Sangamon Sun

Sangamon County Board met March 10.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The Sangamon County Board met in Reconvened Adjourned September Session on March 10, 2020 in the County Board Chambers. Chairman Van Meter called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Stumpf gave the Invocation and Mr. Snell led the County Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL

Chairman Van Meter asked County Clerk Gray to call the roll. There were 27 Present – 2 Absent. Linda Fulgenzi and Mr. Sullivan were excused.

WORKFORCE PRESENTATION – SARAH GRAHAM

Sarah Graham, Executive Director of the Land of Lincoln Workforce Alliance, addressed the County Board. Their WIOA funded organization represents five counties including Cass, Christian, Logan, Menard and Sangamon. They help job seekers and employers with all things related to workforce and employment. She started her position in June of 2018, and Chairman Van Meter and County Administrator Brian McFadden has some specific goals they wanted her to meet. One of them was to reorganize how their Workforce Investment Board operates. That is the board that oversees everything her organization does. A couple issues that surrounded the board were lack of engagement and lack of communication that employers and businesses felt they had related to their workforce issues. She reorganized how the meetings function and changed a lot of the communication. A lot of meeting time is now spent hearing from the specific counties and employers on any issues they may be experiencing in their county. Additionally, they added members so they would be more representative of the five counties they serve. They also added a health care organization, which was not previously on the board.

With healthcare being their largest employment sector, it was important to make sure that was represented. They also added the newly created Economic Development Corporation and the City’s Economic Development Department, and Springfield Public School District #186. Secondly, the goal was to diversify the grants and funding they received. They relied heavily on one funding source, which was the WIOA funding. Since she started, they have applied for three grants and have secured two of them. With the third one, she has just gotten through round one and will be finalizing some information from the state on Friday. That grant is the Apprenticeship Grant, and they are asking for about $150,000 to support anything related to apprenticeships in economic development Region 1, which includes local workforce areas 19, 20 and 21. This area includes Decatur, Carlinville, Litchfield, and Springfield. One of the grants they applied and were approved for was the Re-entry Grant, which assisted citizens who were incarcerated and are getting back on their feet and are getting back into the workforce. The third one was a Case Management Grant related to trade clients. They are clients who have lost their jobs due to the jobs being sent overseas. That Case Management Grant offset many of their staff employees’ salaries who were working on those grants. Lastly, she needed to show they were going to have some regular communication with the economic development organizations and businesses in the five-county region. Since then, her and Josh Collins, who represents the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance, had recurring meetings regarding businesses that might need assistance, sectors that might be struggling and how they can support them. They meet regularly with businesses and address any of their workforce concerns. The EDC is now coordinating sector partnership meetings, which she is part of. Therefore, whenever anyone has complaints related to workforce or employment, she is there to address those.

Additional areas of focus she thinks are important to mention are that the location of some of their county offices, not the Springfield office, were not in ideal locations. She has reorganized where they are located. Three of their four county offices are now at community colleges so they can see many clients who need the education and training. The other office location is at a county housing organization. Therefore, these are locations where their clients can easily access their services. They now have frontline staff training for all staff with other partners. All 10 of the other partners are engaged in the training every other month, so they are becoming more familiar with all the services offered across the workforce system. They also had a number of staff members who had the same title, but did very different functions. They have provided training for them and got the positions reorganized, so all the positions with the same title are now operating in the same way. Lastly, they created a clearer referral process with all of these partners so people know when a client comes in, who to refer them to, and the best way to refer them. They also have a tracking system in place to make sure they are tracking all these referrals.

Chairman Van Meter asked her to explain what the Workforce Investment Advisory Board is supposed to do. Sarah explained that they support the five-county area. They have businesses that sit on this board and direct her on what her staff and office should be doing to support them in their needs. When she hears any complaints from anyone on that board, she goes and meets with the organizations to try to find a solution and address their needs.

Chairman Van Meter asked her to give a concrete example of how that works. Sarah stated she just met with a Sangamon County organization that has a lot of needs when it comes to their employees who don’t have a lot of education or training. She has worked with some colleges to get training for that lower level kind of trade, so they can get some experience before they go into these positions. This would be in conjunction with the company’s on-boarding process. It is almost like an internship where they can see what the employees are lacking and where they might need additional training. They can then test out the employees to see if they will even be a good fit for that position. Chairman Van Meter asked if this would be an employer who has positions available. Sarah stated it would be 100%. They worked with Lincoln Land Community College and UIS who pulled together to adjust their curriculum. Sarah complemented her staff and the work they do. They have accomplished so much. Chairman Van Meter stated that Sarah has been a breath of fresh air. A lot of what she is doing is new and should have been going on for a long time. He hopes the employees will come to her more. This all started with a study that the County Board approved. He praised her staff for what they do.

PUBLIC HEALTH PRESENTATION – GAIL O’NEILL

Director of Sangamon County Department of Public Health Gail O’Neill addressed the County Board regarding the COVID-19 virus. They have been trying to keep everyone informed and the Board should have received an email from her this evening. They have been trying to keep everyone informed, and have been growing a large mailing list so they can share information about the Corona Virus and myths, facts, rumors, what they don’t know, and what they do know, and what is going on in their community. They started working with the Corona Virus, and were trying to find out what is going on in their community in January. Since January 28th they have followed 11 Sangamon County residents who had some exposure to someone who traveled to high risk areas. Of those 11 people, 4 have been tested and were in the range from 16 to 81 years of age, and all the tests have been negative. So far, in Sangamon County they have not had anyone who has tested positive for the Corona Virus. There are many rumors, so they are trying to keep people informed. Yesterday they heard about an Amtrak passenger who subsequently tested positive for the COVID Virus and then learned Amtrak was contacting people who had been on the train to let them know. They started getting calls from people who had ridden the train. They did reach out trying to get some information. They learned that this person had been in the business class section, which is more like first class and is a little more segregated. There are about 15 seats or so in that area. They felt the majority of the people on the train probably were not in the same close proximity. After talking with IDPH, they feel the risk was low. They have not heard from anyone who is sick or who has been sick. The Springfield Police got a manifest showing there were 36 people who got off the train in Springfield, but that does not mean they are Springfield or Sangamon County residents, they just got off here. That is pretty much what they know right now.

They are going to have a community-wide meeting tomorrow with all the shareholders, especially the medical community and first responders. They want to meet face to face so they have the same message to the public. Everyone has their own concerns within their own work environments. One of the concerns is not having enough personal protective equipment for everybody including the police and fire departments. The statewide Disaster Declaration will allow them to request equipment such as masks and protective gear for them, the hospitals, and first responders. The state has some stockpile as well. They have a number set aside if they need a phone bank. The last time they did this was with the H1N1 and the shortage of vaccines. They will pull all their staff together to at least answer questions on the phone to try to alleviate concerns of the public. This could get as rough as it was with the H1N1 because people were upset when they could not get the vaccine. They are trying to keep people from just showing up at the emergency room or doctor’s offices if they have a cold or the flu. It is fine to call your doctor, but they are trying to limit the number of people that go in and will expose other people. They put that number out there yesterday and had 77 calls today. That sounds like a lot but it is going to be bigger than that if they have some questions that happen. The staff has a sheet with specific questions like if they traveled. They just want to get a little bit of information to see if they need a nurse to call them back.

They have also started coming up with a plan for a negative air pressure room to help keep their staff safe and quickly get the patient in there to potentially expose as few people as possible. It would be just a few steps from the front door. They started on that project on Friday. Their plan is to send an email to the County Board and to a lot of other people. There is over 200 people on the list now. You can let them know if you know of people you would like included on the list. Chairman Van Meter asked if this would go out daily. Mrs. O’Neill stated the emails would go out daily. There is new information received every day, so it is worth looking at. Chairman Van Meter stated he knows they are working on some protocols now. As the concern about the virus mounts, when people go to the store and can’t get a mask, should they call the Public Health Department? Mrs. O’Neill stated they do not have an abundance of them now, but do have enough for their staff. They are starting a list of things they need and who needs them. Chairman Van Meter asked if it is the Public Health Departments responsibility to provide these things. Mrs. O’Neill stated it really is not. They have been trying to pick up cleaning wipes and hand sanitizer for their offices, and it has been very difficult. Down the road, if they have a vendor that will supply the things they need, then they would certainly offer it to the community. What they have now will be for their own staff. Chairman Van Meter asked if people should still have parties or events they have planned, or should they cancel them. Mrs. O’Neill stated right now people who are sick should just not go. At this point they are not at a point where they fund it is necessary to close things down. If people are participants but are sick then they should stay home. Chairman Van Meter asked if they would be developing some protocols and some answers to questions like this and that they are resource people can go to for these things. Mrs. O’Neill stated that they would absolutely be a resource. As questions come up, they may be things they never thought of before, so everything would be helpful for them to know. They have so many resources to tap into. They were talking about Election Day and sure enough, an email came out, and there is a lot of information already prepared for that. There is a lot of information out there so there is no reason to reinvent the wheel. Chairman Van Meter clarified that there will be daily emails going out, and the Public Health Department will be a source that the medical community and government leaders can go to.

Mr. Bunch stated he has talked to his doctor and heard on the news that the masks do very little to prevent someone from getting the virus. Ms. O’Neill stated that it is questionable. You would need to have a more expensive mask like the N95. You could expose yourself to more your own germs.

Mr. Fraase asked her to explain what the Corona Virus is exactly. Mrs. O’Neill explained that it is basically a cold virus, so if you test for the virus you are testing for a common cold. This virus is a new one they haven’t seen before until 2019 so that is why they are calling in COVID-19. There is no vaccine or no real treatment other than treating the symptoms of a bad cold. Mr. Fraase asked if getting the flu shot helps at all. Mrs. O’Neill stated it would not hurt at all if your immune system has been peeked up during the time your vaccine would work. The flu is a lot deadlier than what they know the corona virus to be right now.

Mr. Stumpf stated as the weeks go on, this is the reason they chose Gail with her demeanor. She has a calming affect when she talks and that is what this community needs. Chairman Van Meter agreed.

Mrs. O’Neill introduced Bill Dart who is the new Assistant Director of Public Health.

CORRESPONDENCE

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

MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. Bunch, seconded by Mrs. Williams, for approval of the Minutes of February 11, 2020. A voice vote was unanimous.

MOTION CARRIED MINUTES ADOPTED

RESOLUTION 1

1. Resolution approving the FY2020 purchases from Louis Marsch Inc. for township motor fuel tax maintenance programs.

A motion was made by Mr. Fraase, seconded by Mr. Ratts, 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 26 Yeas – 0 Nays.

MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION ADOPTED

RESOLUTIONS 2 – 6

2. Resolution approving the FY2020 purchases from P.H. Broughton Inc. for township motor fuel tax maintenance programs.

A motion was made by Mr. Fraase, seconded by Mrs. Hills, to place Resolution 2 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Bunch, seconded by Mr. Smith to consolidate Resolutions 2 – 6. Chairman Van Meter asked County Clerk Gray to read Resolutions 3 – 6.

3. Resolution approving the land acquisitions for the Woodside and Iron Bridge Roads Grade Separation Project.

4. Resolution approving a Phase I Engineering Agreement with Kuhn & Trello Consulting Engineers, LLC.

5. Resolution approving the purchase of 2007 International 4300 bucket truck.

6. Resolution authorizing the institution of litigation for the condemnation of real property.

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 2 – 6, as consolidated. A voice vote was unanimous. Mr. Miller voted Present on Resolutions 3 and 6. Mr. Hall voted no on Resolution 4.

MOTIONS CARRIED RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED

RESOLUTION 7

7. 2020-005 – Greg & Pamela Monroe, 538 S. Livingston Street, Springfield – Granting a Rezoning. County Board Member – Rose Ruzic, District #18.

A motion was made by Mrs. Ruzic, seconded by Mr. Thomas, to place Resolution 7 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Stumpf to waive the reading of the professional staff’s report. There were no objections. A voice vote was unanimous for the adoption of Resolution 7.

MOTIONS CARRIED RESOLUTION ADOPTED

RESOLUTIONS 8 – 16

8. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for the Coroner’s Office from McLean County Coroner’s Office for Morgue Services in the amount of $36,000.

A motion was made by Mrs. Small, seconded by Mrs. Deppe to place Resolution 8 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Bunch, seconded by Mr. Smith, to consolidate Resolutions 8 – 16. Chairman Van Meter asked County Clerk Gray to read Resolutions 9 – 16.

9. Resolution approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between Menard County, Menard County Board of Health, Sangamon County Board of Health, and Sangamon County for the provision of public health services in Menard County.

10. Resolution approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Village of Williamsville and Sangamon County for the provision of Animal Control Services.

11. Resolution approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Springfield and Sangamon County for the provision of Animal Control Services.

12. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for Sangamon County ETSD from Word Systems Inc. for upgrading the Nice Recording System in the amount of $98,567.

13. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for Building and Grounds from Tylex Inc. for Wholesale Natural Gas in the amount of $52,000.

14. Resolution approving Community Resources’ grant application for the Weatherization HHS Grant from DCEO in the amount of $358,628.

15. Resolution approving Community Resources’ grant application for the Weatherization State Program from DCEO in the amount of $154,133.

16. Resolution approving Community Resources’ grant application for the Weatherization DOE Program from DCEO in the amount of $208,312.

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 8 –16, as consolidated. A voice vote was unanimous.

MOTIONS CARRIED RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED

WAIVER OF TEN-DAY FILING PERIOD

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

MOTION CARRIED

TEN-DAY FILING PERIOD WAIVED

RESOLUTIONS 17 – 20

17. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for the Coroner’s Office from Scott Denton, MD for forensic autopsies in the amount of $225,000.

A motion was made by Mr. Tjelmeland, seconded by Annette Fulgenzi, to place Resolution 17 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Bunch, seconded by Mr. Smith, to consolidate Resolutions 17 – 20. Chairman Van Meter asked County Clerk Gray to read Resolutions 18 – 20.

18. Resolution approving a grant application for Regional Planning Commission for the Route 66 Corridor Planning Grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation in the amount of $200,000.

19. Resolution approving a grant application for Regional Planning Commission for the Redevelopment Planning Grant for the 9th Street/Peoria Road Corridor in the amount of $250,000.

20. Resolution approving a three-year agreement with Office Essentials Inc. for office supplies and commodities.

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 17 – 20, as consolidated. A voice vote was carried. Annette Fulgenzi voted Present on Resolutions 14, 15, and 16.

MOTIONS CARRIED RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED

OLD BUSINESS

Mr. Hall stated he had some people in his area bring something to his attention. He understands the business of supply and demand, but there is a truck stop in Sangamon County that had hand sanitizer on sale for $2.99 about three or four weeks ago. This afternoon the same container is being sold for $8.99. He put them in the same category when 9/11 hit and fuel prices went from $3.50 to $8.00 or $9.00 a gallon. He will not shop at this store, and just wanted to point this out.

NEW BUSINESS

A. Resolutions

There were no new resolutions.

B. Appointments

Appointment of Terry Young to the Community Services Block Grant Advisory Council for a term expiring March, 2023.

Appointment of William Bishop IV to the Sangamon County Building Code Board of Appeals for a term expiring November, 2020.

Appointment of Calvin Pitts to the Sangamon County Building Code Board of Appeals for a term expiring November, 2020.

Appointment of Steven D. Ponder to the Sangamon County Building Code Board of Appeals for a term expiring November, 2020.

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

MOTION CARRIED APPOINTMENTS ADOPTED

The nominations for appointment in April were also submitted. A. Procurement/Grant Notifications

There were no procurement/grant notifications.

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 Mrs. Williams, to place the Committee Report on Claims on file with the County Clerk. A voice vote was unanimous.

MOTION CARRIED REPORTS FILED

RECESS

A motion was made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mr. Bunch, to recess the meeting to April, 13 2020 at 7:00 p.m. A voice vote was unanimous.

MOTION CARRIED

MEETING RECESSED

https://www.sangamoncountyclerk.com/County-Board/documents/March102020Minutes.pdf