PUTNAM COUNTY REGULAR BOARD MEETING
JULY 14, 2014, 7:00 P.M.
The regular meeting of the Putnam County Board was called to order at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, July 14, 2014, 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, Chauntelle Biagi-Bruer, Sheila Haage, and William Holmes answering. A vacancy currently exists on the board due to the resignation of Jordan Ellena effective May 16, 2014. Also in attendance were a number of individuals from the public.
It was moved by board member Sheila Haage to approve the minutes from the June 9, 2014, Regular Board Meeting. Board member William Holmes seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 3 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 absent.
It was then moved by board member Sheila Haage to approve the amended minutes from the May 12, 2014, Regular Board Meeting. Board member William Holmes seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 3 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 absent.
It was then moved by board member Sheila Haage to approve the minutes from the May 16, 2014, Special Board Meeting. Board member William Holmes seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 3 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 absent.
County Highway Engineer Pat Sloan reviewed his June report of County Highway Engineer and Maintenance Activities with the board. Mr. Sloan informed the board that the Highway Department completed the asphalt patching work on the Bottom Road and the Power Plant Road. Mr. Sloan also informed the board that a fire alarm system and stand-by generator have been added to the Highway Building. Other County Highway Engineer activities have included the completion of the biennial bridge inspections and the completion of a topographic survey of the Highway Department grounds and the preparation of a site plan for options on a new salt shed. County Highway Maintenance activities have included servicing the Highway and Sheriff Department’s vehicles, crack sealing with Marshall County crew, and mowing grass along roadsides. (The 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 June Sheriff’s and Civil Processing Transaction Reports to the board. Mr. Doyle informed the board that a lightning strike damaged the motor and contacts for the HVAC System. The insurance company was contacted with the claim resulting in less than the $1000 deductible. Mr. Doyle then introduced Mr. Kurt Rimmele with Basalay, Cary, & Alstadt Architects, Ltd. to discuss the bids submitted on June 26, 2014, for the stone band repair as part of the overall courthouse restoration project. Mr. Rimmele informed the board that there were three (3) bids received. Otto Baum Company, Inc. (OBCI) submitted the low bid with a base bid of $27,925.00. In addition to the base bid, OBCI provided an Alternate Bid of $5,200.00 to furnish limestone slabs ($3,200.00 for two (2) side stoop slabs plus $2,000.00 for two (3) column base slabs) for future installation. OBCI also proposed a deductive voluntary alternate bid, offering a savings of $150.00 if accepted to use Rustic Buff or Standard Gray limestone as opposed to the Standard Buff limestone specified. With the $31,125.00 total falling below the $34,594.00 construction estimate, BC&A Architects recommends that the board accepts the bid from OBCI and proceeds with the work. After brief discussion, board member Chauntelle Biagi-Bruer moved that the board accepts the low bid from Otto Baum Company, Inc. for the stone band repair. Board member Sheila Haage seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 2 ayes, 1 nay, and 1 absent. (Mr. Doyle’s reports are on file at the Office of the County Clerk for review by any interested parties.)
County Treasurer Kevin Kunkel presented his financial reports for the month of June to the board. The General Fund’s working balance for the month of June - 2014 was ($19,251.18) compared to a working balance of ($1,244.80) for the month of June - 2013. The General Fund Income for the month of June - 2014 was $193,651.96 compared to $149,658.01 for the month of June - 2013. Mr. Kunkel’s report also included a review of the “General Fund Accounts Balance by Month - 2014". The General Fund balance for the month of June - 2014 was $151,226.58. The General Fund Savings balance for the month of June - 2014 was $548,233.70. The Illinois Fund - General Fund balance for the month of June - 2014 was $335,947.91. Mr. Kunkel’s report also included a review of the budget for the current fiscal year for the period ending June 30, 2014. The actual versus budget variance percent target for the period is 58.33%. Mr. Kunkel also informed board that tax distribution checks went out to the districts on the 1st of July. (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 June and therefore was not present for the meeting.
County Probation Officer Nicole Tonioni had nothing to report to the board for the month of June and therefore was not present for the meeting.
County Supervisor of Assessments Tammy Mehalic had nothing to report for the month of June and therefore was not present for the meeting.
County Zoning Officer Jim Burger presented his Zoning Officer Report for the month of June to the board. Mr. Burger informed the board that during the month of June his office issued four (4) building permits. There were fourteen (14) building permit inspections completed. Mr. Burger also informed the board that he has responded to several calls on property zoning, setbacks, and size requirements for splitting off property. Mr. Burger also informed the board that the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals both held hearings during the month for the rezoning of properties from agricultural to heavy industrial. The Planning Commission unanimously recommends the County Board to approve the rezoning. The Zoning Board of Appeals recommends that the County Board denies the rezoning. Mr. Burger’s report also included attachments relative to the rezoning issue. (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 June. There were no deaths reported to his office during the month of June. Mr. Cofoid’s report also stated that his is working on getting invoices updated and submitted to the County Clerk’s office. (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 John Ehrhardt presented the agency’s report for the month of June to the board. Mr. Ehrhardt informed the board that on June 20, 2014, the Putnam County Emergency Operations Plan for 2014-2016 was approved by the IEMA. Mr. Ehrhardt also informed the board of various meetings that he attended during the month of June. Mr. Ehrhardt also informed the board that work continues on the PCEMA building, the garage facilities, the communications tower, and the Emergency Operations Center. Plans are also being made for ICS300 and ICS400 classes this September and October. The next PCEMA meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2014, at the PCEMA building. (Mr. Ehrhardt’s 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; at this time there were no reports from any of the board’s committee members.
Under “New Business” for County Board Member Appointment (Ms. Sandra Woest); County Board Chairman Duane Calbow recommended to the board the appointment of Ms. Sandra Woest as a Member of the Putnam County Board. Ms. Woest would fill the remainder of the unexpired term left vacant due to the resignation of Mr. Jordan Ellena. The term will expire on November 30, 2014. Board member Chauntelle Biagi-Bruer moved that the board approve the chairman’s recommendation and appoint Ms. Sandra Woest as a Member of the Putnam County Board. Board member Sheila Haage seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 3 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 absent. The County Clerk then administered the Oath of Office and Ms. Woest was officially sworn in as a Member of the Putnam County Board.
Also under “New Business” for Sand Transload Project Presentation (Shale Energy Services); Attorney Jim Andreoni, representing Shale Energy Services, presented information for a proposed sand transloading facility to the board and members of the public that were present. The property for the proposed facility is located south of Granville, Illinois and is currently zoned as agricultural. The facility would transload sand from truck trailers to railcars. Mr. Andreoni provided the details of the proposed facility and also responded to questions posed by those individuals present. If approved, the project would create 35 to 40 construction jobs and when completed, approximately 26 direct jobs when at full capacity. The road leading to the facility would need to be expanded and meet the IDOT standards. Shale Energy Services has stated that they will fund the road expansion and also share the costs of road maintenance. Initially, the facility would operate one (1) shift during daylight hours (7 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) with approximately twenty-eight (28) trucks being transloaded per shift. It takes three (3) truckloads to fill one (1) rail car. After Mr. Andreoni’s presentation, County Board Chairman Duane Calbow opened the floor for comments from the public. Property owners near the project site voiced their opposition. They are not convinced that there would not be air quality issues and subsequent health consequences related to the sand being transloaded. They also voiced their concerns relative to increased truck traffic, traffic safety, noise, and light and water pollution. County Zoning Officer Jim Burger informed those present that he visited a similar facility located in Streator, Illinois. While at the facility, he observed the operation and saw no visible dust in the air while the transloading operation was occurring. Mr. Burger noted that everything specific to the operation is contained to prevent dust entering the air. Many others present voiced their opinions in support of the proposed project. They included Village Presidents, a former Village President, local union leaders, and fire district representatives. Board Chairman Duane Calbow thanked everyone for attending and sharing their thoughts and feelings with the board relative to the project.
Also under “New Business” for Putnam County Zoning Board Of Appeals Re-Zoning Recommendation (Shale Energy Services); the Putnam County Zoning Board Of Appeals on June 18, 2014, had denied the re-zoning of property from Agricultural to Heavy Industrial for the proposed Shale Energy Services project site. After brief discussion, board member Chauntelle Biagi-Bruer moved that the board nullifies the denial of the Putnam County Zoning Board of Appeals and approves the re-zoning of the property for the Shale Energy Services project from Agricultural to Heavy Industrial. 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 County Insurance Update (Property Damage, Casualty and Liability); Mr. Michael Gonet with V.H. Gonet - Opper Insurance Agency reviewed with the board the county’s Property Damage, Casualty and Liability Insurance and the renewal proposal for the 2014/2015 contract year commencing July 8, 2014. The premium total for 2014/2015 is $53,625 compared to $50,300 for 2013/2014. After brief discussion, board member Chauntelle Biagi-Bruer moved that the board approve the proposal for the county’s Property Damage, Casualty and Liability Insurance Plan for 2014/2015. Board member Sandra Woest 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 Putnam County Conservation District, Trustee Appointment, the board reviewed the one (1) application submitted for the appointment. After brief discussion, board member Chauntelle Biagi-Bruer moved that the board approve the appointment of Mr. Ronald Bleumer to the Board of Trustees for the P.C.C.D. (The appointment is for a five (5) year term that will expire in July of 2019.) 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 Mr. Bleumer, and the PCCD informing them of the board’s decision.)
Also under “New Business” for Ethics Commissioner Appointment; a vacancy remains on the Ethics Commission. The board will continue to attempt to identify a candidate for the position. The board directed the Clerk of the County Board to place the item on the agenda for the August 11, 2014, Regular Meeting of the Putnam County Board.
Also under “New Business” for Term Salary For Circuit Clerk; this item was carried over from the June 9th Regular Board Meeting. Based on the opinion of the Attorney General’s Office, it was determined that the board sets the salary for the Circuit Clerk as it does for the other elected county officials. After brief discussion, board member Chauntelle Biagi-Bruer moved that the board agree to give a 3% increase in salary for the third year of the Circuit Clerk’s four (4) year term commencing December 1, 2014 and a 2% increase for the remaining year of her four (4) year term ending November 30, 2016. 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.
Also under “New Business” for Putnam County Website; the board discussed the overall content and administration of the website. The addition of information, monitoring and updating will be on-going. Ms. Sandra Woest is the administrator of the website. Updates and additional information for posting to the website should be forwarded to Ms. 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 June. Board member Sheila Haage then moved that the board approve the payment of the bills for the month of June. 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 the 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. Board Chairman Duane Calbow reviewed a letter received from the Lake Thunderbird Association requesting a change in the rain date of their annual firework display from August 2, 2014 to August 30, 2014. Board member Chauntelle Biagi-Bruer moved that the board approve the rain date change for the Lake Thunderbird Association’s annual firework display to August 30. 2014. Board member Sandra Woest seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent. Board Chairman Duane Calbow also reviewed a letter received from the Bureau and Putnam Area Rural Transit stating the need for increasing the price for transportation. The item will be placed on the agenda for the August 11, 2014 meeting for further board review and decision.
Also under “New Business” for Public Comment Period; there were no members of the public present for comment.
At 8:40 P.M., board member Sheila Haage moved to adjourn the meeting. Board member William Holmes 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, August 11, 2014, at 10:00 A.M.
Respectfully submitted,
DANIEL S. KUHN
Clerk of the Putnam County Board