South West Illinois News

Monroe County Board of County Commissioners met Nov. 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The meeting of the County Commissioners of Monroe County, Illinois was called to order at 1:00 p.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, Scott Woodsmall with the Waterloo Republic-Times, Pat Kelly, and Sidney Horn.

Chairman Knobloch asked for public comments. Pat Kelly told the Board he thinks the new addition to the jail should be put on the ballot for the voters to decide. Chairman Knobloch said it doesn’t have to be put on the ballot because ARPA funds are being used to pay for the project.

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

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 2, 2023 and October 16, 2023 regular Board meetings. Second by Commissioner Green. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried.

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve the minutes of the closed Board meetings held on September 25, 2023, October 2, 2023, and October 16, 2023. Second by Commissioner Green. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried.

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

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve an application for use of the courtyard by Waterloo Citizens for a Pool 5K. Second by Commissioner Green. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried.

Lynn Caroline Heins, representing the University of Illinois Extension, presented the Board with a funding request for the County’s FY2024 budget. The request was for $195,000. The request was the same as the previous year.

County Treasurer Kevin Koenigstein presented the final budget. County Clerk Jonathan McLean presented draft copies of the annual levy ordinances and advised the Board that a truth in taxation hearing would be necessary if the Board decides to levy any additional funds.

County Treasurer Kevin Koenigstein reviewed the insurance renewal. The annual premium, not including cyber insurance and earthquake, is $955,753. It is a 13.13% increase in premium. The insurance policy renews on December 1.

There was discussion regarding the proposed addition to the County Jail. Mike Schneider with Quadrant Design reviewed the bids with the Board. Middendorf & Ruess was the lowest bid at $3,613,000. There was an addendum with the bid of $44,800 for the construction of an evidence processing office in the existing building. Finally, there was a change of scope bid to remove the basement for a reduction of $766,000.

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to accept the lowest bid of $3,613,000, with the change of scope reduction of $766,000, and including the $44,800 for the construction of the evidence processing office. Second by Commissioner Green. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried.

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve an ordinance Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement for Participation in the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS Master Agreement 2022). Second by Commissioner Green. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried. Ordinance #23-9

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve a resolution to revise the Monroe County ambulance service rates effective December 1, 2023. Second by Commissioner Green. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried. Resolution #23-92

There was a brief discussion regarding the Zoll Contract. No action was taken by the Board.

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve an engineering agreement with Oates and Associates for additional bridge structure design necessary for the Bluff Road Bridge over Carr Creek. Second by Commissioner Green. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried. Resolution #23-93

Commissioner Green made a motion to approve going into closed session for the purpose of personnel, litigation, and property acquisition. Second by Commissioner Koerber. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried. Resolution #23-94

Meeting closed at 2:21 p.m.

Commissioner Green made a motion to come out of closed session. Second by Commissioner Koerber. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried. Resolution #23-95

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

Meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m.

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