Menard County Board of Commissioners met Sept. 26

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

By Angelica Saylo Pilo

Oct 24, 2024

Menard County Board of Commissioners met Sept. 26

Here are the minutes provided by the commissioners:

The Menard County Board of Commissioners met on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at the Menard County Highway Department, 15620 Chautauqua Road, Petersburg, Illinois. Commissioners Bob Lott, Ed Whitcomb, Troy Cummings, and Rich Brauer were physically present. A quorum was present. County Treasurer Molly Bettis, Sheriff Mark Oller, State’s Attorney Gabe Grosboll, and County Coordinator Dara Worthington were also present. County Commissioner Jeff Fore and County Clerk Martha “Marty” Gum were absent.

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

Commissioner Brauer moved to approve the Regular Minutes and Executive Session Minutes from September 10, 2024. Commissioner Whitcomb seconded the motion.

The motion carried unanimously.

Scheduled/Unscheduled Guests

Greg Andrews, Post Service Officer was present and thanked the commissioners for their time and attention at the last meeting. Officer Andrews gave an overview of a US Census for the county, noting that there are 1060 veterans residing in the county. Andrews provided a proposed budget for operation of a Veterans’ Assistance Commission. An Exploratory Committee comprised of Chairperson Bob Lott, State’s Attorney Gabe Grosboll, Treasurer Molly Bettis, and Post Service Officer Greg Andrews was suggested by States’ Attorney Gabe Grosboll with that committee meeting with each of the three post commanders within the county to further explore the topic. State’s Attorney Gabe Grosboll will draft a press release on the matter for the local newspaper.

Scheduled County Elected Officials & Staff

Joe Crowe, Menard County Zoning Officer

Officer Crowe was in attendance and reported that year to date he had issued a total of 153 permits. He is currently following up on identified parcels through the Change Finder and following up on the status of permits issued in 2023. Officer Crowe has completed nine of 18 chapters in the new draft of the Menard County Zoning Ordinance. Crowe has conducted enforcement with two parcels and will be issuing a Stop Work on one permit.

Highway Department’s Report/Request for Board Action

County Highway Engineer Dowd was in attendance and presented an overview of his department’s activities which included an update on the following: Segments D and F of Athens Blacktop, White’s Crossing, Sangamon Valley Trail, county oiling, and demolition of the old office.

Sheriff’s Report/Requests for Board Action

Sheriff Mark Oller was in attendance and requested entering into Executive Session later in the meeting. Commissioner Lott requested a report on the needs of the Menard County Jail in five and ten years.

Treasurer’s Department Report/Requests for Board Action

Treasurer Bettis was in attendance and reported that she is preparing to do the second tax distribution by the following Monday. Bettis reported that budget worksheets for preparation of the FY25 budget will go out later that day and that she is in the midst of an IMRF Compliance Audit Review. The FY22 audit is getting closer to completion.

State’s Attorney’s Report/Requests for Board Action

Assistant State’s Attorney Thomas provided an overview of surplus property in possession of the county. As a result of this situation, the county will be moving forward with the sale of the property after having it newly appraised and previously listed for sale.

Resolution 35-24 – Sell Surplus Real Estates to Prelude Kids Center LLC (PINs 12-18-103-014 & 12-18-103-015) Commissioner Whitcomb made a motion to accept the agreed upon price for the sale of the two parcels noted while Commissioner Brauer seconded the motion. The motion carried with four “ayes”, no “nays” and one absent.

State’s Attorney Grosboll reported that per the current agreement with Heritage Operations Group, he is now receiving information about account collections for Sunny Acres. Grosboll updated the commissioners on a technology grant in the courtroom and an opportunity to apply for a grant to update the courtroom. The need for additional office space for various positions was discussed.

State’s Attorney Grosboll introduced John Grosboll as a visitor in the meeting who will be conducting some research for the State’s Attorney’s office.

County Coordinator’s Report/Requests for Board Action

Coordinator Worthington was in attendance and presented information on the new Sunny Acres Nursing Home sign and furniture, the online payment portal for county departments to offer to the public, the boardroom remodel, the ICRMT Fall Conference, the FY25 Workers’ Compensation and Property/Casualty/Liability rates and payment schedule for adoption, an opportunity for a grant through Rural Development, the Kincaid Family Trust payment, the UCCI Fall Conference, the county flu clinic, and the county Christmas party.

Individual Board Members – Report/Requests for Board Action

Commissioner Brauer advised that he had attended the Snedeker Fall Conference. Commissioner Whitcomb indicated that he would need Executive Session.