The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Joy Swearingen, Quill Correspondent
Most comments were favorable toward Hancock County’s approach to the CO2 pipeline proposed to cross the county. A hearing was held at the end of the county board meeting Aug. 22.
At the beginning of the session, which moved into the large court room, Hancock County Board chairman, Mark Menn, stressed that the hearing was not a time for residents to voice concerns about the pipeline.
It was set to let residents comment on the county’s approach to the proposed pipeline and the cost to the county. About 30 attended the meeting, with 10 addressing the board.
“We are not here to discuss if this (pipeline) is a good or bad idea,” Menn stressed. “We are here to see how the residents, landowners and tax payers of the county want us to proceed. To insure that all the rules and regulations, setbacks, state laws and federal guidelines are adhered to.”
Hancock is part of a group of central Illinois counties who are sharing the cost of litigation challenging the pipeline.
Finance Committee chairman, Wayne Bollin, read a message from Joseph Murphy from the law firm of Meyer Capel with a summary of what they are doing in litigation against the pipeline, and where they are at in the process.
According to State’s Attorney, Bobi James, the county has spent close to $50,000 so far for its share of the legal costs.
“That being said, I support what you are doing, and if you need a donation I will make it,” said Tim Etter of rural Hamilton, after expressing his concern for the pipeline that will come 636 feet from his home.
Greg Clampitt, who also lives near the proposed path of the pipeline, said, “I am an engineer by trade. My concern in retaining this law firm is their lack of expertise in this field. I would advocate if you truly want to hire someone, that you focus on an organization that is specialized in pipelines.
“I am personally not in favor of hiring one, but I would like you to focus on people who are experts in the field if it be that is the direction you are going,” Clampitt added. “There are standards on this pipeline that I am absolutely confident of.”
Rusty Dowdall said the pipeline goes between his house and his son’s home.
“I support 110 percent what you are doing,” Dowdall said. “The issue for me is my kids and my grandkids. We would be farming over that pipeline.”
Mike Thompson said he had viewed a seven-hour public information meeting on CO2 pipelines from earlier this year, conducted in Des Moines, Iowa, given by the US Dept. of Transportation, Pipeline, Hazardous Materials and Safety Administration and other federal agencies governing pipelines.
“What became clear from the responses was that they’re making this up as they go along,” Thompson said. “There are no real solid rules involving CO2 pipelines. Normal pipelines carry gas or oil, if they explode, they burn. This is a new kind of pipeline that poses a very different kind of hazard. CO2 is odorless, colorless and is much heavier than air. It settles into low areas and will suffocate any living thing submerged in the gas in only a couple of minutes.”
He said a large network of CO2 underground pipes will be promoted by the federal government to allow continued use of fossil fuels for the next 20 years, giving time to develop new energy sources.
“Pressure from the feds on local and state governments is going to be enormous to put in these pipelines. It is a dangerous, dangerous thing. I commend and support what you are doing,” Thompson said.
Lane Sinele, whose farm is not near the pipeline, supported the county board’s litigation.
Sinele stressed that when the cost is spread around the county, the small portion of tax money he pays into the county’s tort immunity fund, that is used toward this litigation, “is going to be pennies.”
“The tort money has already been levied. That money is being spent to be sure this thing is done properly,” Sinele said.
“As an elected public body, your job is to take your collective knowledge of the people in the county and act on it. As a county board your job is to be sure you understand, that our population is safe, and if you hire people, make sure they know what they are doing.”
In answer to a question, Menn stated, “I can assure the residents at this time, that the county has not ever been offered a written contract for any sum of money in this process.” State’s Attorney James agreed.
Earlier during the regular meeting, the county board heard plans about possible renovation of a county-owned building, just west of the sheriff’s office, to be used in the future for an EMS center and ambulance barn.
Mike Heisler, chairman of the Hancock Building Commission, said his group is working with EMS director, Aaron Feigain, and an architect to design what they would need. The current EMS building on the east side of town has been purchased by Ryan Jacquot, with the stipulation of a three-year lease agreement with EMS.
Heisler estimated it would take 120 days for the designing, after which they would seek bids.
Jeff McPherson from Gray Hunter Stern of Quincy presented the county’s annual audit.
He said overall it has been a good year for the county, much of that driven by federal Covid funds and replacement taxes.
The board agreed to consider regulations the county can make related to solar energy and windmills. The process was given to the Building and Grounds committee.
Lane Sinele addressed the board about his concerns, particularly for increasing numbers of windmill projects being proposed to landowners. He was welcomed to offer input as the committee moves forward.
State’s Attorney James explained a law that was passed late last year that limits how these energy sources can be regulated.
The board approved setting the salary of the coroner at $18,730 with a 3 percent increase each year. The salary of the circuit clerk was set at $62,150.
The board approved amending the Motor Fuel Tax resolution to increase it from $450,000 to $750,000. County engineer, Elgin Berry, explained this action allows more of the expenses in the highway department to be covered by Motor Fuel Tax.
New animal control fees were approved.
The board heard an update of a person living in a tent, on a property in Tioga. The out-of-state owner has been contacted. The board expressed their wishes to move forward with condemnation of the property.