.
Joyce Skinner stated that their computers are not secured and they have
had no problems. Some of the same information is on their computers. They do
keep the door to the conference room and office locked. She wondered about air
circulation around these purposed partition walls.
Sheriff Thompson also addressed the security concerns. These things need
to be taken care of. That door should be replaced and a heavy duty lock with key
installed.
Chris Wood stated that if the back door problem is corrected then the
purposed bid of $3,263.44 which includes 65 inch tall partition walls, office
equipment and a desk, would meet his current needs. He does have the necessary
funds in his budget to make these purchases.
Member Stewart and Member Pickrel agreed to withdraw their original
motion. Motion was made by Member Pickrel and seconded by Member Porter to
accept this bid from Office Specialist, Inc. in the amount of $3,263.44,
included on page 60 in the Member packets, as recommended by Mr. Wood. Roll call
vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Link, Pickrel,
Bacon, Sandoval, Roberts, and Parsons—(9). Noes—Knapp, Saline, Mannhardt,
and Johnson—(4). Motion carried.
Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Roberts to
approve the claims against
Member Bacon questioned why there are three computer companies listed
among the bills. County Clerk Scott Erickson responded that since we have hired
this new company, 3R Cubed, we are paying them for the current services.
Additionally there were some old bills from Tri-Lutions and bills for wireless
internet services which will continue.
Member Johnson asked about the bills that were passed around and not
included in the Member packets. Chairman Occhi stated that these bills would be
up for approval at the next Board meeting.
Member Johnson questioned a Nursing Home bill from Metamora Telephone
Company. Ms. Wiesen informed him that is actually for pagers for the maintenance
department. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart,
Occhi, Knapp, Link, Saline, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(10).
Noes—(0). Pass—Pickrel, Bacon, and Sandoval—(3). Motion carried.
STATEMENTS OF
GENERAL CONCERN
County Clerk Scott Erickson took this opportunity
to give his appreciation for the poinsettia sent to his grandfather’s funeral.
The flowers were lovely.
Member Porter commented Happy New Year.
Member Stewart had no comment at this time.
Chairman Occhi commented that interested Members willing to serve on the
ad hoc committee for the administrative assistant, or serve on the building
committee for the Mary Davis Home or landfill, should let her know.
Member Knapp had no comment at this time.
Member Link echoed Happy New Year.
Member Pickrel, Member Bacon, Member Saline, Member Sandoval, and Member
Roberts had no comments at this time.
Member Parsons echoed Happy New Year.
Member Mannhardt and Member Johnson had no comments at this time.
Chairman Occhi announced that the next regular meeting will be held on