McLean County Times

McLean County Property Committee met Sept. 1.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

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

Members Present: Chairman Josh Barnett; Members Elizabeth Johnston, Jim Rogal, Lea Cline and Val Laymon

Members Absent: Member Lyndsay Bloomfield

Other Members

Present: None

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

Department Heads/Elected Officials Present: Tim Daugherty, Facilities Management Director; Mike Steffa, Parks and Recreation Department

Others Present: None

Chairman Barnett called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and declared a quorum.

Chairman Barnett presented for approval the consent agenda which included minutes from the August 4, 2022, regular meeting and bills in the amount of $356,805.72.

Motion by Watchinski/Cline to approve the Consent Agenda including minutes from the August 4, 2022, regular meeting, as well as bills in the amount of $356,805.72.

Motion Carried.

Chairman Barnett confirmed with Ms. Taylor there were no appearances by members of the public or County employees.

Mr. Tim Daugherty, Facilities Management Director presented his monthly report.

Chairman Barnett mentioned the reclass request that would go to the Finance Committee for approval. Mr. Daugherty explained the request was to move FTE’s from Mechanic I to Mechanic II. Chairman Barnett asked if there were any questions; hearing none, he thanked him.

Mr. Mike Steffa, Director Parks and Recreation Department presented his monthly report. Ms. Laymon asked how things went with the beach with no lifeguards. Mr. Steffa indicated numbers decreased but still had several visitors to the beach and he felt it went well. Chairman Barnett asked if there were any questions; hearing none, he thanked him.

Cassy Taylor, County Administrator, presented for action a request to approve placement of historical markers at the History Museum and West Park. Ms. Taylor went over the markers including a walk of heroes at the History Museum and the West Park project in LeRoy that would involve moving Kickapoo Grand Village stone marker to West Park as well as improvements to the gazebo in the park. She indicated the Laborers were assisting with the move of the 3,000 lb. rock, and both roofers and steel workers were being consulted about assisting with the gazebo. Ms. Johnston stated she felt this was a great way to honor legacy of Mr. West who donated the West Park land and instrumental in getting the marker in the first place. She also stated she was grateful for partnerships and work by Administration to have this work completed. Mr. Barnett agreed.

Motion by Cline/Watchinski to recommend approval of placement of historical markers at the History Museum and West Park.

Motion Carried.

Mr. Barnett noted the dedication event for War Memorial at the History Museum in November.

Ms. Taylor provided an update on the lead abatement project at the History Museum and noted the action item would be presented to Executive.

Ms. Taylor provided an update on the COMLARA Park building and excavation project. Mr. Steffa indicated they considered two areas and picked a location that would require the least amount of moving of utilities. She indicated the contracts would be presented to the Executive Committee for action as they were ARPA funded projects. Ms. Cline asked if there were renderings. Ms. Taylor indicated they could provide those to the Committee. Ms. Laymon asked about the expected lifespan of the building. Mr. Steffa indicated at least 50 years.

Chairman Barnett asked if there was any other business to come before the Committee. Ms. Laymon asked if there was going to be a ceremony at West Park. Ms. Taylor indicated the History Museum staff had already started working on that event, but they did not have a date yet. Chairman Barnett asked if there was any other business; hearing none, he adjourned the meeting at 4:16 p.m.

https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/9204