Sangamon Sun

Sangamon County Board met June 9.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The Sangamon County Board met in Regular Statutory Session by phone and some members were present in the Chambers. Chairman Van Meter called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Bunch gave the Invocation and asked for a moment of silence for the man who lost his life in Minnesota and for those who lost their lives because of this disease. Mr. Krell led the County Board in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Chairman announced they are meeting this evening by phone pursuant to the continued Governor’s order.

ROLL CALL

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

COVID0‐19 REPORTS

Director of Public Health Gail O’Neill gave an update on COVID‐19 in Sangamon County. She addressed some questions that were asked of her. People have asked to open things up quicker and why they can’t open things now. She stated the metrics they are using are very good. They want to make sure hospitals will be able to provide care to people and that they have flattened the curve. The Governor announced that contact tracing would be available to them next week. They need the proper metrics to be able to move to Phase 4. They may even be able to move to Phase 4 a little faster. Some of that is happening in their community already, and they have not seen an increase in positive cases.

Another question asked was regarding antibody testing. SIU is working on one in their labs now. They want to get a test available so people can be tested easily. They are uncertain right now if people with antibodies are protected from the virus. The Coronavirus is in the same family as the cold and flu. The antibody test is not good to use to see if people should go back to work.

Director of the Office of Emergency Management Bill Lee addressed the County Board. He gave a brief update on the demobilization of their command system. This was activated on March 17, 2020, and was active and on call the entire time. They went from working 7 days a week down to two briefs per week until June 2, 2020. They have handed it off to the Public Health Department for mobile duties. They continue to be on call and ready to reactivate the command system if needed. They will be ready for another outbreak if it happens in the fall. This process ran much better than they thought it would. He is proud to have worked with everyone.

Chairman Van Meter commended them all on a great job.

Sheriff Jack Campbell addressed the County Board. They continue to deal with the fallout of COVID. There have been no infections in the jail or with the deputies. Their plan worked. Sheriff Campbell stated the unrest that occurred was mostly in the city. It was all pretty uneventful in the county. A lot of this was due to police pro‐activity. He gave credit to Chief Winslow with the City of Springfield for their plan. They doubled the manpower during this time. Some villages sent deputies to them for extra police presence. This prevented many things from happening. They wanted to give the citizens a sense of security if they had to be out during this time.

County Administrator Brian McFadden gave an update on activities in County government. They have opened the County back up to normal hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Everyone, including employees and the public, must wear a face covering when coming in the building and they continue to check temperatures. There are 11 offices, which is 40%, that are back to operating as usual. Some of these, including the Sheriff and Emergency Management, never changed their operating procedures. The courts are opened back up and a few others departments have opened back up. They are currently working on phasing other departments back in. They had $1.4 million in COVID related expenses. About $1 million of that was for personnel for departments such as the Sheriff, Public Health, and OEM. The remaining amount of $400,000 was for commodities. There was a grant of $170,000 that went to Public Health and the Sheriff. There was about $300,000 of costs not covered. It is still early to figure out the impact of this on the budget. They do not yet have the exact amount of property tax revenue, but people have been paying their taxes earlier than anticipated. Expenditures are in pretty good shape. Payroll is slightly below where it should be at this time.

MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. O’Neill, seconded by Mr. Bunch, for approval of the Minutes of May 12, 2020. A voice vote was unanimous.

MOTION CARRIED 

MINUTES ADOPTED

CORRESPONDENCE

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

RESOLUTION 1

1. Resolution approving the supplemental engineering agreement for Hanson Professional Services on the Woodside Bridge grade separations.

A motion was made by Mr. Krell, seconded by Mrs. Hills, 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 25 Yeas – 0 Nays – 1 Present. Mr. Miller voted present on Resolution 1.

MOTION CARRIED 

RESOLUTION ADOPTED

RESOLUTION 2

2. Resolution approving a petition for the Curran Township drainage project.

A motion was made by Mr. Krell, seconded by Mr. Fraase, to place Resolution 2 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Preckwinkle that the roll call vote for Resolution 1 stands as the roll call vote for Resolution 2. A voice vote was unanimous.

MOTIONS CARRIED 

RESOLUTION ADOPTED

RESOLUTION 3

3. 2020‐006 – Michael & Lynn Clark, 11553 Leinberger Rd, Athens – Granting a Rezoning and a Variance. County Board Member – Todd Smith, District #2.

A motion was made by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Thomas, to place Resolution 3 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 motion was made by Mr. Preckwinkle that the roll call vote for Resolution 1 stands as the roll call vote for Resolution 3. A voice vote was unanimous.

MOTIONS CARRIED 

RESOLUTION ADOPTED

RESOLUTION 4

4. 2020‐007 – Joseph Chernis, Jr., 2384 Sandhill Rd, Springfield – Denying the petition as submitted, but in the alternative, Granting a Rezoning, Use Variances with Conditions and a Variance. County Board Member – Greg Stumpf, District #16.

A motion was made by Mr. Stumpf, seconded by Mr. Krell, to place Resolution 4 on the floor.

Attorney Tom Pavlik, at 1 SE Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield, addressed the County Board as attorney for the petitioner Joseph Chernis, Jr. He stated the business would have normal business hours Monday through Friday with no sales. They would be purchasing cars from the public for metal scrap to recycle, and it will be located behind the north portion of the property. Hours on Saturday would be by appointment only. This would be a good fit for this area. The property is surrounded by industrial use. This would be less intense than some of the other uses in the area. Mr. Pavlik mentioned the trouble the owner’s son had with the Pillsbury plant. This is not about the person but is about the property.

Mr. Thomas asked if this is EPA compliant and if there are cars there now. Attorney Pavlik stated there are cars on the lot, but he advised his client not to haul anything off until they came into compliance. Mr. Chernis is subject to the strongest requirements of the EPA. He knows he will have to do everything by the book.

Debbie Monroe, objector, residing at 736 S Oaklane Rd, Springfield, addressed the County Board. She stated she owns the property across the street. The petitioner’s property has only about 2 1⁄2 acres that is okay. The rest is not suitable for drainage. They are constantly loading and unloading trucks. There will also be a lot of noise and fumes. He has not moved old cars and debris in the time allowed. This is a neighborhood and there are many other places he could do this. They would like to keep the tranquility they deserve with the neighborhood.

Mr. Krell asked if she lives by Riverside Road. Debbie stated she does. Mr. Krell stated that was down the road a bit. Mrs. Monroe stated it is not down the road, but is directly across the street on the corner.

Roslind Stein, objector, residing at 2688 Piper Ln, Springfield, addressed the County Board. She expressed how different it has been to deal with this since COVID. It has been hard to get in touch with people. She commented how the railroad tracks right there break down on them about twice a year. She was only able to speak with one person from the railroad, and they finally called her back right before speaking tonight. All of his trucks will go over railroad tracks down Shaler Road. The other businesses in the area really do not affect them, or they are not very close.

Attorney Pavlik gave his rebuttal. He stated there would be no long‐term storage at the facility. There are multiple heavy industrial uses in the area. He also reminded them that they do not zone the person, they zone the property. He believes this is a good fit for the area.

Mr. Preckwinkle asked if the additional business would change the character of the neighborhood. Attorney Pavlik stated he thinks it will not. The area is all industrial use. Mr. Preckwinkle stated there was a dispute regarding dumping in the area. He is curious how neighbors will be if there are even more industrial uses in this area. Attorney Pavlik stated the closest property is 200 feet away, and heavy trees screen the property. There is a landfill adjacent to it. They had to fight with the landfill for five years. They are more of an operations situation and not zoning. People can complain if he does not comply with the nature of the area of heavy industrial.

Debbie Monroe gave her rebuttal. She stated all commercial businesses are required to have berms. There are multiple places to recycle goods. She stated this is their neighbor, and she has to hear noise and smell fumes.

Roslind Stein gave her rebuttal. She reiterated about it being industrial. It is not that industrial. They are almost 1⁄2 mile from the business. They are a neighbor and want to stay a neighbor. They do not want to be tortured anymore.

Mr. Stumpf stated this is a hard one. He spent a lot of time out in the district. They checked operations and landscaping at the business. This business is right next to the tracks. They have already been in business at this location. He addressed Mr. Chernis and encouraged him to be a good neighbor. Mr. Krell stated he does not think the opponents will have that much of a problem with this. If anyone has learned a lesson, he thinks Mr. Chernis did.

Mr. Ratts addressed the professional staff. He said Ms. Stein asked him why the entrance couldn’t be on Dirksen. Trustin Harrison, professional staff, explained that would be an IDOT issue. They would have to allow a road to go all the way down to Dirksen and it would probably be expensive. IDOT would have to approve this.

On the question, Chairman Van Meter asked County Clerk Gray to call the roll. Upon the roll call vote, there were 16 Yeas – 7 Nays – 3 Present. Those voting Yea were: Mrs. Deppe, Mr. Fraase, Annette Fulgenzi, Mr. Hall, Mrs. Hills, Mr. Krell, Mr. Madonia, Mr. Mendenhall, Mr. Miller, Mr. O’Neill, Mr. Ratts, Mrs. Scaife, Mr. Smith, Mr. Stumpf, Mr. Thomas and Mr. Tjelmeland. Those voting Nay were: Mr. Bunch, Mrs. Douglas Williams, Mr. Forsyth, Mr. Melchin, Mr. Preckwinkle, Mrs. Small, and Mr. Snell. Those voting Present were: Mr. DelGiorno, Linda Fulgenzi, and Mrs. Ruzic. Resolution 4 was adopted.

MOTION CARRIED 

RESOLUTION ADOPTED

RESOLUTION 5

5. 2020‐008‐ Mary Garvert and Trustee, 1570 & 1572 New Salem Church Rd, New Berlin –

Granting Variances. County Board Member – Tom Fraase, Jr., District #1.

A motion was made by Mr. Fraase, seconded by Mr. Thomas, to place Resolution 5 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 motion was made by Mr. Preckwinkle that the roll call vote for Resolution 1 stands as the roll call vote for Resolution 5. A voice vote was unanimous.

MOTIONS CARRIED 

RESOLUTION ADOPTED

RESOLUTION 6

6. 2020‐010 – David C. Jostes, 1400‐1600 Block of Jostes Rd, Rochester – Granting a Rezoning and Variance. County Board Member – Tom Madonia, Jr., District #9.

A motion was made by Mr. Madonia, seconded by Mr. Miller, to place Resolution 6 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 motion was made by Mr. Preckwinkle that the roll call vote for Resolution 1 stands as the roll call vote for Resolution 6. A voice vote was unanimous.

MOTIONS CARRIED RESOLUTION ADOPTED

RESOLUTION 7

7. 2020‐011 – Ryan Maltby, 12400‐12500 Block of Horse Creek Rd, Pawnee – Granting a Conditional Permitted Use and a Variance. County Board Member – Jeff Thomas, District #4.

A motion was made by Mr. Thomas, seconded by Mr. Hall, 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 motion was made by Mr. Preckwinkle that the roll call vote for Resolution 1 stands as the roll call vote for Resolution 7. A voice vote was unanimous.

MOTIONS CARRIED 

RESOLUTION ADOPTED

RESOLUTION 8

8. 2020‐014 – James R. & Gail A. Cravens, 11000 Block of Maurer Rd, Buffalo – Granting a Rezoning and Variances. County Board Member – David Mendenhall, District #3.

A motion was made by Mr. Mendenhall, seconded by Mr. Krell, to place Resolution 8 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 motion was made by Mr. Preckwinkle that the roll call vote for Resolution 1 stands as the roll call vote for Resolution 8. A voice vote was unanimous.

MOTIONS CARRIED 

RESOLUTION ADOPTED

RESOLUTION 9

9. 2020‐015 – Jayson Entwistle, 8300 Block of Book Road, Williamsville – Granting a Rezoning and a Variance. County Board Member – Todd Smith, District #2.

A motion was made by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Snell, to place Resolution 9 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 motion was made by Mr. Preckwinkle that the roll call vote for Resolution 1 stands as the roll call vote for Resolution 9. A voice vote was unanimous.

MOTIONS CARRIED RESOLUTION ADOPTED

RESOLUTIONS 10 – 19

10. Resolution allowing the Civil Liabilities Committee to settle litigation up to the amount of $50,000.

A motion was made by Mr. Hall, seconded by Mr. O’Neill, to place Resolution 10 on the floor.

A motion was made by Mr. Bunch, seconded by Mr. Smith, to consolidate Resolutions 10 – 19. Chairman Van Meter asked County Clerk Gray to read Resolutions 11 – 19.

11. Resolution approving a grant application for Community Resources from DCEO for the LiHeap Program in the amount of $337,079.

12. Resolution approving a grant application for Community Resources from DCEO for the CSBG Cares Program in the amount of $682,601.

13. Resolution approving a grant application for the Circuit Clerk from the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services for the Title IV‐D Child Support Program in the amount of $41,753.

14. Resolution approving the grant application for the Department of Public Health from the Illinois Department of Human Services for the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Grant in the amount of $52,800.

15. Resolution approving the grant application for the Department of Public Health from the Illinois Department of Human Services for the Health Families Illinois Grant in the amount of $203,634.

16. Resolution approving the grant application for the Department of Public Health from the Illinois Department of Human Services for the State Opioid Response Grant in the amount of $400,000.

17. Resolution approving the grant application for the Department of Public Health from the Illinois Department of Human Services for the WIC Supplemental Nutrition Grant in the amount of $551,740.

18. Resolution approving the grant application for the Department of Public Health from the Illinois Department of Human Services for the Early Intervention Grant in the amount of $898,673.

19. Resolution approving the acceptance of the 2021 Springfield Area Transportation Study Grant.

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 10 – 19, as consolidated. A voice vote carried. Annette Fulgenzi voted Present on Resolutions 11 and 12.

MOTIONS CARRIED 

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED

WAIVER OF TEN‐DAY FILING PERIOD

A motion was made by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. O’Neill, to waive the ten‐day filing period. A voice vote was unanimous.

MOTION CARRIED 

TEN‐DAY FILING PERIOD WAIVED

RESOLUTIONS 20 – 24

20. Resolution approving the grant application for the Sheriff’s Office from the Department of Justice for the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program in the amount of $37,845.

A motion was made by Mr. Fraase, seconded by Mr. Madonia, to place Resolution 20 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Bunch, seconded by Mr. Smith, to consolidate Resolutions 20 – 24. Chairman Van Meter asked County Clerk Gray to read Resolutions 21 – 24.

21. Resolution approving the FY2020 MFT bituminous materials letting.

22. Resolution approving the grant application for Court Services from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority for the Adult Re‐Deploy Illinois Program in the amount of $496,977.

23. Resolution approving the grant application for Court Services from the Illinois Family Violence Coordinating Council for the Family Violence Coordinating Council Program in the amount of $37,269.

24. Resolution approving the grant application for Court Services from the U.S. Department of Justice‐Bureau of Justice Assistance for the Prison Rage Elimination Act Program in the amount of $37,354.

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 20 – 24, as consolidated. A voice vote was unanimous.

MOTIONS CARRIED 

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED

RESOLUTION 25

25. Resolution establishing a temporary auxiliary liquor permit.

A motion was made by Mrs. Hills, seconded by Mr. Madonia, to place Resolution 25 on the floor. Mrs. Hills explained this Resolution is a way for businesses to deal with the COVID virus. Due to the timeframe, they will allow the outside serving of alcohol but no outside music. They will deal with any bar that does not comply. This applies to only those establishments in the County and not establishments in the City of Springfield, and for those with temporary liquor licenses. Mr. Stumpf asked to clarify if this applies to existing bars. Mrs. Hills stated it does not. They already have beer gardens and are licensed.

A motion was made by Mrs. Hills to amend Resolution 25 to state there would be no fee for this temporary auxiliary liquor permit. There were no objections. A motion was made by Mr. Preckwinkle that the roll call vote for Resolution 1 stands as the roll call vote for Resolution 25, as amended. A voice vote was unanimous.

MOTIONS CARRIED 

RESOLUTION ADOPTED

OLD BUSINESS

There was no old business.

NEW BUSINESS

A. Resolutions

There were no new resolutions.

B. Appointments

Appointment of John Hawkins to the Sangamon County Board of Review for a term expiring June, 2022.

Appointment of Mike Brooks to the Sangamon County Historic Preservation Commission for a term expiring June, 2025.

Appointment of Aakash Raut to the Sangamon County Historic Preservation Commission for a term expiring June, 2025.

A motion was made by Mrs. Hills, seconded by Mr. Bunch, for approval of the appointments.

A motion was made by Mr. Preckwinkle that the roll call vote for Resolution 1 stands as the roll call vote for the appointments. A voice vote was unanimous.

MOTIONS CARRIED APPOINTMENTS ADOPTED

The nominations for appointment in July were also submitted.

C. Procurement/Grant Notifications

There were no 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 Mr. Hall, 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 Mr. Thomas, seconded by Smith, to adjourn the meeting to July 14, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. A voice vote was unanimous.

https://www.sangamoncountyclerk.com/County-Board/documents/June92020_000.pdf