County Board - Regular Meeting

Um, good evening everyone. It is now 5:30, so I'm going to call uh this county board meeting to order. Um, and if everyone can rise for the invocation or moment of silence from member Bell. In these troubled times, I think this is fitting for the moment that we're living in now. Hope is a thing inside that keeps you up after you fall. Always remember when the world says give up, hope is hope will whisper in your ear. Try it one more time. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Madame clerk, if you can call the role. Michael O'Neal. Um, absent. Adam Reeves here. Jim Rogal here. Natalie Roseman Mendoza present. Jeff Tommpkins here. Andy Zebarth present. Brian Bangert. Cory Burn present. Beverly Bell here. Mark Claus here. Leah Klene present. Alex Duffy here. Sean Fagan here. Buck Farley here. William John Frederick here. Eric Hansen here. William Basler

here. Val Layman present. Brian Leler here. Elizabeth Johnston and I am here. Okay. 19. 19. We do have a quorum. So we'll move on to item number five, appearance by members of the public or county employees. Administrator Taylor. Chair Johnston. We have had no requests this evening. Thank you so much. Well, moving on to item six, and that is the consent agenda. May I have a motion? Motion by Hansen and a second by Roguel. Any comments or questions? Yes, member Klein. Um, thank you, Chair Johnston. Um, I need to abstain from item 1G. Would that be six

six E one G? 1g. Okay. Thank you. Any other comments or questions on the consent agenda? Seeing none, all in favor of item six say I. I.

Any opposed? Motion passes. And with that, part of our consent agenda is the approval of resolutions. So, congratulations and commendations. Um, and the first one we would like to bring up, um, if you would all like to join member Zebarth, we have the ISU football team. Uh, Coach Spack. Uh, if you would like to come up while we read. Um, I just want to say I have been so proud. I'm going to speak on behalf of the board. Um, on this board we have uh professors, we have alumni, um, spouses. Uh, we have watched your season uh, with pride. You have conducted yourself um, in amazing ways both on and off the field. And so, and we are very grateful for you to be here. and as people who represent the community ourselves, uh, we know what that carries and the way that you conducted yourself in Nashville, uh, made us all very, very proud. And now I'll turn it over to member Zar.

Thank you very much. Welcome, Coach Spack. Well, welcome Redbird players. Uh, it's truly an honor really for MLAN County to be able to recognize you this evening. Um, it's really an honor, truly an honor for myself as a former alumni, a former Redbird player, and a parent of a current Redbird player. Um, so it gives me great pride in in uh being asked to present this resolution tonight. So, my wife Jill and I had a front row seat to the journey to the national championship game. And to say that MLAN County is proud of this team is an understatement. The grit, the competitiveness that this team displayed through the entire season was unmatched. Um, so many memorable moments throughout the year. None more memorable than the uh big win in the Fargo Dome um up in North Dakota during the second round in the playoffs. Uh, and I think it was at that time that I looked at my wife and I said, "Hey, we better start booking hotel rooms because I think we're in this for the long haul." And I'm not so sure. That might have been the same time that North Dakota State decided they didn't want to be in the Missouri Valley Conference anymore. I'm guessing. I'm not sure. Uh, so finishing with a 12-5 record in route to the national championship game. This team was undefeated in road FCS games and the first team ever to win four consecutive playoff road wins on the way to the national championship. Not only did this team exceed um on the field, uh they had success in the classroom as well, demonstrating what it truly means to be a student athlete. So, congratulations, Coach Spack. Congratulations, Redbird players, coaching staff, and the entire uh support staff for an outstanding year. I'm going to read the uh resolution. Bear with me. is going to take a while

because there are so many accomplishments from this team. Um uh what an outstanding year. So with that, I will read the resolution. So resolution of congratulations honoring the Illinois State University Red Bull Redbird football program. Whereas the Illinois State University Redbirds football team achieved one of the most successful seasons in program history during the 2025 season, highlighted by its sixth 10- win season and a number two national ranking in both major FCS polls. And whereas the team made ISU history with its 10th NCAA FCS playoff appearance, third FCS semi-final appearance, and second national championship game appearance. And whereas the team was the first team in NCAA FCS history to win four consecutive row games in route to the title game and play in the first overtime game in FCS championship history. And whereas the season also included many individual player successes such as 12 Redbirds named all Missouri Valley football conference uh performers including four team uh first team selections in Tai camp, Daniel Sakowitz, Jake Pope and uh Shad Shadwell Kuba II. And whereas six players earned spots on the MVFC all-newcomer team, including 2025 MVSC freshman of the year Luke Mainlander, and Dexter knee, Luke Mainlander, and CJ Richards Jr. as FCS freshman All-Americans. Whereas six players were named all-American including Tai Knamp, Daniel

Sakowitz, Shadwell Kuba II, Jake Pope, Dylan Calibris, and Landon Woodard. And whereas multiple players set ISU's single season and national statistical records, including Tommy Writtenhouse with 334 completions, 516 attempts, and 40 passing touchdowns. Daniel Sakowitz with 19 receiving touchdowns and tied knee camp with 160 total tackles. And whereas Daniel Sakowitz became ISU's all-time leader with 262 career receptions and 41 receiving touchdowns, finishing second alltime in receiving yards with 3,559. And whereas Redbird student athletes also excelled off the field with three earning MVFC all academic honors, including first team selection and NCAA elite scholar athlete Mason Kaplan and Tommy Writtenhouse being named an FCS ADA academic all-star and finalist for the FCA FCS ADA post-graduate scholarship. And now therefore, be it resolved that this achievement reflects excellence in athletics, academics, leadership, and sportsmanship, bringing great pride to Illinois State University and the broader community. Be it further resolved that the MLAN County Board hereby congratulates the Illinois State University Redirds football team head coach Brock Spack, the coaching staff, and the support personnel on an extraordinary and historic 2025 season. Adopted by the MLAN County Board this 12th day of February, 2026. Go Birds.

There is the official proclamation for you. Awesome. That's great.

Well, thank you very much the board and and the recognition. I know I know these players really appreciate that. Um, one thing I'll tell you, the this team makes they're they're achievers and uh we broke our academic uh semester grade point average as well at uh we had a 319 for 105 college age men from 18 to 23. That's kind of amazing. Uh I haven't been around a team that uh that that's done that before, but we uh I was just really really proud of that. Uh you can be a really good team and be a really good student as well. uh this idea you don't have to be a student is is is is baloney. So, uh these guys proved that wrong. Um but appreciate I appreciate the community and all everything that went behind this team. Um it just this this one just felt a little different than the one in in 14. Uh I think because I think these guys were their their effort was appreciated. Uh the way they played was appreciated. The team in 14 was extremely talented. Uh this team is talented uh but uh really tough, hard-nosed guys. Had to overcome a lot uh to get where they got and uh and and the championship game was no different than the whole season for the them. They uh they they were very comfortable in a in a tight game uh in a championship caliber game and they they played very very well. Uh just got to find a way to score two more points and u it'll be a little different. Uh but really appreciate uh everything that you've all done for us and and the support. Uh I know there's faculty here and uh we have a very I think we have a very good uh relationship with our faculty and and our staff uh within the university. It takes a it takes a village to raise a child, right? I know these look like grown men, but they're not. They think they are, but they're not. Uh but they will be soon. And uh and and but but your help with that has been been uh been awesome. So appreciate the community and everything you've done for

us. So thank you very much and hope to see you out there again next year. Okay. Okay. Thank you very much. Byebye.

Thank you. Appreciate it. Thank you. Um we have a second uh congratulation accommodation um that we that was not on the agenda, but we did want to bring forward. And I'm going to turn this over to the property chair, uh, Miss Layman, um, to read a proclamation honoring the dedication and service of a long-standing county employee, uh, Mr. Mike Stefa, if you'd like to join uh, chair, property chair layman at the podium, I would appreciate it.

Hello, Mr. Stefa. So, as absolutely honored as I am to be here and to read this, I'm also just that sad that we don't get to uh continue to interact with you on the property committee. Uh but I think your work um speaks volumes and even in your absence, I know you're setting the team up for success and your legacy is absolutely going to live on. So, I first have to say thank you so much. Mike Stefa is set to retire on March 3rd, so we'd like to take a moment to recognize his remarkable 36 years of service to MLAN County. Mike began his career in January 1990 as a part-time park attendant and later that year transitioned into a full-time role as operations assistant. Mike continued his growth with the organization and in June 2008 was appointed interim park director. Then on August 31st, 2008, he was officially named park director, a role he has served with distinction ever since. Throughout his career, Mike has dedicated his time and energy to making Kamlara Park a relaxing, welcoming, and enjoyable destination for all MLAN County residents. Mike has been instrumental in organizing supporting numerous community events and programs at the park, including the annual fall colors family day, archery competitions, triathlons, bird walks, and fish tournaments. He has also worked with kids at Camp Hope, teaching them to fish, and with multiple scouts on their projects to achieve their rank of Eagle Scout. Mike has also been committed to conservation and stewardship in the park. Mike planted numerous trees at the park, assisted the MLAN County Soil and Water Conservation District on a soil erosion project around the lake, and worked with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources on a project to eradicate non-native prolific plume

grass along the lake shoreline. These examples demonstrate Mike's commitment to protecting and preserving the natural landscape of Evergreen Lake in Kamlara Park for future generations. These efforts were also recognized by the community when he received the MLAN County Chamber of Commerce's outstanding conservationalist Award in 2021. On behalf of the MLAN County Board, administrative staff, and fellow county employees, we extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to Mr. Stefa for his many years of dedicated service. We congratulation uh we congratulate him on his retirement and wish him nothing but the very best in future endeavors. Thank you.

Thank you. I just want to say a few words. Uh Cassie Taylor said I had a half an hour to say this, so everybody just relax. I'll try to keep this short. Glasses. Thank you so much for the privilege to serve the people of the county and beyond. I am truly blessed to have had a job I loved for so long. So as not to take up a lot of time, I will be sending out more formal thank yous to people and groups within the next few weeks. That being said, I would like to thank all the county department heads and their staff members, the county board members over the years, all of the past and current staff, park staff members, the conservation groups, the scouting groups, the volunteer groups, and all the people that have helped me and the parks department. And I can't forget to thank all the customers over the years. I would also like to thank Cassie Taylor, Tony Grant, and Kathy Drier. I truly appreciate all the guidance that you have given me over the last few years. And last but not least, I would like to thank my beautiful wife and kids for always supporting me and my career at the parks department. Sorry. All these people have helped shape the parks and the lake into what it is today. Kamar Park, West Park, and Evergreen Lake are truly the gems of central Illinois. Thanks again to all of you for a great ride.

All right. Thank you everyone. Um Mike Stef is a wonderful example of the county employees that we have here. Um and we are grateful uh for everything that you have done for us um as an organization and for the community. Uh moving on to item number seven and standing committees. uh 7A's executive committee with vice chair Rogal. Thank you, Madam Chair. First up, we have 7A1A, which is request approval of an ordinance of the MLAN County Board amending MLAN County Code, chapter 160, alcohol be alcoholic beverages, and I so move. Thank you. May I have a second? Second by uh member Farley. Comments or questions? Yes, member Klene.

Um thank you, chair. Um, following a conversation that the executive committee had on Monday and some concerns that member Reeves brought up, I have an amendment that has been proposed by the state's attorney's office um that is in front of everyone. It is um on the second page in blue ink. This is the new change and I believe I need to read it out into the record.

Correct. So this is under chapter 160-7 licenses required and we would add after the first full sentence a license issued by the MLAN County Liquor Commission control commission is not required for the possession or transportation of alcoholic liquor by the possessor for the personal use of the possessor, their family and guests, nor for the making of wine, cider or other alcoholic liquor by a person from fruits fruits, vegetables, or grains, or the products thereof by simple fermentation and without distillation. if it is made solely for the use of the maker, their family, and guests. Nor for any duly licensed practicing physician or dentist to pos possess or use alcoholic liquor in the strict practice of their profession. Nor for any hospital or other institution caring for sick or diseased persons to possess or use alcoholic liquor for the treatment of bonafide patients of such hospital or other institution. Nor for any drugstore employing a licensed pharmacist to possess or use alcoholic liquors in the concoction of prescriptions of duly licensed physicians. Nor for the possession or dispensation of wine by an authorized representative of any church for the purposes purpose of conducting any bonafide right or religious ceremony conducted by such church. And I so move you so moved. May I have a second? Sang by member Reeves. comments or questions at this point. Now we have a motion to amend uh the original item to the floor. So this um commentary would about would be about the amendment. Excuse me. If there's no um questions or comments, we will vote on the amendment and then vote on the item as it was originally presented as amended. Any comments or questions on the amendment?

Seeing none, all in favor of the motion to amend say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. So now the item as amended uh 7 A1A. Any comments or questions now that it is amended? Seeing none, all in favor of item 7 A1A as amended, say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. Back to you, Vice Chair Rogue.

Thank you. Next up, we have 7A1B, request approval of an ordinance of the MLAN County Board amending the MLAN County Code, Chapter 205, fees, section 205-31, chapter 160, alcoholic beverages. And I so move. Thank you. May I have a second? Second by member Leler. Any comments or questions? Seeing none, all in favor of item 7 A1B say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. Back to you. Next up, we have 7 A1C, which is request approval of an ordinance by the MLAN County Board amending the MLAN County Code Chapter 108. And I so move.

Thank you. May I have a second? Second by member Bell. Any comments or questions? Seeing none, all in favor of item 7 A1C say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. Back to you. Our last item for action is 7 A1D, which is requated and distributed to the board members and determine that a need for confidentiality exists for those minutes so designated on the attached list. Um, and I so move.

Thank you. May I have a second? and second by member Fagan. Any comments or questions that would require us to go into close session? Seeing none, all in favor of item 7 A1D say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. And back to you. We have no other items for action. Our general report can be found on pages 26 to 32 of the unapproved minutes. And I can answer any questions if anyone has any. Thank you so much. Um, seeing no questions, we'll move on to item 7B and that is finance committee with member layman.

Thank you, Chair Johnston. The finance committee has no items to be presented for action this evening. Uh, as far as items to be presented for information. You can find our general report in pages 20 to uh 22 to 25 of the unapproved minutes packet. Uh I would also say uh that uh just as a heads up, our committee meeting for next month is shifting days of the week from Wednesday to Thursdays. That'll be Thursday, March 5th at 5:00 pm. Uh it's just for that one month. So we'll be back to the regularly scheduled Wednesday time when we meet again in April. Uh also just giving a heads up if you're not aware, early voting is in full swing. Whether you live in uh Mlan County and Normal and would vote uh through the locations provided by our county clerk's office or you live in Bloomington and would vote in areas uh provided by the Bloomington Election Commission office. Uh just giving you a reminder, please get out there and make your voices heard. Uh you can find the days of the week and the specific times on each of those uh jurisdictions websites. Uh but roughly speaking and uh uh madame clerk might uh correct me uh in what I share here um but uh with early voting being uh in full swing uh here at the government center uh roughly Monday through Friday uh now until um election time during regular business hours. Uh would that be a correct simplification?

Yes, we go to the weekends uh toward the end of the month. There we go. No, we're out at our new location, Sierra, because we couldn't get them all and at ISU about the last they have five days at both of those locations.

Fantastic. Thank you for that assistance. Yeah, so it looks like uh Sierra from uh March 9th through 14th uh and uh the Bone Student Center uh the 11th through 13th and then the 16th. Uh if you live in the jurisdiction of Bloomington, of the city of Bloomington, uh you vote through the Bloomington Election Commission. uh that's available uh now daily uh until the end of uh or until election day. Uh and you can find those specific hours. Uh they vary a little bit by day of the week uh at bloomington.gov. Uh thank you very much and I'm here to answer any additional questions you might have.

Thank you uh member Layman. Any questions for member layman? Seeing none, we will move on to item 7 C and that is health committee with member Burn.

Thank you Madam Chair. The health committee brings no items for action today. Uh we do have a couple highlights uh at the nursing home. The third and final phase of the MEP project is underways. This phase encompasses the kitchen, the laundry area, and most of the offices. Uh nursing home is grateful to city of Bloomington and assisting with temporary kitchen facilities and with the MLAN County Jail for assisting with temporary laundry facilities. Uh at the jail, the med staff uh Jennifer Ver Verbar, a registered nurse, was recognized with an award for excellence in critical thinking, reflecting high level of clinical judgment demonstrated by nur nursing staff. In addition, members of the medical department at the jail partnered with Illinois Wesian University students to deliver a presentation on correctional nursing to students. Uh not much new business at the health department this year, but there are some uh more impressive stats from 2025. There was an increased media presence in 25. PA coordinator Marian Manco, excuse me, arranged for 56 interviews covering from topics from public health to promotion of health department events. 18 press releases were sent to local media partners this year to promote diabetes prevention programs, car seat safety checks, vaccine clinics, HIV STI testing, QPR suicide prevention intervention training, and vector surveillance. interviews and press releases in 20 uh 25 resulted in 84 published media stories featuring Mlan County Health Department. Uh maintaining vital records like birth and death certificates is one of the lesserknown aspects of the health department. In 2025, vital record staff served over 2600 people and provided almost 14,000 copies of these certificates to the public. Unfortunately, we do find ourselves yet again in a scenario where the federal government has suddenly and capricciously terminated a grant just this week targeting targeting the state of Illinois. The White House manage office of management and budget on February 5th of this week ordered CDC to rescend over $699 million in funding from four states including Illinois. This does potentially impact our strengthening Illinois Public Health Administration grant received through the Department of Public Health, a total

of $350,000. Uh however, IDPH provided the attached update today about a temporary restraining order for the directive. We received total grant funding upfront in full at the execution of that contract. So, it remains business as usual for us unless we hear differently from IDPH. Special thanks to Health Department Administrator Jessica Mcnite for continuing to evaluate and explore contingency plans for our personal for our personnel covered under this grant and we will monitor and follow up as needed. Thank you so much.

One more quick aspect. I would like to congratulate Mr. Stefa uh on a well-deserved retirement. Uh thanks especially for all the recommendations for secret trails, secret osprey uh nests and for calming down one particular customer that may be sitted in this chair when it was overflown by a large beast that turns out according to Mr. Stef was a juvenile bald eagle that may have terrified a couple hikers on the trail. So thank you sir again and congratulations best wishes. All right, thank you. Uh we'll move on to item 7D and that is justice committee and back to vice chair Roguel.

Thank you again madam chair. Uh we have four items tonight for action. Uh first up is D1A which is request approval of an intergovernmental agreement for sale of secured bed space in McLean County Juvenile Detention Center and I so move. Thank you. May I have a second? Second by member Duffy. Any comments or questions? Seeing none, all in favor of item 7D1A say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. And back to you. All right. Next up, we have 7D1B, which is request approval of a contract for services between Dwit County Community Mental Health Board and Children's Advocacy Center. And I so move.

Thank you. May I have a second? Second by member Hansen. Any comments or questions? Seeing none, all in favor of item 7D1B say I. Any opposed? Motion passes. Next up, we have 7D1C, which is request approval of a resolution of the MLAN County Board authorizing participation as a member in the Illinois Emergency Management Mutual Aid System response pursuant to an intergovernmental agreement by and between the county of MLAN and the Illinois Emergency Services Management Association. And I so move.

Thank you. May I have a second? Second by member Burn. Any comments or questions? Seeing none, all in favor of item 7D1C say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. And last up we have 7D1D. Request approval of an emergency appropriation ordinance amending the MLAN County fiscal year 2026 combined annual appropriation and budget ordinance. And I so move. Thank you. May I have a second? Second by member Bessler. Any comments or questions? Seeing none, all in favor of item 7D1D, say I.

Any opposed? Motion passes. The Justice Committee has no other items for action tonight. Our general report can be found on pages 7 and 18 through 21 of the unapproved minutes, and I can answer any questions if anyone has any. Thank you. Any questions for Vice Chair Rogal? Seeing none, we'll move on to items 7E, and that's property committee. And back to member Layman. Thank you very much, Chair Johnston. Uh the property committee has no items to be presented for action this evening. Uh we also have no uh present items to be presented for information for the report. Uh we did not meet this month. Thank you very much. Thank you so much. Moving on, item 7F, land use and transportation committee. And that's member Klene.

I think thank you, Chairperson Johnston. Um the land use and transportation committee took care of all of our business in the consent agenda this evening. Um and our notes and minutes can be found on pages 9 through1 13 on the unapproved minutes. I would just make a note that the um data center workg group delivered its new zoning language to the land use and transportation committee this month and that's passed out of committee and will be seen by the zoning board of appeals I believe next month as long as there's not too much on the agenda. Um so that is working its way to you. Excellent. Thank you so much for the work on that. Uh, so moving on to item 7G, County Administrator, Miss Taylor.

Thank you, Chair Johnston. I have no items to present to the board for action this evening. I do have a quick update. Uh, we are on schedule for our phase one of our enterprise resource planning software go live that is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17th. And that will improve uh workflow um enhancements to our current system um for the financial systems and also uh improve our internal controls. Uh that is phase one. Uh we will be doing uh additional um phases in the spring, late spring and early summer for the HR uh systems. And so this will be automating some of the process but also automating some of the checks on the system.

That is correct.

Okay. Any questions regarding the ERP system? This is something that the administration the staff have been working tirelessly on it feels like for many months. Um so I'm very excited to see that go into place. Um particularly with kind of keeping track of uh expenditures and making sure that they are they are being conducted appropriately. And I would like to say that it's not just administration that's been working on this but whole team including uh key players in the treasur's office, the IT department, uh our hired consultant as well as many many many others in each department who are the um subject matter experts that will be sharing that information uh and cascading that down to all staff. Yes, I'm aware and staff have spent countless hours I feel like uh getting trained and getting prepared to put this into place to make us a uh a better and more efficient organization. So, I'm very excited about what that's going to bring to us um in the coming months. All right, moving on. Other business and communication. I just want to remind people if they could save the date, uh the behavioral health, we are having our first behavioral health field day event on May 30th at Normandy Village. We just approved the contract for that tonight. Um, this is so new. I'm not quite sure exactly. I'm looking forward to details coming out about what it will contain. Um, this was a a request um sort of in response to the behavioral health forums been very successful for providers in the community, but I believe that the field day is more geared towards end users um and engagement with the population uh that utilize those services as well. So, I'm looking forward to hearing more from our BHC department on on that. and that's coming up on May 30th out at Normandy Village. And also mark your calendar that behavioral health forum that continues to grow every year um will be October 29th at ISU. Um I have zero other further engagements. So I'm going to open it up the floor. Yes, member Friedrich.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I just wanted to recognize member uh Mike O'Neal. He came in after roll call. So if there wasn't any objection that he would be he came in after the ISU commenation, so I don't know how that plays out. if it needs to be recognized by the clerk. Yeah. Sure. Um, no, it was noted that I saw him arrive as we were doing the presentation. So, appreciate him being here tonight. Um, arrived at 5:42.

And we arrived at 5:42. Um, behind me you will see just a quick reminder that we uh I do like to promote our animal services department um and the work that they're doing out there. So, please feel free um to like and share their posts. um they have been generating quite a bit of traffic um through social media um and really garnering the attention. Um they continue to do excellent work. They continue to find homes for animals um at a much faster pace. Um so if one of these cuties grabs your attention, Valentine's is literally this weekend. So you got a loved one that needs a pet, you got a barn that needs a cat, um come down to animal services, um and pick out your favorite. So and with that, we are adjourned.