Rock Island Today

Rock Island County Committee of the Whole met Aug. 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Call to order and roll call

Members present: R. Morthland, D. Cremeens, M. Burns, M. Moreno, L. Moreno, C. Enburg E. Sowards, K. Swanson, E. Sowards, R. Simmer, L. Boswell-Loftin, J. Woods, D. Beck K. Bogdonas , B. Westpfahl

Members absent: D. Clevenger

Others present: A. Palmer, J. Snider, K. Davis, C. Przybyla

Public Comments

There were no requests for public comment.

Approval of the minutes from the July 14th, 2021 Committee of the Whole Meeting Motion to approve as presented by J. Deppe. Seconded A. Normoyle

Condition of Funds Report

Ms. Palmer presented her condition of funds report. She highlighted the schedule H State of Illinois Payments; the amounts collected into the general fund were higher than collected July 2020 by about 646,000 and higher than 2019 pre pandemic July by $532,000. She noted that is good news and is not just due to covid. Online sales tax and cannabis revenue were contributors. She highlighted general fund is the highest fund balances in schedules C and E since 2007. She stated there are problems in the animal control fund and that directly affects the general fund. The annual budget stands at $200,000 to be used and noted as of July 31st, cash was in the negative and would need more cash soon.

She also stated all funds on schedule C with the expectation of animal control successfully attained at least a Board approved and mandated goal of 25 percent fund balance.

Member Bogdonas asked if for animal control if all municipalities were contributing their amounts. Ms. Palmer stated that all contracted have but not all municipalities have been contracted. Mr. Swanson thanked Ms. Palmer and asked about revisiting the agreement; a 99 year agreement was made that undercut the revenues to provide mandated services. He stated this is a structural deficiency.

Member Moreno stated as a member of the East Moline City Council, the agreement was presented as free service to the cities.

Member Mielke stated that it would be nice to have everyone pay their fair share.

Chairman Brunk stated he and County Administrator Snider had various conversations and was looking to reproach the matter shortly.

Staff Reports

Ms. Ewert presented her monthly report of cash. Supplemental sales tax for May $417,185.44 She stated on the past 2 years it was $295,000 and $346,000. Current interest for July at $18,355 copared to a year ago at $11,346.00. She stated interest is not higher, but more money in the balances and the ARPA funds invested in 2 different areas; half in IMET and the other in a money market fund account at Peoples Bank in Kewanee. General fund balance is at an all time high. The third tax distribution was on Thursday, July 29th; a smaller one at about 7 million because it was a non-due date month.

Member Westpfahl asked if the interest from the covid relief funds could be spent on anything or if it needed to be kept separate.

Ms. Ewert stated that the County was keeping it separate in the investments and it needed to be kept track of it.

Ms. Palmer stated that the money is reported on in her reports, as collected on May 17th. The interest is calculated at an extra $70,000 per year. It can be used for general county expenses as per guidelines. She stated the County would want to keep those funds as invested as possible. The interest can go to general fund.

County Administrator Mr. Snider stated that due to the passing of former County Board Member Johnston, the Budget Committee would be scheduled for August 13th at 3:30 PM.

Finance & Personnel Committee Report – Given by Chairman Moreno

During the finance report, State’s Attorney Villarreal addressed the committee and stated the State’s Attorney’s Office is currently facing a crisis due to Covid and an increase in violence. The office currently had 33,000 cases pending; criminal, felony, misdemeanor and traffic, with an increase of 5,000 for the office prior to covid. There were 27 homicides sitting in the jail with 2 from 2017. She stated that there is a dangerous epidemic of guns, stolen cars and violence, affecting every single neighborhood. She stated the office is currently overwhelmed, but the American Rescue Plan could assist in court case backlogs, crime prevention, violence intervention. She stated she had a presentation but asked the Board to approve a consulting firm to streamline processes.

Governance, Health and Administration Committee Report – Given by Chairman Public Works & Facilities Committee Report

Approval of the County Board Agenda

The Committee of the Whole may entire 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.

Board Member opportunity for brief comment (no decisions will be made)

Ms. Loftin stated hearing about the kids in the community and it’s always the bad things; she stated she is very proud of former member Mia Mayberry, as Ms. Mayberry was appointed to a key staff position with the US Department of Agriculture in Washington D.C and she will serve as deputy director of intergovernmental affairs in the Office of Congressional Relations. A round of applause broke out for Ms. Mayberry.

Member Westpfal stated when he came on to the County Board in 2010 there was no orientation for new Board members and there wee 4 people who reached out and became good friends; Lauren Loftin, Virgil Mayberry, Don Jacobs, and “my good friend Don Johnston, and I miss the hell out of that guy. I think they need to be recognized.”

Vice Chairman thanked Mr. Johnston for his service to the Board and stated “rest in peace, Mr. Johnston.”

Adjourn

Motion to adjourn by D. Adams. Seconded M. Burns at 6:20 PM

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