Logan County briefs: Review of mental health and substance abuse services and community collaborations; airport manager position

 

[January 02, 2019] 

LINCOLN 

On Tuesday, December 18, the Logan County Board held its Regular Board session voting on several motions and hearing a few committee updates.

Collaborating for better community mental health services

On community health matters, Logan County Department of Public Health Administrator Don Cavi said the Mental Health Advisory Committee met November 20th. He said even though there are a lot of services for mental health in the community right now, there should be a thorough assessment to identify any gaps.

He said that mental health topics discussed included developing strategies, mobilize the community, increase awareness, do more early intervention by going beyond what is done in schools, coordination of services for mental health and best practices.

Cavi said they would like to increase mental health support and mentoring programs, increase access to care and decrease financial barriers, integrate substance abuse and mental health programs, and develop community partnerships.

Cavi said they talked about taking a trauma informed approach so “services and partners would collaborate across disciplines to utilize a streamlined referral pathway to more effectively triage mental health clients” and get people the services they need. He said they also want to use technology to connect people to the right help.

Cavi said they also discussed crisis intervention teams through law enforcement for officers working with those with mental illness. He said Springfield has done that successfully and officers have learned to better work with individuals with mental illnesses.

By way of successful examples, Cavi said one person in Springfield had made 80-90 calls in a three-month period, and by learning to work with the crisis intervention, officers learned to manage the person better and now they do not get called out to the house as often. That saves both their county and police department money.

Cavi said there are six members on the committee and he is an ex-officio member. One more member is needed.

Cavi said they would like to develop mental health mission and vision statements, and a strategic plan.

Insurance, Legislative, and Liquor Committee update

Insurance, Legislative, and Liquor Committee Chairman Annette Welch brought forward two motions that were unanimously approved:

- CIRMA Renewal at a cost of $273,810. Welch said that is a five percent increase from last year.
 
- National School Choice Week.

Also brought forward was a motion to approve the creation [of] and appointments to the Logan County Airport Manager Advisory Committee, which was approved with 10 yeses.

Gene Rohlfs abstained.

Scott Schaffenacker voted no.

Special Airport Advisory Committee update

Kevin Bateman made a motion to approve the job description for airport manager to be followed by taking applications.

Bateman said applications would be accepted through January 5, 2019.

Bateman said the job would include minimum and maximum hours to work with the maximum being set at 29 hours per week. The hours would range between 83 and 150 per month. The salary would be $24,000 and there will not be benefits.

Bateman said the Airport Advisory Committee would choose the applicant and that the resumes should be submitted in sealed envelopes. The board will not see the resumes.

Chuck Ruben said it is a cleaner process coming in.

The motion to approve the job description and begin taking applications for airport manager was approved by 10 yes votes from Bateman, Blankenship, Davenport, Estill, Farmer, Hepler, Jenness, Ruben, Sanders and Welch.

Schaffenacker abstained.

Rohlfs was absent during the vote.

Building and Grounds Committee

The board unanimously approved Building and Grounds Chairman Kevin Bateman’s motion to approve the carpet bid for the Sheriff’s office in the courthouse and a portion of the Safety Complex.

Bateman said Stewart’s Carpet Center in Mount Pulaski will do the carpeting in the Safety Complex for $8,145 and the Sheriff’s office for $2,774.20. The Sheriff’s office would be going to hardwood floors in part of it, so it would be less expensive.

Bateman said they got bids from three different carpet places.

There was a discussion at Thursday’s board workshop about getting industrial carpet squares, which are a better price and more practical. Bateman said by ordering extra, one square can be easily replaced.

Road and Bridge

Road and Bridge Committee Chairman Bob Farmer brought forward five motions:

Motions that were unanimously approved included:

- Appropriate $1,213,625.90 of Motor Fuel Tax funds for maintenance of County Highways in 2019.

- Appropriate $95,000 of Motor Fuel Tax Funds for payroll related expenses in 2019.

- Award contracts for the aggregate materials for 2019.

The two other motions included:

- Appropriate $107,256 in Motor Fuel Tax Funds for the County Engineer salary in 2019.

- An agreement with IDOT to transfer federal funds to pay one-half of the county engineer salary for 2019.

Bateman asked why the amount for the resolution was $107,256 since IDOT reimburses half of the engineer salary. Bateman said they should only have to appropriate half the amount.

Logan County Highway Engineer Bret Aukamp said the other half taken from federally allotted funds is put into the Motor Fuel Tax Fund.

The motions passed with 11 yes votes.

Bateman voted no.

Board members present were newly seated as Board Chairman, Emily Davenport; and as Vice-chairman, Scott Schaffenacker; and board members Kevin Bateman, Dave Blankenship, Janet Estill, Bob Farmer, David Hepler, newly seated Steve Jenness, Gene Rohlfs, Chuck Ruben, Bob Sanders and Annette Welch.

The next Regular Board meeting will be held Tuesday, January 15, 2019, in the Logan County Courthouse at 7 p.m.

[Angela Reiners]