PROCEEDINGS OF THE
STATE OF
) SS
Proceedings of the
regular meeting of the Knox County Board held at the Knox County Courthouse,
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Allen Pickrel and upon roll
call the following members reported present:
District
1 Caroline Porter
District
2 Greg Bacon
District
3 Tim Hasten
District
4
District
5 Gerald
“Jerry” Link
District
1 Allen Pickrel
District
2 Paul Stewart
District
3 Dale Parsons
District
4 George Knapp
District 5
Ricardo “Rick” Sandoval
District
1 Lyle Johnson
District
2 William
“Bill” Abel
District
3 Janet Occhi
District
4 Wayne Saline
District
5 Stephen
“Steve” Johnson
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. He asked for an
addition to the agenda at 4A for a presentation by Sheriff Dave Clague.
Chairman Pickrel asked for public comment. George C. Koltz from Oak Run
presented a petition from citizens in the Oak Run area asking that the
Sheriff’s Department continue to provide safety patrols. They have no
complaints against the current level of service. During the summer, traffic
increases by 50%. These residents are asking that manpower and law enforcement
not be reduced.
David Bliss, a representative from GREDA (Galesburg Regional Economic
Development Association), addressed the Board thanking them for their funding in
the past. He asked that the current level of funding be continued for the coming
fiscal year. The support from
Dianne Wallen, a representative from AFSCME Local 31 of the Nursing Home,
addressed the Board asking for fair and equal treatment.
Mike Kroll addressed the Board regarding County economic development
funding. It is essential that the County continue to fund economic development
but such funding does not necessarily have to be channeled through GREDA. The
Board should examine the years of blatant nonperformance in this organization.
The
Randy Lynch addressed the Board in reference to per diem vouchers for
outside Board committee assignments. Recently he had filed under the Freedom of
Information Act to receive documentation from the
Member Porter asked that agenda item 2) claims by Members for per diem
and mileage for the Meeting of
Chairman Pickrel presented the following items of the consent agenda for
approval: 1) minutes of the Regular and Closed Board Meeting on September 26,
2007, and 3) sales tax and various taxes for the month of July 2007 in the
amounts of $94,528.61, and $18,470.47 and public safety tax in the amount of
$78,045.50. Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Occhi 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 Mannhardt and seconded by Member Abel to
approve the claims by Members for per diem and mileage for the Meeting of
Member Steve Johnson asked for a point of order in that this agenda item
refers only to the per diems for this particular meeting.
Member Porter responded that County Clerk Scott Erickson had told her
that these outside per diems could be included under this agenda item. Mr.
Erickson stated that this is the only spot that these claims can fall into. It
does not fall into the payment of the bills because it does not run through
accounts payable. It runs through Board payroll.
Member Porter continued that although Member Occhi has not been
officially appointed to any of these organizations, she had submitted per diems
for four off board meetings this month including: Carver Community Center,
Chamber of Commerce, GREDA, and the Civic Center Authority. Member Porter
suggested that since the Board contributes funds to GREDA, the Board should have
a Member appointed to that organization. Therefore, Member Occhi should receive
a per diem for attending GREDA but not for the other organizations. Member
Parsons submitted two per diems including one for the
Member Mannhardt and Member Abel agreed to amend the original motion to
exclude these per diems. Member Mannhardt stated that this stipulation would
apply for only this meeting. He understood this agenda item to include only what
is stated. He does not think it is appropriate to include what they had not been
informed about.
Mr. Erickson explained that committee chairmen had signed the per diems
for their committees and therefore those are not included in this agenda item.
Signatures are not required for the full Board Meetings. Board approval of those
claims equals that signature and authorizes payment.
Member Porter stated that there should be someplace on the agenda that
this matter of per diems for outside board meetings could be addressed.
Chairman Pickrel stated that as he understands it; this is to pay what is
presented to Board Members at that moment. These per diems are not included with
the bills which are approved toward the end of the meeting, and listed in the
packets.
Mr. Erickson stated that these per diems are processed with the other
signed per diems and Board payroll.
Member Steve Johnson suggested that on future agendas, it be worded
“per diem and mileage for the appropriate month”, rather than the specific
meeting night. In this way the Board could consider these other per diems.
Member Sandoval questioned whether per diems are authorized for the
Tourism Council.
Member Link stated that he had thought that this agenda item referred to
the per diems that had previously been approved and signed. He would have
difficulty in approving those per diems that had not been approved or signed.
Chairman Pickrel stated that he understood why these were presented late.
He is not picking on either Member Occhi or Member Parsons. They did attend
these meetings. Since we are going to be discussing outside board appointments
later during this meeting, they should not be penalized. Some things are going
to changed tonight regarding these outside board appointments.
Member Porter reported that she was told that she could address this
matter at this location on tonight’s agenda. If this was not possible, she
would have added this to the agenda. She first mentioned this subject in July.
These people have never been officially appointed and not approved by the Board.
Even if they had been appointed, it is up to the Board to decide which per diems
are paid and which are not.
Chairman Pickrel reminded Members that at the previous Meeting, he had
included a list in the packet which included each outside committee appointment.
The Chairman is charged with the responsibility to appoint members to these
outside boards and committees. He had done that. He is still struggling with
researching state statutes to determine which of these organizations require a
Board Member appointment. Further discussion on this subject will occur later in
this meeting.
Member Porter stressed again that these appointments must be made with
the approval of the Board. This has never been brought before the Board. Even
last month these were not approved. She thinks that these people are taking
advantage of the situation. Since July hundreds of dollars have been paid out
for these per diems. She emphasized that this is a scam.
Chairman Pickrel responded that only a few appointments have been made
since he became County Board Chairman, including Member Lyle Johnson and Member
Knapp to the Board of Review. Most of these appointments and their terms were
already in place when he became Chairman.
Member Porter stated that Housing Authority is a matter of record. She
has no objections to the appointment to the Health Department. However, she does
have questions concerning appointments to these other outside bodies.
Chairman Pickrel suggested that two choices could be made in this
situation. The real concern is the per diems that are not signed. The Board
could either choose to pay them, or pull them until authorization has been
given.
Member Steve Johnson stated that the Board cannot pay any bill or per
diem without signed authorization. If the voucher is not signed by this Meeting,
it should be held until the following Meeting. He reminded Members of some of
the public comments regarding vouchers that were not signed.
Member Occhi stated that it was her understanding that it was the
responsibility of the Chairman of the Board to sign the vouchers for these
outside Board per diems.
Chairman Pickrel stated that he did not want to embarrass Member Occhi
but he had discovered 40 per diems what were not signed by anyone during her
term as Chairman of the Board.
Member Occhi responded that these were probably just overlooked. When she
was the Chairman, she was one who signed those vouchers for per diems.
Member Steve Johnson questioned the appropriate procedure for a committee
chairman, regarding committee per diems. Chairman Pickrel responded from his
personal experience, he would give the voucher to both the Committee Chairman
and Vice-Chairman to sign. As Board Chairman, he would sign the outside Board
per diems. Mr. Erickson stated that this change should be included in the Board
Rules.
Chairman Pickrel reminded Members of the current motion to approve paying
only the per diems that have been signed. 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.
Sheriff Dave Clague recognized Deputy Tom Morse and presented him with
the Elderly Service Award from TRIAD. Several years ago Deputy Morse, with the
support of the Sheriff’s Department and the
A presentation on
Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Steve Johnson to
approve the resolution on intent to file for Section 5311, a grant for rural
transit. This resolution would make the County eligible to receive $176,871.81
over the next three years from the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Federal funds are being made available to fund rural transit in
County Clerk Scott Erickson explained that he had been contacted by
Margaret Bent from the local VNA group concerning this grant. It seems like a
very worth while cause.
Member Porter stated that the VNA already provides rural transportation.
These funds would allow them to expand their services.
Margaret Bent confirmed that these funds would allow them to expand
transportation services during the next three years. Currently they provide
transportation services to County residents who need to travel to either
Member Steve Johnson spoke in favor of approving this resolution. It
would provide expanded transportation services 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 Lyle Johnson and seconded by Member Steve
Johnson to approve the holiday closing schedule for 2008. Voice vote is recorded
as follows: Ayes—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
A presentation was given by Member Occhi from the recent UCCI Meeting.
She and Marianne Wiesen had attended this conference. This was an interesting
seminar and they learned a lot. A presentation entitled “Counties and the
Health Care System” was given during this Meeting. She had asked that
information be included in the packets.
Treasurer Robin Davis presented the report on the condition of the banks
as of
Motion was made by Member Occhi and seconded by Member Knapp to approve
the union contract addendum for the State’s Attorney’s Office. A copy of
this addendum and supporting information are included in the packets. This
addendum would cover personal leave time and includes a new wage scale.
Member Steve Johnson reported that this would be retroactive back to
August 2007. This contract was approved in June or July. For some reason there
was a delay getting the final written contract ready to present to the full
Board. Considering the current budget situation, it will make it difficult to
pay these wages retroactive.
Chairman Pickrel agreed. The total expenditure for these back wages would
be $4,000 - $4,500. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon,
Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle
Johnson, Abel, and Occhi—(13). Noes—Saline and Steve Johnson—(2). Motion
carried.
Motion was made by Member Occhi and seconded by Member Mannhardt to
approve the resolution on the use of State’s Attorney Appellate Prosecutor.
State’s Attorney John Pepmeyer stated that this resolution mirrors the
resolution of the last several years. These people are professionals and have
been invaluable in the services they have provided to the County. They are well
worth the $15,000 annual fee. 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/approval regarding a resolution
for mandatory federal funding for a veteran’s health care advisory referendum,
to be placed on the ballot for the primary election of
County Clerk Scott Erickson reported that he had contacted the Lt.
Governor’s Office. There has also been much conversation through the
Chairman Pickrel inquired if the cost would be different if they waited
to place it on the November ballot. Mr. Erickson responded the cost per ballot
would be less for the General Election. Chairman Pickrel stated that we all want
to support the veterans and yet the reality of this additional expense must be
considered.
Member Steve Johnson stated that although he totally supports the
veterans, there is no mention of the additional costs included in the packet.
Before this resolution is approved, the Board should step back to examine this
issue and determine where they can get the necessary funds to place this
referendum on the ballot.
Chairman Pickrel suggested they wait and consider placing this on the
November 2008 ballot. Mr. Erickson suggested that another option is that some
other counties are not placing this on the ballot but instead sending in their
letters of support for this federal funding.
Member Steve Johnson responded that he would be happy with this less
expensive alternative. Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by
Member Occhi to table this resolution. 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 Sandoval to
approve the resolution of support for the Knox County Substance Abuse Prevention
Coalition. Member Porter explained
that approving this resolution will enable this coalition to apply for grants.
Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Motion was made by Member Lyle Johnson and seconded by Member Steve
Johnson to approve external Board appointments for Board Members. An updated
revised list of appointments was distributed to each Member.
Chairman Pickrel stated that by law a Board Member must be appointed to
the following bodies: Board of Review, Housing Authority,
Member Occhi suggested that the Board of Review and the Housing Authority
not be included on this list.
Chairman Pickrel responded that since they were appointed by this Board,
they should be included. He could not find verification that a Board Member must
be appointed to the Civic Center Authority. Unless another Member can provide
that documentation, no appointment will be made the Civic Center Authortiy. If a
Board Member is willing to serve on the Chamber of Commerce that is fine, but
there will be no per diem for doing so.
Member Occhi stated that she had searched through the State statutes and
can not find verification that the
Chairman Pickrel responded that the County pays their insurance but does
not receive any reports back from them. He thinks that the Board is paying the
per diem of $35 per month for nothing. Likewise he did not find confirmation
that the
Member Porter stated that according to the yearbook of 2000-2002, no
Chairman Pickrel responded that the County should continue to be involved
on the
Chairman Pickrel stated that regarding the UCCI, although Member Steve
Johnson is the County’s representative, those conferences are open to any
Board Member who chooses to attend. The County is reimbursed for those who
choose to attend. Per diems will be allowed for
Member Porter questioned where it says that a Board Member must be
appointed to the
Member Steve Johnson stated that he has never turned in a per diem
request for the
Chairman Pickrel stated that the 15 committees had been reduced to 6
committees which will receive a per diem.
Member Link commented that since the Board will continue to have an
appointee to GREDA, he would like to see a monthly report.
Member Occhi reminded the Board about the Juvenile Justice Council, which
meets twice each year. Chairman Pickrel asked that Member Abel serve on that
council and Member Abel agreed to do so. Chairman Pickel stated that he would
have a updated copy of these appointments next month.
Motion was made by Member Lyle Johnson and seconded by Member Steve
Johnson to approve these changes in per diems to outside Board assignments.
Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Chairman Pickrel introduced for discussion/ approval a revised travel
policy for
Member Steve Johnson stated that since he had just received a revised
copy of it, and had not had time to review it, he did not want to vote to
approve this travel policy during this meeting. Motion was made by Member Lyle
Johnson and seconded by Member Stewart to table approval of this travel policy.
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.
The Finance, Insurance, Treasurer, Judicial, and Clerk Committee report
was presented by Committee Chairman Wayne Saline. The minutes are included in
the packets. Copies of the financial reports and the proposed budget had been
distributed to the Members.
Member Saline introduced discussion/approval the continuation of funding
GREDA (Galesburg Regional Economic Development Association). The finance
committee felt the need to bring this to the full Board for their approval.
Motion was made by Member Lyle Johnson and seconded by Member Abel to continue
funding GREDA at the current level of $30,000 annually with funds to be taken
from the landfill fund.
Member Steve Johnson questioned Dan Alcorn regarding GREDA’s
organizational structure. Mr. Alcorn responded that GREDA is a not for profit
corporation. Among other services that GREDA provides, they oversee the
Member Steve Johnson questioned if there were annual audits and if so why
they had not been provided to the Board. Mr. Alcorn confirmed that they do have
annual audits. However, copies of these audits were never requested. Since GREDA
is not a public entity, copies of the audit would not be available under the
Freedom of Information Act. Actually one of the advantages of GREDA is that they
can maintain confidentiality.
Member Steve Johnson questioned if any member assigned to any of
GREDA’s boards receives any money or ever received income from any of
GREDA’s transactions. Mr. Alcorn stated that he was not prepared to answer
that question. Board Members should feel free to contact him after he has done
the necessary research. GREDA has over 50 volunteer members. Their board members
do not receive per diems.
Member Bacon reminded Board Members of Mr. Bliss’s comments. Previously
there has been a lack of information. Member Bacon agreed with the need to
improve these lines of communication. In his opinion, one of the best reports
given to this Board was that presented by Guy Vitale. Member Bacon stated that
as he had read the newspaper recently, the point had been made that the Board
had never asked for additional reports or information. That information should
be provided before it is requested. If they are asking for money, they should be
presenting the information with their request. If they want the continued
funding, it is their responsibility to provide this information. He has served
on the Board for three years. Quarterly reports are presented and yet those
reports do not tell him what he wants to know.
Member Sandoval understands the need to keep some things confidential.
The lack of communication has been a problem. GREDA also needs to address the
economic concerns of the smaller communities such as Abingdon,
Member Abel commented that he does approve of economic development for
the County. He agrees with the need to maintain confidentiality. If this motion
to approve the continued funding to GREDA is approved tonight, one of the
conditions should be that GREDA would provide a monthly report to this Board.
Member Stewart stated that he had several concerns. He is opposed to the
outsourcing that is occurring in this country. He is concerned that the Board
has not been provided with an adequate accounting of how GREDA has spent the
money that the Board has already given to them. This is crucial information that
he would like to see. GREDA is pursuing the wrong path in investing in these
expensive trips to
Member Saline stated that he is favor of continuing to fund GREDA.
However, there should be a stipulation that they come and present their report
regarding a particular project that they are working on. Right now we give them
$30,000 and the Board does not know how these funds are spent. It would be good
to know a particular example of how those funds will be disbursed.
Chairman Pickrel stated that he had been on the Board for 10–12 years
and never received as many phone calls as on this particular issue. Not one of
those phone calls was in support of GREDA. Many of those calls raised the
question of accountability. One caller reported that he had phoned GREDA to ask
the cost of a trip to
Mr. Alcorn responded that he was not involved in this conversation. That
information is not a secret and could be disclosed. They would be willing to
provide a report to the Board on a weekly or a monthly basis. All of the
financial reports are approved on a monthly basis. There is a representative
from this Board who serves on GREDA’s board. There is no reason to keep that
information confidential.
Chairman Pickrel reported that some callers had questioned the salary of
GREDA’s personnel and were told that information would not be available as it
is private information. Mr. Alcorn agreed that would be reasonable position.
GREDA is a private company by design. Salaries do not have to be disclosed.
Chairman Pickrel disagreed. For example the newspaper lists the salaries
of those who work for the City of
Member Steve Johnson stated that he would like to see an audit from GREDA.
Member Lyle Johnson commented that he also had received numerous phone
calls regarding this issue. Many of these calls were in favor of the County’s
continued involvement with GREDA. He agrees that some information should not be
shared. There must be some degree of trust between this Board and GREDA.
Member Abel repeated that there should be a monthly report from GREDA.
Member Bacon reminded Members that there was a similar situation last
year. At that time as the Board was considering not continuing to fund GREDA,
lots of information was given to the Board. This year if the Board continues
funding GREDA, they need to work on improving their information network.
Roll call vote to continue funding GREDA at the current level of $30,000
annually with funds to be taken from the landfill fund is recorded as follows:
Ayes—Porter, Hasten, Link, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, and
Saline—(9). Noes—Bacon, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, Sandoval, and Steve
Johnson—(6). Motion carried.
Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Lyle Johnson to
approve the County computer contract low bid with R-Cubed Technologies for one
year at a fee of $26,250. This is a similar bid package as last year.
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 Hasten to approve
six attorney contracts for
Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Abel to approve
the renewal of health insurance with Blue Cross/Blue Shield. This is the
recommendation from the finance committee. There will be an increased cost to
County employees for the premiums. The deductible will remain the same. After
the County’s share, the employee would pay $64.18 for single coverage and
$545.78 for family coverage per month. Currently the employee pays $58.35 for
single coverage and $514.35 for family coverage per month. 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—(0). Pass—Steve Johnson—(1). Motion carried.
Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Parsons to
approve the renewal of property, liability, and vehicle insurance. It is the
recommendation of the finance committee to renew this insurance with the current
service provider with no increased cost. 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 Parsons to
approve the vision/dental provider transfer. This will cost the County nothing
and provide better options to County employees. This is the recommendation from
the finance committee. 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 Porter to approve
the proposed fiscal year 2007-2008 County Budget. Copies of this proposed budget
had been mailed to the Members. A copy will be kept on display in the
Member Stewart reminded Members that last year he had voted “no” to
approving the budget as it did not include funds to hire a
Member Porter questioned the wellness bonus that is included in this
budget. She thought that this provision had been eliminated. Treasurer Robin
Davis explained that by terms of collective bargaining, it is still included in
some union contracts. Member Porter also questioned the expense line amount for
Member Porter stated that she agrees with Member Stewart’s comments
about the need for a
Member Bacon stated that he had voted “no” to continue funding GREDA,
and therefore he will vote “no” on approval of this budget. Chairman Pickrel
stated that personally he agreed.
Member Abel called for the question. Roll call vote to approve the
proposed fiscal year 2007-2008 County Budget as presented is recorded as
follows: Ayes—Porter, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Parsons, Knapp, Abel, Occhi,
Saline, and Steve Johnson—(10). Noes—Bacon, Pickrel, Stewart, Sandoval, and
Lyle Johnson—(5). Motion carried.
Chairman Pickrel thanked the finance committee for a wonderful job in
their efforts to balance the budget without increasing taxes. He also thanked
the elected officials and department heads for their efforts to hold down
expenses.
Member Saline introduced discussion regarding the funding for the
Chairman Pickrel agreed that centralized purchasing is needed.
Member Steve Johnson stated that he is also in support of a
Member Link stated that he wanted to go on record that we need a
Chairman Pickrel suggested that in January the finance committee begin to
investigate such matters as salary for this position and work it into the budget
for the following year.
The Ad Hoc Building Committee report was presented by Committee Chairman
Steve Johnson. The sally port at the Mary Davis Home is completed. There is
still a section of sidewalk that needs to be completed. He invited Board Members
to come and see this new structure. At the landfill, they are pouring the floor
in the basement and two of the wing walls have been poured for the new building.
They are also working on the water line for this structure.
The Sheriff, Jail, Courthouse, Animal Control, Mary Davis Home, and Annex
Committee report was presented by Committee Chairman Steve Johnson. The monthly
reports are included in the packets. The committee minutes were distributed to
the Members.
Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Saline to
approve the grant application for the purchase of a Starcom Radio System. Member
Steve Johnson stated that in an effort to improve communication between
emergency responders, security forces, and the railroad, the federal government
has been in contact with the State of
There is a one time offer to apply for grants from the federal government
for this radio system. This is an 80%-20% matching grant. The County’s portion
of this grant would be approximately $12,500 to provide 25 radios for the
Sheriff’s Department. These funds would come out of the 2008-2009 budget.
However, the grant application must be submitted by
Member Saline reported that the 9-1-1- Committee has been aware of this
mandate. They have heard reports of the effectiveness of these radios. However,
until now there were no funds available. Since this federal money is available,
we need to take advantage of it. Roll call vote to approve the grant application
for the purchase of a Starcom Radio System 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.
Member Steve Johnson reported that there is another grant application
that needs to be approved during this meeting. This application would be for a
police vehicle through the Justice Assistance Grant Program and would be a 75%
federal and 25% local grant. The cost for this vehicle has already been budgeted
for the 2007-2008 fiscal year. Somehow this item was omitted from this agenda.
Unfortunately, no information was included in the packets. Considering the
upcoming deadline to submit this grant application, it can not wait until
November’s meeting.
Motion was made by Member Abel and seconded by Member Lyle Johnson to
suspend the rules for the purpose of voting to approve submitting this grant
application. 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 Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Sandoval
to approve applying for a grant for a police vehicle through the Justice
Assistance Grant Program and would be a 75% federal and 25% local grant. 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.
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. Nancy McCune reported to the committee that
the Recorder’s Office is running low on revenue stamps. The new GIS
coordinator seems to fitting in well. They have received nothing but good
reports about his job performance. The LESA (Land Evaluation Site Assessment)
agreement has been completed and needs to be approved by the Board. However, a
copy of it did not get into the packets. Approval of this agreement should be on
next month’s agenda. The highway department reported that they have completed
the major road construction projects for this year.
Motion was made by Member Bacon and seconded by Member Porter to approve
the low bid for the GIS server from R-Cubed Technologies in the total amount of
$8,518.00. This is the committee’s recommendation. Copies of the bids are
included in the packets. 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.
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 bid for a Case 485 tractor & K-Tec 1225 scraper from Birkey’s,
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. Next month they plan to have a proposal ready to present to the
full Board for repairing the fascia and soffit at the nursing home.
Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Parsons to
approve the increase in room rates by $5.00 per day for private and semi private
rooms at the nursing home. This increase will become effective in November 2007.
A 30 day notice must be given to the residents. This notice will be included
with their next bill. Marianne Wiesen reported that even including this
increase, the daily fee would still be less than that of other area nursing
homes. 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 Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Link to
approve the contract extension for the farm land lease. This would renew the
current lease with the same tenant with no changes. The committee feels that the
farm ground should be put up for bids in September 2008. 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 Parsons 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, Abel, Occhi, and Saline—(13). Noes—Lyle Johnson and Steve
Johnson—(2). Motion carried.
Motion was made by Member Saline 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. Treasurer Robin Davis stated that all of these bills have come
through the committees. Then the
Motion was made by Member Lyle Johnson and seconded by Member Porter to
approve claims against
STATEMENTS OF
GENERAL CONCERN
Member Porter, Member Bacon, Member Hasten, Member Mannhardt, Member
Link, Chairman Pickrel, Member Stewart, Member Parsons, Member Knapp, Member
Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, and Member Abel had no comments at this time.
Member Occhi commented that as a member of the finance committee she
wanted to thank Treasurer Robin Davis, Department Heads, and elected officials
for all their help on this proposed budget. They did a wonderful job.
Member Saline asked if it would be possible for the Treasurer’s Office
to print out specific line item information to show how much money is left and
have this information available to the departments and the committees for this
last month of the fiscal year.
Member Steve Johnson had no comments at this time.
The next regular Meeting will be held on
Meeting was recessed at