The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

County Board Hears Of Leaks In Bell Tower At Courthouse

Oquawka- Chairman Bradley Flatt called the meeting of the Henderson County Board to order at 8:30 a.m. on February 14 with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by roll call.

In the update on courthouse repairs board member Kim Gullberg said the bell tower is leaking, with water coming through in the dome and rain coming through the screens. Thomas Lee is scheduled to come back in March to make repairs. Gullberg suggested looking into having a fiberglass replica made to replace the current dome due to its age and wear.

Circuit Clerk Sandra Keane said the flooring should be here soon and Gullberg showed the wainscoting sample to the board and made his recommendations. Gullberg said they will need to find a finishing carpenter to install and stain the wainscoting. Circuit Clerk Keane informed the board that Todd Shinberger has agreed to come paint trim in the courtroom after everything else is done.

It was reported that State’s Attorney Mast is working on a new agreement with Burlington Fire Department.

Board Chairman Flatt said, "Stronghurst has swapped their ambulance with the Gladstone one due to the extent of needed repairs on the Stronghurst rig".

Corzatt asked what the board wants to do with the Stronghurst ambulance and said the Biggsville one will need replaced soon also.

The ambulance services are working on remapping service coverage areas.

A discussion was held on the panic button system for courthouse security. The previous system was a stand alone system and has become obsolete.

The county board talked about trying to set up a panic button system through the phones versus getting a new stand alone system.

Deputy Staley agreed to research options and bring back to the March meeting.

Deputy Staley said Frank Millard Company looked at the 2nd story jail flooring. They think the structure is okay and estimate $4500-$9000 to resurface the floor.

Staley also said Frank Millard Company estimated $29,000 to update/ repair plumbing.

The county board agreed to start the bid process and have it added to March’s agenda.

Will Pruett introduced Jake Armstrong as a broadband representative from the Farm Bureau. Armstrong informed the board of the Connect IL program that helps counties expand and improve rural broadband. A survey would need to be done before the county could be approved.

The Farm Bureau would help with the process. The county would contribute part of the funds and a grant writer would apply for the rest.

ARPA funds could be used for this project. MTC could be contacted as the potential broadband provider. This will be added to the March agenda.

EMA Officer Brown said there will be Weather Spotter training on March 28, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at West Central Elementary cafeteria.

The board approved the following items:

• Minutes dated January 10
• Claims paid in January 2023
• Health Department claims. (Exhibit 2)
• Health Department annual report.
• Highway resolution for cost of living adjustment for County Engineer
• Intergovernmental Grant Agreement with IEMA #22EMAHENDE
• Monthly report of the County Treasurer for January 2023
• Update to employee paid optional benefits plan
• Reappoint Linda Reaves as Trustee for the Oquawka Fire Protection District for a 3 Year Term
• Reappoint Brad Arnold as trustee for the Raritan Fire Protection District for a 3 year term.
• Annual Inventories of County Offices with an amendment to the Highway Department’s inventory adding serial numbers for department cell phones.
• Resolution authorizing COVID-19 Hazard Pay as presented After passage of above resolution, Cindy Brown, Emergency Services & Disaster Agency Director, addressed the board with her concerns regarding her exclusion from receiving hazard pay as an appointee of the board. Brown argued that her duties as Emergency Services & Disaster Agency Director, required her to perform emergency duties during the pandemic. Further board discussion ensued.
• Resolution authorizing COVID-19 Hazard Pay with an amendment to include full time appointed employees. The motion was defeated by a unanimous vote of no ARPA Expenditures - Resolution Authorizing
• Resolution authorizing COVID-19 Hazard Pay with an amendment that removes the word “appointed” from the exempt verbiage
• The County Clerk to seek out bids to scan 1967-1989 aperture cards.
• Approved new EMS (ESO) reporting program
• Review closed session minutes and keep them closed.

Brad Flatt reminded everyone of the March 14, 2023 Ambulance meeting.

In attendance were: Richard Bigger, Jon Corzatt, Patty Daniels, Kim Gullberg, Todd Miller, Deborah Pflasterer, Will Pruett, Janet Stubbs, Bradley Flatt.

Bill Knupp and Kurt McChesney were absent.