Logan County Board briefs – June

 

[June 23, 2020] 

At the Logan County Board’s Regular meeting on Tuesday, June 16, the board voted on action items from various committees.

Board members present Dave Blankenship, Emily Davenport, Janet Estill, Bob Farmer, Cameron Halpin, David Hepler, Steve Jenness, Chuck Ruben, Bob Sanders, Scott Schaffenacker, Jim Wessbecher and Annette Welch.

Airport/Farm Committee update

The board unanimously approved Airport and Farm Committee Chairman Dave Blankenship’s motion to renew Liability Insurance for the airport.

The new liability insurance policy will be $3,267 annually with the STARR Company. The contract is for one year and the policy is worth $3 million. There will be a penalty for not changing the policy over from the previous company before the 14th and that amount will be forthcoming.

For a $3M policy through the previous company, the annual premium would have been $11,000.

The board also approved Blankenship’s motion to turn over the collection of hanger rentals in arrears over $1,000 to the State’s Attorney's Office.

Schaffenacker asked if the state’s attorney had any questions on the steps that need to be taken.

Logan County State’s Attorney Brad Hauge said in the past, this issue came up and he reached out asking for leases, but some could not be located. Hauge has no problem going forward with the collections if the county has the documentation needed.

Building and Grounds Committee update

The board unanimously approved two motions from Building and Grounds Committee Chairman David Blankenship.

- Orr Building fiber optic installation up to the amount of $40,000.

Blankenship wants to have authorization for the fiber optic installation in the event the county judges and State’s Attorney Brad Hauge determine internet is needed in the building during courthouse restoration. He would only have it installed if the judges and Hauge ask him to but wanted to have the funding approved.

At the Building and Grounds Committee meeting, Blankenship said the committee had approved $28,000 last year for the installation, but then decided fiber optic was not yet needed. Since last year, Blankenship said those costs have skyrocketed.

The purchase of a three-quarter-ton truck from Graue Chevrolet Buick Cadillac in the amount of $26,880.95. The truck will have aftermarket accessories.

At the Board Workshop, Blankenship said Logan County Sheriff Mark Landers had requested approval to purchase to replace a truck with problems.

Ruben amended the motion to change the blade to Sno-Way 29R, making the total new total $28,550.95.

To explain why they switched the blade, Blankenship said this blade turns into a box blade with wings. The county staff plows mostly parking lots and this blade will enable the staff to move twice the capacity of snow.

Blankenship showed the blade to the sheriff and maintenance staff and after discussion, decided it was worth the dollars and cents.

The maintenance staff will be plowing at the Health Department and Animal Control and other county buildings since the contract with a previous service provider for snow removal has expired. The sheriff will add line items into to his budget for salaries for this work.

Both the amendment and main motion were unanimously approved.

Insurance, Legislative and Liquor Committee update

The board unanimously approved Liquor Committee Chairman Annette Welch’s recommendation to lower liquor license renewal fees related to the impact of Covid-19.

Annual liquor licenses fees would be reduced by 25 percent as long as full paperwork and fees are paid by the end of the month. Those who have already paid would be getting a refund.

Welch has spoken to those who applied for liquor licenses about the reduction and left a message for the Elks. Welch will make sure to contact the Elks again.

Businesses who have liquor licenses include:

KT’s Korn Krib, LLC; Aper Property Management, LLP DBA 217 Roadhouse;
Irwin Entertainment, LLC; the Outhouse Tavern; Sugar Creek Lodge, Inc; and Lincoln Lodge Elk’s #914.

All except the Elks have a Class A Liquor License, which costs $700 annually with a $12 clerk fee. The Elks have a Class D Liquor License, which cost $250 annually with a $12 clerk fee.

As of last week, Welch said three businesses had already paid their liquor licenses. Since most licenses are $700, Welch said those who have already paid will receive a $175 refund.

Tech Committee update

Tech Committee Chairman Cameron Halpin said he has eliminated the County Board Office fax line. This will save about $100 a month.

Chairman’s report

The final item voted on was the appointment Jim Wessbecher as Chairman of the Airport and Farm Committee. Wessbecher replaces Dave Blankenship as Chairman of that committee.

The board will meet again for a Public Hearing on June 25, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. It is to approve a list of businesses applying to the second round of the Downstate Stabilization Program related to Covid-19.

Following the hearing there will also be a Special meeting regarding the courthouse elevator.

The next Regular Board meeting will be Tuesday, July 21 on the second floor of the Orr Building.

[Angela Reiners]