Quincy Reporter

Adams County Board Public Health & Safety Committee met March 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Overseeing the Sheriff, Emergency Management, Coroner and Animal Control.

Present were Keith Callaway, Mark Dietrich, Barbara Fletcher, Steve McQueen and Mark Sorenson. Also attending were Ambulance and EMS Director John Simon, Assistant Ambulance Director Jessica Frese, Sheriff Tony Grootens, Coroner Scott Graham and VAC Director Paul Havermale.

The meeting was called to order at 5:33 PM.

There was no speaker.

The bills were reviewed and appeared to be in order.

A motion to approve the minutes of the February 13, 2024, meeting was made by Steve McQueen and seconded by Mark Dietrich, motion carried.

Department Reports

Emergency Management/Ambulance-Director John Simon

Resolution 2024-03-211-010- Resolution Adopting Emergency Mitigation Plan Director Simon reported that the Emergency Mitigation Plan had been approved by IEMA, FEMA, the Quincy Park District, the City of Quincy and Sheriff Grootens. It is designed to lessen the impact of disasters and provide a integrated plan for dealing with disasters.

The Committee will bring this Resolution to the full County Board for approval.

Director Simon also stated that the Ambulance Service is at full staff.

When asked about overtime, he said that the overtime rates are about average, as they still have to allow for vacations and time off.

Coroner – Coroner Graham reported that in the month of February there were: 83 reported deaths

4 autopsies

0 abandoned remains.

41 cremation permits were issued.

Suicides to be determined

Coroner Graham thanked the Sheriff and the EMS for the excellent teamwork that they provided over the winter.

Sheriff – Sheriff Tony Grootens reported that for the month of February there were: 2 new hires:

Magily Espinoza- Deputy

Trista Quintrall- Jail

2 Departures:

Deserae Garcia- Jail

Bradley Bennett-Jail

The average jail population was 98.

Sheriff’s School Resource Officer: Sheriff Grootens has met with the Finance Committee regarding the School Resource Officers. There are two in the current budget and they plan to allow for two more in next year’s budget. He will make a presentation before the entire County Board tonight.

Federal inmates should be arriving within the next two weeks.

Veterans Assistance Commission- Paul Havermale

Director Havermale stated that since January 2, they have seen 33 clients. Many of them are for General Assistance needs, though that number fluctuates day to day.

He is operating a 24 hour office. He is available by phone 24 hours/day.

He is awaiting his final certification from the Veteran’s Administration. Once it is received, he will be able to file claims through the VA for Veterans.

Since he has been in operation, he has developed office policies, met with the Delegate Board each month, has coordinated with 56 other Veteran’s Assistance Commissions throughout Illinois, and met with 33 local organizations and entities to include service organizations, health care agencies, social work agencies and others.

Old Business

None

New Business

None

Appointments

None

Executive Session:

None

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 5:30 PM in the ROE Conference Room.

https://www.adamscountyil.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/9515/638487944278023424