West Central Reporter

McDonough County Building & Grounds/Elms Committee met July 9.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The Elms/Building and Grounds Committee met on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held at the McDonough County Courthouse, 3rd floor, Law Library. Committee Members in attendance included, Vice Chair Terra Litchfield, Dustin Berg, Dave Cortelyou, Mike Cox, Vicky Kipling, Clayton Murphy, and Dana Walker. Chair Larry Aurelio was absent. Others in attendance included Chad Wilson, Ryan Barrett, Elms Administrator Jeff Howd, County Chair Scott Schwerer, and County Board Secretary Sara Kluthe.

Vice Chair Terra Litchfield called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Review and Approval of June 11, 2024 Minutes

Member Cortelyou moved with a second by Member Murphy to approve the minutes as submitted. Motion carried on a voice vote.

Farm Report

None.

Ryan Barrett – Elms Farm Lease

Ryan Barrett addressed the Committee regarding the lease on the farm, which he currently has but will expire in March of 2025. He proposed a flex lease as opposed to the current lease, Barrett provided a report with numbers used as an example to explain how the lease would work. The current lease is for three years, he also suggested that if the County is not interested in the flex lease that maybe they could change the lease so that it is for three years with the option to extend it two more years. A discussion was held regarding the different lease options, the Committee also stated that they will probably open bidding for the lease early this fall.

Administrator’s Report

Elms Administrator Jeff Howd gave the report. Census is at 72, with 12 being Medicare, 43 being Medicaid and, 17 private-pay. Medicare currently owes $305,226.80. There were 17 admissions, and 13 discharges. Howd informed the Committee that they had some issues with the cooling towers and that it took four days to repair. They were able to keep the temperature under 80 degrees, had the temperature exceeded 81 degrees they would have had to evacuate the facility. He praised his maintenance department for how well they handled the situation. He also discussed staffing.

Financial Report

Member Cox moved with a second by Member Kipling to approve the June, 2024 Financial Reports. Motion carried on a voice vote.

Elms Claims

Member Cortelyou moved with a second by Member Berg to approve the Elm’s claims as submitted. Motion carried with a roll call vote of 7 yeas, 0 nays, 0 vacant and 1 absent.

Macomb Public Building Commission

County Chair Schwerer informed the Committee that they have received the first tax distribution.

McDonough County Maintenance Directors Report

Chad Wilson gave the report. Wilson informed the Committee that the masonry work on the north side of the Courthouse is coming along. Work on the stairs should begin this week now that they have the bracing for the porch roofs, the shingles on the porch roof will be replaced as well. The Sheriff’s office will be getting an additional door on the east side of the building to use when inmates are being released.

Building and Grounds Claims

Member Walker moved with a second by Member Kipling to approve the June, 2024 Building and Grounds Claims with the exception of one claim that Chad Wilson will look into. Motion carried on a voice vote.

Other Items as Needed

Member Walker stated that he believes solar panels should be installed at the Elms. A discussion was held regarding this, Walker is to look more in to this and arrange for more quotes from other company’s and it will be discussed again.

Executive Session

None.

Public Comment

None

County Board Chair Comments

County Chair Schwerer informed the Committee that he took 7 seven of the benches from the Courthouse to Quincy to be restored. He held a discussion regarding the proposed lease.

Adjourn

Member Berg moved with a second by Member Kipling to adjourn the meeting at 8:02 p.m. Motion carried on a voice vote.

http://mcg.mcdonough.il.us/countyboarddocs/minutes/2024-07-09%20Building%20&%20Grounds.pdf