Sangamon Sun

Sangamon County Board met Jan. 16.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The Sangamon County Board met in Reconvened Adjourned September Session on January 16, 2024 in the Sangamon South Auditorium. Chairman Van Meter called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Mr. Stumpf gave the Invocation and Mr. Tjelmeland led the County Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL

Chairman Van Meter asked County Clerk Gray to call the roll. There were 22 Present – 6 Absent. Mr. Constant, Ms. Fulgenzi, Ms. Lathan, Mr. O’Neill, Mr. Preckwinkle, and Ms. Scaife were excused.

APPOINTMENT OF NEW COUNTY BOARD MEMBER, DISTRICT #8

Chairman Van Meter stated they have a nomination to replace Lori Williams. He made a motion to nominate Tom Rader as Sangamon County Board Member in District #8. A voice vote was unanimous. County Clerk Gray administered the oath of office to Tom Rader.

SPORTS HALL OF FAME PRESENTATION-SARA JIMENEZ

Sara Jimenez with Kind Consulting addressed the County Board to give a slideshow presentation on the Sports Hall of Fame. They are working with the Springfield Sports Hall of Fame to come up with their new design name for the HUB. The put a recommendation forward to the County Board which is a resolution you will be voting on for the new name. The presentation she is showing isn’t the final design or budget but is the concept that there is an agreement for what they will call the Sports Hall of Fame going forward. In the beginning, they only included Springfield athletes, but with the agreement going forward with the County it will include county athletes. This will be located on the 3rd floor of the HUB. There will be an entrance from the parking garage but it also will take you over the sky bridge to the SMTD Transfer Center. There is a lot of wall space where the Sports Hall of Fame will be located. They are recommending the new name to be the Springfield Sangamon Sports Hall of Fame. It will be a mixture between permanent graphics and digital components.

A major digital component will be able to play and highlight videos that are produced. One thing they want to do is make sure there is an interactive feature. It will be in a place that will draw people up to that floor to see it. The purpose tonight is for the County Board to accept that the Springfield Sports Hall of Fame would be called the Springfield Sangamon Sports Hall of Fame.

Mr. Cahnman stated historically athletes that were put into the Sports Hall of Fame were from Springfield, and in the future it would include Sangamon County people. He asked about those from the past that were from Sangamon County. Ms. Jimenez stated the Sports Hall of Fame will develop a program on how they will do that. They have been looking back for the last 100 years putting people in the Springfield Sports Hall of Fame. They will begin adding athletes from other neighboring high schools and in Sangamon County. They will accept nominations for people from the City and in Sangamon County. They will come up with a program that will put county athletes into the Sports Hall of Fame starting in 2026.

MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. Bunch, seconded by Mr. Madonia, for approval of the Minutes of December 19, 2023. A voice vote was unanimous.

MOTION CARRIED

MINUTES ADOPTED

CORRESPONDENCE

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

RESOLUTION 1

1. Resolution approving a County bridge petition for Project No. 447 from Ball Township for the replacement of a drainage structure on Pulliam Road.

Chairman Van Meter asked County Clerk Gray to call the roll. There were 22 Yeas – 0 Nays for the adoption of Resolution 1.

MOTIONS CARRIED

RESOLUTION ADOPTED

RESOLUTIONS 2 – 4

2. Resolution approving a purchase order for Central Illinois Ag of Atlanta, IL for the purchase of a Case IH140A utility tractor with Rhino Batwing Mower.

A motion was made by Mr. Fraase, seconded by Mr. Stumpf, to place Resolution 2 on the loor. A motion was made by Mr. Bunch, seconded by Mr. Madonia, to consolidate Resolutions 2 – 4. Chairman Van Meter asked County Clerk Gray to read Resolutions 3 and 4.

3. Resolution approving a purchase order for Woody’s Municipal Supply Co. of Edwardsville IL for the purchase of a Diamond Products boom mower.

4. Resolution approving a purchase order for Landmark Ford of Springfield for the purchase of a Ford-F550 Chassis and Utility Service Body.

A voice vote was unanimous on the consolidation. A motion was made by Mr. Madonia that the roll call vote for Resolution 1 stands as the roll call vote for Resolutions 2 – 4, as consolidated. A voice vote was unanimous.

MOTIONS CARRIED

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED

RESOLUTION 5

5. 2023-026 – Ronald W. Mihalich and Gregory A. Mihalich, 6998 Fulton Road, New Berlin – Granting a Rezoning and Variances. County Board Member – Craig Hall, District #7.

A motion was made by Mr. Stumpf, seconded by Mr. Hall, to place Resolution 5 on the floor. Chairman Van Meter asked the professional staff to give the procedural history of the case. Trustin Harrison, professional staff, stated the petitioner is requesting for proposed parcels 1 & 2: pursuant to Chapters 17.68 and 17.12, a rezoning from “A” Agricultural District to “R-1” Single Family Residence District; and, pursuant to Chapter 17.66, a variance of Section 17.36.010(B) to allow an accessory structure to be approximately twenty-four (24) feet instead of the maximum height of 18 feet allowed in the R-1 Single Family Residence District; and, for proposed Parcel 2, a variance of Chapter 17.04 (lot depth) to allow the lot depth to be greater than two and one half times the lot width. Emily Prather, professional staff, stated the planning commission staff recommends approval. While the LESA score of 240 indicates the subject property is suitable for agricultural use only, it is also at the eastern edge of a rural residential area on Fulton Road. That, along with the parcel’s smaller size, makes the requested R-1 zoning appropriate. Granting the requested variances would facilitate the division of the property to settle an estate. Other properties in the area are zoned agricultural, which has no height restrictions. The standards for variations are met. Mr. Harrison stated the Zoning Board of Appeals concurs with the staff recommendation.

Tim Rigby, at 1 N. Old Capitol Plaza, Springfield, addressed the County Board. He is the attorney for the petitioners. The petitioners are the children of the owners of the property Mary Jane and James Mihalich, who both passed away. They would like to divide the property to sell the two acres and the house and retain the 14 acres of the farmland. In addition to the zoning petition, they are going through a minor subdivision process. They are doing all of this to settle the estate of their parents. The zoning petition and the subdivision process has created some confusion regarding the petitioner’s intentions with respect to the property. They assume the objectors saw the word subdivision and also saw the request to go from Ag to R-1 and naturally assumed a traditional subdivision with multiple structures was being planned. The petitioners have no intention of creating multiple residential lots on the 14 acres. They do not have any present intention of building anything at all on the 14 acres. The petitioners would simply like to sell the house and two acres and continue to farm the 14 acres. The reason for the request to reclassify from Ag to R-1 relates to the zoning requirements of the Ag District. Ag requires minimum lot acreage of 40 acres. They only have 16 acres, so the property is out of compliance with the minimum lot acreage requirements. That is why they needed to go through the minor subdivision process rather than simply dividing off the two acres. Any attempts in the future to further divide the remaining 14 acres into multiple home sites would require requests for further subdivision requirements and would require them to come back before this board for further zoning relief. The petitioners understand that any attempts to do that in future would require significant infrastructure and improvements to road, sewer, water and drainage. The cost of the infrastructure improvements alone would likely make any attempt to divide the 14 acres further into multiple home sites not feasible.

Kent Starr, residing at 6994 Fulton Road, New Berlin, addressed the County Board. He addressed concerns from himself and neighbors in the surrounding area. Despite seven neighbors signing off on the petition, they have never approached any of the surrounding neighbors, himself included, that are going to be effected by this. There has been a lot of talk that things are not going to change, but it seems things are moving toward change. If things aren’t changing, then why are they spending so much time, effort, money, and on lawyers to make these changes happen? He understands some of the legal reasons behind this but this just doesn’t pass the smell test for him, his wife, and their neighbors in the surrounding area. The variance of the building is a big concern for them. A 24-foot building on a 14-acre parcel of land, and then to be divided in half, seems like more of a barn- dominium or something like that. He doesn’t picture someone putting a 24-foot pole barn building on 14 acres let alone 7 acres. He thinks that opens up issues, not necessarily for multiple homes, but for at least one additional home back there. That then opens up more questions of why they are continuing to go from Ag to residential. Their biggest concern is about keeping things the same. It seems like that was the intent, but it seems like they are going through an awful lot of change to keep things the same.

Mr. Rigby gave his rebuttal. He stated the issue with the height limitation for any building is that in an R-1 district there is an 18-foot height limit. If they did the rezoning they would be limited to 18 feet. If they ever wanted to do a pole barn or storage shed then that would be difficult to do on an agricultural use lot, which is what this is. Now is not the time to object to something that may or may not happen in the future. They are talking about right now dividing this into a 14-acre lot that would be used for agricultural. If they want to further divide it they would have to come back before the board to ask for that division. They would have an opportunity to object to it then. Now is not the time to object to something that may or may not happen. He asked that that the County Board adopt the staff and Board of Review recommendation.

Mr. Hall stated the board members and staff understand what all this means, but for the average person it gets confusing. He would like to try and come up with a better solution of posting information rather than a sign on stick. He asked the professional staff if they could provide more information. Trustin Harrison, professional staff, stated they abide by what the state law requires. The state mandates the language for the postings. He is correct, most people won’t understand a lot of the language, but there is a phone number posted so they can call the office with questions. They also publish the information in the newspaper. If the committee wants us to do more, that would be up to them. Mr. Hall suggested they put more things out electronically. Mr. Harrison stated it is required to be printed in the paper. Molly Berns, professional staff, stated last year the IL Municipal League sponsored legislation to develop a platform that would replace the publication requirement and the public could prescribe to it. Unfortunately, it has not been able to get through the General Assembly yet. Mr. Hall stated people hear the term opposition and they don’t have enough information. When they are done here tonight, these neighbors are still going to be neighbors.

Mr. Starr gave his rebuttal. He stated he agrees that at the end of the day they have to be neighbors, but by the same token there are people coming over to their property burning garbage and pallets they have never seen before. This is the perfect time for future objections because they are making a play for future buildings that they don’t even know if they will be able to use. They are adding a variance for a 24-foot building someone may want to build down the line. The petitioners are planning for the future and so are they.

Mr. Cahnman asked who is burning pallets. Mr. Starr stated that is a good question, but they are burning in the front of the field. They have lived there for approximately 10 years and they knew Jim and Mary. Their daughter would go over and play at their house and nobody would burn anything in that field for as long as they have been there. There was a big white truck that went through and burned about 4 ½ feet of pallets and rubber tubing. They are saying “nothing is going to change”, but things are already changing. The more they change the more they will continue to change, so what are they going to allow. Mr. Cahnman suggested he report them.

Chairman Van Meter asked for a roll call vote. Upon the roll call vote, there were 23 Yeas – 0 Nays for the adoption of Resolution 5.

MOTIONS CARRIED

RESOLUTION ADOPTED

RESOLUTION 6

6. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for the Election Office from Election Systems & Software, LLC for the printing and delivery of ballots for the 2024 Primary and General Elections in the amount of $208,000.

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

Mr. Cahnman asked what the difference is between this resolution and Resolution 10 for voting equipment. County Clerk Don Gray explained they are two different services with the same vendor. Resolution 10 is for a maintenance agreement. Election Systems and Software will be printing their ballots for the 2024 cycle.

A voice vote was unanimous for the adoption of Resolution 6.

MOTIONS CARRIED

RESOLUTION ADOPTED

WAIVER OF TEN-DAY FILING PERIOD

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

MOTION CARRIED

TEN-DAY FILING PERIOD WAIVED

RESOLUTIONS 7 – 12

7. Resolution approving an agreement between the Public Safety Training Foundation and Sangamon County for use of the Public Safety Training Foundation facilities.

A motion was made by Mr. Sheppard, seconded by Mr. Mendenhall, to place Resolution 7 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Bunch, seconded by Mr. Madonia, to consolidate Resolutions 7 – 12. Chairman Van Meter asked County Clerk Gray to read Resolutions 8 – 12.

8. Resolution approving a grant application for the State’s Attorney’s Office from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office for the Violent Crimes Victim Assistance Program in the amount of $41,000.

9. Resolution approving an Interagency Agreement between the Sangamon County Juvenile Detention Center and the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice.

10. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for the Election Office from Election Systems and Software (ES&S) for the purpose of 2023 voting equipment maintenance and software/firmware renewal license in the amount of $51,409.15.

11. Resolution approving the annual salary for the Supervisor of Assessments of Sangamon County.

12. Resolution approving the Local Sports Hall of Fame’s recommendation to change their name to Springfield/Sangamon Sports Hall of Fame.

A voice vote was unanimous on the consolidation. A motion was made by Mr. Madonia that the roll call vote for Resolution 1 stands as the roll call vote for Resolutions 7 – 12, as consolidated. A voice vote was unanimous.

MOTIONS CARRIED

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED

OLD BUSINESS

A. Resolution 5 – Tabled 11/14/23

2023-022 – Jeremiah Hartwell-Hayden and Derrick Hayden-Hartwell, 9756 Dodd Road, Loami Granting a Conditional Permitted Use and Variances (In Part). County Board Member – Craig Hall, District #7.

A motion was made by Mr. Stumpf, seconded by Mr. Hall, to take Resolution 5 off the table and place before the County Board. A voice vote was unanimous. A motion was made by Mr. Stumpf to waive the reading of the professional staff’s report. There were no objections.

Mr. Stumpf stated they met all the criteria for the zoning before you. It was on the table for them to try and work out some things with their domestic animals. If there are continued problems with that there could be possible civil or public health issues the homeowners would have to deal with. A voice vote carried for the adoption of Resolution 5. Mr. DelGiorno abstained from voting on Resolution 5.

MOTIONS CARRIED

RESOLUTION ADOPTED

NEW BUSINESS

A. Resolutions

There were no new resolutions.

B. Appointments

Appointment of Steve Welch to the Building Code Board of Appeals for a term expiring November, 2024.

Appointment of Steve Dunker to the Northside Fire Protection District for a term expiring May, 2026.

Appointment of Jeff Stahl to the Lanesville-Illiopolis Drainage District for a term expiring September, 2024.

Appointment of Tim Krell to the Veteran’s Assistance Commission.

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

MOTION CARRIED

APPOINTMENTS ADOPTED

Chairman Van Meter stated Mr. Rader is assigned to the committees formerly assigned to Ms. Williams, and Mr. Forsyth is assigned to the Road & Bridge Committee.

The nominations for appointment in February were also submitted.

C. Procurement/Grant Notifications

o Sheriff’s Dept.-Flock Group Inc.-Purchase of license plate readers and software- $262,500

o County Board-CSL International Agreement-Amount not to exceed $62,900 o Resolution approving a grant application for Community Resources from the State of Illinois DCEO for various social service programs to Sangamon County residents in the amount of $528,512.

o Resolution approving a grant application for the Circuit Clerk from the AOIC for the Court Technology Modernization Program in the amount of $861,848.77.

PUBLIC COMMENT

There was no public comment.

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

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

MOTION CARRIED

REPORTS FILED

Chairman Van Meter announced tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. is the official opening of the new Helping Hands facility. They have been open for about 10 days and things have been running quite well. He hopes they can attend the grand opening to show their support for the incredible work the volunteers do out there.

RECESS

A motion was made by Mr. Madonia, seconded by Mr. Bunch, to recess the meeting to February 13, 2024. A voice vote was unanimous.

MOTION CARRIED

MEETING RECESSED

https://countyclerk.sangamonil.gov/County-Board/Minutes.aspx