Sangamon Sun

Sangamon County Board met Dec. 10

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The Sangamon County Board met in Reconvened Adjourned September Session on December 9, 2024 in the Sangamon South Auditorium. Chairman Van Meter called the meeting to  order at 6:08 p.m. Mr. Stumpf gave the Invocation and remembered County Board Member Clyde  

Bunch who recently passed away. He asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of him. Mr. Fraase led the County Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.  

NOMINATION AND APPOINTMENT OF TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN  

A motion was made by Ms. Scaife, seconed by Mr. Fraase, to nominate Mr. Hall as Temporary Chairman. A voice vote was unanimous.  

REPORT OF CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE  

Temporary Chairman Hall stated there are three members on the Credentials Committee. They are Ms. Scaife, Mr. Schackmann, and Ms. Douglas Williams. Ms. Scaife stated the credentials  are in order. A motion was made by Mr. Mendenhall, seconded by Mr. Krell, for approval of the credentials. A voice vote was unanimous. County Clerk Gray had them sign the Credentials Report.  

SWEARING IN OF NEWLY ELECTED COUNTY BOARD MEMBERS  

County Clerk Gray swore in the newly elected County Board Members. Those sworn in were Mr. Rader, Mr. Madonia, Mr. Ayers, Mr. Miller, Mr. Krell, Mr. Stumpf, Ms. Fulgenzi, Ms. Small, Ms. Lathan, Mr. Van Meter, Ms. Deaner, Mr. Davsko, Mr. Forsyth, and Mr. McGuire. They all signed their oaths of office and they were placed on file with the County Clerk. 

ROLL CALL  

Temporary Chairman Hall had County Clerk Gray call the roll. There were 27 Present –  1 Absent. Mr. Thomas was excused.  

NOMINATION AND APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN  

A motion was made by Mr. Stumpf, seconded by Ms. Fulgenzi, to appoint Andy Van Meter as Chairman of the County Board. A voice vote was unanimous.  

NOMINATION AND APPOINTMENT OF VICE-CHAIRMAN  

Andy Van Meter took his seat as Chairman of the County Board. A motion was made by Mr. Hall, seconded by Mr. Krell, to appoint Mr. Madonia as Vice-Chairman of the County Board. A voice vote was unanimous.  

PROCLAMATIONS  

Mr. Schackmann presented a Proclamation to the American Business Club recognizing the non-for-profit organization for work they do with helping people with disabilities to gain mobility and independence. Members of the American Business Club were present to accept the Proclamation.  

PUBLIC SAFETY RADIO SYSTEM PRESENTATION  

Mr. Mendenhall address the County Board to recognize the work done on the new Public  Safety Radio System. In his 2002 campaign, he promised to work on upgrading their radio system,  and as of today the Starcom Radio System is now up and running perfectly.  

When he started this process, there were several other people pushing him, with his past experience in the fire department, to get this fixed. At the time, it was Sherman Fire Chief Rich Coons and Rochester Fire Chief Dick Rentschler, and they helped him move forward with this. As  they continue to move forward, they added the current Sherman Fire Chief, Assistant Chief Joe  Bolletta from Chatham, and Bill Lee on the committee, and kept moving forward. Without their help, they wouldn’t be here. They decided they need to get a consulting firm that was familiar with all these radio issues, and they hired the consulting firm TUSA. Allen Talkington was a tremendous help in guiding them in the right direction. He tied them up with Motorola and Supreme, and they couldn’t be here today without them. They found some issues they needed to talk to the local  departments about. Assistant Chief Joe Bolletta formed the fleet mapping group, and this just made it so much easier. This whole process has made him look so good, and it was these people who did  it. He is so happy about it along with the departments they have been talking to.  

They could not have gotten here without some money. Joe Powell and the ETSB forwarded money and they greatly appreciate it. He doesn’t know how many of you had a campaign promise when you ran for elected office. He met his campaign promise, and it only took him twenty years. They have handed off this project to Chris Mueller, and he has moved forward with it. You have  made us all look good, and have handled building the towers, pagers, and radios. You have done a great job, but it isn’t quite done yet. The County Board has circled right behind them and made this all work, and he is extremely pleased and proud to say the radio system is up and working full speed ahead. He invited any of the groups that have worked through this process to come up and speak.  

Rich Coons addressed the County Board. He gave a sincere thank you to the ETSB, the County Board, and everyone who worked on this. They could not do this on their own. They do their best to train their people to the same level as full-time paid fire departments, and provide them the same kind of equipment at the highest possible level. Without your help, we could not have this highly professional quality radio communications.  

Joe Bolletta gave a shout out to the fleet-mapping group for the hundreds of hours of their  own time they put in to help develop this system. He thanked John Edie from Auburn Fire Department, Randy Rhodes from Divernon, Craig Held from Pleasant Plains, Mike Burg from Athens, Jeremy Fulk from Athens, Ryan Wilson from Riverton, Andy Burdett representing multiple departments including the rescue squad-Pawnee and Buffalo, and Kirk Polley from Rochester.  

Dean Hart with TUSA Consulting addressed the County Board. He thanked them for their trust in hiring them. He looks forward to hearing more successful stories.  

Tony Kosiba with Motorola Solutions addressed the County Board. He thanked them. Chris was phenomenal throughout this project and was a pleasure to work with along with all the volunteer fire departments, County Board, ETSB, and TUSA Consulting. They made this project go  smoothly and it has been a wonderful success. He thanked all the first responders and the County  Board.  

Chris Mueller, 911 Director, addressed the County Board. He reiterated that it has been a  pleasure working with all of these people including the Radio Governance Board, who are all unpaid, and Rich and Dick. He also gave some credit to Assistant State’s Attorney Joel for working on all the  legal paperwork. They kept the previous radio system together and running with parts from EBay, so that is how bad it was. He commended the work they did with Motorola, TUSA, and Supreme, ISA, the tower company, and the County Board who all came together and worked as one. Bunn Corporation, Brandt Corporation, and the Village of Illiopolis all gave them the land to put the towers on at a whopping cost of $1.00 per year for 99 years, so that is outstanding.

Mr. Fraase asked if the Sheriff would be on the same channels. Mr. Mendenhall stated they would but they do not have a timeframe yet. 

VETERAN’S ASSISTANCE COMMISSION  

Superintendent Ashti Dawson addressed the County Board. She gave a slideshow presentation showing the services they provide to Sangamon County and to some outside of Sangamon County. She stated their mission is to provide transparent service in the best interest of our Veterans and their families across unified community collaboration. They recently did an upgrade to their mission, which was Veterans serving Veterans, but they wanted it to be more inclusive and all encompassing.  

She introduced her staff including Assistant Superintendent David Rieger, Veteran Service Officer John Rehbein, and Veteran Service Officer Bridgett Crawford. They prefer you use the Veteran’s email for any general inquiries to the office.  

She does have copies available here of the Military Veterans Assistance Act. Essentially, they have delegates and alternatives comprised of our organization. They have a board and an executive  board as well. They are the ones that hire and, hopefully not, fire the Superintendent. They also  have two work studies that are VA funded. It is a VA benefit they can use while they are going to school. She anticipates to fill their Administrative Assistant position on January 6th. When they can figure out something with the office space, she would like to hire another VSO, and hopefully more  in the future.  

In 1938, the Veteran’s Relief Commission was started to help the Veterans who were serving with Works Progress Administration. She has found very little historical information about the Veterans Relief Commission. The organization changed its name in 1954 to Veterans Assistance Commission.  

Their mission has changed and their budget has gotten bigger. A few weeks ago, she had a Veteran contact them and was not sure they would even be able to afford to buy lunch. With their help, they discovered they had enough money to buy a car. It is great to get them the assistance they need.  

David Rieger addressed the County Board. He mentioned some of the VA benefits available. They include VA Healthcare, mental health, education benefits, home loans, no/low cost life insurance, pension, burial benefits, survivor benefits, VA disability compensation, and housing  

In August 2022, the Pact Act was created. It is a law that expands VA healthcare and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances, foreign and domestic. There has been a 23% increase in claims.  

He explained the claims process. They meet with the Veteran, do a review of their records, and prepare their packet for submission. The claim processing can take approximately 155.5 days.  They prepare them for what to expect. If denied, they go through the appeals process, gather new evidence, and submit an appeal.

They have helped 49 Veterans and processed 129 claims, with 75% not decided yet. There  are $232,415 in claims. There are 60 appeals with 57% still pending decision at an amount of $92,202. There are 11 survivor benefits, with 40% still pending at an amount of $33,991.77. There is one pension pending. There is a reoccurring monthly payment of $143,736 to Veterans/spouses, and a lump payment of $358,609. There is a six-month turnaround, so numbers will change.  

John Rehbein addressed the County Board. He explained the financial assistance program.  They will fill out a form for review. The Veteran must have an honorable discharge and/or general other than honorable to be eligible. They must meet the VA income standard to be eligible, and must reside in Sangamon County. They can apply for assistance once per 12 months with a minimum of 90 days between applications. They must have attempted to receive assistance from the VA for healthcare, compensation, pension, etc. They had 93 applications for financial assistance last year. In 2024, the income guidelines, for the Veteran only, is $22,590 or less annual income. It goes up depending on the number of dependents.  

Bridgett Crawford addressed the County Board. The Veterans Outreach is the process of providing information, services and benefits counseling to Veterans and their families. Their goal is to ensure Veterans and their families are aware of the benefits and can coordinate with a Veterans  Service Office to assist in the application process. The do this through flyers, monthly meetings, food drives, donations, service projects, media, community groups, Emails, fairs, social media, workshops, seminars, and other ways. They are involved with organizations such as the Washington Street Mission, Salvation Army, and American Legion. The VAC coordinates and funds various outreach services, activities, and events throughout the year that promote the mental and physical well-being of our Veterans, service members, their immediate families, and the communities where they reside. They conduct these events at VA facilities, shelters, food banks, grocery stores,  community support teams, Veterans organizations, schools, hospitals, police departments, and  social service organizations. They do this to actively identify and connect with Veterans in need, ensuring they are aware of available services and support, thus facilitating their transition to civilian life, addressing potential challenges, like mental health issues, employment difficulties, or housing insecurity, and ultimately improving their overall well-being by fostering a sense of community and  belonging.  

HEARTLAND HOUSED PRESENTATION  

Josh Sabo with Heartland Housed addressed the County Board and gave a slideshow presentation on their services. He explained they are the lead agency for Continuum of Care. He showed the Continuum of Care competition scores by HUD and how high they rated our community. They have applied for $720,000 worth of funding through HUD.  

Mr. Sabo discussed the Heartland Continuum of Care Street Outreach Task Group, which is an unsheltered homeless task group working with Heartland Housed, MBH, the Salvation Army, the Fifth Street Mission, Phoenix Center, Helping Hands, Washington Street Mission, and others.

Their community partners participated in a 100-day challenge focused on better understanding and addressing the challenges connected to unsheltered homelessness. During that time, 29 individuals entered housing that had a history of unsheltered homelessness and with supportive housing opportunities. They have housed 244 people as of September 2024.  

The next slide showed the supporting housing gap, which is not decreasing. They project an increase each year of 155 people entering into the system. In 2019, there were 999 and in 2023, there were 1,123, so they are seeing new families and individuals becoming homeless each year, while the resources are stagnant for support to provide supportive housing opportunities.  

Some winter planning they are doing includes an increase in low-barrier shelter beds. There is program development underway for those that cannot access shelter. Efforts are underway to  expand local outreach staff & training. New initiatives/partnerships are working to help people exit shelters more quickly. Through utilization of HOME-ARP funding, they hope to create capacity for 50 additional people to enter supportive housing by March 2025.  

Some initiatives in 2025 include a 100-day Veteran Homelessness Challenge. There are 34 Veterans in shelters or they are unsheltered right now. They hope to partner with other communities in Illinois in 2025. They will become creative in pursuing funding. They will have an initiative called the Heartland Flexible Housing Pool. This will allow them to fundraise and create a pool of money they can then grant out to other organizations for housing opportunities and reduce the number of people they have waiting on the coordinated entry list. The final key goal they have is  for expanded street outreach for infrastructure. They are in the process of bringing a Street Outreach Coordinator onto their team. That person’s full-time focus will be working with the volunteers, different staff in the community, and conducting outreach themselves to make sure  their list of folks experiencing unsheltered homelessness is accurate, and that they have the capability to go out and connect with people where they are and work with them to connect to the resources our community has.  

Ms. Lathan asked if there are enough homes/residents in Sangamon County to utilize funds. Mr. Sabo stated they are not running into problems finding units. A lot of that has to do with the  support they receive from the City of Springfield, Sangamon County, and Capital Township, and the  grants awarded. The key source for grants is working with the Illinois Housing Development Authority. There have already been three grants awarded within Sangamon County. They need to keep pursuing them, and they would have to come up with 10%.  

Chairman Van Meter asked if he feels supported by the Sangamon County Board. Mr. Sabo said he absolutely does, without a doubt. The time spent with the Community Resources Advisory Council and partnership they have with the Workforce Alliance are key partnerships for the work they do. You all have continued to provide support for this infrastructure that allows us to  have staff to do this work. Chairman Van Meter stated they also mentioned working with the VAC, and they are beginning to be part of the activity. Mr. Sabo stated they are.

Mr. Cahnman asked if he could Email the PowerPoint to Mary in the County Board Office to forward to the board members. Mr. Sabo stated he could. Mr. Cahnman also asked for clarification of the 29 opportunities they had. He asked if that meant 29 people going into shelters or permanent housing. Mr. Sabo clarified it is for permanent housing. Mr. Cahnman asked what the term “Supportive housing opportunities” means. Mr. Sabo explained there are two programs. One is called Rapid Rehousing, which can provide support with a case management and rental subsidy for up to two years. That’s what most folks in our community will be eligible for. For permanent supportive housing, the person must be chronically homeless for longer than a year and needs to have a disabling condition. This program can continue as long as a household needs it. In many cases that tends to be around four to five years. At that point, there is usually a voucher opportunity or the household might sort of stabilize and not need case management anymore. A person in a shelter is still homeless, so at the end of the day, they need to help people get into an apartment or  house that is theirs, and in the context of that, provide all the support they can for them to make it  their home.  

Chairman Van Meter asked Mr. Sabo to explain the concept of calling a number if you see someone who is homeless. Mr. Sabo explained there are homeless prevention programs to provide rental and utility assistance, and to help navigate shelters. Heartland Housed has started a helpline to support Springfield & Sangamon County community members who are experiencing a housing  crisis. You can call the housing helpline at 217-803-5235. They are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  

Mr. Ayers stated they are in the early stages of hopefully passing a resolution on the 708 Mental Health Board. Would that be a big impact on the housing situation? Mr. Sabo stated it absolutely would. They want to get them into a housing opportunity and get them stabilized. Access to mental health and the wait times are crucial barriers that make it really challenging for people. Case managers are in the position of trying to provide mental health first aide, but as a community that is a barrier they run into day in and day out.  

PRESENTATION  

Ms. Sheppard, Ms. Deaner, and Ms. Douglas Williams presented Christmas gifts to Brian McFadden, Mary Carter, and Jeff Wilhite.  

MINUTES  

A motion was made by Mr. Madonia, seconded by Mr. DelGiorno, for approval of the Minutes of November 12, 2024. A voice vote was unanimous.  

MOTION CARRIED  

MINUTES ADOPTED 

CORRESPONDENCE  

A motion was made by Mr. DelGiorno, seconded by Mr. Madonia, to place correspondence on file with the County Clerk. A voice vote was unanimous.  

RESOLUTION 1  

1. Resolution approving the purchase of a new tandem axle dump truck with plow and snow removal equipment from Rush Enterprises, Inc. through the State of Illinois Joint Purchase Agreement with Local Agencies.  

A motion was made by Mr. Fraase, seconded by Mr. Miller, to place Resolution 1 on the floor. Upon a roll call vote, there were 26 Yeas – 0 Nays for the adoption of Resolution 1.  

MOTION CARRIED  

RESOLUTION ADOPTED  

RESOLUTION 2  

2. Resolution approving the transfer of real estate property from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to Sangamon County for the purpose of constructing Phase 3 of the Sangamon Valley Trail.  

A motion was made by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Davsko, to place Resolution 2 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. DelGiorno, seconded by Mr. Madonia, that the roll call vote for  Resolution 1 stands as the roll call vote for Resolution 2. A voice vote was unanimous.  

MOTIONS CARRIED  

RESOLUTION ADOPTED  

RESOLUTION 3  

3. Resolution approving the low bid from Egizii Electric, Inc. for the construction of a pedestrian crosswalk, signage and lighting at Lincoln Memorial Garden on East Lake Shore Drive.  

A motion was made by Mr. Tjelmeland, seconded by Ms. Scaife, to place Resolution 3 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Madonia that the roll call vote for Resolution 1 stands as the roll  call vote for Resolution 3. A voice vote was unanimous.  

MOTIONS CARRIED  

RESOLUTION ADOPTED 

RESOLUTION 4  

4. 2024-024 – Domer J. Huffman, III, 7598 Walnut Street, Salisbury – Granting a Rezoning. County Board Member – Tom Fraase, Jr., District #1.  

A motion was made by Mr. Fraase, seconded by Mr. Mendenhall, to place Resolution 4 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Mendenhall to waive the reading of the professional staff’s  report. There were no objections. A voice vote was unanimous for the adoption of Resolution 4.  

MOTIONS CARRIED  

RESOLUTION ADOPTED  

RESOLUTION 5  

5. 2024-025 – Hanne Bennett, 2680 N. Walnut Rd., Rochester – Granting Variances. County  Board Member – Tom Madonia, Jr., District #9.  

A motion was made by Mr. Madonia, seconded by Mr. Mendenhall, to place Resolution 5 on  the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Mendenhall to waive the reading of the professional staff’s report. There were no objections. A voice vote was unanimous for the adoption of Resolution 5.  

MOTIONS CARRIED  

RESOLUTION ADOPTED  

RESOLUTIONS 6 - 31  

6. 2024-026 - Text Amendment to the Sangamon County Zoning Ordinance regarding Chapters 17.37 and 17.49 related to Commercial Solar Energy Conversion Facilities Siting Approval  Permitting and Commercial Wind Energy Conversion Systems Siting Approval Permitting.  

A motion was made by Ms. Deaner, seconded by Ms. Deppe, to place Resolution 6 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. DelGiorno to consolidate Resolutions 6 – 31. Chairman Van Meter asked County Clerk Gray to read Resolutions 7 – 31.  

7. Resolution amending the Sangamon County Code by amending Chapter 15.05 entitled  Building, Construction, Alteration and Maintenance, which contains permit requirements, fee schedules, and penalty provisions.  

8. Resolution amending the Sangamon County Code by amending Title 15-Buildings & Construction, as set forth in Exhibit A.  

9. Resolution approving an Agreement between Sangamon County and the Village of Grandview regarding enforcement of the International Building Code. 

10. Resolution approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between Sangamon County and the Village of Williamsville regarding enforcement of the International Building Code.  

11. Resolution approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between Sangamon County and the Village of Illiopolis regarding enforcement of the International Building Code.  

12. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for Public Health from Hill’s Pet Nutrition for the purpose of food supplies for Animal Control in the amount of $32,000.  

13. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for Public Health from Animal Emergency Clinic of Springfield for the purpose of emergency vet services for Animal Control in the amount of $37,000.  

14. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for Public Health from Midwest Veterinary Supply for the purpose of medical supplies for Animal Control in the amount of $100,000.  

15. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for Public Health from the Animal Protective League for the purpose of spay/neuter services in the amount of $45,000.  

16. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for Public Health from Dodd Professional Dog Training for the purpose of dog training and behavior counseling at Animal Control in the amount of $42,000.  

17. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for Public Health from Dena Nelson DVM for the purpose of veterinarian services at Animal Control in the amount of $110,000.  

18. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for Public Health from Solid Ground Solutions, Inc. for the purpose of janitorial services at Animal Control in the amount  of $75,000.  

19. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for Public Health from Custom Data Processing, Inc. for the purpose of database services for Personal Health in the amount of $80,000.  

20. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for Public Health from Custom Data Processing, Inc. for the purpose of database services for Environmental Health in the amount of $35,000.  

21. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for Public Health from Sinclair Broadcasting for the purpose of advertising for Narcan in the amount of $50,000.  

22. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for Public Health from WAND for the purpose of advertising for Narcan in the amount of $50,000.  

23. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for Public Health from Houck Transit Advertising for the purpose of bus advertising for Narcan in the amount of  $168,000.  

24. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for Public Health from the Phoenix Center for the purpose of providing Narcan distribution services in the amount of  $190,000.  

25. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for Public Health from GlaxoSmithKline Financial, Inc. for the purpose of providing vaccines in the amount of  $75,000.  

26. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for Public Health from Merck & Company, Inc. for the purpose of providing vaccines in the amount of $35,000.  

27. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for Public Health from Sanofi Pasteur, Inc. for the purpose of providing vaccines in the amount of $110,000.  

28. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for Public Health from FFF Enterprises, Inc. for the purpose of providing flu vaccines in the amount of $200,000.  

29. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for the Sheriff’s Office from Ray O’Herron Co., Inc. for the purpose of SCSO uniform expenses in the amount of $63,870.  

30. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for the Sheriff’s Office from Motorola Solutions, Inc. for the purpose of utilizing the Starcom Communications Network in the amount of $78,576.  

31. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for the Sheriff’s Office from multiple supply vendors for the purpose of Jail and inmate supplies in the amount of  $118,678.88.  

A voice vote was unanimous on the consolidation. Mr. Cahnman asked if the villages are paying something to the County on Resolutions 9, 10 & 11. Chairman Van Meter stated they are. Mr. Cahnman asked what the vaccines are that are mentioned in Resolutions 25, 26 & 27. It does not specify. Public Health Director John Ridley stated it is referring to a variety of vaccines. He can send a list to Mr. Cahnman. 

A motion was made by Mr. Madonia that the roll call vote for Resolution 1 stands as the roll  call vote for Resolutions 6 – 31, as consolidated. A voice vote carried. Mr. Cahnman voted Present on Resolutions 25, 26 & 27.  

MOTIONS CARRIED  

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED  

WAIVER OF TEN-DAY FILING PERIOD  

A motion was made by Mr. Madonia, seconded by Mr. DelGiorno, to waive the ten-day filing period. A voice vote was unanimous.  

MOTION CARRIED  

TEN-DAY FILING PERIOD WAIVED  

RESOLUTIONS 32 – 56  

32. Resolution approving a grant application for the Election Office from the State of Illinois, distributed by the State Board of Elections, for the 2025 Illinois Voter Registration State  Grant (IVRS) Program in the amount of $159,786.88.  

A motion was made by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Constant, to place Resolution 32 on the  floor. A motion was made by Mr. DelGiorno, seconded by Mr. Madonia, to consolidate Resolutions 32 – 56, excluding Resolution 51. Chairman Van Meter asked County Clerk Gray to read Resolutions  33 – 56.  

33. Resolution approving a grant application for Child Advocacy from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority for the CASA Program in the amount of $134,990.  

34. Resolution approving a grant application for Community Resources from the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies for the PY2025 Employment Barrier Reduction Pilot Agreement Program in the amount of $46,000.  

35. Resolution approving a grant application for the Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission from the US Environmental Protection Agency for the Brownfield’s Coalition Assessment Grant in the amount of $1,199,430.  

36. Resolution authorizing the Sangamon County Administrator to execute a contract with  Sustainable Food Institute of America for a 2-year pilot program at Pleasant Plains  Community Unit School District #8 for an amount not to exceed $100,000 for the training  program.  

37. Resolution approving the Tax Levies for Fiscal Year from December 1, 2024 through November 30, 2025. 

38. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for the Auditor’s Office from Bliss McKnight, Inc. for the purpose of owned auto physical damage insurance in the amount of $61,000.  

39. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for the Auditor’s Office from CFC for the purpose of Cyber Insurance in the amount of $99,500.  

40. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for the Auditor’s Office from CHUBB for the purpose of commercial property insurance in the amount of $401,000.  

41. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for the Auditor’s Office from National Indemnity and Canopy Specialty Insurance for the purpose of SMART commercial  auto insurance and SMART general liability insurance in the amount of $107,000.  

42. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for the Auditor’s Office from Illinois Counties Risk Management Trust for the purpose of worker’s compensation insurance in the amount of $1,244,000.  

43. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for the Auditor’s Office from Troxell Insurance for the purpose of self-insurance retention in the amount of $80,000.  

44. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for Information Systems from OpenText, Inc. for the purpose of renewing content management software for the scanning and archiving of documents in the amount of $44,952.37  

45. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for Central Services from Office Essentials for the purpose of paper supplies for various County departments in the amount of $100,000.  

46. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for Central Services from the United States Postal Service for the purpose of pre-paid postage for the mailing machine in the amount of $150,000.  

47. Resolution approving a Professional Services Agreement between Sangamon County and O’Shea Builders to perform construction manager services for the proposed SMART facility.  

48. Resolution approving an Agreement between the City of Springfield and Sangamon County for the construction of the West Side Transportation Center.

49. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for the Circuit Clerk from Saltus Technologies, LLC for the purpose of E-Citation Program and services in the amount of $100,825.28.

50. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for the Circuit Clerk from Jano Technologies, Inc. for the purpose of disaster recovery services for a 38-month contract term in the amount of $220,000.  

51. Resolution approving a grant application for Public Health from the Illinois Department of Human Services for the Reimagine Public Safety Act Violence Prevention Grant in the  amount of $639,500.  

52. Resolution approving an Agreement between Sangamon County and Heartland Housed for the purpose of addressing homelessness.  

53. Resolution approving an Agreement between Sangamon County and Heartland Housed for the purpose of providing staffing.  

54. Resolution authorizing the Sangamon County Administrator to execute a contract with Sustainable Food Institute of America for a 2-year pilot program at Springfield Urban League for an amount not to exceed $100,000 for the training program.  

55. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for SMART from 1800 East, LLC for the rental of office space and a bus barn in the amount of $66,000.  

56. Resolution approving the procurement of goods and/or services for SMART from WEXfuel for the purpose of vehicle fuel for rides throughout rural Sangamon and Menard Counties in the amount of $145,000.  

A voice vote was unanimous on the consolidation. A motion was made by Mr. Mendenhall that the roll call vote for Resolution 1 stands as the roll call vote for Resolutions 32 – 50 and 52 – 56,  as consolidated. A voice vote was unanimous.  

MOTIONS CARRIED  

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED  

RESOLUTION 51  

51. Resolution approving a grant application for Public Health from the Illinois Department of Human Services for the Reimagine Public Safety Act Violence Prevention Grant in the amount of  $639,500.  

A motion was made by Mr. Schackmann, seconded by Mr. Madonia, to place Resolution 51 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Schackmann to Table Resolution 51. There were no  objections.  

MOTION CARRIED  

RESOLUTION TABLED 

OLD BUSINESS  

There was no old business.  

NEW BUSINESS  

A. Resolutions  

There were no new resolutions.  

B. Appointments  

Appointment of Steve Welch to the Sangamon County Building Code Board of Appeals for a term expiring November, 2025.  

A motion was made by Mr. Madonia, seconded by Mr. DelGiorno, for approval of the appointments. A voice vote was unanimous.  

MOTION CARRIED  

APPOINTMENTS ADOPTED  

PUBLIC COMMENT  

Shawn Miller addressed the County Board regarding the Veteran’s Assistance Commission. He stated he is the VAC’s Chairman, Commander for AM Vets, and is with the VFW and American Legion. Many Veterans have sacrificed for today’s freedom and they need a solid place to do their  jobs for Veterans, so they can get the best service for the rest of their lives. There are a bunch of Veterans present who are in support of this. They don’t usually ask for much and are normally quiet, but today they are going forward and are not being so quiet. He has been told by multiple people that the board members have not been told about what is going on with the Veterans, so he is here  to speak up.  

He first wants to speak about their building. They still do not have walls. They asked for them at the last meeting and still do not have them. Today they have 79 Veterans in waiting because they don’t have the walls in place. They could move along if they get that. They are asking for a place for privacy and sensitivity conversations. The size of our current building is good for two and up to maybe four people. That is not enough. They were told about a possible area on the 2nd floor of this building. Based on the information provided, it only provided an additional 500 square feet, which is not enough for what they need. There has been one conversation about finding somewhere on the first floor of the building, but it was just one conversation. If there was an agreement, when do you  think they would move in, one maybe two years? That is still not appropriate and is way too long. They are asking for enough room to complete their daily duties to help their Veterans today. They are asking to maybe get funding for another building as soon as possible. As you are well aware, he has sent out the Email. The AG’s office and their opinion has stated the exact same opinion he has spoken about at the last County Board meeting. He has been telling the leadership of this County for over one year. They are still requesting that same thing. All he is asking for is funding for a suitable building for their employees to work efficiently and according to compliances.  

Fully enact the Military Veteran’s Assistance Act here by the County. Provide us with the $739,000 we asked for in our budget. Going forward we are asking for .02% of the EAV of each  year’s PTAX 250. As you are well aware, he has received notification from the AG, from many lawyers, and the Illinois General Assembly, and they all agree with me and do not agree with your Assistant State’s Attorney Joel.  

He is a Veteran, has been elected and is the chairman of a government board, just like you. They are just asking for these little things.  

Ken Pacha addressed the County Board regarding the Sheriff Recall Resolution and the Massey Commission. With Sean Grayson possibly facing release, the community is looking at a flashpoint. In that case, he wonders what the County has done since then to fix that. They just  received a recommendation from the Massey Commission for a recall. He wants to touch on that  

because there have been a number of recalls for Sheriff’s around the country. Even though it died in the Elections Committee today, and will likely die at the full County Board on the 13th, he thinks it’s worth noting, if we’re going to have a commission you set up to make recommendations for you to make real change in this community, letting them die in subcommittees is not only embarrassing for the results of that commission, but also shows a real lack of interest in their recommendations.  

The cost of lawsuits for a recall are negligent compared to the kind of things people are  recalled over. For example, our own Sheriff Jack Campbell, refused to enforce State law regarding assault weapons. That’s a Constitutional Sheriff who likes to believe his authority derives from supreme authority from historical practice as well as the oath that he swears to the Constitution, which grants him power, which is higher than federal and state authority.  

That’s the kind of Sheriff we had, and that kind of authority he led within his organization is what led us to this very moment with the murder of one our own constituents, and a commission that seems to offer recommendations that will die in subcommittee. He thinks that is a little frustrating for all of us. When we look at the kind of thing, with 26 total Sheriff recalls nationwide, only four have been successful. There were 18 that died before they even made it to a vote because they didn’t get enough signatures. The fear of spending too much money on lawsuits seems almost  foolish when the two that were taken to court after that actually removed the possibility of a recall  because a judge said it wasn’t necessary. He thinks if they are going to look at the facts of that situation, they should look at reality and not hypotheticals of spending more money. What’s going to be really costly is DOJ recommendations after that investigation. That is running right now on the Sheriff’s Department and the County Jail that have been running rampant since he was a teenager and was abused within those very cells.

He thinks it’s a little frustrating for everybody in this community to know that Sean Grayson may find his way out on the streets, despite having three first degree murder charges against him. You do have the ability to make direct changes for the citizens within this community and give us faith in your actions. Such as the 708 Board recommendation for the mental health committee, which he thinks is extremely important. If that dies in subcommittee, just as this recall did, he will  not be the only one here. He thinks it’s getting really frustrating for everybody that we keep foisting it off on the Massey Commission. When he mentioned Gerry Castles last time, Gerry had a conversation with him after the last Massey Commission meeting. Would you like to know what he said about why he thinks black people are harassed by the police by extraneous numbers in this community? His exact response to him and Juwanda Burris was, “It’s their culture.” What kind of culture did you mean Gerry? Of course he didn’t mean black culture, he meant youth culture. He thinks that is what’s frustrating that these are the kinds of people that instilled on that commission. Yet, even the recommendations, coming from them, just die in subcommittee.  

Just from a member of the community, it doesn’t really look like you guys care or have any  concern for what they are actually recommending to you, and it is pretty disappointing. If Grayson is released, I would be deeply worried – all of you, just like I am. This community will not handle Grayson walking the streets. People are already upset at the implication that he will get out. He promises you the Masseys, who put great care into maintaining peace into this community last  time, are getting a little tired. I would think about that as a Board, and how you would like to represent to your community and the actions you will take to help fix the problems created.  

REPORTS OF COUNTY OFFICIALS, REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES, REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES, AND COMMITTEE REPORT ON CLAIMS  

A motion was made by Mr. Madonia, seconded by Mr. DelGiorno, to place reports on file with the County Clerk. A voice vote was unanimous.  

MOTION CARRIED  

REPORTS FILED  

RECESS  

A motion was made by Mr. DelGiorno, seconded by Mr. Madonia, to recess the meeting to December 18, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. for a special meeting for the purpose of approving construction  manager contracts and land acquisition. The regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 13, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. A voice vote was unanimous.  

MOTIONS CARRIED  

MEETING RECESSED 

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