Rock Island Today

Rock Island County Committee of the Whole met April 12.

Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:

1) Call to order and roll call

Committee members present: Richard Brunk, Larry Burns, Kim Callaway-Thompson, Nick Camlin, Dewayne Cremeens, Jeff Deppe, Don Johnston, Ed Langdon, Mia Mayberry, Drue Mielke, Luis Moreno, Pat Moreno, Rich Morthland, Scott Noyd, Cecilia O'Brien, Robert Reagan, Ginny Shelton, Rod Simmer, Kai Swanson, Scott Terry, Bob Westpfahl (arrived at 5:36 p.m.)

Committee members absent: Mike Steffen, Kenneth Maranda, Ron Oelke, Brian Vyncke

2) Public Comments

There were no public comments.

3) Approval of minutes from the March 15, 2017 meeting

Motion to approve: Cecilia O’Brien

2nd: Pat Moreno

Voice vote

Motion carried

4) Condition of Funds report

Ms. Palmer noted that she’d keep this much briefer than in the past because everyone is familiar with her report now. First she asked if there were any questions about the quarterly paragraph write-ups she issued last month now that everyone has had time to read through and understand those and come up with questions. There were none.

Ms. Palmer started with the trial balance report. She noted that there is nothing new in the General Fund. The approved changes in the second column are mostly grants, which the committee will go over when they approve the resolutions for this month. There’s nothing alarming, unusual, or out of the ordinary there.

Ms. Palmer reported that in the Coroner’s Fee Fund, #101, Mr. Gustafson did make a truck purchase. That is why that looks so crazy over budget. He purchased that truck out of the Fund 101 fees he brings in to prevent that burden from being in the General Fund. He does use that to save the General Fund lots and lots of money. The coroner really needed that new vehicle. There’s nothing to worry about there.

Ms. Palmer noted IMRF is the only other one that looks a little tiny bit over budget. Ms. Palmer asked the committee to keep in mind that the county had a three paycheck month in March, which is the reason for that. They knew it would be that way at budget time.

Ms. Palmer turned to the fund balance report. She explained that the first column is the fund balance as of November 30, 2016. She noted that her office did have the external auditors in during the month of March. They are writing their reports right now and Ms. Palmer will have a draft at the end of April, which she will issue on time in May. That’s usually about the middle of May, so they will come to this meeting in May to give their presentation to everyone. Those first column numbers keep changing a tiny bit in certain funds based on the direction of the audit. Right now, the General Fund which they are all always worried about and look at constantly, is at $2.111 million as of the audit fieldwork being done.

Mr. Westpfahl is present.

Ms. Palmer noted that these are the most current numbers she has. That ends up with a difference of $1,517,362 at the end of FY16 compared to $2.8 million they estimated at budget time. They did well. That’s where it’s at now. The General Fund revenue is higher than last year as of the end of March by $500,000, which is a really good thing. Expenses are a bit higher by $560,000, but Ms. Palmer asked the committee to keep in mind that the county had that extra payroll. That fell in April last year and in March this year. A payroll is about $750,000-800,000 in the General Fund, so the county actually had less spending for the time period of December through March.

Ms. Palmer noted that Hope Creek’s revenues in FY17 compared to FY16 are about $1 million down. That’s what is creating that negative fund balance at -$1.984 million.

Ms. Palmer reported that Animal Control is doing well. They’re up and their revenues for the year so far are higher than their expenses to date. That’s helping their negative fund balance and is a good direction for them to be going.

The Health Department increased by about $100,000 for FY16 overall. Their fund balance went up and that’s even with them paying the administrative costs they owed to the General Fund, even that last $95,000 that they did get paid. Ms. Palmer noted that the payment got dated to 2016 appropriately. That’s even with that being paid in full.

Ms. Palmer noted that Court Security is one she always likes to look at because they have $200,000 of General Fund budgeted support for FY17. That fund is upside down by about an additional $60,000 of expenses over revenues at this time. She wants to be mindful of that.

Child Support ended up with a negative difference of $9,530 for FY16, but they did borrow that from Court Document, so that doesn’t come from the General Fund. Luckily the court is taking care of itself in that manner, even though it’s sinking more into the hole so far. Ms. Palmer hopes that after income tax comes in and some refunds come in, they can garnish those fees to build the fund back up again this year so that will turn around a little bit. It’s not coming from the General Fund, so that’s a good thing.

The Employee Health Benefits Fund for FY16 was up about $61,000 in fund balance overall. That’s a good thing.

Ms. Palmer moved on to the cash balances report. She asked the committee to note that the General Fund does have the loan from Working Cash of $524,000. That is in the General Fund as she has been speaking about over the last couple of months. The total General Fund borrowing power she has had some questions about lately. That’s $5,232,000. The County Board has only authorized $3 million of that to be drawn up. As of March 31, only $750,000 has been borrowed from the bank, so that is not anywhere close in that manner. Hope Creek’s borrowing power is $2.1 million. They only had a $1 million bank loan as of March 31 as well. Everything else goes along with the fund balance report. A lot of times if the fund balance is going down, cash is going down and vice versa. It’s just in the case of loans that the fund balance goes in a different direction than cash. If they take a cash loan out from the bank, cash goes up and the fund balance doesn’t change. Fund balance has to be revenue that the county receives and keeps for an expense it pays out to affect the fund balance. That’s the difference there.

5) Staff reports

There were none.

6) Finance & Personnel Committee report

Mr. Brunk reported that the Finance and Personnel Committee met on Tuesday, April 11. The committee considered a delinquent tax resolution in Blackhawk Township and the Board member per diem and mileage report. They considered appropriation resolutions for funds, all involving grant or seizure money in the Sheriff’s Department, IDOT, and SWAG funds. They considered transfers of appropriations for the General Fund. There were two totaling a little over $6,200. There was one in the Bridge Fund for $358.50.

From Public Works and Facilities, the committee recommended awarding the low bid of $1,324,393.01 to Valley Construction for an asphalt road resurfacing project as well as quotes for pipe culverts. There was one for $11,776.40 and one for $19,107.65 from Illowa Culvert and Supply Company. Mr. Brunk noted that he will leave it to Mr. Burns to go into detail as far as his committee’s recommendation on that. The Finance Committee will be recommending approval.

The committee considered the annual IMRF resolution recertifying countywide Elected Official participation in IMRF and will be recommending that resolution.

The committee considered a request from the State’s Attorney’s Office for an additional Assistant State’s Attorney. The State’s Attorney’s Office is already operating at 1/3 the staff of counties of comparable size. The salary for the additional ASA for one year will be $70,639.60. For the remainder of FY17, the salary would be $35,319. Including offsets from the Drug Fund, Civil Liability Fund, and an unfilled paralegal position, the State’s Attorney would need an additional $2,280.50 for this position for the rest of FY17. That amount comes from the General Fund. The committee will be recommending approval. Mr. Brunk noted that he wants to point out that Mr. McGehee is well aware of the county’s current financial position and is working on an action plan should the likely cuts hit his office for FY18.

Mr. Simmer noted that Mr. McGehee is down two lawyers from two years ago. One retired and one moved on. This is not even extra. It’s just to fill one of the two positions. He’s hurting.

Mr. McGehee said he has nothing to add; Mr. Brunk did a good job laying out the numbers. He understands that there may be some issues in FY18 and he is working on a plan for how to save attorneys in his office from any cuts. He will be presenting that in budget talks.

Mr. Brunk reported that the committee will be recommending approval of the Dixon settlement of $36,415.28. They approved claims totaling $1,429,091.68 and TDs totaling $1,701,281.11 including election costs of $28,833.25.

7) Governance, Health, and Administration Committee report

Ms. Mayberry reported that the Governance, Health, and Administration Committee met on Monday, April 11. The committee heard reports from Ms. Kinney, Ms. Ludwig from the Health Department, and Ms. Baker from the University of Illinois Extension. Ms. Kinney informed the committee that the final counting of absentee ballots will take place on April 18 at 8:00 a.m. Certification of the ballot will take occur on April 20 at 10:00 a.m. Ms. Ludwig from the Health Department updated the committee on the future of the Family Planning program at the Health Department. Currently, it appears that the Board of Health will vote to discontinue the program at their next meeting due to lack of funding from grants.

Ms. Baker updated the committee on the Extension’s 4-H youth programs and reported that the pork chop dinner was a success.

The committee held a public hearing for the 5311/DOAP program and the 2017 Rolling Stock Capital Assistance application. The county is a pass through agency for these grants. There is no cost to the county. There were no public comments at the hearing.

The committee considered a resolution authorizing the execution and amendment of the 5311 grant agreement and recommended approval. The committee considered an ordinance to provide public transportation in Rock Island County, Illinois, in the rural areas. The committee considered acceptance of the special warranty associated with 5311/DOAP program and 2017 Rolling Stock Capital Assistance application and recommended approval.

The committee considered the revised liquor control resolution and decided to table it until next month.

The committee discussed the status and future of the county courthouse. Currently, some options that have been thrown out by various people are to raze the building to create greenspace, retrofit the building to use for county purposes, or use it for commercial and/or residential purposes. The committee decided to add a public hearing to the July County Board agenda to hear thoughts from the public and reach a decision on the courthouse’s future. They also discussed having some town halls possibly before then to get the public’s input on everything.

The committee considered a partnership with the ROE to provide daycare at Hope Creek. The ROE would use the childhood block grant to create a preschool classroom of 20 children aged three to five years, as well as a possible childcare program outside of classroom hours. The committee approved pursuing researching the project. Ms. Mayberry noted that Ms. Muerhoff is present. She has handouts at everyone’s desks to take a look at. Ms. Mayberry deferred to Ms. Muerhoff.

Ms. Muerhoff thanked the committee and said it’s her distinct pleasure to join them this evening to share a very innovative concept and give some background information on how it came about. She was actually viewing a video clip of a documentary that is to be released soon called Present Perfect, and it highlights a program based out of Seattle, Washington. They have hosted an intergenerational preschool program since 1991. They definitely have experience in that realm and have been very successful. They have expanded to other age levels, including infants, toddlers, etc. That prompted Ms. Muerhoff to think, “Why not couldn’t we do that here in Rock Island County potentially?” With the experience through the ROE of providing preschool programming since the 2003-2004 fiscal year, Rock Island County has experience as well. It’s not as long as the Seattle program and they don’t have the definitive experience with the intergenerational preschool program, but they do have resources and the knowledge about early childhood development and how to implement a program with high quality care for children.

Ms. Muerhoff explained that the ROE currently serves 31 classrooms throughout the county in childcare facilities at centers and they also provide service to homes. They provide licensed teachers to go into these various entities throughout the community. Those licensed teachers provide curriculum, assessment, and definitive high quality experiences. There also is a paraprofessional in the classroom, so they receive the training and opportunities to provide that high quality experience to those students.

Ms. Muerhoff explained that the proposal would be to serve children in a full day of preschool programming from approximately 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Outside of those hours, they would partner with a childcare provider to offer childcare outside the preschool program. The preschool program itself would be funded through early childhood block grant funds, which is how they already provide preschool programming. The childcare provider would work with the family to determine if they are eligible for the childcare assistance program, so a sliding fee scale. They could make the time frame available for childcare anywhere from 5:30 or 5:45 a.m. all the way to 5:30 p.m., so there could be a full opportunity for care throughout the day depending on parents’ needs and so forth.

Ms. Muerhoff noted that the benefits to intergenerational preschool programming are many. It provides opportunities to learn from each other. It provides opportunities for the children to have experiences and interactions with adults who aren’t part of their family, but who have similarities to grandparents and other older adults in their interactions throughout the day. It could be someone outside of the family who could provide children with an understanding of the aging process, which might not otherwise happen. As everyone knows, there are many different family structures. They might not have a grandparent or older adult who is currently in their life on a consistent basis. This program provides that opportunity. For the older adults, there are many opportunities there as well. It could increase their emotional and social wellbeing. They could serve as role models for those children. It could demonstrate a renewed sense of value to society and the community.

Ms. Muerhoff said she knows it is a relatively new concept for folks. She finds it exciting that she is able to be here this evening to share it with the County Board and is excited at the opportunity to explore it more if that’s a direction they so choose. She thinks the partnership among the ROE and Hope Creek could be a definitive value to the community.

Ms. Muerhoff added that, as far as she’s aware, there are no other programs throughout the entire state that have ventured this. She did verify with her consultant at the Illinois State Board of Education who works directly with the grant. They were intrigued as well. She asked them if anyone else had done this so she could call and ask how they do it and how they handle certain situations, but her contact said no, there aren’t any other programs. That intrigued her as well – to venture down a road that no one has by utilizing these particular grant funds. It’s very exciting.

Ms. Muerhoff noted that in the packet are some of the bulleted points and two articles that highlight the program in Seattle. She asked the County Board if they have the opportunity, to please take a moment to read those. If they have more time, they can also check out the Present Perfect clip. That’s about five minutes long. The documentary is set to be released in early summer. She thinks it would be very valuable if they have a moment to check out those resources.

Mr. Ross noted that from his perspective, this provides a very interesting opportunity potentially for the county. Looking at it from his perspective, there would be no cost involved to the county. It would be a revenue source. They would have a lease with the ROE at a dollar amount that would be relatively small, but it certainly wouldn’t cost the county anything. There are some things to work out, obviously, but they can begin working on that with the County Board’s approval. There’s always the risk of liability, like if a child hurts themselves. They’ve got a high risk clientele at the facility anyway. Sometimes kids have more germs than adults might. These are things they would want to find out from facilities that have already done this model successfully to understand what the county’s risks are. There’s always a risk of liability, but there’s always that risk no matter what the county does.

Mr. Ross thinks it’s intriguing and would certainly like the opportunity to pursue it with Ms. Muerhoff if the County Board gives that okay. She would have to apply for the grant to get funding. Without that grant, they wouldn’t move forward anyway. With the Board’s okay, she’d apply for the grant and they’d begin trying to find space for them. As of now, there’s no space allocated for it. Mr. Ross noted that as the County Board may or may not know, Hope Creek is temporarily closing Unit 3-2 at the facility. That’s a cost savings and will help improve quality measures for patient care. It’s possible that it could go up there or a portion of it could. He also talked with Ms. Vogt about higher revenue source options for Unit 3-2, including the possibility of a one-of-its-kind in the area hospice unit specifically. It would all be hospice. Another one they’re considering, and it’s still the early stages, is a private pay only all-day adult Alzheimer’s unit. That’s essentially an adult daycare for Alzheimer’s patients. That would be private pay one month in advance so they know they could afford staffing. It would be already paid for. They are working out the logistics and would have to find space for them as well.

Ms. Mayberry asked if Ms. Muerhoff has a timeline as far as the grant application and when it could come through. Ms. Muerhoff explained that the request for proposals has not been released yet for FY18. She anticipates that in the next few weeks it will be released. Typically they have 45 days after it’s released to apply.

Mr. Mielke noted that a lot of them have been thinking about the risks as far as what Ms. Muerhoff is saying. He asked if they can look at some of the existing programs and find out what risks they’ve experienced. Mr. Ross said absolutely. He’d want to gather as much information as he can about the pros and cons. Mr. Mielke noted that it must have been in the paper because he has gotten some people who have been very negative in his district about it. He told them that the County Board hasn’t made a decision. They are exploring the positives and negatives. He’d like to see other successful programs and see how much risk there really is. If it’s 2%, he’s got a 2% risk driving home.

Mr. Reagan asked if this is a vendor or state grant. Ms. Muerhoff said state.

Mr. Simmer asked if they would be looking for a motion during County Board to move forward with this. Ms. Mayberry said yes.

Ms. Mayberry continued that the Governance, Health, and Administration Committee considered an annual resolution to certify Elected Official participation in IMRF and forwarded it to the Finance Committee. The committee approved the PBC Indemnification Agreement. They reviewed the county newsletter, which they spoke about last month, and approved moving it forward for publication on the website. Ms. Mayberry noted that there’s a link in the agenda to see what it will look like. That’s an actual rendering of what it will look like if they decide to move forward with that next week.

Ms. Mayberry said she wants to backtrack to the discussion about the courthouse. Judge Braud brought a rendering of what the front will conceptually look like. She passed that around and noted that Judge Braud did inform the committee that bids are coming in. They’ll get the second set in this month and the third in May. November or December 2018 is when he anticipates the move to the new annex.

Mr. Johnston said he has some questions since she brought that back up. He was reading in paper and seeing on the news that they likely will tear down the courthouse and sign the deed over to the PBC. He would question whether the PBC, deed or no deed, would have the authority to tear it down. They certainly would not have it without the County Board. As much trouble and as controversial as that court case was, he’s not sure if it spreads to tearing down the courthouse. He thinks they need to get the Chief Judge and whoever is involved in this, maybe Captain Fisher, here to talk to the whole County Board about it. Rumor and fact are that there has been some diminishment of the original plans they saw. He’d like to know what that $28 million will go for. Mr. Johnston asked if there is still going to be four courtrooms. He noted that at one time, Captain Fisher said they’d end up with six. These are questions he’d like to see them in front of the whole Board to answer their questions before going further. The bid game hasn’t changed in years. They get the first bid in and everything’s fine. Once they’re halfway there, all of the sudden they need $3 million or $4 million. It might be that they tell them they’re saving $3 million or $4 million.

Ms. Mayberry noted that the situation is fluid. They can be at one point today and another point tomorrow. She thinks that’s the purpose of a July public hearing. All those players will be here to explain things to them. She asked if Mr. Johnston is asking for something more often than that. Mr. Johnston said no. He’s asking if they can be here in the next week or two to come in front of the full Board and be open to questions. Ms. Mayberry said she thinks that is the purpose of them being here in July, if that suffices. Mr. Johnston said they might ask them questions that they might not want to in a big hearing. They might want to ask some questions before that. Ms. Mayberry asked if maybe they could come to Committee of the Whole in July. Mr. Johnston said or the regular County Board meeting as long as there’s not a large number of the public in attendance. Either way, he just needs to have some questions answered.

Mr. Simmer said he totally agrees with Mr. Johnston. He’s absolutely right. They need to have some kind of follow through. When Ms. Mayberry said something about possible other options for the building, to him there were no other options than to tear it down if they can’t utilize it. If it’s condemned, Mr. Simmer asked why even look at anything else if they decided they can’t fix it.

Mr. Brunk noted that the county could not utilize it as a court facility because it doesn’t meet the standards of the state supreme court. It could be retrofitted for other purposes, such as standard offices, commercial use on the lower level, or whatever. That may be something. Mr. Simmer asked if that’s with the foundation crumbling and the sagging walls and everything. Mr. Brunk said he thought they said structurally, the building is sound, but he may be mistaken on that. He thought they said it was sound and everything else would pretty much have to be gutted. It comes back to the fact that the county is not going to have the funds in the foreseeable future. If they’re talking about something for future county use, it’s about making sure the roof isn’t leaking, sealing the building, and hoping they might have the funds somewhere in the future.

Ms. Mayberry noted that that’s what this July public hearing is for, to give them a better idea of their options. Judge Braud said he’d have a better idea at that point of the costs. The bids will have come in and things will be rolling a bit more right now.

Mr. Terry said he wholeheartedly agrees with Mr. Johnston as well. He said what makes the most sense to him is to find out if it is legal to do that. Mr. Terry noted that kind of what he and Ms. Callaway-Thompson mentioned in committee is related to what Mr. Simmer talked about, and that is the people’s input. If there’s anything else they can do, they want to get the public’s input. Mr. Johnston hit the nail on the head. They can’t have them come in and answer these questions if the July meeting is attended by the public. They need them in before that so it’s not a circus in July in front of the public. He would entertain them coming here, if their schedule permits, next month or the month after possibly.

Ms. O’Brien added, to sum up what everyone’s saying, she is agreeing with a lot of what’s said, but she would suggest that before the public meeting and before folks come in and give answers, there’s a chance they might be able to get some grants for a historic type building. If it’s used for something that is a community based, private partnership deal, that could help save the building. There are probably a significant number of people in Rock Island County who would be very upset if they rushed to tear it down. She recommends looking at every option they possibly can so that tearing down the building is the exact last resort and not something they promote as a Board. She disagrees with tearing down if at all possible. Ms. O’Brien thinks they should reuse the building for something.

Ms. Callaway-Thompson said she also concurs with everything that’s been said. One thing is that the courthouse does sit in her County Board district and she has committed to making sure she meets with constituent groups, particularly in her district, as a listening session. She has been in touch with someone who sits on the Preservation Commission who is really glad she reached out at this point, especially given the fact that something was published in the paper before the County Board was made aware that a statement would be made. That commission meets again next Wednesday at 5:30 at City Hall. Mr. Camlin asked if that’s the historical commission. Ms. Callaway-Thompson said yes. She noted that she’s probably just going to go attend that meeting. She’s not sure if at some point they might try to get on that agenda. She recommends that they all consider hosting some listening sessions with their constituent groups or maybe scheduling some town halls.

Mr. Swanson noted that he has a question on another matter if they’ve exhausted this. He appreciates the briefing and the Administrator sending out notes on all the committees. He thinks that’s helpful. His question has to do with the status of family planning. He doesn’t understand how the County Board interacts with the Health Department. He knows that those services are apparently on the bubble and asked if there’s anything they can do as a body that would ensure that primarily women in that income gap between full need and partial ability to pay who are really at risk have those services. Ms. Mayberry noted that in committee, Mr. Terry brought up the idea of writing a letter of support to the legislators in the state about this because that decision will be made next month. It wasn’t on the agenda so they couldn’t take action, but that was something that was thrown out. She noted that there’s no reason County Board members couldn’t reach out individually. Ms. Mayberry explained that the Board of Health is their own separate entity. She’s not saying they’re on their own, but she’s not sure if the county has a ton of options to help them. That grant has been cut. Unfortunately, that means a lot of necessary services are cut.

Mr. Terry noted that he thought while they talked through it that there’s no reason they could not agree to put on the County Board agenda a proposition to write a letter of support for the program. In terms of them doing it individually, when a letter comes from a body it tends to carry more weight. He would entertain considering putting that on the County Board agenda and having the Administrator send that out.

Mr. Simmer said it scares the heck out of him that they would just get rid of this. He, his wife, and a number of their friends took advantage of this when they were first getting active. It’s a danger to the group of people in that gap. He doesn’t want to see them having more kids that they can’t take care of now. It makes him nervous to get rid of it and it taxes the rest of the public health department even more. He asked if some of the Obamacare helps this at all. Ms. Mayberry said she doesn’t know. Mr. Langdon said the money is not coming in. Mr. Simmer asked if they think the gap has been bridged by Obamacare. Mr. Langdon said it’s the gridlock in Springfield and the grant money not coming in like it was. They talked to Henry County about turning the grant over to them and having a nurse come three or four times a month until then to help out. They got ahold of Henry County but they want something in writing to prove that.

Mr. Simmer said he doesn’t know how well it’s utilized. He knows himself, a number his friends, and their kids have gone over there. Especially at the high school that is catty corner, they utilize this stuff. If they can get support in any way, thinks it would be a great idea. He absolutely agrees with Mr. Terry.

Mr. Terry noted, to add to that some background, this grant starts at the federal level through Title X, and that has been cut substantially over the years. Then it goes to the state and gets parceled out. It really starts at the federal level. It comes from the Health and Human Services Department. Regarding the Henry County thing, he attended the meeting and Ms. Ludwig pointed out that if the state permitted Henry County to take over this grant, and they might not, Rock Island County might never get it back. Even if someone does come two or three times a week or month, he thought it was a week, looking at the statistics and services they provide and as busy as they are, he has concerns about enough people here locally getting treatment.

Mr. L. Moreno asked how much funding was cut. Ms. Mayberry said they went from $135,000 to $93,000. Mr. L. Moreno asked if that shortfall is causing this and if they could partner with the city, townships, or other partnerships. He noted that the township always looks for projects. Ms. Mayberry said possibly. She doesn’t what money the county could contribute or what the city or townships would be willing to contribute. She thinks that’s a viable option. Mr. Terry said it starts out with reaching out.

Ms. Callaway-Thompson noted that Ms. Ludwig did indicate that they had been in touch with Community Healthcare concerning the service gaps, so there is a possibility that they could fill some of the gap as well.

Mr. Camlin noted that it wasn’t through the committee, but asked if there’s consensus here to go ahead and have it on the Tuesday agenda to have a letter drafted and sent to Springfield and to the national government to be a proponent of the county’s healthcare services here. He asked if there’s consensus now to allow that to be on the agenda for Tuesday. Ms. Mayberry said she doesn’t know if they’ll have it drafted by Tuesday. She thinks they would just be directing the Administrator to draft it.

Ms. O’Brien said she wasn’t to be able to get as much information out of the meeting because she dialed in. She asked, if Henry County were to take the grant, if that means the base of operations moves to Kiwanis or Cambridge. Ms. Callaway-Thompson said Colona. Ms. O’Brien said she doesn’t even like that. It takes away that opportunity for people in need to get the services in a convenient manner. She doesn’t even think there’s a bus system running out to Colona. She disagrees with giving the money to Henry County for those reasons.

Mr. Langdon noted that the Board of Health tabled it for a month. He can let the Board of Health know about suggestions.

Mr. Simmer noted that if every township contributed a percentage based on population, it would be very minimal per township.

Mr. Terry noted that under this program, they’re the designee for all sexual assault victims.

Mr. Simmer said they can keep it supplemented until the grant can pick it back up and bring it back on if they have money again. At least they can keep it active.

Mr. Camlin asked if there are any objections to the move for Tuesday’s agenda. There were none. Mr. Camlin said there’s a consensus.

Mr. Camlin asked if there’s consensus to have Mr. Ross reach out to the townships on that.

Mr. Johnston asked Mr. Camlin to wait a minute. He noted that he has no problem with the concept, but the townships have the same problem this county does and the Health Board does in getting money from the state. While this county has many sources of revenue, even though it’s obviously not enough, the townships only have two. That accounts for approximately 60/40 of their revenue. At any given time, 40% of that can go away. They are already cutting back. Ms. Ewert knows about the 17% on replacement tax. They can send a letter, but he doesn’t know if they’ll voluntarily do this. It would have to be legislated.

Mr. Camlin thanked Mr. Johnston for his point. He noted that Mr. Ross has pointed out that it also would be stepping on the toes of the authority with whom it rests: the Board of Health. The county only has authority over setting their levy. Mr. Camlin asked if they want to visit allowing Mr. Ross to do that. Mr. Reagan asked him if he could repeat that. Mr. Camlin asked if they have consensus to allow Mr. Ross to reach out to the townships as a stop gap.

Ms. Mayberry noted that even though she was in favor a second ago, the Board of Health is their own entity. She doesn’t want to step on their toes. She understands they’re trying to help. It seems as if anyone reaches out to the townships, cities, or schools, the Board of Health should. She thinks it’s a great idea to try to help, but they wouldn’t want them to step on their toes. There was general agreement.

Mr. Morthland said he doesn’t see this as the county’s job per se. It’s their job. Mr. Camlin said they’re trying to help out. Mr. Morthland said helping is always great, but as citizens they can go individually and help out the public health people and say, “What can I do?”

Ms. Mayberry said they can stick to the letter. Mr. Reagan asked her to repeat what they want with the letter exactly. Mr. Camlin said it would be a letter to the state legislators explaining the importance of the program and making sure it is fully funded and advocating for family planning. Mr. Reagan asked if that would be on the agenda for Tuesday meeting. Mr. Camlin said yes.

Mr. Reagan asked if there are other agencies that can help out. Ms. Mayberry said not that she knows of. Mr. Terry explained that other agencies can’t pick up this grant. Ms. Ludwig specifically talked about that. It’s only for health departments.

Mr. Langdon noted that it costs around $100,000 a year to administer the program. If they can find the money, let him know.

Mr. Brunk said, as far as the Board of Health being their own entity, it is in Rock Island County and it at least partially falls under the County Board’s umbrella in different aspects. He does not think it would hurt for them to offer ideas to the Board of Health, like reaching out to townships, whether that’s done through the Administrator or the Chairman. Mr. Camlin said or Mr. Langdon. Mr. Brunk said just to see if there is any possibility there.

Mr. Westpfahl said he thinks they have enough business of their own without sticking their noses in somebody else’s.

Mr. Terry said he appreciates Mr. Ross making sure they’re all...he agrees that they do not conduct their business, but they do represent the people of Rock Island County and this is an issue that affects the people they represent. He completely respectfully disagrees that they’re out of bounds in sending a letter supporting the Board of Health and a program that they have said they would like to see continue. Mr. Camlin said hopefully Mr. Ross will have that drafted for Tuesday’s meeting.

Ms. Palmer asked if anyone knows why they’re taking that money away. Mr. Terry said the grant has been cut so much. Ms. Palmer said she knows. She sees the cuts every year. She asked why.

Mr. Terry recommended including Rep. Bustos on the letter.

Ms. Palmer asked if other programs are getting more services accomplished, like Planned Parenthood or Community Healthcare. Mr. Langdon said a lot of those agencies are being cut. Ms. Palmer said it is federal grant money and asked why it is being cut from the county’s health department when the health departments of the counties are the only ones that can collect this money. She asked where those funds are going and if they can just not fund it. Mr. Langdon noted that the leader of this country now is talking about cutting funds for lead poisoning, too.

Mr. Camlin said they should move on. He noted that they’ll have a draft Tuesday from Mr. Ross.

Mr. Brunk noted that he forgot to mention that they all have copy of the HR report from Mr. Clyde covering hires, terminations, payroll, and work comp for March.

8) Public Works & Facilities Committee report

Mr. Burns reported that the Public Works and Facilities Committee met on Monday, April 10. They considered ZBA findings as follows and recommended approval of all: RZ-17- 107, Larry Moore, SE-1 to SE-2, Rural Township; RZ-17-108, Aaron and Krista Calvert, Ag- 1 to SE-1 in Drury Township.

Mr. Burns reported that the committee tabled discussion and possible action on River Oaks Trailer Park pending further research.

The committee reviewed bids received on March 13, 2017 for a road resurfacing project. The committee chose the asphalt option over the cape seal option due to longevity and approved the low bid of $1,324,393.01 from Valley Construction. The committee approved quotes for pipe culverts at $19,107.65 and $11,776.40 from Illowa Culvert and Supply Company. The committee recommended approval of a Motor Fuel Tax Resolution appropriating funds from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund for survey work performed in 2014.

9) Review transfers of appropriations, appropriation resolutions for funds, claims, and TDs

Mr. Camlin noted that all the claims and TDs are in the center of the room and encouraged all members to look at them if they haven’t already.

10) Approval of Rock Island County newsletter

Mr. Camlin noted that the committee can approve it tonight to publish or, if they would rather delay publication and have something changed, they can do it Tuesday.

Mr. Langdon asked if there were any suggestions for changes on that. Mr. Ross said just to link to the County Board members’ information. They’ll do that next month. Mr. Terry noted that they can always propose changes. Mr. Camlin said they can either approve it or wait until Tuesday.

Mr. Burns asked if this is going to be published or put on the website. Mr. Ross said it will be online on the main page of the county website

Mr. Johnston said they can’t start finalizing stuff in Committee of Whole. That goes against the whole idea of the committee. Mr. Camlin said it was on the agenda for approval, so he wanted to bring it forward. Mr. Johnston said they can’t start approving stuff at Committee of the Whole. Mr. Camlin noted that the whole idea seems odd that they’d do a round of approvals on a Monday morning and a round on Wednesday and then the next Tuesday when they really just need to get this out to the people sooner. Maybe Mr. Ross has the authority to publish it already.

Ms. O’Brien asked if they didn’t already, a month ago, approve that Mr. Ross could write the newsletter using this template. He’s just showing them what it looks like now. They basically already approved the use of the template. She can’t see why they wouldn’t just publish it without taking a vote unless there’s an objection.

Mr. L. Moreno said it is Mr. Ross’s prerogative. He already talked to them. It’s his go.

Mr. Reagan asked if there’s a way to count how many people read it. Mr. Ross said probably if the county had a better website. They may be able to. He’ll check with Mr. Davis to see how many people hit it.

Ms. Mayberry asked if this is designed so they will we be able to copy a link and put it on their individual Facebook pages or email it out to people. Mr. Ross said yes.

Mr. Johnston said he’s against approving it tonight. Mr. Westpfahl agreed and said it should go to full Board.

Mr. Camlin said he’d entertain a motion one way or the other.

Mr. L. Moreno said there’s nothing to approve. It’s a website link. He just brought it to them as an idea for suggestions.

Mr. Ross explained that part of the problem is he wasn’t at the last County Board meeting, so he doesn’t know what was said. He was told the County Board wanted to approve the actual newsletter. If they do, they can do it at full County Board each month. If they’re fine with Mr. Ross and his staff using their best common sense and coming up with good content, they can just publish it once it’s ready. Mr. Ross said he always welcomes the County Board’s input. One thing he can do is send it to everyone via email a few days ahead of time to let them know what it will be and if they have concerns they can email him.

Mr. Mielke said that’s what he thinks they said. Informally, Mr. Ross can just send it to them. If they have any questions, additions, or enhancements, they’ll let him know. Mr. Ross said he prefers that. It’s easier. Mr. Mielke said they don’t need the Board to do everything.

Mr. Camlin said there’s no motion.

11) Approval of County Board agenda

Motion to approve County Board agenda with addition of letter of support for the Board of Health: Ginny Shelton

2nd: Mia Mayberry

Voice vote

Motion carried

Mr. Camlin asked that the letter be added under Ms. Mayberry’s section.

12) Discuss Bradley settlement

Mr. Camlin noted that if there are any questions, the committee can enter into closed session.

Mr. Ross explained that this went through Litigation and then they went into closed at Finance, so they’re all familiar. The recommendation from Litigation and Finance is to approve. If there are any questions, they can go into closed, but he sent out the summary. Mr. Camlin said he’s good with the recommendation from Litigation. They will act on this item on Tuesday unless there are questions now. There were none. Mr. Ross noted that members are welcome to talk to him or anyone else ahead of time.

13) The Committee of the Whole may vote to enter into Closed Session for the following:

• 5 ILCS 120/2(c) (1) – 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.

• 5 ILCS 120/2(c) (2) – Collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees.

• 5 ILCS 120/2(c) (11) – Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probably or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting.

The committee did not enter into closed session.

14) Adjourn

Meeting adjourned at 6:34 p.m. by Chair Nick Camlin.

Future scheduled meetings on May 10, June 14, July 12, and August 9

http://www.rockislandcounty.org/CountyBoard.aspx?id=40517