Rock Island Today

Rock Island County Board Committee of the Whole met March 13.

Here is the agenda provided by the committee:

The Committee of the Whole of the Rock Island County Board met at the above date and time in the Board Chambers on the third floor of the County Office Building at 1504 Third Avenue, Rock Island, Illinois. Meeting Minutes as follow:

Call to order and roll call

Chairman Brunk called the meeting to order at 5:35 PM. Chairman Brunk presided as Vice-Chairman Vyncke was unavailable.

Members Present: R. Morthland, M. Moreno-Baker, P. McNeil C. Enburg, D. Adams, R. Brunk, T. Foster, E. Sowards, B. Perkins, E. Dewith, R Simmer, J. Wood, C. Layer, B. Westpfahl

Members Absent: L. Moreno, B. Vyncke, D. Mielke

Others Present: A. Palmer, J. Grafton, D. Villarreal, D. Hart, J. Mellinger, K. Davis, C. Przybyla

Chairman Brunk made some general comments about the new technology available in the Chambers, noting that card access to the rear door had been activated. He stated the list of accessible personnel was currently being reviewed. He informed the committee members all have access to the entrance via card as well as IT personnel, the Sheriff, Sheriff’s Department staff, Administration Staff and looking to extend it related to personnel related to Committee and County Board Meetings.

He also noted to the members that the card inserted into their new workstations was to remain there as they will be held by staff for log in to the system. He stated not all of the technology was live yet, as staff was to undergo training. A training session for the County Board members would also be held in a mock meeting style at a later date. He noted the microphones were live and gave instruction for their use to the members.

Public Comment

Chairman Brunk made three calls for public comment; there were no requests for public comment

Approval of the minutes from the February 12th, 2024 Committee of the Whole Meeting

Motion to approve as presented T. Foster

Second D. Adams

Voice vote

Motion carried

Mr. Swanson is present.

Condition of Funds Report

Auditor Ms. Palmer stated all condition of funds reports were emailed to the members, noting some comments from the prior month’s information. She noted the County was in the middle of the 2023-year audit with external auditors on-site within the County offices. She continued they were on-site much more this year, which was helpful with other information being uploaded to a secured portal.

She also mentioned Mr. Grafton noted in the finance meeting that Moody’s had upgraded the County’s bond rating and congratulated the board members, finance staff, and Finance Director Mr. Berger as he was new in the process. She noted the positive forward movement and good for the entire County if borrowing was ever necessary. A review by Moody’s was upgraded and directly affected the Forest Preserve as well. The new rating was A1 and positive.

Dr. Simmer asked if the reports were able to be received earlier to be reviewed; Ms. Palmer stated it was difficult with the meetings falling early into the month. She said there were times when there wasn’t enough time to process the TDs, the claims etc. at end of month.

Dr Simmer asked what had changed as he had been on the committee for a number of years. Ms. Palmer stated cutting off information from departments before the end of month to receive the information, otherwise

not much could be done. She noted staying in the evenings and late to process the information. Mr. Swanson noted the three-quarters of a million-dollars owed to the employee health benefits fund and stated Treasurer Camlin was investing some of the funds on behalf of employees. He noted the years of lost interest and asked when the debt would be retired.

Ms. Palmer stated when the first installment of property taxes were distributed in May, it could be satisfied in June with the loan from liability. Mr. Swanson stated it wasn’t critical.

Staff Reports

Mr. Camlin was unavailable to present his reports, but they were available in the meeting materials.

Finance and Personnel Committee Report

Given by Mr. K. Swanson

Sheriff Hart briefed the Finance and GHA committee on the policing agreements stating the office held 5 sets of contracts for local municipalities. He stated Hampton had ceased operations due to staffing and the sheriff’s office had put together a tentative agreement for coverage. Villages of Hampton and Rapids City were looking for coverage from 7-11 PM and included three new deputy positions. He stated by taking on the contract, revenue would be generated to the County in the amount of $25,000 and be a cost-neutral contract.

Mr. Morthland asked if Hillsdale still had a police force; Sheriff Hart stated they did not. He stated small-town policing was fading. He stated there were currently 5 contracts in place.

He stated 3-year contracts for Port Byron and Cordova as well.

Approval of the County Board Agenda

Motion to approve as presented: D. Adams

Second T Foster

Voice vote

Motion carried

Closed Session

The committee entered closed session at 6:12 PM

Roll call vote:

R. Morthland, M. Moreno-Baker, P. McNeil C. Enburg, D. Adams, R. Brunk, T. Foster, E. Sowards, B. Perkins, E. Dewith, R Simmer, J. Wood, C. Layer, B. Westpfahl – YES

The committee entered open session at 6:21 PM

Motion K. Swanson

Second L. Burns

Voice vote

Motion carried

No action based on closed session

Committee member opportunity for brief comment (no decisions will be made)

Mr. McNeil noted Owen Freeman was named Iowa Hawkeye Freshman of the year and resides in District 6. Chairman Brunk reminded the Board meeting had been moved to the following Thursday due to the primary election and to better accommodate the County Clerk and staff.

Adjourn

With no further business, the committee adjourned at 6:23 PM

Motion

Second

Voice vote

Motion carried

https://www.rockislandcountyil.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/1474?fileID=1662