September 12th, 2006

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Montgomery County Board Minutes For Tuesday, September 12th, 2006 – 8:30 AM The following are minutes of a regular meeting of the Montgomery County Board held at 8:30 AM on Tuesday, September 12th, 2006 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. 20 members present, 1 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, Dennis Jagodzinski, Frank Komor, Roger Myers, Dale Ogden, Glenn Painter, Don Petty, Mike Plunkett, Bill Sielschott. Members Absent: William Hicks. Pledge of Allegiance to the flag was given. Mileage and Per Diem Approval: Motion by Aumann, second by Downs to approve the mileage and per diem. All in favor, motion carried. Approval of Minutes of Previous County Board Meeting: Motion by Painter, second by Myers to approve the Minutes of the Previously Adjourned County Board Meeting held on Tuesday, August 8th, 2006. All in favor, motion carried. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Circuit Clerk’s Report – submitted. 2. County Treasurer’s Report – submitted 3. County Clerk and Recorder’s Report – Sandy Leitheiser was present for questions and thanked the Building and Grounds Committee and the Coordinated Services Office for their help in obtaining an outside bulletin board for the south side of the Historic Courthouse. Leitheiser stated that now when the courthouse is closed citizens will still be able to view upcoming county meetings’ notices and agendas. 4. Sheriff’s Report – Jim Vazzi was present for questions. 5. Health Department Report – submitted. 6. T.B. Department Report – submitted. 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 Bathurst, second by Blankenship to approve the 9 office reports on the Consent Agenda. All in favor, motion carried. COMMITTEE REPORTS: COORDINATING COMMITTEE REPORT: Chairman Havera stated that the committee has nothing to Report. ROAD AND BRIDGE COMMITTEE REPORT: Given by Chairman Bonnie Branum as follows: 1. Farmersville Overpass Approval: Branum stated that Highway Engineer Boehler has recommended to the committee to contract out the entire concrete patching work for the Phase I of the Farmersville Overpass project. After looking into the feasibility of doing the work in-house, it was decided that the Highway Department is not equipped to undertake such a large and complicated project, since it would require specialized equipment and more manpower. Branum reported that Boehler applied for TARP funding and another grant from DCEO for Phase II of the project, and that support letters were obtained from local officials for the grant. A special meeting was held on Monday, September 11th for a bid letting. One bid proposal was received for the bid letting of Phase I for the Farmersville overpass concrete patching from Kinney Contractors Inc. with a bid of $274,958.46. Kinney Contractors plans to begin work on Monday, September 18th, 2006 pending full board approval. Motion by Branum, second by Heaton to approve the bid of $274,958.46 from Kinney Contractors Inc., to do the concrete patching work on the Farmersville overpass. All in favor, motion carried. 2. Update on Deer Tail Bridge Project: Branum reported that the committee discussed the progress of the Deer Trail bridge project and that it is on schedule. The existing bridge has been removed and the foundations to the new bridge are nearly complete. 3. Approval of Section 00-10119-00-BR/00-04115-00-BR, 559 B-CA, Nokomis/Greenwood Township Bridge, Montgomery County/Christian County: Branum referred to Highway Engineer Boehler, who informed members of the approval to finalize section 00-10119-00-BR/00-04115-00-BR, 559 B-CA for job letting. Boehler stated that the plans are complete and they will now be able to prepare for the letting. Motion by Branum, second by Painter to approve finalizing of Section 00-10119-00-BR/00-04115-00-BR, 559 B-CA for job letting. All in favor, motion carried. 4. Update on TARP Funding Application: Branum stated that the committee discussed Engineer Boehler’s report on the deadline to apply for Truck Access Road Program (TARP) funding, which was at the end of August. Boehler applied for TARP funding for the following projects: 1) Phase II of the Farmersville overpass, 2) Mt. Olive trail and 3) Phase I of the Nokomis road. 5. Update of State Fire Marshall Inspection: Branum stated that the committee approved to have Engineer Boehler, Kenny Pezold and Dave Waggoner proceed with getting fuel tanks and pumps for the Highway Department to maintain compliance with the Illinois State Fire Marshall’s office. The State Fire Marshall was at the Highway Department and stated that the county was deficient on several code requirements on the fuel tanks and pumps there. The County needs to install an in-tank monitoring system with a console inside the garage. In addition, a master shut off switch must be installed at least 20 feet from the pumps in case of fire, breakaway hoses must be installed, and steel/concrete barrier posts must be installed to protect the pumps. Branum stated that the committee will be looking to other county offices who use the fuel tanks and pumps, like the Sheriff’s Department, to share the cost of bringing the tanks and pumps up to State Fire Code. 6. Update on Butler Grove Township Bridge: Engineer Boehler is gathering cost information to widen the Butler Grove Township bridge. 7. Update on Chapman T Bridge: Branum reported that the county is waiting on IDOT’s approval of the historic bridge 106 report, since the consultant cannot proceed with the project report and finalize plans on the project until after IDOT’s approval. Engineer Boehler has contacted both the consultant and IDOT about the county’s concerns. 8. Update on Tandem Truck: Branum reported that the tandem truck has not been delivered yet, but may be delivered in October. FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT: Given by Chairman Bill Sielschott as follows: 1. Update on the Long Range Planning Survey: Sielschott thanked everyone for their help and support in finalizing the Fiscal Year 2007 budget, and then moved on to the County Long Range Planning survey, which was sent out to county board members and all office holders to receive their input about how the county can put the coal money to the best use. Some of these issues have already been addressed in the 2007 budget. 2. Natural Area Guardians Discussion/Update: Sielschott stated that Richard Slepicka was present at the committee meeting to discuss Montgomery County Natural Area Guardians or NAGS. NAGS serves as a committee of the Montgomery County Soil and Water Conservation District, and was formed to provide an organized means for locating and preserving natural areas and open lands in Montgomery County. The Finance Committee decided to turn the discussion of upkeep and prairie restoration on abandoned county cemeteries over to the HWE Committee, and this topic will be discussed at the HWE committee’s October 5th, 2006 meeting. 3. Commercial/Industrial Property Assessment/Appraisal System Discussion/Update: Sielschott reported there has never been a complete assessment/appraisal done on all commercial/industrial property in Montgomery County. There are 1,540 total parcels, which include vacant lot parcels for a total cost to assess and data enter parcels into the Manatron Pro-Val computer system of $193,750, which would be approximately $125.00 per parcel. If only the parcels with buildings on them were completed, the appraisal/assessment fee would be approximately $137,000. The committee will invite Manatron to the next Finance Committee meeting on October 2nd, 2006 to help answer some questions. 4. R.O.E. Quarterly Report Update: Sielschott reported that Superintendent of the Regional Office of Education (ROE) Greg Springer reported to the committee on his budget as mandated by the State of Illinois. 5. Update of Estimate on FY 2007 Levy: Sielschott reported that due to the new coal money, the Real Estate Tax Levy will decrease by about 13% for a total of $83,000 in 2007, which should be good news to taxpayers. The total levy is under 2%, which is up slightly from 2006 due to some increases in Ambulance levies and Senior Citizens’ budgets. 6. Update on the Fiscal Year 2007 Budget: Sielschott reviewed the 2007 budget. Revenue in the 2007 budget will show an increase of $1.4 million as $1 million is from the coal money and the other $400,000 is from interest from coal money. Sielschott reported that the county will be using some of the revenue from the interest to obtain additional office space, an animal control facility, two sheriff’s cars and add three new employees to the Sheriff’s Department. $950,000 has also been put in Capital Improvements. 7. Update on State’s Attorney Report: Sielschott called on State’s Attorney Chris Matoush to give an update on Montgomery County’s collection of fines and fees in the nine-county 4th Judicial Circuit. Matoush reported that Montgomery County is the busiest in the Circuit for collecting fees and fines, and has collected $1.7 million in criminal court costs, plus $90,000 in additional court costs. Effingham County is second busiest and has collected $1.1 million and Marion County third busiest and has collected $1 million. The population at the jail has been running approximately 24-25 detainees per day, versus the 40 average per day in the past, due to more warrants being served and detainees being processed quicker. In the circuit, Montgomery County is #1 in Criminal fines and #4 out of the nine Counties for Child Support collections. 8. Approval of Public Fund Resolution: Sielschott reported on a Public Fund Resolution that would need the board’s approval for Treasurer Ron Jenkins and Assistant Treasurer Aimee Shelton to be authorized to sign checks, drafts or withdrawal orders from National Bank of Hillsboro. Motion by Sielschott, second by Aumann to approve the Public Fund Resolution. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 6. page 255). HWE COMMITTEE REPORT: Given by Chairman Bob Durbin as follows: 1. Update on Elections: Durbin reported that County Clerk Sandy Leitheiser shared General Election information with a timeline of the upcoming elections. Early voting will start on Monday, October 16th, 2006 and end on Thursday, November 2nd, 2006 and will be held in the County Clerk’s Office in a designated election area. Early voting hours during this time will be Monday thru Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Saturday, October 21st and 28th from 8:00 AM until Noon. Motion by Durbin, second by Helgen to approve Early Voting from Oct. 16th through Nov. 2nd in the County Clerk’s office during regular business hours Monday thru Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and on Saturday October 21st, and Saturday, October 28th from 8:00 AM to Noon. All in favor, motion carried. 2. Update on Recycling: Durbin reported on shipped materials and revenues from the County Recycling Center. Year to date checks received for recycled material total $49,472. Material that has been shipped and waiting for payment from the vendor total $10,140. Material that is baled and ready to ship total $20,984. This brings the processed recycling revenue for fiscal year 2006 to $80,897 for the past 9 months, and represents 1,635,540 pounds processed so far this fiscal year. During fiscal year 2005 the recycling center processed about 2 million pounds and the revenues totaled approximately $90,500. Durbin reported that he currently pricing an aluminum carport building and concrete work for a recycling drop shed in Witt. 3. Update on Insurance from Lightning Damage: Durbin reported that the county was reimbursed in full for the lightning damage that occurred in January, 2006. The damages totaled $237,071.55. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORT: Given by Chairman John Downs as follows: 1. Update from Cavanaugh & O’Hara: Chairman John Downs reported that an attorney from IBG has filed a motion to reconsider the complaint. 2. F.O.P. Contract: Downs stated that the FOP is ready to open their contract, but signed copies of the new contract have not been received yet. ESDA/AMBULANCE COMMITTEE REPORT: Given by Chairman Dennis Jagodzinski as follows: 1. Ambulance Call Reports: A summary of monthly operations for August 2006 is as follows: Total calls: 359; Total amount billed: $157,948.00; Total amount collected: $82,944.99. 2. Director Holmes Report: a. IEMA Conference: Jagodzinski reported that Holmes attended the IEMA Conference in Springfield. Everyone in attendance for the G.I.S. training received a computer and software that day, which was courtesy of an Illinois Terrorism Task Force Homeland Security grant. b. Payment from the State to EMA: Jagodzinski reported that the third quarter EMA payment from the State was received and EMA has a little less than $2,000.00 in extra funds. c. Truck Problems: Jagodzinski stated that the spray-in bed liner for the EMA truck, which will be $595.00, has been approved. d. Table Top Exercise: Jagodzinski stated that the Montgomery County Health Department and EMA will host a table top exercise on September 27th at the Taylor Springs Community Building from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM. e. Cooling Stations Update: Jagodzinski stated that it was decided to discontinue the Cooling Stations after checking with the National Weather Service. 3. Approval of the County’s 5 Ambulance Service Levies: a. Resolution #06-21 for Litchfield Ambulance Service: Motion by Jagodzinski, second by Painter to approve the Litchfield Ambulance Service Area Levy in the Amount of $145,000.00 for 2007. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 6, page 256). b. Resolution #06-22 for Hillsboro Ambulance Service: Motion by Jagodzinski, second by Downs to approve the Hillsboro Ambulance Service Area Levy in the Amount of $154,000 for 2007. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 6, page 257). c. Resolution #06-23 for Nokomis/Witt Ambulance Service: Motion by Jagodzinski, second by Petty to approve the Nokomis/Witt Ambulance Service Area Levy in the Amount of $78,000 for 2007. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 6, page 258). d. Resolution #06-24 for Raymond/Harvel Ambulance Service: Motion by Jagodzinski, second by Dean to approve the Raymond/Harvel Ambulance Service Area Levy in the Amount of $32,662 for 2007. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 6, page 259). e. Resolution #06-25 for Farmersville/Waggoner Ambulance Service: Motion by Jagodzinski, second by Heaton to approve the Farmersville/Waggoner Ambulance Service Area Levy in the Amount of $58,000 for 2007. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 6, page 260). ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT: Given by Chairman Mike Plunkett as follows: 1. City of Hillsboro Enterprise Zone Business Approval: Plunkett reported that Ace Hardware will be moving into the old TSC building (Parcel ID# 08-100-725-06) in Hillsboro, and that the contractual language has been worked out and the contract for the sale of the building and property has been signed. At the request of the new business owners and the City of Hillsboro, the committee is recommending an extension of a 3 year property tax abatement to 5 years. The property in question is within the Montgomery County Enterprise Zone. Mayor Bill Baran reported that this would bring in approximately 15 to 20 jobs to the county. Motion by Plunkett, second by Bathurst to approve Ordinance # 06-26 to extend the Abatement of Property Taxes from 3 years to 5 years on Parcel ID #08-100-725-06. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 6, page 261). Hillsboro Mayor Bill Baran was present and thanked the county board for approving the extension, and stated that this will be a real boost to the economy of Montgomery County, since these owners operate 9 other Ace Hardware stores, and hope to be opened by mid November, 2006. 2. Wind Power Turbine - Presentation: Plunkett reported that Dana Smith, Marketing Director for Rural Electric and David Stuva, President/CEO of the Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative gave a power point presentation regarding Wind Power Generation in Illinois. The wind turbines consist of 3 blades that are 125 feet in length and turn at 14 to 15 mph with each blade weighing about 7 tons. The height of the turbine is 230 feet to the hub. The rotor assembly weighs in at 37 tons. The 1.8 mega watt wind turbine has enough energy production to service approximately 400 to 500 homes. Rural Electric is proposing to build a wind turbine project in the Farmersville area by late summer or early fall of 2007. The State of Illinois owns this 14 acre spot near Farmersville that was previously owned by Freeman United Coal and is a covered coal gob or refuse pile. The wind speed on that hill is rated at 6 to 7 miles per hour for wind speed. Rural Electric has a sub station within a half of a mile of the site. The power will be used by rural customers in the Farmersville area. Rural Electric would need approval from the FAA for the project, and the cost to Rural Electric would be approximately $1.5 million for the turbine, but the property would be leased from the State of Illinois. 3. Bike Trail Maintenance Update: Plunkett stated that he will check out the bike trail for oil and chipping and any maintenance issues with the trail. 4. Resolution #06-27 Approval to Void Tax Bill ID #12-000-405-05 on County Owned Bike Trail Property: Motion by Plunkett, second by Myers to approve voiding Tax Bill #12-000-405-05. All in favor, motion carried. (See Resolution Book 6, page 262). 5. Special Meeting Date: Plunkett stated that the Economic Development Committee discussed an offer by the Lt. Governor’s Office to have a round table discussion regarding broadband high speed internet, and the committee will hold a special meeting on Thursday, September 14th, 2006 at 1:30 PM in the County Board Room to discuss broadband services. 6. G.I.S. Update: Plunkett reported that a GIS Oversight Committee meeting was held on Tuesday, September 5th, 2006, and Colin Russell with GIS vendor Bruce Harris and Associates was present to update the committee on the County’s contract, which will expire in December of 2007. Bruce Harris has mapped more parcels than those included in the contract, so at the end of the contract, the county will owe Bruce Harris an additional $40,000. The County will also have to correct parcels that have been combined over the years, and add the Coal Rights parcels to the GIS system. The Full Time GIS Coordinator will not be hired until 2007. The committee plans to begin establishing a job description for the GIS Coordinator position. 7. Enterprise Zone Update: Plunkett reported that Julie Knodle from Route 16 Grain Co-op has stated that they will soon be able to announce their site selection for the Ethanol Plant in the Nokomis area to be entered into the County Enterprise Zone. BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE REPORT: Given by Chairman Glenn Painter as follows: 1. Update on Property Acquisition: a. Enter Into Executive Session: Motion by Painter, second by Branum to Go Into Executive Session to discuss Property Acquisition. All in favor, motion carried. (Time: 9:25 AM) b. Come Out of Executive Session: Motion by Bone, second by Painter to Come Out of Executive Session. All in favor, motion carried. (Time: 9:35 AM) APPROVAL OF 8 COMMITTEE REPORTS & MINUTES: Motion by Jagodzinski, second by Durbin to approve the 8 committee reports. All in favor, motion carried. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Given by Chairman Mike Havera as follows: ANNOUNCEMENTS: Havera announced that there will be a Benefit Breakfast from 6:00 AM until Noon on Saturday, September 23rd, 2006 at the Hillsboro Moose for Jerad Kiefer, 7 year old son of Supervisor of Assessments Julie Kiefer. Jerad has the same debilitating disease that his late brother Charlie had, and will be receiving a bone marrow transplant soon. SCHEDULE CHANGES: There will be a special Economic Development Committee meeting on Thursday, September 14th, 2006 at 1:30 PM in the County Board room of the Historic Courthouse. A representative of the Lt. Governor’s Office will attend to discuss the issues of Broadband services. APPOINTMENTS: a) Motion by Ogden, second by Heaton to appoint Evelyn Riemann to Union Drainage District #1, Town of Pitman and Zanesville for a term of 3 years. All in favor, motion carried. PAY BILLS: Motion by Blankenship, second by Aumann to pay all approved bills. All in favor, motion carried. For itemized listing of bills paid, refer to Accounts Payable Book for FY 2006. RECESS: Until the Full Board Meeting on Tuesday, October 10th, 2006 at 8:30 AM in the County Board Room, Historic Courthouse, Hillsboro, Illinois. Motion by Painter, second by Branum to recess the Full Board Meeting. All in favor, motion carried. Meeting recessed at 9:43 AM. Minutes respectfully submitted and recorded by Montgomery County Clerk and Recorder Sandy Leitheiser.