Members of the Kankakee County board met Tuesday, May 10.
The Kankakee County board establishes budgets for county funds, levies taxes and adopts ordinances and rules pertaining to the management and business of the county departments. The board includes one member from each of the county’s 28 districts, each serving a four-year term. The board meets at 9 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month in the fourth-floor Board Room at the Administration Building, 189 E. Court St.
Here are the meeting minutes as provided by the Kankakee County board:
Kankakee County Board Meeting May 10, 2016
The meeting of the Kankakee County Board, Kankakee, Illinois, held on May 10, 2016, pursuant to the adjourned meeting of September 8, 2015, was called to order at 9:00 a.m., by the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Bossert. Mr. Liehr, County Board Member, delivered the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The following members were present:
Mr. Washington, Jr., Mr. LaGesse, Mr. Stauffenberg, Mr. James, Mr. Vickery, Mr. Olthoff, Mr. Hess, Mr. Enz, Mr. Tholen, Mrs. Polk, Mr. McConnell, Mr. Mulcahy, Mr. Snipes, Mr. Byrne, Mr. Sirois, Mr. Liehr, Mr. Hildebrand, Mr. Wheeler, Mrs. Webber, Mr. Einfeldt, Mrs. Peters, Mrs. Evans, Mr. Payton, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Bossert
Members Absent – Mr. Tripp, Mr. Skutt, Mr. Reid
Quorum - Present
Public Commentary –
Ms. Gerri Cote, President of AFSCME Local 1874, Circuit Clerk’s Office, requested the county board honor the contract signed in February.
Ms. Dana Meyer provided information regarding ZBA Case #15-15. Ms. Meyer commended the zoning board of appeals in addressing this case. She asked the county board to review the current ordinances because they are antiquated and approve the PZA’s recommendation to change the zoning from R-1 to A-2.
Ms. Cynthia Sidener spoke regarding her request for rezoning from R-1 to A-2. She asked the board to approve rezoning to A-2 in ZBA Case #15-15.
Mr. Patrick Glynn spoke against the rezoning of property in ZBA Case #15-15. He lived a quarter-mile away from the property in question and was concerned that vehicles on that property contained hazardous material.
Mr. Glenn Kramer, Limestone Township Highway Commissioner provided additional information about ZBA Case #15- 15.
Communications – None
Presentations –
Mr. Bossert spoke regarding the Great Lakes Basin Railroad Proposal. He pointed out that Kankakee County and local jurisdictions have no authority to overrule a rail construction proposal. He stated the conception was that somehow the county had allowed the discussion about that project to move forward, but there is no method for the county to inject themselves into that discussion. He acknowledged there had been a discussion with the Economic Alliance from an economic development standpoint. Mr. Bossert also provided board members information on the project and a map. Mrs. Evans announced that there is a public meeting at the Bonfield Grade School at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 19,, 2016, to provide information on the subject.
Vacancy Appointment –
Mr. Bossert received a letter of recommendation from the Republican Central Committee to appoint Michael D. Downey to fill the vacancy for Kankakee County Sheriff. Mr. Tholen made a motion to appoint Michael D. Downey to fill the vacancy for Kankakee County Sheriff. Mr. McConnell seconded the motion. Motion carried by voice vote.
Certificates of Recognition –
10 Years: Daniel S. Fritcher Sheriff’s Department
20 Years: Kenneth McCabe Sheriff’s Department
25 Years: Brady A. Bertrand Sheriff’s Department
30 Years: Mark R. Rogers Highway Department
Minutes of the Last Meeting
The minutes of the April 12, 2016 county board meeting were submitted to the county board for approval. The reading of the minutes was waived. Mr. Washington, Jr. made a motion to accept the minutes from the April 12, 2016 county board meeting, with a second by Mr. Olthoff. Motion carried by a voice vote.
Claims Committee Report
A motion to approve the claims reports from March 2016 was made by Mr. Einfeldt and seconded by Mr. Enz. A roll call vote was taken with the motion passing 25 ayes to 0 nays. Motion carried.
Department Reports
The department reports were read and accepted on the motion of Mr. Hess and seconded by Mr. Johnson. Motion carried by a voice vote.
1. County Collector’s Monthly Report for March 2016
2. County Treasurer’s Monthly Report for March 2016
3. Coroner’s Monthly Report for March 2016
4. Coroner’s Monthly Receipt of Money for March 2016
5. Circuit Clerk’s Monthly Reports for February and March 2016 6. Recorder of Deeds Monthly Report for March 2016
7. County Clerk’s Monthly Report for March 2016
8. Animal Control’s Monthly Report for March 2016
9. Monthly Building Reports for February and March 2016
Committee Presentations and Resolutions Consent Agenda
Mr. Vickery moved to adopt the consent agenda and remove the resolution regarding the Approval to Dispose of Surplus Vehicle (2003 GMC Truck) (65) from the agenda until next month. Mr. James seconded the motion. Mr. Clark, County Clerk, read the items into the record. A roll call vote was taken with the motion passing 25 ayes to 0 nays. Motion carried.
a) Reappointment of Robert Casino to the Bourbonnais Fire Protection District Board (44)
b) Reappointment of Tony Brunello to the Grant Park Fire Protection District Board (45)
c) Reappointment of Hugh Boyt as Trustee to the Kankakee Township Fire Protection District Board (46)
d) Reappointment of Steven Schultz to the Limestone Fire Protection District Board (47)
e) Reappointment of Gerald Benge to the Manteno Community Fire Protection District Board (48)
f) Reappointment of Dennis Sherwood to the Greater Momence Fire Protection District Board (49)
g) Reappointment of William Surprenant to the Otto Township Fire Protection District Board (50)
h) Reappointment of Brian Grob to the Pilot Township Fire Protection District Board (51)
i) Reappointment of Thomas Caise to the St. Anne Fire Protection District Board (52)
j) Appointment of William Sawyer to the Kankakee County Zoning Board of Appeals (53)
k) Appointment of Rodney Gustafson to the Kankakee County Board of Health (54)
l) Appointing Joanne Langlois as the Authorized Agent for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (“IMRF”) (55)
m) Award of Bids for Public Highway Improvements (56)
n) Kankakee Zoning Map Amendments – 2016 (57)
o) Authorizing Application for a Public Transportation Capital Assistance Grant Under the Illinois Department of
Transportation’s General Authority to Make Such Grant (58)
p) FY17 Section 5311/Downstate Operating Assistance Program Rural Transit Contract (59)
q) Purchase of Service Agreement with SHOWBUS to Operate the County’s Rural General Public Transportation
Service – State FY17 (60)
r) Exercising the First of Five - One Year Extensions with Country Table to Provide Prisoner Meals at the County
Detention Facilities (61)
s) Declaration and Disposal of Surplus and Unwanted Equipment for the Kankakee County Sheriff’s
Department (62)
t) Declaration of Surplus and Unwanted Vehicle Seized by the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Department (63)
u) Amending Section 10-11 of the Kankakee County Code – Animal Nuisances and Trespasses (64)
PZA Committee
Mr. Skimmerhorn gave an overview and findings of fact for ZBA Case #15-15; Rezoning from R1-Single Family Residential District to A-2 Agricultural Estates District (66). A resolution was read regarding ZBA Case #15-15; Rezoning from R1-Single Family Residential District to A-2 Agricultural Estates District (66). Mr. Olthoff made a motion to deny the resolution. Mr. James seconded the motion. Mr. Olthoff pointed out the application stated the building would be for storage and not for a semi-tractor and trailer. Mr. Wheeler mentioned that in the last four years there had been one other case similar to this and PZA had approved it. The PZA Committee voted a majority of 7 to 2 that it met all nine criteria. He urged a denial of this motion and approval of the resolution. Board members commented on the fact that zoning rules are in place for a reason. Changes to the zoning now would be in place for any future owners, thus allowing more semi-loaded or unloaded tractors if desired. There are nine standards to be met prior to the PZA Committee recommending approval of the petition. Mr. Bossert stated there was an agreement that several of the criteria were not met but the county board committee voted to affirm. Comments were made that the questions asked at the time of application may not have been the right questions that needed to be asked. Restructioning of the questions asked during the permit process may be needed. Mr. Enz commented if zoning rules were broken then it’s time to take a stand. Mr. Wheeler stated that the owner of this property acted in good faith to continually try to work with the township and the county while this process was going on. Mr. Bossert stated the motion before the board was to deny the question. A yes vote was to deny and a nay vote to disagree. A roll call vote was taken with the motion passing 13 ayes to 11 nays to 1 abstain. Motion carried. Mr. Snipes stated a point of order before the question was called. Mr. Boyd stated it was the call of the chairman whether it was appropriate to continue any debate regardless of how many hands were in the air. Mr. Bossert asked Mr. Skimmerhorn if they need an additional reason as to why it was denied. Mr. Skimmerhorn stated the board needed to disagree with at least one of the findings. Mr. Olthoff made a motion to deny because it was not consistent with public interest and not in agreement with the county’s comprehensive plan. Mr. Boyd stated on behalf of Mr. Olthoff he would have the board find that those two factors were not met by the application, and therefore that was the basis for which the previous motion to deny was made. Mr. Einfeldt seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with the motion passing 13 ayes to 11 nays to 1 abstain. Motion carried.
Finance Committee
A resolution was read regarding the Two Year Benefit Consultant Services Extension Agreement with Clemens & Associates (67). Mr. Vickery made a motion to adopt the resolution. Mr. Stauffenberg seconded the motion. Mr. Wheeler made a motion to amend the resolution to reflect a one year agreement. Mr. Snipes seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with the amendment failing 4 ayes to 21 nays. Motion failed. A roll call vote was taken with the motion passing 22 ayes to 3 nays. Motion carried.
Executive Session
Mr. Olthoff made the motion to enter executive session at 10:40 a.m. regarding collective bargaining and litigation. Mr. Tholen seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with the motion passing 25 ayes and 0 nays. Motion carried.
Mr. Stauffenberg made the motion to exit executive session at 11:55 a.m. Mr. LaGesse seconded the motion. Motion carried by a voice vote.
Finance Committee
A resolution was read regarding the Collective Bargaining Agreement Between the Kankakee County Auditor, Recorder, Treasurer and Local #751 – Great Plains Laborers’ District Council (68). Mr. Washington, Jr. made a motion to adopt the resolution. Mr. Mulcahy seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with the motion passing 13 ayes and 10 nays. Motion carried.
A resolution was read regarding the Collective Bargaining Agreement Between the Kankakee County Coroner and Local #751 – Great Plains Laborers’ District Council (69). Mr. Hess made a motion to adopt the resolution. Mr. McConnell seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with the motion failing 11 ayes and 12 nays. Motion carried.
Mr. Vickery made a motion to waive the reading and adopt the resolution Setting the Salary for the Kankakee County Board Chairman and Liquor Commissioner (70). Mr. James seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with the motion passing 23 ayes and 0 nays. Motion carried.
OTHER BUSINESS Openings
There is one opening on the Kankakee County Public Building Commission
There is one opening on the Kankakee County Board of Review
There is one opening on the Kankakee River Valley Forest Preserve District Board There are four openings on the Kankakee County Board of Health
Old Business – None
New Business –
Mr. Bossert reminded board members that Friday morning, May 13, 2016, was the Police Memorial Ceremony on the courthouse lawn.
Mr. Bossert thanked the maintenance staff who volunteered to paint the flag on the courthouse lawn.
Adjournment
Mr. LaGesse made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 12:05 p.m. Mr. Mulcahy seconded the motion. Motion carried by a voice vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Bruce Clark
Kankakee County Clerk
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