Peoria Standard

Peoria County Board met September 14.

Here is the minutes provided by the Board:

Call to Order

Moment of Silence

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call by the County Clerk

Attendance was taken with the Roll Call-Pro voting system, and the following members of the Board were present: Adamson, Baietto, Dillon, Elsasser, Fennell, Harding, Mayer, Morris, O'Neill, Pastucha, Rand, Rieker, Robinson, Rosenbohm, Salzer, Watkins and Williams, with Parker absent.

Mr. Evans announced that David Barker has joined the Civil Division in the State’s Attorney’s Office. He described that he is a combat veteran in the Army, and he comes highly regarded from Woodford County.

I. Approval of Minutes

• Approval of August 10, 2017 County Board Meeting Minutes

• Approval of August 10, 2017 County Board Executive Session Meeting Minutes

Mayer moved for approval of the minutes, O’Neill seconded. The minutes were approved by a unanimous roll call vote of 17 ayes.

II. Proclamations and Presentations

• A proclamation recognizing September as National Preparedness Month

The proclamation was not given.

III. Citizens' Remarks

There were no citizens’ remarks.

IV. Consent Agenda

C1. The Treasurer report consisting of the Bank and CD's Portfolio for the month of July 2017 and Revenue & Expenditure Reports for the month of June 2017.

C2. The Auditor's report of expenditures from Accounts Payable system is accessible at www.peoriacounty.org/auditor/transparency.

C3. A resolution (items 1-7 reconveyances; item 8 defaulted conveyance) from the Ways and Means Committee recommending that the County Board Chairman be authorized and directed to execute deed of said property to the highest bidder, and be authorized to cancel the appropriate Certificates of Purchase. This resolution shall be effective ninety days from September 14, 2017 and any transaction between the parties involved not occurring within this period shall be null and void.

C4. A resolution from your Executive Committee recommending approval of the most responsive bid of 309 Marketing, Peoria, IL, in an amount not to exceed $30,000.00 for the remainder of 2017, for the provision of media buying and ancillary advertising services.

C5. A resolution from your Executive Committee recommending approval to enter into a franchise agreement with Tel-Star Cablevision Inc., for the operation of a cable communications system with Peoria County for a term not to exceed ten (10) years.

C6. A resolution from your Public Safety and Justice Committee recommending approval of the 2017 annual salary of the Public Defender of Peoria County in the amount of $149,857.20.

C7. A resolution from your Public Safety and Justice Committee recommending approval of an agreement between the Peoria County Sheriff's Office and Lexipol for services to update and create policy for Law Enforcement and Corrections Divisions.

C8. A resolution from your Public Safety and Justice Committee recommending approval of an appropriation of $55,000.00 to the Sheriff's Office budget for overtime expenses related to ILEAS (Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System) training.

C9. A resolution from your Public Safety and Justice Committee recommending approval of Police and Dispatch Service Contracts for 2017-2018 as follows:

 Dedicated Police Services

Medina Township $188,846.52; Village of Princeville $125,897.88;

Village of Bellevue $125,897.88; City of West Peoria $188,846.52,

Bike Patrol $144.19/hour; Dunlap Unit School District 323 $75,053.32

 Random Police Services

Village of Dunlap $20,065.08; Village of Hanna City $66,883.32;

Village of Norwood $20,120.63

 Dispatch Services

City of Elmwood $5,978.28; Village of Glasford $3,307.44

C10. A resolution from your Ways and Means Committee recommending approval to update the Peoria County Capital Assets Policy to reflect GASB Statement #72, requiring that donations be capitalized at their acquisition value.

C11. A resolution from your Infrastructure Committee recommending approval of an appropriation of County Motor Fuel Tax Funds in the amount of $336,358.60 for the Forrest Hill/Gale Avenue Intersection Project.

C12. A resolution from your Infrastructure Committee recommending approval of the reappointment of Amy McLaren to a six-year term as County Engineer effective November 11, 2017.

C13. Chairman Appointments

Mayer moved to approve the Consent Agenda and Rosenbohm seconded. Adamson asked to pull Item C4; Salzer asked to pull Item C12. Chairman Rand noted that the Appointment list should say Springdale Cemetery instead of Springfield Cemetery. The Consent Agenda, except for Items C4 and C12, was approved by a roll call vote of 16 ayes and 1 nay, with Harding voting nay.

C4. A resolution recommending approval of the bid of 309 Marketing, in an amount not to exceed $30,000.00, for advertising services.

O’Neill moved to approve Item C4 and Rosenbohm seconded.

Adamson asked for a summary of the purpose and what process it went through.

Mr. Sorrel explained that 309 Marketing has been used for both the Shop Local Peoria County campaign and Heddington Oaks related advertising. He detailed that the spending authority was getting close, it went to bid to get services for the remainder of the year, and it had multiple agencies responding. He said that the bid was set up by providing the budget and asking what services could be provided with those dollars given the scope. He reported that 309 Marketing is the recommended vendor.

Adamson asked what amount in the bid would be for the County and what amount would be for Heddington Oaks. Mr. Sorrel noted that roughly two-thirds would go towards Shop Peoria County and one-third to Heddington Oaks. Adamson believed that it may not be a good spend for the nursing home due to the things discussed this year.

Elsasser expressed that he would not be able to support the item because the marketing clearly has not worked to increase the number of Medicare and private-pay patients; with a decrease from 214 to around 158. He stated he would like to see the number increased, but it could be better to try something different. He suggested that dropping the private-pay rate by $25 a day would cost $250,000, and if 10 private-pay people were brought in, that would bring in about $750,000. Parker entered the meeting.

Williams discussed that part of the spend is to help with staffing levels. She highlighted that one wing is now closed due to a shortage in staffing and the advertising will help. Adamson inquired if it was more than advertising. Mr. Sorrel reported that it is for marketing and advertising as it relates to the nursing home. He stated that it is to increase census and for staff attraction. Adamson perceived that the spend is not getting the money back and it does not make sense.

Williams asked for the numbers from the staffing side since the beginning of advertising. Mr. Sorrel described that the RN staffing went from about 6 or 7 vacancies to being fully staffed or just 1 vacant position, and the LPN positions have seen a slight uptick. He explained that as census grows more of the LPN positions will be filled. He reported that marketing for staff is not focused on CNAs because the County is market competitive.

The motion passed by a roll call vote of 14 ayes and 4 nays, with Adamson, Elsasser, Harding, and Morris voting nay.

C12. A resolution recommending approval of the reappointment of Amy McLaren as County Engineer effective November 11, 2017.

Salzer moved to approve Item C12 and Mayer seconded.

Salzer described that the resolution is the first in a three-step process to reappoint the County Engineer. He reported that the committee has been very satisfied with her and she has done an excellent job. He stated that she has made herself available to the Board about questions on projects. He discussed that the appointment would head to the state, then back to the committee, and finally back to the Board.

Baietto identified that Ms. McLaren has done more with less than anyone else in the state. He said that the roads that she is in charge of are better than the city and state roads, and that is the case because of her leadership. He said that the township supervisors and others give her accolades on roads and road maintenance.

O’Neill noted that the way she interacted with the citizens over the detour routes in the Lake Camelot area during the bridge replacement really took a weight off the Board Members.

Morris stressed that she really does a nice job, because she is responsive to inquiries and proactive in reporting road or bridge closures. He identified that he received a call about a sign issue in the Lake Camelot area, he emailed her and the problem was resolved by the next day.

Williams stated that she had some residents call her in the Dirksen Parkway area and Ms. McLaren went out to discuss the project, and the people were thrilled that Ms. McLaren and the staff took the time to meet with them.

Rieker recognized Ms. McLaren for her quick and professional response to issues in his district, and he is very pleased with what he has seen.

Rosenbohm thanked Ms. McLaren for all that she has done because she responds quickly to questions and problems, she takes care of problems before they happen, and she helps his constituents in the townships.

Elsasser detailed that he speaks with her about once a week and it is a testament to her and her staff that things get done quickly. He described an unpleasant phone call he received from her on a Saturday night in April letting him know his road would be closed due to flood waters, but she is always the one letting him know what is going on.

Fennell brought up that he received an email about a sign where it was quickly determined that it was in the city’s jurisdiction, she contacted the city directly to get it fixed, and the citizen was impressed at how fast the issue was resolved.

Harding observed that the Board is lucky to have her because she is smarter than all of the members combined when it comes to roads and bridges. He thanked Ms. McLaren for all that she does.

Chairman Rand identified that he remembered hearing six years ago that the appointment was for six years and it could not be changed. He said it’s really interesting hearing what the Board has to say about her now and she earned this reappointment. He said he supports the other members and Mr. Sorrel made the right choice six years ago.

The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote of 18 ayes.

V. Zoning Ordinance and Resolutions

1. A resolution from your Executive Committee recommending approval of a funding agreement and expanded scope of services amendment between the County of Peoria and Greater Peoria Economic Development Council, in an amount not to exceed $100,000.00 for FY 2018.

O’Neill moved to approve the resolution and Baietto seconded.

Adamson requested a summary statement on the County’s relative contribution and the general use.

Mr. Sorrel stated that the amount is unchanged from the current and previous years at $100,000. He explained that, previously, there was a limited scope of work for economic development services, business retention visits, and several other benefits. He detailed that the agreement amends and adds two new things at no additional cost. He mentioned that the first is the administration of the urban and rural enterprise zones; involving processing applications from property owners, speaking with taxing bodies about the ability to participate in property tax abatements, processing map amendments, and reporting to the State. He reported that the second added component to the scope of work relates to the annual grant applications to the US Department of Economic Development Agency, which determines the ranking of federal funding for projects. He said that the EDC would apply for the grants on the County’s behalf.

Elsasser asked how frequently the Board of Directors meet. Chairman Rand expressed that it meets monthly. Elsasser inquired if the money is worth spending. Chairman Rand noted that it is the only money the County is investing in economic development enterprise opportunities. He highlighted that the EDC is currently searching for a new executive as the previous director took a job in Iowa City, Iowa. He emphasized that there is significant horsepower in the team already on multiple projects on job retraining, focusing on certain census tracts in Peoria County where joblessness is higher, and regional economic development highlighting business and manufacturing. He noted that when he took on the Chairman position the spend was $186,000, which has been negotiated down to the current amount by shifting some of the cost to the private business partners. He asserted that it is the only place where the governments have a seat at the table with the large and small businesses in the area. He discussed the importance of it for Peoria County. He remarked that he always places pressure on reducing the government investment and increasing the return on investment.

Elsasser stated that he has always been cautious about making sure the County gets the value out of the dollars it spends.

Chairman Rand suggested that the Board could enter Executive Session to discuss privileged personnel or business retention discussions that should remain a secret.

Baietto asked if the funding comes from the Keystone Fund. Mr. Sorrel stated that the fund source is Keystone dollars that were appropriated in the current budget. Baietto asked if the County can use Keystone money for this purpose. Mr. Sorrel confirmed that the current year and next year’s recommended budget use the fund. He noted that it is not principle dollars, but rather the interest on the investments from the balance of the fund.

The resolution passed by a roll call vote of 17 ayes and 1 nay, with Harding voting nay.

2. A resolution from your Public Safety and Justice Committee recommending approval of the lowest responsible bid of Shor-Line, Kansas City, KS to remodel and update dog adoption kennels at PCAPS, and acceptance of a $10,000.00 grant from Petsmart Charities Foundation to fund the project.

Biaetto moved to approve the resolution and Salzer seconded. The resolution passed by a unanimous roll call vote of 18 ayes.

3. A resolution from your Land Use Committee recommending adoption of the West Laramie Neighborhood Plan.

Williams moved to approve the resolution and Rosenbohm seconded.

Williams requested that Kerilyn Gallagher from Planning and Zoning speak about the plan.

Ms. Gallagher detailed that the plan is an effort by Planning and Zoning to work directly with the neighborhood, define a vision, identify their priorities, and create goals and actions on getting there. She presented that Williams played a great role in participating and provided leadership that benefited the outcome of the plan. She identified that the area is in the unincorporated portion of the county and it has been a recipient of revitalization by the Planning and Zoning department and different organizations in the past. She noted that the plan has taken in a lot of public input through public meetings and surveys to property owners, businesses, and non-profits. She stressed that it was not only the Planning and Zoning Department, but a collective effort in creating the plan. She reported that the plan would help the area be more competitive in grant applications. She explained the top priority is keeping the neighborhood clean and attractive by increasing awareness of waste disposal and recycling alternatives and have an annual cleanup day for the neighborhood. She said the second goal of the plan is making a collective effort to maintain, fix, and revitalize residential and commercial buildings by removing or rehabilitating homes for low income or elderly persons. She stated that the third goal is to respect the safety and well-being in the neighborhood by instituting a block watch program. She discussed that the plan has a lot of ideas, but many will require residents or businesses to make the first step. She conveyed that the plan helps identify who to contact to achieve the goals. She highlighted that it has been a half-year effort to get to this point and a lot of time has been put into the plan by the residents.

Baietto inquired if there has been work done with the ZBA for the project. Ms. Gallagher reported that it would not hear this type of project. Baietto asked if Ms. Urban has been involved and if she is in favor. Ms. Urban described that she is involved and she is for it. She said she is looking forward to beginning the actions to implement the plan.

Harding thanked Ms. Gallagher and asked for the next step in the plan. Ms. Gallagher explained that Limestone Township and the Resource Department will be hosting a cleanup event along with education that will help the residents come together. She said that there will also be a third neighborhood meeting to celebrate the completion and recognize the efforts, which will give space to connect and make the first step.

Harding inquired if there has been a pause in the process due to the work done on the project over the last months. Ms. Urban explained that this has been one of her many projects that Ms. Gallagher works on, she has continued to do her day-to-day work, and there will be other projects for her to move onto.

Dillon said there are many thanks to go around for the plan. He expressed that there has been hard work put in by the Planning and Zoning Department, and this is exactly the type of work that should be done in the department. He expressed that the 61605 and 61603 zip codes have been identified with the highest poverty rates, and the neighborhood came forward saying that it is invested in the neighborhood. He identified that there has to be a buy-in for the neighborhood, but that has already been shown through their participation in the creation of the plan. He explained that there is investment by the neighborhood in the plan by asking for the help. He provided that the County helped set up the plan by identifying, prioritizing, and helping formulate it. He brought up that there are numerous things from the plan that are already starting to take place. He contended that Peoria County can’t go any farther until it takes care of the properties in the areas. He believed that it is a good investment of time and the neighbors have really bought-in on the plan. He recognized the work that Williams has done, going above and beyond in getting the plan off the ground.

Williams thanked Ms. Gallagher for running the meetings and creating excitement in the community. She described that she has a vested interest in the neighborhood because she lives there and she would like to see it revitalized.

Rosenbohm brought up that this is not the first item that the Planning and Zoning Department has done in the area, they have kept going on the work, and it is not a handout to the area, but a hand up to help the people achieve their goals.

Chairman Rand inquired if this plan is the first of its kind. Ms. Urban said that it is the first neighborhood plan. She said it has been one of the goals to do more planning. Chairman Rand thanked Ms. Urban and Ms. Gallagher on the plan, especially given the optics of the involved zip codes, in increasing the quality of life.

The resolution was approved by a unanimous roll call vote of 18 ayes..

VI. Miscellaneous and Announcements

Pastucha informed that there has been a mystery surrounding the missing Civil War monument that the County Board approved to build exactly 152 years ago. She noted that it was to honor those that lost their lives fighting in the war. She reported that the Board appropriated $5,000, which would be about $72,000 in today’s money. She said it was dedicated on October 11, 1866 and stood on the lawn of the old courthouse, but was dismantled to make way for the new courthouse in 1962. She stated that the mystery is what happened to the monument and why it was never put back up. She summarized that Bruce Brown, Elaine Hopkins, Bob Hofer, and Norm Kelly have recently located pieces of the monument at Detweiller Marina. She mentioned others who helped with their insight and media coverage. She explained that the monument may be one of the oldest monuments in the country, and it is being considered to erect the monument again.

Robinson invited all to his pastoral installation on October 1st at Bethel Baptist Church at 1001 S. Greenlawn at 3:30 pm.

Morris reported that a group from the County and City traveled to Scott County, Iowa to tour their hazardous waste, recycling center, landfill, and compost facility. He stated that it was one of the most impressive facilities of this kind that he has seen. He expressed that the PDC has been working with them to take best practices. He believed that it was a glimpse of what is coming to Peoria, and it is going to be nice for the citizens. He explained that it has become so popular that they have begun contracting with other counties and municipalities in the area. He described that the items that are not supposed to be put in the landfill are kept out and put in a special room that can be reused by anyone.

Salzer thanked Pastucha for the information on the civil war monument and he would like to provide more information to her, if possible. He brought up the new war memorial to honor everyone from the Korean War and into the future. He said bricks are available for purchase to honor some friend or relative through the Auditor’s office, and the dedication should be around Memorial Day next year.

VII. Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the Chairman announced the meeting was adjourned.

http://www.peoriacounty.org/download?path=%2Fcountyboard%2FAgenda_and_Minutes%2F2017%2FOctober%2F12+-+Monthly%2FCounty+Board+Agenda+Packet+10_12_17.pdf