Effingham County Board of Trustees met April 15.
Here is the agenda provided by the board:
ROLL CALL, PLEDGE, PRAYER
The County Board of Effingham County, Illinois met pursuant to a regular meeting on at 4:00 P.M. in the Classroom of the Effingham County Emergency Management Agency, City of Effingham, State of Illinois. Meeting was called to order by Chairman Niemann.
Roll call was taken with the following Board Members present: Lloyd Foster, Jim Niemann, Heather Mumma, David Campbell, John Perry, Jeff Simpson, Doug McCain, Rob Arnold, and Joe Thoele. Chairman Niemann led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance and D. Campbell gave the Prayer.
AGENDA CONSIDERATIONS - None
RECOGNIZE PERSONS WHO WISH TO SPEAK ON AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – Effingham County resident Shirley McEvers asked to speak to Item #7 Referendum for
Illinois Separation and #8 Resolution – FOID Unconstitutional
APPROVE MINUTES
Motion made by L. Foster seconded by R. Arnold to approve the meeting minutes of March 18, 2019. Motion carried.
OFFICERS MONTHLY REPORTS
Motion made by J. Thoele seconded by H. Mumma to approve the Officers reports for March 2019. Motion carried.
APPROVE BILLS: COUNTY BOARD PER DIEM & EXPENSES
Motion made by L. Foster seconded by H. Mumma to approve payment of all the County bills plus County Board per diem and expenses. Roll call vote was taken with voting as follows: 8 Aye, 0 Nay. Motion carried.
COUNTY BOARD PER DIEM AND EXPENSES – Paid April 26, 2019
REFERENDUM - Illinois Separation
Effingham County resident Shirley McEvers spoke regarding this item. Mrs. McEvers asked Why would we want to separate? Where will separation leave Effingham County financially? Mrs. McEvers believes we should remain one state.
Board Member Heather Mumma noted the language has changed a bit from the version that was presented at the Legislative Committee of the Whole meeting of Thursday, April 11, 2019. This referendum is only for the possibility of separating. It was brought forth as constituents don’t believe Springfield is hearing downstate voices and are concerned that taxes are supporting the wrong things.
Others who spoke included Board Members D. Campbell, R. Arnold, J. Perry, J. Niemann and J. Thoele, State’s Attorney Bryan Kibler, citizens Matt Pals, Clark Phillips, Jeff Murphy, Charles Heuerman, Ed Hoopingarner and Mike Sehy.
Motion made by D. Campbell seconded by H. Mumma to approve the Referendum for Illinois Separation. Voice vote taken with voting as follows: 6 Aye, 2 Nay. Motion carried. Disapproving votes cast by J. Thoele and D. McCain.
RESOLUTION – FOID Unconstitutional
Effingham County resident Shirley McEvers spoke against the Board approving this resolution, she doesn’t have a problem with the FOID card requirement. Others speaking to this matter were Board Members J. Niemann, D. Campbell, J. Thoele, and R. Arnold, State’s Attorney Bryan Kibler, local broadcaster Greg Sapp, Matt Pals, Charles Heuerman and Eric Pals.
Motion made by D. Campbell seconded by J. Perry to approve the Resolution stating FOID Unconstitutional. Voice vote taken with voting as follows: 7 Aye, 1 Nay. Motion carried. Disapproving vote cast by J. Thoele.
DONATION - Fireworks for Watson Homecoming
Motion made by R. Arnold seconded by L. Foster to donate $1,000 towards fireworks for the Watson Homecoming. Voice vote taken. Motion carried.
DONATION – Fireworks for EdgewoodFest.
Motion made by D. McCain seconded by R. Arnold to donate $ 1,000 towards fireworks for EdgewoodFest. Voice vote taken. Motion carried.
FARMERS MARKET – Artisan Booths
Motion made by J. Thoele seconded by J. Simpson to approve placing artisan booths north of the Veterans Memorial during Farmer’s Market. Voice vote taken. Motion carried.
LACTATION ROOM
Motion made by J. Simpson seconded by J. Thoele to approve using a 10 x 10 room in the Government Center as a single purpose Lactation room. Voice vote taken. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION – Declaring Law Day May 2, 2019
Motion made by D. McCain seconded by L. Foster to declare May 2, 2019 as Law Day in Effingham County. Motion carried.
AMEND SALARY SCHEDULE
Motion made by R. Arnold seconded by J. Perry to amend the Non-Union Salary Schedule to include the Probation and Public Defender Departments. Voice vote taken. Motion carried.
BEREAVEMENT – Add one day bereavement leave for Aunts and Uncles for Non-Union Employees without Committee Recommendation
Motion made by J. Perry seconded by R. Arnold to add one day bereavement leave for Aunts and Uncles for Non-Union employees without committee recommendation. Voice vote taken. Motion carried.
SUMMER PICNIC – August 23, 2019
Motion made by L. Foster seconded by D. McCain to set August 23, 2019 as the Summer Picnic for Effingham County Employees. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION of APPOINTMENTS
Altamont Fire Protection District Elwin Stuemke 5/6/19-5/2/22
Dieterich Community Fire Protection District Gary Horn 5/1/19-5/2/22
Watson Fire Protection District – Steven L. Rudolphi 5/6/19-5/2/22
Motion made by J. Perry seconded by D. Campbell to approve all three appointments together. Motion carried. Motion made by J. Simpson seconded by J. Perry to approve the Resolution of Appointment naming:
Elwin Stuemke to the Altamont Fire Protection District for the term 5/6/19-5/2/22,
Gary Horn to the to the Dieterich Community Fire Protection District for the term 5/6/19-5/2/22,
Steven L. Rudolphi to the to the Watson Fire Protection District for the term 5/6/19-5/2/22. Motion carried.
COUNTY HIGHWAY
Winterrowd Bridge, Section #17-00097-00-BR – Local Agency Agreement for Federal Participation
West Township Bridge, Section #15-1511-00-BR- Local Agency Agreement for Federal Participation
Preliminary Engineering Agreement for Bishop Church Bridge, Section#17-00098-00-BR
Motion made by J. Thoele seconded by R. Arnold to approve the Winterrowd Bridge, Section #17-00097-00-BR – Local Agency Agreement for Federal Participation. Motion carried. Motion made by J. Thoele seconded by D. McCain to approve the West Township Bridge, Section #15-1511-00-BR- Local Agency Agreement for Federal Participation. Motion carried. Motion made by J. Perry seconded by J. Simpson to approve the Preliminary Engineering Agreement for Bishop Church Bridge, Section#17-00098-00-BR. Motion carried.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS
Effingham County Clerk Kerry Hirtzel announced a 26.89 % voter turnout for the April 2, 2019 Consolidated Election.
Pam Jacobs, Emergency Management Director welcomed everyone to the Emergency Management building for this meeting. Director Jacobs reported on the use of the building and
gave a rundown of 87 hours over the last month of trainings, etc.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Member J. Thoele announced the County Highway will let bids for oil on April 25, 2019.
Member Heather Mumma announced there have been zero deaths at the Animal Shelter this year and thanked the Humane Society and EARS for their help.
D. Campbell announced a second loan has recently been paid off, this one by JLS.
J. Simpson announced he will be attending a CIRMA meeting later this week and asked if Board Members or Elected Officials have any concerns to let him know.
J. Perry attended the CEFS monthly board meeting where it was announced CEFS will be splitting their finance and audit committee and he will be heading the new audit committee.
Road & Bridge – March 12, 2019
Committee Members Present: Joe Thoele, Doug McCain and Jeff Simpson. Others present: Jim Niemann, Bob Westendorf, Becky Hoopingarner, and Greg Koester. J. Simpson moved and D. McCain seconded to approve the February 12, 2019 minutes, unanimous. Reviewed and signed claims.
Old Business
1. Bush Hog – Purchased the new bush hog from Dittamore for $15,000. Watson Township agreed to purchase existing bush hog for 6,250.00 when County receives the new bush hog.
Motor Grader Purchase – Bids results (table below) from last week were presented to committee. The Erb bid (John Deere) was the low bid. The Fabick (CAT) bid a machine with additional features. Koester requested additional time to compare the bids and machines. Erb will be bringing a similar machine for demo this week.
If County purchases the Deere with trade of our 1997 JD 772 only, net price after trade will be $170,758.97. This amount (along with the $15,000 bush hog and $8,000 slat hopper) exceeds our $160,000 equipment budget line item this year, but Koester believes the overall highway budget should be okay. With the sale of existing bush hog ($6,250) and stake bed truck, our revenues should go up as well.
D. McCain moved and J. Simpson seconded to table for next month, unanimous.
New Business:
1. Oil Letting - Letting tentatively scheduled for 11:00 am om April 25th.
2. Purchase Property Along Lake Sara Road to Improve Drainage. North of 4-way stop, we rented a 20 ft. strip along east side of road from property owner the past 2 years because
of drainage/erosion issues. Would like to move ditch out but moving power lines would be expensive. Now, Norris Electric is planning to replace poles in that area. If we purchase an easement/deed from property owner, Norris Electric can relocate poles at no expense and we can fix issue. Koester believes county bridge funds could be used for drainage improvement. J. Simpson moved and J. Thoele seconded to negotiate purchase of easement/deed, unanimous.
3. Grant Application for Informational Signage along TREC Trail Regarding Little Wabash River Watershed – Denise Willenborg passed out some information on 4 to 5 signs they would like to display around the Little Wabash bridge with an environmental grant. J. Simpson moved and J. Thoele seconded to recommend board approval, unanimous.
4. Road Agreement for Funkhouser Road – Howell Paving – Greg handed out an agreement with Howell that they can utilize Funkhouser Road during the two-year interstate reconstruction project as long as they repair any damages during the project. Upon completion of interstate project, Howell agrees to place a thin overlay with an oil/chip surface. Koester recommends approval. J. Thoele moved and J. Simpson seconded to approve road agreement.
5. Participate in State Purchase Program for Road Salt – Signed a joint purchasing agreement for 100 tons of salt for next year.
6. Addition VIII to Campground, Town and Country Subdivision – No information at this time.
7. Status of Maintenance –
Keeping up with the weather (snow and ice)
Patching, bumping, and fixing driveway and mailboxes
Repair some shoulders on the road and cut trees
J. Simpson moved and D. McCain seconded to adjourn, unanimous
Airport - April 3, 2019
Commission Members Present: (Roll Call Taken) Tony Siemer, Jim Niemann, Stan Bahrns, Jeff Simpson, Phil Toops. Others Present: Jerry Tate (Airport Manager), County Engineer Greg Koester, Jeremy Heuerman
Minutes - J Simpson motion/J Niemann second to approve the March 6, 2019 minutes as written. Unanimous, Motion Carried.
Correspondence
Review and Approve Bills - P Toops motion/S Bahrns second to approve bills totaling $3,149.08. Unanimous, Motion carried. Old Business
Apron Expansion Status – G Koester reported Howell is planning on starting the project in May. The project is expected to take 60 days to complete.
Fuel Truck Rental – J Tate stated he has talked with M Wright regarding the rental of a fuel truck from High Flight. High Flight is agreeable to renting a fuel truck to the Airport
during the construction period. P Toops stated the estimated cost of the transfer of the fuel truck from Casey to Effingham would be $1000.00 one way. M Wright proposed in exchange for 5 months of hangar rent at current corporate hangar, High Flight will transport the fuel truck to Effingham and consent to the use of said truck by the Airport during construction of the Apron. The commission discussed the pros and cons and other options. The County will need to check on insurance regarding the use of the truck on Airport Property. P Toops motioned to accept M Wright’s proposal regarding the use of the fuel truck in exchange for 5 months hangar rent, S Bahrns second. Unanimous, Motion carried.
Ground Lease for High Flight Hangar –
o G Koester recited at last month’s meeting the commission agreed to move forward with the lease provided the hangar is located at the F8 location with the hangar doors facing east.
o M Wright spoke to Hanson Engineers prior to today’s meeting regarding different options. M Wright is wanting doors on both ends of the building. M Wright presented 2 options. One option is building a new hangar as set forth on the last page of the layout distributed to the commission (attached). The second option is utilizing the current hangar, altering the height of the door, adding on to the hangar and moving a wall. M Wright stated he would prefer Option 1 – building a new hangar.
o The commission reviewed original layout versus proposed layouts for future development. G Koester stated the option M Wright is proposing is feasible, but is not consistent with our current ALP, likely limiting our options to the west and/or north.
o G Koester suggested that ground lease prohibits aircraft parking within the object free area.
o G Koester will talk with Hanson as to the issues if west side of hangar access taxiway to the south.
o S Bahrns motion to authorize G Koester and J Simpson or J Niemann to work out the details with High Flight, J Simpson second. Unanimous, Motion carried
New Business General Information
G Koester stated all farm rents have been paid.
M Wright request a revision to the proposed ground lease. He would like 40 year term with three 20 year renewal instead of the proposed two 10 year renewal terms. Adjourn/Next Meeting - P Toops motioned/J Simpson seconded to adjourn the meeting, unanimous. Motion carried.
The next Effingham County Airport Commission meeting will be on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at 9:00 A.M. at the Effingham County Building 1st Floor.
Minutes submitted by Deb Ruholl, Administrative Aide to Airport Commission
Legislative – April 9, 2019
Committee Members Present: Jeff Simpson, Chair, Jim Niemann, Vice Chair, Lloyd Foster, Joe Thoele, David Campbell, John Perry, Rob Arnold, Doug McCain.
Heather Mumma was absent. This meeting called to order by Chair J. Simpson.
1. Member J. Niemann motioned to approve the minutes of the March 11, 2019 Meeting of this Committee. Member L. Foster seconded. Motion carried.
2. Unfinished Business – Prevailing Wage – Member J. Perry researched the prevailing wage situation. Member Perry reported the State of Illinois has removed the need for counties
to approve Prevailing Wage every year with Public Act 100-1177 (SB0203). Prevailing Wage will be handled between the State and contractors.
3. New Business –
Referendum for Illinois Separation – Member D. Campbell motioned to send to the Full Board at its meeting of April 15, 2019 a recommendation to place the Advisory Question of Separation on the March 7, 2020 General Primary Election. Member R. Arnold seconded. This advisory question was proposed by Member Heather Mumma as the movement to create a second Illinois by separating Cook County, the City of Chicago, and other Cook County Municipalities. After discussion motion carried with Member J. Thoele voting No.
Resolution Declaring Law Day – Member J. Niemann motioned to send to the Full Board the resolution declaring May 2, 2019 as Law Day in Effingham County. Member J. Perry seconded. Motion carried.
Resolution Declaring FOID Unconstitutional – Member J. Niemann motioned to send to the Full Board a recommendation to approve the Resolution to declare the Illinois Firearms Identification Card unconstitutional. Member J. Perry seconded. Motion carried.
Member D. McCain introduced Effingham County citizen Kenny Tipsword. Mr. Tipsword presented the idea of naming a three-mile stretch of the Altamont Blacktop (N. 300th Street, County Highway 25) in memory of Kenneth W. Tipsword and other veterans. The section of this road would be from E. 1600th Avenue south to E 1300th Avenue. Member J. Niemann motioned to table this item to the May meeting of the Road & Bridge Committee. Member J. Perry seconded. Motion carried.
4. Appointments –
Altamont FPD Trustee - Elwin Stuemke
Dieterich FPD – Gary Horn
Watson FPD – Steven L. Rudolphi
Member J. Perry motioned to vote on all of these appointments together. Member L. Foster seconded. Motion carried.
Member J. Niemann motioned to send to the Full Board a recommendation to approve these appointments. Member J. Perry seconded. Motion carried.
5. General Information/Public Comments –
Member J. Niemann reported there will be a need for a member on the Health Board as of July 1, 2019/
Chief Deputy Paul Kuhns announced Schindler Elevator Company personnel will be in the County Building as of Thursday, April 11, 2019 to begin work on the elevator repair.
Citizen Kenny Tipsword noted the promotion as of July 1, 2019 of Roy Weber as State Commander for the American Legion and suggested the County Board should recognize Mr. Weber.
6. Closed Session – None
7. Member L. Foster motioned to adjourn this meeting. Member J. Niemann seconded. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
S/ Kerry J. Hirtzel, Effingham County Clerk
Building & Grounds – April 9, 2019
Committee Members Present: Lloyd Foster, Chairman; Joe Thoele, Doug McCain. Others Present: Jeff Simpson, Jim Niemann, Sheriff David Mahon, Chief Paul Kuhns, Dianna Miller and Tim Miller/Farmer’s Market
MINUTES - Minutes from March 12, 2019 meeting were approved. J Thoele/D McCain. Motion carried. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Chief Kuhns reported Koch Air is here today to install the software.
Chief Kuhns stated Schindler is coming on Thursday to start on the elevator repair. NEW BUSINESS
Farmer’s Market Artisan Booths – Dianna Miller and Tim Miller with Farmer’s Market requested additional space on the Courthouse lawn to set up booths for the Farmer’s Market. Currently the Farmer’s Market has 56 committed vendors for the 2019 season and would like the additional space for growth. The Farmer’s Market will open on 5/18/19. J Thoele motioned and D McCain second to send to the full board the request for additional space on the Courthouse lawn.
Lactation Room – J Niemann stated Judge Koester is wanting to switch the location of the Lactation Room from the 6’ X 10’ room as approved previously by the board to the 10’ X 10’ room currently under construction for the Probation Department. C Meyers is agreeable to the switch. J Thoele motioned and D McCain second to send to the full board moving the Lactation room from the 6’ X 10’ room to the 10’ X 10’ room.
GENERAL INFORMATION/PUBLIC COMMENTS - J Thoele reported he met with the State last week regarding relocating the Veteran’s Assistance’s office to the Regional Office of Education’s office (Drone’s) on the second floor. The State requested moving a wall and closing off the doorway to Regional Office of Education’s second office (Jenny’s). The State agreed to a one year lease extension. During this time Tony Hille will put together the numbers to see if relocating the Veteran’s Assistance’s Office is feasible.
ADJOURNMENT - D McCain motioned and J Thoele seconded that the meeting be adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Deb Ruholl, County Board Office Administrator
Tax & Finance - April 11, 2018
Committee Members Present: Rob Arnold, Chair, Jeff Simpson, Vice-Chair, Lloyd Foster, Jim Niemann, Heather Mumma, Dave Campbell, John Perry, Doug McCain and Joe Thoele. This meeting called to order by Chair R. Arnold.
1. Minutes – L. Foster made the motion to approve the March 14, 2019 minutes as written. J. Simpson seconded. Motion carried.
2. Unfinished Business – Member J. Simpson asked if Board Chair J. Niemann had received any further information from UCCI regarding the question of the breakdown of the
Capital Improvement, etc. Fund. Chair Niemann replied not at this time.
3. New Business
Watson Homecoming Donation – Joey Meyer of Watson asked this committee for a donation of $1000 for the annual Watson Homecoming fireworks display. Member D. Campbell motioned to send to the Full Board at its meeting of April 15, 2019 a recommendation to donate the $1000 from the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund. Member D. McCain seconded. Motion carried.
EdgewoodFest Donation – John Gilmore of Edgewood asked this committee for a donation of $1000 for the annual EdgewoodFest fireworks display. Member D. McCain motioned to send to the Full Board the recommendation to donate $1000 from the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund. Member L. Foster seconded. Motion carried.
Amend Salary Schedule – Because the Probation Department and Public Defender employees recently became non-union offices the Salary Schedule needs to be updated. Member J. Perry motioned to send to the Full Board the recommendation to approve the updated Salary Schedule as presented. Member L. Foster seconded. Motion carried.
Summer Picnic – Member J. Thoele motioned to send to the Full Board the recommendation to set August 23, 2019 at 4:00 PM the time for the Summer Picnic for County Employees. Member J. Niemann seconded. Motion carried.
4. Appointments- None
5. General Information/Public Comments –
Board Chair J. Niemann noted he had received word from UCCI that a lactation room should be a single use room.
Chief Deputy Paul Kuhns reported that Schindler Elevator Company started work on the elevator today. Chief Kuhns also reported the insulation has been installed in the heating/air computer room of the Government Center.
6. Closed Session – None
7. Member J. Perry motioned to adjourn this meeting. Member L. Foster seconded. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
S/ Kerry J. Hirtzel, Effingham County Clerk
CLOSED SESSION – None
ADJOURN to May 20, 2019 AT 4:00 P.M.
Motion made by J. Perry seconded by L. Foster to adjourn to Monday, May 20, 2019 at 4:00 P.M. Motion carried.
http://www.co.effingham.il.us/sites/default/files/board/minutes.pdf
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