PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNTY BOARD

KNOX COUNTY , ILLINOIS

September 26, 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, September 26, 2007 at 6:05 p.m.

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

District 1          Caroline Porter            

District 2          Greg Bacon

District 3          Tim Hasten

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         

            Also present were State’s Attorney John Pepmeyer, Treasurer Robin Davis, Sheriff Dave Clague, and County Clerk Scott Erickson.

            Sheriff Dave Clague delivered the proclamation. Chairman Pickrel led the Members in the pledge to the flag. Since no one was assigned to deliver the invocation, Chairman Pickrel asked for a moment of silence.

            Chairman Pickrel asked for additions to the agenda. Member Occhi asked for an addition to discuss approval of a letter of support for a foreign trade zone. Chairman Pickrel added that item at 9A. Member Link stated that George Knapp’s term to the Board of Review had expired and that he needed to be reappointed. Chairman Pickrel added that item at 3B.

            Chairman Pickrel asked for public comment. Wilma Hjellum addressed the Board regarding her frustration with a real estate tax matter. She had made numerous attempts to contact the Assessor’s Office to ask that her property in Yates City be reassessed. Yet no one responded to her calls. When she purchased this property last year, the Assessor’s Office told her that nothing could be done to reduce the tax for that year and they assured her that it would be taken care of this year. However, it was not. In fact the tax increased from $1,400 to $1,500. Although they are trying to renovate this property, at the current time it is not livable. She did receive an assessment notice, and has been told that nothing can be done to reduce the taxes. She asked for relief from the County Board .

            Chairman Pickrel stated that he would contact Supervisor of Assessments Joyce Skinner and Chris Gray regarding this matter.

            Chairman Pickrel presented the following items of the consent agenda for approval: 1) minutes of the Regular and Closed Board Meeting on August 29, 2007, 2) claims by Members for per diem and mileage for the Meeting of September 26, 2007, and 3) sales tax and various taxes for the month of June 2007 in the amounts of $101,377.75 and $19,321.34 and public safety tax in the amount of $82,650.58. Motion was made by Member Abel and seconded by Member Steve Johnson to approve these measures. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Porter and seconded by Member Lyle Johnson to reappoint George Knapp to the Board of Review. Member Link reminded Members that this term has expired. Member Occhi reported that as she had researched State statutes, she learned that this appointee must be an appraiser. Chairman Pickrel stated that while it would be a good idea to have a realtor on this Board, none of them have volunteered to serve in this capacity.

            Member Porter agreed that it would be a good idea to have a realtor but since no one has expressed interest, she asked for clarification about the requirements.

            Member Occhi responded that according to State statutes regarding the assessment office, this appointee must be an appraiser. She asked that this appointment be tabled, to allow time to do further research and make sure that the Board is not violating the law. There was no second to table this matter. Chairman Pickrel stated that if they are violating the law, they have been doing so for 15 years.

            Roll call vote to reappoint George Knapp to the Board of Review is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—Occhi—(1). Pass—Knapp—(1). Motion carried.

            Chairman Pickrel read aloud a proclamation which recognizes September as National Substance Abuse Recovery Month. A copy of this proclamation was presented to Pat Shaefer.

            Greg Chance presented the Board of Health Report. He reminded Members of the Smoke Free Illinois policy in all public places as defined by the State. It will be up to the public health departments to enforce this policy. Administrative rules have not yet been specified. The Knox County Health Department is informing the community that this policy will become effective January 1, 2008. An educational meeting will be held October 25, at 7:00 p.m. at the Health Department. County officials are encouraged to attend. The Sheriff and the State’s Attorney are aware of this policy.

            Another matter of concern is the high rate of sexually transmitted diseases in Knox County , which rates in the top ten counties in the State. There will be a town hall meeting October 18, 7:00 p.m. at the Kensington Ballroom. Two representatives from the Illinois Department of Public Health will also be attending this meeting.

            The Health Department did receive their full order of flu vaccine in the amount of 4,500 doses. Flu Clinics will begin the last of October. They expect to exhaust their vaccine supply in approximately three weeks.

            The Board of Health has been working on their budget for the coming year. They plan to spend down some of their reserve funds to help finance the new building addition to the Health Department. Financial information will be forwarded to the finance committee. This building expansion will be 3,300 square feet and will be located on the west side of the building and will be utilized for the dental clinic. It will have a separate entrance.

            November will mark the 15th year since the referendum created the Knox County Health Department. In honor of that event a luncheon will be held November 28.

            The greatest challenge in the future will be funding. Members of the public still expect the same level of service and yet the cost to provide those services continues to increase. Although legally the Health Department can levy up to $.10, they expect the levy in the new budget to be $.08. It was $.075 last year.

            Jim Taylor, from Carpentier, Mitchell, Goddard & Company LLC, presented the County audit report. Copies of this report and copies of the management letters had been presented to the Members. A copy of this report will be kept on file in the County Clerk ’s Office.

            Member Steve Johnson asked Mr. Taylor to rate the financial health of the County on a 10 point scale, with 1 being a poor rating and 10 being an excellent rating. Mr. Taylor responded that based on a variety of criteria it would be in the 7 - 8 range.

            Chairman Pickrel stated that the finance committee, the department heads, and this County Board should be recognized for their efforts to get us to this point. He encouraged Members to read and study this audit report. Although we have had a good year, huge challenges lie ahead.

            Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Occhi to approve the County audit report. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Chairman Pickrel introduced discussion regarding external Board Member appointments and per diems payments. Specific information regarding outside committee assignments and present terms is included in the Board packets. He noted that some corrections needed to be made regarding the expiration dates for some of these terms. Member Occhi commented that the Board of Review and the Housing Authority are not required to have County Board Members assigned to them. We just happened to appoint two County Board Members . Chairman Pickrel stated that the County does not pay per diems for these assignments. Member Saline stated that the 9-1-1 Committee does have a term limit, but could not remember the specifics. Chairman Pickrel stated that since the County owns part of the dispatch area located in the Public Safety Building , this body needs to remain on this list. However, they do not have meetings very often.

            Member Porter thanked Chairman Pickrel for doing the research to prepare this list. She reminded Members that she had sent out a memo after she received her packet. In her opinion the Board needs to adopt some direction regarding off Board assignments. We should wipe the slate clean as there are a number of inaccuracies on this page. We would then only approve the appointments to those bodies that are required to have a County Board Member . Since the Board contributes so much money to GREDA, a County Board Member should also be assigned to this body. Member Occhi is probably the only Board Member willing to serve on this body so she should be reappointed. Likewise if Member Parsons is willing to continue to serve on the Knox County Tourism Council, then he should be reappointed. The Board should just reappoint those few people who we know must be represented to these outside boards. The rest of these appointments would be voluntary service. In researching through an old yearbook from 2000 - 2002, there are no County Board Members on the Public Safety Building Committee, Civic Center , or the 9-1-1 Committee.

            The Knox County Teen Court only came into existence within the last few years. It would be a good idea to continue to have a County Board Member appointed to this body. The County Board would like to have a representative to UCCI. She understands that three County Board Members must serve on the University of Illinois Extension Board for the annual meeting. Member Bacon has been appointed to the Knox County Board of Health. The County Board did pass a resolution which allows that term to last the length of his term on the County Board . She is not sure whether that resolution extends to other outside boards.

            Chairman Pickrel stated that he had given much thought regarding how to simplify this whole matter of outside appointments and per diem payments. This Board must decide what they are required to be a part of and what they are not. This whole thing can be confusing. Sometimes we are allowing other bodies to dictate to us. Somehow we need to get on a schedule to approve and perhaps shuffle these appointments. He would suggest that this could be accomplished as a part of the Annual Reorganizational Board Meeting.

            Member Steve Johnson agreed and suggested that a committee or a Board Member be assigned to research this and rewrite that section of the Board Rules. The committees that the Board decides to be a part of would then be specified in the Board Rules with the length of the terms.

            Member Occhi stated that she had done some research into this situation. By State statute a County Board Member must be appointed to the 9-1-1 Committee. She is continuing her research in an effort to determine which of these bodies are legally mandated to have an appointed County Board Member . She would then share this information with County Clerk Scott Erickson to keep on file. Some of the terms are two year terms. However, the Civic Center Authority by State statute has a three year term, which is somewhat awkward with the terms of the County Board .

            Member Saline stated that it would be prudent to do the research and look at the bylaws before changes are made in these appointments. If there are some of these bodies that the County Board is not required to be a part of, then we should no longer do so. If however, there are bodies that have bylaws that stipulate in order to apply for grants, that a County Board Member has to be a part of those bodies, then we should allow that. Unless we have that information, we are spinning our wheels.

            Member Parsons reminded Members that he had offered his resignation from the Prairie Hills R.C.C. and it was refused. He tries to do a good job and represent the County. He certainly has not padded his per diem. He has attended these meetings and presented his reports to the Board.

            Chairman Pickrel confirmed that Member Parsons had tried to resign. However, because of his good work, Chairman Pickrel wanted him to continue.

            Member Porter stated that we must trim our commitment to these outside bodies. If some of these bodies require a County Board Member to be a part of their organization, we should allow them to contact the County Board . We should not have to do all of this research.

            Chairman Pickrel questioned if the County Board should have a part in the Civic Center Authority, including helping them to purchase insurance. He will submit some paperwork to State’s Attorney John Pepmeyer and ask him to review it.

            Member Saline commented that the County Board Chair has the authority to appoint whoever he wishes to these outside bodies. This discussion is pointless and a waste of time. It is Chairman Pickrel’s responsibility to study this matter and make these appointments. We need to move on.

            Chairman Pickel reminded Members that a County Board Member had expressed concerns and wanted this matter discussed. For the next Board Meeting, he will provide a list of those bodies that the County Board should be involved with and those that the County Board could remove itself from. He will not ask someone to resign their current term. But when their term is concluded, he would ask that no one else be reappointed. He will have a proposal ready to present for the next meeting.

            Motion was made by Member Lyle Johnson and seconded by Member Mannhardt to approve the contract for the new Knox County Supervisor of Assessments. Current Supervisor of Assessments Joyce Skinner will be retiring December 31, 2007. Pending Board approval of this contract, Chris Gray will be assuming this position January 1, 2008. A copy of this contract is included in the packets.

            Member Occhi shared some of her concerns with contradictions within this contract regarding holidays, sick leave, and bereavement. Some of these sections go against the personnel handbook. There is also language in this contract regarding transportation to indicate that a County owned vehicle will be provided for her use. Failure to do so would mean that the County is in violation of the contract. She would suggest that this be a one year contract and then renegotiate for the following year.

            State’s Attorney John Pepmeyer stated that he had reviewed this contract. This contract mirrors that of current Supervisor of Assessments Joyce Skinner, except in the matter of compensation. He was told that the terms had been negotiated and that he was to review it from the legality and enforcement standpoints.

            Member Porter confirmed that terms of this contract had been negotiated with Mrs. Gray. She understands that if the Clerk’s and Treasurer’s salaries are frozen, her salary will also be frozen.

            Member Saline agreed that the wording in the contract regarding the sick leave is not quite right. Mr. Pepmeyer stated that historically this wording has been repeated from previous contracts. Mrs. Gray commented that the wording was taken from the personnel handbook. Member Occhi reiterated her concern that the proposed contract does not make sense.

            Member Steve Johnson stated that this contract must mirror the personnel policy. He suggested that the last sentence in the bereavement portion should be deleted.

            Member Abel questioned the evaluation and termination procedures. These processes should be spelled out in this contract. Otherwise later there could be problems.

            Member Steve Johnson stated that everything could not be included in a contract. It would be too wordy and too lengthy. If Member Abel had served on the Board a few years ago when a former assessor was removed, he would understand the procedure. Termination involves a hearing. Both sides are represented. There are specific statutes regarding the removal of an assessor.

            Treasurer Robin Davis recommended that this contract be sent back to the State’s Attorney’s Office to correct these inconsistencies. This contract should agree with the personnel policy.

            Member Lyle Johnson called for the question. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Stewart, Knapp, and Lyle Johnson—(7). Noes—Bacon, Pickrel, Parsons, Sandoval, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(8). Motion failed.

            Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Link to approve this contract with an amendment to paragraph 8, regarding sick leave. That last sentence should be omitted.

            Member Bacon stated that since he is a member of the assessor’s committee, he was worked with Mrs. Gray and believes that she is the best person for this job. She knows what she is doing. Member Bacon does have a problem with the compensation paragraph. By the terms of this contract, her salary would be adjusted each year to equal that of the County Clerk and County Treasurer . Yet these are elected positions. If the compensation equals that of elected officials, for the point of accountability, we may need to investigate making the Supervisor of Assessments an elected position.

            Roll call vote to approve this contract with the amendment to paragraph 8, omitting the last sentence of the bereavement paragraph is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—Bacon, and Occhi—(2). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Lyle Johnson and seconded by Member Parsons to approve a letter of support for Prairie Hills Resource Conservation Development groups E.P.A. grant proposals. Information is included in the packets. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Member Occhi introduced for discussion approval of a letter of support for a foreign trade zone. This request comes from the Galesburg City Council and GREDA. This letter of support refers to the logistics park. Other bodies are also asked to sign this letter of support. Chairman Pickrel stated that since this item was not included on this agenda, no action could be taken. It would be included on next month’s agenda.

            The Finance, Insurance, Treasurer, Judicial, and Clerk Committee report was presented by Committee Chairman Wayne Saline. The financial reports are included in the packets.

            Motion was made by Member Sandoval and seconded by Member Bacon to approve the salary increase of the Circuit Clerk. This would bring that salary up to the same level as that of other elected officials. Member Saline reminded Members that this matter had been discussed in the past. This salary increase would begin with the next fiscal year, beginning in December. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the purchase of election management software at a cost of $55,000. County Clerk Scott Erickson reminded Members of the information in the packets. This matter was discussed during the finance committee meeting. The current contract for the County includes the cost to lease the GEMS Election Management Software program. The leasing option for this program is being phased out by the company. Our election vendor has directed us to purchase this software for the County so that there will never be an interruption of the service to the County. If we do not purchase this program, we could loose access to this program and the election history it retains. This program will also be used to design and develop the ballots for elections. This will be funded with HAVA grant money. There will be no cost to the County. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Abel to approve the purchase of three additional voting machines at a cost of $4,605.00 each from Fidlar Election Company. County Clerk Scott Erickson reported on the success of the new touch screen voting machines. He would like to purchase three additional machines. Funds are budgeted in the 2007-2008 budget for the replacement of two machines. There are some HAVA funds available to pay for a portion of a third unit. It would be advantageous to have these machines ready before the February Primary Election. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Occhi and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the resolution to increase court fees for the Child Advocacy Center . A copy of this resolution is included in the packets. This would specify that a $5.00 fine be added to the fines and fees currently being paid by defendants who qualify under the revised guidelines of HB 1391 for the operation and administration of the Knox County Child Advocacy Center . Member Saline stated that this matter was discussed during the finance committee meeting. This resolution would increase revenue for Child Advocacy. Member Steve Johnson stated that a similar resolution was passed for Teen Court and it generates $1,000 - $1,200 per month. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Chairman Pickrel stated that discussion regarding personnel policy revisions and specifically the travel policy should be postponed until next month. He apologized that appropriate information was not submitted to Mr. Erickson to include in the packets.

            The Ad Hoc Building Committee report was presented by Committee Chairman Steve Johnson. The basement for the scale house/office building at the landfill is being dug. Instead of a modular building that had been previously discussed, the contractor has informed him that it will be a stick building.

            The Sheriff, Jail, Courthouse, Animal Control, Mary Davis Home, and Annex Committee report was presented by Committee Chairman Steve Johnson. The monthly reports are in the packets. Minutes from the committee meeting had been distributed to the Members. The Muffin Monster project was rebid and bids were due by September 25, at 4:30 p.m. Two bids were received.

            Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the low bid for the installation of the Muffin Monster at the Knox County Jail, in the amount of $38,390.00, submitted by J. P. Benbow Plumbing and Heating Company. (The Muffin Monster is a grinder type device that is to be installed in the sewer to shred the debris that is flushed down the toilets of the Knox County Jail and clogs the sewers.) Member Steve Johnson read aloud the scope of the work that this company is to provide. One important feature is that they plan to install a six inch bypass so they will not have to turn off the jail sewer while the Muffin Monster is being installed or serviced. The committee recommends the approval of this bid. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Regarding other matters of Sheriff, Jail, Courthouse, Animal Control, Mary Davis Home, and Annex Committee business, Member Steve Johnson reported that the committee has completed preliminary budget reviews of the Sheriff’s Department, the Mary Davis Home, and the Animal Control Department. They hope to finalize these budgets before the next finance committee meeting.

            The Sally Port addition at the Mary Davis Home is approximately three weeks from completion, weather permitting.

            Chairman Pickrel reported that there had been a problem with the animal control officer who was recently hired for this full time position, even though he already had a full time job. Chairman Pickrel at the time voted against approval of this candidate for the animal control officer position because this man already had one full time job. Last month Chairman Pickrel received several phone calls. A well known County restaurant had a problem as patrons could not enter the establishment, because of a vicious dog outside. We had no one to call as the animal control officer was at his other job. The restaurant was told that the animal control officer could not come but would be there two days later.

            Member Steve Johnson presented an update to this situation. A deputy was sent. There was more to the story than what Chairman Pickel was told. The employees of this restaurant were feeding this dog. Therefore, they could not get close enough to the animal to catch it. Initially they thought that a tranquilizer gun would be required. John Kennedy is the only one who is licensed in the County to do that. Mr. Kennedy told those restaurant employees to quit feeding the dog. Then Mr. Kennedy went to get the dog and he rode in the front seat of the squad car to the animal shelter.

            Member Steve Johnson reported on another serious matter of courthouse business that came up that day. There are some serious, major water problems in the courthouse. Some pipes are leaking. Sheriff Clague presented a sample of the leaky corroded pipes. Member Steve Johnson stated that this is a section that was removed today. There are water problems in the County Clerk ’s Office as there are coffee cans hanging from the ceiling to catch the drips. There are also water problems in one of the judge’s chambers where pipes are leaking and have stained computer equipment. MSI came to do an inspection. There are a couple of pipes that if they are not replaced immediately, they could rupture at any time.

            When the Circuit’s Office was remodeled, they did replace piping in there. However, most of the pipes in the courthouse have not had any attention for a long time. Apparently most of these problems are in the sprinkler line. MSI presented an initial estimate to replace these pipes at $53,000. If there is asbestos involved, that cost would double. Samples have been taken and sent to a lab to determine if there is asbestos. Repairs can not wait for two or three months. It is a critical situation. Even though it is not on the agenda, he would like the ability to authorize the Sheriff to bid and bring back for replacement costs to the next Board Meeting.

            Chairman Pickrel agreed and suggested that there be two sets of bids, one including the removal of asbestos and one without.

            The Highway, Assessor, Zoning, GIS, and Recorder Committee report was presented by Committee Chairman Jerry Link. Minutes of the committee meeting and reports are included in the packets. The highway department has been busy with a lot of road improvements. Work on County Highway 8 has been completed. They are still working on a section of County Highway 26 just west of Highway 41. That project should be completed within the next two weeks. The Highway Department has also been assisting the City of Galesburg with debris removal following the storm of August 23.

            Member Stewart questioned if the State’s Attorney’s Office had made progress with the enforcement of zoning violations. Chairman Pickrel responded that Mr. Pepmeyer has met with Mary Christie and this matter has been taken care of it. Member Link stated that it seemed like it would be a very good working relationship.

            Motion was made by Member Bacon and seconded by Member Occhi to approve the resolution from Spoon Valley Lake Sanitary District concerning the installation of a public sewage disposal system. A copy of this resolution is included in the packets. This would amend the resolution adopted in 1978, which is an agreement between the Oak Run developers and Knox County . The Sanitary District Board is looking forward to the expansion of the sewer system and wants to update their agreement. Attorney Jim Blake and professional engineer Kevin Cooper from Bruner, Cooper, and Zuck, Inc., were available to respond to questions.

            Mr. Blake explained that today newer technology exists than that specified in the original resolution. This proposed method of expansion is actually better and more economical to operate than the original equipment. By terms of this amended resolution the Sanitary District Board will install an IEPA approved sewer system to the subdivision once they reach the 25% occupancy rate. According to this plan, installation will begin in 2008 - 2009. This resolution has been discussed with the zoning committee and the Health Department. Greg Chance confirmed that the Health Department supports this resolution. Mr. Blake stated that this project would be funded through a tax levy and sewer user fees. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals on case #ZA-03-07 regarding a zoning district change from farming to conservation and also their decision on case #CU-04-07 for a conditional use permit for a saw mill. These requests was filed by Richard and Laura Collins, 1277 Knox Rd 1600 N, Knoxville , Illinois , regarding 5 acres of an 80 acre tract. Chris Gray presented an update regarding these cases. The Zoning Board of Appeals met that afternoon. No one spoke either in favor or against these cases. After conducting the public hearing, it is the recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals to approve both of these cases. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Abel and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the elimination of demolition permits and fees. The committee has discussed this matter for the past two months. Supervisorof Assessment Joyce Skinner recommends this action. In her report she stated that area counties such as Warren , Fulton , Henry, McDonough and Stark Counties do not require demolition permits. Most residents do not realize that this permit is required and without a building inspector this policy is very difficult to enforce. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(14) Noes—(1). 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 Porter and seconded by Member Knapp to approve the purchase of two computers for the landfill scale house/office building. Larry Larson estimates the total cost to be $3,200.00. One computer would be at the scale to monitor the weight coming in and out. It will be connected to the Courthouse so that information can be downloaded to assist with billing. The second computer will be a back up unit. These funds are included in the budget. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

Motion was made by Member Knapp and seconded by Member Lyle Johnson to remove from the table to bid and bring back for a track type tractor and pull type scrapers. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes: Porter, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—Bacon and Sandoval—(2). Motion carried. 

Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Porter to approve to bid and bring back for a track type tractor and (1) 25 yard pull type scraper. Larry Larson stated that there are two changes from last month’s request. They are looking for one larger scraper instead of two 18 yard scrapers. The bid would include a buy back proposal for one year, two years, and three years. This tractor would have a rubber track.

Member Steve Johnson expressed his concerns that the track type tractor would endure the working conditions at the landfill. Member Porter stated that this tractor would not be a farm type tractor. We should take the advice of our landfill administrator. Chairman Pickrel questioned what the advantage would be of having a track type tractor instead of what has previously been used.

Mr. Larson responded that the cost would be about $100,000 less. There would also be increased pulling ability with the rubber track, especially in muddy conditions.

Member Bacon asked for the opinion of Greg Ingle who responded that his primary concern is the track life. He would estimate that would be approximately 1,500 to 2,000 hours. The track replacement cost would be approximately $5,000 per track. He does think that the tractor should perform as they expect it to. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(14). Noes—(1). Motion carried.

            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.

            Motion was made by Member Porter and seconded by Member Parsons to approve to bid and bring back for a wander-guard type alarm system for the exit doors at the nursing home. This estimated cost would be from $60,000-$80,000 dependent upon the number of doors alarmed with this system and would reduce elopement opportunities for at risk residents. This expenditure could come from the tax referendum funding. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Stewart to bid and bring back for the waste management contract for the nursing home. The current contract expires in January 2008. The current service provider, Waste Management, has informed the nursing home that a fuel surcharge will be added to the current contract. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Knapp to bid and bring back for the design and installation of new fascia board and soffit for under the eaves for two wings of the nursing home. The object would be to improve the appearance and make it more presentable. Since asbestos is involved, this project will also include an IDPH review. This project would be funded through the tax referendum account. Marianne Wiesen stated that the estimated cost is over $100,000. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Marianne Wiesen reported that the nursing home had received their grant money for the trail project.

            Motion was made by Member Stewart and seconded by Member Occhi to approve to open the budget to amend it. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, and Saline—(14). Noes—Steve Johnson—(1). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Stewart and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the budgetary line item changes for various departments. Specific information is included in the packets. Other additional information was distributed to the Members. Member Steve Johnson explained his reason to voting “no” to these changes. The finance committee works diligently to establish a budget and yet each month the Board votes to change it. Chairman Pickrel stated that one reason for this is the antiquated system in the Treasurer’s Office. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, and Saline—(14). Noes—Steve Johnson—(1). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Lyle Johnson and seconded by Member Abel to approve the claims against Knox County , Illinois for the period of August 30, 2007-September 26, 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, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Pass—Bacon—(1). Motion carried.

STATEMENTS OF GENERAL CONCERN

            Member Porter, Member Bacon, Member Hasten, and Member Mannhardt had no comments at this time.

            Member Link commented that during this meeting he had heard the word “yearbook”. He would like to someday have an updated copy of the yearbook.

            Member Bacon echoed Member Link’s comments.

            Chairman Pickrel echoed the comments about the yearbook. He would also like to have a copy of the employee handbook.

            Member Stewart inquired about receiving a copy of the Board Rules.

            County Clerk Scott Erickson explained that earlier this year the Board approved changes in the Board Rules. These rules were included in the Board packet. These rules are also available on the web site.

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

            Member Occhi gave Member Stewart a copy of the Board Rules.

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

            The next regular meeting will be held on Wednesday October 24, 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—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.