Quincy Reporter

Adams County Board Legislative & Judicial Committee met June 10.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Members Present: Robert Reich, Jon McCoy, Mark Dietrich, Jeremy Farlow, John Gunther Members Absent:

Others in Attendance: Ryan A. Niekamp, Anthony Foster, Erin Wilson-Laegler, LaMarrio Rodgers, John Citro

The Legislative and Judicial Committee of the Adams County Board met on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 6:00PM in the County Board Room.

Chairman Robert Reich opened the meeting and noted there were no speakers or public comments for the evening.

Under new business, Mr. Reich initiated a discussion on the county’s battery energy storage systems (BESS) siting ordinance. He mentioned that sample ordinances from Mason and Logan counties had been reviewed, with the intent to merge favorable elements into a hybrid version suitable for Adams County. The chairman expressed concerns about battery safety, particularly the risk of gas emissions and fire hazards. He stressed the importance of requiring developers to fund fire department training and equipment. Jeremy Farlow and Jon McCoy supported incorporating stricter setback requirements and financial guarantees, such as escrow accounts or bonds, to ensure proper decommissioning of facilities in the event of bankruptcy.

The discussion also touched on the broader implications of energy storage systems for regional development and the county’s aging electrical grid. Members debated reasonable setback distances from residences and agreed to seek input from the State’s Attorney’s Office and the County Engineer to finalize the draft ordinance before the next meeting.

The committee then turned its attention to video gaming in the county. Chairman Reich noted an increase in gaming machines but confirmed with Ryan Niekamp that the county currently receives no revenue from them. Mr. Niekamp suggested engaging with the Gaming Commission to obtain an inventory of machines in Adams County as a preliminary step in evaluating possible regulatory or revenue measures.

Following this, the committee reviewed and approved various liquor and pyrotechnic permits. A one-day liquor permit was approved for the Friends of Reinforcement Forest Fall Festival at the Adams County Fairgrounds on September 13, 2025. The committee also approved the following pyrotechnic and fireworks display permits:

• A fireworks display permit for Charles Fisher at 3 North Main Street in Payson on July 4, 2025, with an alternate date of July 5, 2025, at 9:30 PM.

• A pyrotechnic display permit for Finale Celebrates at the Adams County Fairgrounds on September 6, 2025, at 9:00 PM, with an alternate date approved.

• A pyrotechnic display permit for Andy Frazier at Open Acres Campground on July 3, 2025, at 9:30 PM.

• A pyrotechnic display permit for an event at 5215 Clubhouse Drive on July 5, 2025.

• A pyrotechnic display permit for the Village of Camp Point at 111 East Wood Street, Camp Point, on July 4, 2025, with an alternate date approved.

• A pyrotechnic display permit for an event at 3915 South 24th Street, Quincy, on July 4, 2025, at 9:30 PM.

The committee discussed the possibility of grouping routine approvals such as permits in the future to streamline meeting processes, while ensuring that items requiring discussion remain separate.

Anthony Foster provided a report on the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) follow-up inspection of the Adams County Juvenile Detention Center. He outlined significant improvements since the last inspection, including steps toward compliance with the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), enhanced medical and mental health services, and measures to address staffing shortages. Foster noted that recent adjustments—such as lowering educational requirements for detention officers, increasing salaries, and partnering with healthcare providers—have improved operations, although challenges remain in ensuring adequate weekend medical coverage and hiring additional teachers.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 6:42 PM.

https://www.adamscountyil.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/11301