WEBVTT 00:02:00.000 --> 00:02:29.920 We're going to go ahead and call the meeting to order. 00:02:30.000 --> 00:02:52.300 Chair, if you would please indicate your presence by voting present on the electronic device. 00:02:52.300 --> 00:02:57.400 We have 13 present, very good, Mr. Fricke, would you lead us in prayer in Mrs. Williams 00:02:57.400 --> 00:03:00.159 the Pledge of Allegiance. 00:03:27.400 --> 00:03:35.680 and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with 00:03:35.680 --> 00:03:45.700 liberty and justice for all. Before I ask for an approval of the agenda, if you do 00:03:45.700 --> 00:03:50.280 have any private electronic devices attached to the Wi-Fi within the 00:03:50.280 --> 00:03:54.560 courthouse here, if you would please disconnect that. That does seem to help 00:03:54.560 --> 00:04:00.099 Support, by having limited use on it as far as the voting system is working. 00:04:00.099 --> 00:04:04.979 With that, is there an approval of the agenda? 00:04:04.979 --> 00:04:07.740 Moved by Mr. Diddens, second by Mrs. Lawfer. 00:04:07.740 --> 00:04:11.539 Is there any discussion on the agenda? 00:04:11.539 --> 00:04:13.860 Mr. Fricke, go ahead. 00:04:13.860 --> 00:04:14.860 Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 00:04:14.860 --> 00:04:20.019 If we could go down to the Zoning Report, Item 1 in the Zoning Report, I just need to 00:04:20.019 --> 00:04:22.300 amend that. 00:04:22.300 --> 00:04:30.860 The number is incorrect on approval of the special use permit in Ag district at 904 North 00:04:30.860 --> 00:04:39.379 AYP Road. That number should be 3001 North AYP Road. The number is correct in the rest 00:04:39.379 --> 00:04:42.019 of the documents, but it's incorrect in our agenda. 00:04:42.019 --> 00:04:45.019 Excuse me. That is your motion to amend? 00:04:45.019 --> 00:04:46.019 Yes, sir. 00:04:46.019 --> 00:04:50.620 Very good. Is there a second by Mr. Jogerst? Any discussion on the amendment? 00:04:50.620 --> 00:05:08.780 Seeing none you may go ahead and vote for the amendment and that passes 00:05:08.780 --> 00:05:12.939 unanimously. Thank you Mr. Frick. Is there a motion to approve the agenda as 00:05:12.939 --> 00:05:19.620 amended by Mr. Brandt, second by Mr. Frick. Is there any discussion on the 00:05:19.620 --> 00:05:35.980 Agenda as amended. Seeing none, you may go ahead and vote for that approval. That 00:05:35.980 --> 00:05:40.439 also passes unanimously. Thank you very much. Is there any Board Member that 00:05:40.439 --> 00:05:48.540 would like to remove either A or B from the consent agenda? Seeing none, is there 00:05:48.540 --> 00:05:54.740 a motion to approve the consent agenda by mr. Newton is there a second by mr. 00:05:54.740 --> 00:05:59.100 Maduro any discussion on the consent agenda 00:05:59.980 --> 00:06:17.140 seeing none you may go ahead and approve vote for that approval that also passes 00:06:17.139 --> 00:06:20.779 unanimously. Thank you very much. We'll move on to public comment. Is there anyone 00:06:20.779 --> 00:06:26.500 that would like to speak tonight? Come on up to the podium if you would. If you 00:06:26.500 --> 00:06:36.579 would just state your name and we will start the three-minute clock. Having said 00:06:36.579 --> 00:06:41.819 that, give me just one minute to turn your microphone on here. 00:06:47.139 --> 00:06:52.139 Nate, can you get that? I don't see it on the list here. 00:06:56.139 --> 00:07:01.139 Alright, if you would look, oops, try it again Nate, please. 00:07:01.139 --> 00:07:05.139 If you want to look up, there's a clock up there and that will actually count for the three minutes. 00:07:10.139 --> 00:07:13.139 Alright, if you state your name, the clock will begin. 00:07:13.139 --> 00:07:21.139 My name is Kevin Soka. I live at 578 West Fairview Road, very close to a quarry at 466 Fairview Road. 00:07:21.139 --> 00:07:25.139 I have some concerns that I would like to share with this board. 00:07:25.139 --> 00:07:33.139 As I understand it, the conditional use permit for this property was issued in 1974 for one specific purpose, 00:07:33.139 --> 00:07:39.139 a stone and gravel quarry. That's what the paperwork says, that's what the application says, 00:07:39.139 --> 00:08:09.139 Commissioner, what the conditional use permit says stone and gravel period that permit came with conditions that had to be met a fence some trees a performance bond my understanding is that none of those conditions were ever satisfied no certificate of occupancy was ever awarded not in 1974 not in the 50 years since at March 9th Planning and Development Committee meeting I heard the zoning Commissioner say on record that the current owner would have 00:08:09.139 --> 00:08:13.180 have 45 days to satisfy those conditions. 00:08:13.180 --> 00:08:14.979 That was 73 days ago. 00:08:14.979 --> 00:08:17.819 To my knowledge, the fence is not up. 00:08:17.819 --> 00:08:19.339 The trees are not planted. 00:08:19.339 --> 00:08:22.219 There is no certificate of occupancy. 00:08:22.219 --> 00:08:23.620 There is no performance bond. 00:08:23.620 --> 00:08:26.259 And yet, operations are continuing. 00:08:26.259 --> 00:08:29.259 How is that even possible? 00:08:29.259 --> 00:08:33.059 I'm concerned about the planned expansion of this operation 00:08:33.059 --> 00:08:34.700 without formal review. 00:08:34.700 --> 00:08:39.500 The gravel quarry takes material out of the ground. 00:08:39.500 --> 00:08:42.200 Crushing and recycling of asphalt, 00:08:42.200 --> 00:08:50.320 which is the proposed expansion, brings recycling reclaimed 00:08:50.320 --> 00:08:53.120 concrete and asphalt into the operation. 00:08:53.120 --> 00:08:55.860 It's entirely different than gravel. 00:08:55.860 --> 00:08:59.360 Material that can contain petroleum products 00:08:59.360 --> 00:09:02.860 and heavy metals that does not belong in our groundwater. 00:09:02.860 --> 00:09:05.139 The trucks are much larger and heavier, 00:09:05.139 --> 00:09:07.220 and there are three times as many of them 00:09:07.220 --> 00:09:08.860 because of the operation, 00:09:08.860 --> 00:09:12.419 on a road that was not built for that kind of traffic. 00:09:12.419 --> 00:09:16.060 And the noise and dust from crushing demolition debris 00:09:16.060 --> 00:09:18.659 is not the same as a gravel operation. 00:09:18.659 --> 00:09:20.460 I also want to remind the County Board 00:09:20.460 --> 00:09:24.220 that we, the taxpayers, already invested good money 00:09:24.220 --> 00:09:26.320 in building out Mill Race Crossing, 00:09:26.320 --> 00:09:28.379 which is a site specifically suited 00:09:28.379 --> 00:09:31.460 to this kind of industrial recycling operation. 00:09:31.460 --> 00:09:33.840 I was told that the board was ready to approve 00:09:33.840 --> 00:09:37.080 such an operation in 2010. 00:09:37.080 --> 00:09:41.060 Mill Race is not fully populated today. 00:09:41.060 --> 00:09:43.820 Why are we even talking about burdening the residents 00:09:43.820 --> 00:09:46.200 around the quarry on Fairview Road 00:09:46.200 --> 00:09:50.080 when there is appropriate location already available? 00:09:50.080 --> 00:09:52.560 What happens if the current owner stockpiles 00:09:52.560 --> 00:09:55.879 large volume of asphalt and concrete debris 00:09:55.879 --> 00:09:58.720 and then loses interest or can't find buyers 00:09:58.720 --> 00:10:00.019 or simply walks away? 00:10:00.019 --> 00:10:05.059 Buyers, or simply walks away. Who cleans that up? It'll probably be the county, 00:10:05.059 --> 00:10:10.539 it's us, the taxpayers, every one of us in this room. And what about the aquifer? 00:10:10.539 --> 00:10:18.019 I'm running out of time. Who'll clean the water up if it becomes polluted? It gets 00:10:18.019 --> 00:10:21.860 polluted over time, not immediately, so we won't know instantly if that happens. 00:10:21.860 --> 00:10:27.299 There's over a hundred households in that half-mile circumference around that 00:10:27.299 --> 00:10:32.819 Quarry. There's over 200 households within one mile. Your three minutes are up, sir. 00:10:32.819 --> 00:10:38.019 Thank you. Is there anyone else for public comment? Mrs. Rivers, come on up, sir. 00:10:38.019 --> 00:10:44.500 Your three minutes are up. It'll be expensive for everybody. Thank you. 00:10:44.500 --> 00:10:47.500 May. 00:10:56.500 --> 00:10:58.500 The clock will start when you state your name. 00:10:59.500 --> 00:11:07.500 My name is Karen Rivers. I didn't come prepared to talk about the quarry tonight, but I agree with almost everything Kevin said. 00:11:07.500 --> 00:11:10.500 We live across a hay field from each other. 00:11:10.500 --> 00:11:13.500 The quarry property actually borders my property. 00:11:13.500 --> 00:11:24.500 What I came for, I'd like to say, is unfortunately the minutes from last month's meeting which you just approved do not reflect the information I presented to you. 00:11:24.500 --> 00:11:29.500 Please review my factual comments made at the 41626 meeting. 00:11:29.500 --> 00:11:37.500 The solar site named Zimmerman North on West Fairview Road Freeport, which is next door to me also, is less than two years old. 00:11:37.500 --> 00:11:43.500 and it is collapsing with panels falling and lying broken on the ground for the past two 00:11:43.500 --> 00:11:44.700 and a half months. 00:11:44.700 --> 00:11:50.899 There's another section of panels being held by a ratchet strap to prevent them from also 00:11:50.899 --> 00:11:53.059 falling to the ground. 00:11:53.059 --> 00:11:59.120 Other partial rows of panels have been non-rotating and stuck in a reflective position facing 00:11:59.120 --> 00:12:03.179 west since fall of 2025. 00:12:03.179 --> 00:12:06.579 I've been informed lesser quality materials, 00:12:06.579 --> 00:12:09.819 parts and equipment were used to build the site. 00:12:09.819 --> 00:12:13.019 There are ongoing unsettled legal matters 00:12:13.019 --> 00:12:17.059 involving Soltage Renewable Energy Nelnet, 00:12:17.059 --> 00:12:20.099 Harrison Street, who is the newest owner, 00:12:20.099 --> 00:12:23.799 Mars Energy has recently acquired Nelnet 00:12:23.799 --> 00:12:26.500 and is now also involved. 00:12:26.500 --> 00:12:28.700 The ratty rusty orange cargo trailer 00:12:28.700 --> 00:12:30.899 at the fence near my property 00:12:30.899 --> 00:12:34.539 contains broken and unbroken panels 00:12:34.539 --> 00:12:35.659 and should have been removed 00:12:35.659 --> 00:12:38.039 within three months of site completion. 00:12:39.220 --> 00:12:40.899 The site has not been maintained, 00:12:40.899 --> 00:12:44.099 including mowing due to pending litigation. 00:12:44.099 --> 00:12:46.259 This is unacceptable. 00:12:46.259 --> 00:12:49.179 Apparently the solar site on John Daniel's property 00:12:49.179 --> 00:12:52.460 on Bolton Road has been owned, built, and operated 00:12:52.460 --> 00:12:56.179 by the same companies and is also being inspected 00:12:56.179 --> 00:12:59.500 and investigated for the same reasons. 00:12:59.500 --> 00:13:02.360 The County has an obligation and responsibility 00:13:02.360 --> 00:13:06.579 to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our citizens. 00:13:06.579 --> 00:13:10.299 I have requested an inspection and or investigation 00:13:10.299 --> 00:13:13.159 multiple times, reference issues 00:13:13.159 --> 00:13:15.659 with the Zimmerman North Solar Site. 00:13:15.659 --> 00:13:18.220 I ask that you acknowledge these important issues 00:13:18.220 --> 00:13:21.740 I've mentioned tonight, and also the issues I mentioned 00:13:21.740 --> 00:13:24.839 at last month's meeting and work to correct them. 00:13:26.220 --> 00:13:28.059 For the official record, I'm requesting 00:13:28.059 --> 00:13:35.059 and let the Board enter my remarks in these six photos I took of the site into the meeting minutes. 00:13:35.059 --> 00:13:38.059 Thank you for your attention. 00:13:38.059 --> 00:13:42.059 You're not Jasmine. Can I give these to her to be honored? 00:13:42.059 --> 00:13:43.059 Of course. 00:13:43.059 --> 00:13:45.059 Thank you. 00:13:45.059 --> 00:13:46.059 I'm Karen. You are? 00:13:46.059 --> 00:13:47.059 Jenna. 00:13:47.059 --> 00:13:51.059 Jenna. Nice to meet you. 00:13:51.059 --> 00:13:54.059 Is there any other public comment? Sir, you've already spoken tonight. 00:13:54.059 --> 00:13:58.699 else wants to speak, using your documents, that's fine. 00:13:58.699 --> 00:14:02.139 Any other public comment tonight? 00:14:02.139 --> 00:14:02.779 Come on up, sir. 00:14:17.099 --> 00:14:17.899 Good evening. 00:14:17.899 --> 00:14:19.899 I'm Jim Accurso, Public Affairs Specialist 00:14:19.899 --> 00:14:22.099 with the Small Business Administration, Office 00:14:22.099 --> 00:14:23.339 of Disaster Recovery. 00:14:23.339 --> 00:14:35.859 I appreciate the opportunity to address residents of Stevenson County regarding the disaster loan program that we are currently offering following the tornado that struck Lena and the surrounding areas. 00:14:36.299 --> 00:14:45.579 We are offering our long term low interest disaster loans for not only Stevenson County residents, but those of Winnebago, Ogle, Joe Davies and Carroll. 00:14:45.579 --> 00:15:15.579 those include our business disaster loans of up to two million dollars for small and or rural businesses and non-profits home disaster loans because we also help homeowners and renters homeowners can get up to a half a million dollars and renters can get up to a hundred thousand dollars for the contents of their home we also have economic injury disaster loans folks can apply until July 17th we now have a disaster loan outreach center at the American League 00:15:15.579 --> 00:15:20.500 Hall, and Lena. We have trained and experienced customer service reps there 00:15:20.500 --> 00:15:25.960 six days a week to answer any questions and to take any applications. There are 00:15:25.960 --> 00:15:30.360 no fees to apply for our disaster loans. There's no obligation to take the loans 00:15:30.360 --> 00:15:34.940 if they're awarded. And these are loans from the US Treasury. They're not bank 00:15:34.940 --> 00:15:40.539 loans. So the interest rates are 4% and less. In fact, for homeowners, they're 2.875%. 00:15:40.539 --> 00:15:46.000 and so we encourage folks to come on in and ask any questions have their 00:15:46.000 --> 00:15:50.599 questions answered and submit an application if they do ultimately get 00:15:50.599 --> 00:15:56.259 their application approved they have 21 days to decide and if they don't want the 00:15:56.259 --> 00:16:00.659 loan loan they can walk away free and clear if they do get the loan they don't 00:16:00.659 --> 00:16:05.159 have to pay us back interest free for the first year so I was talking with 00:16:05.159 --> 00:16:08.500 some of our customer service reps just the other day folks that have already 00:16:08.500 --> 00:16:38.500 So again, we're here on the ground. We're getting the word out through through this opportunity, through other government agencies, the media and the like. And I would just encourage everybody who had any damage to consider that we can help you. And again, like I say, there's no fee or no obligation. So appreciate your time tonight, 00:16:38.500 --> 00:17:08.500 They can go online to sba.gov forward slash lending or they could call our 800 number 800-259-6955 and get their excuse me get their questions answered that way very good thank you thank you very much any other public comment okay saying then we'll move into new business with the 00:17:08.500 --> 00:17:15.700 recent resignation of Mrs. DeMeester in District G. We do need to declare that seat vacant. 00:17:15.700 --> 00:17:21.019 Is there a motion to do that by Mr. Jogerst? Is there a second by Mrs. Lawfer? Is there 00:17:21.019 --> 00:17:37.860 any discussion on that? Seeing none, you may go ahead and vote for the approval of that. 00:17:37.860 --> 00:17:40.940 and that passes unanimously, thank you very much. 00:17:40.940 --> 00:17:42.940 Moving on to the approval of the appointment 00:17:42.940 --> 00:17:45.139 of Clayton Zimmerman to fill the vacancy 00:17:45.139 --> 00:17:47.619 in County Board District F, 00:17:47.619 --> 00:17:51.220 which was previously held by Mrs. Deineger. 00:17:51.220 --> 00:17:52.960 This was an appointment brought forward 00:17:52.960 --> 00:17:55.220 by the Republican Central Committee. 00:17:55.220 --> 00:17:56.920 Is there a motion to approve? 00:17:57.940 --> 00:18:00.440 By Mr. Jogerst, is there a second? 00:18:00.440 --> 00:18:03.180 Second by Mrs. Baker, is there any discussion? 00:18:03.180 --> 00:18:08.180 Seeing none, you may vote for the approval of that. 00:18:18.579 --> 00:18:20.380 And that passes unanimously. 00:18:20.380 --> 00:18:21.980 Congratulations. 00:18:21.980 --> 00:18:23.740 If you wouldn't mind stepping up and judge, 00:18:23.740 --> 00:18:25.860 if you would swear him in, please. 00:18:25.860 --> 00:18:33.860 Please raise your right hand. 00:18:33.860 --> 00:18:42.860 I, Clayton Zimmerman, having been appointed to the Stevenson County Board District F, 00:18:42.860 --> 00:18:49.860 in the County of Stevenson, do solemnly swear or affirm, 00:18:49.860 --> 00:18:52.900 and I will support the Constitution of the United States 00:18:55.700 --> 00:18:57.940 and the Constitution of the State of Illinois 00:19:00.259 --> 00:19:02.019 and that I will faithfully discharge 00:19:04.019 --> 00:19:05.940 the duties of the Stevenson County Board 00:19:07.860 --> 00:19:08.980 to the best of my ability. 00:19:10.980 --> 00:19:12.980 Congratulations. 00:19:19.860 --> 00:19:42.860 Congratulations. Thank you. Thanks for your service. Welcome aboard. Thanks. Thank you, Judge. Thank you, Judge. 00:19:42.860 --> 00:19:49.460 All right, the final item in new business is a resolution opposing the Safety Act and supporting its repeal in the Illinois State 00:19:49.460 --> 00:19:57.660 Legislature. Mr. Jogerst, I believe you're presenting this, is that correct? If you 00:19:57.660 --> 00:20:01.860 wouldn't mind, let me get your microphone turned. 00:20:01.860 --> 00:20:08.580 Mind. Let me get your microphone turned on here. Can you press your button for me 00:20:08.580 --> 00:20:15.900 please? Thank you. Go ahead sir. Okay this is resolution opposing a Safety Act and 00:20:15.900 --> 00:20:20.060 supporting its repeal in Illinois State Legislature, whereas the County of 00:20:20.060 --> 00:20:24.820 Stevenson has an obligation to the safety of its citizens, and whereas the 00:20:24.820 --> 00:20:29.820 County of Stevenson recognizes the need for reform of certain areas of their 00:20:29.820 --> 00:20:59.820 Director of the Criminal Justice System, and whereas the Safety Act was passed in pre-dawn hours of a lame duck session of the General Assembly, and whereas the Safety Act may result in the release of defendants who pose a danger to the community, and whereas the Safety Act eliminates cash bail strips, the judiciary of their ability to balance the rights of the accused to be free on bail against the rights of the public to receive reasonable 00:20:59.820 --> 00:21:29.820 Detective, Consideration by the Courts, and whereas the Safety Act creates a higher bar and sometimes unreasonable legal standard for the detention enforceable Class X and greater felonies such as murder and armed robbery, and whereas the Stevenson County Board believes that this law puts the public in danger by allowing dangerous criminals to be free pre-trial and will discourage victim cooperation with law enforcement due to the fear of retaliation 00:21:29.820 --> 00:21:59.820 Evaluation by offenders immediately released back into society. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the County Board of the County of Stevenson, Illinois demands the Safety Act be immediately repealed and be it further resolved that a copy of our resolution be immediately sent to all state office holders representing any portion of the County of Stevenson and to the Office of Governor of the State of Illinois. Dated at Freeport, Illinois, 00:21:59.820 --> 00:22:29.820 this 21st day of May 2026. Thank you. Is there a motion to approve by Mr. Busker? Is there a second by Mrs. Lawfer? Is there any discussion? Mr. Newton, go ahead. If you could pull your microphone closer to you, please. Thank you. Thank you, Chairman. This has been debated and it's not in our privy to even change the state law. We have state representatives, state senators, 00:22:29.820 --> 00:22:37.460 Senators that have argued different things against it, but for the most part, every acting 00:22:37.460 --> 00:22:44.060 judge can hold whomever he would like in jail if they've deemed necessary and that they're 00:22:44.060 --> 00:22:46.960 violent enough criminal, they should. 00:22:46.960 --> 00:22:52.860 And so because of that, Chairman, I'm going to not vote for this. 00:22:52.860 --> 00:22:53.860 Thank you. 00:22:53.860 --> 00:22:55.980 You're welcome. 00:22:55.980 --> 00:22:58.500 Mrs. Williams. 00:22:58.500 --> 00:23:07.200 Thank you Mr. Speaker. I read this before I came today. I stopped and I talked to the 00:23:07.200 --> 00:23:13.960 Sheriff about it and this resolution does not address some of the things that the Sheriff 00:23:13.960 --> 00:23:24.680 and I discussed on the fact that the Safety Act puts I would call an undue burden on his 00:23:24.680 --> 00:23:32.240 Department as far as training. When I came in here, I was going to vote no on it 00:23:32.240 --> 00:23:37.760 based on the information that I have here, but after talking to Sheriff Scovel, 00:23:37.760 --> 00:23:44.480 I decided that I will be voting yes on this, but only because I had talked to 00:23:44.480 --> 00:23:53.680 Sheriff Scovel. Thank you. Anyone else? Yeah, I do. 00:23:53.680 --> 00:23:57.680 Mr. Jogerst, go ahead. Oh, press your button again, please. 00:24:01.680 --> 00:24:07.680 I think, in my opinion, we have an excellent judicial system and law enforcement agencies in this county. 00:24:07.680 --> 00:24:11.680 I wish I could say that for some of the other areas in the state. 00:24:11.680 --> 00:24:16.680 If you read the news, there are way too many instances where judges let criminals out 00:24:16.680 --> 00:24:22.680 while awaiting trial and they end up committing more crimes or worse hurting or killing other people. 00:24:22.680 --> 00:24:30.680 This is why I'm against the Safety Act. It needs to be repealed by those in state legislature and Governor Pritzker. 00:24:30.680 --> 00:24:36.680 They should work on fixing this law instead of finding out ways to tax us more. 00:24:36.680 --> 00:24:46.680 These overwhelming facts override the good in the bill, which was body cameras to provide accurate evidence for trials and more training for law enforcement. 00:24:46.680 --> 00:24:55.680 The mandated training is good, but it has made our law enforcement people professional students instead of out on the streets keeping law in order. 00:24:55.680 --> 00:25:05.680 The Safety Act has caused almost all of these expenses to fall onto local entities as another unfunded state mandate, excuse me. 00:25:05.680 --> 00:25:09.680 It is also good to weed out bad individuals wearing a badge, that was part of it. 00:25:09.680 --> 00:25:14.920 of it, but the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board has not followed through 00:25:14.920 --> 00:25:20.200 with decertifying certain individuals that shouldn't be law enforcement. 00:25:20.200 --> 00:25:22.400 They have not complied as written. 00:25:22.400 --> 00:25:24.680 That's the board hasn't complied. 00:25:24.680 --> 00:25:30.600 So with all these flaws, it's way past time to repeal the Safety Act and start over. 00:25:30.600 --> 00:25:33.240 And I will support this resolution. 00:25:33.240 --> 00:25:34.240 Thank you. 00:25:34.240 --> 00:25:35.240 Thank you. 00:25:35.240 --> 00:25:53.920 Seeing none you may go ahead and vote for the approval of the resolution and it 00:25:53.920 --> 00:26:00.400 looks like that passes nine to four the no votes were if I'm looking at this 00:26:00.400 --> 00:26:07.560 correctly, Baker, Bush, Moderow, and Newton. Alright thank you very much. With 00:26:07.560 --> 00:26:11.400 that we'll move on to Sheriff Stovall's department recipient of the Illinois 00:26:11.400 --> 00:26:15.840 Association Scholarship Award and Nate if you could please turn the podium back 00:26:15.840 --> 00:26:27.440 on for me. Thank you Mr. Chairman, thank you board members. Each year the Illinois 00:26:27.440 --> 00:26:33.360 Sheriff's Association awards at least one $500 college scholarship to every 00:26:33.360 --> 00:26:37.120 sheriff's office throughout the state of Illinois to be awarded to a local 00:26:37.120 --> 00:26:41.519 student. This year the Stevenson County Sheriff's Citizen Scholarship Committee 00:26:41.519 --> 00:26:48.120 has selected Ashley Rupnow of Freeport as the recipient of the 2026 Stevenson 00:26:48.120 --> 00:26:53.600 County ISA Scholarship. Ashley is the daughter of Timothy Rupnow of Freeport. 00:26:53.600 --> 00:26:54.600 School. 00:26:54.600 --> 00:26:59.440 She attends Dakota High School and holds a 4.06 grade point average. 00:26:59.440 --> 00:27:05.240 She will attend the University of Nebraska Kearney this fall. 00:27:05.240 --> 00:27:11.000 Ashley plans on pursuing a degree in kinesiology, then transferring to a graduate school to 00:27:11.000 --> 00:27:17.520 obtain a master's or doctorate in occupational therapy and begin her career as a pediatric 00:27:17.520 --> 00:27:19.560 occupational therapist. 00:27:19.560 --> 00:27:24.320 We congratulate Ashley on submitting such a well-written scholarship application and being 00:27:24.320 --> 00:27:39.120 the winning recipient of the 2026 Illinois Sheriff's Association Scholarship. 00:27:39.120 --> 00:27:40.120 Thank you. 00:27:40.120 --> 00:27:41.120 Congratulations. 00:27:41.120 --> 00:27:45.720 Thank you, Sheriff. 00:27:45.720 --> 00:27:51.120 Next we have, the Circuit Clerk has asked me to recognize tonight Ellen Williams. 00:27:51.120 --> 00:27:56.080 Unfortunately, neither Ellen or the Circuit Clerk were able to be here. 00:27:56.080 --> 00:28:00.180 But I did want to let the Board and the public know that Ellen actually began her career 00:28:00.180 --> 00:28:04.980 with the Circuit Clerk's office in October of 2005. 00:28:04.980 --> 00:28:10.320 Throughout her tenure, Ellen has been a dedicated employee and our go-to expert for child support 00:28:10.320 --> 00:28:11.760 matters. 00:28:11.760 --> 00:28:13.220 Turning to the side. 00:28:13.220 --> 00:28:15.920 I want to congratulate her facing many health challenges. 00:28:15.920 --> 00:28:18.960 She consistently demonstrated remarkable commitment 00:28:18.960 --> 00:28:22.600 and gave her very best to the Circuit Clerk's office. 00:28:22.600 --> 00:28:25.680 Her last day with the county will be June 1st of this year. 00:28:25.680 --> 00:28:29.680 So if you know Ellen, please congratulate her 00:28:29.680 --> 00:28:33.680 on the job well done and her dedication to Stevenson County. 00:28:33.680 --> 00:28:35.960 Okay, we'll move on to the Zoning Report. 00:28:35.960 --> 00:28:37.580 Director Williams, if you wouldn't mind 00:28:37.580 --> 00:28:40.360 coming to the podium, please. 00:28:41.760 --> 00:28:52.039 Vice Chair, Thank you. 00:28:52.080 --> 00:28:59.360 Good evening, Thursday, May 14, 2026, the Zoning Board of Appeals met with a full quorum. 00:28:59.380 --> 00:29:02.320 The first hearing of the night was for Scott and Tiffany Ferry. 00:29:02.360 --> 00:29:06.480 They're requesting a special use permit to allow for a single family dwelling in the Ag 00:29:06.480 --> 00:29:12.560 District, located at 3001 North AYP Road, Lena. 00:29:12.560 --> 00:29:15.440 No objectors were present, and the board voted 5 to 0 00:29:15.440 --> 00:29:18.000 to approve the special use. 00:29:18.000 --> 00:29:20.880 Is there a motion to approve? 00:29:20.880 --> 00:29:23.000 Mr. Didden, seconded by Mr. Newton. 00:29:23.000 --> 00:29:26.560 Is there any discussion? 00:29:26.560 --> 00:29:28.960 Seeing none, you may go ahead and vote for that approval. 00:29:36.480 --> 00:29:43.360 and that passes unanimously. Thank you. Next item. Next was the approval of a 00:29:43.360 --> 00:29:49.360 code amendment to Article 4, General Provision, Subsection 400-2310, Fences. 00:29:49.360 --> 00:29:54.160 The board voted three to two to approve the code amendment. Is there a motion to 00:29:54.160 --> 00:30:01.640 approve? By Mr. Newton, second by Mr. Diddens. Any discussion? 00:30:01.640 --> 00:30:24.040 Seeing none you may go ahead and vote that passes 13 to 1. Mr. Fricke has voted no. Is that correct sir? Very good. 00:30:24.040 --> 00:30:31.040 All right your next item please. The final evening for the, excuse me, of the night was for a text amendment to Chapter 376. 00:30:31.040 --> 00:30:36.040 Vehicles, and Apparable, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the amendment. 00:30:36.040 --> 00:30:38.040 Is there a motion to approve? 00:30:38.040 --> 00:30:40.040 By Mr. Brandt, is there a second? 00:30:40.040 --> 00:30:44.040 By Mrs. Lawfer, is there any discussion? 00:30:44.040 --> 00:30:46.040 Yes. 00:30:46.040 --> 00:30:48.040 Mr. Jogerst, would you press your button? 00:30:48.040 --> 00:30:50.040 Thank you. Go ahead, sir. 00:30:50.040 --> 00:30:58.040 Yeah, I was reading through that and it looks like you only give them seven days to fix their vehicle. Is that correct? 00:30:58.040 --> 00:31:03.720 if they notify us we work with them okay yes we just don't appreciate that 00:31:03.720 --> 00:31:07.600 because sometimes you don't get right this isn't something we look for okay 00:31:07.600 --> 00:31:11.060 have people call into the office townships actually are starting to now 00:31:11.060 --> 00:31:19.600 call in about residents okay okay thank you mm-hmm any other discussion seeing 00:31:19.600 --> 00:31:23.440 none you may go ahead and vote for that approval 00:31:28.040 --> 00:31:58.040 and that passes unanimously. Your final item please. Yes, before you tonight is a contract for an as needed building inspector. We currently have four dwellings we need inspected and his assistance and inspection in these matters would be amazing. Our previous one resigned after not being able to complete any inspections and this gentleman is available to begin the process immediately. 00:31:58.040 --> 00:31:59.840 Is there a motion to approve? 00:31:59.840 --> 00:32:02.080 Mr. Jogerst, seconded by Mr. Moderow. 00:32:02.080 --> 00:32:03.280 Is there any discussion? 00:32:06.660 --> 00:32:08.860 Mr. Zimmerman, go ahead. 00:32:08.860 --> 00:32:11.180 So I guess from what I read in that, 00:32:11.180 --> 00:32:14.100 can you explain further what the inspection, 00:32:14.100 --> 00:32:19.100 so it looked like it was not for regular building, but for? 00:32:19.420 --> 00:32:23.500 Correct, it would be for residential dwellings. 00:32:23.500 --> 00:32:26.820 We have several that are unoccupied and in shambles 00:32:26.820 --> 00:32:30.320 that are grasses long, the windows are broken out. 00:32:30.320 --> 00:32:32.340 You can see right through some of the walls. 00:32:32.340 --> 00:32:34.660 So these are in Residentially Zoned Districts 00:32:34.660 --> 00:32:36.300 as well as the Ag District. 00:32:36.300 --> 00:32:38.720 So like I said previously, 00:32:38.720 --> 00:32:39.900 we don't go looking for these things, 00:32:39.900 --> 00:32:41.060 but if they're brought to us, 00:32:41.060 --> 00:32:44.380 then this inspector would go and has, he has a protocol. 00:32:44.380 --> 00:32:45.360 Okay. Okay. 00:32:46.900 --> 00:32:48.100 Anyone else? 00:32:50.580 --> 00:32:53.340 Seeing none, you may go ahead and vote for that approval. 00:32:56.820 --> 00:33:08.320 That also passes unanimously. Anything else, Director Williams? That is it. Alright, thank 00:33:08.320 --> 00:33:13.660 you very much. Appreciate it. Chairman's report, I did want to let everyone know. I think I've 00:33:13.660 --> 00:33:22.340 mentioned this previously. The annual UCCI event at Eagle Ridge in Galena is July 27th 00:33:22.340 --> 00:33:27.520 7th and 28th. If you have interest in going, please notify me as soon as possible. It's 00:33:27.520 --> 00:33:33.700 very well attended and rooms will fill up quickly, so please let me know that. Mrs. Baker, 00:33:33.700 --> 00:33:50.020 would you mind coming up and taking my seat for a moment? Health insurance is always top 00:33:50.019 --> 00:33:57.820 Top of 9 for the county and this year we were able to, in addition to having the, what was 00:33:57.820 --> 00:34:05.900 it called Georgia, the, scanning, wellness screening, thank you, and in addition to that 00:34:05.900 --> 00:34:12.019 we did do the step challenge this year, which was pretty impressive actually, we had a lot 00:34:12.019 --> 00:34:18.380 of county employees participate, if you recall we were going to give a top individual award 00:34:18.380 --> 00:34:21.780 and then also Top Stepper Team Award. 00:34:21.780 --> 00:34:25.059 I'm gonna start with the Team Award first. 00:34:25.059 --> 00:34:26.940 This has gotta be a misprint. 00:34:26.940 --> 00:34:28.220 Let's see, who's this? 00:34:28.220 --> 00:34:30.320 The Public Defender's Office, gotcha. 00:34:31.420 --> 00:34:35.340 All right, so that was 2,441 steps 00:34:36.380 --> 00:34:40.539 with an average of 488,202 steps per person. 00:34:40.539 --> 00:34:42.840 Does that include your dogs also? 00:34:42.840 --> 00:34:44.460 Just checking, Travis. 00:34:44.460 --> 00:34:45.800 Okay, all right. 00:34:45.800 --> 00:34:52.200 The team included Jenna Hoffman, Lynn Plowman, Kelly Knott, Ryan Schaer, and of course Travis Lutz. 00:34:52.200 --> 00:34:53.500 You want to come up Travis? 00:35:05.000 --> 00:35:08.600 This is pretty light for me, but you might need some help if you want to come around. 00:35:09.800 --> 00:35:13.400 This is a traveling trophy, Stevenson County Step Up. 00:35:13.400 --> 00:35:15.400 Congratulations. 00:35:15.400 --> 00:35:17.400 Thank you. 00:35:17.400 --> 00:35:19.400 Thank you. 00:35:19.400 --> 00:35:21.400 You want to say anything? 00:35:21.400 --> 00:35:23.400 You want to say anything? 00:35:23.400 --> 00:35:25.400 Talk about how you cheated, anything like that? 00:35:25.400 --> 00:35:27.400 Go ahead. 00:35:27.400 --> 00:35:29.400 No need for the timer. 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:31.400 It'll be quick. 00:35:31.400 --> 00:35:33.400 When we started this program, 00:35:33.400 --> 00:35:35.400 I really, really pushed all the health insurance 00:35:35.400 --> 00:35:37.400 and I have been pushing since I have taken over 00:35:37.400 --> 00:35:39.400 as the Chief Public Defender. 00:35:39.400 --> 00:35:41.400 This program was fantastic. 00:35:41.400 --> 00:35:45.440 so I really really appreciate everybody that supported this it was really easy 00:35:45.440 --> 00:35:50.119 to get my office involved I forced everybody to start walking we took walks 00:35:50.119 --> 00:35:54.680 in the middle of the day I was texting Lynn went to her graduation I forced her 00:35:54.680 --> 00:36:00.039 on the treadmill during her daughter's graduation so we were pushing it and you 00:36:00.039 --> 00:36:04.599 can see the reward after this because you know it stopped on that Monday and I 00:36:04.599 --> 00:36:09.920 had two employees that came into work that generally did not move during the 00:36:09.920 --> 00:36:15.059 today, too much. And they came in after the competition was done and then asked to continue 00:36:15.059 --> 00:36:20.600 to walk. They have, I saw one of them at the Y today who has now gotten membership. So 00:36:20.600 --> 00:36:24.320 I think that that's really the benefit from this that I've been trying to push is, you 00:36:24.320 --> 00:36:28.840 know, the health insurance is obviously a valuable tool for this county and the county 00:36:28.840 --> 00:36:33.519 employees. I don't even want to know what would happen if we lost that. And everybody 00:36:33.519 --> 00:36:38.760 here has done an exceptional job in keeping it and making sure that that continues. But 00:36:38.760 --> 00:36:44.240 it also is incumbent on the employees to get out and get active so I appreciate 00:36:44.240 --> 00:36:50.840 this you will probably hear from me about gym memberships every year but I 00:36:50.840 --> 00:37:01.640 appreciate and thank you. We definitely appreciate all the effort I think the 00:37:01.640 --> 00:37:04.800 state's attorney said the conviction rate went up quite a bit during this time 00:37:04.800 --> 00:37:12.160 Period. So thank you for that. The next award is the top individual stepper award. 00:37:12.160 --> 00:37:19.880 823,071 steps. And just to give you kind of an idea about that, I walk 10 miles a 00:37:19.880 --> 00:37:24.760 day and I didn't come close. I was seventh place. So Sally Brashaw, you'd 00:37:24.760 --> 00:37:34.559 like to come on up? I just want to know how many pairs of shoes you went through. 00:37:34.559 --> 00:37:41.559 The trick is to keep changing your shoes. I have five pairs of sneakers that I changed off with so that your feet don't get so sore. 00:37:41.559 --> 00:37:44.559 Well, congratulations. Would you like to say anything? 00:37:44.559 --> 00:37:51.559 I just want to say to the County Board, thank you. Thank you very much for encouraging us all to be healthy, 00:37:51.559 --> 00:38:00.559 for the fitness programs that helped with the friendly banter, a lot of laughter, and unfortunately a lot of sore feet. 00:38:00.559 --> 00:38:02.559 But thank you very much. 00:38:02.559 --> 00:38:26.559 And for this, the top stepper did receive $100, the top team also $100, I believe $50 per person and two random draws and those were each $100 apiece. So good motivation. Thank you guys. 00:38:32.559 --> 00:38:45.400 Okay next we have nine re-appointments and one new appointment. What is the 00:38:45.400 --> 00:38:53.840 pleasure of the board with these? These are all fire department, fire districts. 00:38:53.840 --> 00:38:58.800 Okay Mr. Brandt has made a motion to approve all ten appointments at one 00:38:58.800 --> 00:39:06.460 Time, seconded by Mr. Diddens. Is there any discussion on that? Seeing none, you may go 00:39:06.460 --> 00:39:21.720 ahead and vote for those appointments. And those pass unanimously. Thank you very much. 00:39:21.720 --> 00:39:25.480 We'll now move on to action items and information from standing committees. We'll begin with 00:39:25.480 --> 00:39:30.880 Finance. Mrs. Baker, it appears you have four action items. If you would press your 00:39:30.880 --> 00:39:36.440 microphone button for me. Thank you. Try it again please. All right, there you go. 00:39:36.440 --> 00:39:41.079 All right, approval to allow Chairman Helms to abstain from the vote for the 00:39:41.079 --> 00:39:46.119 approval of resolution establishing the salaries. This is the next action item 00:39:46.119 --> 00:39:52.600 on the agenda. With that, I make a motion to approve. By Mr. Newton, is there a 00:39:52.600 --> 00:40:00.280 second by Mrs. Hayes. I will just say obviously I'm not allowed to vote for the 00:40:00.280 --> 00:40:03.600 treasurer's office and I believe 00:40:03.600 --> 00:40:07.720 for the Treasurer's Office, and I believe this is one resolution for both the 00:40:07.720 --> 00:40:13.400 Treasurer and the County Clerk and Recorder. Is there any other discussion? 00:40:13.400 --> 00:40:26.880 Seeing none, if you would go ahead and make your vote for the abstention, and 00:40:26.880 --> 00:40:30.960 that passes unanimously. Mrs. Baker, your next item, please. Approval of the 00:40:30.960 --> 00:40:35.480 Resolution Establishing the Salaries of the Office of County Treasurer and County Clerk 00:40:35.480 --> 00:40:36.880 and Recorder. 00:40:36.880 --> 00:40:44.040 The resolution before you pass out of committee unanimously that sets the compensation of 00:40:44.040 --> 00:40:48.160 the next four years for the County Clerk and Recorder and the County Treasurer. 00:40:48.160 --> 00:40:51.140 It also adds two years to the Circuit Clerk. 00:40:51.140 --> 00:40:56.480 The resolution brings the salary of the County Clerk and Recorder and the Treasurer to align 00:40:56.480 --> 00:40:59.400 with the Circuit Clerk. 00:40:59.400 --> 00:41:05.680 The Clerk and Treasurer are both constitutional officers and their compensation must be set 00:41:05.680 --> 00:41:11.840 four years, at least 180 days prior to being the term of office on December 1st. 00:41:11.840 --> 00:41:14.080 With that, I make a motion to approve. 00:41:14.080 --> 00:41:15.080 Motion by Mrs. Baker. 00:41:15.080 --> 00:41:16.080 Is there a second? 00:41:16.080 --> 00:41:22.920 Mr. Jogerst, discussion. 00:41:22.920 --> 00:41:25.160 Mr. Hadley, go ahead. 00:41:25.160 --> 00:41:39.160 Yes, I got a question, why are we putting the, two years ago we did the County Circuit Clerk, why are we, some law changed in the state, or? 00:41:39.160 --> 00:41:50.160 I will refer to the County Administrator, I'm not allowed to speak to this, or the State's Attorney. 00:41:50.160 --> 00:42:02.160 Well, I didn't draft this resolution, but I think the reason they want to be circuit clerk in the resolution with the others is to develop some uniformity between the two of them. 00:42:06.160 --> 00:42:14.160 I mean, did the state, I mean, we've always done this separate. I mean, did something change in the state that allows us to do this? 00:42:14.160 --> 00:42:15.000 Yes sir. 00:42:15.000 --> 00:42:16.560 Well, you're certainly allowed to do it. 00:42:16.560 --> 00:42:20.080 You're not changing the circuit clerk's salary 00:42:20.080 --> 00:42:21.300 for the next two years. 00:42:21.300 --> 00:42:24.760 So her term is two more years from now. 00:42:24.760 --> 00:42:26.960 And the salary in this resolution 00:42:26.960 --> 00:42:28.980 is what she's making currently. 00:42:30.020 --> 00:42:34.240 The resolution does set the salary 00:42:34.240 --> 00:42:37.260 for two years of the next term. 00:42:38.560 --> 00:42:42.360 But the, and there's a little bit of a question 00:42:42.360 --> 00:42:44.400 as to whether the state law would apply 00:42:44.400 --> 00:42:47.920 that says that you've got to set the salary 180 days 00:42:47.920 --> 00:42:51.820 before the next term of an elected official. 00:42:53.680 --> 00:42:55.240 And we can get into that if you want, 00:42:55.240 --> 00:42:58.280 but this doesn't matter because it's more than 180 days 00:42:58.280 --> 00:43:03.280 before the next term of the circuit clerk's office. 00:43:04.220 --> 00:43:07.760 So to a certain extent, it will leave you with two years 00:43:07.760 --> 00:43:11.060 to set at a future time, but there's no prohibition 00:43:11.060 --> 00:43:16.060 on setting the next circuit clerk's salaries for two years, 00:43:16.740 --> 00:43:18.420 which would then allow the alignment 00:43:18.420 --> 00:43:20.980 between all of the offices now. 00:43:20.980 --> 00:43:22.380 Does that make sense? 00:43:22.380 --> 00:43:25.300 Yeah, I guess, you know, I'd be happier 00:43:25.300 --> 00:43:27.320 if I knew the state changed the ordinance 00:43:27.320 --> 00:43:28.580 that we could have do this, you know. 00:43:28.580 --> 00:43:32.020 I mean, we've been doing this since I was 00:43:32.020 --> 00:43:34.060 on the county board back in 2002. 00:43:34.060 --> 00:43:38.580 So to probably help your case a little bit on this 00:43:38.580 --> 00:43:43.580 is that I have, UCCI sent out some resolutions. 00:43:44.300 --> 00:43:46.660 I was able to go through some of those resolutions. 00:43:46.660 --> 00:43:48.980 I noticed that some counties do that 00:43:48.980 --> 00:43:51.320 and some counties don't do that. 00:43:51.320 --> 00:43:53.660 So I just was curious. 00:43:55.100 --> 00:43:59.540 To go on about this, I really struggled with this today. 00:44:02.540 --> 00:44:06.980 And I believe two years ago, 00:44:06.980 --> 00:44:11.620 I made a motion to change the circuit clerk's salary 00:44:12.820 --> 00:44:17.820 to three percent in 26 and three percent in 27. 00:44:21.740 --> 00:44:25.460 If I'm correct, in 28 and 29, that's three percent 00:44:25.460 --> 00:44:28.780 for each one of those also, according to my math. 00:44:30.560 --> 00:44:35.560 I struggled because we're in a county that takes 00:44:36.980 --> 00:44:39.140 has lost revenue. 00:44:40.460 --> 00:44:43.300 Why I say that is, is we're one of the highest counties 00:44:43.300 --> 00:44:46.540 in the state with senior freezes 00:44:46.540 --> 00:44:49.580 and that that's lost income to the county. 00:44:50.820 --> 00:44:55.820 And I'm worried about, you know, union contracts. 00:44:55.860 --> 00:44:59.340 I noticed, I looked at Ogle counties 00:44:59.340 --> 00:45:03.820 and the first year they put zero 00:45:03.820 --> 00:45:06.500 and then the second year, the third year 00:45:06.500 --> 00:45:11.500 and the fourth year, 2%, 2%, 2%. 00:45:11.900 --> 00:45:15.660 That's staying under that $100,000 mark. 00:45:15.660 --> 00:45:17.660 I'm happy that it's staying under that, 00:45:17.660 --> 00:45:20.920 but, really, I will support this, 00:45:20.920 --> 00:45:24.180 but we need to be very, very careful 00:45:24.180 --> 00:45:25.780 with the taxpayers' money, 00:45:25.780 --> 00:45:30.780 and not let these salaries get as high as, you know, 00:45:31.040 --> 00:45:33.820 like the school board and the school district. 00:45:33.820 --> 00:45:36.740 It was amazing how their salaries have just gone up. 00:45:36.740 --> 00:45:40.460 Some fears that was put out by the village voice recently. 00:45:40.460 --> 00:45:45.420 So, but yeah, I'll support this with regret. 00:45:45.420 --> 00:45:46.260 Thank you. 00:45:46.260 --> 00:45:47.100 All right. 00:45:47.100 --> 00:45:47.940 Mrs. Hayes. 00:45:49.300 --> 00:45:50.180 Thank you, Chairman. 00:45:50.180 --> 00:45:51.620 I agree with Mr. Hadley. 00:45:51.620 --> 00:45:54.220 I'm looking through some of this stuff. 00:45:54.220 --> 00:45:56.020 Do we have, just off the top of our head, 00:45:56.020 --> 00:45:59.500 the percentages of increase that we are giving 00:45:59.500 --> 00:46:02.640 all these constitutional? 00:46:03.820 --> 00:46:11.460 Through all 3%? It's in the resolution I believe. Okay and that's what we do all 00:46:11.460 --> 00:46:22.380 the time for everyone? No. Go ahead Mrs. Newcomer. So it is dependent on what 00:46:22.380 --> 00:46:28.220 non-contractual or non-CBA covered employees get per the budget policy 00:46:28.220 --> 00:46:32.820 which is a discussion point later in the agenda that gets set every year by the 00:46:32.820 --> 00:46:38.820 the Board. The collective bargaining agreements, all of them are at four 00:46:38.820 --> 00:46:47.500 percent or higher currently for this term right now. Okay, thank you. Anything else 00:46:47.500 --> 00:46:57.100 Mrs. Hayes? That's it Mr. Chairman. Any other discussion? Okay, seeing none, go 00:46:57.100 --> 00:46:59.100 Go ahead and vote for the approval. 00:47:12.100 --> 00:47:20.880 That passes 11 to 2 with Mr. Fricke and Mrs. Williams voting no and I have 00:47:20.880 --> 00:47:26.960 abstained from that vote so please let the record show that. Mrs. Baker go ahead 00:47:26.960 --> 00:47:56.960 with your next item please. Approval of the bond payment to Milroy's Crossing Series 2020A and B debt interest. This is a bond invoice that's due to State Bank. We receive this every six months. This is just the interest, not the principal of the debt certificates. The way that we receive this invoice does not align with our AP system. So we are needing to do a manual check in order to get this to State Bank by June 1st. Would that make a motion to approve? 00:47:56.960 --> 00:48:06.480 second. Mr. Newton, is there any discussion? Seeing none, you may go ahead and vote for 00:48:06.480 --> 00:48:22.720 that approval. And that passes unanimously. Before I have you speak to the next one, Mrs. 00:48:22.720 --> 00:48:28.560 Baker. Just similarly as we did last month, I did ask to have this discussion 00:48:28.560 --> 00:48:33.040 put on the board agenda just like we did with the salaries of the County Treasurer 00:48:33.040 --> 00:48:37.280 and County Clerk. I would like the entire board to be able to look at this prior 00:48:37.280 --> 00:48:41.620 to the approval through finance. I'm hoping everyone has had a brief moment 00:48:41.620 --> 00:48:46.840 to look at this prior to tonight. If not, please take a look before next month's 00:48:46.840 --> 00:48:52.360 Finance Committee meeting and please give your input to the Finance Committee 00:48:52.360 --> 00:49:22.360 Members. Mrs. Baker? You took everything and stole your thunder didn't I? I apologize for that. I feel like Tim Whelan's back. One point that I think and I don't know if Mrs. Newcomer wants to speak to it, but I believe the increase that's put in place this year is three and a half percent and if you want to speak to where that number came from. Last year was three percent, correct? Four percent, five percent, four percent. 00:49:22.360 --> 00:49:29.360 Yes, the Finance Director and I discussed options with this. 00:49:29.360 --> 00:49:38.360 All of the CBAs moving into the next fiscal year are at 4% or higher. 00:49:38.360 --> 00:49:49.360 We looked at the differences between 3% and a 3.5% and trying to stay somewhat parallel with the CBAs. 00:49:49.360 --> 00:49:56.560 so we came to that three and a half percent to present as a recommendation. I 00:49:56.560 --> 00:50:02.600 do have cost breakdowns if you're interested. Please. Three and a half 00:50:02.600 --> 00:50:05.280 percent 00:50:05.280 --> 00:50:22.280 3.5% increase would be approximately a $265,000 increase, $2,120 in IMRF and $20,272 in Social Security. 00:50:22.280 --> 00:50:31.280 The difference between that and a 3% overall cost would be approximately $225,000. 00:50:31.280 --> 00:50:36.280 IMRF would be $1,800 and Social Security would be $17,212. 00:50:40.120 --> 00:50:42.780 If you would, please email those. 00:50:42.780 --> 00:50:43.880 Changes out, okay. 00:50:43.880 --> 00:50:45.519 Both for three and a half and 3%, 00:50:45.519 --> 00:50:46.920 so everyone has got those. 00:50:46.920 --> 00:50:49.360 I've also got the breakdown of all of the CBAs 00:50:49.360 --> 00:50:52.380 on that document, so I will send that out tomorrow morning. 00:50:52.380 --> 00:50:53.220 Very good. 00:50:54.519 --> 00:50:56.200 I think I spoke to this last year 00:50:56.200 --> 00:50:57.820 during the budget process. 00:50:57.820 --> 00:51:00.160 Inevitably, there's going to be department heads 00:51:00.160 --> 00:51:03.540 they're going to be coming to your oversight committees, 00:51:03.540 --> 00:51:05.840 singing the praises of their employees 00:51:05.840 --> 00:51:08.380 and how they have one or two in each department 00:51:08.380 --> 00:51:13.380 that deserves eight, 15, 20% increases. 00:51:13.540 --> 00:51:14.840 It happens every year. 00:51:16.080 --> 00:51:19.560 I really hope we take a strong look at this, 00:51:19.560 --> 00:51:22.500 this budget policy and we determine that rate 00:51:22.500 --> 00:51:25.840 of what it needs to be and we hold to that 00:51:25.840 --> 00:51:27.700 during this process. 00:51:27.700 --> 00:51:30.460 We've also told the department it's the same thing, 00:51:30.460 --> 00:51:32.880 but inevitably it's going to probably occur. 00:51:34.220 --> 00:51:37.260 Any questions or comments or direction 00:51:37.260 --> 00:51:39.380 to the Finance Committee? 00:51:39.380 --> 00:51:41.460 Mrs. Williams, go ahead. 00:51:43.860 --> 00:51:46.600 I'm sort of glad we're not voting on this tonight. 00:51:48.100 --> 00:51:52.780 I did want to ask, and I can't get it up on my laptop, 00:51:52.780 --> 00:51:55.600 I believe it's on the last page. 00:51:57.700 --> 00:52:20.700 I believe it's on the last page. It talks about the outstanding debt, I believe, and I want to know if the outstanding debt that is owed to the nursing home or the the vendors at the nursing home or from the nursing home is going to be included in our budget. 00:52:20.700 --> 00:52:24.200 Well, that is up to the 16 members of the Stevenson County Board. 00:52:27.700 --> 00:52:35.100 I would like to recommend that we talk about that outstanding vendor debt and 00:52:35.100 --> 00:52:47.460 that it needs to be taken care of. That's my opinion. Thank you. And I will say to 00:52:47.460 --> 00:52:52.980 that and any other issue if you have an issue please come with solutions. Any 00:52:52.980 --> 00:53:02.580 any other discussion? Okay. Anything else off your committee, Mrs. Baker? No. All right. 00:53:02.580 --> 00:53:07.260 Thank you very much. Appreciate it. Public Property and Safety, Mr. Bush, no action items. 00:53:07.260 --> 00:53:12.140 Any information you'd like to share? Haven't done. All right. Thank you, sir. Administration 00:53:12.140 --> 00:53:17.140 Committee, Mr. Jogerst, you have two action items, I believe, if you don't mind pressing 00:53:17.140 --> 00:53:32.540 your button for me. Just a moment. Mr. Louie. There it goes. Now we're good. Yeah the 00:53:32.540 --> 00:53:37.460 first one is Approval of Addendum to Agreement for the Computer Assisted Mass 00:53:37.460 --> 00:53:42.540 Appraisal, CAMA, and the Wedge Edge License Maintenance and Support 00:53:42.539 --> 00:53:49.980 Contract with DevNet. I'll make a motion to approve and we'll talk about it. 00:53:49.980 --> 00:53:55.019 All right, Mr. Jogerst has made the motion. Is there a second? Second by Mr. 00:53:55.019 --> 00:54:02.460 Moderow. Is there any discussion? I just was going to say that this is a renewal 00:54:02.460 --> 00:54:09.140 of the service that they need to do the assessments and I believe this was, if 00:54:09.140 --> 00:54:15.740 If you look at it, the later years here, there's no increase in the in the cost. 00:54:15.740 --> 00:54:20.320 So there's like not enough, not a coal or inflation going up every year on it. 00:54:20.320 --> 00:54:22.620 So I think it's a very good contract. 00:54:22.620 --> 00:54:24.320 So. Okay, great. 00:54:24.320 --> 00:54:26.020 Thank you. Any other discussion? 00:54:28.900 --> 00:54:31.740 Seeing none, you may go ahead and vote for that approval. 00:54:39.140 --> 00:54:49.460 and that passes unanimously 15 to 0. Your next item sir. The approval of 00:54:49.460 --> 00:54:58.140 engagement letter with Lowenbaum Law. This is a engagement to work at basically 00:54:58.140 --> 00:55:03.660 the $500 per hour and it's a continuation of a service that we 00:55:03.660 --> 00:55:08.380 had with them and we so therefore we didn't have to take it out for a bid and 00:55:08.380 --> 00:55:09.220 and things like that. 00:55:09.220 --> 00:55:11.460 So I'm going to make a motion to approve. 00:55:11.460 --> 00:55:12.580 Is there a second? 00:55:13.460 --> 00:55:14.300 Second. 00:55:14.300 --> 00:55:15.120 By Mr. Diddens. 00:55:15.120 --> 00:55:16.720 Discussion. 00:55:16.720 --> 00:55:19.340 Mr. Hadley. 00:55:19.340 --> 00:55:20.260 Go ahead, sir. 00:55:21.260 --> 00:55:24.180 Do we know what his fee was the last time? 00:55:25.100 --> 00:55:25.940 I think. 00:55:25.940 --> 00:55:26.780 Mrs. Newcomer. 00:55:27.660 --> 00:55:30.940 It's about $150 an hour savings 00:55:30.940 --> 00:55:33.620 now that he is not with Jackson Lewis any longer. 00:55:33.620 --> 00:55:35.740 Also, we're getting a savings on this. 00:55:35.740 --> 00:55:36.580 Correct. 00:55:36.580 --> 00:55:39.080 Jackson-Lewis, and went out on his own firm. 00:55:39.080 --> 00:55:41.280 He is now cheaper through his own firm. 00:55:41.280 --> 00:55:42.460 Okay, thank you. 00:55:42.460 --> 00:55:44.260 Yep. 00:55:44.260 --> 00:55:46.980 Any other discussion? 00:55:46.980 --> 00:55:48.860 And just for those of you that may not be aware, 00:55:48.860 --> 00:55:51.220 Mr. Lowenbaum is a labor attorney. 00:55:51.220 --> 00:55:55.960 He has helped the county with several of the contracts 00:55:55.960 --> 00:55:58.980 that we have with the unions. 00:55:58.980 --> 00:56:00.960 If no other discussion, you may go ahead 00:56:00.960 --> 00:56:02.960 and vote for the approval. 00:56:06.580 --> 00:56:17.500 and that passes unanimously 15 to 0. Any other information Mr. Jogerst? That's all 00:56:17.500 --> 00:56:21.660 Chairman, thank you. Perfect, thank you. Moving on to Court Services, Mr. Diddens, 00:56:21.660 --> 00:56:27.060 no action items. Do you have any information to share? Yes, thank you Mr. 00:56:27.060 --> 00:56:32.820 Chairman. I just have one announcement. The Circuit Clerk's Chief Deputy Clerk, Brandy 00:56:32.820 --> 00:56:37.780 Meloncon graduated on May 13th from the Leadership Institute at Highland 00:56:37.780 --> 00:56:44.120 Community College and I just wanted to thank her for her dedication and her you 00:56:44.120 --> 00:56:48.040 know continued education so that's all thank you. Great thank you. 00:56:48.040 --> 00:56:53.539 We move on to nursing center Mrs. Lawfer no action items do you have any 00:56:53.539 --> 00:56:57.520 information and if you do could you please press your microphone button for 00:56:57.520 --> 00:57:09.400 The current census is 80 as of last Thursday, May 14th, and all POCs for the annual and 00:57:09.400 --> 00:57:12.420 life safety service have been submitted. 00:57:12.420 --> 00:57:17.460 The facility continues to monitor staffing levels to ensure adequate coverage across 00:57:17.460 --> 00:57:19.460 all departments. 00:57:19.460 --> 00:57:23.120 Agency hours have been zero for the last couple of weeks. 00:57:23.120 --> 00:57:26.560 and the facility celebrated nursing home week last week also. 00:57:27.680 --> 00:57:29.360 And that's all the information I have. 00:57:29.360 --> 00:57:31.640 Great, thank you very much. 00:57:31.640 --> 00:57:34.640 We'll move on to planning and development. 00:57:34.640 --> 00:57:37.840 Mr. Fricke, you have an action item. 00:57:37.840 --> 00:57:39.040 Go ahead, sir. 00:57:39.040 --> 00:57:39.880 Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 00:57:39.880 --> 00:57:41.960 We have one action item here this evening. 00:57:41.960 --> 00:57:46.320 This is the approval of a release of a mortgage. 00:57:46.320 --> 00:57:49.840 The reason we have this in here is this number of years ago, 00:57:49.840 --> 00:57:57.120 of 2003, there was a program where people could get money to do some rehab work to 00:57:57.120 --> 00:58:03.000 their homes and they had to agree to stay there for five years. The people that 00:58:03.000 --> 00:58:07.480 have owned this house now have done their part, now they're looking to sell 00:58:07.480 --> 00:58:12.760 and they've done that but they've never looked at releasing the mortgage until 00:58:12.760 --> 00:58:17.520 now so they're just asking us to release the mortgage and so with that 00:58:17.520 --> 00:58:33.520 Motion by Mr. Fricke, seconded by Mr. Busker, any discussion? Mr. Bush, go ahead, sir. 00:58:33.520 --> 00:58:39.520 Yeah, does this person have to live in that house or can't he rent it out? 00:58:39.520 --> 00:58:46.520 At this point, they met all those things, they had to live there for five years, 00:58:46.520 --> 00:58:52.400 and that was back in 2003. So they've lived there for more than five years and 00:58:52.400 --> 00:58:58.440 now they're just trying to sell the property or I can't say sell but to the 00:58:58.440 --> 00:59:05.960 property is going to change hands and they just need the mortgage lien released. 00:59:05.960 --> 00:59:13.320 Does that answer your question? Yeah. Yeah. Anything else Mr. Bush? No. All right. Very good. 00:59:13.320 --> 00:59:15.320 Any other discussion? 00:59:16.880 --> 00:59:18.880 Seeing none, you may go ahead and vote for that approval. 00:59:29.760 --> 00:59:36.520 That passes unanimously 15 to 0. Any other information of your committee, Mr. Fricke? Not at this time, Mr. Chairman. 00:59:36.520 --> 00:59:43.079 All right. Thank you, sir. We'll move on to Public Works. Mr. Brandt, you have two action items. 00:59:43.320 --> 00:59:51.240 and you may go ahead sir. Thank you Mr. Chairman. The first is HD 2608 which is 00:59:51.240 --> 00:59:56.520 the agreement for federal day labor on a pavement preservation project. This is a 00:59:56.520 --> 01:00:00.840 reimbursement for county that county provided seal coding on Orangeville 01:00:00.840 --> 01:00:07.240 Road. With that I make a motion to approve. Thank you. Is there a second? 01:00:07.240 --> 01:00:16.360 Thank you. Is there a second by Mr. Jogerst? Is there any discussion? Mr. Hadley, go ahead sir. 01:00:16.360 --> 01:00:21.720 Did you say Orangeville Road? How many miles will that cover then this price? 01:00:21.720 --> 01:00:37.880 this is a reimbursement so oh no so we've done it already or okay then how 01:00:37.880 --> 01:00:50.360 many miles roughly pretty expensive anyone else seeing none you may go ahead 01:00:50.360 --> 01:00:52.360 I'll go ahead and vote for that. 01:01:02.360 --> 01:01:04.360 And that passes unanimously 15-0. 01:01:04.360 --> 01:01:06.360 Your next item, please. 01:01:06.360 --> 01:01:10.360 HD 2609 is a culvert repair cost sharing petition with 01:01:10.360 --> 01:01:12.360 Waddam's Township. 01:01:12.360 --> 01:01:16.360 Mr. Hadley, this will be considerably cheaper. 01:01:16.360 --> 01:01:26.480 so I make a motion to approve HD 2609. Is there a second by Mr. Newton? Mr. Hadley 01:01:26.480 --> 01:01:31.160 would you press your button please? Go ahead sir. A little confused I see the 01:01:31.160 --> 01:01:36.640 petitioner was the Highway Commissioner from Buckeye Township. Is this being done 01:01:36.640 --> 01:01:44.120 in Buckeye Township or Wadham's Grove Township? And why is the Buckeye Township 01:01:44.120 --> 01:01:47.040 and the ship guy doing the Wadham-Groves Township. 01:01:49.840 --> 01:01:51.240 Very good question. 01:01:51.240 --> 01:01:53.240 Dale, any thoughts? 01:01:53.240 --> 01:01:54.840 I think it's a handball. 01:01:54.840 --> 01:01:57.640 This is supposed to be for Wadham Township, so who signed it? 01:01:59.120 --> 01:02:00.640 Well, Larry Rocko. 01:02:00.640 --> 01:02:04.460 Yeah, he signed Wadham Township, so the handball wasn't born. 01:02:04.460 --> 01:02:06.640 He is Wadham Township, okay. 01:02:06.640 --> 01:02:11.640 So, well, we should probably amend that then, huh? 01:02:11.680 --> 01:02:14.100 Are you making a motion to amend it, Mr. Hadley? 01:02:14.100 --> 01:02:15.020 Yes. 01:02:15.020 --> 01:02:17.300 To Wadams? 01:02:17.300 --> 01:02:20.980 Yeah, Wadams Grove, instead of, it says Black Eyed Township, 01:02:20.980 --> 01:02:22.740 instead of Black Eyed Township, 01:02:22.740 --> 01:02:24.620 amend it to Wadam Grove's Township. 01:02:24.620 --> 01:02:27.540 All right, and Mr. Jogerst, you're seconding the amendment. 01:02:27.540 --> 01:02:29.580 Is there any discussion on the amendment? 01:02:29.580 --> 01:02:31.020 I would like to add, Mr. Chairman, 01:02:31.020 --> 01:02:33.340 it does say Wadams Township at the very top 01:02:33.340 --> 01:02:35.100 of that resolution, so. 01:02:35.100 --> 01:02:36.260 Correct. 01:02:36.260 --> 01:02:38.980 But down here where it says Commissioner. 01:02:38.980 --> 01:02:41.460 Mr. Rasmussen is actually correct. 01:02:41.460 --> 01:02:43.100 That is a typo. 01:02:43.100 --> 01:02:44.900 Any other discussion on the amendment? 01:02:46.220 --> 01:02:48.720 Seeing none, you may vote for the amendment, please. 01:02:57.980 --> 01:03:01.340 And the amendment passes unanimously 15 to zero. 01:03:01.340 --> 01:03:02.940 The original motion is still on the floor. 01:03:02.940 --> 01:03:05.280 Is there any other discussion as amended? 01:03:08.140 --> 01:03:09.820 Seeing none, you may vote. 01:03:13.100 --> 01:03:29.400 and that passes unanimously 14 to 0. Mr. Brandt, any other information? Not this evening, thank you. 01:03:29.400 --> 01:03:37.600 All right, is there a motion to adjourn until 6 30 p.m. June 18th, 2026 by Mr. Bush? Is there a second? Second by Mr. Busker. 01:03:37.600 --> 01:03:39.700 You may go ahead and vote on adjournment. 01:03:43.100 --> 01:03:54.940 and that passes unanimously thank you everyone have a safe holiday weekend