MINUTES
SANGAMON COUNTY BOARD
MAY 11, 2010
The Sangamon County Board met in Reconvened Adjourned September Session on May 11, 2010 in the County Board Chambers. Chairman VanMeter called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Moore gave the Invocation and Mr. O’Neill, led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Chairman VanMeter asked the County Clerk to call the roll. There were 27 Present – 2 Absent. Mr. Fulgenzi and Mr. Montalbano were excused.
MINUTES
A motion was made by Mrs. Long, seconded by Mrs. Turner, for approval of the minutes of April 6, 2010. A voice vote was unanimous.
MOTION CARRIED
MINUTES ADOPTED
CORRESPONDENCE
A motion was made by Mrs. Turner, seconded by Mrs. Long, to place the correspondence on file with the County Clerk. A voice vote was unanimous. There was no correspondence to file.
RESOLUTION 1
- Resolution approving the low bids for the County’s bituminous and sign materials.
A motion was made by Mr. Forsyth, seconded by Ms. Dillman, to place Resolution 1 on the floor. Chairman VanMeter asked the Clerk to call the roll. Upon a roll call vote, there were 26 Yeas – 0 Nays.
MOTION CARRIED
RESOLUTION ADOPTED
RESOLUTIONS 2 – 4
- Resolution amending the federal aid agreement for rural sign upgrades to include municipalities less than 5,000 in population outside the Springfield metropolitan area.
A motion was made by Mr. Krell, seconded by Mr. Stephens, to place Resolution 2 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Bunch, seconded by Mr. Preckwinkle, to consolidate Resolutions 2 – 4. Chairman VanMeter asked the Clerk to read Resolutions 3 and 4.
- Resolution approving an engineering agreement for a bridge replacement on Prairie School Road (County Highway 48).
- Resolution approving a bridge petition from New Berlin Township for a culvert replacement on Island Grove Road.
A voice vote was unanimous on the consolidation. A motion was made by Mr. Goleman, seconded by Mrs. Musgrave, that the roll call vote for Resolution 1 stand as the roll call vote for Resolutions 2 – 4, as consolidated. A voice vote was unanimous.
MOTIONS CARRIED
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED
RESOLUTION 5
- 2010-17 – Tricia Seifert, 63 Circle Drive, Springfield – Granting a Variance. County Board Member – Tim Krell, District #15.
A motion was made by Mr. Krell, seconded by Mr. Tjelmeland, to place Resolution 5 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Moore 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
RESOLUTION 6
- 2010-18 – John & Vicki Jessome, 519 & 521 N. Milton Ave., Springfield – Granting Variances. County Board Member – Doris Turner, District #19.
A motion was made by Mrs. Turner, seconded by Mr. Snell, to place Resolution 6 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Moore to waive the reading of the professional staff’s report. There were no objections. A motion was made by Mrs. Turner, seconded by Mr. Moore, to amend Resolution 6 and remove the wording “and a variance of the side setback requirement from ten (10) feet to zero (0) feet to allow for a 40 x 63 (2,520 sq. ft.) garage”.
A voice vote was unanimous on the amendment. A voice vote was unanimous for the adoption of Resolution 6, as amended.
MOTIONS CARRIED
RESOLUTION ADOPTED
RESOLUTION 7
- 2010-19 – William & Susan Cowles, 1824 Hood Street, Springfield – Granting a Variance. County Board Member – Joel Tjelmeland, District #14.
A motion was made by Mr. Tjelmeland, seconded by Mr. O’Neill, to place Resolution 7 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Moore to waive the reading of the professional staff’s report. There were no objections. A voice vote was unanimous for the adoption of Resolution 7.
MOTIONS CARRIED
RESOLUTION ADOPTED
RESOLUTION 8
- 2010-20 – Brian Earley, 3375 Burnstine Rd., Auburn – Granting a Rezoning. County Board Member – Sam Snell, District #6.
A motion was made by Mr. Snell, seconded by Mr. Stumpf, to place Resolution 8 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Moore to waive the reading of the professional staff’s report. There were no objections. A voice vote was unanimous for the adoption of Resolution 8.
MOTIONS CARRIED
RESOLUTION ADOPTED
RESOLUTION 9
- Resolution amending Resolution 19 from December 8, 2009 regarding a contract with Elert & Associates for a county-wide communications assessment.
A motion was made by Mr. Mendenhall, seconded by Mr. Good, to place Resolution 9 on the floor. A voice vote was unanimous for the adoption of Resolution 9.
MOTION CARRIED
RESOLUTION ADOPTED
RESOLUTION 10
- Resolution approving salaries of County Officials.
A motion was made by Mr. Goleman, seconded by Mrs. Turner, to place Resolution 10 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Goleman to amend Resolution 10. Mr. Goleman stated that the salaries should be amended to reflect a ½% increase for next year, and a 3% increase each year for the next three years after that. This was a unanimous decision by the Finance Committee. There was a resolution placed on file so they could meet the deadline, but after further review and after listening to the County Board and friends and neighbors, the Finance Committee adopted these changes.
A voice vote carried for the adoption of Resolution 10. Mr. Hall voted no because he feels these people are very qualified.
MOTIONS CARRIED
RESOLUTION ADOPTED
RESOLUTIONS 11 – 13
- Resolution approving an agreement for the purchase of laundry equipment for the Sangamon County Jail.
A motion was made by Mrs. Long, seconded by Mr. Preckwinkle, to place Resolution 11 on the floor. A motion was made by Mr. Bunch, seconded by Mr. Moss, to consolidate Resolutions 11 – 13. Chairman VanMeter asked the Clerk to read Resolutions 12 – 13.
- Resolution allowing the Department of Public Health to begin negotiations for the purchase of a new telephone system.
- Resolution allowing negotiations to begin for the relocation of the Department of Public Health and Community Resources.
A voice vote was unanimous on the consolidation. A motion was made by Mr. Goleman, seconded by Mr. Stephens, that the roll call vote for Resolution 1 stand as the roll call vote for Resolutions 11 – 13, as consolidated. A voice vote was unanimous.
MOTIONS CARRIED
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED
RESOLUTION 14
- Resolution approving a comprehensive and thorough audit of the Coroner’s Office.
A motion was made by Mrs. Long, seconded by Mrs. Turner, to place Resolution 14 on the floor.
Mr. Goleman stated this is a resolution he believes they should approve. The County has used Maximus in the past to review different department’s procedures. This process will help get the public’s questions investigated. He assured them they will learn answers to their questions with this study by Maximus. The cost has been questioned, but he believes it is necessary to proceed so their constituents’ concerns are addressed.
Mr. Moore asked what the time table is if this is passed and the Coroner accepts the study. Chairman VanMeter explained that the proposal from Maximus suggested their team would need about eight weeks to complete the study. As a practical matter, they should all realize the State investigation will probably take precedent over this professional review by Maximus. They will have to wait for the outcome of that first.
Mr. Schweska stated that he does not see the point of throwing $43,000 down the drain before they see the comprehensive report from the State’s Attorney. They have a budget crisis, and can’t afford to properly pay dispatchers, correctional officers, and deputies, but they are shelling out $43,000 before they even know what is going on and without even trusting the State’s Attorney’s Office to conduct this investigation. He asked why they are trying to sell a lame horse to their constituents of Sangamon County. Chairman VanMeter clarified that the County will not spend a dime on this program, but are only authorizing the review to take place. They will not spend any money until or unless the State review is completed.
A motion was made by Mr. Schweska to Table Resolution 14. There was no second; therefore, the motion died.
Mrs. Long asked if they would go forward if this is passed tonight even if the Coroner does not agree to the audit. Chairman VanMeter stated that they have never conducted an audit without the approval and cooperation of the elected office holder.
There is no precedent for them to conduct this type of professional audit without the office holder’s approval. This County Board has no power of investigation, no power to subpoena, and no power to compel evidence to be given to them. They are not review agencies like the State Legislature or United States Congress. If the Coroner were to decide not to proceed with the professional audit, the County Board would have to review their options and what actions they could take to pursue the audit on their own.
Paul Palazzolo, County Auditor, explained that his office will be working in cooperation with the Maximus team.
Mr. Moore asked for detail of why the cost is so high. Chairman VanMeter explained that they need to engage a level of professional expertise they wouldn’t typically engage, and they need the assistance of a lawyer and some additional expertise in the operations of the Coroner’s Office. In the past, they typically did two audits at a time and would get a discount. That would cost more money total, and they are not in a position to expend additional funds at this time. The public has legitimate questions about the operations of this office. It is impossible to put a price on the public’s confidence of the efficient and effective operations of an office. They are trying to assure the public that the office is being operated correctly, or that they are going to address any problems.
Mr. Mendenhall explained that they have done these audits before in other offices. They have found things to help streamline those offices and help them run more efficiently. The same thing could come out of this to help this office, and they could maybe recoup some of the money spent. Chairman VanMeter explained that this audit is also responsible for reviewing questions raised about the future operations of the Coroner’s Office and whether they should continue with the Coroner’s Office, adopt a medical examiner, or whether they should fold the Coroner’s duties into another office of County government.
Mrs. Turner explained that she is in support of the audit because there are many questions that need to be answered regarding the professionalism of the Coroner’s Office. They are an office unlike any other and have an impact on County government unlike any other. The need answers and need to be able to sufficiently address their constituents regarding things that are going on in the Coroner’s Office and not just rely on bits and pieces they read in the newspaper. The only way to do this is to have this comprehensive overview of the office. She reiterated there will be no funds expended until the criminal review is completed, a report has been issued, and they have had an opportunity to review that report. They have a responsibility to ensure that their constituents get the type of service from their elected officials that they should receive. There is a distinct difference between a professional audit and a criminal audit. They should not be done simultaneously. They are following the correct track by putting the criminal review ahead of the professional review. She stated that she cannot, in good conscious, complain about things going on in that office unless she takes some responsibility to understand what is happening, and find out what she can do to correct it.
Mr. Hall asked if the Coroner’s Office is cooperating with this. Chairman VanMeter stated that they have not yet heard from that office.
Mrs. Musgrave asked what the time line is after this is passed for the Coroner to respond. Chairman VanMeter explained it is not specified in the resolution, but they do have to stand behind the State investigation. It may be some time before they get an answer.
Mr. Bunch stated that under normal circumstances he probably would not support this kind of study, but with the concerns of the citizens he does not think they have any other choice but to support this.
Mr. Schweska stated that he has heard they have no time line and must stand behind the criminal investigations. The brand he has seen in Sangamon County since he has been a member of this Board is that we spend our money wisely. Since there is no time line, he does not understand why they need to pass this now.
Chairman VanMeter explained that they do not know the time line and do stand behind the State investigation, but the Board does only meet monthly. They cannot predict the time line of the State investigation. There is the possibility it will conclude in the next two weeks, so they want to be in the position to proceed expeditiously with the professional investigation. There are some less thoughtful members of your party who may accuse us of manipulating the dates. They have no desire to manipulate the dates in this sequence of investigations, so they are setting the investigation up to occur as quickly as possible in the sequence.
Mr. Schweska clarified that he is a resident of Sangamon County and speaks for the residents of Sangamon County, and party affiliation means nothing to him when it comes to the concerns of the citizens. He stated that he is not here to do the job of one party or another, but is here to serve the constituents of this County. There are concerns that have been raised, but there are also concerns with a budget crisis. He believes people will want to see this money spent wisely and in a timely manner, along with getting their questions answered.
Chairman VanMeter stated that he thinks every member of the Board would join in with seconding these concerns. The best way to address the communities concerns in an expeditiously manner as possible is to set the study in motion now so it can take place as soon as the State investigation is completed.
Mr. Goleman stated that this Board has diligently always been pro-active rather that re-active. This measure truly shows to the public they are being pro-active. They are on top of this to the best of their ability. The citizens of Sangamon County can rest assured they will get some answers to their questions with this resolution in place.
Chairman VanMeter explained that the functions of County government are so fundamental to living in society that people almost take them for granted.
It is the County’s highest duty to address these questions and reassure the public those very fundamental functions of government are being handled correctly. The County takes pride in the fact that, day in and day out, those functions are handled extremely well. They need to return to that level of confidence in this critical office, and that is what this resolution is designed to achieve.
Chairman VanMeter asked the Clerk to call the roll. There were 26 Yeas – 1 Nay. Mr. Schweska voted no. Mr. Bunch explained that he took an oath to represent all the people of Sangamon County, and that is why he is voting yes.
MOTIONS CARRIED
RESOLUTION ADOPTED
OLD BUSINESS
- Resolution 5 – Tabled 3/9/10
2010-6 – Emma Marcella Davis, in the 2400 block of East Elm Street, Springfield – Granting a Rezoning. County Board Member – Doris Turner, District #19.
A motion was made by Mrs. Turner, seconded by Mr. Moore, to remove Resolution 5 from the table. A voice vote was unanimous. A motion was made by Mrs. Turner, seconded by Mr. Moore, to re-table Resolution 5 for one more month. A voice vote was unanimous.
MOTIONS CARRIED
RESOLUTION RE-TABLED
- Resolution 8 – Tabled 4/6/10
2010-12 – Benjamin A. Liehr, 3113 South 14th Street, Springfield – Granting a Use Variance. County Board Member – Clyde Bunch, District #21.
Resolution 8 will remain tabled.
NEW BUSINESS
There were no new resolutions.
Fire Protection Districts – Terms to expire May 2013
Auburn – William Atteberry
Auburn – Scott Borntreger
Auburn – J. David Lawler
Chatham – Gary Mueller
Dawson – David Miller
Dawson – Charles Abbott
Divernon – Mike Bolash
Divernon – Jim Price
Divernon – James Spelman
Eastside – Janice Bentley
Illiopolis – Ed Weigler
Lake Springfield – David Hofferkamp
North Side – Paul Schmidt
Pawnee – Daniel Bolsen
Pawnee – Lee Dilworth, Sr.
Pawnee – Cecil Herpstreith
Pleasant Plains – Scott Morey
Rochester – Tim Cravens
Rochester – Don Wulf
Sherman – Randy Burge
Virden – Tom Jenkins
Western – Robert Bradford
County Extension Board – Terms to Expire May, 2011
David Mendenhall
Jim Good
Tim Schweska
Central Illinois Economic Development Authority
Term to Expire – May, 2013
Andy Goleman
A motion was made by Mrs. Long, seconded by Mrs. Turner, for approval of the appointments. A voice vote was unanimous. The nominations for the June 2010 appointments were also submitted.
MOTION CARRIED
APPOINTMENTS ADOPTED
COMMITTEE REPORT ON CLAIMS
A motion was made by Mrs. Long, seconded by Mrs. Turner, to place the Committee Report on Claims on file with the County Clerk. A voice vote was unanimous.
MOTION CARRIED
REPORT FILED
RECESS
A motion was made by Mrs. Long, seconded by Mrs. Turner, to recess the meeting to June 8, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. A voice vote was unanimous.
MOTION CARRIED
MEETING RECESSED
|
