Peoria Standard

Peoria County Board met April 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Attendance

Present:

Members: Jennifer Groves-Allison, Eden Blair, Brandy Bryant, Camille Coates, Linda Daley, Jimmy Dillion, Betty Duncan, Brian Elsasser, Nathan Hoerr, Daniel Kelch, Danny Phelan, Rob Reneau, Steve Rieker, Paul Rosenbohm, Terrence Ruhland, Phil Salzer, Sharon Williams, Matt Windish

CALL TO ORDER

MOMENT OF SILENCE

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL BY THE COUNTY CLERK

I. CITIZENS’ REMARKS

There were no citizens’ remarks.

II. ZONING ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTIONS

1. A resolution from your County Health Committee recommending approval of Guaranteed Maximum Prices for the construction of the Health and Human Services Campus with associated budget amendments.

Member Reneau moved to approve the resolution and Member Williams seconded.

Chairman Dillon recognized Administrator Monica Hendrickson who wants to thank the Members of the Board of Health and others for their tireless effort that are here today.

Administrator Monica Hendrickson recognized four Board of Health Members in attendance, including President Mike Kennedy, Secretary Ben Brewer, Dr. Jim Davis, and Board of Health liaison, Member Betty Duncan. Administrator Hendrickson also identified Medical Director, Dr. Gregg Stoner.

Member Rieker reminded the Board that in the committee meeting, he took the position of a no vote based on the proposal not being aligned with the budget and the priorities that were set. He also asserted that he advocated for the two buildings needing to be replaced and a new campus. He addressed the beginning decision to not utilize an owner’s representative. He thanked Member Ruhland for stepping up and taking on this role. He asked for a review of what the Board has asked Member Ruhland to do and the burden they are putting on a fellow Board Member. He further mentioned that when the proposal came back it was more than twice what was in the budget. He remarked that when this happened, the Board should have stopped and reviewed it. He noted that a citizen wrote to the Board about cutting corners in a county building and how the result will be costing residents more in the long run. He proposed that the Board put a qualified owner’s representative in place before demolition and construction and announced that Member Ruhland has volunteered. He mentioned previous Boards have failed to manage and maintain our public facilities. He agreed that the current condition of the Health and Coroner’s building was unacceptable. He noted that this proposal has influenced the Board into looking at the other facilities they have and their conditions of them. He explained that the reality of not maintaining has cost more than proper maintenance would have. He remarked that he is not here to blame past Boards but is looking for improvements. He asks that the Board look at hiring a qualified facilities manager to represent the Board in the construction of the campus and plan out the rest of the $14.9 million in ARPA money before it expires. He also advocated for a long-term facilities management plan as well. He urged the Board to take care of the buildings that they were put in charge of when they were elected and avoid acquiring additional facilities until they can take care of the properties that they currently own.

Member Rosenbohm confirmed that he agrees with Member Rieker. He thanked Administrator Monica Hendrickson for all her hard work. He emphasized that new facilities are needed however he will be voting no due to going way over budget. He commented that the Board needs to do a better job finding funds to take care of their buildings so they last forever. He also thanked Member Ruhland and everyone involved for their hard work.

Member Groves-Allison said that she agreed with Member Elsasser’s earlier comment about making sure our employees are well compensated. She mentioned and agreed with Members Rieker and Rosenbohm’s comments about maintaining our facilities. She explained that is why this project is so important as we are taking steps in that direction with funds received from a health crisis.

Member Williams stated that the Board has done so much work on this project and they have done their due diligence. She noted that Member Ruhland has done an amazing job on this Board. She declared how proud she was of this vote and hoped that it will be passed.

Member Windish reminded the Board that he had originally voted no on this project due to unanswered questions and feeling like the money could go farther at some point. He stated that he feels that this is the best way to spend the money at present and will be supporting this project.

Member Ruhland expressed that the Members are giving him too much credit for something that has been a team effort. He mentioned Gabe Rodriguez and his team at River City, Ellen Spencer and her team at Farnsworth, and Administrators Scott Sorrell and Monica Hendrickson. He stressed that the meetings have been a joy because they are cooperative and professional. The meetings are quick and the work gets done.

Chairman Dillon stated that he is encouraged by the Board to roll up their sleeves and tackle the tough questions. He mentioned that he is looking forward to further conversations about other facilities. He stressed that this Board is willing to put in the work and ready to address tough decisions even when they can be uncomfortable. He thanked everyone for the time they have put in on this and remarked that it has not gone unnoticed.

The resolution was passed by a roll call vote of 15 ayes, and 3 nays, with Members Elsasser, Rieker, and Rosenbohm voting nay.

III. MISCELLANEOUS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Chairman Dillon thanked everyone for attending this Special County Board Meeting to tackle this issue.

IV. ADJOURNMENT

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

 https://www.peoriacounty.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04192023-1406