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 Gayle Keiser
District 3 Janet Occhi
District 4 George Knapp
District 5 Gerald Link
District 1 Allen Pickrel
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 2 Greg Bacon
District 3 Paul Hevland
District 2
Dana Shallenberger
Also present was Scott Erickson,
Chairman Occhi led the Members in the pledge to the flag. Since no one was present to give the innovation, Chairman Occhi asked those present to bow their heads for a moment of silence.
Chairman Occhi asked if there were any additions to the agenda. Member Johnson asked to give a report from the recent UCCI conference to be discussed under agenda item 11.
Chairman Occhi asked for public comments and there were none.
Chairman Occhi introduced for approval the following items of the consent
agenda: 1) minutes of the Board Meetings and Closed Board session held
Chairman Occhi presented for approval claims against
Administrator Alan Hallberg introduced Tim Drury of Bliss McKnight to present a liability insurance update. Mr. Drury passed out handouts of the larger presentation held in February. He discussed various ways to limit risk exposure. As more and more laws are passed, it is harder and harder for local governments to be experts. Our attorneys only do one thing and that is to defend local governments against claims. It is crucial for local governments to have written policies and procedures. This written documentation would provide liability protection. The County should have a written personnel policy that each County employee should receive. Further, each County employee should sign a receipt that they have received this personnel policy.
As far as pending liability claims, there are two semi-large claims: one is at the Nursing Home and the other is at the Jail. Both are being handled by defense counsel. We will continue to work with the County to provide liability resources.
Member Porter asked if this company had reviewed the proposed changes to the personnel policy. Mr. Drury responded that they had reviewed it a couple of months ago, looking specifically at liability issues. When asked about other specific recommendations, Mr. Drury stressed the need of written management policies with specific topics of discrimination and sexual harassment addressed. These areas are the most common in liability litigation.
Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Johnson to approve the proposed changes to the Knox County Personnel Policy. Member Johnson reminded the Board that consultants have advised of the need for one central personnel policy to include all non-union employees. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, and Johnson—(11). Noes— Mannhardt (1). Motion carried.
In order to allow discussion to proceed, motion was made by Member
Sandoval and seconded by Member Link to purchase
Member Porter stated that considering the discussion at the previous full
Board Meeting regarding space allocation at the Annex, she had asked Darrell
Lovell, Galesburg City Assessor, to address the Board. Member Saline stated that
is what public comments are for and he didn’t think that this was appropriate.
Chairman Occhi responded that she would allow Mr. Lovell two minutes to speak.
Mr. Lovell referred to the handouts that he had included in the Member packets.
He stated that he was there on behalf of the
Member Mannhardt asked Mr. Lovell about the GIS system and if it would find more taxable items. Mr. Lovell responded that they would find problems. His web site gets 100 hits per day. Each hit pulls up ten parcels. You will find similar things with GIS. This system will help Joyce Skinner and reduce her call load. You will find that GIS is an asset.
Chairman Occhi presented for approval the move of one Public Defender’s Office to the Annex. Member Johnson asked for a point of order as the agenda says “approve”, and yet we haven’t had the first reading on it, as far as the specific move. We shouldn’t vote to approve this until we know exactly what it will cost. He had talked to Jim Harrell and understands that there will be expenses for a new computer, phone lines, office equipment and related expenses. Some of these items would be one time only expenses. We should wait until the next meeting when we have these expenses put down on paper.
Jim Harrell stated that an estimated cost for computers and installation would be approximately $3,000, cubicles and dividers would be approximately $4,000-$5,000, and two different phone lines would be another expense. The movers charge $60 an hour. Thus, he estimated that the total cost would be under $10,000.
Motion was made by Member Porter and seconded by Member Saline to approve the move of one Public Defender’s Office and a secretary to the Annex. There followed a lengthy discussion about the actual move itself. Member Pickrel remembered previous discussions about a Chinese wall which would be created but did not realize that it would involve literally moving a Public Defender’s Office out of the Courthouse. There was also some discussion related to approving this entire project without knowing the total of the costs involved. Member Knapp asked if there would be the need for additional security and the costs involved. Mr. Harrell stated that he didn’t think that it is a requirement and the Sheriff’s office is located nearby.
Treasurer Robin Davis stated that last year, we were $43,000 over budget in these types of expenses. She reminded Board Members that this project needs to progress as the changes in the Public Defender’s Office become effective December 1 of this year. We could use monies from the courthouse indemnity fund.
Member Saline restated that within the next few years, this move will save the County money. Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Keiser to table this issue until the next meeting when they could see the itemized list of the expenses involved with this move. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Keiser, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Sandoval, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(7). Noes—Porter, Occhi, Saline, Roberts, and Parsons—(5). Motion to table carried. Mr. Harrell was directed to proceed with the hiring of the secretary, computer purchase, and wiring for the new space but to obtain a total cost of the other items involved in the move. These other items will need to be discussed and approved by the Board at a later date.
Member Johnson presented a short report about the recent UCCI conference
held in
Administrator Hallberg presented the animal control report, reminding Board Members of the information in the Member packets. The error in the previous bill for the $225 tire repair has been cleared up. That bill was actually for fuel.
Rod Cleair presented the Mary Davis Home business report. For the month of June, they billed out $77,260.00 If Knox County had to pay for locals, the bill would have been about $30,000.00. He reported that he did finally receive the reimbursement check of $264,682.14 from the State. That check should catch us up until June 30. They claim that they will start paying at least bi-monthly.
For the month, we averaged 37 clients with 7.5 from
Member Johnson questioned the progress of the bids from the last meeting. Mr. Cleair responded that although the bids are out, he would like to extent that. He is not ready and will confer with Administrator Hallberg to extend the bid and bring back. This is a more extensive project than was anticipated.
Administrator Hallberg introduced the assessor/zoning report. He reminded
Board Members of the zoning report in the Member packets. Joyce Skinner reported
that she had a large number of 2004 complaints of property taxes. At the next
meeting, she will have cost estimates of what it will cost to have those
properties appraised. These properties include some nursing homes,
Larry Larson presented the Landfill business report. He reported that the new cell is completed except for cleaning the liner along the edges. Otherwise the landfill is operating normally.
Larry Larson distributed copies of the bid to sell the grass for hay at the landfill. Only one bid was received for $21 a ton, from Ron Rollins. As dry as it has been, the grass hasn’t been very good. He recommended to the Board that they accept this bid. Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Saline to approve this bid. Member Link stated that is a fair bid since it is not good quality hay. Mr. Larson stated that this is just for the one cutting. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(12). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Larry Larson distributed copies of the bids for the HDPE liner, installation of the liner, and delivery of the liner as three separate bids, for a total cost of $82,373.01. We rebid for this liner project in the Register-Mail. Yesterday we opened these bids. We increased the number of rolls from 10 to 12 that we will be purchasing. Of course, that did increase the cost. Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Parsons to approve these bids. Member Keiser asked how this cost compared with previous costs for purchasing liners. Mr. Larson responded that purchasing the liner is about twice as much. The installation of the liner is about 2 ½ times as much. It is considerably higher. Member Keiser questioned the increased cost of labor. Mr. Larson responded that not everyone wants to work on a comparatively smaller project. The other factor to consider is that we must pay prevailing wages. That adds at least $14,000 to this project. We are paying more for this smaller project than we did for a larger project. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Keiser, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(12). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Duane Raterman presented the Highway business report saying that most of
the construction projects are completed. Concerning the project out by
Our maintenance crews are seal coating
Administrator Hallberg presented the Nursing Home business report. He
stated that Ms. Wiesen is absent because the Department of Public Health came in
to visit the Nursing Home today. The business report is in the Member packets.
Ms. Wiesen did want the
Also there has been boil order in
Administrator Hallberg informed the Board that Ms. Wiesen is interested in the possibility of installing a sprinkler system for wings 3 and 4. She would like to get some firm numbers as to how much this project would cost. She is also checking with the Department of Public Health to determine the regulations involved. Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Knapp to approve this item to bid and bring back sprinkler system for wings 3 and 4 with voice vote recorded as follows: Ayes—(12). Noes (0). Motion carried.
Administrator Hallberg presented for approval the bid for a concrete pad
at the Nursing Home. This pad will go under the trash compactor. He stated that
three bids had been received.
Administrator Hallberg presented for approval the cable franchise agreement with Oneida Telephone & Cablevision, Inc. This agreement is the same as the contract with Mid-Century and is included in the Member packets. This agreement has been approved and signed by the company. This will set up regulations for cable in the unincorporated areas of the County. The County will receive the 5% franchise fee from the company’s revenues. These revenues will be added to the general fund. Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Keiser to approve this agreement with voice vote as follows: Ayes—(12). Noes (0). Motion carried.
Administrator Hallberg presented for approval and first reading the maintenance and testing contract for alarm system at the annex for $1,020.00 from Simplex Grinnell. The fire alarm system must be tested to verify that the system is working properly. The bid from Simplex Grinnell is included in the Member packets: $800 is just for the testing, and $200 for the maintenance. More research will be done and brought back to the Board.
Administrator Hallberg presented the business report. He reported the
utility lights at Hardee’s in
Regarding the cable franchise, Woodhull is going to start offering cable
service and a copy of this agreement will be sent to them. We are close to
reaching an agreement with Insight. The Rio Cable situation is still in the
hands of the attorneys.
The RFP’s for insurance are done. We will probably publish for bids in the paper August 8. They should be due September 6. We should have a recommendation for the Board September 28.
The survey for the land at the Nursing Home should be completed by the next Board meeting August 10. He has been working with State’s Attorney Paul Mangieri to draft a resolution which will officially designate what land can be sold, and what land must be kept.
The budgets are due this Friday. The financial reports for the month of June are in the Member packets. Revenues are higher than estimated so far this year by approximately 1%. Expenditures are lower than estimated so far by approximately 1%. We must continue to monitor the budget. The new budget should be a conservative one.
Chairman Occhi read the resignation letter of Member Keiser, who has
accepted another position in
STATEMENTS OF GENERAL CONCERN
Member Porter stated that she would like to thank Member Keiser for her hard work on the Board. I think that if it were not for her efforts, we would not have a Health Department. Member Keiser was convinced of the necessity to put it on the ballot for the general election and secured thousands of signatures to make it happen.
Member Keiser commented that she had prepared a 12 ½ page speech and left it at home. I do wish you all well. Thank you.
Member Occhi commented that she would like to thank Member Keiser for being such a watch dog for the County and its different departments.
Member Knapp commented that he wishes Member Keiser great success and that he is sure that she will do well.
Member Link commented that he would echo that same theme. He will miss Member Keiser and her knowledge. We wish you good luck.
Member Pickrel wished Member Keiser good luck.
Member Saline stated that it had been a pleasure sparring with Member Keiser through the years.
Member Sandoval wished Member Keiser good luck and stated that it was a pleasure serving with her.
Member Roberts also wished Member Keiser good luck.
Member Parsons commented that Member Keiser has encouraged him to be an independent voter on the Board.
Member Mannhardt echoed the thanks to Member Keiser and the wishes for good luck that were already expressed.
Member Johnson stated that he had two subjects that he wished to comment
about. He stated his thanks to Member Keiser and said that they had sparred like
everyone else on this Board. If it wasn’t for her and her attitude toward
Chairman Occhi announced that the next regular meeting will be held on
Motion was made by Member Sandoval and seconded by Member Roberts to adjourn. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(12). Noes (0). Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:32 p.m.