Good evening. I have 6.30. We'll go ahead and call this meeting to order. If you would please
indicate your presence by voting. Looks like we have 12 presents. Mrs. Hayes has asked to be
excused. She is ill and I'm expecting Mr. Bush shortly. Mr. Jogerst, would you please lead us
in a prayer? And Mrs. Lawfer, the Pledge of Allegiance? It stands one nation under God.
Can I get a motion to approve the agenda, please?
So moved.
By Mr. Diddens, seconded by Mr. Fricke, Mr. Brandt.
Go ahead, please.
Yes, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I'd like to remove an agenda item under Public Works, Action Item Number 3, the approval of bid tabs.
I make that motion.
Okay, you're making a motion to amend to remove Item Number 3 of the Public Works agenda?
That's correct.
Is there a second to that motion? Mr. Jogerst, is there any discussion on the amendment to remove?
Seeing no discussion, please vote on the amendment.
And that passes 12-0. Thank you very much. Is there any further discussion on the agenda?
Seeing none, go ahead and vote for the agenda, please.
That passes 11-0. Alright, very good.
the consent agenda is there any board member that would like to remove either
A or B seeing none is there a motion to approve the consent agenda by mr. Newton
is there a second by mr. Brandt any discussion on the consent agenda and
just for your reference the Finance Committee for the Health Department did
not have a quorum a week ago so they did ask that we'd include those in the
Finance Agenda and of course tonight's meeting. With that you may go ahead and
vote for the Consent Agenda. All right that passes 12-0. Thank you. Is there any
public comment tonight? Okay. Seeing none we'll move into new business. The
approval of the Intergovernmental Agreement with Jefferson-Lauren
Multi-Township Assessment District for four-year period of assessments. And
Administrator Newcomer, I believe you're presenting this? Yes. Would you please press
your microphone button thank you. Go ahead. So before you is a intergovernmental
agreement that the originals were drawn up by Mr. Larson. These come around every
four years depending on the townships and when their revaluation years are. The
Jefferson-Lauren township four years ago chose to go with an independent person
rather than the county to have their assessments done. Ms. Sandy Davis had
approached some of the townships and their four-year term is up and they
would like the county to resume doing the assessments. So this is the agreement
that the other townships all have with the county. Thank you. Is there a motion to
approve by Mr. Jogerst? Is there a second? By Mrs. Lawfer. Is there any discussion?
Seing none, you may go ahead and vote for that IGA. That passes 13 to 0. Thank you
very much. One second here. Okay, next on the agenda, we are recognizing Al McNutt
from the Highway Department in his retirement. Mr. McNutt and Mr. Rasmussen,
would you like to come up to the podium, please? Congratulations on your
retirement. Read a little biography here of Mr. McNutt.
He graduated from Morrison Institute of Technology and began working in the county in 1986 as
an engineering technician.
Over the next 40 years, I can't believe that 40 years, through May of 2026, you build a
distinguished career marked by professionalism, integrity, and strong work ethic, earning
the respect of your colleagues and friends alike.
Al's technical experience, reliability, and attention to detail made him a valuable team
member and trusted resource.
He's also served as a mentor, generously sharing his knowledge and encouragement with others
throughout his career.
As he enters retirement, Al looks forward to spending more time with family, enjoying
your hobbies, traveling, and embracing new adventures.
While you'll be missed, your legacy of dedication, excellence, and kindness will continue to
inspire others.
Congratulations on an outstanding 40-year career and best wishes and a happy and fulfilling retirement.
Thank you.
Thanks for your service.
We've got two certificates.
This was put together by the highway department and this is on behalf of the county board.
Would you like to say a few words?
I just appreciate everybody putting up with me for 40 years.
I work with a lot of good people, especially Dale. When Dale come along, it really was
an inspiration. Other than that, it's hard to let go after a party. So each day I'm home,
I'm like, okay, what should I be doing? But I appreciate this.
Yeah, we appreciate everything you've given. Dale, would you like to say something?
Al's been a mainstay with the county. He was one of the very dependable
he was one of the very dependable employees that we've had it's his
construction experience and bridge inspection experience that's going to be
very very hard to replace and just his knowledge of Stevenson County highways
and bridges so but fortunately after his retirement he's coming to work with a
consultant and doing some of the same work so we we can still depend on him
okay next we have proclamations I'm sorry zoning report I apologize
director Williams good evening the text amendment before you was approved by the
Zoning Board of Appeals in May the incorrect version was approved at last
month's County Board meeting no changes have been made to the ordinance itself
this version is simply a cleaned up version of what was originally intended
to be presented for approval. Any questions? Is there a motion to approve by
Mr. Busker? Is there a second by Mr. Diddens? Any discussion? Seeing none you
may go ahead and cast your vote and that passes 12 to 0. Anything else
Director Williams? Thank you very much appreciate it. Chairman's report I'll be
To be brief, two months ago I guess it was we heard from engineer Rasmussen about
overweight trucks traversing county roads and causing damage trying to figure
out a solution to that. The Sheriff's Office volunteered to take scale training
and they have done so and they've already made an impact on that. In the
short amount of time that they've done that they've already gotten one truck
that was operating overweight 28,000 pounds per axle they were also uninsured
not licensed the truck itself and there was no CDL so it's already made an
impact hopefully more individuals that are operating illegally overweight on
roads will be convinced not to do so or face the consequences. Mr. Newton, I'm
going to kind of put you on the spot tonight. It's been a while since we've
had a UCCI update. Do you have anything that you could share with us? Right, we're
good. The annual UCCI conference is coming up in July. I don't know if
everyone has had an opportunity to register, but it is a wonderful event. We
We usually have some training that goes forth this year, I think, just about three different
training courses that we're going to have.
If you haven't registered so far, please, I think there's a little bit of time left.
This year, as always, there's a golf outing that will happen, and then we're going to
take those who are not golfing, we're going to take a bus tour into Galena and allow you
to do some shopping there in the Galena area downtown so it's going to be a
wonderful event. We've got some great speakers lined up so that's our
immediate upcoming convention that's coming up and so the only other thing is
that this year and it's getting a little late in the season I don't know if it's
too late and I mean people have signed up but we want to take as many as
possible to our annual NACO event this year. We have a individual who's running
for the national second vice president of the entire organization and he is in
the state of Illinois and so we've put a little extra money out there to take
individuals. If you are interested you need to see Chairman Helms and he will
allow you or not allow you depends on how much money we have and how many
people are going to attend that event and that's a wonderful event. A lot of
training, a lot of training and if you have an opportunity to go, I would
recommend it. So those are, that's all I have at this time. So I'm understanding
also there'll be a Washington DC trip in September, is that correct? We will be
funding a Washington DC trip for all Illinois County Board members who'd
like to go as well and so more details will come in about a month. Okay, very
good. Thank you. I appreciate that. All right, we'll move on to the appointments
of Margaret Christensen to the Board of Review. It's actually a reappointment and
a reappointment of Kevin Boyer to the Board of Review. How would the board like
to handle these? Mr. Frick, go ahead. Press your button. There we go. Go ahead, Mr. Frick.
Fricke. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would ask that we are moved to approve both of
these at once. All right, motion by Mr. Fricke to approve both, second by Mr. Busker.
Any discussion on these? Seeing none, you may cast your vote and that passes 12-0.
Thank you very much. Next, we have a proclamation, the approval of the
Juneteenth Independence Day. I'm going to read this real quick and I'll ask for a
to approve. Whereas President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation was
issued on January 1st, 1863, yet news of the end of slavery did not reach the
frontier areas of the United States and in particular the southwestern states
for over two and a half years. On June 19th, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major
General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil
and the
African-Americans who had been enslaved in the Southwest began celebrating on June 19th, 1866 on a day known as Juneteenth Independence Day.
It's a day of inspiration and encouragement for future generations.
The Stevenson County Board acknowledges the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day to the United States,
and the residents of Stevenson County are encouraged
to join the continued nationwide celebration
of Juneteenth Independence Day to provide an opportunity
for the people of the United States
to learn more about the past and to better understand
the experiences of enslaved people
that have helped shape the country.
The Stevenson County Board hereby recognizes
and celebrates Juneteenth as part of history
and heritage of the United States.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Stevenson County Board
that June 19th is recognized as Juneteenth Independence Day,
encourages everyone to join in celebration and solidarity
and urges all residents to actively raise
their own awareness of the significance
of this celebration in American history
and in the heritage of our nation and county.
Is there a motion to approve?
By Mr. Bush, is there a second?
by Mr. Newton. Is there any discussion? Seeing none please cast your vote and
that passes 13 to 0. Thank you very much. We'll move on to action items and
information from standing committees. First is finance. Mrs. Baker you have an
action item. Yes, approval of the FY 27 Administrative Budget Policy. The version
in front of you for approval tonight is what passed out of the Finance
Committee. So with that, I make a motion to approve. Thank you. Is there a second?
Second. Second by Mr. Bush. Discussion? Seeing none, you may cast your vote. And
that passes 12 to 0. Any other information out of your committee? Yes. Budget
worksheets will be sent out June 24th to all department heads to start the
preparation of the budget. Very good. Thank you. Move on to public property and
safety. Mr. Bush, no action items. Any information out of your committee? All
Alright, thank you. On to administration committee. Mr. Jogerst, no action items,
information? I'm sorry, you do have an action item. I apologize. We've got one. Thank you, Chairman.
Yeah, we have an approval of an AI use policy. This policy came from another
county that was approved there, and it was brought over here and reviewed, and
so I'd like to make a motion to approve it. Thank you. Is there a second? Second by
Mr. Moderow. Is there any discussion?
Mr. Moderow, is there any discussion? Mr. Moderow go ahead. I just want to
emphasize the time and work and research that went into this policy. I know this
is a new frontier and there's a lot of nervous feelings, but the checking and
double checking and triple checking that went into this, not only checking with
other counties, but running it by legal, running by the committee month after
Mr. Hadley, go ahead. So this will go in our employee's handbook. Done? This policy and I understand our IT guy put this together, work with other counties on this, correct? And how about the unions and stuff, do we have to work with other counties on this? Do we have to work with other counties on this? Do we have to work with other counties on this?
run this past the unions too or is it just because it's in the handbook the
unions have to apply by the handbook then? That's correct. Okay thank you that's all
I have. Thank you Mr. Hadley. Any other discussion? I guess I could just mention
there will be training for all the people in the departments probably by
department I guess is what it sounds so thank you. Very good thank you. Any
further discussion? Seeing none you may cast your vote. 12-0 that is approved.
Thank you. Any other information, Mr. Jogerst?
That's all, Chairman. Thank you.
Thank you. Court Services, Mr. Diddens, no action items. Do you have any information, sir?
Nothing to add.
All right. Thank you very much. Moving right along to the Nursing Center, Mrs. Lawfer, no action items.
Any information you'd like to share?
Yes, I do. The current census is 75 as of last Thursday, June 11, 2006.
The facility continues to monitor staffing levels to ensure adequate coverage across all departments.
Agency hours have been 45 to 48 for the last couple weeks due to the need for increased staffing because of the increased census.
The facility celebrated the CNA week which started June 11th through the 17th.
Thank you. I failed to have your microphone on. Before you mentioned the census, what was the number again?
for the census yes 75 great thank you playing a development mr. Frick no
action items any information sir just one mr. chairman thank you the Pearl City
Historical Society had their event out at Black Hawk Park it went really well
they had 150 people that registered I think there was more than that there but
and 150 people registered and they were grateful for the work that our vendor
did, France and Tree Service, to get the trees cleared up and get everything out
of there so that they could have their event that went really well and they're
ready to do this for the 200th anniversary of the Battle of
Blackcock there in 2032. That's all I have. Thank you. Good to plan, isn't it? Thank
you, Mr. Frick. I'd also like to thank Wally Remmers for the work that he did
out there prior to the event and getting that ready to go. I know he spent quite a
bit of time there. So thank you, Mr. Frick. Public Works, Mr. Brandt, you have five
action items. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The first is the approval of the addendum
Welcome to the commercial lease agreement that we have on Meadows Drive.
If I can get a, I'll make a motion to approve that and if I can get a second, I'll give
you some more details on that.
Very good.
Is there a second by Mr. Jogerst?
Go ahead, Mr. Brandt.
Thank you.
So this came to light as we were doing our build out.
We did not have internet service to the building that was hardwired.
So we had to reach out to Arrow to get a fiber optic cable run and it became really quite
apparent that what we really needed to do was to have this agreement with our landlord
because they wanted to pay the, very generously, they were going to pay the installation fee
but they were also gonna accept some other contract terms.
So this agreement, this addendum allows us
to just reimburse the landlord for the monthly internet
and they will take care of the other components
of the agreement with Arrow.
So it's a win-win for everybody.
Great, thank you.
Discussion?
Seeing none, you may cast your vote.
And that passes 12-0.
Mr. Brandt, your next item, please.
The next one is a memorandum of understanding this is an agreement with Lafayette County
in Wisconsin because it became apparent that on State Line Road there is two bridges that
we would be actually trying to work with them on trying to calculate repairs and inspections
and maintenance and what not.
so what this agreement does is put Lafayette County in charge of those bridges and the inspection requirements, maintenance, repairs all fall upon them so this is like Christmas in June with that I move to approve.
Thank you. Is there a second? Second by Mr. Diddens. Any discussion? Seeing none you may cast your vote and that passes 13 to 0. Thank you.
Thank you.
Next item.
The approval of the bid tabs was removed earlier.
So we're moving down to HD 2610, which is the approval of the Joint Agreement for the
reconstruction of Route 26 and McConnell Road intersection.
This is a fully funded project as a result of an award from the state grant from them.
And so this also is a wonderful opportunity that we have.
There is a small appropriation of $30,000 in case the current projections come in slightly
over the engineer's expectations, but otherwise this is also a positive development.
So with that, I make a motion to approve the resolution.
Thank you.
Is there a second?
Mr. Newton?
Okay, is there any discussion? Yes. Mr. Diddens, go ahead. Yes, I just wondered are
they just going to make the intersection bigger, flatter? I mean what's, what's the
what's the plan? They're not going to put a roundabout in, are they? No roundabout, but there is going
to be the addition of a left turn lane on the southbound traffic of 26. Okay, great,
great, that's a lot. Thank you. Okay, any other discussion? Mr. Hadley, go ahead.
Real quick, when is this going to be done?
Engineer Rasmussen told me it'd be done by the end of 2026 construction season, correct?
And he said if it wasn't, he was going to stay as our engineer for another 10 years.
That sounds, that sounds like a deal. But I believe that is correct, the end of 2026, correct?
Yep, okay. Thank you. Anything else, Mr. Hadley? No, thank you. All right, any other discussion?
All right, seeing none, you can cast your vote.
and that passes 12-0. Your next item please. The next is a resolution to
approve a bid. This is a bid awarded to Martin and Company 444,273.
That is a agreement with West Point on North Shippey Road. So I move to approve.
Thank you. Is there a second by Mr. Jogerst? Any discussion? Seeing none, please cast your vote.
And that passes 13 to 0. Your final item please. This is a approval of the truck
and snow equipment for a tandem cabin chassis that we have had on order for
about one year now. That truck will, we expect it to come in this fall and then
Then we need to equip it with the bed and the plows and the rest of the equipment and
that is a lengthy process as well.
So what this does is one, set the price, two, get us in the queue and be prepared for the
arrival of that truck.
So, I move to approve DHG 2612.
I move to approve DHG 2612.
Thank you.
Is there a second by Mr. Busker discussion?
Mr. Hadley, go ahead.
Yes, I have a question.
Back in February, we purchased another truck
from Dubuque in Iowa, a freight liner.
Are these both same type of trucks or different trucks?
I believe they're both tandem axle trucks,
meant to be snowplow trucks.
They're both, so we're getting two trucks this year sometime then.
One this year, perhaps the other one next year.
There's still a backlog on those, so.
Okay. Fingers crossed.
The other reason why there's interest in getting maybe moving that second truck up a little bit
and was because there's a new exhaust emission standards going to be put in place.
and Mr. Janssen was trying to get ahead of that issue.
So that's usually not a good thing to cut your teeth on.
I see the prices are almost similar,
but not too much difference in it.
So, okay, thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Hadley.
Any other discussion?
Seeing none, please cast your vote.
And that passes 13 to zero.
Any other information out of your committee, Mr. Brandt?
Nothing else at this time.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I know I had asked if it was likely that the animal control
new building would be up and operational by July 1st.
I'm assuming we're on schedule with that, hopefully.
We've been paying rent on that building since January,
so it'd be good to get that finished up.
That concludes all the agenda items.
Is there a motion to adjourn?
So moved.
By Mr. Bush, second by Mr. Busker.
Any discussion on adjourning?
If not, please cast your vote.
That passes 12-0. Thank you everyone. Have a good weekend.