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
3 Paul Hevland
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
Kenneth Hans
Also
present was Scott Erickson,
Chairman Occhi led the Members in the pledge to the flag. Terry Renwick,
from Bethel Baptist Church of Galesburg, delivered the invocation.
Chairman Occhi asked for additions to the agenda. She asked that agenda
item #11, decision on personnel issues, and agenda item #26, approval of the
union agreement with Laborer’s Local # 538, be dropped from this agenda.
Member Parsons requested that agenda item #8, amending the Recorder/GIS budgets
also be dropped. Member Johnson asked that a discussion about the Annex be
added. Chairman Occhi inserted that discussion at agenda item #8.
Chairman Occhi asked for public comments. Linda Utsinger, Vice President
of Business Development, and Guy Vitale, Vice Chairman of the Board of
Directors, brought the third quarter GREDA update. Since July, the
Heat
& Control is expanding their business and will be adding 10 new jobs. Dial
Energy has an option on land near Abingdon. GREDA has been working very closely
with them, coordinating meetings with various entities. Dial is eager to proceed
with their feasibility study to build and operate an ethanol plant.
Greg
Mangieri, GREDA’s president, is visiting
GREDA
requested that $15,000 be re-instated into the budget for fiscal year 2006-2007,
to bring the total contribution to the current $30,000 level. GREDA prides
itself on being a public/private organization. The City of
Chairman Occhi presented for approval the following items of the consent
agenda: 1) minutes of the Closed Board and Regular Board Meeting held November
8, 2006, 2) claims by Members for per diem and mileage for the Meeting of
November 27, 2006, 3) sales tax and various taxes for the month of August 2006
in the amounts of $91,144.43, and $17,903.08 and public safety tax in the amount
of $74,851.30, 4) appointment of Ben DeRose to the Knox County Zoning Board of
Appeals, and 5) appointments of Lynn A. Bowman and Timothy C. Carlson to the
Oneida-Wataga Fire Protection District. Motion was made by Member Johnson and
seconded by Member Parsons to approve these measures. Roll call vote is recorded
as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland,
Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(14). Noes—(0).
Motion carried.
Motion was made by
Member Parsons and seconded by Member Hevland to approve the renewal of the
contract with Alternate Public Defender Geoff Campbell. However, this contract
will not include an increase in wages or salary. Roll call vote is recorded as
follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland,
Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, and Mannhardt—(13). Noes—(0).
Pass—Johnson—(1). Motion carried.
Motion
was made by Member Porter and seconded by Member Mannhardt to approve the
renewal of the contract with Alternate Public Defender Daniel O’Brian.
However, this contract will not include an increase in wages or salary. Roll
call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link,
Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, and
Mannhardt—(13). Noes—(0). Pass—Johnson—(1). Motion carried.
Member Johnson introduced a discussion concerning some recent problems at
the Annex. Sheriff James Thompson is no longer claiming any responsibility for
the Annex. There have been some problems with the Simplex alarms going off at
the Annex. Sheriff Thompson had been removed from the notification list. Instead
Chairman Occhi was put on that list. Recently Simplex had phoned her to advise
her that the alarm had gone off. It took an hour for her to phone the
Chairman Occhi stated that she understood that Sheriff Thompson was to
have this responsibility until they began calling on her cell phone. She woke up
at
Dean Stone stated that State statutes are clear that the Sheriff’s
Office is to have custody of the courthouse and jail. Member Johnson responded
that with the Board’s direction, the following day he would speak with Sheriff
Thompson and communicate this message to him.
Chairman Occhi reported that the alarm problem had been solved as
apparently a phone wire was caught or disconnected.
Motion
was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Pickrel to approve the one
year contract extension for Nursing Home Administrator Marianne Wiesen. Roll
call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link,
Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, and
Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Motion
was made by Member Pickrel and seconded by Member Mannhardt to approve the MFT
salary resolution for the 2007
Chairman
Occhi presented for first reading the policy to establish terms of service for
Board Member appointments to boards and commissions. Copies of this policy were
contained in the Member packets. Member Bacon explained that the reasoning
behind this policy is that he knows from personal experience that when a Board
Member is appointed to a one year term to the Knox County Board of Health, it
does take a certain length of time to understand what is going on. If the term
is limited to one year, that doesn’t allow enough time to see a project to
completion. Other Board Members have had similar concerns. Previously when there
were 25 Board Members, it was set up to appoint one year terms, to allow more
Members the opportunity to serve on these various boards and commissions.
Member
Stewart asked for a change to the last paragraph of this policy. “The Chairman
of the Board reserves the authority to recommend
removal of a Member from an appointment to an external board or committee if the
need arises. The final approval for removal would come from the full board.”
Chairman
Occhi stated that under this policy, terms would depend on the individual entity
involved. Some could be for a three year term.
Motion
was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Mannhardt to approve the
resolution authorizing the transfer of appropriations within various funds under
the direction of the
Motion
was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Parsons to approve the
resolution authorizing the
Member
Johnson reminded Members that this is also known as the resolution to pay bills
in vacation, which means that bills are paid before they are presented to the
full Board for approval. It should be the understanding of this resolution that
this should only be done in cases of emergency. He reminded Members of some
previous problems. Discretion should be exercised in paying bills in vacation.
Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp,
Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, and Mannhardt—(12).
Noes—Saline, and Johnson—(2). Motion carried.
Treasurer
Robin Davis presented the monthly financial update. She reminded Members of the
information contained in the packets. At the end of October in the general fund,
revenues were at 100% and expenses were at 98%, leaving a balance of
$212,826.00. The landfill is doing extremely well, with revenues at 123%, and
expenses at 78%, with a balance of $1,381,685.00.
The
three main funds which are showing a deficit at this time are the TORT, which
pays the liability; the self insurance, which pays the Workman's Compensation;
and the Nursing Home Tax Referendum, which has funded many improvements.
In
regards to the general fund, the revenue is a little higher for a couple of
reasons. The replacement tax was higher than anticipated. The federal government
is finally catching up on the housing of federal prisoners as we have already
received $77,000.00 more than was budgeted.
However,
there have also been some expense line items that have been more than was
expected. In the judicial line item, we are approximately $87,000.00 more than
was budgeted. There have also been additional expenses with revenue stamps. It
is hard to guess ahead of time how many properties will have to be recorded in a
year. So far this year, that line item is $35,000.00 over the budgeted amount.
For communication, the line item is $44,000.00 over the budgeted amount. Care of
dependent children and jury fees are about $47,000.00 over the budgeted amount.
These figures are only through October. As of today, there is a deficit of
$120,000.00 in the carry-over for the general fund. In comparing the general
fund with this date last year, we are down $217,000.00. If we do not receive the
tax revenue on time, we will probably have to look at borrowing. We do not
anticipate receiving any more major revenue this fiscal year, which will end
November 30. The final accounting report for this year will be ready in
mid-December.
There
are some large expenses which are payable in November, including the $700,000.00
election expense to the City of
The
tax sale was held recently, and anything that went to that sale was sold. That
money will not be distributed until December. This involves 594 parcels.
Member
Stewart commented that if the public would make their fair contribution and pay
their bills it would lessen budget problems. Mrs. Davis responded that some of
this is not because people don’t want to pay their bills, but rather they have
had a foreclosure and lost their property. There was a definite increase in
foreclosures compared to last year.
Treasurer
Robin Davis introduced for discussion the possibility of asking for Sidwell’s
assistance with the tax bills. She has discussed this possibility with Joyce
Skinner. It is imperative that the tax bills to go out on time. These expenses
for Sidwell’s assistance could come out of the GIS Office/Recorder’s Office
budget. Sidwell’s assistance would speed up the process that is being delayed
by problems with the farmland project.
Randy
Colby, business representative from Sidwell, addressed the Board. While
consulting with the County, Sidwell has put together a plan that should provide
great assistance to help finish up the land use layer project. This plan would
involve using some labor of County employees who would make the actual changes,
and then Sidwell would add two people to the project. The land use project is
more complicated that it looks and they don’t know how much work would be
involved. It would depend on how many changes need to be made and how many
townships Sidwell would be helping with. Currently he is estimating a cost of
approximately $15,000.00 to complete this project, calculated on a time and
material basis. If the amount of the work turns out to be less involved, this
estimate would be adjusted accordingly.
They
can turn this project around comparatively quickly once they get the
corrections. The actual changes to the land use must be made by a County person.
Sidwell is proposing a system in which they would supply plots to mark up and
make the changes. Once they receive those plots back, Sidwell expects to turn
each township around in five to seven working days.
Chris
Gray reported that currently eight townships are finished, and two more are in
progress, out of a total of twenty townships. It would be an advantage to have
multiple people working on this project. Since Sidwell has the multiple use
license, they can have multiple people working on it.
Member
Pickrel expressed his thanks to the offices involved for communicating this
problem to the Board.
Motion
was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Pickrel to suspend the rules
for the purpose of voting to approve asking for Sidwell’s assistance to
complete the land use layer. Roll call vote to suspend the rules is recorded as
follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland,
Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, and Johnson—(14). Noes—(0).
Motion carried.
Motion
was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Pickrel to approve spending up
to $15,000.00 from the Recorder’s/GIS budget to pay Sidwell to assist with the
land use layer. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart,
Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons,
Mannhardt, and Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
John
Kennedy presented the animal control business report. The financial report was
included in the Member packets. He had consulted with Dean Stone regarding those
pet owners who are still not complying to register their pets, and they
discussed what action should be taken. Mr. Stone already has summons ready to
go. Mr. Kennedy will confirm the identifiers involved to make sure the summons
are going to the right people. After that, summons will be sent out. This first
group is taking some time to process. Then there should be a working model to
follow, and the process should be smoother and faster. So far there has been a
total of $956.00 generated as a result of the initial mailing of the letters
from the State’s Attorneys Office.
Rod
Cleair presented the Mary Davis Home business report. For the month of October,
they averaged a total of 36.5 clients per day. The average number of out of
county clients was 24.5 per day. Therefore, they were able to bill out
$73,000.00 for detention costs. During October, they averaged 12.1
Motion
was made by Member Pickrel and seconded by Member Johnson to approve the
resolution authorizing the transfer of funds, not to exceed the sum of
$500,000.00, from
Joyce
Skinner presented the assessor/zoning business report. The new phones still have
not been installed at the Annex. County Clerk Scott Erickson reported that the
installation dates should be December 5, and 6.
Mrs.
Skinner reported that the P-Tab hearings are scheduled December 5, during the
afternoon, and all day December 6, and will be held at the Annex. One hearing
will involve Beck Oil, and another involves Rodney’s Mini-Storage on Linwood
Rd.There is another hearing scheduled for the County farmland. State’s
Attorney Paul Mangieri will be in attendance and representing the County during
these hearings on December 5. If he is unable to attend the hearing of December
6, he will send another attorney.
The
Assessor’s Office has received the sales ratio.
Chairman
Occhi reminded Members that Larry Larson is still on vacation. She had been at
the landfill to handle some business matters and had submitted the landfill
business report which was included in the Member packets. Mr. Larson should be
returning from his vacation December 1.
Chairman
Occhi introduced for discussion to bid and bring back for a modular or stick
built scale house/office building for the landfill. Members discussed the need
to change the specs on this building. Member Knapp stated that the original
blueprints should be changed.
Member
Johnson commented that he has no objections to a stick building over a modular
unit, providing that it cost effective. Local contractors could bid on a stick
building. Member Link stated that the building committee doesn’t care whether
it is a stick building or a modular building as long as it meets the specs and
is a reasonably priced building. The building committee will meet again and
change the specs before this is bid out again.
Member
Bacon reminded Members that originally they were not pleased with the idea of
hiring an architect to design the buildings for the highway department and the
Mary Davis Home. However, this scale house/office building for the landfill has
been a huge can of worms and there is no end in sight. In retrospect hiring an
architect for these other buildings was money well spent. Then the architect
handles the details in the bidding process. We have been trying to take care of
this building for six months. We need to do something to get this project off
the ground. Member Saline stated that part of the problem has been the lack of
co-operation with Larry Larson.
Chairman
Occhi commented that she is not sure that this building can be completed this
winter. Member Link announced that the building committee will meet, November
30, at
Motion
was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the bid from
Bond Construction in the amount of $10,403.00 for the concrete approach to the
maintenance shop at the landfill. Member Link expressed his disappointment that
only one bid was submitted. Member Johnson stated that although this bid seems
high, this price would appear to be reasonable. Roll call vote is recorded as
follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Link, Pickrel, Hevland, Roberts,
Mannhardt, and Johnson—(9). Noes—Knapp, Bacon, Saline, Sandoval, and
Parsons—(5). Motion carried.
Motion
was made by Member Stewart and seconded by Member Porter approve the change of
order for the equipment building cement work at the landfill. Chairman Occhi
reminded Members that usually change orders are voted on individually. Due to
the overage on the sub grade, additional cement is required in the amount of
$342.00. A representative from Bond Construction explained that this change in
the work order is because the landfill had cut the sub base too deep. Gravel had
to be brought back in to raise it to the level that it needs to be. Roll call
vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link,
Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, and
Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Duane
Ratermann presented the highway business report. He passed around some pictures
showing the progress of the new equipment building. The sheet metal has been
installed on the roof. The metal siding is approximately 1/3 complete. MSI has
been installing the electrical wiring and boxes. The highway department has been
installing the septic tank and field.
Regarding
the box culvert project on County Highway 39, the road has been re-opened.
Regarding the Indian Point box culvert project, the footings and three wings
need to be poured. He expects completion in two or three weeks.
The
night crew had begun the previous evening. That is a sure sign that winter is
coming.
Member
Link suggested that when the new equipment building is completed that an open
house be held and Board Members invited. He was out there a couple weeks ago and
was very impressed with that well built building. Mr. Ratermann responded that
it would be better to wait for the open house until warmer weather.
Motion
was made by Member Stewart and seconded by Member Parsons to approve the wages
for non-union highway department employees for fiscal year 2006-2007. The
proposed 2006-2007 budget includes a 2½ % increase over the previous year. Roll
call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link,
Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, and
Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Marianne
Wiesen presented the nursing home business report. She reminded Members that her
report is contained in the Member packets.
Motion
was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Hevland to approve writing off
balances due to the negative pool of funds under the provider agreement with OSF
Health Plan. Ms. Wiesen stated a copy of the letter from OSF had been included
the in the Member packets. At the end of the year, if their pool is positive,
then the nursing home receives a little additional money. Since this year there
is a negative pool, they need to write off $6050.00. Basically, the nursing home
receives $250.00 per day and that is a Medicare supplement. The nursing home
will still receive this Medicare supplement, but they will not be receiving the
additional funds. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart,
Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons,
Mannhardt, and Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Motion
was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Parsons to approve the
resolution authorizing the transfer of funds from the Knox County Nursing Home
Referendum Account to the Knox County Nursing Home General Account not to exceed
$300,000.00 for the fiscal year 2006-2007. Ms. Wiesen reminded Members that this
resolution was approved last year and is a “just in case measure”. Roll call
vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart, Occhi, Knapp, Link,
Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons, Mannhardt, and
Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Motion
was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Hevland to approve the bid
from MSI to install smoke detectors as deemed necessary by the IDPH tag survey,
in the amount of $16,150.00, to come from the Nursing Home Tax Referendum
Account. Treasurer Robin Davis stated that there is $882,000.00 remaining in
that account. Ms. Wiesen reported that the sprinkler system is to be completed
December 28. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Stewart,
Occhi, Knapp, Link, Pickrel, Bacon, Hevland, Saline, Sandoval, Roberts, Parsons,
Mannhardt, and Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Ms.
Wiesen presented for first reading the policy and procedure for alcohol at the
nursing home. She explained that this is not a big thing at the nursing home. A
lot of nursing homes do allow alcoholic beverages. Since it is a County policy
that the County will not allow the purchase of alcohol, she thought it would be
wise to prepare a policy which would spell out their procedure regarding
alcohol. A copy of this proposed policy and procedure was included in the Member
packets. Under these guidelines, residents of the nursing home would be allowed
to consume alcohol with the written approval of the attending physician.
Alcoholic beverages would be administered to the resident by the nursing staff
according to the physician’s order. The County will not be purchasing any
alcohol.
Chris
Wood presented the GIS business report. He has been working second shift from
Motion
was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Roberts to approve claims
against
Motion
was made by Member Bacon and seconded by Member Parsons to approve the proposed
fiscal year 2006-2007 County Budget with any approved amendments. Copies of the
proposed amendments were distributed to the Members. Member Johnson reported
that the amendments had been discussed at the budget committee meeting.
Treasurer Robin Davis reported that if the budget is approved with these
amendments, it will result in a balanced budget with a surplus of $529,127.70.
There is still no certainty what the farmland values will be. In consultation
with other officials they are estimating the EAV at $605,000,000.00.
Mrs.
Davis addressed the questions of the wellness bonus. She has discussed this
matter with the budget committee and the State’s Attorney’s Office. Her
question is since this is the first year to pay out this benefit, who is covered
by the personnel policy and therefore entitled to this bonus?
Member
Bacon responded that all non-union employees are covered under the employee
handbook. This handbook is designed to cover employees who are not covered by a
binding union contract. Various other Members agreed.
Treasurer
Davis replied that the problem arises as some offices do not report accrued
benefits, which is also in the personnel policy. Members expressed concern that
since these benefits have not been previously reported, it is not appropriate to
wait until the end of the year and ask for benefits. There should be adequate
documentation to support any request. Every pay period or at least once each
month, there should be a record of personal days, sick days, vacation days, etc.
submitted to the Treasurer’s Office.
Member
Bacon stated that the question is how to get this information and documentation
in a timely manner. Member Porter suggested that Mrs. Davis refer to the
personnel code regarding the wellness bonus or other benefits.
Mrs.
Davis asked for verification that the Members were instructing her that all
requests for wellness benefits include documentation for the time period of
January–December 2006. Member Pickrel suggested that a blanket letter be
mailed out, spelling out the requirement for this documentation. The consensus
of the Board was that documentation would be required before paying these
benefits. Member Porter stated that it might be difficult to get adequate
records for this year but it should be made clear that it will be required in
regular reports for the coming year.
Member
Johnson reminded Members that every year, auditors raise some concerns about
inadequate documentation, and paying some bills without verification. Paying
wellness benefits falls into the same category.
Member
Link complimented the budget committee and the Treasurer for working together.
There were numerous obstacles to overcome. There was a lot of good co-operation
and communication, between the committee and the Treasurer. There was the
discovery of the extra pay period and yet they were able to find a way to
balance the budget. They did a great job.
Member
Pickrel agreed with Member Link. This is not a fun time. GREDA has their money.
Their funding has been restored to its current level.
Member
Stewart stated that he had no opposition to the recent changes to the budget.
However, he would be voting “no” to the budget as it does not contain
funding for a
STATEMENTS OF
GENERAL CONCERN
Member Porter expressed her thanks to Member
Roberts for her eight years of service to the Board, five of those years
representing District 1. Member Porter has enjoyed getting to know her.
Member Stewart had no comments at this time.
Chairman Occhi said that she would put in her two cents about Member
Roberts, as she will be missed. Since this is Chairman Occhi’s last meeting in
which she will be acting as Chairman, she thanked all of the employees who have
made her job easier.
Member Knapp had no comments at this time.
Member Link also thanked Member Roberts. They had come onto the Board together and he will miss her. He also expressed his concerns in spending approximately $30,000.00 for the gas tanks and pumps, for the facility at the Mary Davis Home. This is not working out very well. We are using very little gas out of the tank, because one of our departments is refusing to use it.
Member Pickrel echoed his thanks to Chairman Occhi.
Member Bacon expressed his thanks to Member Roberts, especially for all
of her assistance to him with matters concerning the Knox County Board of
Health. Chairman Occhi has done a good job as Chairman.
Member Hevland also thanked Chairman Occhi and stated that Member Roberts
will be missed.
Member Saline thanked Member Roberts. He appreciates all the good work
that Chairman Occhi has done.
Member Sandoval had no comments at this time.
Member Roberts also thanked Chairman Occhi. She stated that she had
enjoyed the Board. She has met a lot of interesting people and will miss it. She
is glad that the person replacing her does want to have a
Member Parsons also thanked Chairman Occhi for her leadership for the
past two years. It has been nice working with her. He also thanked Member
Roberts who has been his partner. He has enjoyed it.
Member Mannhardt and Member Johnson had no comments at this time.
Chairman Occhi announced that the next meeting will be the County Board
Organizational Meeting to be held on
Motion was made by Member Johnson and seconded by Member Sandoval to
adjourn. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(14). Noes—(0). Motion
carried. Meeting adjourned at