June Logan County Briefs: Preparing alternative court site; Mental Health Advisory Committee setting structure; road projects

 

[June 21, 2019] 

LINCOLN 

At the Regular Board meeting Tuesday, June 18, the Logan County Board voted on motions from four different committees and heard a brief update on the Logan County Department of Public Health.

Board members present were Dave Blankenship, Bob Farmer, David Hepler, Steve Jenness, Chuck Ruben, Bob Sanders, Scott Schaffenacker, Annette Welch and Jim Wessbecher.

Emily Davenport and Janet Estill were absent.

Guests were State’s Attorney Brad Hauge, Logan County Department of Public Health Administrator Don Cavi, restoration specialist Bill Walter and Logan County Highway Engineer Bret Aukamp.

Building and Grounds Committee update

The board unanimously approved Building and Grounds Chairman Dave Blankenship’s motion to approve the Orr Building cost for network, fiber termination and boring at a total cost of $16,834.07 for all three.

At Thursday’s workshop, Blankenship said this expense was to set up data communications in the Orr Building. There are proposals from three different companies.

Blankenship said he was told by Judge Jonathan Wright that if they do not intend to move some of the regular county employees over there aside from judicial employees, it would not be necessary to expend those funds because the employees could do all their work on paper if it was court only. If the courthouse restoration is done, though, other employees would likely be moved over and Wright said it would be wise to set up the communications.

Blankenship said the board was just authorizing the expenditure if needed.

Health update

Logan County Department of Public Health Administrator Don Cavi said the Mental Health Advisory Committee met May 23 and they were able to establish a structure for the committee. Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois (CAPCIL) Executive Director Alison Rumler-Gomez is chair of this committee.

The committee voted to have subject matter experts on it and Cavi said this committee has members from schools, social service agencies, local businesses, veterans, law enforcement and people working in mental health fields. At some point, the Mental Health Advisory Board may develop a sub-committee structure.

The Mental Health Advisory Committee is actively recruiting, and Cavi said right now it has seven members.

In July, the committee will be working on the first phrase of a strategic plan that will help them develop their priorities.

Cavi said the health department is preparing for back-to-school immunizations. They are working with businesses to offer incentives. Last month, they worked with Culvers, and this month families that come in can get a free park district pool pass. Next month, they will get a free bowling game from Logan Lanes.

The SIU School of Medicine has applied for a federal grant for their dental program that would allow them to offer sedation through nitrous oxide. Hopefully that would draw in more patients. Cavi said they would know by September whether they would get the grant.

Road and Bridge Committee update

Aukamp said there are several road construction projects going on right now.

The highway department is about halfway through the project on County Highway 25 north of Atlanta.

On County Highway 9 and Primm Road south of town, Aukamp said they are making headway on the project as roads are starting to dry out after all the rain.

Aukamp said roadway construction has also started for the Whitney Hill project near Mount Pulaski. As of Tuesday, those doing the roadway construction had started installing culverts. They will be doing roadway improvements for the next few months.

Aukamp asked whether they could move the next Road and Bridge Committee meeting to another date as he will be gone Monday, July 1.

Road and Bridge Chairman Bob Farmer motioned that they move the meeting to Monday, July 8 at 7 p.m.

Insurance/Legislative/Liquor Committee update

The board unanimously approved Insurance/Legislative/Liquor Committee Chairman Annette Welch’s motions for the county’s Legal Holidays and annual Liquor Licenses.

Welch said they are waiting on payment for one renewal. The liquor license renewals will also be signed off by the board chairman.

Transportation Committee Update

The board unanimously approved a resolution authorizing execution and amendment of 5311 Grant Agreement.

This agreement is renewed each year and assists states with public transportation in rural areas with populations smaller than 50,000.

The next Regular Logan County Board meeting will be held Tuesday, July 17 at 6 p.m. in the courthouse.

[Angela Reiners]