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
4 George Knapp
District 5
Ricardo “Rick” Sandoval
District
1 Lyle Johnson
District
2 William
“Bill” Abel
District
3 Janet Occhi
District
5 Stephen
“Steve” Johnson
Those
absent:
District 3
Dale Parsons
District
4 Wayne Saline
Also present were State’s Attorney John Pepmeyer, Sheriff Dave Clague,
and County Clerk Scott Erickson.
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. He asked for
additions to the agenda at 4A and 6B as he had information to share with the
Board. Member Mannhardt asked for an addition to the agenda at 9A to approve an
engineering agreement dealing with soffit and fascia replacement at the nursing
home.
Chairman Pickrel asked for public comment. Anna Johnson addressed the
Board and shared her concerns about the possible sale of the County landfill.
She praised the
Randy Lynch, AFSCME Council #31 union representative, agreed with Anna
Johnson’s comments. He spoke on behalf on the landfill employees and
encouraged Board Members not to make a hasty decision.
Chairman Pickrel presented for approval the following items of the
consent agenda: 1) minutes of the Regular and Closed Board Meeting on November
28, 2007, 2) claims by Members for per diem and mileage for the Meeting of
December 26, 2007 and other claims for per diem from meetings, and 3) sales tax
and various taxes for the month of September 2007 in the amounts of $99,636.87
and $19,524.48 and public safety tax in the amount of $82,499.87. Motion was
made by Member Abel and seconded by Member Occhi to approve these measures. Roll
call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link,
Pickrel, Stewart, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, and Steve
Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Chairman Pickrel stated that recently he had attended a hearing with
Representative Don Moffitt regarding wind farms. At the present time, Chairman
Pickrel would suggest that no one in the County sign a wind farm/energy
agreement. There are several matters such as easements that need further
clarification. Until these matters are resolved, if farmers sign these
agreements, they could be hurt. Don Moffitt is working on legislation which
would resolve several issues concerning wind farms.
Chairman Pickrel presented a review of external
Chairman Pickrel presented for approval the appointment of JoAnn Harris
and Margaret Bent to the Tri-County Planning Agency. Since 1978 Ms. Harris has
worked for the City of
Chairman Pickrel introduced discussion to approve a resolution for
including the
Motion was made by Member Lyle Johnson and seconded by Member Stewart to
approve this resolution. Member Stewart quoted from a prepared statement that
“As Board Members know he has been a proponent of a
Chairman Pickrel reiterated that if this resolution passes, this Board
would not be required to hire an administrator. They would do so only if funding
can be found.
Member Bacon questioned how much money would be involved. This directive
would be to find the funds and yet the committee needs some estimate of the cost
involved. Chairman Pickrel responded that is part of his concern as well. The
resolution is rather vague concerning the dollar amount.
Member Bacon stated that in some circumstances there is a need for a
Chairman Pickrel responded that a dollar amount would not be available
until July or August when the budget committee begins to prepare the 2008-2009
budget.
Member Porter emphasized that the Board needs to decide whether they want
a
Member Steve Johnson stated that as a member of the finance committee he
has been on record that he supports the hiring of a
Member Stewart emphasized that he did not play a part in designing this
resolution. If he had drafted this resolution, he would have worded it
differently. During the past fiscal year, the budget was in the black in the
amount of $139,000. There would have been funds in that budget to pay an
administrator’s salary. He would suggest an annual salary of $70,000 including
benefits. One of the responsibilities of an administrator would be to save the
County money.
Chairman Pickrel disagreed with this dollar amount. That would mean that
the Administrator would be earning more than some County elected officials. He
thinks that this salary is way out of line. But somehow Board Members are going
to have to agree. State’s Attorney John Pepmeyer and County Clerk Scott
Erickson prepared this resolution to try to appease those individuals who want a
Member Stewart stated that the Administrator’s salary would depend on
the experience and qualifications of the individual. The salary could be less
than $70,000. The previous Ad Hoc Administrator Search Committee went through a
great deal of effort to draft a job description, put an advertisement in the
paper, and review applications.
Chairman Pickrel stated that we should be careful with this position. We
need the right person at the right time.
Member Lyle Johnson commented that as a Member of the finance committee
he had been told that it was too late to put this in the budget for this year.
Therefore, he and others wanted to begin the paperwork to get this in next
year’s budget.
Chairman Pickrel suggested that the Board could either vote this
resolution down or table it. Mr. Erickson and Mr. Pepmeyer did a good job and
provided an outline to work with. We could send this back to the finance
committee and allow them to make modifications. Chairman Pickrel still wants the
wording to include “providing that the finance committee can find the
funding.” This resolution should establish a dollar amount not to exceed a
stated amount.
Member Steve Johnson reminded Members that the previous Administrator’s
salary was $50,000 plus benefits. He would suggest an amount not to exceed
$65,000 with benefits.
Member Porter suggested that this resolution be amended. She has no
problem with the Administrator’s salary being more than that of elected
officials. After all, the highway superintendent and other professional
administrators currently do earn more than the some elected officials.
Chairman Pickrel suggested amending the resolution to include the line
“salary and benefits not to exceed $65,000.”
Member Porter suggested $70,000.
Member Steve Johnson stated that if this figure is just a guideline, he
would have no objection to $70,000. He suggested that additional line be added
to amend this resolution. “The finance committee will not exceed the $70,000
figure including benefits as a guideline in trying to establish funds for a
Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Porter to
amend this resolution to include “The finance committee will not exceed the
$70,000 figure including benefits to use as a guideline in trying to establish
funds for a
Chairman Pickrel explained that as the next budget is prepared, the Board
will vote on approving hiring a
Roll call vote on the original motion to approve the resolution for
including the County Administrator position in the FY 2008- 2009 budget is
recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Link, Stewart, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Occhi,
and Steve Johnson—(7). Noes—Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Sandoval, and
Abel—(6). Motion carried.
Chairman Pickrel informed Members that Don Moffitt had informed him that
Knox County is eligible for a $30,000 capital improvement grant. The House is
also working on another grant that
The
Landfill Committee report was presented by Committee Chairman Lowell Mannhardt.
The committee minutes and landfill report are included in the packets. In
response to Anna Johnson’s public comments, the committee minutes are kept on
file in the
Motion was made by Member Porter and seconded by Member Mannhardt to
approve a resolution to place the Knox County Landfill for sale. Member Steve
Johnson reported that he had first learned of this matter when a landfill
employee phoned him after the committee meeting. Previously there had been no
discussion about this with the full
Member Abel stated that he is against the sale of the landfill. More
research needs to be done. This would seem to be a knee jerk response.
Member Link said that he had received many comments since the newspaper
reported that the County is considering selling the landfill. Everybody who
phoned was questioning why. He will be voting against this sale.
Member Lyle Johnson stated that he is also opposed to this sale. There is
not enough material currently available to make this decision. He has heard
comments from County citizens questioning why the County would want to sell the
landfill. He agrees with Member Steve Johnson that the County needs to
aggressively search for a landfill administrator.
Chairman Pickrel stated that he had many conversations with Pat Sloan
from Foth who provided good information. Chairman Pickrel thanked Mr. Sloan for
his assistance and guidance.
Member Porter explained that she made this motion to allow discussion to
take place. She agrees that this decision is too big to be made during this
meeting. Therefore, she will be voting against her own motion.
Member Mannhardt commented that in the past a blue ribbon commission
suggested that the County sell the landfill. Then proceeds would be placed in a
special account. The interest would be used to fund capital improvements. This
account could provide approximately $500,000 or more per year without increasing
taxes.
Member Bacon agreed that it is a little premature. He would hope that the
process to find a new landfill administrator would go quickly and smoothly.
Chairman Pickrel stated that he looks forward to working with Mr. Sloan
as he assists in the search for a new landfill administrator. Board Members
should be involved in this decision. Roll call vote to approve the sale of the
landfill is recorded as follows: Ayes—(0). Noes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten,
Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi,
and Steve Johnson—(13). Motion failed.
The Nursing Home Committee report was presented by Committee Chairman
Lowell Mannhardt. The committee minutes and the nursing home report are included
in the packets. The AccuNurse program is working well. The program provides
better input on the medications and improves accuracy for State and Federal
Government reimbursements. The committee is looking into a new cable television
service. The walking trail is progressing slowly and is waiting for warmer
weather. The committee minutes are on file in the
Chairman Pickrel questioned Marianne Wiesen regarding the population at
the nursing home. He understands that it has the highest population of any
nursing home in the County. Ms. Wiesen reported the census to be 117 that day.
Member Link questioned Ms. Wiesen regarding the computer problems
referred to in her report. He knows that some other departments are also having
computer problems. He questioned if they are any closer to a solution.
Member Mannhardt responded that the committee had decided to grant Ms.
Wiesen the authority to do what she thinks is best to resolve these computer
problems.
Chairman Pickrel stated that in January he has a meeting with a couple
different computer companies. He invited Ms. Wiesen to also attend this meeting
and share her concerns. He has received bids from three different companies.
Ms. Wiesen confirmed the success of the AccuNurse program. She is
comfortable with that program but not comfortable with the current service
provider for the computers. She introduced Kathy Kopsack as the new Assistant
Administrator and HR Director of Social Services. Previous Assistant
Administrator Kevin Stoneking had resigned to accept another position. Stacy
Bainter is the new Director of Nursing.
Member Mannhardt reminded Members of the information in the packets
regarding the fascia and soffit replacement at the nursing home. The committee
has discussed this project with Al Varney from AMENT who submitted two
proposals. One project would be to replace the front entrance doors. The new
doors would be similar to the front doors at St. Mary’s Hospital, which have
airspace between the two sets of doors. Mr. Varney estimates that project’s
cost to be approximately $70,000 - $75,000. His fee to design, plan, and build
this project would be $8,000 and added to the cost. Mr. Varney also submitted a
plan to replace the fascia and soffit. There is an added expense to remove the
asbestos. That cost would be $100,000 - $270,000 based on the design that the
County would choose. His fees would be $25,500. Mr. Varney’s total fees to
engineer these two projects would be $33,500.
Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Steve Johnson
to approve hiring Al Varney to engineer these two projects at a cost of $33,500.
These funds would come from the nursing home referendum account. Member Steve
Johnson stated that in the past he had worked with Mr. Varney for the Mary Davis
Home project and another project at the landfill. Mr. Varney does an excellent
job for the County. He does not charge as much as another engineer would charge.
Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt,
Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, and Steve
Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
The Finance, Insurance, Treasurer, Judicial, and Clerk Committee report
was presented by Vice-Committee Chairman Janet Occhi. The report is included in
the packets.
Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Lyle
Johnson to approve a contribution towards paying insurance for the Orpheum
Theatre in the amount of $10,000.00. Since Member Occhi is also Chairman of
Orpheum Theatre, to avoid a possible conflict of interest, she just reminded
Members of the information contained in the packets.
When questioned, State’s Attorney John Pepmeyer stated that such a
donation would not create liability for the County. Member Stewart stated that
although he is in favor of this motion, he was confused by the information sheet
included in the packet. Member Porter explained that options are presented with
different deductible amounts and different levels of coverage. This will be the
Orpheum’s decision to make. The page is included for informational purposes
only.
Member Bacon questioned where the money would come from. Member Occhi
responded that the funds could come from the tort appropriation line. Member
Porter stated that in the past, funds have been used from the landfill for
economic development. Member Steve Johnson reported that as this was discussed
in the finance committee meeting, it was decided that this could not come from
the tort line, since the County is not actually purchasing the insurance. Member
Steve Johnson said that during that meeting, Treasurer Robin Davis said that she
would come up with the money.
Chairman Pickrel stated it was his understanding that there would be a
new line item. Our insurance budget is expected to decline and some of that
money reassigned to this donation.
Member Mannhardt reminded Members that in the 70’s and 80’s the
Member Porter suggested that since this could be considered economic
development, this funding could be added to the GREDA appropriation line.
Chairman Pickrel stated that would also be a possibility. He would have to speak
to the Treasurer about which alternative would be best. Roll call vote to
approve a contribution towards paying insurance for the Orpheum Theatre in the
amount of $10,000 is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten,
Mannhardt, Pickrel, Stewart, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, and Steve
Johnson—(11). Noes—(0). Noes—Link—(1). Pass—Occhi—(1). Motion
carried.
Member Occhi introduced discussion regarding surplus property removal to
the landfill. The Assessor’s Office has old computer equipment that needs to
be disposed of.
Member Abel inquired if this equipment had been removed from the
County’s inventory list. County Clerk Scott Erickson stated that by the time
these items have gone to storage, they have already been removed from the
inventory list. Chairman Pickrel reminded Members that this equipment cannot
just be thrown away.
Member Bacon suggested that occasionally the City of
Member Mannhardt suggested another possibility would be to contact School
District #205 or
Member Steve Johnson stated that electronic equipment cannot be dumped
into the landfill because of the materials that they contain. He agrees with the
recycling options. Reselling this equipment is not an option because it is all
junk. He agrees with the disposal of this property but it needs to be done at
the proper time.
Chairman Pickrel agreed that for now it might be a good idea to put this
on hold. He expressed his concerns regarding the combined weight of things
stored on the fourth floor of the Courthouse.
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. Due to the holidays, he did not get the
committee minutes typed. Next month there will be two sets of the committee
minutes.
Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Lyle
Johnson to approve the purchase of two Crown Victorias for the Sheriff’s
Department from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. One vehicle is a 2004 Crown
Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Sandoval
to approve snowmobile project grant expenditures. Previously
Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Mannhardt
to approve to bid and bring back for a DVR (digital video recorder) for the
Sheriff’s Department. Member Steve Johnson explained that currently there are
video cameras that monitor events at the jail. However, there is no practical
way to record. There are instances when it would have been advantageous to have
a video recording of events that occurred at the jail. This bid would include
the equipment, wiring, installation, and programming at an estimated cost of
$15,000.00. Since this project is a direct improvement to the system that is
currently in the jail, it will be paid out of the public safety tax revenue.
Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Chairman Pickrel reported that he and the Sheriff have had recent
conversations regarding unsecured areas in the
In matters of Mary Davis Home business, Member Steve Johnson reported
that a check from the State in the amount of $75,000 was received December 21,
for the month of July. They are still $225,000 behind.
Member Abel asked a legal question regarding the listing by name of Knox
County Federal prisoners housed at the jail. Such a list appears in the packet.
State’s Attorney John Pepmeyer responded that these names are already a matter
of public record. There is no privacy issue involved. Member Abel stated that we
should be careful when handling such information. Mr. Pepmeyer stated that he
would check into this matter and consult with federal officials.
The Highway, Assessor, Zoning, GIS, and Recorder Committee report was
presented by Committee Chairman Jerry Link. Reports and committee minutes are
included in the packets. Concerning the Highway Department it should be noted
that this early in the season, they have already used a large share of their
salt allotment. This December brought several storms with both freezing rain and
snow. Duane Ratermann reported that the Highway Department had used 1,200 tons
of salt so far this season. That is one half the amount that we can purchase
with the State bid contract.
Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve
the reappointment of Thomas Fleisher to the Knox County Zoning Board of Appeals,
with the new term beginning
Member Bacon stated that since this board does not meet until late in the
month, sometimes their matters of business do not make it to the
Roll call vote to approve the reappointment of Thomas Fleisher to the
Knox County Zoning Board of Appeals is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter,
Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson,
Abel, Occhi, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Member Link introduced discussion regarding multi-township assessor
issues. This subject was discussed in committee and it was agreed that it should
be discussed with the full Board. Member Occhi reported that during the
committee meeting Chris Gray informed committee members that the township
assessors have not completed their quadrennial assessments and do not plan to do
so until 2008. They each are assigned ten townships and have only completed
four. That will mean that they will have to publish again. There is not enough
money in the budget to allow for this expense. These township assessors are
elected officials and they should have completed this job on time.
Chairman Pickrel stated that he also attended that committee meeting and
expected to hear a report that they had seven or eight townships done.
Member Steve Johnson suggested that we send these township assessors the
bill for this additional publishing expense.
Member Link stated that in the past the Assessor’s Office has been
under fire for not completing the job on time. They have been working hard and
did the publishing. They are frustrated that only four townships are done.
Chairman Pickrel stated that part of the frustration is because they had no clue
that the township assessors were so far from completion. It would have been
better if halfway through the year, the township assessors had communicated
their problems and asked for help.
Member Porter asked what the recourse would be. The township assessors
are elected officials. Chairman Pickrel agreed that they are elected. A possible
recourse would be that the townships would pay the bill to publish separately.
As a consequence the township assessors would have to answer to the people who
elected them. The township assessors created this problem, and failed to inform
others that they were behind and needed help. More information will be available
next month and some decisions will have to be made. The County cannot absorb
this additional expense.
Member
Steve Johnson reported that the cost to publish is approximately $32,000.
Regarding other highway department business, Member Abel complimented the
highway department for getting an early start in dealing with the recent ice
storms.
Motion was made by Member Abel and seconded by Member Occhi to open the
budget to amend it. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon,
Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Knapp, Sandoval, Abel, and
Occhi—(11). Noes—Lyle Johnson and Steve Johnson—(2). Motion carried.
Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Occhi to
approve budgetary line item changes for various departments. Specific
information is included in the packets. Member Occhi explained that some of
these are end of the year changes to last year’s budget. Roll call vote is
recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel,
Stewart, Knapp, Sandoval, Abel, and Occhi—(11). Noes—Lyle Johnson and Steve
Johnson—(2). Motion carried.
Motion was made by Member Occhi and seconded by Member Hasten to approve
the claims against
STATEMENTS OF
GENERAL CONCERN
Member Porter commented that while we are in the process of trying to
find money to hire a
Member Bacon, Member Hasten, Member Mannhardt, and Member Link had no
comments at this time.
Chairman Pickrel commended the Board because they had a tough decision to
make regarding the landfill. We were able to do some things in the executive
session. We might have had some preconceived ideas and a lot of things have
changed. During this meeting, the Board had opportunity to talk as a group. We
need to continue to respect each other’s opinion.
Member Stewart commented that he had voted “No” to paying the bills
because some of the summary sheets do not contain the required information.
Member Knapp and Member Sandoval had no comments at this time.
Member Lyle Johnson agreed with Member Porter that we need to get
something going on the
Member Abel had no comments at this time.
Member Occhi expressed thanks from the Orpheum Board.
Member Steve Johnson commented that he was very pleased that the
The next regular meeting will be held on
Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Sandoval
to adjourn. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(13). Noes—(0). Motion
carried. Meeting was recessed at