McLean County Executive Committee met April 9.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
Members Present: Chairman John McIntyre, Members Jim Soeldner, George Gordon, William Caisley Chuck Erickson, Laurie Wollrab, Scott Murphy and Susan Schafer (arrived 4:48 p.m.)
Members Absent: Member Metsker
Other Board Members Present: Member Jacob Beard
Staff Present: Bill Wasson, County Administrator; Eric Schmitt, Assistant County Administrator; Jessica Woods, First Assistant State’s Attorney – Civil Division; Mr. Julie Morlock, Recording Secretary; Trisha Malott, Behavioral Health Coordinating Council Supervisor
Department Heads/ Elected Officials Present:
Others Present: Derek Barker, Assistant Director Information Technologies Department
Department Heads/ Elected Officials Present:
Chairman McIntyre called to order a meeting of the Executive Committee at 4:30 p.m. and declared a quorum.
Chairman McIntyre presented the minutes from the February 19, 2019 special meeting and March 12, 2019 regular meeting of the Executive Committee for approval.
Motion by Caisley/Wollrab to approve the minutes from the February 19, 2019 special meeting and March 12, 2019 regular meeting of the Executive Committee.
Motion Carried
Chairman McIntyre confirmed there were no members of the public or employees to speak before the Committee.
Chairman McIntyre presented appointments and reappointments for approval. Mr. Caisley asked Staff to confirm that the Carlock appointment was a McLean County appointment and not Woodford County appointment. Mr. McIntyre confirmed it was our appointment to make.
Motion by Soeldner/Gordon to recommend approval of appointments and reappointments.
Motion Carried.
Mr. McIntyre presented on behalf of Craig Nelson, Information Technologies Director a request to approve the purchase of personal Dell computers through the Joint Purchasing Contract.
Motion by Gordon/Wollrab to recommend approval of the purchase of personal Dell computers through the Joint Purchasing Contract.
Motion Carried.
Mr. McIntyre indicated Ms. Malott had an update from the Behavioral Health Coordinating Council. Ms. Malott indicated that the memo in the packet updated the Committee on status of programs and activities she has been involved with. Mr. McIntyre asked if there were any questions, hearing nothing, he thanked her.
Mr. McIntyre indicated that they had an update from the Economic Development Council and asked Mr. O’Grady to come forward. Mr. O’Grady indicated he was in attendance to ask for an extension of the Enterprise Zone for Brandt industries. He indicated that Brandt had bought properties both to the North and East of their property and want to include those in the Enterprise Zone. Ms. Wollrab asked if any of the One Voice projects would be funded. Mr. O’Grady provided an update on discussions Normal had with the Department of Transportation on underpass project. Mr. McIntyre asked if the Committee would consider moving the Finance section forward on the agenda to consider the enterprise zone and tax abatement matters.
Mr. Jim Soeldner, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented for action a request to approve an Animal Control Center Agreement with the Town of Normal
Motion by Soeldner/Wollrab to recommend approval of an Animal Control Center Agreement with the Town of Normal.
Motion Carried.
Mr. Soeldner presented for action a request to approve a Town of Normal Contract for Animal Control Warden Services.
Motion by Soeldner/Caisley to recommend approval of Town of Normal Contract for Animal Control Warden Services
Motion Carried.
Mr. Soeldner presented for action a request to approve an Ordinance Amending Ordinances which Established and Encompassed Contiguous Portions of Territory within the Bloomington Normal McLean County Gibson City Ford County Enterprise Zone (and all Amendatory Ordinances thereto). Mr. Caisley asked if current request put us close to the maximum. Mr. O’Grady indicated there is still plenty of space in the Enterprise Zone.
Motion by Soeldner/Gordon to recommend approval of an Ordinance Amending Ordinances which Established and Encompassed Contiguous Portions of Territory within the Bloomington Normal McLean County Gibson City Ford County Enterprise Zone (and all Amendatory Ordinances thereto).
Motion Carried.
Mr. Soeldner presented for action an Ordinance Abating the Levy of 2018 Property Taxes for Brandt Industries USA Ltd and Brandt Properties USA Ltd in Accordance with the 2017 Economic Incentive Agreement. Mr. Erickson stated that his support of the Brandt Agreement was contingent upon having strong benchmarks in the agreement. He asked Mr. O’Grady if Brandt met the benchmarks and how he reached that determination. Mr. O’Grady indicated this self-reporting method is the same used for Bridgestone Firestone. He indicated Brandt was not required to provide investment information only employee information. He stated he has made available in the office and had brought with him to the meeting a roster of employees that also includes a breakdown of employees hired each month. He stated that the requirement in the first year was 50 employees and as of January 1, 2019, they had 73 full-time employees and had 12 additional positions they were trying to hire. Mr. Erickson asked him to confirm we did pull an incentive from Bridgestone Firestone at one time because they did not meet a benchmark. Mr. O’Grady confirmed. Mr. Erickson indicated he wanted to make sure benchmarks are being looked over and enforced because it is important to tax payers. Mr. Erickson indicated he did not need to see the report, as he was ok with Mr. O’Grady telling them benchmarks had been met. Mr. McIntyre also reminded the Committee there was a tour of the facility. Mr. Soeldner stated that that Brandt is expanding and have indicated they see a lot of potential in this area.
Motion by Soeldner/Wollrab to recommend approval of an Ordinance Abating the Levy of 2018 Property Taxes for Brandt Industries USA Ltd and Brandt Properties USA Ltd in Accordance with the 2017 Economic Incentive Agreement
Motion Carried.
Mr. Soeldner presented for action a Resolution Transferring Monies from the Working Cash Fund 0002 to the F.I.C.A./Social Security Fund 0130 and the IMRF Fund 0131, Fiscal Year 2019.
Motion by Soeldner/Wollrab to recommend approval of a Resolution Transferring Monies from the Working Cash Fund 0002 to the F.I.C.A./Social Security Fund 0130 and the IMRF Fund 0131, Fiscal Year 2019.
Motion Carried.
Mr. Soeldner presented for action an Ordinance Transferring Monies from the Health Department Fund 0112 to the Persons with Developmental Disabilities Fund 0110, Fiscal Year 2019.
Motion by Soeldner/Caisley to recommend approval of an Ordinance Transferring Monies from the Health Department Fund 0112 to the Persons with Developmental Disabilities Fund 0110, Fiscal Year 2019.
Motion Carried.
Mr. Soeldner presented for action an Ordinance Transferring Monies from the County General Fund 0001 to Children’s Advocacy Center Fund 0129, Tort Judgment Fund 0135 and the Emergency Telephone System Board Fund 0450 for Fiscal Year 2019. Mr. Caisley asked for clarification on the transfer for the ETSB Fund and if there was an outstanding judgement. Mr. Wasson stated these transfers are loans to special revenue funds to cover operation costs in the first six month of the year until we receive property tax revenue.
Motion by Soeldner/Wollrab to recommend approval of an Ordinance Transferring Monies from the County General Fund 0001 to Children’s Advocacy Center Fund 0129, Tort Judgment Fund 0135 and the Emergency Telephone System Board Fund 0450 for Fiscal Year 2019.
Motion Carried.
Mr. Soeldner indicated he had no further items for action for the Executive Committee. Chairman McIntyre asked if the Committee had any questions for Mr. Soeldner or the Finance Committee; hearing none, he thanked Mr. Soeldner.
Mr. McIntyre indicated that Ms. Susan Schafer, Chairman of the Health Committee had not arrived but there were no items for action today and then moved to the Land Use and Development Committee.
Mr. Erickson, Chairman of the Land Use and Development Committee indicated they had no items for action today nor items for the Board next week. Mr. Erickson indicated the Committee did have a presentation at their meeting, but found out the matter does not fall under the purview of the Land Use and Development Committee but the Justice Committee and indicated the matter would be heard by the Justice Committee next month. Chairman McIntyre asked if there were any questions for Mr. Erickson, hearing none, he thanked him.
Mr. William Caisley, Chairman of the Transportation Committee presented for action a request to approve a Local Public Agency Agreement for Federal Participation, Appropriation Resolution for Local Match and Intergovernmental Agreement between IDOT and McLean County for the Route 66 Bike Trail – Section 17-00001-05-BT, 1.1 miles south of Shirley to Funk’s Grove. He went over participants and funds that would be involved in the continuation of this project. Mr. McIntyre stated this 80/20 match based on population has been the same agreement since the beginning of the trail project.
Motion by Caisley/Wollrab to recommend approval of a Local Public Agency Agreement for Federal Participation, Appropriation Resolution for Local Match and Intergovernmental Agreement between IDOT and McLean County for the Route 66 Bike Trail – Section 17-00001-05-BT, 1.1 miles south of Shirley to Funk’s Grove.
Motion Carried.
Mr. Caisley indicated they had no further items for the Committee today but would have items for the Board next week. Chairman McIntyre asked the Committee if they had any question for Mr. Caisley; hearing none, he thanked Mr. Caisley.
Mr. Scott Murphy, Chairman of the Property Committee presented for action a request to approve an Emergency Appropriation Ordinance Amending the McLean County Fiscal year 2019 Combined Annual Appropriation and Budget Ordinance for Facilities Department 0041 (FF&E).
Motion by Murphy/Gordon to recommend approval of an Emergency Appropriation Ordinance Amending the McLean County Fiscal year 2019 Combined Annual Appropriation and Budget Ordinance for Facilities Department 0041 (FF&E).
Motion Carried.
Mr. Murphy indicated they had nothing further for the Committee today but would have one additional item for the Board next week. Chairman McIntyre asked if there were any questions for Mr. Murphy and the Property Committee; hearing none, he thanked him.
Ms. Schafer joined the meeting at 4:48 p.m.
Mr. Gordon presented for action a request to approve an Ordinance of the McLean County Board Establishing Civil Fees and Criminal and Traffic Assessments to be charged by the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Mr. Gordon indicated this is in response to changes at the State level. Ms. Wollrab asked if we know at this point, what the financial impact will be to the County. Mr. Wasson stated that the intent of the legislation was to be budget neutral but we are concerned that it will not be the case. He said it is almost impossible for us to determine at this point. He said that revenue will come to the general fund and then the County Board will need to make budget amendments for the last 6 months to fund services. Mr. Wasson also stated that without much history a budget will need to be built for next year so there will probably be adjustments to the budget as Staff proceeds through to budget approval in November. He said one of the biggest challenges is that the legislation expires in 18 months, so the State legislature will have to act in the 2020 legislative session without much information to determine if changes are needed.
Mr. Caisley stated that the amount of revenue that will come into the County will depend on the mix of cases. He stated that the more serious cases carry a higher fine, but there are fewer of them than the lower fee misdemeanor cases. He also reminded them that it is one thing to have a judgement to pay a fee and another to collect it. Mr. McIntyre asked them to confirm that the number of cases will not change. Mr. Caisley indicated that the caseloads will not change because of these fees. Mr. Gordon stated that this has budgetary implication for 2020 and 2021 at a minimum. Mr. Wasson stated there is an expansion of fee and fine waivers that may have an impact on income, especially with traffic offenses. He also stated that the board would have discretionary decisions they have not had in the past because fees went directly to special use funds before and now a majority of funds go to general fund to be used for court related services but will not have a specific use designated. Mr. McIntyre asked if we have discretion on amount received. Mr. Wasson stated the State has a set portion they are to receive so the only fee we can change is the portion that comes to the County. Mr. Caisley said that his reading of the legislation would make fee scheme easier for the Clerk but he had been unable to confirm that with the Clerk before the meeting. Mr. Wasson stated legislation is trying to simplify fee structures but legislation did not take into account an analysis of the possible financial impact.
Motion by Gordon/Murphy to recommend approval of an Ordinance of the McLean County Board Establishing Civil Fees and Criminal and Traffic Assessments to be charged by the Clerk of the Circuit Court
Motion Carried.
Mr. Gordon indicated the Justice Committee had nothing further for the Committee today but would have more items for the Board to consider next week. Chairman McIntyre asked if there were any questions for Mr. Gordon and the Justice Committee, hearing none, he thanked him.
Chairman McIntyre indicated they would move to the County Administrator’s report. Mr. Wasson indicated that he had nothing for the Committee but would be happy to answer any questions.
Chairman McIntyre asked if there was anything to come before the Committee under Other Business. Hearing nothing, he moved on to payment of the bills.
Chairman McIntyre presented a transfer for the Information Technologies Department
Motion by Gordon/Caisley to approve the Information Technologies Department transfer.
Motion Carried.
Chairman McIntyre moved on to the payment of the bills and presented invoices for the Regional Planning Department in the amount of $21,165.83 for that department.
Motion by Gordon/Wollrab to recommend approval of the Regional Planning bills as presented to the Committee by the County Auditor in the amount of $21,165.83.
Motion carried.
The General and Veterans Assistance Commission Bills for under the purview of the Executive Committee in the amount of $323,486.61.
Motion by Soeldner/Murphy to recommend payment of the bills under the purview of the Executive Committee in the amount of $323,486.61.
Motion Carried.
Chairman McIntyre asked for a motion to go into Closed Session pursuant to section 2 (c)(1) of the Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)) to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity.
Motion by Schafer/Soeldner to go into Closed Session pursuant to section 2 (c)(1) of the Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)) to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity.
Motion Carried.
Executive Committee moved into Closed Session at 5:05 p.m. Executive Committee returned to Open Session at 5:28 p.m.
Chairman McIntyre indicated they would bring a contract to Stand-up next Tuesday. He also indicated that since they would not need the meeting this Thursday it would be cancelled.
Chairman McIntyre asked if there was any other business. Mr. Soeldner indicated he attended a meeting of the Illinois Association of County Board Members and went over items and legislation discussed at that meeting. Chairman McIntyre asked if there was anything further; hearing nothing, he adjourned the Executive Committee meeting at 5:34 p.m.
https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/6680
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