Sangamon Sun

Sangamon County Board met March 9

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

ROLL CALL

Chairman Van Meter asked County Clerk Gray to call the roll. There were 29 Present-0 Absent.

SIU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE PRESENTATION

Rikeesha Phelon, Executive Director of Marketing, Communication, and Engagement at SIU School of Medicine, addressed the County Board. They are delighted to be partners with Sangamon County in an effort to increase vaccine confidence amongst communities of color. They do think about communities of color being very diverse, and not just African Americans, but other communities who feel like they are right on the margins. She wanted to discuss what they have been doing so far and what the next steps are for them. They started with a purpose statement which is to start with stakeholder sessions. Community Stakeholders are very important. They have taken the time to do a lot of stakeholder sessions, and they are not done. They wanted to make sure community leaders knew the Board was concerned about their voices, perceptions, and needs. They started with stakeholder sessions to gather input from a number of organizations across Sangamon County. The ultimate goal from these sessions is to identify the messages and the strategies about the efficacy and the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine and to ask questions. Their first set of questions were about what people were hearing concerning the vaccine. They wanted to know the good news and the bad news, and what their sources are. The received a lot of great feedback from those questions. The next set of questions was about the misinformation people are hearing. They want to make sure their message does not comes across as offensive and inaccurate. They do not to deter people based on their wording. That is why this feedback is so important. They also wanted to know if historical inequities or racism played a role into whether or not they felt like they should have the vaccine. The last set of questions was used to help them identify the media outlets, influencers, and sources of trust and distrust when it comes to COVID-19. They used these questions to find out if they were getting their information from social media, their doctors, family, or their friends.

They have five themes they are working on for their campaign. The first theme is called, "Just the Facts." This focuses on giving correct information and debunking any misunderstandings out there. The second one is focused on protecting friends, family, and the community. The third one is a straight forward access campaign theme that explains how to make an appointment, how to get to the vaccination location, and how to sign up. The fourth is an empowerment campaign theme, letting people know that they can fight this virus, while instilling a community pride among everyone. The last campaign theme they presented was about representation. This was not so much about the messages that would be in the campaign, but more about people seeing themselves reflected in the campaign. Based on the feedback they got, they found that people were more worried about not being able to make an appointment to get the vaccine than the actual vaccine itself. People are not as worried about the vaccine as they thought. People want the vaccine, but they are unsure of how to get it. They have also found that people want the facts, to clear up the misinformation, and not be guilted into anything. Lastly, people want to have the sense of if they get the vaccine then they are protecting their friends and families. These are the three major themes that will lead the messaging. They have already started to build the content and this is what is emerging from the listening sessions.

The next steps are to keep having these conversations and build a long lasting relationship with these communities. They already have a good amount of social media content and education materials. They can start rolling those out as early as March 15th. They also want to make sure that when they do go live with a large paid campaign, they can match that to people's access and availability of the vaccine. They do not want to over-promote the vaccine in certain communities and not have enough access to the vaccine. There are two phases to their campaign. The first phase includes the outreach materials, the tool kits, and the social media videos, which will be ready to launch March 15th. The second phase includes more billboards, radio ads, TV commercials, and paid digital content.

Chairman Van Meter asked how many people were in the group that was working on this. Ms. Phelon stated there are multiple people working on this campaign. They work closely with the NAACP, The Urban League, Frontiers Association, The Divine Nine, and some fraternities and faith groups. Their work group that meets bi-weekly is about 8 people. Chairman Van Meter also asked who designed their sign. Ms. Phelon stated that SIU partnered with a graphic designer that does a very good job.

Mr. Bunch wanted to thank the Public Health Department. He received both shots of the COVID-19 vaccine and had no after effects. He is very proud that he went, and he hopes others will not be afraid to go and get the vaccine. Ms. Phelon stated they need more testimonials like his. She thanked the Board for their time.

SANGAMON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY RESOURCES PRESENTATION

Dave MacDonna, Executive Director of Community Resources, addressed the County Board. He started by recognizing certain people he has been working with since he started last September. The first person he acknowledged was Lenny Hamende, their Weatherization Assessor. He recently passed the State of Illinois Auditor Program from the State of Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program with a test score of 98%. This technical and difficult test proves they have a highly trained and dedicated man serving their county. Next, he would like to introduce Erica Orr and Margo Murray. They have both successfully completed the Family and Community Development Specialist Certification Training for the State of Illinois with a score 98.75% each. Erica recently helped a client close to eviction keep their apartment. She worked with the client and the landlord and developed a payment plan, which stopped the client from becoming homeless.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity have recognized Kelly Comerford, their LIHEAP and Weatherization Coordinator, and her team including: Darcy Barnes, Jane Cates, Karen Conlee, Diane Stouffer, Susan Woodman, RuthAnn Ramsey, and David Petrilli. This team handled all the utilities for LIHEAP. Since July of last year through today, they have provided County residents with over $2.9 million for utility payments. Because of that, they were told by the State of Illinois that this team was one of LIHEAP's top twelve performers in this state in percentage of applications taken and percentage of applications with benefits. They also found out they were number five in the entire state for getting all this work done.

The last person he wanted to recognize was their CSBG Coordinator, Christina Sugars. She was complimented by the same agency as the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for having one the best applications they had seen in years. He just wanted to say how much he appreciated all these people and how much he appreciates the Sangamon County Board's support. He thanked the Board for their time.

COVID-19 REPORT

Gail O'Neill, Sangamon County Public Health Director, addressed the County Board. There were 8 positive cases in Sangamon County on March 9, 2021. While this is very good and exciting news, they need to be cautiously optimistic. COVID is still here and can still make people very sick.

There are still people hospitalized. It looks like they are on the road to great recovery though. They opened up another set of appointments. They learned from the last time how difficult it was to make appointments online or by phone and they learned from that. They have 20% of appointments that people online cannot access to help those who may not have internet access or do not understand the website. They still ask if someone cannot get through over the phone to keep calling every day because people cancel appointments all the time. They had 130 appointments on Sunday, March 7th, both at the Public Health building and at the Fairgrounds. They are in a transition period right now. They are slowly getting more and more vaccines. One thing they heard is that people are saying Johnson & Johnson vaccine is not as effective as the two-dose vaccines. They learned the single-dose vaccine is about 85% effective, which is very helpful in preventing illness and death due to COVID.

To date, their Health Department has given 20,542 vaccinations. The National Guard site has done 12,262 vaccinations. Right now, there is a team working with the National Guard that can go out to some off-sites and provide some vaccines as well, and they have done 632 vaccines already. They are trying to have this team go to places where the elderly live besides the long-term care facilities. Walgreens is working with the Salvation Army to have a clinic on Saturday and Sunday to offer about 800 vaccines. They are going to be trying to promote to the communities most in need, especially those in Capital Township. There will be a phone number for that as well, and they will get it out as soon as possible.

There have been some questions concerning the vaccine, Patricia Hayes asked about the demographics of the people who have received the vaccine so far. One of the ways they can get that information as far as the breakdown of age is to go through the State to get the data. Based on the information they have gotten so far, 59.9% of people who have gotten the vaccine are female, 40% are male, 41% are unknown, and 2% are in the 'other' category. 47.7% of the people vaccinated are over the age of 65 and 52.3% are between the ages of 16-64. As far as people with occupations, 34.8% who made appointments with the Health Department were 65 and older, 10% were 85 and older, and 4.3% were ages 16-64. Out of the people who made appointments at the Fairgrounds, 39.7% were ages 16-64 with high-risk medical conditions, 21.3% were retired and 65 and older, and 6.8% are 75 and older and retired. She has some more information they have gathered and can send that out to people as needed. Another question was about race. There is a link in the State's website that breaks down the vaccines and that is where they have gotten some of this information. In terms of race, 88.12% of people are white, 4.67% are African American, 3.6% are unknown, 1.65% are Asian, and all others are less than 1%. This includes Hispanic, Latino, Native American, and Native Hawaiian.

Mr. Ratts stated one of the key points of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is the amount of hospitalizations it will decrease. One other thing he noticed on Sunday was they said there was a release that went out about the appointments. Mrs. O'Neill said the appointments were made available on Tuesday, March 9th at 9 a.m. Mr. Ratts asked if there was some notice that went out on Sunday about the availability of appointments. Mrs. O'Neill said she does talk to the media, so it is possible. Mr. Ratts asked if they had access to the SAM alert program. Mrs. O'Neill stated yes, and Jeff Wilhite has been helping with that. They have also talked about a bad weather plan to put in place. If there is a tornado or other storms, they want an alert there to let the people who have appointments know so they can reschedule them.

Mr. Mendenhall stated he went to get his shot at the Department of Public Health. He said Mrs. O'Neill's staff was so well organized, even with the miserable weather. He does not know how she does it. A week later he took his wife out to the Fairgrounds and it was also very organized. He is so impressed and said she has done such a great job.

Mrs. Hayes stated there were 130 people on Sunday that did not show up for their appointments. She was out at the Fairgrounds getting a shot on Sunday and she saw someone there getting turned away. She wants to know if there is an effort being made to call these people that are turned away in case someone does not turn up for an appointment. Mrs. O'Neill stated they generally do not have a list to call and sometimes the Guard members are a little stricter than they are. But one reason they may have turned away is they may not have been in that category of vaccinations. Mrs. Hayes wanted to know if any vaccines were wasted because of the 130 people who did not show up for their vaccinations. Mrs. O'Neill said no, none are wasted. She said during the week, people will come to the Health Department and wait to see if there are any vaccines left over from people who did not show up to their appointment, and if there are, they will get vaccinated. She said this has actually been very helpful.

Mr. Hall stated he has missed more meetings this past month than he has in the past 20 years because he had COVID. He would like to thank all the healthcare workers. All the homecare workers and everyone at the Health Department were amazing.

Mr. Bunch stated he got a call about Mr. Hall being sick. Mr. Hall has always been just somebody to put up with. But when Mr. Hall came onto the County Board he said if anyone has a problem, go to Clyde Bunch. That made Mr. Bunch feel good and he feels like he has 28 brothers and sisters.

MINUTES

A motion was made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mr. Bunch, for approval of the Minutes of February 9, 2021. 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.

RESOLUTION 1

1. Resolution approving awards of culverts, signs, and miscellaneous materials.

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 28 Yeas and O Nays.

MOTIONS CARRIED RESOLUTION ADOPTED

RESOLUTION 2

2. Resolution approving an award of a crack seal contract for various county highways.

A motion was made by Mr. Fraase, seconded by Mr. DelGiorno, 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. Resolution approving a joint agreement with the State of Illinois for traffic signal upgrades at CH 37 - Cardinal Hill Road and Route 29.

A motion was made by Mr. Fraase, seconded by Mr. Schackmann, to place Resolution 3 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 3. A voice vote was unanimous.

MOTIONS CARRIED RESOLUTION ADOPTED

RESOLUTION 4

4. 2021-005 - Michael & Tricia Kinner, 1559 Parkes Kinner Road, New Berlin - Granting a Conditional Permitted Use and Variances (In Part). County Board Member - Craig Hall, District #7.

A motion was made by Mr. Hall, seconded by Mr. Stumpf, to place Resolution 4 on the floor. Trustin Harrison stated the petitioner requests for Proposed Parcel 1: pursuant to Chapter 17.58 and Section 17.10.020, a Conditional Permitted Use for dog kennels: pursuant to Chapter 17.66, a variance of Section 17.50.060(A) to allow the parking to remain unpaved (rock/grass) instead of the required bituminous seal coat; a variance of Section 17.38.030 to allow one (1) parcel less than forty (40) acres (approximately 1 acre); and, a variance of Section 17.38.030 to allow a rear yard setback for the existing structure to be approximately twenty (20) feet instead of the required thirty (30) feet; and, for Proposed Parcel 2: pursuant to Chapter 17.66, a variance of Section 17.38.030 to allow one (1) parcel less than forty (40) acres (approximately 1 acre).

Emily Prather, professional staff, stated the Planning Commission staff has recommended approval of the requested CPU for a dog kennel. Recommend approval of the variances to allow the parcels to be less than forty acres and to allow the rear yard setback to be approximately twenty feet. The subject property is being reconfigured in order to place the existing dog kennel entirely on one parcel, and the requested variances will bring the subject property into compliance. Recommend denial of a portion of the paving variance. Staff recommends the petitioners be required to pave the six parking spaces as shown on the site plan in the petition subject to the approval of the Zoning Administrator. Requiring paving for the six customer parking spaces will provide a safe surface for customers dropping off their dogs. Recommend approval to allow the access drives to remain unpaved. The petitioners will continue to use the access drives for their farming operation, which would cause continuous repairs to a paved surface. The Zoning Board of Appeals concurred with the Staff's recommendation Michael Kinner, residing at 1559 Parkes Kinner Road, addressed the County Board. He appreciates the staff's recommendation and their willingness to work with them through this project. He would ask them to change part of the recommendation to grant the entire variance for the parking area. They were unaware they did not have the correct zoning until a parcel for his grandmother's estate had to go through Zoning last fall. They received a letter from the Zoning Administrator informing them of the problem. A kennel has been at this location since 1991, successfully utilizing a rock drive. He is not aware of any time during the last 30 years of a complaint being raised through the county. This kennel currently operates mainly as an overflow facility for his sister's kennel one mile to the north. When a client drops their dog off, they pull up to the building where his wife greets them and takes their dog, and then they leave. There is rarely more than one car at a time. The only person who actually parks in the designated parking area is their one-time kennel employee, besides their family. Once their new facility is up, she and her services will move to that location. This kennel is unlike other kennels in their area as it operates mainly to take the overflow from the main kennel and is run from the same office as his farm office and home. He utilizes the circle drive and main drive for farming equipment and vehicles at various times through the year. Due to this, and the fact that most clients who come to use the kennel do not leave their vehicle, they are requesting this variance. He thanked the County Board for their time.

Chairman Van Meter asked if Mr. Kinner if he was seeking a motion to amend the Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation so that he is not required to pave the parking area. Mr. Kinner stated that was correct. Mr. Hall stated he has driven out there and he does not think this business has the volume as other examples they had before. A motion was made by Mr. Hall, seconded by Mr. Mendenhall, to amend the Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation.

Mr. Stumpf stated as chairman of the Zoning Committee, he would have liked to have been briefed on this before the meeting. He stated Mr. Kinner brought this up at the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting and even after hearing him speak, they still decided to uphold the Planning Commission's recommendation. He would like the Planning staff to tell them why they are still recommending the parking be paved. If they still recommend that the lot be paved, then Mr. Stumpf is going to recommend that this be recommitted back to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Emily Prather stated they recommended six parking spaces be required to be paved. They are going to stick with that and not amend their recommendation. This is based off of past precedent too, where they have required the customer parking spaces to have the former stone seed coat as well. Also, for other dog kennel uses, they have actually required all paving for uses, whether it be in the country or close to town. This petition was compromised with not paving the access drives because of the farming equipment. They did take that into consideration.

Chairman Van Meter stated they should vote on Mr. Hall's amendment before talking about recommitting this back to zoning. Mr. Stumpf stated that he did not know this was going to happen tonight and usually this is discussed at the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting first. He would have liked this to go through him before tonight's meeting. Chairman Van Meter stated he understands Mr. Stumpf's procedural concerns, but they have an amendment on the floor and he believes they need to dispose of that first. Mr. Stumpf stated that was fine, but he would recommend sticking with the professional staff's recommendation.

Annette Fulgenzi had a question for the professional staff. They had a subcommittee that was looking into paving in rural areas and she thought there was a requirement under the Americans with Disabilities Act that requires a certain number of spaces be paved. She would also like to know how many spaces there are total and why they are only requiring six. Mrs. Prather stated generally businesses are required to pave any ADA parking spaces, whether they waive the paving or not. Mr. Harrison stated in a manner such as this, the spaces are so minimal that they typically do not need to meet these requirements. So in this case, the ADA spaces would not have to be provided because of the minimal amount required. But when they are required they do need to be paved.

Mr. Stumpf stated the process up to this point had been fulfilled. This very question was asked at the Zoning Board of Appeals body that they appoint. They voted unanimously against taking away the paving recommendation.

Chairman Van Meter stated that he is being told the way this matter comes before the Board is a partial denial of the Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation. Mr. Hall's motion would be to overrule the judgement of the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Joel Benoit stated the Zoning Board of Appeals denied this part of the variance. Under the rules, to overturn what the Zoning Board did concerning this issue, it would take three quarters of the entire Board to change it, which is 22 votes.

Mr. Fraase stated the only problem he has with the Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation is this is not a new business. This business has been out there since 1991, so he thinks this is a different circumstance than the new businesses they are trying to get in compliance. This is an old business that has been there for years. The clients come up the driveway, drop off their dogs and then leave. He does not know who is going to be parking there during the day. If this is already an existing business, he wants to know why they are making them meet these zoning qualifications now.

Trustin Harrison explained while this had been a business that had been operating for years, they did not have the original zoning approval. Most businesses are complaint driven and there had never been any complaints. This was brought to their attention when a zoning matter took place across the street. They reached out to Mr. Kinner and he reached out to them. They are treating this as a new request that affects that area. When the professional staff starts to come up with their analysis, they then look into the longevity and if it is going to have an adverse effect on the area. Those are the things they answered in the staff's analysis. There has also been some consideration with a previous case a month ago where they were dealing with agriculture tractors that could tear up the asphalt and the paving. They are giving them some consideration in only paving a certain area, because they do understand certain circumstances.

Mr. Stumpf wanted to make a point of order to the Chairman. He would like to know that if this would pass tonight then that is fine, but if this would fail, it is six months before he can come back and ask again. He just wants to make the point that if it were remanding back to the Board of Appeals, then it would eventually come back to the County Board.

Chairman Van Meter asked County Clerk Gray to call the roll. Upon the roll call vote, there were 23 Yeas - 5 Nays. This is enough votes to amend the Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation. The Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation is amended. Those voting yes were: Bunch, DelGiorno, Deppe, Douglas Williams, Forsyth, Fraase, Linda Fulgenzi, Hall, Hayes, Madonia, McGuire, Mendenhall, Miller, Preckwinkle, Ratts, Ruzic, Scaife, Schackmann, Small, Smith, Snell, Thomas, and Tjelmeland. Those voting no were: Annette Fulgenzi, Mr. Krell, Mr. O'Neill, Mr. Stumpf, and Mrs. Williams. A voice vote carried on the adoption of Resolution 4, as amended.

MOTION CARRIED RESOLUTION ADOPTED

RESOLUTION 5

5. 2021-006-U.S. Bank, N.A., as Trustee, 5800 Block of Harms Road, Chatham - Granting a Variance. County Board Member - Craig Hall, District #7.

A motion was made by Mr. Hall, seconded by Mr. Miller, to place Resolution 5 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Stumpf to waive the professional staff's report. There were no objections. A voice vote was unanimous on the adoption of Resolution 5.

MOTIONS CARRIED RESOLUTION ADOPTED

RESOLUTION 6

6. 2021-007 – Kevin & Carolyn Schuh, 2418 & 2424 Catalina Lane, Springfield - Granting a Rezoning. County Board Member - Greg Stumpf, District #16.

A motion was made by Mr. Stumpf, seconded by Mrs. Ruzic, to place Resolution 6 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Stumpf to waive the professional staff's report. There were no objections. A voice vote was unanimous on the adoption of Resolution 6.

MOTIONS CARRIED RESOLUTION ADOPTED

RESOLUTION 7

7. 2021-008 - 225-229 Park Ave., LLC, 2700 S. Spring Street, Springfield - Denying a Conditional Permitted Use and Variances. County Board Member -- Clyde Bunch, District #21.

Chairman Van Meter stated Resolution 7 was withdrawn.

RESOLUTION WITHDRAWN

RESOLUTION 8

8. 2021-009 - Charles & Brandi Klughart, 2635 Hilltop Road, Springfield - Denying a Rezoning and Variances. County Board Member – Tom Madonia, Jr., District #9.

A motion was made by Mr. Madonia, seconded by Mr. McGuire, to place Resolution 8 on the floor. Trustin Harrison stated that Resolution 8 has been withdrawn by the petitioner.

MOTION CARRIED RESOLUTION WITHDRAWN

RESOLUTION 9

9. Resolution approving a grant application for the Elections Office from the State Board of Elections for the 2021 Illinois Voter Registration State Grant in the amount of $195,420.

A motion was made by Mr. Snell, seconded by Mrs. Douglas-Williams, to place Resolution 9 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 9. A voice vote was unanimous.

MOTIONS CARRIED RESOLUTION ADOPTED

RESOLUTION 10

10. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for ETSD from CWLP for the purpose of utilities in the amount of $66,120.

A motion was made by Mr. Mendenhall, seconded by Mr. Tjelmeland, to place Resolution 10 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 10. A voice vote was unanimous.

MOTIONS CARRIED RESOLUTION ADOPTED

RESOLUTION 11

11. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for ETSD from CWLP for the purpose of professional services in the amount of $60,000.

Chairman Van Meter stated Resolution 11 was withdrawn.

RESOLUTION WITHDRAWN

RESOLUTION 12

12. Resolution approving a grant application for the Sheriff's Office from the Illinois Department of Transportation for the State and Community Highway Safety National Priority Safety Program in the amount of $38,092.03.

A motion was made by Mr. Tjelmeland, seconded by Mr. Fraase, to place Resolution 12 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 12. A voice vote was unanimous.

MOTIONS CARRIED RESOLUTION ADOPTED

WAIVER OF THE 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

Mr. Fraase made a comment about Resolution 8. Chairman VanMeter apologized for missing him and asked him to proceed. He asked what was going to happen now that the petitioner withdrew the Resolution. His understanding was this was a person operating an illegal business out of a residential area, so now he is going to keep running an illegal business until whatever happens.

Trustin Harrison stated he withdrew the petition to possibly file for a different petition. With the potential of it being denied tonight, a similar request would have taken six months for him to reapply. He is going to see if he can either relocate or apply for something similar in a different way. They are trying to bring things into compliance and zoning is giving them that concession.

Mr. Fraase stated this is a residential area and they are wanting to put a business there. Trustin Harrison said there has been more than enough opposition on this. He even received a letter from a City Alderman, but typically, if they have the means to try to come to an end, then they try to accommodate that. Mr. Fraase said this business is causing a problem for the neighborhood and he wants to know how long they are going to let this go on while Zoning and the petitioner try to resolve the issue. Trustin Harrison stated they are not going to let the petitioner use procedure to keep his business operating.

RESOLUTIONS 13 - 18

13. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for the Auditor's Office from Troxell Insurance for assisting in administering the County's general liability and other insurance policies in the amount of $80,000.

A motion was made by Mrs. Scaife, seconded by Mr. Smith, to place Resolution 13 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Bunch, seconded by Mrs. Fulgenzi, to consolidate Resolutions 13 - 18. Chairman Van Meter asked County Clerk Gray to read Resolutions 14 - 18.

14. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for the Auditor's Office from Troxell Insurance for the purpose of auto insurance in the amount of $48,000.

15. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for the Auditor's Office from Troxell Insurance for the purpose of liability insurance for SMART vehicles in the amount of $53,000.

16. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for Public Health from SIU School of Medicine for the purpose of leading development of a media campaign encouraging COVID-19 vaccinations in the amount of $62,700.

17. Resolution approving the advertising and outreach campaign to be conducted through local radio groups, TV stations, and social media platforms through an agreement with SIU School of Medicine not to exceed $62,700.

18. Resolution approving a grant application for Court Services from the Illinois Department of Human Services for the Juvenile Redeploy Illinois Program in the amount of $300,000.

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 13 – 18, as consolidated. A voice vote was unanimous.

MOTIONS CARRIED RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED

OLD BUSINESS

There is no Old Business.

NEW BUSINESS

A. Resolutions

There were no new resolutions.

B. Appointments

Appointment of Tim Timoney to the Deputy Merit Commission for a term to expire February, 2027.

Appointment of Tabitha Block to the Historic Preservation Commission for a term to expire June, 2023.

Appointment of Thomas J. Bazan to the Historic Preservation Commission for a term to expire June, 2022.

A motion was made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mr. Bunch, for approval of the appointments. Mrs. Hayes stated, after reviewing the statute, that the appointment to the Sheriff's Deputy Merit Commission is not in compliance with the statute. The statute requires two members of that board be Democrat. She knows they have not had any input on Timoney's appointment to that board.

A motion was made by Mrs. Hayes, seconded by Mr. DelGiorno, to table the appointment to the Deputy Merit Commission so they can review it. Upon a roll call vote, there were 6 Yeas - 21 Nays. The motion failed. Those voting Yea were: DelGiorno, Douglas Williams, Hayes, McGuire, Preckwinkle, and Small. Those voting Nay were: Bunch, Deppe, Forsyth, Fraase, A. Fulgenzi, L. Fulgenzi, Hall, Krell, Mendenhall, Miller, O'Neill, Ratts, Ruzic, Scaife, Schackmann, Smith, Snell, Stumpf, Thomas, Tjelmeland, and Williams. Mr. Madonia was not present to vote. Chairman Van Meter explained they are very careful to consult with Democratic leadership on those appointments with the chairs prevue. They have not been able to verify the research she mentioned, but will continue to look at that. They are sensitive to the concern she is raising.

MOTIONS CARRIED

APPOINTMENTS ADOPTED

The nominations for appointment in April were also submitted.

C. Procurement/Grant Notifications

There were none.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Ulonda Gladney, with the Faith Coalition for the Common Good, addressed the County Board regarding segregation of inmates in the jail with mental health issues. She is a recovery support specialist at a hospital and deals with individuals who are going through a mental health crisis. Many years ago, she was an inmate in the Sangamon County Jail. She became suicidal and was locked up in their segregation area. After a couple months, she was crying and begging to let her see the nurse to get out of segregation, and she still couldn't. Finally, a few months later, a correctional officer got her and took her to the nurse because the nurse would not come to her. She now has a child that is in the jail and is segregated. She worries about him because she knows that motivational interviewing and open-ended questions are important for someone going through that type of trauma. On behalf of the Faith Coalition, she asks that they receive a monthly report from the Sheriff's Office detailing the mental and physical health assessments of the inmates. She understands there are HIPA laws. They do not want any names, but want to know what is going on with them mentally because they are in segregation for six months and longer. All they offer them is a bible. She wants to know if she can expect action on these items tonight, or when she will receive an answer.

Susan Allen, with the Faith Coalition for the Common Good, addressed the County Board. She and her husband lived in Sangamon County for 40 years and she is a retired state employee. She is addressing the issue of the County's possible acquisition of an RG-31 military vehicle. It is the equivalent of a fair sized tank. This is an important issue to her because she is afraid the vehicle would be used against peaceful demonstrators and it may result in deaths. She has seen news stories of these vehicles advancing towards protestors, and it is frightening. It reminds her of a totalitarian regime. She has researched this and found that civilian deaths increase in counties with vehicles like this. Furthermore, the vehicle is not needed. The National Guard could be mobilized here if necessary, and they are trained to use this vehicle. She brought this issue to Sheriff Campbell, who very politely heard them out, but he is committed to getting the military tank like vehicle. On behalf of the Faith Coalition she is asking the County Board to deny the acquisition of a military vehicle for use by the Sheriff's Office or take any action that you can lawfully do so. They ask that you consider this issue and get back to them with this action.

Vanessa Nelson-Knox, a leader with the Faith Coalition for the Common Good, addressed the County Board. She is a community activist who was born and raised in Springfield. She is here to speak on ending money bond. She is a former investigator that took care of state and federal criminal cases. She has spent a lot of time in and out of jails and prisons in Illinois and other states. They do know the Governor has signed to end money bond. She is afraid there is not enough support for it. They are asking Sheriff Campbell, his office, and all others involved to support ending money bond. She knows they have 1 year and 10 months before they have to comply with that. She is asking they start immediate efforts to end money bond. Some people think of it as, with criminals coming out, just a revolving door. When that is said, it leads to fear mongering to the public. They have enough of that. They need it be supported. It is the law in Illinois. When people go in, even for a week, they have to be concerned with who will take care of their kids and who will settle their affairs and obligations. With ending money bond, they will have an opportunity to do that so the trauma they already went through, as well as their families, won't be compounded even more. With people who suffer addictions, it will only fuel more addictions if they cannot have an opportunity to go home and settle their affairs, so they don't lose their homes, daycares, and cars. The children suffer the most in these situations. By ending money bond, they need everyone's support. She is asking them, on behalf of Faith Coalition, to begin efforts on this immediately.

REPORTS OF COUNTY OFFICIALS, REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES, REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES, COMMITTEE REPORT ON CLAIMS

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

MOTION CARRIED

REPORTS FILED

Mr. Mendenhall stated that tonight's zoning cases proved a point. People need to testify in person. Zooming in, you might hear and might not. His recommendation is they have no more zoning cases until they can meet in person. This is becoming a joke. Chairman Van Meter stated they have tried to accommodate that.

RECESS

A motion was made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mr. Bunch, to recess the meeting to April 12, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. A voice vote was unanimous.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lDK-5h-cEuJS040ZcGK7PzKHZMHmSfzxSO0lz1m260M/edit