Quincy Reporter

Adams County Board met June 10.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The County Board of Adams County, Illinois met at the Courthouse, Quincy, Illinois, on Tuesday, June 10, 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 David Phillipi 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, Marvin Kerkhoff, Mark Dietrich, Jeremy Farlow, Travis Cooley, Robert Reich, Tim Finlay, Jon McCoy, Brad Poulter, David McCleary, John Gunther, Joe Zanger, Russ Hinkamper, Timothy Siemer, Keith Callaway and Bret Austin.

Total Present: 19 Absent: 2

Absent were: Brent Fischer, Steve McQueen

Chairman Austin declared a quorum present.

Officeholders, department heads, and/or their representatives also present were: Lisa Gasko- Supervisor of Assessments, Anthony Foster- Director of Court Services, John Simon-EMA & Ambulance Director, Carla Smith- Highway Department, Jessica Douglas Director of 911, David Hochgraber- Director if IT, John Citro- Chief Public Defender, Paul Havermale- Superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission, LsMario- Juvenile Detention Center and Stephanie Ogle- Treasurer’s Office.

At this time, Anthony Scooger was present to speak as he is the new relations manager for the company. He welcomed the board with questions and concerns.

Next, Chairman Austin presented Mr. Les Post with a token of appreciation for his service on the county board. He served on the board from 2010 to March of 2025 on the board and was the Chairman from 2012 to 2018.

Mr. Post spoke about the pleasure it had been serving and he stated the people he met was the most important part of the job.

Chairman Austin introduced John Citro who is the new Interim Chief Public Defender, as well as the new board member, John Gunther.

Chairman Austin brought the attention to the Bicentennial trailer that is parked outside. It is wrapped with information and a timeline about Adams County.

Mr. Bellis moved to approve the minutes of the May 13, 2025 county board meeting as printed and distributed which was seconded by Mrs. Fletcher.

Motion to approve the minutes of the May 13, 2025 meeting as printed was adopted.

Transportation, Building & Technology

Committee Report (Mr. Bellis)

Bills – The committee met on June 10, 2025 and reviewed the bills for the Highway Department, the Maintenance Department, and the Technology Department. All the bills were in order.

Reports

Information Technology reported that they are almost ready to start their part on the fencing project. Maintenance reported that the HVAC and roof project is moving along and June 19th will have workers here while the courthouse is closed. The Highway Department updated the committee on various ongoing projects. 48th Street’s materials will hopefully be here on the 23rd. They will update the sign.

Resolutions

a. 2025-06-501-016 – Resolution reporting bids and awarding the contract from the June 3, 2025 Township Bridge Program Fund letting for the construction of a bridge on a new alignment of North 1900th Ave. in Ursa Road District and authorizing the County Board Chairman to sign the contract. ATTACHMENT A-1 The clerk read the resolution by title only.

Mr. Zanger made a motion to approve the resolution which was seconded by Mr. McCleary.

Resolution 2025-06-501-016 was approved.

b. 2025-06-501-017 – Resolution approving a five-year contractual agreement for a Pavement Management System program with Applied Research Associates, Inc. of Champaign, IL, authorizing the County Board Chairman to sign the agreement and appropriating $199,900.00 from the County Matching Tax Fund to be paid out over the five-year term of the agreement. ATTACHMENT A-2 The clerk read the resolution by title only.

Mr. Bellis made a motion to approve the resolution which was seconded by Mr. Siemer.

Discussion: Mr. Kierkhoff asked if this is the same company they’ve been using and Mr. Bellis responded that it was and they have done a good job. Resolution 2025-06-501-017 was approved.

c. 2025-06-501-018 – Resolution Authorizing the Transfer of Property Located in Part of the Northwest Quarter Of Section 4, Township 2 South, Range 8 West Of The Fourth Principal Meridian in the City Of Quincy, Adams County, Illinois ATTACHMENT A-3

The clerk read the resolution by title only.

Mr. Russ Hinkamper made a motion to approve the resolution which was seconded by Mr. McCleary.

Discussion: Mr. Bellis stated there will be a drive there on the cemetery side. They are Quit Claim Deeding some feet to the cemetery.

Resolution 2025-06-501-018 was approved.

New Business

a. Adams County Courthouse HVAC Updates

The project is going well. The crane came in and there were no problems. June 19th will be busy with workers while the courthouse is closed.

The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2025.

Legislative & Judicial

Committee Report (Mr. Reich)

Bills – The committee met on June 10, 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.

Event Liquor Licenses

a. One-Day Liquor Permit for the Friends of Unit Four’s Fall Festival to be held at the Adams County Fairgrounds on September 13, 2025.

The clerk read the permit request.

Mr. Reich made a motion to approve the liquor permit which was seconded by Mr. Sorensen.

Pyrotechnic Displays

The one-day liquor permit was approved.

a. Firework Display Permit Application for Charles Fisher at 308 North Main Street in Payson, Illinois on July 4, 2025 at 9:30PM with an Alternative Date of July 5, 2025 at 9:30PM.

The clerk read the permit application.

Mr. Reich made a motion to approve the permit which was seconded by Mr. Farlow.

The permit was approved.

The following 5 permits were read by the clerk and approved together: b. Pyrotechnic Display Permit Application for the Adams County Bicentennial Commission’s Finale Celebration on September 6, 2025 at the Adams County Fair Grounds at 9:00PM with No Alternative Date

c. Pyrotechnic Display Permit Application for Oakwood Acres – Andy Fraizer - on July 3, 2025 at Oakwood Acres Campground located at 2124 E. 1300th in Mendon, Illinois at 9:30PM with No Alternative Date

d. Pyrotechnic Display Permit Application for Springlake Association - on July 5, 2025 at 5215 Clubhouse Drive in Quincy, IL. at 9:30PM with No Alternative Date

e. Pyrotechnic Display Permit Application for the Village of Camp Pont - on July 4, 2025 at 111 E. Wood in Camp Point, Illinois at 9:30PM with No Alternative Date

f. Pyrotechnic Display Permit Application for Sheridan Swim Club - on July 4, 2025 at 3915 South 24th Street in Quincy, Illinois at 9:30PM with No Alternative Date

Mr. Reich made a motion to approve the 5 permits which was seconded by Mr. McCoy.

The pyrotechnic display permits were approved.

The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Public Health & Safety

Committee Report (Mr. Sorensen)

Bills – The committee met on June 10, 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, Coroner, and VAC gave updates at the committee’s meeting.

Resolution/Action

a. Recycling Discussion with the City of Quincy

b. Veterans’ Assistance Commission Regional Mutual Aid

The committee will revisit these action items in July when they have their full committee.

The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2025 Executive Committee

Committee Report (Mr. Austin)

The committee met on June 2, 2025

Resolution

a. Resolution Number 2025-06-001-023 – Resolution to Support and Be a part of Illinois’ America250 Commission

The clerk read the resolution by title only.

Mr. Russ Hinkamper made a motion to approve the resolution which was seconded by Mrs. Fletcher.

Discussion: Mr. Bellis stated that the 250th anniversary of the United States is approaching. Clerk Niekamp stated this is the start to it. Illinois has a commission branching off of America’s Commission and the board was provided with information on what they want to do for next year.

Resolution 2025-06-001-023 was approved.

The committee’s next meeting will be Monday, July 7, 2025

Finance

Committee Report (Mr. Cooley)

Bills – The committee met on June 9, 2025 and reviewed the bills. All the bills were in order.

Report

Resolution

Finance

a. Additional Fund Appropriation from Anthony Grootens – Sheriff – in the Amount of $13,000 to Expense Account Number 236-231-5713 – Sheriff – COVID19 Expenses – for a Revised Budget Amount of $13,000 ATTACHMENT D-1 seconded by Mr. Poulter.

The clerk read the fund appropriation.

Mr. Cooley made a motion to approve the additional fund appropriation which was

Discussion: Mr. Cooley stated this was remaining COVID money and they are putting it to use in a permanent gun range for the Sheriff’s Department. A roll call vote was taken to approve the additional fund appropriation. Those in favor were: Mark Sorensen, Barbara Fletcher, Ryan Hinkamper, Dave Bellis, Marvin Kerkhoff, Mark Dietrich, Jeremy Farlow, Travis Cooley, Robert Reich, Tim Finlay, Jon McCoy, Brad Poulter, David McCleary, John Gunther, Joe Zanger, Russ Hinkamper, Timothy Siemer, Keith Callaway and Bret Austin. Total in favor was 19. Total opposed was 0. Total absent was 2.

The additional fund appropriation was approved.

Budget/Insurance

a. FY 2024-2025 Budget

Mr. Cooley reported that they are halfway through the budget year cycle and the tax payments are starting to roll in. They are negative 4 Million in County General so the payments coming in will be good. The state of Illinois is taking back some of the county’s Motor Fuel Tax Funds.

b. Insurance Updates

Mr. Cooley reported that claims were up but the month was under budget. The County is $375,000 below budget.

Discussion and Possible Action

a. Financing Options for HVAC Project Bonds

Mr. Cooley discussed the Kings Financial Consulting Inc. handout. There were 9 options to look at. The committee agreed to the $9 million bond on a 15 year schedule with the first two years of interest only payments of approximately $397,000. After those two years, we would have 13 years of a payment of $899,000. It could turn into only 13 years if they can have the Health Department cover the last two years of their other bond.

Mr. Bellis asked if we are voting on this. Mr. Cooley stated that the full board does not vote on this. Chairman Austin stated the full board already voted on the max money to spend. Mr. Bellis stated their committee approved $500,000+ in bills and they need to be paid. Clerk Niekamp stated that himself and the Treasurer’s Office have moved money around to be able to keep the payments progressing. Mr. Reich asked who can decide if the Health Department can pay the last two years of the other bond. Chairman Austin stated that it should go through the Health Board. He stated they discussed it with Mr. Jerrod Welch, but they want to make sure it falls at the right timing and not short their levy that they need. Chairman Austin wanted to make sure everyone knows this is not the Health Department asking for more money. Mr. Callaway asked how soon we will be able to enact and get this moving and also asked about the interest. Mr. Cooley stated that they are trying to save money by having the Health Department do the payments of the other bond which would save interest money on this bond. Mr. Cooley stated that they are taking this to local banks tomorrow and figuring out who is going to take what portion. He stated they are intentionally spreading this out amongst local banks.

Mr. Callaway made a motion which was seconded by Mr. Bellis for a 15 year, $9 Million, 2-year interest only payments, 13 year principal and interest payments as the base.

The financing option was approved.

Mr. Russ Hinkamper asked if we know how much money the state will be taking from the motor fuel tax fund . Chairman Austin stated that there is going to be means testing. He stated they spend $2.6-2.9 Million and we get $3.1 Million. He stated the state would like to hold onto the money to make interest for themselves and they are talking about stopping distributions for a certain period of time.

Mr. Cooley thanked several people on their work on the HVAC project finances. The committee’s next meeting will be Monday, July 14, 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 May 2025, and Funds Summary report for May 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. Ryan Hinkamper.

Motion to receive and file the monthly reports with the appropriate committee adopted.

Appointments

a. Duane Venvertloh to the Quincy Riverfront Development Corporation for a Three-Year Term

The Chairman entertained a motion to approve the appointment. Mr. Bellis made a motion to approve the appointment which was seconded by Mr. Ryan Hinkamper.

The appointment was approved.

Correspondence

a. Annual Adams County Jail Inspection Report by the Illinois Department of Corrections

b. Notification of Upcoming Vegetation Activities from Ameren

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

Motion to receive and file the correspondence with the appropriate committee adopted.

The June 10, 2025 meeting was recessed until Tuesday, July 15, 2025

https://www.adamscountyil.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/11309/638893134016469552