Chambana Sun

Champaign County Committee of the Whole met Oct. 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Members Present: Lorraine Cowart, Aaron Esry, Stephanie Fortado, Jim Goss, Jenny Lokshin, Jim McGuire, Diane Michaels, Brad Passalacqua, Jacob Paul, Emily Rodriguez, Chris Stohr, Jennifer Straub, Steve Summers, Leah Taylor, Eric Thorsland, Bethany Vanichtheeranont, Wayne Williams, Kyle Patterson

Members Absent: Samantha Carter, Stan Harper, Mary King, Jodi Wolken

Others Present: Darlene Kloeppel (County Executive), Tami Ogden (Director of Finance), Susan McGrath (Circuit Clerk), Megan Robison (Recording Secretary)

Agenda Items

I. Call to Order

Chair Patterson called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.

II. Roll Call

Roll call was taken, and a quorum was declared present.

III. Approval of Agenda/Addenda

MOTION by Ms. Straub to approve the agenda; seconded by Ms. Lokshin. Ms. Kloeppel mentioned the Sheriff would like to pull item IX. C. 1. from the agenda since he has not received the draft agreement back from Kankakee. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

IV. Approval of Minutes

A. August 29, 2022 – Legislative Budget Hearing

B. August 30, 2022 – Legislative Budget Hearing

C. September 13, 2022 – Regular Meeting

OMNIBUS MOTION by Ms. Michaels to approve the minutes of August 29, 2022, August 30, 2022, and September 13, 2022; seconded by Mr. Goss. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

V. Public Participation

David Beck, AFCSME Council 31 Regional Director, represents about 100 employees at the University Rehabilitation Center (previously the Nursing Home) and is here, on behalf of the employees, to speak about the request to change the covenants included in the Nursing Home sale contract. The mantra used several years ago, when discussing the sale of the Nursing Home, was “sell it, to save it”. The company that was supposed to be saving the Nursing Home, now wants to shut it down. The employees gave up so much to stay employed and now they are losing even more if they shut down. He requested the Board members vote “no” to change the covenants in the sale contract.

Claudia Lennhoff, Champaign County Healthcare Consumers Executive Director, is here to speak about the request to sell the Nursing Home to a non-nursing home operator. She agrees that we do need more substance abuse resources but not at the expense of losing another nursing home. Our community needs approximately 1,128 nursing home beds, if this facility closes, we will be down to approximately 400 beds in the community. It is a hardship for loved ones to be placed in other communities. There is a growing aging population in our community and the need is only going to increase. She urges the Board to not let the current owners out of the covenants.

Dottie Vura-Weis, retired physician, moved to the community about nine years ago and at that time there was a public nursing home that was seen as an asset to the community. She listed some of the issues the Nursing Home faced over the years prior to the sale. Once it came time to sell, there were covenants that were placed in the contract as protections for the community. She said we need to hold them to the contact they signed.

Renee Mullen came to address the resolution being proposed about reproductive freedom. She requested the Board members consider the science of biology and genetics and to research the Abortion Survivors Network. Both of her children are adopted, and she mentioned how blessed she is to have them because their birth mothers chose adoption instead of abortion. Abortion hurts everyone it touches, and she listed some of those ways and the programs that are required to support people after abortions. She believes abortion is very much a money-making endeavor.

Benjamin Beaupre reminded the Board of a gentleman named David Laker who came to the meetings prior to the sale of the Nursing Home and asked, “What about Sue?”. He sent a link to Mr. Laker’s argument to all of the Board members. He knows they had bad options to choose from when it came to the sale of the Nursing Home, but we all need to look out for the most vulnerable members of our community.

Jeff Wilson, Champaign resident, came to talk about three topics. First, he spoke about the Nursing Home issue. He would like the County Board to consider the compassionate and right thing to do. They need to ask what they can do as a community to take care of it’s most vulnerable members. Second, he mentioned the last two items on tonight’s agenda. He believes there are more important items for the Board to attend to and recommends they drop both of these resolutions.

Mike Ingram said the resolution to declare President Biden the winner may seem silly except there are candidates running for office who state they are unsure if he won. He also mentioned other ways to reduce the rate of abortion and believes those are the things this County should be focusing on instead of fighting about this resolution. Then he moved on to the Nursing Home topic and why the covenants were placed in the contract. He believes the current owners should follow the contract they signed.

Allan Axelrod, District 11 resident, is here to support the AFSCME workers at the Nursing Home. He then mentioned the members that voted to support a resolution about utility shutoffs, some of the comments against the resolution and explained a little more in detail why that was needed. He believes the County Board is more progressive now, than it was in 2018, and wants members to think about how changing the covenants will undermine union jobs. These are just people trying to live their lives and take care of the people in the facility. He urged the Board to just let them do their jobs.

Mary Gannaway, mother of a Nursing Home resident, who is speaking on behalf of all of the residents. This is their community, their home. This company knew what was included in the contract and they need to follow those covenants. She prays that these people get to stay here in their community.

Amanda Alman, Champaign County resident of 16 years, spoke about the resolution to make Champaign County a Champion of Reproductive Freedom. She wants to know if this is really the best use of the County resources. She does not believe this is reflective of the community’s values; most support restrictions on abortion. Explicitly saying the County will be a champion of abortion is just going too far; how many more abortions do we want to become a champion? We can pull ourselves together to help all of these women, we can do better.

VI. Communications

A. The 13th Annual Disability Resource Expo

Mr. Patterson mentioned the letter in their packet about the Disability Resource Expo and recommended everyone attend this event to familiarize themselves with services available in the community.

Mr. Passalacqua read a message from Chad Hoffman the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity. In his letter, Mr. Hoffman mentioned their request for ARPA funds. Mr. Passalacqua mentioned the amazing work they do and believes they have some flexibility with their ARPA funding to support their request.

Mr. McGuire stated that he attended the Grand Opening of the Martens Center and explained what a wonderful facility it is for the community. He would like the Board to discuss and support the Park District’s request for ARPA funding.

Ms. Rodriguez said she was approached by Julian Carter, a childhood friend of Kiwane Carrington, who would like to rename a street in Champaign after his late friend. She will be submitting a letter of support to the Champaign City Council and asked Board members that were interested in joining her in support, to let her know.

Mr. Esry read an email from Samuel Furrer, who requested the County Board enforce the covenants that were included in the sale of the Nursing Home.

Mr. Thorsland stated that many Board members received correspondence about the covenants in the Nursing Home sale. He doesn’t believe anyone received messages stating they should let the current owners out of the covenants in the contract. He also mentioned receiving his vote-by-mail ballot and reminded the public that early voting is open at the Brookens Center and that all voting locations are universal (can vote at any location).

VII. Drawing of Lots to Determine Term Lengths for County Board Members

Mike Ingram, Democratic Central Committee Chair, drew lots for the Democratic Caucus and Jacob Paul, District 1 County Board Member, drew lots for the Republican Caucus. The results can be viewed on the website with the meeting materials.

VIII. Finance

A. Budget Amendments/Transfers

1. Budget Amendment BUA 2022/9/90

Fund 1080 General Corporate / Dept 040 Sheriff

Increased Appropriations: $23,728

Increased Revenue: $23,728

Reason: To receive reimbursement for equipment purchases from federal grant funding.

MOTION by Mr. Esry to recommend County Board approval of a resolution approving budget amendment BUA 2022/9/90; seconded by Mr. Passalacqua. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

2. Budget Amendment BUA 2022/9/383

Fund 2630 Circuit Clerk Operation & Administration / Dept 030 Circuit Clerk

Increased Appropriations: $87,019.38

Increased Revenue: $0

Reason: To pay for JANO services for the implementation of PayIt, the system used to pay fees and costs to the Clerk’s Office.

MOTION by Ms. Cowart to recommend County Board approval of a resolution approving budget amendment BUA 2022/9/383; seconded by Ms. Taylor. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

3. Budget Transfer BUA 2022/9/381

Fund 2630 Circuit Clerk Operation & Administration / Dept 030 Circuit Clerk

Amount: $41,065.44

Reason: To transfer funds, allocated for the vacant Court Technology Specialist position, to the professional services line for training on JANO programs.

MOTION by Mr. Thorsland to recommend County Board approval of a resolution approving budget transfer BUA 2022/9/381; seconded by Ms. Straub. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

B. Treasurer

1. Resolution authorizing the cancellation of the appropriate certificate of purchase on a mobile home, permanent parcel number 04-006-0115

2. Resolution authorizing the cancellation of the appropriate certificate of purchase on a mobile home, permanent parcel number 11-013-0025

3. Resolution authorizing the cancellation of the appropriate certificate of purchase on a mobile home, permanent parcel number 14-019-0034

4. Resolution authorizing the cancellation of the appropriate certificate of purchase on a mobile home, permanent parcel number 30-058-0137

OMNIBUS MOTION by Ms. Vanichtheeranont to the recommend County Board approval of resolutions authorizing the cancellation of the appropriate certificate of purchase on mobile homes, permanent parcels 04- 006-0115, 11-013-0025, 14-019-0034, and 30-058-0137; seconded by Ms. Michaels. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

C. Auditor

1. Monthly Report – September 2022 – Reports are available on the Auditor’s webpage at: http://www.co.champaign.il.us/auditor/countyboardreports.php

Received and placed on file

D. County Executive

1. Recommendation to the County Board to receive and place on file the FY2023 Tentative Budget

MOTION by Mr. Goss to recommend to the County Board to receive and place on file the FY2023 Tentative Budget; seconded by Mr. Thorsland. Ms. Fortado thanked the staff for all of their hard work to get this done. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

E. Other Business

None

F. Chair’s Report

None

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

VIII. A. 1-3, B. 1-4, D. 1

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 – August 2022

• Public Defender – August 2022

• Animal Control – September 2022

Received and placed on file

B. Rosecrance Re-Entry Financial Report – August 2022

Information only

C. Sheriff

1. Intergovernmental Agreement between the County of Champaign and the County of Kankakee for Inmate Housing

Removed from the agenda

D. County Executive

1. Proposed amendment to the restrictions and covenants of the Nursing Home sale contract

MOTION by Ms. Lokshin to recommend County Board approval of a proposed amendment to the restrictions and covenants of the Nursing Home sale contract; seconded by Mr. Paul.

Mr. McGuire requested the representatives from the Nursing Home come up and explain their current position. Keith Gibbons, Chief Investment Officer of Altitude Health Services, and Steve Sher, attorney, shared some background about this request. Mr. Gibbons explained they do not have any outside investors and they have had substantial loses, some due to issues caused by a pandemic. He also gave some background about the other two properties that they closed in Champaign County to explain that they were not buying them to close them down. He moved back to the Nursing Home and stated these loses are no longer sustainable. They are asking the Board to reconsider some of the covenants due to this no longer being viable as a nursing home and knowing that the community does need a drug rehab center. He explained the options are 1.) grant these changes and sell to a drug rehab center or 2.) changes aren’t granted and the nursing facility will have to close and then it will be a vacant property.

Ms. Fortado gave a third option of not granting the changes, closing the facility and selling to someone else and they will revisit the covenant changes with the new owners. She also presented a chart from her own research on current bed occupancy rates. Her chart shows an occupancy rate of 62% unless you remove the poor performing facilities and then it jumps up to 77%. She told the representatives that the Board cares if the aging community members are able to stay here in the community. She reiterated her third option or said they could try to turn this around and gave them ideas to try. Discussion continued with several other Board members about the issues at the facility and all of the time spent coming to an agreement for sale four years ago.

Ms. Michaels called the question.

Mr. Thorsland requested a roll call vote.

Upon roll call vote, the MOTION FAILED unanimously.

E. Other Business

None

F. Chair’s Report

None

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

None

X. Policy, Personnel, & Appointments

A. County Executive

1. Monthly HR Report – September 2022

Received and placed on file – Mr. Stohr mentioned the long list of current vacancies within the County and is hoping we can make a good effort to fill these important positions.

2. Appointments/Reappointments (italics indicates incumbent)

a. Resolution appointing Jacob Paul to the Sangamon Valley Public Water District, term 12/1/2022- 5/31/2027

MOTION by Ms. Michaels to recommend County Board approval of a resolution appointing Jacob Paul to the Sangamon Valley Public Water District; seconded by Mr. Goss. Mr. Paul spoke about how he cares about his community and the water quality and would like to represent his neighborhood on this board. Mr. Goss mentioned how this neighborhood is underserved and he would like everyone to support the appointment of Mr. Paul. Mr. Stohr mentioned the many calls he has received and expressed great concern about this appointment.

Mr. Esry requested a roll call vote.

Upon roll call vote:

Yea: 16 – Michaels, Passalacqua, Paul, Rodriguez, Straub, Summers, Taylor, Thorsland, Williams, Cowart, Esry, Fortado, Goss, Lokshin, McGuire, Patterson

Nay: 2 – Stohr, Vanichtheeranont

The MOTION CARRIED.

b. Resolution appointing Mark Richardson to the Penfield Water District, term ending 5/31/2027 c. Resolution appointing Steve Moser to the Silver Creek Drainage District, term ending 8/31/2025 d. Resolution appointing Steven Westfall to the Upper Embarras River Basin Drainage District, term ending 8/31/2025

e. Resolution appointing Steven Westfall to the Prairieview Cemetery Association, term ending 6/30/2028

OMNIBUS MOTION by Mr. Passalacqua to recommend County Board approval of resolutions appointing Mark Richardson, Steve Moser and Steven Westfall to their respective boards; seconded by Ms. Straub. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

f. 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

g. Applications for open appointments

B. County Clerk

1. Monthly Report – September 2022

Received and placed on file

C. County Board

1. Resolution declaring Joseph R. Biden unequivocally won the 2020 presidential election

MOTION by Mr. Thorsland to recommend County Board approval of a resolution declaring Joseph R. Biden unequivocally won the 2020 presidential election; seconded by Ms. Vanichtheeranont. Discussion followed regarding the need for this resolution.

Ms. Fortado requested a roll call vote.

Upon roll call vote:

Yea: 13 – Paul, Rodriguez, Stohr, Straub, Summers, Taylor, Thorsland, Vanichtheeranont, Williams, Cowart, Fortado, Lokshin, Patterson

Nay: 4 – Passalacqua, Esry, Goss, McGuire

The MOTION CARRIED.

2. Resolution declaring Champaign County a Champion of reproductive freedom

MOTION by Mr. Williams to recommend County Board approval of a resolution declaring Champaign County a Champion of reproductive freedom; seconded by Ms. Lokshin. Ms. Fortado stated there is a historical need to be on the record as a body in regard to this topic and she requested a roll call vote. Upon roll call vote:

Yea: 13 – Paul, Rodriguez, Stohr, Straub, Summers, Taylor, Thorsland, Vanichtheeranont, Williams, Cowart, Fortado, Lokshin, Patterson

Nay: 4 – Passalacqua, Esry, Goss, McGuire

The MOTION CARRIED.

D. Other Business

None

E. Chair’s Report

None

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

X. A. 2. b-e

XI. Other Business

None

XII. Adjournment

Chair Patterson adjourned the meeting at 8:39 p.m.

https://www.co.champaign.il.us/CountyBoard/Committee_Of_The_Whole/2022/221011_Meeting/221011Minutes.pdf