Jasper County Board
May 14, 2020
The County Board met in regular session on Thursday, May 14, 2020 by Zoom video/telephone.
Members present were Bollman, Leffler, Fehrenbacher, Hall, Heltsley, Hickox, Kerner, Pickens,
Warfel, Michl, Swick and Weddell. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.
Moment of silence for friends and family lost. Heltsley led the Pledge of Allegiance. Heltsley
went over how the meeting was going to be conducted over Zoom.
Public comments
Bollman stated over a week ago a plan was laid out, phases and said this is unreasonable goal to
wait for a vaccine to come out or no new cases. Bollman stated he is speaking as an individual
not as a board member or on behalf of the board. Weddell say he supported what Bollman had
said. Leffler, Michl and Hickox also agreed with Bollman.
Bollman made a motion to approve the agenda. Swick seconded the motion. The motion passed
on a roll call vote with Bollman, Leffler, Fehrenbacher, Hall, Heltsley, Kerner, Michl, Warfel,
Hickox, Pickens, Swick and Weddell voting yes.
Committee Reports:
The Road and Bridge Committee did not meet, but a bridge petition is on the agenda.
Solid Waste Committee did not meet.
The Sheriff’s Committee met on April 29 th . Sheriff Francis advised the committee that due to
COVID-19 pandemic Dispatch has temporarily been moved to the Firehouse. There is an
isolated room in the Firehouse where dispatch is working from and has been functioning well in
the new location. One dispatcher has been off since March 18 th due to health risks regarding
COVID-19. The employee has submitted time off through the month of May. Alex Wagner and
Bowe Cravens have been hired part-time to dispatch. Cravens has dispatched for the Sheriff’s
Office in the past and is a current full-time Dispatcher for Effingham County. Wagner has also
dispatched and been a Correctional Officer at the Sheriff’s Office in the past. Office Manager
Kassandra Charters has also been helping fill shifts in Dispatch. This has helped eliminate a great
deal of overtime and relieved the Full-time dispatchers. One of the patrol units has motor trouble
and is not likely to be fixed due to the cost of the motor and the value of the vehicle. An estimate
has been asked for from McClane Motors and Pennington Ford for estimates on a new SUV.
Francis checked into a grant for a squad car, did not qualify for the grant at this time because
another grant was already submitted from the county. Sheriff will be checking on this grant again
in October and will most likely apply for the grant at that time. Sheriff’s Office submitted a grant
to the Mary Heath Foundation for new tasers. The grant deadline was April 30 th . The recipients
of that grant will be announced in June. The County Jail Design Committee had a Zoom Meeting
on April 20 th . Shannon Woodard with Connor and Connor engineering spoke about the floor plan
design. The committee agreed to bring the proposed floor to the full board. Sheriff’s Office has
been updating their webpage and has been utilizing the office Webpage and Facebook page
more. Inmate photos and charges are now viewable on webpage. The name and charges of
arrestee’s are now posted on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. Sheriff has also began using
Facebook to help identify subjects and for service announcements.
The Finance Committee met on May 11 th . Clinton spoke about a single-phase audit and let Ann
Marie explain. Normally, Kemper does fieldwork in December and January but this year Jasper
County has over $750,000 in federal expenses, so a single audit has to be completed. To be in
compliance, 40% of federal program has to be audited and WIC will make it compliant. With
COVID-19 controls are in place and will try to do as much as possible from the home office, but
will come on site if needed. IDOT grant made the county go over, try to expense it differently
and work with the Highway and Health Department. The expense of the audit needs to come out
of the audit fund. It has been more than three years since a single audit has been needed. The
audit is supposed to be completed by May 30, but since a single audit needs completed also will
file for an extension. So, the funds will not be stopped. The cost of a single audit will be an
additional $5,000 out of the audit funds, the audit will take an extra week or two of work.
Clinton gave a report on the General Fund Income and Expenses. The numbers run 2 months
behind so will not see the effects of the COVID-19 until July. Received checks from the state
from cannabis sells totaling $1,000 for the last 2 months. Bigard and Long have been working on
Public Assistance Funding for COVID-19 expenses between the Health Department and the
Ambulance, they have accrued $50,000 so far in labor and materials. The money would go back
to the departments and the county would try to collect the IMRF and county portion of expenses.
Real estate tax season is running behind. Clinton suggested a possible tax committee could be
created. Law Enforcement Center Funding with a 2.8-million-dollar building could borrow
$500,000 and be charged a 2% cost and renew annually and a 5-year repayment. If 3.3-million-
dollar building could borrow one million and an 8-year repayment. If pay 2.3 million cash have 2
years of payments if project takes more than a year to complete. Ameren repayment will go off
after this summer, will leave us with 3.5 million to operate. The cost will be 2% cheapest and
easiest, money is already there borrowing against own money. Tarr spoke on the server at the
county building, the life of the server ended 1/14/2020. SDS suggested a 1TB hard drive for the
cost of $792.99. Tarr will go back to SDS and ask the life of the new hard drive and the security
the hard drive would have. County Coroner salary requested what the other elected officials
received. Currently the salary is $18,000 with additional cost with benefits of $62,000. $18,000
to $25,000 increase in salary will cost the county an additional $20,000. There was discussion on
salary. Swick made a motion to crease by $1,000 a year for 4 years. Hall seconded the motion. A
roll call vote with Swick, Hall, voting yes and Fehrenbacher, Bollman and Warfel voting no.
Motion did not pass. Warfel and Bollman explained why they voted no because it would place a
heavy burden on the county. Heltsley commented feels obligated to give something. Hall made a
motion to increase salary $500 a year for 4 years and a one-time payment of $3,000. Bollman
seconded the motion. A roll call vote with Swick, Hall, Fehrenbacher, Bollman and Warfel
voting yes. Motion passed.
The Building Committee met on May 7 th . Tom’s Report: He started earlier than planned on 3/18
because Covid-19 had him not working at his previous employer. He received 1 ½ days training.
Lorenz came and explained the chemicals. On 4/1 changed the bulbs to blue on top of the
courthouse. He was shocked and small fire due to bare wires. 4/7 County building received storm
damage to the south side of drive up and on the 20 th fixed with metal. The cost was $70 for
material, possibly do the other sides to make it look better. 4/17 asked Smithenry’s when they
would be finishing up the dirt work on the sidewalks. 4/20 Metro ran new lines to the building,
no clue on old lines, elevator, fire and panic. Purchased new vacuums. 5/4 installed a drop box
on south porch of court house. There is a surplus in the court house basement. There are 10
window air conditioners and if something not done with them, they will become no usable. It
would be nice to get them out. The chairs in the basement have gotten wet and are rotten due to
the water damage, would like permission to get rid of them. Northside of flag pole 3 sections of
concrete all busted up needs fixed. The big gun is in bad shape and Mr. Shryock wants to fix it
up and landscape around it at his expense. Hickox said go ahead and do what works for you.
Talk about the southside of the drive up and lights around the top of the building and replace
with LED. Tom will not turn the lights back on until they are replaced. Mr. Shryock can fix up
the gun and the county can help with cost of paint. Go ahead and get rid of the junk in the
basement and will talk about air conditioners if donate them. Uniforms for Tom was also brought
up. AJ Welding is supposed to repair the ramp at the court house. Ron Diel is supposed to do the
east wall of the main court room. Emergency Exits for the County Building are ordered Randy
McClure hopes to install soon. The roofing company came and looked at the rood but have not
heard anything from them. Sheriff Department project has a blue print and can be looked at. 5-
year plan can have a couple of things added to it. If the rest of the awning on the drive up can be
fixed for $150-$200 from Jasper Metals in Hunt City go ahead and fix it now. Tom can go ahead
and fix the concrete also. $100 gas cards were issued quarterly to Custodian/Maintenance
employee for gas use of personal vehicle to cover gas for trips. Tom is currently using his own
mower; he has a commercial mower and can do it quicker and is more comfortable using his
stand-up mower.
GIS committee did not meet.
The Ambulance Committee met on May 6 th . Unit 2356 had a sensor go band that had to be
replaced. Normal services have been completed over the last 2 months. The A/C on the east side
of the building had a water back up causing slight water damage to ceiling tile, McCoy was able
to make the repair. A few more lights were converted over to LED. COVID-19 has created an
additional $4938.84 in overtime from March 25 th to April 9 th . This is overtime created directly
from the virus. A UV light has been ordered to help disinfect the units, a 50/50 grant was
approved by IPMG. The total cost of the lamp was $3,995 and IPMG will be reimbursing the
service the amount of $1,997.50. The service has had to purchase some additional items on top
of our normal supplies, extra alcohol, safety glasses, and a web cam due to the number of remote
meetings that are now required by the Executive order. As of now the total additional expenses
are $9,125.62.
The Insurance Committee did not meet.
EMA did not meet.
The Animal Control did not meet, had to advertise for the Animal Control position and deadline
for the applications May 22.
JEDI no report.
Personnel Committee did not meet.
Health Department report is in the board packet, next meeting May 18 th .
The Law Enforcement Center Design Committee of Jasper County met on Friday, April 24. Due
to the Stay-at-Home order the meeting was held via Zoom (Video Conference) and Call-In.
Public Comments: Clay Curtright had some questions regarding the 911 dispatch location. Chief
Swick and Sherriff Francis both gave input into his concerns. Some of the questions revolved
around an earlier design. The Engineer and Architect teams offered to work closely with 911 to
make sure the design met the required standards. The Design Committee initially met on January
15 to review a preliminary floorplan. At that meeting the committee directed the architect and
engineering teams to work with the Sherriff, EMA, and 911 to develop a more detailed
floorplan/design for the building. Shannon Woodard (Connor & Connor) presented the updated
floorplan. Copies of this floorplan will be e-mailed to board members and hard copies can be
picked up at the County Clerk’s Office beginning on Monday for any board member. When the
process began the initial concepts in the Fall of 2018 called for a structure similar in size to the
existing structure (around 8,000 square feet). The proposed floorplan presented is just shy of
13,000 square feet with a 32-bed capacity. As presented the building would consist of 3 phases in
an effort to keep as much of the current jail active during building. There may be a need to house
female inmates offsite during a period of the construction process. After walking through the
floorplan Woodard reviewed the proposed cost of the building. The numbers are estimates based
on square footage. The proposed floorplan would cost an estimated $2.8 million to build
accounting for contingencies and fees the total cost was around $3.3 million. Woodard pointed
out that it is better to start off big and scale down than to try and work from the other way. When
looking at the total cost many variables would factor into the final price including cost of
products, contractor, and bids received. Following the presentation by Woodard the meeting was
open to questions, comments and feedback from those attending. Heltsley had a question on the
segregation of male and female inmates. Jason Wright addressed this in the design. Hall raised a
question on the wall structure in the cell blocks, Wright comment on the various wall structures
in the building. Hickox had some questions regarding the exterior structure, roof design, sally
port location, number of beds, cost of the project and getting 911 into the building as soon as
possible. Woodard and Wright addressed the structure question. Sherriff Francis commented
regarding the current 26 bed structure has been pushed close to maximum capacity many times
and felt at least the current number and preferable more would be best and not require us to
house inmates out of County. Sherriff Francis also expressed a desire to have isolated cells,
which is included in the design. Chief Swick and Sherriff Francis mentioned that 911 was
currently operating out of the Firehouse building. Curtright also commented that a temporary
setup like the current one could be used during the construction phase. Hickox suggested sending
the floorplan as presented to the full board for feedback. This discussion would also include what
the board was willing to spend on such a project. Pickens commented that it would be good for
the board to have some numbers from the Finance committee on what funds could be spent on
the project. Warfel said the Finance committee could put something together at the May meeting
to send to the full board that would detail funding options. Pickens made a motion to send the
proposed floorplan as presented to the full board at the May 14th meeting to review and provide
feedback. Hall seconded the motion and the motion carried on a voice vote.
Warfel moved to approve the County Clerk’s report for March and April. Bollman seconded the
motion. The motion passed on a roll call vote with Bollman, Leffler, Fehrenbacher, Hall,
Heltsley, Kerner, Michl, Warfel, Hickox, Pickens, Swick and Weddell voting yes.
New Business:
Weddall made a motion to approve Mike Murbarger, Galen Mendenhall, and Larry Dorn as
trustees of Wade Community Fire Protection District for a 3-year term. Fehrenbacher seconded
the motion. The motion passed on a roll call vote with Bollman, Leffler, Fehrenbacher, Hall,
Heltsley, Kerner, Michl, Warfel, Hickox, Pickens, Swick and Weddell voting yes.
Fehenbacher made a motion to appoint Ron Helmink to a two-year term on the Farmland Review
Committee. Bollman seconded the motion. The motion passed on a roll call vote with Bollman,
Leffler, Fehrenbacher, Hall, Heltsley, Kerner, Michl, Warfel, Hickox, Pickens, Swick and
Weddell voting yes.
Fehrenbacher made a motion to reappoint Bruce Elliott as trustee of the Montrose Fire Protection
District expiring on the first Monday in May 2023. Pickens seconded the motion. The motion
passed on a roll call vote with Bollman, Leffler, Fehrenbacher, Hall, Heltsley, Kerner, Michl,
Warfel, Hickox, Pickens, Swick and Weddell voting yes.
Swick made a motion to approve Bridge Aid Petition #1 with Crooked Creek Township – 2 ¼
miles southwest of Rose Hill. Kerner seconded the motion. The motion passed on a roll call vote
with Bollman, Leffler, Fehrenbacher, Hall, Heltsley, Kerner, Michl, Warfel, Hickox, Pickens,
Swick and Weddell voting yes.
Deb Riddle what doing at health department met as a group worked on a plan safety measures.
Governor mentioned us about all the positives cases and we have showed that we can contain the
virus. We are not sure if the Governor has reviewed the plan. Put out reasons why we can open.
Doctor made a request for a Zoom meeting for tomorrow morning. A plan has been made for
businesses. Following orders because of liability and licenses. Received grant for plexiglass for
businesses to provide safety. Ballpark has given a plan. Our plan, the phases are only two weeks.
Ray Diel presented a letter for ICRMT attorney’s. Chad Miller spoke the board only has
authority over unincorporated areas. The board knows families and individuals who have been
affected by COVID-19. A group has been formed to help the community. The board does not
control the licenses so cannot say business can be open because we did not say they had to close.
Board can only offer support. It would only be symbolic to pass a resolution because the state
would make the decisions. Business who want to test the waters, Miller does not have authority,
would need to speak to their own insurance companies and their own attorney’s. Pickens asked
by a friend to read a letter by Randy and Julie Chapman about why the State of Illinois needs to
open up. Hickox was thankful of Miller’s response, so he will be able to answer questions
Hickox has been asked. Riddle said she will answer any questions anyone may have.
Finance made a motion but board can not give him a stipend and can only set a salary. Jason
addressed the board about what other elected official’s salary increase. Warfel showed what the
final cost would be to the county and spoke of $6,000 statue only requirement and comparable
population county salaries. Swick questioning making a change to motion. Hall made a motion to
approve Elected Officials (County Coroner) Salary FY2021 $500 per year $18,000 to $20,000.
Swick seconded the motion. The motion passed on a roll call vote with Bollman, Fehrenbacher,
Hall, Warfel, Hickox, Pickens, Swick and Weddell voting yes. Heltsley, Leffler, Hickox and
Kerner voting no. Motion passed.
Old Business:
Woodard spoke about the plan. Confined to space and trying to keep existing facility as, we build
the new. If money didn’t matter what would this place to look like, need to start big but then can
scale back. It will be built in phases. There are challenges with the site. December of 2018 7,840,
11,450 square feet, now 12,824 square feet but the variables of the cost have not changed only
the square footage. $3.3 to $3.5 million is approximate cost for budgeting and cost. Variables
going into cost would be season, work available, and competition. If move forward, we can do
value engineering where we could cut back and save with minimal concessions. Going to cost
more to make a small bigger. Move forward and get to point of take bids and see real cost. Michl
has a question of 32 bed cell block, it is an increase of 6 beds. Average prisoners we currently
have to send to send individuals out. We average anywhere 15 to 20 now, females and juveniles
can be an issue. When juveniles cost $250 a day to house them up to 7 days. Hickox would like
to see it downsized. The building will have to be demolished some in order to build it practically.
Leffler is afraid, we may need cushion money to pay employees. Clinton looking at a 2% net
cost, renew note annually on existing money. Borrowing $1 million, currently $3.5 million to
operate on, have operated on $500,000 10 years ago. Pickens talked to Brandon on maybe
decreasing size in other areas and possible decrease bed size. Woodward says we have control if
we start big but can go smaller. Warfel made a motion to approve the concept of the floor plan
design of Sheriff Department Project forward. Swick seconded the motion. The motion passed
on a roll call vote with Bollman, Hall, Heltsley, Kerner, Warfel, Pickens, Swick and Weddell
voting yes. Leffler, Fehrenbacher, Hickox and Michl voting no. Motion passed.
Swick moved to approve the minutes. Warfel seconded the motion. The motion passed on a roll
call vote with Bollman, Leffler, Fehrenbacher, Hall, Heltsley, Kerner, Michl, Warfel, Hickox,
Pickens, Swick and Weddell voting yes.
County Board Comments:
Fehrenbacher expressed a heartfelt sympathy to everyone who have lost individuals to the virus
and for everyone who has been doing everything from staying home to making masks to
employees who are continuing to work.
Chairman’s Comments:
Board members need to turn in vouchers to the Clerk’s office. New plant coming to town. UCCI
in Galena has been canceled.
No closed session
Weddall moved to allow the claims. Bollman seconded the motion. The motion passed on a roll
call vote with Bollman, Leffler, Fehrenbacher, Hall, Heltsley, Kerner, Michl, Warfel, Hickox,
Pickens, Swick and Weddell voting yes.
The next board meeting is June 11 th , 2020 at 7:00 pm.
Leffler moved to adjourn at 9:20 pm. Bollman seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice
vote.
Amy Tarr, Jasper County Clerk
