PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNTY BOARD OF WOODFORD COUNTY, IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, at an adjourned meeting thereof begun and held in the Woodford County Board Room in the City of Eureka, in said County, on the third Tuesday in June, AD 2006, same being the 20th day of said month.

Tuesday                                  June 20, AD 2006                               6:30 PM

             Board met and was called to order by Chairman Whitaker.

             Chairman Whitaker began the meeting by leading all present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 
            Roll call by the Clerk.  Present:  Marcus Adams, James Booth, Thomas Evans, David Griepentrog, Gary A. Joseph, Thomas Karr, John Krug, Peter Lambie, Fred Luedtke, Caroline Schertz, Doug Simpson, Kenneth Uphoff, and Larry Whitaker.  Absent: R. Joel Lemkemann.   Mr. Robert Hunsaker’s resignation from the County Board was effective May 31, 2006. Also present was County Clerk Debbie Harms.

             Board announced in session by the Chairman.

             County Board Member R. Joel Lemkemann arrived at the meeting at approximately 6:35 P.M.

Clerk Harms presented and read the Certificate of Giving Notice for this meeting.

 
            Mr. Uphoff moved the Certificate be approved as read, which motion was seconded by Mr. Booth and was unanimously carried.

             Clerk Harms submitted the minutes of the May 16, 2006 County Board meeting for additions, corrections, and approval.

             Mrs. Schertz moved to approve the minutes of the May 16, 2006 regular session County Board meeting as mailed, which motion was seconded by Mr. Booth and was unanimously carried.

             Clerk Harms submitted the minutes of the May 23, 2006 Special County Board meeting for additions, corrections, and approval.

             Mr. Luedtke moved to approve the minutes of the May 23, 2006 Special County Board meeting as mailed, which motion was seconded by Mr. Uphoff and was unanimously carried.

            Chairman Whitaker called for public input; however, there would be restrictions in regard to discussion on #2 under Petitions, Resolution, and/or Motions (Resolution 107 Amending the Woodford County Zoning Ordinance).  The Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing in this regard and the Board was limited tonight to comments made under oath at the hearing as Resolution #107 was reviewed.  During this time, there would be no comments regarding the zoning ordinance and fee schedule changes.

             Mr. Russell Cotton of Metamora expressed his concern regarding Macey’s Place Subdivision.  He lives outside of Macey’s Subdivision and there is still a problem with water run-off.  He has a utility box in the low area and when it rains, the box becomes halfway submerged.  He questioned who would be liable in the case of a death or injury in this regard and stated there were no water problems prior to this Subdivision.  There were also problems with water run off and mosquitoes.  He stated the developers were trying to get rid of the standing water at Macey’s Place today and it was now in his yard.  He would not be able to mow his yard for weeks until the water dried up.  He has given pictures of the property with the water standing in it to County Administrator Jackson and Zoning Administrator Hamann.  In conclusion the Board needs to fix this problem.

             Mr. Bill Alread of Metamora questioned what course of action the Board was planning to implement in regard to stopping the increase in property taxes and to reducing the current taxes for the County.

            Chairman Whitaker responded by stating the County Board only listens during the public input session and does not respond; however, items of particular concern may be directed to the appropriate committees.

             Mr. Alread stated that high taxes are a problem and could continue into perpetuity.  Many people are getting the impression the Board does not see this as a problem.  He thanked the Board for the opportunity to speak and hoped his concern did not fall on deaf ears.

             The following Consent Agenda was presented:

             Appointments:

1.      Reappointment of Daniel Mullen to the Board of Trustees of the Caterpillar Trail Public Water District for another five year term expiring May 1, 2011.

2.      Reappointment of Murray Wilcoxen to the Board of Trustees of the Caterpillar Trail Public Water District for another five year term expiring May 1, 2011.

3.      Appointment of three Board Members for a realignment of precincts committee: David Griepentrog, Gary A. Joseph, and James Booth (Chairman).

Petitions, Resolutions, and/or Motions.

1.      Resolution #104 denying Mark Gullett rezoning from R-1 (single family residential) to Agricultural Preservation.  The recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals concerning Petition 2006-05-Z was also provided.

2.      Resolution #105 granting Steve Knapp rezoning from AG Preservation to Heavy Industrial.  The recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeal concerning Petition 2006-06-Z was also provided.

3.      Resolution #106 approving a Special Use request by Harold Smith to allow for a 150 square foot billboard.  The recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals concerning Petition 2006-07-S was also provided.

4.      Resolution #108 employee health insurance premium holiday.

5.      Ordinance #004 ascertaining the prevailing rate of wages.

6.      Resolution #098 for improvement by County under the Illinois Highway Code for County Highway 25 (Santa Fe Trail), Section 04-00058-08-FP, in the amount of $500,000.00.

7.      Resolution #099 awarding the bid for Cruger Road District, Section 04-03119-BA-BR, from a letting held on June 19, 2006.

8.      Resolution #100 awarding the bid for Cruger Road District, Section 04-03120-BA-BR from a letting held on June 19, 2006.

9.      Resolution #101 awarding the bid for Greene/Panola Road Districts, Sections 04-05144-00-BR/04-13115-00-BR from a letting held on June 19, 2006.

10.  Resolution #102 awarding the bid for Greene/Roanoke Road Districts, Sections 99-05135-00-BR/99-15123-00-BR from a letting held on June 19, 2006.

11.  Resolution #103 awarding the bid for Greene Road District, Section 06-05000-03-GM from a letting held on June 19, 2006.

12.  Petition for County Aid to Build Bridge for replacing a culvert over a tributary of Blue Creek on T.R. #109A in Worth Township.  The estimated cost of Section 03-17147-00-BR is $40,000.00.

13.  Petition for County Aid to Build Bridge for repairing a bridge over Partridge Creek on T.R. #91 in Worth Township.  The estimated cost of Section 05-17150-00-BR is $150,000.00.

 
Mr. Adams pulled #3 from the Appointments portion of the Consent Agenda for further discussion.

The following were pulled from the Petitions, Resolution, and/or Motions portion of the Consent Agenda for further discussion.

Mr. Booth requested Items #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, and #12.

Mr. Karr requested Item #4.

Mr. Booth moved to accept the remainder of the Consent Agenda, which motion was seconded by Mr. Joseph and was unanimously carried.

             Mr. Evans moved to appoint David Griepentrog, Gary A. Joseph and James Booth to the Precinct Realignment Committee, which motion was seconded by Mr. Luedtke.

             Mr. Adams questioned the term of the appointments to the realignment of precincts committee and felt Board Members should be appointed whose terms would extend past November 30, 2006.

             Chairman Whitaker stated these appointments would only be through November 30, 2006 and how the Precinct Realignment Committee needed to meet this month to see if any funding remained in the State’s current fiscal budget that could be used for this purpose.  There could be no Board action concerning precinct realignment until next June.

             Mr. Evans pointed out there was growth on the west side of the County as well as in El Paso 1 and was concerned about the geographic balance of the committee.  Chairman Whitaker stated there was a possibility of expanding the committee. He offered this opportunity to Mr. Evans who accepted the committee assignment.  Official action regarding this appointment would be taken next month.

             Chairman Whitaker called for a roll call vote.  County Board Members voting Aye: Larry Whitaker, Kenneth Uphoff, Doug Simpson, Caroline Schertz, Fred Luedtke, R. Joel Lemkemann, John Krug, Thomas Karr, Gary A. Joseph, David Griepentrog, Thomas Evans, James Booth, and Marcus Adams.  County Board Members voting Nay: Peter Lambie.  County Board Members absent: None.  Motion carried.

             Mr. Karr moved to approve Resolution #108 resolving the second employee premium holiday be on July 13, 2006, which motion was seconded by Mr. Luedtke. 

              Mr. Uphoff stated the first premium holiday for County employees with the health insurance was in January 2006, and the resolution calls for the second premium holiday to be July 13, 2006.  A premium holiday is when there is no payroll deduction from the employee’s paycheck for the health insurance, instead the employees’ portion is paid by the County.

            The vote was taken on Resolution #108 and was unanimously carried.

            Mr. Booth moved to approve Resolution #099 (Awarding the Bid for Cruger Road District Section 04-03119-BA-BR Non-MFT from a letting held on June 19, 2006), and Mr. Griepentrog seconded the motion.

             County Engineer Bachman stated this was a joint culvert project with the County and the low bidder was Blunier Farms & Excavating in an amount of $11,599.76.

             The vote was called on Resolution #099 and was unanimously carried.

               Mr. Booth moved to approve Resolution #100 (Awarding the bid for Cruger Road District Section 04-03120-BA-BR Non-MFT from a letting held on June 19, 2006), and Mr. Karr seconded the motion.

             County Engineer Bachman stated this was a culvert project in Cruger Township and a joint project with the County.  The low bidder was Blunier Farms & Excavating in an amount of $11,149.74.

            The vote was called on Resolution #100 and was unanimously carried.

            County Engineer Bachman stated that all the bids for Resolution #101 (Awarding the Bid for Greene/Panola Road Districts, Sections 04-05144-00-BR/04-13115-00-BR from a letting held on June 19, 2006) were rejected as they exceeded 110%.  No action was therefore required on this resolution.  This project will be re-bid later in the year.

             Mr. Booth moved to approve Resolution #102 (Awarding the Bid for Greene/Roanoke Road District Sections 99-05135-00-BR/99-15123-00-BR from a letting held on June 19, 2006), and Mr. Karr seconded the motion.

             County Engineer Bachman stated this was a bridge project and the low bidder was H.J. Eppel & Co., Inc. in the amount of $281,732.50.

             The vote was called on Resolution #102 and was unanimously carried.

             Mr. Booth moved to approve Resolution #103 (Awarding the bid for Greene Road District Section 06-05000-03-GM from a letting held on June 19, 2006), and Mr. Karr seconded the motion.

             County Engineer Bachman stated this was a Township Motor Fuel Tax gravel job for Greene Township and will be paid for with those funds.

             The vote was called on Resolution #103 and was unanimously carried.

             Mrs. Schertz requested the Road and Bridge resolutions say what the project is, such as a bridge project or gravel road.  County Engineer Bachman replied this could be done.

             Mr. Booth moved to approve Petition for County Aid to Build Bridge for replacing a culvert over a tributary of Blue Creek on T.R. #109A in Worth Township.  The estimated cost of Section 03-17147-00-BR is $40,000.00.  Mr. Joseph seconded the motion.

            County Engineer Bachman stated the project would probably be done later this year.

             The vote was called on the above Petition and was unanimously carried.

             Economic Development Liaison Kyle Ham passed out to each Board Member the News Release regarding Legacy Built Homes and reported on this new model home and design center in Goodfield Crossing, as well as the Bob Parsons business-park across the highway.  A revolving loan application for a restaurant in El Paso would probably be presented at next month’s Board meeting.  He also reported working with the site selector for a retail firm in the Germantown Hills-Metamora area, meeting with the City of El Paso regarding growth along the I-39 corridor, finalizing the river access project for Spring Bay, and the Small Communities Grant project.  The Driving Forward report was handed out which highlighted the activities of Heartland Partnership.   

             Clerk Harms presented the Claims against the County.

             Mr. Griepentrog presented and read Resolution #094 relative to the payment of the submitted claims.

             Mr. Griepentrog moved for the adoption of the resolution, which motion was seconded by Mr. Luedtke.  Chairman Whitaker called for a roll call vote.  County Board Members voting Aye: Marcus Adams, James Booth, Thomas Evans, David Griepentrog, Gary A. Joseph, Thomas Karr, John Krug, Peter Lambie, R. Joel Lemkemann, Fred Luedtke, Caroline Schertz, Doug Simpson, Kenneth Uphoff and Larry Whitaker.  County Board Members voting Nay: None.  County Board Members absent: None.  Motion carried.

             Clerk Harms presented the Claims Paid in Vacation since the last meeting of the Board.

             Mr. Uphoff moved to approve the Claims Paid in Vacation since the last meeting of the Board, which motion was seconded by Mr. Griepentrog.

             Mr. Luedtke presented a claim to be Paid in Vacation to Nextel in the amount of $101.56 from the Supervisor of Assessments budget. 

             Mr. Krug presented a claim to be Paid in Vacation to Nextel in the amount of $1,068.10 from the ESDA budget.

             There was a brief discussion on why these bills were just now being presented as the ESDA bill for Nextel ranged from October, 2004 to March, 2006 and the Assessor’s bill was from when the former Assessor was in office.  County Administrator Jackson stated four offices  were affected by delinquent Nextel bills, including the Coroner and the Highway Departments.   

This issue concerned bills that had been invoiced to the Sheriff’s Department and the delay in billing occurred when Nextel broke the balances down by each Department.  Now Nextel was requesting payment.

             Mr. Krug presented a claim to be Paid in Vacation to BP in the amount of $6,678.45 from the Sheriff and the Animal Control budgets.

            It was explained that BP cancelled the credit cards as the amount due exceeded the credit limit.   The credit limit had even been increased last month.  The approval to pay this bill in vacation along with the approval for the April claim presented earlier should zero out the balance due.  County Administrator Jackson explained it was a matter of the County’s payment cycle conflicting with BP’s billing cycle.

             Mr. Krug presented claims to be Paid in Vacation to Dell in the amounts of $1,435.10 and $1,476.10 for computers in the Sheriff’s office.  Sheriff Pierceall stated the computers were purchased in January but the bills were not received until May.

            Mr. Joseph stated the committee did not have the opportunity to review the Nextel or BP bills.  He would vote for approval to pay these, but would also like to have the Committee review them at the next meeting.

             Mr. Krug presented a claim to be Paid in Vacation to Ford Motor Company in the amount of $28,220.49 from the Sheriff’s budget.  As the bill was received on June 7 and was due June 27, the Public Safety Committee was unable to review it as they had already met for the month.  This payment had been budgeted.

             Mr. Simpson moved to add the above claims to be Paid in Vacation, which motion was seconded by Mr. Luedtke and was unanimously carried.

             Chairman Whitaker called for the vote to approve the Claims Paid in Vacation since the last meeting of the Board, which was unanimously carried.

             Treasurer Miller presented the report of the County Treasurer on receipts and disbursements of the General Funds, current fund balances and interfund transfer for the period ending May 31, 2006.  She also discussed the Statement of Revenues and Expenditures report from 3/1/06 through 5/31/06, as well as the handout regarding the Revolving Loan Account as of June 1, 2006.

             Mr. Uphoff moved to place these reports on file, which motion was seconded by Mr. Joseph and was unanimously carried.

             There was nothing further to report in regard to the Health Insurance Committee, Road and Bridge resolutions, or the Conservation, Planning, and Zoning Committee.

            Chairman Whitaker stated 8 of the 15 County Board Members reviewed the Executive Session minutes and it was this majority’s recommendation the following be made public documents:

·         Executive Session Minutes from the County Board meetings held on: October 21, 2003, November 18, 2003, April 20, 2004, July 20, 2004, February 15, 2005, September 20, 2005, September 29, 2005, January 17, 2006, March 20, 2006, May 16, 2006 (first session), and May 16, 2006 (second session).

·         Executive Session Minutes from Labor Negotiations Committee meetings held on: October 9, 2003, October 29, 2003, November 13, 2003, December 17, 2003, December 22, 2003, February 23, 2004, March 1, 2004, March 2, 2004, April 6, 2004, April 22, 2004, and June 28, 2004.          

·         Executive Session Minutes from County Offices Committee meetings held on: March 15, 2006, May 10, 2006 and June 14, 2006.

·         Executive Session Minutes from Executive Committee meeting held on May 11, 2006.

The Executive Session Minutes from the County Board Meeting held on February 21, 2006 and from the Wage Equity Committee meeting held on February 24, 2006 did not receive a majority vote of those who reviewed them and would be retained as confidential documents.

Mr. Simpson moved to release the above listing as public documents based on the review of eight County Board Members and to retain the Executive Session minutes of the meetings held February 21 and February 24, 2006 as confidential. Mr. Uphoff seconded the motion and it was unanimously carried.

County Administrator Jackson stated the County Administrator’s Report of June 2006 was in the Board members packets.  He reported on a meeting with the developer and the developer’s manager of Macey’s Place Subdivision to discuss the areas of concern and develop a plan of action.  Everything was to be complete last week; however, there are still a number of issues outstanding.  The Health Department was requested to take action regarding a house in the subdivision that was a “swamp”.  There are a number of residents suffering due to the incomplete development project.  These inadequacies have been going on for two years.

The County Administrator recommended that if corrective action was not taken to the County’s satisfaction, the bond monies that were outstanding be taken control of to correct the inadequacies.  He also suggested the County review with the State’s Attorney any ability to turn off any permits for future development from that manager and his management team.  This would mean all opportunities for further development in the County for this manager and his team would be cut off.

Chairman Whitaker questioned the possible need to go into Executive Session if there were to be any discussion so as not to compromise the County’s legal position.

In response to Chairman Whitaker’s question if further directive was needed from the County Board or if he felt he had adequate backing, County Administrator Jackson stated he would move forward aggressively.  The issue had been going on too long.

 Chairman Whitaker then asked if anyone had any issues with the above and none were voiced.

County Administrator Jackson discussed the classification study and the public meeting held in Benson on June 13 in regard to the windmill project.

 Chairman Whitaker stated the Board would take a short recess. The time is approximately 7:45 P.M.

*                                                                   *                                                               *

Chairman Whitaker called the meeting back to order at approximately 7:55 P.M.

VAC Superintendent Chad Vale presented the semi-annual report of the Veteran’s Assistance Commission from December 1, 2005 through May 31, 2006.

County Engineer Bachman presented a handout and reported on the status of County Highway #1.  He also reported on the State letting for the Santa Fe Trail paving project.  The low bidder was Advanced Asphalt in the amount of $995,257.00.  The low bidder on the township bridge project was N.E. Finch in the amount of $351,421.00. 

 Mr. Luedtke reported Mr. Simpson would be replacing him as Chairman of the County Offices Committee and this would be effective through November 30, 2006.

 Mrs. Schertz stated the County Administrator’s Report of June 2006 should be reviewed to see what projects have been worked on.

 Mr. Simpson stated concerns over the high rate of speed used by a county car on the way to an accident be brought to the Sheriff’s attention.  The way the Sheriff received these comments was appreciated.  During the conversation, it was pointed out software is available that makes it easier for the Sheriff to manage these types of situations.  Mr. Simpson would like to publicly encourage the Sheriff to bring this proposal forward and also urged the Board to approve it when it is brought forward.  The Sheriff needs to have the tools to create public safety from his department.

Chairman Whitaker announced a Liquor Committee meeting would be held tomorrow evening regarding a marina restaurant and bar application.

Mr. Joseph moved to approve the Woodford County Board Member Per Diem and Mileage Compensation Policy, which motion was seconded by Mr. Karr.

Administrator Jackson reported the Executive Committee requested that he come up with some type of auditing process for the approval of per diem and mileage claims and this Policy was the result.  The County Administrator’s Office would not be denying claims but performing the audit function.  The claims would be passed on to the Executive Committee for approval.  The purpose of the Policy is to address the County’s business as it operates today and have a check and balance procedure.

 There was discussion that Board Members attend some educational meetings based on their own discretion on what they feel is necessary and the need to have a policy to monitor per diems so they do not exceed the budgeted amount.  Mr. Karr stated the per diems and mileage reimbursements were also discussed at the Committee Restructuring meetings.  He felt this was a great program if the Board was going to confirm that individuals really attended meetings; however, item IV could be taken up at a later date for clarification.  It was once again pointed out that no amendment was needed and the Woodford County Board Member Per Diem and Mileage Compensation Policy was an administrative order to be effective July 1, 2006.

Chairman Whitaker called for a roll call vote: County Board voting Aye: Larry Whitaker, Kenneth Uphoff, Doug Simpson, Caroline Schertz, Fred Luedtke, R. Joel Lemkemann, John Krug, Thomas Karr, Gary A. Joseph, David Griepentrog, Thomas Evans, James Booth and Marcus Adams.  County Board Members voting Nay: Peter Lambie.  County Board Members absent: None.  Motion carried.

Mr. Karr moved to approve Resolution #107 (Amending the Woodford County Zoning Ordinance), which motion was seconded by Mr. Uphoff.

County Administrator Jackson stated the Conservation, Planning and Zoning Committee and the Zoning Board of Appeals recommend approval of the amendments to the Zoning Ordinance regarding the language changes and the fee schedule.  This resolution attempts to offset expenses without increasing costs to the taxpayers and the fee schedule was discussed.  He also pointed out there should be no concern about scaring away future development as Woodford County fees are lower than other counties.

Chairman Whitaker called for a roll call vote.  County Board Members voting Aye: James Booth, Thomas Evans, David Griepentrog, Gary A. Joseph, Thomas Karr, John Krug, R. Joel Lemkemann, Fred Luedtke, Caroline Schertz, Doug Simpson, Kenneth Uphoff, and Larry Whitaker.  County Board Members voting Nay: Marcus Adams and Peter Lambie.  County Board members absent: None.  Motion carried.

Mr. Joseph moved to waive GIS fees for Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, which motion was seconded by Mr. Luedtke.

Mr. Joseph stated this was a no fee governmental agreement between Woodford County and a Woodford County affiliated governmental base.  Tri-County would be using this GIS data in regard to zoning issues.

 The vote was called on the above motion and was unanimously carried.

Mr. Joseph moved to waive GIS fees for the City of Minonk, which motion was seconded by Mr. Luedtke and was unanimously carried.

 Clerk Harms presented the list of correspondence to be placed on file for the June 20, 2006 County Board meeting:

·         Regional Office of Education Operating Expenses for May 2006.

·         The 2006/2007 meeting schedule for the Heart of Illinois Regional Port District Board (TransPORT) of Directors as well as the meeting notice for June 15,  2006 at 2:30 P.M.

·         Woodford County Trustees reports as of 4/30/06 and 5/31/06.

·         Notice of Public Meeting regarding the proposed Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) watershed implementation plan for the Evergreen Lake watershed.  The hearing is scheduled for 6:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 13, 2006 at the Hudson Town Hall.

·         Correspondence from Woodford County Board Chairman Whitaker to the Chairmen of the Woodford County Republican and Democratic Central Committees sending notification of the vacancy in County Board District One as of 6/1/06 and of the opportunity to recommend candidates.

·         Correspondence from Chairman Christ of the Woodford County Republican Central Committee recommending the appointment of Thomas L. Janssen to complete the unexpired term of Robert Hunsaker in County Board District One.

·         Correspondence from the US Army Corps of Engineers regarding the Upper Mississippi River Comprehensive Plan.

·         Financial Statements of the Woodford County Circuit Clerk as evaluated by Clifton Gunderson LLP.

·         Minutes of the Finance & Economic Development Committee meeting held May 9, 2006.

·         Minutes of the Road and Bridge Committee meeting held May 3, 2006.

·         Minutes of the Public Safety Committee meeting held May 4, 2006.

·         Minutes of the County Offices Committee meeting held May 10, 2006.

·         Minutes of the Executive Committee meeting held May 11, 2006.

·         Agenda of the Information, Technology Strategy Committee meeting to be held March 9, 2006.  The meeting was cancelled, due to the lack of a quorum.

·         Minutes of the ITS (Information, Technology Strategy)/GIS (Geographic Information System) Committee meeting held May 3, 2006.

·         Minutes of Committee Restructuring meeting held April 13, 2006.

·         Minutes of the Wage Equity Committee meeting held April 17, 2006.

·         Minutes of the Insurance Committee discussion held May 10, 2006, and minutes of the Insurance Committee meeting held June 8, 2006.

 
Chairman Whitaker stated the above correspondence would normally be placed in the file cabinet in this room and would be accessible to every Board Member at any time as they had keys to this room.  If the communications as currently filed were not being accessed by the Board Members, Clerk Harms would prefer to file all correspondence in the County Board files in the County Clerk’s Office.  There would be no more filing of the Board’s correspondence in the County Board Room.  As no concerns were raised, all Board correspondence would be filed in the Clerk’s Office.

Mr. Griepentrog moved to place on communications on file, which motion was seconded by Mr. Uphoff and was unanimously carried.

Mr. Luedtke moved to adjourn until 6:30 P.M. the third Tuesday in July A.D. 2006, same being the 18^th day of said month, which was seconded by Mr. Lemkemann and was unanimously carried.

Chairman Whitaker announced the Board adjourned. 

Attest:  Debbie Harms, County Clerk