McLean County Times

McLean County Executive Committee met July 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The Executive Committee of the McLean County Board met on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. in Room 400, Government Center, 115 E. Washington Street, Bloomington, Illinois.

Members Present: Chair Elizabeth Johnston, Members Lea Cline, Val Laymon, William Friedrich, Krystle Able, Corey Beirne and Adam Reeves

Members Absent: Member Jim Rogal

Other Board Members Present: None

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

Department Heads/ Elected Officials Present: Craig Nelson, Information Technologies, Marita Landreth, Behavioral Health Coordination

Others Present: Dan Leary Information Technologies

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

Chair Johnston presented the Consent Agenda which consisted of the minutes from the June 9, 2025 regular meeting, and invoices in the amount of $783,648.74 for the General Fund, Shared Sales Tax, Veterans Assistance and American Rescue Plan Act as well as invoices in the amount of $60,979.51 for Regional Planning for approval.

Motion by Cline/Able to approve the Consent Agenda which consisted of the minutes from the June 9, 2025 regular meeting, and invoices in the amount of $783,648.74 for the General Fund, Shared Sales Tax, Veterans Assistance and American Rescue Plan Act as well as invoices in the amount of $60,979.51 for Regional Planning.

Motion Carried.

Chair Johnston confirmed with Administrator Taylor there were requests from the public to speak.

Kevin McCall (former BHC Director) spoke against the potential pause of shared sales tax contributions. He noted that needed programs are ramping up, so this was not the time to pause funding. He also noted short term needs should not cause individuals to lose sight of the long-term vision. (refer to audio)

Tricia Braid (constituent) – Regional Planning Strategic Land Use Plan – went over items that needed to be reviewed further. Requested the committee refer the plan back to the Regional Planning Commission to start over. (refer to audio).

Susan Schafer (former Board member) spoke against the potential pause of shared sales tax contributions. She provided history behind the initial agreement and noted this pause would negatively affect the residents of the County. (refer to audio)

Stephanie Barisch (Mental Health provider and Chair of Mental Health and Funding Advisory Council). Urged members to vote against the pause in funding as she noted the lack of funding would negatively affect the needed services provided to residents of the community. (refer to audio)

Kim Freymann the Chief Clinical Officer for at Mclean County Center for Human Services spoke against the pause in mental health funding noting it would negatively affect services and residents in the community. (refer to audio)

Ms. Johnston presented the appointments and reappointments for consideration.

Motion by Beirne/Cline to recommend approval of the presented appointments and reappointments.

Motion Carried. Ms. Krystle Able recused herself from the vote.

Chair Johnston presented on behalf of Craig Nelson, Information Technologies Director a request to approve a Change Order with Caliber Public Safety for additional professional services. Mr. Nelson summarized the items this change order would cover.

Motion by Able/Beirne to recommend approval of Change Order with Caliber Public Safety for additional professional services.

Motion Carried.

Chair Johnston presented on behalf of Mr. Nelson and the Information Technologies Department a request to approve the renewal of Boomi software using Joint Purchasing under a State of Illinois Contract. Mr. Nelson noted this was a continuation agreement and then summarized the services provided under the agreement.

Motion by Beirne/Able to recommend approval of the renewal of Boomi software using Joint Purchasing under a State of Illinois Contract.

Motion Carried.

Chair Johnston presented on behalf of Mr. Nelson and the Information Technologies Department a request to approve a Change Order with Journal Technologies Inc. Mr. Nelson went over the Change Order including items being updated, the interfaces being added to the project, and the changes to the payment milestones.

Motion by Able/Friedrich to recommend approval of Change Order with Journal Technologies Inc.

Motion Carried.

Mr. Nelson provided information from the general report and noted projects IT staff were involved with. He also noted IT staff had met with several departments about potential IT needs for the 2026 budget. Ms. Laymon noted in the ERP report that they were waiting on a few more things from the Auditor. Mr. Nelson noted there are several important decisions that have to be made during this process and there have been seven decisions made by others when they should have been made by the Auditor, but the Auditor did not respond to requests. Mr. Nelson provided an example of the Charts of Accounts as an item he had to sign off on instead of the Auditor. He also noted that they needed clarification on capital assets that should or should not be moved from one system to the next but have not received that clarification. Ms. Johnston thanked them for their continued efforts to move the project forward. She asked if capital asset information could be changed after the transition. Mr. Nelson noted that while not the best scenario it could be done. Chair Johnston asked if there were any questions; hearing none, she thanked Mr. Nelson.

Chair Johnston presented on behalf of Marita Landreth and the Behavioral Health Coordination Department a request to approve a new Grants Program Manager position. Ms. Landreth noted that as they ramp up programming and the issuance of grants, they need someone with experience to monitor those programs and grants. She indicated they were looking to hire a person who would help create the grant application, facilitate issuance and monitoring process. Ms. Johnston agreed they needed someone full time to evaluate the services and costs of programs funded by grants from BHC.

Motion by Able/Beirne to recommend approval of a new Grants Program Manager position

Motion Carried.

Chair Johnston presented on behalf of Marita Landreth and the Behavioral Health Coordination Department a request to approve an Emergency Appropriation Ordinance Amending McLean County Fiscal Year 2025 Combined Annual Appropriation and Budget Ordinance for Behavioral Health Coordination.

Motion by Cline/Laymon to recommend approval of an Emergency Appropriation Ordinance Amending McLean County Fiscal Year 2025 Combined Annual Appropriation and Budget Ordinance for Behavioral Health Coordination

Motion Carried.

Chair Johnston presented on behalf of Marita Landreth and the Behavioral Health Coordination Department a request to approve a contract with Home Sweet Home Ministries for $1,341,170.80 for construction and operation of The Bridge. Ms. Cline asked the Chair or Staff to confirm that the Board approved the expenditure last month and this is the contract for the expenditure. Ms. Johnston confirmed.

Motion by Able/Laymon to recommend approval of a contract with Home Sweet Home Ministries for $1,341,170.80 for construction and operation of The Bridge. Motion Carried. Mr. Reeves and Mr. Friedrich opposed

Ms. Landreth provided information from her quarterly report. She noted that as of the end of June the FUSE program was serving 36 active clients. She noted that the people who join the FUSE program have fewer interactions with homeless shelters and the justice system. She also noted they are holding trainings, planning the annual forum for the Fall and will also be holding a youth and family summit in August. She then provided update on spending in the System of Care grant programs. Ms. Landreth indicated as a result of the contract approved by the Board, Frank Beck had been attending meetings to help leverage his experience and provide data to help them with evaluations and decisions. Chair Johnston asked if there were any questions or comments; hearing none, she thanked her.

Chair Johnston presented for action from the Rules Sub-Committee a request to approve an Ordinance of the McLean County Board Amending Chapter 20 of the McLean County Code – Rules of the McLean County Board.

Motion by Cline/Beirne to recommend approval of an Ordinance of the McLean County Board Amending Chapter 20 of the McLean County Code – Rules of the McLean County Board.

Motion Carried.

Val Laymon, Chair of the Finance Committee presented for action a request to approve an Ordinance Temporarily Amending Chapter 205 -32 Fees for Animal Adoptions. Ms. Laymon noted this meant the launch of the new animal services facility was getting closer as we look to transitioning the animals from one location to another. She noted that now is the time to adopt with the reduction of fees. Ms. Johnston noted this would help the animals so they do not have to transition to new building and then to a new home.

Motion by Laymon/Cline to recommend approval of an Ordinance Temporarily Amending Chapter 205 -32 Fees for Animal Adoptions.

Motion Carried.

Ms. Laymon indicated she had no further items for the committee but would have items to present to the Board later this week.

Corey Beirne, Chair of the Health Committee indicated he had nothing for the Committee this evening but would have two items for the Board this Thursday. Mr. Beirne also provided an update from the Health Committee to the Members. Chair Johnston asked if there were any questions; hearing none, she thanked him.

Adam Reeves, Senior Member of the Justice Committee presented for action a request to approve the agreement between the McLean County Children’s Advocacy Center and the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois (DCFS Grant).

Motion by Beirne/Able to recommend approval of the agreement between the McLean County Children’s Advocacy Center and the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois (DCFS Grant).

Motion Carried.

Mr. Reeves presented for action on behalf of the Justice Committee a request to approve the agreement between McLean County CAC and the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois (VOCA Grant).

Motion by Cline/Beirne to recommend approval of the agreement between McLean County CAC and the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois (VOCA Grant). Motion Carried.

Mr. Reeves presented for action on behalf of the Justice Committee a request to approve the agreement between CASA of McLean and Logan Counties and the Illinois Association of Court Appointed Special Advocates (DCFS Grant).

Motion by Laymon/Beirne to recommend approval of the agreement between CASA of McLean and Logan Counties and the Illinois Association of Court Appointed Special Advocates (DCFS Grant).

Motion Carried.

Mr. Reeves presented for action on behalf of the Justice Committee a request to approve the agreement between CASA of McLean and Logan Counties and the Attorney General of the State of Illinois (VCVA Grant).

Motion by Able/Beirne to recommend approval of the agreement between CASA of McLean and Logan Counties and the Attorney General of the State of Illinois (VCVA Grant).

Motion Carried.

Mr. Reeves presented for action on behalf of the Justice Committee a request to approve an Intergovernmental Agreement between the County of McLean, Tri-Valley Community Unit School District 3, and the McLean County Sheriff. Ms. Johnston noted this was not a full year salary as it only covered the time the officer would be with the school.

Motion by Reeves/Cline to recommend approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement between the County of McLean, Tri-Valley Community Unit School District 3, and the McLean County Sheriff.

Motion Carried.

Mr. Reeves indicated there was nothing further for the Committee but there would be items for the Board to consider this Thursday. Chair Johnston asked if there were any comments or questions; hearing none she thanked him.

Krystle Able, Chair of the Property Committee, indicated she had no items for the Committee that evening but would have items for the Board on Thursday. She noted the beach at COMLARA park was open and encouraged residents to go out and enjoy. Chair Johnston asked if there were any questions; hearing none she thanked her.

Lea Cline, Chair of the Land Use and Transportation Committee, indicated she had no items for the Committee but would have items for the Board later this week. Ms. Cline encouraged all members to review Land Use and Transportation meeting where they discussed the Land Use Strategic Plan. Chair Johnston asked if anyone had any questions; hearing none, she thanked her.

Chair Johnston presented for action on behalf of Ms. Cassy Taylor, County Administrator a request to approve an Ordinance by the McLean County Board Amending the McLean County Code Chapters 257, Chapter 350 and DT Table – Massage Parlors. Ms. Taylor noted they had already removed the main article that dealt with regulating Massage Parlors from the code and this was clean up of other references to Massage Parlors in our Code.

Motion by Able/Beirne to recommend approval of an Ordinance by the McLean County Board Amending the McLean County Code Chapters 257, Chapter 350 and DT Table – Massage Parlors.

Motion Carried.

Chair Johnston presented for action on behalf of Ms. Cassy Taylor, County Administrator, a request to approve an Ordinance by the McLean County Board Amending Chapter 37 Ethics.

Motion by Cline/Beirne to recommend approval of an Ordinance by the McLean County Board Amending Chapter 37 Ethics.

Motion Carried.

Chair Johnston presented for action on behalf of Ms. Cassy Taylor, County Administrator, a request to approve an Ordinance by the McLean County Board Amending the McLean County Code Chapter 108 Article VII Miscellaneous Benefits and Entitlements. Ms. Taylor noted they had changed the travel policy about a year ago and these changes were in response to employees asking for clarification on this policy. Ms. Laymon noted a few scriveners’ errors.

Motion by Able/Laymon to recommend approval of an Ordinance by the McLean County Board Amending the McLean County Code Chapter 108 Article VII Miscellaneous Benefits and Entitlements.

Motion Carried.

Chair Johnston presented for action on behalf of Ms. Cassy Taylor, County Administrator, a request to approve a contract with Mejorando Group for assistance with the development of a County Board Strategic Plan. Ms. Taylor noted the County Board had expressed interest in a strategic planning process to help provide direction to Administration and departments. She noted that three members and herself had evaluated the submissions received in response to the request for proposals. She noted that it was a unanimous decision between the four individuals to go with the Mejorando Group. Ms. Taylor noted that the Mejorando group would seek input from stakeholders, and others to help put together a plan. Ms. Cline asked if both political parties were involved in decision. Ms. Johnston confirmed. Ms. Laymon indicated she was excited about this proposal to have a plan for the County that goes beyond the next budget year or 5-year capital plan. Ms. Johnston hoped this would help us be more efficient. Mr. Friedrich indicated he had assisted with the reviewing process and noted that the Mejorando group stood out as providing the services we wanted but not with a large price tag. Mr. Friedrich indicate he wanted them to help us determine our short comings and ways we can improve. He did not want us to direct or influence the outcomes they provide us.

Motion by Able/Laymon to recommend approval of a contract with Mejorando Group for assistance with the development of a County Board Strategic Plan. Motion Carried.

Chair Johnston presented for action on behalf of Ms. Cassy Taylor, County Administrator a request to approve a Resolution for Amendment to the Mental Health and Public Safety Fund. Ms. Taylor noted the 2016 Mental Health and Public safety Intergovernmental Agreement had been provided to the Committee in the packet.

Chair Johnston asked for a motion to recommend approval of a Resolution for Amendment to the Mental Health and Public Safety Fund.

The item died from the lack of a motion.

Chair Johnston presented for action on behalf of Ms. Cassy Taylor, County Administrator a request to approve a Resolution for Amendment to the Mental Health and Public Safety Fund (Audit). Ms. Taylor gave a presentation to the members that provided a short history of the Mental Health and Public Safety agreement and a high-level accounting of the expenditures since the inception of the agreement. Ms. Cline thanked Ms. Taylor for the information provided.

Ms. Cline asked if the Town or City held any public forums or meetings sharing concerns about transparency and spending. Ms. Taylor indicated they had not to her knowledge. Ms. Cline asked her to confirm these concerns were brought up behind closed doors. Ms. Johnston noted the only public discussions had not been formal public meetings. Ms. Cline asked if any ethical accusations had been made about the County. Ms. Taylor indicated they had not to her knowledge. Ms. Taylor noted these conversations started with brain storming among the Mayors and Managers. Ms. Cline asked if the audit was an audit of the processes or the expenditures. Ms. Taylor indicated it was an audit of the expenditures. Ms. Cline indicated that in the last year and a half the CHCC, BHC, FAC were reorganized to address concern about the speed of expenditures. She asked how long these new groups had been active. Ms. Taylor noted a little less than a year. Ms. Cline stated that it has been less than a year that the agreed upon procedure for expenditures has been activated and asked if the audit needed to be about procedure not fund expenditures.

Ms. Johnston stated the request for audit came from discussions of what a suspension of payments might affect programs. Ms. Cline indicated she had found a lot of information on the programs and spending. She further indicated she could understand the three entities not agreeing on how to spend funds, but she could not find any documentation or information from the City or Town on what they consider to be an acceptable rotating balance or threshold nor could she find any specific accusations from the City or Town. She noted that she felt this paints us into a corner because if we say no then it looks like we are trying to hide something. She indicated she not opposed to paying because of that, but felt it was a waste of money that could be spent on individuals with needs. She agreed with Mr. McCall that this is vagueness that is being stitched around us to appear we have done someone wrong in order to relieve themselves of the legal obligation they have. She noted that constituents want governments to work together and this does not help. Ms. Cline indicated she would reservedly vote yes for the audit only because she did not want anyone to say we were trying to hide something.

Mr. Beirne agreed with Member Cline that there needed to be clarification as to whether they are questioning the process or the funds being used. He noted there is a large amount of evidence to support the need for mental health services in our community. He further noted we are developing a solution to a problem that is still being defined and referred to the Community Health Needs Assessment that illustrates that we are working to define the needs and the solutions. Mr. Beirne indicated that now was not the time to pause funding.

Ms. Able asked if the first resolution would go to Board. Ms. Johnston confirmed it would not. Ms. Able asked if the County has been the sole contributor of grants and the City and Town contributing taxes. Ms. Taylor noted there are community partners who contribute grants and other funds to programs, but the County is the only government body to provide grant funds. Ms. Able asked if the balances provided in her presentation were based only on programs and services we are currently providing and did not take into account future new programs or services. Ms. Taylor confirmed. Ms. Able asked how often the report she provided was developed. Ms. Taylor indicated annually. Ms. Able asked if this report was provided to the City and the Town in the past. Ms. Taylor noted the high-level report was provided to City and Town. Ms. Able asked her to confirm the information provided in this and other reports would be the same information an audit would provide. Ms. Johnston noted that the City and Town are looking for a more formal report process or external audit.

Ms. Johnston indicated that she agreed with Ms. Cline that a lot of information is available about services and spending and that she would rather spend $50,000 on the public, but felt this was a reasonable request for a one-time expenditure to help answer the City and Town’s questions. Ms. Able asked if the audit cost more than $50,000. Ms. Johnston indicated it would be capped at $50,000. Mr. Beirne ask if it was the City or the Town or both requesting the audit. Ms. Johnston indicate it was both. Ms. Laymon noted it had been clarified this was about funds and not process and asked if there was a way to consider process at this time so the $50,000 could include both instead asking for more funding later to clarify processes. Ms. Taylor indicated she felt we should go back to our partners to discuss processes before we looked to outside experts.

Ms. Able noted that last July we changed multiple aspects and in her research found that in July 2024 a Town council member was quoted as saying that the Town which included attorneys, council members and the Mayor helped get this process done and approved. Ms. Able asked them to confirm this was collaborative and asked if there any concerns from the Town and City on the processes at that time. Ms. Taylor noted that the Bylaws of the BHC and the creation of the FAC were collaborative and supported by all.

Mr. Reeves asked if this was a request for a full audit, a compilation or review. He also asked if the audit was for 2024 or from the inception of the agreement. Ms. Taylor indicated it was her understanding the audit request would be from the inception of the Agreement. Mr. Reeves asked her to confirm whether this was a full audit or review. Ms. Taylor indicated they asked for audit and did not mention the other two types of review .

Ms. Cline asked if this was approved whether the Board would then also need to approve the contract for the auditor. Ms. Johnston confirmed there would be an RFP and approval of a contract.

Mr. Reeves asked if we received a clean audit would we be required to have an audit every year. Ms. Johnston noted the language here is for a one-time audit and felt another audit in the future would require another agreement. Mr. Reeves indicated that he concurred with Ms. Cline and her comments at the beginning of the discussion on this item.

Motion by Cline/Reeves to recommend approval of a Resolution for Amendment to the Mental Health and Public Safety Fund (Audit).

Motion Carried. Member Friedrich voted no.

Ms. Johnston noted that the original IGA from 2016 had been included in the packet for their review.

Ms. Johnston noted under other business the next meeting date. She also noted she had been in consultation about legal expenditures incurred around the investigation that concluded in January. She indicated she was looking for a formal legal opinion from the State’s Attorney as to whether Board members were entitled to reimbursement for such expenditures. Ms. Johnston asked for a consensus from members as to their support of such a request from the State’s Attorney. Members concurred and Ms. Johnston noted she would submit the request in writing to the State’s Attorney.

Ms. Johnston asked if there was any other business to come before the Committee. Hearing none, she adjourned the meeting at 5:38 p.m.

https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07142025-969