PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNTY BOARD

KNOX COUNTY , ILLINOIS

January 23, 2008

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, January 23, 2008 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 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, Circuit Clerk Kelly Cheesman, and County Clerk Scott Erickson.

            Sheriff Dave Clague delivered the proclamation. Chairman Pickrel led the Members in the pledge to the flag. Deputy John Bodenhammer delivered the invocation.

            In recognition of over 800 hours of service donated by the Knox County Chaplains Group, Chairman Pickrel presented a plaque to Mr. Bodenhammer. This group of six chaplains has reported a total of 1,473 inmates attended Bible study in 2007. Over 400 Bibles and 360 “Daily Bread” study books were handed out to the inmates (at no cost to the County). Mr. Bodenhammer thanked the other chaplains: Dave Peterson, Gary Tomlin, Rev. Gary Lundeen, Chuck Luallen, and Bonnie Erickson. He also thanked the other correctional officers of the Knox County Jail who provide a place for the Bible study and offer their total cooperation with this program.

            Chairman Pickrel asked for additions to the agenda. Member Mannhardt asked that agenda item 19, groundwater assessment contract for the landfill, be switched in order with agenda item 23, contract with Foth Infrastructure and Environment. LLC., regarding work at the landfill. Chairman Pickrel agreed with this request.

            Chairman Pickrel asked for public comments. There were none.

            Chairman Pickrel presented for approval the following items of the consent agenda: 1) minutes of the Regular and Closed Board Meeting on December 26, 2007, 2) claims by Members for per diem and mileage for the Meeting of January 23, 2008 and other claims for per diem from Meetings, and 3) sales tax and various taxes for the month of October 2007 in the amounts of $91,997.48 and $18,815.92 and public safety tax in the amount of $78,171.96. Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Stewart 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 Occhi and seconded by Member Parsons to approve the addendum to the union contract at the nursing home. A copy of this addendum is 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, and Saline—(14). Noes—Steve Johnson—(1). Motion carried.

            The Finance, Insurance, Treasurer, Judicial, and Clerk Committee report was presented by Committee Chairman Wayne Saline. The report is included in the packets. It is too early in the budget year to predict a trend of revenue over expenses.

            Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Steve Johnson to approve the policy for the processing of jail bonding fees. Member Saline reported that Member Steve Johnson brought this matter to the committee’s attention. This policy will provide a better paper trail. The intent of this policy is to allow those persons who do not have correct change when bonding out of the Knox County Jail to be able to obtain a refund for the excess payment amount. The elected office holders that are involved in this process have agreed to the terms of this policy. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            The Ad Hoc Building Committee report was presented by Committee Chairman Steve Johnson. The scale house/office building at the landfill is finished. The keys have been turned over to Greg Ingle. The final billing with documentation has been sent to the architect for his approval. The sum of $2,000 will be withheld from the contract amount as in the spring the outside air conditioning unit will need to be installed. When it gets warmer, one window well in the basement will also need to be completed. The final walk thru was held January 18. This is a quality piece of work. As they begin using this new building, we may want to consider adding a small deck on the road side of the scale. Such a deck could prevent possible falls. The landfill hopes to have this building operational by the end of February.

            Chairman Pickrel thanked Member Steve Johnson and the members of the Building Committee for a nice job. The basement adds much to the building. Member Steve Johnson reported the architect had sent the first billing statement to the nursing home for the work on the front doors and soffit.

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

            Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve the only bid which was received from Seico Security Systems for a Pelco DX8100 32 channel DVR (digital video recorder system) for the Sheriff Department for the total cost of $13,901.12. This includes the equipment cost, installation cost, and shipping cost. This purchase will be funded through the public safety tax. These cameras will record daily activity at the County Jail . In order to save some money, this is one of the items that was eliminated from the original jail construction. 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 hiring of John Ross as the part time rabies control officer to be paid $11.75 per hour up to 100 hours per fiscal year. There is money in the budget for this line item. Chairman Pickrel reminded Members that he had expressed his concerns when the Board voted to hire Roger Underwood as animal control officer. Although Chairman Pickrel has nothing personnel against Mr. Underwood, since this man already has a full time job with the fire department, another person should have been hired. There were 25 other applicants. Someone should have been hired who really needed a job.

            Member Steve Johnson stated that this part time position is not new. There is a need for this position to allow for sick days and vacation days. Previously Mr. Underwood was Mr. Kennedy’s assistant. Member Occhi stated that part of the time Mr. Underwood was paid and part of the time he was not. She expressed concerns regarding how this position would impact the union negotiations.

            Motion was made by Member Occhi and seconded by Member Parsons to table this motion. Roll call vote to table this motion is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Pickrel, Parsons, and Occhi—(6). Noes—Porter, Link, Stewart, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(8). Pass—Sandoval—(1). Motion to table this motion failed.

            Member Saline stated that he understands the need for someone to fill in during vacation hours but questioned the 100 hour limit. Member Steve Johnson responded that is the amount remaining in the budget. Roll call vote on the original motion is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Stewart, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(10). Noes—Bacon, Pickrel, Parsons, and Occhi—(4). Pass—Sandoval—(1). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Mannhardt to approve the purchase of a light bar for a cost of $699.00 and 2 LED deck lights at a cost of $99.90 for the animal control truck. Their old equipment needs to be replaced. These new lights will be similar in appearance to those of the City of Galesburg . These lights have a low profile which should aid fuel efficiency. Funds are included in the budget. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Stewart to approve the rabies officer’s attendance at chemical capture school in April at a cost of $1,225.85. Funds would be taken from three line items. Member Steve Johnson explained that currently no one in the County is licensed to use a tranquilizer gun.

            Member Occhi suggested that since the County had voted to hire an assistant, the County should send Mr. Ross as well. If Mr. Underwood is not available, it would be advantageous if Mr. Ross would be able to do a chemical capture. Member Steve Johnson responded that due to the expense, the County cannot afford to do so. 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. Reports and committee minutes are included in the packets. The salt supply is under control. They have also been mixing sand with the salt to make it go further. Mr. Ratermann reported that when appropriate they are also using beet juice.

            Although the assessor’s report was complete when it was submitted, there is another matter that needs to be brought to the attention of the full Board. Supervisor of Assessments Chris Gray brought an update regarding the property commonly known as St. Mary’s Square, 239 S. Cherry St. , Galesburg . In 2004 and 2006 this organization applied for tax exempt status and both times it was denied by the Department of Revenue. In 2007 St. Mary’s Square appealed this decision and in December this previous decision was reversed. Their tax exempt status has been approved. We only learned of this decision after the committee meeting. This EAV will be reduced to zero, and this property will be removed from the tax rolls. The actual value of these three parcels is $2,134,760. On Tuesday a meeting was held with one of their attorneys. They are seeking a refund in the amount of $187,500 for taxes for fiscal year 2006, due and payable in 2007. We have offered to repay over the period of two years in four equal payments. They responded that they would take this offer back to their clients. Mrs. Gray stated that considering the dollars involved, she felt that this very important information needed to be brought to the attention of the full Board.

            Member Steve Johnson questioned if these figures included the other taxing bodies such as the school districts. Mrs. Gray responded that this is the total amount of the refund and will be shared with the other taxing bodies, especially Galesburg School District . Treasurer Robin Davis has suggested paying the first portion in June 2008, when the tax revenues begin to arrive. This matter has been brought to the attention of State’s Attorney John Pepmeyer, who has said the County has no leg to stand on when it comes to fighting this decision.

            Mr. Pepmeyer explained that as he had reviewed the legal briefs he could find no legal argument to overturn this decision. Member Saline stated that of course, this will affect the budget. Not only will the County not receive this anticipated revenue, but will have to pay this refund. Mrs. Gray stated that unless there is a change, this exemption will last forever.

            Member Link stated that the next committee meeting will be held February 19 at the highway department instead of the Annex. Some planned road projects will be discussed.

            Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Sandoval to bid and bring back for a new tandem dump truck and new semi-tractor for the highway department. The budgeted amount for the purchase of these two trucks is $200,000. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Steve Johnson to approve the Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation to approve a conditional use permit for case # CU-05-07 filed by Glenn and Kathleen Normile, 517 Knox Road 2075N, Wataga, for a small wind energy system.

            Member Bacon stated that although he agrees with this decision, he disagrees with the way that this process is currently handled. Right now landowners pay the same fees as commercial businesses. They are paying the same application fees and same fees per foot of tower height. Instead there should be a two tiered system in place. One tier would be for individuals who want a wind energy system for their own personal use. Another tier would be for commercial businesses. Residents should be able to do what they want on their own property without the county interfering. This is not the way to handle these personal use permits. Therefore, he will be voting “No” on this motion.

            Member Saline stated that he understood that the State of Illinois had already passed legislation to establish the assessment rate for wind turbines.

            Chairman Pickrel gave credit to Mr. and Mrs. Normile as it was listed as a 60 foot tower. These residents were honest enough to correct that and report it is a 67 foot tower, which will be used to power a greenhouse.

            Member Link stated that he understands Member Bacon’s opinion on a two tiered system. Down the road we may have to explore this option. However, currently the process is what it is. The landowners understood this when they applied.

            Chairman Pickrel stated that he agrees with Member Bacon and feels bad that these landowners will be paying these fees. Perhaps some shifting could be done in the Building Committee assignments to focus attention on wind towers. There will be more and more wind towers and the County needs to be prepared.

            Member Bacon reported that he had asked the Zoning Board of Appeals to investigate a two tiered system. He was told that this is the way that it is and this is the way that it is going to be. He still thinks that there should be a two tiered system for personal and commercial use. This current policy hinders people from doing what they want to do on their own land. The government does not need to be in everybody’s pocket all the time. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—Bacon—(1). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Steve Johnson to approve the Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation to approve a conditional use permit for case # Cu-06-07 filed by Invenergy Wind North America LLC, for property commonly known as 632 North Knox Road, Woodhull, for a wind data collection tower.     Member Porter asked about the lease vs. easement issue regarding wind towers. Chairman Pickrel responded that this is an issue that also concerns him. He has consulted with State’s Attorney John Pepmeyer regarding the legal differences between an easement and a lease agreement. Mr. Pepmeyer had agreed that there is a difference. Member Porter reminded Members that in the past the assessor’s office has said they would not assess easements. It is very important that we get the wording right. These should be lease agreements and not easements.

            Chairman Pickrel agreed that this terminology is not clear. This particular case involves putting up a temporary data collection tower. They do not expect to build until 2009. We do have time in this interim period to deal with this easement vs. lease issue. Before there are any permanent commercial towers constructed, we need to come to a resolution. This matter does need to be addressed.

            Member Porter responded that landowners need to understand the situation.

            Member Saline stated that these wind data collection towers are not permanent structures. He does agree that before permanent towers are constructed that needs to be some protocol in place.

            Member Link reported that currently most people are signing leases. In conversations with area farmers and landowners they are saying that these are lease agreements, not easements. There will be an increasing demand for wind towers.

            Chairman Pickrel noted that another issue that will need to be resolved is that of bonds. He has spoken with Representative Don Moffitt, and received a copy of a House bill which addresses some of these concerns. However, he has not yet studied it. It looks like late 2009 before we can anticipate the construction of wind towers in the County.

            Member Steve Johnson stated that it is his understanding that if a farmer makes a mistake on granting an easement on his property, he will still have to pay the assessment on that property. Since the farmer would be paying the taxes on that piece of property, he would be foolish to grant an easement.

            Chairman Pickrel stated that matters of egress and ingress also need to be considered. The easement is not limited to the tower but also includes a specified area around it.

            Member Porter stated that the Zoning Department should make it a policy to only accept leases as opposed to easements.

            Chairman Pickrel stated that perhaps next month this item needs to be placed on the agenda. We could direct the Zoning Board of Appeals to not accept easements.

            Mrs. Gray responded that the Zoning Board does not investigate whether the landowner has an easement or a lease. Often people making these requests do not discuss what type of documents they have or intend to obtain. This is a subject that the Zoning Board does not deal with.

            Member Steve Johnson called for a point of order. This discussion does not pertain to the current motion on the floor. Chairman Pickrel agreed. Member Link reminded Members that both agenda items 16 and 17 deal with wind data collection towers. However, they are in different locations.

            Roll call vote to approve the Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation to approve a conditional use permit for case # Cu-06-07 filed by Invenergy Wind North America LLC, for property commonly known as 632 North Knox Road, Woodhull, for a wind data collection tower is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—Porter and Pickrel—(2). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Occhi to approve the Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation to approve a conditional use permit for case # CU-07-07 filed by Invenergy Wind North America LLC for property commonly known as 2872 IL Rte 17, Galva, for a wind data collection tower. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—Porter and Pickrel—(2). Motion carried.

            The Landfill Committee report was presented by Committee Chairman Lowell Mannhardt. The committee minutes and landfill report are included in the packets. In some ways this was a meeting to get reacquainted with Pat Sloan from Foth Infrastructure & Environment. He has worked as an engineer for the landfill for the last 15 years. This company has worked with the Knox County Landfill since its beginning, thirty years ago. During this meeting, Mr. Sloan presented a lot of paperwork to the committee and it is included in the packets. He presented a schedule of engineering services that should be accomplished in 2008, including strategic planning, IEPA compliance measures and recording, cell construction in the new landfill #4, and storm water management. Also discussed were groundwater issues in landfill #2, including monitoring and assessment. Mr. Sloan informed the committee that in order to meet IEPA standards, work on the groundwater issue had begun earlier this month.

            Motion was made by Member Mannhardt and seconded by Member Parsons to approve a contract and addendum with Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC, regarding engineering services at the landfill. A copy of this contract and the addendum are included in the packets. Due to time constraints from the IEPA, since some of these services needed to begin as soon as possible, the committee agreed to this contract. However, the full Board also needs to ratify this contract.

            Member Steve Johnson inquired about the associated costs of this contract. Chairman Pickrel responded that costs would be on per project basis.

            Member Saline spoke against this motion. In his opinion Pat Sloan only provides the information that will make him and his company a lot of money. Member Saline will be voting “No” on this motion as this man is in it only for himself, not for the County.

            Member Parsons commented that Mr. Sloan has worked for the County 15-20 years. He is an honest man. He presented this information to Mr. Larson, the former landfill administrator. The fact that the Board did not receive this information is not Mr. Sloan’s fault. The fault is really ours as we did not scrutinize the former administrator. We need to do something or the landfill will be closed down. Chairman Pickrel reported that in that past Mr. Sloan had said that he had several conflicts with Mr. Larson.

            Member Stewart stated that this contract is similar to previous contracts with Foth. It is nothing new. Roll call vote to approve a contract and addendum with Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC, regarding engineering services at the landfill is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—Saline—(1). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Sandoval to approve to bid and bring back to purchase a used trailer for an estimated cost of $20,000 to haul leachate from the landfill. They are looking for a 6,000 gallon tanker. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Stewart to approve to bid and bring back for three new trucks and trailers to be used for hauling fluff. Member Mannhardt reported that the committee is estimating a cost of $165,000 per unit plus $12,000 per unit for equipment including chains, paddles, and superslicks in each trailer. Three units would total over $500,000. He is not in support of this purchase but would rather wait until the new landfill administrator could review it. However, he could support the purchase of one unit. There is no money in the budget for this expenditure without getting in the landfill reserves. This should be handled by the new administrator.

            Member Porter stated that as a member of the landfill committee she feels that the committee is behind on equipment purchases. That is one reason why there is so much money in the reserve fund. Mr. Ingle has reported that new equipment is needed. We should go ahead to bid and bring back for this needed equipment.

            Member Link stated that he is not in favor of purchasing all three units at once. He agrees with Member Mannhardt that since this is so much money, we could look into purchasing only one unit at this time. Member Link also questioned the committee report’s reference to keeping one older unit to use as a spare. If three new units are purchased, why would they need to keep an old one for a spare?

            Member Mannhardt responded that this would be in case one breaks down. Member Link stated that if these three new units receive proper routine maintenance, they should not break down.

            Member Parsons stated a problem in the past has been with the maintenance of the equipment. In his opinion the landfill does need at least two new units to haul the fluff and those units are urgently needed. Fluff is the money maker and the landfill desperately needs this equipment.

            Member Steve Johnson asked if the fluff contracts had been renewed for another year. He reminded Members that the Board had advised Mr. Larson to hire a mechanic to work at the landfill. This mechanic has been doing on excellent job. Another possibility suggested in the past would be to purchase a used tractor to use as a spare. However, if we are going to purchase three new ones, perhaps we would not need a spare.

            Member Occhi expressed her concerns about this equipment purchase fitting into the new budget. As she reviewed the landfill budget, she did not see an appropriation line to fit this expenditure. As we went through the budgeting process, some things were left out. With budget controls in place, you cannot keep spending money that is not allocated to that expense. This was done last year as budget controls were instituted in the middle of the year. Because of these concerns she will be voting “No” to this purchase.

            Chairman Pickrel suggested that the motion be amended to purchase, 1, 2, or 3 units. We could bid and bring back on this basis. This would allow the Board to decide if it would be best to purchase 1, 2, or 3, or perhaps none.

            Member Porter asked that Greg Ingle explain the situation. At present our tractors and trailers have a tremendous amount of mileage. She confirmed that the landfill does have a fluff contract.

            Mr. Ingle reported that currently the trucks have 400,000 miles on them. The superslick is worn out of the trailers. Those chains are also worn out. The cost is approximately $8,000 to install replacement chains and paddles in each unit. It would be approximately another $8,000 per unit to replace the superslick. One fluff contract has been signed for one year with Allied. Behr does not sign a contract. Recently they have been asking us to haul fluff on Saturdays. Then we have to pay our drivers overtime wages. Yet for months they let it pile up, and then all the sudden they want it to be moved.

            Member Knapp explained that the reason that the landfill is in this situation is because we should have been replacing these units at the rate of one per year for the last three years. Yet we failed to do so. Therefore, now we need three new trucks and trailers. He would suggest purchasing at least one new unit as well as two used ones and get back on schedule to replace one per year. Otherwise, it is a tremendous expense.

            Member Parsons and Member Stewart agreed to amend the original motion to bid and bring back for 1, 2, or 3 new trucks and trailers for fluff hauling. Member Stewart stated that there is $12,000,000 in landfill reserve funds. Chairman Pickrel agreed that there needs to be a rotation schedule for the landfill equipment. There used to be a three or five year rotation schedule.

            Member Porter pointed out that the landfill committee talked about all of this in great detail. Their recommendation is to bid and bring back for three tractors and trailers. It is too bad that Board Members are second guessing what the committee decided to do. We know the details and we know there needs to be a system in place to annually replace some of this equipment. The fact is that the landfill is very far behind in replacing equipment.

            Chairman Pickrel responded that with respect to the landfill committee it cannot hurt to bid it out for 1, 2, or 3 units to see what the best deal might be.

            Member Steve Johnson questioned if this bid would include a trade-in. Member Mannhardt responded that it could. Member Abel stated that this could be included in the bid, how much trade-in value could be obtained from the old trucks. This would allow the Board to make a more informed decision. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, and Steve Johnson—(11). Noes—Bacon, Sandoval, Occhi, and Saline—(4). Motion carried.

            Member Abel rhetorically questioned that even though there is $12,000,000 in the landfill reserve funds, if something disastrous happens, how will the County pay the bill.

            Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Lyle Johnson to approve hiring Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC, to assist with preparing a job description and searching for a new landfill administrator. The total fee to provide this service would not exceed $1,000. Mr. Sloan hopes to have a tentative job description prepared by next month’s committee meeting. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—Saline—(1). Motion carried.

            Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Lyle Johnson to approve the groundwater assessment contract for the landfill # 2. A copy of the proposal from Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC, is included in the packets. IEPA will not release landfill #2 as long as there are groundwater contamination questions. One problem is the difficulty in obtaining the water for tests. They are requiring groundwater investigation and assessment. They are also requiring the installation of five new monitoring wells. Since this work actually had to begin this month, we entered into the engineering agreement with Foth to perform these engineering services. Foth has already solicited drilling subcontractors to get this project going. The approximate cost from Foth to cover the engineering and drilling services will be $51,000. The lab analysis work will be approximately $40,000 to equal a total of $91,000. If the committee had known about it, this is something that could have been done months ago. Chairman Pickrel stated that it was his understanding that this should have done a long time ago.

            Member Porter commented that a month ago everyone thought it was a big joke to consider selling the landfill. However, the reality is that we either have to rid of it or spend money to bring it up to required standards. You cannot be against the sale of the landfill and yet refuse to spend money on equipment and associated costs to improve it.

            Member Steve Johnson stated that even if the Board decides to sell the landfill, certain improvements must still be made. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Bacon, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, and Steve Johnson—(14). Noes—Saline—(1). Motion carried.

            The Nursing Home Committee report was presented by Committee Chairman Lowell Mannhardt. The committee minutes and the nursing home report are included in the packets. In past Marianne Wiesen has discussed consolidating purchasing with the committee. She reported to the committee that the Nursing Home has been under a group purchasing contract with H.P.S.I. for a number of years. Due to the volume of purchasing that they do, they do not pay for this service. This could also be an opportunity for the County. This would function like centralized purchasing for other interested departments. If interested contact Ms. Wiesen and compare prices.

            Motion was made by Member Lyle Johnson and seconded by Member Parsons to approve the claims against Knox County , Illinois for the period of December 27, 2007 January 23, 2008 (ordering that invoices be accepted and approved and that the County Clerk and County Treasurer be authorized and directed to issue County Warrants in payment of the bills.) Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Porter, Hasten, Mannhardt, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Pass—Bacon and Sandoval—(2). Motion carried.

            Chairman Pickrel asked for verification that no funds needed to be transferred to other line items. Member Saline confirmed that there were none for this month.

            County Clerk Scott Erickson reported a change in the summary sheet for the County Clerk ’s Office. An office expense line item was incorrectly added to wrong appropriation number. That error has been corrected.

STATEMENTS OF GENERAL CONCERN

            Member Porter had no comments at this time.

            Member Bacon commented that he had been looking at Member Link’s County Yearbook and inquired when new ones would be available. County Clerk Scott Erickson responded that new ones would not be prepared until March after the Primary Election.

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

            Member Link also commented about the yearbooks. This subject has been discussed before. The yearbooks are really handy. Mr. Erickson responded that most of this information is available on the County Clerk ’s website. Member Link also commented that he did not think that the Board is that far behind in approving equipment purchases for the landfill.

            Chairman Pickrel had no comments at this time.

            Member Stewart commented he had asked Mr. Erickson to compile a list of how the per diems for the past year were given. He said that he would provide that list for the February Meeting.

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

            Member Occhi thanked Treasurer Robin Davis and her staff for her copy of the new budget.

            Member Saline had no comments at this time.

            Member Steve Johnson thanked the Members of the Ad Hoc Building Committee that had undertaken a couple of projects including the sally port at the Mary Davis Home and the scale house/office building at the landfill. He thinks that the committee did a fine job. The Nursing Home project is on track. Since these projects are all underway, in his opinion, the building committee is now defunct. He agrees with Chairman Pickrel that we need to get started on the wind farm issue sooner rather than later. It may take a long time to get everything in order.

            The next regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 , 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—(15). Noes—(0). Motion carried Meeting was adjourned at 7:39 p.m.