The regular meeting of the County Board met January 20, 2012 at 8:00 A.M. and was called to Order by Chairman John Hammond. Don Stephen led the pledge of allegiance.

ROLL CALL 8:00 A.M.

Motion by Dale Murphy and second by Todd Kuhn to approve the minutes of the December 16 meeting. The Chairman put the question and upon the roll being taken all members present voted "aye". Whereupon the Chairman declared the motion adopted.

Sheriff Parsley noted that the refrigerator mentioned in the December meeting was purchased for prisoners to keep items in rather than for Canteen.

Motion by Jerry Lowery and second by Ted Perillo to approve the General Claims. The Chairman put the question and upon the roll being taken all members present voted "aye". Whereupon the Chairman declared the motion adopted.

Motion by Don Stephen and second by Ted Perillo to approve County Highway Claims. The Chairman put the question and upon the roll being taken all members present voted "aye". Whereupon the Chairman declared the motion adopted.

County Highway Engineer, Dallas Richardson, went through his agenda and reported that we have 50 bridges to inspect this year. It was also noted that Dallas could buy steel-toed boots from his equipment or safety budget.

Motion by Jerry Lowery and second by Dale Murphy to approve the attached County Maintenance Resolution appropriating $475,000 from the Motor Fuel Tax allotment for the maintenance on county or State highways beginning January 1, 2012 and ending December 31, 2012. The Chairman put the question and upon the roll being taken all members present voted "aye". Whereupon the Chairman declared the motion adopted.

Motion by Dale Murphy and second by Todd Kuhn to accept all Office reports for December 2011 and the Treasurer’s Report for November 2011. The Treasurer’s report for December was not yet ready. The Chairman put the question and upon the roll being taken all members present voted "aye". Whereupon the Chairman declared the motion adopted.

Ted Perillo reported that the new doors are in the process of being installed on the Casey ambulance building. West Union ambulance building is in need of some roof repair. The new West Union ambulance is almost ready to be put in service. Discussion was held in regards to what to do with the old one. It will be put out for a sealed bid sale. There are plans to offer paramedic classes in the near future. Ted reported on problems in improving radio reception by putting up an antenna. Refusals (when ambulance goes out and patient will not accept a ride) were discussed and how to charge for them. There were over 160 last year. One possibility was to only bill out of county claims. Paramedic classes were discussed.

Motion by Ted Perillo and second by Jerry Lowery to adopt the attached Resolution in regards to the sale of parcel #14-01-29-13-303-014 in Westfield Township. The Chairman put the question and upon the roll being taken all members present voted "aye". Whereupon the Chairman declared the motion adopted.

Todd Kuhn reported on a recent countywide economic development board meeting. They were looking for some guidance. They recently hosted a meeting in Martinsville that was well received.

Jerry Lowery reported on a recent meeting with Jim Bender, Dog Pound Operator. He has had some dogs for four months and this is causing problems. Bender is trying to expand his hours and his staff. Bender could not be at the meeting but had stated that the long term care was his only issue.

Jerry also reported that highway union negotiations are on hold.

Employees’ contributions on their health insurance were discussed. It is presently 10% and the Board considered not enforcing a raise to a possible 20% effective December 1, 2012.

Motion by Ted Perillo and second by Dale Murphy to enter into the attached agreement with Edgar County in regards to the sharing of Public Defender, William McGrath. The Chairman put the question and upon the roll being taken all members present voted "aye". Whereupon the Chairman declared the motion adopted.

Jerry reported that he has contacted ICOPS (the new Sheriff’s employees union) and they will begin negotiations in the near future.

Motion by Ted Perillo and second by Todd Kuhn that the preceding bills as listed in the County Board record be approved. The Chairman put the question and upon the roll being taken all members present voted "aye". Whereupon the Chairman declared the motion adopted.

Motion by Todd Kuhn and second by Ted Perillo to pay with preceding bills for the ambulance service: 1) Secretary of State $120; 2) Darcie’s $20. This is for license and title work for the new ambulance. The Chairman put the question and upon the roll being taken all members present voted "aye". Whereupon the Chairman declared the motion adopted.

Motion by Ted Perillo and second by Don Stephen that the one day and mileage claims be approved. The Chairman put the question and upon the roll being taken all members present voted "aye". Whereupon the Chairman declared the motion adopted.

Steve Turpin reported assessments of most residential properties are down 5% and farm property is up 10%. Overall the County’s evaluation is down about $4 million.

County Clerk Downey showed the board all the mail they have received from the Church of Latter Day Saints (12 letters per Board member). The entire bundle was given to Deb Sowers.

Motion by Dale Murphy and second by Don Stephen that the meeting be adjourned until February 17, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. The Chairman put the question and upon the roll being taken all members present voted "aye". Whereupon the Chairman declared the motion adopted and the meeting was adjourned at 8:57 a.m.

IN ATTENDANCE: Bill Downey – County Clerk; Jerry Parsley – Sheriff; Mary Lou Cornelison; Jerry Lorton – EMA Coordinator; Brian Maschhoff – Casey Ambulance Coordinator; Deb Sowers – Marshall Advocate; Steve Sheets – West Union Ambulance; Sheri Higginbotham – Treasurer; Warren Le Fever; and Steve Turpin – Supervisor of Assessments.