West Central Reporter

McDonough County Law & Legal Committee met April 1.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

The Law & Legal Committee held its monthly meeting on Monday, April, 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, Lee Calvert, Joe Erlandson, Travis Hiel, Michael Kirby, Bob Mahr, Julie Melvin, and Paul Trimmer. Other persons in attendance were Patrick Stout, Tim Lobdell, Ric Smart, Chief Deputy Adam Cremer, Mike Cox, County Chairman George Dixon, and Committee Secretary Sara Kluthe.

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

Review & Approve March 4, 2019 Minutes

Member Mahr moved with a second by Member Trimmer to approve the March 4, 2019 minutes as submitted. Motion carried on a voice vote.

Waste Management Update

David Schaab was unavailable to give a report.

Tri-County Recycling

Tim Lobdell gave the report. Through the end of January they have taken in 7.4% less in electronics by weight, volume is still high but due to televisions weighing less the weight is down. Paint collections were up 15% compared to the same period last year. The City of Farmington informed their citizens of drop offs available with Tri-County Recycling which has increased their pickups. Townships cleanups for April-June have been scheduled. Member Melvin inquired as to what the details were for Township cleanups. Lobdell said that the Township pays for a 30 yard dumpster to be brought in for general waste, they are set up on site to collect recyclable materials. Their dock door has been fixed which has given them more security, and they are still looking for another facility. An arrest was made on site at the facility as a man was caught on video scoping the building out.

Veteran’s Assistance and Van Report

Veteran’s Superintendent Ric Smart gave the report. Ten Veterans were given assistance in March amounting to $2,378.52. The transportation van made 14 trips to Iowa City transporting 39 Veterans, a total of 3,704 miles. Drivers contributed 121.25 hours of their time. It was a good month, they were busy and the weather was nice.

Sheriff’s Report

Chief Deputy Adam Cremer presented the monthly report. They currently have 34 inmates in custody, and the deputies handled 1,238 assorted incidents in March. The Public Aid savings on inmate medical in January, February and March was $1,212.80. Deputy Pledge will be retiring at the end of the month, they have already hired a replacement and have started training him. Now that the weather is getting nicer and people are getting out more their numbers will increase.

Chairman McGrew thanked him for the jail tour that was held in March, it was very informative and he would be interested in taking a tour of the 911 department. Board Chairman Dixon mentioned the drug raid that was done in Macomb last week and how they had assistance from the National Guard with a helicopter. Chief Deputy Cremer informed the Committee that the helicopter hovered over Macomb for approximately 45 minutes taking photos and video of the house being watched, the National Guard is required to meet a set amount of hours with the helicopter and have volunteered to help the local police departments when they are available to do so.

Member Kirby asked Cremer if the Sheriff’s Department was involved with the medical evacuation that was done at the West Prairie School and why the school was on lock down. Cremer said the evacuation had nothing to do with the school that they just needed to use the field at the school for the helicopter to land. The school was on lock down for the safety of the students so that they could not approach the helicopter while landing and taking off.

Assessor’s Office Update

No Report.

Claims Review and Approval

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

Other

A discussion was held regarding the wind farm hearing that will be held later this month by Cardinal Point Wind. They will be putting up 5-7 more wind turbines in McDonough County instead of Warren County, the turbines will be in the same area as other turbines. This will generate more tax revenue for McDonough County.

Public Comment

None

With no further business to discuss, Member Mahr moved with a second by Member Melvin to adjourn the meeting at 7:28 p.m.

http://mcg.mcdonough.il.us/countyboarddocs/minutes/2019-04-01%20Law%20&%20Legal.pdf