Macon Reporter

DeWitt County Board Public Safety Committee met Feb. 16.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

MEMBERS PRESENT: Megan Myers - Chair, Claro Carter - Vice Chair, Tom Farris, John Werts and Melonie Tilley. Also present, Dee Dee Rentmeister, County Administrator.

MEMBERS ABSENT: none

SUMMARY OF DISCSSION:

No one to address the committee.

Micah Gallardo, EMA Administrator, introduced his assistant to the committee -- Annette Lashbrook. Carter asked how the National Weather Service notifies when a weather warning is issued. Micah stated that he gets a notification on the cell phone and he then writes it down in a log book and notes what action(s) the department took. Each incident is kept in a separate folder. Werts questioned why his cell phone didn't notify him of the recent tornado incident. Micah explained that the National Weather Service sent that alert out based on where the person was located at the time of the incident. If someone wasn't in the actual location of the incident, they did not receive any notification. Micah stated that DeWitt County still utilizes the sirens at this time.

Motion by Carter, 2nd by Werts to approve last month's minutes. Voice vote, motion carried. Motion by Carter, 2nd by Tilley to approve the claims. Voice vote, motion carried.

• Myers informed the committee that Holly Gehlbach has applied for the animal control administrator position and was present. Motion by Carter, 2nd by Farris to recommend to the full board to appoint Holly Gehlbach as animal control administrator contingent upon passing the pre-employment requirements. Discussion followed. Myers stated that she contacted Holly's references, and they were all favorable. Tilley asked about other applicants as she was never given any other resumes. Myers stated that there were other applicants and Holly was the best one. Tilley stated that there is nothing on her resume that shows she has experience/qualifications. Werts also indicated that the other applicants had no experience and that no one with vet tech experience applied. Farris stated that he felt Holly had the best leadership scores and the department needed a team leader. Holly stated that she had livestock experience, trained dog obedience and also trains horses. She also stated that the liked to work with her hands and animals and was very passionate about animals. Myers stated that she would like to recommend a starting salary of $41,000 with a $1000 increase to $42,000 at the completion of 6-month probation period and successful complete of the required training/certification which is a 45 hour training course. Tilley asked why would we start someone with no experience at a higher salary than the base - $40,000. Tilley stated that the county has employees who have worked here for 12+ years that don't make $40,000. Several committee members felt that this position is an administrative position along with being a dangerous position which warranted a higher starting wage. Werts felt that this position should pay similar to a deputy position. Tilley felt that this would cause problems within the county with current employees along with the union employees. Roll call vote on the motion to recommend to the full board to appoint Holly Gehlbach as animal control administrator contingent upon passing the pre-employment requirements. Myers - aye, Carter- aye, Tilley - aye, Werts - aye and Farris - aye. Motion carried. Motion by Carer, 2nd by Werts to recommend to the full board to set the salary for Holly Gehlbach at $41,000 and increase to $42,000 upon successful completion of the 6-month probationary period and certification with the NACA 1 & 2 training course, Roll call vote - Myers - aye, Carter – aye, Tilley - nay, Werts - aye and Farris - aye. Motion carried.

Motion by Carter, 2nd by Tilley to adjourn at 6:09 p.m. Voice vote, motion carried.

COMMITTEE ACTION:

Approve last month's minutes.

Approve the claims.

Recommend to the full board to appoint Holly Gehlbach as animal control administrator contingent upon passing the pre-employment requirements.

Recommend to the full board to set the salary for Holly Gehlbach at $41,000 and increase to $42,000 upon successful completion of the 6-month probationary period and certification with the NACA 1 & 2 training course.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE FULL BOARD:

Recommend to the full board to appoint Holly Gehlbach as animal control administrator contingent upon passing the pre-employment requirements.

Recommend to the full board to set the salary for Holly Gehlbach at $41,000 and increase to $42,000 upon successful completion of the 6-month probationary period and certification with the NACA 1 & 2 training course.

http://www.dewittcountyill.com/minutes/2023/committee/PS-021623.pdf