West Central Reporter

McDonough County Law & Legal Committee met Jan. 7.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

The Law & Legal Committee held its monthly meeting on Monday, January 7, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held at the McDonough County Courthouse in the Law Library. Committee members present included Chairman Rod McGrew, Vice Chairman Travis Hiel, Lee Calvert, Joe Erlandson, Michael Kirby, Bob Mahr, Julie Melvin, and Paul Trimmer. Other persons in attendance were Patrick Stout, Tim Lobdell, Ric Smart, County Assessor Tammy Camp, Chief Deputy Adam Cremer, County Chairman George Dixon, and Committee Secretary Sara Kluthe.

Chairman McGrew called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Review & Approve December 10, 2018 Minutes

Member Mahr moved with a second by Member Calvert to approve the December 10, 2018 minutes as submitted. Motion carried on a voice vote.

Waste Management Update

David Schaab was not available to give a report.

Tri-County R & WM Report

Tim Lobdell gave the report. Lobdell reviewed the end of year report for 2018, the numbers were about the same as last year. The Tri-County Board will need three new members to be appointed, Lobdell requested when appointments are made that he be notified. They are still searching for a facility that is in McDonough County.

Veteran’s Assistance and Van Report

Veteran’s Superintendent Ric Smart gave the report. Five Veterans were given assistance in December amounting to $1,129.46. The transportation van made 11 trips to Iowa City transporting 21 Veterans, a total of 2,837 miles. Drivers contributed 98.5 hours of their time. Smart introduced himself to the new Committee Members and informed them of what he does and how his program operates.

Sheriff’s Report

Chief Deputy Adam Cremer presented the monthly report. They have 29 inmates in custody today, and the deputies handled 894 assorted incidents in December. The Public Aid savings on inmate medical in October and November was $1,033.20. Although they are constantly working on drug control there are still a lot of drugs out there. They are currently working on a Federal case, Federal cases help with drug control on a larger basis and for a longer period of time. Those convicted on Federal charges are sent to prison for a much longer period of time and are monitored closer when on parole as opposed to those going to a State prison. They had to retire the K-9 dog, which they are looking to replace it but are waiting to see what turns out with the marijuana law as this will affect what the dog is trained for. This spring they will start having the inmates work in the community.

Assessor’s Office Update

County Assessor Tammy Camp introduced herself to the new Committee Members giving a brief description of what her job entails. Camp informed the Committee that they have just mailed out exemptions.

Claims Review and Approval

Member Hiel moved with a second by Member Trimmer to approve the claims as submitted. Motion carried on a voice vote.

Other

Committee Chairman McGrew had a discussion regarding meetings going in to executive session and that if possible, it would be nice to know in advance if a Member plans to go in to executive session.

Board Chairman Dixon informed the Committee that Illinois Association of County Board Members will have a meeting on January 24th in Springfield. This meeting is directed towards newly elected officials, Dixon feels that it would be beneficial to all Members to attend as it will cover many topics. Dixon shared with the Committee that he had talked to State’s Attorney Kwacala regarding the court case on Tom Pledge that is currently is an appellate court. There was a hearing in October of last year and the County was not notified of this, a request will be made to the attorneys that Kwacala receive an update once a month. They anticipate the court will have made a verdict by the end of March but that most likely the case will then go on to Supreme Court.

Public Comment

None

With no further business to discuss, Member Mahr moved with a second by Member Hiel to adjourn the meeting at 7:32 p.m.

http://mcg.mcdonough.il.us/countyboarddocs/minutes/2019-01-07%20Law%20&%20Legal.pdf