Sangamon Sun

Sangamon County Board met July 14.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The Sangamon County Board met in Regular Statutory Session partially by phone and some members were present in the Chambers. Chairman Van Meter called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Smith gave the invocation and O’Neill 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. Mrs. Hills and Mrs. Ruzic were excused.

APPOINTMENT OF NEW BOARD MEMBER, DISTRICT #11

Chairman Van Meter recommended James Schackmann be appointed as County Board Member for District #11. Chairman Van Meter asked County Clerk Gray to call the roll. Upon the roll call vote, there were 27 Yeas – 0 Nays. Mr. Schackmann was sworn in by Judge Cadigan.

MOTION CARRIED 

APPOINTMENT APPROVED

COVID-19 REPORTS

Director of Public Health Gail O’Neill gave an update on COVID-19 in Sangamon County. Sangamon County had a pretty dramatic increase in cases in their community. She hopes the trend goes downward, but there are many people concerned that they have been exposed. Testing has increased and so has the positivity rate. They are also getting increased complaints from the public that are trying to be in compliance with wearing masks and social distancing about places that are not doing as well as they should in terms of social distancing. They have been making calls to these places and trying to help them protect the public and their businesses. Other than that, this virus does not seem to be going away and they are adapting the best they can and are moving forward.

Mr. DelGiorno asked how many people they have dedicated to contact tracing and does Ms. O’Neill foresee an increased need if numbers continue to climb as they have been. Gail O’Neill said currently they have three full-time staff that usually work in the infectious disease program that have taken the lead on the COVID tracing. They have brought four nurses back from retirement to help as well. They also have thirteen part-time nurses who usually help with the flu clinics helping with the contact tracing. They have a huge grant award coming to them that is intentionally for contact tracing. They are thinking about hiring an overseer and a couple lead people. This grant may only last a year or it may last longer, and they will hire people to actually do the tracing. They do have plans to maybe work with SIU as well. They are doing okay with tracing right now. The goal from the state is to reach every person who has tested positive within 24 hours.

Chairman Van Meter asked if she could speak to the importance of contact tracing and the cooperation she is experiencing from the community with contact tracing. She said that has been a little bit of a challenge. Some people do not want to hear from the County Health Department or the government. When they test positive and the health department contacts them asking where they work, where they have been in the last week, and who they have been around, people are reluctant to say. Contact tracing is a process and the information they hold is not the information the media and Facebook have. They often have more information than the health department has early on because a person will go ahead and call their boss or call the person they have potentially exposed and they could be a little bit behind in getting that information. Public trust and cooperation in terms of contact tracing is very important. As far as where they are seeing little outbreaks at restaurants and bars, contact tracing is very important. That is one of the leverages they have once they find out a facility has a person that has tested positive. If they do not cooperate with them, then they have a very strong capability to enforce this. They had some pretty good luck with facilities being cooperative.

Chairman Van Meter reiterated the challenge is not with the funding in terms of contact tracing, but the cooperation and reaching out to people who have tested positive. Ms. O’Neill said that is correct and it is one of the things they have talked about maybe getting that out in the media. There are people that could also use help from them and there are resources available for people who have to quarantine, such as food, medicine, and other things like that. If they can get the public to participate fully in contact tracing, they may be able to slow the spread a lot faster than they are doing now.

Annette Fulgenzi applauded Ms. O’Neill for sending out information to them. She has been forwarding this to a circle of people she knows who have been going out and are likely to contract this virus. She really appreciates it. She also has a question about the shingles vaccine. She is asking if now is a good time to get it or should they wait until after this all blows over. Ms. O’Neill stated that getting the immunization for shingles is a good idea. Everyone is getting used to going back to their health care providers and it is safe. They also have vaccinations and are welcoming the public back, so do not delay in getting any vaccinations one may need during this time.

Mr. Bunch asked if they need to make an appointment to get the immunizations. Ms. O’Neill stated yes, people need to make an appointment first so they can make sure they have what they need. She said to just call their office at 535-3102 or send her an email.

Sheriff Jack Campbell addressed the County Board. He wanted to start by thanking all of their employees at the Sheriff’s Office, along with their partners and the other essential workers who have worked through this virus since day one. They have all served with honor and he thinks the public really appreciates the efforts they have all put in. He is happy to report that in the jail, there are no COVID-19 cases and they have never had a COVID- 19 case. There have also been no COVID cases among his employees. They worked with all of their law enforcement partners early on during this pandemic to reduce the head count in the jail. This took quite an effort from all the agencies in the county to keep it down. They did reach a low of about 255 inmates and they have a rating of about 316 inmates. That number is very low and helped them avoid any liabilities. But in the months since then, they have seen those numbers begin to creep up. As of July 14th, they had 341 inmates. This becomes very problematic for them in a lot of areas. The Department of Corrections is refusing their transfers, so currently they have 35 inmates that should be transferred to the Department of Corrections, but are not. There are 17 inmates that should have went to the Department of Human Services who have been declared unfit for trial, but are still at the County. So that is 52 inmates out of 341 that should not be there. They are addressing that through the Illinois Sheriff Association in a lawsuit against the Department of Corrections. They will continue to monitor the lawsuit and see when they can start moving some of the inmates.

Director of the Office of Emergency Management Bill Lee addressed the County Board. They have been assisting in passing along updates for the COVID-19 related PA grant. Several agencies in the County have applied for this and they have got a list of potentials who could apply, but haven’t yet. They have tried to get that out as well to try and bring revenue into the county. They have been assisting Ms. O’Neill and her people with finding alternate housing plans for some of those who were positive for COVID and needed a place to stay. The leases they have with the hotels have proven to be worth the pain they were to get established. PP wise, they work with their partners to determine the 30-day burn rate based off the per capita of the county and the number of first responders. Their office has currently handed out 270,700 pieces of PPE to 42 different agencies across the county. There is a nationwide shortage on gloves, disinfectant wipes, and infection control kits, but everything else that has been requested from their office has been filled to the first responders and the schools. The state wants them to encourage everyone to continue to purchase their own PPE through their normal procurement procedures. The stuff supplied to them was to get them through the rough time, but in the event there is a fall outbreak, they are not going to have the numbers ordered they did in the first round.

Sangamon County Administrator Brian McFadden addressed the County Board. They are watching the county budget very closely. Their budget is around $110,000,000 to $115,000,000 a year. The county government faces a potential double whammy now when they look at the loss of potential revenue. They also have significant expenses as the County has been the lead agency primarily for the Public Health Department in dealing with the COVID outbreak. On the revenue side, some things are hanging in there and some are not. Property taxes are their largest single revenue source, accounting for a third of their total revenue. Despite the fact the County Board approved letting property owners pay their property taxes late for the first installment without any penalties or fees, nearly everyone paid their property taxes on time. The sales and income tax is another huge revenue source. They were looking for around a 25% reduction over a four-month period. So the revenue side is very mixed and they are keeping a close eye on that. The County has spent approximately $1.6 million on COVID relief. The good news is the county government can apply for reimbursement for up to $1.7 million. The bad news is that the formula only takes into account the residents of unincorporated Sangamon County. So they know they are going to get some help, it is just a matter of how much help they are going to receive. As far as the building goes, most agencies are opening to the public starting Monday, July 20th. This is mostly going to be an appointment basis or online. The last point he talks about is the building renovations in terms of the new train station and the parking lot. They will have to adjust the entryway into the building. They have some very preliminary designs on the table. They are meeting with the Sheriff and Court Security at 1:30 p.m. on July 15th to show them the preliminary designs.

EXTERNAL AUDITORS-CLIFTON LARSON ALLEN

Sangamon County Auditor Andy Goleman addressed the County Board. He wanted to say there has been great cooperation from the elected officials and the other department heads. There was also great cooperation with Information Systems regarding the switch from the old financial system to the new financial system.

External Auditor from CliftonLarsonAllen Hope Wheeler addressed the County Board. She is there to report the results from the November 30, 2019 financial statement audit. They did provide a full presentation to the finance committee in June. As a part of their audit engagement, they issue four different reports: an audit report on their overall financial statements for the fiscal year 2019, a single audit report which is a report on their federal expenditures for the year, a governance communication letter, and an internal control communication letter. On the financial statement audit, their opinion was an unmodified opinion, the best opinion they could get. There are two reports on the single audit report. One is on the overall internal controls related to their financial statements and one is on the federal funds they attested. They did have one financial statement finding related to some adjustments they made in the audit process. A lot of the adjustments made was because of the financial system switch that happened at the end of the fiscal year. They had a couple of recommendations for the internal control letter. Overall, it was a very good and clean audit report for the year. She thanked Mr. Goleman and the rest of the Auditor’s staff for being so cooperative during this pandemic.

MINUTES

A motion was made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mr. Bunch, for approval of the Minutes of June 9, 2020. A voice vote was unanimous.

MOTION CARRIED 

MINUTES ADOPTED

CORRESPONDENCE

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

RESOLUTON 1

1. Resolution executing a Local Agency Agreement for Federal Participation between Sangamon County and the Illinois Department of Transportation

A motion was made by Mr. Fraase, seconded by Mr. Melchin, 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.

MOTIONS CARRIED 

RESOLUTION ADOPTED

RESOLUTION 2

2. Resolution approving a bridge petition from Chatham Township on Treat Road.

A motion was made by Mr. Fraase, seconded by Mr. Mendenhall, to place Resolution 2 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.

MOTIONS CARRIED

RESOLUTION ADOPTED

RESOLUTION 3

3. 2020-012 – Cyclone Labs, LLC, 3100-3500 Block of Cockrell Lane, Springfield – Granting a Conditional Permitted Use. County Board Member – Cathy Scaife, District #29.

A motion was made by Mrs. Scaife, seconded by Mr. Schackmann, to place Resolution 3 on the floor. Thomas Pavlik, a representative of Cyclone Labs, addressed the County Board. He has Christopher Stone with him, a representative of the petitioner. He started by thanking the County Board and is in agreement that all the requirements for the Conditional Permitted Use have been met. He knows there is at least one objector and would like to address their concerns. The petitioner here is regulated by Illinois law, the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. He understands what the concerns are and if there are problems with those concerns. The petitioner is going to be in trouble with the state and their license would have an issue. The first concern is the smell. Smell will not be a problem because there will be carbon and UV filters. Second, this will not be an attractive nuisance. This is a 14,000 square hydroponic facility. There will be no water discharge as it is a closed loop system. There should not be any issues or concerns about pollution. The property will be surrounded by a fence with attractive landscaping. The project is going to put a $5 million facility on the tax rolls and will bring Sangamon County 30 to 35 full-time, well-paying jobs. The property is separated from adjoining properties by railroad tracks to the north, west, and south. There will be no negative impacts on surrounding properties.

Linda Fulgenzi stated she attended a meeting where Mr. Stone spoke and she has done her own research into this kind of facility and she heard the employees complained about the odor upon entering the facility and the odors were able to escape from the facility. The zoning is for the land and they do not have to build a building there. These buildings are typically 24-30 feet tall, have an eight- foot razor wire fence, and no windows. Even if there are landscaping materials put around the site, that is going to take a while. There are also going to be a lot of lights because this will be a secure facility. These are just some of the issues that were mentioned. Now this is an industrial area, but there is a restaurant not too far from where the site will be. If there is even a 5% chance odors will escape, that is bad. She also is not sure if the property owners around the site know the full extent of what all is entailed. Mrs. Fulgenzi also noted the building might not even be built. They have to win the lottery license first before they can build the building. As the license stands now, they can start with 5,000 square feet, then add 3,000 square feet for each addition until the max is reached at 14,000 square feet. They do meet all of the County’s criteria, but she still thinks this is something to think about. As a board member, it is hard for her because they do meet the criteria, but she does not think it is a good location for this particular building.

Mr. Pavlik stated the application that Cyclone Labs put in with the state contains stricter, contingent odor protocols than the State requires. Second, the property is separated from its neighbors by railroad tracks, and he would submit the railroad tracks would produce more odor than this facility. There will be lights, but they will be downward facing lights. He cannot think of a more perfect place for a cannabis cultivation center because of the railroad tracks and there are no residences in the area. He understands the odor would be an issue, but according to Mr. Stone and the application, it will judge them on whether they will get a craft/grow license.

Mr. Stumpf says this particular zoning issue went through Regional Planning and they did not see any issue with this. It also went through the Zoning Board of Appeals and was approved after the Finding of Fact. From a County Board Member point-of-view, he did drive over to Barry, Illinois and spent some time around the facility. It has the fence and the building, a very nice looking facility. He did not detect any odors around the building except for down at the bottom of the hill, he caught just a whiff. The facility has 150 people they employ there right now with $15-$25 an hour jobs and they are getting ready to build a second facility right behind it, inside the same fenced-in area. He took another initiative and talked to the neighbors. One of the neighbors he talked to had their property about 150-200 feet away from the fence. He asked them what they thought since the facility has been there for a little while. The couple said they did not have any issue with the facility except for the fact they were not notified first hand. The only reason for that is the building is inside the city limits and they are in the unincorporated area. He also called the neighbors to the west and they also did not have an issue with this. He knew this was a hot button issue so he wanted to see the facility for himself. He thinks it is a no brainer to go ahead and approve this.

Mr. Fraase asked who monitors the smell. Mr. Pavlik said the Department of Agriculture does. He said if there was a problem detected, they would be given the opportunity to cure it, but if not, then their license would probably be revoked. Mr. Pavlik said he does not want to give false information and he does not know about Barry’s filtration system, but Cyclone has a proposed system that is more stringent than the State requires.

Chairman Van Meter asked if Cyclone Labs had two proposals. Mr. Pavlik stated they do not. There is just this one, but Lincoln Labs has one going to the Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday. There has been a third that has been submitted called Route 66 Labs and to the best of his knowledge, the ownership of that group is different. He said these are all different projects and he believes the Route 66 project goes to the Zoning Board of Appeals in August.

Vince Toolen, residing at 3608 Sundance Drive in Springfield, addressed the County Board. Mr. Toolen is the sole speaker of the opponents. He has a collection of responses from his neighbors that he would like to read to the board. He believes the granted Conditional Use Permit is completely not necessary and unwarranted. A ten-foot high fence with razor wire is going to have some effect, even with the shrubbery. This 1,100-foot fence is adjacent along the road of the surrounding area. Approximately a quarter mile down, people will drive down Cockrell Lane looking at the fence or whatever is behind it, which looks similarly to a state prison. The second area is not so proposed, operated, designed, or located so the public health, safety, and welfare will be protected.

Mrs. Scaife wanted to say she does understand the concerns of the constituents; however, the proposal does meet the criteria. It does make it a difficult situation, but it is a business area right there and they did hear from Mr. Stone that there may be smell, but only up close to the fence. She said this is a new situation for everyone and the state is the one who made cannabis legal and dropped it everyone’s lap.

Chairman Van Meter wanted to clarify part of Mr. Toolen’s case. He asked if one of his issues was there was not enough notice about the zoning matter. Mr. Toolen said there was no sign to be seen and that the State Journal Register is not a proper notice to be given. He did not know it was happening until it was already passed. Chairman Van Meter said that it is very important to them as a law-abiding government that proper notice was given out, so he is asking if that was done. Zoning Administrator Trustin Harrison responded yes, per state law, it was posted on May 28th and 29th in the State Journal-Register under general publication. Also, any property owner whose property is up against the fence, across the street, or across the railroad tracks was notified of this happening and potentially coming up in front of the zoning board. They had some issues in the past, and he has made some changes as far as how they post these signs. Unfortunately, sometimes weather or farmers mowing can potentially ruin the signs they post, but they did post it and take a picture to prove that and everything else is out of their control. Chairman Van Meter asked if the meeting was posted properly as well, to which Mr. Harrison responded yes it was and it was also posted on their website.

Mr. Hall asked the State’s Attorney if they allow this zoning to go through and approve it, would it set a precedence in that they would have to allow others like this should they come up.

Molly Berns, Director of the Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission, answered the question. In this particular case, it is not setting a precedent. This is a property that is not being rezoned in any way, it is just adding a Conditional Permitted Use to allow the operation of the use and Conditional Permitted Uses do not generally set precedence for future cases because they really look at the individual property and the appropriateness for the use that is being requested. She said in her opinion, this case will not set a precedence for any future request that may come up.

Joel Benoit from the State’s Attorney’s Office addressed the County Board. He stated that to his recollection, the state legalized cannabis, but then it was up to the counties and municipalities as to how much they were going to allow, if any. He then stated they agreed to allow this sort of thing to a certain limit.

Ms. Berns stated that yes, he is correct on that. However, County Board decided to limit it to 2 dispensaries in the unincorporated areas. As far as craft and cultivation centers, it would have to go through Zoning as a Conditional Permitted Use and then ultimately to the County Board for final approval. So just because it meets the conditions in one place, does not mean they have to allow this everywhere. There are still conditions that have to be met when it comes to the appropriateness of a location.

Mr. Benoit agreed with Ms. Berns in that this is not going to be an unlimited thing. There are only so many licenses for this sort of thing and they do not even know if this will get one and move forward.

Chairman Van Meter asked Molly Berns to explain why this is a Conditional Permitted Use and not a rezoning. She said the ordinance that was adopted by Sangamon County allowed this particular cannabis use in the Agricultural Zoning district. This particular piece of land was already zoned as agricultural, so then the filing for zoning was for the Conditional Permitted Use to operate the business. So because the underlying zoning was correct or was allowable for a craft grower, there was no need to rezone the property.

Annette Fulgenzi stated they went through a process with their zoning committee and with the full County Board where only the dispensaries were limited to two in the unincorporated areas, and that cultivation centers was allowed as an I-1 and I-2, as well as Agriculture zoning. This property does meet the proper conditions and there are very few properties that do actually meet all the conditions.

Mr. Pavlik commended Mr. Stumpf for going to Barry and taking a look at the property. He said the staff nailed this one in that all of the requirements were met for the Conditional Permitted Use. Cannabis cultivation licenses are limited by the State, so they do not know if they are even going to be able to move forward with this.

Chairman Van Meter asked County Clerk Gray to call the roll. Upon the roll call vote, there were 17 Yeas - 9 Nays. Those voting nay were: Mr. Bunch, Mrs. Douglas Williams, Mr. Fraase, Linda Fulgenzi, Mr. Hall, Mr. Mendenhall, Mr. Preckwinkle, Mrs. Small, and Mr. Smith.

MOTIONS CARRIED RESOLUTION ADOPTED

RESOLUTION 4

4. 2020-016 – Nicholas S. & Leah A. Bestudik, 8963 Mechanicsburg Road, Dawson – Granting a Rezoning and a Variance. County Board Member – David Mendenhall, District #3.

A motion was made by Mr. Mendenhall, seconded by Mr. Ratts, to place Resolution 4 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Stumpf to waive the reading of the professional staff’s report. There were no objections. 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

RESOLUTION 5

5. 2020-017 – Mark Wankel, Co-Trustee of the Ruthelma Wankel Trust, 6517 State Route 123, Pleasant Plains – Granting Variances. County Board Member – Craig Hall, District #7.

A motion was made by Mr. Hall, seconded by Mr. O’Neill, 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.

Chairman Van Meter asked County Clerk Gray to call the roll. Upon the roll call vote, there were 26 Yeas – 0 Nays.

MOTIONS CARRIED 

RESOLUTION ADOPTED

RESOLUTIONS 6 – 17

6. Resolution allowing the Recorder of Deed’s office hours to be changed to 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

A motion was made by Mrs. Small, seconded by Mr. Schackmann, to place Resolution 6 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Bunch, seconded by Mr. Smith, to consolidate Resolutions 6 – 17. Chairman Van Meter asked County Clerk Gray to read Resolutions 7 – 17.

7. Resolution approving a grant application for the Child Advocacy Center from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority to provide child advocacy services in the amount of $277,145.

8. Resolution approving a grant application for the Child Advocacy Center from the Department of Children and Family Services to provide child advocacy services in the amount of $116,746.

9. Resolution approving a grant application for Public Health from the Illinois Department of Human Services for the Family Case Management Program in the amount of $641,350.

10. Resolution approving a grant application for Public Health from the Illinois Department of Human Services for the Better Birth Outcomes Program in the amount of $186,000.

11. Resolution approving a grant application for Public Health from the Illinois Department of Public Health for the COVID-19 Crisis Grant-Menard in the amount of $34,854.

12. Resolution approving a grant application for Public Health from the Illinois Department of Public Health for the COVID-19 Crisis Grant-Sangamon in the amount of $105,441.

13. Resolution approving a grant application for Public Health from the Illinois Department of Public Health for the COVID-19 Contact Tracing Grant-Menard in the amount of $798,610.

14. Resolution approving a grant application for Public Health from the Illinois Department of Public Health for the COVID-19 Contact Tracing Grant-Sangamon in the amount of $2,861,712.

15. Resolution approving a grant application for Building and Grounds from the State of Illinois DCEO for the Rebuild Illinois Program for a new roof for the Juvenile Detention Center in the amount of $400,000.

16. Resolution approving a grant application for Building and Grounds from the State of Illinois DCEO for the Rebuild Illinois Program for an elevator rehabilitation project in the amount of $400,000.

17. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services from Word Systems Inc. for the purpose of an upgrade for the Nice Recording System for Sangamon County ETSD in the amount of $79,368.

A voice vote was unanimous on the consolidation. Chairman Van Meter asked County Clerk

Gray to call the roll on Resolutions 6- 17, as consolidated. Upon the roll call vote, there were 26 Yeas – 0 Nays. Mrs. Williams abstained from voting on Resolutions 11 – 14. Annette Fulgenzi abstained from voting on Resolutions 15 and 16.

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 18 – 25

18. Resolution approving the procurement of services from LSA to update the Springfield- Sangamon County Regional Travel Model in the amount of $81,355.

A motion was made by Mrs. Small, seconded by Mr. Preckwinkle, to place Resolution 18 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Bunch, seconded by Mr. Smith, to consolidate Resolutions 18 – 25. Chairman Van Meter asked County Clerk Gray to read Resolutions 19 – 25.

19. Resolution approving a grant application for the Election Office from the Federal Government (distributed by the IL State Board of Elections) for the CARES Act Grant Program in the amount of $260,498.64.

20. Resolution approving a grant application for the Election Office from the Federal Government (distributed by the IL State Board of Elections) for the FY21 Election Security HAVA Grant Program in the amount of $32,050.

21. Resolution approving a grant application for the Election Office from the State of Illinois (distributed by the State Board of Elections) for the FY21 Postage Grant Program in the amount of $93,170.99.

22. Resolution approving the award of a construction project for drainage improvements on Oak Crest Road in Clear Lake Township.

23. Resolution approving a grant application for Community Resources from DCEO for the LIHEAP Cares Act Grant Program in the amount of $624,983.

24. Resolution approving and authorizing Sangamon County to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Village of Rochester regarding enforcement of commercial building codes within Rochester.

25. Resolution approving and authorizing the Department of Public Health, on behalf of Sangamon County, to enter into an agreement with the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine for space and support personnel for a clinic located in the Public Health building.

A voice vote was unanimous on the consolidation. Chairman Van Meter asked County Clerk

Gray to call the roll on Resolutions 18 – 25, as consolidated. Upon the roll call vote, there were 26 Yeas – 0 Nays. Annette Fulgenzi abstained from voting on Resolution 23.

MOTIONS CARRIED 

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED

RESOLUTION 26

26. Resolution supporting the Lincoln’s Springfield Cottage reconstruction project.

A motion was made by Mr. Krell, seconded by Mr. Melchin, to place Resolution 26 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Krell, seconded by Mr. Melchin to amend Resolution 26.

Chairman Van Meter stated the amendment adds the construction of the original cottage the Lincoln family lived in for the majority of their time in their community. The amendment added the construction of the memorial for the 1908 race riot and to match dollar-for-dollar what any other governmental entity in Sangamon County contributes to the project, not to exceed an additional $40,000. Chairman Van Meter asked for a roll call vote on the amendment of Resolution 26. Upon the roll call vote, there were 24 Yeas – 0 Nays.

Chairman Van Meter asked for a roll call vote on the adoption of Resolution 26, as amended. Upon the roll call vote, there were 24 Yeas – 0 Nays. Mr. Hall and Mrs. Deppe were not present to vote.

MOTIONS CARRIED

RESOLUTION ADOPTED

OLD BUSINESS

There was no old business.

NEW BUSINESS

A. Resolutions

There were no new resolutions.

B. Appointments

Appointment of Rajan Dhamrait to the Sangamon County Board of Health for a term expiring June, 2023.

Appointment of Michael White to the Auburn Fire & Rescue District for a term expiring May, 2022.

Appointment of James Schackmann to the Sangamon County Board, District #11 for a term expiring

November, 2020.

A motion was made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mr. Bunch, for approval of the appointments. There were no objections.

MOTION CARRIED

APPOINTMENTS ADOPTED

C. Procurement/Grant Notifications

There were none.

D. 2021 County Holiday Schedule

Chairman Van Meter asked for approval of the 2021 County Holiday Schedule. There were no objections.

APPOINTMENTS ADOPTED

PUBLIC COMMENT

Sophia Ashebir addressed the County Board regarding COVID-19. She is a lifelong citizen of Sangamon County, a current college student, and employed as a contract tracer for Partners in Health who works with the Department of Public Health in Massachusetts. She is very familiar with the topic of COVID-19 and has personally spoke to many individuals who have suffered from the virus, which allows her a unique perspective and understanding of the high importance of contact tracing and access to testing for all. She has four concerns with the COVID-19 situation in Sangamon County. Her first concern circles around the statement made by the Sangamon County Department of Public Health in the news Channel 20 article saying restaurants are not required to tell customers of positive COVID-19 cases. If she were to go to a restaurant and was not told there was a positive case, she would be quite upset. Now is the time for full transparency. By not telling people about this, they are increasing the potential of silent spreading of the virus throughout the community.

Her second concern revolves around the two free sites in Springfield that offer free testing; however, on July 12th when she checked the website for testing facilities it said one of them would be closing that day. This was the only site in Springfield that provided free testing for minors. As they begin to reopen it is very crucial to have access to testing sites regardless of the socio-economic status. We must also think of our citizens who do not own vehicles. She recently checked on this and is glad to say, this testing facility will still be available. Testing facilities are the most important component to slow the spread of the virus. It is time to increase the number of places they can get tested.

Her third concern is regarding the lack of transparency. She appreciates the daily graphs and information they post to their website, but throughout this chaos, she would like increased publicity about the ways the community can take to prevent the virus from spreading. She would like to see billboards encouraging people to wear masks and increase marketing for cooperation and contact tracing. She would like a designated resource coordinator for those who have come in contact with or have COVID-19.

Finally, she realizes the county has $2.86 million worth of grant money from the State. She wants to know if there is a detailed plan of this grant money and what is the review process. She thanked the Board for their time and states she wants to see this virus eradicated and is very passionate about this.

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 reports 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 September 8, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.

MOTION CARRIED

MEETING RECESSED

https://www.sangamoncountyclerk.com/County-Board/documents/July142020Minutes_000.pdf