PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNTY BOARD

KNOX COUNTY , ILLINOIS

July 25, 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, July 25, 2007 at 6:08 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 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 2          Greg Bacon

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. Daniel Siems of First Baptist Church , Galesburg delivered the invocation.

Chairman Pickrel asked for additions to the agenda. He asked for the following additions to this agenda: 5A) Member Occhi to deliver her report from the United Counties Council, 5B) County Clerk Scott Erickson to bring a computer update, and 5C) an update regarding the Sheriff and another resignation. Chairman Pickrel asked that agenda item 7A, interim Sheriff’s pay be removed from this agenda.  

Chairman Pickrel asked for public comments. Ed Warner addressed Members regarding his request for a conditional use permit for a wind energy system, agenda item 21. The Zoning Board of Appeals did approve this request for a wind generator to accompany a solar panel. In the wind energy ordinance it states that an additional fee of $25 per foot of the tower height will be added to the total fees. Given the height of the tower, this additional fee would be approximately $2,000. He asked that Members approve this conditional use permit and delete this additional fee.

Chairman Pickrel presented the following items of the consent agenda for approval: 1) minutes of the Regular and Closed Board Meeting on June 27, 2007 . 2) claims by Members for per diem and mileage for the Meeting of July 25, 2007, and 3) sales tax and various taxes for the month of April 2007 in the amounts of $91,014.71 and $21,189.69 and public safety tax in the amount of $73,959.04, 4) appointment of Richard M. Swanson as trustee to the Oneida-Wataga Fire Protection District, and 5) appointment of Patricia D. Compton as trustee to the Oneida Cemetery Association. Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Abel to approve these measures. 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—(0). Motion carried.

Member Occhi presented her report from the United Counties Council. She distributed some handouts from this recent meeting. These handouts reflect population projections, economic development, and property level in Illinois counties. Other subjects were also discussed including ethanol production. Another survey is going out soon. As she receives this additional information, she will be sharing it with Board Members. She found this to be a very informative meeting.

County Clerk Scott Erickson brought a computer update regarding the problems with computer connections in the Assessor’s Office. Earlier that afternoon, he had met with representatives from R-Cubed Technologies, Dev-Net, and the assessors. This was a good meeting which opened up the lines of communication. Since the previous Board Meeting, progress has been made in the connection speed with the City. However, the multi-township assessors are still experiencing some problems, which are being addressed. One part of the original overall computer plan was to install a terminal server in the network. This terminal server has been implemented temporarily and has fixed some of the City’s problems.

There are still some problems with the server in the courthouse basement and parts are on order. Everything there should be repaired by July 27th.

Member Link inquired about the moisture problems in the basement. Mr. Erickson responded that some of those concerns were addressed when the Board approved a new internet service provider. As a part of this agreement, the Ninth Judicial District was to provide a cabinet or enclosure for the internet connections. This has been discussed with the IT people who have reminded officials to provide this cabinet. We should have it within the next two weeks. Hopefully it will prevent some problems. If those fibers are damaged, it could create serious problems.

Chairman Pickrel stated that earlier in the day he had received the resignation of Board Member Paul Hevland effective at the conclusion of this meeting. Mr. Hevland is dealing with some health issues and also has a new baby. He thinks that it is time for him to step aside to allow him to spend more time with his family. Chairman Pickrel thanked Mr. Hevland for his service. This resignation will result in another caucus for the Democrats.

Chairman Pickrel reported that he had received the letter of resignation from Sheriff James Thompson effective midnight July 31. As of August 1, Coroner Mark Thomas will be temporarily assuming that position. Although Mr. Thomas is on vacation, Chairman Pickrel had visited with him on the phone. They did discuss matters concerning the Sheriff’s salary and Mr. Thomas stated that he is willing to serve in this capacity. He would like to forego the Coroner’s salary and only accept the Sheriff’s salary. While that action is admirable, according to State statute he must accept the salary for both positions. He can donate back the Coroner salary. However, he would pay the taxes on that salary.

Chairman Pickrel expressed his thanks to Sheriff Thompson for his years of service to the County and wished him well in his future ventures. Chairman Pickrel has been in contact with Norm Winick, Chairman of the local Democratic Party. A caucus date has not yet been set. Chairman Pickrel expects the Democrats to select their candidate before the next full Board Meeting. He will keep Members updated.

            Motion was made by Member Knapp and seconded by Member Porter to approve the appointment of Lyle Johnson to the Knox County Board of Review. Member Knapp reported that due to the results of the last election, there is a vacancy on this Board. Member Occhi questioned appointing another Board Member to one of these boards. That three person board reports to the Chief Assessor who in turn reports to the County Board . She has nothing against Member Lyle Johnson, but she feels it is not a good idea to have another Board Member sitting on another board. Chairman Pickrel stated that likewise he had nothing personal against this candidate. Previously Chairman Pickrel had received numerous calls from realtors saying that they would prefer to have a realtor appointed to the Board of Review. However, no realtor had contacted him and asked to be appointed. Member Steve Johnson reminded Members that two Board Members currently serve on the Knox County Housing Authority. Sometimes it is hard to find volunteers who are willing to serve on these other boards.

            Member Knapp reiterated that due to results of the last election, the Knox County Board of Review must consist of one Republican and two Democrats. Presently they only have Mike Gehring and himself. Member Lyle Johnson lives in the City of Galesburg and is highly qualified. Member Knapp had spoken to Norm Winick to inquire about other Democrats who would be interested in serving on this board. The reimbursement rate is $125 per month. Member Saline agreed with Member Occhi that the County Board should be separate from these other bodies. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Mannhardt, Link, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(11). Noes—Pickrel and Occhi—(2). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Link to offer a contract to Chris Gray for the office of Chief Assessor to become effective January 1, 2008 , pending the resignation letter from current Chief Assessor Joyce Skinner. The terms of this contract are to be negotiated by a committee. Chairman Pickrel announced the following five Members would be serving on this committee: Chairman Pickrel, Member Link, Member Saline, Member Steve Johnson, and Member Knapp. This committee will be meeting with Mrs. Gray, August 7, 2007 , at 5:30 p.m. at the Annex to discuss terms of this contract. Roll call vote to offer a contract to Chris Gray for the Chief Assessor position is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Abel to approve moving the August Meeting date for the full Board to August 29th. Chairman Pickrel noted that because of the way the August calendar falls in relationship to the billing cycle, the Meeting date needs to be rescheduled. The committee meeting dates will be adjusted accordingly. Member Steve Johnson announced that the Sheriff, Jail, Courthouse, Animal Control, Mary Davis Home, Courthouse, and Annex Committee will be meeting August 20. Member Saline announced that the Finance, Insurance, Treasurer, Judicial, and Clerk Committee meeting will be held August 22. County Clerk Scott Erickson stated that changes would be noted on the committee meeting schedule that is sent to the Members and the press. 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—(0). Motion carried.

            Greg Chance presented a report from the Knox County Board of Health. That Board has been evaluating the current space needs of the dental clinic, as they have outgrown the current space available. Since the dental clinic re-opened in November 2006, the current dentist has been working a 40 hour work week. Appointments have been made three months in advance. There has been a tremendous problem with no show rates. Therefore, the appointment process has changed. Still there are many county residents in need of dental services that we cannot provide. Currently they are using two dental chairs and one exam room. They need more exam room space which would allow the dentist to move more easily between the patients, and also allow space for the hygienist.

            Originally when the building on Fremont Street was constructed, they left room for expansion on the west side of the building. The Board of Health is investigating a 30 ft. X 96 ft. expansion that would consolidate all dental services in that wing of the building. Of course, since this building was constructed six years ago, construction costs have increased dramatically. Preliminary cost estimates for this addition are $520,000. The Board of Health continues to investigate this plan as well as other options. Blue prints have not been finalized. Funds were set aside in this year’s budget for building improvements, which will probably be transferred to next year’s budget. In all likelihood this project will not be ready to go out for bid this fall. There are also some reserve funds available for this project.

            According to preliminary budget figures for the coming year, Mr. Chance expects the tax levy to remain below the maximum allowable rate. They have applied for a grant of $350,000 to help finance the cost of new dental equipment. The Health Department continues to depend on some federal grants to offset the costs of providing services.

            Mr. Chance announced that August 7th, the Health Department will be conducting an emergency exercise, and testing their ability to distribute medication to emergency first responders in a timely manner. They will be working with County fire services, law enforcement, and EMS members. The scenario will be an anthrax attack, within Knox County . In this exercise a public health emergency will be declared. Various agencies will be working with the two hospitals to distribute preventative medication.

            Member Porter expressed her thanks to Mr. Chance saying that he does a wonderful job and she hopes that he stays here forever. The County is fortunate to have him.

            The Finance, Insurance, Treasurer, Judicial, and Clerk Committee report was presented by Committee chairman Wayne Saline. At this point the County is 1% over in expenses. But revenue remains very low. There should be some correction as property tax revenue is received. The next couple of months will be more of a determining factor when it comes to making budget estimates. We do seem to be holding the line on expenses.

Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Steve Johnson to approve the resolution deed of conveyance for parcel number 17-04-127-001, and 17-04-127-002. This is a normal housekeeping measure. County Clerk Scott Erickson reported that these parcels are located in the City of Abingdon . 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—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve membership renewal in the Western Illinois Regional Council. The membership fee would be $5,337.75. Member Saline stated that as this item was discussed during the committee meeting, members did not know the advantages of paying this renewal fee. It is the committee’s recommendation to reject this item, unless other Board Members could provide good reasons not to do so.

Chairman Pickrel reminded Members that a year ago, this renewal was rejected. He did some investigating and could not determine the justification of paying this amount. Member Parsons explained that Knox County belongs to the northern 16 counties. He also called and questioned why the membership fee is so high, and did not receive an explanation. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(0). Noes—Porter, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13). Motion failed.

            Member Steve Johnson explained that agenda item 13, to approve the bid for the landfill scale house/office project, was placed on this agenda because after last month’s meeting to approve this low bid, it was determined that the contractor did not have the required insurance. In the event that the contractor still did not have the required insurance and signed contracts by this meeting, then the bid bond money would be forfeited and the contract either would be awarded to the next highest bidder or the project would have to be re-bid. On July 23, we received the signed copies of the contract and insurance forms for this project. Everything now seems to be in order. He asked that Chairman Pickrel sign these contracts tonight and that they be placed on file in the County Clerk ’s Office.

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

            Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Link to approve the low bid submitted by Gibbons Masonry and Concrete in the amount of $14,030.00 for Courthouse sidewalk repair. A summary of the bid sheets is included in the packets. It should be noted that item # 13 included in this bid is for a 13 ft X 8 ft slab which is to be at the Knox County Jail and will be paid for through the jail building maintenance/material fund. This section was included in the sidewalk repair bid. Also it should be noted that the terms of this contract include a “½ down upon signing the contract and ½ due upon completion” provision. Member Occhi questioned the location of this slab of concrete at the jail. Member Steve Johnson did not know the exact location. This was a request from the maintenance man. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(12). Noes—Occhi—(1). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Abel to approve the base salary in the hourly amount of $12.24 for the animal control officer, pending an addendum to the union contract. This is the recommendation from Captain Dave Caslin and the committee. Specific information is included in the packets. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, and Steve Johnson—(12). Noes—Saline—(1). Motion carried.

            Member Steve Johnson reported that the committee had interviewed candidates who filled out applications for the animal control officer position. The committee will have a candidate to recommend to the August Board Meeting.

            Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the low bid submitted by Mechanical Services, Inc., for the HVAC, electrical and plumbing services agreement, which includes a $5.00 truck charge, hourly rate of $61.20, hourly overtime rate of $82.00, hourly weekend/holiday rate of $102.00, and a 15% material mark up charge. This motion will be dependent upon clarification of the $5.00 truck charge. Specific bid information is included in the packets. Chairman Pickrel questioned this $5.00 truck/mileage charge. Member Steve Johnson responded that he had phoned and asked for an explanation and so far did not have one. This is the only bid that included a truck/mileage charge. Chairman Pickrel questioned if this fee was $5.00 per truck or $5.00 per mile. Other Members raised similar questions concerning this $5.00 fee.

Motion was made by Member Occhi and seconded by Member Parsons to table this matter. Various Members stated the need for more information and clarification. Roll call vote to table approval of this bid is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Stewart to approve the addendums to the Mary Davis Home sally port project. Specific information is included in the packets regarding this change in work order. These additional expenses in the amount of $12,181.46 are required by the City of Galesburg Inspection Department. The money is available in the Mary Davis Home Bond. 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—(0). Motion carried.

Rod Cleair reported that the sally port project should be completed by September 1st. The work on the security cameras should be completed next week.

            The Highway, Assessor, Zoning, GIS, and Recorder Committee report was presented by Committee chairman Jerry Link. The minutes of the committee meeting are included in the packets. The committee has reviewed the GIS applications and plan to conduct interviews and have a recommended candidate for the August Meeting. The highway projects are going well. The Zoning Board of Appeals met this afternoon.

            Chairman Pickrel questioned Duane Ratermann regarding South Lake Storey Road . Mr. Ratermann responded that there have been preliminary discussions regarding the transfer of jurisdiction of that road to the City of Galesburg . Chairman Pickrel stated that he is hearing that the City is asking the County to perform curb and gutter work on this road before turning it over to the City. Mr. Ratermann confirmed that had been part of this initial discussion. It would be advantageous for the County to get rid of South Lake Storey Road , but not at this price. Chairman Pickrel stated his concerns with doing the curb and gutter work on this road. Mr. Ratermann stated that this transfer may be years down the road.

            Member Stewart commented regarding the meeting date for the Zoning Board of Appeals. Since they meet the day prior to the Board Meeting, none of their information is included in the packets. Therefore, Members do not know their recommendations or other information from the Zoning Board of Appeals concerning the cases on the Board agenda. It would be advantageous if the Zoning Board of Appeals would consider meeting at an earlier time so that County Board Members could have a written copy of their recommendations.

            Member Link stated that this matter had been discussed. He agrees that it is not a very good situation. Tonight, Chris Gray will be providing information regarding the two cases on this agenda and presenting the recommendations from the Zoning Board of Appeals.

            Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Porter to approve the Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation regarding Case # CU-02-07 for a conditional use permit submitted by D. Mark Compton for elderly multiple family dwellings to be located at the corner of S. Center Street and Knox Road 2400 N, Oneida. Chris Gray reported that these units would be duplexes. This parcel contains several lots and currently is zoned rural residential. The recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals is to approve this conditional use permit with the following conditions: 1) adequate sewer and water must be provided, and 2) these units would be available only to individuals 55 years of age or older. Right now Mr. Compton is seeking to build two units. Member Saline stated that since these housing units would increase the tax base, the Board should approve this recommendation. 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—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Mannhardt to approve the Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation regarding Case # CU-03-07 for a conditional use permit submitted by Edward and Joyce Warner, 1998 Knox Road 300 N, Farmington, for a wind energy system. Chris Gray reported that the Zoning Board of Appeals recommended approval of this conditional use permit.

            Chairman Pickrel questioned the additional $25 fee per ft of tower height. Mrs. Gray confirmed that this fee is included in the wind energy ordinance that the Board passed last year. These fees reflect the fee structure of surrounding counties. It is a one time fee that is charged with the building permit. Chairman Pickrel asked Mr. Warner to explain the purpose of this wind energy system. Mr. Warner responded that this small 1 K wind energy generator would assist a solar panel. Especially on cloudy winter days, the wind generator should provide energy for the home.

            Member Saline stated that he remembered the discussion regarding this wind energy ordinance. Members and officials intended this ordinance to match that of area counties. Now to offer a variance regarding this fee would establish a bad precedent.

            Member Link reminded Members of the current motion on the floor to approve the recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals. This fee is a separate matter.

            Mrs. Gray reported that the Zoning Board of Appeals felt that they have no right to wave this fee. Chairman Pickrel stated that since the fee was not on the agenda, no action could be taken during this Meeting. Member Steve Johnson commented that originally when this ordinance was passed, he understood that it was intended to be applied to only commercial uses. However, that distinction between residential and commercial uses might not have been stated. Roll call vote to approve the Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation to approve this conditional use permit is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Chairman Pickrel suggested that Mr. Warner discuss this matter with Member Link. At the next Board Meeting perhaps Members could move forward with this request to wave this additional fee. In the meantime Members need to study this matter.

            Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Porter to approve the low bid for steel culvert pipes, submitted by Metal Culverts, Inc., in the amount of $29,539.68. The funding has been appropriated through the County Bridge Fund. Member Link stated that there were three bidders. 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—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Steve Johnson to approve the only bid, submitted by Micro-Surfacing, Inc., for the micro-surfacing project on County Highway 8, Sec. 07-00000-00-GM in the total amount of $174,297.50. Funding for this project has been appropriated through the County Motor Fuel Tax Fund. Member Link stated that this company had previously performed satisfactory work for the County.

            Member Stewart stated that it would helpful for Members to have specific financial information regarding the remaining appropriation amount included in the project description. 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—(0). Motion carried.

The Landfill Committee report was presented by Committee chairman Lowell Mannhardt. The committee minutes and landfill report are included in the packets.

Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Parsons to approve the request to advertise to sell hay off of landfill #1 and landfill #2. This has been done the last two years. Last year it sold for $20 per ton. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Stewart to approve the low bid submitted by Yemm Chevrolet in the amount of $19,184.83 for the purchase of a new ½ ton truck for the landfill. This is the committee’s recommendation. Three other bids were received. Specific bid information is included in the packets. 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—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Porter to increase the tipping fee at the landfill, by $1.00 per ton, effective December 1, 2007 . The current tipping fee of $27.00 per ton would be increased to $28.00. This increase would offset the increased costs of fuel, labor, road construction, and equipment. With this increase, we would still be $7 to $8 per ton lower than any other area landfill. This is the committee’s recommendation. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(12). Noes—Sandoval—(1). Motion carried.  

Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Stewart to approve to bid and bring back for a 2,000 gallon double walled tank for waste oil for the landfill. This tank would supply the waste oil heater in the new maintenance building. Larry Larson estimates the cost to be approximately $6,000. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Parsons to approve the air testing of landfill #1 and landfill #2 by Geoprobe at an approximate cost of $7,325.00. This has to do with the clean air act program. Every five years the air coming out of the landfill #1 and #2 must be tested and levels of methane and non organic chemicals must be measured. In the end this test should save us over $60,000 to $100,000. Mr. Larson saw the need to do this and told Geoprobe to proceed with the testing. The committee agreed because of the urgency of the situation. The engineering firm informed the landfill July 9th of the need of these tests which needed to be completed during the month of July. Roll call vote to approve this air testing is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Chairman Pickrel stated that he had received four calls reporting that they are having problems with the chipper out on Pickard Road . Reportedly it keeps breaking down. He asked Mr. Larson to check into these reports. Mr. Larson responded that he had received a call that day reporting that the bearings went out. Member Steve Johnson stated that he had received reports that this piece of machinery is continually breaking down. He questioned how much money had been invested in this piece of machinery. Perhaps it is time to retire it and get another one. Chairman Pickrel commented that this would be a subject for the committee to investigate and bring a report to the next Meeting.

The Nursing Home Committee report was presented by Committee chairman Lowell Mannhardt. The committee minutes and the nursing home report are included in the packets. The $50,000 grant was approved for the construction of a walking/sensory trail. The University of Illinois will be designing the paths and laying them out, at no cost to the nursing home. Marianne Wiesen is on vacation. She would like to have a caboose donated to be included as feature of this trail. The residents of the nursing home would enjoy having a caboose on site.

The committee has recommended not paying the bill from the auditors pending further itemization and clarification. The list of budgetary line changes is included in the packet.

Chairman Pickrel stated that he has informed State’s Attorney John Pepmeyer that a letter needs to be sent to Mr. McDonald that as executor of an estate he owes us over $11,000.

Member Steve Johnson noted in the packet the State had given the nursing home a “no infraction” report, as did the Board of Health.

            Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Occhi to approve to open the budget to amend it. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, and Saline—(12). Noes—Steve Johnson—(1). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Lyle Johnson and seconded by Member Parsons to approve the budgetary line item changes for various departments. Specific information is included in the packets and additional handouts were distributed to the Members. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, and Saline—(12). Noes—Steve Johnson—(1). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Lyle Johnson and seconded by Member Parsons to approve the claims against Knox County , Illinois , for the period of June 28, 2007 – July 25, 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, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(12). Noes—Occhi—(1). Motion carried.

STATEMENTS OF GENERAL CONCERN

            Member Porter commented that she would like to see a list of the outside board appointments made by this Board. She would also like to see the per diem amounts. County Clerk Scott Erickson responded that some of this information is included on the County Clerk ’s web site.

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

            Chairman Pickrel commented in reference to the list of planned projects for Knox County that were included in the packets. He had never seen these before and questioned their origin. He questioned if work is actually progressing on any of these projects. Mr. Erickson explained that these pages were included with information submitted from the Western Illinois Regional Council.

            Member Stewart commented that he can finally vote “yes” in reference to paying the bills. All of the summary sheets are following the new format that allows Members to determine how much money is remaining in each appropriation line after the bills have been paid.

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

            Member Lyle Johnson commented that he was glad that Member Stewart voted “yes” to paying the bills.

            Member Abel commented in reference to the minutes of closed meetings. Care needs to be exercised when handling these.

            Member Occhi commented that she would like to see the minutes of the closed committee meetings turned back in after the meeting.

            Member Saline had no comments at this time.

            Member Steve Johnson expressed his thanks to fellow Board Members regarding the position of the Supervisor of Assessments. Hopefully we can move forward from here.

            Chairman Pickrel announced that the next regular Meeting will be held Wednesday, August 29, 2007 , 6:00 p.m. , at the Knox County Courthouse, Galesburg , Illinois .

            Motion was made by Member Sandoval and seconded by Member Stewart to adjourn. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, and Steve Johnson—(12). Noes—Saline—(1). Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m.