PUTNAM COUNTY REGULAR BOARD MEETING
MARCH 8, 2021, 5:30 P.M.
The regular meeting of the Putnam County Board was called to order at 5:30 P.M. on Monday, March 8, 2020, by County Board Chairman Charles Lenkaitis. As a result of the social restrictions due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic and due to the unavailability of the Putnam County Office of Emergency Management Building, the meeting was held in the courtroom at the Putnam County Courthouse in Hennepin, Illinois. The meeting was also available via Zoom.
Roll Call was taken by the Clerk of the County Board with Steven Malavolti, Luke Holly, Charles Lenkaitis, Anthony Rue (via Zoom), and Floyd Holocker answering.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.
It was moved by board member Steven Malavolti to approve the minutes from February 8, 2020, Regular Board Meeting. Board member Floyd Holocker seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent.
The board agreed to move the “New Business” agenda item, Second Amendment (Jeffrey R. Purtell), for discussion at this point of the meeting. Board Chairman Charles Lenkaitis opened the discussion by reading a resolution drafted by the board with the assistance of Putnam County State’s Attorney stating that the board officially opposes anything passed by the General Assembly that would restrict or change an individual’s Second Amendment Rights. After a brief discussion, board member Anthony Rue moved that the board approve and adopt the resolution as written. Board member Floyd Holocker seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent. Mr. Jeffrey R. Purtell then addressed the board and the members of the public present to discuss the protection of citizen’s Second Amendment rights by declaring Putnam County a Second Amendment sanctuary. Mr. Purtell gave a lengthy summary of House Bill 127 that would enact licensing and registration of firearms in addition to limitations on certain gun possessions. Mr. Purtell stated that he would only be satisfied with a resolution that promises to overthrow any federal attempts to infringe on the Second Amendment, including overriding any federal agent’s attempts to confiscate a resident’s gun(s). Board Chairman Charles Lenkaitis responded to Mr. Purtell stating that the legal guidance is the Constitution which the county is supporting through the resolution. Putnam County State’s Attorney Christina Judd-Mennie who was present for the meeting stated that the county cannot adopt a resolution that would supersede federal law. The discussion ended with Mr. Purtell stating that he would request to be placed on future meeting agendas for updates on House Bill 127 and to further discuss the issue relative to the Second Amendment.
Sheriff Kevin Doyle presented his Sheriff’s and Civil Processing Transaction Reports for the month of February to the board. Mr. Doyle also discussed the budget for Animal Control. As of February 28, 2021, $2,883.37 of the budgeted amount of $14,000.00 for Administrative Service Fees has been used leaving a remaining balance of $11,116.63. Mr. Doyle also informed the board that the courthouse remains open for essential business. Mr. Doyle also informed the board that there currently are no maintenance issues within the courthouse. Mr. Doyle had nothing of further interest to report to the board. (The Sheriff’s and Civil Processing Transaction 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 February to the board. The General Fund’s working balance for the month of February, Fiscal Year 2021, was $115,509.26 compared to a working balance of $156,386.58 for the month of February, Fiscal Year 2020. Mr. Kunkel’s report also included a review of the “General Fund Accounts Balance by Month, Fiscal Year 2021". The General Fund balance for the month of February, Fiscal Year 2021, was ($23,390.40). The General Fund Savings balance for the month of February, Fiscal Year 2021, was $389,584.52. The Illinois Fund - General Fund balance for the month of February, Fiscal Year 2021, was $258,493.66. The total of the General Fund Accounts is $624,687.78. Year to date for Fiscal Year 2021 shows revenues of $588,662.58 and expenses of ($878,175.40) for a total of ($289,512.82). The actual versus budget variance percent target for the period is 25%. Mr. Kunkel had nothing of further interest to report to the board. (The County Treasurer’s financial reports are on file at the Office of the County Clerk for review by any interested parties.).
County Highway Engineer Pat Sloan presented his February report of County Highway Engineer and Maintenance Activities to the board. Mr. Sloan informed the board that the hydraulic report for the ESK Bridge Replacement has been approved. Our consultant is finalizing the plans and specifications for bidding this summer. Mr. Sloan also informed the board that he is finalizing the seal coat and paving plans for the 2021 season. Would like to bid during March. The total amount of work planned for the County and the Townships is approximately $975,000 with Motor Fuel Tax and Rebuild Illinois funds being used. Other County Highway Engineer activities have included meeting with the Marquis, Inc. environmental staff to discuss stream restoration of Coffee Creek between ESK Road and IL Hwy 71. Marquis will be employing a consultant to develop the plans which will include repairs to erosion surrounding the Prairie Industrial Bridge. County Highway Maintenance activities have included checking the roads, servicing the Sheriff Department’s vehicles, plowing and salting the roads, dealing with minor breakdowns, and ordering and receiving 290 tons of road salt. (The Putnam County Highway Engineer and Maintenance Activities Reports are on file at the Office of the County Clerk for review by any interested parties.)
County Clerk & Recorder Dan Kuhn presented his County Clerk & Recorder’s report for the month of February to the board. His report shows $311,539.02 in total receipts and $278,585.91 in total disbursements for the month of February resulting in a closing balance of $32,963.11. Mr. Kuhn also informed the board that his office has received a grant from the State Board of Elections in the amount of $1,755.00 for Election Judge Reimbursement from the November 2020 General Election. A grant has also been received in the amount of $1,179.08 from the State Board of Elections for HAVA Security for ethernet access to the Illinois Central Network Election Security. Mr. Kuhn also informed the board that his office continues to receive delinquent tax payments for 2017, 2018, and 2019 property taxes sold at the Treasurer’s Office Annual Tax Sales. Tax redemptions for the month of February 2021, totaled $258,294.32. (The County Clerk & Recorder’s report is on file at the Office of the County Clerk & Recorder for review by any interested parties.)
County Circuit Clerk Carly Neubaum was present for the meeting and distributed copies of her office’s Audit for 2020. Ms. Neubaum also informed the board that there will be two (2) Jury Trials held here at the courthouse in May. The new media in the courtroom has been installed for the Jury Trials. Ms. Neubaum had nothing further to report to the board for the month of February.
County Probation Officer Patricia Hohulin was present for the meeting and updated the board on the current activities at the Probation Office.
County Supervisor of Assessments Tammy Mehalic had nothing to report to the board for the month of February and therefore was not present for the meeting.
County Zoning Officer Jim Burger presented his Zoning Officer report for the month of February to the board. Mr. Burger informed the board that there was one (1) building permit issued during the month of February for a residential roof-mounted solar system. There were three (3) building inspections completed during the month of February. Mr. Burger also informed the board that several zoning questions were answered via phone calls and email. Mr. Burger also informed the board that he will continue to issue building permits and perform inspections while observing the proper guidelines while out in the public due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. (The County Zoning Officer Report is on file at the Office of the County Clerk for review by any interested parties.)
County Death Investigator Bob Cofoid presented his Death Investigator report for the month of February to the board. There were no deaths reported to his office during the month of February. Mr. Cofoid informed the board that the annual PC Awareness Program for the high school may be delayed or canceled. (The County Death Investigator Report is on file at the Office of the County Clerk for review by any interested parties.)
Putnam County Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Chauntelle Biagi-Bruer was unable to be present for the meeting. She presented her February P.C.O.E.M. Coordinator’s reports to the board via Zoom. Ms. Biagi-Bruer discussed with the board her continued planning and preparedness activities in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic and assisting the Bureau, Marshall, Putnam County Health Department in their use of the PCOEM building for the administering of vaccinations for COVID-19. Ms. Biagi-Bruer also informed the board that the main entrance door into the P.C.O.E.M. building has been ordered as approved by the board. Ms. Biagi-Bruer also informed the board that the Emergency Operations Plan for Putnam County has been prepared and will be submitted on March 14th for approval along with the required supporting documentation. As part of Ms. Biagi-Bruer’s report, Mr. Hector Gomez and Kurt Kuchle with the Bureau, Marshall, Putnam County Health Department gave an update on the current situation relative to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Mr. Gomez and Mr. Kuchle informed the board that COVID-19 vaccinations are continuing to be distributed utilizing the P.C.O.E.M. Building. The earlier problem with allocations of the vaccine to Putnam County has been alleviated. The update also included the various testing sites available for the public. Mr. Gomez and Mr. Kuchle also updated the board on the status of the merger of the Health Department and the Putnam County Office of Emergency Management buildings. (The P.C.O.E.M. Coordinator Reports are on file at the Office of the County Clerk for review by any interested parties.)
Under “Old Business” for Committee Reports; Board Chairman Charles Lenkaitis informed the other members of the board that he met with the Health Department regarding moving the location of the Health Department to the Putnam County Office of Emergency Management. There were no other reports from any of the board committee members for the month of February.
Under “New Business” for Addendum To Bureau Putnam Area (2017) Enterprise Zone Intergovernmental Agreement / Technical Correction Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 2021-0-01, Amending Ordinance No. 2015-0-05; Mr. Duane Calbow with the North Central Illinois Council of Governments presented to the board an Addendum to the Bureau Putnam Area (2017) Enterprise Zone Intergovernmental Agreement. The Addendum authorizes the execution of the Amendment to the Bureau Putnam Area Enterprise Zone Intergovernmental Agreement. The TechAfter a brief discussion, board member Steven Luke Holly moved that the board approve the Addendum and Technical Correction to Ordinance #2021-0-01 as written. Board member Steve Malavolti seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent. Mr. Calbow then presented to the board an Ordinance amending Ordinance #2015-0-05. The Ordinance expands the territory within the existing zone. After a brief discussion, board member Luke Holly moved that the board approve the Ordinance as written. Board member Anthony Rue seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 3 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 absent. The Clerk of the County Board was directed to process the Technical Correction to Ordinance (#2021-0-01).
Also, under “New Business” for Resolution Amending The 2020-2021 Budget for Animal Control; the board reviewed a resolution for their approval to amend the 2020-2021 Budget for Animal Control due to typographical errors. The resolution authorizes the County Auditor to make the following amendments to the 2020-2021 Budget; 1.) That 001-026-5350 presently titled Subsidy to Animal Control is now titled Animal Control Officer. 2.) Appropriation 26 (schedule B) General Fund Subsidy originally budgeted for $9,000.00 is amended to $0. After a brief discussion, board member Steven Malavolti moved that the board approve the Resolution as written. Board member Floyd Holocker seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 3 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 absent. The Clerk of the County Board was directed to process the Resolution (#2021-04).
Also, under “New Business” for Request For Appointment To The 911 Board; Board Chairman Charles Lenkaitis received a letter of request from the 911 Board for the approval of the appointment of Mr. Michael Padilla to the 911 Board. Mr. Padilla will replace Mr. Kevin Moore who has retired after many years of dedicated service on the board. After a brief discussion, board member Steven Malavolti moved that the board approve the appointment of Mr. Michael Padilla to the 911 Board. Board member Luke Holly seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 3 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 absent.
Also, under “New Business” for McNabb Fire Protection District, Trustee Reappointment; the board reviewed a letter of request from the McNabb Fire Protection District for the reappointment of Mr. Bradley Grasser to their board of trustees. The term of Mr. Grasser’s reappointment will be for a three (3) year term which will expire on April 30, 2024. After a brief discussion, board member Luke Holly moved that the board approve the request for the re-appointment of Mr. Bradley Grasser as trustee for the McNabb Fire Protection District. Board member Floyd Holocker seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 3 ayes, 0 nays, and 10 absent. The Clerk of the County Board was directed to send a letter to the district informing them of the board’s approval.
Also, under “New Business” for Resolution, Henry Fire Protection District Board Of Trustees, Trustee Reappointment; 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 2021, to the first Monday in May of 2024. After brief discussion, board member Luke Holly moved that the board approve and adopt the resolution as written for the re-appointment of Mr. John Louis as trustee for the Henry Fire Protection District. Board member Floyd Holocker seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 3 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 absent. The Clerk of the County Board was directed to process the resolution (Resolution #2021-05) and send a letter to the district informing them of the board’s decision.
Also, under “New Business” for Putnam County Website (www.co.putnam.il.us); the board discussed information updates submitted for posting to the website. The addition and/or revising of information, monitoring, and updating will be ongoing. Any and all updates should be forwarded to Ms. Susan Grady with Connecting Point Computer Centers. 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 February. Board member Steven Malavolti then moved that the board approve the payment of the bills for the month of February. Board member Floyd Holocker seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 3 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 absent.
Also, under “New Business” for Correspondences and Reports; the board chairman reviewed correspondences that he had received with the other members of the board.
Also, under “New Business” for Public Comment Period; there were no members of the public in attendance for comments.
At 7:05 P.M., board member Steven Malavolti moved to adjourn the meeting. Board member Luke Holly seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call 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, April 12, 2021, at 5:30 P.M. The meeting will be held in the courtroom at the Putnam County Courthouse.
Respectfully submitted,
DANIEL S. KUHN
Clerk of the Putnam County Board