Quincy Reporter

Adams County Board Legislative & Judicial Committee met Jan. 10.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Chairman Reich called the meeting to order at 6:00PM on Tuesday, January 10, 2023. Members present are as follows: Robert Reich (Presiding), Theresa Bockhold, Jon McCoy, Marvin Kerkhoff, and Todd Duesterhaus.

Others in attendance are as follows: Ryan A. Niekamp, Lori Geschwander, Anthony Foster, Ryan McElroy, Todd Eyler and Todd Nelson.

The committee reviewed the bills from the Juvenile Detention Center, Probation, Public Defender, State’s Attorney and Circuit Clerk’s Office. All bills appeared to be in order.

Mr. Niekamp provided an update on the Consolidated Primary being held on February 28th and that the election was only for Quincy’s 6th Ward (Precincts 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36). Following the Primary, the County will have a Consolidated Election on April 4th, 2023.

Chairman Reich and the Committee reviewed the six-month liquor licenses for January 2023 through June 2023. Mr. Niekamp stated that Adams Saloon cannot be issued a licensed, per the State, as they are delinquent in the taxes to the Department of Revenue. Per the County Clerk, JT Racing, The Hideout and The Curve Inn have applied for the six-month (January through June)

Liquor License, to date. No action needed to be taken.

Chairman Reich discussed the solar farm ordinance in the County Code. Mr. Reich stated that there has been some activity from the State; however, what the County currently has is not enforceable without county zoning. The question was asked if the County shall sit on what the Code specifies until the State finishes, or acknowledge that we have no authority? Mr. Eyler recommended that the Committee sits and waits to see what the State of Illinois does with the state-wide solar farm statues and then act. Mr. Eyler’s further recommendation is to review the statute, if/when passed and then replace the County Code’s language with reference to the State’s applicable laws. The committee discussed the purposed legislation. Chairman Reich made a motion to table the discussion of solar farm ordinances until the following month. Seconded by Marvin Kerkhoff and the committee unanimously approved tabling the discussion.

Chairman Reich introduced Resolution 2023-01-311-004 – Surplus Items – for the Probation Department. The resolution allows the Probation Department to take part of the Federal and Illinois Surplus Property Program. Chairman Reich made a motion to approve and take to the full County Board. Jon McCoy seconded the motion. The Committee unanimously approved to take the resolution to the full board for consideration / adoption.

Chairman Reich introduced the Proclamation to the opposition of House Bill 5522. The committee discussed the house bill and the additional bills added to it. Mr. Duesterhaus asked if the County was putting the cart before the horse. Gary Farha did no believe so and the Proclamation is non binding. Mr. McCoy stated that it was good to take a stand and there will be lawsuits that contest the legislation but first everyone had to be patient and wait until the legislators take their actions. Chairman Reich stated that the County would be reminisced as a larger county not to take a stand. Chairman Reich made a motion to approve and move the Proclamation to the full County Board. Jon McCoy seconded the motion. The Proclamation was approved to move to the full board.

Mr. Farha provided an update on the SAFE-T Act. Mr. Farha mentioned that the IL. Supreme Court issued an advisory order that used the language “every county”. Chairman Reich asked if this was the first statewide “no-cash bail”. Mr. Farha stated that there are other states that have gone to cashless bail. Mr. Farha also stated that his office will be working on updating sections of the County Code that might contradict other sections. Updates will be provided at later dates.

No committee member had anything to add. Chairman Reich made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:41PM. Mrs. Bockhold seconded the motion and the committee adjourned until its next stated meeting on February 14th, 2023 at 6PM in the County Board Room.

https://www.co.adams.il.us/home/showpublisheddocument/8022