Will County Democratic Caucus Committee met March 16.
Here is the minutes as provided by the Committee:
I. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL
Minority Leader Herbert Brooks Jr. called the meeting to order at 8:50 AM
Present from State's Attorney's Office: K. Meyers.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
Mrs. Rice led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. WC Democratic Caucus - Special Meeting - Feb 12, 2017 6:00 PM
RESULT: APPROVED [8 TO 0]
MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Member
SECONDER: Mark Ferry, Member
AYES: Brooks Jr., Staley-Ferry, Ferry, Marcum, Moran, Rice, Traynere, Winfrey
AWAY: Harris, Summers
2. WC Democratic Caucus - Regular Meeting - Feb 16, 2017 8:45 AM
IV. OLD BUSINESS
V. OTHER OLD BUSINESS
VI. NEW BUSINESS
1. Discussion of County Board Agenda
Mrs. Burke advised there are 7 resolutions that are in the packets where it said to
be distributed and all are now on your desk. They should also be included in the
County Board agenda on line.
Mr. Brooks stated these were also e-mailed to the board members and are under
the Executive Committee.
Mr. Brooks introduced Brian Gieseke stating he has replaced Jeff Ronaldson
position. Jeff moved up and Brian moved up. He is with the Highway Department
and Brian is here when it comes to Public Works Committee.
Land Use
None.
Finance
ASA K. Meyers arrived at this juncture.
Mrs. Traynere advised there was discussion regarding the repayment to the Public
Building Commission. They wanted us to pay them back.
Mrs. Winfrey stated it was either give them the money to pay the bills or pay the
bills directly from Capital.
Mrs. Hennessy explained over the last few years we have moved maintenance out
of Public Building Commission to the county. When we did that, we reduced their
levy. Some of that excess levy is what they used to do projects for us and then we
wouldn't reimburse them. Since they don't have that extra money any more we
have continued to send small projects over there and they have paid for them out
of their own reserve funds. Their request was either reimburse us for some of the
work we have already done or let us take it from your River Valley reserve. We
said we would pay for it out of Capital. They would have been our capital projects
anyway.
Mrs. Rice asked if there is a paper trail or documentation of what they have
actually done. I understand by looking at the Finance Committee documentation
that it was recommended the River Valley and then the resolution references a
different fund. It seems unclear about what we are reimbursing them.
Mrs. Hennessy advised the funds they are asking for in no way reimburses them
for what they have paid out for us.
Mr. Harris arrived at this juncture.
Mrs. Hennessy stated one example was the DLR contract. They paid out
$600,000.00 on that in the last year and half until we started paying it. It is a group
of invoices. They are in need of this for operating funds. The bills are already paid
so there are no invoices to present and there are staff members who participate in
the PBC meeting. They just need us to reimburse them for items they paid on our
behalf. We are comfortable with the list.
Mrs. Rice stated I object to how the resolution is written and the backup for the
finance. I have no problem hearing your explanation but when you look at the
paper trail and review the resolution versus what was at Finance, it is not clear.
Mr. Palmer advised this is part of a bigger issue. Resolutions 17-88 and 17-89 (#9
& 10 in Executive) is directing the PBC to fund our bond counsel and the other is
to look at arbitrage at River Valley which is the old bonds. Our bonds are all paid
off. Kankakee has just made their last payment. That is for River Valley. This is
paying off old bills. Now the projects in recent times have been at the Capital
committee which is why you see more detail.
Mrs. Summers arrived at this juncture.
Mr. Palmer stated Resolution 17-88 and 17-89 are going back and reviewing some
issues. Specifically if there are any outstanding arbitrage that we need to deal with
so we will clean it off the books. We are having discussions with Kankakee County
to wrap that bond document and pay out any excess funds and it allows us to
move forward to siting. Nothing has been decided, no one has recommended
anything about the future of the PBC but this allows us to clear the books with
Kankakee County as it relates to those bonds.
Public Works
Mrs. Traynere advised there was the presentation on the 2040 plan and a few of
us made comments on being proactive on widening roads where we see villages
growing or putting a corridor of new homes or retail.
Mr. Moran asked what the status was on the right of way acquisition along the
Weber Road corridor because it has delayed the letting again.
Mr. Gieseke replied there is a balance of right of way acquisitions, some by the
state, and some by the county. We are trying to stay on the same schedule so that
the project is under construction all at the same time. Discount Tire which is south
of Normantown is the dividing line between the county road and the state road.
Monday, the 20th IDOT is having another status meeting on their acquisition and
letting schedules.
Mr. Moran advised that IDOT issued the RFI 2 days ago for a private partner for
the South Suburban Airport. They are looking for a private partner to develop and
operate the airport.
Judicial
None.
Public Health
Mrs. Traynere stated the resolution is for purchasing of washing machines at
Sunny Hill.
Legislative and Policy
Mr. Brooks advised we heard updates from federal and state.
Capital Improvements
Mrs. Winfrey stated we are buying those wetlands credits for the Sheriff's facility.
Mr. Brooks reminded everyone there is a Capital Improvements meeting on
Tuesday, March 21, 2017. We talk about the bills that need to be paid.
Executive
Mr. Palmer stated Resolution 17-79 is just an extension of Ann Schneider's current
contract. It will be to the completion of the current freight study. Beyond that we
will negotiate a separate retainer contract.
Mr. Moran clarified this is not a scope change, just a time frame extension.
Mr. Palmer explained we extended the project time line because we thought we
would get a better end product.
Mr. Moran asked if the amount she is getting per month is getting extended for
this time period or the same amount over a longer period of time.
Mr. Palmer replied it is the same amount to the end of the contract. I believe her
original one went to the end of March and this one will take her to the end of May
or June. It is the same monthly fee which is an increase but we are doing more
work to get the best plan.
Mr. Moran asked who is the architectural and engineering company for Resolution
#17-80.
Mrs. Winfrey replied Kluber is first, then Legat Architect and Nagle Hartray as the
third.
Mr. Palmer explained the board selection of these recommend three companies
and charge the County Executive's office with negotiating within certain
parameters. If for some reason we couldn't come to agreement with the first
company we go on to the second.
Mr. Palmer stated there will be a change in Resolution 17-81. In the third whereas,
it says negotiated within the designated County Board parameters, and it is going
to be amended to put the exact amount which $250,000.00. That was the
negotiated amount the county board committee had approved. This is for the
purchase of 62 West Washington Street. This could be used be used for county
offices or construction management team for the courthouse. We will use it and
then probably demolish it.
Mr. Palmer stated Resolution 17-82 is the IGA with the City of Joliet in order to
clean up the connection to sewer and water. It also contains provisions for
annexation by Joliet of future developments.
Mr. Palmer continued regarding Resolution 17-82 stating there will be more IGA's
coming forward regarding the opening of Chicago Street, the demolition of 121
Chicago and the exchange of the entire parking lot with automation. The parking
deck may be discussed in the future.
Mr. Palmer stated Resolution 17-83 is the agreement we received at the last
minute regarding BP pipeline and Amazon.
ASA Meyers advised we have no role in this matter except in 3 years we will take
over the extra pavement in the project.
Mr. Brooks advised Resolution 17-83 was declaring a vacancy in District 6. At this
time no one knew of any name being recommended.
Mrs. Hennessy stated Resolution 17-85 was voiding the bid for the ERP system
which is the Financial/HR portion due to the lack of response. This bid will be
reissued soon opening it up to allow for cloud base.
Mr. Palmer advised Resolution 17-86 is a replacement hire for the purchasing
department. Right now we are down to one person. We left the position open
until now. We don't submit names for appointments and hires unless needed.
Mrs. Hennessy explained for Resolution 17-87 the bonds have been paid off. We
are doing arbitrage through our bond counsel, Ray Fricke, and are directing the
PBC to pay his fees out of the bonding funds.
Mrs. Hennessy stated Resolution 17-88 is amending the contract we presently
have with Omnicap to include the analysis of the arbitrage calculations for River
Valley using the reserve funds to reimburse the county paid out by the Trustee.
Brian Gieseke of the Highway Department advised Resolution 17-89 is for Hannah
Rago the replacement hire for the previous engineering accountant manager who
left in November. She is starting March 20th.
VII. OTHER NEW BUSINESS
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT
Dale Hoeskstra of Waste Management advised HB3056 is sponsored by Representative
Margo McDermed regarding a fee for testing groundwater soil at all CCD sites. I believe
groundwater testing is not expensive. It will cost approximately $4,000-5,000 per well at
a total cost of $10,000 to $12,000. This is an important bill. The Governor supports it.
ASA Meyers advised there should be no discussion regarding pending litigation. You
should defer to the executive session and say no more.
IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION
X. ADJOURNMENT
1. Motion to Adjourn at 9:31 AM
NEXT MEETING - APRIL 20, 2017
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