Sangamon Sun

Sangamon County Board met Aug. 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The Sangamon County Board met in Reconvened Adjourned June Session on August 8, 2023 at the BOS Center in Springfield. Chairman Van Meter called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Ms. Fulgenzi gave the Invocation, and asked for a moment of silence in memory of Emma Shafer, and Mr. Krell 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. Mr. DelGiorno and Mr. Preckwinkle were excused.

PUBLIC COMMENT 

Chairman Van Meter asked for unanimous consent to go out of the regular order of business to allow public comment to accommodate members of the public who are present to speak regarding items on the Agenda. There were no objections.

Kathleen Campbell, addressed the County Board regarding the pipeline proposal. They want to make it clear that they would not be safe during the event of a pipeline rupture. They have repeatedly tried to convince us they would never rupture because it meets all the standards. About 273 ruptures occur annually. If a pipeline rupture occurs, residents would be exposed to CO2 levels which would risk the lives and health of residents. They then said they can’t make decisions out of fear. Her response is “Yes they can, and in fact we should”. Our fears are rational and sensible. Common sense tells us, and the CDC says, our CO2 exposure from ruptured pipelines would be life threatening and we would have less than 5 minutes to escape. We refuse to accept this risk. Navigator is putting these dangerously close, not only to residences, but to villages, townships, subdivisions, I-55, and other populated areas. Navigator’s assumption on July 17th that their immediate risk of death from a rupture doesn’t matter because they could get hit by a car tomorrow. This tells us that their cavalier and callous disregard for our safety must be rejected.

The Navigator project has less than 5% of its toxic hazardous CO2 coming from an Illinois ethanol plant, and over 95% comes from four other states. This project coming to Illinois is not worth risking our citizens’ lives, which will be paid for from our tax dollars. She asked that they pass the resolutions to oppose the Navigator CO2 pipelines and the CO2 pipelines in general.

James Prescott addressed the County Board regarding the pipeline proposal. He is speaking on behalf of Navigator Greenway’s project. They provided responses in May to the Zoning Committee about the safety, land issues, and impacts on roads in Sangamon County. As you know, Navigator also participated in last month’s public meeting with a goal to answer every question and provide information. At the same time, they recognized the technology, the geology of Illinois, and the meaning of carbon capture and sequestration. The design, construction, and operation are complicated parts and they should take their time to review them. They also recognize the Illinois Commerce Commission, the US EPA, and other federal agencies, and, to the extent that you have jurisdiction, the Sangamon County Board. With the resolutions you will consider tonight, the project will not be approved unless and until specified concerns are addressed. They intend to address all issues every step of the way. All of the information in this process will be public, accessible, comprehensive and thorough. All of the information Navigator presents will be fact based and will meet the burden of truth, which is the obligation Navigator must meet throughout this process. They believe these projects will be safe, will contribute to the economy, and will generate significant economic benefits and opportunities for local county governments during the construction and operation. He thanked them for their time and consideration and for their interest in the facts and truth. They look forward to making sure they have what they need to make informed decisions about Heartland Greenway.

MINUTES 

A motion was made by Mr. Bunch, seconded by Ms. Williams, for approval of the Minutes of July 11, 2023. A voice vote was unanimous

MOTION CARRIED

MINUTES ADOPTED

CORRESPONDENCE 

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

RESOLUTION 1 

1. Resolution setting forth budget policies for the preparation of the FY2024 Sangamon County Budget.

A motion was made by Mr. Stumpf, seconded by Mr. Bunch, to place Resolution 1 on the floor.

Upon a roll call vote there were 26 Yeas – 0 Nays.

MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION ADOPTED

RESOLUTION 2 

2. 2023-016 – WC Media, Inc., 1514 West Jefferson Street, Springfield-Denying Variances. County Board Member – Kevin McGuire, District #28.

A motion was made by Mr. McGuire, seconded by Mr. Madonia, to place Resolution 2 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. Stumpf, seconded by Mr. Madonia, to amend Resolution 2 to approve variances as requested by the petitioner, in Zoning Case 2023-016, based on the following findings of fact: 1) There are two other billboards west of the subject property that contain billboards. These properties are under the jurisdiction of the City of Springfield and fall within the billboard restrictions in the City’s zoning ordinance. This results in the subject property, which is under the County’s jurisdiction, being limited on its economic return as compared to similar properties to the west. 2) The number of properties that front on West Jefferson, still under the county’s jurisdiction, is very limited. The differences in the zoning regulations and location of the property results in plight for the owner of the subject property as compared to circumstances of neighboring properties. 3) The property is located on an urbanized state highway with commercial uses with signage. It is not anticipated that the proposed sign will have an additional negative impact. A voice vote was unanimous on the amendment. A voice vote unanimous for the adoption of Resolution 2, as amended.

MOTIONS CARRIED

RESOLUTION ADOPTED

RESOLUTION 3 

3. Resolution approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between Sangamon County and villages and cities in Sangamon County for the provision of Animal Control Services.

A motion was made by Mr. Schackmann, seconded by Mr. Ayers, to place Resolution 3 on the floor. A motion was made by Ms. Williams 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. Resolution suspending, until December 31, 2023, the issuance by Sangamon County of any permit or grant of authority under existing law related to planning or constructing of CO2 projects so that Sangamon County may determine if amendments to its ordinances governing such projects is advisable.

A motion was made by Mr. Mendenhall, seconded by Mr. Stumpf, to place Resolution 4 on the floor. Mr. Cahnman asked if the regulations to govern pipelines would be in existence by December 2023. Chairman Van Meter stated there are no expectations on when they will be complete. Mr. Cahnman suggested they maybe revisit this in December. Chairman Van Meter stated the typical approach is a six-month time period. This resolution is extending that moratorium on the pipelines and adding the sequestration sites.

Mr. Hall praised the hardworking staff, the people who live in Sangamon County who have voiced their opinions one way or another, and Greg Stumpf and the Committee for how they handled this. He saw government do work and continue to work.

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. Resolution opposing any State of Illinois or Federal approval of any carbon dioxide pipelines or carbon dioxide sequestration areas in Sangamon County unless and until specified concerns are addressed.

A motion was made by Mr. Mendenhall, seconded by Mr. Stumpf, to place Resolution 5 on the floor. Chairman Van Meter asked County Clerk Gray to call the roll. Upon the roll call vote, there were 26 Yeas – 0 Nays.

MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION ADOPTED

WAIVER OF TEN-DAY FILING PERIOD 

A motion was made by Ms. 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 6 – 17 

6. Resolution approving a $20 increase to the compensation of Election Judges.

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

7. Resolution authorizing the execution and amendment of the Downstate Operating Assistance Agreement for FY2024.

8. Resolution allowing the Sheriff’s Office to enter into a contract with Keefe Commissary Network, LLC to supply food and other related commissary items to inmates.

9. Resolution approving an intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement between Sangamon County and the City of Springfield for repair work to Shale Street to accommodate the future use of the Helping Hands Shelter.

10. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for Court Services from the Springfield Urban League for the purpose of case management services, assessment services, and mentoring services in the amount of $300,000.

11. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for Court Services from various vendors (Vanderburgh House, Oxford House, etc.) for the purpose of deposit and 1 to 3 months of rent to get participant into sober secure living in the amount of $32,000.

12. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for Court Services from Gateway Foundation, Inc. for the purpose of substance abuse treatment services in the amount of $80,000.

13. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for Court Services from Gateway Foundation, Inc. for the purpose of providing support to problem-solving court participants and cell phone services in the amount of $47,565.

14. Resolution approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between the County of Sangamon and the County of Christian regarding Child Advocacy Center Services.

15. Resolution approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between the County of Sangamon and the County of Logan regarding Child Advocacy Center Services.

16. Resolution approving the annual salaries for the State’s Attorney, Chief Public Defender, and the Sheriff of Sangamon County.

17. Resolution approving settlement of an employee’s federal lawsuit.

A voice vote was unanimous on the consolidation. Mr. Cahnman asked if the vendor listed in Resolution 8, Keefe Commissary, is a new vendor. Sheriff Campbell stated it is their current vendor and they are just renewing the contract with them. Mr. Cahnman asked if the County gets paid 31% of the sales. Sheriff Campbell explained that it goes into the inmate welfare fund and does not go to the County. Mr. Cahnman asked what they use the inmate welfare fund for. Sheriff Campbell stated all of those funds go towards benefits for the inmates for things such as beds and mental health services in the Jail.

Mr. Cahnman also asked about Resolution 13 and the Gateway Foundation. He asked for clarification if they are buying cell phone services through Gateway Foundation. County Administrator Brian McFadden stated he can get back to him with more specifics on this. He explained this is through their drug court and is a service the Gateway Foundation provides.

A motion was made by Ms. Williams that the roll call vote for Resolution 1 stands as the roll call vote for Resolutions 6 – 17, as consolidated. A voice vote was unanimous.

MOTIONS CARRIED

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED

OLD BUSINESS 

There was no old business.

NEW BUSINESS 

A. Resolutions

There were no new resolutions.

B. Appointments

Appointment of Chip Smith to the Sangamon County Board of Review for a term expiring August, 2025.

Appointment of Mallory Beck Westcott to the Community Services Block Grant Advisory Board for a term expiring August, 2026.

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

Appointment of Joe Roesch as the Sangamon County Circuit Clerk.

Chairman Van Meter stated it is his pleasure and honor to nominate Joe Roesch to the position of Circuit Clerk of Sangamon County. He is known to everyone on the County Board, has provided 21 years of service to the Sheriff’s Office, and is a licensed and practiced attorney. A voice vote was unanimous for the appointment of Joe Roesch as Sangamon County Circuit Clerk.

The nominations for appointment in September were also submitted.

C. Ratification of the Circuit Clerk Laborer’s Union Contract

A motion was made by Mr. Madonia, seconded by Mr. Fraase, for the ratification of the 5-year Circuit Clerk Laborer’s Union Contract. A voice vote was unanimous.

MOTION CARRIED

CONTRACT RATIFIED

REPORTS OF COUNTY OFFICIALS, REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES, 

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES, COMMITTEE REPORT ON CLAIMS 

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

MOTION CARRIED

REPORTS FILED

RECESS 

A motion was made by Ms. Williams, seconded by Mr. Bunch, to recess the meeting to September 12, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the Sangamon South Building. A voice vote was unanimous.

MOTION CARRIED

MEETING RECESSED

https://countyclerk.sangamonil.gov/County-Board/documents/August82023Minutes.pdf