Quincy Reporter

Adams County Board Legislative & Judicial Committee met March 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Meeting Convened at 5:45PM on March 12, 2024.

Members Present: Robert Reich, Theresa Bockhold, Jon McCoy, Marvin Kerkhoff, Todd Duesterhaus Members Absent: None

Others in Attendance: Ryan Niekamp, Anthony Foster, Gary Farha, Lori Geschwandner, Lamarrio Rodgers

A motion to approve the minutes from February 13, 2024, as written by Theresa Bockhold and seconded by Jon McCoy. The minutes were approved unanimously as printed.

The committee reviewed the bills and all appeared to be in order.

Smoke Evacuation and Resident Programs was provided by Anthony Foster and LaMarrio Rodgers. Mr. Foster wished to speak to the committee regarding the smoke evacuation system which was installed – construction started in November of 2022 and received a clean bill of health from the Fire Department in January or February 2024 and everything is opened. Mr. Foster stated that the cost was right on schedule that was estimated. With doing this, it allowed for the administration to focus on programming and training at the Detention Center. There is an expansion of services to other counties for a total of three extra counties that are now in contract with the County. Mr. Foster thanked Mr. Rodgers for his efforts in achieving this. Mr. Foster stated that the center raised their rates to $160 which is an increase of $40 to the previous amount of $120. Mr. Foster stated that if the county has a contract with Adams County their rate is $160 per day. If another County does not have a contract their rate will be $200 per day. Additionally, the center is looking over plans to charge for additional services provided. Mr. Reich thanked LaMarrio Rodgers for his efforts and stated that it does not go unnoticed. Mr. Foster stated that the center has discontinued the out of county transports which is a decrease in revenue, however, between the new standards it’s difficult to administer. Mr. Foster provided an update on staffing at the center. Currently, the center administration is working on negotiating the new union contract and once the new rates are set it is anticipated that it will help with recruitment. Mr. Foster is currently working with Adams County Health Department to keep the center up-to-date for new federal and state medical standards. The Center currently uses Transitions of Illinois for mental health of residents and currently looking at expanding services with individual counseling sessions for those who do not fit into the criteria currently. By standards there needs to be five hours of education per day and due to staffing, the learning is split into two different shifts which is done by the Quincy Public Schools. Mr. Foster stated that Mr. Rodgers is working with the State of Illinois to complete additional training and learning for staff members to benefit the residents. Mr. Reich asked how the population was currently. Mr. Foster stated that there is currently 13 residents. Mr. Foster gave an overview of the resident population has been for the past year of the center and states that if the county had closed the detention center, it would have cost the county over $500,000 for the residents to be housed in other counties. Mr. Reich stated that Mr. Foster and Mr. Rodgers has done an excellent job which is echoed throughout the committee. Mr. Kerkhoff asked Mr. Niekamp if the center is where the sidewalk was going to be replaced and Mr. Niekamp confirmed that it was. Mr. Foster stated that the project was given the green light and will be moving forward.

Review of Adams Trading Post LLC Retail Liquor Dealers License and was approved by the committee unanimously after a motion made by Mrs. Bockhold and seconded by Mr. McCoy.

Appointment of James Gieker as a Trustee of the Clayton Fire Protection District for a Three-Year Term beginning the First Monday of May 2024

Appointment of Jerry E. Nall as a Trustee of the Clayton Fire Protection District for a Three-Year Term beginning on the First Monday of May 2024

Appointment of Ted Parker as a Trustee of the Clayton Fire Protection District for a Three-Year Term beginning the first Monday of May 2024

Mr. Reich entertained a motion to approve all the appointments under one motion which was done by Mr. McCoy and seconded by Mrs. Bockhold. The appointments carried.

One-Day Permit Request for Frericks Gardens INC for “Sip ‘n’ Shop” Event to be held on April 27, 2024 at 3400 North 12th Street, Quincy, IL. 62305 from 8:00AM until 5:00PM. A motion to approve the one-day license was made by Mrs. Bockhold and seconded by Mr. Duesterhaus. The motion was approved unanimously.

Review of Solar Ordinance and Committee Makeup. Mr. Niekamp provided an overview of what the Board should expect if an application is filed in his Office. Mr. Niekamp stated that per code, there must be one member for the affected district to be apart of the review committee. Mr. Niekamp further stated that Mr. Frankenhoff has been working on the road-use agreement that he will be using when an application is filed.

Review of GROW housing Nominees and Application was presented by Mr. Reich and stated that the nominations would be put before the Board to take action on it at the board meeting scheduled at 7pm and there was no action needed to be taken by the committee at this time.

Initial Review of Clerk and Recorder’s Cost Study Analysis was presented by Mr. Niekamp. Mr. Niekamp stated that there is no action to take at tonight’s meeting but there will be in the next couple of months and he wanted the committee to have time to review the numbers. Mr. Niekamp stated that it had been a few years since a study had been done and it was time as he uses the funds created by the services of his office to supplement the expenses in his offices out from the tax levy.

No reports were given by the attending Department Heads.

There being no other business, Mrs. Bockhold moved to adjourn at 6:40pm, seconded by Mr. McCoy. The committee unanimously approved to adjourn.

https://www.adamscountyil.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/9513/638487943924417948