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
2 Greg Bacon
District
3 Tim Hasten
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
Those absent:
District 1
Caroline Porter
District
4
Also present were State’s Attorney John Pepmeyer, Sheriff Dave Clague,
Treasurer Robin Davis, and County Clerk Scott Erickson.
Sheriff Dave Clague delivered the proclamation. Chairman Pickrel led the
Members in the pledge to the flag. David Scholl from the Galesburg Rescue
Mission delivered the invocation.
Chairman Pickrel asked for additions to the agenda. He asked for the
following additions: item 7B, to share a resignation letter with the Board; item
7C, to bring an update about computer service at the nursing home; and item 26B
regarding a business matter at the landfill. Additionally agenda item 28,
resolution of opposition to CMS revisit fees, should be dropped.
Chairman Pickrel asked for public comments.
Judy Johnson, representative from AFSCME Local #3217, spoke in reference
to agenda item 7, enforcement of the County Personnel Policy. This has been an
item of contention for some time. Due to union negotiations this item has been
pushed to the forefront. She reviewed the history of this policy which was first
drafted in 1978. For 22 years there was little or no consideration given to it
or any enforcement of the policies contained in the employee handbook. In
February 2004, a residency requirement was added to the policy. In recent years
there have been other amendments added to the handbook, including the recent
addition of a drug and alcohol policy.
Some policies that have been overlooked for years include the hiring of
relatives, smoking, as some County employees continue to smoke in County owned
vehicles, as well as the residency requirement. When hired some County employees
were told not to worry about this residency requirement. In the past, Board
Members have at will changed the personnel handbook. As a County employee and
union representative, she would ask Board Members to reconsider the residency
requirement. Several options have been discussed by both supervisors and
employees. Options include removing this provision, changing it to a 30 mile
radius, or grandfathering in current employees. She encouraged Board Members to
review the handbook and do the best for all involved.
Randy Lynch, also an AFSCME representative, spoke in reference to the
same issue. They had tried to resolve this issue with the Ad Hoc Negotiation
Committee. The union is prepared to fight the enforcement of this residency
requirement and will contact the National Labor Relations Board and the State
Labor Relations Board. The union will do their best to represent County
employees to see that they are treated fairly. They should not be caught up in
the political nightmare that is presently occurring. Some Board Members and
elected officials have their own political agendas to terminate some employees.
He has discussed this matter with Marianne Wiesen from the nursing home.
Recently this Board voted to increase the LPN wages at the nursing home. Yet
despite this wage increase, they are still having difficulty hiring LPN’s. If
this residency requirement is enforced, it will further restrict the hiring of
qualified people. It will hurt the County; it will hurt everybody. The Board
should take everything into consideration. The union is prepared to fight this
issue every step of the way to protect their members.
Daniel O’Brien, an Alternate Public Defender, also spoke in opposition
to the residency requirement stated in the personnel handbook. Kelli Vancil, an
employee of that office, will be directly impacted by the results of the
Board’s decision regarding this matter. In the past, this policy has not been
enforced. This employee has been working in the office for a year and a half,
and now her residency is at issue. When she was hired, it was known that she
would not be moving into
On a practical matter, there are not that many employees that will be
affected by the enforcement of this policy. However, the County could lose Kelli
Vancil, who has valuable work experience. Mr. O’Brien is not complaining but
needs as much help as he can get in that office, and there are not many people
around who can do what this employee does. He does not know how this office can
function without her. He does understand the concept of keeping County dollars
within the County, but this is just a drop in the bucket. Some employees should
be grandfathered in. Before Mrs. Vancil began working in that office, she was
working part-time in Judge Campbell’s Office. So actually she has been a
County employee longer than a year and a half. On a practical matter, he
questioned what good the enforcement of this policy would accomplish.
Chairman Pickrel presented for approval the following items of the
consent agenda: 1) minutes of the Regular and Closed Board Meeting on February
27, 2008, 2) claims by Members for per diem and mileage for the Meeting of March
26, 2008 and other claims for per diem from meetings, and 3) sales tax and
various taxes for the month of December 2007 in the amounts of $117,058.42 and
$24,999.11 and public safety tax in the amount of $99,642.04. Motion was made by
Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Parsons to approve these measures.
Roll call vote to approve these measures is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bacon,
Hasten, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel,
Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
A lottery was held to determine the party ballot placement for the
General Election to be held
Chairman Pickrel read aloud a proclamation in support of Child Abuse
Prevention Month to be observed during the month of April. Representatives from
the Blue Ribbon Task Force expressed their thanks to the Board and encouraged
community members to take a public stand against child abuse. “Hands around
the Courthouse” will be held
Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Occhi to
reappoint Bryon Orme to the Williamsfield Sanitary District. This new term would
expire
Chairman Pickrel introduced discussion of the enforcement of the County
Personnel Policy. A copy of this policy is included in the packets. March 12th
a meeting was held with department heads and elected officials to discuss the
policies contained in the
In reference to the public comments about the enforcement of this policy,
the reason that such a policy exists is to enforce it. We need to either use and
enforce this policy or throw it away. During the before mentioned meeting,
Chairman Pickrel asked department heads and elected officials to read through
this policy and contact him if they had changes to suggest. Basically, that
night everybody reported that they were already following the personnel policy
and that they had no problems with it. Many of them stated that they inform
their new hires that these are the rules as they begin the job. He had received
two phone calls from Daniel O’Brien’s Office in objection to the residency
requirement. Chairman Pickrel also received a few other calls in support of this
policy and the rest did not respond at all. He interprets that to mean that they
are accepting of this policy. If we do stick with this, before an employee
begins his job, they should be required to read this policy and sign it. During
that meeting, Circuit Clerk Kelly Cheesman reported that is already done in that
office. Others stated that same thing. To reiterate, he received two phone calls
against enforcing the personnel policy and three calls for its enforcement.
Member Steve Johnson stated that he would like to suggest two changes.
First, he would suggest that any changes to the employee handbook be made during
the November Meeting before the next year begins. This would avoid changes
during the middle of the year and the need to circulate amended copies. Such a
stipulation could be added to the handbook. Additionally, he would like to see a
“30 mile radius” clause substituted for the current residency requirement.
This would be especially beneficial for the professional people hired by the
County. Although originally in 2004, he voted to approve the personnel policy,
we have come a long way since then and these changes need to be made. If the
Board chooses to do so, they could pick a date and declare that from that date
forward the rules contained in the personnel policy will be enforced. It is sad
to go back in hindsight and try to fix this when we have not done so for years.
Member Hasten stated that he would like to see the residency requirement
remain as it is. It should be enforced to the letter. We do have qualified
people in
Member Abel suggested that since in the past this residency requirement
was not enforced, current employees should be grandfathered in. That would give
the Board time to get this straightened out. It is not fair that a person would
be an employee for a year and a half and then suddenly be informed that this
residency requirement is something to worry about. Employees should not be
penalized because previous mistakes were made.
Chairman Pickrel responded that in 2005 employees were grandfathered in.
Member Occhi stated that she did not know anyone who was told to not
enforce this policy. She does like the idea of annually reviewing the personnel
policy and making any changes during that November Meeting.
Member Saline stated that the reason for having this policy is to have
uniform codes to enforce employee benefits. He understands that the overwhelming
majority of County employees are already adhering to it. From the previous
comments he gathers that a couple people are not enforcing it and others are
trying to protect them. The County has approximately 500 employees and if any
employees were told not to worry about conforming to any requirements in this
personnel policy, then the person who should be in trouble, should be the boss
who told them that, not the employees. It should be confirmed who actually
provided this wrong information. Then there should be discussions with that boss
about their job security. Department heads and elected officials knew what the
policy was and yet they chose to circumvent it. We should treat everyone
equally. He does agree that the personnel policy should be reviewed on an annual
basis.
Member Bacon agreed with Member Hasten. In 2005, Member Bacon was on the
committee that revised the personnel policy. As Member Saline stated, it should
be up to the department heads and elected officials to take responsibility for
their actions. The policy is there. These supervisors should have made this
policy available to their employees.
Member Steve Johnson commented that it had been brought to his attention
that one of the department heads has grandfathered in some of their employees.
He told these employees not to worry about the residency requirement, that he
would grandfather them in. Department heads do not have this authority. If the
Board decides to enforce this policy for one employee, it should be enforced for
every employee. However in doing so, the County will lose some valuable
qualified people. This could be a problem when hiring Licensed Practical Nurses
for the nursing home. Member Lyle Johnson agreed that there is a shortage of
Licensed Practical Nurses.
Chairman Pickrel stated that the discussion should not center on one
person or on one certain area. This should be settled one way or the other. We
are either going to follow this policy completely or throw it away.
Member Stewart commented that he assumed that through the years some
thought has gone into the wording of this policy. The last page contains an
acknowledgment form which the employee is supposed to sign. As long as the
majority of the County employees have reviewed this policy and signed it, and
are following this procedure, we should not make any exceptions. He firmly
believes in the residency requirement. Our employees should be paying the taxes
to help pay for their salaries. This section in the personnel policy should
remain.
Member Lyle Johnson disagreed with Member Stewart. If Member Lyle Johnson
had been on the Board when this policy was passed, he would not have approved
the residency requirement. He would prefer the “30 mile radius” clause
instead.
Chairman Pickrel apologized that he did not bring his map, but the “30
mile radius as the crow flies” rule could include Iowa communities or at least
to the Mississippi River.
Member Stewart agreed with Member Steve Johnson that annually we should
review the personnel policy. In the meantime, we should enforce the current
policy as it is written.
Chairman Pickrel again asked for direction from the Board regarding the
enforcement of the current personnel policy.
Member Bacon responded that the whole personnel policy needs to be
enforced, not just one section.
Chairman Pickrel asked County Clerk Scott Erickson to prepare and
distribute a memo to all department heads and elected officials that all new
hires are to receive a copy of this personnel policy and are to sign it.
Further, as Chairman Pickrel has reviewed the dates, the County must give a 90
day window of opportunity for employees to get moved. He asked State’s
Attorney John Pepmeyer to draft a letter to every employee who does not
presently live in the County, informing them that they have 90 days to relocate
within Knox County or they will be terminated, effective this date. The
personnel policy has included this residency requirement since 2005.
Member Steve Johnson responded that with
Various Members questioned whether a vote should be taken to approve the
enforcement of this policy. Member Bacon reminded Members that they have
previously approved this policy. They should not have to vote on it again.
Member Steve Johnson stated that although the Board had approved the policy,
they did not approve the enforcement of it. Member Bacon stated that the reason
the policy exists is to enforce it.
County Clerk Scott Erickson confirmed that the policy is in effect. The
reason that it is on the agenda for discussion and/or approval is that this
possible approval would allow for any recommended changes. As the policy
currently stands, technically it is in full force. Changes would require a
motion and majority vote for approval.
Motion was made by Member Lyle Johnson and seconded by Member Steve
Johnson to replace the current residency requirement with a “30 mile radius as
the crow flies” clause. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Link,
Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, and Steve Johnson—(5). Noes—Bacon, Hasten,
Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Abel, Occhi, and Saline—(8). Motion failed.
Chairman Pickrel stated that the personnel policy will be enforced as it
is. Mr. Erickson stated that it would be a committee decision whether to
annually review the personnel policy during the November Meeting.
Chairman Pickrel read aloud a letter of resignation from Raymond G.
Kimbell, for the alternate public defender coverage position, effective
Chairman Pickrel briefly discussed some serious computer problem at the
nursing home. In an effort to resolve these problems, he and staff members from
the nursing home met with representatives from Office Specialists They have done
a wonderful job in clearing up the problems. Perhaps the current computer
service provider is in over their heads when it comes to working with the
computer problems at the nursing home. In discussions with Office Specialists
they are willing to provide services to the County and they do not require a
contract. Many people are uncomfortable with the current service provider. The
Board may have to make some decisions whether we break our current service
contract and move on with a new service provider. Right now things are not
great. He questioned Mr. Erickson about the length of the present contract.
Mr. Erickson responded that the current contract expires in November
2008, is for one year, and covers a specified number of service hours per week.
The contract does have a 30 day out clause.
Chairman Pickrel stated that he would do some more investigation. The
Board may need to vote on discontinuing our current service contract with
R-Cubed Technologies. This may be on the agenda for next month. There is another
computer matter on this agenda for an e-mail server and software. Chairman
Pickrel expressed doubts that R-Cubed Technologies could handle this increased
responsibility. Ms. Wiesen had no choice but to consult with someone else. Board
Members needed to be made aware of this situation.
The Finance, Insurance, Treasurer, Judicial, and Clerk Committee report
was presented by Committee Chairman Wayne Saline. He reminded Members of the
report included in the packets.
Member Saline presented the statement of the conditions of the banks for
the period ending
Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Sandoval to
approve to bid and bring back for an e-mail server and software. County Clerk
Scott Erickson explained the need for this server and software. This will allow
the County to become compliant with recent changes in federal and state laws
regarding documentation during the discovery motion in a lawsuit. An inability
to produce these requested documents can result in large fines and damage
settlement amounts. The bids will be placed separately for the hardware and the
software. Funds for this project are included in the budget. The estimated cost
for the software and hardware is slightly under $10,000. Bid specifications are
included in the packets. Voice vote is included as follows: Ayes—(13).
Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Sandoval to
approve the resolution authorizing the transfer of funds from the landfill to
the Knox County Tort Fund, not to exceed $150,000.00. These funds will be repaid
at the earliest opportunity but no later than
Motion was made by Member Saline and seconded by Member Abel to approve
the resolution revising the previous resolution to allow for Illinois Municipal
Retirement Fund service credit for military service. The original resolution
which the Board approved in February 2007, allowed for service credit for two
years. However, the IMRF has since revised their requirement to allow for up to
four years of service credit. This revised resolution would match the revised
requirement from IMRF. Roll call
vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bacon, Hasten, Link, Pickrel, Stewart,
Parsons, 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 claims in the amount of $10,722.72 to Neil
Schisler. Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bacon, Hasten, Link,
Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline,
and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Member Steve Johnson, Chairman of the Ad Hoc Building Committee,
commented that that committee had nothing to report.
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. Committee minutes were distributed to the
Members.
Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Lyle
Johnson to approve the bid submitted from Leary Construction from
Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bacon, Hasten, Link,
Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, and Steve
Johnson—(12). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Sandoval
to approve the bid submitted by Johnson Trucking and Blacktopping in the amount
of $9,600.00 for the patching and striping of the old parking lot at the Mary
Davis Home.
Roll call vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—Bacon, Hasten, Link,
Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, and Steve
Johnson—(12). Noes—(0). Pass—Saline—(1). Motion carried.
On other matters of committee business, Member Steve Johnson updated
Members that the animal shelter has increased their fees from $7.00 to $12.00
per day for boarding and from $25.00 to $50.00 for euthanasia. The committee is
researching other options.
Member Bacon asked Rod Cleair how much of the Mary Davis Home bond money
is left. Mr. Cleair responded that approximately a little over $400,000 is
remaining. Currently there are 36 clients at the Mary Davis Home and 8 of those
are from
The Highway, Assessor, Zoning, GIS, and Recorder Committee report was
presented by Committee Chairman Jerry Link. Copies of the minutes were
distributed to the Members. The Assessor’s Office reported that they forwarded
the tax assessment records to the
Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Bacon to approve
the low bid submitted by Monroe Truck Equipment of Monroe, Wisconsin for a total
amount of $43,268.00, for the dump body, salt spreader, and snow wing for the
new tandem dump truck for the highway department. These funds will be paid from
their equipment replacement appropriation line. Member Link commented that he
was glad that there were three bids. Roll call vote is recorded as follows:
Ayes—Bacon, Hasten, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle
Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13). Noes—(0). Motion
carried.
Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Occhi to approve
the low bid submitted by Brandt Construction, from
Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Parsons to approve
the low bid submitted by Curnyn Construction of Geneseo,
Member Steve Johnson questioned why the bid was so much higher than the
engineer’s estimate. Member Link responded that in part that is because
material costs are changing so quickly. There were five bids for this project
and some of those bids were close in comparison to each other. Roll call vote is
recorded as follows: Ayes—Bacon, Hasten, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons,
Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13).
Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Motion was made by Member Link and seconded by Member Steve Johnson to
approve to bid and bring back for the purchase of a new self-propelled broom for
the Highway Department. Previously they have rented this equipment but feel it
might be advantageous to have their own. The committee is not positive that they
want to purchase this machine but would like to see what is available. The
budgeted amount for this purchase is $50,000.00. Voice vote is recorded as
follows: Ayes—(13). Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Since Committee Chairman Member Mannhardt was absent, the Landfill
Committee report was presented by Chairman Pickrel. The Committee minutes and
landfill report are included in the packets.
Motion was made by Member Stewart and seconded by Member Occhi to approve
the low bid submitted by Dave Gill from
Member Saline stated that he wanted to rebid this purchase. Mack Truck
was really the low bidder but that unit has a 475 horsepower engine. Rebidding
at this smaller number took options away from us. We should rebid this at a
lower parameter. This will allow us the opportunity to accept another vehicle at
a lower cost. In his opinion, it will not hurt the gas mileage.
Chairman Pickrel reminded Members that the truck and trailer purchases
are separate items on this agenda.
Member Link reported that the committee had spoken to Mr. Ingle about
both of these bids. Personally, Member Link had also been concerned about the
engine in this particular truck. The wheel base can be adjusted. He does not
want to have to rebid this purchase. The bid specifications did include a
preferred engine. However, this particular truck does not have the preferred
engine. There is not that much difference in the price; it is $2,000.00 or less.
Member Steve Johnson stated that the Board does not have to accept the
lowest bid.
Chairman Pickrel added that the Board could vote to rebid or revise the
bid specifications. He apologized that the bid sheets were not available for the
Board Members to review.
Member Saline expressed his concerns about altering the length of the
wheel base as this would be unfair to the other bidders. We should rebid the
project and give other bidders the opportunity to change the length of their
units. Chairman Pickrel agreed.
Member Steve Johnson questioned if the Mack Truck is the better truck in
this proposal. Member Saline responded that the Mack Truck is $2,000 cheaper.
The figures provided in the committee minutes are not accurate. Member Steve
Johnson stated that he wanted to do the right thing for the landfill. The Board
should approve the bid for the best most durable piece of equipment.
Chairman Pickrel reported that during the committee meeting, Mr. Ingle
felt very comfortable with this unit. However, he was ill and unable to attend
this Board Meeting. Member Link confirmed that Mr. Ingle felt that this truck is
the best option.
Member Stewart stated that the committee had voted unanimously to approve
Mr. Ingle’s recommendation. Roll call to approve the low bid submitted by Dave
Gill from East Peoria at a purchase price of $89,025.00 minus a trade-in
allowance of $26,500.00 for a net cost of $62,525.00, for one truck for the
landfill is recorded as follows: Ayes—Link, Pickrel, Stewart, and
Parsons—(4). Noes—Bacon, Hasten, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi,
Saline, and Steve Johnson—(9). Motion failed.
Chairman Pickrel stated that he would contact Mr. Ingle the next day and
inform him that this truck purchase will have to be rebid.
Motion was made by Member Sandoval and seconded by Member Knapp to
approve the only bid submitted for a Trail King trailer for the landfill for a
purchase price of $75,130.00 with a trade in value of $22,000.00 at a net cost
of $53,130.00. The committee also discussed a motorized tarp option that is
available with this trailer, instead of a hand crank.
Member Knapp explained that he had voted against this option as he
thought the quoted additional $2,000.00 fee would actually be more than that
amount. We need to save that money.
Member Steve Johnson questioned if the price quote included the tarp.
Chairman Pickrel confirmed that it does include that option.
Member Link expressed his concerns that there was only one bid. He was
told that this is the only company that manufactures a trailer which meets
certain specifications to haul the fluff. He stated that the motorized tarp
would be at least an additional cost of $7,100.00.This purchase involves a lot
of money and the trade-in of a five year old trailer.
Member Saline stated that the price for the tarp was more than $2,000; it
was close to $4,500.
Chairman Pickel stated that he thought the $2,000 price is only the price
of the tarp, not the motor and the accessories that go with it. This is a
misleading bid.
Member Saline stated that this needs to be rebid and the committee needs
to look into investigating other companies and not limit ourselves to only the
type of trailer that we have used in the past. We certainly do not need a
motorized tarp. In the past they have not taken care of the equipment that has
been provided to them. We should not reward them with a motorized tarp system.
Roll call vote to approve the bid for a Trail King trailer for the
landfill for a purchase price of $75,130.00 with a trade in value of $22,000.00
at a net cost of $53,130.00 is recorded as follows: Ayes—Stewart—(1).
Noes—Bacon, Hasten, Link, Pickrel, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson,
Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(12). Motion failed.
Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Sandoval
to approve the expansion study at the landfill at a cost of $73,000.00 with
services to be provided by Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC. This
study would also include an aerial view. Mr. Sloan from Foth reported to the
committee that this has to be done soon for landfill #4 to progress and to avoid
fines from the EPA. It would be a 4-6 year process to get this project done and
get it ready for use. The new well for cell #2 has been tested and is
functioning. The specific plans for this expansion study are outlined and
included in the packets.
Member Saline questioned who did the previous work on the other cells.
Chairman Pickrel responded that this same company has done the similar studies
at the landfill for the last 20 years. Member Saline stated that there is
currently no landfill administrator and he feels that Foth is ramming expenses
down our throat. Since they have provided this specific service in the past, he
really does not have a problem with this project. Still he will be voting
“No” to this motion. He would prefer to wait until a new administrator is
hired and then the County should investigate other options.
Member Occhi suggested that since this expansion study involves a fly
over, she would hope that efforts could be coordinated with the GIS department,
as soon they will also need an aerial view for their maps. Chairman Pickrel
responded that he would discuss this matter with Mr. Sloan and see if they could
share their pictures with the GIS department. That should not be a problem.
Member Saline suggested that if we are going to hire a landfill
administrator within the next two months or sooner this project could wait. It
would not slow us down that much to wait.
Member Steve Johnson responded that part of the problem with that
reasoning is that the former landfill administrator let time schedules slip. Now
we are scrambling to get things caught up and still conform to state deadlines
and requirements.
Chairman Pickrel confirmed that these were the exact words shared in the
committee meeting. This work needs to be accomplished and turned into the State
by July 15th or we will be incurring fines on a daily basis.
Member Saline questioned how they could fine us when they do not even
know of our intentions. They cannot fine us for something that they think that
we might do. Foth just made these things up to make people spend money.
Chairman Pickrel stated that another reason to take those aerial photos
is that the former landfill administrator sold a lot of dirt and there is some
concern that we may not have enough dirt to cover certain things. An aerial view
will show us the true picture.
Roll call vote to approve the expansion study at the landfill at a cost
of $73,000.00 with services to be provided by Foth Infrastructure &
Environment, LLC is recorded as follows: Ayes—Hasten, Link, Pickrel, Stewart,
Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, and Steve Johnson—(10).
Noes—Bacon, Occhi, and Saline—(3). Motion carried.
Chairman Pickrel brought an update about another business matter at the
landfill. There is a company that still owes the landfill approximately $23,000
on a two year old bill, which is hung up in the State. This was a State project
and we are still waiting on money from the State for this project. This same
company is preparing to do another project which will bring in approximately
$236,000 in additional revenue to the landfill. The project is scheduled to
begin in May. Greg Ingle has questioned how long we will continue to carry this
account. Truly they cannot guess when reimbursement will be made. But this new
project will bring in additional revenues. Chairman Pickrel understands that the
company doing this project is Hannigan’s.
Member Steve Johnson questioned if this is a State project. Chairman
Pickrel responded that is a State project funded through the super fund. The
State will pay for it but it is just a question of when. Mr. Ingle did bid this
project and this company did accept the bid. This will be on next month’s
agenda for Board approval.
Member Saline commented that since the County would be directly
reimbursed from the State, he would be a less nervous about approving this
project.
Chairman Pickrel reported that Mr. Ingle wanted to inform Members about
this since this company already owes us this amount and this project would
represent such a large sum.
Chairman Pickrel stated that since agenda item 26, approve work plan
project at the landfill, refers to agenda item 25, approve expansion study at
the landfill; item 26 could be dropped.
The Nursing Home Committee report was presented by Chairman Pickrel. The
Committee minutes and the nursing home report are included in the packets.
Chairman Pickrel reported that during the committee meeting, committee
members approved an emergency repair to the nursing home boiler. During that
meeting, members learned that the boiler feed water tank had a leak. MSI gave
them a cost estimate of $10,000.00 for the necessary repairs. Reportedly when
Nursing Home Maintenance Supervisor Joe Coulter pealed back the outside liner of
this tank, he discovered the leak was larger than he originally thought. Since
the majority of the committee members felt that this was an emergency situation,
they approved this repair in the amount of $9,475.00 for a 30 X 86 inch
stainless steel tank.
Member Steve Johnson questioned whether there is a back-up system in
place. Mr. Coulter responded that there is not. Member Steve Johnson then asked
how long it had been leaking. Mr. Coulter responded that visually he had noticed
that there had been a slow leak for a long time. Apparently since the insulation
had been absorbing it, he did not realize how large the leak was.
Member Steve Johnson emphasized that he was unhappy with the
committee’s decision to deem this an emergency situation and approving a
$10,000.00 expenditure, without going before the full Board and putting this
repair out for bid. If it has been leaking for quite sometime, then he does not
understand why this was deemed an emergency situation. He understands that it
could have ceased functioning the next day and yet that is true of most things.
He expressed his concern that the taxpayers might have been taken on this bid.
Chairman Pickrel echoed his personal disappointment in the committee’s
decision on this matter. A $10,000.00 bid for a stainless steel 30 X 86 inch
tank seems to be ridiculous. It could have waited and come before the full
Board.
Member Stewart stated that he was the one who voted against approving
this expenditure, primarily because there are regulations that any purchase over
$5,000.00 require that it should be bid out. This has all the appearance of a
non-bid contract which is not appropriate. There was some discussion during the
committee meeting regarding another means that could have been used to solve
this problem. It was suggested that the committee could approve putting this out
for bid. He agrees that it is an emergency situation when the boiler no longer
functions.
Chairman Pickrel stated that since the committee authorized this
expenditure, then the full Board does not need to also approve it. According to
the by-laws, once the committee deems it an emergency and takes action on it, it
is a done deal. However, he did want to bring this matter to the Board’s
attention.
Member Bacon agreed with Member Steve Johnson as he is also disappointed
with the committee for taking this action.
Director of Nurses at the nursing home, Stacy Bainter explained as she
had explained during the committee meeting, that if the nursing home does not
have water to wash the residents they cannot provide care for the residents. If
there is no water, it could result in the State coming in and then there would
be fines. That is one reason why it was looked at as an emergency situation. We
must have water to bathe the residents and cook their meals.
Member Steve Johnson asked if the tank has already been replaced.
Chairman Pickrel responded that it has been replaced.
Member Abel questioned if it could have been repaired. Chairman Pickrel
stated that they were told that it could not be repaired. Mr. Coulter stated
that he would not even attempt a repair. It took MSI three days to build this
new tank. Another company said that they could build one in six weeks.
Member Abel asked for a definition of an emergency, according to Board
rules. Chairman Pickrel responded that it is really up to the committee to
determine that. Obviously there are times when emergency situations that do
occur. One example is a recent broken pipe at the courthouse. They knew that
repairs would be over the $5,000.00 limit and yet it was an emergency that he
signed off on. This was something that had to be taken care of immediately. He
thinks that the committee’s decision in this case was ridiculous. It could
have waited two weeks to come before the full board.
Motion was made by Member Occhi and seconded by Member Parsons to approve
the low bid submitted by German-Bliss of
In other matters of nursing home committee business, Chairman Pickrel
explained that the cable company American Tech Corp. had phoned the nursing home
and said that their bid was incorrect. There was a typing error. The correct
figure would actually double the price so Mr. Coulter has scrapped the deal with
them. Ms. Wiesen added that the nursing home had received the necessary
approvals from the Public Health Department and can now proceed with the soffit
and fascia work, and entryway remodel projects. Now Al Varney can proceed with
the next step which is to bid and bring back.
Motion was made by Member Occhi and seconded by Member Saline to approve
opening the budget for line item adjustments. Roll call vote is recorded as
follows: Ayes—Bacon, Hasten, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp, Sandoval,
Abel, Occhi, and Saline—(11). Noes—Lyle Johnson and Steve Johnson—(2).
Motion carried.
Motion was made by Member Occhi and seconded by Member Stewart to approve
line item adjustments in the budget. Specific information is included in the
packets and other handouts were given to the Members. Roll call vote is recorded
as follows: Ayes—Bacon, Hasten, Link, Pickrel, Stewart, Parsons, Knapp,
Sandoval, Lyle Johnson, Abel, Occhi, Saline, and Steve Johnson—(13).
Noes—(0). Motion carried.
Motion was made by Member Parsons and seconded by Member Occhi to approve
the claims against
STATEMENTS OF
GENERAL CONCERN
Member Bacon and Member Hasten had no comments at this time.
Member Link commented that he has eight months left to serve with this
Board. He would still like to have a copy of the yearbook before his term
expires.
Chairman Pickrel had no comments at this time.
Member Stewart commented that during the previous Board Meeting he had
forgotten to thank the
Member Parsons had no comments at this time.
Member Knapp commented that he would echo Member Link’s comments about
a yearbook.
Member Sandoval echoed those comments about the yearbook. Member Link has
served that Board well and he should be rewarded with a copy of the yearbook.
Member Lyle Johnson had no comments at this time.
Member Abel commented about the auditor’s report. It is a year later,
since these audits were authorized. The Board should have received a report by
now and should have received some answers. There has been a lot of foot
dragging. The Board has not heard anything from them for the last four or five
months. If the Board does not receive some answers soon, the Board should
rethink who will perform the annual audit. The taxpayers should have some
answers.
Member Occhi had no comments at this time.
Member Saline expressed his thanks to Chris Gray. He appreciates that the
tax assessments have gone to the Clerk’s Office on schedule. It is good to be
on time.
Member Steve Johnson had no comments at this time.
The next regular Meeting will be held on
Motion was made by Member Steve Johnson and seconded by Member Hasten to
adjourn. Voice vote is recorded as follows: Ayes—(13). Noes—(0). Motion
carried. Meeting adjourned at