Menard County Board of Commissioners met March 28

Menard County is named for Pierre Menard, who was the first Lieutenant Governor of Illinois | http://www.courthouses.co/

By Angelica Saylo Pilo

Apr 20, 2024

Menard County Board of Commissioners met March 28

Here are the minutes provided by the commissioners:

The Menard County Board of Commissioners met on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at the Menard County Courthouse, 102 S. Seventh Street, Petersburg, Illinois.

Commissioners Bob Lott, Troy Cummings, Jeff Fore, Ed Whitcomb, and Rich Brauer were physically present. A quorum was present. County Clerk Martha “Marty” Gum, Treasurer Molly Bettis, County Coordinator Dara Worthington, Sheriff Mark Oller, and State’s Attorney Gabe Grosboll were also present.

Chairperson Bob Lott called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

Commissioner Brauer moved to approve the Regular Minutes from March 12, 2024 as well as the monthly department expense reports for February 2024. Commissioner Whitcomb seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

Joe Crowe – Menard County Zoning Officer

Zoning Officer Crowe was in attendance and presented the Board with an update on his department’s current projects. Crowe and Assessor Kelton are following up on the results of the flyover of the county which identified property owners who made changes to their property without permits. Letters are being sent out requesting owners comply with the permitting process. He met with Old Salem Chautauqua Association. Their new Board advised that they want to clean up the area.

Highway Department’s Report/Request for Board Action

Highway Engineer Dowd was in attendance and presented the Board with an update on his department’s current projects.

Dowd also presented the Board with a Certificate of Authority to Enter into Joint Agreement with the State of Illinois. Commissioner Whitcomb moved to approve the Certificate. Commissioner Brauer seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

Sheriff’s Report/Requests for Board Action

Sheriff Oller was in attendance and updated the Board on the current jail census at a total of eight inmates; advised the Board that all of the new doors to the Courthouse have been installed and keyed; the Sheriff’s Office was willed a house in Petersburg, but nothing will be determined until after the probation period for the Estate.

Treasurer’s Department Report/Requests for Board Action

Treasurer Bettis was in attendance and advised the Board that Kyra Leinberger has resigned effective March 28, 2024, therefore she will be advertising for the job opening.

Bettis presented the Board with the financials. She advised that the investments are all looking good.

County Clerk’s Report/Requests for Board Action

County Clerk Gum was in attendance and advised the Board that there are a total of 70 Vote By Mail ballots still not returned. Those ballots must to be received by April 2, 2024 and postmarked no later than Election Day in order to be accepted.

State’s Attorney Report/Requests for Board Action

State’s Attorney Grosboll was in attendance and presented an update to the SAFE-T Act.

County Coordinator’s Report/Requests for Board Action

Coordinator Worthington was in attendance and discussed items such as: U of I Extension distribution; Electronics Recycling on April 6, 2024 from 9:00 to Noon; ARPA update; waiting on proposals from Joe Petty for Courthouse and Jail projects and once received there will be a meeting with the Public Building Study Group; Paid Leave for All Workers (PLAW); the need for a Cybersecurity Incident Policy; FY22 Audit Update; Senior Transportation Compliance Review; Boardroom work; Joe Hemberger will be repairing/replacing the door trim; plaque for Emily Schirding.

Individual Board Members – Report/Requests for Board Action

Commissioner Brauer attended the 911 Board Meeting and wanted to convey kudos to Treasurer Bettis for her assistance with reports

Commissioner Whitcomb advised that he likes the morning meeting.

Commissioner Cummings advised that Sunny Acres Nursing Home census has gone down in the last three months and there are three vacancies at Countryside Estates; new sign for Sunny Acres Nursing Home Sign; update on the Sunny Acres Nursing Home Shed and new Sunny Acres Nursing Home van.

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