PUTNAM COUNTY REGULAR BOARD MEETING

November 14, 2022, at 5:32 P.M.

The regular meeting of the Putnam County Board was called to order at 5:30 P.M. on Monday, November 14, 2022, by County Board Chairman Charles Lenkaitis.  The meeting was held in the courtroom at the Putnam County Courthouse in Hennepin, Illinois.

Roll Call was taken by the Clerk of the County Board with, Floyd Holocker, Tony Rue, Steve Malavolti, Luke Holly, and Charles Lenkaitis answering.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.

Minutes: It was moved by board member Rue to approve the minutes from October 11, 2022, Regular Board Meeting.  Board member Malavolti seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent. It was moved by board member Holly to approve the minutes from October 20, 2022, Special Board Meeting. Board member Malavolti seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent.

Bills: It was moved by board member Malavolti to approve the bills for October 2022. Board member Holocker seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent.  

Public comment: 

Valerie Witzman was present and shared a part of a video regarding wind turbines. Valerie asked the board to protect the environment and the best choice is the wisest choice.

Charlie Witzman was present and stated that he was very passionate about not having wind turbines anywhere near him due to health concerns and property values. We need to think of the future when it comes to wind turbines.  

States Attorney Christina Judd Mennie was present and presented the Intergovernmental Agreement between the County and Library District.  It was moved by board member Rue to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement. Board member Malavolti seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent. (The Intergovernmental Agreement is on file at the Office of the County Clerk for review by any interested parties.)

At 5:44 P. M., It was moved by board member Holly to enter an executive session for personnel. Board member Holocker seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent.

At 5:57 P.M., It was moved by board member Rue to adjourn the executive session. Board member Holocker 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 was present and presented his October report regarding County Highway Engineering and Maintenance Activities to the board. It was reported that on 71/89 there was a flashing light that is missing. Sloan said he would make the call to the state and get it replaced. There were no questions regarding Pat’s report. (The County Highway Engineer Reports are on file at the Office of the County Clerk for review by any interested parties.)   

Sheriff Kevin Doyle was present with his financial reports for October. Chairman Lenkaitis along with the rest of the board wished the Sheriff a great retirement and thanked him for all his years of dedicated service to the county. There were no questions regarding the Sheriff’s report. (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 was present with his financial reports for October.  The General Fund’s balance for October, Fiscal Year 2022, is $349,474.28 compared to a balance of $248,984.93 for October, Fiscal Year 2021. Kunkel’s report also included a review of the “General Fund Accounts Balance by Month, Fiscal Year 2022".  The General Fund balance for October, Fiscal Year 2022, is $8,941.73.  The General Fund Savings balance for October, Fiscal Year 2022, is $1,586,935.55.  The Illinois Fund - General Fund balance for October, Fiscal Year 2022, is $1,432,173.19.  The total of the General Fund Accounts is $3,028,050.47.  Year to date for the Fiscal Year 2022 shows revenues of $4,303,387.34 and expenses of ($2,760,329.70) for a total of 1,543,057.64. Kunkel reported that there will be 61 parcels sold at the tax sale on November 15th tax sale. (The County Treasurer’s financial reports are on file at the Office of the County Clerk for review by any interested parties.).

County Clerk & Recorder Tina Dolder was present with her report for October. Dolder reported that Nov 8, 2022, General Election went very well. Putnam County was the first to complete the upload in the State of Illinois.  We had a 69.37% voter turnout which was higher than normal. Putnam County has a total of 4,104 registered voters and 2,845 ballots were cast. Dolder reported that the Consolidated Election is Tuesday, April 4th and the Filing period is Dec 12 – 21, 2022. There were no other questions regarding her report. (The County Clerk & Recorder’s financial report is on file at the Office of the County Clerk & Recorder for review by any interested parties.)

County Circuit Clerk Carly Neubaum was not present and had nothing to report.

County Probation Officer Shawn Oetzel was not present and had nothing to report.

Zoning Officer Steve Tonioni was present and reported there were (3) building permits issued in the month of October. Tonioni recommended 2 additional zoning board of appeals members to be appointed; Jim Burger and Bob Hamann. It was moved by board member Holocker to approve the appointment of Jim Burger and Bob Hamann to the zoning board of appeals. Board member Rue seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent. (The Zoning Officer report is on file at the Office of the County Clerk for review by any interested parties.)

County Supervisor of Assessments Tammy Mehalic was not present and had nothing to report.

County Death Investigator Bob Cofoid was present with his Death Investigator report for October.  Cofoid reported (3) deaths for the month of October. There were no other questions regarding his report.  (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 present via zoom and had August, September, and October reports for the board. The State of Illinois extended its Disaster Proclamation until November 12, 2022. During these 3 months, Biagi-Bruer applied for and received a couple of grants. Biagi- Bruer attended several meetings. There were no other questions regarding her report. (The Emergency Management Coordinator report is on file at the Office of the County Clerk for review by any interested parties.)

NEW BUSINESS:

Ordinance Providing for the Levy of Taxes for Putnam County, Illinois for the Fiscal Year December 1, 2022, through November 30, 2023. After a short discussion Board member, Malavolti moved to approve the Levy for FY 2023. Board member Rue 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 Ordinance (2022-0-03).

Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance of the County of Putnam, State of Illinois for the Fiscal Year December 1, 2022, through November 30, 2023. After a short discussion Board member, Malavolti moved to approve the Budget and Appropriations for FY 23. Board member Holly 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 Ordinance (2022-0-04.)

The 2023 Regular Board meeting dates were presented and after a short discussion Board member, Holocker moved to approve the Board meeting schedule for 2023. Board member Rue seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent.  

The rededication Ceremony for a grave at Florid Cemetery was tabled until there was more information.

OLD BUSINESS:

Putnam County Website (www.co.putnam.il.us.)

Website Care Report was included in the packet for the board to see the activity for October.

Correspondences and Committee Reports:

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

ADJOURN:              

At 6:23 P.M., Board member Rue moved to adjourn the meeting.  Board member Holocker seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent.  The meeting was adjourned.  The next Regular Meeting of the Putnam County Board is scheduled for Monday, January 9, at 5:30 P.M.  The meeting will be held in the courtroom at the Putnam County Courthouse.

Respectfully submitted,

TINA DOLDER, Clerk of the Putnam County Board