Monroe County Board of County Commissioners met Monday, June 6.
The Monroe County Board of Commissioners is comprised of three elected members. The Chairman is the Chief Elected Official.
Here are the minutes as provided by Monroe County:
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, ILLINOIS JUNE 6, 2016
The meeting of the County Commissioners of Monroe County, Illinois was called to order at 8:00 a.m. Chairman Terry Liefer, Commissioner Delbert Wittenauer, and Commissioner Robert Elmore were present.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Others present included Sheila Wetzler, County Clerk Dennis Knobloch, along with Press Corps representatives – Joe Leicht of the Monroe County Independent and Alan Dooley of the Republic Times. Also present was Mark Altadaonna.
There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order by Chairman Liefer.
Chairman Liefer called for public comments. Gene Bergmann asked to address the Board. He said he was a member of the Progress for Columbia Committee in 2008 when the City was considering the development of the Columbia Crossings area. He said his background is in Finance, and he has done a lot of studying on TIF Districts. Mr. Bergmann said he is normally not in favor of TIF Districts because of the funds diverted from Schools, but the TIF that was developed for the Columbia Crossings development would have provided major benefits for the Columbia School District. He said because of internal problems on the Columbia City Council, the developer pulled out, and the planned Highway interchange was never built. Mr. Bergmann said he felt the Economic Development Corporation is an excellent idea for the County, and he feels it will help to bring the county together to help bring Economic Development to the area.
Aaron Metzger came to the meeting to discuss Highway Department business. He said that the bids were received for the Hecker Drainage project. The low bidder on the project was Henke Excavating with a bid of $92,616.30. Motion was made by Commissioner Wittenauer, with a second by Commissioner Elmore to award the project to Henke Excavating. All voting Aye, none Nay and none Absent. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION 16-29
WHEREAS, in the interest of improved transportation and drainage facilities, Monroe County and the Village of Hecker, propose to improve North Orchard Lane, within the Village of Hecker, with storm sewer and curb and guttering from East Monroe to Freedom Village; and
WHEREAS, bids were received on May 18, 2016 for said construction in accordance with plans prepared by the Monroe County Highway Department and per the Agreement with the Village of Hecker approved by Resolution at the February 1, 2016 County Board Meeting.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the County of Monroe shall award the construction contract for said North Orchard Drainage Improvement to Henke Excavating Inc., Columbia, Illinois in the amount of $92,616.30 and that the County Board Chairman and County Clerk are hereby authorized to execute said construction contract upon execution by the contractor; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that $138,000.00 is hereby appropriated from the County Bridge Fund to cover the total cost of construction including engineering and that the County Engineer is directed to bill the Village of Hecker an amount equal to their share as stated in the aforementioned agreement.
Passed by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Illinois at Waterloo, this 6th day of June, 2016.
Motion: Wittenauer Second: Elmore Aye: Three Nay: None Absent: None
BID SUMMARY: Construction Estimate - $130,134.00 Henke Excavation - $ 92,616.30 Huebner Concrete - $103,376.53 Hank’s Excavating - $118,635.50 Baxmeyer Construction$150,718.70
Shawn Williamson and Luke Row of Fick, Eggemeyer & Williamson came to the meeting to present the Fiscal Year 2015 Audit and Financial Report of the County. Also present for the discussion was Kevin Koenigstein. All in all, the report showed that the County was in sound financial condition. Motion was made by Commissioner Wittenauer with a second by Commissioner Elmore to approve the audit report as presented. All voting Aye, none Nay, none Absent. Motion carried.
Vicki Koerber came to the meeting.
Jorie Shelly and Brian Stelzer of REJIS came to the meeting to discuss IT/computer support for the County. They said their firm deals only with governmental bodies, and they currently provide support to the County Sheriff’s Department and Oak Hill. Ms. Shelley said they would like to be considered to provide the support to all of the County offices. The Commissioners said they would review the information provided, and determine whether REJIS could provide any assistance for the County.
Jim Hill, Paul Ellis, Chuck Pittman and Kevin Koenigstein came to the meeting to discuss the new proposed Economic Development arrangement. Chairman Liefer said the only thing that made him hesitant to approve the agreement between Monroe County and the new Economic Development Corporation was that no one had as of yet been hired to fill the Executive Director position. Commissioner Wittenauer said the thing that concerned him was that funding has only been secured to cover the EDC for six months – what will happen at the end of that period. Jim Hill said he felt the group needed to step up the outreach efforts. Once the group gets out and makes more business contacts around the County, Mr. Hill said he felt there would be plenty of financial support to keep the group afloat. Commissioner Wittenauer said he was hopeful that the new group could provide the same type of business consultation previously provided by Nora Feuquay. He said that in many cases she provided the guidance for those with good business plans to prosper, and for some who had not developed a plan, the decision was made to not move forward with their business.
Jim Hill said he felt this new organization would take Economic Development to a whole new level in Monroe County. He said the next meeting of the group will be on June 22. A 3-year “Contract for Economic Development Services” was reviewed by the Board. Following several suggested revisions, motion was made by Commissioner Wittenauer, with a second by Commissioner Elmore to approve the agreement between Monroe County and the Monroe County, IL Economic Development Corporation. All voting Aye, none Nay and none Absent. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION 16-30
IN THE MATTER OF MONROE COUNTY, IL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY OF MONROE
CONTRACT FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
THIS AGREEMENT, made this 6th day of June, 2016, by and between the County of Monroe (hereinafter referred to as “the County”) and the Monroe County, Illinois Economic Development Corporation (hereinafter referred to as “the EDC”), a non-profit corporation.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the County has determined the need to expand its economic development program to make this area competitive with other counties of the same size in Illinois;
WHEREAS, the County has recently established the position of Director of Economic Development to provide full-time, professional direction to such efforts as may be necessary and desirable to promote economic growth;
WHEREAS, the EDC has recently been formed to “pursue a more diversified local economy, a broader tax base and enhanced quality of life through recruiting new businesses, encouraging innovation and supporting the retention/expansion of existing businesses;
WHEREAS, the County and the EDC have recognized common interests and have reached an agreement pursuant to authority granted under the Illinois Constitution whereby the EDC can provide economic development services to the County pursuant to the terms of this Contract.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the following has been agreed by and between the County and the EDC:
1. This Contract shall be in effect for a period not to exceed three (3) years, commencing the 6th day of June, 2016 and thus expiring the 31st day of May 2019, unless previously terminated pursuant to paragraph 6, below. 2. The County agrees to provide its Director of Economic Development as a loaned employee (hereinafter “the Employee”) to the EDC to serve as Executive Director under the terms of the EDC’s bylaws. 3. Compensation and benefits provided to the Employee shall be in such amounts and on such terms as may be mutually acceptable to the County and to the EDC. 4. The County also agrees to provide office space, access to County offices and other such benefits to the Employee as may be mutually acceptable to the County and to the EDC. 5. The EDC shall provide partial funding for the Employee and other resources as may be necessary to allow him/her to successfully undertake economic development efforts on behalf of the County and the EDC. 6. Either party may terminate this Contract by providing sixty (60) days’ written notice to the other party provided that written notice to the county is addressed to the Chair of the County Commissioners and that written notice to the EDC is likewise provided to its Chair. 7. Any questions or disputes arising from this Contract shall be addressed through formation of a Committee consisting of the Employee, the Chair of the EDC, and the Chair of the County. The Committee shall make the final and conclusive determination on issues pertaining to specific economic development functions and duties. 8. The foregoing paragraphs constitute the entire agreement between the parties and no verbal statements shall supersede any of its provisions. This Contact may be amended by mutual agreement, signed and executed with the same formality with which the current instrument was executed.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, the EDC, by duly adopted Resolution of its Board of Directors, cause this Contract to be signed by its Chair and attested by its Vice Chair, and the County of Monroe, by order of its governing body, has caused these presents to be affixed thereto and attested by the Clerk of said governing body, all on the day, month, and year first above written.
Chuck Pittman said he was not sure how the hiring process was going to work for the Executive Director, Chairman Liefer said it was his impression that the County would hire the Executive Director as a Monroe County employee, and then “share” this individual with the EDC following the model that was being used by Jacksonville, Illinois, and for that group, the County hires the ED, and the Corporation then contracts with the County for use of that County employee. There was additional discussion as to what process would be used for review and dismissal of this employee if their performance is not satisfactory. Following discussion, it was agreed that the Executive Director would be a County employee used by the Economic Development Corporation, and that if necessary the employee could be disciplined or dismissed by the rules and procedures that are a part of the Monroe County Employee Handbook.
Motion was made by Commissioner Wittenauer, with a second by Chairman Liefer to appoint Bob Elmore and Kevin Koenigstein to the Monroe County Economic Development Corporation. All voting Aye, none Nay and none Absent. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION 16-31
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Illinois that the following individuals be appointed as representatives to the Monroe County Economic Development Corporation, with term to commence on June 6, 2016 and expire on or when a successor is appointed and has qualified.
Robert Elmore Kevin Koenigstein 1020 Oak Creek Lane 606 Rockhampton Drive Waterloo IL 62298 Columbia IL 62236
Passed by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Illinois at Waterloo this 6th day of June, 2016.
Motion: Wittenauer Second: Elmore Aye: Three Nay: None Absent: None
Chairman Liefer said interviews will be held on Thursday for those who have submitted applications for the Executive Director position.
Dan Sternau was present to discuss the status of the pending Oak Hill construction project. He said that IDPH has issued their approval of the plans submitted by Holland. He said one bathroom with a tub had to be added to satisfy the State regulations. In order to add this bathroom, additional square footage had to be added to the planned building footprint. Mr. Sternau said he would now make plans for the formal bid process, and that would provide the Board with a better indication of the final building cost figures. If the County decides to proceed with the project at that time, he feels that construction could begin as early as August 1, with the building shell being completed by November. Mr. Sternau said the original plan of about 10,500 square feet was increased to about 16,000 square feet. He said that some work that was originally budgeted as construction cost, would now have to be transferred over to design cost. Oak Hill staff has compiled a list of “want” items that could increase the final budget total, but some of those items can be deleted if necessary to get the bottom line close in line with the budget dollars available.
Marty Raeber submitted a request to the County Board to erect a bench in memory of Nora Feuquay. He said that since she enjoyed the outdoors, he would like to see the bench put somewhere on the Courthouse lawn. Following discussion it was decided to have Mr. Raeber work directly with Brian Hooten to determine the appropriate spot.
Dennis Knobloch provided a Bicentennial update. He said the Ceremonial County Board meeting went well on Saturday, except for the rainy weather that forced the event inside. Mr. Knobloch said the next event will be the wheat cutting on Saturday, June 18 on the Sondag farm west of Valmeyer. He also said that the County Commissioners should be available for the dedication of the Bicentennial Plaque, with the ceremony taking place on Tuesday, June 21 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Porta Westfalica Fest on the Courthouse grounds. The plaque will be affixed to the west side of the Courthouse building, along with the plaques that were dedicated for the Centennial in 1916 and the Sesquicentennial in 1966.
The Prevailing Wage Rate Ordinance was passed upon motion by Commissioner Wittenauer, with a second by Commissioner Elmore. All voting Aye, none Nay and none Absent. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE 16-3
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF MONROE, ILLINOIS, ASCERTAINING THE PREVAILING RATE OF WAGES FOR LABORERS, WORKMEN AND MECHANICS EMPLOYED ON PUBLIC WORKS OF SAID COUNTY
WHEREAS, the State of Illinois has enacted “An act regulating wages of laborers, mechanics and other workers employed in any public works by the State, County, City or any public body or any political subdivision or by anyone under contract for public works. “approved June 26, 1941, as amended, (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1987, CH 48, par 39s-1 et seq. As amended by Public Acts 86-799 and 86- 693 and,
WHEREAS, the aforesaid Act requires that the Commissioners of County of Monroe investigate and ascertain the prevailing rate of wages as defined in said Act for laborers, mechanics and other workers in the locality of said County of Monroe employed in performing construction of public works, for said Monroe County, so
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Illinois that:
SECTION 1: To the extent and as required by “An Act regulating wages of laborers, mechanics and other workers employed in any public works by State, county, city or any public body or any political subdivision or by any one under contract for public works, “approved June 26, 1941, as amended, the general prevailing rate of wages in this locality for laborers, mechanics, and other workers engages in construction of public works coming under the jurisdiction of Monroe County is hereby ascertained to be the same as the prevailing rate of wages for construction work in the Monroe County area as determined by the Department of Labor of the State of Illinois as of June of the current year, a copy of that determination being attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. As required by said Act, any and all revisions of the prevailing rate of wages by the Department of Labor of the State of Illinois shall supersede the Department’s June determination and apply to any and all public works construction undertaken by Monroe County. The definition of any terms appearing in this Resolution which are also used in aforesaid Act shall be the same as in the Act.
SECTION 2: Nothing herein contained shall be construed to apply said general prevailing rate of wages as herein ascertained to any work or employment except public works construction of Monroe County to the extent required by the aforesaid Act.
SECTION 3: The Monroe County Clerk shall publicly post or keep available for inspection by any interested party in the main office of the Courthouse this determination or any revisions of such prevailing rate of wage. A copy of this determination or of the current revised determination of prevailing rate of wages then in effect shall be attached to all contract specifications.
SECTION 4: The Monroe County Clerk shall mail a copy of this determination to any employer, and to any association of employers and to any person or association of employees who have filed their names and addresses, requesting copies of any determination stating the particular rates and the particular class of workers whose wages will be affected by such rate.
SECTION 5: The Monroe County Clerk shall promptly file a certified copy of this Resolution with both the Secretary of State Index Division and the Department of Labor of the State of Illinois.
Passed by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Illinois at Waterloo this 6th day of June, 2016.
Motion: Wittenauer Second: Elmore Aye: Three Nay: None Absent: None
_____________________________ Terry Liefer, Chairman
I, Dennis M. Knobloch, DO HEREBY CERTIFY THAT I am the duly elected County Clerk in and for Monroe County, Illinois; that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of an Ordinance duly passed by the chairman and Board members of the County of Monroe, being entitled: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF MONROE, ILLINOIS ASCERTAINING THE PREVAILING RATE OF WAGES FOR LABORERS, WORKMEN, AND MECHANICS EMPLOYED ON PUBLIC WORKS OF SAID COUNTY”, at a regular meeting on the 6th day of June, 2016, the Ordinance being a part of the official records of said County.
Dennis Knobloch provided a list of Election Judges for the County’s 37 Precincts, that will be used for the elections through the General Primary Election of 2018. Motion was made by Commissioner Wittenauer, with a second by Commissioner Elmore to approve the list as presented. All voting Aye, none Nay and none Absent. Motion carried. This list will now be presented at a Public Hearing, followed by final approval by the Circuit Judge, and the appointment of the Election Judges for their 2-year term by the Circuit Judge.
Chairman Liefer said he has been in further contact with Waterloo Chamber Director Jenny Bullock. She explained that membership in the Chamber for Monroe County would cost $175, and the County would have to name one designated individual who would then have voting privileges at Chamber meetings. If that person is unable to attend meetings, they could send someone else with their proxy. Motion was made by Commissioner Wittenauer, with a second by Commissioner Elmore to approve Monroe County membership in the Waterloo Chamber, and to designate the County Board Chairman as the County representative/voting member. All voting Aye, none Nay and none Absent. Motion carried.
Chairman Liefer presented to the Board a Franchise Agreement for IPTV service between HTC and Monroe County. Mike Fausz was called to the meeting and asked if he would do some research on this issue and contact HTC with any questions he might have. The Board asked him then to make a recommendation to the Board regarding the approval of this franchise agreement. There was also discussion of the County cell phones, and Mr. Fausz said he is trying to sort out the County cell phone contract, and the numerous plans that were currently in place for county employees who have cell phones.
Motion was made by Commissioner Wittenauer, with a second by Commissioner Elmore to approve a Courtyard/Bandstand permit for the City of Waterloo for Saturday, October 8 for Pumpkinfest. All voting Aye, none Nay and none Absent. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Commissioner Elmore, with a second by Commissioner Wittenauer to approve a Courtyard/Bandstand permit for Life Network for Saturday, September 17 for a 5K run. All voting Aye, none Nay and none Absent. Motion carried.
The minutes of the May 16, 2016 meeting were approved upon motion by Commissioner Wittenauer, with a second by Commissioner Elmore. All voting Aye, none Nay and none Absent. Motion carried.
The following Accounts Payable having been approved for payment, Commissioner Elmore moved that the same be allowed and that vouchers be issued against their respective funds of the County Treasurer for payment. Motion seconded by Commissioner Wittenauer, and so declared all voting Aye, none Nay, and none Absent. Motion carried.
There was considerable discussion regarding IT services for the County offices. Commissioner Wittenauer was instructed to contact some other Counties the same size as Monroe to determine what these Counties are doing and how things are working in those Counties.
Chairman Liefer once again brought up membership in NACO, and the suggestion died for lack of interest.
Chairman Liefer said he would be providing the other Commissioners with a report update from the Monroe-Randolph Transit District, and he said everything seems to finally be going the right direction.
Motion was made by Commissioner Wittenauer, with a second by Commissioner Elmore to keep all Closed Session minutes closed at this time. All voting Aye, none Nay and none Absent. Motion carried.
There being no further business to come before the Board, motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Elmore, with a second by Commissioner Wittenauer. All voting Aye, none Nay and none Absent. Motion carried.
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