February 13th, 2001

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MONTGOMERY COUNTY BOARD MINUTES For TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH, 2001 -- 8:30 AM The following are minutes of a regular meeting of the Montgomery County Board held at 8:30 AM on Tuesday, February 13, 2001 in the County Board Chambers of the Historic Courthouse, Hillsboro, Illinois. The meeting was called to order by County Board Chairman Mike Havera. Roll call was taken, 21 members present, 0 absent. Members Present: Nelson Aumann, Bonnie Branum, Joe Cordani, Ronald Deabenderfer, John Downs, Jamee Dunn Robert Durbin, Charles Hampton, Mike Havera, Ed Helgen, Keith Horn, David Jackson, Dennis Jagodzinski, Frank Komor, Roger Myers, Dale Ogden, Glenn Painter, Don Petty, Bill Sielschott, Dave Webb, Dale White. Pledge of Allegiance to the flag was given. Mileage and per diem Approval: Motion by Aumann, second by Ogden to approve the mileage and per diem. All in favor, motion carried. Approval of Minutes of Previous County Board Meeting: Motion by Jackson, second by Sielschott to approve the Minutes of the Previous Regular County Board Meeting held on Tuesday, January 9th, 2001. All in favor, motion carried. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Circuit Clerk’s Report ---- Circuit Clerk Mary Webb was present for questions. 2. County Treasurer’s Report ---- Treasurer Ron Jenkins was present for questions. 3. County Clerk and Recorder’s Report ---- County Clerk/Recorder Sandy Leitheiser was present for questions. 4. Sheriff’s Report ---- Sheriff Jim Vazzi was present for questions. 5. Health Department Report ---- Director Mark Dugger was present for questions, and announced that Health Department staff would be present at next month’s regular meeting to provide a Photo ID for any County Board member who requested one. 6. T.B. Department Report was presented. 7. Public Defender’s Report was presented. 8. Probation Office Report ---- Lyn Lanter was present for questions. APPROVAL OF 8 ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA : Motion by Durbin, second by Jagodzinski to approve the 8 Office Reports on the Consent Agenda. All in favor, motion carried. COMMITTEE REPORTS: ROAD AND BRIDGE COMMITTEE REPORT: Chairman Bonnie Branum asked County Highway Engineer Amy McNeal to address the following resolutions: 1. Resolution #11-01, A Resolution to appropriate an amount of $9,000.00 for 943 B-CA, Harvel R.D., 50%-50% Project; Montgomery County’s Share = .5 ($4,500.00). Motion by Webb, second by Ogden to approve resolution. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 2, page 167). 2. Resolution #12-01, A Resolution to appropriate an amount of $15,000.00 for 944 B-CA, Montgomery County, 100% County Project; Montgomery County’s Share = 1.0 ($15,000.00). Motion by Branum, second by Durbin to approve resolution. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 2, page 169). 3. Resolution #13-01, A Resolution to appropriate an amount of $3,000.00 for 945 B-CA, Location A; Butler Grove R.D., 50%-50% Project; Montgomery County’s Share = .5 ($1,500.00). Motion by Hampton, second by Aumann to approve resolution. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 2, page 171). 4. Resolution #14-01, A Resolution to appropriate an amount of $2,500.00 for 945 B-CA, Location B; Butler Grove R.D., 50%-50% Project; Montgomery County’s Share = .5 ($1,250.00). Motion by Branum, second by Komor to approve resolution. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 2, page 173). 5. Resolution #15-01, A Resolution to appropriate an amount of $8,000.00 for 946 B-CA, Location A; South Litchfield R.D., 50%-50% Project; Montgomery County’s Share = .5 ($4,000.00). Motion by Painter, second by Downs to approve resolution. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 2, page 175). 6. Resolution #16-01, A Resolution to appropriate an amount of $11,000.00 for 946 B-CA, Location B; South Litchfield R.D., 50%-50% Project; Montgomery County’s Share = .5 ($5,500.00). Motion by Jackson, second by Painter to approve resolution. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 2, page 177). 7. Resolution #17-01, A Resolution to appropriate an amount of $4,000.00 for 947 B-CA, Walshville R.D., 50%-50% Project; Montgomery County’s Share = .5 ($2,000.00). Motion by Downs, second by Painter to approve resolution. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 2, page 179). 8. Resolution #18-01, A Resolution to appropriate an amount of $6,000.00 for 948 B-CA, Zanesville R.D., 50%-50% Project; Montgomery County’s Share = .5 ($3,000.00). Motion by Hampton, second by Ogden to approve resolution. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 2, page 181). 9. Resolution #19-01, A Resolution to appropriate an amount of $3,500.00 for 949 B-CA, Rountree R.D., 50%-50% Project; Montgomery County’s Share = .5 ($1,750.00). Motion by Aumann, second by Branum to approve resolution. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 2, page 183). 10. Resolution #20-01, A Resolution to appropriate an amount of $42,000.00 for 950 B-CA, Pitman R.D., 50%-50% Project; Montgomery County’s Share = .5 ($21,000.00). Motion by Downs, second by Sielschott to approve resolution. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 2, page 185). 11. Resolution #21-01, A Resolution to appropriate an amount of $42,000.00 for 951 B-CA, South Litchfield R.D., 50%-50% Project; Montgomery County’s Share = .5 ($21,000.00). Motion by Painter, second by Horn to approve resolution. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 2, page 187). 12. Resolution #22-01, A Resolution to appropriate an amount of $5,000.00 for 953 B-CA, Location A; Montgomery County, 100% County Project; Montgomery County’s Share = 1.0 ($5,000.00). Motion by Jackson, second by Komor to approve resolution. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 2, page 189). 13. Resolution #23-01, A Resolution to appropriate an amount of $5,000.00 for 953 B-CA, Location B; Montgomery County, 100% County Project; Montgomery County’s Share = 1.0 ($5,000.00). Motion by Branum, second by Painter to approve resolution. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 2, page 191). 14. Resolution #24-01, A Resolution to appropriate an amount of $5,000.00 for 953 B-CA, Location C; Montgomery County, 100% County Project; Montgomery County’s Share = 1.0 ($5,000.00). Motion by Sielschott, second by Komor to approve resolution. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 2, page 193). 15. Resolution #25-01, A Resolution to appropriate an amount of $3,000.00 for 953 B-CA, Location D; Montgomery County, 100% County Project; Montgomery County’s Share = 1.0 ($3,000.00). Motion by Horn, second by Petty to approve resolution. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 2, page 195). 16. Resolution #26-01, A Resolution to appropriate an amount of $3,000.00 for 953 B-CA, Location E; Montgomery County, 100% County Project; Montgomery County’s Share = 1.0 ($3,000.00). Motion by Hampton, second by Durbin to approve resolution. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 2, page 197). 17. Resolution #27-01, A Resolution to appropriate an amount of $5,000.00 for 953 B-CA, Location F; Montgomery County, 100% County Project; Montgomery County’s Share = 1.0 ($5,000.00). Motion by Downs, second by Jagodzinski to approve resolution. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 2, page 199). 18. Resolution #28-01, A Resolution to appropriate an amount of $2,000.00 for 954 B-CA, Walshville R.D., 50%-50% Project; Montgomery County’s Share = .5 ($1,000.00). Motion by Painter, second by Jackson to approve resolution. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 2, page 201). 19. Resolution #29-01, An Amending Resolution to appropriate an amount of $2,016.92 for 920 B-CA, LocationA; Walshville R.D., 50%-50% Project; Montgomery County’s Share = .5 ($1,008.46). Amends Original Resolution #38-00 ($1,700.00) Dated May 9th, 2000 Amends by $316.92. Motion by Painter, second by Aumann to approve resolution. All in favor, motion carried.(See Resolution Book 2, page 203). 20. Resolution #30-01, An Amending Resolution to appropriate an amount of $1,842.79 for 920 B-CA, Location B; Walshville R.D., 50%-50% Project; Montgomery County’s Share = .5 ($921.39). Amends Original Resolution #39-00 ($1,650.00) Dated May 9th, 2000 Amends by $192.79. Motion by Branum, second by Petty to approve resolution. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 2, page 205). 21. Resolution #31-01, An Amending Resolution to appropriate an amount of $5,889.64 for 920 B-CA, Location D; Walshville R.D., 50%-50% Project; Montgomery County’s Share = .5 ($2,944.82). Amends Original Resolution #41-00 ($4,500.00) Dated May 9th, 2000 Amends by $1,389.64. Motion by White, second by Horn to approve resolution. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 2, page 207). 22. Preliminary Engineering Agreement for Motor Fuel Tax Funds for 952 B-CA, Section 01-00117-00-BR for Allen Henderson & Associates, Inc., Springfield, IL 62704. Motion by Branum, second by Durbin to accept the Preliminary Engineering Agreement with Henderson and Associates. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 2, page 209). 23. Personnel Issues-Executive Session: Motion was made by Branum, second by Aumann at 8:55 AM to call for an executive session. Motion was made by Myers, second by Jagodzinski at 9:13 AM to end the executive session. 24. Safety Meeting: Branum reported a Safety Meeting was held on January 24th, 2001. The following were discussed: Spreader light, sideboards on trucks, mirrors on mower tractors, dual wheels on batwings, radio on the grader, flashing lights on back hoe and grader, and the use of flashing lights. The next Safety meeting will be held in July 2001. 25. Unfair Labor Practice: Mike Havera reported on discussions he had with Darrell Jett regarding the unfair labor practice that was filed against the county. A settlement has been reached with Local 1084 in which Montgomery County will adhere to past practice of promoting qualified personnel actively on staff at the time of an opening before advertising the position in the newspapers. All charges were dismissed by Jett. 27. Witt Bridge Letting: Branum reported that Engineer Amy McNeal reported that the land was obtained for the Witt Bridge, and it will be let on February 23rd at 9:30 AM at the Highway building. 28. TARP Projects: Branum reported that Engineer McNeal is working on plans for a few road projects to submit to the state in order to apply for some TARP Funding. 29. Clerical Staff increase in hours: Branum reported that the Road and Bridge committee discussed and approved changing Kristy DeLuka’s hours from 35 hours per week to 40 hours per week. FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT: Given by Chairman Bill Sielschott at follows: Chairman Sielschott reported that the committee met Monday, February 12th, 2001 at 8:00 AM. Submitted bills were reviewed and approved for payment. 1. New computer for Bill Purcell: A request was made by Bill Purcell for a new lap top computer with more memory and hard drive space in order to complete some programming tasks. Bill’s present lap top computer will then be used by County Coordinator Chris Daniels for the purpose of being able to complete County Board workload assignments at home after normal working hours. Motion by Sielschott, second by Painter in favor of purchase of new laptop computer not to exceed $2,500.00 and transfer of old unit to Chris Daniels. All in favor, motion carried. 2. Direct Deposit Survey: Employee results from Treasurer Jenkins’ survey were 63 employees in favor of direct deposit and 84 employees against. Sielschott reported that the county will continue to issue paper checks for payroll until such a time in the future that the majority of employees desire to change to the direct deposit system. 3. Sheriff’s Department – Lease purchase agreement on vehicles: The advantages and disadvantages of leasing vehicles for the Sheriff’s department were discussed. A leasing proposal from Ford Motor Company was reviewed and two bids were received and tabled until the next regular County Board meeting on March 12, 2001. It was decided not to hold a special meeting to review these bids. Havera reported that a copy of the proposed lease agreement is available for review at Treasurer Jenkins’ office and encouraged all members to obtain one for review before the next meeting. Havera said that the highlights of the lease proposal included no penalties for excess mileage and the option of purchasing the vehicles for $1.00 each after the 3 year lease expires. HWE COMMITTEE REPORT: Given by Chairman Bob Durbin as follows: The committee met on Thursday, February 8th, 2001 at 8:30 AM. 1. Precincts: Durbin reported that the HWE Committee will look into redistricting when the Census information is received in March or April 2001. Havera reported that any changes would depend upon how precinct populations have changed and also stated that combining voting locations to cut down on the number of judges necessary to conduct elections in sparsely populated precincts or in precincts with voting locations in close proximity to one another may be explored. 2. Update on Solid Waste Inspection Program: Durbin reported that Solid Waste Inspector Bill Gonet and Recycling Supervisor Tim Ondrey are now on staff and currently in training to be certified by the IL E.P.A. for the Solid Waste Program. Ondrey is being cross-trained in E.P.A. field-testing as a back-up inspector. 3. County wide dog catcher: Durbin reported that the State of Illinois is considering introducing a bill in the House and Senate regulating animal control measures statewide. Any discussion on the local level will be tabled until we learn the outcome of any new bills introduced. Chairman Havera called on member Ed Helgen, who reported on an Illinois Association of County Board Members meeting he and member Dale Ogden attended Saturday, February 3rd, 2001. Helgen reported on the following topics of concern at that meeting: 4. Discussion of election reforms: Reforms that would mandate updated voting technology brings concern of financial burdens upon counties required to fund such systems. An emphasis was placed on educating the election personnel and the general public about voting procedures. The recent presidential election havoc in Florida was largely due to improperly cleaned cast ballots to remove hanging “chads”. County Clerk Leitheiser stated that all ballots being returned from the precincts are thoroughly checked for prevention of such problems and have been for many years. Leitheiser also stated that Montgomery County Election Judges are trained before all General and Consolidated Elections to make sure they are fully qualified to serve within that capacity. 5. Bike Trail Liability: Helgen reported that Bike Trail Insurance liability was also discussed at the meeting, and asked whether proper signage has been posted to cover potential liability hazards. Mike Havera requested that signs be posted along the bike trail informing all riders that they “Ride At Your Own Risk,” thus averting possible suits being filed against the county owned trails. House Bill 602 is now being introduced urging such posting of signs. 6. “Meth Labs”: Helgen reported that illegal Methamphetamine Labs throughout the state are creating possible hazards to Emergency Personnel including police. There are very toxic wastes ending up in streams and dumps from the production of Methamphetamine and it has been found that the fumes produced during the process of making Meth permeate into the fabric of furniture, rugs, wall coverings, etc. Handling these items during the clean up process puts personnel at extreme risk of contamination. The people producing this drug usually try to find abandoned homes to use as a site for their illegal activity, however, recently they have been found setting up labs in cornfields and under bridges, which are easily and quickly abandoned if discovery is imminent. Member Ogden also reported that his feedback from the meeting about illegal “meth lab” activity was very concerning. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORT: Given by Chairman John Downs as follows: Discussions at the regular monthly meeting included: 1. SIU Study: Treasurer Jenkins has received the projected costs of SIU conducting studies in various departments of the County to update job descriptions. The initial proposed figure is more expensive than anticipated and will be discussed at the March Personnel meeting. One item to be studied is our policy manual. Our current manual appears to be somewhat vague and weak in some areas. Downs will be gathering data to be used in constructing an updated and comprehensive Personnel Manual. 2. Innovative Benefits Group – Insurance representative Ed Schweig gave a presentation to the committee regarding a partial self-insurance program for County Employees. Several county employees attended the meeting, and the Personnel Committee will be discussing this concept further. 3. Update on F.O.P. Negotiations: Downs reported that everything within the contract is agreed upon except the wages, and the two groups will meet again soon to work out this final issue. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT: Given by Chairman Joe Cordani as follows: Regular monthly meeting was held on Wednesday, February 7, 2001 at 6:00 PM. 1. Bike Trail Update: Discussion took place and plans made for Engineer McNeal to assess the work that is needed on the Green Diamond Bike Trail to complete the final 1.5 miles extension this spring. It was agreed to use the remaining grant money to complete the above mentioned 1.5 miles south of Waggoner, plus putting oil & chips on the Farmersville Bike Trail parking lot. Joe Cordani and Amy McNeal will also inspect the trail to see if other repairs / improvements need to be completed. There is approximately $20,000 left of the grant that needs to be used before July 1, 2001. BUILDING AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE REPORT: Given by Chairman Glenn Painter as follows: The regular monthly meeting was held on Friday, February 9, 2001 at 9:00 AM. 1. Bloome Water Conditioning Service: An agreement was reached with Bloome Water Conditioning Service to purchase their bottled water and retain nine water coolers around the courthouse complex without paying any additional rent. 2. Heating Situation in Courthouse: Jim Lohman addressed the committee and received approval for his proposal to remove all radiator valves and replace them with new properly sized thermostaticly controlled valves with remote thermostats. Cost to the county for this service will be $8,776.00 which includes material and labor, and majority of the work will be done after heating season to avoid disruption to county offices. An indoor/outdoor sensor would also be installed, and this work should alleviate the problems of hot and cold spots in the building. Motion by Painter, second by Myers to approve Lohman’s quote for the proposed changes in the amount of $8,776.00. All in favor, motion carried. 3. Fire Escape: Painter reported that discussion took place regarding the recommendations by a structural engineer on the repair/replacement of the fire escape on the Historic Courthouse. Additional information regarding public fire escape compliance issues is needed from the State of Illinois, and will be reported at the next committee meeting. ESDA/AMBULANCE COMMITTEE REPORT: Given by Chairman Dennis Jagodzinski as follows: The committee met on Tuesday, February 6th, 2001 at 2:30 PM. 1. Dale Traylor’s Report: Discussion took place on the FY2000 Budget and the area ambulance rates for Montgomery County. The early weather-warning antenna is still not installed at the CIPS tower in Coffeen, It is hoped that the system will be operational before March, 2001 and the beginning of the tornado season. 2. Dale Traylor’s Retirement: Dennis Jagodzinski read a letter of resignation from Dale Traylor who desires to retire on March 2, 2001. An advertisement for the position of ESDA Director will be placed in local newspapers as soon as possible. Jagodzinski and John Downs will review all applications received, with the ESDA and Personnel Committees working together to fill the position, and it is hoped that a recommendation will be available by the next County Board meeting. Dale Traylor has offered to remain in position until the new person is hired, and assist with their initial training. APPROVAL OF 7 COMMITTEE REPORTS: Motion by Durbin, second by Myers to approve the committee reports. All in favor, motion carried. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Given by Chairman Havera as follows: 1. Chairman Havera announced that all Board Members are invited to attend a County Mayor’s Meeting on Thursday, February 15th, 2001 at 9:00 AM at the Hillsboro City Hall. Information on grant writing techniques and the 911 system will be discussed. 2. The annual UCCI Meeting in Springfield will be on February 28th, 2001. All members interested in attending must have the signup sheets turned in today. Travel arrangements will be made for those interested. SCHEDULE CHANGES: 1. The Building and Grounds Committee will change their meeting time from 9:00 AM to 8:30 AM starting in March 2001. 2. Road and Bridge – Letting will be held on Friday, February 23rd at 9:30 AM at the County Highway Building. APPOINTMENTS: Chairman Havera requested a motion to appoint Mr. H. Dale Nowlan and Mr. Todd Dean as trustees to the Olive Hill Cemetery in Coffeen, IL. Motion by Cordani, second by Myers to approve appointment of said individuals. All in favor, motion carried. PAY BILLS: Motion by Sielschott, second by Painter to pay all approved bills. All in favor, motion carried. ADJOURN: Motion by Myers, second by Branum to adjourn until the March 13th, 2001 meeting at 8:30 AM. All in favor, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:45 AM.