Menard County Board of Commissioners met Aug. 12

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

By Angelica Saylo Pilo

Sep 11, 2024

Menard County Board of Commissioners met Aug. 12

Here are the minutes provided by the commissioners:

The Menard County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, August 13, 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, State’s Attorney Gabe Grosboll, County Coordinator Dara Worthington, and Sheriff Mark Oller were also present. Commissioners Ed Whitcomb and Jeff Fore were absent.

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

Commissioner Cummings moved to approve the Regular Minutes and Executive Session Minutes from July 25, 2024, along with the June 2024 Departmental Expense Reports. Commissioner Brauer seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

Scheduled/Unscheduled Guests

Dalton Whitley was present. Whitley inquired about the Cresco funds. Commissioner Cummings explained the Cresco funds, where they derived from, and how they are handled. Chairperson Lott then explained the ARPA funds to Whitley.

Highway Department’s Report/Request for Board Action

County Highway Engineer Dowd was in attendance and presented the Board with an Intergovernmental Agreement Addendum with City of Petersburg, as well as Intergovernmental Agreements with Tazewell County and the Village of Greenview.

Commissioner Brauer moved to approve the Agreements. Commissioner Cummings seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

Dowd then presented Resolution 26-24 – Appropriating Motor Fuel Tax Funds for payment of County Engineer’s Salary. Commissioner Cummings moved to approve.

Commissioner Brauer seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. This shall be known as Resolution 26-24.

Approval of Construction Contract for Section 22-02114-00-BR (Engel Avenue Bridge) – Tabled.

Engineer Dowd then presented the Board with an update on his department’s current projects.

Kolbe Huss – EMS/EMA Chief

EMS/EMA Chief Huss was in attendance and provided the Board with his department’s month end summary and advised that they have had 976 calls to date for 2024. Huss advised that he had an employee resign and that Andrew Coulter will be transferring from the Sheriff’s Department to EMS on August 27, 2024, leaving one position remaining open. Chief Huss also advised that the annual inspection from IDPH and St. John’s will be held on August 22, 2024.

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 5 inmates. Sheriff Oller and the Board then discussed the police coverage within the County.

Treasurer’s Department Report/Requests for Board Action

Treasurer Bettis advised that $16.5 million has been collected in tax payments so far this year and that the first half of the distribution to the taxing districts will be completed this week. Bettis reminded the Board that the second installment is due September 6, 2024. Bettis reported that erroneous payments had been returned to the taxpayer with a letter. Treasurer Bettis also advised the Board that there is long-term investing available to the county and that she will be meeting with some companies to further explore the possibilities.

County Clerk’s Report/Requests for Board Action

Clerk Gum was present and advised the Board that they are preparing for the November General Election as well as the upcoming 2025 Consolidated Election.

State’s Attorney Report/Requests for Board Action

State’s Attorney Gabe Grosboll was in attendance and advised the Board that since there is no Jury Trial this month they are catching up in the office. He also advised the Board that the Old Salem Chautauqua Sanitation District receives approximately $1,250.00 each year for their taxing district. He spoke with the Board with regard to bonding the Trustees of the Sanitation District and advised that he spoke with Eric at Snedeker Risk Management and after said discussion it was his belief that said bonding was not necessary.

County Coordinator’s Report/Requests for Board Action

County Coordinator Dara Worthington was in attendance and discussed items such as: Board of Review testing; new hire of the County Property Maintenance Specialist; purchase of truck from Highway Department for the County Property Maintenance Specialist; Audit check-in; Sunny Acres Nursing Home fire hydrant; Wastewater Operator; Sexual Harassment training; Cybersecurity training; Public Building Study Group working on dome and windows; Health Insurance Conference; Snedeker Risk Management Conference; UCCI new handbook; Sunny Acres Nursing Home signage; retired Sheriff’s Department squad car gifted to Zoning Officer; and wage projection renewal at 3% for the insurance renewal package.

Worthington requested that Executive Session Minutes from July 25, 2023 and January 30, 2024 remain closed. Commissioner Brauer moved to approve the request.

Commissioner Cummings seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

It was the consensus of the commissioners to add a September 26 board meeting to their calendar with that meeting to be held at the Menard County Highway Department.

Individual Board Members – Report/Requests for Board Action

Commissioner Brauer advised that he has spoken with Greg Herkel with the Illinois Department of Transportation with regard to updates planned for Route 97 and the schedule, therefore. He still wishes to speak with Jeff Myers and get his opinion.

Commissioner Brauer asked that our Zoning Officer reach out to the property owner of the demolished house on Nance Road and IL Rt. 97.

Commissioner Cummings advised that there are two efficiency apartments left Countryside Estates and there is a price study taking place regarding rates at Countryside Estates. Cummings also advised that the Illinois Association of County Board Members is creating a committee for all counties with Nursing Homes.

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