July 13th, 2004

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Montgomery County Board Minutes For Tuesday, July 13th, 2004 – 8:30 AM The following are minutes of a regular meeting of the Montgomery County Board held at 8:30 AM on Tuesday, July 13th, 2004 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, 18 members present, 3 absent. Members Present: George Blankenship, Terry Bone, Bonnie Branum, Ronald Deabenderfer, John Downs, Robert Durbin, Mike Havera, Edward Helgen, Keith Horn, David Jackson, Dennis Jagodzinski, Frank Komor, Roger Myers, Dale Ogden, Glenn Painter, Don Petty, Mike Plunkett, Bill Sielschott. Members Absent: Nelson Aumann, Charles Hampton and Dave Heaton. Pledge of Allegiance to the flag was given. Resignation of County Board Member: Havera read a letter of resignation from Charles Hampton of District #1, which stated that because of health concerns, he would no longer be able to carry out his duties as a Montgomery County Board member. Appointment Letter: Havera read a letter of appointment submitted by Montgomery County Republican Central Committee Chairman Tim Mizera. In his letter, Mizera recommended Toby A. Dean of Raymond to fill the vacant seat of Charles Hampton for County Board District #1. Motion by Helgen, second by Myers to approve the appointment of Toby A. Dean of Raymond to fill the vacant seat and complete the unexpired term of Charles Hampton from District #1. All in favor, motion carried. (See Book 5, pages 1-8). Oath of New Montgomery County Board Member: County Clerk Leitheiser gave the Official Oath to Toby A. Dean to confirm the County Board District #1 Appointment. Moment of Silence: Havera asked board members and all present to observe a moment of silence in memory of Sheriff’s Dept. Drug Task Force Representative Bruce Schwarzkopf, who died Friday, July 9th, 2004 in a motorcycle accident. Mileage and Per Diem Approval: Motion by Myers, second by Downs to approve mileage and per diem. All in favor, motion carried. Approval of Minutes of Previous County Board Meeting: Motion by Jackson, second by Petty to approve the Minutes of the Previously Adjourned County Board Meeting held on Tuesday, June 8th, 2004. All in favor, motion carried. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Circuit Clerk’s Report – Mary Webb was present for questions and stated that Montgomery County Court has 153 felony charges on the books for 2004. 2. County Treasurer’s Report – submitted. 3. County Clerk and Recorder’s Report – Sandy Leitheiser was present for questions and reported that the County Clerk’s office will be conducting voter registration drives throughout the county before the Tuesday, October 5th, 2004 deadline. 4. Sheriff’s Report – Jim Vazzi was present for questions and stated that a memorial fund is set up for Bruce Schwarzkopf’s daughter, and anyone wishing to make a donation can do so at the Sheriff’s Department. 5. Health Department Report – Mark Dugger was present for questions. 6. T.B. Department Report – Kathy Tapley was present for questions. 7. Public Defender’s Report – submitted. 8. Probation Office Report – submitted. 9. 911 Report – submitted. APPROVAL OF 9 ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by Durbin, second by Bone to approve the 9 office reports on the Consent Agenda. All in favor, motion carried. PRESENTATION OF HISTORIC COURTHOUSE PHOTO: Hillsboro Historical Society representative Stan McCaslin donated a framed Historic Courthouse photograph to the County Board that was donated to them by Hardee’s Restaurant. The picture is a photo of the downtown Main Street and the Historic Courthouse from the early 1900s. Chairman Havera thanked McCaslin and the Historical Society for their generous donation. COMMITTEE REPORTS: ROAD AND BRIDGE COMMITTEE REPORT: Given by Chairman Bonnie Branum as follows: 1. Drainage Problem Update: Branum and Road Foreman Kenny Pezold reviewed the drainage problem on Oconee Road near Shelby County line and decided that this was not a problem created by the county. 2. Striper Machine Update: Branum stated that the striper machine that was recently purchased does not have a computer attached to put down stripes. Instead, the stripes are put down manually by two highway employees. 3. Black Diamond Road Update: County Highway Engineer Amy McNeal reported that she has contacted a contractor about the Black Diamond Road project, and repairs will be made to the road during the week of July 19th, 2004. The repairs will use over 348 tons of asphalt at $60.00 per ton and will be funded by the County. FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT: Given by Chairman Bill Sielschott as follows: 1. VAC Budget Update: Sielschott stated that money levied for the VAC is now being collected and will the VAC will begin services on December 1, 2004. It is the intention of the County Board to have the VAC look for office space other than in county buildings. 2. Fiscal Year 2004 Audit Proposal Approval: Sielschott stated that due to some required changes in auditing the county budget, the Auditor’s fee will increase from the $28,300 for the 2003 audit to $30,500 not to exceed $33,500 for the 2004 audit. The Committee checked with six surrounding counties comparing auditor fees, and five out of six counties reported a higher cost than this proposed fee. Motion by Sielschott, second by Myers to approve Whitey Patton’s proposal to complete the Fiscal Year 2004 county audit for a minimum of $30,500.00 and not to exceed $33,500.00. All in favor, motion carried. 3. Outstanding Mobile Home Tax Update: Sielschott reported that there are currently 38 or 39 mobile home properties that will probably be written off, because the homes have been moved, burned, etc… Documentation has been sent to the State’s Attorney’s office for review. 4. Resolution #04-23: To convey deed on Parcel ID. #16-001-437-00 in the City of Litchfield. Motion by Sielschott, second by Painter. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 5, pages 9-10). 5. Resolution #04-24: To convey deed on Parcel ID. #08-202-794-00 in Montgomery County. Motion by Sielschott, second by Jackson. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 5, pages 11-12). 6. Resolution #04-25: To convey deed on Parcel ID. #08-201-682-00 in the City of Hillsboro. Motion by Sielschott, second by Deabenderfer. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 5, pages 13-14). 7. Resolution #04-26: To convey deed on Parcel ID. #04-002-344-00 in the Village of Schram City. Motion by Sielschott, second by Branum. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 5, pages 15-16). 8. Resolution #04-27: To convey deed on Parcel ID. #04-001-910-00 in the Village of Schram City. Motion by Sielschott, second by Blankenship. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 5, pages 17-18). 9. Budget Hearing Reminder: Sielschott reminded the board that the budget hearings will be at the end of July and beginning of August, and stated that he appreciated all the hard work that has been accomplished by Office Holders to get their budgets in on time. HWE COMMITTEE REPORT: Given by Chairman Bob Durbin as follows: 1. Animal Control Update: Durbin stated that the Fiscal Year 2005 budget has been submitted and includes a proposal for an Animal Control facility, which will be reported to the Coordinating Committee at the July 2004 meeting. 2. Approval of Funds for CCI Program: Durbin stated that Economic Development Committee Chairman Mike Plunkett will give a report concerning funds to help establish a county-wide Economic Development Corporation, which is supported by the H.W.E. Committee. 3. Property Casualty Insurance Update: Durbin stated Insurance Rep. Paul Hamrock attended the H.W.E. Committee meeting and reported that the Property Casualty Insurance renewal will cost approximately $400,000.00 this upcoming year. The County will ask for Bids that offer $1,000, $5,000 and $10,000 deductibles to reduce costs. 4. Recycling Update: Durbin stated that County Coordinator Chris Daniels reported recycling revenues for the first 6 months of FY 2004 were $50,670.08 and have been deposited in the Treasurer’s Office. This represents 1,233,400 pounds of recycled materials. There have been additional shipments made of 282,077 pounds, and those revenues total $13,089.74. The total weight shipped year to date is 1,515,477 pounds with revenues totaling $63,759.82. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORT: Given by Chairman John Downs as follows: 1. Health Insurance Update: As of June 1st, 2004, the county health insurance is going well and Met Life reports more employee participation. 2. FOP Arbitration Update: Downs stated that arbitrators for the FOP Union Contract are in the process of being selected, and FOP Representatives will then call Sheriff Vazzi to schedule a meeting. BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE REPORT: Given by Chairman Glenn Painter as follows: 1. Maintenance & Custodial Work Order Request Approval: Painter stated that the committee recommends that each office be required to complete a “Work Order Request Form” when maintenance, custodial work or errands are requested. A memo will be sent to each Office Holder explaining the procedure. Motion by Painter, second by Myers to approve and implement the Building and Grounds “Work Order Request Form” for tasks to be performed by the Maintenance and Custodial staff. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 5, page 19) ESDA/AMBULANCE COMMITTEE REPORT: Given by Chairman Dennis Jagodzinski as follows: 1. April Ambulance Call Report: A summary of monthly operations for May 2004 is as follows: Total calls: 376; Total amount billed: $129,612.25; Total amount collected: $41,081.10. 2. Director Holmes Report: Jagodzinski reported that Ambulance billing has received $723.10 from collections. All five Ambulance Districts have turned in their 2005 tentative budgets for review, with each of their final budgets due in September, 2004. Jagodzinski stated that Director Holmes is making evacuation signs that will be posted in each office in the Historic Courthouse, and the Committee recommends a letter go out to offices to purchase flashlights and batteries for emergency purposes. The Committee is also checking into problems with Director Holmes’ phone operation. At the request of the State of Illinois, ESDA will be reinstituting the LEPC (Local Emergency Planning Committee), which will meet twice a year. Jagodzinski also reported that the HazMat Response Team by-laws are ready for approval, that Director Holmes received a letter from William Burk, Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency stating that the county is allowed to purchase the equipment for county organizations who participated in the IDHS grant program, and that the IEMA Budget is due July 30th, 2004. 3. Intergovernmental Emergency Mutual Aid Agreement with Christian County: County Clerk Sandy Leitheiser read the Intergovernmental Emergency Mutual Aid Agreement between Montgomery County and Christian County. Jagodzinski stated that State’s Attorney Roberts has reviewed and approved the agreement. Motion by Jagodzinski, second by Komor to accept the Intergovernmental Emergency Mutual Aid Agreement with Christian County. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 5, pages 20-21). ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT: Given by Chairman Mike Plunkett as follows: 1. Farmersville Overpass Update: Plunkett stated that the committee is currently working with the Highway Department on the Farmersville overpass project, and that the county is currently seeking funds through the State Economic Opportunity Returns program for the repairs. 2. Enterprise Zone Update: Plunkett reported that a Public Hearing will be held on Wednesday, July 14th, 2004 at 5:30 PM in the USDA Building to begin the process to expand the county Enterprise Zone and add changes for sales tax exemptions from the new State Sales Tax laws which will allow building materials for business improvements to be purchased anywhere within the State of Illinois and not just in Montgomery County. The City of Litchfield has put in a request for extending the Enterprise Zone west of I-55, and the City of Nokomis has also requested being placed in the Enterprise Zone. 3. CCI Economic Development Corporation Update: Plunkett presented a proposal prepared by the Competitive Communities Initiative Group, regarding the support of funds to establish a countywide Economic Development Corporation. Plunkett introduced the following CCI Committee members present: Heather Hampton-Knodle, Tom Becker, Denise Kistner and Scott Niehaus. Plunkett stated that the proposal would include the hiring of an Economic Development Professional, who would be housed at the CES Extension Office. Plunkett also reported that the funding for program would come from the University of Illinois Extension, County, Municipalities and private investors. The County has been asked to provide funding in the amount of $15,000 each year for a three year program commitment. Plunkett explained that Host fee money could be allocated for the Economic Development Corporation so that no General Fund Money would be used. The board will look over the proposal and vote on it at the next Full Board meeting in August. (For proposal, see Resolution Book 5, pages 22-24). APPROVAL OF 7 COMMITTEE REPORTS: Motion by Blankenship, second by Helgen to approve the 7 committee reports. All in favor, motion carried. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Given by Chairman Mike Havera as follows: 1. Citizens for Public Safety Tax Update: Havera informed members that the Citizens for Public Safety Tax Committee has made their final report to the State Board of Elections, the bank account has been closed, and thanked all who had been a part of the effort to help with the Public Safety Tax ballot question. 2. Civil War Cannon in Front of Historic Courthouse: Havera reported that Bruce Styles, Assistant Curator from the Civil War Artillery Museum in Emmaus PA has inquired about purchasing the Civil War Howitzer in front of the Historic Courthouse for $70,000. In the letter from Styles, he states that in addition to the $70,000 a replica would be given to the county to replace the original howitzer and the original cannon would go to a museum. The county currently has the howitzer insured for $100,000. Motion by Downs, second by Painter to reject the offer and keep the cannon in Montgomery County. All in favor, motion carried. (For Styles letter, see Resolution Book 5, page 25). ANNOUNCEMENTS: Havera stated that the newly elected Toby Dean is also appointed to the ESDA /Ambulance Committee and the Road & Bridge Committee. APPOINTMENTS: Motion by Myers, second by Helgen to approve the appointment of Brenda Johnson to serve on the Montgomery County Tuberculosis Care and Treatment Board. Johnson’s term is effective as of July 1, 2004 and will expire June 30th, 2007. All in favor, motion carried. PAY BILLS: Motion by Blankenship, second by Durbin to pay all approved bills. All in favor, motion carried. For itemized listing of bills paid, refer to Accounts Payable Book for FY 2004. ADJOURN: Until the Regular Monthly Meeting on Tuesday, August 10th, 2004 at 8:30 AM. Motion by Painter, second by Myers to adjourn the Full Board Meeting. All in favor, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:30 AM.