Peoria Standard

City of Champaign Township Board met Aug. 6.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Feinen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Vanna Pianfetti, Greg Stock, Alicia Beck, Angie Brix, Tom Bruno, Matthew Gladney, and Chairperson Feinen

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Will Kyles and Clarissa Fourman

OTHERS PRESENT: 

Andy Quarnstrom, Township Supervisor

Fred Stavins, Township Attorney

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

July 9, 2019 Regular Township Meeting

Board Member Stock, seconded by Board Member Gladney, moved to approve the minutes. A voice vote was taken; all voted yes. Motion carried.

CORRESPONDENCE: None

APPROVAL OF SUMMARY OF CHECKS WRITTEN – ALL FUNDS, JUNE 2019: June showed the total for the Town Fund was $35,101.96; General Assistance was $24,067.81; IMRF was $6,062.91; and the Social Security Fund was $656.38. Total expenditures for the month of June 2019 were $65,889.06. Board Member Stock, seconded by Board Member Gladney, moved to accept and place on file the summary of expenditures. A voice vote was taken on the motion to approve the expenditure report and place it on file; all voted yes. Motion carried.

ACTION ON ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS:

Resolution 2019-0801: A Resolution Approving Purchasing Policies For The City Of Champaign Township – Board Member Stock, seconded by Board Member Gladney, moved to adopt the Resolution. Supervisor Quarnstrom noted he is in the process of reviewing and editing various Township policies. The purchasing policy is similar to the policy used by the City, honors Township statutes, and has been reviewed by the Legal Department. The policy is a complete edit and does not contain any strikeout language.

Supervisor Quarnstrom noted more policy revisions would be forthcoming. A voice vote was taken on the motion to adopt the resolution; all voted yes.

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: None

TOWN BOARD AND TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR’S COMMENT: Supervisor Quarnstrom noted, by statute he is a member of the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District. The district was recently awarded the best health department in a medium sized community, and he noted the efforts of the Public Health District staff. In addition, he noted he serves on the National Association of Local Boards of Health and will be sworn in as president at their annual conference next week. A report to the board regarding Prosperity Gardens will be coming next month. Supervisor Quarnstrom provided an update to Board Members and the public regarding removal of homeless persons items from viaducts, experiences he has had with the homeless community, working with the City’s Neighborhood Services Department to address unhealthy conditions under viaducts and on property, to offer assistance, and try to identify needs. One of the major issues is the lack of a 24-hour shelter. Some homeless persons were referred to agencies based on their needs including transportation to agencies outside the Champaign-Urbana area. There was a major concern with living in unhealthy and unsanitary conditions. Though the Township has minimal means, staff worked with Neighborhood Services to try to address their needs and conditions. The Township will play a role in the addition of a permanent shelter for the community.

He requested Neighborhood Services Director Kerri Wiman be allowed to speak to address the homeless conditions addressed.

Director Wiman addressed working with the Township, Champaign County Continuum of Care, Public Health District and others in the community to address issues relating to providing services to the homeless. She noted the City has the responsibility to provide for the health and safety of all residents, including homeless, who might be exposed to dangerous or unsanitary conditions. The City became aware of public and private properties littered with abandoned items, garbage, used needles, feces, etc. These hazards have been addressed on public property; and staff is working with private property owners and the Public Health District to address hazards on other properties. Staff will continue to work to ensure areas used for sleeping/living remained cleaned, and to work with public and private entities to address issues related to homelessness including acquiring funds to secure a homeless shelter. She noted anyone wanting to assist in these efforts can reach out to Austin’s Place, CU at Home, and the United way.

NEXT MEETING: Chairperson Feinen noted the next meeting date of September 3, 2019.

ADJOURNMENT: Board Member Stock, seconded by Board Member Gladney, moved to adjourn. A voice vote was taken on the motion to adjourn; all voted yes. Motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 7:13 p.m.

https://cctownship.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/August-6-2019-Meeting-Minutes.pdf