Macon Reporter

Moultrie County Board met March 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The Moultrie County Board met in the County Board Room, Second Floor, Moultrie County Courthouse. Chairman Larry Baker called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Roll Call was taken, with the following Board members present Larry Baker, Billy Voyles, Elizabeth Houser, John Fayhee, Arlene Aschermann, John Vander Burgh, Todd Maxedon, Tyler Graven. Absent: Marsha Kirby

There were 33 people in attendance, which included eight Board members and County Clerk Georgia England.

Baker stated that at the January 13, 2022 Board meeting, a motion was made due to the vacancy in Planning and Zoning with Karen Cody leaving; and that motion was to transfer those duties to the County Assessment office because they had campaigned and thought they could handle those responsibilities. On March 11, 2022, the Board members received an email from Lori Barringer stating that at that time they could no longer give the time and effort to oversee the planning and zoning responsibilities, which has created this emergency. The second item of the agenda is the Emergency Management Agency (IEMA).

Baker stated the first issue was to appoint a department head for Planning and Zoning. The Assessment office realized there was a lot more work than was anticipated and the Assessor’s office could not handle the additional duties of Planning and Zoning because time devoted to Planning and Zoning was taking away from being able to do the assessment duties. Baker said the Board needs to fill that position

Baker moved that the position of department head Director of Planning and Zoning be posted for applications with the salary range being between $45,000 and $50,000 a year. Houser seconded said motion. Discussion followed. Barringer stated that she thought the office would have been more organized and updated, not finding as many errors as she found, and to get that all corrected and up to statutes was very difficult to do. Barringer presented the Board with a list of issues and her accomplishments thus far.

Barringer said that she was willing to carry on the Planning and Zoning until the Planning and Zoning position could be filled, but she did not want the responsibilities in her office.

Baker stated that at this time, the position is a full-time position, and he felt the position should be posted, not just appointed by the Board Chairman.

Mike Barringer, a former Board member, commented that the position for Planning and Zoning is not a full-time position; it may be full-time to get things updated and done. However, like many counties around Moultrie, this is a part-time job. Baker stated that it is going to take time to research and rewrite the Ordinances from 1977.

With no further discussion regarding posting the position of department head Director of Planning and Zoning, motion passed by roll call vote. (8 yes, 0 no)

Baker stated that the following motion was created when Lauren Sesko resigned the position of Director of IEMA. Options to fill the position would be to post, hire in-house or farm out the position. The Bethany Fire Department was mentioned as a possible outside source. Baker moved to allow the County Board Chairman to seek a replacement employee or to fill from outside the Courthouse for the EMA Director position and to present the selected individual for appointment before the Board. Voyles seconded the motion. Discussion followed. Sheriff Chris Sims informed the Board this is a part-time position in Coles County. Baker said the State only allows 20 hours a week for this position, and they reimburse the County 50%. County Treasurer Helmuth said she had called Christian County’s Taylorville Fire Chief to see how it works. She was told the Fire Chief is a full-time employee of the fire department and a part-time employee of the county. Whatever the County pays for EMA is what the state would pay a portion of. Since the fire chief would be spending time doing IEMA, they cut a little bit out of the fire salary, but the increase in pay was greater with the IEMA salary. Bethany Fire Chief Mike Jennings stated that he would like to take the suggested proposal before the Fire Board. With no further discussion, motion passed by roll call vote. (8 yes, 0 no)

Baker read a statement to the Board: This is to remind every County employee that the main mission is to do the best job that they can do to ensure that all county services are met and in the best interests of the citizens of Moultrie County. It is the responsibility of this County Board and every County employee to call out and identify any harassment, humiliation, or any just outright unethical behavior of any County employee. As every County employee is entitled to a safe, productive, and professional work environment. I call on this Board to take any proper actions if the need arises to protect our employees.”

Houser stated when you get off the elevator on the first floor, there is a sign that says, “Peace in this House”. She further stated, “this house doesn’t have peace, and sadly, it’s toxic. I’m not saying that people are not doing a good job at their jobs, but they are running good people off.”

Baker read his letter of resignation to the Moultrie County Board: “Good intensions and desire are not always the solution as sometimes good old fashion reality hits you right square in the face. I came to this board with ideas and an open mind and a desire to do what is in the best interests of the citizens of Moultrie County but quickly realized that with change comes disruption and interference to advance. Past actions that I was unaware of and had no part of, have created a hostile situation that I do not know how to properly repair. I am reminded of the old saying “if you can’t fix it, get out of the way and let somebody who can do it”. I appreciate the opportunity to serve the citizens of Moultrie County and look forward to watching this county continue to grow stronger than ever. I submit this “Letter of Resignation” to the Moultrie County Board effective at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday March 23, 2022.”

County Clerk England reiterated her agreement with Houser’s comment and stated that it is time to work together.

EXECUTIVE SESSION 5 ILCS 120/2(e)

No executive session held.

COMMENTS

OFFICE HOLDERS/DEPARTMENT HEADS

BOARD

PUBLIC

Julie Kinert stated that knowing Baker personally and his integrity as a person and he doesn’t deserve what has been happening.

Brian Scroggins stated that he came to the meeting to ask about an update on Lakeside Villa but seeing the turmoil in the building he would like to give a gentle reminder of the concerns of Lakeside Villa.

With no further business, Houser moved to adjourn the meeting. Graven seconded said motion, which passed by voice vote.

Meeting adjourned at 4:09 p.m.

https://cms9files.revize.com/moultrie//03%2018%202022%20Minutes.pdf