Christian County Board met Feb. 21.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
The following proceeding had and entered at large upon the records of said Board, which is done accordingly in the following words and figures to wit;
Chairman Timothy J. Carlson called the Board to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Pastor Carlos Campos of Grace Baptist Church of Taylorville gave the invocation.
A roll call disclosed all members present signifying a quorum as declared by Chairman Carlson with Vicki McMahon absent.
Accept County Board Minutes
The Chairman Carlson asked for any corrections and to accept the January 17, 2017 County Board minutes. It was moved by Paul Schmitz and seconded by Becky Edwards to accept and place on file the minutes for the January 17, 2017 County Board Meeting. The motion carried.
Petitions, Resolutions, Ordinances Or Proclamations
These items will be addressed during committee reports.
Communications
The following communications were presented and read and placed on file in the Clerk’s Office.
- The Prevailing Wage report remains the same as the July 2015 rates would prevail.
- 2- The January 2017 Public Defender’s report is on file.
- 3- The Treasurer’s report ending 01/31/2017 is on file in the Clerk’s office.
- 4- The January 2017 Local Solid Waste Fees Fund Report is filed with the Clerk.
- 5- Checks were received and deposited with the Treasurer for 2015 Death Surcharge Fees in the amount of $1,167. It is anticipated to receive the 2016 amounts as well.
- A letter and transportation stats from CEFS was received for public transportation.
- 7- A letter from IMRF with the notice of PA 99-900 Memo on County Board participation. This has already been addressed and is on file in the Clerk’s Office.
- 8- Received were letters from IDOT of disbursements or allotments for the December 2016 for MFT County and Road District Report.
- A letter from Ameren Illinois with notice of tree trimming and vegetation to be done in the area. Maps and common addresses affected.
Approve Communications As Read
Chairman Carlson called for a motion by Marilyn Voggetzer and was seconded by Aaron Allen to accept the communications as read. The motion carried.
Public Comments None
Committee Reports
Accept & File Committee Reports As Printed
A motion was made by Donna Hibbetts and seconded by Paul Schmitz to accept & file the committee reports as printed. The motion carried.
Highway/Building/Grounds/Environmental/Zoning And Welfare Committee—February 1, 2017. The report was given by Phil Schneider.
Public Comments-Fire Codes
Under public comment, TFD Assistant Fire Chief Andy Goodall spoke to the committee concerning a new building to be used for a reception venue. His concern was that the owner was well into the construction before coming to anyone for a fire code inspection. The owner did get a permit to build from the County’s Zoning Officer, however, no blue prints or inspection are called for in the Zoning Ordinance. The duty to the owner would be to comply with the minimum state fire codes. During the inspection with the State Fire Marshal, there were many fire code violations and health, life, safety discrepancies. These issues will be discussed with the owner as to what needed to be corrected. Goodall noted his concerns also extend to the City of Taylorville in other businesses. The goal is for all to be safe. Assistant Fire Chief Goodall will be invited back to the committee when he has the final report and the issue will be reviewed with the County’s Zoning Officer and States Attorney.
States Attorney Mike Havera also noted the recent incident at the location where older documents are stored outside the courthouse. Recently, there was a smoldering fire near the document storage area. There are no sprinklers there as it is an older building. The County should look into getting that corrected. Assistant Chief Goodall also suggested we might want to add an alarm to the sprinkler system.
Downtown Taylorville Events
Executive Director of Downtown Taylorville, Marcia Neal presented the committee with the schedule of events for the upcoming year beginning about April 15 through about October 28. The weekly Farmers Market is planned including the added events: History walk/Chalk Art Contest; Meet the Machines; Dog Daze; and the Twilight Christmas Parade. A motion was made by Phil Schneider and seconded by Ashley Linton to approve the events as submitted by the Downtown Taylorville Organization. The motion carried.
Culverts
Reinforced Concrete Culvert quotations were presented for culverts to be replaced in Bear Creek Township and on County Highway #5, with the following results:
Concrete Specialties County Materials Fred Weber RCP 72” Dia. X 56’ $9800.00 $10,372.32 $10,556.00 54” Dia. X 48’ Elliptical $9600.00 $ 9,776.64
A motion was made by Phil Schneider and seconded by Marilynn Voggetzer to accept the low bid on both sides by the Concrete Specialists. The motion carried.
Two-Way Radios Are In Need Of Replacement
A few years ago Cliff had discussed the bandwidth changes required by the FCC for two- way radios. Our old system is not narrow band compliant. We did not upgrade at that time but did apply for grants for a new system. The old system has becoming obsolete and is not in working order. The use of cell phones was suggested, but that is not feasible for communicating with all units at once and can be impossible to get through on when there is an emergency. The money is budgeted in the new equipment line item. Cliff will put specifications together to bid out a new two-way radio system.
Tractor Purchase
Clark County Highway Dept. is taking bids on a 2013 John Deere 6140D mowing tractor that has 1094 hours on it. This tractor is identical to our 2014 tractor. Cliff checked with Sloan’s Equipment and if we could purchase this tractor in the low $40,000 range it would be a good value purchase. If successful, this machine would replace our 1999 CaseIH tractor with 6500 hrs on it. The Case IH tractor is starting to require frequent repairs. The committee agreed that we should submit a bid on the Clark County Tractor to be paid from the new equipment line item in the budget. At the Board meeting, it was reported that the tractor was not in a condition for us to bid on it.
Prepare Bids Of Used Equipment
As previously approved by committee, Cliff will prepare to take sealed bids for several pieces of used equipment that is no longer used by the Department. These include two asphalt distributors, a Champion motor grader and a caterpillar D-7 dozer.
Maintenance Supervisor Notice Of Retirement-Todd Beaty
The Maintenance Supervisor will be retiring this year after 37 years with the County. He will be posting and advertising for the opening in the near future.
Recycling Bins In The County
Solid Waste Director/Inspector Joe Stepping and Recycling Educator Deb LeVault came to the committee with stats on the volume of recycling at all locations. Additionally, they explained the annual increasing costs to pay for the program. Twenty-two years ago the County purchased recycling bins for 11 communities to use and Solid Waste has also paid for the containers to be pulled when full. During those years, the Solid Waste Department would receive about $75,000 in grant funds which covered those costs. More recently the costs are about $65,000-$75,000 and the department no longer receives that income. Joe noted that our goal is still to recycle, but the Solid Waste department just cannot continue to finance it. They have spoken with many of the cities and villages as to their interest to continue the recycling efforts and how they might be able to pay for the bin pulls. The discussion included the Solid Waste Department keeping ownership of the bins, but allowing the other entities the use of the bins. Other hauling vendors may offer another option of individual household recycling efforts like curbside. Stepping wanted to make sure everyone knows the department still pays for the recycling for the schools in the County and the electronics recycling through BLH for both citizens and county businesses.
In April, the current contract to pull the bins to the recycling vendor will expire. Due to the lack of funding, the committee supports Joe Stepping to allow the contract with Advanced Disposal to expire and encourage the conversation with the communities for continued recycling efforts without funding from the County.
Gis Fly-Over Questioned
In other business, Craig Corzine questioned the issue of additional fees and fines resulting from the GIS fly-over project. Both Tim Carlson and Phil Schneider assured him that was not going to be the situation. The fly-over would give a more accurate picture of the property and size. If no permit was issued, the fly-over could allow a new building or the like to be added to the property, but no fees or fines would be issued.
Executive/Personnel Committee -02/08/2017. Minutes were read by Donna Hibbetts and there were no public comments.
Liquor License Renewals
The list of County Liquor License renewals were submitted for approval. The effective date for renewal is April 1, 2017 through March 31, 2018. Renewal letters will be sent to the following establishments: Burton’s Tap, Blue Bell, Pana Country Club, Thunderbird, A Great Victory, Lucky Lady, Triple H Inc., Arpeggio Winery, Christian County Fair and Pana Tri County Fair. A motion was made by Donna Hibbetts and seconded by Chad Michel to approve the renewals as listed pending renewal requirements. The motion carried.
No new application was submitted for approval.
Firework Resolution Discussed
In June 2016, the County Board had two requests concerning fireworks. One was to be allowed to have fireworks an organized event and one was for the sale of “approved
consumer fireworks”. The requests were approved pending compliance with the State Fire Marshal. With no resolution or ordinance in place, the committee discussed implementing a permit [ordinance] for both the sale of and display of fireworks and directed States Attorney Havera to submit something at the next committee meeting.
Personnel Handbook/Policy Use Of Equipment/Software
As discussed several months ago, the Personnel Handbook addresses policies concerning county software and use of equipment in general. Further detail would be determined by each office as to the specific use of the equipment, information and policies within that office.
Executive Session With No Action Taken
At the committee only a motion was made by Ashley Linton and seconded by Marilyn Voggetzer to go into executive session pursuant to 5ILCS 120/2(c)(1)—The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance of specific employees of the public body. A roll call vote polled all ayes.
A motion was made by Ashley Linton and seconded by Marilyn Voggetzer to come out of executive session pursuant to 5ILCS 120/2(c)(1)—The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance of specific employees of the public body. A roll call vote polled all ayes. No action was taken.
Audit/Finance Committee- 02/16/2017-Minutes read by Becky Edwards. There were no public comments.
CLAIMS The committee members reviewed and signed all claims. A motion was made by Becky Edwards and seconded by Chad Michel to approve the claims as presented for February. A roll call vote being necessary polled the following: Mike McClure, Chad Michel, Paul Schmitz, Phil Schneider, Marilyn Voggetzer, Matt Wells, Molly Alaria, Aaron Allen, Timothy Carlson, Craig Corzine, Ben Curtin, Charles DeClerck, Becky Edwards, Donna Hibbetts, Ashley Linton (15) yea; (0) nay; (1) Vicki McMahon absent. The motion carried.
Fee Study Results—Sheriff, Jail, Court Security/Ordinances
Chief Deputy Bruce Engeling presented the results of the recent fee study done by Bellwether, LLC Management Services & Consulting. In order to change the fee schedules set by Public Acts, a fee study must be done. The criterion is based upon data related to the operations and expenses of the department: budgeted expenses, actual expenses, staff related expenses, current revenues derived from fees and other sources and the volume and trends of service requests.
• Court Security
• Court Security Fee
• Currently is $25.
• The maximum amount eligible from the study is $66.
• The proposed amount to be increased is $50.
• The estimated potential revenue would be $50,575. The Chief Judge must agree to this and the board adopts by resolution or ordinance.
A motion was made by Becky Edwards and seconded by Mike McClure to adopt ordinance O2017 CB 001 approving the increased security fee. A roll call vote being necessary polled the following: Chad Michel, Paul Schmitz, Phil Schneider, Marilyn Voggetzer, Matt Wells, Molly Alaria, Aaron Allen, Timothy Carlson, Craig Corzine, Ben Curtin, Charles DeClerck, Becky Edwards, Donna Hibbetts, Ashley Linton, Mike McClure (15) yea; (0) nay; (1) Vicki McMahon absent. The motion carried.
Sheriff’s Department-multiple categories
Current Eligible Proposed Potential Description Fee Fee Fee Revenue
Process Fee $35.00 $46.00 $40.00 $5,750.00 Return Fee $0.00 $8.00 $5.00 $500.00 Work Release $25.00 $32.00 $30.00 $150.00 Eviction Stand-By Fee $0.00 $55.00 $50.00 $600.00 Bond Fee $10.00 $49.00 $25.00 $5,250.00 Attending Court Fee (w/prisoner) $0.00 $10.00 $10.00 $3,500.00 Escort Inmate/Outside Medical Facility $0.00 $41.00 $25.00 $250.00
Total Potential Revenue: $16,000.00
A motion was made by Becky Edwards and seconded by Aaron Allen to approve the proposed fees for the Sheriff’s Office to be effective March 1—O2017 CB 002. A roll call vote being necessary polled the following: Chad Michel, Paul Schmitz, Phil Schneider, Marilyn Voggetzer, Matt Wells, Molly Alaria, Aaron Allen, Timothy Carlson, Craig Corzine, Ben Curtin, Charles DeClerck, Becky Edwards, Donna Hibbetts, Ashley Linton, Mike McClure, (15) yea; (0) nay; (1) Vicki McMahon absent. The motion carried.
Cable One To Merge With New Wave For County’s Franchise Agreement Resolution Adopted
Cable One will become the parent company of the cable television company New Wave Communications. The County has granted franchise rights to New Wave and receives franchise money from them quarterly. Resolution R2017 CB 003 was presented to transfer the franchise agreement to Cable One and was made into a motion by Becky Edwards and seconded by Paul Schmitz. A roll call vote being necessary polled the following:, Paul Schmitz, Phil Schneider, Marilyn Voggetzer, Matt Wells, Molly Alaria, Aaron Allen, Timothy Carlson, Craig Corzine, Ben Curtin, Charles DeClerck, Becky Edwards, Donna Hibbetts, Ashley Linton, Mike McClure, Chad Michel (15) yea; (0) nay; (1) Vicki McMahon absent. The motion carried. The Transfer of Agreement is on file in the County Clerk’s Office.
Assumption Township Parcel--01-20-02-211-009-00 A resolution to sell property in Assumption Township, parcel number 01-20-02-211-009- 00 was presented for adoption. Treasurer Betty Asmussen explained that this property
had been sold in 2016 to a Sonya Bradley, but through some miscommunication the City of Assumption had the property demolished. Prior to the approval of this sale, the first resolution will need to be rescinded. A motion was made by Becky Edwards and seconded by Phil Schneider to rescind R2016 TR 025 and dispense with the reading. A roll call vote being necessary polled the following: Phil Schneider, Marilyn Voggetzer, Matt Wells, Molly Alaria, Aaron Allen, Timothy Carlson, Craig Corzine, Ben Curtin, Charles DeClerck, Becky Edwards, Donna Hibbetts, Ashley Linton, Mike McClure, Chad Michel, Paul Schmitz (15) yea; (0) nay; (1) Vicki McMahon absent. The motion carried.
A motion was made by Becky Edwards and seconded by Chad Michel to recommend to the full Board to adopt R2017 TR 004 to sell the Assumption parcel and dispense with the reading. A roll call vote being necessary polled the following: Marilyn Voggetzer, Matt Wells, Molly Alaria, Aaron Allen, Timothy Carlson, Craig Corzine, Ben Curtin, Charles DeClerck, Becky Edwards, Donna Hibbetts, Ashley Linton, Mike McClure, Chad Michel, Paul Schmitz, Phil Schneider (15) yea; (0) nay; (1) Vicki McMahon absent. The motion carried.
Changes To County Board Salary/Per Diems
A proposal was distributed to the members for a decrease in county board members salary and per diem rates of pay. The current rates are $200/month and $50/ meeting-per diem which is estimated at $54,000/year for board members and $22,000 for the board chairman. The proposed amounts are half of the current rates and a reduction of $6,000 for the board chairman resulting in an estimated savings of $33,000 per year after all board members on the scale beginning FY 2020. Salaries/per diems are set until 12/2018 when half of the board will have the new proposed rates implemented. In December of 2020, the second half of the board will have the proposed rates implemented. [NOTE: Elected officials salaries cannot be changed during their elected term.] Finance Chairman Becky Edwards commented the board should be leading by example. Aaron Allen proposed just going to $0 for board members salary.
$100 Salary Begins December 2018 For Those Elected
A motion was made by Becky Edwards and seconded by Matt Wells to change the base salary of county board members to $100/month effective December of 2018 for those elected or re-elected beginning that term. A roll call vote being necessary polled the following: Matt Wells, Molly Alaria, Aaron Allen, Timothy Carlson, Craig Corzine, Ben Curtin, Charles DeClerck, Becky Edwards, Donna Hibbetts, Ashley Linton, Mike McClure, Paul Schmitz, Phil Schneider, Marilyn Voggetzer (14) yea; (1) nay Chad Michel (with support for $0); (1) Vicki McMahon absent. The motion carried.
$25/Per Diem Begins December 2018 For Those Elected
A motion was made by Becky Edwards and seconded by Matt Wells to reduce the meeting per diem to $25 effective December 2018 for those elected or re-elected beginning that term. A roll call vote being necessary polled the following: Molly Alaria, Aaron Allen, Timothy Carlson, Craig Corzine, Ben Curtin, Charles DeClerck, Becky Edwards, Donna Hibbetts, Ashley Linton, Mike McClure, Paul Schmitz, Marilyn Voggetzer, Matt Wells (13) yea; (2) nay-Chad Michel, Phil Schneider; (1) Vicki McMahon absent. The motion carried.
County Chairman Salary To Reduce To $16,000 In 2020
A motion was made by Becky Edwards and seconded by Matt Wells for the position of county board chairman to be an annual salary of $16,000 beginning December 2020. Per diems are not paid to the board chairman and this position is for a two year term voted in by the seated county board members. Both Chairman Carlson and former Chairman Schmitz were asked if they felt the reduction was acceptable. Both noting many more meetings and time necessary to spend on county business. No mileage is paid for the many out of town meetings. A roll call vote being necessary polled the following:, Timothy Carlson, Craig Corzine, Charles DeClerck, Becky Edwards, Donna Hibbetts, Paul Schmitz, Phil Schneider, Matt Wells, Molly Alaria, (9) yea; (6) Aaron Allen, Ben Curtin, Ashley Linton, Mike McClure, Chad Michel, Marilyn Voggetzer-nay; (1) Vicki McMahon absent. The motion carried.
$100 Salary Begins December 2020 For Those Elected
A motion was made by Becky Edwards and seconded by Aaron Allen to change the base salary of county board members to $100/month effective December of 2020 for those elected or re-elected beginning that term. A roll call vote being necessary polled the following: Timothy Carlson, Craig Corzine, Ben Curtin, Charles DeClerck, Becky Edwards, Donna Hibbetts, Ashley Linton, Mike McClure, Chad Michel, Paul Schmitz, Phil Schneider, Marilyn Voggetzer, Matt Wells, Molly Alaria, Aaron Allen (15) yea; (0) nay; (1) Vicki McMahon absent. The motion carried.
$25/Per Diem Begins December 2020 For Those Elected
A motion was made by Becky Edwards and seconded by Matt Wells to reduce the meeting per diem to $25 effective December 2020 for those elected or re-elected beginning that term. A roll call vote being necessary polled the following: Craig Corzine, Ben Curtin, Charles DeClerck, Becky Edwards, Donna Hibbetts, Ashley Linton, Mike McClure, Chad Michel, Paul Schmitz, Phil Schneider, Marilyn Voggetzer, Matt Wells, Molly Alaria, Aaron Allen, Timothy Carlson, (15) yea; (0) nay; (1) Vicki McMahon absent. The motion carried.
New Or Unfinished Business: None
Mileage and per Diem: A motion was made by Paul Schmitz and seconded by Ashley Linton to approve the mileage and per diem report for the month of February 2017. The motion carried.
Meetings Salary Rate this month Molly Alaria $200.00 $50.00 2 Aaron Allen $200.00 $50.00 2 Timothy Carlson $813.73 Craig Corzine $200.00 $50.00 2 Ben Curtin $200.00 $50.00 2 Charles DeClerck $200.00 $50.00 2 Becky Edwards $200.00 $50.00 2 Donna Hibbetts $200.00 $50.00 1
Ashley Linton $200.00 $50.00 2 Mike McClure $200.00 $50.00 4 Vicki McMahon $200.00 $50.00 1 Chad Michel $200.00 $50.00 2 Paul Schmitz $200.00 $50.00 2
Philip Schneider $200.00 $50.00 2 Marilyn Voggetzer $200.00 $50.00 2 Matt Wells $200.00 $50.00 2
Appointments/Reappointments: There Were None.
Announcements: None
Adjournment
With no other unfinished business to come before the Board, a motion was made by Aaron Allen and seconded by Becky Edwards to adjourn until Tuesday, March 21, 2017 for the regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. The motion carried.
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