PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNTY BOARD

KNOX COUNTY , ILLINOIS

February 28, 2007

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 28, 2007 at 6:15 p.m.

            The meeting was called to order by Chairman Allen Pickrel and upon roll call the following members reported present:

District 1          Caroline Porter            

District 2          Greg Bacon

District 3          Paul Hevland                           

District 4          Lowell Mannhardt                   

District 5          Gerald “Jerry” Link                              

District 1          Allen Pickrel                            

District 2          Paul Stewart                            

District 3          Dale Parsons               

District 4          George Knapp            

District 1          Lyle Johnson                           

District 2          William “Bill” Abel                               

District 3          Janet Occhi                             

District 4          Wayne Saline              

District 5          Stephen “Steve” Johnson         

And those absent:         District 5          Ricardo “Rick” Sandoval         

            Also present were Sheriff James Thompson and County Clerk Scott Erickson.

            Sheriff James Thompson delivered the proclamation. Chairman Pickrel led the Members in the pledge to the flag. Terry Rennwick, from Bethel Baptist Church of Galesburg, delivered the invocation.

            Chairman Pickrel asked for additions to the agenda. Member Saline asked for an addition to the agenda to approve a resolution to authorize the transfer of funds from the landfill fund to the general fund. This would require a 2/3 vote. This cannot wait until next month as there are not enough funds available to cover payroll and other expenses. Revenue sources are behind schedule. Chairman Pickrel inserted this item at agenda item 18B. Member Mannhardt asked for an addition to the agenda to present the Nursing Home Committee report. Chairman Pickrel inserted this item at agenda item 33A.

            Chairman Pickrel asked for public comments. Mike Kroll addressed the Board concerning the proposed contribution of $100,000 to the National Railroad Hall of Fame. He is opposed to this proposal. Knox County has been in perpetual financial distress for as long as he can remember. Since the County has difficulty in covering the payroll and other expenses on a month to month basis, it is ill advised to donate $100,000 to an otherwise private entity for a speculative endeavor. This action would be totally irresponsible.

            Rita Weigand also addressed the Board concerning this proposed contribution to the National Railroad Hall of Fame. Taxpayers should have the right to decide where slush funds will be spent. While supporting this organization is a commendable action, there are other organizations such as the Railroad Museum in Galesburg that also are in need of financial assistance.

            Mike Godsil, President of the Board of Directors of the Galesburg Railroad Museum , also addressed the Board concerning this same issue. This organization does support the National Railroad Hall of Fame, as this proposed facility would compliment the Galesburg Railroad Museum . However, as a taxpayer of the County, he does have financial concerns. He has read the newspaper accounts regarding the County’s apparent inability to afford to hire a County Administrator . He asked Board Members to exercise discernment regarding how to spend taxpayer money, which is usually designated for specific purposes.

            Chairman Pickrel presented for approval the following items of the consent agenda: 1) minutes of the Closed Board and Regular Board Meeting held January 24, 2007, 2) claims by Members for per diem and mileage for the Meeting of February 28, 2007, and 3) sales tax and various taxes for the month of November 2006 in the amounts of $85,948.12 and $20,443.57 and public safety tax in the amount of $74,267.48. Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Porter to approve these measures. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Chairman Pickrel presented for approval the following additional items of the consent agenda: 3A) appointment of Daniel Gentry to the Williamsfield Fire Protection District, 3B) appointment of Kenneth Peterson to the Oneida Cemetery Association, and 3C) appointment of Greg Wessel to the Elba-Salem Fire Protection District. Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Stewart to approve these appointments. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Greg Chance presented a promotional video highlighting the services provided by the Knox County Health Department. In November the Health Department will be observing their 15th anniversary.

            Greg Chance presented the Health Department Annual Report. On February 25th, this annual report was also included as an insert in the Galesburg Register-Mail.      Regarding financing, the Health Department has been able to maintain their levy below the maximum level which was set by the referendum in the amount of 10¢. This coming year he expects the levy rate to be 7.2¢ -7.5¢. By state statute, the County Board must vote to accept this annual report and file it with the County Clerk . Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Parsons to accept this report. Member Bacon commented that he has served on the Knox County Board of Health for a year and learned a great deal. Although they could levy additional taxes, they have maintained the same rate for the last few years. They work diligently to secure grants to provide additional funding rather than resort to increasing taxes. Voice vote to accept this report is recorded as follows: Ayes—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Abel and seconded by Member Occhi to dismiss as of March 1, 2007 , Assistant Public Defender, Geoff Campbell. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Bacon and seconded by Member Link to approve the union agreement including the side letter with Laborers’ Local # 538 from the highway department. A copy of this contract is included in the packets. Copies of the side letter were distributed to the Members. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Bacon to approve the hiring of Ament, Inc. for the scale house/office building at the landfill for a fee of $10,000.00. Chairman of the Ad Hoc Building Committee, Steve Johnson, explained that since the County has wasted so much time and money on this project, the recommendation from the Committee is to proceed with hiring this architectural firm to handle the specifications and oversee this project. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bacon, Hevland, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(10). Noes—Porter, Link, Knapp, and Lyle Johnson—(4). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Link to approve the low bid submitted from Laverdiere Construction Company in the amount of $173,990.00 for a sallyport addition to the Mary Davis Home. This is the recommendation from the Ad Hoc Building Committee. Rod Cleair reported that this project is expected to be completed by June 30th. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Occhi and seconded by Member Hevland to approve the membership renewal fees for Prairie Hills Resource Conservation Development Board. The annual membership fee is $150.00. Member Parsons reminded Members of several ongoing projects in the County sponsored by Prairie Hills. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            The Finance, Insurance, Treasurer, Judicial, and Clerk Committee report was presented by Committee chairman Wayne Saline. He reported that revenues have been lower than anticipated and expenses have been higher. Treasurer Robin Davis reported that revenues in the general fund should be at the 17% level and instead are 12%. Expenses are at the 17% level. Compared to this point in time one year ago, there is $200,000 less in revenue sources. Member Saline reminded Members that the three pay periods in the month of December tend to distort the financial picture. We need to increase revenues.

Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Occhi to approve the abatement of the tax levy for the Public Safety Bonds Series 1999 and 2003. These two resolutions are included in the packets. Member Saline stated that this is a normal housekeeping measure and done every year. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Parsons to approve the resolution appointing County Treasurer Robin Davis as the IMRF authorized agent. Member Saline stated that this is also a housekeeping measure. Normally the County Treasurer is appointed as the IMRF agent. This resolution is included in the packets. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Occhi to approve the password policy for the County computer network. It is the County Clerk ’s recommendation to approve this policy resolution with implementation to be completed by the end of March. A copy of this policy is included in the packets. Scott Erickson explained that with the implementation of the new server, it has become necessary to review security procedures, and specifically who has access to what on the server. The current County protocol and password policies are too lax. With the active directory system, it is possible to tighten security measures and implement this password policy. By terms of this policy, affected County employees will change their password every 90 days and that password must follow specific criteria. In the event that an employee forgets their password, there is a procedure in place to reassign another password. This will only affect the offices that work with the Dev-Net server. This will not affect the judicial offices. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Parsons to approve the resolution to allow IMRF service credit for military service. By terms of this resolution, a maximum of two years of military service would be transferred toward retirement. Member Abel stated that it would be a good token to recognize military service. Member Steve Johnson stated that this resolution would represent no additional expense to the County. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Member Saline asked that agenda item 17, to approve the OnPoint consultant payment for the phone system, be removed from this agenda. He explained that there have been some discrepancies with the bill. There hasn’t been much communication with OnPoint since their representative, Jeff Monroe, passed away. The County is expecting to receive an accurate bill March 19th from Gallatin River and then discussions will follow with OnPoint regarding their bill.

            Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Steve Johnson to approve an upgrade of the County Courthouse internet service with Insight’s business broadband enterprise option. Scott Erickson explained that the current internet access provided to the Courthouse has become a problem for a variety of offices. The County offices must receive updates for their software via the Internet and they have experienced difficulty in doing so with the current internet connection. The present internet supplier connection is inadequate and extremely slow. Various options were presented in the packets.

Although Gallatin River provided price quotes, they were only available for a 5 year contract. The Insight connection speed is 15 Mbps for downstream and 1.5 Mbps for upstream at a monthly cost of $239.95. This contract would be for one year. The installation fees would be waived if the County approves a one year contract. Future plans are to host two web sites and e-mail with this internet connection. Installation could begin as early as next week. This expense is included in this year’s budget. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Pass—Bacon—(1). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Occhi to approve the amendment to the nursing home budget for intergovernmental fund transfers, regarding the County’s contributions to the Medicaid reimbursement of county nursing homes. Member Saline reminded Members that at least a 2/3 vote is required to amend the budget and create new line items. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Occhi to approve the Workman's Compensation reimbursement amount for FY 2006-2007 from the nursing home. Previously, the cost had been budgeted at $100,000 annually. However, this year due to the settlement of several old claims this amount has increased to $250,000. Member Saline stated that since some of these settlements have already been paid, a few of these could be written off to stay within the budget. At this time the Workman's Compensation budget has enough money in it to proceed. Treasurer Robin Davis stated that this approval would allow $100,000 to be reimbursed this year. Member Saline stated that in the future it might become necessary to ask for some of this reimbursement back. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Bacon and seconded by Member Saline to approve a National Railroad Hall of Fame pledge in the amount of $100,000. These funds would be taken from the landfill revenue. Member Saline reminded Members that already in this Meeting there had been some discussion about this topic. Personally, he is in favor of this action. If we are expecting the County to grow, we must do things like this to generate additional revenue. We cannot sit still, do nothing, and yet expect the County to grow on its own. The revenues contained in the landfill accounts cannot be used for everything. However, economic development is one of the few things that these funds could be used for. These funds cannot be used for the purposes stated in the public comments as these organizations are pre-existing. It is expected that 200,000 visitors each year would visit the National Railroad Hall of Fame, spend money in our community, and generate additional sales tax revenue. This facility would greatly increase the value of the County farmland. This is a huge opportunity to demonstrate that we are committed to encouraging economic growth in the County.

            Member Abel stated that while personally he does support this organization, he is concerned that if Members approve this action, that it will set a precedent for other organizations who are also seeking economic development funds from the County Board . Already, he has received one other request. To be fair we should listen to other interested parties, and there should be public discussion for future requests. If a vote is taken at this meeting, he would abstain. There should be more public involvement to handle future requests.

            Member Steve Johnson commented that he voted no to this proposal during the Committee meeting. He is not opposed to the National Railroad Hall of Fame, but is opposed to the $100,000 donation. After reading about this proposed donation, four livid taxpayers phoned him to complain. He would again vote no on this issue.

            Member Parsons reported that he had also received similar phone calls from livid taxpayers. Although he is not against the National Railroad Hall of Fame, he would also vote no on this issue. The County has not even received a progress report from them for the previous year regarding their current level of pledges received.

            Member Bacon commented that he finds it ironic that every year the County contributes $30,000 to GREDA and yet no one stands up to complain about this donation. We have to do something. In the last three years, the County has given GREDA $90,000 and yet so far he has not seen much progress from them. It is time to allow someone else an opportunity to bring economic development to the County. In his opinion over the next few years, the residual effects of the National Railroad Hall of Fame would come back to the County ten fold.

            Member Link stated that the National Railroad Hall of Fame is a great idea. However, he does have some concerns regarding the amount of this donation. As a result of this proposed donation, there are many other organizations that could come to the Board to also request a contribution. He cited the example of Dial and the proposed ethanol plant near Abingdon. They will be bringing 40-50 jobs. Likewise, he has received numerous phone calls from taxpayers questioning the reasoning behind this decision. There is $5.5 million in revenue in landfill funds. A portion of that is spent on payments for the equipment. In the future there will also be expenses for necessary landfill expansion.

            Member Porter voiced her personal support for the National Railroad Hall of Fame. However, this donation would be presumptuous on the behalf on the County taxpayers. By law a certain amount of money must be kept in the landfill accounts for the eventual closure of the landfill. Already tonight the Board approved transferring money from the landfill. Additionally she wonders why the Landfill Committee together with the landfill administrator has not had input into this discussion. She understands that the National Railroad Hall of Fame requires a resolution from this Board stating the Board’s support. She would support such a resolution together with a small financial token donation.

Motion was made by Member Porter and seconded by Paul Stewart to table this matter until next month when the Landfill Committee can have the opportunity to address this issue. Roll call vote to table approval of a National Railroad Hall of Fame Pledge in the amount of $100,000 is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, and Abel—(8). Noes—Bacon, Pickrel, Lyle Johnson, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(6). Motion carried.

            Member Saline introduced discussion to approve the postponement of hiring for the County IT position. Responding to a survey, most county offices felt comfortable with the present IT service provider, which is R Cubed Technologies. The Committee feels it would be better to continue the present contract with this company. Next year this service could again be reviewed.

Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Lyle Johnson to approve the transfer of funds from the landfill fund to the general fund. Member Saline reminded Members that they had received a copy of this resolution. Originally, they were going to wait until next month. However, since revenues have been below expected amounts, they no longer think that they will have funds available until next month. Treasurer Robin Davis confirmed that if this resolution is not passed during this meeting, there will be a shortage of $57,000 in the general fund to pay the bills. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            The Sheriff, Jail, Courthouse, Animal Control, Mary Davis Home, Courthouse and Annex Committee report was presented by Committee chairman Steve Johnson. The minutes of this meeting are included in the packets.

Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Parsons to approve the purchase of four used squad cars from the Missouri State Police at a cost of $12,500 each. These are all 2004 Ford Crown Victorias. There is $50,000 included in the Sheriff’s budget for this purchase. These squad cars would replace high mileage patrol fleet vehicles. Previously the Sheriff’s Department has purchased similar vehicles from the Missouri State Police and has found this to be a good program. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Member Steve Johnson suggested that the Board should begin to consider the need to replace the two courthouse vehicles. Perhaps one of the used squad cars could be purchased to replace one of these vehicles. County Clerk Scott Erickson reminded Members that since one of the vehicles is used to transport election supplies, it is easier to use a van or at least a vehicle with a large trunk space. Sheriff James Thompson suggested that perhaps through a government contract with the US Marshals, they might be able to obtain a replacement van.

            The Highway, Assessor, Zoning, GIS, and Recorder Committee report was presented by Committee chairman Jerry Link. The minutes of this meeting are included in the packets. The highway department has been very busy working through the February storms.

            Member Link reported that he had talked to Joyce Skinner regarding the progress on the tax bill preparations. Mrs. Skinner was ill and unable to attend this Meeting. She did report that the Board of Review Hearings have been scheduled and should all be completed by April 6th. There are not as many as originally anticipated.

Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Porter to approve the 2007 County Motor Fuel Tax Maintenance Resolution. This is a normal housekeeping measure that must be done every year. Specific information is included in the packets. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Occhi to approve the lowest responsible bids for aggregate hauling/stockpiling for various road districts utilizing Motor Fuel Tax Funds, which would be contingent upon the concurrence of the highway commissioners in various road districts. This is a routine housekeeping measure. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Parsons to approve the bid for a new chipspreader for the highway department. Only one bid was submitted from Etnyre in the amount of $197,440.00. Gunther has submitted a bid for the current chipspreader in the amount of $50,001.00. This will result in a net cost of $147,439.00. The budgeted amount for this purchase is $150,000.00. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Porter to accept the bid for the used chipspreader submitted from Gunther in the amount of $50,001.00. This machine is ten years old. This bid was the only one received. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Steve Johnson to approve the low bid for a 20 ton tag trailer submitted by Quincy Mack in the amount of $15,500.00. There were five bids submitted. The budgeted amount for this purchase is $20,000.00. Monies for both the chipspreader and 20 ton tag trailer are included in the highway fund budget. Member Link stated that this trailer would be a useful tool for the highway department to haul oiling and chipping equipment. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—Saline—(1). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Bacon to approve the recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals in reference to Case ZA-06-06, filed by Gary Wood, Dahinda. Mr. Wood is asking for a zoning change to allow a highway business for boat/camper storage. Member Steve Johnson stated that he found the report in the packet to be very confusing. Member Link explained that the Zoning Board of Appeals originally had some misinformation. The State’s Attorney has since reviewed this case and recommended that this case return to the full Board for approval. This recommendation would approve this zoning change. Roll call vote to approve this recommendation is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—Stewart—(1). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Lyle Johnson to approve the recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals in reference to Case CU-01-07, filed by Deborah Howard, Yates City . Mrs. Howard is asking for a zoning change to allow a mobile home in the village of Douglas . The Zoning Board of Appeals voted to conditionally approve this request. Specific information is contained in the packets. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Member Link reported the Chris Wood was ill and unable to attend the Committee meeting but did have some things that he wanted to discuss with the full Board. Mr. Wood also wanted to present an update of his activities.

Chris Wood reported that he had been working on the road center line layer and had recently been in Abingdon. He was talking to Abingdon officials and comparing information with them. The City Clerk was asking about other applications of the GIS system. The City of Abingdon would like to include the sewer maps in the GIS system. Their public works superintendent is planning to retire. Since some improvements were not recorded on paper, it would be beneficial to have information available in the form of accurate written records. The City of Abingdon is asking for the County’s assistance in making GIS information available to them. Mr. Wood is purposing that the County would charge Abingdon for his services. This would be a good project to demonstrate the constructive uses for the GIS system. This could represent $4,000-$5,000 in additional revenue to the County. Abingdon wants to do this project in March or April. Right now Mr. Wood does have time available as other projects must wait until it warms up. Member Bacon suggested that this proposed project needs to be brought back to the Committee.

Mr. Wood responded that Abingdon has requested an answer by March 5th. Chairman Pickrel responded that the Committee needs to have time to discuss this matter.

Regarding the Recorder project, Mr. Wood reported that he had received the bids for the server. He would prefer to bring those bids back to the Committee.

Chairman Pickrel asked Mr. Wood to maintain a daily agenda which would record time spent on various projects, revenue generated from the sale of maps, GIS expenses, and other applicable information. This report should be shared with the Committee and then this GIS report could be included in the packets.

The Landfill Committee report was presented by Committee chairman Lowell Mannhardt. The minutes are included in the packet. Mr. Larson will be on vacation through March 2nd. The landfill has received authorization from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to begin to use cell # 11.

Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Stewart to approve the repair of the cushion hitch on the landfill scrapper at an estimated cost of $29,000.00, from Altorfer. Member Parsons expressed concerns that this bid does not include several additional expenses. Member Mannhardt explained that this is a critical but expensive repair. This company is the only company who can perform this repair. Member Bacon stated that this proposal would include the transportation of the mechanics to come to the landfill. Member Steve Johnson reported that in conversations with the landfill employees, they have confirmed that this situation is critical. If this part should break while it is in use, it could result in a deadly accident. Additionally, it would be much more expensive to replace this particular part. It would be better to repair it now. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Parsons to approve the low bid of $16,000.00 submitted from Swanson Electric for the electricity installation in the shop/truck storage building at the landfill. They anticipate completion in 30 days. It is the Committee’s recommendation to accept this bid. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Stewart and seconded by Member Porter to approve the reduction of the tipping fee at the landfill to $16.00 per ton for the City of Galesburg to dump bricks from the former OT Johnson site. The normal tipping fee is $24.50 per ton. Chairman Pickrel informed Members that due to contamination these bricks cannot be sold. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

The Nursing Home Committee report was presented by Committee chairman Lowell Mannhardt. The minutes are included in the packet. The nursing home will be receiving an increase in their public aid rate. This should represent an annual increase of approximately $200,000.00 in additional revenue for the nursing home. The nursing home is working with a new HMO provider. This will represent an opportunity for census building. The engineering services for the proposed new awning in the front of the facility were judged to be too high. The Committee is investigating other options. At the next Board meeting, the Committee plans to present a plan for a new sign. Ms. Wiesen is working on plans and a grant to develop a wellness/fitness trail. She will need a letter of recommendation from the Board to submit with the paperwork for the $50,000.00 grant.

Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Parsons to approve the low bid for engineering services and design HVAC system at the nursing home submitted by IEFM in the amount of $26,400.00. Member Mannhardt stated that this company has also informed the nursing home that they will credit the cost of the preliminary report in the amount of $3,360.00. There is some urgency to have this system installed before the summer cooling season begins. This is the recommendation from the Committee. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Parsons to approve the nursing home farmland lease in the amount of $5,655.00 for the coming season. There is a provision in this agreement to allow the County to get out of this agreement if the farmland is sold. The tenant, C. L. Palmer, desires to renew his lease of this acreage. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hevland, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Member Mannhardt announced that the next Landfill/Nursing Home Committee Meeting will be held March 15th at 6:00 p.m. at the nursing home.

Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Hevland to approve the claims against Knox County , Illinois , for the period of January 26, 2007-February 28, 2007 (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, Hevland, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, and Abel—(8). Noes—Link, Stewart, Occhi, and Saline—(4). Pass—Bacon and Steve Johnson—(2). Motion carried.

STATEMENTS OF GENERAL CONCERN

            Member Porter had no comments at this time.

            Member Bacon commented that the Board Members should contact the National Railroad Hall of Fame. Before the matter of a donation is voted upon, Members should inform themselves. He has talked to the directors and was very impressed.

            Member Hevland, Member Mannhardt, and Member Link had no comments at this time.

            Chairman Pickrel commented in reference to the recent ice storm. During the ice storm, he had been in daily communications with various emergency responders, including Chief John Cratty, Sheriff James Thompson, Duane Ratermann, and other officials in emergency management. He thanked all concerned for their effective response to this crisis situation.

            Chairman Pickrel also commented that Shannon Anderson, news correspondent for WGIL, will no longer be working there. For the last nine years she has covered the County Board . He read a thank you letter from Ms. Anderson.

            Member Stewart commented in reference to a recent meeting with County Treasurer Robin Davis. There will be another report that will be generated which would make him more comfortable in approving the bills. In this month’s bills, he was pleased with the report included with the sheriff’s bills. We need to continue to work on this item of business.

            Member Parsons, Member Knapp, and Member Lyle Johnson had no comments at this time.

            Member Abel expressed his thanks to all County residents who helped out during the recent ice storm for a job well done.

            Member Occhi, Member Saline, and Member Steve Johnson had no comments at this time.

            Chairman Pickrel announced that the next regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 , 6:00 p.m. , at the Knox County Courthouse, Galesburg , Illinois .

            Motion was made by Member Occhi and seconded by Member Porter to adjourn. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m.