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. Since no one was present to
deliver the invocation, Chairman Pickrel asked for a moment of silence.
Chairman
Pickrel asked for additions to the agenda. Member Steve Johnson, Chairman of the
Ad Hoc Building Committee, asked for an addition to the agenda to deliver their
committee report. The committee also had a bid and bring back request. Chairman
Pickrel inserted that item at 17A. Chairman Pickrel asked that agenda item 13,
to approve a salary increase for the Galesburg Election Commission, be removed
from this agenda. This item will be brought back at a later date.
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 held on April 25, 2007, 2)
claims by Members for per diem and mileage for the Meeting of May 23, 2007, and
3) sales tax and various taxes for the month of February 2007 in the amounts of
$83,044.34 and $22,765.24 and public safety tax in the amount of $66,312.40, 4)
appointment of Ken Swanson to the Galesburg Sanitary District, 5) appointment of
Larry Mackie as trustee of the Williamsfield Sanitary District, 6) appointment
of Carl A. Swanson as trustee of the Altona Fire Protection District, 7)
appointment of Joseph W. Krupps as trustee of the Abingdon Fire Protection
District, 8) appointments of Jacquelyn Turner and Dr. Frank Peppers to the Knox
County Board of Health, and 8A) appointment of Eric Olson to the Civic Center
Authority Board. Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Occhi
to approve these measures, including the deletion of a paragraph from page 16
referring to the minutes of the special meeting held
Motion
was made by Member Porter and seconded by Member Parsons to approve the
amendment to the Knox County Health Ordinance, Article II, Food Safety. Greg
Chance reminded Members that last month this was presented to the Board as an
informational item. 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. 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. A copy of this amendment 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.
Motion
was made by Member Occhi and seconded by Member Mannhardt to approve the
resolution for IMRF to borrow from the landfill fund. Treasurer Robin Davis
reported that due to the delay in receiving tax bill revenue, they are
approximately $26,000 short in the IMRF fund. Borrowed funds would be repaid by
Although
it was on the agenda to approve the union contract with the County Highway
Department, Member Bacon asked that this item be removed from this agenda. It
would be better to wait a month to approve this contract. Motion was made by
Member Bacon and seconded by Member Steve Johnson to table this item. 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
Finance, Insurance, Treasurer, Judicial, and Clerk Committee report was
presented by Committee chairman Wayne Saline. Revenues continue to be low and
will not improve until the tax revenues begin to arrive. Copies of the financial
report and copies of the committee minutes had been distributed to the Members.
County
Clerk Scott Erickson presented an update on the tax bill progress. After 5 ½
weeks, the multiplier has been received from
Member
Porter stated that she is tired of hearing that this delay is due to the
assessor’s office. She doesn’t believe that to be true.
Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Lyle
Johnson to approve to bid and buy for a computer room cooling system at the
courthouse, in the amount of $1,460 submitted from MSI, which includes the
necessary wiring. There is an increase in the servers located in this basement
room. If the room would become too hot, the servers would malfunction. Member
Saline reported that only one bid for a window air conditioning unit had been
received. They were hoping to receive two more bids and accept the lowest one.
Member Steve Johnson stated that according to the Board rules, since this
expenditure is under the $5,000 limit, this doesn’t have to be bid. He read
aloud the bid specifications. Member Occhi reminded Members that MSI is the
company that currently is under contract to provide other electrical work for
the County. Treasurer Robin Davis stated that this would be funded through the
courthouse budget. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon,
Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Occhi, and Steve
Johnson—(10). Noes—Link, Knapp, Abel, and Saline—(4). Motion carried.
Duane Ratermann introduced for discussion the IDOT recommendation for a 3
% salary increase for the County Highway Engineer. A copy of this recommendation
is included in the packets. Two years ago when he was reappointed, the
resolution stated that he would receive 96% of the State’s salary
recommendation. There is now a new secretary in the state department of
transportation. The previous secretary had decided that he was not going to
increase the salaries of the highway engineers. However, this new secretary has
decided to award a 3% cost of living raise. This increase in Mr. Ratermann’s
salary would be in the amount of $2,243.20, which would be 96% of $97,900.
Member Steve Johnson confirmed that this salary comes out of the Motor
Fuel Tax.
Mr. Ratermann stated that in order to award this salary increase, a
supplemental resolution would have to be approved and the budget would have to
be opened to adjust this line item.
Member Saline explained that he had invited Mr. Ratermann to come and
address the Board concerning this issue. This matter came up after the budget
was prepared. Board Members should be aware of this salary change and the
reasoning behind it.
Chairman Pickrel informed Members that this would be brought back to the
full Board and voted on at a later date.
Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Parsons to
approve Larry Larson’s buy back of IMRF service credit. Information is
included in the packets. Member Saline explained that previously Mr. Larson had
worked for an employer who had IMRF. Mr. Larson took a buy-out and would now
like to buy it back. This action will cost him money and eventually if allowed,
will also cost the County some money as rates will go a little higher. Member
Saline voiced his support of this measure.
Member
Steve Johnson reported that this was discussed at the committee level. Since
earlier the Board had approved a buy back of five years for early retirement,
this request should also be approved. 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.
As
Member Saline concluded Finance Committee business, he spoke in reference to
some bills with budgetary issues. Some didn’t have appropriation lines
included in the budget. Others are over the budgeted amounts. He asked for
direction as to how to handle these bills.
Member
Steve Johnson stated that those bills in question could not be approved at this
meeting.
Member
Saline suggested that these questionable bills be pulled, pending further
research. In some cases funds will have to be transferred from one appropriation
line to another.
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 sign has been changed
at the Annex, to reflect Karl Johnson’s name. The specifications for the
Muffin Monster, a device to be installed in the sewer to chew up refuse from the
jail, are almost ready to go out for bid. That should appear as an action item
on next month’s agenda. Regarding the Mary Davis Home, there have been some
problems with the permit from the City for the sally port addition. The City had
22 questionable items for the architect. These questions have been resolved, and
they are still waiting on the permit. Regarding the cracked and broken sidewalk
in front of the Annex building, the City has been contacted. They confirmed that
it is their sidewalk and they would send an engineer to investigate but so far
nothing has been done.
Chairman
of the Ad Hoc Building Committee, Steve Johnson delivered the committee report.
Since the committee met May 21, those minutes were not included in the packets.
He had visited the Sandburg Mall, toured the former cinema building, and was
told that the other space is no longer available. He phoned the owner of the
Mall and was informed that until the paperwork is signed, that space is
available. The owner expressed his willingness to work with the County in any
way that they can. The Building Committee feels that it would be best to gather
the figures from the former building committee, regarding square footage
requirements for all offices that are not court related. The Committee is in the
process of gathering that information.
The
other major item discussed during that committee meeting was the scale
house/office building at the landfill. There have been meetings with Mr. Larson
and the architect. Member Steve Johnson learned that previously no arrangements
had been made to build the wing walls to the scale for the approach ramp, septic
tank, water service, or platform between the scale house and the scale itself.
Working with the architect all of these items are now included in the bid
package. Once this project is bid and completed, it will be a turnkey project.
Also included in this project will be the connecting of the water supply line.
The final copies of the bid project and the blue prints have been completed.
Motion
was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Porter to bid and bring
back for the scale house/office building at the landfill. The publishing dates
will be May 29th and June 5th. Member Steve Johnson read
aloud the bid specifications. This building will be a 1,120 square foot wooden
frame structure. Member Link commented that the committee did an excellent job
to get this project together. They have covered all of the bases. Chairman
Pickrel agreed. 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
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 committee did discuss the GIS position and the need
to get this position filled. The committee recommended that Chairman Pickrel,
County Clerk Scott Erickson, Chris Gray, County Recorder Nancy McCune, and Will
Hayes meet with the committee to discuss guidelines to draft a job description
for the GIS position. This meeting will be held June 19,
All
Board Members are invited to tour the county highways and bridges June 16th.
They plan to leave the Courthouse parking lot at
Motion
was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Parsons to approve the low bid
for highway signs from Rocal in the amount of $8,216.33 to be funded from the
Motor Fuel Tax maintenance fund. Funding is included in this year’s budget.
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 only bid
submitted for aggregate furnish/spread in the amount of $64,125.00, $14.25 per
ton, to be funded from the Motor Fuel Tax maintenance fund. This bid was
submitted from Riverstone Group, Inc. for aggregate for Lynn Road District Sec.
07-11000-00-GM. The funding for these items has been appropriated in the 06-07
budget. 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 Porter to approve the preliminary
engineering services agreement with Hanson Professional Services, Inc., in
reference to a 5.5 mile section of County Highway 4, located between Altona and
Illinois Route 17, at a cost not to exceed $36,000. A copy of this agreement is
included in the packets. Engineering services are included in the budget. 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 Porter to approve the local crash
data collection agreement with IDOT. The Illinois Department of Transportation
will pay
Motion
was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the Zoning
Board of Appeals decision for case # ZA-02-07, which denies the request of David
Weaver for a zoning change from a rural residential district to a conservation
zoning district, to build a pole barn. The legal opinion from former State’s
Attorney Paul Mangieri, is that since this is a farm of not less than five acres
in size, this zoning does not need to be changed to allow construction of an
accessory building. Specific information was distributed to the Members. Roll
call vote to approve this recommendation which denies this request 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 zoning
for a subdivision in
Motion
was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Occhi to table the appointment
of someone to the Board of Review. This was worded incorrectly on the agenda and
will have to wait until the next meeting. 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
Landfill 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 Parsons to approve the
clerical support agreement between the landfill and the health department. A
copy of this agreement is enclosed in the packets. This is the same agreement as
last year, and includes a 30 day out clause. The fee would be $400 per month.
Member Bacon stated that once the scale house/office building is completed at
the landfill, he would prefer to move the landfill office to that location.
Member Steve Johnson responded that this matter had been discussed with Mr.
Larson during the committee meeting. Mr. Larson’s opinion is that the clerical
support position would be a part time position. 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 Sandoval to approve to bid and
bring back for 2 ½ and 4 inch rock to be used at the landfill. Voice vote is
recorded as follows: Ayes—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Motion
was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Parsons to approve frozen
load removal fees at the landfill. When frozen loads arrive at the landfill, a
backhoe is needed to get these loads out. Currently no fee is charged for this
service. Since Waste Management charges $75 for frozen load removal fees, the
committee is recommending a fee of $50 for this service. 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
Nursing Home Committee report was presented by Committee chairman Lowell
Mannhardt. The committee minutes are included in the packets.
Motion
was made by Member Abel and seconded by Member Parsons to approve the billboard
lease proposal with Key Outdoor, Inc. This contract is being reviewed by the
State’s Attorney’s Office. A copy of this contract is included in the
packets. This billboard would be located near County Highway 9 on the County
farmland. Member Steve Johnson disapproved of having a billboard at that
location as it would remain there for 25 years and devalue the property. Member
Occhi agreed that the billboard would cheapen the property. Member Saline also
agreed as it would be ridiculous to allow a billboard there with a lifetime use
permit. Chairman Pickrel also voiced his opposition to this billboard lease,
especially since the contract does not contain an out clause.
Member
Stewart reported that this billboard lease is the recommendation of the nursing
home administrator. Ms. Wiesen stated that this would be an opportunity for low
cost advertising for the County. Roll call vote is recorded as follows:
Ayes—Porter—(1). Noes—Bacon, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons,
Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13).
Motion failed.
Motion
was made by Member Stewart and seconded by Member Parsons to approve the
purchase the AccuNurse program for the nursing home, at an estimated cost of
$120,000 plus an annual maintenance fee of $15,000, with this expenditure funded
through the Nursing Home Tax Referendum Fund. Total cost is to be paid in three
payments. Member Mannhardt reminded Members that at the previous Board Meeting,
Patty O’Brien had given a short presentation featuring this program. 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. This system would improve accuracy in
patient records and save both time and money. This program is expected to pay
for itself within the first year.
Member
Steve Johnson questioned how this purchase could be funded through the Nursing
Home Tax Referendum Fund as this account is designated for only maintenance
purposes.
Member
Bacon reported that as he had discussed this program with the nursing home
employees, he agrees that AccuNurse will benefit the residents and the
employees. However, he disagrees with this expenditure being taken from the
Referendum Fund. He doesn’t believe that this program falls into the
maintenance category. It would be a better idea to somehow include this project
in next year’s nursing home budget.
Chairman
Pickrel asked State’s Attorney John Pepmeyer for his legal opinion as to
whether the purchase of the AccuNurse program could be funded through the
Nursing Home Tax Referendum Fund. Mr. Pepmeyer stated that this expenditure
should not come out of this fund.
Member
Steve Johnson suggested that as the finance committee begins to prepare the
budget for the coming year, hopefully, this program can be included in the
nursing home budget. He agrees that it seems like a great system.
Member
Stewart asked Ms. Wiesen if currently there is enough money available in the
nursing home budget to fund this program. She responded that there are not
enough funds available. Further, when she first came to the nursing home,
routinely referendum funds were being used to pay for wheel chairs and beds.
This expenditure isn’t that much different.
Mr.
Pepmeyer explained that the referendum fund is to be used solely for maintenance
and capital improvements for the nursing home.
Member
Porter suggested that perhaps the nursing home could borrow money from the
referendum account and pay it back before the end of the year. Ms. Wiesen
expressed doubts it could be repaid within that time frame.
Member
Porter stated that originally when the Nursing Home Tax Referendum Account was
created, it was designed to bring the nursing home up to standards and improve
services. In her opinion, this AccuNurse program would improve services at the
nursing home and save a lot of money. If there is some way we can fund this
program, we should do so.
Member
Abel suggested that this matter should return to the finance committee, and be
brought back in writing to the next Board Meeting.
Motion
was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Parsons to table the
purchase of the AccuNurse program for the nursing home. 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 Stewart to approve the
increase in the minimum wage rate. According to state law effective
Motion
was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Abel to approve to open the
budget to amend it. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon,
Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel,
Occhi, and Saline—(13). Noes—Steve Johnson—(1). Motion carried.
Motion
was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Occhi to approve budgetary line
item changes for various departments. Specific budgetary sheets for individual
departments are 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, and Saline—(13). Noes—Steve
Johnson—(1). Motion carried.
Motion
was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Lyle Johnson to approve the
claims against Knox County, Illinois, for the period of April 26, 2007 – May
23, 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, with the exception of the some bills that need to be
held, until proper signatures can be obtained, and others that need to be held
for budgetary changes.) Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter,
Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi,
Saline, and Steve Johnson—(12). Noes—Stewart—(1). Pass—Bacon—(1).
Motion carried.
STATEMENTS OF GENERAL CONCERN
Member Porter,
Member Bacon, Member Mannhardt, Member Link, and Chairman Pickrel had no
comments at this time.
Member Stewart commented that he voted “no” again to paying the
bills, as only 34 of the 39 summary sheets in the packets are in compliance with
the new format to show how much money is remaining in the each appropriation
line after each bill has been paid. Things are getting better but are still not
100% compliant.
Member Parsons, Member Knapp, Member Sandoval, and Member Lyle Johnson
had no comments at this time.
Member Abel commented in reference of the minutes of the closed session.
These minutes should not leave this room. These minutes should be reviewed and
then handed back in. If these minutes were to fall into the wrong hands, it
could create problems.
Member Occhi and Member Saline had no comments at this time.
Member Steve Johnson thanked the Ad Hoc Building Committee for their
work. They have the project for the landfill completed and ready to bid.
The next regular meeting will be held on
Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Parsons to
adjourn. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(14). Noes—(0). Motion
carried. Meeting adjourned at