Adams County Board met Feb. 14.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
The County Board of Adams County, Illinois met at the Courthouse, Quincy, Illinois, on Tuesday, February 14th, 2023 at 7:00 P.M., pursuant to recess.
PRESENT: Kent Snider, Chairman
Ryan Niekamp, County Clerk
Mr. Mark Sorensen 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: Jon McCoy, Tim Finlay, Robert Reich, Brad Poulter, David McCleary, Les Post, Theresa Bockhold, Joe Zanger, Brent Fischer, Bret Austin, Mark Sorensen, Barbara Fletcher, Ryan Hinkamper, Dave Bellis, Marvin Kerkhoff, Mark Dietrich, Steve McQueen, Travis Cooley and Kent Snider.
Total Present: 21 Absent: 2
Absent were: Todd Duesterhaus and Keith Callaway
Mr. Duesterhaus was excused.
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, , John Simon-EMA & Ambulance Director, Jim Frankenhoff- County Engineer, Coroner Scott Graham and Sheriff Anthony Grootens.
Award Presentation:
There were no awards to present.
Request to Speak
The scheduled speaker was not present to speak.
Mrs. Fletcher moved to approve the minutes of the January 10th, 2023 county board meeting as printed and distributed.
Mr. McCleary seconded the motion.
Motion to approve the minutes of the January 10th, 2023 meeting as printed was adopted.
Transportation, Building & Technology
Committee Report (Mr. Bellis)
Bills – The committee met on Tuesday, February 14th to review the bills for the Highway Department, the Maintenance Department, and the Technology Department. All of the bills were in order.
Reports
The Highway Department reported on various projects to the committee. They are working with the Sheriff’s Department to work on a solution from the attempted jail escape. They have a plan in motion.
Mr. Callaway entered the meeting at 7:07 PM
Resolutions
a. 2023-02-501-004 – Resolution for the improvement of a 2.216-mile portion of County Highway 11 north of Camp Point, the appropriation of matching funds of $165,000.00 or as much as may be needed to complete the proposed improvement from the County’s Matching Tax Fund and authorizing the Adams County Board Chairman to sign the agreement with IDOT. (Attachment A-1)
The clerk read the resolution by title only.
Mr. Zanger made a motion to approve the resolution.
Mr. Post seconded the motion.
Resolution 2023-02-501-004 was approved.
b. 2023-02-501-005 - Resolution reporting bids and awarding contracts from the January 24, 2023 County Motor Fuel Tax Maintenance Materials Letting. (Attachment A-2)
The clerk read the resolution by title only.
Mr. McCleary made a motion to approve the resolution.
Mr. Bellis seconded the motion.
Resolution 2023-02-501-005 was approved.
c. 2023-02-501-006 – Resolution reporting bids and awarding contracts from the January 24, 2023 Road District Motor Fuel Tax Maintenance Materials Letting. (Attachment A-3)
The clerk read the resolution by title only.
Mr. Post made a motion to approve the resolution.
Mr. McCleary seconded the motion.
Resolution 2023-02-501-006 was approved.
d. 2023-02-501-007 - Resolution for approval of a Plat of Stony Creek Subdivision, located in Section 12 of Riverside Township, subject to approval of the County Engineer’s subdivision checklist (Attachment A-4)
The clerk read the resolution by title only.
Mr. Zanger made a motion to approve the resolution.
Mr. Bellis seconded the motion.
Resolution 2023-02-501-007 was approved.
New Business
a. Review and Approval of Mold Remediation / Duct Cleaning Bids for the Adams County Courthouse
Mr. Bellis reported that the committee received two separate bids for the mold issue. He stated the committee approved Safestart Environmental’s Option 2 for $56,000. He stated they can add a correction plan for another $20,500. Mr. Bellis stated the committee recommends Safestart Environmental to do the work. He stated they are two months out so they want to get our name on their books. Mr. Hinkamper stated it would be mid-April before they do the testing and take 2 weeks post-testing to get a report. Mr. Cooley asked the difference of the three options. Mr. Bellis stated the first was 2 different sets of 40 traps for $47,500 with travel and expenses included and get a report of their findings. . The second one was what we picked and it is 44 traps, 20 tape lift swabs and 80 fungal, travel and expenses, and report of findings for $56,000.The third was everything mentioned with remediation recommendations was 56,000. Mr. Zanger stated that the second one included swabs and extra things as well as identifying the problem areas. Mr. McCleary stated between two and three, they would state what would need to be done to remedy the situation. He stated that it is completely different testing than the Fungus-A-Mungus. Mr. Callaway asked the square footage of the area that needs repaired. The committee responded that we do not know until it gets tested. Mr. Bellis stated the company recommended testing first before cleaning the ducts. Mr. McCleary stated that if you clean the ducts before testing, it could re-infect the ducts after the fact and they would need cleaned twice and the cleaning of the ducts may be part of the remediation process.
Mr. McQueen stated that there needs to be a standard. Mr. Hinkamper stated that every company is a little different and there is no standard and little regulations. Mr. Zanger stated there is no licensing for this type of work.
Mr. Bellis made a motion to accept Option 2 from Safestart Environmental as well as including language in the contract stating the testing company only talks to Mr. Snider, Mr. Bellis and Terry Bower and not speak to employees.
Mr. McQueen asked what more we are getting with this company than from Fungus-A-Mungus. Mr. Post stated we are getting more testing. Mr. Hinkamper stated this is more granular testing.
Mr. Callaway seconded the motion.
The motion was approved.
The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for March 14th, 2023.
Legislative & Judicial
Committee Report (Mr. Reich)
Bills – The committee met on February 14th, 2023 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.
Reports
Mr. Reich stated that the wind and solar regulations are done through the state and any county regulations are null and void. The committee had a speaker from ES&S to present some new ADA Equipment for elections. He stated they are also working on a Plat Act to get better descriptions for splits and consolidations of properties during recording. He reported they will hopefully have more progress on that in the next 2 months.
County Code
There were no county codes to review.
Resolutions
a. Resolution 2023-02-121-005 – Closing Certain Services In the County Clerk’s Office for the 2023 Consolidated Primary and 2023 Consolidated Election. (Attachment B-1)
The clerk read the resolution by title only.
Mr. Reich made a motion to approve the resolution.
Mr. Bockhold seconded the motion.
Resolution 2023-01-121-005 was approved.
Appointments
a. Appointment of Jim Pracht to the Liberty Fire Protection District Effective May 2023 for a Three-Year Term (Attachment B-2)
Mr. Reich made a motion to approve the appointment.
Mrs. Bockhold seconded the motion.
The appointment was approved.
b. Appointment of Greg Shierling to the Tri-Township Fire Protection District Effective May 2023 for a Three-Year Term (Attachment B-3)
Mr. Reich made a motion to approve the appointment.
Mr. McCoy seconded the motion.
The appointment was approved.
Firework Permits
There were no firework permits to approve.
Liquor Licenses
The following event liquor licenses were approved together:
a. One-Day Liquor License Request for St. Anthony Church for July 15, 2023 (Attachment B-4)
b. One-Day Liquor License Request for the Mendon Fire Protection District (Fire Fest 2023) for May 13, 2023 (Attachment B-5)
c. One-Day Liquor License Request for the Mustangs Football Boosters for April 1, 2023 (Attachment B-6)
d. One-Day Liquor License Request for Hamilton’s Catering, INC. for August 19th, 2023 (Attachment B-7)
e. One-Day Liquor License Request for Hamilton’s Catering, INC. for August 26th, 2023 (Attachment B-8)
Mr. Reich made a motion to approve the liquor licenses.
Mr. Kerkhoff seconded the motion.
The even liquor licenses were approved.
The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for March 14th, 2023.
Public Health & Safety
Committee Report (Mrs. Fletcher)
Bills – The committee met on February 14th, 2023 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
Kaylee Gilbert spoke to the committee about the increase suicide risk of sexual assault victims and is requesting the Health Department put more info out. She is also advocating for more cooperation between the Health Department and Quanada to get this information out.
Sheriff Grootens reported to the committee that he has been in contact with US Marshall service. They inspected the jail and it looks like the county will begin housing federal inmates in the near future. Once this is approved by D.C., it would start out at $75 per day, per inmate and could raise to $95 per day, per inmate depending on the medical needs of the inmate. There is a 30 prisoner capability projector for our jail. Adams County will be responsible for transportation of the inmates to and from federal court. They are looking at ideas getting that to work such as hiring retired law enforcement to do the transports. The transportation fees will be paid for by the federal government as part of the program. They spoke about cameras in the squad cars. There are some bad and some cars that have none at all. The Sheriff is looking at getting a proposal. The holdup is that the cameras are going to have to be compatible with whatever they choose for body cameras. Mr. Austin stated that a 3rd party vendor came in and went over this. He stated there should be information in the Sheriff’s logs or maybe have them come back to talk to them again.
Director Simon reported that the national weather storm spotter course will return on March 6th. An EMT class will be graduating, and they expect to get 2 full time and some part time people from that class. The Quincy High class is going very well. They intend to do a full-year class instead of just a semester next year. They are also working on their ambulance camera issues.
Coroner Scott Graham reported 94 deaths, 6 autopsies, 0 abandon cremains, 51 cremation permits issued and 1 suicide in the month of January.
They received a letter from the State regarding noxious weed abatement and they will discuss that next month in the Executive meeting.
Resolution
There were no resolutions to approve.
The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for March 14th, 2023.
Executive Committee
Committee Report (Mr. Austin)
The committee met on February 6th, 2023.
Reports
Resolution
a. Resolution Number 2023-02-431-006 – ARPA: Upgrade to the Information Technology of the Adams County Courtrooms Change Order (New Circuits) in the Amount of $4,557 (Attachment C-1)
The clerk read the resolution by title only.
Mr. Austin made a motion to approve the resolution.
Mr. Finlay seconded the motion.
Discussion: Mr. Austin stated they did this in March 2022. He stated they missed a wiring issue in the bid for the courtroom technology. The contractor was already here working, so they are doing this as a change-order as most of the work is already completed. He stated there is enough money in ARPA to cover this.
A roll call vote was taken to approve the resolution. Those in favor were: Jon McCoy, Tim Finlay, Robert Reich, Brad Poulter, David McCleary, Les Post, Theresa Bockhold, Joe Zanger, Brent Fischer, Bret Austin, Keith Callaway, Mark Sorensen, Barbara Fletcher, Ryan Hinkamper, Dave Bellis, Marvin Kerkhoff, Mark Dietrich, Steve McQueen, Travis Cooley and Kent Snider.
Total in favor was 20. Total opposed was 0. Total absent was 1. The Resolution was approved.
Discussion and Possible Action
a. Collective Bargaining Agreement between Adams County Highway and General Teamsters (12/01/2022 – 11/30/2025).
Mr. Austin stated that this is retroactive. He stated they have everything agreed to and it is ready to approve. There have been no changes since the last time it was discussed.
Mr. Austin made a motion to ratify the contract.
Mr. Bellis seconded the motion.
The contract was approved.
b. Memorandum of Understanding with PBPA and the Adams County Sheriff Corrections -- Shift Leads
Mr. Austin made a motion to approve the MOU.
Mr. Callaway seconded the motion.
Mr. Austin asked the Sheriff for explanation. The Sheriff stated that it will add a supervisory position for very little money. They can always have a supervisor in the corrections area of the jail. He stated it is a $1.35 an hour raise and gives them a shot for advancement. He stated they need 11 and will also get controllers in the control room to get the CO’s out of there and work the floor. It will increase the coverage as well. Mr. Austin stated that this will give them more flexibility. The Sheriff agreed.
The MOU was approved.
c. Memorandum of Understanding with PBPA and the Adams County Sheriff Corrections – Extensions Until the End of Contract
Mr. Austin made a motion to approve the MOU.
Mr. Bellis seconded the motion.
Mr. Austin asked the Sheriff to explain this MOU. Sheriff Grootens asked if this was about the ankle monitors. Mr. Austin responded that it was. The Sheriff stated there are inmates that go on work release. With ankle-monitors they are required to go home right after work and it is monitored 24-7. Sheriff stated this is a good thing and says some of the people on work-release need a structured environment and won’t qualify for this but it will work for others. He stated they charge for the ankle monitor, too.
d. Intergovernmental Agreement between the County of Adams and the City of Quincy for a Land Lease for Vermont Street Parking. (Attachment C-2) Mr. Austin made a motion to approve the agreement.
Mr. Reich seconded the motion.
Mr. Austin explained the overview of the plan. He sated the engineering is done and paid for. He reported it will widen the parking lot. He stated they have talked to Ameren and Adams Fiber to move their utilities at no cost. The city will cover their portion of moving a fire hydrant and a tree. The city is going to reconstruct the alley all the way to 5th street at their cost. He reported the estimate is $313,000 total. It has to go out to bid and they’ve already paid $10,000 of it in engineering. They currently have $327,000 in the economic development Tif account. It will be a county-owned and maintained parking lot. It will be open to the public but the hope is to open more parking for employees. Mr. Bellis stated that their committee unanimously approved moving forward with this project. Mr. Austin stated it could be the spring of 2024 before this project is completed.
The agreement was approved.
Mr. Austin stated that they are working on an updated ARPA project sheet. The committee’s next meeting will be March 6th, 2023.
Finance
Committee Report (Mr. Austin)
Bills – The committee met on February 13th, 2023 to review the bills. All of the bills were in order.
Report
There were no extra reports. The committee did discuss the OPIOD settlement. Mr. Austin reported they have received $52,000 at this point. The Chairman has signed 2 other settlement agreements as well. He stated it looks as the county will receive between $300-400,000 a year, for 10 years. He stated the state has said they will authorize a list of uses for this money.
Resolution –
There were no resolutions to approve.
Finance
a. Additional Fund Appropriation from F. Bryden Cory – Treasurer – in the Amount of $50,000 to Revenue Account Line Number 001-001-4615 – LATCF Grant – for a Revised Budget Amount of $50,000 and $50,000 to Expense Account Line Number 001-001-5715 – LATCF Grant Expense – for a Revised Budget Amount of $50,000. (Attachment D-1)
The clerk read the additional fund appropriation.
Mr. Austin made a motion to approve the additional fund appropriation. Mr. Cooley seconded the motion.
Mr. Austin stated that this is a round 2 ARPA. He stated we are getting $50,000 with no restrictions besides not being able to use it for lobbying activity. This will give us a placeholder for the money and they will decide how to spend the money at a later time.
A roll call vote was taken to approve the additional fund appropriation. Those in favor were: Jon McCoy, Tim Finlay, Robert Reich, Brad Poulter, David McCleary, Les Post, Theresa Bockhold, Joe Zanger, Brent Fischer, Bret Austin, Keith Callaway, Mark Sorensen, Barbara Fletcher, Ryan Hinkamper, Dave Bellis, Marvin Kerkhoff, Mark Dietrich, Steve McQueen, Travis Cooley and Kent Snider.
Total in favor was 20. Total opposed was 0. Total absent was 1.
The additional fund appropriation was approved.
b. Additional Fund Appropriation from Ryan A. Niekamp – County Clerk & Recorder – in the Amount of $100,000 to Revenue Account Line Number 001-001-4620 – Grants-DCEO Cap Improvements – for a Revised Budget Amount of $100,000 and $100,000 to Expense Line Number 001-001-5720 – DCEO Cap Improvements Grant Expenses – for a Revised Budget Amount of $100,000. (Attachment D-2) The clerk read the additional fund appropriation.
Mr. Austin made a motion to approve the additional fund appropriation. Mr. Callaway seconded the motion.
Mr. Austin stated this is a grant program that Mr. Niekamp found. He reported that this does have restrictions on it. It is human services capital for the benefit of anything that expands or maintains access and opportunity to the humans that we service in the courthouse. He stated this is to have the account to put the money in.
A roll call vote was taken to approve the additional fund appropriation. Those in favor were: Jon McCoy, Tim Finlay, Robert Reich, Brad Poulter, David McCleary, Les Post, Theresa Bockhold, Joe Zanger, Brent Fischer, Bret Austin, Keith Callaway, Mark Sorensen, Barbara Fletcher, Ryan Hinkamper, Dave Bellis, Marvin Kerkhoff, Mark Dietrich, Steve McQueen, Travis Cooley and Kent Snider.
Total in favor was 20. Total opposed was 0. Total absent was 1.
The additional fund appropriation was approved.
c. Additional Fund Appropriation from David Hochgraber – Information Technology – in the Amount of $700,000 to Expense Account Number 001-104-5875 – IT Capital Expenses – for a Revised Budget Amount of $700,000. (Attachment D-3) The clerk read the additional fund appropriation.
Mr. Austin made a motion to approve the additional fund appropriation. Mr. Poulter seconded the motion.
Mr. Austin stated this is the camera and access point equipment they have been talking about. He stated they had various discussions on this. He stated they have been building up reserves the past couple of years. He stated the treasurer argued to do a transfer from the general fund and the committee agreed. Mr. McQueen clarified that we are not using the jail money and that we are going to do it directly from the general fund. Mr. Austin stated that was correct and it would avoid cutting into the buffer for paying off the bond early. He stated he thinks this is cleaner.
A roll call vote was taken to approve the additional fund appropriation. Those in favor were: Jon McCoy, Tim Finlay, Robert Reich, Brad Poulter, David McCleary, Les Post, Theresa Bockhold, Joe Zanger, Brent Fischer, Bret Austin, Keith Callaway, Mark Sorensen, Barbara Fletcher, Ryan Hinkamper, Dave Bellis, Marvin Kerkhoff, Mark Dietrich, Steve McQueen, Travis Cooley and Kent Snider.
Total in favor was 20. Total opposed was 0. Total absent was 1.
The additional fund appropriation was approved.
Budget/Levy
There was no budget and levy issues to discuss.
Insurance
Mr. Austin reported that they continue to see insurance discussions at the city and school board. He stated they stayed with the self-insured plan and thinks it was the right decision. He stated overall our program remains strong and we carried over some money from the previous year.
The committee’s next meeting will be March 13th, 2023.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business to discuss.
New Business
Approval of Board Member Travel Vouchers
There were no travel vouchers to approve.
Monthly Reports
Supervisor of Assessments/Board of Review, Juvenile Detention Center, the County Clerk & Recorder’s office, the Public Defender, the Circuit Clerk, Information Technology,
Probation Department and the Treasurer’s office, Monthly check register for January 2023, and Funds Summary report for January 2023 including revenue and expenses. (Attachment E-1)
Mr. Hinkamper 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.
Resignation
There were no resignations to accept.
Appointments
The chairman entertained a motion to approve the following appointments: a. Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials Appointment(s)- Steven Demoss b. Emergency Telephone Service Board (County of Adams, City of Quincy 911 Board)- John Simon
c. Enterprise Zone Board Appointment(s)- Bret Austin and Travis Cooley d. Housing Authority of Adams County Board- Betty Allen, James Kindhart and Rodney Homan
Mr. Hinkamper made a motion to approve the appointments.
Mr. Bellis seconded the motion.
The appointments were approved.
Report
There were no reports.
Announcements
There were no announcements.
Discussion and Possible Action
There was no further topics to discuss.
Correspondence
1) Ameren Notification on Future Tree Trimming (Attachment F-1)
2) Information Piece on Nicor Gas in Adams County, Illinois (Attachment F-2) Mr. Zanger moved to receive and file the correspondence with the appropriate committee.
Mr. Hinkamper seconded the motion.
Motion to receive and file the correspondence with the appropriate committee adopted.
The February 14th, 2023 meeting was recessed until Tuesday, March 14th, 2023
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