Quincy Reporter

Adams County Board met Aug. 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

PRESENT: Bret Austin, Chairman

Ryan A. Niekamp, County Clerk Todd Eyler, States Attorney

Chairman Austin called the meeting to order.

Pastor Scott Bates 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, Steve McQueen, Travis Cooley, Robert Reich, Tim Finlay, Jon McCoy, Brad Poulter, David McCleary, John Gunther, Brent Fischer, Joe Zanger, Russ Hinkamper, Timothy Siemer, Keith Callaway and Bret Austin.

Total Present: 21 Absent: 0

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, Jim Frankenhoff- County Engineer, Jessica Douglas- Director of 911, David Hochgraber- Director if IT, Amy Carothers-County Board Office Director, Jill Reis- Regional Superintendent of Schools, John Citro- Chief Public Defender, Terry Bower- Maintenance, Paul Havermale- Superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission, LeMarrio Rogers- Juvenile Detention Center and Pat Frazier-Chief Deputy Sheriff.

At this time, Steve Homan of Quincy, Illinois, spoke to the board about the Chairman filing a cease and desist letter on someone about speaking on his legal issue. Mr. Homan stated that these actions fuel suspicion on our local government.

At this time, Matt Holtmeyer spoke to the board in support of the solar project on his property. He stated that he did not take the decision lightly and he would not have developed it if it had a negative impact on the neighborhood. He stated Pivot Energy has done things to make the project more appealing and have as less of an impact on the neighbors as possible. He addressed the concerns of them being able to sell their power and that stated those concerns shouldn’t be an issue. He stated he is aware of the state’s laws, but he also states if they vote no, they are not allowing him to do what he wants with his property. He asked the members to vote yes for the project.

At this time, Miss Brittney Krebsbach with Pivot Energy spoke to the board. She updated the board on ongoing improvements to the project. She stated it is designed with domestic-made panels, they will be doing a line of credit instead of bonding and they’ve worked closely with the surrounding neighbors as well. She reported they hired an archeologists to do a survey and gave them the clear of Native Artifacts. She reminded them of the rows they removed to add setback from the southwest neighbors. They also added more screening and decreased the tree clearing from 2.3 acres to under 1 acre. She also reminded them they will be donating $17,000 to a local 501(c)3. She also added that they will have sheep grazing as the landscaping and there should be about $70,000 a year of savings staying in local pockets. She asked the board to reconsider the vote on this project.

At this time, Chuck Scholz, Chairman of the Bicentennial Commission gave an update to the County Board alongside Kathy Dooley. They spoke of the work that has been done over the past two years as well as somethings to look forward to coming up.

Mr. Bret Austin congratulated Mr. John Citro on being officially appointed as Chief Public Defender.

Mr. Austin stated that they will have to approve last month’s meeting minutes next month as the meeting was suspended. - - - - - - - - -

Transportation, Building & Technology

Committee Report (Mr. Bellis)

Bills – The committee met on August 12, 2025 and reviewed the bills for the Highway Department, the Maintenance Department, and the Technology Department. All the bills were in order.

Reports The HVAC project is going really well. IT has ongoing projects. The County Engineer has some equipment that is needing replaced.

At this time, Mr. Reich made a motion to suspend the August 12th, 2025 meeting and resume the July 15th, 2025 County Board meeting for the reconsideration of Resolution 2025-07-501-019. This motion was seconded by Mr. Bellis. The motion was approved and the July 15th, 2025 County Board meeting resumed.

a. 2025-07-501-019 - Resolution granting a Special Use Permit to CF IL Solar Ghost Hollow Road, Quincy LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pivot Energy for the construction and operation of a 3.4 MWAC Commercial Solar Energy Facility in Melrose Township. Attachment A-1 The clerk read the resolution by title only. Mr. Reich made a motion to reconsider the above resolution which was read by the County Clerk by title only. Mr. McQueen seconded the motion. Discussion: Mr. Bellis stated that last month, the 4 committee members present unanimously voted for it to go through. One member was not present. He wanted to remind everyone that they are simply voting that they have completed all the necessary checklist items. Mr. McQueen reported on some research he had done and some issues he believes are extorsion in relation to voting on this project. He stated the issue is that as they go through the process, they are put in a position that hurst someone. He stated he believes they made a law which results in extorsion. He stated there was someone that said “if your county doesn’t vote yes, they will be sued.” He stated that he does not want to fight with the solar company or the constituents, but they need to work together to find a way to take up fight with this law and get it changed. Mr. Farlow stated he voted no, however he had an experience that brought him back to reconsideration. He apologized to those his no-vote affected because the fight needs to be with the state. Mr. Zanger Callaway stated that the landowner should have the right to enjoy and use the property they see fit. He stated the changes the company made to the project are appreciated. He stated they would have to have backup to justify and have zoning. Mr. Zanger stated that the company has been great to work with and it’s not against the landowner, but there is potential legislation coming and he will be voting no on anything within a 3 mile limit. Mr. Ryan Hinkamper quoted a freedom quote from George Washington and that just because we don’t agree with the use of the property, it doesn’t mean they should take action to hinder that owner from doing such. A roll call vote was taken to approve the motion. Those in favor were: Mark Sorensen, Barbara Fletcher, Ryan Hinkamper, Dave Bellis, Marvin Kerkhoff, Jeremy Farlow, Steve McQueen, Travis Cooley, Robert Reich, Tim Finlay, Brad Poulter, David McCleary, John Gunther, Brent Fischer, Russ Hinkamper, Keith Callaway and Bret Austin Those opposed were: Mark Dietrich, Jon Mccoy, Joe Zanger and Timothy Siemer Total in favor was 17. Total opposed was 4.

At this time, Mr. Reich made a motion to adjourn the July 15th, 2025 County Board meeting and reconvene to the August 12, 2025 meeting which was seconded by Mr. Sorensen. The motion was approved and the August 12, 2025 meeting was resumed.

Mr. Bellis stated they will have a public hearing on September 17th at 6:00 for another upcoming solar project.

Mr. Bellis reported of a water drip on the second floor caused by a toilet above that floor and the issue was resolved within hours. Judge Holly Henze took pictures and sent them to a constituent, Steve Homan, to blast on the internet saying there is mold. Mr. Bellis stated that the county has invested over $8 Million and he reports this public official continuously makes malicious attempts impeding the progress. Mr. Bellis stated the county needs to make a stand that this is intolerable. Mr. Austin asked if anyone in the videos contacted any board members directly. Mr. Hinkamper asked if there is anything in our policies about taking pictures and posting them to social media. Mr. Austin stated they would look into things related to this. Mr. Terry Bower stated that the meeting will have to be in a different room because of the HVAC construction. The clerk and Chairman stated they will find another room.

The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

Legislative & Judicial

Committee Report (Mr. Reich)

Bills – The committee met on August 12, 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.

Reports They will be looking into a higher decommissioning fee. They are also looking at ordinances for battery farms.

Resolutions/Ordinances/Action

a. 2025-08-001-026 – Ordinance to Amend Sections 5-4-35 of the Adams County

Code of Ordinances. Attachment B-1 The clerk read the ordinance by title only. Mr. Reich made a motion to approve the ordinance which was seconded by Mr. Farlow. Discussion: He stated this puts a fee on one-time liquor licenses. The ordinance was approved.

b. 2025-08-001-027 – Ordinance to Amend the County Board Schedule for the 2025 Year.

The clerk read the ordinance by title only. Mr. Reich made a motion to approve the ordinance which was seconded by Mr. McCoy. Discussion: He stated this moves the county board meeting off Veterans Day. The ordinance was approved.

Event Liquor Licenses

a. Special Event License for the Golden Historical Society’s Golden Fall Festival to be held at 902 Prairie Mills Road, Golden, IL. for September 12, 2025, starting at 6:00pm until September 14, 2025, at 6:00pm. Attachment B-3 Mr. Reich made a motion to approve the permit which was seconded by Mr. McCoy and approved unanimously.

b. Special Event License for the Liquid Pony LLC for Bartending Services to be held at Winding Acres located at 2121 E. 2400th St., Camp Point, Illinois on August 16, 2025, from 5:00pm until 10:00pm Attachment B-45 Mr. Reich made a motion to approve the permit which was seconded by Mr. Dietrich and approved unanimously.

c. Special Event License for the Adams County Bicentennial for the Bicentennial Finale Celebration at the Adams County Fairgrounds on September 6, 2025, from 11:00AM until 11:59PM Attachment B-5 Mr. Reich made a motion to approve the permit which was seconded by Mr. Farlow and approved unanimously.

d. Special Event License for Jersey’s LLC DBA Jersey’s Bar + Grill for an Event at Bailey Park located at 102 E. Park St., Camp Point, Illinois for August 16, 2025, from 11:00am until 11:50pm Attachment B-6 Mr. Reich made a motion to approve the permit which was seconded by Mr. Gunther and approved unanimously.

The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Public Health & Safety

Committee Report (Mr. Fischer)

Bills – The committee met on August 12, 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- The committee received verbal reports from their committees.

The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Executive Committee

Committee Report (Mr. Austin)

The committee met on August 4, 2025

Discussion and Possible Action a. International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers FL-CIO-District 8, Lodge 822 for Adams County Sheriff’s Department Maintenance Personnel Labor Agreement Ratification. Attachment C-1 Mr. Cooley made a motion to approve the agreement ratification which was seconded by Bellis. Mr. Austin stated it is a three-year contract and it is 5.5%, 5% and 5%. The ratification was approved.

Resolution and Possible Action a. 2025-08-001-028 – Appointment of Blake E. Roderick of Pike County to the Mid-

America Intermodal Authority Port District. Attachment C-2 The clerk read the resolution by title only. Mr. Cooley made a motion to approve the appointment which was seconded by Mr. Fischer. The appointment was approved.

The committee’s next meeting will be Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Finance

Committee Report (Mr. Cooley)

Bills – The committee met on August 11, 2025 and reviewed the bills. All the bills were in order.

Resolution a. 2025-08-001-025 – Resolution to Adopt the Recommendations of the Adams

County Grow II Program The clerk read the resolution by title only. Mr. Cooley stated they will be tabling this for more time to review and address a few items.

Finance- The following additional fund appropriations were read by title only and approved together:

a. Additional Fund Appropriation from Ryan A. Niekamp – County Clerk – in the Amount of 9,000,000 for Revenue Account Number 803-001-4500 – Revenue HVAC Bond – for a Revised Budgeted Amount of $9,000,000 and $100 for Revenue Account Number 803-141-4155 – Bond Interest Earned – HVAC – for a Revised Budgeted Amount of $100 and $2,182,215 for Revenue Account Number 001-803-4991 – Transfer from HVAC Bond Repayment – for a Revised Budget Amount of $2,182,215 Attachment D-1

b. Additional Fund Appropriation from Ryan A. Niekamp – County Clerk – in the Amount of $100 for Expense Account Number 803-141-5890 – HVAC Bond Payments – Principal – for a Revised Budgeted Amount of $100 and $100 for Expense Account Numbers 803-141-5891 – HVAC Bond Payments – Interest – for a Budgeted Amount of $100. Attachment D-2 The clerk read the fund appropriation. Mr. Cooley made a motion to approve the additional fund appropriations which was seconded by Mr. Ryan Hinkamper. Discussion: Mr. Cooley explained the purposes of the appropriations. A roll call vote was taken to approve the additional fund appropriations. Those in favor were: Mark Sorensen, Barbara Fletcher, Ryan Hinkamper, Dave Bellis, Marvin Kerkhoff, Mark Dietrich, Jeremy Farlow, Steve McQueen, Travis Cooley, Robert Reich, Tim Finlay, Jon McCoy, Brad Poulter, David McCleary, John Gunther, Brent Fischer, Joe Zanger, Russ Hinkamper, Timothy Siemer, Keith Callaway and Bret Austin. Total in favor were 21. Total opposed was 0. The additional fund appropriations were approved.

c. Additional Fund Appropriation from Ryan A. Niekamp – County Clerk – in the Amount of $100 for Expense Account Number 803-141-5813 – HVAC Administrative Fees – for a Revised Budgeted Amount of $100 and $50,000 for Expense Account Number 803-141-8515 – HVAC Project Design – for a Revised Budgeted Amount of $50,000 and $650,000 for Expense Account Number 803- 141-5875 – Project Expenses – HVAC Bond – for a Revised Budgeted Amount of $650,000 Attachment D-3 The clerk read the fund appropriation. Mr. Cooley made a motion to approve the additional fund appropriation which was seconded by Mr. Finlay. Mr. Cooley entertained a motion to amend the appropriation to read $2,000,000 for account 803-141-5875 instead of $650,000. Mr. Bellis made the motion which was seconded by Mr. Hinkamper and approved unanimously for the amendment. 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, Steve McQueen, Travis Cooley, Robert Reich, Tim Finlay, Jon McCoy, Brad Poulter, David McCleary, John Gunther, Brent Fischer, Joe Zanger, Russ Hinkamper, Timothy Siemer, Keith Callaway and Bret Austin. Total in favor were 21. Total opposed was 0. The additional fund appropriation was approved as amended.

Budget/Insurance a. FY2024-2025 Budget

Mr. Cooley stated there has been a Cleargov training which is budgeting software. They are asking department heads to have their budget turned in by September 15th and some things the committee will be looking for to justify their budget increases. b. Insurance Updates

Mr. Cooley stated we are running $470,000 under budget year-to-date. Mr. Finlay attended a CIRMA meeting.

Discussion and Possible Action a. Intergovernmental Agreement to Fund the Regional Office of Education Number

One Pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/3A-7 effective for the 2025-2026, 2026-2027, and 2027-2028 fiscal years Attachment D-4 Mr. Cooley made a motion to approve the intergovernmental agreement which was seconded by Mr. Finlay. The intergovernmental agreement was approved.

The committee’s next meeting will be Monday, September 8, 2025

Unfinished Business

There was no unfinished business to discuss.

New Business

Approval of Board Member Travel Vouchers

a. Travel Voucher for Tim Finlay for $102.20 for the CIRMA Quarterly Meeting

Mr. Ryan Hikmamper made a motion to approve the travel voucher which was seconded by Mr. Poulter. Attachment E-1 A roll call vote was taken to approve the travel voucher. Those in favor were: Mark Sorensen, Barbara Fletcher, Ryan Hinkamper, Dave Bellis, Marvin Kerkhoff, Mark Dietrich, Jeremy Farlow, Steve McQueen, Travis Cooley, Robert Reich, Jon McCoy, Brad Poulter, David McCleary, John Gunther, Brent Fischer, Joe Zanger, Russ Hinkamper, Timothy Siemer, Keith Callaway and Bret Austin. Tim Finlay abstained. Total in favor was 20. Total abstained was 1.

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 July 2025, and Funds Summary report for July 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.

Correspondence

a. Application of Arena Toro Solar, LLC Commercial Solar Energy Facility

Special Use Permit for Parcel Number 19-0-0139-002-00 b. MLCR-3A from Central Stone Company for Mill Creek Quarry CS42 c. IL EPA Notification of Permit to Manage Waste for the City of Quincy

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 August 12th, 2025 meeting was recessed until Tuesday, September 9, 2025

https://www.adamscountyil.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/11413