Quincy Reporter

Adams County Board Met Oct. 13.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The County Board of Adams County, Illinois met at the Courthouse, Quincy, Illinois at 7:00 P.M., pursuant to recess.

PRESENT: Kent Snider, Chairman 

Ryan Niekamp, County Clerk

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, Seldon Totsch, Theresa Bockhold, Joe Zanger, David Hoskins, Todd Duesterhaus, Bret Austin, Steven Demoss, Barbara Fletcher, Dave Bellis, Marvin Kerkhoff, Raquel Piazza, Taylor Rakers, Barney Bier and Kent Snider.

The following members were absent: Robert Reich, John Brady, Les Post, Rebecca Weed, and Ryan Hinkamper.

Total Present: 16         Absent: 5

Chairman Snider declared a quorum present.

Officeholders, department heads, and/or their representatives also present were: Lori Geschwandner-Circuit Clerk, Anthony Foster- Director of Court Services, John Myers Adams County Coroner, John Simon-EMA & Ambulance Director, Jim Frankenhoff County Engineer, Sheriff Wagner and Sue Hester- Director of Administrative Services.

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

Adams Duesterhaus from United Way was present to speak to the board. He thanked the committee for the commitment over the years. He spoke about how 2020 has been a unique year, but they are advocating for their mission. They do this mission with the support of committees and boards like the Adams County Board. He asked the board to please consider giving to our annual campaign.

Phillip, from United Way, was also present. He stated the most powerful thing we can do is invest in others. That is what united way does. He spoke about how this is an opportunity to invest in the community. 34,000 lives directly touched by United Way. He stated that if we take the time to invest in them, it will increase our lives as well. He stated that 2020 has been a challenging year and that we will never have normalcy because of reality. He thanked the board A representatives of the county and their promotion of our campaign.

Chairman Snider thanked United Way for all that they do as he has seen the direct impact.

Mr. Rakers made a motion to move back into regular session.

Mr. Austin seconded the motion.

Mr. Zanger moved to approve the minutes of the September 15, 2020 county board meeting as printed and distributed.

Mr. Bellis seconded the motion.

The clerk announced the following correction in the minutes: The new building will be 30 feet by 151 feet, rather than 30 by 51.

Motion to approve the minutes of the September 15, 2020 meeting with corrections was adopted.

Transportation, Building & Technology

Committee Report (Mr. Bellis)

Bills – The committee met on Tuesday, October 13th to review the bills for the Highway Department, the Maintenance Department, and the Technology Department. All of the bills were in order.

Reports

There were two dump trucks for sale by the highway department. They had good outcomes from other equipment that was sold as well.

The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for November 10th, 2020.

Legislative & Judicial

Committee Report (Mr. Bier)

Bills – The committee met on October 6th, 2020. 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.

Resolutions

Approved together:

a. Resolution Number 2020-10-121-025 – Resolution for Temporary Change in Polling Place for Quincy Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9. (Attachment A1) 

b. Resolution Number 2020-10-121-026 – Resolution for Temporary Change in Polling Place for Lima 1. (Attachment A2)

c. Resolution Number 2020-10-121-027 – Resolution for Temporary Change in Polling Place for Quincy Precinct 30. (Attachment A3)

Mr. Bier made a motion to approve these resolutions.

Mr. Austin seconded the motion.

The county clerk explained that the first set were located at St. Vincent’s Home and the Veterans Home. Following IDPH protocols and guidelines, they were moved out of the nursing homes. He explained the office has also secured the National Guard Armory for those which is what was done in the Primary.

He also explained that Lima is currently at the Township hall and that this resolution moves them to the village. He stated the township hall is very small and hard to maintain social distancing He stated that the last one, Quincy 30, was also a nursing home and is being moved into Trinity Church.

Mr. Demoss asked if the county clerk’s office can arrange for people to get rides.

The clerk stated that residents at the nursing home cannot leave the facilities and as far as distance to get to the Armory, that is up to the voter to get there. There are a lot of other accessible ways to vote such as vote by mail.

Mr. Demoss asked the clerk if he can call churches to use.

The clerk stated that voters are also already familiar with these changes because of the primary. Voters have called and expressed that they like the National Guard Armory.

d. Resolution Number 2020-10-121-028 – Resolution for the Closing of Certain Services in the County Clerk’s Office on Election Day, November 3rd. (Attachment A4)

Mr. Bier made a motion to approve the resolution.

Mr. Peter seconded the motion.

Mr. Bier stated that this is to help maintain the focus on the election that day.

County Code

e. Request for Proposal – (1-2-3 County Board Committee, (b) (7-8);1-6-5 Bidding and Contract Procedures)

Mr. Bier stated it has been approved by their committee and executive committee and will present it the next meeting.

Public Health & Safety

Committee Report (Mr. Peter)

Bills – The committee met on September 22nd, 2020 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.

Reports

Mr. Peter read the following reports that were given by department heads: The Sheriff’s Department report: The current jail population was 129. It had been in the 130s. They have been able to transfer 10 DOC inmates so far and there are 30 remaining. The lawsuit against the State is still ongoing. They are working on completing repairs to the jail from the lightning strike. The department is experiencing high employee turnover. They are looking to hire 8 new jail deputies and are down 3 road deputies. Sheriff Vonderhaar was thanked once again for his service to Adams County.

Emergency Management Report: They are making great progress in billing. In August, thye exceeded anticipated revenue for the year. They are now over $900,000 over their budgeted revenues. The ambulance board meets on September 23rd. They plan to award bids for the purchase of 4 ambulances. This will be full chassis and boxes, but does not included the replacement of all the equipment inside the ambulance. They are also awaiting a $236,000 reimbursement from FEMA for the Flood of 2019. Of that money, $85,000 is to be passed through to the City of Quincy for the sand bagging site. The County is experiencing a slight spike in COVID-19 cases. It is not uncontrolled, and they have identified group links in cases. They are preparing for COVID-19 vaccinations. The goal is that 80% of the population will be vaccinated. They have purchased a cooler that can be used for other things after the COVID crisis is over. They expect to have the first doses of vaccine available in November with larger quantities available in the new year. Mr. Simon expressed his thanks for the approval of the new storage building. $818,000 has been awarded under the CURES program for COVID-19 related expenses.

There were 70 reported deaths, 6 autopsies, 0 unclaimed/indigent cremations and 32 cremation permits issued in August 2020. The office appreciates being included in the new storage building. The county is required to order an autopsy when the physicians refuse to sign the death certificate. This has been occurring when the deceased has not been under the direct care of the physician at the time of death. Five new tablet computers were purchased using COVID money.

Resolution

The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, 2020. Finance

Committee Report (Mr. Austin)

Bills – The committee met on October 12th, 2020 to review the bills. All of the bills were in order.

Report

Resolution –

a. Additional Fund Appropriation— From Ryan Niekamp, County Clerk & Recorder, for the amount of $30,837.00 to Revenue Account Line Item# 122-121-4293 – CTCL – COVID19 Elections – for a new budgeted amount of $30,837.00 and an appropriation of $30,837.00 to Expense Account Line Item# 122-121-4293 – CTCL COVID19 Elections – for a new budgeted amount of $30,837.00. (Attachment B1) Mr. Austin made a motion to approve the additional fund appropriation. Mr. Rakers seconded the motion.

Mr. Austin stated this is money in and money out.

Mr. Niekamp stated it is a grant he applied for that is not taxed subsidized. We received all of this to go strictly towards COVID related expenses in elections. We have received the money and must spend it by the end of November.

Mr. Austin thanked the clerk for searching and seeking other grants.

The clerk called roll and the following were in favor:

Those who voted in favor were: Mark Peter, Matt Obert, Seldon Totsch, Theresa Bockhold, Dave Hoskins, Todd Duesterhaus, Bret Austin, Steven DeMoss, Barbara Fletcher, Dave Bellis, Marvin Kerkhoff, Raquel Piazza, Taylor Rakers, Barney Bier, Kent Snider

Those who were absent were: Robert Reich, John Brady, Les Post, Rebecca Weed, Ryan Hinkamper.

Roll Call 16 Y 0 N 5A

b. Additional Fund Appropriation – From Jerrod Welch, Public Health Administer, for the amount of 1,600,000.00 to Revenue Line Item 601-601-4616 – COVID-19 – for a revised budgeted amount of $1,600,000.00, and $13,000.00 to Expense Line Item 601-601-5100 – Salary Administrator – for a revised budgeted amount of $106,243.00, and $100,000.00 to Expense Line Item 601-601-5115 – Salaries Public Health – for a revised budgeted amount of $799,866.00, and $40,000.00 to Expense Line Item 601-601-5506 – Building Maintenance – for a revised budgeted amount of $60,000.00, and $5,000.00 to Expense Line Item 601-601-5509 – Equipment Maintenance – for a revised budgeted amount of $14,000.00, and $14,000.00 to Expense Line Item 601-601-5730 – Travel Public Health – for a revised budgeted amount of $30,000.00, and $1,000,000.00 to Expense Line Item 601-601-5727 – COVID Expenses – for a revised budgeted amount of $1,000,000.00, and $1,500.00 to Expense Line Item 601-601-5589 – Water – for a revised budgeted amount of $6,500.00. (Attachment B2)

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

Mr. Austin stated that it was important to get this on the record. He stated the county received a batch of money and they want to make sure to not out-spend the money received. They have quarantined the COVID 19 money to one area and distributed it out of the normal things. One day, they can disable those lines and be able to see how the money was spent.

Those who voted in favor were: Mark Peter, Matt Obert, Seldon Totsch, Theresa Bockhold, Dave Hoskins, Todd Duesterhaus, Bret Austin, Steven DeMoss, Barbara Fletcher, Dave Bellis, Marvin Kerkhoff, Raquel Piazza, Taylor Rakers, Barney Bier, Kent Snider

Those who were absent were: Robert Reich, John Brady, Les Post, Rebecca Weed, Ryan Hinkamper.

Roll Call: 16 Y     0 N      5A

Budget/Levy

Mr. Austin stated that the budget is available to all board members to take the next month to review and ask questions. As an overview, he stated with the EAV expected to come in, they are looking at a .56% increase in the tax levy. The goal is to get that to be a flat tax levy. Given where they thought sales tax and other things would be, we are in a tremendously better position than we thought we would be. He stated that overall, the county has a good, balanced budget and are in decent shape. In September 2019, the county resided at 1.74 million deficit in ambulance. They have cut almost 900,000 of that just in one fiscal year. Mr. Austin stated that the department has done a good job with billing and expenses and they will continue to work on how we collect sales tax. Mark Peter asked for clarification on the County General, and why there is a big red area. Mr. Austin stated It is not as alarming as what it seems and they will wait to see if they get that money. There are EAV protests happening now in board of review. He stated this budget reflects the worst-case scenario and they are working to keep the EAV up.

Insurance

Mr. Austin stated that they had a couple meetings on employee-based insurance. They tweaked it to keep the premiums in line as much as possible. They do have a commitment to employees to not face a raise in 2021. He stated Mr. Hoskins is working with CERMA as they get a rebate from them. It isn’t a big rebate, but it is something.

The committee’s next meeting will be November 9th, 2020.

Executive Committee

Committee Report (Mr. Bier)

Resolution

a. Election Day Holiday.

Mr. Bier stated that the recommendation of the committees is that the employees report to work on November 3rd, 2020, whether the department is open to the public is up to that department head. Employees must declare a vacation day and it should not be treated as a paid holiday if they do not report to work. The Governor declared November 3rd as a State School Holiday. He stated there’s a brief sentence that says other offices will be closed, but it is not very detailed. He reported that there is litigation going on. The county has several contracts with bargaining units that go along with their recommendation and other offices not under union contract still follow those closely.

Mr. Bier made a motion to approve the Election Day Holiday recommendation. Mr. Bellis seconded the motion.

The motion was approved.

Discussion and Possible Action

The chairman stated we received a bill for the lightning strike in the jail and it should be the last one we receive. It will be reimbursed by the insurance company.

Mr. Austin asked what the total was.

Mrs. Hester stated we do not have the final total yet, but they will be meeting to make sure they haven’t missed anything.

Mr. Austin made a motion to pay the bill.

Mr. Peter seconded the motion.

The motion was approved.

Unfinished Business

New Business

1) Approval of Board Member Travel Vouchers

a. $69.00 to Seldon Totsch for travel to the September 22nd committee meeting and the October 13th county board meeting for a total of 120 miles. (Attachment C1)

Mr. Peter made a motion to approve the travel vouchers.

Mr. Bier seconded the motion.

A roll call vote was taken to approve the travel voucher. Those in favor were: Mark Peter, Matt Obert, Seldon Totsch, Theresa Bockhold, Joe Zanger, Steven DeMoss, Barbara Fletcher, Dave Bellis, Marvin Kerkhoff, Raquel Piazza, Barney Bier, Kent Snider

Those against were: Dave Hoskins, Bret Austin and Taylor Rakers. Those that voted present was: Todd Duesterhaus.

2) 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, Public Defender’s Office, Monthly check register for September 2020, and Funds Summary report for September 2020 including revenue and expenses.

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

Mr. Rakers seconded the motion.

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

Correspondence

a. Gardner Denver INC., -- Federally Enforceable State operating Permit (89080073)

b. Thank you notification from the Speed Family.

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

Mr. Rakers seconded the motion.

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

https://www.co.adams.il.us/home/showpublisheddocument?id=5283