McLean County Times

McLean County Board Executive Committee met Feb. 7

The Executive Committee of the McLean County Board met at 4:00 p.m. in Room 400, Government Center, 115 E. Washington Street, Bloomington, Illinois.

Members Present: Chairman John McIntyre and Members James Soeldner, Chuck Erickson, Susan Schafer, Catherine Metsker, Josh Barnett, George

Wendt and Randall Martin

Members Absent: None

Other Board Members

Present: William Friedrich

Staff Present: Cassy Taylor, County Administrator; Cathy Dreyer Assistant County Administrator; Chris Spanos, First Assistant State’s Attorney – Civil Division; Julie Morlock, Recording Secretary

Department Heads/Elected Officials Present: Craig Nelson, Information Technologies; Vanessa Granger Belcher, BHCC

Others Present: None

Chairman McIntyre called to order a meeting of the Executive Committee at 4:00 p.m. and declared a quorum.

Chairman McIntyre presented the minutes of the Executive Committee’s January 10, 2022, regular meeting for approval.

Motion by Wendt/Metsker to approve the Executive Committee’s January 10, 2022, regular meeting for approval.

Motion Carried.

Chairman McIntyre confirmed with Ms. Taylor there were no requests to speak. Chairman McIntyre presented the appointments and reappointments for approval.

Motion by Schafer/Barnett to recommend approval of the appointments and reappointments.

Motion Carried.

Chairman McIntyre indicated that the BHCC report was in the packet and asked if there were any questions; hearing none, he moved to the next item on the agenda.

Chairman McIntyre indicated there had been two applicants for the open position in District #6. He noted each would be invited to provide information about themselves and then the Committee would be allowed to ask questions.

Mr. McIntyre welcomed Ms. Beverly Bell to the meeting. Ms. Bell presented her work and personal history, ties to the community and history serving on other Boards in the community to the Members. Mr. Soeldner asked her what committees she might want to serve on. She indicated that transportation as her brother had worked construction in the community for 40 years. She also indicated would be interested in helping on committees that addressed mental illness. Mr. Erickson indicated he had been able to discuss issues with Ms. Wollrab even though they did not always agree and asked if she would be able to do the same. Ms. Bell provided example from her past in working with someone who had a different opinion. She indicated in the military you learn to work together to solve problems no matter what your political stance might be. Ms. Schafer asked if she intended to run for County Board or if this was interim. Ms. Bell indicated she would be able to answer that better in another month. Mr. Barnett asked her what she would be most excited about with her service on the board. Ms. Bell indicated she was excited to see the board come together and accomplish things that years from now she could look back and say she was proud to have been a part of that. Chairman McIntyre asked if there were any other questions; hearing none, he thanked her and told her they would be in touch.

Chairman McIntyre welcomed Mr. Lough. Mr. Lough provided his educational and work experience to the Members. He stated he felt the community had been divided and looked to work to bring the community together. Mr. Soeldner asked him what committees he would be interested in serving on. Mr. Lough indicated he was interested in the finance and land use/transportation committees as there are a lot of challenges with environment. Mr. Erickson stated he felt he had a good relationship with Ms. Wollrab even though they had different viewpoints and asked how Mr. Lough felt he would be able to handle talking and working with others who had different opinions. Mr. Lough indicated that he welcomed it and liked to talk to others with different opinions than himself and provided examples of schools attended with individuals from very different backgrounds politically. Ms. Schafer asked if he would consider running for County Board this Fall. Mr. Lough indicated he would weight his options based on things that happen in the next few weeks. Mr. Barnett asked him what he is most excited about being able to accomplish through his service on the county board. Mr. Lough indicated he is excited to learn from others on the Board and learn more about his community and what the community needs. Mr. McIntyre asked what attracted him to Wabash college. Mr. Lough indicated the school provided scholarship that he needed. He also discussed the main rule at Wabash and how he felt that he tried to live by the rule and be respectful. Chairman McIntyre asked if there were any other questions; hearing none, he thanked him and indicated they would be in touch.

Chairman McIntyre invited members to please contact him with regard to the two candidates so he could make an informed decision about the appointment. He noted the appointment would be announced at the Board meeting this Thursday.

Ms. Catherine Metsker, Chairman of the Finance Committee presented for action a request to an Ordinance Transferring Monies from the County General Fund 0001 to the Children’s Advocacy Center Fund -0129, the Court Security Fund 0141, the IDPA IV-D Fund 0156, and the Tort Judgement Fund 0135 for Fiscal Year 2022.; and an Ordinance Transferring Monies from the Health Department Fund 0112 to the Persons with Developmental Disability Fund 0110 for Fiscal Year 2022; and a Resolution Transferring Monies from the Working Cash Fund 0002 To the F.I.C.A./Social Security Fund 0130 and IMRF Fund 0131 for Fiscal Year 2022. Ms. Taylor noted this is to cover any necessary expenses in these funds until property taxes come in at the beginning of the summer.

Motion by Metsker/Soeldner to recommend approval of an Ordinance Transferring Monies from the County General Fund 0001 to the Children’s Advocacy Center Fund -0129, the Court Security Fund 0141, the IDPA IV-D Fund 0156, and the Tort Judgement Fund 0135 for Fiscal Year 2022; and an Ordinance Transferring Monies from the Health Department Fund 0112 to the Persons with Developmental Disability Fund 0110 for Fiscal Year 2022; and a Resolution Transferring Monies from the Working Cash Fund 0002 To the F.I.C.A./Social Security Fund 0130 and IMRF Fund 0131 for Fiscal Year 2022. Motion Carried.

Ms. Metsker presented for action a request to approve an Emergency Appropriation Ordinance Amending the McLean County Fiscal Year 2021 Combined Annual Appropriation and Budget Ordinance for the Auditor, Treasurer and County Clerk Offices.

Motion by Metsker/Martin to recommend approval of an Emergency Appropriation Ordinance Amending the McLean County Fiscal Year 2021 Combined Annual Appropriation and Budget Ordinance for the Auditor, Treasurer and County Clerk Offices.

Motion Carried.

Ms. Metsker indicated they had no further items for action today but would have items for the Board. Chairman McIntyre asked if there were any comments or questions; hearing none, he thanked her.

Ms. Susan Schafer, Chairman of the Health Committee presented for action a request to approve an Emergency Appropriation Ordinance Amending the McLean County Fiscal Year 2021 Combined Annual Appropriation for the Jail Medical; and an Emergency Appropriation Ordinance Amending the McLean County Fiscal Year 2021 Combined Annual Appropriation and Budget Ordinance for the Nursing Home. She indicated these were clean up items in preparation for the annual audit.

Motion by Schafer/Soeldner to recommend approval of an Emergency Appropriation Ordinance Amending the McLean County Fiscal Year 2021 Combined Annual Appropriation for Jail Medical; and an Emergency Appropriation Ordinance Amending the McLean County Fiscal Year 2021 Combined Annual Appropriation and Budget Ordinance for the Nursing Home. Motion Carried.

Ms. Susan Schafer, Chairman of the Health Committee presented for action a request to approve an Emergency Appropriation Ordinance Amending the McLean County Fiscal Year 2022 Combined Annual Appropriation and Budget Ordinance Jail Medical.

Motion by Schafer/Metsker to recommend approval of an Emergency Appropriation Ordinance Amending the McLean County Fiscal Year 2022 Combined Annual Appropriation and Budget Ordinance Jail Medical

Motion Carried.

Ms. Schafer indicated they had no further items for the Committee today but would have items for the Board. Chairman McIntyre asked if there were any questions; hearing none, he thanked her.

Mr. Chuck Erickson, Chairman of the Justice Committee presented for action a request to approve an Intergovernmental Grant Agreement between the State of Illinois, Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority and Mclean County.

Motion by Erickson/Martin to recommend approval of an Intergovernmental Grant Agreement between the State of Illinois, Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority and Mclean County.

Motion Carried.

Mr. Erickson presented for action a request to approve a contract for Services between DeWitt County Community Mental Health Board and McLean County Children’s Advocacy Center.

Motion by Erickson/Schafer to recommend approval of a Contract for Services between DeWitt County Community Mental Health Board and McLean County Children’s Advocacy Center.

Motion Carried.

Mr. Erickson presented for action a request to approve a Grant Agreement between Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois and Children’s Advocacy Center of McLean County.

Motion by Erickson/Metsker to recommend approval of a Grant Agreement between Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois and Children’s Advocacy Center of McLean County

Motion Carried.

Mr. Erickson presented for action a request to approve an Emergency Appropriation Ordinance Amending the McLean County Fiscal Year 2021 Combined Annual Appropriation and Budget Ordinance for the Sheriff, Jury Commission and Coroner Departments.

Motion by Erickson/Schafer to recommend approval of an Emergency Appropriation Ordinance Amending the McLean County Fiscal Year 2021 Combined Annual Appropriation and Budget Ordinance for the Sheriff, Jury Commission and Coroner Departments.

Motion Carried.

Mr. Erickson indicated the Justice Committee had no further items for action today but would have additional items for the Board. Chairman McIntyre asked if there were any questions; hearing none, he thanked him.

Mr. James Soeldner, Vice Chairman of the Land Use and Development Committee indicated he had no items for action for the Committee today. Chairman McIntyre asked if there were any questions; hearing none, he thanked him.

Mr. Josh Barnett, Chairman of the Property Committee indicated he had no action items for the Committee today but would have items for the Board. Chairman McIntyre asked if there were any questions; hearing none, he thanked him.

Mr. Jim Soeldner Chairman of the Transportation Committee indicated he had no items for action for the Committee but would have items for the Board. He thanked Mr. Friedrich for covering meeting. Mr. Soeldner indicated there had been discussion at the Finance Committee and confirmed the Governor was considering not increasing gas tax. Chairman McIntyre asked if there were any questions; hearing none, he thanked him.

Ms. Cassy Taylor, Interim County Administrator presented for action a request to approve a Resolution of the Mclean County Board continuing the Declaration of a Disaster (COVID).

Motion by Barnett/Metsker to recommend approval of a Resolution of the Mclean County Board continuing the Declaration of a Disaster (COVID). Motion Carried.

Ms. Taylor provide for action a request to approve an Emergency Appropriation Ordinance Amending the McLean County Fiscal Year 2021 Combined Annual Appropriation and Budget Ordinance for Administration. She indicated this was a clean up item in preparation of the annual audit.

Motion by Schafer/Martin to recommend approval of an Emergency Appropriation Ordinance Amending the McLean County Fiscal Year 2021 Combined Annual Appropriation and Budget Ordinance for Administration Motion Carried.

Other Business – Mr. Soeldner went over issues that are being considered at the state level including Senate Bill that proposed paying some of each County Sheriff’s salary. Ms. Metsker asked where they would get the funding for those salaries. Mr. Soeldner stated he was not sure of that information. Mr. Soeldner noted other Bills being proposed including one regarding wind farms regulations, one that would move responsibilities for Townships into the County’s hands and another regarding responsibility for cyber-attacks. Mr. Barnett also noted another Bill that would allow the Board with a 2/3 vote to put an elected official on leave if they are charged with crime that pertained to their office.

Mr. Erickson stated he hoped the Legislative Committee would continue to follow up on trying to get reimbursement for inmates we are housing that should have been transferred to the State.

Mr. McIntyre announced Mr. Webb’s resignation from the Board and noted applications for that vacancy would be due in Administration by noon on March 3rd. He indicated notification would go out to leaders in the community.

Chairman McIntyre presented for approval bills in the amount of $636,161.41 for the General Fund, Shared Sales Tax and Veterans Assistance Commission.

Motion by Schafer/Metsker to approve payment of the General invoices. Motion Carried. 

Chairman McIntyre presented for approval invoices in the amount of $124,587.73 for Regional Planning. Motion Barnett/Martin to approve regional planning invoices. 

Motion carried. 

Chairman McIntyre indicated there was no further business to come before the Committee and adjourned the meeting at 4:56 p.m.

https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/8589