Peoria Standard

Peoria County Board met Oct. 14.

Here are 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: Members Blair, Bryant, Daley (Via teleconference), Dillon, Duncan, Elsasser, Fennell, Groves Allison, Pastucha, Reliford, Reneau, Rieker, Rosenbohm, Salzer, Watkins, Williams, and Windish, with Member Rand absent.

I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

∙ Approval of September 9, 2021 County Board Meeting Minutes

Member Elsasser moved for approval of the minutes and Member Duncan seconded. The minutes were approved by a unanimous roll call vote of 17 ayes.

II. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

∙ A proclamation recognizing Bartonville Hardware on the occasion of their 70th Anniversary 

∙ A proclamation recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Heart of Illinois United Way

III. CITIZENS' REMARKS

Jackie Petty addressed the Board with regard to Item 11, specifically the Auditor’s proposed budget. She referred to the referendum from 2018 and asked the Board to respect their vote. She said the Auditor must have a budget and employees to get the job done.

Katherine Swise, attorney for Miller, Hall, & Triggs speaking on behalf of Jessica Thomas, addressed the Board with regard to Item 11, specifically the Auditor’s proposed budget. She identified there are eleven statutory duties of the County Auditor set forth in the County Code. She contended that eliminating the staff and reducing the budget effectively budgets the office out of existence. She asserted that the only way to eliminate the Auditor position is by referendum.

Nia McFarland-Drye addressed the Board with regard to Item 11, specifically the Auditor’s proposed budget. She spoke in favor of restoring the Auditor’s budget and allowing the union employees to keep their jobs. She echoed the statements made previously by Ms. Petty and Ms. Swise. She urged the Board to maintain integrity as elected officials and sustain the office that the people voted to keep.

Kathy Martin-McNeil addressed the Board with regard to Item 11, specifically the Auditor’s proposed budget. She summarized the referendum on the County Auditor’s office which appeared on the ballot in the 2018 Primary Election. She asserted that the people voted to keep the position of County Auditor as an elected position.

Lawrence Maushard addressed the Board with regard to Item 11, specifically the Auditor’s proposed budget. He conveyed that the margin in which Jessica Thomas won her election into office should be considered a mandate.

Margaret Kowalski, Assistant Auditor for Peoria County, addressed the Board with regard to Item 11, specifically the Auditor’s proposed budget. She described the workload of the Auditor’s office and urged the Board to check their conscience before voting.

Karrie Alms addressed the Board with regard to Item 11, specifically the Auditor’s proposed budget. She stated that County officials, elected officials, and the citizenry need to work together. She highlighted the statutory duties of the Auditor’s office and contended that these duties could not be removed from the office.

Jessica Thomas, Peoria County Auditor, addressed the Board with regard to Item 11, specifically the Auditor’s proposed budget. She expressed that eliminating jobs would leave her office without the ability to perform many of its statutory duties. She asserted that the removal of these duties adversely impacts the Peoria County taxpayers.

Brittany Strickland addressed the Board with regard to Item 11, specifically the Auditor’s proposed budget. She expressed her concerns over removing funding from the Auditor’s office. She asked for the Board to listen to the will of the people. She stressed that working together to solve difficult problems is essential.

Lorry Saunders addressed the Board with regard to Item 11, specifically the Auditor’s proposed budget. She summarized the proposed budget amounts for both the Auditor’s office and Finance department and questioned whether there was a cost savings.

Kristen Meierkord, ACLU President, addressed the Board with regard to Item 11, specifically the Auditor’s proposed budget. She noted a state statute and contended that the authority to oversee accounting and internal audit systems belongs to the Auditor.

Myles Davis addressed the Board with regard to Item 11. He commented on the challenges the County employees face daily with members of the community. He urged the Board to invest in the County’s employees.

See attached for electronically submitted public comments.

IV. CONSENT AGENDA

C1. The Treasurer report consisting of the Bank and CD's Portfolio for the month of August 2021 and Revenue & Expenditure Reports for the month of July 2021.

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

C3. A resolution (items 1, 4-6 surrenders, items 2-3, 7-8 reconveyances; items 9-22, 24- 33 conveyances) from the Ways and Means Committee recommending that the County Board Chairman be authorized and directed to execute deeds 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 October 14, 2021 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 an appropriation in the General Fund of grant funds in the amount of $800,000.00 from the Illinois Department of Transportation related to the Distillery Labs Smart City/Mobility Living Laboratory.

C5. A joint resolution from your Finance, Audit and Legislative Affairs Committee and your Public Safety and Justice Committee recommending approval of an additional appropriation in the amount of $500,000.00 to the County Sheriff’s budget for costs related to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between Peoria County and the Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council (FOP-Corrections Unit)

C6. A resolution from your Public Safety and Justice Committee recommending approval of the annual salary of the Public Defender of Peoria County in the amount of $165,090.76 effective July 1, 2021.

C7. A resolution from your Public Safety and Justice Committee recommending approval of SFY22 Family Violence Coordinating Council Grant from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority in the amount of $38,800.00 for the period July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.

C8. A resolution from your Public Safety and Justice Committee recommending approval of FFY21 State Court Improvement Grant from the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts for Peoria County Guardian ad Litem Project, in the amount of $114,200.00 for the period October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022.

C9. A resolution from your Public Safety and Justice Committee recommending approval and appropriation of FFY21 State Court Improvement Program COVID-19 Grant from the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts for the Peoria County Remote Juvenile Court Project, in the amount of $41,026.00 for the period September 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022.

C10. A resolution from your Public Safety and Justice Committee recommending approval of FFY21 State Court Improvement Grant from the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts for Peoria County Child Protection Data Courts Project, in the amount of $10,558.00 for the period October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022.

C11. A resolution from your Public Safety and Justice Committee recommending approval of FFY22 DUI Court Grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation, in the amount of $305,603.12 for the period October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022.

C12. A resolution from your County Operations Committee recommending approval of a 3-year contract, with the option to renew up to two additional years, with Gallagher Bassett as Third Party Administrator (TPA) for Risk Management Services, at an estimated annual cost of $52,000.00.

C13. A resolution from your Infrastructure Committee recommending approval of the lowest responsible material proposal of Metal Culverts, Inc., Jefferson City, MO, in the amount of $59,675.75, for a corrugated structural plate box culvert on Slane Road.

C14. A resolution from your Infrastructure Committee recommending approval of a Local Public Agency Agreement for Federal Participation for Phase I and II Preliminary Engineering for the rehabilitation of a bridge (Structure Number 072-3132) on Pulsifer Road.

C15. A resolution from your Infrastructure Committee recommending approval of a Local Public Agency Agreement for Federal Participation for bridge replacement (Structure Number 072-3105) on Dogtown Lane.

C16. A resolution from your Infrastructure Committee recommending approval of a Resolution of Non-Participation rejecting future maintenance responsibilities of proposed pedestrian accommodations (sidewalk) on a portion of Airport Road under State of Illinois jurisdiction.

C17. A resolution from your Infrastructure Committee recommending approval of annual appropriation of Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds in the amount of $3,000,000.00 for County Highway maintenance activities in accordance with Illinois Department of Transportation regulations for calendar year 2022.

Member Rosenbohm moved to approve the Consent Agenda and Member Blair seconded. The Consent Agenda was approved by a roll call vote of 16 ayes and 1 nay, with Member Windish voting nay.

V. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

1. A resolution from your County Health Committee recommending approval of the scope of work and funding with the Center for Prevention of Abuse for the creation of a Long Term Care (LTC)

Ombudsman/Senior Advocate position.

Member Williams moved to approve the resolution and Member Pastucha seconded. Member Reneau stressed the positive effect this will have in the community. He expressed this will be a great partnership with the Center for Prevention of Abuse. He said this is something we should be proud of doing for the seniors in the community. The resolution passed by a roll call vote of 16 ayes and 1 nay, with Member Windish voting nay.

2. A resolution from your County Operations Committee recommending adoption of Peoria County’s Employee Health Plan Premium increases for the Standard PPO $2,000 Plan, the Qualified High Deductible Health Plan, and the IMRF Medicare Eligible Retiree Plan, effective January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022. (Pending approval of the substitute resolution by County Operations, the Board may be voting on the substitute resolution in lieu of the original)

Member Rieker moved to approve the resolution and Member Blair seconded. Member Reneau moved to amend the resolution and Member Blair seconded. Shauna Musselman, Assistant County Administrator, explained that the substitute resolution establishes a subsidy for a portion of the employee share of the health plan premium. Ms. Musselman stated that the original proposed increase in premium was significant. She reported that the committee approved a plan to keep the unit cost the same but reduce a portion of the increase the employee would pay and taking that from other County funds instead.

Vice-Chairman Fennell said that this softens the hardship on employees. Member Reneau mentioned that he should not have taken this vote out of committee. He apologized for any stress that this brought upon employees. He stated that he was happy with the settled conclusion. Member Elsasser agreed that the plan is more palatable for employees, but he recommended other options be explored in the future to maintain affordable health insurance for employees.

Jennie Cordis Boswell, Assistant State’s Attorney, summarized the requirements for posting agendas. Member Salzer remarked that the healthcare issue is one of the biggest concerns for employees. He thanked Member Reneau for doing his best to come up with a solution.

The motion to amend passed by a unanimous roll call vote of 17 ayes. The resolution as amended passed by a roll call vote of 16 ayes and 1 nay, with Member Windish voting nay.

3. A resolution from your County Operations Committee recommending approval to settle Circuit Court Case No. 18-L-110 for a payment amount of $26,676.53. (Pending Committee Approval)

Member Reneau moved to approve the resolution and Member Duncan seconded. Member Rieker asked for legal counsel to give an overview of the resolution for transparency. Ms. Cordis Boswell summarized that the case involves the refund of certain court filing fees. The resolution passed by a roll call vote of 16 ayes and 1 nay, with Member Windish voting nay.

4. A resolution from your County Operations Committee recommending approval of the FY 2022 Authorized Staffing Count for Administrative Departments.

Member Pastucha moved to approve the resolution and Member Watkins seconded. Member Rieker asked for clarification of the purpose of the resolution. Scott Sorrel, County Administrator, explained that as part of the annual budget process the Board must establish the number of authorized positions through County Administration. Mr. Sorrel summarized the number of positions in various departments for FY2022. He stated there is a direct correlation between the Heddington Oaks reduction and the Finance department’s increase in positions.

Member Elsasser questioned whether the addition of positions to the Finance department from Heddington Oaks and Sheriff’s department would be temporary. Mr. Sorrel stated that one of the positions related to accounts receivable is budgeted for a portion of FY2022 and the employee is aware.

The resolution passed by a roll call vote of 16 ayes and 1 nay, with Member Windish voting nay.

5. A resolution from your Infrastructure Committee recommending approval of a Local Agency Agreement for participation in the Illinois Department of Transportation’s 2022 County Engineer’s Salary Program.

Member Salzer moved to approve the resolution and Member Elsasser seconded. Member Salzer described the program and emphasized the County should participate. The resolution passed by a roll call vote of 16 ayes and 1 nay, with Member Windish voting nay.

6. A joint resolution from your Finance, Audit, and Legislative Affairs Committee and your Executive Committee recommending approval of amendments to the County Board’s financial policies.

Member Reliford moved to approve the resolution and Member Williams seconded. Mr. Sorrel detailed the amendments to the financial policies. The resolution passed by a roll call vote of 16 ayes and 1 nay, with Member Windish voting nay.

7. A joint resolution from your Finance, Audit, and Legislative Affairs Committee and your Executive Committee recommending approval of the Annual Authorization for Year End Transfers.

Member Reliford moved to approve the resolution and Member Blair seconded. Mr. Sorrel explained that the resolution allows adjustments to be made in period thirteen of the fiscal year and to ensure the books are balanced in preparation for the annual external audit. The resolution passed by a roll call vote of 16 ayes and 1 nay, with Member Windish voting nay.

8. A joint resolution from your Finance, Audit, and Legislative Affairs Committee and your Executive Committee recommending approval to abate the tax levy for the principal and interest payments due in 2022 for:

a. The General Obligation Bonds (alternate revenue source) Series 2020B (previously 2010F)

b. The General Obligation Bonds (alternate revenue source) Series 2011

Member Rosenbohm moved to approve the resolution and Member Dillon seconded. Mr. Sorrel detailed the bond payments and the purpose of the resolution. The resolution passed by a roll call vote of 15 ayes and 2 nays, with Members Elsasser and Windish voting nay.

9. An Executive Committee report submitted by the Executive Committee Chairman and the County Administrator on the 2022 Annual Budget for all Funds, including amendments recommended by all standing committees:

a. County Operations Committee – Rob Reneau

b. Infrastructure Committee – Phillip Salzer

c. Ways and Means Committee – Steven Rieker

d. Land Use Committee – James Dillon

e. County Health Committee – Sharon Williams

f. Public Safety and Justice Committee – Paul Rosenbohm

g. Joint Finance Audit and Legislative Affairs / Executive Committee – James Fennell / Andrew Rand

Member Pastucha moved to approve the resolution and Member Groves Allison seconded. Mr. Sorrel summarized the change made during the committee process. The resolution passed by a roll call vote of 16 ayes and 1 nay, with Member Windish voting nay.

10.Adoption of the Annual Tax Levy – All Funds.

Member Salzer moved to approve the ordinance and Member Watkins seconded. Mr. Sorrel summarized the levy amounts by fund. He mentioned that there will be no levy for debt service next year because of short term debt that was paid off this year. He provided examples of how the levied funds are used. The ordinance was approved by a roll call vote of 16 ayes and 1 nay, with Member Windish voting nay.

11. Adoption of the Peoria County Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022.

a. Floor Amendment #1

Member Williams moved to approve the ordinance and Member Blair seconded. Jodi Hoos, Peoria County State’s Attorney, conveyed the core function of the Board is to set a fiscally responsible budget. Ms. Hoos stressed that the Auditor’s office is not being eliminated but is being right-sized for the duties it performs.

Member Rieker moved to amend the ordinance and Member Reneau seconded. Member Rieker explained that the employee healthcare subsidy would be funded by the ARPA fund, instead of the general fund. Member Bryant specified her reasons for voting no on the proposed budget. Member Dillon contended that more sustainable healthcare needs to be addressed for the future. He questioned from where the ARPA funds would come. Member Rieker explained the funds would come from an adjustment made to the Building Improvements fund. Member Dillon contended he cannot support taking ARPA funds while there is money from the general fund that could be used. He requested a broader discussion on the subject. Member Elsasser noted he is in support of using the ARPA funds. Member Daley suggested being mindful of the Heddington Oaks bonds and supported paying for the premium subsidy from ARPA since General Funds could be used to pay down the Heddington Oaks bonds. Member Reliford agreed with Member Daley. The motion to use ARPA funds passed by a roll call vote of 13 ayes and 4 nays, with Members Bryant, Dillon, Salzer, and Windish voting nay.

Member Dillon moved to amend the ordinance and Member Bryant seconded. Member Dillon summarized the amendment would provide for the Auditor’s office employees to make a lateral move to another department. Member Reneau expressed he hopes the employees will take advantage of this opportunity. The motion to amend passed by a roll call vote of 16 ayes and 1 nay, with Member Windish voting nay.

Member Rieker asked for an explanation of the key points in the budget. Mr. Sorrel discussed the proposed budget across all funds. He provided examples of the planned use of funds in FY2022. Member Rieker thanked the departments who go through the budget process for starting earlier this year. Member Dillon thanked Administration, Elected Officials, and their staff for their hard work. He noted this budget does not include any tax increases. The ordinance as amended passed by a roll call vote of 15 ayes and 2 nays, with Members Bryant and Windish voting nay.

12.SUSPENSION OF RULES

Ms. Cordis Boswell detailed that to consider the next item, which did not come through a committee, the Board must suspend the rules. Member Pastucha moved to suspend the rules and Member Williams seconded. The motion passed by a roll call vote of 16 ayes and 1 nay, with Member Windish voting nay.

13.A Proclamation extending the Declaration of Emergency due to COVID-19 in Peoria County, Illinois.

Member Pastucha moved to approve the resolution and Member Groves Allison seconded. The resolution passed by a roll call vote of 13 ayes and 4 nays, with Members Elsasser, Reliford, Rosenbohm, and Windish voting nay.

VI. MISCELLANEOUS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

VII. ADJOURNMENT

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

https://www.peoriacounty.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10142021-1060