Peoria Standard

Peoria County Board met May 10.

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, Mayer, Morris, Pastucha, Rand, Rieker, Rosenbohm, Salzer, Watkins and Williams, with Harding, O'Neill, Parker, and Robinson absent.

I. Approval Of Minutes

• Approval of April 12, 2018 County Board Meeting Minutes

• Approval of April 12, 2018 County Board Executive Session Meeting Minutes

Member Baietto moved for approval of the minutes, Member Watkins seconded. Member Adamson questioned the lack of inclusion of additional material into the minutes. These included Member Adamson’s intent to or request for additional information regarding Item C3 (Reauthorization of the Home in the heights Neighborhood Revitalization Program).

In addition, Member Adamson questioned the lack of inclusion of his statements at the end of the meeting, following the close of the executive session. After some discussion between Chairman Rand and Member Adamson, it was explained that it had been announced to the public and press, that at the close of the executive session the meeting would be adjourned. Therefore, any further discussion could not be reflected in the official record.

Chairman Rand offered Member Adamson the floor under Miscellaneous and Announcements to address the board with his comments, should he choose to do so. The minutes were approved by a unanimous roll call vote of 14 ayes.

II. Citizens' Remarks

Carol VanWinkle, 9731 W Lamplighter Lane, Hanna City, addressed the Board with regard to the referendum to eliminate the Auditor’s Office. She expressed that she hoped the Board would drop the elimination discussion due to the vote to maintain the office.

Jon Carson, Managing Partner, Trajectory Energy Partners, and Colleen Callahan, Consultant, Trajectory Energy Partners, addressed the Board with regard to Items 1-4. Mr. Carson noted that the company has had further discussion with the property owners around the Peoria project to mitigate concerns with screening and storm water mitigation. Ms. Callahan described that the she has met with neighbors about their concerns and she hopes that Trajectory will be a good neighbor. Mr. Carson commended the staff for their help throughout the process.

Byron Joos, 16715 N Krause Road, Chillicothe, addressed the Board with regard to Items 1-4. He noted that the solar technology is new and there is a lot of unknowns. He suggested that the County needs a comprehensive plan and placement of landscaping to shield the panels. He requested that the citizens get more notification about projects.

Member Dillon and Chairman Rand reminded those that speak in regard to zoning cases may not introduce any further information for consideration by the Board than what was presented in the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Steve Fletcher, 720 N Cherry Lane, Peoria addressed the Board with regard to Items 1-4. He suggested that the notification process for projects should be reviewed and revamped. He expressed that the company has had discussions regarding screening, drainage, and noise issues on the property with the owners and he hopes that they will follow through with their promises.

Member Parker entered the meeting.

III. Consent Agenda

C1. The Treasurer report consisting of the Bank and CD's Portfolio for the month of March 2018 and Revenue & Expenditure Reports for the month of February 2018.

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

C3. A resolution (item 1 – reconveyances; item 2 – surrender; items 3 – 7 conveyances; items 8 – 9 defaulted reconveyances) 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 May 10, 2018 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 for Peoria County to enter a franchise agreement with Comcast of Illinois/Indiana/Ohio, LLC, for the operation of a cable communications system within the County, for a term not to exceed fifteen (15) years.

C5. A resolution from your Public Safety and Justice Committee recommending approval of the 2018 Domestic Violence Grant Agreement with the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority and the Peoria County Adult Probation Department in the amount of $125,125.00, and related budget amendments.

C6. A resolution from your Land Use Committee recommending acceptance of an Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Abandoned Residential Property Municipal Relief Program Grant Award in an amount not to exceed $27,950.00.

C7. A resolution from your Land Use Committee recommending adoption of the Peoria County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan.

C8. A resolution from your County Health Committee recommending approval of a Heddington Oaks Bad Debt Policy.

C9. A recommendation from your Infrastructure Committee to approve an Ordinance for prevailing rate of wages for laborers, mechanics and other workers contracted in performing construction of public works in Peoria County as determined by the Illinois Department of Labor.

C10. A resolution from your Infrastructure Committee recommending approval of a joint agreement between the County of Peoria and the Illinois Department of Transportation for the installation of traffic signals at the intersection of U.S. Route 24 and Cameron Lane.

C11. Chairman Appointments.

Member Mayer moved to approve the Consent Agenda and Member Dillon seconded. Member Salzer asked to pull Item C9; Member Fennell asked to pull Item C8, Member Rosenbohm asked to pull Item C10, and Member Rieker asked to pull Item C4. The Consent Agenda, except for Items C4, C8, C9 and C10, was approved by a unanimous roll call vote of 15 ayes.

C4. A resolution recommending approval to enter an agreement with Comcast of Illinois/Indiana/Ohio, LLC, for the operation of a cable communications system.

Member Fennell moved to approve Item C4 and Member Rosenbohm seconded. Member Rieker asked for clarity on whether the agreement is new or is a renewal of a current contract and if there is any liability on the County by entering into the contract. Mr. Sorrel conveyed that the agreement is a renewal of a contract that expired about 10 years ago, and the contract only requires the franchisee to provide a cable service in the county. Item C4 was approved by a unanimous roll call vote of 15 ayes.

Member Dillon left the meeting.

C8. A resolution recommending approval of a Heddington Oaks Bad Debt Policy.

Member Fennell moved to approve Item C8 and Member Mayer seconded. Member Fennell mentioned that the policy is overdue and he thanked all for getting to a resolution. Item C8 was approved by a unanimous roll call vote of 14 ayes.

C9. A recommendation to approve an ordinance for prevailing rate of wages for those performing construction of public works in Peoria County as determined by IDOL.

Member Salzer moved to approve Item C9 and Member Mayer seconded. Member Salzer noted that there is a potentiality to save money. Mr. Sorrel explained that due to a change in statute, the County may adopt an ordinance to allow the wage scale to be posted on its website to save money.

Member Dillon returned to the meeting.

Member Salzer moved to amend the ordinance and Member Pastucha seconded. The motion to amend the ordinance passed by a unanimous roll call vote of 15 ayes. Member Dillon verbally stated his intention to vote aye. Item C9 as amended passed by a unanimous roll call vote of 15 ayes.

C10. A resolution recommending approval of an agreement between the County and IDOT for the installation of traffic signals at U.S. Route 24 and Cameron Lane.

Member Rosenbohm moved to approve Item C10 and Member Williams seconded. Members Rosenbohm and Salzer noted that there have been deaths at the intersection and thanked those for getting the measure to the Board. Item C10 was approved by a unanimous roll call vote of 15 ayes.

IV. Zoning Ordinance And Resolutions

1. Case #013-18-U, Petition of Peoria Solar, LLC. A Special Use as required in Section 20-5.11.2.2.m of the Unified Development Ordinance. This section allows for a special use in the “I-2” Heavy Industrial zoning district for a Solar Energy Generation Facility, provided that the conditions in Section 7.17 (“Ground Mounted Solar Energy Equipment”), of these regulations are met. The petitioner requests a special use for a Solar Energy Generation Facility. The parcel is located in Limestone Township. The Zoning Board of Appeals recommends approval with restrictions. The Land Use Committee concurs.

Member Dillon moved to approve the ordinance and Member Rosenbohm seconded. Member Dillon explained the location of the property. Member Adamson asked about the relationship of Peoria Solar, LLC to Trajectory Energy Partners and about the included restrictions. Mr. Sorrel stated that Trajectory creates separate companies for each project and read the stated restrictions.

Member Rieker voiced his concern that the County must do its due diligence regarding the process for zoning of solar projects, and Member Dillon noted that there was extensive research done from other areas with several meetings regarding the subject. He suggested that because the property is County owned, it can work hand-in-hand with Trajectory to fix drainage issues.

Member Adamson identified that the properties as those near the jail that are subject to a rental agreement. Member Elsasser asked if all the neighbors were properly notified and Member Dillon expressed that all requirements were met for notification. Member Elsasser reported that since the County entered into the lease agreement, he has been contact by several farmers who were offered more money than what is in the lease. Chairman Rand inquired about the location of the parcels Member Elsasser referenced in relation to transmission lines like the parcels near the jail and Member Elsasser explained they were close to substations.

Member Baietto brought up that the technology is new like cell towers were in the past and the Board should stop beating up on solar. He believed the best course of action is to rely on the experts in the area.

Member Fennell reported that two projects in Chillicothe are receiving the same terms as the County in its lease. Member Adamson expressed that the County could have done better by putting the project out for bid and leverage more expertise in the field.

The ordinance was approved by a roll call vote of 13 ayes and 2 nays, with Members Adamson and Elsasser voting nay.

2. Case #015-18-U, Petition of Peoria Solar 2, LLC. A Special Use as required in Section 20-5.11.2.2.m of the Unified Development Ordinance. This section allows for a special use in the “I-2” Heavy Industrial zoning district for a Solar Energy Generation Facility, provided that the conditions in Section 7.17 (“Ground Mounted Solar Energy Equipment”), of these regulations are met. The petitioner requests a special use for a Solar Energy Generation Facility. The parcel is located in Limestone Township. The Zoning Board of Appeals recommends approval with restrictions. The Land Use Committee concurs.

Member Dillon moved to approve the ordinance and Member Williams seconded. Mr. Sorrel noted that all of the restrictions but one are the same as the previous ordinance. Member Rosenbohm discussed that both projects will use ground cover that are good for pollinators. The ordinance was approved by a roll call vote of 13 ayes and 2 nays, with Members Adamson and Elsasser voting nay.

3. Case #017-18-U, Petition of Brimfield Solar, LLC. A Special Use as required in Section 20-5.1.3.2.f of the Unified Development Ordinance. This section allows for a special use in the “A-1” Agricultural Preservation zoning district for a Solar Energy Generation Facility, provided that the conditions in Section 7.17 (“Ground Mounted Solar Energy Equipment”), of these regulations are met. The petitioner requests a special use for a Solar Energy Generation Facility in the “A-1” Agricultural Preservation zoning district. The parcel is located in Brimfield Township. The Zoning Board of Appeals recommends approval with restrictions. The Land Use Committee concurs.

Member Dillon moved to approve the ordinance and Member Baietto seconded. Member Adamson had confirmed that it is private property that is leased to Trajectory. The ordinance was approved by a unanimous roll call vote of 15 ayes.

4. Case #018-18-U, Petition of Shissler Solar, LLC. A Special Use as required in Section 20-5.1.3.2.f of the Unified Development Ordinance. This section allows for a special use in the “A-1” Agricultural Preservation zoning district for a Solar Energy Generation Facility, provided that the conditions in Section 7.17 (“Ground Mounted Solar Energy Equipment”), of these regulations are met. The petitioner requests a special use for a Solar Energy Generation Facility in the “A-1” Agricultural Preservation zoning district. The parcel is located in Brimfield Township. The Zoning Board of Appeals recommends approval with restrictions. The Land Use Committee concurs.

Member Dillon moved to approve the ordinance and Member Fennell seconded. Member Adamson had confirmed that it is private property that is leased to Trajectory. The ordinance was approved by a unanimous roll call vote of 15 ayes.

5. Case #021-18-Z, Petition of Michael Cochran. A Rezoning request from “A-1” Agricultural Preservation to “I-1” Light Industrial. The petitioner proposes to rezone the property in order to allow the construction of an addition and storage yard expansion to the rear of the existing facility. The parcel is located in Hallock Township. The Zoning Board of Appeals recommends approval. The Land Use Committee concurs.

Member Dillon moved to approve the resolution and Member Elsasser seconded. Member Dillon conveyed that it is a business that would like to expand and Member Elsasser thanked the company for coming in and using the building. The resolution was approved by a unanimous roll call vote of 15 ayes.

6. A recommendation from the Chairman of Ways and Means Committee and the County Administrator to approve amendments to Chapter 3, Alcoholic Liquor, of the Peoria County Code, to allow licensing of for-profit Sportsman’s Clubs. (Poll Vote per Rules of Order, Article V, Section 18C)

Member Mayer moved to approve the resolution and Member Salzer seconded. Member Mayer discussed that there is a sportsman’s club that could not get a license renewal because it did not quite fit into the code and the code is being changed to include it, but it does not include taking the alcohol onto the grounds. Member Adamson noted that it would be advisable to only partake in alcohol after shooting. The resolution passed by a unanimous roll call vote of 15 ayes.

7. A resolution from your County Operations Committee recommending approval of setting salaries of Elected Officials (County Clerk, Treasurer, Sheriff, County Board Members – even numbered districts, County Board Committee Chairpersons, County Board Chairperson) serving a term from December 1, 2018 through November 30, 2022.

Member Rosenbohm moved to approve the resolution and Member Fennell seconded. Member Rosebohm explained that after the previous committee meeting there was interest in a compromise to be brought to the Board.

Member Mayer conveyed that throughout the process there has been broad acceptance of not raising the County Board Member and Committee Chair salaries. Member Mayer moved to divide the question for the County Board Committee Chair and County Board Members’ salaries and Member Elsasser seconded. Member Rieker opposed dividing the question and said that there can still be debate on what does not have consensus. Chairman Rand noted that the reason to divide the question allows for a Member to vote against their own raise, but potentially proceed with a raise for other elected officials. Member Baietto mentioned that the raise in salaries were not included in this year’s budget and Mr. Sorrel added that there is a statutory requirement to vote on the salaries. The motion to divide the question passed by a roll call vote of 11 ayes and 4 nays, with Members Adamson, Baietto, Fennell, and Rieker voting nay. The salaries for the County Board Committee Chair and County Board Members was approved by a unanimous roll call vote of 15 ayes.

Mr. Sorrel detailed the changes to the Elected Officials salaries under the considered resolution. Member Mayer moved to amend the resolution to remove the service payment for all officials, remove the salary for the Sheriff as the Supervisor of Safety, and freeze the Elected Officials’ salaries; Member Morris seconded. Member Mayer informed that the County pays higher than comparable counties and salaries should be paid to the position, not the person. He contended that the wage for all officials are higher than 90% of households in the area and the raise has been characterized as a cost of living adjustment, but most people in the private sector have not been given one. He suggested pausing the salaries until they are more in-line with other counties and the private sector. Member Pastucha agreed with Member Mayer and believed that the salaries are already higher than the comparable counties.

Member Adamson remarked that the Officials have saved the County money, they are leaders, and the increase is just a whisper above the cost of living. He believed that the Sheriff’s day-to-day responsibility has not changed, it is unfair to take the payment away, and Member Rosenbohm’s resolution is the best middle of the road agreement.

Member Rosenbohm described that the goal is to be fair to the constituents and the Elected Officials and the Board wants the best people in the positions. He believed that the positions would be paid higher in the private sector and it is a fair solution.

Member Pastucha brought up that the Supervisor of Safety payment is for the EMA responsibility, which has been transferred to the Health Department, and should no longer be paid to the Sheriff. Member Elsasser conveyed that the Sheriff has saved the County money and that should be taken into consideration. Member Adamson expressed that the movement of EMA responsibilities would result in increased grant dollars and Mr. Sorrel explained the difference. Member Adamson believed that it would be unfair to take away the Supervisor of Safety pay because he is doing a good job. Chairman Rand and Member Adamson discussed that the prior resolution did not include as high of a payment to the Sheriff and Member Adamson mentioned that some members felt that it could be rethought. Member Pastucha expressed that the payment was for the Sheriff to delegate responsibilities for EMA and it doesn’t seem justified. Member Fennell explained that the purpose of the payment is to show that there is more responsibility in the Sheriff’s job.

Member Morris identified that no matter how much money has been saved by an official, the positions are still among the highest paid. He remarked that the people who take an Elected Official position know what they are signing up for and if they believe that they can do better in the private sector, they should take those jobs. He reported that there is no reset button for the salaries when the elected officials change, and the Board should only do the same that it has done for itself.

The motion to amend failed by a roll call vote of 4 ayes and 11 nays, with Members Mayer, Morris, Pastucha, and Watkins voting aye.

Members Salzer and Watkins left the meeting.

Member Parker moved to amend the resolution to freeze the Sheriff’s salary at $137,058 across four years and Member Mayer seconded. Chairman Rand conveyed that the annual service payment was added to the salaries of elected officials on the floor a couple years ago, and it is now much like the Supervisor of Safety payment, where it is hard to remove. Member Rieker had clarified that the service payments are new to the positions and the amendment would only remove the service payment to the Sheriff. Member Elsasser remarked that the extra payment to the Sheriff is because he has saved the County money and Member Parker contended that the payment would not be lost, but there would be no further increase.

Member Dillon asked why the Sheriff is being singled-out in the discussion and Chairman Rand expressed that there isn’t a target on the Sheriff. Member Dillon believed that although there has been a title switch, the Sheriff has maintained the same duties. Member Parker maintained that Sheriff Asbell gave the idea to freeze his salary. The motion to amend failed by a roll call vote of 4 ayes and 9 nays, with Members Mayer, Parker, Pastucha, and Williams voting aye.

The salaries for the County Clerk, Sheriff, and Treasurer were approved by a roll call vote of 8 ayes and 5 nays, with Members Baietto, Mayer, Morris, Parker, and Pastucha voting nay.

V. Miscellaneous And Announcements

Member Pastucha invited all to the ribbon cutting for the Sculpture Walk in Peoria Heights from 4- 8pm on Friday, May 11th.

Member Williams wished all the mothers a Happy Mother’s Day.

Member Morris explained that the Riverfront Museum has a piece of the Civil War shaft memorial on display and Member Pastucha noted that the pieces have been moved to Springdale Cemetery.

VI. Adjournment

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

http://www.peoriacounty.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05102018-529