Menard County Board of Commissioners met June 11

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

By Angelica Saylo Pilo

Jul 7, 2024

Menard County Board of Commissioners met June 11

Here are the minutes provided by the commissioners:

The Menard County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the Menard County Courthouse, 102 S. Seventh Street, Petersburg, Illinois.

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

Chairperson Bob Lott called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Commissioner Brauer moved to approve the Regular Minutes from May 28, 2024.

Commissioner Cummings seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

Executive Session

Commissioner Cummings moved to go into Executive Session, for the purpose of potential litigation and employee issue at 6:00 p.m. Commissioner Brauer 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 the department’s current projects. Crowe advised that so far in the Change Finder Project, there have been 42 non-permitted changes identified in one particular area and of which 37 have been cleared. He also advised that the second flyover located 95 non— permitted changes/additions and he is beginning to work on those. Crowe also advised that the permit for the cell tower on Gudgel Avenue has been paid.

Zoning Officer Crowe also advised that the Zoning Board of Appeals has denied the Petition for Variance for Chad Hoke. Discussion ensued. Commissioner Brauer moved to approve the variance in lieu of litigation and with the following stipulations: Hoke will not build on the North or West side of the building, Hoke must abide by the 100’ set back as set forth in the Menard County Zoning Ordinance. And Hoke must pay the County a fine of $1,000.00. Commissioner Cummings seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

Highway Department’s Report/Request for Board Action

Engineer Dowd provided the Board with an update on the Highway Departments current projects. He advised that they are 70% moved into the new office. Dowd advised that the State of Illinois will begin to overlay from the top of the hill south of New Salem State Park north to South Shore Drive in 2025. He also advised that the Menard County Highway Department will begin oiling on July 1, 2024. It was the consensus of the board to move compensation for the newest employee from 80% to 90%.

Sheriff’s Report/Requests for Board Action

Chief Deputy Sheriff Hollis was in attendance and reported the current jail census at a total of four inmates. He also advised that the new squad car was in. Hollis advised that the Courthouse doors will begin being keyed and fobbed on Monday, June 17, 2024.

Treasurer’s Department Report/Requests for Board Action

Treasurer Bettis was in attendance and advised that tax bills will be going out this Friday or no later than Monday, June 17, 2024. The due dates are going to be July 19, 2024 for the first installment and September 6, 2024 for the second installment.

County Clerk’s Report/Requests for Board Action

County Clerk Gum was in attendance and presented an application for Liquor License for the Menard County Fair for review and approval. Commissioner Cummings moved to approve the application. Commissioner Brauer seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

State’s Attorney Report/Requests for Board Action

State’s Attorney Grosboll was in attendance and advised that he will be attending a State’s Attorney conference in Galena on June 12, 2024, and both he and staff have been busy meeting with several witnesses on several different cases.

County Coordinator’s Report/Requests for Board Action

Coordinator Worthington was in attendance and discussed items such as: final payment to ICRMT, FY22 Audit, possible personnel policy updates, presentation to be given by Joe Perry at the Public Building Study Group meeting, a new board member is needed for the Board of Review and they will need to be a registered Republican, Sunny Acres Nursing Home van lettering, Hope Trust Conference, Spring Session report, new draft job description for a potential new position, Intergovernmental Agreements with Animal Control, Chautauqua Sanitation Board, remodeling of the Board Room and the spare office; hydrants at Sunny Acres Nursing Home, CRESCO funds, and Farm Bureau day at the Menard County Fair.

Worthington also requested that the Board approve changing the current Zoning Officer position from part-time to full-time. It was the consensus of the entire Board that Zoning Officer Joe Crowe change from part-time to full-time.

Individual Board Members – Report/Requests for Board Action

Commissioner Brauer advised that he would like to look into the status of redoing IL Route 97 through Petersburg for public awareness. He advised that he will reach out to McClure and Rosenthal and he will report back to the Board.

Commissioner Cummings advised that there are three empty apartments at County Side Estates, and an open house will be held there on July 13, 2024 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.

Chairman Lott discussed the Kincaid Trust. Discussion ensued.

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