South West Illinois News

Monroe County Board of County Commissioners met July 3.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The meeting of the County Commissioners of Monroe County, Illinois was called to order at 8:15 a.m. by Chairman Dennis M. Knobloch.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Chairman Dennis M. Knobloch, Commissioner George Green and Commissioner Vicki Koerber were present.

Others present included County Clerk Jonathan McLean, State’s Attorney Ryan Webb, Sheriff Neal Rohlfing, George Bieber, Pat Kelly, EMA Director Kevin Schiebe, and Scott Woodsmall with the Republic-Times.

George Bieber had a public comment. He spoke against the proposed jail expansion and against housing prisoners from other jurisdictions. Pat Kelly asked the Board to provide an update on a new audio system.

Commissioner Green made a motion to approve the following County bills and payroll for payment. Seconded by Commissioner Koerber. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried.

The Board did not approve minutes from the previous Board meeting. They will approve at the next regular meeting.

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve the Oak Hill Care Center Accounts Payable. Second by Commissioner Green. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried.

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve a raffle license from St. Patrick Tipton Catholic Church. Second by Commission Green. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried.

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve a courtyard use application for the 2023 Waterloo PumpkinFest. Second by Commissioner Green. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried.

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve a resolution to reappoint Bruce Brinkman to the Monroe County Flood Prevention District for a term of three years to commence on July 7, 2023 and expire on July 6, 2026 or until a successor is appointed and has qualified. Second by Commissioner Green. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried. Resolution #23-59

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve a resolution to reappoint Janel Holmes to the Monroe County Board of Health for a term of two-year with term to commence on July 1, 2023 and expire on June 30, 2025 or until a successor is appointed and has qualified. Second by Commissioner Green. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried. Resolution #23-60

Sheriff Neal Rohlfing, Joe Lewis, and Mike Schneider came before the Board to discuss the proposed jail expansion project. The project being considered is an addition to the existing jail for new administrative offices, temperature-controlled storage for equipment, interrogation rooms, and a training center. During COVID-19 pandemic, the current configuration of the jail building was not adequate to meet health and safety standards. Mike Scheider said that the final plans are completed and the project will go out for bid within the next 30 days.

Due to a recent weather emergency in Monroe County, Chairman Knobloch amended the agenda to act on two emergency items.

First, EMA Director Kevin Schiebe discussed a storm that hit the northern part of Monroe County on Friday, June 30, 2023. The storm caused wide-spread damage and power outages. Mr. Schiebe said that the County will ask Governor Pritzker to declare a disaster.

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to authorize the Chairman to sign documents related to the request for disaster assistance from the State of Illinois. Second by Commissioner Green. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried.

Mr. Schiebe also advised the Board that a no burn ban is still in effect. It may be necessary to extend the no burn ban on July 13, 2023. Mr. Schiebe asked the Board to approve an extension, if necessary.

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to authorize the Chairman to sign documents related to an extension of the no burn ban if recommended by Monroe County Emergency Management Agency. Second by Commissioner Green. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried.

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to adjourn. Second by Commissioner Green. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 9:02 a.m.

https://monroecountyil.gov/departments/board-of-commissioners/county-board-agendas-2/