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Quincy Reporter

Friday, November 15, 2024

Adams County Board met March 15

Adams County Board met March 15.

Here are 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 roll and the following members were present: Mark Peter, Robert Reich, John Brady, David McCleary, Les Post, Theresa Bockhold, Joe Zanger, David Hoskins, Todd Duesterhaus, Bret Austin, Steven Demoss, Barbara Fletcher, Ryan Hinkamper, Dave Bellis, Marvin Kerkhoff, Raquel Sparrow, Taylor Rakers, Travis Cooley and Kent Snider.

Total Present: 19 Absent: 1 Vacant: 1

Absent was: Matt Obert

Chairman Snider declared a quorum present.

Officeholders, department heads, and/or their representatives also present were: Georgene Zimmerman- Supervisor of Assessments, Lori Geschwandner-Circuit Clerk, Anthony Foster- Director of Court Services, Todd Nelson- Public Defender, Scott Graham Adams County Coroner, John Simon-EMA & Ambulance Director, Jim Frankenhoff County Engineer, Dave Bockhold- Highway Department Terry Bower- Maintenance and Lowell Klassert- Director of HR.

Mr. Duesterhaus moved to approve the minutes of the February 15, 2022 County Board meeting as printed and distributed.

Mr. Demoss seconded the motion.

Motion to approve the minutes of the February 15, 2022 meeting as printed was adopted.

Transportation, Building & Technology

Committee Report (Mr. Bellis)

Bills – The committee met on Tuesday, March 15th to review the bills for the Highway Department, the Maintenance Department, and the Technology Department. All of the bills were in order.

Reports

Mr. Frankenhoff reported to the committee on various county projects. Mr. Simon also gave a report to update the committee.

Resolutions

a. 2022-03-501-005 – A resolution authorizing the dedication of County property for roadway purposes.

The clerk read the resolution by title only.

Mr. Zanger made a motion to approve the resolution.

Mr. Hinkamper seconded the motion.

Resolution 2022-03-501-005 was approved.

b. 2022-03-501-006 – A resolution authorizing a temporary easement for levee maintenance.

The clerk read the resolution by title only.

Mr. Brady made a motion to approve the resolution.

Mr. Bellis seconded the motion.

Mr. Bellis stated it is a property up by the Meyer Elevator that the county owns. He stated they are taking an easement down the highway. Mr. Frankenhoff stated that this resolution approves the easement for purposes of reconstruction they are anticipating on doing this year or next. He stated the next resolution will be the sale of the 25 acre piece. The property is no longer used by the county and does not serve a purpose to us. He stated it will be sold by sealed bid. Mr. Demoss asked if Corp will rent it from us. Mr. Frankenhoff said they will be able to use it and reshape it to how it was before they used it. Mr. Demoss asked if they were going to use the sand to raise the levy. Mr. Post stated he thinks they want to fix it rather than raise it.

Resolution 2022-03-501-006 was approved.

c. 2022-03-501-007 – A resolution authorizing the sale of County property. The clerk read the resolution by title only.

Mr. Bellis made a motion to approve the resolution.

Mr. Zanger seconded the motion.

Resolution 2022-03-501-007 was approved.

d. 2022-03-501-008 – A resolution appropriating the sum of $1,700,000.00, which includes $458,907.93 in Rebuild Illinois monies from the County Motor Fuel Tax Fund and $60,000.00 from the County Matching Tax Fund to pay for the County’s share of the reconstruction of the intersection of South 48TH Street and State Street and authorizing the County Board Chairman to sign any agreements with the City of Quincy and shall be designated as Section 20-00079-05-PV. The clerk read the resolution by title only.

Mr. Hinkamper made a motion to approve the resolution.

Mr. Zanger seconded the motion.

Mr. Kerkhoff asked if we have the rest of the money planned out. Mr. Frankenhoff stated that we do have the money in our account. Mr. Cooley stated that he thought this was brought up to the people at some point in time. He asked why this isn’t being voted on by the people or brought to a forum. Mr. Frankenhoff stated that, at that time, it was brought up based on a lot of city studies. He stated the 2014 project that was proposed was looking at addressing the 48th and Harrison to Columbus Road issue. He stated that the intersection was more favorable. Mr. Frankenhoff stated that we had funding but the city did not at the time. He stated the city is now able to allocate funds for the intersection improvement and that is why it was brought forward again. Mr. Cooley asked why this is not being taken back to a forum being we do not have any roundabouts at this time. He stated he is concerned about the south approaching from John Wood Community College. He asked if lights or other options were discussed. Mr. Frankenhoff stated in 2014, the design studies showed intersection controls are warranted. He stated at that time, the long-term cost of signalization and the extent of land-use and changing of roadway would require the hilltop to go down about 4 feet. He stated the right-of way takes off when we do that. We would have been looking at having to buy more property for the expansion. He stated it came down to us doing the roundabout as the most reasonable and economical solution. Mr. Austin stated that people think a 4-way traffic signal is cheaper but asked about the cost. Mr. Frankenhoff stated there should be constant movement and there is no long-term cost besides taking care of shrubs. He stated there are computers that run the signals that must be upgraded every so often as well as all the wires, poles and other things which creates a long-term maintenance issue. Mr. Frankenhoff stated in the early 200’s, when they did the 48th and Maine intersection, the signalization there was about $300,000 to put that in. He stated that putting it at 48th and State would require more infrastructure needed to integrate with the other intersections. He stated there have been studies in another city with 140 roundabouts, eliminating signalization, and the cities surrounding are moving to roundabouts as well. He stated it is becoming the prevalent way of handling intersections. Miss Sparrow asked if it is worse because of the school and was that weighed in the decision and if the roundabout makes more cost-effective sense. Mr. Frankenhoff stated that all you do is make a right-hand to enter and check your left before exiting. Mr. Demoss asked how much land we will have to buy to put the roundabout in. Mr. Frankenhoff stated he estimates a 1000 square foot area, a 2000 square foot area, an acre area, and a few other small portions. Mr. Demoss asked how much the acre would cost. Mr. Frankenhoff stated he could not say. Mr. Hinkamper asked if the land acquisition for signals is greater than the land acquisition for a roundabout. Mr. Frankenhoff stated it was. Mr. Hinkamper asked if anything other than a roundabout would cost more in land-purchasing and take more work. Mr. Frankenhoff stated yes because they would have to lower the hill. Mr. Bellis asked if semis would be able to get through the roundabout okay. Mr. Frankenhoff stated semis would have no issues. Mr. Austin stated that traffic for a roundabout is 20% more efficient by IDOT standards, with no constant maintenance of signalization, no cutting a road down, we are eliminating head-on collisions, and also solving an intermittent traffic problem as well with a traffic light. Mr. Frankenhoff stated that was correct. Mr. Post stated that the goal is to keep traffic flowing and stoplights would do the opposite. Mr. Austin stated that going to a 4-way signal would hurt more and the roundabout solves all the issues. He stated the issue is that it is new and that’s why it is questioned so much. Mr. Frankenhoff stated there will be sidewalk constructed as well to accommodate pedestrian issues. Mr. Austin stated they will also be expanding the waterline for growth in that area. He also asked if Mr. Frankenhoff thinks this is a well-vetted traffic intersection project. Mr. Frankenhoff stated he it is.

The clerk called roll to approve the resolution. Those in favor were: Mark Peter, Robert Reich, John Brady, David McCleary, Les Post, Theresa Bockhold, Joe Zanger, David Hoskins, Todd Duesterhaus, Bret Austin, Steven Demoss, Barbara Fletcher, Ryan Hinkamper, Dave Bellis, Marvin Kerkhoff, Raquel Sparrow, Taylor Rakers, and Kent Snider.

Opposed was Travis Cooley.

There were 18 in favor, 1 opposed, one absent and one vacant.

Resolution 2022-03-501-008 was approved.

e. 2022-03-501-009 – A Resolution Reappointing the County Engineer. The clerk read the resolution by title only.

Mr. Bellis made a motion to approve the resolution.

Mr. Hinkamper seconded the motion.

Mr. Bellis thanked Mr. Frankenhoff for his work and stated the committee unanimously voted in favor.

Resolution 2022-03-501-009 was approved.

f. 2022-03-431-011 – Information Technology Court Room Upgrades The clerk read the resolution by title only.

Mr. Brady made a motion to approve the resolution.

Mr. Zanger seconded the motion.

Mr. David Hochgraber stated this is the work that will be done in the courtrooms. They will be putting in several upgraded aspects of technology as well as electric for the audio in the rooms. He stated that an electric company will help install equipment. Mr. Bellis stated that this project has went through Bellweather and Finance Committee.

A roll call vote was taken to approve the resolution. Those in favor were: Mark Peter, Robert Reich, John Brady, David McCleary, Les Post, Theresa Bockhold, Joe Zanger, David Hoskins, Todd Duesterhaus, Bret Austin, Steven Demoss, Barbara Fletcher, Ryan Hinkamper, Dave Bellis, Marvin Kerkhoff, Raquel Sparrow, Taylor Rakers, Travis Cooley and Kent Snider.

There were 19 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent and 1 vacant.

Resolution 2022-03-431-011 was approved.

g. 2022-03-001-013 – Services and Installation of E.I.F.S. for the Adams County Courthouse.

The clerk read the resolution by title only.

Mr. Zanger made a motion to approve the resolution.

Mr. Post seconded the motion.

Mr. Bellis stated this is the dryvit we have on the rest of the building. He stated once they get this done, they can start on the roof. He stated this is for the total project and it has been vetted through the finance committee and Bellweather. A roll call vote was taken to approve the resolution. Those in favor were: Mark Peter, Robert Reich, John Brady, David McCleary, Les Post, Theresa Bockhold, Joe Zanger, David Hoskins, Todd Duesterhaus, Bret Austin, Steven Demoss, Barbara Fletcher, Ryan Hinkamper, Dave Bellis, Marvin Kerkhoff, Raquel Sparrow, Taylor Rakers, Travis Cooley and Kent Snider.

There were 19 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent and 1 vacant.

Resolution 2022-03-001-013 was approved.

The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 13th, 2022 at 6:00 PM. Next month’s meeting is moved to Wednesday instead of Tuesday.

Legislative & Judicial

Committee Report (Mr. Peter)

Bills – The committee met on March 15th, 2022 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

a. Resolution 2022-03-001-014- Amending Adams County Code: Travel, Living and Meal Expenses. (1-11-4 through 1-11-7).

Mr. Peter made a motion to approve the resolution.

Miss Sparrow seconded the motion.

Chairman Snider advised Mr. Peter to approve the resolution and county code change altogether as they are the same.

Mr. Peter stated that we are bringing funding up to date to follow the state’s travel reimbursement schedule. He stated it will always follow the state’s per diem amount instead of having to change ours repeatedly.

A roll call vote was taken to approve the resolution. Those in favor were: Mark Peter, Robert Reich, John Brady, David McCleary, Les Post, Theresa Bockhold, Joe Zanger, David Hoskins, Todd Duesterhaus, Bret Austin, Steven Demoss, Barbara Fletcher, Ryan Hinkamper, Dave Bellis, Marvin Kerkhoff, Raquel Sparrow, Taylor Rakers, Travis Cooley and Kent Snider.

There were 19 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent and 1 vacant.

Resolution 2022-03-001-014 was approved.

b. Resolution 2022-03-421-012- Court Record Digitalization

The clerk read the resolution by title only.

Mr. Peter made a motion to approve the resolution.

Mrs. Bockhold seconded the motion.

Mr. Peter explained this would digitize records in the Circuit Clerk’s Office. He stated the total amount is $66,140 which was vetted by Bellweather.

Mr. Rakers asked if it was for the whole department. Mrs. Geschwandner stated this will digitally index our older books and files so that they can get rid of the physical documents and allow more space.

A roll call vote was taken to approve the resolution. Those in favor were: Mark Peter, Robert Reich, John Brady, David McCleary, Les Post, Theresa Bockhold, Joe Zanger, David Hoskins, Todd Duesterhaus, Bret Austin, Steven Demoss, Barbara Fletcher, Ryan Hinkamper, Dave Bellis, Marvin Kerkhoff, Raquel Sparrow, Taylor Rakers, Travis Cooley and Kent Snider.

There were 19 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent and 1 vacant.

Appointments

The board approved the following reappointments together:

a. Reappointment of Richard Stewart to the Tri-Township Fire Protection District as a trustee for a three-year term to expire on the first Monday in May 2025

b. Reappointment of Don Loos to the Liberty Fire Protection District as a trustee for a three-year term to expire on the first Monday in May 2025

c. Reappointment of Alex House to the Payson Fire Protection District as a trustee for a three-year term to expire on the first Monday in May 2025.

d. Reappointment of Ken Steffen to the Payson Fire Protection District as a trustee for a three-year term to expire on the first Monday in May 2025

e. Reappointment of Robert Mitchel to the Payson Fire Protection District as a trustee for a three-year term to expire on the first Monday in May 2025

f. Reappointment of Steven Loeschen to the Golden Fire Protection District as a trustee for a three-year term to expire on the first Monday in May 2025 Mr. Peter made a motion to approve the reappointments.

Mr. Hoskins seconded the motion.

The six reappointments were approved.

g. Appointment of Kevin J. Likes to the Golden Fire Protection District as a trustee for a three-year term to expire on the first Monday in May 2025

Mr. Peter made a motion to approve the appointment.

Mr. Post seconded the motion.

The appointment was approved.

h. Reappointment of Wayne Gallaher to the Mill Creek Water District as a trustee for a six-year term to expire on the first Monday of May 2028.

Mr. Peter made a motion to approve the reappointment.

Mrs. Bockhold seconded the motion.

The reappointment was approved.

Event Liquor License

a. One-Day Retail Sale of Alcohol for the Mendon Fire Fest 2022 at the Adams County Fair Grounds to be held on May 7th, 2022 from 12:00PM until 11:59PM. Mr. Peter made a motion to approve the one-day liquor license.

Miss Sparrow seconded the motion.

The one-day liquor permit was approved.

The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 13th, 2022 at 6:00 PM. The meeting is on Wednesday next month instead of Tuesday.

Committee Report (Mrs. Fletcher)

Bills – The committee met on March 15th, 2022 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

The committee received the following reports from department heads: Coroner- The number of calls are back down to average.

EMA and Ambulance reported they had 739 calls in February which was down from January. They are experiencing a consistent increase in service calls. An EMS class will graduate next week. They will be starting an emergency medical responder class in April.

The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 13th, 2022 at 6:30PM. The meeting is moved to Wednesday next month instead of Tuesday.

Finance

Committee Report (Mr. Austin)

Bills – The committee met on March 14th, 2022 to review the bills. All of the bills were in order.

Report

A speaker with Recovery Anonymous spoke to the committee as well as the executive committee about some housing projects. Mr. Austin stated they will review those in the executive committee.

Insurance –

Mr. Hoskins thanked Mr. Terry Bower for meeting with our insurance carriers to show them our building for our risk-assessments.

The committee’s next meeting will be April 11th, 2022 at 6:00PM.

Executive Committee

Committee Report (Mr. Austin)

The committee met on March 7th, 2022.

Resolution-

a. Intergovernmental Agreement between Hancock County and Adams County EMS. The clerk read the agreement by title only.

Mr. Austin made a motion to approve the intergovernmental agreement. Mr. Reich seconded the motion.

Mr. Austin stated this would be an agreement for us to help Hancock County get more robust in their ambulance system with staff and processes. Mr. John Simon stated that Hancock County approached them last fall. He stated that as the conversation unfolded and they started looking more at some relationship building on the management of their service. He stated they have been struggling operationally and financially as we have experienced in the past several years. He stated they are seeking some form of a management agreement. Mr. Simon stated it was presented at the December Ambulance Board meeting and approved at the March Ambulance meeting. He stated this is not us using Adams County ambulances or employees to respond to calls in another county nor is it a form of a merger. He stated it is strictly a management agreement where our leadership team would help Hancock County to get in a better position. He stated the agreement has a good exit-clause to protect both counties. He stated there will be $5,000 issued monthly to our county unless there is other stuff with additional fees. He stated they made sure the Adams County taxpayer would not be footing the bill for this but is also affordable for Hancock County. Mr. Duesterhaus asked if Mr. Simon feels comfortable our current staff will be able to handle this workload. Mr. Simon stated it would only affect the leadership staff. He stated we have EMT graduation that will put us back to regular full staff. He stated he believes the leadership team has the capacity to provide this and if they felt it couldn’t be handled, they would not do it.

A roll call vote was taken to approve the agreement. Those in favor were: Mark Peter, Robert Reich, John Brady, David McCleary, Les Post, Theresa Bockhold, Joe Zanger, David Hoskins, Todd Duesterhaus, Bret Austin, Steven Demoss, Barbara Fletcher, Ryan Hinkamper, Dave Bellis, Marvin Kerkhoff, Raquel Sparrow, Taylor Rakers, Travis Cooley and Kent Snider.

There were 19 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent and 1 vacant.

The intergovernmental agreement was approved.

b. Union Contracts

i. FOP – Patrol Sergeants

ii. FOP – Court Services

iii. FOP – Correction Sergeants

iv. PBPA – Corrections Bargaining Unit

Mr. Austin made a motion to approve the agreements.

Mr. Hoskins seconded the motion.

Mr. Austin stated that they had good participation on both sides of these contracts. He stated these are three-year contracts and that they will still be working with the patrol deputies on their contract as well as the Circuit Clerk’s Office. He stated the strongest part that the county gets out of this is the initial wage-levels so we can be competitive and recruit good people to the departments. He stated they had some good longevity pay raises as well. He stated the insurance discussions were heated of course, but they continue to work on that.

A roll call vote was taken to approve the contracts. Those in favor were: Mark Peter, Robert Reich, John Brady, David McCleary, Les Post, Theresa Bockhold, Joe Zanger, David Hoskins, Todd Duesterhaus, Bret Austin, Steven Demoss, Barbara Fletcher, Ryan Hinkamper, Dave Bellis, Marvin Kerkhoff, Raquel Sparrow, Taylor Rakers, Travis Cooley and Kent Snider.

There were 19 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent and 1 vacant.

The contracts were approved.

The committee’s next meeting is April 4th, 2022 at 5:30 PM.

Unfinished Business

There was no unfinished business to discuss.

New Business

Approval of Board Member Travel Vouchers

There were no board member travel vouchers to approve.

Monthly Reports

Supervisor of Assessments/Board of Review, the Probation Department, Juvenile Detention Center, the County Clerk & Recorder’s office, Sheriff’s Department, Information Technology, the Public Defender, the Circuit Clerk, and the Treasurer’s Office, Monthly check register for February 2022, and Funds Summary report for February 2022 including revenue and expenses.

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

Mr. Zanger seconded the motion.

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

Mr. Snider read aloud Mrs. Howell’s resignation letter.

Mr. Rakers made a motion to accept the resignation.

Mr. Zanger seconded the motion.

The resignation was accepted.

Correspondence

1) Adams Electric Cooperative – Tree Trimming

2) Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

3) Quincy Visitor’s Bureau (See Quincy) – Catfish Trail

4) Transitions of Western Illinois – Annual Report 2020-2021

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

Mr. Zanger seconded the motion.

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

https://www.co.adams.il.us/home/showpublisheddocument/6658/637855450565000000

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