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 Allen Pickrel and upon roll
call the following members reported present:
District
1 Caroline Porter
District
2 Greg Bacon
District
4
District
5 Gerald
“Jerry” Link
District
1 Allen Pickrel
District
2 Paul Stewart
District
3 Dale Parsons
District
4 George Knapp
District 5
Ricardo “Rick” Sandoval
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 3
Paul Hevland
Also present were State’s Attorney John Pepmeyer, Treasurer Robin
Davis, and County Clerk Scott Erickson.
Chairman Pickrel led the Members in the pledge to the flag. He informed
those in attendance that the wife of Attorney Bill Butts passed away, April 24.
The mother of Marianne Wiesen passed away this morning. Judge Paul Mangieri was
involved in a traffic accident this afternoon. Sheriff Thompson had gone to
offer assistance to Judge Mangieri, and therefore was not in attendance at this
meeting. Rev. Leigh Nygard of
Chairman Pickrel asked for additions to the agenda. He asked that agenda
item 6, approval of the appointment of Kirk Pitman to the Galesburg Sanitary
District Board, be removed from this agenda. This appointment will be placed on
the agenda for the next meeting. Member Steve Johnson asked for an addition to
the agenda to discuss space available. Chairman Pickrel added this item at 23 A.
Member Mannhardt asked for an addition to the agenda for an Accurse
presentation, given by Patti O’Brien. Chairman Pickrel added that item at 23
B.
Chairman Pickrel asked for public comments. There were none.
Chairman Pickrel presented the following items of the consent agenda for
approval: 1) minutes of the Regular and Closed Board Meeting on March 19, 2007
and the Special Closed Board Meeting held on April 4, 2007, 2) claims by Members
for per diem and mileage for the meeting of April 25, 2007, and 3) sales tax and
various taxes for the month of January 2007 in the amounts of $76,237.53 and
$17,724.01 and public safety tax in the amount of $66,375.73. Motion was made by
Member Stewart and seconded by Member Occhi to approve these measures. Roll call
vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel,
Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve
Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Motion
was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Parsons to approve the
remaining items of the consent agenda: 4) appointment of William Hoben as
trustee to the Knoxville Fire Protection District, 5) appointment of William R.
“Buddy” Shea as trustee to the Wataga Sanitary District, 7) appointment of
Timothy Murphy to the Board of Galesburg/ Knox County Emergency Telephone
Systems, and 8) appointment of Roger Peterson to the Knox County Housing
Authority. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon,
Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel,
Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
The GREDA update was presented by Linda Utsinger, vice president of
business development for GREDA. During the first quarter, Greg Mangieri has been
doing a lot of out of
Regarding
the logistics park, there is now an informal agreement between the City of
Michelle
Smith has recently been named as the Marketing Coordinator for GREDA and has
been updating the new web site. Ms. Utsinger encouraged Members to visit this
new web site at http://greda.org.
During
the first quarter, the entrepreneurship center assisted two new companies. Six
new jobs have been created. She highlighted a success story of Burt Coyote in
GREDA
continues to work with the business retention program. There have also been five
new prospect visits. Efforts continue with the Highway 34 Coalition.
Member
Abel questioned how the Governor’s proposed tax would affect new businesses
coming into the area. Ms. Utsinger responded that the Chamber of Commerce, the
Illinois Retailers Association, the Illinois Manufacturing Association, and
others have spoken out publicly against this proposal and are actively lobbying
against it.
Chairman
Pickrel recognized Dick Allen and Lomac Payton, former Knox County Board
Chairmen, who were in attendance.
Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Parsons to
approve the proclamation of May, June, and July 2007 as existing business months
in
Motion was made by Member Occhi and seconded by Member Bacon to approve
the proclamation of
Greg
Chance spoke in reference to the proposed amendment to the Knox County Health
Ordinance, Article II, Food Safety. This proposed amendment was adopted by the
Board of Health during their recent meeting, and eliminates the exemption from
provisions of the ordinance for community living facilities and nursing homes. A
copy of this amendment is included in the packets. Mr. Chance requested that the
Board not take action on this amendment during this meeting. Originally when
this Health Ordinance was passed, these exemptions were included to avoid dual
regulations. Now the process has changed and the state is mandating that local
health departments conduct food inspections of food service establishments and
long term care facilities. RFMS has raised questions. Mr. Chance plans to meet
with their business representatives and discuss these concerns. Presently the
Health Department is conducting introductory meetings with long term care
facilities to inform them of these coming changes. It will be brought back to
the Board for approval at the May meeting.
The
Finance, Insurance, Treasurer, Judicial, and Clerk Committee report was
presented by Committee chairman Wayne Saline. Copies of the minutes had been
distributed to the Members. The committee had discussed budget control. He
reminded Board Members of Troy Markert’s budget presentation. At that time it
was emphasized that expenditures cannot exceed the individual line item
appropriation. The committee has proposed a plan to pay bills without having to
adjust each individual line item, and make a 2/3 vote for each individual line
to change them. Sheets listing the individual budgetary line changes had been
distributed to the Members. According to this proposal, these line items changes
would be voted upon with one vote. A similar sheet will be included for each
regular Board meeting.
Currently
the expenses are in line but the revenues are a little low. Hopefully, some of
these revenue problems will be corrected as real estate tax revenue begins to
come in.
County
Clerk Scott Erickson presented an update on the tax bill progress. The
Treasurer
Robin Davis presented the condition of the banks as of December 2006. This
report is on file in the
Motion
was made by Member Abel and seconded by Member Bacon to approve a full audit of
the Sheriff and State’s Attorney’s Offices. Member Saline introduced Jim
Taylor, who is employed by Carpentier, Mitchell, Goddard & Company, LLC, and
spoke to Members regarding various auditing questions. This is the same company
that performs the annual County audit and they are willing to perform an in
depth audit of these two departments. Mr. Taylor explained that the purpose of
the annual audit of the County is to assess the overall presentation of the
financial statements. The audit report presents the assets and liabilities of
the County and is usually a lengthy, detailed report. As a whole the County is
approximately a $50,000,000 organization. This annual audit examines risk
assessment, and does sampling. The annual audit does not examine each individual
budget line item.
There
are other types of audits that do examine internal control. An internal audit is
much more detailed than the overall audit and has a specific purpose. These
audits are done according to agreed upon procedures and specific criteria. It is
not unusual to have an annual internal audit function in larger governmental
units. This would be in addition to the annual audit.
As
a part of the County’s annual audit, the auditors do examine internal control,
and include those recommendations in the management letter. Sometimes these
recommendations lead to a more inclusive audit. The auditing firm does plan to
come to the Board in May with the draft copy of the annual audit report.
A
forensic audit is usually done following an investigation when missing amounts
need to be established. In cases like this, financial records are examined for
the previous two or three years. However, this broad term can refer to any type
of investigative audit.
Chairman
Pickrel reported that he had made many phone calls and other auditors had
advised that we need a forensic audit as that would be the most complete. He
questioned why we would want anything less the most extensive audit that is
available.
Mr.
Taylor responded that an internal audit could be defined to be just as
inclusive. In his opinion, there should an ongoing internal audit control
process established.
Chairman
Pickrel stated that we need to examine these two departments so that the County
can move forward and then every year we need to examine a different office. We
don’t necessarily want to label this as a forensic audit to say that someone
is guilty. However, we should do the most thorough audit that can be done.
Member
Saline reported that at this point in time nobody has mentioned any criminal
activity other than something that he had read in the newspaper regarding the
Sheriff’s Office. Member Saline is not necessarily interested in the most
expensive audit but the most thorough. Unfortunately these will be tied
together. We need to get ourselves set up on a rotation schedule so that every
year a different department would receive an in depth audit. This would ensure
that everyone is following the rules.
Mr.
Taylor responded that the auditors would follow the Board’s direction. If
instructed to do so, they would examine everything 100%. The procedures are not
that much different than when conducting a regular audit. Specific criteria
would be predefined. At the conclusion of the audit, they provide the tests and
the results. However, they do not make any management decisions.
Member
Bacon questioned how far back these audits should go. Member Saline responded
that possibly these audits should go back for three years. Chairman Pickrel
stated that since this is a specialized service according to state statutes,
this does not have to be bid out.
When
questioned specifically about the costs of a detailed line by line audit, Mr.
Taylor stated the costs are determined by how far back records are examined. The
terminology of forensic vs. internal audit is not that important. If you request
100%, you will get 100% for these audits.
Member
Stewart voiced his support for a full intensive audit. If there have been any
mistakes in the past or misappropriations, the Board should be made aware of it
to avoid any similar mistakes in the future. The public expects us to have this
accounting accomplished.
Member
Porter stated that as she researched County Government Law, A Reference Guide,
it states that county elected officials are entitled to spend their money as
they wish as long as it is within their total budget. According to other
sources, the
Mr.
Taylor stated that the auditors would only investigate the financial matters,
not the other legal issues. It would be their responsibility to verify that
sound accounting practices are being followed.
Chairman
Pickrel reminded Members of a previous problem at the Nursing Home, in which a
full complete audit was conducted and serious problems were discovered. Likewise
a few years ago, there was a full audit of the
Member
Steve Johnson questioned the cost of an audit covering a department with an
approximate budget of $2,000,000 and going back three years. Mr. Taylor
responded that fee would be approximately $6,000 - $7,000 and double that amount
for an additional department. If investigating for three years, it would be at
least $2,000 per year.
Member
Abel stated that most of the Board Members are not accountants. We represent the
people who voted for us. He has a real problem when you start equating money
with trying to discover the truth about something. Discovering the truth could
be expensive, but in the long run it will be a lot cheaper. We need to get to
the bottom of this. He doesn’t accept the argument that we cannot afford to
get to the truth. We need to clear the air and move on.
Member
Bacon agreed with Member Abel that an internal audit needs to be done. The Board
Members and the voters need to know what is going on. In order to learn the
truth, we are going to have to spend some money.
Member
Steve Johnson questioned the need for departmental three year audits. The
County’s books are audited every year. There has been no indication of wrong
doing in any department. Now since a couple of accusations have been made, we
are demanding three year audits. It sounds like a fishing expedition. But maybe
it is not. Audits are good and the County does pay for one every year.
Chairman
Pickrel explained that the County audit is more of a blanket audit without any
real digging into everything. There are certain funds that we never see.
Member
Porter noted the previous recommendation from the auditors that the Sheriff’s
Department submit their bills through the Treasurer’s Office. This is
something that they need to work out. Further it is the committees’ job to
review the bills and the budget each month.
Member
Stewart reminded Members that previously auditors had recommended a more
thorough audit should be done. It is important to accomplish that.
Member
Occhi agreed with the comments made by other Members regarding the need for an
audit. Year after year reports came back that the bank statements were not
reconciled. In the end it is the responsibility of this
Member
Steve Johnson responded that if this is the consensus of the Board, every
department should be audited. We should not pick on just the State’s
Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Department. If we want to keep this
above board and fair, all the departments should have an internal audit.
Chairman
Pickrel reminded Members of the current motion to conduct a complete audit of
the State’s Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Department. The audit is
to be conducted by the same company that performs the annual audit. Roll call
vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bacon, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart,
Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Abel, Occhi, and Saline—(11). Noes—Porter, Lyle
Johnson, and Steve Johnson—(3). Motion carried.
Motion
was made by Member Abel and seconded by Member Parsons to conduct a three year
audit for the State’s Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Department. This
audit is to be conducted by the same company that performs the annual audit.
Member Link spoke in favor of a two year audit and if problems were discovered,
that audit could be extended for another year. Chairman Pickrel spoke in favor
of the three year audit. Member Steve Johnson agreed with Member Link that two
years should be ample time unless problems are discovered. It is a cost issue.
Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bacon, Pickrel, Parsons, Abel,
Occhi, and Saline—(6). Noes—Porter, Mannhardt, Link, Stewart, Knapp,
Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, and Steve Johnson—(8). Motion failed.
Motion
was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Stewart to conduct a two
year audit of the State’s Attorney’s Office and Sheriff’s Department. The
audit is to be conducted by the same company that performs the annual audit.
Member Saline stated that three years should be the minimum. Auditors have to go
back through the financial records to search for a pattern. If you don’t go
back far enough, you are wasting your money. Chairman Pickrel stated that he had
been advised from one auditing firm that a three year audit would be necessary
to reveal a history. Anything less than that is to be considered a waste of
time.
Mr.
Taylor stated that a full audit can extend from 3-5 years or even longer.
Actually if problems are discovered you may want to extend the audit to cover
another two years. Chairman Pickrel reported that another auditing firm had
recommended a five year audit. Member Steve Johnson suggested that a two year
audit be conducted and if additional time is needed, an extra year could be
approved. We should start with a two year audit. If you find no pattern, than
maybe there isn’t one. Member Abel agreed that based on his experience with
the school system, a period of three to five years is required when conducting
such an audit. Member Bacon agreed with Member Abel. If we are conducting this
audit for economic reasons only, we are doing it for the wrong reasons. We
should be doing this to find out what is going on, and select another department
next year for their internal audit.
Member
Saline stated that if professionals are recommending three to five years, for us
to think that we can go with anything less than that is ludicrous. We cannot
pinch pennies in this matter and think that we know more than the professionals.
Member Occhi agreed to the three year audit as the experts have advised.
Chairman Pickrel stated that we need to get this taken care of so we can return
to taking care of County business. Roll call vote to approve a two year audit
for the State’s Attorney’s Office and Sheriff’s Department is recorded as
follows: Ayes—Link, Lyle Johnson, and Steve Johnson—(3). Noes—Porter,
Bacon, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Abel, Occhi, and
Saline—(11). Motion failed.
Motion
was made by Member Occhi and seconded by Member Abel to conduct a three year
audit of the State’s Attorney’s Office and Sheriff’s Department, conducted
by Carpentier, Mitchell, Goddard & Company, LLC. Member Steve Johnson
questioned if this motion could be made again. County Clerk Scott Erickson and
State’s Attorney John Pepmeyer agreed that it could be made, since this matter
was not tabled. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bacon, Mannhardt,
Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Abel, Occhi, and
Saline—(11). Noes—Porter, Lyle Johnson, and Steve Johnson—(3). Motion
carried.
Motion
was made by Member Occhi and seconded by Member Abel to approve the
implementation of a budget control program. Member Saline explained that if a
submitted bill is higher that the amount that has been appropriated, the
computer will say that this bill cannot be paid. The committee is proposing a
budget adjustment summary sheet. Member Porter questioned the bill from the
highway department which is a huge bill. Yet the committee met and approved
paying the bills. She felt that this measure would be second guessing the
committee. Member Parsons understood that federal and state money would be
paying this bill from the highway department. Member Sandoval said that this
would be the final payment on a bridge. Member Porter disagreed with this budget
adjustment summary sheet. We shouldn’t just throw these bills out and say that
we can’t pay them. This is the committees’ job to oversee the bills and
understand what is going on.
Member
Saline commented that the real purpose for these budget adjustment sheets is to
find out why these appropriation lines are over budget and then adjust the
budgeted amounts. Approval of these bills will not be made at the committee
level, but instead these bills will be brought before the full Board. At that
time, we can determine why these bills have exceeded their budgeted amounts,
make appropriate adjustments, and then approve paying these bills.
Treasurer
Robin Davis reminded Members that changes to the budget must be approved by the
Motion
was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Occhi to approve the removal of
the sick leave incentive from the County Personnel Policy. Member Bacon
explained that originally this was placed in the handbook as a good faith
measure. However, this policy is being taken advantage of. This will only cover
non-union County employees. Roll call vote is recorded as follows:
Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp,
Sandoval, 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 purchase anti-virus
updates for County computers at an estimated total cost of $1,300-$1,500. County
Clerk Scott Erickson reported that currently there are licenses to cover most of
the Courthouse computers. However, there are some extension offices that are not
covered. This will include the purchase of extra licenses for future use. Since
it is more cost efficient to order these licenses in bulk, we will be ordering
40 licenses. The renewal of these licenses will need to be included in each
year’s budget. Approximately $900 of this expenditure will come from the
nursing home’s budget. The remainder will come from the courthouse computer
software line item. Currently there are enough funds available for this
purchase. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon,
Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, 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 to bid on the
preparation of the Meals on Wheels for
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 committee meeting are included in the packets. The committee did vote on
two items. They voted to install a flag in front of the Annex building and then
later discovered that there is a flag in the Assessor’s Office. Since other
County facilities fly a flag, the Annex should as well. The committee also voted
to hire the same company that previously worked on the sign in front of the
Annex. Geoff Campbell’s name needs to be removed and Karl Johnson’s name
added to both the sign and the door. This is an expenditure of $35. The sign is
to be changed April 26th.
Motion
was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the
increase of the bonding fee at the Knox County Jail to $15.00 per occurrence,
effective
Motion
was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Link to approve to bid
and bring back for the purchase and installation of a muffin monster for the
Knox County Jail. Member Steve Johnson reminded Members of the sewer problems at
the jail as inmates frequently flush refuse down the toilets. This device is a
grinder that is installed in the sewer and chews up this trash before it can
clog the system. Sheriff Thompson had estimated the cost of $30,000 - $40,000
and would be funded through the Public Safety Tax. There have been blockages in
the sanitary sewer on
Member
Steve Johnson introduced for discussion the matter of space allocation. County
Clerk Scott Erickson reported that recently he had been contacted by the owners
of the Sandburg Mall who are interested in helping the County solve some of the
space problems. Earlier today he had gone to the Mall and visited with the
owners. They are purposing to rent the former theatre and stage area to the
County to use for administrative offices or storage space. This space does have
some potential. However, there are costs to consider. Member Steve Johnson asked
for a consensus of the Board and asked if it would be advantageous for the Ad
Hoc Building Committee to investigate this proposal. Member Porter responded
that it could be an opportunity for the Board to obtain additional space. Member
Stewart voiced his support for this committee to evaluate this offer. Member
Steve Johnson stated that he would set up a committee meeting with these
business representatives.
Patty
O’Brien presented a PowerPoint Accunurse presentation. Currently the nursing
home is considering purchasing this Accunurse system. This is a voice assisted
health care system which provides caregivers with a headset. This system allows
them to access the patient’s medical records and also allows them to update
the patient’s records. During the day, information is electronically recorded
in the computer. The committee did see an in depth demonstration
This
system saves time and money. Because this system reduces record keeping errors,
it increases reimbursements. It is estimated that this system would result in an
annual staff savings of 5% in labor reduction. Due to the labor reduction and
increased accuracy rates, the overall anticipated cost savings would be
$206,789. Therefore, this system would pay for itself in 7 ½ months. Basically
the cost would be in three payments of $33,000 each.
Recently
Ms. Wiesen and Ms. Boone were flown to
The
Highway, Assessor, Zoning, GIS, and Recorder Committee report was presented by
Committee chairman Jerry Link. The minutes of this committee meeting are
included in the packets. The highlights of the meeting include the computer
problems in the Recorder’s Office, budget discrepancies in the Assessor’s
Office, the missing computer key in the GIS Office, and the road projects for
the highway department. The highway department did take bids on an old dump
truck. The high bid of $18,250 was submitted by Johnson Building Systems. The
committee approved this bid. The highway department also advertised for sale a
1997 Chevy flatbed truck at an asking price of $4,000. However, there were no
bids for that truck. The committee advised Mr. Ratermann to re-advertise the
sale of the truck. Saturday, June 16th the committee will be touring
the County highways. They will be leaving the Courthouse at
Motion
was made by Member Sandoval and seconded by Member Occhi to approve the low bid
submitted from Curnyn Construction, Genesio, in the amount of $147,819.00 for
bridge replacement in
Motion
was made by Member Porter and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the MFT
maintenance materials low bid for calcium chloride, submitted by Gasaway in the
total amount of $83,297.00. There were three bidders. Roll call vote is recorded
as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons,
Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14).
Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Motion
was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve MFT
maintenance materials low bids submitted by various bidders for bituminous
materials. The bid proposals are included in the packets in which Mr. Ratermann
reported that the cost of bituminous materials had increased dramatically since
2005 from 60% to 93% depending on the material. Roll call vote is recorded as
follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons,
Knapp, Sandoval, 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 local
agency agreement for federal participation, Knox County Highway 26, resurfacing
project, Section 05-00029-01-RS. Federal funds will cover 80% ($320,000) of the
construction costs. The remaining construction costs, approximately $80,000,
will be covered with Knox County Federal Aid Match Funds. Member Link thanked
Mr. Ratermann for his diligent work to complete all the paperwork that is
required for this project. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter,
Bacon, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle
Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion
carried.
Motion
was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the
advertisement for Knox County GIS Coordinator. The committee’s recommendation
is to fill this vacancy. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter,
Bacon, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle
Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion
carried.
Chairman Pickrel added that he and Mr. Erickson would work together to
place that advertisement.
The
Landfill Committee report was presented by Committee chairman Lowell Mannhardt.
The committee minutes are included in the packets. Member Steve Johnson
commented that according to the committee minutes, the landfill will be hiring
one additional operator. It has been brought to his attention that another
part-time employee has been notified that he will be laid off. Therefore, they
are not really gaining an additional full time employee.
Chairman
Pickrel interrupted and gave specific direction to Larry Larson that it is the
consensus of the Board that tomorrow positions for two additional operators and
one floater are to be posted.
Motion
was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Porter to approve the
purchase of a used Ford F700 truck for the landfill. The estimated cost is
$10,500 and this vehicle would be used as a mechanic truck. This is the
committee’s recommendation. Roll call vote is recorded as follows:
Ayes—Porter, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson,
Abel, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(11). Noes—Bacon, Sandoval, and Occhi—(3).
Motion carried.
Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Steve Johnson to approve the installation of a rebuilt transmission and torque converter in an old bulldozer at the landfill. Since Altorfer estimates this cost to be $29,127.00, the landfill decided it would be cost advantageous to perform some of these repairs in house. This will reduce the bill to $22,926.00. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(10). Noes—Bacon, Parsons, Sandoval, and Occhi—(4). Motion carried.
Motion
was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Steve Johnson to approve the
replacement of track on a three year old bulldozer at the landfill. Altorfer
estimates this cost to be $27,192.26. Information is included in the packets.
Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Mannhardt, Link,
Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline,
and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
In
additional matters of landfill business, Member Steve Johnson addressed the need
of a road to access the new shop building. He asked if the committee was going
to bid and bring back for some rock for the road. As it is, we do not have
access to this building. Member Mannhardt responded that if the road isn’t
built by the next meeting, the committee will pursue it.
Chairman
Pickrel asked Mr. Larson for a progress report on the other road. Mr. Larson
responded that they have been busy working on the slopes. They have also been
working overtime to haul leachate. Member Link questioned if the landfill could
use the bids for rock that were submitted to the highway department last month.
Often the highway department and the landfill use the same bids if submitted
within the same time frame. Chairman Pickrel stated that if that is possible
then the landfill would not have to bid and bring back for rock for this road.
Member Steve Johnson repeated the need to get the road built so that the new
building can be used.
The
Nursing Home Committee report was presented by Committee chairman Lowell
Mannhardt. The committee minutes are included in the packets.
Motion
was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Occhi to approve membership
with Western Illinois Area Agency for Aging. This is the healthcare agency that
refers respite care to the nursing home. Voice vote is recorded as follows:
Ayes—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Motion
was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Porter to approve the
de-certification of Wing # 1 at the Nursing Home. This wing is commonly known as
the Ocean View neighborhood. The facility can save $27,000.00 annually from bed
tax by decertifying the unused wing. If the census should increase, the facility
can annually recertify a certain percentile of the total whole house census,
which would be approximately fifteen beds per year. This de-certification would
result in a total of 153 certified beds. The approximate current census is 120.
Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Mannhardt, Link,
Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline,
and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Motion
was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Occhi to approve to bid and
bring back for the construction phase of the air conditioning improvement at the
nursing home. The plan has been reviewed by the nursing home and forwarded to
the Illinois Department of Public Health. Their approval could take up to 30
days. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(14). Noes—(0). Motion
carried.
Motion
was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Steve Johnson to open the
budget for changes. Member Steve Johnson and Member Bacon agreed that this is an
emergency because line items cannot go over budget. Roll call vote is recorded
as follows: Ayes—Porter, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp,
Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13).
Noes—Bacon—(1). Motion carried.
Motion
was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Lyle Johnson to approve the
budgetary line changes. County Clerk Scott Erickson reminded Members of the new
budget sheet which had been given to them listing the changes that need to be
made to the individual appropriation lines. Copies of these sheets will be sent
to each effected department head so that they know which lines will need to be
adjusted. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon,
Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel,
Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Motion
was made by Member Lyle Johnson and seconded by Member Steve Johnson to approve
claims against
Treasurer
Robin Davis reported that as she had talked to Child Advocacy, Sharon Kampier
had agreed to authorize the transfer listed on this summary sheet. Member Steve
Johnson questioned a bill from the highway department for wasp spray cans. This
item could have been purchased less expensively elsewhere. Member Link reported
that this purchase had been questioned at the committee meeting. Roll call vote
is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle
Johnson, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(9). Noes—Link, Stewart, and
Abel—(3). Pass—Bacon and Sandoval—(2). Motion carried.
STATEMENTS OF
GENERAL CONCERN
Member Porter commented in reference to the
rededication ceremony for the Mother Bickerdyke memorial statue to be held
Member Bacon, Member Mannhardt, Member Link, and Member Pickrel had no
comments at this time.
Member Stewart commented regarding his “no” vote to paying the bills.
There have been varying degrees of compliance with the summary sheets. He
doesn’t think that all department heads were fully informed. Hopefully in the
future he will be able to vote “yes.”
Member Parsons, Member Knapp, Member Sandoval, and Member Lyle Johnson
had no comments at this time.
Member Abel commented in reference to the minutes of the closed session.
These minutes should be handled differently. They should not be mailed. This
material could be potentially damaging if it were to fall into the wrong hands.
These minutes should be kept separately, handed out to Board Members, and then
picked back up. Otherwise anybody could pick them up.
Member Occhi suggested that as a cost saving measure, Members could come
by the
Member Saline emphasized that despite a newspaper report, he was not in
attendance at a meeting held March 15th with the Sheriff, judges and
Chairman Pickrel. Instead Member Saline was watching the NCAA Basketball
Tournament.
Chairman Pickrel confirmed that Member Saline was not in attendance at
that meeting.
Member Steve Johnson had no comments at this time.
The next regular meeting will be held on
Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Sandoval
to adjourn. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(14). Noes—(0). Meeting
adjourned at