PUTNAM COUNTY REGULAR BOARD MEETING
APRIL 13, 2015, 4:00 P.M.
The regular meeting of the Putnam County Board was called to order at 4:00 P.M. on Monday, April 13, 2015, in the boardroom at the Putnam County Courthouse in Hennepin, Illinois by Putnam County Board Chairman Duane Calbow.
Roll Call was taken by the Clerk of the County Board with Duane Calbow, Sheila Haage, William Holmes, Steven Malavolti, and Luke Holly answering.
It was moved by board member Steven Malavolti to approve the minutes from the March 9, 2015, Regular Board Meeting. Board member Sheila Haage seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent.
County Highway Engineer Pat Sloan reviewed his March report of County Highway Engineer and Maintenance Activities with the board. Mr. Sloan presented a draft of a “Resolution Awarding Bids For Various Township And County Maintenance Sections” to the board for their review and approval. The bids were received at a letting held on February 25, 2015, and were within the IDOT guidelines to award. Mr. Sloan recommends the award of the contracts to the low responsible bidder as listed in the resolution and as approved by the IDOT. The total amount of the work is $449,930.27 which is 1.5% less than the estimate. After brief discussion, board member Luke Holly moved to approve and adopt the resolution as written. Board member William Holmes seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent. The Clerk of the County Board was directed to process the resolution (#2015-07). Mr. Sloan also informed the board that the 2006 tandem truck will need to be replaced. An order for a new tandem truck will be submitted with the cost being appropriated from next fiscal year’s budget. Other County Highway Engineer activities have included advertising for bids for the County-Wide Sign Update Project and identifying a low, responsible bidder for the Magnolia Township County Aid Project #301. Mr. Sloan also reviewed a statement from the Illinois Association of County Engineers regarding the $50M sweep from state Motor Fuel Tax funds. Mr. Sloan stated that he plans to continue with the MFT work as planned for this year, but future maintenance will be impacted if a long term solution is not identified. County Highway Maintenance activities have included checking the roads, servicing the Highway and Sheriff Department’s vehicles, identifying pot holes to be patched, fixing sign posts, opening up culverts, reclamation of road shoulders, preparing tractor and mower for mowing season, and performing minor repairs on the 2006 and 2012 tandem trucks. (The Putnam County Highway Engineer and Maintenance Activities report is on file at the Office of the County Clerk for review by any interested parties.)
Sheriff Kevin Doyle presented his March Sheriff’s and Civil Processing Transaction Reports to the board. Mr. Doyle then initiated discussion with the board on the “old” courthouse restoration project. The board agreed to move the “Courthouse Restoration Project Update” agenda item up for discussion as part of the Sheriff’s report. Mr. Doyle informed the board that the cost for Phase 3 of the project is anticipated to be significantly less than the original estimate. Mr. Kurt Rimmele with Basalay, Cary, & Alstadt Architects, Ltd. was present and informed the board that some of the anticipated restoration items were found to not be needed. Mr. Rimmele also stated that the architectural fees are anticipated to be less than originally estimated. Mr. Rimmele did suggest that after the tuck-pointing is finished and cured, a brick sealant is applied to prevent water damage. After brief discussion, board member Sheila Haage moved to proceed with completion of the restoration project. Board member Steven Malavolti seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 3 ayes, 1 nay, and 0 absent. Mr. Doyle also informed the board that currently there are no maintenance issues within the courthouse and that he had nothing further to report. (Mr. Doyle’s reports are on file at the Office of the County Clerk for review by any interested parties.)
County Treasurer Kevin Kunkel reviewed his financial reports for the month of March with the board. The General Fund’s working balance for the month of March - 2015 was $5,443.31 compared to a working balance of ($2,152.90) for the month of March - 2014. The General Fund Income for the month of March - 2015 was $158,239.38 compared to $201,383.41 for the month of March - 2014. Mr. Kunkel’s report also included a review of the “General Fund Accounts Balance by Month - 2015". The General Fund balance for the month of March - 2015 was $84,284.17. The General Fund Savings balance for the month of March - 2015 was $849,304.21. The Illinois Fund - General Fund balance for the month of March - 2015 was $171,448.75. Mr. Kunkel’s report also included a review of the budget for the current fiscal year for the period ending March 31, 2015. The actual versus budget variance percent target for the period is 0.33%. (Mr. Kunkel’s financial reports are on file at the Office of the County Clerk for review by any interested parties.)
County Circuit Clerk Cathy Oliveri had nothing to report to the board for the month of March and therefore was not present for the meeting.
County Probation Officer Nicole Tonioni had nothing to report to the board for the month of March and therefore was not present for the meeting.
County Supervisor of Assessments Tammy Mehalic had nothing to report for the month of March and therefore was not present for the meeting
County Zoning Officer Jim Burger presented his Zoning Officer Report for the month of March to the board. Mr. Burger informed the board that there were no building permits issued during the month of March. There were twenty (20) building permit inspections completed of which sixteen (16) were at the Marquis Energy’s ethanol plant. Mr. Burger also informed the board that he issued a general demolition permit to IPS Steel. Due to the number of structures being demolished, a separate permit will be issued for each structure being demolished. Mr. Burger also informed the board that he will complete a draft of the Demolition Ordinance first and then a draft of the Demolition Permit Application to be submitted to the board for approval. Board Chairman Duane Calbow inquired as to the status of the revised County Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Burger stated that the ordinance is ready to be presented at a public hearing which will be scheduled in the near future. (Mr. Burger’s report is on file at the Office of the County Clerk for review by any interested parties.)
County Death Investigator Robert Cofoid was not present for the meeting. The board reviewed his Death Investigator’s report for the month of March. There were four (4) deaths reported to his office during the month of March. (Mr. Cofoid’s report is on file at the Office of the County Clerk for review by any interested parties.)
Putnam County Emergency Management Agency Coordinator Robert Cofoid was not present for the meeting. Assistant PCEMA Coordinator Chauntelle Biagi-Bruer presented the agency’s report for the month of March to the board. The agency’s report informed the board of various meetings, drills, and training sessions that Mr. Cofoid and other members of the PCEMA attended during the month of March. Ms. Biagi-Bruer also distributed copies of the minutes from the March 11, 2015, PCEMA Meeting. (The PCEMA Coordinator’s report is on file at the Office of the County Clerk for review by any interested parties.)
Under “Old Business” for committee reports; there were no reports from any of the board committees. Mr. Christopher Dvorak, recently elected as Regional Superintendent of Schools, was present and discussed the forthcoming Regional Office of Education consolidation of LaSalle, Marshall, and Putnam counties. The consolidation will be effective July 1, 2015. Mr. Dvorak also distributed a hand-out detailing the services provided by the Regional Office of Education and a directory identifying the office’s administrative staff.
Under “New Business” for Courthouse Restoration Project Update; the agenda item was covered as part of the Sheriff’s monthly report for March.
Also under “New Business” for County Participation In The Economic Development Corporation Of North Central Illinois; Mr. Jeff Clawson, Chairman of the Public Sector Sub-Committee for the Regional Economic Development Group presented to the board an overview of a proposal for developing a new economic development organization in the Illinois Valley area. Also present for the discussion was Mr. Kevin Coleman, Village President of Hennepin. Mr. Clawson stated that recent interest has developed in the Illinois Valley region to market the area more effectively. The Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development has initiated a committee bringing municipal leaders from LaSalle, Peru, Oglesby, Princeton, Mendota, Streator, Hennepin, and Spring Valley, and county representatives from Bureau, LaSalle, and Putnam counties. The 3-County Regional Economic Development Group has an initial working budget of $400,000 with 50% provided by the public sector and 50% provided by the private sector. Putnam County participation would be a cost of $5,000 per year with a commitment of three (3) years. The board agreed to review the information provided and continue with further discussion before a decision is made.
Also under “New Business” for Illinois Valley Community College District #513 Tax Litigation, Circuit Court Case #2011-MR-4; State’s Attorney Christina Mennie initiated discussion with the board regarding the tax litigation case with IVCC.
At 5:10 P.M., board Luke Holly moved that the board retire into Executive Session to discuss litigation issues (5ILCS 120/2). Board member Steven Malavolti seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent. The board then retired into Executive Session.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 5:25 P.M., board member Steve Malavolti moved that the board return to Regular Session. Board member Luke Holly seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent. The board then returned to Regular Session.
State’s Attorney Christina Mennie informed the board that the IVCC tax litigation case has reached its conclusion. Attorneys representing IVCC will be filing an Agreed Order with the 10th Judicial Circuit Court with a Motion to Dismiss at a Status Hearing set for Thursday, April 16, 2015. After brief discussion, board member Steven Malavolti moved to allow the State’s Attorney to act on behalf of the county board in approving and finalizing the Agreed Order to dismiss the tax litigation case at the Status Hearing set for April 16th. Board member William Holmes seconded the motion and the motion was carried on board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent.
Also under “New Business” for Proclamation Recognizing The 30th Anniversary Of The Heritage Corridor Convention & Visitors Bureau; Mr. Robert Navarro, President and CEO of the HCCVB of Illinois, updated the board on the bureau’s current projects and activities. Mr. Navarro also asked for board support of a proclamation to the citizens of Putnam County to recognize the 30th anniversary of the Heritage Corridor Convention & Visitors Bureau (HCCVB) of Illinois and to acknowledge the achievement of an international accreditation in destination marketing. After brief discussion, board member Steven Malavolti moved that the board approve and adopt the proclamation recognizing the HCCVB of Illinois. Board member William Holmes seconded the motion and the motion was carried on board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent.
Also under “New Business” for Cemetery Mowing Bids; the county board reviewed the two (2) sealed bids submitted for the mowing and trimming of the Old Granville, Florid, and Caledonia cemeteries for 2015. After brief discussion, board member Steven Malavolti moved that the board award the cemetery mowing and trimming job to Countryside Lawn Care which is owned and operated by Mr. Alan Christini. It was noted that Mr. Christini had submitted the lowest bid. Board member Luke Holly seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent. It was also noted that Mr. Christini had submitted proof of liability insurance along with his bid. The Clerk of the County Board was directed to send a letter to the bidders notifying them of the board’s decision. (The bids are now on file at the Office of the County Clerk and are available for public inspection and review.)
Also under “New Business” for Demolition Application Policy; the agenda item was covered under the County Zoning Officer’s update.
Also under “New Business” for Granville-Hennepin Fire Protection District, Trustee Re-appointment; the board reviewed a letter of request from the Granville-Hennepin Fire Protection District for the re-appointment of Mr. Larry Brown to their board of trustees. The term of the re-appointment will be for three (3) years commencing on the first Monday in May of 2015. After brief discussion, board member William Holmes moved that the board approve the request for the re-appointment of Mr. Brown as trustee for the Granville-Hennepin Fire Protection District. Board member Sheila Haage seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent. The Clerk of the County Board was directed to send a letter to the district informing them of the board’s decision.
Also under “New Business” for Henry Fire Protection District, Trustee Re-appointment (Proposed Resolution); the board reviewed a proposed resolution submitted by the Henry Fire Protection District requesting county board approval for the re-appointment of Mr. John Louis as Trustee for the Henry Fire Protection District. The term of the re-appointment will be for three (3) years commencing on the first Monday in May of 2015. After brief discussion, board member Sheila Haage moved that the board approve and adopt the resolution as written for the re-appointment of Mr. Louis as trustee for the Henry Fire Protection District. Board member Luke Holly seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent. The Clerk of the County Board was directed to process the resolution (#2015-08) and send a letter to the district informing them of the board’s decision.
At 5:50 P.M., board member William Holmes moved that the board retire into Executive Session to discuss personnel issues (5ILCS 120/2). Board member Sheila Haage seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent. The board then retired into Executive Session.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 6:00 P.M., board member Sheila Haage moved that the board return to Regular Session. Board member Steven Malavolti seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent. The board then returned to Regular Session.
Also under “New Business” for Putnam County Website; the board discussed the information updates recently submitted. The addition of information, monitoring and updating will be on-going. Any and all updates should be forwarded to Ms. Sandy Woest. Her e-mail address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Also under “New Business” for Approve Bills; the county board reviewed the bills for the month of March. Board member Sheila Haage then moved that the board approve the payment of the bills for the month of March. Board member William Holmes seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent.
Also under “New Business” for Correspondences and Reports; the board reviewed monthly reports from the County Clerk’s Office and the Regional Office of Education. The board also reviewed the legislative reports from the Illinois Association of County Board Members and Commissioners. Correspondences were also reviewed from the North Central Illinois Council of Governments and the Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Also under “New Business” for Public Comment Period; there were no members of the public present for comments.
At 6:10 P.M., board member Sheila Haage moved to adjourn the meeting. Board member Luke Holly seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent. The next Regular Meeting of the Putnam County Board is scheduled for Monday, May 11, 2015, at 7:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
DANIEL S. KUHN
Clerk of the Putnam County Board