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 3 Janet Occhi
District 4 George Knapp
District 5 Gerald Link
District 1 Allen Pickrel
District 3 Paul Hevland
District 4 Wayne Saline
District 5 Ricardo Sandoval
District 1 Linda Roberts
District 5 Stephen Johnson
And those absent: District 2 Greg Bacon
District 2 Dana Shallenberger
District 3 Dale Parsons
District 4
Also present was Scott Erickson,
Chairman Occhi led the Members in the pledge to the flag. Barb Devena,
Elder of First Christian Church of
Chairman Occhi asked if there were any additions to the agenda. There were none.
Chairman Occhi asked for public comments. There were none.
Chairman Occhi introduced the following items of the consent agenda: 1) minutes of the board meeting and closed meeting held August 10, 2005, 2) claims by Members for per diem and mileage for the meeting of August 24, 2005, 3) sales tax and various taxes for the month of May 2005 in the amounts of $78,617.34 and $22,108.84 and public safety tax in the amount of $67,514.04, 4) appointments of Charles Hire, David Gene Clark, and Donald E. Smith to the Williamsfield Fire Protection District, and 5) appointment of Carol Egan to the Knox County Housing Authority. Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Pickrel to approve these items with roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, and Johnson—(11). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Chairman Occhi presented for approval claims against
Chairman Occhi presented for approval the contracts for the alternate Public Defenders. Motion was made by Member Pickrel and seconded by Member Link to approve contracts with Thomas Pepmeyer, and Bill Butts as alternate Public Defenders and Dana Kelly as a conflict attorney. State’s Attorney Paul Mangieri told the Board of two revisions to Mr. Pepmeyer’s contract similar to that of Mr. Butts, to include his handling of “any fourth or fifth conflict juvenile delinquent, traffic, misdemeanor and felony cases when appointed by the Circuit Court of Knox County, Illinois.” Additionally, there is an added paragraph to state that Mr. Pepmeyer will provide court coverage for all instances in which he cannot be personally present. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger—(10). Noes—Johnson (1). Motion carried.
Chairman Occhi introduced the moving of one Public Defender to the Annex. Public Defender Jim Harrell stated that two bid proposals were included in the Member packets. Geofffrey Campbell will actually be the attorney who will be moving to the annex. However, he was unable to attend this meeting. He and his secretary, Mrs. Judy Johnson, have looked at the area and surveyed the requirements. Mr. Harrell stressed to the Board Members that some of these items need to be approved to allow this move to proceed as scheduled. Member Link questioned the Toshiba Imaging System. Mr. Harrell responded that this machine has copier, fax, and printer capabilities. Mrs. Johnson stated that the present fax machine at the annex can only receive and cannot transmit. Actually, we are asking for two of these machines to be used in different offices. Chairman Occhi stated that the present copier in that office is in need of replacement. Member Johnson stated that it seemed more economical to lease rather than to buy, as under a lease agreement the toner cartridges are included.
There was much discussion regarding the expenses involved with this move and the necessity to provide at least the basic essential items. Ms. Wiesen stated that the Nursing Home had an extra desk that might be suitable for this Public Defender’s Office. Members felt that the acoustic barrier is an expense that could be postponed. Member Johnson suggested taking the acoustic barrier out of the proposal.
Member Saline questioned Treasurer Robin Davis about the budget line item that would pay for these expenses. Treasurer Davis replied that it would come out of the indemnity fund. Currently it has $25,000. In next year’s proposed budget there is $20,000.
There was some discussion about security at this location and whether the acoustic barrier would actually help and/or whether emergency buttons would be beneficial. Chairman Occhi stated that she, Administrator Hallberg, and Sheriff Thompson would look into the security issue.
In order to allow Members to vote on this proposal, motion was made by Member Porter and seconded by Member Shallenberger to suspend the rules with roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Occhi, Link, Pickrel, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, and Johnson—(10). Noes— Knapp—(1). Motion carried.
Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Link to approve purchasing phone and data service, computer and installation, the Toshiba imaging system, and the services of movers at a total cost of $5232. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Occhi, Link, Pickrel, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, and Johnson—(10). Noes— Knapp—(1). Motion carried.
Chairman Occhi introduced for approval the extension of the insurance bid deadline to October 3, 2005 at 4 p.m. Member Saline reminded Board Members that recently we decided to bid and bring back for insurance. He stated that he had received several calls from insurance companies saying that they needed more time to do their research and prepare their bids. If we extend this deadline to this date, we will still have time to analyze these bids and formulate the budget. Although the finance committee did vote to approve this deadline, we also need to bring this to the full Board for their approval. Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve this measure with voice vote as follows: Ayes—(11). Noes – (0). Motion carried.
Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Johnson to bid and bring back for the computer support service contract. This would include computer support services for the courthouse and other offices under the current contract. Member Saline stated that he had received contacts from others who think they can do the job for less money. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(11). Noes – (0). Motion carried.
Member Saline presented the budget update. He stated that there is a
temporary budget included in the packets. This will allow Members to look
through it. We are having a budget meeting September 6 at
Chairman Occhi introduced for approval revisions to the Knox County Liquor Control Ordinance. County Clerk Scott Erickson referred to the previous meeting and reminded Board Members that the current County Liquor Control Ordinance contains a five step scale and we are in step five. There has been some interest into adding another classification in the liquor licenses. We need to address both the fee schedule and the possibility of adding another classification. Information was included in the Member packets which contains fee schedules and comparisons with other entities. A Class K license for caterers could be added, to allow for the serving of alcohol at their wedding receptions and similar events. He recommended that we stay with the sliding scale to keep us more congruent with surrounding areas. Motion was made by Member Porter and seconded by Member Pickrel to approve option #1, the sliding scale for this ordinance with roll call vote as follows: Ayes—Porter, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, and Johnson—(11). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Chairman Occhi reminded the Board Members of the animal control report included in the Member packets.
Rod Cleair presented the Mary Davis Home business report. For the month
of July, the average was 33 kids with 6 from
Chairman Occhi stated that the assessor/zoning business report was in the packets.
Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals case #CU-03-02. This would allow for an asphalt pad to allow grain drying and storage facilities for the overflow of corn. Mr. Krupps, Chairman of the Knox County Zoning Board of Appeals stated that this property is located on the east side of Hermon. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(11). Noes – (0). Motion carried.
Duane Raterman presented the Highway business report. He stated that they
had been working on seal coating and completed several projects including
Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Porter to
approve the resolution requesting consent of the Department of Transportation to
the reappointment of the incumbent as
Duane Raterman presented for approval the bid for the Spoon River Project from Hillyer, Inc. for $136,230. He stated that the information regarding this project is included in the Member packets. This is a project that we have been working on for a couple of years to get the necessary permits. There were two bidders for this project and both came in below the estimates. We recommend that you approve the low bid from Hillyer, Inc. Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Hevland to approve this bid with roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, and Johnson—(10). Noes—Pickrel—(1). Motion carried.
Chairman Occhi presented for approval the bid for annual pavement
striping from Peterson Parking Lot Striping for $.053 per lineal foot. Duane
Raterman stated that this is a project that is bid every year for pavement
striping. We combine with
Chairman Occhi presented for approval to bid and bring back for a new ¾ ton, 4X4 truck. Motion was made by Member Porter and seconded by Member Hevland to approve this item. Duane Raterman stated that this is to replace the truck that the foreman currently drives. These funds are in budget for this year. Voice vote to approve this item is recorded as follows: Ayes—(11). Noes—(0). Motion carried. Mr. Raterman further stated that we budgeted to replace the recycler this year and since we approaching the end of the year that needs to be done. He would at least like to bid this out and see what the numbers are. This was approved in December of last year. We plan to do this in September as well.
Marianne Wiesen presented the Nursing Home business report. Currently we have $286,322.89 in the checking account. After payroll and the bills are paid, we will have approximately $90,000 remaining. The current census is 145 residents.
Chairman Occhi presented for approval the bid for 25 mattresses from McKesson for $260 each. Marianne Wiesen stated that this is actually the most expensive bid. However, this product provides the needed pressure relief. The goal is have no pressure sores and having the right mattress can make a huge difference. Motion was made by Member Pickrel and seconded by Member Hevland to approve this bid. Member Saline questioned if with the lowest responsible bidder clause, they could legally accept this highest bid. State’s Attorney Paul Mangieri advised that the highest bid could be accepted if it conformed to the higher specifications of the bid. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, and Johnson—(11). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Chairman Occhi introduced for approval the bid for two Integrity bath units from Midwest Healthcare Systems at $30,148.46. Marianne Wiesen said that only one bid was received. She stated that there were delays on the installation of the sprinkler system. Thus, it will be about six months before we are ready to install these bath units. This company has told us that if tonight the Board approves this bid, they will hold the price at this level for the next six months. Motion was made by Member Pickrel and seconded by Member Saline to approve this purchase. Member Link questioned why only one bid was received. Ms. Wiesen stated that this is a specialty item. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, and Johnson—(11). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Ms. Wiesen introduced for approval or disapproval the continuation of the maintenance agreement with Nauman, Inc. for $1,234.37. This company has provided this service for quite a number of years. This is to monitor the heating and air conditioning thermostats for the building. It is an outdated system. A contractor has looked at our system and advised us to discontinue this contract. If there are problems we would be better off to seek local bids to replace what needed to be replaced. She recommended that the contract not be renewed. Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Saline to continue this maintenance agreement. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(0). Noes—Porter, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, and Johnson—(11). Motion failed.
Marianne Wiesen introduced for approval to bid and bring back for a mini-handicapped van for one wheelchair and six passengers. This vehicle would just have a push ramp. Our station wagon is falling apart. This van would replace another vehicle. Motion was made by Member Porter and seconded by Member Knapp to approve this measure with voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(11). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
In the absence of County Administrator Allan Hallberg, Chairman Occhi presented for approval the cable franchise agreement with Insight Communications. She stated that this agreement is a standard one that we have done with other cable companies. Motion was made by Member Pickrel and seconded by Member Shallenberger to approve this agreement. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, and Johnson—(11). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Chairman Occhi presented for approval the contract for testing of the fire alarm system at the Annex from MSI for $585. She reminded Members of the related information in the Member packets. The bid from MSI has been recommended. Motion was made by Member Shallenberger and seconded by Member Roberts to approve this bid. Sheriff Thompson stated that the price is somewhat complicated as they were trying to work out a package agreement to include the three buildings. He stated that he would prefer to go with MSI. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, and Johnson—(10). Noes—(0). Pass—Pickrel—(1). Motion carried.
STATEMENT OF GENERAL CONCERN
Member Porter, Member Occhi, and Member Knapp had no comments at this time.
Member Link commented that he was disappointed on one of the bids.
Member Pickrel, Member Hevland, Member Saline, Member Sandoval, Member Roberts, and Member Shallenberger had no comments at this time.
Member Johnson commented about the size of the Member packets. I personally feel that there is a lot of information that should not be included in the packets. The financial part which takes up the last 28 pages should not be included but rather passed out individually. Likewise, the “Talking Points” information submitted by Mr. Hallberg doesn’t need to be included. Reading the 207 page Member packet can be compared to reading War and Peace in three days. I think that there has to be more thought given to the contents of the packets. Also I was disappointed in some things that were left out of the packet, such as the bid proposals for the alternate Public Defenders. Since they were not included in those packets, we had no time to study them and make an informed decision. The only thing that was included was the contracts that someone decided we were going to approve. We need to reduce the paper and save a tree or two.
Chairman Occhi stated that the next regular meeting will be held on
Motion was made by Member Sandoval and seconded by Member Roberts to
adjourn with voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(11). Noes—(0). Motion
carried. The meeting was adjourned at