PUTNAM COUNTY REGULAR BOARD MEETING

JULY 10, 2017, 7:00 P.M.

(*Revised for Correction, August 14, 2017) 

The regular meeting of the Putnam County Board was called to order at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, July 10, 2017, in the boardroom at the Putnam County Courthouse in Hennepin, Illinois by Putnam County Board Chairman Steven Malavolti.

Roll Call was taken by the Clerk of the County Board with Duane Calbow, Sheila Haage, William Holmes, Steven Malavolti, and Luke Holly answering. 

It was moved by board member Sheila Haage to approve the minutes from the June 12, 2017, Regular Board Meeting.  Board member Duane Calbow seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent.  

County Highway Engineer Pat Sloan presented his June report of County Highway Engineer and Maintenance Activities to the board.  Mr. Sloan presented to the board a resolution requesting county aid for a township drainage structure (County Aid Project #203).  The County Aid Project is for the replacement of a culvert on South Florid Road in Hennepin Township.  The total cost of the project will be approximately $15,000 with the cost being shared 50/50 between the County and Hennepin Township.  After brief discussion, board member Luke Holly moved that the board approve and adopt the resolution as written.  Board member Sheila Haage seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent.  The Clerk of the County Board was directed to process the resolution (#2017-05).  Mr. Sloan also informed the board that MFT construction work has been continuing and will be substantially completed by the end of July 2017.  Mr. Sloan also informed the board that the roadside mower has broken down again and that the cost to repair would be more than half of what a new mower would cost.  It was decided to order a new Bush Hog mower for $13,900.  Other County Highway Engineer activities have included preparing the advertisement for bids for the construction of the salt shed building and investigating the Timberline Road repair issue.  The bids for the salt shed building will be reviewed with the board at the August meeting.  County Highway Maintenance activities have included checking the roads, servicing the Highway and Sheriff Department’s vehicles, putting in drive-way entrances on Florid Road, mowing the roadsides, trimming around signs and guard rails, and spreading chips on South Mark and Fish & Fun Roads.  (The Putnam County Highway Engineer and Maintenance Activities Reports are on file at the Office of the County Clerk for review by any interested parties.)

Sheriff Kevin Doyle reviewed his June Sheriff’s and Civil Processing Transaction Reports with the board.  Mr. Doyle also informed the board that currently there are no courthouse maintenance issues that need to be addressed.  Mr. Doyle had nothing of further interest to discuss with the board.  (The Sheriff’s and Civil Processing Transaction Reports are on file at the Office of the County Clerk for review by any interested parties.)

County Treasurer Kevin Kunkel was unable to be present for the meeting.  It was noted that Mr. Kunkel had not submitted his June financial reports to the board for their review prior to the meeting. 

County Circuit Clerk Cathy Oliveri had nothing to report for the month of June and therefore was not present for the meeting. County Probation Officer Patricia Hohulin had nothing to report for the month of June and therefore was not present for the meeting. 

County Supervisor of Assessments Tammy Mehalic Mehalic had nothing to report for the month of June and therefore was not present for the meeting. 

County Zoning Officer Jim Burger was unable to be present for the meeting.  The board reviewed his County Zoning Officer’s Report for the month of June.  Mr. Burger’s report informed the board that there were four (4) building permits issued during the month of June.  There were also twelve (12) building inspections completed during the month of June.  Three (3) of the inspections were finals; one (1) for a garage, one (1) for a carport, and one (1) for a home addition.  Mr. Burger’s report also informed the board that he has checked on complaints of excessive vehicles, trash, and junk located on properties.  (The County Zoning Officer Report is on file at the Office of the County Clerk for review by any interested parties.)

Under “Old Business” for committee reports; there were no reports from any of the board’s committees.

Under “New Business” for County Insurance Update (Property Damage, Casualty and Liability); Mr. Michael Gonet with V.H. Gonet - Opper Insurance Agency reviewed with the board the county’s Property Damage, Casualty and Liability Insurance and the renewal proposal for the 2017/2018 contract year commencing July 8, 2017.  The premium total for 2017/2018 is $56,087 compared to $56,068 for 2015/2016.  After brief discussion, board member Duane Calbow moved that the board approve the proposal for the county’s Property Damage, Casualty and Liability Insurance Plan for contract year 2017/2018.  Board member Luke Holly seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent.

Also under “New Business for Gateway Services Request For Approved Payment Of Support Services For Putnam County; representatives from Gateway Services were present and informed the board of the services their organization provides to persons with disabilities in Bureau, Marshall, and Putnam Counties.  Gateway Services representatives also requested the board approved contribution to Gateway Services.   A check in amount of $8000 will be issued and forwarded. 

Also under “New Business” for Standard Fire Protection District, Trustee Resignation And Appointment; the county board reviewed a letter received from the Standard Fire Protection District informing the board of the resignation of Mr. Joseph Ellena as Trustee for the district.  The letter further states the recommendation for the board’s approval for the appointment of Mr. John Twardowski to fill the remainder of the three (3) year term left vacant due to Mr. Ellena’s resignation.  The term commenced on May 1, 2017, and will expire on April 30, 2020. 

At 7:30 P.M., board member Luke Holly moved that the board retire into Executive Session to discuss personnel issues (5ILCS 120/2).  Board member Sheila Haage seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent.  The board then retired into Executive Session. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

At 7:50 P.M., board member Sheila Haage moved that the board return to Regular Session.  Board member Luke Holly seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent.  The board then returned to Regular Session.

Board member Duane Calbow moved that the board approve the recommendation for the appointment of Mr. John Twardowski to the Board of Trustees for the Standard Fire Protection District.  Board member Sheila Haage seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of *3 ayes, 1 nay, and 0 absent.  The Clerk of the County Board was directed to send a letter to the Standard Fire Protection District informing them of the board’s approval of their recommendation.

Also under “New Business” for Fish ‘N Fun Request Of Approval For The Sale Of Beer And Wine At Annual Pancake Breakfast (August 6, 2017); the county board reviewed the letter of request for the board’s approval for the sale of beer and wine at the Fish ‘N Fun Annual Pancake Breakfast.  After brief discussion, board member Luke Holly moved that the board approves the request.  The approval is contingent upon the county clerk’s receipt of proof of liquor liability insurance prior to the event.  Board member William Holmes seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent.  The Clerk of the County Board was directed to send the Fish ‘N Fun Board of Directors a letter notifying them of the board’s approval which is contingent upon the county clerk’s receipt of proof of liquor liability insurance.

County Death Investigator Robert Cofoid presented his Death Investigator report for the month of June to the board.  There were two (2) deaths reported to his office during the month of June.  Mr. Cofoid also informed the board that he is planning on attending the Illinois Coroners and Medical Examiners Association’s Medicolegal Death Investigation Conference in Fairview Heights, Illinois next month (August 2017).  (The County Death Investigator Report is on file at the Office of the County Clerk for review by any interested parties.)       

Putnam County Emergency Management Agency Coordinator Robert Cofoid presented his PCEMA Coordinator’s report for the month of June to the board.  Mr. Cofoid’s report highlighted the attendance at various meetings, training, and other activities the agency sponsored and/or participated in during the month of June.  (The PCEMA Coordinator Report is on file at the Office of the County Clerk for review by any interested parties.)

Also under “New Business” for Putnam County Website (www.co.putnam.il.us); the board discussed the information updates recently submitted.  The addition and revising of information, monitoring, and updating will be on-going.  Any and all updates should be forwarded to Ms. Susan Grady with Connecting Point Computer Centers.  Her e-mail address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .       

Also under “New Business” for Approve Bills; the county board reviewed the bills for the month of June.  Board member Sheila Haage then moved that the board approve the payment of the bills for the month of June.  Board member William Holmes seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent.  A letter to the county board from Circuit Clerk Cathy Oliveri was reviewed and discussed.  The letter informs the board that her office has implemented the Illinois Supreme Court mandated e-filing system.  The letter also informs the board that after remittance of payment for the e-filing system, her Court Automation Fund does not have enough funds to pay for the 6-month maintenance fees for her office’s required AS400 computer system.  Ms. Oliveri is requesting the billing be paid by the county with hope that the by the next installment she will have a sufficient amount in her Automation Fund to continue paying for her office expenses.  After brief discussion, board member Luke Holly moved to table the item until the August 2017 board meeting.  Board member William Holmes seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent.           

Also under “New Business” for Correspondences and Reports; the board reviewed monthly reports from the County Clerk’s Office and the Regional Office of Education.  The board also reviewed the legislative reports from the Illinois Association of County Board Members and Commissioners.  Board Chairman Steven Malavolti also reviewed other correspondences that he had received.   

Also under “New Business” for Public Comment Period; there were no members of the public present for any comments.

At 8:05 P.M., board member Sheila Haage moved to adjourn the meeting.  Board member Luke Holly seconded the motion and the motion was carried on a roll call board vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 absent.  The meeting was adjourned.  The next Regular Meeting of the Putnam County Board is scheduled for Monday, August 14, 2017, at 9:00 A.M.  The meeting will be held at the Putnam County Emergency Management Agency building.

Respectfully submitted,

DANIEL S. KUHN
Clerk of the Putnam County Board