Peoria Standard

Peoria County Board met March 22.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL BY THE COUNTY CLERK

Attendance was taken, and the following members of the Board were present: Members Blair, Bryant, Daley, Dillon, Elsasser, Fennell, Pastucha, Rand, Reliford, Reneau, Rieker, Rosenbohm, Salzer, Watkins, and Williams, with Members Groves Allison, and Windish absent.

I. CITIZENS REMARKS

There were no citizens' remarks submitted.

II. SUSPENSION OF RULES

Member Elsasser moved to suspend the rules and Member Dillon seconded. The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote of 15 ayes.

III. ACTION ITEMS

Chairman Rand discussed that the Coronavirus epidemic is without equal in modern history and it is a matter of great urgency; therefore, the state of emergency declaration is necessitated. He commended the response effort by the teams of government, medical, and nonprofit organizations in the community. He expressed that community efforts and the stay-at-home order will curb the effects of the virus and urged all to use the time to become closer to family.

Member Pastucha asked for information about the care for animals and the status of PCAPS. Public Health Administrator Monica Hendrickson explained that the PCAPS director has been sending out education. PCAPS Director Rebecca Spencer noted that the shelter is closed and that many of the animals have been sent to foster care. Member Pastucha requested information on the mitigation actions taken at the Jail and Sheriff Asbell described that all are being screened at intake and isolated, if necessary. He informed that there are no individuals in isolation, that a plan for several quarantine levels has been developed, and that the jail is equipped to take care of individuals showing signs onsite. Members Rosenbohm Fennell, Dillon, Elsasser, and Watkins, thanked the staff for working tirelessly and working well together. Member Salzer requested information on the availability of testing and Ms. Hendrickson reported that testing is prioritized to specific groups, including those housed in the jail, but those individuals that believe they have been infected should speak with their healthcare provider or call 211.

a. Approval of resolution affirming and extending the action of the County Board Chairman in Executive Orders 1 and 2

Member Pastucha moved to approve the resolution and Member Fennell seconded. Mr. Sorrel detailed the Executive Orders, including the effects on County business delivery and reimbursement for costs incurred, the reasoning for the Orders, and he noted that the Board must affirm the Orders.

Member Rieker inquired about the expiration process of the Executive Orders. Mr. Sorrel explained that new Executive Orders would be created to rescind the previous orders and then a new affirming resolution would be brought to the Board.

Member Bryant asked for clarification on suspending the Centralized Purchasing Ordinance and Mr. Sorrel highlighted the ordinance, the Administrator's spending powers, the requirement of a bidding process for contracts, and payment of prevailing wages. He expressed that some purchases are necessary for the response effort and that the suspension allows for quick action. He emphasized that all normal projects in the pipeline would follow the ordinance. Member Bryant inquired about the use of women and minority-owned businesses during the suspension and Mr. Sorrel described that they would be utilized when possible, but he perceived that most purchases would be made through large corporations. Chairman Rand conveyed that the Elected Officials have developed contingency and cost reduction plans. He informed that there would be transparency for all purchases made during the suspension.

Member Pastucha requested information about leader succession and contingency plans; Chairman Rand highlighted that all have plans in place, including public health officials. The resolution was approved by a unanimous roll call vote of 15 ayes.

b. Approval of resolution to approve the sale of trustee property

Members Groves Allison and Windish entered the meeting.

Member Reneau moved to approve the resolution and Member Blair seconded. Mr. Sorrel reported that East Bluff Homes LP has tax credits expiring at the end of March and approval would allow for the deeds to be recorded in time. The resolution was approved by a unanimous roll call vote of 17 ayes.

IV. DISCUSSION

Member Pastucha inquired about public donations of PPE, and Chairman Rand and Ms. Hendrickson informed that questions about material donations should be directed to 211. Ms. Hendrickson detailed that financial donations can be made to the Community Foundation.

Member Elsasser asked about a State income tax return filing extension and Mr. Sorrel explained that the State is working on extending the filing period.

Ms. Hendrickson discussed that she is impressed with organizations filling in where they are needed in response to the emergency and the number of current cases in the tri-county area. She reported that hospitals are below capacity, that the availability of PPE is important to frontline staff and first responders, and that testing is growing. She noted that the Health Department has been working with coordinating testing and contact tracing. She requested that all try to stay home to slow the spread of the virus.

Member Pastucha asked about the response process and the effectiveness of the plans put in place. Ms. Hendrickson conveyed that it has been advantageous for the Health Department and EMA to be together for response activities. She explained that the plans are made for a local event, making the current situation more difficult because it affects all corners of the world, but that plans are always adaptable. Member Pastucha Member Elsasser thanked Team Peoria County and the tri-county area. Member Elsasser encouraged all to pray for those in the country. Member Reneau thanked Ms. Hendrickson and Mr. Sorrel and expressed that it is helpful knowing that they are in charge. Member Groves Allison highlighted that Illinois has an automatic filing extension to October 15th, but for those that may owe, it is advised that they file by April 15th.

V. MISCELLANEOUS

Chairman Rand discussed the effect on County revenue streams due to the epidemic and the distribution of funds to other taxing bodies. He mentioned that there are reserve funds available through previous Board action, but further consideration may need to be made, and that plans are being made to have access to capital.

VI. ADJOURNMENT

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

https://www.peoriacounty.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03222020-792