PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNTY BOARD

KNOX COUNTY , ILLINOIS

January 25, 2006

STATE OF ILLINOIS )

                                     )           SS

COUNTY OF KNOX )

            Proceedings of the regular meeting of the Knox County Board, held at the Knox County Courthouse, Galesburg , Illinois on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 at 6:09 p.m.

            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          Lowell Mannhardt

                                                District 5          Stephen Johnson

Also present was Scott Erickson, County Clerk .

            Chairman Occhi led the Members in the pledge to the flag. Rev. Lee Johnson, Pastor of Bethel Baptist Church gave the invocation.

            Member Pickrel asked for a moment of silence for the Darrell Hughes family.

Chairman Occhi asked for additions to the agenda. Member Johnson asked for an addition to the agenda to discuss the conflict of interest policy. Chairman Occhi stated that would be item 12 A. Member Saline asked that item 25 referring to the approval of a road center line agreement for GIS data be removed from the agenda as the paperwork was not in. Chairman Occhi asked that agenda item 23 regarding the insurance for doctors at the Nursing Home be moved up before agenda item 4.  

Chairman Occhi asked for public comment. Rob Benedict asked about the sale of acreage at the Nursing Home. Three months ago, the Board voted to sell some of this farmland. He asked if a procedure had been set in place or a committee appointed. As spring approaches, farmers need to know how to proceed.

Chairman Occhi presented for approval the following items of the consent agenda: 1) minutes of the Board Meeting and closed Board Meeting held January 11, 2006, 2) claims by Members for per diem and mileage for the meeting of January 25, 2006, and 3) sales tax and various taxes for the month of October 2005 in the amounts of $78,668.63 and $21,914.43 and public safety tax in the amount of $70,782.22. Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Johnson to approve these items. 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.

Marianne Wiesen presented for discussion/approval the matter of insurance for the doctor at the Nursing Home. Motion was made by Member Porter and seconded by Member Parsons to provide liability insurance for the doctor who serves as medical director for an estimated annual cost of $2,500. Member Saline expressed concern that the Board should not establish a policy to provide insurance for others. It would be a better decision to increase the stipend to allow the doctor to purchase his own insurance. Member Bacon expressed his opinion that the doctor should provide his own insurance. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Hevland, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(13). Noes—Bacon, and Saline—(2). Motion carried.

Chris Wood introduced Barb Knox, from IDOT, who presented a visual presentation regarding the road center line agreement. She spoke of the transportation coalition which encourages local efforts between State, city, and local agencies to share road center line data. By the terms of this two year agreement there would be no fee involved. This information could only be shared with others within the County. This data could not be sold. It will also help with tourism and economic development.

Chairman Occhi requested the following Members be appointed to the ad hoc committee for building and construction: Member Link, Member Sandoval, Member Bacon, Member Saline, and Member Occhi. Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Stewart to approve these appointments. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Pass—Saline, and Sandoval—(2). Motion carried.

Chairman Occhi requested the following Members be appointed to the ad hoc committee for GIS fees: Member Porter, Member Hevland, and Member Roberts. Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Pickrel to approve these appointments. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Pass—Hevland—(1). Motion carried.

Chairman Occhi requested that Member Porter be appointed to the GIS steering committee. Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Pickrel to approve this appointment. 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.

Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Stewart to approve the union contract with AFSCME Local 3217, courthouse employees. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, and Mannhardt—(12). Noes—Knapp, and Link—(2). Pass—Johnson—(1). Motion carried.

Chairman Occhi presented for approval resolutions for deeds of conveyance for parcel numbers 1222427004, 1223327008, 1333382025, 9913176007, and 9915379008. Motion to approve this measure was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Roberts. 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 presented for discussion/approval a letter of engagement with Carpentier, Mitchell, Goddard & Company LLC for the County audit. A representative from the company, Jim Taylor, stated that the company was seeking clarification whether the County wanted a two or four year contract. It was their original understanding that the County wanted a four year contract. Yet when the minutes were reviewed it seemed to indicate a two year contract was approved. One of the advantages of a four year contract would be that the upfront costs of that first year are more evenly divided over the remaining years. Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Bacon to approve the four year contract with this company. 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.

Member Parsons presented a report from the ad hoc committee for the County Administrator . He reminded Members of the information in the packets. In addition to the one meeting, he has spent two hours with a range rider which is available free of charge. This person has 35 years of experience in city government. On February 15, the range rider will be meeting with the committee at 6 p.m. at the Annex, to go over questions. Other Members were invited to contact Member Parsons with their suggestions.

Treasurer Robin Davis presented the revenue and expense countywide report for December 2005. She reminded Members this report had been inserted in the packets. She also passed out a handout which was a brief guideline which shows where expenses and revenues should be each month. Some of these figures were one time only expenses. Some adjustments need to be made in appropriation lines and appropriation numbers. These adjustments will be included in the January report.

Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Bacon to approve the resolution on increasing the minimum pricing for auction sales by delinquent tax agents. Treasurer Robin Davis reminded Members that this resolution would increase the minimum bid to $600. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Member Johnson addressed the conflict of interest policy that was approved at the previous meeting. He stated that when he began his term as Board Member there were some questions regarding a possible conflict of interest concerning his wife. The Attorney General had issued an opinion. However, some Members of the Board do not agree with this opinion. This conflict of interest resolution was based on a blatant lie. 1) This resolution was not prepared by attorney Bruce Beal. 2) There is no case law to support this resolution. 3) This resolution is not in place in place in Fulton and Rock Island Counties as they have not passed such resolution. 4) This resolution was for a private organization, Graham Hospital . Also he asked for a full accounting of all time taken off for James Harrell in 2004 and 2005.

            Member Saline stated that in the history of the Board there were times when either county employees or Board Members have resigned to avoid a possible conflict of interest.

            State’s Attorney, Paul Mangieri responded that by virtue of his position, he is the County’s legal authority. He and the Attorney General share the same opinion that there is no conflict of interest with this Board Member and the fact that his wife is an employee of the County. Similarly, in that same opinion Member Shallenberger’s position was also questioned. At that time she worked part time in the coroner’s office. The ruling regarding her was that as long as she did not receive wages to exceed a specific dollar amount, there was not a conflict of interest. Mr. Mangieri had written a letter to the Attorney General asking for his opinion regarding the validity of this conflict of interest policy. Mr. Mangieri thinks this policy is problematic for the Board to determine which individual might have a conflict of interest. He has concerns that this policy may violate a Member’s constitutional rights.

            Member Porter reiterated her reasons why Member Johnson does have a conflict of interest. She stated that she doesn’t care what the Attorney General’s opinion is; this does represent a conflict of interest on this Board.

            Member Johnson responded that his wages have never exceeded the legal monetary limits. Therefore, Member Porter’s comments are out of line. No one is going to stop him for talking about what goes on in this County.

            John Kennedy presented the animal control business report. He stated that he is working with DNR to get some help to deal with the County’s coyotes. Additionally a couple of people from the animal control department are starting to work on this problem. These coyotes are becoming quite a problem for livestock.

John Kennedy presented for approval the resolution for fess increase and collection of fees. This resolution was prepared by Mr. Mangieri. The $10 differential annual fee that was originally omitted has been added. Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve this amended resolution. 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.

Rod Cleair presented the Mary Davis Home business report. For the month of December, they billed out approximately $72,000 for out of County care. They averaged 24 clients per day, with 10.5 clients from the County. In December, they did receive two checks from the State and another two checks this month. Today there were 34 clients and 8 of those from the County.

Rod Cleair presented for approval the bid from Pratt Audio Visual & Video Corporation for the security system at the Mary Davis Home. He reported that this was the only bid that was received. This bid which includes an itemized list was handed out to the Members. Motion was made by Member Sandoval and seconded by Member Link to accept this bid in the amount of $151,976.00. 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—Pickrel—(1). Motion carried. Rod Cleair stated that once they get started, the work was expected to take about five weeks.

Joyce Skinner presented the assessor’s report business report. Regarding the resolutions for deeds of conveyance, she instructed the Board that the first two digits of the number refer to the township, the middle numbers refer to the section, the next digits refer to the quadrant such as the SE corner, and the last four digits are the parcel number.

She reported that she had received the multiplier from the State and it is a “1” again. They will pay half of her salary for another year. The Board of Review Hearings have been completed. Today was the State hearing for the Raritan Bank in Abingdon.

Debbie Canier presented a zoning report. They have been meeting with neighboring counties to draft a wind farm ordinance. Knox County has no ordinance in place and there is a possibility of 100-300 wind turbines coming to the County. Other counties have adopted the ordinance from Henry County and we are investigating doing so as well.

Larry Larson presented the landfill business report. The compactor is put back together and is again operational. It was under warranty.

Duane Ratermann presented the highway business report. They did excavate the courthouse parking lot and will continue to monitor it for any changes.

There has been some discussion with the City of Galesburg regarding the future development north of ShopKo. He received a copy of an intersection design study from the Department of Transportation. If they modify this intersection on South Lake Storey Road , we will be affected. The highway department has been doing pavement windshield inspections.

Marianne Wiesen presented the Nursing Home business report. They had received the plans from the sprinkler company and those plans have been sent to Springfield . They are now waiting on that review. They have 140 residents of which 12 are Medicare and 8 pending admissions. They are still in the process of writing the bid specifications for the time clock.

Marianne Wiesen presented for approval to bid and bring back for a dishwasher for the Nursing Home. Motion was made by Member Pickrel and seconded by Member Mannhardt to approve this item. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Johnson to approve the union contract for the Nursing Home. 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.

Ms. Wiesen thanked everyone who had a part in these negotiations.

Chris Wood presented the GIS business report. He had finished his part of the work on the land use layer. He will be sending that off to Sidwell and then have them do the air check. Worst case scenario is that it would take 4-6 weeks to get that information back.

In the previous meeting, Member Porter had asked about the accuracy of the parcels. In conversations with the assessor’s office, Mr. Wood was told that 90-95% of the over 3,000 parcels are accurate. Often the legal descriptions that the office receives are not totally accurate. By that time this information has already been recorded in the recorder’s office. Then it is difficult to get this information corrected. Ms. Gray, from the assessor’s office, has asked that the Board set up a procedure to simplify this correction process. She reports that sometimes these things sit on her desk for up to a year before she can get a correction. Possibly things need to go to her before they are recorded.

Mr. Wood had not yet received the center line agreement. This should be in the next packet. The office furniture was expected to arrive January 25.

Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Roberts to approve claims against Knox County , Illinois , for the period of January 12, 2006-January 25, 2006 (ordering that invoices be accepted and approved and that the County Clerk and County Treasurer be authorized and directed to issue County Warrants in payment of the bills.) Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Hevland, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(12). Noes—Saline—(1). Pass—Pickrel and Bacon—(2). Motion carried.

STATEMENTS OF GENERAL CONCERN

            None of the Members had any comments at this time.

            Chairman Occhi announced that the next regular meeting will be held Wednesday, February 8, 2006 , 6:00 p.m. , at the Knox County Courthouse, Galesburg , Illinois .

            Motion was made by Member Sandoval and seconded by Member Johnson to adjourn. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried. Meeting was adjourned at 7:28 p.m.