PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNTY BOARD

KNOX COUNTY , ILLINOIS

June 27, 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, June 27, 2007 at 6:22 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 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 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. Rev. Leigh Nygard of Galesburg delivered the invocation.

Chairman Pickrel asked for additions to the agenda. He asked that agenda item 10, approval of Workman's Compensation claims, be removed from this agenda. He would like to add an update report about the audits, and an update regarding the negotiations with the Galesburg Election Commission. These two updates will be included in agenda item 6A. Member Mannhardt asked that agenda item 23, purchase of a new copier for the nursing home from the Nursing Home Tax Referendum Funds, be removed from this agenda. Also page number 129 in the packets should be included with agenda item 26, approval of the budgetary line item changes for various departments. He also asked that agenda item 21, approval of the air conditioner bid for the nursing home, be moved up in the agenda. Chairman Pickrel moved it to agenda item 6B. Member Saline asked for an addition to the agenda, to discuss changes in the tort fund. Chairman Pickrel inserted that item at agenda item 10. Member Steve Johnson asked for an addition to discuss the Supervisor of Assessments position. Chairman Pickrel placed that item at agenda item 16A.

Chairman Pickrel asked for public comments. A nursing home employee addressed the Board saying that a co-worker’s son would be heading to Iraq . They are collecting items to be shared with military members as well as the Iraqi children. Their project is called “Shoeboxes for A.J.” Marianne Wiesen also encouraged members of the public to contribute various items. Collection boxes are being established.

Chairman Pickrel presented the following items of the consent agenda for approval: 1) minutes of the Regular and Closed Board Meeting on May 23, 2007, 2) claims by Members for per diem and mileage for the Meeting of June 27, 2007, and 3) sales tax and various taxes for the month of March 2007 in the amounts of $94,596.23 and $20,598.07 and public safety tax in the amount of $79,157.55. Member Porter asked for a correction to the minutes of the open session. An appointment should have referred to the Board of Review, not the Zoning Board of Review. Motion was made by Member Porter and seconded by Member Parsons to approve these measures, including the revision to the minutes. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—Sandoval—(1). 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 Sam Montooth as trustee to the Spoon Lake Sanitary District, and 5) appointment of David Gene Clark as trustee to the Williamsfield Fire Protection District. 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.

Member Link presented for discussion a computer system update. Joyce Skinner met recently with the multi-township assessors who reported they were having computer problems. The assessors reported that their computers keep logging out. They are trying to stay on schedule and hope to publish December 30, 2007 . Member Link learned of these computer difficulties two days before the committee meeting and invited R-Cubed Technologies to attend that meeting. The City Assessor’s Office and the nursing home have also experienced computer problems. County Clerk Scott Erickson presented an update and stated that he had passed out a memo which addresses these computer issues. Some of these things are to be expected as the network grows. It is important that computer problems be communicated, so they can be remedied. R-Cubed Technologies and Dev-Net are working together to resolve these problems. As we get over some of the initial bumps, things should go more smoothly. We must keep communication lines open.

Chairman Pickrel presented an update regarding the audits. He has been in regular communication with the auditors. They are requesting additional information from the State, some banks, a credit union, and a couple vendors. It will be at least until the next Board Meeting before the Board receives these audit reports. Although originally these audits were expected to require only three weeks, they will require at least ten weeks, depending on the contents of this additional information. The auditors remain quiet as to what they have discovered. They have reported that as the audit is completed, it will require only a day and a half to compile their final report.

Chairman Pickrel then presented an update regarding the Galesburg Election Commission. Recently he had spoken to Judge Mathers. This matter has previously been discussed by the Board, and we still cannot come to an agreement. While Knox County employees were given a 2.5% pay increase, the Galesburg Election Commission requested a 14% raise. As another position is becoming a full time position, they are requesting a 36% increase. Judge Mathers felt that an audit is in order. Therefore, he has ordered such an audit. There is really nothing more that the County can do. Chairman Pickrel emphasized that it is not fair to give County employees a 2.5% increase and then grant a 14% increase to the Election Commission. There have been several meetings with them to try to reach an agreement. Unfortunately, theses meeting have not been successful.

Chairman Pickrel reported that County had received a check for approximately $20,000 for court probation services which were provided last year. This is basically a refund check, and goes into the general fund.

Chairman Pickrel also reported that Judge Mathers did have complimentary things to say about the security in this courthouse. Judge Mathers reiterated that cameras and/or news reporters are not allowed in the courthouse or courtroom, during normal courthouse hours unless authorized by the chief judge. The County Board can authorize the presence of cameras during their Meetings. Personally, Chairman Pickrel does not disagree with still cameras being allowed in the Board Meetings.

Chairman Pickrel reminded Members of the death of Glen Braden, former Regional Superintendent of Schools. He will be missed by many.

Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Parsons to accept the low bid from MSI with no alternates in the amount of $516,800.00 for an air conditioner for the nursing home. Copies of the bid sheets were included in the packets. Member Bacon thanked the consulting engineer, David Pearson, and the committee for their diligent work. Although the bids were more than originally anticipated, Mr. Pearson did a great job explaining. Mr. Pearson stated that most of the work would be done in the fall to minimize the impact to the nursing home residents. The alternates could be added at a later date. 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. The financial report had been distributed to the Members. The expenses are at 50%. Revenues are low but will be increasing as tax revenue comes in.

Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Abel to approve the resolution on prevailing wage in Knox County . This is a general housekeeping measure that annually the Board is required to approve. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—Mannhardt—(1). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Parsons to approve the County election judge pay rate increase to $120 for a certified judge. This rate would equal the rate of pay for the City of Galesburg election judges. County Clerk Scott Erickson reported that it is becoming difficult to recruit and maintain election judges. Many complaints have been expressed about the salary that the County pays in comparison to the City of Galesburg . Comparison information is included in the packets. Knox County election judges have not had a pay increase since the general election in 2000. Currently the election judges in Galesburg earn $20 more than County election judges. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Pass—Sandoval—(1). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Occhi to create a new budgetary line item for professional services to be funded through the tort fund. Treasurer Robin Davis stated that there have been additional budgetary concerns since the last finance committee meeting. These concerns need to be addressed. This line item would transfer professional service expenses for the past three months from the tort fund to a newly created line item. This would alleviate some of the strain in the general fund. She distributed specific information to the Members. Member Saline stated that these budgetary line item changes could be addressed in agenda item 26, budgetary line item changes for various departments. Member Steve Johnson questioned if the budget should be opened to allow the creation of this line item. County Clerk Scott Erickson agreed that it would be better to handle this matter with item 26. With the agreement of Member Saline and Member Occhi, the original motion was rescinded.

Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Lyle Johnson to approve the low bid submitted by Bond Construction Company, in the amount of $188,366.00 for the scale house/office building at the landfill. Member Steve Johnson stated that it is the recommendation of the Ad Hoc Building Committee and the architect to accept this low bid. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—Saline—(1). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Abel to bid and bring back for HVAC, electrical, and plumbing services. The current contract with MSI to provide these services has expired. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Member Steve Johnson reported that work is progressing well on the new sally port addition at the Mary Davis Home.

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 and monthly reports are included in the packets.

Member Steve Johnson introduced discussion regarding a possible auction of courthouse vehicles. During the committee meeting, there was some discussion regarding the dangerous condition of the van and the car. Sheriff James Thompson had reported that there are vehicles available from the Missouri State Police Department to replace these courthouse vehicles. He also purposed renting appropriate vehicles. Member Steve Johnson suggested taking the van to auction and keeping the car until spring. In the spring they anticipate receiving a car from the Mary Davis Home. Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Abel to approve taking the courthouse van to auction. Chairman Pickrel suggested that it might be cheaper to rent a vehicle for these special purposes, rather than purchasing another van.

Treasurer Robin Davis disagreed with the proposal to sell the van saying that her office uses the van to take the tax bills to the Post Office. County Clerk Scott Erickson also uses that van to haul election supplies. She questioned why the County should dispose of this vehicle. This van does have new tires and has had other repairs. Member Steve Johnson responded that the committee had received many complaints about the condition of these two vehicles. Mrs. Davis spoke again in favor of keeping the van. She was not aware that this matter was going to be discussed in the committee meeting. Chairman Pickrel stated that occasionally court security also uses this vehicle. Member Link said that it was good to hear both sides. He suggested that the County might just as well keep the van. Member Steve Johnson and Member Abel withdrew their original motion to auction off the courthouse vehicles.  

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. Prior to this meeting, the committee did meet with others to review and draft revisions to the GIS job description. The committee recommends that the GIS coordinator should be responsible to the Supervisor of Assessments and that it be a salaried position. County Clerk Scott Erickson reported that advertisements will be appearing this week. Applications for this position will be accepted until July 13th. It is hoped to have this position filled by the August Board Meeting.

He apologized that the assessor’s report was not included in the packet. The committee did discuss computer problems. The farmland committee had met and reviewed state values. For 2008, it looks like there will be a 10% increase in farmland values.

Following her surgery, Joyce Skinner returned to full time work June 4th. Soon she will be taking some vacation time. During her absence Chris Gray will be overseeing the Assessment Office.

Member Link then referred to the wind farm meeting held at the Farm Bureau, June 26th. This was a very productive meeting. There is a company that is seeking to place 266 wind turbines in northern Knox County . So far the state has not agreed upon assessment values for wind farms or other necessary regulations. There needs to be an agreement regarding the taxes and how it would be handled. The estimated tax revenue to Knox County would be approximately $2,500,000 annually. Chris Gray confirmed that the County Assessment Office is waiting on state legislation. Several assessment supervisors from various counties are involved in this process. Of course, they want this legislation to be uniform across the state. In the event that state legislation does not come through in time, the County Assessment Office would be working to try to make the county policy uniform with that of surrounding counties.

She also addressed the matter of easements. It is proposed that wind farms would obtain easements from the land owners for these wind turbines. Currently, the assessment office does not separate parcels for easements. There will have to be some discussion with the State’s Attorney’s Office regarding how to handle this process. We should be able to tax the wind farm companies directly. Member Link reiterated that if the state doesn’t follow through, the County will have to come up with a solution.

Member Link reported that although only five Board Members attended, the County Highway road tour went well. They examined the highways and various road projects including bridges and box culverts.

Member Link reported that recently he and Duane Ratermann had met with the City of Galesburg , to discuss South Lake Storey Road . Preliminary negotiations are under way for the City to take over this road. There will be several additional meetings and negotiations before that happens.

Chairman Pickrel stated his concerns that Mr. Ratermann was pressured into doing curb and gutter work on Angling Road . Yet on nearby South Lake Storey Road , it is blacktop with gravel on the sides, which barely allows two cars to pass. He wonders if the City will come back and ask for curbs and gutters on this portion of road as well. Or perhaps Mr. Ratermann wants to get rid of it. Member Link responded that the City will want this road to be rebuilt and have curbs and gutters. In preliminary negotiations they want the County to perform and fund these improvements and then turn this road over to them. Member Porter stated that it was reported to her that other City employees said that this proposal will not materialize for a long time.

Chairman Pickrel reminded Members that the City can annex this road by grabbing a mile at a time.

Member Link stated that he also learned at that meeting that the City will be re-doing the intersection of County Highway 10 and South Henderson Street . This intersection has been an accident waiting to happen. This road does carry lots of truck traffic from I-74.

Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the supplemental salary resolution for 2007 County Engineer’s salary. The new acting secretary/director of highways for the Illinois Department of Transportation re-evaluated the salary schedule and recommended a 3% increase in this salary. In October 2005, the County Board approved the salary to be 96% of the IDOT recommended salary. This new amount would equal $93,984.00. The additional amount of $2,243.20 will be transferred from the overtime appropriation fund. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—Saline—(1). Motion carried.

            Member Steve Johnson introduced discussion regarding the Supervisor of Assessments position. He reminded Members that Joyce Skinner will be retiring in December 2007. Chris Gray has applied and interviewed for the Supervisor of Assessments position in Tazewell County . He had asked her about this situation. She responded she doesn’t want to blackmail the Board, but is merely looking out for herself. Tazewell is a larger county that can provide a larger salary. When asked if she would prefer to stay in Knox County , she responded that she would. Member Steve Johnson stated that the Board should take a proactive approach to this situation. The County cannot afford to lose this experienced employee. She is the only one in that office that has knowledge of GIS. As Mrs. Skinner retires and if Chris Gray were to move on, that would leave only two other people in that office and they have been there less than a year.

            Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson to offer Chris Gray a contract to become effective upon Mrs. Skinner’s retirement. These specific terms would be negotiated at a later date.

            Chairman Pickrel stated that since this matter was not included on this agenda it would be better to wait until the next meeting to take any action on this matter. Treasurer Robin Davis stated that since this is a personnel matter, it should be discussed in executive session. Member Saline agreed. Member Porter stated that it would be a terrible loss to lose Mrs. Gray. Surely there is some way to indicate to her that the County would like to offer her this position.

            Member Steve Johnson suggested that the rules could be suspended. Member Saline stated that would be inappropriate. This matter should wait until next month, and be discussed in closed session. Member Occhi agreed that any discussion is inappropriate as it was not addressed during the committee meeting. The committee was unaware of this situation until this meeting.

            Chairman Pickrel stated that Member Steve Johnson had recently communicated this matter to him. This personnel matter should go through the committee. It will be discussed next month in executive session, and it will be on the agenda.

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 Bacon to bid and bring back for the purchase of a new dozer and scraper. The new equipment would replace worn out equipment at the landfill. It is expensive to keep repairing the old equipment. The present equipment will either be used for trade in or sold separately depending on the best deal. Regarding the time frame, Mr. Larson stated that a new dozer could come in fairly quickly. However, we might have to wait until the end of the year for the scraper. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Parsons to bid and bring back for a new truck for the landfill. The plan would be to retire the old truck, and use the truck that Greg Ingle is currently using to move personnel to different areas within the landfill. Then Mr. Ingle would be using the new truck. This bidding process would include soliciting bids from the State. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(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 Parsons and seconded by Member Stewart to approve to remove from the table the purposed purchase of the AccuNurse program for the nursing home. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(11). Noes—Bacon, Sandoval, and Abel—(3). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Lyle Johnson to approve to purchase the AccuNurse program for the nursing home with funds from the Nursing Home Referendum Fund. Member Bacon stated his concerns with funding this program through the referendum fund. As he studied the information included in the packet, former State’s Attorney Paul Mangieri offered conflicting opinions. Originally the purpose of this referendum fund was for improving and maintaining the nursing home’s physical plant. As Member Bacon spoke with others that were originally on that committee, they agree that these funds were to be used solely for improving and maintaining the physical plant. He concurs that the AccuNurse is an excellent program and would be good for the nursing home but doesn’t agree with funding it in this manner. This program is a luxury that needs to be funded through the nursing home budget as a planned expense, not funded through the referendum account. If this expense is paid for through the referendum account, than there are other nursing home expenses that also could be funded in this manner.

Member Saline agreed that perhaps some of the nursing home expenses could be funded through the referendum account. The AccuNurse program could be funded through this account as it is part of the physical plant and stays with the building. Member Bacon responded that this program is a luxury and we can get by with what we currently have. Member Saline reiterated that the spirit of the referendum was to allow the county to fund that facility to make it a better place and to provide better quality care for the residents.

Member Abel stated originally when the referendum was presented to the voters, these funds were to be used for maintenance to include such things as air conditioning, beds, and tables. There was no mention that it would be used for personnel or programs. Although there are alternative definitions of the word “maintenance” and legal opinions in the packet, when this measure was originally on the ballot for the voters to approve, the committee did not present it with this intention. He has no objection to the AccuNurse program but doesn’t want to see it funded through the referendum account. To fund this program in this way would be deceiving the voters.

Member Steve Johnson stated that this program would be providing a service to the residents of the nursing home. By improving the quality of resident care, he feels that it would increase the census of the facility. He supports this expenditure being funded through the referendum fund. Member Occhi stated that as this fund was established, the County Board had no voice on that committee. Member Porter stated although it says AccuNurse program, it is not a program; it is a service.

Member Bacon emphasized again that as this was originally presented to the voters it was for the maintenance and upkeep of the physical plant of the nursing home. Although there are 18 different definitions for the word “maintenance” listed in the packet, these alternate definitions were not the original intent.

Chairman Pickrel stated that he also had studied the information included in the packet. What really spoke to him was that according to the state statute, it states “and to defray expenses necessary for the care and maintenance of the home and for providing maintenance, personal care, and nursing services to the patients, therein.” The word “care” really convinced him that referendum fund can be used for this purpose.

Member Abel reminded Members of Mr. Mangieri’s opinion enclosed in the packet which states that referendum funds are to be used solely for the maintenance of the nursing home. However, in his other letter also in the packet, he offers a different opinion in which he actually provides no determination.  

Member Link stated that this matter could be discussed all night, and legal definitions argued, but originally when the referendum account was established it was understood that it would be only used for maintenance. If you were to ask a county resident they would tell you that these funds are to be only used for maintenance.

Member Stewart stated that as he studied the information in the packet, it states that these funds can be used for the personal care of the residents. This program would allow the nursing home to provide a high quality of service to the residents. It is appropriate to fund this purchase through the referendum fund.

Member Bacon asked that current State’s Attorney John Pepmeyer give his legal opinion. Mr. Pepmeyer stated it is not a simple question. However, in his opinion it is a permissible use of the referendum fund to purchase this program. However, it is still the Board’s decision. Roll call vote approve to purchase the AccuNurse program for the nursing home with funds from the Nursing Home Referendum Fund is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(10). Noes—Bacon, Link, Sandoval, and Abel—(4). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Parsons to approve to bid and bring back for a water softener for the nursing home. The lease on the current water softener expired last year. Currently the nursing home pays $200 monthly to lease the water softener. This unit is too small for the boiler system. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Marianne Wiesen reported that she had good news to report from public aid. The rates will be increasing $5.00 per patient day effective January 2007. This represents an additional $120,000 in annual revenue.

Motion was made by Member Occhi and seconded by Member Stewart 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 Occhi and seconded by Member Abel to approve the budgetary line item changes for various departments. These will include the line item transfers for the nursing home and the creation of the professional services line which will transfer funds from the tort fund. Specific budgetary sheets for individual departments such as the Sheriff’s department and health department are included in the packets.

Member Steve Johnson questioned the cost of the special audits. He thought that the cost would be $10,000 for each of the special audits. Chairman Pickrel responded that originally the auditor had stated that normally these special audits take about three weeks each to complete and the fee would be approximately $7,000 each. Obviously because of the additional time required to complete these audits the bill will be much more than that amount. The original motion to approve these special audits did not include a dollar amount. The auditors are being cautious with the dollars invested in these audits. 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 Sandoval and seconded by Member Abel to approve claims against Knox County , Illinois , for the period of May 24 - June 27, 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, Link, Pickrel, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(10). Noes—Stewart and Occhi—(2). Pass—Bacon and Mannhardt—(2). Motion carried.

STATEMENTS OF GENERAL CONCERN

            Member Porter had no comments at this time.

            Member Bacon extended Happy Birthday wishes to Member Sandoval.

            Member Mannhardt had no comments at this time. 

            Member Link commented about the wind farms coming to Knox County . It sounds very encouraging about the ethanol plant coming to the north edge of Abingdon. It is anticipated to bring 40-45 new jobs. This is good news. However, he does have some concerns about the decreasing census at the nursing home. It is a very good facility. The money that was approved for the facility tonight proves that the Board supports the nursing home. At one time the census at the nursing home was 180 residents and yet the census continues to decline.

            Chairman Pickrel had no comments at this time.

            Member Stewart commented regarding his “no” vote to paying the bills. It is getting better as 31 out of 36 summary sheets are complying with the new format changes. Things are improving.

            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 executive committee meetings. These minutes should be turned in separately to the Clerk’s Office and handed out with the executive minutes of the Regular Meetings. Members should exercise caution when handling these minutes to make sure they do not fall into the wrong hands.

            Member Occhi stated that she would like to see the executive minutes. It seems that they were left out. She also extended Happy Birthday greetings to Member Sandoval.

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

            The next regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 25, 2007 , 6:00 p.m. , at the Knox County Courthouse, Galesburg , Illinois .

            Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Sandoval to adjourn. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.