West Central Reporter

McDonough County Building & Grounds/Elms Committee met Sept. 10.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The Elms/Building and Grounds Committee met on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held at the McDonough County Courthouse, 3rd floor, Law Library. Committee Members in attendance included, Chair Larry Aurelio, Vice Chair Terra Litchfield, Dave Cortelyou, Mike Cox, Clayton Murphy, and Dana Walker. Members Dustin Berg and Vicky Kipling were absent. Others in attendance included Brock and Wes with Halo Solar, Chad Wilson, Patrick Stout, Elms Administrator Jeff Howd, County Chair Scott Schwerer, and County Board Secretary Sara Kluthe.

Chair Larry Aurelio called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Review and Approval of August 13, 2024 Minutes

Member Walker moved with a second by Member Cortelyou to approve the minutes with a correction. Motion carried on a voice vote.

Farm Report

None.

Administrator’s Report

Census is at 64 with 10 being private pay. Medicare currently owes $161,339.29. There were 18 admissions, and 17 discharges.

Elms Budget

Elms Administrator Jeff Howd presented his budget. A discussion was held and questions were answered.

Discuss Solar Panels

Brock and Wes with Halo Solar presented informational packets to the Committee. They held a discussion and answered questions. County Chair Schwerer requested Walker to make arrangements for Becky Thompson to come to the October Elms/Building & Grounds Committee to discuss solar panels.

Financial Report

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

Elms Claims

Member Cortelyou moved with a second by Member Litchfield to approve the Elm’s claims as submitted. Motion carried with a roll call vote of 6 yeas, 0 nays, 0 vacant and 2 absent.

Macomb Public Building Commission

A discussion was held regarding how they work with the Elms.

McDonough County Maintenance Directors Report

Chad Wilson gave the report. The steps on the South side of the Courthouse are formed and as soon as the West side is formed, they will pour both sides at the same time. Wilson informed the Committee that the fire alarm system at the Courthouse and Jail are outdated and need upgraded, they are getting communication failure alarms. They are still on phone lines and need to be put on cell service which will require new panels. The Zahren building will also need an update but their system isn’t quite as out dated. County Chair Schwerer recommended that the elevator gets evaluated as it will be getting more use with the new handicapped entrance.

Chair Aurelio held a discussion regarding the maintenance assistant position, he suggested eliminating the position and possibly contracting out some of the work.

Member Cox made a motion to eliminate the tool reimbursement and position for the maintenance assistant and move the $43,000.00 salary to contractual services moved with a second by Member Cortelyou. Motion carried on a voice vote.

Building and Grounds Claims

Member Litchfield moved with a second by Member Cox to approve the August, 2024 Building and Grounds Claims. Motion carried on a voice vote.

Other Items as Needed

None.

Executive Session

None.

Public Comment

Patrick Stout asked Howd if any residents at the Elms had Covid.

County Board Chair Comments

None.

Adjourn

Member Cox moved with a second by Member Litchfield to adjourn the meeting at 8:18 p.m. Motion carried on a voice vote.

http://mcg.mcdonough.il.us/countyboarddocs/minutes/2024-09-10%20Building%20&%20Grounds.pdf