Adams County Board met Sept. 12.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
The County Board of Adams County, Illinois met at the Courthouse, Quincy, Illinois, on Tuesday, September 12th, 2023 at 7:00 P.M., pursuant to recess.
PRESENT: Kent Snider, Chairman
Ryan Niekamp, County Clerk
Chairman Snider called the meeting to order.
Mr. Mark Sorensen gave the invocation which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
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, Todd Duesterhaus, Bret Austin, Keith Callaway, Mark Sorensen, Barbara Fletcher, Dave Bellis, Marvin Kerkhoff, Mark Dietrich, Steve McQueen, Travis Cooley and Kent Snider.
Total Present: 20 Absent: 1
Absent were: Ryan Hinkamper, excused
Chairman Snider declared a quorum present.
Officeholders, department heads, and/or their representatives also present were: Gary Farha- States Attorney, Georgene Zimmerman- Supervisor of Assessments, Lori Geschwandner-Circuit Clerk, Anthony Foster- Director of Court Services, Todd Nelson Public Defender, John Simon-EMA & Ambulance Director, Jim Frankenhoff- County Engineer, David Hochgraber- Director if IT and Sheriff Anthony Grootens.
Request to Speak:
Mr. Bellis made a motion to suspend the rules to allow the public to speak. Mr. Austin seconded the motion.
The motion to suspend the rules to allow the public to speak was approved.
At this time, Paul Havermale with the Veterans Assistance Commission of Adams County spoke to the board. He presented to the board to explain the commission and introduced some of the members involved with the commission. He asked that this commission be included in the County’s upcoming budget.
Mr. Austin asked the anticipated budget and Mr. Havermale responded that it was $353,000. Mr. Kerkhoff asked if the full amount is to come from the county board. Mr. Havermale explained their ask. Mr. Austin explained that this would become a new levy line and part of the aggregate levy. Mr. Bellis asked why other counties haven’t started a VAC yet and Mr. Havermale responded that he wasn’t sure but it could be based off of population and a matter of veterans service organizations in their counties. Mr. Bellis stated he is behind it 100% but he thinks this should be handled at a federal level. Mr. Havermale stated that he does believe Illinois set it up so it will bring federal money in. Mr. Havermale also stated they would seek grants. He stated that if they receive money and it is not spent, it would be returned to the county. (Attachment A-1)
Mr. Poulter made a motion to return to regular session.
Mrs. Fletcher seconded the motion.
The board returned to regular session.
Mr. Reich moved to approve the minutes of the August 15th, 2023 county board meeting as printed and distributed.
Mr. Austin seconded the motion.
Motion to approve the minutes of the August 15th, 2023 meeting as printed was adopted.
Transportation, Building & Technology
Committee Report (Mr. Bellis)
Bills – The committee met on Tuesday, August 15th and reviewed the bills for the Highway Department, the Maintenance Department, and the Technology Department. All the bills were in order.
Reports
Resolutions
New Business
a. Peters Air Scrubbers – Payment Approval
Mr. Bellis explained these were installed and went well. He stated it came in under bid by $5,000.
b. Old Jail Sally Port Sealing Proposal
Mr. Bellis stated the committee approved a bill for around $4,000 to Fischer Builders to cut out the old manholes to prevent leaking to the sub-basement.
c. John Jurgiel Report
Mr. Bellis stated that Mr. Jurgiel did not have the report ready but they put it on the agenda just in case it came in.
d. Approval of County Board Room Invoices
Mr. Bellis explained that there is 10% left to do, but the TVs and the microphones are in.
The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for October 10, 2023.
Mr. Bellis exited the meeting at 7:22 PM.
Legislative & Judicial
Committee Report (Mr. Reich)
Bills – The committee met on September 12, 2023 and reviewed bills from the Circuit Clerk, Juvenile Detention Center, Probation Department, Public Defender, State’s Attorney, and the Supervisor of Assessments. All the bills were in order.
Reports
There were no additional reports.
County Code
There were no county codes to discuss.
Resolutions
There were no resolutions.
Appointments
The following appointments were approved together:
a. Reappointment of Gary L. Hillebrenner to the South Quincy Drainage and Levee District for a term of 3 years commencing on the first Tuesday of September 2023. (Attachment B-1)
Mr. Reich made a motion to approve the appointment.
Mr. Fischer seconded the motion.
The appointment was approved.
b. Appointment of Curtis L. Shaffer of Indian Grave Drainage District for a (3) year term commencing on the First Tuesday of September, 2023. (Attachment B-2) Mr. Reich made a motion to approve the appointment.
Mr. Finlay seconded the motion.
The appointment was approved.
Event Liquor Licenses
a. One-Day Liquor Permit for the Coatsburg Lions Club Honey Creek Deer Classic on October 21, 2023 from 12PM to 12AM at Paloma Park, Paloma, IL. (Attachment B 3)
The clerk read the permit out loud.
Mr. Reich made a motion to approve the liquor permit.
Mr. McCoy seconded the motion.
The liquor permit was approved.
Pyrotechnic Displays
a. Pyrotechnic Display for Knapheide Manufacturing Company located at 1848 Westphalia Strasse, Quincy, IL 62305 for September 23rd, 2023 at 7:45 PM with no alternative date. (Attachment B-4)
The clerk read the display out loud.
Mr. Reich made a motion to approve the pyrotechnic display permit. Mrs. Bockhold seconded the motion.
The permit was approved.
The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for October 10, 2023.
Public Health & Safety
Committee Report (Mrs. Fletcher)
Bills – The committee met on September 12th, 2023 and reviewed the bills for the Sheriff’s Office, Coroner’s Office, Emergency Management Agency and Animal Control. All the bills were in order.
Reports
Mrs. Fletcher read the following department reports that were given to the committee: From John Simon, Director of Ambulance and EMA: They discussed changes to the union contract. He reported that the EMT Academy is going well.
From Scott Graham, County Coroner: There were 68 reported deaths, 5 autopsies, 1 abandoned remains, 30 cremation permits issued and 0 suicides in August. From Sheriff Grootens: There were 3 new hires and 4 departures in the department. They purchased a new squad car and are working on expanding the impound lot. They have taken details regarding that to the finance department.
Resolution
There were no resolutions.
The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for October 10th, 2023.
Executive Committee
Committee Report (Mr. Austin)
The committee met on September 4th, 2023
Reports
There were no additional reports.
Resolution
There were no resolutions.
Discussion and Possible Action
a. Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC)
Mr. Austin stated that they are at a point where they are seeking to approve the VAC which has effects on the taxation. He stated that it raises about $350,000 towards their budget. He stated that if the commission forms and asks for this, it is a state-mandate. Mr. Reich stated he is behind it and it is just like the ambulance board and the budget will be reviewed annually. Mr. Dietrich asked if they are doing the same thing as the Vets home and VA is doing. Mr. Austin stated that it seems to him that there is a federal backlog and Illinois may be leading the way on doing state-level services and this would be “boots on the ground” and faster for our local veterans. Mr. Austin stated that they will seek other funding. Mr. Fischer asked if they were only able to do that once they are up and running. Mr. Austin stated he thought so.
Mr. Austin made a motion to approve the existence and formation of the VAC per state statute.
Mr. Reich seconded the motion.
The VAC was approved.
Mr. Austin thanked the members that came to speak on that.
b. Ratification of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the County of Adams (Ambulance) and the Machinist Union. (Attachment C-1)
The clerk read the agreement by title only.
Mr. Austin stated that they are talking about an off-cycle approval for a change in wages, primarily. Mr. Austin stated that they understand the wage rate is far below what they should be and that the surveys show that as well. He reported that these are first-responders, it is a considerable jump in pay and a jump in cost for county. He stated that this will affect the tax levy of the county, potentially as it is $950,000 increase in the budget for the first year. It’s a 1.2 Million dollar difference over 3 years. He reported the executive and finance committee have discussed it. Mr. Austin stated that there is data to support these salaries be raised to this level to be able to retain and recruit staff. Mr. Kerkhoff asked what the salaries would raise to. Mr. John Simon stated that EMTs move up to $19, Paramedics move up to $24 for starting wages. Mr. Austin asked if this contract would start on December 1st. Mr. Simon stated that it would and they would discuss what they do between now and then. He stated that the ambulance board is expected to take action on what to do.
Mr. Austin stated that the heavy lift is going to be in the first year.
Mr. Austin made a motion to ratify the agreement.
Mr. Callaway seconded the motion.
The contract was approved.
c. Acceptance of the Comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment for Adams County, IL Report.
Mr. Austin stated that this was from GREDF. He stated they are asking to accept the report as written. He stated there is no money to commit.
Mr. Austin made a motion to accept the report.
Mr. Cooley seconded the motion.
The report was accepted.
The committee’s next meeting will be October 2nd, 2023.
Finance
Committee Report (Mr. Austin)
Bills – The committee met on September 11th, 2023 and reviewed the bills. All the bills were in order.
Report
There were no additional reports.
Resolution –
There were no resolutions.
Finance
a. Additional Fund Appropriation from Ryan A. Niekamp – County Clerk & Recorder – in the amount of $7,500 to Expense Account Line Number 001-XXX-XXX – SOA Stipend – Splits – for a Revised Budget Amount of $7,500.00
Mr. Austin stated they would table this to decide where to allocate it in the budget.
b. Additional Fund Appropriation from Anthony Grootens – Sheriff – in the Amount of $338,570 to Expense Account Line Number 002-001-5830 – Jail Construction – Additional Work – for a Revised Budget Amount of $363,610.00 (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.
Discussion: Mr. Austin stated this is the final payment on the jail. He stated there is money in the jail construction fund that can be used for future projects or pay down the bond earlier. Mr. Cooley asked if this releases liens. Mr. Snider stated those were released.
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, Todd Duesterhaus, Bret Austin, Keith Callaway, Mark Sorensen, Barbara Fletcher, Marvin Kerkhoff, Mark Dietrich, Steve McQueen, Travis Cooley and Kent Snider.
Total in favor was 19. Total opposed was 0. Total absent was 2.
The following two appropriations were approved together:
c. Additional Fund Appropriation – from Ryan A. Niekamp – County Clerk & Recorder – in the Amount of $37,264 to Expense Account Line Number 123-121-5713 – Polling Place Accessibility Expense – for a Revised Budget Amount of $37,264 and $37,264 to Revenue Account Line Number 123-121-4615 – Grant- Polling Place Accessibility – for a Revised Budget Amount of $37,264 (Attachment D-2)
d. Transfer of Fund Appropriation – from Ryan A. Niekamp – County Clerk & Recorder – in the Amount of $28,342 from Account Line Number 001-121-4615 – Grants – Polling Place Accessibility – for a Revised Budget Amount of $0.00 and $28,342 to Account Line Number 123-121-4615 – Grants – Polling Place Accessibility – for a Revised Budget Amount of $65,606 and $28,342 from Account Line Number 001- 121-5715 – Election PPA Grant Expense – for a Revised Budget Amount of $0.00 and $28,342 to Account Line Number 123-121-5713 – Polling Place Accessibility Expense for a Revised Budget Amount of $65,606 (Attachment D-3)
The clerk read the appropriations.
Mr. Austin made a motion to approve the additional fund appropriation. Mr. Cooley seconded the motion.
Discussion: Mr. Niekamp stated that this is a grant the office received and can be used at the courthouse since it is a polling place. He stated they would replace doors with handicap accessible doors, replace concrete on the sidewalks, add handicap parking log, add a special parking spot for veterans and first responders as well as replace a railing.
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, Todd Duesterhaus, Bret Austin, Keith Callaway, Mark Sorensen, Barbara Fletcher, Marvin Kerkhoff, Mark Dietrich, Steve McQueen, Travis Cooley and Kent Snider.
Total in favor was 19. Total opposed was 0. Total absent was 2.
Budget/Levy
a. Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget Update
Mr. Austin stated department heads need to have their submittals in by this Friday. He stated the Finance Committee will start to have meetings with department heads sometime after that. He stated the draft budget should be ready in October to give the board a full month to digest it and approve it in November.
Insurance
Mr. Austin stated that we are currently trending $300,000 below which is good at this point. He stated they would leave the remaining money as a buffer into the next budget year.
The committee’s next meeting will be October 9, 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, and Probation Department, Monthly check register for August 2023, and Funds Summary report for August 2023 including revenue and expenses. (Attachment: Reports)
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.
Resignation
a. Cisco Fuller- Director of Human Resources (Attachment E-1)
The chairman entertained a motion to accept the resignation.
Mr. Austin made a motion to accept the resignation.
Mr. Reich seconded the motion.
The resignation was accepted.
Appointments
a. Dave Bellis to the Quincy Riverfront Development Corporation for a Three-Year Term (Attachment E-2)
Mr. Austin made a motion to approve the appointment.
Mr. Callaway seconded the motion.
The appointment was approved.
Report
There were no additional reports.
Announcements
The Chairman thanked the IT Department for the new TV’s and microphones. He also thanked the board for voting on the VAC program and the Ambulance contract.
Discussion and Possible Action
There was no further discussion or action.
Correspondence
a. Central Illinois Grid Transformation Program Information
b. Notification of Future Tree Trimming of Vegetation from Ameren Illinois
c. Enbridge reminder of calling before digging
d. Township Report from Compliance with Decennial Committees on Local Government Efficiency Act for the Northeast Township of the County of Adams, State of Illinois
e. Township Report from Compliance with Decennial Committees on Local Government Efficiency Act for the Mendon Township of the County of Adams, State of Illinois
(Attachment: Correspondence)
Mr. Duesterhaus moved 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.
Mr. Austin made a motion to suspend the September 12th, 2023 County Board Meeting until December 12th, 2023 for the purpose of setting the levy.
Mr. Post seconded the motion.
The September 12th, 2023 county board meeting was suspended until December 12th, 2023.
The next board meeting will be October 10th, 2023.
https://www.co.adams.il.us/home/showpublisheddocument/8835/638327206746370000
Alerts Sign-up