South West Illinois News

Monroe County Board of County Commissioners met June 20.

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 George E. Green.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Chairman George E. Green, Commissioner Doug Garmer and Commissioner Vicki Koerber were present.

Others present included County Clerk Jonathan McLean, State’s Attorney Ryan Webb, Sheila Wetzler, Sheriff Neal Rohlfing, Treasurer Kevin Koenigstein, Circuit Clerk Lisa Fallon, Maintenance Director Joe Lewis, Economic Development Director Pam Poetker and Scott Woodsmall of the Republic-Times.

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

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve meeting minutes for the open and closed minutes of the May 20, 2024 and June 3, 2024 Board meetings. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried.

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

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve the reappointment of Lori R. Trost, D.M.D. and Ellen Gates to the Monroe County Board of Health, for a three-year term to commence on July 1, 2024 and expire on June 30, 2027 or until a successor is appointed and has qualified. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried. Resolution #24-64

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve the reappointment of Barbara Wagner to the Monroe County Board of Health, for a one-year term to commence on July 1, 2024 and term to expire June 30, 2025 or until a successor is appointed and has qualified. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried. Resolution #24-65

Kevin Koenigstein presented the Treasurer’s Quarterly Financial Report. A copy of the report is attached to these minutes.

Economic Development Director Pam Poetker presented information regarding the RISE Implementation Grant notice of funding opportunity. Mrs. Poetker went over eligible expenses and reviewed the application deadline. Any organization or entity noted in the RISE recovery plan is eligible to apply for funding through this grant.

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to refer a zoning code amendment proposal to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding the reimbursement of expenses related to third party consultants hired by the Zoning and/or Building Administrators to review building applications. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried.

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve an ordinance amending Chapter 5, Article 1, Section 2 of the Monroe County Code of Ordinances, regarding the membership and appointment of members of the 9-1-1 Board. The number of members will increase from eleven (11) to fifteen (15). Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried. Ordinance #24-6

Jessica Schlimme presented an update on the Monroe Randolph Transit District.

Joann Fricke and Debbie Newman presented information regarding conservation areas in Monroe County. They requested that these conservation areas be protected in the county’s comprehensive plan. The County Clerk said that his office is working on mapping all of these areas so that the planning commission has the data to be able to incorporate them into the new comprehensive plan.

Joe Lewis presented updates on the Sheriff’s Office Expansion Project.

Mr. Lewis discussed the issue of low first responder radio signal inside the jail. A radio signal extender needs to be purchased and it will make sure there is a strong signal throughout the jail. Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve the purchase of a radio signal extender for the jail using ARPA funds on the amount of $29,082. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried. Resolution #24-66

Joe Lewis discussed a change order to remove the existing maintenance shed at the jail and construct a new one. This project was originally tabled because the construction timeline ended in late fall or early winter and Mr. Lewis did not want to do this project during bad weather. However, the jail addition is

anticipated to end in August, much ahead of schedule, and it will save the County money to add this project back in since all the construction equipment is already on-site. Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve a change order to the jail expansion, requesting an additional $231,000 to remove an existing storage/maintenance building on the property and construct a new storage/maintenance building. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried. Resolution #24-66

County Engineer Aaron Metzger discussed drainage remediation for Maeystown Road. During the last heavy rain in May, water from the lake flowed over Maeystown road and flooded the Maeystown Firehouse. This was most likely due to the cross road culvert being clogged by debris. Mr. Metzger presented two options that would correct the issue. It was decided that a box culvert under Maeystown Road would be best to use on this project. He will prepare a resolution to use ARPA funds to pay for the project.

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve the Highway Department’s semi-annual report. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried.

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve a resolution for the Monroe County Road District No. 1 Maple Leaf Estates Overlay Award. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent Motion carried. Resolution #24-67

There was discussion regarding changes to stormwater review fee. Mr. Metzger said that the fee needs to be reviewed and updated. No action was taken by the Board.

Shari Kruep gave the Oak Hill Care Center monthly report.

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to approve going into closed session for the purpose of personnel and litigation. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried. Resolution #24-68

The meeting was closed at 11:12 a.m.

Commissioner Koerber made a motion to come out of closed session. Second by Commissioner Garmer. All voting Aye. None Nay. None Absent. Motion carried. Resolution #24-69

The meeting was opened at 12:15 p.m.

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

Meeting adjourned at 12:15 p.m.

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