Rock Island Today

Rock Island County Committee of the Whole Met March 10.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Call to Order and Roll Call

Chairman R. Brunk presided over the Committee of the Whole in the absence of Vice-Chairman B. Vyncke. Chairman Brunk called the meeting to order at 5:33 PM.

A roll call was taken

Members present: R. Morthland, D. Cremeens, S. Noyd, M. Moreno, L. Burns, L. Moreno, C. Enburg, B. Vyncke, J. Deppe, P. O’Brien , D. Johnston, D. Adams, R. Brunk, A. Normoyle, E. Sowards, K. Swanson, E. Langdon, R. Simmer, L. Boswell-Loftin, J. Woods, D. Beck, D. Mielke, K. Maranda, B. Westpfahl Members absent: D. Clevenger

Others present: D. Villarreal, P. Castro, J. Snider, L. Ewert, A. Palmer, A. Holstine,(RW Baird) S. Roberts (RW Baird), D. Hardin (Bozeman, Neighbor, Patton & Noe), William Rector (Bozeman, Neighbor, Patton & Noe) K. Davis, C. Przybyla

Public Comment

Ms. Alexandria Elias of Rock Island made public comment on the Courthouse and thanked the Committee for placing item #9 on the agenda for discussion.

Ms. Diane Oesterich of Rock Island made public comment on the Courthouse and read a letter signed by the President of Landmarks IL.

Ms. Mary Kenney Fuhr of Taylor Ridge made public comment on the Courthouse and asked the Board to consider the reuse of the Courthouse as a federal courthouse.

Mr. Joe Lemon made public comment on the Rock Island County Courthouse as the applicant for the Federal GSA project.

Mr. Lokhard of Moline made public comment on the Courthouse

Mr. James Blue of Rock Island made public comment on the Rock Island County Courthouse reiterating that the Courthouse should not be torn down and look at repurposing the building to generate revenue for the County.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes from the February 2021 Committee of the Whole were approved with motion by member L. Burns. Seconded by member K. Maranda and P. O’Brien as presented.

Member D. Beck asked if County Administrator Mr. Snider attended the previous meeting as listed in the minutes. Chairman Brunk confirmed that Mr. Snider was in attendance.

A roll call vote was taken: R. Morthland, D. Cremeens, S. Noyd, M. Moreno, L. Burns, L. Moreno, C. Enburg, B. Vyncke, J. Deppe, D. Adams, A. Normoyle, E. Sowards, K. Swanson, E. Langdon, R. Simmer, L. Boswell-Loftin, J. Woods, D. Beck, D. Mielke, K. Maranda, B. Westpfahl – YES

Motion carried

Condition of Funds Report

Auditor A. Palmer reported on the monthly condition of funds reports. A written summary was included in the member packets. She stated the COVID reimbursement information specifically the CURES money that the Health Department received in the amount of $323,269.00. The managers at the health department was working to see what amount the

The filing deadline has been extended to January of 2022. She also noted that any of the funds that the Health Department cannot utilize for expenses already made previous fiscal year, would be able to be moved to the general fund. Expenses due to COVID related items under the CURES act currently sit at more than $377,000. She stated the State of Illinois schedule, due to the new American Revitalization plan under the federal level, sales and use tax, auto leasing, and aviation are lower than in 2019 and the basis for what new stimulus money will be received into the general fund. Schedule J included balance due to the general fund, liability insurance fund and employee health benefits from Hope Creek and is appropriated into fiscal year 2027. There is also small loan from the child support fund and the $20,000 loan will be paid back to the general fund.

Member O’Brien asked if in reference to the stimulus at the County level would help replace any tax revenues. Ms. Palmer stated the new stimulus money would be able to be used for replacement revenue lost in 2020 comparable to what was received in 2019 and reimbursed from the new stimulus package.

Staff Reports

Treasurer L. Ewert presented the supplemental sales tax report and stated

She stated for the month of December $335,269.27 which is down $9,900 from a year ago and was received in supplemental sales tax

The monthly report of cash and interest balances was also received.

County Administrator J. Snider reported on an upcoming item

There was discussion on a pension plan opportunity from RW Baird. He also stated he appreciated Ms. Palmer’s report on the stimulus plan. He anticipated an easier budget year than the previous year.

Chairman L. Moreno gave the Finance and Personnel Committee Report

Stephen Roberts and Adam Holstine with financial services company RW Baird gave presentation on the Pension Plan Opportunity. It was stated that the County is currently paying 7.25% on $45.2 million Unfunded Actuarial Accrued Liability. The IMRF payments increase by 3.5 percent through 2042. The Pension Obligation Bonds (POB) would be issued to pay off all or a portion of the Unfunded Actuarial Accrued Liability and would be a cost effective way to pay off the liability. Mr. Snider recommended that if the Board would like to table issue for the Board agenda, as this is a complicated matter and thought the County has 25 million in unfunded debt. IMRF is the second best pension managed program in the country.

Chairman Moreno wanted to entertain discussion to table the item for a month to have further discussion and review.

Member K. Swanson thanked the and stated this pension obligation bond has the potential to give the board, in 20 years, 15 million. He stated this could add millions to the budget and did not want to walk away from the opportunity.

Member P.Obrien asked if the 30 million savings in 2042 over the lifespan over the bond, and Mr. Roberts with RW Baird stated there is no guarantee. Mr. Obrien favored tabling the item for a month. Chairman Brunk, in agreement with Chairman Moreno and Mr. Swanson, encouraged the Board to review the presentation for a month with further questions and be brought back to committee for the following month. Chairman Brunk stated it was the third time he had reviewed the information and wanted to table the item for the board. Member R. Morthland stated if there was a program to bet on it would be IMRF. Mr. Westpfahl favored tabling the item for two to three months to further review it.

Approval of the County Board Agenda

Motion to approve as presented by member

Governance Health and Administration Committee Report

Given by Chairman J. Deppe

Chairman Deppe also gave report on the County Reapportionment.

Member B. Wesptfahl asked if there were minutes from the Zoom Town Hall Meetings. Chairman Brunk stated the audio and video are available on the County website.

Chairman Deppe also congratulated Vice Chairman Brian Vyncke on his retirement as Captain from the Moline Fire Department.

Public Works and Facilities Report

Given by Chairman L. Burns

Discussion on the Disposition of the Former Courthouse

Member D. Mielke asked about the March 22nd General Services Administration walkthrough and was in favor of having the walkthrough done, to see if the building would be a viable option as a federal courthouse. He asked if there was a liaison for the General Services Administration.

Chairman Brunk asked State’s Attorney D. Villarreal to address the board. Ms. Villarreal mentioned she had to the opportunity to speak with the GSA, including legal counsel and the project manager and stated the GSA had not contacted anyone from Rock Island County to ask for a tour of the courthouse, as the County is not a bidder. A tour had not been denied to the GSA, as it had not been requested. Ms. Villarreal asked the GSA if the County could work with them to set up a tour, and they stated it was not possible as the County was not a bidder.

Mr. Mielke asked if the tour were to happen, the County and GSA would have to work with the bidder. Ms. Villareal stated that was her understanding the bidder contacting the County and arranging with the GSA and the best of her knowledge that had not occurred. Chairman Brunk confirmed that had not occurred as the Board had set a course two years ago and had not altered that course resulting in discussion.

Member D. Johnston stated “Frankly, this board on the courthouse issue, this board is moving once again, regardless of what side you’re on the issue.” Mr. Johnston stated he had called the GSA after the February meeting and spoke with Mr. Irosi and was assured that, while he couldn’t say the project was high or low in the running, every project was on equal basis, but seemed to think what was needed was an agreement for the developer to take control of the property. He stated for the GSA to examine the project to see if it would be a solution seemed justified. As it was not on the agenda; he’d like to see about putting an item on the agenda.

Ms. Loftin stated that she was in agreement with Mr. Johnston as to put the item on the agenda to discuss moving forward with the GSA allowing a tour. She stated as servants of the constituents, she would like to place an item on the agenda.

Mr. Obrien asked how the GSA could tour the building if the County is not a bidder. He was in favor of having a walkthrough tour done. Ms. Villarreal stated a communication was sent to Mr. Lemon and Mr. Brockway to send information on bid contracts or documents for review and work on arranging further.

Ms. Beck asked if since Mr. Lemon does not own the property, and Mr. Lemon is putting in the bid, that Mr. Lemon would only be authorized to allow a tour, as he is not part of the County or the County Board. She had serious concerns and if it had to be resolved within the March 22nd deadline. Ms. Villarreal stated the deadline included finalization of the bids proposal revisions, and show proof of the ability to lease the building to the federal government for 20 years by March 22nd. Chairman L. Moreno asked Ms. Villarreal about the legality of the County Board selling to a private bidder, and if an RFP would be needed.

Ms. Villarreal mentioned that she had not found anything in law that the County Board would have to have a request for proposal process, nothing in statues or case law regarding the legality of selling the courthouse.

Ms. Beck asked if Mr. Lemon had offered money for the building and what improvements would need to be made. Ms. Villarreal stated no money had been offered for the particular project. Member D. Adams stated he’d like to put it on the agenda for the County Board as there were still questions from the Board. HE stated he’d talked to Mr. Lemon and Mr. Brockway and that the March 22nd deadline could be extended if needed. He stated the process would be needed to be started on negotiation with Mr. Lemon. He also asked if the lawsuit would affect selling the property or if it would need to be dismissed. Ms. Villarreal stated that the attorneys for the Board were present for that case and that discussion would be best for Closed Session.

Member B. Westpfahl stated how it would be difficult to sell anything without seeing a price. He stated a purchase agreement in writing would be needed. Ms. Villarreal stated she had received something that evening but did not know if there was an offer in place.

Mr. Mielke stated the Board owed it to the constituents to look at every option, as the option was not available to the board previously. He stated the board; 4 years ago took the course of “have to demolish” not “want to demolish the courthouse. He commended the efforts of people who were in favor of saving the courthouse. He stated he’d like to see the GSA walk through and would help determine if the building would be a viable option.

Mr. Swanson mentioned that the tactic of pressure on the Board had been employed while the deadline loomed. He stated to keep in mind what preservationists had asked of the board over the years while making a decision and to protect the legacy of the land. He continued that “we are told that preservation is feasible, then any agreement, and I vehemently oppose an unconditional sales agreement; any option put forward has to have certain conditions; one is, per the preservationists, it has to look like it did in 1857; not 1958 when because of structural inadequacies and poor design and workmanship the roof was about to collapse and the southern side was about to sink into the soil. It is an unsound building. I say this as someone who has read the 2008 KJWW engineering study and the 2008 Estes Study; Estes pointed out that the building does not meet minimum standards of an Illinois Courthouse and one might be skeptical for a federal courthouse; one condition only ne used as a federal courthouse and if not used for that, a developer cannot be put in video slots.” He pointed out that there were bronchial and respiratory issues from employees in the building. He also wanted to ask about what reasonable tax benefits would be minus any abatement. He also wanted to talk about performance metrics at there are numerous vacant buildings; the Bituminous Insurance company, the Christian Memorial Church, the Dispatch-Argus building and the vacant Carnegie Library. He wanted to insure the building would be preserved, but not to rush into an agreement.

Mr. Johnston mentioned that the building would not need to be sold, but if the project was accepted. Mr. P.Obrien stated that if the GSA would want a walk through then the item would need to be placed on the agenda for consideration. Ms. Villarreal stated that she would see with Mr. Snider and others what other precautions would be needed to arrange a tour of the building. Mr. Simmer wanted to look into the studies referenced earlier and to show the groups what the reports indicated. Chairman Brunk asked if there was any opposition to having the engineering reports forwarded to the GSA.

Ms. Beck asked about the action item on the agenda;

Point of order from Mr. Swanson stated that an action item didn’t need to be on the agenda; just as a topic on the agenda and a motion would arise.

Mr. Deppe stated that the Board told Estes and Valley construction that the building was not for sale and would let them know if it ever was, would be a legal problem.

Mr. Maranda stated the Board voted to give the PBC authority over the courthouse. Chairman Brunk stated the PBC would have nonoperational control.

Mr. Morthland thanked the Board for the discussion and productive conversation and that the progress continues. Ms. Sowards asked if the possible bidders know that they are included in the walkthrough. Ms. Villarreal stated the GSA was not able to say how many bidders.

Motion to go into Closed session per

o 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.

Motion by J. Deppe. Seconded by K. Maranda and D. Adams

A roll call vote was taken;

R. Morthland, D. Cremeens, S. Noyd, M. Moreno, L. Burns, L. Moreno, C. Enburg, B. Vyncke, J. Deppe, P. O’Brien, B. Vyncke, J. Deppe, D. Johnston, D. Adams, R. Brunk, A. Normoyle, E. Sowards, K. Swanson, E. Langdon, R. Simmer, L. Loftin, J. Woods, D. Beck, D. Mielke, K. Maranda, -- YES

B. Westpfahl – NO

Time is 7:25 PM

Entered Open Session

A motion was made to approve the County Board Agenda and add to the agenda with :

Consideration of matters related to the former courthouse to the agenda and striking the bond item Motion to approve by member K. Maranda. Seconded by member J. Woods.

A roll call was taken

R. Morthland, D. Cremeens, S. Noyd, M. Moreno, L. Burns, L. Moreno, C. Enburg, B. Vyncke, J. Deppe, P. O’Brien, B. Vyncke, J. Deppe, D. Johnston, D. Adams, R. Brunk, A. Normoyle, E. Sowards, K. Swanson, E. Langdon, R. Simmer, L. Loftin, J. Woods, D. Beck, D. Mielke, K. Maranda, B. Wespfahl-- YES

Adjourn at 8:16 PM

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