Kankakee Times

Kankakee County Highways and Buildings Committee met December 14. 

Here is the minutes as provided by the committee:

1. Call to Order

      Roll Call

The meeting was called to order by the Committee Chairman, Mr. McConnell, at 9:00 a.m. Quorum present.

2. Public Comment

None

3. Approval of Minutes: November 16, 2017

Mr. Vickery made a motion to approve the minutes, and Ms. Parker seconded it. Motion carried with a voice vote.

4. Highways - Mark Rogers

      Bidding and Letting – None

      County Engineer’s Pay Estimates

Mr. Ritter made a motion to approve the pay estimates, and Mr. LaGesse seconded it. Motion carried with a roll call vote of 9 ayes and 0 nays. Voting aye were Mr. McConnell, Mr. LaGesse, Mr. Tripp, Mr. Vickery, Mr. Mulcahy, Ms. Parker, Mr. Ritter, Mr. Kinzinger, and Mr. Wheeler.

      Resolutions

          a) Resolution Requesting Consent to the Reappointment of the Incumbent as County Engineer

Mr. McConnell read the resolution to the committee and asked Mr. Rogers to further elaborate.

Mr. Rogers stated that, should the resolution be adopted by the committee, it is then sent to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for review as the County Engineer position is classified as a deputy of IDOT. After IDOT reviews the resolution and gives consent for reappointment, a letter will be sent to the County at which time the County may commence the reappointment process.

Mr. Mulcahy made a motion to approve the resolution to reappoint Mr. Rogers as the County Engineer, and Mr. Tripp seconded it. Motion carried with a voice vote.

5. Buildings - Brian Gadbois

      Facility Dude Report

      Financial Report

      Building Report

Mr. Gadbois reviewed and discussed the above reports with the committee.

Mr. Gadbois stated that the engine in the 2000 Chevy Silverado with 218,000 miles is failing. This vehicle is used for snow removal of County lots after the large plow moves the majority of snow. If it gets to the point where the Silverado can no longer be used, the County would have to outsource the removal of snow until the vehicle was replaced or repaired. Sheriff Downey and Chairman Wheeler are to meet later this afternoon to explore options and possible solutions.

Mr. Gadbois stated that the remodel of Room 209 in the Courthouse is on schedule to be complete by the end of this month. The demolition has been completed. Counterfitters will come in and replace the countertops, and a new door will be installed for ADA compliance. The door will match the door on the courtroom directly across the rotunda which will maintain the integrity of the Courthouse and satisfies the Historical Preservation Society standards.

Mr. Gadbois discussed with the committee a pending work order request from state reporters to bring in their own desks, which they are willing to donate to the Courthouse.

Mr. Wheeler stated that he will speak with the State’s Attorney’s Office for suggestions and recommendations.

Mr. Gadbois stated that a tree, off of Merchant Street and on Courthouse property, had a large limb fall. The limb caused over $6,500 worth of damage to an employee’s vehicle. In addition, the tree roots have upheaved the sidewalk. The arborist from the City has declared the tree rotted and suggested its removal. He spoke with the City and they agreed to fix the sidewalk and remove the tree roots if the County would have the tree removed. The City and County entered into this agreement.

Mr. Gadbois stated that the ICE inspection went very well. The inspection was thorough with nine inspectors.

      Staffing Request

Mr. Mulcahy asked about Mr. Gadbois’ replacement for his upcoming July 2018 retirement.

Mr. Gadbois stated that this was another issue to be discussed by Sheriff Downey and Chairman Wheeler later this afternoon.

6. Old Business

Mr. Wheeler stated that Meghan Carter from the Attorney General’s office, Disability Rights Bureau, has resigned effective December 12, 2017. Judith Levitan is the County’s new AG contact. The AG has been very supportive and appreciative of the ADA compliance work the County has completed this past year. He reminded the committee of the new ADA ramp and accessible courtroom to be completed by the fall of 2018. He plans to commence with obtaining quotes by the end of the first quarter or beginning of the second quarter.

7. New Business

None

8. Other Business

None

9. Adjournment

Mr. LaGesse made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:32 a.m., and Mr. Mulcahy seconded it. Motion carried with a voice vote.

http://www.co.kankakee.il.us/files/committees/highway_121417.pdf