February 8th, 2005

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Montgomery County Board Minutes For Tuesday, February 8th, 2005 – 8:30 AM The following are minutes of a regular meeting of the Montgomery County Board held at 8:30 AM on Tuesday, February 8th, 2005 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, Mary Bathurst, George Blankenship, Terry Bone, Bonnie Branum, Ronald Deabenderfer, Toby Dean, John Downs, Robert Durbin, Mike Havera, Dave Heaton, Edward Helgen, Keith Horn, Dennis Jagodzinski, Frank Komor, Roger Myers, Dale Ogden, Glenn Painter, Don Petty, Mike Plunkett, Bill Sielschott. Members Absent: No members were absent. Pledge of Allegiance to the flag was given. Mileage and Per Diem Approval: Motion by Aumann, seconded by Ogden to approve the mileage and per diem. All in favor, motion carried. Approval of Minutes of Previous County Board Meeting: Motion by Heaton, seconded by Dean to approve the Minutes of the Previously Adjourned County Board Meeting held on Tuesday, January 11th, 2005. All in favor, motion carried. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Circuit Clerk’s Report – Mary Webb was present for questions and reported that E-Pay is up and running, which is the fourth payment option method that allows people to pay their fines and/or fees twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. 2. County Treasurer’s Report – Ron Jenkins was present for questions. 3. County Clerk and Recorder’s Report – Sandy Leitheiser was present for questions. 4. Sheriff’s Report – submitted 5. Health Department Report – Hugh Satterlee was present for questions. 6. T.B. Department Report – submitted. 7. Public Defender’s Report – submitted. 8. Probation Office Report – Banee Ulrici was present for questions, and informed the County Board that she will be taking a six week maternity leave in May or June, 2005. 9. 911 Report – No report was submitted. APPROVAL OF 8 ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by Painter, seconded by Bone to approve the 8 office reports on the Consent Agenda. All in favor, motion carried. COMMITTEE REPORTS: ROAD AND BRIDGE COMMITTEE REPORT: Given by Chairman Bonnie Branum as follows: 1. Pipe Culvert & B-CA Letting Date: Branum reported that there will be a Pipe Culvert & B-CA Letting on Wednesday, February 23rd, 2005 at 8:30 AM at the Highway Department. 2. July Meeting Date Change: Branum stated that the July 6th, 2005 Road and Bridge Committee meeting will be changed to Wednesday, June 29th, 2005 at 8:30 AM at the Highway Department 3. Preliminary Engineering Agreement Approval: The board approved the Preliminary Engineering Agreement to obtain the $280,000 in grant money that will be used to improve the Farmersville Overpass. Motion by Heaton, seconded by Ogden to approve the Preliminary Engineering Agreement For F.A.S. 732 (C.H. #17) Farmersville Overpass, Section 04-00125-00-RS, Montgomery County with Allen Henderson & Associates, Inc. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 5, pages 154-157). 4. Resolution #01-05: Motion by Komor, seconded by Dean to approve a Resolution to appropriate $684,580.35 from Motor Fuel Tax Allotment for the maintenance of Section 05-00000-00-GM for 2005 for Montgomery County. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 5, page 158). 5. Resolution #02-05: Motion by Petty, seconded by Aumann to approve a Resolution to appropriate an amount of $2,500.00 for 1005 B-CA, C.H. #2 (Oconee Avenue)(Audubon Twp.)(Sec. 22), Montgomery County, 100% County Project; Montgomery County’s Share = 1.0 ($2,500.00). This is on Oconee Avenue between East 26th and 27th, Road. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 5, pages 159-160). 6. Resolution #03-05: Motion by Heaton, seconded by Sielschott to approve a Resolution to appropriate an amount of $6,000.00 for 1006 B-CA, Location A&B, C.H. #3 (Black Diamond Trail)(Bois D’Arc Twp.)(Sec.7), Montgomery County, 100% County Project; Montgomery County’s Share = 1.0 ($6,000.00). All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 5, pages 161-162). 7. Resolution #04-05: Motion by Myers, seconded by Downs to approve a Resolution to appropriate an amount of $15,500.00 for 1007 B-CA, C.H. #18 (Witt West)(Butler Grove Twp.)(Sec. 1) Location A & C.H. #1 (Hillsboro North Road)(Butler Grove Twp.)(Sec. 11) Location B, Montgomery County, 100% County Project; Montgomery County’s Share = 1.0 ($15,500.00). All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 5, pages 163-164). 8. Resolution #05-05: Motion by Petty, seconded by Durbin to approve a Resolution to appropriate an amount of $5,000.00 for 1008 B-CA, C.H. #6 (Witt North)(E 19th Road)(Nokomis Twp.)(Sec. 30), Montgomery County, 100% County Project; Montgomery County’s Share = 1.0 ($5,000.00). All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 5, pages 165-166). 9. Resolution #06-05: Motion by Blankenship, seconded by Plunkett to approve a Resolution to appropriate an amount of $6,000.00 for 1009 B-CA, Location A & B, C.H. #21 (Elevator Road)(Walshville Twp.)(Sec. 23 & Sec. 26), Montgomery County, 100% County Project; Montgomery County’s Share = 1.0 ($6,000.00). All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 5, pages 167-168). 10. Resolution #07-05: Motion by Branum, seconded by Durbin to approve a Resolution to appropriate an amount of $3,000.00 for 1010 B-CA, C.H. #5 (Irving Road)(Irving Twp.)(Sec. 10), Montgomery County, 100% County Project; Montgomery County’s Share = 1.0 ($3,000.00). All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 5, pages 169-170). 11. Ameren Rail Line: McNeal reported that the Illinois Commerce Commission has re-scheduled a hearing date originally set for February 9th, 2005 to March 1st, 2005 regarding the thirteen mile stretch of rail that Ameren wants to put in going to the Coffeen Power Plant. FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT: Given by Chairman Bill Sielschott as follows: 1. Harris Asset Trax Program/RCI Tech Company Approval: Sielschott stated that the inventory program with GASBY was not successful, but Treasurer Jenkins was able to stop all affiliation with the Harris Asset Trax Program before county funds were committed. A new contract will be drawn up for an Asset Tracking Program meeting GASBY standards from RCI Tech Company. Motion by Sielschott, seconded by Aumann to approve the purchase of the Asset Tracking Program from RCI Tech Company for an amount not to exceed $7,500.00. All in favor, motion carried. 2. Senior Citizen Social Services Tax Levy Update: Sielschott reported that almost all Senior Clubs have been sent their levy funds. As soon as the expense reports are received by the county, then checks will be sent out to the Senior Clubs who submit a report. 3. Veteran’s Assistance Commission Update: Sielschott stated that the VAC met last night, and a resignation from VAC Commission President Rex White was withdrawn, and the Commission was informed of their requirements to comply with the Open Meetings Act. 4. 2004 Taxes Payable 2005 Update: Sielschott reported that the Board of Review is still holding hearings on complaints, but the time for submitting complaints has expired. HWE COMMITTEE REPORT: Given by Chairman Bob Durbin as follows: 1. Household Hazardous Waste Collection Date: Durbin reported that Montgomery County will be having another Household Hazardous Waste Collection on Saturday, April 23rd, 2005 in the parking lot of the Litchfield Wal-Mart, which is observing Earth Day. 2. Help America Vote Act (HAVA) Resolution #05-01 Approval: County Clerk Leitheiser read a resolution for the Help America Vote Act, which is required to be approved in order to qualify for $143,000 in grant funding. Motion by Downs, seconded by Helgen to approve the Help America Vote Act Resolution. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 5, pages 171-179). 3. Elections Update: Durbin stated that County Clerk Leitheiser presented a County Polling Location Map to the committee to look over for the possible clustering or consolidating precincts. A special meeting with the HWE Committee and Republican and Democratic Party Chairmen has been set up for Monday, February 21st, 2005 at 6:00 PM at the Historic Courthouse in the County Board room to review the proposals. 4. ICRMT – VAC Insurance: Durbin reported on an Intergovernmental Agreement to allow the VAC Superintendent to participate in the county insurance program. The VAC will pay the premium to the Treasurer’s Office out of the VAC budget. An Intergovernmental Agreement is being reviewed by the State’s Attorney and will be presented at next month’s Full Board meeting. 5. Baler Lease Approval: Durbin stated that there were only two inquiries for the use of Montgomery County’s Recycling Center down-stroke balers. The committee approved the Baler Lease Agreement that would allow the two used down-stroke balers from the Recycling Center to be used by Alpine Engineering in Litchfield and Love Packages in Butler. Motion by Durbin, seconded by Petty to approve the Baler Lease Agreement of two-used County owned Down-Stroke balers. One will go to Alpine Engineering in Litchfield and the other to Love Packages in Butler. All in favor, motion carried. 6. Animal Control Update/Ordinance & City/Village Contract Update: Durbin stated that discussion took place on establishing an Animal Control Procedure for the County Administrator. Letters were sent out advising municipalities of new contracts for the Animal Control Program. The committee approved the purchase of a new trap for animal control as the other one had been stolen. The animal control warden will chain the cages in his truck. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORT: Given by Chairman John Downs as follows: 1. Circuit Clerk Union Contract Update: Downs stated that he has not heard anything regarding a new meeting date with the Circuit Clerk’s Union Representative. The Union Representative had requested a meeting with John Downs, Mike Havera, Dan Sweet and a Union Insurance specialist regarding the County Employee Health Insurance. The meeting will be in the evening on Thursday, February 10th, 2005. BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE REPORT: Given by Chairman Glenn Painter as follows: 1. Historic Courthouse Roof Repair: Painter reported that a meeting was held on January 13th, 2005 with Architect David Lipe, who submitted new bid specifications and a Preliminary Cost estimate to re-bid the Historic Courthouse Roof Replacement. There will be a Pre-Bid Meeting held on Friday, Feb. 25th, at 2:00 PM at the Historic Courthouse with David Lipe for contractors to ask him questions. Bids will be opened on Friday, March 4th, at 8:00 AM, during the regular Buildings & Grounds meeting. Bids will be opened and reviewed at the meeting, but not awarded until David Lipe can review each one to see if specifications have been met. ESDA (EMA)/AMBULANCE COMMITTEE REPORT: Given by Vice Chairman George Blankenship as follows: 1. April Ambulance Call Report: A summary of monthly operations for January 2005 will be reported on at next month’s meeting. 2. Director Holmes Report: Jagodzinski reported that Hillsboro Area Ambulance will be receiving Medicare payments for the month of January 2005 and Medicare has acknowledged the new provider number for Hillsboro. A payment from September 2004 was received from the Credit Bureau in the amount of $586.00. The total amount of collections for January 2005 was $52,461.40. Jagodzinski complimented the Journal-News for the nice feature article about the HazMat Team training. As of Sunday, January 30th, 2005, the County HazMat Team had finished their Technical A Classes. ESDA received a certificate stating that Montgomery County has been accredited for two-years. Accreditation requires at least 48 hours of exercises and continuing education per year. Jagodzinski reported that the State of Illinois has now renamed ESDA from Emergency Service Disaster Agency to EMA, Emergency Management Agency. There will be a Continuing Education meeting on the Illinois earthquake program in Marion, Illinois on March 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, 2005. Holmes reported to the committee that the EMA Office is in need of a better copier and the committee is researching this need. During a major incident, the Treasurer’s Office will be the county’s Resource Manager in a disaster and will make the necessary approvals for any purchases needed during this time. Joe Gasparich of Nokomis has been a tremendous resource to the county in several areas and will serve as a back up for EMA Director Holmes if she is unavailable. Chairman Havera or Vice Chairman Jagodzinski will need to go to one of the next NIMS/Unified Command Classes in order to be certified as a requirement for some grant funding. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT: Given by Chairman Mike Plunkett as follows: 1. Waggoner Depot Roof Leak: Plunkett reported that Mr. Micenheimer of Litchfield repaired the roof leak at the Waggoner Depot for a cost of $75.00. 2. Bike Trail Update: Plunkett stated that Waggoner Mayor Max Stewart presented the committee with pictures of abuse to the Bike Trail at the Waggoner entrance. The committee discussed possibly installing concrete barriers at a couple of the Waggoner bike trail entrances to help prevent improper use. 3. Old Route 66 Resolution of Support: Plunkett reported that IDOT did not support the application for Old Route 66 to become a National Scenic Byway in Montgomery County, due to the commercialization of businesses on billboards along Route 66 in Litchfield. This point is still being argued, and in order for the Old Route 66 National Scenic Byway application to be considered for acceptance, the county needs to pass a Resolution of Support. The Resolution states the location of Route 66 in Montgomery County, the county’s support of Route 66 as a byway, and that no new commercialized billboards would be put up along this route if it is accepted as a National Scenic Byway. Motion by Plunkett, second by Blankenship to approve a Resolution of Support for Route 66 in Montgomery County to become a National Scenic Byway. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 5, pages 180-183). 4. Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation Update: Plunkett reported that the first Annual Economic Development Corporation meeting was held on Monday, January 31st, 2005 at the Extension Office. Amanda Cole was hired to begin work as the Economic Development Corporation Educator for Montgomery County as of 1/31/2005. Ms. Cole has a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Eastern Illinois University. The appointed Officers and Directors of the newly formed Corporation are as follows: Heather Hampton+Knodle – Chairman, Mike Plunkett - Vice Chair, Emily Battin - Secretary, Liz Huber - Treasurer, Nick Kuhns - Director, Bill Dees – Director, Scott Snow – Director, Jim Allen – Director, Bill Baran – Director, Randy Singler – Director, and John Galer –Director. 5. Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs Conference: The committee approved sending County Coordinator Chris Daniels to the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs Conference in Peoria on March 9th and 10th, 2005. APPROVAL OF 7 COMMITTEE REPORTS: Motion by Horn, second by Blankenship to approve the 7 committee reports. All in favor, motion carried. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Given by Chairman Mike Havera as follows: ANNOUNCEMENTS: Havera informed members about a newspaper article he had seen regarding Schutt Manufacturing of Litchfield, Illinois receiving an award for technology on football helmets. Schutt is the number one helmet contractor and has an exclusive contract with major league baseball for making bases. Havera also reported on two free UCCI seminars, one on Conflict Management and the other on Public Budgeting that County Board members might like to attend. Havera stated that anyone wishing to attend the seminars would be reimbursed for mileage and paid per diem. SCHEDULE CHANGES: The regular Personnel meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 24th, at 8:30 AM has been changed to Wednesday, February 23rd at 8:30 AM in the County Board room. APPOINTMENTS: Public Comments: Chairman Havera asked if anyone in the audience had any comments. Mayor Bill Baran was granted approval to address the members. Baran applauded the County Board’s leadership and financial commitment to the CCI program, and also commented that this program will enhance the development of retail and wholesale businesses in the communities. If a company comes into the county and wants to locate their business in Coffeen or any other participating town, this would benefit the whole county. He especially thanked the on going efforts and support from Heather Hampton-Knodle, Mike Plunkett and Chris Daniels with the CCI program. Baran then addressed the controversy over the board’s decision to sell the county coal rights, and again complimented the Board for their actions in approving the sale of county-owned coal rights to Colt Coal, LLC. Baran stated that he was the Finance Chairman at the time when Chevron and Exxon paid the county to take the coal rights back, and commented that “coal was king twice before and I know it will be king again.” In selling the coal rights, the county can now receive the tax benefits from that transfer. The sale also brings the prospect of jobs, a boost to the economy and population, which would mean more housing. Baran stated that he used to be a coal miner and commented on ground subsidence that is being reported in neighboring counties. He admitted the subsidence is from present mining and does look bad, but as for previous mining, the ground subsides and once reclaimed, as per State and Federal regulations, the farmland will drain and would be farmable again. Baran stated that mine companies have to get a subsidence agreement from the private landowner before they can long wall under private property. Baran thanked the board for allowing him to make these comments. PAY BILLS: Motion by Aumann, second by Downs to pay all approved bills. All in favor, motion carried. For itemized listing of bills paid, refer to Accounts Payable Book for FY 2005. ADJOURN: Until the Regular Monthly Meeting on Tuesday, March 8th, 2005 at 8:30 AM. Motion by Painter, second by Myers to adjourn the Full Board Meeting. All in favor, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:25 AM.