West Central Reporter

McDonough County Board Human Resources and Planning Committee met May 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The Human Resources and Planning Committee met on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held at the McDonough County Courthouse, 3rd Floor, Law Library. Committee Members in attendance included Chair Ken Durkin, Vice Chair Vicky Kipling, Clayton Cook, Mike Kirby, Jerry Raby, Ryan Litchfield, and Dana Walker. Member Dustin Berg was absent. Others in attendance included Animal Control Officer Zach Welch, Karen Blakeley, Bonnie Skripps, John Vigezzi, County Chair Eric Blakeley, County Board Secretary Sara Kluthe, and County Clerk Jeremy Benson.

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

Review and Approve Minutes from April 10, 2025

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

Animal Control Report

Animal Control Officer, Zach Welch gave the report. There was 20 dogs and 21 cats in the shelter at the end of April.

Humane Society

Bonnie Skripps informed the Committee that they are planning a fund raiser for July 26th that will be a comedy hour, “Comedy to the Rescue”. The City of Macomb has signed the lease agreement with the Humane Society for the new animal shelter.

Policies and Procedures

None.

GIS Update

None.

Approval of HR & Planning Claims

Member Kipling moved with a second by Member Raby to approve the HR & Planning claims as submitted. Motion carried on a voice vote.

Discuss and Approve MOU Between the Humane Society of McDonough County and the McDonough County Board – New Animal Shelter

The existing agreement is old and is no longer adequate, the new agreement will be more beneficial for the new animal shelter. Walker held a discussion regarding section 2.

Member Walker made a motion to approve the MOU between the Humane Society of McDonough County and the McDonough County Board, new animal shelter with the correction to remove “Real Estate” from section 2 moved with a second by Member Kipling. Motion carried on a voice vote.

Discuss and Approve the Increase of Per Diem Rates for Business Travel Expenses as Shown in the County Employee Handbook

County Clerk Benson informed the Committee that the dollar amounts for reimbursement have not been looked at or updated in years. He recommended updating Section 507-Business Travel Expenses to fall in line with the per diem rates for the State of Illinois.

Member Cook moved with a second by Member Raby to Approve the Increase of Per Diem Rates for Business Travel Expenses as Shown in the County Employee Handbook. Motion carried on a voice vote.

Other Items as Needed

John Vigezzi informed the Committee that he was re-elected to the City Council and will continue coming to the meetings.

Member Kipling discussed the luncheon for County employees. They are looking at having it on August 14th, they will possibly have the Board Members cook burgers and hotdogs on the Courthouse lawn, and maybe have a food truck as well.

Member Walker suggested checking with Klingner to see if they would provide a plaque to put on display at the Courthouse with the renovation date.

Executive Session

None.

Public Comment

None.

County Board Chair Comments

County Chair Blakeley informed the Committee that they are finishing up work at the Courthouse, and the contracts will soon end for phase 1. There is a 1-year warranty on all work which will begin on the date of completion. Phase 2 will include the elevator work, and replacing the sewer line.

Adjourn

Member Raby moved with a second by Member Kirby to adjourn the meeting at 7:21 p.m. Motion carried on a voice vote.

http://mcg.mcdonough.il.us/countyboarddocs/minutes/2025-05-08%20HR%20&%20Planning.pdf