Sangamon Sun

Sangamon County Board met September 19.

Here is the minutes provided by the Board:

The Sangamon County Board met in Regular Statutory Session on September 19, 2017 in the County Board Chambers. Chairman Van Meter called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Mr. DelGiorno introduced Dr. Maryam Mostoufi, Chaplain with the Springfield Islamic Community, to give the Invocation. Mr. Snell led the County Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call:

Chairman Van Meter asked County Clerk Gray to call to the roll. There were 25 Present – 4 Absent. Mr. Madonia, Mr. O’Neill, Mrs. Ruzic, and Mr. Stumpf were excused.

Proclamations:

Mr. Mendenhall presented a Proclamation to David Dobson upon his retirement as Executive Director of the Sangamon County Central Dispatch System and Emergency Telephone System Department. The Proclamation recognized Mr. Dobson’s contributions to the citizens of Sangamon County. Mr. Dobson accepted the Proclamation and thanked them for the recognition.

Presentation:

Molly Berns, with the Regional Planning Commission, addressed the County Board. She explained that in 2013 the Citizens Efficiency Commission had been looking at ways local governments could become more efficient. Through its research they found there really was no formal way for village mayors and presidents to communicate with each other, and that resulted in a lot of lost opportunities. Out of that came the formation of the Regional Leadership Council. She is very honored tonight to introduce Village President Tom Rader of Riverton, who is also the Chairman of the Regional Leadership Council. The council is comprised of all the mayors and village presidents from around Sangamon County.

Riverton Mayor Tom Rader gave a presentation regarding a few things the Regional Leadership Council is working on. Some of that is their goals. One of their main goals is to improve communication between the municipalities and other units of government, including the County Board, townships, and municipalities. They have expanded their cooperation with other units of local government. Without the Regional Leadership Council, there are a lot of mayors he would not have reached out to or even taken the time to get to know. He thinks a lot of the mentality with a lot of the townships and villages is that they can handle things within. With money getting tighter it is becoming more important that they work together so they can save their resources. If someone needs a dump truck, there is no sense in buying one when you only need it two times a year, and when someone else will let them borrow one. That is something they have been working on. They are also working on a website to help cut down on the duplication of their resources. All the mayors will have a list of all the resources each town has, so it will be accessible to them. If they need chainsaws, a dump truck, or generators they would be able to go to this list and see which town has it. They can then reach out to them and ask if they can borrow that. Another thing they have worked on with Brian McFadden, County Board Member Lori Williams, and County Board Chairman Van Meter is when they have a problem coming together with Representative Butler or Representative Wojcicki, they have all been able to come together to help them. This is something the Regional Leadership Council has brought together with all the mayors. Their goal is to try and get everyone to work together for the better good of all their communities.

One of the things the RLC has accomplished since 2013 is a marketplace. They will have a place where a village can put something out there to sell, and only the villages will know what’s out there, so they can work together. Riverton sold a line truck to Rochester and one to Sherman because the brand new $120,000 line trucks were only used to change street lights. When you have resources like that, you can save villages a lot of money. They also had a joint procurement of street sign replacements. There were five other communities in on that. They also did the procurement for the salt where they can go in on the bid with the county and get a better price for everybody that uses salt on their streets. The same thing goes for other problems. If a village already has an ordinance for golf carts, they can go ahead and duplicate that information so they don’t have to go out and pay an attorney to go out and recreate the wheel. They could just change the name on it and see what they need to do to fine tune it for themselves. Those are things they work on to try and save money. The other big thing they work on is electrical aggregation. Most communities in the county have Ameren for their power supply. So this group comes together, and Ameren comes in and gives their presentation to decide if it’s worth it to their community to do the aggregation or if it’s better to stay with Ameren. The representative would have to go to 12 different RLC board meetings. So, with this they can come there, get the information out, and take it back to their board. They are being more efficient with how they get information back to their constituents.

The Williamsville/Sherman Bike Trail also started in the RLC. They worked together with the mayors, county board members, and representatives. They are also in a mutual aid agreement with Riverton and Dawson to help them with their water plant if they have a problem. They now have the ability to hook their generator up over there when it is needed. The Small Town Character Grant is also in the process right now. They have four towns in that now including: Auburn, Illiopolis, Dawson and Riverton. That is another project that wouldn’t have come to fruition without the RLC.

They all get together and talk about what is going on in the communities. They are all communicating now. The RLC is really getting some importance to it.

Molly Berns explained in the last Election there was a referendum on the ballot that basically said “Shall the Sangamon County Board support further development of the Regional Leadership Council?” There was 74.92% of the citizens of Sangamon County that voted for it and said yes. One of the things that has happened since then, through the County Board’s support, is there is a staff member housed in the Regional Planning Commission office that does work for the RLC. She pointed out Jordan Leaf in the crowd. He works specifically with RLC, as well as the Citizens Efficiency Commission, and he also works on comprehensive plan issues as well. They do have the staff resources, through the support of the County Board, dedicated to the Regional Leadership Council. They are starting to set up a website at no cost to local communities because it will be on the county’s site, which is a great thing. Jordan will be the administrator of this site, so the local communities will have no cost. This is part of the way the County Board is supporting the Regional Leadership Council. In addition to the marketplace and the sharing of information, it will be a promotional opportunity for the events that are going on in the local communities. This is where all of you come in. The attendance has been sporadic. In April they had a post-mayoral election get together and had good attendance at that. If your communities are not attending she thinks they are missing out on opportunities to share information and be a part of regional approach to local government. Some of the things that Tom mentioned are great cost savings for your local communities. They are asking you to please reach out in the rural areas and ask villages and towns if they currently attend meetings of the RLC, and if they don’t please encourage them to do so. If they do, thank them and encourage them to continue to do so.

Mr. Rader thanked Chairman Van Meter, the County Board, Brian McFadden, Jordan Leaf, and Molly Berns. Without the help from them the RLC would not be able to function. Everyone has day jobs, so the support they get is incredible. They are trying to find ways to get more mayors and supervisors involved in this. Dave Kimsey from Chatham is a new mayor, but he has come in and really taken hold of things. They would also like to get the people in Rochester involved again. When they discuss things they don’t want eight mayors there making a decision for everybody in the county. Their next meeting will be October 25, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. here in the County Board chambers. If you can reach out to any of your mayors and encourage them to attend, they would really appreciate any help and support.

Jason Ratts asked if Leland Grove, Grandview and Southern View are participating in this. Mrs. Berns stated it has been sporadic. Sometimes the communities attend and sometimes they don’t. It would be very helpful for the board members to ask the communities why they are or are not attending. If there is a specific reason why they are not, they would like the feedback so they can address the reasons and encourage participation.

Chairman Van Meter reported that he and Brian McFadden spoke with the Mayor of Springfield and he is really quite keen on the project, but it has been a little difficult for him to attend. Molly Berns stated that Deputy Mayor Bonnie Drew does attend on his behalf.

Minutes:

A motion was made by Ms. Sheehan, seconded by Mr. Bunch, for approval of the Minutes of August 8, 2017. A voice vote was unanimous.

Motion Carried

Minutes Adopted

Correspondence:

A motion was made by Mr. Bunch, seconded by Ms. Sheehan, to place correspondence on file with the County Clerk. A voice vote was unanimous.

Resolution 1:

1. Resolution approving a bridge petition for Ball Road District.

A motion was made by Mr. Fraase, seconded by Mrs. Deppe, to place Resolution 1 on the floor. Chairman Van Meter asked County Clerk Gray to call the roll. Upon the roll call vote, there were 24 Yeas – 0 Nays.

Motion Carried

Resolution Adopted

Resolution 2:

2. 2017-034 – Marine Bank Trustee, 9700 Block of Buckhart Road, Rochester – Granting Variances. County Board Member – Dave Mendenhall, District #3.

A motion was made by Mr. Mendenhall, seconded by Mr. Krell, to place Resolution 2 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Mendenhall to waive the reading of the professional staff’s report. There were no objections. A voice vote was unanimous for the adoption of Resolution 2.

Motions Carried

Resolution Adopted

Resolution 3:

3. 2017-035 – Joshua R. Schlicht, 5025 Kinsinger Lane, Pleasant Plains – Granting Variances. County Board Member – Tom Fraase, Jr., District #1.

A motion was made by Mr. Fraase, seconded by Mr. Sullivan, to place Resolution 3 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Mendenhall to waive the reading of the professional staff’s report. There were no objections.

A voice vote was unanimous for the adoption of Resolution 3.

Motions Carried

Resolution Adopted

Resolution 4:

4. 2017-036 – Kim & Pamela Schlicht, 3029 W. Jefferson Street, Springfield – Granting a Variance. County Board Member – Tom Fraase, Jr., District #1.

A motion was made by Mr. Fraase, seconded by Mr. Miller, to place Resolution 4 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Mendenhall to waive the reading of the professional staff’s report. There were no objections. A voice vote was unanimous for the adoption of Resolution 4.

Motions Carried

Resolution Adopted

Resolution 5:

5. 2017-037 – Alan and Janet Rentshler, 6811 Rentshler Road, Rochester – Granting a Variance. County Board Member – Tom Madonia, Jr., District #9.

A motion was made by Mrs. Hills, seconded by Mr. Tjelmeland, to place Resolution 5 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Mendenhall to waive the reading of the professional staff’s report. There were no objections. A voice vote was unanimous for the adoption of Resolution 5.

Motions Carried

Resolution Adopted

Resolution 6:

6. 2017-038 – Brett & Michelle Dalby, 11637 Catholic Cemetery Road, Glenarm – Granting a Rezoning and Variances. County Board Member – Pam Deppe, District #5.

A motion was made by Mrs. Deppe, seconded by Mr. Thomas, to place Resolution 6 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Mendenhall to waive the reading of the professional staff’s report. There were no objections. A voice vote was unanimous for the adoption of Resolution 6.

Motions Carried

Resolution Adopted

Resolutions 7 – 17:

7. Resolution relating to participation in IMRF by the Sangamon County Board Chairman.

A motion was made by Ms. Sheehan, seconded by Mr. Hall, to place Resolution 7 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Bunch, seconded by Mr. Smith, to consolidate Resolutions 7 – 17. Chairman Van Meter asked County Clerk Gray to read Resolutions 8 – 17.

8. Resolution relating to participation in IMRF by the Sangamon County Auditor.

9. Resolution relating to participation in IMRF by the Sangamon County Circuit Clerk.

10. Resolution relating to participation in IMRF by the Sangamon County Coroner.

11. Resolution relating to participation in IMRF by the Sangamon County Clerk.

12. Resolution relating to participation in IMRF by the Sangamon County Recorder.

13. Resolution relating to participation in IMRF by the Sangamon County Sheriff.

14. Resolution relating to participation in IMRF by the Sangamon County State’s Attorney.

15. Resolution relating to participation in IMRF by the Sangamon County Treasurer.

16. Resolution approving a list of contracts for employee benefits for 2018.

17. Resolution accepting the maintenance agreement proposal from IBM Inc. through Levi, Ray and Shoup Inc. for the Circuit Clerk’s Office.

A voice vote was unanimous on the consolidation. A motion was made by Mr. Preckwinkle that the roll call vote for Resolution 1 stands as the roll call vote for Resolutions 7 – 17, as consolidated. A voice vote was unanimous.

Motions Carried

Resolutions Adopted

Waiver of Ten-Day Filing Period:

A motion was made by Ms. Sheehan, seconded by Mr. Bunch, to waive the ten-day filing period. A voice vote was unanimous.

Motion Carried

Ten-Day Filing Period Waived

Resolution 18:

18. Resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement between the Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission and the Village of Pawnee regarding Plat Officer designation.

A motion was made by Mr. Thomas, seconded by Linda Fulgenzi, to place Resolution 18 on the floor. A voice vote was unanimous for the adoption of Resolution 18.

Motion Carried

Resolution Adopted

Old Business:

There was no old business.

New Business:

A. Resolutions

There were no new resolutions.

B. Appointments

Appointment of Pat Somers to the Sangamon County Board of Review for a term expiring September, 2019.

Appointment of Sharon Brown to the Community Services Block Grant Advisory Council for a term expiring September, 2020.

Appointment of Allissa Hall to the Community Services Block Grant Advisory Council for a term expiring September, 2020.

Appointment of Brad Mills to the Community Services Block Grant Advisory Council for a term expiring September, 2020.

Appointment of Michele Tucker to the Community Services Block Grant Advisory Council for a term expiring September, 2020.

Appointment of David Yankee to the Community Services Block Grant Advisory Council for a term expiring September, 2020.

Appointment of Joseph Powell to the Sangamon County Emergency Telephone System Board for a term expiring September, 2018.

Appointment of Kenny Winslow to the Sangamon County Emergency Telephone System Board for a term expiring September, 2018.

Appointment of Rich Coon to the Sangamon County Emergency Telephone System Board for a term expiring September, 2018.

Appointment of Dick Rentschler to the Sangamon County Emergency Telephone System Board for a term expiring September, 2018.

Appointment of Jim Good to the Sangamon County Emergency Telephone System Board for a term expiring September, 2018.

Appointment of Tom Chi to the Sangamon County Emergency Telephone System Board for a term expiring September, 2018.

Appointment of Jeanette Goza to the Sangamon County Historic Preservation Commission for a term expiring September, 2018.

Appointment of Clyde Bunch to the Sangamon County Sewer Rebate Benefit Board for a term expiring September, 2018.

Appointment of Judy Johnson to the Sangamon County Sewer Rebate Benefit Board for a term expiring September, 2018.

Appointment of Herman Senor to the Sangamon County Sewer Rebate Benefit Board for a term expiring September, 2018.

Appointment of George Allspach to the Lanesville-Illiopolis Drainage District for a term expiring September, 2020.

Appointment of David Mendenhall to the Sangamon County Central Dispatch System for a term expiring September, 2018.

Appointment of Craig Hall to the South Sangamon Water Commission for a term expiring May, 2019.

A motion was made by Ms. Sheehan, seconded by Mr. Bunch, for approval of the appointments. A voice vote was unanimous.

Motion Carried

Appointments Adopted

The nominations for appointment in October were submitted.

Mr. DelGiorno pointed out there are currently protestors standing outside the building from Court Services and Probation for AFSCME. He spoke with them a little bit, and he had a chance to ask Mr. Smith during Caucus about when they might meet as a collective bargaining committee. Mr. Smith had explained that is not collective bargaining jurisdiction necessarily because it is under Court Services and is negotiating with the Judges. He asked if Mr. Smith wanted to address that briefly. Mr. Smith stated he has no comment and does not have knowledge of where that stands. Their attorneys have been handling all of those negotiations. He does not have an update for them. They would have to check with them on the status. Chairman Van Meter explained that office reports to the Judges, so they just have a tangential participation in the negotiations.

Mr. Bunch commented that he has a hard feeling in his heart for Mr. O’Neill, who was a Lieutenant that fought during the Vietnam War. He would appreciate if everyone would keep him in their prayers.

Reports of County Officials, Reports of Standing Committees, Reports of Special Committees, Committee Report on Claims:

A motion was made by Mr. Bunch, seconded by Ms. Sheehan, to place the reports on file with the County Clerk. A voice vote was unanimous.

Motion Carried

Reports Filed

Adjourn:

A motion was made by Ms. Sheehan, seconded by Mr. Bunch, to adjourn the meeting to October 10, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. A voice vote was unanimous.

Motion Carried

Meeting Adjourned

https://www.sangamoncountyclerk.com/County-Board/documents/September192017_000.pdf