Logan County Briefs: Alternate courthouse space determined, fireworks storage approved, and other matters

 

[May 24, 2019] 

At the Logan County Board meeting on Tuesday, May 21, the board voted on items from several committees and heard a few committee updates

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

Annette Welch was absent.

Finding alternate location for courthouse functions

After bringing forward a motion to accept an offer from the Lincoln Library Board on the lease of the Heartland Building subject to negotiations, newly appointed Building and Grounds Committee Chairman Dave Blankenship immediately amended the motion to use the Orr building.

The Orr building was most recently used by Prairie Engineers, which owner Bob Orr said has 8,000 square feet of space.

Judge Jonathan Wright said there will be a jury trial in June and needing to sequester the jury is an issue. They could make do with the courthouse for one trial, but if there were two at the same time, it would be a problem. He said leasing space for contingency options would be good. If restoration of the courthouse proceeds, it could close the second floor for a while.

Board member Bob Sanders asked whether the Heartland building or Orr building fits the needs better.

Wright said the building owned by Mr. Orr works better because the first floor has room for office space and the square footage price is lower. The library space could be a security nightmare due to open access to the public.
Board member Chuck Ruben asked whether the space would be used only if needed.

With three trials in June, Wright said they would use it then since they are already tight on space.

Logan County Circuit Clerk May Kelley asked whether the Orr building would have internet access and Wright said he was told by Todd Farley that internet access is better at the Orr building.

Board member Steve Jenness asked if they would lose the use of the space if the building was sold and Blankenship said Mr. Orr told him he would not sell the building while it was being used.

With the Orr building, the board would be leasing it at $1,600 a month and have use of 8,000 square feet. Though the Heartland building was going to be leased at $1,300 a month, they would only have use of 1,700 square feet.

The lease would be for twelve months, and Blankenship said the board would have an option for renewal. The county would have to take care of custodial needs and also have a few things corrected.

Blankenship’s motion to lease the Orr building at $1,600 per month for twelve months was unanimously approved.

Board member Chuck Ruben said they need to state whether the money will come from the airport, farm, or criminal case fund. He suggested taking it from the criminal case fund.

The board also unanimously approved Blankenship’s motion to hire a part time janitor out of the Sheriff’s budget.

Planning and Zoning Committee update

The board voted on a request by a business to store fireworks. Clint Myers, the applicant, owns Myers/Stockbarger Fireworks and started the fireworks business near Illiopolis 16 months ago. He wants to store some of the products near his house and most of the storage will be seasonal.

At the Regional Planning Commission meeting, Myers said he has met all state requirements with the Department of Natural Resources. His storage containers have sensors that add protection and the fireworks are low explosives.

Aukamp asked whether fire departments have been notified and Myer said yes, that is required by law.

Myers said the storage area at their place will basically be used for in-and-out shipping.

Both the Logan County Regional Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals heard the request previously and recommended approval.

The board approved a motion for a Conditional Use Permit for fireworks storage 8-1-1.

Blankenship, Davenport, Estill, Farmer, Hepler, Jenness, Ruben and Wessbecher voted yes.

Sanders voted no.

Schaffenacker abstained.

Finance Committee update

At the Finance Committee meeting May 14, Ruben said the $1 million line of credit for tax anticipation is close to its limit. Because the state has been dragging its feet on the multiplier, property tax bills have not yet been sent out. The loan can be paid back once tax payments come in.

Board member David Hepler asked what the term would be, and Ruben said the line of credit would be for one year.

Logan County Treasurer Penny Thomas said they should do a two-year line of credit.

The board unanimously approved Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Ruben’s motion to go out for bids on a $500,000 loan for the General Fund.

Other motions unanimously approved by the board included:

- A two-year agreement for annual audits with Clifton Larson Allen.

- A budget amendment for $2,100 to pay Dewberry Architects for plans.

- A motion to take the Ordinance Establishing Civil Fees, and Criminal and Traffic Assessments to be charged by the Clerk of the Circuit Court off display and approve the ordinance.

Airport/Farm Committee update

The board unanimously approved motions brought forward by Airport and Farm Committee Chairman Dave Blankenship to:

- Approve the Agricultural Aviation 30/90-day lease/permit.

- Accept the Airport Insurance renewal.

- Accept the Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Hanson Professional Services Inc. for Project AAA-4317.

Road and Bridge Committee update

The board unanimously approved Road and Bridge Committee Chairman Bob Farmer’s motion for an engineering agreement with Hutchison Engineering for construction inspection for Sugar Creek Wind Farm.

Insurance, Legislative, and Liquor Committee update

The board approved Insurance, Legislative, and Liquor Committee Vice chairman David Hepler’s motion to approve The Outhouse Tavern Liquor License pending all required paperwork be in order.

Executive and Personnel Committee update

The board unanimously approved Executive and Personnel Committee Chairman Scott Schaffenacker’s motion to renew the Comcast Franchise Agreement.

The next Regular Board meeting will be Tuesday, June 18 at the Logan County Courthouse.

[Angela Reiners]