Quincy Reporter

Adams County Board met April 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The County Board of Adams County, Illinois met at the Courthouse, Quincy, Illinois, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 7:00 P.M., pursuant to recess.

PRESENT: Bret Austin, Chairman

Ryan A. Niekamp, County Clerk

Todd Eyler, States Attorney

Chairman Austin called the meeting to order.

Chaplin Alan Rabe 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: Mark Sorensen, Barbara Fletcher, Ryan Hinkamper, Dave Bellis, Mark Dietrich, Jeremy Farlow, Steve McQueen, Travis Cooley, Robert Reich, Tim Finlay, Jon McCoy, Brad Poulter, David McCleary, Joe Zanger, Russ Hinkamper, Timothy Siemer, Keith Callaway and Bret Austin.

Total Present: 18 Absent: 2 Vacant: 1

Absent were: Marvin Kerkhoff, Brent Fischer

Chairman Austin declared a quorum present.

Officeholders, department heads, and/or their representatives also present were: Lori Geschwandner-Circuit Clerk, Anthony Foster- Director of Court Services, John Simon-EMA & Ambulance Director, Jessica Douglas- Director of 911, Amy Carothers- County Board Office Director, Jonathan Hoover- Chief Public Defender, Paul Havermale- Superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission, Stephanie Ogle from the Treasurer’s Department and Sheriff Anthony Grootens.

At this time, Mr. Paul Havermale from the Veterans Assistance Commission spoke to the board about his staff at the VAC. He introduced Penny who is an Air Force Veteran and she has been with them since July.

Next, Chairman Austin presented Theresa Bockhold with a token of appreciation for her

17 years of service as a member of the Adams County Board.

At this time, Jenna Hall with United Way reported on the Community Needs Assessment. She introduced Natalie Cornwell. The collection of data was explained. Adams County has a higher percentage of citizens who are veterans or disabled. They explained ALICE which is Asset, Limited, Income, Constrained, Employed and one disaster away from losing everything. Adams has 27% ALICE and they do not qualify for any benefits in the county or state that members of poverty receive. They explained hospital readmission rates are at the lowest in some time. 17% of people in Adams County have a disability. The County’s depression rate is higher than the State of Illinois’ rate. Over 16,000 patients were issued opioids in the county. The younger youth are also reporting more depression. 61% of our county’s population has chronic health conditions and adult obesity is 36%. The poverty rate is 12% in Adams County but 16% of the children in the county are in poverty. The educational attainment in Adams County at age 25 is high. They hope in 3 years, the childcare deficit will come down further. There are 19.8% of Adams County residents that pay 30% or more of their household income towards their housing. 21% of people renting are in housing with severe problems. United Way partners and collaborators meet monthly to discuss solutions for the problems in the community. Chairman Austin pointed out that the childcare program the county board approved comes directly from this organization and its partners. Mr. Callaway asked why there is such a high dropout rate. They reported the statistics are going down since post-covid. He asked if there are truant offices that go to the homes. She stated there is one for each school but not sure if they go to homes. Mr. Bellis gave Quincy Public School credit for trying to help where they can.

Mr. Bellis moved to approve the minutes of the March 10th, March 11th and April 9th County Board meetings as printed and distributed which was seconded by Mr. Reich. Motion to approve the minutes of the March 10th, March 11th and April 9th meeting as printed was adopted.

Transportation, Building & Technology

Committee Report (Mr. Bellis)

Bills – The committee met on April 15, 2025 and reviewed the bills for the Highway Department, the Maintenance Department, and the Technology Department. All the bills were in order.

New Business a. Adams County Courthouse HVAC updates Mr. Bellis reported that the work has started and is going well. The contractors and members from the county will meet biweekly to discuss the project. Mr. Russ Hinkamper asked how long the project may take. Mr. Bellis said they are on track for the 18-month mark.

Mr. Bellis reminded the board up the upcoming solar hearing.

The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

Legislative & Judicial

Committee Report (Mr. Reich)

Bills – The committee met on April 15, 2025 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.

Resolutions/Ordinances/Action

a. Ordinance Number 2025-04-001-020 – Ordinance To Amend and Establish

Procedures for Filling Vacancies to the Adams County Board. ATTACHMENT A- 1 The clerk read the ordinance by title only. Mr. Reich made a motion to approve the ordinance which was seconded by Mr. McCoy. Discussion: Mr. Austin stated it is a timeline ordinance to clean up the gray area. He stated they added to what was in the statute and did not take away. Mr. McCoy stated that the 30 days is because we do not want to rush the project and make sure all interested parties have the opportunity to come forward. It also gives time for the board to be aware of the candidates and their background. Ordinance 2025-04-001-020 was approved.

b. Resolution Number 2025-04-001-021 – Resolution To Oppose the Proposed

National Park in the Counties of Calhoun, Jersey, and Pike County (Illinois). ATTACHMENT A-2 The clerk read the resolution by title only. Mr. Reich made a motion to approve the resolution which was seconded by Mr. McCoy. Discussion: Mr. Glen Sanders explained that it affects us because every tree sold goes back into our rural fire departments because it is a forest and not a national park. They are trying to turn 144 miles of the river into a national park. He stated there is nothing to gain from making this a national park. There is no hunting on national parks which is popular in our area. It will affect the crops in the area by taking way hunting. They can declare private properties to become part of the national park. National parks charge a fee to use the river and right now our boaters do not pay a fee to boat on the river. The money is with the hunting and fishing public and it is not with the bike riders and kayakers that would be using the national park as it is taken away from the current users. He asked the county board to join these counties to oppose this. He believes if they get it approved right next to us it is only a matter of time before they move into our territory. Mr. Callaway asked what the benefit of going to a national park. Glen stated that it becomes preservation that cannot be touched. There are environmentalist that believe that is what should be made of our public lands.

The resolution was approved unanimously.

c. Ordinance Number 2025-04-111-022 – An Ordinance Amending Sections 5-4-7

And 5-4-35 Of The Adams County Code Of Ordinance ATTACHMENT A-3 The clerk read the ordinance by title only. Mr. Reich made a motion to approve the ordinance which was seconded by Mr. Hinkamper. Discussion: The clerk explained that it will be once a year for $600. We have 15 licenses in the county outside of municipalities. The first year would be prorated. It also creates a fee for the special liquor permit of $75 and increases the time limit for the sale of alcohol. There hasn’t been an increase of liquor licenses in maybe 15 years. The clerk stated these prices are in line with other counties. The ordinance was approved.

Appointments

a. Appointment of William R. Johnson as a Trustee of the Central Adams Fire Protection District to a term that expires on the First Monday of May of 2028 Mr. Reich made a motion to approve which was seconded by Mr. Mccoy The appointment was approved.

b. Appointment of Don Loos as a Trustee of the Liberty Fire Protection District to a term that expires the First Monday of May of 2028 Reich Hinkamper c. Appointment of Mike Benjamin as a Trustee of the Payson-Fall Creek Fire

Protection District to a term that expires the First Monday of May of 2026 Mr. Reich made a motion to approve the appointment which was seconded by Mr. Farlow. The appointment was approved.

d. Appointment of Alex House as a Trustee of the Payson-Fall Creek Fire Protection District to a term that expires the First Monday of May of 2027 Mr. Reich made a motion to approve the appointment which was seconded by Mr. Hinkamper. The appointment was approved.

e. Appointment of Robert Mitchell as a Trustee of the Payson-Fall Creek Fire Protection District to a term that expires the First Monday of May of 2028. Mr. Reich made a motion to approve the appointment which was seconded by Mr. Dietrich. The appointment was approved.

Event Liquor Licenses

a. One-Day Liquor Permit for Daniel Valentine for the Day of Destruction at Quincy Raceways located at 8000 Broadway Street, Quincy, IL. for April 12th from 12:00pm until 1:00am on April 13, 2025. Mr. Reich made a motion to approve the permit which was seconded by Mr. McCoy. The permit was approved.

b. One-Day Liquor Permit for the Adams County Fair located at 2010 E. 1250th Street, Mendon, IL., from July 23, 2025 through July 29, 2025 from 6:00pm until 11:59pm each day. Mr. Reich made a motion to approve the permit which was seconded by Mr. McQueen. The permit was approved.

c. One-Day Liquor Permit for the Adams County Fair located at 2010 E. 1250th Street, Mendon, IL., from June 29, 2025 from 11:00AM until 11:59PM Mr. Reich made a motion to approve the permit which was seconded by Mr. Callaway. The permit was approved.

Pyrotechnic Displays

a. Pyrotechnic Display for Pointe D’Vine LLC located at 276 Highway 57, Quincy, IL. for May 3, 2025 at 8:00pm with No Alternative Date Provided or Approved. Mr. Reich made a motion to approve the pyrotechnic display which was seconded by Mr. Farlow. The pyrotechnic display was approved.

The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Public Health & Safety

Committee Report (Mr. Sorensen)

Bills – The committee met on April 15, 2025 and reviewed the bills for the Sheriff’s Office, Coroner’s Office, Emergency Management Agency, Veterans Assistance Commission and Animal Control. All the bills were in order.

Reports- Emergency Management reported 750 calls for the month and had a unit break down which prompted buying a new one. The Sheriff reported the inmate totals. The Veterans Assistance Commission has continued to serve many veterans.

Resolution-

a. Renewal of the Intergovernmental Agreement between the County of Adams and the Regional Office of Education (ROE #1) for the Schools Against Fearful Environments (SAFE) ATTACHMENT B-1 The clerk read the resolution by title only. Mr. Sorensen made a motion to approve the resolution which was seconded by Mrs. Fletcher. Discussion: Mr. Sorensen stated this was to keep our schools safe. The Intergovernmental Agreement was approved.

The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

Executive Committee

Committee Report (Mr. Austin)

The committee met on April 7, 2025

Discussion and Possible Action

a. Resolution Number 2025-04-001-019 – Resolution of the Appointment of Briana Rivera to the Mid-America Intermodal Authority Port District. ATTACHMENT C- 1 The clerk read the resolution by title only. Mr. Bellis made a motion to approve the resolution which was seconded by Mr. McCleary. Discussion: Chairman Austin stated that they do great work and this will be a great appointee. Mr. Callaway stated that it seems quick. Resolution 2025-04-001-019 was approved.

b. Resolution Number 2025-04-001-023 – Resolution In Support of Adams County

Agricultural ATTACHMENT C-2 The clerk read the resolution by title only. Mr. Finaly made a motion to approve the resolution which was seconded by Mr. McCleary. Discussion: Mr. Russ Hinkamper asked for more information. Chairman Austin called up representatives from the audience to explain. He stated this is a resolution that the boards are comingling and asking them to approve this resolution to show the importance of Ag in the county. He stated this is just simply showing support of ag in the county. The County Farm boards and the county boards were not interacting at all and this will help get the comingling started and this is an official act to show this is happening in Adams County. Resolution 2025-04-001-023 was approved.

The committee’s next meeting will be Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Finance

Committee Report (Mr. Cooley)

Bills – The committee met on April 14, 2025 and reviewed the bills. All the bills were in order.

Resolution

a. Ordinance Number 2025-04-001-024 – Ordinance Approving an Alternative

Revenue Source for the Adams County HVAC Project ATTACHMENT D-1 Mr. Cooley made a motion to approve the ordinance which was seconded by Mr. Poulter. Discussion: Mr. Cooley stated that the committee has had lengthy discussions. The committee has been in several communications with Kings Financial and the committee would like to approve using them. He reported that Kings Financial has supported the committee through the process and guided them. The committee unanimously agreed that Kings is the way to go. Chairman Austin clarified that they are voting on the process of getting the money and a top amount. He stated there is a lot of vetting that goes into this. A roll call vote was taken to approve the ordinance. Those in favor were: Mark Sorensen, Barbara Fletcher, Ryan Hinkamper, Dave Bellis, Mark Dietrich, Jeremy Farlow, Steve McQueen, Travis Cooley, Robert Reich, Tim Finlay, Jon McCoy, Brad Poulter, David McCleary, Joe Zanger, Russ Hinkamper, Timothy Siemer, Keith Callaway and Bret Austin. Total in favor was 18. Total opposed was 0. Total absent was 2. Total vacant was 1. Ordinance Number 2025-04-001-024 was approved.

Finance-

a. Additional Fund Appropriation from Scott Graham – Coroner – in the Amount of $10,000 to Account Number 201-201-5713 – Coroner Electronic/Forensic Equipment – All Expenses – for a Revised Budget Amount of $20,000. ATTACHMENT The clerk read the Additional Fund Appropriation. Mr. Cooley made a motion to approve the appropriation which was seconded by Mr. Sorensen . Discussion: This is to purchase radios for $10,000. This will adjust the budget to make the purchase needed. A roll call vote was taken to approve the Additional Fund Appropriation. Those in favor were: Mark Sorensen, Barbara Fletcher, Ryan Hinkamper, Dave Bellis, Mark Dietrich, Jeremy Farlow, Steve McQueen, Travis Cooley, Robert Reich, Tim Finlay, Jon McCoy, Brad Poulter, David McCleary, Joe Zanger, Russ Hinkamper, Timothy Siemer, Keith Callaway and Bret Austin. Total in favor was 18. Total opposed was 0. Total absent was 2. Total vacant was 1.

Budget/Insurance

a. FY2024-2025 Budget

Mr. Cooley stated that the current state of the budget is that we are nearing tax time and some line items are showing overdrawn. Once they receive tax payments, it will balance out. He stated everything else is looking good.

b. Health Insurance

Mr. Cooley stated Cottingham & Butler reported that February was an excellent month. The plan is $219,000 below budget.

They talked about the max cap rate for the general fund which is .27% and they are taxing at that amount. They had discussions on ways that they can change that. Chairman Austin stated that the aggregate rate would still be the same but they need to use the allotted spots available so that the general fund is not over.

The committee’s next meeting will be Monday, May 12, 2025

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 March 2025, and Funds Summary report for March 2025, including revenue and expenses. Mr. Zanger made a motion to receive and file the monthly reports with the appropriate committee which was seconded by Mr. Hinkamper. Motion to receive and file the monthly reports with the appropriate committee adopted.

Correspondence

1) Upcoming vegetation activity notifications.

Mr. Zanger moved to receive and file the correspondence with the appropriate committee which was seconded by Mr. Hinkamper. Motion to receive and file the correspondence with the appropriate committee adopted.

The April 15th, 2025 meeting was recessed until Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

https://www.adamscountyil.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/11153/638835927518000000