Sangamon Sun

Hancock County Board met May 20

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The meeting was called to order by chairman Mark Menn at 6:30 p.m.  The invocation was given by Mark Harrison. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the clerk.

Those present were: Mark Menn, Chairman

 Holly A Wilde-Tillman, County Clerk

Michelle Merritt    Lee Ann Lambert

Tom Rodgers        Joe Boyles

Alex Blythe        Steve Lucie

Harry Douglas    Mark Harrison

Wayne Bollin        Steve Finney

Josh Turner        Dennis Castlebury

Ryan Weeks

Mark Hanson was absent. Visitors included Joy Swearingen, Justin Greeley, Keara Weber, Kris Pilkington, Elgin Berry, Bobi James, and Madisyn Bell.

Ms. Merritt made a motion to approve the April minutes, Mr. Weeks seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. Motion carried. 

The meeting was moved to the courtroom for the Sheriff of the Year presentation. Sheriff Duffy presented Deputy Kaylan Wallace as deputy of the year. He read her nomination letter, presented her with a pistol, and her name will be put on a plaque. The meeting then resumed back to the county board room.

Mr. Farkes was not able to attend due to family medical issues. He is requesting to extend 30 days. Mr. Menn asked if there were any concerns of the public about the solar project. Ms. Swearingen stated that she lives quite close to the intersection that the project will sit on. She is hoping that it sits back far enough so there is no visibility and also when it snows she is hoping it will not work as a snow fence causing snow to build up in the road.

Mr. Finney made a motion to extend the hearing to next month per Mr. Farkes’ request. Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Finney withdrew his motion, Mr. Rodgers withdrew his second. All members present voted aye.

Committee reports were gone over. Mr. Castlebury updated the board on the Connable Road. Striping of the road is all that is left to be done. Seeding has been done. The estimate is 2% over the quote. Motion to approve the minutes was made by Mr. Lucie, seconded by Mr. Weeks. A roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. Motion carried.

Mr. Weeks made a motion to approve the consent agenda of A, B, C, D. Ms. Merritt seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. Motion carried. The consent agenda consisted of:

Declare EMS List as Surplus and Have Sealed Bid Auction

Approval of Hancock County emergency Medical Services Shift Coverage Expectation and Responsibilities Policy

Approval of Wind and Solar Building Permit Application Form

Approval of Resolution Opposing Township Consolidation into County Government 

The policy for years of service was discussed. EMS and the sheriff will be taken off the policy. Mr. Castlebury made a motion to accept the policy, Mr. Harrison seconded. There was further discussion. Mr. Castlebury made a motion to table the policy for years of service. Mr. Harrison seconded to table it. Pros and cons were discussed. A roll call vote was taken to table this, all members present voting “yes”. Motion carried.

Mr. Blythe made a motion to extend the 1500th solar project for 30 days per Alex Farkes’ request. Mr. Lucie stated we could deny his application since he did not fulfill his application. A roll call vote was taken with Ms. Lambert, Mr. Lucie, Mr. Blythe, and Ms. Merritt voting no, and all other members present voting “yes”. Motion carried. Mr. Greeley stated he informed Mr. Farkes that if he does not make it to the next meeting he will be denied.

Motion to move into executive session was made by Mr. Lucie, seconded by Ms. Merritt at 7:12 p.m. All members present voted aye. Motion to move out of executive session was made by Mr. Castlebury, seconded by Ms. Merritt at 7:44 p.m. All members present voted aye.

Ms. Lambert made a motion to approve the FOP contract, Mr. Lucie seconded. A roll call vote was taken with Mr. Harrison, Mr. Boyles, and Mr. Rodgers voting no, and all other members present voting “yes”. Motion carried.

There was another meeting with Memorial Hospital. The contract will be brought to committee and then full board in June. The contract will be continued as it is at present.

Mr. Rodgers asked how anybody is supposed to know if emails are being received or not. There was a short discussion regarding this.

Mr. Finney made a motion to approve the appointment of Alice Dean to the Board of Health. Ms. Merritt seconded. All members present voted aye.

Ms. Merritt motioned to recess until June 17, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. Mr. Finney seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m.

https://hancockcounty-il.gov/full-board-minutes-may-2025/