Clinton County Board met June 17.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
1. OPENING PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
2. CALL TO ORDER
Sheriff Doug Maue called the meeting of the Clinton County District Board to order at 7:00 p.m. on June 17, 2019.
3. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
Present: Cain, Fix, Heinzmann, Him, Johnson, Middendorff, Netemeyer, Nordike, Rakers, Sullivan, Taylor, Wessel and Wesselmann. Absent: Knolhoff and Kreke. Let the record reflect that we have a quorum.
4. RECOGNITION OF VISITORS AND GUESTS
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion – Him made a motion to approve the minutes from the May 20, 2019 meeting.
Wessel seconded the motion. Motion Carried.
6. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
7. PUBLIC MAY APPROACH THE BOARD
8. NEW BUSINESS
a. Discussion of Off-Road-Vehicle (ORV) Ordinance – Keith Nordike
a. Discussion of Off-Road-Vehicle (ORV) Ordinance – Keith Nordike
Nordike said taxpayers have approached him multiple times about trying to get side-by- sides legal in the county. Nordike talked to multiple agencies including Illinois State Police and Illinois Department of Natural Resources. It is written in the law that the side- by-sides can be driven on roadways posted at 35 mph; however, the majority of the county’s country roads are 55 mph. A study can be done by the county engineer to determine if the speed limit can be reduced; however, many roadways would fail the test. Nordike stated that Saline County recently passed an ordinance on non-highway vehicles
but he had not had time to review it yet. In regards to the county’s potential liability, Nordike was told that the county is covered if it passes an ordinance. From the liability standpoint, it puts more vehicles on the roads which increases the liability of an accident.
County Engineer Dan Behrens said most studies to try to reduce the speed limits on country roads would fail since one of the state’s criteria with the speed studies is that the change in the speed limit does not cause a violation rate of more than 50 percent. He said the way he reads the law is that the county would only have jurisdiction to allow ORVs on county highways and could not control their use on township roads. The townships have to decide that for themselves; however, the county is the only entity that can determine the speed limit on a township road. The law says that the county must do a speed study and submit the findings to the board. The board can ignore the findings if they so choose. He mentioned the local government must determine that public safety will not be jeopardized, and at this time there are no criteria set as to what safe is. There are two bills under consideration in the state trying to up the 35 mph to 55 mph. One would allow the vehicles to be licensed and the county’s role would be taken out of it. The second would keep the decision to legalize with the local governments.
Germantown Village President Duane Ripperda said Germantown residents can receive an alternate transportation permit, and they have never had a violation. They require blinkers, lights, insurance and the vehicles have to be inspected every year. They allow UTVs to travel across county roads, but not on state or county roads.
Ripperda said that if the county would license these vehicles and make everyone comply with the rules it would be a much simpler issue than having UTVs on the roadways without the required safety features. Ripperda suggested that the county work with the villages and municipalities to coordinate the licensing process. Nordike said one suggestion was to organize the permit process by zip code.
A resident of Trenton said the city recently went through the process of getting ORVs legalized. He questioned whether a county permit would be required on top of the city permit, and, if so, would he be legal to drive from town to town? Fix said these are all details that would have to be worked out. Him suggested that a resident should be able to get one permit for the entire county. The Trenton man said he is originally from
Michigan where you can buy a $45 permit through the Department of Natural Resources which allows permit holders to drive on any roadway except a state highway (must have a seatbelt). He noted that 16-year-olds can ride a moped down the street and side-by-side and four-wheelers are much safer than mopeds.
Jim Markus of Aviston said he owns a UTV that is totally street legal. He feels they are safer than mopeds and motorcycles, and he does not understand why they cannot be driven.
Nordike asked Hudspeth to speak about the county’s potential liability. Hudspeth clarified that he personally hasn’t raised any issues about liability. However, his understanding is that the insurance carrier has indicated that any governmental agency that passes an ordinance like this could potentially be waiving its tort immunity if it authorizes use of vehicles not intended for highway use. Hudspeth noted that he’s not certain that it is something that would cause the board not to pass an ordinance.
Tom Ripperda said he finds it interesting that these roadways are paid for by our tax money. It also bothers him that police officers will randomly stop people driving UTVs on these roadways and harass them. He said a little discretion by the sheriff’s department would go a long way. Joe Jansen said he had been working a park fundraiser and helping with his side-by-side. A couple of officers sat in town all night and pulled him over and gave him two hefty tickets. He said the one officer in question is a terrible role model for the sheriff’s department.
Brendan Schroeder said he understands that there are a lot of rules to work out. He asked that the county take the request very serious and allow it to be the taxpayers’ privilege to drive ORVs on the roadways. He suggested that if Clinton County were able to make this happen, the remainder of the state may follow suit.
Board members stressed that this is the first time that the topic of legalizing
ORVs has come before the County Board. They stated that they are not opposed to the idea; however, there are many details to be worked out. Nordike said his intent was to get input from the taxpayers. He said a big step would be to get a change in state legislation. In closing discussion it was suggested that a temporary, strictly-voluntary committee be formed consisting of County Board members and a few members of the public.
9. REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS
a. Semi-Annual Report from the Circuit Clerk’s Office – Rod Kloeckner
Him made a motion to approve the report. Nordike seconded the motion. Motion Carried.
b. Semi-Annual Report from the County Clerk’s Office – Vicky Albers
Him made a motion to approve the report. Cain seconded the motion. Motion Carried.
10. STANDING COMMITTEES
a. Zoning/Subdivision Committee – Craig Taylor No Report
b. Economic Development/Enterprise Zone – Keith Nordike
Nordike reported that last year the county had 23 applicants who had applied for tax incentives for building improvements totaling over $15 million in the Clinton County Enterprise Zone. During the first six months of this year, there have only been five applicants with projects totaling $775,000. Nordike voiced concerns with the substantial decrease noting that we have a lot of empty commercial buildings in the county.
c. Tourism Committee – Matt Cain
The committee approved a two-year contract with King Kat and Crappie USA for $2,500 per year pending the city of Carlyle approves the same contract. Board approval was tabled until July to allow review by the Finance Committee.
d. Environmental Concerns/Unincorporated/Solid Waste – Nelson Heinzmann No Report.
e. Assessment Committee – Bryan Wessel
Wessel reported the parcels of ownership transfer for May were down 8. The Supervisor of Assessments Office is planning to hire a part-time employee which was further discussed under Personnel Committee business. The Board of Review convened June 5 for the 2019 tax year.
f. Insurance/ICIT – Larry Johnson
Johnson reported that the committee heard a presentation by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company on some products they offer that will be reviewed further in the future. Bill Schmaltz of Einstein Consulting presented the committee with a draft of the Employee Benefits Guide which they hope to have ready for approval next month. Johnson said an issue with Met-Life Dental is believed to have been resolved by Imming Insurance. Health insurance costs for the first six months of the year, without reimbursements, were $799,233.21, which is $99,233.21 over budget or 14.2 percent over budget. With reimbursements, the costs were $479,879.81 which is $220,120.19 under budget or 31.4 percent under budget. The 025 Liability Fund is unchanged from last month and has a balance of $293,039.65. The 016 Worker’s Compensation Fund is also unchanged and has a balance of $158,440.57.
g. Facilities Committee – Brad Knolhoff
Rakers reported that the closing for the Church of God property is June 20.
h. Animal Control/County Farm Committee – Craig Taylor
Taylor stated that the county has reclaimed thirteen dogs. The county has adopted five and eleven went to rescue groups. There were sixteen cats taken in with five reclaimed and eleven going to rescue groups. There were three bite cases.
i. Education Committee – Rafael Him
No Report.
j. Veterans Committee – Bob Netemeyer
Netemeyer reminded board members that the procession to return the remains of World War II veteran William Klasing home to Clinton County will be held June 28. Klasing, 19, of Trenton was killed during the Pearl Harbor attack that launched WWII. His remains were accounted for on Feb. 4, 2019.
k. Finance/Health/Revolving Loan Committee/General Services/Judiciary – Jim Rakers 1. Denise Trame gave the monthly report.
i. Motion - Approval of Monthly Budget and Financial Report
Taylor made a motion to approve the report. Wessel seconded the motion. Motion Carried.
Trame reported that an oil check was received for $21,615 and gaming collected for the previous month was $5,229. The Treasurer’s Office is offering an option for property owners to have their tax bill emailed next year versus a paper bill.
l. Law Enforcement/EMA/Welfare/Safety/Liquor – Jim Sullivan No Report.
m. Road and Bridge Committee – Bryan Wessel
1. Monthly County Engineer Report – Dan Behrens
i. Motion – Approve Petition for $9,000 from Meridian Township Road
Commissioner Bob Kannall for a 50 percent County Match to Replace a Culvert on Shattuc Road.
In order to qualify for matching funds from the county, the cost of the culvert has to be at least.02 percent of the township’s assessed valuation and the township must be taxing the maximum amount for Road and Bridge during the previous two years.
Middendorff made a motion for a roll call vote. Him seconded the motion.
Cain (Yes); Heinzmann (Yes); Him (Yes); Johnson (Yes); Knolhoff (Absent); Kreke (Absent); Middendorff (Yes); Netemeyer (Yes); Nordike (Yes); Rakers (Yes); Sullivan (Yes); Taylor (Yes); Wessel (Yes); Wesselmann (Yes). Motion Carried 12-0.
ii. Motion – Approve Petition from Wade Township Road Commissioner John Pate for a 50 percent County Match to Replace a Drainage Structure on Old State Road
This is northwest of Carlyle. The cost is $55,000; however, the county will do most of the work. The problem is there is only one way in and out of the area with about 13 houses on the other side of the structure. There is a verbal agreement with the owners of Pisces Pools & Spas for the residents to use their driveway for the couple of days that the structure will be closed.
Taylor made a motion for a roll call vote. Him seconded the motion.
Cain (Yes); Heinzmann (Yes); Him (Yes); Johnson (Yes); Knolhoff (Absent); Kreke (Absent); Middendorff (Yes); Netemeyer (Yes); Nordike (Yes); Rakers (Yes); Sullivan (Yes); Taylor (Yes); Wessel (Yes); Wesselmann (Yes). Motion Carried 12-0.
Behrens said the contractor is finished with the roundabout on Jamestown Road in Breese. The final contract cost amount is $2,148,246, which is $77,000 less than the original contract. The project is 80 percent federal funded with 20 percent shared by the city and county. The state opened bids on the Boulder Road resurfacing project on June 14 in Springfield. Howell Paving was the low bidder at $1,166,409 which was close to the state’s estimate. The project is estimated to start in early August.
n. Personnel/Labor Committee – Mike Kreke
1. Rakers said the Personnel and Finance committees are recommending a new minimum salary for all part-time county employees with no other benefits. Some part-time employees are already making more than $13 per hour and would not be affected. Departments asking for the increase have the money in their budgets for the increase.
i. Motion – Establish $13 Per Hour as the Minimum Salary for All Part-Time Clinton County Employees.
Cain made a motion for a roll call vote. Nordike seconded the motion.
Cain (Yes); Heinzmann (Yes); Him (Yes); Johnson (Yes); Knolhoff (Absent); Kreke (Absent); Middendorff (Yes); Netemeyer (Yes); Nordike (Yes); Rakers (Yes); Sullivan (Yes); Taylor (Yes); Wessel (Yes); Wesselmann (Yes). Motion Carried 12-0.
11. SPECIAL COMMITTEES
a. 708 Mental Health Board/Area Agency on Aging – Rafael Him
1. Him said the committee reviewed and approved all grant recipients. They are considering the hiring of a part-time 708 grant administrator to manage the grants and the budget. The committee will meet at 5:30 p.m. on June 19 to review the duties of the part-time position. Wesselmann questioned whether the part-time grant administration duties could be handled by the health department administrator. Him said that was not part of the duties of the health administrator and the 708 Mental Health Board operates separate from the Health Department. Wesselmann suggested that the county include the mental health grant writing as part of the health administrator’s duties. Rakers said he believes it needs to be a separate person since the 708 Mental Health Board is a separate entity. Wesselmann asked for the State’s Attorney to review this and clarify whether or not the health administer can legally serve as administrator for the 708 Mental Health grants.
b. County Health – Rafael Him
1. Him reported that Clinton County Health Department Administrator Cheryl Lee will be resigning from her position in August, and the Health Board will be seeking a replacement. Lee is willing to stay on as a part-time consultant as long as possible.
2. Motion to pass the Health Department Monthly Report.
Wessel made a motion to approve the report. Rakers seconded the motion. Motion Carried.
3. Him said the next Health Board meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. on June 24 at the County Board meeting room.
4. After some discussion about the hiring of a new health administrator, Hudspeth said he would seek more information as to whether the final decision on the hiring belongs to the Health Board or the County Board. Johnson asked how the Health Board would be capable of hiring a new administrator when there is still a shortage of Health Board members. Him said the replacement of board members will be addressed at the June 24 meeting. Hudspeth clarified that state statute indicates that the terms of all Health Board members does continue until their successors have been appointed.
c. GIS Committee – Craig Taylor
No Report.
d. 911 Committee - Larry Johnson
Johnson said the state is still short on reimbursements to the county. John Skain is estimating that it should be $1,200-$1,500 per month. There was an issue with an ambulance unable to find a certain location.
e. Technology Support – Rafael Him
No Report.
f. UCCI – Jim Sullivan
The 2019 UCCI annual conference is July 22-23 in Galena, IL.
12. APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Wessel made a motion for a roll call vote. Him seconded the motion.
Cain (Yes); Heinzmann (Yes); Him (Yes); Johnson (Yes); Knolhoff (Absent); Kreke (Absent); Middendorff (Yes); Netemeyer (Yes); Nordike (Yes); Rakers (Yes); Sullivan (Yes); Taylor (Yes); Wessel (Yes); Wesselmann (Yes). Motion Carried 12-0.
13. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS
14. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
15. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
a.. Motion – Change July Meeting from the 3rd Monday of the Month to Tuesday, July 16 due to the Clinton County Fair Parade on July 15.
Middendorff made a motion to change the meeting date. Rakers seconded the motion. Motion Carried.
16. ADJOURNMENT UNTIL TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2019
Rakers made a motion to adjourn until Tuesday, July 16, 2019. Taylor seconded the motion. Motion Carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m.
https://www.clintonco.illinois.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019-June-County-Board-Minutes.pdf
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