June 3, 2019 Meeting Minutes

AGENDA
BOARD MEETING
JUNE 3, 2019
9:00 AM

1. Call To Order

2. Roll Call

3. Approval of the Agenda

4. Approval of May 20, 2019 Meeting Minutes

5. Business

a) Consideration and Approval of Ordinance Establishing Civil Fees and Criminal and Traffic Assessments to be charged by the Clerk of the Circuit Court

b) Discussion of Proposed Wind Ordinance Posted on May 6, 2019

6. Reports of Departments

7. Public Comment

8. Chairman’s Remarks

9. Adjournment

MORGAN COUNTY BOARD MEETING
JUNE 3, 2019

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners met on Monday June 3, 2019 at 9 am in the law library. Chr. Zeller asked Deputy Clerk Mellor to take the roll call. Deputy Clk. Mellor took roll call as follows Chr. Zeller answered present, Commissioner Fanning answered present and Commissioner Meier answered present. Deputy Clk. Mellor informed the Chr. that a quorum is present and the meeting could continue.

Chr. Zeller said that the first order of business is the approval of the agenda. Commissioner Meier made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Commissioner Fanning seconded the motion. All voted “AYE”. The motion is approved.

Chr. Zeller said that the board meeting minutes from May 20 need approval from the board. Commissioner Fanning made a motion to approve the minutes as written. Commissioner Meier seconded the motion. All voted “AYE”. The motion is approved.

Chr. Zeller said that consideration and approval of an ordinance establishing civil fees, criminal and traffic assessments to be charged by the clerk of the circuit clerk is the next item on the agenda. Ms. Sipes, Circuit Clerk, said the Illinois Supreme Court made an adjustment for fees and costs for each county. Ms. Sipes said that it is up to her which fees will be applied and where. This bill will become effective July 1 and the fees must be monitored to see the effects. Commissioner Meier made a motion to approve the ordinance establishing civil fees. Commissioner Fanning seconded the motion. All voted “AYE”. The motion is approved.

Chr. Zeller said that the discussion only for the proposed wind farm ordinance is the next item on the agenda.
Mr. Douglas said the setbacks are still an issue. Mr. Douglas said that an ordinance that mirrors the Department of Agriculture is being worked on.
Chr. Zeller said he has had several discussions with many individuals concerning the setbacks of towers, a fee structure in ordinance, the decommissioning of the towers that an escrow account will be set up for and drain tiles. Chr. Zeller said that this ordinance is the most restricted ordinance when compared to several other counties. Chr. Zeller said that the board understands the passion from the community.
Commissioner Fanning said that the escrow account for decommissioning the towers would be in the county’s name. Mr. Douglas said that would be correct.

Reports of Departments-Commissioner Fanning said that an open house for the new animal control facility would be held from 1-3 on June 8. Commissioner Fanning said the board would like to thank the Howard Estate and the committee for all their work.

Public Comment-comments were made from several individuals on the wind farm ordinance including Elizabeth Rigor, Victoria Ringer, Betty Niemann, Jane Becker, Craig Wood, John Ebery, Becky Sanders, West Rust, William Reese, John Clegg, Joana Ramsey, Stephanie Bergschneider, Mike Woodyard, Chris Nickles and Kyle Berry.

Chairman’s Remarks-Chr. Zeller thanked everyone for his or her comments and showing professionalism this morning. Chr. Zeller said that the board understands everyone’s emotions and concerns over the wind farm. Chr. Zeller said that the board is working very hard to produce a sound and fair ordinance, will it make everyone happy most likely the answer is no.

Commissioner Meier made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Fanning seconded the motion. All voted “AYE”. The motion is approved and the meeting is adjourned.