PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNTY BOARD

KNOX COUNTY , ILLINOIS

November 28, 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, November 28, 2007 at 6:10 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 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

Those absent:                           District 5          Gerald “Jerry” Link

            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 present to deliver the invocation, Chairman Pickrel asked for a moment of silence.

            Chairman Pickrel asked for additions to the agenda. Member Sandoval asked that agenda item 27, decision on Zoning Board of Appeals cases, be removed from this agenda. He would like to add an update concerning tax exemptions for 2007. Chairman Pickrel agreed to the removal and added the update at agenda item 27. Member Stewart remarked that at the previous Board Meeting he understood that it was to be on this agenda to approve a resolution in favor of hiring a County Administrator for fiscal year 2008-2009 and yet it was not included on this agenda. Chairman Pickrel responded that this matter was to be referred to the finance committee to see if they could come up with the necessary funding in the budget. Member Porter stated that it is up to the Board to decide if they want to hire an administrator. Then the next step would be to come up with the necessary funding. Chairman Pickrel stated that this matter would be included on next month’s agenda.

            Chairman Pickrel asked for public comment. Kate Francis, President and Managing Director of the Orpheum Theatre, read aloud a letter to the Board asking for their continued support. In the past Knox County has paid for their insurance and they should continue to do so. She submitted additional documentation to the Members. Chairman Pickrel stated that providing insurance for the Orpheum is a matter that the Board is studying.

            Randy Lynch, AFSCME Council #31 union representative, spoke in support of AFSCME union members. These are working people who perform services for the County and are unhappy with the last offer. As a taxpayer he wanted to express his personal dissatisfaction with the Board and their misappropriation of money. At the beginning of the year, the Board pretty much gave a blank check to the State’s Attorney’s Office to hire private investigators. The Board has misspent money.

             Chairman Pickrel interrupted Mr. Lynch to say that he was out of line.

            Mr. Lynch stated that he would take his concerns elsewhere.

            Chairman Pickrel presented the following items of the consent agenda for approval: 1) minutes of the Regular and Closed Board Meeting on October 24, 2007, 2) claims by Members for per diem and mileage for the Meeting of November 28, 2007, and other claims for per diems from Meetings, 3) sales tax and various taxes for the month of August 2007 in the amounts of $94,961.71 and $17,228.00 and public safety tax in the amount of $78,589.41. Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Parsons to approve these measures.

            Member Porter asked about another off board per diem payment that according to the previous meeting was not to be authorized. Chairman Pickrel stated that he had already addressed that.

            Member Stewart asked for a correction to the minutes on page 10 regarding his comments about GREDA. His statement should read “He would much rather see funds invested in neighborhood revitalization.” Member Occhi also asked for an addition to the minutes of page 16, under the “Statements of General Concern.” Her comment should include her thanks to the department heads for their work on the budget. The original motion was amended to include these corrections and additions. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            The GREDA update was presented by Jeff Klinck. He presented a copy of the annual audit to Chairman Pickrel and copies of the annual investment report for 2006 were presented to the Members. He stated his willingness to answer the Board’s questions and also presented the third quarterly report. Board Members should know how their annual contribution of $30,000 is spent. GREDA is intended to be a one stop shop where businesses can receive the information they need in order to relocate in this area. They actively work at marketing the advantages of relocating in this area and yet that can be an expensive venture.

            Mr. Klinck reviewed GREDA’s 2007 annual budget revenues and expenses. In the future Chairman Pickrel will be receiving a detailed monthly financial report. Previously Members had questioned the amount of the salary expense. GREDA has a staff of three full time positions, one part time position, and several summer interns from both Knox College and Monmouth College . The combined annual salary expense is $155,921.00. Office expenses total $63,300.00. The State of Illinois funds an annual grant of $150,000.00 to operate the Entrepreneurship Center .

            At the previous Board Meeting, Members had inquired about the cost to send a delegation to China . For the year to date ending October 31, 2007 , the cost for the trips to China have totaled $11,930.86. It costs approximately $6,500 per trip which includes hotel bills and travel expenses. Often the hotel bills are at highly reduced rates. Recently the sister city agreement was approved. This is a major important step. We are only one of 26 communities in the United States that has such as agreement.

            In response to another previous question from the Board, no GREDA Board Member has ever received any financial benefit from their involvement with GREDA, other than normal professional services. Often those services are provided at a reduced rate.

            Chairman Pickrel stated that this was more information than he had ever received from GREDA. He thanked Mr. Klinck for this presentation.

            Mr. Klinck invited Board Members to attend the annual meeting to be held in February. He also invited those interested to check out GREDA’s website at www.greda.org.

            Motion was made by Member Abel and seconded by Member Occhi to approve the letter of support for a Foreign Trade Zone. Cesar Suarez, Economic Development Director for the City of Galesburg , explained the need for this approval. This action would include the Logistics Park in the Central Illinois Foreign Trade Zone. He passed out copies of the business development plan to the Members. It is crucial to have a site that is shovel ready and suitable for development. Eventually when companies move into the Logistics Park and it is fully built out, it is anticipated that 3,000 jobs will be generated. When completed, the Logistics Park will also generate additional tax revenue for several taxing bodies. The Foreign Trade Zone is an important marketing tool. So far 30 letters of support have been signed. The Governor has also signed a letter of support for this project.

            Mr. Klinck noted that no local taxes would be avoided. The Foreign Trade Zone means that businesses will not be going through customs and paying excise taxes or tariffs when they leave the Port of Los Angeles . Instead those fees would be charged as the products depart the Logistics Park . Recently Representative Don Moffitt also added his support. There is no cost to this and it is not a new concept.

            7:15 p.m. Member Parsons left the Meeting.

            Member Stewart stated that he is favor of economic development but feels that we should pursue American companies to locate in the logistics park. Therefore, he will be voting “No” on this issue.

            Member Occhi mentioned that Maytag had a Foreign Trade Zone agreement. Other American companies have utilized these agreements. Roll call vote to approve the letter of support for the Foreign Trade Zone is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(12). Noes—Stewart—(1). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Occhi to approve the resolution authorizing drug court fees. Judge James Stewart addressed the Board in favor of approving this resolution. About 18 months ago, he began the process of setting up a drug court in Knox County , as currently our circuit does not have one. He has met with the steering committee consisting of the Sheriff, the State’s Attorney, Galesburg Police Department, treatment providers such as Bridgeway, the Health Department, court services, and probation officials. They hope to begin operating drug court January 1, 2008 . Judge Shipplett will be presiding. The current system does lack the element of accountability from the drug offenders.

            Drug Court is a different concept than what is currently available. This program requires regular attendance and is much more intensive. Drug offenders would be meeting 2-3 times each week, or in some cases daily with probation officers and treatment councilors. Drug tests are mandatory 2-3 times per week. Nationwide the results have been very positive. This resolution would add a $5 fee to the fees currently being paid by defendants who qualify under the appropriate statute for the operations and administration of the Knox County Drug Court . This funding would be similar to that for Child Advocacy. This program will begin in Knox County and then eventually be included in the other counties within the circuit. Right now Drug Court would not include services for juveniles or minors. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Occhi and seconded by Member Abel to approve the revisions in the personnel policy for Knox County . These revisions would include provisions for drug and alcohol testing. Chairman Pickrel explained that these revisions are necessary in order to keep the County Handbook up to date. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, 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 Porter to remove the travel policy revisions from the table. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Occhi and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the travel policy revisions. Originally in 2001, Member Abel drafted this travel policy.

            Member Lyle Johnson stated that as the policy is written right now, he would not vote to approve it. He does not agree with the 100 mile radius provision that would require County employees to return home rather than to stay overnight in a motel. This is unrealistic as many times conferences go late into the evening and begin early in the morning. It does not make a great deal of sense to turn around and drive a couple hours each way in order to attend a conference. He also has concerns about the per diems. The rate of $28 seems low. In most places that much money will not purchase three meals a day. Even still, it would be better to give each employee their per diem and then it is up to that employee to spend it as they see fit. He has worked many years for agencies and never had to turn in receipts for associated expenses. It was a flat rate per diem and it could be spent as the employee needed.

            Member Occhi reminded Members that in the past the auditors have emphasized the need of receipts and vouchers.

            Member Steve Johnson agreed with Member Lyle Johnson regarding the 100 mile provision. The per diem rate is $28 per day to be spent as the employee sees fit. But that is the maximum that the County will pay.

            Member Stewart agreed with the Member Lyle Johnson’s comments about the per diems. From his previous experience on the Aurora Housing Authority Board, their policy regarding per diems was that receipts were not required. Other boards have had the policy to just grant per diems and not require receipts. He also agrees with the comments about the 100 mile provision.

            Chairman Pickrel stated that he disagrees with the concept of no requirement for receipts, because for the past several years the auditors have insisted on receipts. If there is no accountability, a per diem could be used to attend a strip club. Treasurer Robin Davis also confirmed that the County must have the receipts. These are public funds and it is inappropriate not to require receipts.

            Member Porter stated that tips should be reimbursable as that is part of the cost of a meal.

            Member Steve Johnson suggested that the line in the travel policy regarding the 100 mile radius be removed from the travel policy. If that sentence is removed, he has no problem with the rest of that paragraph.

            Chris Gray also expressed her opinion that the 100 mile radius rule be removed. In the past, she has attended conferences and gone back to the motel room to study. It creates an additional burden to drive home to study and return the following day to the conference. It is much quieter to study in the motel room.

            Chairman Pickrel stated that he could agree with striking the 100 mile radius rule.

            Member Stewart asked that Member Abel revisit these comments that have been made and suggest appropriate changes.

            Member Abel agreed that $28 does not go very far.

            Chairman Pickrel stated that discussions could continue all night. Therefore, it might be better to table this travel policy again, make some changes, and bring it back at the next meeting.

            County Clerk Scott Erickson stated that although it is not normal protocol, it could again be tabled. Chairman Pickrel stated that another idea would be to agree to the changes and vote tonight.

            Member Porter also questioned the breaking down of the per diems into quarters. This is too detailed. It would be better to just use common sense.

            Member Steve Johnson suggested that the sentence regarding the tips be removed from this policy. He agrees with Member Porter that tips are an expense associated with the meal. If the per diem amount is to remain at $28 per day than the quarter provision should also be removed from this policy.

            Chairman Pickrel agreed that this quarter per diem part, the line dealing with tips, and the line referring to the 100 mile radius could be removed from this policy. However, we still will require the receipts.

            Member Occhi suggested that the per diem should be $28 or the actual amount of the submitted receipt.

            Chairman Pickrel agreed that this wording could be added. The difference between the $28 and the amount on the receipt submitted to the Treasurer’s Office would be returned to the County.

            Member Porter stated that this should not be called a “per diem” but rather a “reimbursement of daily costs.”

            Chairman Pickrel stated that the words “per diem” could be removed. It should read “Meals will be reimbursed at the rate of $28 per day.” The original motion was amended to include these changes. Roll call vote to approve the amended revisions in the travel policy is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Sandoval, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(10). Noes—Stewart, Knapp, and Lyle Johnson—(3). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Stewart and seconded by Member Porter to remove the resolution for mandatory funding for veterans’ health care advisory referendum from the table. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, and Saline—(12). Noes—Steve Johnson—(1). Motion carried.

            Member Stewart reported that he had contacted Lt. Pat Quinn’s Office about this resolution and the related costs to place this on the ballot. Previously as this was discussed, the estimated cost was reported to be thousands of dollars. He did learn that there would be some additional costs. However, Lt. Quinn’s Office did not get back to him. Therefore, he thinks that it would be better to recommend that this be placed on the ballot for the General Election.

            Chairman Pickrel responded that Lt. Quinn’s Office did contact him, asking if placing this referendum on the primary ballot would extend the election costs. He confirmed that there would be additional costs. When he had spoken to County Clerk Scott Erickson, he estimated the cost to add this to the primary ballot would be at least $5,000. It does not make any difference to Lt. Quinn’s Office whether the referendum is placed on the primary or general election ballot. It might be a better idea to wait and put this on the November ballot.

            Member Stewart stated that given the cost estimate to prepare ballots for the primary election, even though originally he had asked for it to be on that ballot, he would now recommend waiting until the general election.

            Member Saline stated that he is not against funding for the veterans but he would be voting “No” to placing this on the ballot until we know how much it will cost.

            Since there was no motion to approve this resolution for mandatory funding for veterans’ health care advisory referendum, it died on the table.

            Member Mannhardt introduced discussion regarding moving the December Meeting from the currently scheduled date of December 26. However, there really is not an alternate date, so this date will have to remain on the calendar. County Clerk Scott Erickson informed Members that packets are to be mailed December 21, but due to the Christmas holiday, the packets may be late arriving.

            The Finance, Insurance, Treasurer, Judicial, and Clerk Committee report was presented by Committee Chairman Wayne Saline. He noted that there are a lot of line item changes. Budget control procedures were instituted part-way into the fiscal year. In the future there should not be so many.

            Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the resolutions on 15 deeds of conveyance. County Clerk Scott Erickson stated that this is a normal housekeeping measure and puts these properties back on the tax rolls. These are parcels that were sold at the surplus property auction a few weeks ago. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, and Saline—(12). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Occhi to approve the user agreement with Verizon Wireless for participation in a master services agreement. County Clerk Scott Erickson reported that a year ago he was contacted by the state agent for Verizon Wireless to explore the possibilities of a universal contract with the County. The discount rate has now been increased to 18%. He has been in contact with Sheriff Clague who stated that he is willing to cooperate with us regarding the cell phones. This contract will save the County money for services that we are currently using. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(12). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Abel to approve the County Budget for fiscal year 2007-2008 with revisions. Member Bacon explained that during the last meeting he had voted “No” to approving this budget because it included the funding for GREDA. Tonight’s presentation contained more information that what he had previously received in his four years serving on the Board. If he had previously received this information he would have voted “Yes” more often. Since in the future he expects to receive more information from GREDA, he will now vote to accept this budget.

            Chairman Pickrel stated that previously he had voted against the continued funding of GREDA. However, after this presentation he will also be voting to approve this budget. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Knapp, Sandoval, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(11). Noes—Stewart and Lyle Johnson—(2). Motion carried.

            Chairman Pickrel thanked the finance committee, department heads, and elected officials for their wonderful job on the budget.

            Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Occhi to approve the resolution on paid in vacation authorization. Member Saline reminded Members that this resolution was also approved last year. We really need the authority to do this. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, 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 Steve Johnson to approve the resolution on payment of recurring bills. Member Saline reminded Members that this was also done last year. This cuts down on the paid in vacation bills. The department heads were asked to turn in their reoccurring regular bills. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, 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 Workman's Compensation settlement to Connie Knott in the amount of $26,600.68. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            The Ad Hoc Building Committee report was presented by committee chairman Steve Johnson. The scale house at the landfill is approximately 75% completed. They expect to be 98% complete by December 22.

            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 Lyle Johnson to approve the appointments of Mr. James Kelley and Mr. Pat Hennenfent to the Knox County Sheriff Merit Board. These terms would be effective from December 1, 2007- December 1, 2013 . Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, 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 Abel to approve a vehicle purchase for the Sheriff’s Department. Member Steve Johnson explained that they plan to trade a 1999 four wheel drive vehicle for a 2007 Chevrolet for a total cost with trade in for a purchase price of $14,500. These funds will be taken out of next year’s budget. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, 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 Sandoval to authorize the hiring of an additional transportation officer for the Sheriff’s Department contingent upon whether the County receives Illinois federal inmates. Sheriff Clague reported that currently they house approximately 30 Iowa federal prisoners. If they add 5–10 Illinois federal prisoners, they will require additional personnel. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, 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 Lyle Johnson to approve the revisions to town contracts for the Sheriff’s Department. Minor changes have been made in these contracts. Now both sides have a 30 day out clause. These revisions have been reviewed by the State’s Attorney, who approved the wording changes. The villages of Wataga and Victoria have also approved these contracts. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, 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 Abel to approve the appointment of Greg Weech, DVM as the assistant animal control administrator for Knox County . Since Dr. Weech has already been acting in this capacity, this appointment would be retroactive to September 1, 2007 . Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, 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 Saline to approve borrowing funds for the Mary Davis Home from its debt certificate to pay its November bills. The State has not paid their reimbursement to Mary Davis Home since April 2007. There are three pay periods in November, and they had to borrow money to meet their payroll. They do expect payment from the State in December. The previous resolution which the Board approved allows the Mary Davis Home to borrow money from the landfill. However, that resolution stipulates that those funds are to be repaid by November 30, 2007 . Given the current financial situation, that is impossible to do. This proposed arrangement will allow the Mary Davis to borrow funds from its debt certificate to pay the bills to date. Pending approval of the next item on the agenda, after December 1, 2007 they could re-borrow money from the landfill. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, 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 Occhi to approve the resolution to allow the Mary Davis Home to borrow funds from the landfill, after December 1, 2007 , if needed. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Member Steve Johnson reported that the Muffin Monster is being constructed and is expected to arrive December 7.

            The Highway, Assessor, Zoning, GIS, and Recorder Committee report was presented by Committee Vice-Chairman Rick Sandoval. Reports are included in the packets. Committee minutes had been distributed to the Members.

            Motion was made by Member Sandoval and seconded by Member Porter to approve the resolution on the County Engineer ’s Salary. This is a normal housekeeping measure that is done every year. The salary would be in the amount of $97,291.00 and the funds would be appropriated from the Motor Fuel Tax Funds for the period of December 1, 2007- November 30, 2008 . Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Sandoval and seconded by Member Bacon to approve the Land Evaluation Site Assessment (LESA). Chris Gray explained that this is a tool used when rezoning or assessing farmland. The final draft is included in the packets. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Chris Gray updated Members regarding three new tax exemptions for 2007. There will be a press release in the newspaper informing the public of these new tax exemptions. One will be the disabled person homestead exemption which would allow a $2,000 reduction in their home’s assessed value. Applications would have to be signed annually. This exemption would require prove of the disability. Another exemption will be the returning veteran’s homestead exemption which would allow a one year reduction in the amount of $5,000 in their home’s assessed value. This would include any veteran returning from active duty and involved in an armed conflict. This exemption could be received more than once if the service member is recalled to armed conflict and returns. The third new exemption will be the disabled veteran standard homestead exemption. To qualify for this exemption, there must be a service connected disability, certified by the US Department of Veterans Affairs. There will be graduated exemption amount according to the level of the disability. The filing deadline for these annual exemptions will be January 31, 2008 and December 31 for each following year.

            Chairman Pickrel read aloud a letter from Joyce Skinner that after 25 ½ years of service to Knox County , her last work day will be December 14, 2007 . He thanked her for those 25 ½ years. Board Members applauded her.

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 Mannhart and seconded by Member Saline to approve the purchase of 8,000 tons of sand for the next cell at the landfill. It is the committee’s recommendation to approve the extension of last year’s bid from West Sand and Gravel at a cost of $3.65 per ton. This bid would not include the delivery to the landfill. This is the same price as that for the previous two years. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). 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 Mannhardt and seconded by Member Hasten to approve the waste disposal contract for the nursing home from Waste Management in the amount of $803.00 per month. Currently they are paying over $900.00 per month so actually this will save some money. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Porter to approve the smoking policy and procedures for the nursing home. These procedures will be in compliance with the Smoke Free Illinois Department of Public Health rules to be effective January 1, 2008 . Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Occhi and seconded by Member Bacon to approve the resolution for the nursing home to borrow funds from the nursing home referendum account. This would be for fiscal year 2007-2008 and to be repaid by November 30, 2008 and not to exceed the amount of $300,000.00. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, 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 Occhi to approve the contract extension for the nursing home administrator Marianne Wiesen. Rather than an increase in salary, she is asking for an additional week of vacation per year. This contract shall be effective from January 1, 2008 April 1, 2009 . Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Occhi and seconded by Member Stewart to approve to open the budget to amend it. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, Knapp, Sandoval, Abel, Occhi, and Saline—(11). Noes—Lyle Johnson and Steve Johnson—(2). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Mannhardt to approve the budgetary line item changes for various departments. Chairman Pickrel reminded Members of the information that had been given them listing these changes.

            Member Stewart inquired if these line items would be over budget after they are approved. Treasurer Robin Davis responded that they should not be over budget. There could be a few more adjustments. If so, she will contact the respective committee chairman to approve those bills.

            Member Saline commented that next year there should not be so many budgetary line item changes. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Occhi and seconded by Member Abel to approve the claims against Knox County , Illinois for the period of October 25, 2007 November 28, 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, Pickrel, Stewart, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, and Saline—(11). Noes—(0). Pass—Bacon and Steve Johnson—(2). Motion carried.

STATEMENTS OF GENERAL CONCERN

            Member Porter thanked the Health Department for the anniversary cup. Also she has enjoyed working with Joyce Skinner during the last 12-13 years, and wishes her well in her retirement.

            Member Bacon echoed Member Porter’s comments regarding Mrs. Skinner. It has been a pleasure working with her on that committee. Regarding GREDA, information is the key to our relationship and today was a good opening of the door. He would encourage them to not close this door and to keep the information flowing. They should keep that door of communication open and we will get along a lot better.

            Member Hasten had no comments at this time.

            Member Mannhardt thanked Mrs. Skinner.

            Chairman Pickrel expressed his thanks to Mrs. Skinner, GREDA, and Mr. Klinck. That presentation cleared up a lot of things. Hopefully, this relationship will continue. He also thanked department heads, elected officials, and the finance committee for another great job with the budget.

            Member Stewart and Member Knapp had no comments at this time.

            Member Sandoval expressed his thanks to Mrs. Skinner.

            Member Lyle Johnson expressed his thanks to Mrs. Skinner. He also thanked Greg Chance on the tremendous program offered that day at the 15th anniversary luncheon. It was very informative and very well done.

            Member Abel thanked Mrs. Skinner and GREDA. He reminded Members to turn back in their copies of the minutes of all closed meetings.

            Member Occhi thanked Mrs. Skinner.

            Member Steve Johnson thanked Mrs. Skinner and congratulated her. He does not know how she did it all of these years. He also announced that the Knox County Teen Court has a fundraiser going. They will be selling calendars for a $10.00 donation. This calendar contains scenes throughout Knox County . This is their first attempt at a fund raiser like this. Those interested are invited to contact him.

            The next regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 , 6:00 p.m. , at the Knox County Courthouse, Galesburg , Illinois .

            Motion was made by Member Sandoval and seconded by Member Occhi to adjourn. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried. Meeting was recessed at 8:35 p.m.