Peoria Standard

County of Woodford County Board met Aug. 20.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Board met and was called to order by Chairman John Krug.

Chairman Krug began the meeting by leading all present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll call by the Clerk. Present: Emily Barker, Russell Cotton, Justin Faulk, Richard Hill, Bryant Kempf, John Krug, Barry Logan, Charles Nagel, Blake Parsons, Jason Spence, Dan Steffen and Donald Tolan. Absent: Randy Roethler, unexcused; Andy Rokey, excused. Also present was County Clerk Dawn Kupfer.

Board announced in session by the Chairman.

Clerk Kupfer presented and read the Certificate of Giving Notice for this meeting.

Mr. Cotton moved the Certificate be approved as read, which motion was seconded by Mr. Steffen and was unanimously carried.

Clerk Kupfer submitted the minutes of the July 16, 2019 regular session County Board meeting for additions, corrections and approval.

Mr. Nagel moved to approve the minutes of the July 16, 2019 regular session County Board meeting, which motion was seconded by Mr. Hill. Chairman Krug called for any additions or corrections to the regular session minutes which there were none, motion carried.

Chairman Krug called for the approval of the Executive Session Minutes.

Mr. Logan moved to approve and make public the June 18, 2019-Part One Executive Session Minutes, which was seconded by Mr. Cotton and was unanimously carried.

Mr. Logan moved to approve and keep confidential the June 18, 2019-Part Two Executive Session Minutes, which was seconded by Mr. Steffen and was unanimously carried.

Mr. Logan moved to approve and make public the July 16, 2019 Executive Session Minutes, which was seconded by Mr. Hill and was unanimously carried.

Chairman Krug called for public input, seeing none he announced the end of public input.

The Consent Agenda was presented and clarified for the reporting of these minutes.

Mr. Cotton moved to approve the consent agenda, which was seconded by Mr. Tolan. Chairman Krug called for any items to be removed from the consent agenda.

Mr. Parsons moved to pull item (d), Ordinance 2018/19-021 #2019-22-A County wide Granting Text Amendment amending the Tall Structures Ordinance and incorporate it into the Zoning Ordinance as Section 31 Tall Structures for further discussion.

Mr. Nagel moved to pull item (j) from the Petitions, Resolutions and/or Motions portion of the agenda, which was a motion to send approximately 1.5 million to the State to close out the revolving loan program for further discussion.

Mrs. Barker moved to pull item (b), Ordinance 2018/19-019 #2019-16-S Clayton Township Granting a Special Use to Paul Quiram for a Special Use for a private heliport, located in the (AG) Agricultural District, on a 6.62 acre, more commonly described as the ground surrounding 2475 State Route 116, Benson, Illinois; and items (c), Ordinance 2018/19-020 #2019-18-S Clayton Township Granting a Special Use to Randy Koehler for a private heliport, located in the (AG) Agricultural District, on a 26.58 more commonly described as 2040 County Road 2200 E, Benson, Illinois for further discussion.

Chairman Krug called for the approval of the remainder of the Consent Agenda, which unanimously carried.

Appointments:

a. Appointment of Ansel Burditt as an alternate member to the Zoning Board of Appeals to fulfil the expired term of Curtis Heilman for a 5 year term expiring August 1, 2024.

b. Appointment of Martin Clinch as a regular member to the Zoning Board of Appeals to fill the expired appointment of James Losher for a 5 year term expiring August 1, 2024.

Petitions, Resolutions and/or Motions:

a. Approval of Ordinance 2018/19-018 Granting a text amendment to the Circuit Clerk Fees adopted by the County Board on April 16, 2019 establishing civil fees and criminal traffic assessments to be charged by the Clerk of the Circuit Court be amended to remove the Mandatory Arbitration Fund fee of $8.00 on all Civil Schedules and add the Law Library Fund fee of $6.00 on all Civil Schedules and add the miscellaneous Criminal Filing fees for Motions to Vacate or Amend Final Orders of $40.00 per filing effective July 1, 2019.

e. Approval of Resolution 2018/19-064 increasing the Salary of the Woodford County Public Defender to $156,370.29 retroactive to July 1, 2019.

f. Approval of Resolution 2018/19-065 to award a construction contract for $26,500.00 to Stark Excavating of Bloomington, Illinois for Section 19-13119-00-BR, located approximately 1.5 miles north of Panola, Illinois for a bridge over Panther Creek, on Township Road 1500 N.

g. Approval of Resolution 2018/19-066 appropriating $9,895.45 from the Motor Fuel Tax Funds for the salary of the County Engineer for the period beginning October 20, 2017 and ending October 19, 2018.

h. Approval of Resolution 2018/19-069 for the Woodford County Sheriff to re-establish a Sheriff’s Auxiliary with a maximum number of 12 Auxiliary Deputies.

i. Approval of Resolution 2018/19-070 for the Woodford County Sheriff’s office to purchase 7 4 RE Car Video Cameras in the amount of $37,765.00 from Watch Guard for use in the squad cars.

k. Motion to approve the Final Plat Cusac Subdivision.

l. Motion to approve the Election Systems & Software, LLC Ballot on Demand System, ongoing License, Maintenance and Services agreement.

Mr. Parsons moved to approve Item (d) the approval of Ordinance 2018/19-021 #2019-22 a County wide Granting Text Amendment amending the Tall Structures Ordinance and incorporate it into the Zoning Ordinance as Section 31 Tall Structures, which was seconded by Mr. Nagel. Mr. Parsons stated he apologized to all concerned further saying he had misrepresented this document. This is written in the affirmative. By voting yes, the County would be approving the proposed changes and amendments to the Tall Structure Ordinance. The Zoning Board of Appeals decided to amend the Ordinance to fix anything that may be misinterpreted and make it the exact same standards as required by the State. Mr. Parsons stated that in no way would these changes prohibit future applicants from getting a Special Use for a heliport, nor does it prohibit anyone that is currently in the application process.

Mr. Spence stated he will be voting yes, further saying he felt it would be in the best interest for the County.

Chairman Krug called for any further discussion, hearing none, the motion carried.

Mr. Nagel moved to pull Item (j) the motion to send approximately 1.5 million to the State to close out the Revolving Loan Program. He stated the County Finance Committee would not be prepared to pass this until September and he moved to have it moved until the September Agenda.

Mrs. Barker pulled Items (b) Ordinance 2018/19-019 #2019-16-S Clayton Township Granting a Special Use to Paul Quiram for a private heliport, located in the (AG) Agricultural District , on a 6.62 acre, more commonly described as the ground surrounding 2475 State Route116, Benson, Illinois; and (c) Ordinance 2018/19-020 #2019-18-S Clayton Township Granting a Special Use to Randy Koehler for a private heliport, located in the (AG) Agricultural District, on a 26.58 acres, more commonly described as 2040 County Road 2200 E, Benson, Illinois, for further discussion; which there was no need of. Mr. Parsons Motioned to approve both Items (b) and (C); which was seconded by Mr. Cotton and carried with 1 nay from Mr. Hill.

Chairman Krug moved on to the New Business portion of the meeting; the first item under New Business was Item (a) the appointment to the Central Illinois Agency on Aging, the group meets the same afternoon the Conservation, Planning and Zoning meet. Chairman Krug inquired if anyone would be interested in the appointment please contact him.

Mr. Cotton informed the Members in regard to being compliant with Gata requirements, Item (b) the approval of Mandatory Ethics Training Policy would be added to the Personnel Policy and all employees would then need to complete the on-line course. Mr. Nagel motioned to add the policy, which was seconded by Mr. Davis and unanimously carried.

Mrs. Barker motioned to approve adding 50% off Select Brand Medications for Diabetes and Asthma/COPD as recommended by Tria Health, which was seconded by Mr. Nagel and unanimously carried.

Chairman Krug announced that in September Mr. Davis and Mr. Kempf would be going to Washington, D.C. to represent the County with UCCI. If any Member has anything they would like the two of them to report to our representatives in Washington, please get in touch with the gentlemen.

Chairman Krug stated with their absence at next month’s County Board we should move the picture to the following month.

Chairman Krug announced there had been some interest in the County Year Book and when it would be available. County Clerk Kupfer said her office was waiting on a few things to submit and it would be going to print. Chairman inquired how many copies the Members felt should be printed, stating in the past they had ordered 300. It was left up to the Clerk to order an amount necessary.

Chairman Krug moved on to Unfinished Business, since there were none, we moved on to the presentation portion of the meeting.

Ms. Brandi Gerber, Director of Heartline and Heart House, stated the agency mission is to provide emergency shelter for women and children, financial aid and education; community and resource referrals; and basic essentials to residents of Woodford County who find themselves homeless, victims of domestic violence, or in any other crisis situation. Heartline and Heart House has been serving Woodford County since 1982. They are located at 300 E. Reagan Drive, Eureka, IL 61530 and their hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8 AM to 4:30 PM.

Mr. Keith McArdle, President/CEO (ADDWC) of the Association for the Developmentally Disabled of Woodford County, spoke to the Members stating the mission for the agency was to Improve the quality of life for the people with developmental disabilities and their families if Woodford County and the surrounding areas. It is a small, non-profit agency providing quality, person-centered, individualized services to adults with intellectual disabilities. In addition to the Recycling program, they offer Day Program Services with developmental training and life skills; as well as community living with twenty-four hour support. The Association for the Developmentally Disabled of Woodford County is located at 200 Moody Street, Eureka, IL. 61530.

Chairman Krug then called for the vote to approve the claims Paid in Vacation since the last meeting of the Board. Mrs. Barker moved to approve the Claims Paid in Vacation since the last meeting, which was seconded by Mr. Hill and it unanimously carried.

Mr. Steffen presented and read Resolution 2018/19-067 approving the payment of the Claims, which was seconded by Mr. Faulk.

Chairman Krug called for a roll call vote. County Board Members voting Aye: John Krug, Barry Logan, Charles Nagel, Blake Parsons, Jason Spence, Dan Steffen, Donald Tolan, Emily Barker, Russell Cotton, Joshua Davis, Justin Faulk, Richard Hill and Bryant Kempf. County Board Members voting Nay: None. County Board Members absent: Randy Roethler, unexcused; and Andy Rokey, excused. Motion carried.

The Report of the County Treasurer on receipts and disbursement of the General Fund, current fund balances and interfund transfers for the period ending July 31, 2019 was presented. A handout regarding the Revolving Loan account as of July 31, 2019 was available.

Mr. Kempf moved to place all of the Treasurer’s reports on file, which motion was seconded by Mr. Cotton and was unanimously carried.

The report for the Office of the County Board dated August 20, 2019 was presented. Mr. Parsons moved to place the Report on file, which motion was seconded by Mrs. Barker and was unanimously carried.

The following communication will be placed on file for the regular meeting of the August 20, 2019 County Board meeting:

 Letter received August 12, 2019 from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency concerning the proposed issuance of a Federally Enforceable State Operating Permit for Versa Press Inc., East Peoria.

 Letter from the Illinois Department of Transportation containing a copy of the supplemental “Documentation” Review #55 covering the receipt and disbursement of Township Bridge funds by the road districts of Woodford County for the period beginning January 1, 2017, and ending December 31, 2018.

 Letter from the Illinois Department of Transportation containing a copy of the supplemental “Document Review #56 covering the receipt and disbursement of Motor Fuel Tax funds by the road districts of Woodford County for the period beginning January 1, 2017, and ending December 31, 2018.

 Letter from the Illinois Department of Transportation containing a copy of the supplemental “Document” Review #72 covering the receipt and disbursement of Motor Fuel Tax funds by the county for the period beginning January 1, 2017, and ending December 31, 2018.

 Minutes of the Ad Hoc Committee meeting held July 2, 2019.

 Minutes of the Road and Bridge Committee meeting held July 8, 2019.

 Minutes of the Public Safety Committee meeting held July 8, 2019.

 Minutes of the County Offices Committee meeting held June 11, 2019 and Special meeting held July 16, 2019.

 Minutes of the Finance & Economic Development Committee held July 9, 2019 and Special meeting held July 22, 2019.

 Minutes of Conservation, Planning and Zoning Committee meetings held July 8, 2019.

 Minutes of the Woodford County Zoning Board of Appeals meeting held May 28, 2019.

 Minutes of the Woodford County Health Care Committee meeting held May 15, 2019.

Mr. Cotton moved to place all correspondence on file, which motion was seconded by Mr. Tolan and was unanimously carried.

The respective Chairmen gave the reports of each Standing Committee.

Mr. Hill, Chairman of the Road & Bridge Committee, reported on the projects they were getting caught up on from previous rain delays. County Engineer Moore reported on the Tazwood road project north of Eureka and seal coating throughout the County continues.

Mr. Cotton, Chairman of the County Offices Committee, reported they talked about the Ethics Training and hopeful to push through the codification by next month.

Mr. Nagel, Chairman of the Finance and Economic Development Committee, reported they had a special meeting to discuss the revolving loan fund and costs concerning application fees. Mr. Nagel reported on the Townships and Municipalities that submitted projects and those entities that were favorable to receive funds from the projects that were approved. Mr. Nagel reported on the next two Public application hearings and details submitting to the State for approval. Mr. Nagel stated they have finished the budget process with all departments. They will determine in September what to tentatively present to the Board for discussion. Mr. Nagel reported the budget is up over 3% from last year but feels this is a good starting place and he is appreciative the Department Heads and Elected Officials were honest on what they need. Mr. Nagel reported on an “Extra Ordinary List” to be brought before the Board in September that were discussed and the plans concerning that. Mr. Nagel reported on the Mayor’s meeting he attended and the discussion of organic products how Woodford County is the largest producer of organic products in the State of Illinois.

Mr. Logan, Chairman of the Public Safety Committee, reported on the presentation from county board member Mrs. Barker on restricting cannabis at their meeting. Mr. Logan stated the Sheriff would like to have a Merit Commission. Mr. Logan asked Sheriff Matt Smith to explain what a Merit Commission is and what they do. Sheriff Matt Smith stated an Auxiliary was recently selected and presented to the Public Safety Committee for a Merit Commission. Sheriff Matt Smith stated a Merit Commission is made up of a number of people determined by the County Board and they basically have 3 responsibilities:

 They generate a hiring pool or hiring list.

 They generate a list of promotions within the Sheriff’s Office of merited ranks, clarifying that not every rank is under merit.

 If a complaint is received from the States Attorney or the Sheriff they have the ability to discipline up to termination of a Sheriffs employee who is under the merit commission.

Sheriff Matt Smith further explained having a Merit Commission provides more transparency to the public, taking away those responsibilities from the inner Department. Mr. Logan reminded everyone the County Board Picture is slated to be taken at October’s County Board Meeting.

Mr. Parsons, Chairman of the Conservation Planning and Zoning Committee, reported on the Tall Structure Ordinance changes that were voted on tonight and verbiage changes concerning Wind Towers. Mr. Parsons reported on a request for a street name change from Jay Hockenbury and how the name dates back to the civil war and the challenges associated with that. Mr. Parsons suggested a possible alternative such as an honoree street name program and criteria involved to take into consideration. They plan to address this again at their next meeting. Mr. Parsons welcomed and introduced the new members of the ZBA Committee that were approved at tonight’s meeting. Mr. Parsons reported on the recreational cannabis issue and thanked Mrs. Barker for attending that meeting and giving a detailed presentation providing allot of good information. Mr. Parsons stated they discussed the matter and it is the feeling we are heading towards recreational cannabis prohibition as far as businesses go. Mr. Parsons reported States Attorney Minger sighted different aspects:

 Distribution  Sales

 Transportation  Cultivation

Mr. Parsons stated he has received many phone calls and emails on this topic how everyone is against it. Further stating they are considering amending the Woodford County Zoning Ordinance to reflect a simple amendment, “The Prohibition of Recreational Cannabis Business in Woodford County.” Mr. Parsons made it clear it does not criminalize it, how it does not have anything to do with Industrial Hemp Production. Mr. Parsons reported they will be going before the ZBA with an application to amend the County Ordinance regarding this Prohibition.

Mr. Parsons encouraged the Board Members to attend the October ZBA Meeting he believes there will be interested parties signed up to speak, give presentations bringing evidence and testimony. Mr. Spence interjected if the ordinance is changed it does not affect what the Municipalities, Cities, and Towns decide to do. Mr. Spence remarked about how some of the constituents that have reached out were not aware they also needed to go to whomever runs their Cities and tell them if they want it stopped there, as well as any City that does not pass it, could technically have a business there. This only covers the unincorporated areas of Woodford County. Mr. Parsons stated there is some confusion with some people that contacted him about a recent change to the law how the County could collect 3% in unincorporated and incorporated sections of the County. That is being interpreted as whatever the County Board will do will be County wide no matter what, which is untrue, it is up to the municipalities to enact their own ordinances how this is all based on State Statue how we have the ability to do this and how the committee plans to move forward with the proposed Prohibition. Mr. Parsons stated as time goes on if anyone should have any questions to reach out to him or Mrs. Barker. Much discussion followed regarding concerns of the Municipalities regulating their own boundaries and what could happen if they take no action. The consideration of sending out a letter to municipalities was raised making sure they are informed of the new cannabis law, actions they might consider to take, and the deadline of when the law goes into effect.

Chairwomen Andrews reported for the Health Care Committee (Health Insurance Committee). Ms. Andrews reported they met and reviewed the proposed premium plan rates for the 2020 plan year and discussed the possibility of having a premium holiday. Chairwomen Andrews reported the Committee sent the proposed rates back to Snedeker to rework the numbers and scale back the percentages of increases. They will be reviewing the newly proposed premium rates and have further discussion on the premium holiday at the September 11th Health Care Committee Meeting. Chairwomen Andrews stated it was discussed and they felt the employees might appreciate a lower premium increase at this time instead of doing a premium holiday. Chairwomen Andrews reported fund balances continue to do well.

Mr. Parsons reported for the Zoning Board of Appeals. Mr. Parsons reported they have 6 applications, 2 variances, 2 special use, 1 map amendment, and 1 text amendment. Mr. Parsons briefly went over the map amendments. Worth Township wants to change a residential coverage to Ag. Greene Township (near El Paso) a special use application to operate an Ag Equipment Repair Business. Worth Township a special use to operate a Custom Counter Top Business. Roanoke Township a variance to exceed the maximum lot coverage. Worth Township a variance to increase mean building height. CPZ application for some text amendments regarding the signs, language, special use requirements language, fee schedule, chickens in R1 and high impact business. Mr. Parsons stated he had a few questions on the high impact business and after receiving guidance from council they decided to eliminate it out of the zoning ordinance because of the way tax is collected.

Mr. Spence, Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee, reported Sheriff Matt Smith is working with Heart Technologies on the network discovery. They are still waiting on the grant money for the tear down of Annex 3. Mr. Spence reported on the decision to go with Office365 for email. Heart Technologies and Captain Waters are working with all Departments in regards to email security needs. Mr. Spence reported the Childcare Advocacy Center is moving down to the Health Department which will save on rent. The Sheriff is working with the States Attorney to develop a specific area there to interview children that may be impacted by a criminal investigation.

Veterans Assistance Commission Superintendent Allen Helsel reported they served over 30 Veterans in Woodford County this last month and stated the Veteran’s office is starting to grow in Woodford County since Veterans are more aware the VAC Office is located in the Woodford County Courthouse. Superintendent Helsel reported that he and Randy will be attending a mandatory 3 day training class in Peoria which they do every year to keep their jobs. Superintendent Helsel asked Jason Spence, Woodford County VAC Representative to come visit their office they would like to show him what it is they do.

Chairman Krug called for Public Announcements which Mr. Cotton announced there would be a Blood Drive at the Willow Hills Church on August 28, 2019 and he encouraged everyone to attend. Ms. Hillary Aggertt announced beginning September 1 through October 26, 2019 there is a Tri-County Trek to walk 208 miles in 8 weeks taking place and she encourages everyone to join.

Chairman Krug stated there was no need to go into Executive Session.

Mr. Steffen moved to adjourn until 6:30 P.M. the third Tuesday in September, A.D. 2019 same being the 17th day of said month, which motion was seconded by Mr. Cotton and was unanimously carried.

Chairman Krug announced the Board adjourned at approximately 7:45 PM.

https://www.woodford-county.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08202019-969