Southern Illinois News

Adams County Board Executive Committee Met Feb. 1.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

The Adams County Board Executive Committee held the regularly scheduled meeting in the ROE Conference room.

The following members were present:

R. Kent Snider

Bret Austin

Barney Bier

Becky Weed (zoom)

Dave Bellis

Others present:

Gary Farha

Todd Eyler

Ryan Niekamp (zoom)

Sue Hester

Anthony Foster (zoom)

Drew Zimmerman (zoom)

The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chairman Snider.

Mr. Bier made a motion to approve the December 7, 2020 meeting minutes (the January Executive Committee meeting was cancelled). Mr. Austin seconded the motion. The meeting minutes were approved.

Under new business, the committee discussed the Illinois Housing Development Board and a land bank that could potentially create a positive payback period after three years with “x” amount of transactions. The County would apply for a strong community grant. It would take $365,000 to start a land bank. Two Rivers could administer the “Adams County” land bank to acquire properties.

Mr. Bier asked if our investment would be more than $200,000 on our part. Mr. Austin restated the county would invest $365,000 and would have enough to reach pro forma.

Mr. Bellis asked if all 5 counties of Two Rivers would participate. Mr. Austin said no, only Adams County at this time and there are already designated enterprise zones. Mr. Bellis stated that Adams County doesn’t have zoning. Mr. Austin responded that the entities would almost have to be incorporated townships.

Mr. Farha asked if the city was committed to the program. Mr. Austin replied yes.

Mr. Austin brought up a Loan Incentive Program, a program that used to be called small rental rehab. The program would keep affordable rental rates for 5 years and then forgive 20% of the loan. This would incentivize rental rehab in older neighborhoods and could also provide a cultural investment, with a social component that could come at a later time. Mr. Austin recommends getting the pro forma in front of the board to receive comments, and ask Two Rivers to give a presentation in the next couple of weeks. Mr. Bier mentioned that a state grant is available until February in the County Bulletin. Mr. Austin stated we will not be able to make that deadline.

Mr. Austin stated he is worried about the tracking of the CARES/CURES money. The County floated the money from March 2020 to November 2020 in the budget when the money was spent. The County has received some of that money back, but he wants to ensure the reimbursements are being deposited back into County General.

Mr. Snider stated that Adams County is the number one County in Illinois for vaccinations to date.

Mr. Hester presented the committee with a revised version 1.1 of the Adams County Employee Handbook Supplement. There was a minor update made to the language in Section 9.3 Vacation Policy to make the language more clear, however no change was made to the policy itself. Mr. Bellis made a motion to approve the revised supplement. Mr. Austin seconded the motion. The motion carries.

Mr. Bellis mentioned to the committee a mortgage credit certificate for first time homebuyers or veterans, that the board would need to approve. Mr. Bellis can set up a meeting.

Mr. Bier made a motion to go into executive session to discuss a personnel matter. Mr. Bellis seconded the motion. The motion carries.

Mr. Austin made a motion to come out of executive session and go back into regular session. Mr. Bellis seconded the motion. The motion carries.

Mr. Austin made a motion to authorize the States Attorney to pursue negotiation with Barnard elevator regarding the modernization bid. Mr. Bier seconded the motion. The motion carries.

Mr. Austin made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Bellis seconded the motion. Chairman Snider adjourned the meeting at 6:49 p.m.

https://www.co.adams.il.us/home/showpublisheddocument?id=5697