PUTNAM COUNTY REGULAR BOARD MEETING
JUNE 11, 2012, 10:00 A.M.
The regular meeting of the Putnam County Board was called to order at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, June 11, 2012, in the boardroom at the Putnam County Courthouse in Hennepin, Illinois by Putnam County Board Chairman, Duane A. Calbow.
Roll Call was taken by the Clerk of the County Board with Duane Calbow, Gil Tonozzi, Chauntelle Biagi-Bruer, and John O’Neill answering. Board member Sheila Haage was absent for the meeting.
It was then moved by board member Chauntelle Biagi-Bruer to approve the minutes from the May 14, 2012 Regular Board Meeting. Board member Gil Tonozzi seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a board vote of 3 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 absent.
County Highway Engineer Edward Andrews reviewed his May report of County Highway Engineer and Maintenance Activities with the board. Mr. Andrews informed the board that he has met with Mr. Les Smith on-site at Marquis Energy to review their request for the installation of a new box culvert crossing at Marquis Energy’s west side entrance off of Power Plant Road. Preliminary plans for the culvert were prepared and submitted to Illinois Valley Surveying Consultants, Inc. Mr. Andrews also informed the board that the Highway Department has started on a joint crack sealing operation with Marshall County forces utilizing a rented unit. Putnam County roads targeted for sealing are .5 miles of County Highway 3 (Silverspoon Rd.) from IL Route 89 to the Granville Village boundary and possibly 1 mile of County Highway 4 (1200E) from McNabb Blacktop to TR600N. Mr. Andrews also reviewed the communication back from the IDOT Chief Council office advising that a resolution may be soon in forthcoming on the Road Oil Service bid protest. Mr. Andrews also stated that he has discussed with all townships about pending award of seal coat bid and as of June 5, 2012, he has met with Hennepin and Senachwine Townships concerning any adjustments to the plan. Magnolia and Granville Townships are in the process of reviewing with their boards. Other County Highway Engineer activities have included reviewing the County Aid cost share with Senachwine Township for culvert liners and continuing to address any issues related to the bi-annual inspection of Putnam County bridges. County Highway Maintenance activities have included checking roads, filling a wash-out on the Bradford Balcktop, mowing yard and roadsides, crack sealing with Marshall County, cleaning mud off Bottom Road, and servicing the highway and sheriff’s vehicles. (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 May Sheriff’s and Civil Processing Transaction Reports to the board. There currently are no maintenance issues within the Courthouse Building Complex. Mr. Doyle had nothing further to report to the board. (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 May with the board. The General Fund’s working balance for the month of May - 2012 was $2,207.02 compared to a working balance of $6,999.58 for the month of May - 2011. The General Fund Income for the month of May - 2012 was $207,865.32 compared to $179,042.29 for the month of May - 2011. Mr. Kunkel’s report also included a review of the “General Fund Accounts Balance by Month - 2012". The General Fund balance for the month of May - 2012 was $25,127.88. The General Fund Savings balance for the month of May - 2012 was $557,661.52. The Illinois Fund - General Fund balance for the month of May - 2012 was $333,342.74. Mr. Kunkel’s report also included a review of the budget for the current fiscal year for the period ending April 30, 2012. The actual versus budget variance percent target for the period is 50.00%. Mr. Kunkel also informed the board that he expects to begin tax distribution to the taxing districts by July 1, 2012. The second installment for property taxes will be due September 4th. (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 for the month of May and therefore was not present for the meeting.
County Probation Officer Andy Ceresa had nothing to report for the month of May and therefore was not present for the meeting.
County Supervisor of Assessments Tammy Mehalic had nothing to report for the month of May and therefore was not present for the meeting.
County Zoning Officer Jim Burger presented his Zoning Officer Report for the month of May. Mr. Burger informed the board that during the month of May his office issued six (6) building permits. There were sixteen (16) building permit inspections completed. Mr. Burger also informed the board that he met with the Lake Thunderbird Architectural Committee (LTAC) on May 12th. It was agreed that before a county building permit is issued, a member of the LTAC would meet with the County Zoning Officer at the building site to verify that LTAC covenants are being followed. If in conformance, then a county building permit will be issued. (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. It was noted that Mr. Cofoid had not submitted his Death Investigator’s report for the month of May to the board prior to the meeting.
Putnam County Emergency Management Agency Coordinator Jim Goldasich presented his agency’s report for the month of May. Mr. Goldasich informed the board that at the May 23 PCEMS meeting, it was decided to submit a bid on an ambulance for sale in Cerro Gordo, Illinois. The bid was accepted for the 2007 Ford with 14,000 miles. The PCEMS will sell the vehicle titles to the McNabb Fire Protection District and use some CD’s and borrow the remainder to cover the cost of the ambulance. The vehicle is now in service. Mr. Goldasich also informed the board that the County Emergency Operations Plan has been submitted to IEMA for review as part of the re-accreditation process. Mr. Goldasich also informed the board that a StarCom radio drill was conducted on June 5. Mr. Goldasich also informed the board that he attended other various meetings during the month of May and thus far for the month of June. (Mr. Goldasich’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’s committee members. Mr. Tony Vestal with Liberty National Life Insurance was present and provided information on group term life insurance for county employees. Mr. Vestal will be in contact with the Insurance Committee in the near future to provide more detailed information.
Under “New Business” for Industrial Promotion; Mr. J. William Shafer with Illinois Valley Surveying & Consultants, Inc. addressed the board to discuss business development in Putnam County. Putnam County was a finalist for a very large industrial facility to be located on the H&H property north of Route 71 and directly east of the Marquis Energy Ethanol Plant. The search was conducted nationwide with an initial offering of 77 sites. The Putnam County site survived numerous cuts and was eventually one of the 2 final sites considered for the new industrial facility. However, the Putnam County site ultimately was not selected for the new facility. Mr. Shafer informed the board that Marci Duro, Executive Director of the IVAC, developed a good relationship with the site selection coordinator through out the selection process and was able to obtain a critique of our presentations in Houston, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia and on the H&H property as well as the overall site in general. Ms. Duro was informed that the prospective industry really liked the Putnam County site; however, the site was eventually eliminated because it was not in close proximity to it’s market. The prospective industry was also concerned that Putnam County did not have an environmental review on file of the sites they were promoting. This environmental review is extremely important to potential new industries. Mr. Shafer further stated that the IVAC is actively promoting these sites and regularly submits them to prospective industry inquiries. In order for future prospective industries to not be deterred because of a lack of an environmental review for these properties, Mr. Shafer suggested that the Putnam County Board consider funding these studies in the near future. After further discussion, it was agreed by the board to review further and to place the item on the agenda for discussion and possible decision at the next regular board meeting in July.
Also under “New Business” for McNabb Fire Protection District, Trustee Re-appointment; the board reviewed a letter of request from the McNabb Fire Protection District for the re-appointment of Mr. Michael Vaskie as trustee. The district recommends that Mr. Vaskie be reappointed for a three-year term which will expire on May 1, 2015. After brief discussion, board member Chauntelle Biagi-Bruer moved that the board approve the request for the re-appointment of Mr. Vaskie as trustee for the McNabb Fire Protection District. Board member John O’Neill seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a board vote of 3 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 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 Putnam County Website; Putnam County Board Chairman Duane Calbow discussed the progress made thus far with regards to the county’s website. The website is still considered “work in progress”. The sites address is www.co.putnam.il.us.
Also under “New Business” for County Health Insurance, Contract Year July 1, 2012 thru June 30, 2013; Putnam County Clerk and Local Health Plan Representative Dan Kuhn presented to the board the information relative to the Fiscal Year 2013 Intergovernmental Agreement for the county’s Health Insurance Plan through the Department of Central Management Services - LGHP, State of Illinois. Employees insured under the Local Care Health Plan (LCHP) will experience a premium decrease of 1%. Employees insured under the Managed Care Plan (HMO) will experience a premium increase of 1%. The state-wide average is a premium increase of 6.2%. After further discussion, board member Chauntelle Biagi-Bruer moved to approve the Fiscal Year 2013 Intergovernmental Agreement for the county’s Health Insurance Plan through the Department of Central Management Services - LGHP. Board member Gil Tonozzi seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a board vote of 3 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 absent. Mr. Kuhn will complete the required contractual paperwork and file it with the Department of Central Management Services, State of Illinois.
Also under “New Business” for Resolutions For Authorization To Execute Deeds Of Conveyance; Putnam County Clerk Dan Kuhn presented to the board the drafts of three (3) resolutions authorizing the Chairman of the Putnam County Board to execute deeds of conveyance of the county’s interest or authorize the cancellation of the appropriate Certificates of Purchase as they relate to specific delinquent tax properties acquired by the County of Putnam as Trustee for the Taxing Districts. After brief discussion, board member Gil Tonozzi moved that the board approve and adopt the resolutions as written. Board member John O’Neill seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a board vote of 3 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 absent. The Clerk of the County Board was directed to process the resolutions (#2012-17, #2012-18, #2012-19).
Also under “New Business” for County Ordinance - Video Games; Putnam County State’s Attorney James Mack discussed video gaming licensing with the board. Questions have arisen as to whether or not any of the unincorporated areas of the county have ordinances prohibiting video gaming. As a county, the County of Putnam has no county-wide ordinance prohibiting video gaming. Mr. Mack will research more fully and report back to the board at a later date.
Also under “New Business” for Approve Bills; the county board reviewed the bills for the month of May. Board member Gil Tonozzi then moved that the board approve the payment of the bills for the month of May. Board member Chauntelle Biagi-Bruer seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a board vote of 3 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 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.
Also under “New Business” for Public Comment Period; there were no members of the public present at the meeting.
At 11:20 A.M., board member Chauntelle Biagi-Bruer moved to adjourn the meeting. Board member John O’Neill seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a board vote of 3 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 absent. The meeting was adjourned. The next Regular Meeting of the Putnam County Board is scheduled for Monday, July 9, 2012 at 7:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
DANIEL S. KUHN
Clerk of the Putnam County Board