Jasper County Board Reorganizational Minutes
COUNTY OF JASPER NEWTON, ILLINOIS
County Office Building 204 W Washington St, Newton, IL 62448
December 1st, 2022
The County Board met for a reorganizational meeting on Thursday, December 1st, 2022. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by proclamation according to law by Sheriff Francis. Sheriff Francis led a moment in silence and the Pledge of Allegiance.
With the ending of the previous Board Term, the board had 75 years of experience leave the County Board. Most of the board members were recognized at the November meeting however Mr. Ron Swick was unable to attend. From Warfel’s early days on the board, there was a term that always came to mind when Warfel thought of Ron Swick, “statesman.” A stateman is defined as, “a wise, skillful, and respected political leader actively engaged in conducting the business of a government or in shaping its policies.” The knowledge that Ron has brought to the board from his many years of service to Wade Township and the 16 years he has devoted to diligent service to the County Board is invaluable. Swick earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues on the board, and he served as a voice of reason in an ever-changing and uncertain world. On a personal note, Warfel will deeply miss the handshakes before and after meetings, the wisdom he imparted and the much-needed humor from time to time. Ron on behalf of the citizens of Jasper County in recognition and appreciation for your 16 years of dedicated service on the Jasper County Board.
Judge Miller sworn in and seated the elected County Board Members. Miller wished the members the best of luck. State’s Attorney James Treccia asked for roll call with Bollman, Deckard, Geier, Heltsley, Judson, Pickens, Spiker, Warfel, and Weddell present.
Weddell made a motion to approve the agenda. Bollman seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote.
The current rules of the Jasper County Board were adopted May 16, 2019, and amended on April 15, 2021. Before the Board members were a new set of rules and procedures that were drawn from the old rules and other counties. These rules and procedures were designed to establish the order of business, ensure fair and orderly public meetings, and allow the Board to make effective and timely decision in the governing of the County’s business functions. These rules and procedures had been emailed out in advance of the meeting for board members to review. Geier made a motion to adopt the Resolution #22-12-1 Jasper County Illinois Board Rules and Procedures. Heltsley seconded the motion. Motion passed on a voice vote.
In the newly adopted Rules and Procedures under County Board Composition and Districts the procedure for Random Drawing for Board Seat terms were outlined. This procedure is in line with Illinois Statute. At the December 2022 organizational County Board meeting at each tenth year thereafter, the duly elected members of each district shall randomly draw for their respective Board seats.
Term A is a (2) year (2024), (4) year (2028), (4) year (2032) term for that Board Seat.
Term B is a (4) year (2026), (2) year (2028), (4) year (2032) term for that Board Seat.
Term C is a (4) year (2026), (4) year (2028), (2) year (2032) term for that Board Seat.
The drawing shall be accomplished separately for each of the three districts. The clerk placed 3 separate pieces of paper an “A”, “B”, and “C”. The highest elected vote-getter in each district from the recent General Election selected first, the second highest elected vote-getter selected second and the third selected the remaining piece of paper. The letter on the piece of paper indicated the term assigned.
District 1: Deckard drew Term A; Geier drew Term B; Judson drew Term C.
District 2: Heltsley drew Term B; Pickens drew Term C; Spiker drew Term A.
District 3: Bollman drew Term A; Warfel drew Term B; Weddell drew Term C.
Following the Bi-Annual election, the board elected separately a Chair and Vice Chair from the membership by a majority vote of the membership. The Chair and Vice Chair were elected for a 2-year term or until his or her successor is elected.
State’s Attorney Treccia asked for nominations for Board Chair. Heltsley nominated Warfel for office of Chair. Judson seconded the nomination. Warfel was elected as Chair.
State’s Attorney Treccia asked for nominations for Board Vice Chair. Pickens nominated Heltsley for office of Vice Chair. Spiker seconded the nomination. Heltsley was elected a Vice Chair.
Warfel took over the meeting. On May 13, 2021 the Jasper County Board adopted a resolution that called for a reduction in the size of the County Board from 12 members to 9 members. The subsequent election that was completed November 8, 2022, the organizational meeting is a culmination of the effort.
Tonight, at a little after 7:00 pm the County of Jasper embarked on something we have not seen since 1877, a governing body of the county composed of nine members. A lot will be asked of these members, but Warfel knows they are up for the challenge. When thinking about how to structure this new nine-member board some ideas were tossed around and the one that the majority settled and that was outlined in the Board Rules and Procedures was the concept of one all inclusive meeting per month. The meeting structure would be like the current format where public comments are heard, reports instead of committee reports are received and heard from: Ambulance, Highway, IT Consultant, Animal Control, Building Maintenance, Treasurer, and other elected officials. Parliamentary items and claims are reviewed and approved. Old and New Business is discussed, and the board can make effective and timely decision in the governing of the County’s business with all members present and aware of the discussion. This is a trial run and after a few months if we feel it necessary, we can always revert to a traditional committee structure. There will still be times during the year that Ad-Hoc committees will form to deal with items such as the Annual Budget, but all board members will be included and engaged in the process. In absence of the committee structure there will be points of contact. 2 County Board members will be appointed to stay in regular (monthly) contact (via visit/phone/email) with department heads and elected officials. These board members will work in conjunction to touch base monthly with departments and offices. This will allow departments and offices to have more candid conversations with board members about items, issues or plans for their departments and offices and bring that back to the full board.
New Business:
Adoption of 2022-2023 County Board meeting Schedule The meetings will start at 6:00 pm, please note the change in time and will mostly occur on the 2nd Thursday of the Month except for the months of December, March and June in which it will be the 3rd Thursday of the month. Bollman made a motion to adopt the 2022-2023 County Board Meeting Schedule. Geier seconded the motion. Motion adopted.
County Engineer reported there will be road closures due to the guard rail project. There are 6 more locations that will have closures.
Board Comments: Heltsley thanked Ron Swick and was able to look for advice. Pickens enjoyed working with Ron, new members welcome and use common sense and life experiences, even though voted different ways, still friends at the end. Weddell and Bollman also welcomed and thanked Ron.
Chairman’s Comments: Personnel Policy – Every two years the board is required to review and make any necessary changes to the Jasper County Personnel Policy. Geier has worked along with members of the old operations committee to review this document. The goal is to have a policy that the new board can vote on at the next board meeting. Board members and department heads and elected officials are to review and contact Geier, Treccia or Warfel with any changes or additions.
Board members are required to complete both the Sexual Harassment Training and Open Meetings Act Training.
Board members reach out to the Clerk’s office to make sure they have all information needed and Corey to set up county email.
Warfel passed out point of contact sheets for board members to write 4-6 assignments they would be interested in. Warfel will assign and send the assignments to the board members.
Warfel congratulated all the newly elected officials: Judge Miller, Sheriff Francis, States Attorney Treccia, Clerk Tarr, Treasurer Bigard and all Board members and welcomed Adam, James and Eric to the Board.
The mission of Jasper County Government is to be accountable to its citizens, to provide high quality government services in an economical, fair, professional, and courteous manner, and to enhance and protect the health, welfare, and safety of those who live and work in Jasper County. Warfel is very hopeful for the future of our County, and looks forward to this new board term. Warfel would like the board, department heads and elected officials to look at goals moving forward.
No closed session.
Geier moved to adjourn. Heltsley seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote.
The Jasper County Board will have a meeting on Thursday, December 15th at 6:00 p.m.
Amy Tarr, Jasper County Clerk
