Chambana Sun

Champaign County Board Committee of the Whole met March 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Members Present: Samantha Carter, Lorraine Cowart, Aaron Esry, Stephanie Fortado, Jim Goss, Stan Harper, Mike Ingram, Jennifer Locke, Jenny Lokshin, Diane Michaels, Emily Rodriguez, Jilmala Rogers, Tom ‘Ed’ Sexton, Chris Stohr, Leah Taylor, Eric Thorsland, Bethany Vanichtheeranont, Jeff Wilson, Kyle Patterson

Members Absent: Elly Hanauer-Friedman, Jennifer Straub

Others Present: Steve Summers (County Executive), Lori Hansen (Court Administrator), 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. Taylor to approve the agenda; seconded by Ms. Michaels. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

IV. Approval of Minutes

A. February 14, 2023 – Regular Meeting

MOTION by Mr. Ingram to approve the minutes of February 14, 2023; seconded by Ms. Michaels. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

V. Public Participation

Julie Campbell came to discuss the eighth amendment and the mental health of those that are incarcerated in the Champaign County Jail. She explained the eighth amendment and when it went into effect. Then she gave some specific examples of inmates, including her son, that need mental health assistance. She stated that two of the examples she gave have been diagnosed with a disability and the Champaign County Jail is not compliant with ADA regulations for this disability. She also listed some other issues within the jail that she has noticed.

Julie McClintock, Urbana resident, explained how she wanted to understand more about what was going on in the judicial system. She stated that even though crime rates are falling, the jail population is not decreasing. She dispersed a chart showing the number of inmates that have been in the Champaign County Jail more than 120 days, according to her calculations, and what types of crimes they are accused of committing. Also included in her handout was information about the State’s Attorney and the Public Defender’s budgets, caseloads and budget per case according to her calculations.

VI. Communications

Mr. Patterson read correspondence from Claudia Lenhoff, Champaign County Healthcare Consumers, regarding the nursing home topic on the agenda. She asked the County Board to stand firm on the original restrictions and covenants included in the sale of the Nursing Home, stating Champaign County cannot afford to lose another nursing facility and explaining why the facility is needed. She explained that the covenants in the sale of the nursing home were developed for the protection of county residents and that protection is still needed. She suggested they work on improving their quality of care and their census to attract another nursing home operator.

Mr. Stohr reported that the Economic Development Corporation issued a press release giving details of the small business microloan program that was funded by ARPA funds.

Ms. Carter and Mr. Esry shared correspondence from Jerow Scheel, a former security director of University Rehab. Mr. Scheel gave details of many different situations happening within this facility. He asked the County Board members to consider the entirety of the situation. He fears for the future of the residents, employees and the building. He believes the Board has the power to change the current course and ensure a good outcome for everyone involved.

VII. 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 – January 2023

• Public Defender – February 2023

• Emergency Management Agency – February 2023

Received and placed on file

B. Rosecrance Re-Entry Financial Report – January 2023

Information only

C. County Executive

1. Proposed Amendment to the Restrictions and Covenants of the Nursing Home Sale Contract

The County Executive suggested this be a discussion only item and none of the Board members spoke in opposition of this.

William “Avi” Rothner, Manager of University Rehab Real Estate, explained he is requesting to change the deed restrictions. He stated they have done everything possible to make this a successful facility. He provided a letter to the Board from Champaign Urbana Nursing and Rehab, stating they would be able to take 90 patients if University Rehab closes and may even be able to take on some of the staff. Mr. Rothner stated he is the largest donor to healthcare in this County and has lost millions of his own money to this facility. He informed the Board that he does not need their permission to close, the mortgage has not been paid in eight months and he can no longer fund this personally. He asked again for the County Board to lift the deed restrictions and allow the sale to a non-nursing facility operator.

The discussion moved to questions from the County Board members. Ms. Lokshin and Ms. Fortado pointed out if this facility closes, and all patients stay in Champaign County, there will only be 25 nursing home beds left available in Champaign County. Also, they did the calculations to point out that the occupancy rates in the other facilities have raised approximately 5% since October and if they vote to change the restrictions, they are inevitably voting to ensure residents of Champaign County will not be able to find a nursing home bed by 2024 at these rates. Several other Board members questioned if these other facilities will be willing to take patients with our mix of payor-sources. Mr. Rothner was quite certain that the other facilities would be willing to take these patients because they would just be additional revenue with very little additional overhead for the other facilities.

Ms. Carter expressed her concern with the lack of explanation of what he has done to fix the issues that are currently plaguing University Rehab. Mr. Rothner explained his increase to pay for employees, but he is still struggling, as many companies are, to find qualified employees. Ms. Lokshin stated she just searched the internet and was able to find job postings for other facilities in the area but was not able to find any listings for University Rehab. Mr. Ingram reminded him of the suggestion to participate in the CNA Tenure and Promotion Payment Program and that there are several things that he could be doing to make things better, but they just aren’t doing them.

Ms. Taylor asked why he hasn’t started the process to close his facility, since he has made it clear that is the path that he will have to take. Rothner stated he thought keeping the facility open was the right thing to do and would try to come back with additional evidence for the Board. Mr. Thorsland wondered if it was always the plan to close and sell this property from the beginning.

Ms. Rodriguez and Ms. Fortado asked if Mr. Rothner has ever taken payment for any work he has done for University Rehab and he stated emphatically that he has not. Mr. Stohr wrapped up the conversation by requesting copies of the documents Mr. Rothner has referenced multiple times during this discussion.

D. Other Business

1. Semi-Annual Review of Closed Session Minutes

MOTION by Mr. Patterson to follow the State’s Attorney’s recommendation for all closed session minutes to remain closed; seconded by Mr. Esry. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

E. Chair’s Report

None

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

None

VIII. Policy, Personnel, & Appointments

A. County Executive

1. Monthly HR Report – February 2023

Received and placed on file – Mr. Stohr encouraged Board members to reach out to constituents for anyone that may be interested in employment with the County.

2. Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 960 Establishing the Champaign County Personnel Policy MOTION by Ms. Locke to recommend County Board approval of an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 960 Establishing the Champaign County Personnel Policy; seconded by Ms. Lokshin. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

3. Appointments/Reappointments (italics indicates incumbent)

a. Resolution Appointing Tawanna Nickens to the Rural Transit Advisory Group, term ending 12/31/2024

MOTION by Ms. Michaels to recommend County Board approval of a resolution appointing Tawanna Nickens to the Rural Transit Advisory Group; seconded by Mr. Thorsland. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

b. Resolution Appointing Tom Sexton as a County Board Liaison on the Community Action Board, term ending 11/30/2024

MOTION by Ms. Taylor to recommend County Board approval of a resolution appointing Tom Sexton to the Community Action Board; seconded by Mr. Wilson. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

c. 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

d. Applications for open appointments

Information only

B. County Clerk

1. Monthly Fees Report – February 2023

Received and placed on file – Mr. Wilson read the County Board’s vision statement and the statute that was referenced on the report. He does not believe this report meets that requirement. Executive Summers stated he believes the statute quoted may be incorrect on this report. Mr. Stohr suggested they review the information from Mr. Summers, speak with the County Clerk and Auditor and then decide how to move forward from there.

C. County Board

1. Community Violence Prevention Task Force Appointment

MOTION by Mr. Goss to appoint Mr. Sexton to the Community Violence Prevention Task Force; seconded by Ms. Lokshin. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

D. Other Business

1. Semi-Annual Review of Closed Session Minutes

MOTION by Mr. Patterson to follow the State’s Attorney’s recommendation for all closed session minutes to remain closed; seconded by Ms. Michaels. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

E. Chair’s Report

Mr. Stohr reminded everyone again about the small business microloan program for their constituents.

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

VIII. A. 2, 3a-b

IX. Finance

A. Budget Amendments/Transfers

1. Budget Amendment BUA 2023/02/441Fund 2075 Regional Planning Commission / Dept 100 Regional Planning Commission Increased Appropriations: $683,776Increased Revenue: $683,776Reason: To receive the 2023 Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grant funding.

MOTION by Mr. Goss to recommend County Board approval of a resolution approving budget amendment BUA 2023/02/441; seconded by Mr. Patterson. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

2. Budget Amendments for AOIC Grant

a. Budget Amendment BUA 2023/03/58Fund 1080 General Corporate / Dept 031 Circuit Court Increased Appropriations: $8,814Increased Revenue: $8,814Reason: Appropriation for the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts grant to support tech modification improvements.

b. Budget Amendment BUA 2023/03/50

Fund 1080 General Corporate / Dept 036 Public Defender Increased Appropriations: $6,340.49Increased Revenue: $6,340.49Reason: Appropriation for the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts grant to support tech modification improvements.

c. Budget Amendment BUA 2023/03/54

Fund 2671 Court Document Storage / Dept 030 Circuit Clerk Increased Appropriations: $79,981.60Increased Revenue: $79,981.60Reason: Appropriation for the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts grant to support tech modification improvements.

d. Budget Amendment BUA 2023/03/55

Fund 2613 Court Automation / Dept 030 Circuit Clerk Increased Appropriations: $52,323.42Increased Revenue: $52,323.42Reason: Appropriation for the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts grant to support tech modification improvements.

e. Budget Amendment BUA 2023/03/53

Fund 2630 Circuit Clerk Operation and Administrative / Dept 030 Circuit Clerk Increased Appropriations: $4,301Increased Revenue: $4,301Reason: Appropriation for the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts grant to support tech modification improvements.

OMNIBUS MOTION by Mr. Ingram to recommend County Board approval of resolutions approving budget amendments BUA 2023/03/58, 2023/03/50, 2023/03/54, 2023/03/55, and 2023/03/53; seconded by Ms. Cowart. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

B. Treasurer

1. Monthly Reports through August 2022 and Investment Reports for January & February 2023 are available on the Treasurer’s webpage

Received and placed on file – Ms. Fortado noted there was some technical difficulties getting the investment reports to display on the website and that they will be up soon.

C. Auditor

1. Monthly Report – January 2023 – Reports are available on the Auditor’s webpage

Received and placed on file

D. Other Business

1. Semi-Annual Review of Closed Session Minutes

MOTION by Mr. Patterson to follow the State’s Attorney’s recommendation to open the closed session minutes of 2/13/2018 and for all other minutes to remain closed; seconded by Mr. Esry. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

E. Chair’s Report

None

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

IX. A. 1, 2a-e

X. Other Business

None

XI. Adjournment

Chair Patterson adjourned the meeting at 8:29 p.m.