Quincy Reporter

Adams County Board met Jan. 14.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Mr. Taylor Rakers gave the invocation which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

Chairman Snider called the meeting to order.

The County Clerk called the role and the following members were present: Mark Peter, Matt Obert, Robert Reich, John Brady, Seldon Totsch, Les Post, Theresa Bockhold, Joe Zanger, David Hoskins, Todd Duesterhaus, Bret Austin, Steven Demoss, Rebecca Weed, Ryan Niekamp, Ryan Hinkamper, Dave Bellis, Marvin Kerkhoff, Raquel Piazza, Taylor Rakers and Kent Snider.

Total Present: 17 

Absent: 3 

Vacant: 1 

Absent were: Matt Obert, Joe Zanger, Ryan Hinkamper 

Chairman Snider declared a quorum present.

Officeholders, department heads, and/or their representatives also present were:

Lori Geschwandner-Circuit Clerk, Georgene Zimmerman- Supervisor of Assessments, Wendy Venvertloh- Director of Court Services, John Simon-EMA & Ambulance Director, Jim Frankenhoff- County Engineer, Sheriff Vonderhaar, John Frankenhoff- Technology Director and Sue Hester- County Board Executive Assistant.

Mr. Snider asked for board concurrence on the appointment of Mr. Barney Bier to County Board District 4 to replace John Heidbreder.

Mr. Bellis made a motion to approve the appointment.

Mrs. Weed seconded the motion.

The appointment was approved.

At this time, Barney Bier was sworn in to the Adams County Board.

At this time, Chairman Snider presented Mr. Kevin Dicks an award as a token of the county’s appreciation. He was awarded this token in recognition of his exemplary service to enhance and improve our county’s GIS system.

Mr. Austin made a motion to suspend the rules to allow the public to speak.

Mr. Niekamp seconded the motion.

The motion to suspend the rules to allow the public to speak was approved.

At this time, Mr. Marcel Wagner from GREDF spoke. He gave the following annual report:

GREDF is taking a new direction. They have looked at the strategic plan and had brain- storming sessions and are focusing on developing workforce as a key item that GREDF will do. They have come up with a number of strategies to target people to work in our county. They looking to reach the under-employed, former community-residents who may want to return and also legal immigrants. They are working on a “geofence” to send popups to show jobs in our areas. Attracting people to the community will take promoting of the atmosphere. They have also created a concierge program to follow up with people and stick with them for assistance if they do decide to come to our community. GREDF will also have to measure this progress so they know how to move forward in the future. More funding is needed than it has been in the past. They have a 501 c3 in place to be able to seek grant funding. This is in support of the 501 c6 they already are. There are two grants sources coming in the near future. The plan will be sent out and GREDF will get to work harder for the community.

Mr. Post made a motion to return to regular session. Mr. Austin seconded the motion.

The board returned to regular session.

Mr. Bellis moved to approve the minutes of the December 10th, 2019 county board meeting as printed and distributed.

Mrs. Weed seconded the motion.

Motion to approve the minutes of the December 10th, 2019 meeting as printed was adopted.

Transportation, Building & Technology

Committee Report (Mr. Post)

Bills – The committee met on Tuesday, January 14th, 2020 to review the bills for the Highway Department, the Maintenance Department, and the Technology Department. All of the bills were in order.

Reports

Work is ongoing on the school crossing at 48th and Columbus Road.

Resolutions-

a. 2020-01-501-001- Resolution appropriating $1,500,000.00 in County Motor Fuel

Tax Funds for the maintenance of various County Highways in Adams County for the year 2020. (Attachment A-1)

Mr. Brady made a motion to approve the resolution. Mr. Bellis seconded the motion.

Resolution 2020-01-501-001 was approved.

b. 2020-01-501-002-Resolution to use Surface Transportation Funds to pay one half of the County Engineer’s salary from December 1, 2019 through November 30, 2020 and appropriating $64,636.00 from the County Motor Fuel Tax Fund for one half of the County Engineer’s salary from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. (Attachment A-2)

Mr. Post made a motion to approve the resolution. Mr. Kerkhoff seconded the motion.

Resolution 2020-01-501-002 was approved.

The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for February 11th, 2020 at 6:15 PM.

Legislative & Judicial

Committee Report (Mr. Niekamp)

Bills – The committee met on Tuesday, January 7th to review the bills from the circuit Clerk, Juvenile Detention Center, Probation Department, Public Defender, State’s Attorney, and the Supervisor of Assessments. All of the bills were in order.

County Code

a. Article IV 3-4-2 Rabies Inoculation (regarding cats). (Attachment B-1)

Mr. Niekamp made a motion to approve the County Code. Mrs. Weed seconded the motion.

Mr. Niekamp explained that in August, the Governor signed a senate bill stating all companion cats must have a rabies tag. This must be effective January of this year. The committee has been working with the Public, Health and Safety committee on this. This is for companion cats only and the tag will cost $6.00. This exempts those in the city because they already have a code enforcing fees for this. This code is the draft that the two committees have drafted.

Mr. Peter asked for confirmation that the companion cats get vaccinated and then it gets recorded.

Mr. Niekamp confirmed that.

Mr. Reich stated that it costs us to have a tag and the process costs money, so it won’t make too much of a difference in the county. We just need to comply.

The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for February 4th, 2020 at 6:00 PM. Public Health & Safety

Committee Report (Mrs. Weed)

Bills – The committee met on Tuesday, December 17th, 2019 and reviewed the bills for the Sheriff’s Office, Coroner’s Office, Emergency Management Agency and Animal Control. All of the bills were in order.

Department Reports-

Sheriff Vonderhaar gave the following report at the committee meeting: The jail population was at 121. The cat ordinance was discussed and Mrs. Weed and Mr. Reich attended the Legislative and Judicial Committee meeting to work on it with them. Active shooter trainings were completed at the request of local businesses. The department is still down one deputy and one correctional officer. One new deputy is going to training school in January.

John Simon, Director of EMA, gave the following report to the committee: The FEMA reimbursement process is still ongoing. They are hopeful that it will be finalized at the end of January.

John Myers, County Coroner, gave the following report to the committee: There were 64 reported deaths, 3 autopsies, 1 new unclaimed/indigent cremation and 23 cremation permits issued in the month of November 2019. There are an average of 35 cremation permits issued monthly this fiscal year.

The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 21st, 2020 at 7:00 PM in the Law Library.

Finance

Committee Report (Mr. Austin)

Bills – The committee met on Monday, January 13th, 2020 to review the bills. All of the bills were in order.

Resolution –

a. Resolution Supporting the Continued Operation of the Office of the State’s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor and to appropriate and pay the sum of $28,000.00. (Attachment C-1)

Mr. Austin made a motion to approve the resolution. Mr. Rakers seconded the motion.

The resolution was approved.

b. Tax Sale Resolution Parcel Number: 23-5-0493-000-00 located at 638 Oak Street in Quincy, IL. (Attachment C-2)

Mr. Austin made a motion to approve the Tax Sale Resolution.

Mr. Rakers seconded the motion.

A roll call vote was taken to approve the tax sale resolution. Those in favor were: Mark Peter, Matt Obert, Robert Reich, John Brady, Seldon Totsch, Les Post, Theresa Bockhold, Joe Zanger, David Hoskins, Todd Duesterhaus, Bret Austin, Steven Demoss, Rebecca Weed, Ryan Niekamp, Ryan Hinkamper, Dave Bellis, Marvin Kerkhoff, Raquel Piazza, Taylor Rakers, Barney Bier and Kent Snider. Total in favor: 18 Total opposed: 0 Total absent: 3

The Tax Sale Resolution was approved.

Finance-

a. Additional Fund Appropriation – Wendy Venvertloh – Director of Court Services – an increase of $4,500.00 to expense line item 311-311-5853- Probation Services, Domestic Violence Surveillance Program for a new budgeted amount of $4,500.00 and an increase of $4,500.00 to revenue line item 311-311-4113 - Probation Services, Earnings-Domestic Violence Surveillance Program for a new budgeted amount of $4,500.00 and an increase of $3,000.00 to expense line - Probation Services, Specialty Court Program Expenses for a new budgeted amount of $3,000.00. (Attachment C-3)

Mr. Austin made a motion to approve the additional fund appropriation.

Mr. Niekamp seconded the motion.

A roll call vote was taken to approve the additional fund appropriation. Those in favor were: Mark Peter, Matt Obert, Robert Reich, John Brady, Seldon Totsch, Les Post, Theresa Bockhold, Joe Zanger, David Hoskins, Todd Duesterhaus, Bret Austin, Steven Demoss, Rebecca Weed, Ryan Niekamp, Ryan Hinkamper, Dave Bellis, Marvin Kerkhoff, Raquel Piazza, Taylor Rakers, Barney Bier and Kent Snider.

Total in favor: 18 Total opposed: 0 Total Absent: 3

The Additional Fund Appropriation was approved.

b. Additional Fund Appropriation – Bryden Cory, Treasurer – an increase of $35,500.00 to expense line item 001-001-5997- City of Quincy, Aviation Fuel Tax for a new budgeted amount of $35,500.00 and an increase of $12,600.00 to revenue line item 001-001-4179 City of Quincy, Aviation Fuel Tax for a new budgeted amount of $12,600.00(Attachment C-4)

Mr. Austin made a motion to approve the additional fund appropriation.

Mr. Niekamp seconded the motion.

A roll call vote was taken to approve the additional fund appropriation. Those in favor were: Mark Peter, Matt Obert, Robert Reich, John Brady, Seldon Totsch, Les Post, Theresa Bockhold, Joe Zanger, David Hoskins, Todd Duesterhaus, Bret Austin, Steven Demoss, Rebecca Weed, Ryan Niekamp, Ryan Hinkamper, Dave Bellis, Marvin Kerkhoff, Raquel Piazza, Taylor Rakers, Barney Bier and Kent Snider.

Total in favor: 18 Total opposed: 0 Total Absent: 3

The Additional Fund Appropriation was approved.

The committee’s next meeting will be February 10th, 2020 at 6:15 PM.

Jail Sub-Committee

Committee Report (Mr. Peter)

Construction Update:

Mr. Peter gave the following construction update that was provided by Sid Wilson: There was an X-ray done of all the block walls not covered with drywall. Williams Brothers has taken on the responsibility to drill into block wall voids and fill with structural grout. This procedure is working very well. The recommendation from Poepping, Stone & Bach regarding the North stairwell to be stripped of drywall and x-rayed for voids at no cost to the county was scheduled. It will not disrupt the ongoing jail construction schedule. The testing and balancing of the HVAC is complete. The fire sprinkler testing and training is complete. Painting is 80% complete. The floor coverings are 75% complete. Plumbing is done. The construction team is projecting that the Sheriff’s Department will start training March 1st and there will be a public tour scheduled during the second half of March.

Executive Committee

Committee Report (Austin)

Discussion& Possible Action

a. Update/Approval of collective bargaining agreements. (Sheriff’s Deputies, Sheriff’s Corrections, Recorder, Treasurer, States Attorney and Ambulance)

Mr. Austin made a motion to approve the contracts. Mr. Niekamp seconded the motion.

Mr. Austin stated that they have spent a lot of the time on these with the health insurance. They had a good buy-in for the insurance. He thanked the committee, Sue Hester and Mr. Snider for working so hard on getting these negotiations done so quickly. There are only 2 contracts left which is the Highway Department and the Juvenile Detention Center. There are a few discussions on language still ongoing. This entire process has been faster in comparison to previous negotiations.

The chairman thanked Mr. Todd Eyler for his work on these negotiations as he has spent many hours on them.

Mr. Post stated that the Highway’s contract should hopefully be ready by next month.

The contracts were approved.

b. Article XI-Section 1-11-2(d) Reimbursable Transportation Expenses.

Mr. Austin explained that Illinois made law changes in 2018. The committee is still looking into those and discussing them. This would include non-binding mandates to how you reimburse transportation reimbursements.. There are positives and negatives to it. There may be possible action later on for deciding what level we reimburse mileage and transportation expenses. There is no action that needs to be taken tonight.

The committee’s next meeting will be February 3rd, 2020.

Unfinished Business

No Unfinished Business to discuss.

New Business

Monthly Reports – The County Clerk had monthly reports from the Supervisor of Assessments/Board of Review, the Probation Department, Juvenile Detention center, The County Clerk/Recorder’s office, Treasurer’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office, Monthly check register for December 2019 and Funds Summary report for December 2019 including revenue and expenses.

Mr. Duesterhaus made a motion to receive and file the monthly reports with the appropriate committee.

Mr. Peter seconded the motion.

Motion to receive and file the monthly reports with the appropriate committee adopted.

Appointments –

a. Port Authority Board Appointments(Attachment D-1)

i. Reappointment of Mike McLaughlin to a fill a partial and a full-term ending June 1, 2024.

ii. Reappointment of Blake Roderick to a fill a partial and a full-term ending June 1, 2025.

iii. Appointment of Richard Klusmeyer to a fill a partial and a full-term ending June 1, 2026.

iv. Appointment of Bradley Flatt to a fill a partial and a full-term ending June 1, 2027.

Mr. Peter made a motion to approve the Port Authority Board Appointments. Mrs. Weed seconded the motion.

The Port Authority Board Appointments were approved.

b. AmbulanceBoardAppointment–KarlaParis

Mr. Reich made a motion to approve the appointment. Mr. Post seconded the motion.

The Ambulance Board appointment was approved.

c. Riverfront Development Appointments - Bret Austin &Dave Bellis (board members) & Duane Venvertloh (public)

Mr. Niekamp made a motion to approve the appointment. Mr. Rakers seconded the motion.

The Riverfront Development appointment was approved.

Discussion and Possible Action –

a. 2020-01-001-001-A resolution supporting the creation of the statistical boundaries of the Adams County Ports and Terminals. (Attachment D-2)

Mr. Austin made a motion to approve the resolution. Mr. Niekamp seconded the motion.

Mr. Austin explained that they have an opportunity to create a geographic boundary of where we can collect data. This would also support possible grant applications moving forward with the project. This is non-binding. It defines what we think is our port area. The committee met and discussed. The county needs to define the statistical boundary. This allows them to accumulate the data.

Mr. Peter asked if it would include the Meyer Elevator.

Mr. Austin stated it would. It includes over 36.3 miles or something close to that. It runs South and North of Quincy.

The resolution was approved. Correspondence

1) Letter from Ameren regarding the vegetation management in Adams County in the near future.

Mr. Duesterhaus moved to receive and file the correspondence with the appropriate committee.

Mr. Peter seconded the motion.

Motion to receive and file the correspondence with the appropriate committee adopted.

Mr. Post made a motion to move into executive session to discuss a personnel/legal issue.

Mr. Austin seconded the motion.

The board went into executive session. The board returned to regular session.

Mr. Austin made a motion to approve the workman compensation settlement as presented in executive session.

Mr. Peter seconded the motion.

Motion to approve the workman compensation settlement was approved.

https://www.co.adams.il.us/home/showdocument?id=4023