McLean County Times

McLean County Justice Committee met Nov. 5.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Members Present: Chairman George Gordon Members George Wendt, Susan Schafer, Carlo Robustelli, Jim Soeldner, and Lyndsay Bloomfield

Members Absent: Member Randall Martin

Other County Board Members Present: Chairman John McIntyre

Staff Present: Ms. Camille Rodriguez, County Administrator, Mr. Eric Schmitt, Assistant County Administrator, Ms. Cassy Taylor, Assistant County Administrator; Ms. Jessica Woods, First Assistant State’s Attorney – Civil Division and Ms. Julie Morlock, Recording Secretary

Department Heads/ Elected Officials Present: Mr. Don Knapp, State’s Attorney, Mr. Michael Donovan, Director Court Services; Mr. Jason Tabb, Juvenile Detention Center, Ms. Molly Evans, Children’s Advocacy Center, Ms. Carla Barnes, Public Defender, Ms. Kathy Yoder, Coroner; Mr. Jon Sandage, Sheriff; Mr. Don Everhart, Circuit Clerk

Others Present: Chairman Gordon called the meeting to order and declared a quorum.

Chairman Gordon presented the minutes of the September 17, 2019 special meeting and October 5, 2019 regular meeting for approval.

Motion by Soeldner/Schafer to approve the minutes from the September 17, 2019 special meeting and October 5, 2019 regular meeting.

Motion Carried.

Chairman Gordon confirmed there were no appearances by members of the public.

Ms. Kathy Yoder, McLean County Coroner presented her monthly reports. Chairman Gordon asked if the Committee had any questions, hearing none, he thanked her.

Mr. Don Knapp, State’s Attorney, presented his reports. Chairman Gordon asked for an update on how Cannabis laws would affect his department. Mr. Knapp stated they would not know for sure until the law goes into effect, but they are expecting DUI’s to go up which will increase paperwork and court work. Mr. Gordon asked how the trailer bills might affect work. Mr. Knapp stated they have heard about several trailer bills that could affect processing but would also affect timing of taxes that could be imposed. Mr. Knapp stated he would update them as new information comes to them. Ms. Schafer asked for an update on the opioid cases and settlements that include McLean County. Mr. Knapp stated that one of the Bell Weather cases in Ohio settled right before it started, but not sure, that settlement affected the settlement range of other cases. He stated he would bring updates as they receive more information. Chairman Gordon asked if there were any other questions; hearing none, he thanked him.

Mr. Mike Donovan, Director of Court Services presented his monthly reports. Chairman Gordon asked if the Committee had any questions for Mr. Donovan; hearing none, he thanked him.

Mr. Don Everhart, Circuit Clerk present his monthly and quarterly reports. Chairman Gordon asked if there were any questions, hearing none he thanked Mr. Everhart.

Ms. Carla Barnes, Public Defender presented her caseload report. Chairman Gordon asked if there were any questions; hearing none, he thanked her.

Ms. Molly Evans, Director, Children’s Advocacy Center, presented her monthly statistical reports to the Committee. Chairman Gordon asked if there were any questions, hearing none, he thanked her.

Mr. Jon Sandage, McLean County Sheriff present for action a request to approve an Intergovernmental Agreement between the State of Illinois, Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the County of McLean. He indicated this was renewal of grant agreement including a small increase in the amount we are receiving and increase in volunteer hours we are to provide.

Motion by Soeldner/Bloomfield to recommend approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement between the State of Illinois, Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the County of McLean.

Motion Carried.

Mr. Jon Sandage, McLean County Sheriff present for action a request to approve an Agreement for GED Instruction, for Calendar Year 2020 with Heartland Community College and the McLean County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Sandage indicated contract is a renewal that includes a 2% increase. Mr. Soeldner asked about the number of students that normally utilize this program. Mr. Sandage indicated it varies from none to full class.

Motion by Schafer/Robustelli to recommend approval of an Agreement for GED Instruction, Calendar Year 2020 with Heartland Community College and the McLean County Sheriff’s Office

Motion Carried.

Chairman Gordon asked if the Committee had any objection to combining G1c, d and e. The Committee agreed. Chairman Gordon present for action a request to approve Intergovernmental Agreements between the County of McLean and the City of Bloomington, Illinois State University and the Town of Normal for booking services.

Motion by Wendt/Robustelli to recommend approval of Intergovernmental Agreements between the County of McLean and the City of Bloomington, Illinois State University and Town of Normal for booking services.

Motion Carried.

Mr. Jon Sandage, McLean County Sheriff present for action a request to approve a contract for Chaplin Services with Ruth Chin. Mr. Sandage indicated this is a continuation and that includes a 1.5% pay increase.

Motion by Robustelli/Wendt to recommend approval of a contract for Chaplin Services with Ruth Chin

Motion Carried.

Mr. Sandage presented his monthly reports. Chairman Gordon asked if there were any questions on the reports; hearing none, he asked if there were any other comments or questions for the Sheriff. Mr. Soeldner asked about work increase for the Sheriff Department because of the cannabis law changes. Mr. Sandage indicated same enforcement will be utilized but it will take longer to process. He said the expungement process would create a lot more work for our records department. Mr. Wendt asked how they determine what can be expunged. Mr. Wendt provided example and Mr. Sandage explained what the expungement would be based on in that example. Mr. Sandage stated most of their expungements would be based on misdemeanors.

Mr. Sandage thanked those that attended the Blue Light Event. Mr. Wendt thanked him and said it was very eye opening. Mr. Soeldner thanked him and commented there was good media coverage of the event. Ms. Schafer stated she thought it was good the media participated so when they are reporting information they will have a better understanding. Ms. Bloomfield also thanked him for the event as she felt it provided important information and perspective.

Ms. Camille Rodriguez, County Administrator provided her report on recent positions filled. Chairman Gordon asked if there were any questions; hearing none, he thanked her.

Chairman Gordon presented bills for review and approval as transmitted by the County Auditor with a Prepaid and Fund Total of $817,582.33.

Motion by Schafer/Robustelli to approve the Justice Committee bills as transmitted by the County Auditor with a prepaid and fund total of $817,582.33.

Motion Carried.

Chairman Gordon asked if there was any other business or communication for the Justice Committee; hearing none, he adjourned at 4:54 p.m.

https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/7006