PROCEEDINGS OF THE

PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNTY BOARD

KNOX COUNTY , ILLINOIS

February 22, 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, February 22, 2006 at 6:07 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 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

And those absent: District 3 Paul Hevland

Also present was Scott Erickson, County Clerk .

Chairman Occhi led the Members in the pledge to the flag. Terry Renwick, from Bethel Baptist Church , gave the invocation.

Chairman Occhi asked for additions to the agenda. Member Stewart asked that the rules be suspended and a vote taken on adjustments to the previously approved Nursing Home union contract. Chairman Occhi stated that item would be inserted at agenda item 23 A. Member Link asked for an addition to the agenda to present a report from the Ad Hoc Building Committee and asked that item 22 regarding the engineering services agreement for the design of an equipment storage building for the highway department be moved up to follow this committee report. He suggested spot 10 A in the agenda and Chairman Occhi agreed to both requests.

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 and Closed Board Meeting held February 8, 2006, 2) claims by Members for per diem and mileage for the meeting for February 22, 2006, and 3) sales tax and various taxes for the month of November, 2005 in the amounts of $86,437.54 and $15,428.77 and public safety tax in the amount of $73,197.56. Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Roberts with roll call vote recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

A presentation was given by CASA Executive Director Judy Guenseth. She began with CASA at the end of last year and reminded Members that CASA is an acronym which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. Primarily, they work with the abused children of Knox County . Before a volunteer advocate is assigned to a case, they are given 30 hours of intense training and case work. During the year, these volunteers take an additional 10-12 hours of training. With the assistance of Judge James Stewart, CASA began in 1993. A year and a half ago, the CASA Director Harold Wright passed away. Since that time, CASA has gone through some re-organization. Mrs. Guenseth brings with her an attitude of respect for County Government and a desire to work with the County Board . CASA has a new location at 109 S. Cherry Street . She invited Members to attend their Open House to be held March 2.

Chairman Occhi presented for approval the abatement of public safety bonds series 1999. Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Stewart to approve this measure with roll call vote recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Chairman Occhi presented for approval the abatement of public safety bonds series 2003. Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Parsons to approve this measure with roll call vote recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Greg Chance presented the annual report of the Knox County Health Department. This was included as an insert in the Member packets. Legally it is required that the Board of Health annually submits a financial report to the County Board . Also included is other information about programs and services available through the Health Department. Motion was made by Member Porter and seconded by Member Parsons to accept this report and have it placed on file in the County Clerk’s office with roll call vote recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Chairman Occhi presented for approval a letter of support for the Galesburg Area Convention and Business Bureau. Annually they ask for this support letter as it helps them obtain grants and other funding. Motion was made by Member Stewart and seconded by Member Parsons to approve this measure. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Chairman Occhi presented for approval the animal kill claims for Knox County . This is usually done once a year. Four sheep were killed. Motion was made by Member Sandoval and seconded by Member Shallenberger to approve this item with roll call vote recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Member Porter presented a report from the GIS Ad Hoc Committee. She stated that she had distributed a corrected copy of the minutes to the Board Members. This committee will again be meeting on February 27, at 4:45 p.m. , at the Annex.

Member Parsons presented a report from the Administrator Search Ad Hoc Committee. The report is included in the member packets. The committee has been working slowly and methodically. They have met with a road ranger. There will be more details available at the next Board Meeting, March 8.

Member Link presented a report from the Building Ad Hoc Committee. This committee has met twice. After the first meeting, they felt that they had more questions than answers and then asked for help from Mr. Larson and Mr. Ratermann. In order to answer some of the questions, this committee met with Ament, Inc. Vice President, Allen Varney. At the conclusion of that meeting, the committee voted to recommend the hiring of Ament, Inc. to provide the engineering services for the equipment storage building for the highway department at a cost of $45,000. However, the committee members also felt that the whole Board had questions and invited Mr. Varney to personally answer questions at this meeting.

Motion was made by Member Bacon and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the engineering services agreement with Ament, Inc. for the design of an equipment storage building. Member Johnson questioned why the Board should have to pay $45,000 for a plan to build what seems to be an uncomplicated structure to be utilized for mostly storage with a couple offices. Duane Ratermann explained that the most complicated part is the wash bay within the building, and somehow tie that wash bay into the rest of the building. Member Link stated that decisions, such as door placement, or even whether it will be a steel or wood structure, will greatly influence the total cost.

Mr. Varney displayed the proposed architectural drawings of this building. He affirmed that they would prepare the designs, set up the bids, conduct the bidding process, and oversee the building process to confirm that it meets the specifications. He presented drawings of a similar structure that Ament, Inc. had designed that is used as a bus barn. Part of the challenge is to design the wash bay in such a way that it will endure over time. When questioned about the purposed timeline, Mr. Ratermann stated that if it could be completed by August, that would be fine. Member Mannhardt questioned whether this professional service should have been bid out. Gregg Chance responded that this question had come up before with the health department and jail projects. At that time, State’s Attorney Paul Mangieri had said that professional services did not have to be bid out. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, and Mannhardt (13). Noes—Johnson—(1). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Stewart and seconded by Member Parsons to approve the union contract with the State’s Attorney’s Office with roll call vote recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Shallenberger to approve the purchase of a squad car from the Missouri State Police. Sheriff James Thompson stated that there is $30,000 budgeted this year for squad car replacement. This is $15,000 less than years before. This vehicle from the Missouri State Police Department has 52,000 miles. The actual price is $11,200 and will replace a vehicle that has 179,000 miles. Roll call vote recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Sheriff James Thompson reminded the Board that a Knox County Deputy had been sent to the New Orleans area to assist the citizens. The State of Illinois had formed a mutual aid system called ILEAS, which is similar to what fire departments have. ILEAS has sent us a plaque to thank us for our participation. One of the County’s most experienced search and rescue deputies was sent. This deputy was one of the rescuers who waded through waist deep water and went house to house looking for bodies. Throughout Sheriff Thompson’s eight year term of office, he has only awarded three commendations with 2 of them going to this officer. Sheriff Thompson then awarded the commendation to Deputy Carl Admire in recognition of his outstanding service to the citizens of Knox County by assisting people in Mississippi and Louisiana to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

John Kennedy presented the animal control business report. They are still working at trying to get the bugs worked out of the redemption fee collection process. There are still a lot of questions involved. Hopefully, before the year is over, Springfield will establish some policies and procedures. There is another resolution for the spring session of the legislature which would expand the vicious dog task force. This resolution still does not provide enough representation from downstate. We have a totally different set of problems than Cook County and the Chicago land areas. Presently, there are nine animal control resolutions in Springfield under consideration.

Rod Cleair presented the Mary Davis Home business report. In January, they averaged 35 clients with 25 of those from outside of the County. The amount billed out was $75,000. If Knox County had to pay for outside detention costs, the cost would have been about $27,000. The State has sent two checks which bring the total up to about $300,000 which is approximately the same amount as last year. As he left the building, there were 32 clients and 14 of those from Knox County . They had been up to 17 Knox County clients. Installation of the new security system is to begin approximately, April 3.

Debbie Canier presented the assessor/zoning report. She stated the Mrs. Skinner could not attend due a family medical emergency. Ms. Canier reported that they are trying to distribute all of the senior freeze applications. The Zoning Board of Appeals has looked at the first draft of the wind energy ordinances. She will have a final draft for them in March. The Board’s approval will be needed for that ordinance. She will be meeting with another energy company that is interested in another wind farm in Henry and Knox County .

Member Stewart questioned the length of time required to resolve some of the zoning violations in court. Ms. Canier responded that even though she has worked in that office over a year and a half, none of these cases have been resolved. This has been very frustrating to her. The City of Galesburg is able to resolve their zoning violations. She follows through on her duties to do on site inspections, take the pictures, send the letters to the property owners, and submit the paperwork the State’s Attorney’s Office. Despite her calls and letters to that office, there has been no response. Member Stewart commented that he has a real problem with this. Other property owners live next to these properties. He sited the specific case in which the property owner was sited four or five months ago. Trying to get these properties compliant would be a long term benefit. He asked for a list of cases which are still unresolved. Ms. Canier responded that she could provide that list. Greg Chance interjected that he could add a list of health department notices to that list.

Larry Larson presented the landfill business report. They did get authorization to begin using the new cell. They began using it Monday, February 22. The actual approval process took from five to six months.

Duane Ratermann presented the highway business report. Last Thursday, there was a little freezing rain. The previous night they began applying salt and by 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, it had warmed up. They have been cutting brush and patching as needed. They plan to spend a couple days picking up roadside trash.

Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Bacon to approve the low bid for $68,500.00 from Centre State Int’l Trucks for a tandem dump truck for the Highway Department. Mr. Ratermann stated that the bid is only for a new cab and chassis. The rest will come later in a separate bid package. Roll call vote recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Shallenberger to approve bids for aggregate hauling/stockpiling for various road districts utilizing Motor Fuel Tax Funds in 2006. Roll call vote recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Roberts to approve the resolution on 2006 Motor Fuel Tax Maintenance. Roll call vote recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

In Marianne Wiesen’s absence, Chairman Occhi reminded Members that the Nursing Home business report is included in the Member packets.

Motion was made by Member Stewart and seconded by Member Mannhardt to suspend the rules to vote on adjustments to the previously approved Nursing Home union contract. Roll call vote recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Pickrel and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the adjustments the Nursing Home union contract as per the copy in the Member packets. Roll call vote recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Chris Wood presented the GIS business report. He stated that it had been a busy day and he had sold $40 worth of maps. Sidwell had put the two files together and returned that project to him. He is currently doing the error checks on that. After that is completed, he will send it back to Sidwell. He expects it to be four weeks before it is again returned to him.

Chris Wood presented for first reading the intergovernmental agreement with IDOT for center line road data. After studying this agreement, he has some concerns regarding references to a third party. Primarily he was interested in obtaining point of interest data regarding schools, restaurants, county buildings, etc, especially since this data would be free through this agreement. Mr. Wood planned to import this data into his files and merge it with existing data. According to this agreement they want to share the data back with NAVTEQ. Various Board Members expressed similar concerns about sharing this data. Dean Stone, from the State’s Attorney’s Office, voiced other concerns with this agreement. Chairman Occhi stated that there would be an update at the next meeting.

Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Roberts to approve claims against Knox County , Illinois , for the period of February 9, 2006-February 22, 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 recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Shallenberger, Parsons, and Johnson—(11). Noes—(0). Pass—Pickrel, Bacon, and Mannhardt—(3). Motion carried.

STATEMENTS OF GENERAL CONCERN

Member Porter and Member Stewart had no comments at this time.

Chairman Occhi commented about the Ethics Committee. She has several interested Democrats. However, she needs at least one Republican. If there is a willing Republican they should give her a call.

Member Knapp had no comments at this time.

Member Link announced that the next meeting of the Ad Hoc Building Committee will be held March 2, 5:30 p.m. at the Mary Davis Home.

Member Pickrel, Member Bacon, Member Saline, Member Sandoval, Member Roberts, Member Shallenberger, Member Parsons, Member Mannhardt, and Member Johnson had no comments at this time.

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

Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Roberts to adjourn. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried. Meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.