Rock Island Today

Rock Island County Board Committee of the Whole met Nov. 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The Committee of the Whole of the Rock Island County Board met on Thursday November 14th at 5:30pm in the County Board Chambers on the third floor of the County Office Building located at 1504 3rd Ave, Rock Island, IL. Meeting minutes are as follows:

1. Call to order and roll call:

Chairman Richard Brunk called the meeting to order at 5:32pm and asked to call the roll. Members present: Richard Morthland (5:35), Melissa Moreno-Baker, Porter McNeil, Drue Mielke, Dave Adams, Tim Foster, Edna Sowards, Kai Swanson, Bob Perkins, Dr. Luis Moreno, Richard “Quijas” Brunk, Larry Burns, Brian Vyncke, Carla Enburg, Enyo Dewith, Chuck Layer, Dr. Rodney Simmer (6:05), Johnnie Woods, Bob Westpfahl.

Member absent: Brian Vyncke

Others Present: Captain Mindy Meyers, County Auditor April Palmer, County Administrator IT Director Kurt Davis, Jim Nelson, Patty Castro, SAO.

2. Public Comment: Chairman Brunk made three calls for public comment:

There were no requests for public comment.

3. Approval of the minutes from September 11th, 2024

Motion to approve as presented: Larry Burns Second: Dave Adams

Voice vote

Motion Carried

4. Presentation: Kristi Mindrup, Interim President of Western Illinois University. Kristi thanked the County Board for their continued support of Western Illinois University. Kristi then gave an update on Western Illinois University in the Quad Cities. Kristi noted that WIU is moving up in the US News and World reports rankings as the best Midwest institution. We have been recognized as the best for Veterans institution and we have also been recognized for diversity. We are very focused in on making sure we have accessible academic programs working hard to make sure that we are maintaining our students at WIU. Another priority is Financial Sustainability, as you know Institutions across the States are addressing fiscal challenges, and financial stability. There is a population decline in college age students across the United States, fewer students are also choosing to attend four-year Universities. We have addressed that in a number of ways. Most of our finances are dedicated to our personnel and we are also looking at ways to generate revenue. Institutions are funded differently in Illinois based on the type of Institution they are. Our flagship institution is funded at 92%. Where WIU is funded at about 68%. What that means we have about 68% of the necessary funds in order successfully support students and provide programs and services that they may need at the institution. We still do that very well. We could do a much better job if we were 100% funded. We are also focused on Academic Programs Innovation. What that means is aligning our academic program to the State needs and especially relevant this group and the community needs. At our University we are focused on many of our most successful programs including Agriculture, Education, as well as Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, Criminal Justice those are high need areas. We are also interested in growing our health

4. Presentation (continued)

care program. On the Quad Cities Campus, we have needs in three areas including manufacturing, health care and educational needs of the area from Teacher Education and Counselors. We are changing the Quad Cities campus a little, there is a bit of a shift in the purpose and condition of the Quad Cities Campus, some of our long-time programs will shift to online courses to meet the needs of the community. We also have a focus on partnerships for innovation. You may have heard about recently the Quad City Manufacturing Institute, that is in joint partnership with the University of Illinois, Iowa State University and Western Illinois University to meet the needs of manufactures and research needs of the Rock Island Arsenal and other partners. That will be a partnership that will benefit the Arsenal and some of the activity will happen on the Quad Cities Campus. The University will also create a University park space, so we will be looking for institutional partners through our Community Colleges and neighboring institutions as well as other institutions throughout the state. Finally, what we hope to do is continue to create access and opportunity for students through innovative programs and services. We also hope to cast a wider net to capture more students that are seeking higher education opportunities. Increasing aspirations of students that have not envisioned themselves as College Students. Western Illinois University has a mission and it is very successful at increasing the social mobility of Students that come to us. We strive to create new pathways for that group of Students as well as adult students and online. Kristi then asked for any questions or comments. Board Member Drue Mielke thanked Kristi for coming to the meeting and noted he is a graduate from WIU. I received my Bachelors Degree I am not sure if it had not been for the presence of WIU in the Quad Cities area I would not have been able to do it. Back then the Quad Cities was the largest Community without a State University. At that time, it was at Blackhawk Campus. I am very grateful for the early programs that were brought to the Quad Cities. Dr. Luis Moreno stated that he got his Undergrad and Masters degrees from WIU in Macomb and I worked at WIU in Macomb for 11 years however, we all know that at Macomb 4:40pm they are gone. That doesn’t happen here in the Quad Cities, but I am concerned that with classes leaving here and going back to Macomb will that affect the Quad Cities Campus. Kristi answered about Dr. Moreno’s concern about Student services leaving for Macomb. There are some services gong to Macomb that will have dual locations to them. Critical services for Students, Financial Aide, Academic Advisors, Student Activities those will all still be here at the Quad Cities. We want to make sure we are offering those services at both locations. We are trying to respond to the services that the Students are asking for. Porter McNeil thanked Kristi for taking time to come and asked about equitable funding bill, is there a specific house or senate bill. Kristi said it was a bill that they have been working on for the last month and a half, lead by Senate Leader Kimberly Lightford. Kristi said she was not sure on the bills filing status. Board Member Johnnie Woods aske if there was any Masters programs available online.

5. Condition of Funds Report: County Auditor April Palmer noted that the conditions of funds report via email and she is here for any questions of changes.

6. Staff Reports: None

7. Finance & Personnel Report:

Finance & Personnel Chairman Dr. Luis Moreno read the Finance & Personnel report as follows: The Finance & Personnel Committee met on Wednesday November 13th at 8:30am Treasurer Nick Camlin reported that the Rock Island County Treasurers Office stayed open on Election Day to accommodate residents coming in to pay their taxes on the day before the deadline.

Finance Director Ryan Berger reported on outlined the upcoming FY25 budget approval this month.

All Routine Reports were approved

• Seven Delinquent Tax Resolutions are presented.

• Permanent Parcel Number 09-19-304-013 Tax Payer ID# (06)-2676 HA

• Permanent Parcel Number 09-19-304-014 Tax Payer ID# (06)-2677 HA

• Permanent Parcel Number 16-02-129-017 Tax Payer ID# (09)-402 RI

• Permanent Parcel Number 07-35-420-011 Tax Payer ID# (09)-638 RI

• Permanent Parcel Number 16-25-304-134 Tax Payer ID# BH

• Permanent Parcel Number 17-16-207-134 Tax Payer ID# SM

• Permanent Parcel Number 17-16-207-091 Tax Payer ID# SM

• Justice Center Pavilion/Lobby Heating Project bid from Ruyle Mechanical at a cost of $59,764.00, which is included in the FY25 budget.

• An Updated resolution Appointing Matt Miller County Engineer, outlining minimum COLA’s for upcoming years, providing for state reimbursement.

• A Budget Reallocation of $22,000.00 for the Purchase of 26 I-Pads for the county board chambers.

• The low bid for the Bathroom and Locker Room renovation at Highway, with the low bidder being Chenoweth Construction at $306,351.00, with $210,000.00 funded from ARPA.

• An ARPA Allocation pf $400,000.00 for the Large Cat & Eagle Enclosure project at Niabi Zoo.

• The Creation and funding of an “Audit Hotline”

• A Change Order for the Monument Restoration Project, providing for a Performance Bond, Painting and sealing of the base of the 1869 monument, Black Granite Plates for the Multi-War Monument, & a granite eagle to top the 1869 monument, at a cost of $28,062.00. Chairman Richard “Quijas” Brunk updated the Board Members on the change order regarding the Multi-War Monument which has been cleaned and will need a new panel for the Persian Gulf War -War in Iraq- The War in Afghanistan –in order to do this, we need to replace the panel for the Viet Nam War also and re-engraved the names. The monument company will also put a black granite ledge on top of the monument. The cost for some of these services will be paid for through donation to the monument company. The change order includes the performance bond, which was required, painting of the 1869 monument base, and it includes a carved granite eagle to top the 1869 Monument. This was recommended from the gentlemen on the Civil War roundtable. Chairman Brunk stated that the last thing he wanted to comment on is the plates on the left and the right will be black granite. A few years ago, there was a mistake and all the names were added incorrectly to the Persian Gulf War and these names should have been added under the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War.

County Board Member Kai Swanson asked about the Gettysburg Address, Chairman Brunk answered that the granite for the Gettysburg Address has been ordered and the plaque has been refurbished.

Dr, Rodney Simmer asked about continued maintenance. Chairman Brunk answered that the contract does include 3 years of continued maintenance.

• Appropriations Resolutions for Funds & Transfer of Appropriations

• Claims in the amount of $ 1,795,934.52

• Treasurer’s Disbursements at $2,248,549.52

• And, the Board Member Per Diem/Mileage

This concludes the November report of the Finance & Personnel Committee

8. Governance Health & Administration Report:

Governance Health & Administration Chairman Carla Enburg gave the November report: The Governance, Health and Administration Committee met on Tuesday November 12th2024 at 10:00am

• County Clerk Karen Kinney reported on Vital Records and the Election

• County Auditor April Palmer gave a report on the Whistle blower software

• Rock Island County Building & Zoning Director Greg Thorpe gave a report on changes for the Code book from Ordinance 2024-10-A.

All routine reports were approved by the Committee

The Committee considered and recommended for approval the following:

• Ordinance 2024-10-A moving the Pollution Control Facilities from chapter 150 to chapter 156

• A Proclamation for Impaired Drivers Month for December 2024

• 2025 County Board Schedule

• Resolution for semiannual review of Closed session minutes to have these minutes remain closed

The Committee considered and forwarded to Finance & Personnel for further consideration the following:

• Consider IT budget reallocation of $22,000.00 from ARPA funds to purchase I pads

• Consider ARPA Allocation of $400,000.00

• Consider creation of “Audit Hotline”

This concludes the November report of the Governance, Health & Administration Committee 

10. The Public Works & Facilities Committee Report

The Public Works & Facilities Committee met on Tuesday November 12th at 8:30AM

• Zoning and Building Director Greg Thorpe gave his report

• Greg Thorpe gave GIS Director Josh Boudi reported activities

• Highway Engineer Matt Miller reported on routine activities.

• County Administrator Jim Grafton gave a report on Facilities at the COB and Fleet Management

All routine reports were approved

The committee considered and recommended approval of one Zoning Board of Appeals Case as follows:

Consider Zoning Board of Appeals Case

a. RZ-24-112 per LLC AG-2 to SE-1 CO

Consider a Utility Agreement between Rock Island County and Unite Private Networks Project LLC

The Public Works Committee also considered these items and forwarded them to Finance & Personnel Consider Justice Center Pavilion Heating project

Consider Updated Resolution Appointing Matt Miller Rock Island County Engineer Consider Bids and ARPA Obligations for bathroom and Locker room renovation project for Highway

Consider Change Order for Monument Restoration

This concludes the report of the Public Works & Facilities Committee

10. Approval of the County Board Agenda

Chairman Brunk noted that on the County Board Agenda item 6.k. $66,360.50 is for election Judge pay and the Finance & Personnel committee is aware of this item.

Chairman Richard “Quijas” Brunk asked for a motion to approve the County Board Agenda for Tuesday November 19th 2024

Motion: Richard Morthland Second: Bob Perkins

Voice Vote

Motion Carried

12. Closed Session – None

13. Consider action based on closed session-None

14. Committee member opportunity for brief comment:

Dr. Luis Moreno reminded everyone to stop by the Deere Wyman House to view the Christmas Decorations after December 1st.

Kai Swanson reminded everyone that there is a free concert at Augustana College on November 23rd at 7:30pm Centennial Hall

Dr. Simmer gave an update on the 19th Century Christmas time from noon till 5:00pm

15. Adjourn

Motion to adjourn: David Adams Second by: Dr. Moreno

Voice Vote

motion carried

Meeting adjourned at 6:11 pm

https://www.rockislandcountyil.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/1665?fileID=1892