East Central Reporter

Jasper County Board met March 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The Jasper County Board met on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Jasper County Building, Board Room, 204 West Washington Street, Newton, Illinois. The meeting was called to order by proclamation according to law by Sheriff Francis. Sheriff Francis led a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance. The following board members were present: Chairman Jason Warfel, Vice-Chairman Ron Heltsley, A.C. Pickens, Doug Weddelll, James Judson, Eric Spiker, Jessica Schackmann, and Austin Francis. Michael Geier was absent.

Public Comments: no comments

Adoption of the agenda. There was no objection, the agenda was adopted as distributed. Reports:

County Departments:

Ambulance Department - 911 Calls-65; Transfers-49; Discharges-6; Refusals-18; Mutal aid Standbys-18 Illinois State Ambulance Inspections and Region 6 Inspections were done and all Ambulances passed. The ambulance department has had a remodel to the interior of the building.

Highway Department – Reminder: The Electronic Recycling Event is scheduled for Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Highway Department. The oil letting is scheduled for March 31, 2025, 9:00 a.m. at the Highway Department.

Health Department – Building updates asbestos on floor tiles and has been removed. K Wohltman Construction was the lowest bid. Cancer Support group meets next on April 10, 5-6 pm. Health Fair is scheduled May 28 from 8 am – 1 pm at West End Event Center. Safe sitter class will be offered May 29 for students’ 6th - 8th grade.

County Positions/Services:

Building Maintenance – A decision needs to be made on the type of meter propane or natural gas for the building the county is purchasing. The board does not have an opinion on it.

Jasper County Courthouse – Warfel will let board members know of the next meeting and encourages board members to attend, a design will be presented.

Information Technology Consultant – Nothing to report.

Animal Control – Report is in packet.

Elected Officials:

Treasurer- Reports from Bigard were sent in the board packet. The total income for February was $336,659.05. The expenses for February were $316,475.68. Total income less expenses for February a net income of $ 20,183.37. Fiscal year 2024/2025 income was $840,778.35. Less Expenses were $1,080,382.60 with a net loss of $239,604.25.

Other Elected Officials/Offices – No one reported.

Consent agenda. The following items were on the consent agenda this evening: Approval of County Board February 20, 2025 Minutes; Appointment of Brian Ochs as Trustee for Wade Community Fire Protection District; File County Reports; and Allow Claims. There was no objection, the Consent Agenda was adopted.

Old Business:

Item A. – Jasper County Flag

The commission met on February 12, 2025, to make a final recommendation to the County Board. The flag unanimously recommended by the commission was the Unity Flag with Eagle. This flag is a variation of the flag designed by Barbara J. Eaton. The royal blue of the flag symbolizes patriotism. The circle on the flag symbolizes unity, the unity of the government and the people of Jasper County. The smaller stars symbolize the eleven townships within the borders of Jasper County. The eagle symbolizes our national bird, school mascot, and large population of eagles here in Jasper County. The blue in the middle represents the Embarras River a natural stream of water running through the county. The fields depicted in orange symbolize agriculture and growth. Orange and Blue also symbolize Jasper County Community Unit #1 school colors. Weddell moved to Adopt the Jasper County Flag Commissions recommended flag as the Official Jasper County Flag. Heltsley seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote. Jasper County has officially adopted a Flag.

Item B. - Request for Proposals (RFP) For County Information Technology Services

The County of Jasper has been exploring new tech consulting options. Currently the County is under contract with Kemper Technology Consulting. This is an annual contract that renews on April 30th. After going out for proposals, four proposals were received and reviewed by the County Department Heads. Magoo & Associates (Effingham, IL) All-Inclusive Manage Plan was the recommendation from the County Department Heads. If the Board wishes to proceed with the recommendation of the County Department Heads the board will need two separate motions. The first motion would be to give notice to Kemper Technology Consulting that the County will not renew the current contract. The second motion would be to enter into a Technology Managed Service Agreement with Magoo & Associates. Because of a conflict-of-interest Mr. Spiker will not participate in the vote for these matters. Schackmann moved to end/not renew the current contract with Kemper Technology Consulting, the contract expires on April 30, 2025. Francis seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote. Jasper County will not renew the contract with Kemper Technology Consulting. Schackmann moved to enter into a Technology Managed Service Agreement with Magoo & Associates beginning May 1, 2025. Heltsley seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote. Jasper County will enter into a Technology Managed Service Agreement with Magoo & Associates.

Item C. – Building & Property At 903 Van Buren Street Newton, IL

This is an information item to clarify the reason for the purchase of the building and property at the February 20, 2025, meeting. The building will be used for storage during the courthouse project and serve as the future home of the Jasper County Emergency Management Agency (EMA).

New Business:

Item A. - Accept Precise Construction Services, Inc. Bid for County Building South Entrance ADA Improvement Project

Polling Place Accessibility Grant Awarded September 27, 2024 in the amount of $83,700. Proposed ADA Improvements: Wheelchair Parking in the South Parking Lot of the County Building. New South Ramp to County Building. Sidewalk & Normal Steps up to the New Landing Area of the South Entrance. October 17, 2024, Approved Preliminary Engineering Design & Bid Preparation. (1) One Bid Received from Precise Construction Services, Inc. $76,731.78. Pickens brought up there is a budget line for repairs and maintenance for $50,000 to the county building which could be used cover the amount the grant does not cover. Pickens moved to accept Precise Construction Services, Inc.’s bid for the Jasper County Building South Entrance ADA Improvement Project. Spiker seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote. The bid from Precise Construction Services, Inc. for the Jasper County Building South Entrance ADA Improvement Project.

Board Comments:

Judson thanked Amy for the work to get the grant, it is something that needed to be done. It was something that had been discussed 6 or 7 years ago. Pickens seconded Judson on thanking Amy for the work for the grant.

Chairman’s Comments:

UCCI MEETINGS

Warfel spoke about the UCCI meeting he just attended. He spoke about some of the legislation that is being proposed.

Senator Rose’s traveling office will be at the county building 1-3 pm on March 27th.

Electronic Recycling Event - Saturday, March 29, 2025, 7AM – 1:30PM Jasper County Highway Department This will be the only County Electronic Recycling Event this Year. April 1st will be the Consolidated Election early voting is going If have a ballot please return

The Consolidated Election will be April 1st 6 am -7 pm. Items to be voted on are townships, municipalities, school boards, library boards and college boards. Get out to vote and early voting is going on currently 8 am – 4 pm. Anyone who has a mail ballot please return them, if there is a close race it will make it where a race cannot be decided the evening of the election.

Executive/Closed Session - The board did not have an executive session this evening.

Judson moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:28 pm. Spiker seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote.

The Next Board Meeting will be on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.

https://jaspercountyillinois.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/March202025Minutes.pdf