West Central Reporter

Morgan County Board met July 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The Morgan County Board of Commissioner’s met in the Commissioners office on Monday July 8, 2024 at 9 am. Chr. Wankel asked County Clerk Waggener to conduct the roll call. Clk. Waggener asked for roll call as follows, Commissioner Fanning answered “present”, Commissioner Zeller answered “present” and Chr. Wankel answered “present”. Clk. Waggener informed the Chr. a quorum is present and the meeting may continue.

Chr. Wankel said the first order of business is the approval of the agenda. Commissioner Fanning made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Commissioner Zeller seconded the motion. All voted “aye”. The motion has been approved.

Chr. Wankel said the board meeting minutes from June 24, 2024 also need approval from the board. Commissioner Zeller made a motion to approve the minutes as written. Commissioner Fanning seconded the motion. All voted “aye”. The motion has been approved.

Public Comment-none

Committee Reports-none

Staff and Consultant Report-County Clerk Waggener reported that her office is looking at having her election vendor create and mail out absentee vote by mail applications, this is required by law, as they did in 2020. Clk. Waggener said this will save money by having them print and mail as their cost will be less expensive than what the County would be able to provide.Chr. Wankel introduced Erica Tobin who will be assuming some of the administrative responsibilities that currently Commissioner Fanning does. Mrs. Tobin will also become the H.R. contact for the county.

Chr. Wankel said bills for $53,031.95 need approval from the board for payment. Commissioner Fanning made a motion for the payment of bills in the stated amount. Commissioner Zeller seconded the motion. Chr. Wankel asked for roll call. Clk. Waggener asked for roll call for the payment of bills in the stated amount as follows, Commissioner Fanning answered “aye”, Commissioner Zeller answered “aye” and Chr. Wankel answered “aye”. Clk. Waggener informed the Chr. the motion has been approved.

Chr. Wankel said verifiable payroll for signing on July 12 and distribution on July 15 is the next item for approval. Commissioner Fanning made a motion to approve the verifiable payroll for the stated dates. Commissioner Zeller seconded the motion. Chr. Wankel asked for roll call. Clk. Waggener asked for roll call for the verifiable payroll for the stated dates as follows, Commissioner Fanning answered “aye”, Commissioner Zeller answered “aye” and Chr. Wankel answered “aye”. Clk. Waggener informed the Chr. the motion has been approved.

Chr. Wankel said the next item is the AT&T tower lease agreement and Dusty Douglas is present and would explain this. Mr. Douglas said there were four major points, (1) the agreement is for five years, (2) the rent for the initial term is twenty-eight thousand dollars per year, (3) upon delivery of the signed agreement the County will be reimbursed two thousand dollars for negotiating this contract and (4) rent shall increase fifteen percent on January 1, 2028 and at the beginning of each subsequent extension term. There is discussion. Commissioner Zeller made a motion to approve the ordinance with AT&T as discussed. Commissioner Fanning seconded the motion. Chr. Wankel asked for roll call. Clk. Waggener asked for roll call for the approval of the ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of the tower lease with AT&T as follows, Commissioner Fanning answered “aye”, Commissioner Zeller answered “aye” and Chr. Wankel answered “aye”. Clk. Waggener informed the Chr. the motion has been approved.

Chr. Wankel said the next order of business is an ordinance for the use of ARPA funds for the elevator project and Mr. Mies, of Kone Company, is present and will explain this for the board. Mr. Mies said that the current elevator has hit its time capacity, meaning to replace parts is becoming increasingly harder as this is a very old unit. Should the elevator breakdown it may be up to one year before it could be replaced or repaired. Mr. Mies said there is a lot of preparation to replace an elevator and that process has started in the courthouse. There is discussion. Commissioner Zeller made a motion to approve the ordinance for the elevator renovation project with the cap of four hundred thousand dollars. Commissioner Fanning seconded the motion. Chr. Wankel asked for roll call. Clk. Waggener asked for roll call for the ordinance for the renovation of the elevator project as discussed as follows Commissioner Fanning answered “aye”, Commissioner Zeller answered “aye” and Chr. Wankel answered “aye”. Clk. Waggener informed the Chr. the motion has been approved.

Closed Meeting Session (only if needed)-none

Chairman Remarks-Chr. Wankel said this week is the Morgan County Fair and to go enjoy the festivities.

Commissioner Fanning made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Zeller seconded the motion. All voted “aye”. The motion has been approved and the meeting stands adjourned.

https://morgancounty-il.com/wp/july-8-2024-meeting-minutes/