Clark County Board of Commissioners met May 18.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
The regular meeting of the County Board met May 18, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. and was called to Order by Chairman John Hammond. County Clerk Carrie Downey led the pledge of allegiance.
Roll Call 8:00 a.m.
Rex Goble District #1
Mike Brandenburg District #2
Jim Bolin District #3
John Hammond District #4
Susan Guinnip District #5
Todd Kuhn District #6
Mike Parsons District #7
Motion by Susan Guinnip and second by Mike Brandenburg to approve the minutes of the April 20, 2018 Regular Board Meeting. The Chairman put the question and upon the roll being taken all members present voted “aye”. Whereupon the Chairman declared the motion adopted.
Chairman Hammond had a question about a $600.00 charge in General Claims for landscaping. It was explained the charge was by Ambulance for the seeding and straw for the empty lot where a house was torn down.
Motion by Mike Parsons and second by Susan Guinnip to approve the General Claims. The Chairman put the question and upon the roll being taken all members present voted “aye” with the exception of District 2 Member Mike Brandenburg who abstained. Whereupon the Chairman declared the motion adopted.
Motion by Rex Goble and second by Todd Kuhn to approve the County Highway Claims. The Chairman put the question and upon the roll being taken all members present voted “aye”. Whereupon the Chairman declared the motion adopted.
County Highway Engineer, Dallas Richardson, proceeded through his agenda. He reports that mowing will start on Monday with Clarksville Road to be the first area to be mowed due to Memorial Day coming up and the amount of traffic on the road. The second thing is an intergovernmental agreement with Edgar County to share the cost of repairing a wood deck bridge in Wabash Township north of Dennison. Engineer Richardson explained the process that will take place to repair the under structure of the bridge. This is a temporary fix to make the bridge structurally sound for now and keep it open until funds are available to replace the bridge. The costs will be split with Edgar County. Edgar County will pay for 59.5% and Clark County 40.5% of the repair costs. Edgar County has passed the agreement.
Motion by Rex Goble and second by Mike Brandenburg to enter into Intergovernmental Agreement with Edgar County Highway for repair of structure between Counties. The Chairman put the question and upon the roll being taken all members present voted “aye”. Whereupon the Chairman declared the motion adopted. (See attached).
Next on Engineer Richardson’s agenda was an Intergovernmental Agreement with new Road Commissioners elected in 2017 in Casey, Douglas, Johnson, and Westfield Townships.
Motion by Jim Bolin and second by Mike Parsons to enter into Intergovernmental Agreement with the following townships: Casey, Douglas, Johnson, and Westfield due to new Road Commissioners elected in 2017. The Chairman put the question and upon the roll being taken all members present voted “aye”. Whereupon the Chairman declared the motion adopted. (See attached).
Engineer Richardson continued his agenda next reporting that the Dolson Bridge project is estimated to begin late May to early June. The timeframe for the beams being cast is what will determine the exact date for the beginning of the project. The Cummins Engineering Corporation agreement was next on Engineer Richardson’s agenda which he informed the Board he has entered into. The agreement is for $6,325.00 and the project is to straighten out the S curve on Clark Switchboard Road.
Motion by Susan Guinnip and second by Todd Kuhn to accept all Office Reports for April 2018 and the Treasurer’s March 2018 report. The Chairman put the question and upon the roll being taken all members present voted “aye” with exception of District 2, Mike Brandenburg who abstained. Whereupon the Chairman declared the motion adopted. (See attached).
New Business: Christina DeWitt with Umbaugh & Associates was in attendance to gather information and speak about doing the cost study for the Clark County Ambulance Service. Ms. DeWitt introduced herself and provided business cards and information about herself and Umbaugh & Associates. She will be working with Carol Holbert on the study. Discussion was on cost of the study and time frame to complete the study. It was agreed that cost study should be done on keeping everything the same as in personnel, existing buildings, etc. and also a cost study showing changes such as if full time employees were to be added among other changes. Ms. DeWitt will work with Jason Wimbley on details of wants and needs for the Ambulance Service.
Next was discussion on approving the Gun Sanctuary Resolution. Attorney Paul Wieck spoke first stating that he is a supporter of the 2nd amendment as well as the complete constitution. He states that the way the Resolution is worded which states the Bills in question are unconstitutional has legal concerns to him and also should concern the Board. Mr. Wieck went on stating several other opinions as to why he thinks it would be in the Boards best interest to not approve the Resolution. Susan Guinnip questioned where the Resolution came from. It was stated the Resolution came from Effingham County. Susan also questioned which parts were unconstitutional and could it be re- worded. Mr. Wieck advised against it. Chairman Hammond stated that States Attorney Kyle Hutson had not had time to look at the Resolution and suggests to table the matter until next month’s Board meeting. Jim McKittrick spoke next and asked if this says that we are supporting the 2nd amendment. Mr. Wieck replied no it is stating that these bills are unconstitutional and if the state ever passes a law that’s different than how we interpret the constitution that we are requiring our county authorities to violate the law. Susan questioned how this would affect law enforcement if it was passed. Sheriff Jerry Parsley stated the Sheriff’s department will follow what the law is that day as laws change but he will enforce the law as it is. Next person to speak was Warren LeFever. He stated that he feels it is unfortunate that lawyers have come into play in this matter. He states that this is not an ordinance or a law, it is a resolution, it is a statement. He stated that how this came about was that he heard about it before Effingham County had passed it. When Effingham County passed it he contacted the Effingham County Clerk to get a copy. His thinking was that if Effingham County passed it, why don’t we change it to fit Clark County. Warren went on stating that seven counties have passed this Resolution and it is for law abiding citizens. He said this is simply a statement saying that the people of this County are not happy with the things going on in Springfield. Attorney Joe Schroeder was the next to speak. He stated that he would like to adopt everything that Attorney Paul Wieck said as his statement. He spoke about an e-mail he sent to District #5 Board member Susan Guinnip from himself and his wife Alice Schroeder asking Susan not to support the Resolution. They feel it is wrong to support something that is unnecessary, wrong to declare something that is not the law
unconstitutional, wrong to be the judge and jury, this is a Resolution in search of a problem. He states that in his opinion if the Board adopts this as it is written it is directing their employees not to enforce the law. Attorney Schroder states that he supports the 2nd amendment and common sense gun laws. He ended in saying that even if you believe the things going on in Springfield are wrong this isn’t the solution. Chairman Hammond stated he thinks the matter should be tabled until States Attorney Kyle Hutson has a chance to read the Resolution and offer his opinion.
Motion by Mike Brandenburg and second by Susan Guinnip to table the Resolution for Gun Sanctuary for Clark County. The Chairman put the question and upon the roll being taken all members present voted “aye”. Whereupon the Chairman declared the motion adopted.
It was then recognized that there was another person wishing to speak about the Resolution. William Behnke introduced himself as the owner of Lost Creek Trading Gun Shop in Marshall, IL. Mr. Behnke stated he started his business in 1974. That is when he was a police officer and resident of Deerfield, IL. He spoke about gun laws passed in Deerfield that hurt his business. When he retired as a police officer after 36 years he decided to open a gun shop in Marshall, IL in 2004. He spoke about the difference in opinions toward gun ownership in Central Illinois and the suburbs of Chicago. Mr. Behnke spoke about the difficulty, because of laws and proposed laws, in being a small business in the gun industry. He also stated that he is a supporter of the 2nd amendment.
Next in New Business was the Addendum to the Professional Service Agreement with Joseph E. Meyer and Associates to increase the minimum auction sale bid from $600 to $750. Board member Jim Bolin talked about three properties in Casey that have been up for sale for two years and nobody has bought them. Discussion was if the bid could be reduced or if the properties could be given or donated to communities.
Motion by Jim Bolin and second by Mike Brandenburg to approve and adopt the Addendum to Professional Service Agreement with Joseph E. Meyer and Associates to increase the minimum auction sale bid from $600 to $750. The Chairman put the question and upon the roll being taken all members present voted “aye”. Whereupon the Chairman declared the motion adopted. (See attached).
Board Member Jim Bolin asked if there would be any incentives to get old houses torn down and building a new house or could the County adopt something to promote this. Board Member Todd Kuhn stated that the City of Marshall did something along this line. Warren LeFever stated that the city provided dumpsters and paid for them for old houses being torn down but the problem with this was funding to pay for it. Discussion continued that this is a good incentive to get old properties cleaned up but there should also be incentive to get new homes built on these lots also. Suggestion was maybe offering an exemption on property taxes for the first five years on new houses built. It was decided that before any proposal be made Supervisor of Assessments Lisa Richey will check things out with the State to see what can and can’t be offered.
A Representative from Smartwatt was on hand to give a presentation on the Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program. He provided literature about his company and the program and also explained that his company provides design, installation, and also helps in getting funding for the projects which include installation of energy saving HVAC and LED lighting among other upgrades. He spoke about the Local Government Energy Conservation Act which allows his company to complete the projects with no upfront costs to the consumer. He also spoke about how the company is held accountable for the estimate of savings that was given for the upgrades. He answered questions about the length of financing and also about if the windows that have been installed in the Courthouse previously would be eligible for any retro savings. Also that the engineering assessment would be done at no charge. County Engineer Dallas Richardson spoke about meeting with another
company about such project and his concern was that ours would be too small of a job to qualify. The Smartwatt representative stated the smallest project they had done was $150,000. It was agreed to take a look at this at budget time around September and contact Smartwatt at that time.
Next County Clerk Carrie Downey spoke about the Mediacom Franchise Fee Ordinance. The County annually receives 5% franchise fees which amounts to around $4,000 to $5,000. MediaCom has gone from a local franchise to a State franchise. In order to continue to receive these fees the Ordinance must be approved. Concern was what we were agreeing to by signing this Ordinance. It was agreed to postpone the vote on this Ordinance until next month to have time to look into it more.
Old Business: Sherriff Jerry Parsley spoke about the Sheriff’s department outdated computer system and how nobody will support it because it is so old. E911 is replacing their computer system and has had a few bids from various companies for a new system. These new systems have software to support the Sheriff’s department’s needs as well. Sheriff Parsley explained about piggybacking off of E911’s new system and has looked at what can be eliminated from the program that can be taken care of on a single computer in the department. Hopefully within a month he will have the Sheriff’s Department portion of the cost.
Motion by Mike Brandenburg and second by Mike Parsons to reappoint Evan Tingley to the Martinsville Fire District Board. This is a 3yr term from 6/1/2018 to 6/1/2021. The Chairman put the question and upon the roll being taken all members present voted “aye”. Whereupon the Chairman declared the motion adopted.
Motion by Rex Goble and second by Mike Brandenburg to reappoint Dennis Updegraff, Richard Wheeler, and Jerry Lowery to the Westfield Fire District Board. The term is 3 yrs. from 5/1/2018 to 5/1/2021. The Chairman put the question and upon the roll being taken all members present voted “aye”. Whereupon the Chairman declared the motion adopted.
The Board of Review appointment was tabled until next month.
Board Member Todd Kuhn had news and literature about the City of Marshall buying the Candy Kitchen and putting public restrooms in the rear of the building. Also that the City has received grant money for the streetscape project including Plum Street being turned into a one-way between 5th and 6th Street with angle parking added. Also the City has gotten a housing grant for low income energy efficiency for existing houses in Wards 1 and 3. (See attached).
Motion by Rex Goble and second by Mike Parsons to enter into Executive Session at 9:35 a.m. to discuss Ambulance business. The Chairman put the question and upon the roll being taken all members present voted “aye”. Whereupon the Chairman declared the motion adopted.
Motion by Jim Bolin and second by Mike Brandenburg to come out of Executive session at 10:12 a.m. The Chairman put the question and upon the roll being taken all members present voted “aye”. Whereupon the Chairman declared the motion adopted.
Motion by Susan Guinnip and second by Mike Brandenburg to enter back into Executive session at 10:20 a.m. to further discuss Ambulance business. The Chairman put the question and upon the roll being taken all members present voted “aye”. Whereupon the Chairman declared the motion adopted.
Motion by Susan Guinnip and second by Todd Kuhn to come out of Executive session at 10:30 a.m. The Chairman put the question and upon the roll being taken all members present voted “aye”. Whereupon the Chairman declared the motion adopted.
Motion by Susan Guinnip and second by Rex Goble to approve Preceding bills. The Chairman put the question and upon the roll being taken all members present voted “aye”. Whereupon the Chairman declared the motion adopted.
Motion by Todd Kuhn and second by Mike Parsons to approve one day and mileage claims. The Chairman put the question and upon the roll being taken all members present voted “aye”. Whereupon the Chairman declared the motion adopted.
Motion by Susan Guinnip and second by Jim Bolin that the meeting be adjourned until June 15, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. The Chairman put the question and upon the roll being taken all members present voted “aye”. Whereupon the Chairman declared the motion adopted. The meeting adjourned at 10:32 a.m.
https://evogov.s3.amazonaws.com/meetings/155/minutes/4986.pdf
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