County Board discusses changes in FOIA

With all of the members of the Jasper County Board present, the board approved a resolution concerning Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA).  Before voting on the resolution, Jasper County State's Attorney Kevin Parker discussed the FOIA changes to the board.  He said that the law didn't change very much.  He commented that the time to respond is now five days instead of seven, adding that an extension of time can be requested. 

Parker said that now one can go to the Attorney General with a request that is thought to be unduly burdensome or an invasion of privacy.  He said the Attorney General's office has a person to administer the law. 

He went on to say that the county does need a FOIA officer, adding that the officer (or officers) will have to undergo electronic training by July 1st.    He said that he and the County Clerk Linda Huth have agreed to be the officers.  The board, by voice vote, approved the resolution

Parker will present the policy next month to the board.  

Earlier in the meeting the board heard several committee reports.  Lawrence Pilman, chairman of the Road and Bridge Committee, gave the first report.  He reported that the soil cement on the Buck Grove Road will be let in April.   By voice vote the board approved the local agency agreement for the Wade Township Bridge.  It is estimated to cost $292,785.

Also by voice vote the board approved a resolution to pay the county engineer's salary with federal money and motor fuel tax.

In the Solid Waste Committee report it was reported that two new dumpsters had been delivered.  It was also reported that First Financial Bank had the low interest for the truck financing.

Jerry Kinder, chairman of the Finance Committee, reported that Ray Diel from Snedeker Risk Management had informed the committee that a seminar concerning changes in FOIA would be held at Rend Lake on February 17th.  He asked that all of the board members be informed about the seminar.

Kinder also asked the board to approve a contract with Manatron.  This is a four year contract for $55,278.00.  Board member Dale Haskett made the motion to accept the contract and Mark Smithenry seconded the motion.  The board approved by 11-1 vote the contract for Manatron.  Board member Brian Leffler voted 'no.'

Also in the Finance Committee report, it was brought out that the mileage reimbursement rate has changed to 50¢ per mile as of January 1st.  By voice vote the board approved to continue using the IRS rate for mileage.

Kinder told the board that Jasper County has been approved for a $45,000 Hazard Mitigation Grant.  This is a 75/25 grant with the county's 25% share in 'in kind' services.  The county will qualify in the event of a natural disaster for help from IEMA and FEMA.  The County Clerk would be the sub-grantee and write the checks when the money comes in.  It was brought out that Les Miller from Lawrence County will write the plan.  A planning committee is needed to be appointed.  The committee will meet 12 times in the next year.

The board approved by 12-0 to approve the resolution and to appoint a committee for the plan and to appoint the county clerk as sub-grantee.

Joe Bierman, Chairman of the Ambulance Committee, reported that the committee had a special meeting on December 11th concerning personnel.  He said that they had their regular monthly meeting on January 6th with a closed session concerning personnel.

He said that the department will be advertising for part time help.

Bill Weber, chairman of the Economic Development Committee, reported that they will meet on January 19th.  He also told the board that on January 28th there will be a meeting with Jasper County on Help America Recover Act which concerns sewer, water and housing grants.

Following this report, Board Chairman Ed Mitchell talked about the Human Resources Grant.  He said that a gentleman from Lawrence County is writing their grant and will write Jasper County's if the board signs an intergovernmental agreement with Lawrence County.  They will receive 20 % for grant writing.  By voice vote it was agreed for Jasper County to enter into this agreement.

By voice vote the board moved to defer a decision concerning a Drug Court for two years.  State's Attorney Kevin Parker explained that this is now mandatory for counties but any county board can defer this for two years due to lack of resourcs or finanical hardship.  He said that he had discussed this with Judge Hartigan who agreed that deferring it at this time would be best.  It was brought out that Jasper County can become a part of another county's drug court.

Also by voice vote the board approved a motion for the Board of Review to remain in session until the work is complete and approved two appointments to the Jasper County Health Board  - Jerry Kinder for a one year term and Clara Short for a three year term.