Chambana Sun

Champaign County Committee of the Whole met Jan. 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Members Present via Zoom: Samantha Carter, Lorraine Cowart, Aaron Esry, Stephanie Fortado, Stan Harper, Mary King, Jenny Lokshin, Jim McGuire, Diane Michaels, Brad Passalacqua, Jacob Paul, Emily Rodriguez, Chris Stohr, Jennifer Straub, Steve Summers, Leah Taylor, Eric Thorsland, Bethany Vanichtheeranont, Kyle Patterson, Wayne Williams, Jodi Wolken

Members Physically Present: Steve Summers

Members Absent: Jim Goss

Others Present: Darlene Kloeppel (County Executive), Tami Ogden (Director of Finance), Dana Brenner (Facilities Director), Duane Northrup (Coroner), Beth Smith (Executive Assistant – Circuit Court), Susan McGrath (Circuit Clerk), CJ Johnson (Treasurer), Heather Soder (Director of Animal Control), Dalitso Sulamoyo (Chief Executive Officer – RPC), Dawn Rear (RPC - LIHEAP), Rita Kincheloe (Executive Administrative Assistant) and Mary Ward (Recording Secretary)

Agenda Items

I. Call to Order

Chair Patterson called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.

II. Roll Call

A verbal roll call was taken, and a quorum was declared present.

III. Approval of Agenda/Addenda

MOTION by Ms. Michaels to approve the agenda; seconded by Ms. Carter. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

IV. Approval of Minutes

A. December 8, 2021 – Regular Meeting

MOTION by Mr. Thorsland to approve the minutes of December 8, 2021; seconded by Mr. Summers. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

Ms. Cowart joined the meeting at 6:40 p.m.

V. Public Participation

The following spoke in favor of the Resolution declaring Continued Utility Disconnections in Illinois to be a Pandemic Safety Risk. They cited various reasons for their support and encouraged the committee to pass this resolution.

Allan Axelrod; Tyler Gegg, Urbana; Brandi McCoy, Urbana; Fiona Munro, Urbana; Grace Wilken, Urbana; Stuart Levy, Champaign; Rachel Harrison, Urbana; Eddie Pratt, Jr.; Kai Shinbrough, Urbana; Alex Taylor, Champaign; Thomas Day, Champaign County; Kendra Waide; Dat Luu; Rose (no last name); Michael Stephens; Ben Theobald, Urbana; Marina Manetti; Niklas Schemel; Rita Conerly, Champaign; Emiliano Vera, McDonough County; Sarah Holder, Champaign; Justin Hendrix, Champaign/Urbana; Sarah Nixon; Michael Brunn; Kyle Fleming; Matt Toczko, B/N CPUSA Club; Kyle Auer and Andrew DeFrees, Rock Island.

VI. Communications

Ms. Straub shared that C-U@Home has opened a low barrier/no barrier winter shelter.

Mr. McGuire wanted to acknowledge the upcoming Martin Luther King birthday and the many activities associated with it.

VII. Policy, Personnel, & Appointments

A. County Executive

1. Monthly HR Report – December 2021

Report was received and placed on file. Mr. Stohr encouraged members to let their constituents know about the many job openings and opportunities with the County.

2. Appointments/Reappointments

a. Currently vacant appointments – full list and information is available on the County’s website at: http://www.co.champaign.il.us/CountyExecutive/appointments/CurrentVacantOpenings.pdf

Information Only

B. County Clerk

1. Monthly Report – December 2021

2. Semi-Annual Report – July-December 2021

The reports were received and placed on file.

C. County Board

1. Resolution declaring Continued Utility Disconnections in Illinois to be a Pandemic Safety Risk

MOTION by Ms. Cowart to approve the resolution declaring continued utility disconnections in Illinois to be a pandemic safety risk. Seconded by Mr. Paul.

Ms. Cowart stated that she will be voting yes on this resolution and knows the effect it can have on people.

Mr. Stohr had invited representatives from the Regional Planning Commission (RPC) to speak on the LIHEAP program. Dawn Rear spoke on the LIHEAP program and said the program assists households with both their gas and electric bills, including propane. It serves those that meet the 200% of poverty or less income eligibility. It also serves households that have utilities in their name.

Mr. Stohr had sent a list of questions which she addressed. First was how many are denied LIHEAP benefits in Champaign County? In PY 813 households were denied LIHEAP benefits out of 6000+ or approximately 13.5%. In PY22 (started 9/1/21) 4047 households have been served and of that 3.4% have been denied (approximately 138 households). There are many reasons people can be denied. Another question was can LIHEAP prevent utility shut offs. Yes, it can. Can apply from now through May 31 whether they need assistance because they are behind or if they are about to be shut off. They can apply to either maintain or restore power. There are times people are at the benefit limit for the program year. If they are, they are referred to other agencies who may be able to assist them. Another question was how soon someone can receive assistance to their bill. If they apply and all documents and application are complete, the pledge will be made that day to their utility vendor. The last question was about whether there were other utility helping sources and there are. There is a water program that assists with both water and waste-water.

Ms. Michaels asked about LIHEAP and if they ever run out of funds. The program runs September 1 to May 31. Can apply for two benefits; direct vendor payment and can come in another time if they receive a disconnect notice for reconnection assistance. Sometimes, people come in and they are already in disconnect status. They receive all of their benefit at that time. That is how the program is structured.

Mr. McGuire thanked Chris for asking the questions so the board can have a better understanding of the programs and how they work. He feels we should focus more on Champaign County and how we can serve people. He will not support this resolution but will support the local programs and resources. Feels we are addressing the issue locally.

Ms. Kloeppel reminded the board that they had allocated some of the ARPA funds for utility assistance and primarily at the time it was for water and sewer. Sewer is what we have a request for from the C-U Sanitary District.

Mr. Williams stated he can’t support the resolution as written. Feels that it’s lacking in some areas. It should also address an eviction moratorium. Much of the data is dated; needs to have more current information. Would like to also see it address a lack of ICU beds in our region, Region 6. It talks about a moratorium on utility disconnections and would like to see those that use propane addressed. He would like to table the motion and bring an updated resolution. Mr. Paul said that he had emailed an updated resolution.

MOTION by Mr. Williams to table the resolution. Seconded by Ms. King.

Discussion was held on the motion to table. Ms. Fortado wanted to clarify that the amount of ARPA funds that was put specifically into household assistance was $450,000. It can be expanded to be used in other areas. On the question of tabling, agrees that we need to address covid has impacted vulnerable populations. The resolution as it currently stands is somewhat outdated and doesn’t capture why it should be supported. Feels that we don’t need to table it but to forward it on to the full board in a re-written form.

Mr. Thorsland agrees with Mr. Williams and Ms. Fortado. The resolution needs to be re-worked. We need to take care of the whole county. He would like to see it come back to the full Board next week. He is willing to help work on the resolution and bring it back in a revised form.

Ms. Rodriguez will not vote to table. This resolution does not carry the force of law, but is to help start a conversation.

Mr. Patterson supports the resolution but doesn’t think we should table. Feels the resolution should be updated. As far as procedure, he feels we should pass it tonight and have an updated version at the County Board to amend it to.

Ms. Carter said that the data is outdated but we need this. We need to do something as soon as possible. She had concerns that people were denied because they had already used their benefit for the year. She asked Ms. Rear from LIHEAP to clarify how the benefits work. Ms. Rear responded that people could come in, typically twice a year. The first time they apply for their benefit most likely the first benefit is the direct vendor benefit will assist and help with their utility and they are taken care of. If they come in and are eligible a second time if they are in a situation where they are going to be disconnected. Sometimes, people come in for the first time and they are already in a disconnect situation. Their first benefit is not enough to keep them connected or to restore their utilities, so they have to also use their second benefit. The program year runs September 1 to May 31, not a full calendar year. They could be denied the second time if they used all their benefit the first time. Ms. Carter will support this moving forward.

Mr. Stohr asked if there is a mechanism for the board to supplement LIHEAP using ARPA funds. Mr. Sulamoyo answered that in Illinois there are two funding streams for LIHEAP, federal and state funds. The state funds are used to supplement the federal funds. Federal funds along with supplemental funds are not enough to serve the entire eligible population. In Illinois there are about 1.3 million households that are eligible for LIHEAP. Collectively, all the agencies that provide LIHEAP services were able to serve 189,000 households. In the past couple of years there have been additional LIHEAP funds provided through the CARES act. We work with multiple sources of funding to serve those who are eligible to receive services. The program is not a 12-month program. We are one of the leading agencies for providing services during the pandemic.

Mr. Stohr asked if they had sufficient funds to meet current needs. Ms. Rear stated that at this time they do. Ms. Carter asked if LIHEAP helped with propane. They help with gas, propane and electric.

Mr. Paul asked if this resolution would be a benefit to RPC. Mr. Sulamoyo said that it would. LIHEAP is for those who can’t afford to pay their utilities. Most individuals that are eligible for assistance are paying up to 30%, it not more, of their income to utilities. Mr. Paul encouraged the board to vote no to table and to move this resolution on.

The MOTION to TABLE was withdrawn by Mr. Williams. Ms. King, as the second to the motion, was in favor of withdrawing the motion. The MOTION to TABLE is no longer under consideration.

Ms. Fortado suggested we move the motion forward with a friendly amendment to have an updated motion/resolution for the full County Board.

The MOTION now reads to approve the resolution declaring continued utility disconnections in Illinois to be a pandemic safety risk with the understanding that we intend to bring updated language to the full board.

Ms. Cowart had made the original motion and was agreeable to the amendment as was Mr. Paul who had seconded the motion.

Upon roll call vote the MOTION passed with 16 yeas and 5 nays.

D. Other Business

There was no other business.

E. Chair’s Report

There was no chair’s report

F. Designation of Items to be Placed on the Consent Agenda

There were no items placed on the Consent Agenda.

VIII. Finance

A. Budget Amendments/Transfers

1. Budget Amendment 21-00064

Fund 080 General Corporate / Dept 031 Circuit Court

Increased Appropriations: $15,000

Increased Revenue: $26,479

Reason: Increased revenue from AOIC COVID Rapid Relief and request for additional expenditure

MOTION by Ms. Straub to recommend County Board approval of a resolution approving budget Amendment 21-00064; seconded by Ms. Lokshin. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

2. Budget Amendment 21-00065

Fund 080 General Corporate / Dept 042 Coroner

Increased Appropriations: $27,868

Increased Revenue: $5,787

Reason: To cover increase autopsy, toxicology, and histology expenses. Increased revenue from Northwestern University Grant for toxicology expenses.

MOTION by Mr. Esry to recommend County Board approval of a resolution approving budget Amendment 21-00065; seconded by Ms. Michaels. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

3. Budget Amendment 21-00066

Fund 080 General Corporate / Dept 023 Recorder

Increased Appropriations: $163,779

Increased Revenue: $245,580

Reason: Increased real estate activity end of FY2021 generating additional revenue and requiring additional appropriation to submit the state’s portion of funding. Additional appropriation needed in elected official line due to salary administration miscalculation during budget prep.

MOTION by Mr. McGuire to recommend County Board approval of a resolution approving budget Amendment 21-00066; seconded by Ms. King. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

4. Budget Amendment 21-00068

Fund 627 / Dept 026 County Treasurer

Increased Appropriations: $9,595

Increased Revenue: $9,595

Reason: Increased revenue due to non-redemption of interest for prior years for property tax CD & increased revenue from tax sale resulting in appropriation increase.

MOTION by Ms. Carter to recommend County Board approval of a resolution approving budget Amendment 21-00068; seconded by Mr. Williams. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

5. Budget Amendment BGA22-3

Fund 1080 / Dept 127 Veteran’s Assistance Commission

Increased Appropriations: $5,150

Increased Revenue: $0

Reason: Donations received in December 2021 (recorded to Reserve Fund Balance) to be distributed to Veterans in FY2022

MOTION by Ms. Michaels to recommend County Board approval of a resolution approving budget Amendment BGA22-3; seconded by Ms. Carter. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously

6. Budget Amendment BGA22-36

Fund 2630 / Dept 030 Circuit Clerk

Increased Appropriations: $68,000

Increased Revenue: $0

Reason: Re-encumber FY2021 Transfer (21-00004) for furnishings and carpeting

MOTION by Mr. Esry to recommend County Board approval of a resolution approving budget Amendment BGA22-36; seconded by Ms. Straub. Mr. McGuire recused himself from voting. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously

B. Treasurer

1. Monthly Report – October 2021 - Reports are available on the Treasurer’s webpage at: http://www.co.champaign.il.us/treasurer/reports.php

The report was received and placed on file.

C. Auditor

1. Monthly Report – December 2021 - Reports are available on the Auditor’s webpage at: http://www.co.champaign.il.us/auditor/countyboardreports.php

The report was received and placed on file.

D. Sheriff

1. Outside Boarding Appropriation (information only)

2. Award of contract pursuant to RFP 2021-013 Food and Commissary Service (information only) Information only.

E. Other Business

There was no other business.

F. Chair’s Report

Ms. Fortado wanted to thank the all the finance staff and all staff who worked on getting the ERP rolled out.

G. Designation of Items to be Placed on the Consent Agenda

Items to place on the Consent Agenda include A. 1 - 6

IX. Justice and Social Services

A. Monthly Reports – All reports are available on each department’s webpage through the department reports page at: http://www.co.champaign.il.us/CountyBoard/Reports.php

• Probation & Court Services – November 2021

• Public Defender – November 2021

• Animal Control – June – December 2021

o Memo from the County Executive

The reports were received and placed on file along with the memo from the County Executive.

B. Rosecrance Re-Entry Financial Report – November 2021 (information only)

Information only.

C. Other Business

There was no other business.

D. Chair’s Report

There was no Chair’s Report.

E. Designation of Items to be Placed on the Consent Agenda

There were no items to place on the Consent Agenda.

X. Other Business

A. Closed session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)5 to discuss the setting of a price for sale, purchase or lease of property owned by Champaign County.

MOTION by Mr. Thorsland to adjourn this meeting and enter into executive session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)5 to discuss the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body and that the following parties remain present: County Executive Darlene Kloeppel, Director of Finance Tami Ogden, Facilities Director Dana Brenner, IT Manager Tim Breen, Executive Administrative Assistant Rita Kincheloe and Administrative Assistant Mary Ward. The motion was seconded by Mr. Esry. Upon roll call vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

XI. Adjournment

Chair Patterson adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m. and moved to closed session.

https://www.co.champaign.il.us/CountyBoard/Committee_Of_The_Whole/2022/220111_Meeting/220111Minutes.pdf