Sangamon Sun

Menard County Board of Commissioners met July 9

Here are the minutes provided by the commissioners:

The Menard County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the Menard County Courthouse, 102 S. Seventh Street, Petersburg, Illinois.

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

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

Commissioner Brauer moved to approve the Regular Minutes and Executive Session Minutes from June 27, 2024. Commissioner Fore seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

Dave Bagot – Petersburg Pharmacy

Dave Bagot discussed with the Board his desire to have the County Board sign a letter of support to each of the House of Representatives as well as each Senator. Discussion ensued. Commissioner Brauer advised that he would prefer that the State’s Attorney review the letters prior to them signing. State’s Attorney Grosboll reviewed the letters and advised the Board that he does not see any reason they cannot sign the letters.

The Board then agreed and signed the letters.

Highway Department’s Report/Request for Board Action

Engineer Dowd provided the Board with an update on the Highway Department’s current projects. Dowd advised that the new chipper is in and is working well. He also advised that the County Highway Department will begin oiling on July 22, 2024. He advised that they are waiting on internet installation in the new office. Engineer Dowd advised the Board that PH Broughton has been in contact with him with regard to using some of the Highway Department property to store millings. Discussion ensued and the Board approved such.

Kolbe Huss – EMS/EMA Chief

EMS/EMA Chief Huss was in attendance and provided the Board with his department’s financial packet. Huss advised that they are finalizing the remount for service. Chief Huss also advised that there is one vacancy in his department with between two or three applicants. He also advised that there has been an inquiry as to allow a drive-thru flu shot clinic for the public in the EMS garage on a Saturday. Kolbe advised the Board that he would be fine with it. The Board agreed to allow it. 

Sheriff’s Report/Requests for Board Action

Sheriff Mark Oller was in attendance and updated the Board on: the current jail census at a total of 3 inmates; Johnson Control has finalized the installation of the new fob system for the new doors and the Sheriff’s office is preparing the ID’s along with a policy for such; and in planning for the 2024 Menard County Fair the Illinois Secretary of State Police and Department of Natural Resources will be present to help with the concert.

Treasurer’s Department Report/Requests for Board Action

Treasurer Bettis advised the Board that today was the last day for Mobile Home Taxes and that there are 19 out of 92 outstanding tax bills which will result in a $25.00 late fee beginning tomorrow. Bettis updated the Board about the last audit meeting. She advised that the real estate tax payments are starting to come in and that the last day for payment of the first installment is July 19, 2024. Treasurer Bettis advised that Amy Ruppel will be back part-time in the fall to assist with organizing the back office as well as help gather documents for disposal per the instruction and approval of the State of Illinois Local Records Retention Division. Bettis also advised that she has hired Tammy Burg to assist with processing payments during the tax season.

County Clerk’s Report/Requests for Board Action

Nothing to report.

State’s Attorney Report/Requests for Board Action

State’s Attorney Gabe Grosboll was in attendance and advised the Board of a recent juvenile that was picked up over the weekend. Grosboll indicated how the new laws affect our employees working after hours and the different arrangements that were required for that transport. Grosboll also provided the Board with an update with regard to the Chautauqua Sanitary District issue.

County Coordinator’s Report/Requests for Board Action

Administrative Assistant Jill Lounsberry, in the absence of Coordinator Dara Worthington, was in attendance and discussed items such as: FY23 audit update; need for a Republican to fill a vacancy on the Board of Review; Animal Control Intergovernmental Agreements; the annually required sexual harassment and cyber security training; Illinois Department of Public Health staffing violation having no fine due to it being an industry-wide problem; use of retired squad car from Sheriff’s Department to Zoning; FY24 Budget revision; Property Maintenance Specialist; Jail roof work; Personnel Policy update; Sunny Acres Nursing Home Employee Handbook update; Sunny Acres Nursing Home signage; Menard County Farm Bureau Foundation/Brian Satorius Scholarship; and Menard County/Sangamon County Health Department meeting.

Lounsberry requested that Executive Session Minutes from June 27, 2023 remain closed. Commissioner Cummings moved to approve the request. Commissioner Brauer seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

Individual Board Members – Report/Requests for Board Action

Commissioner Brauer advised that he has not been able to speak with the Secretary of llinois Department of Transportation.

Commissioner Fore advised that the County has passed the elevator inspection.

Executive Session

Commissioner Fore moved to go into Executive Session, for the purpose of personnel and real estate at 6:55 pm. Commissioner Whitcomb seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

Adjournment

With no other business coming before the Board, Commissioner Brauer moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:12 pm. Commissioner Fore seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

https://menardcountyil.com/files/2917/2192/3476/07_09_24_Board_Minutes.pdf