Douglas County Board approves local agency extension for Cronus Chemicals
By Kendra Hennis
The meeting of the Douglas County Board was called to order at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 20 with all members present.
During approval of the consent agenda, the board approved an agreement with the University of Illinois Extension Office. The board heard from Jessie McClusky, County Director, who noted that the U of I Extension programs in Douglas County are funded with a combination of state, county, and privately raised funds. Their educational programs benefit over 200 of the county’s youth through 4-H clubs and school programs, as well as countless adults who take part in programs on agriculture and natural resources, family, consumer sciences, and more.
The board’s agreement appropriated $60,588 of the county’s funds to contribute to Extension operations until June 30, 2023.
The board also approved Resolution 22-R-9, which approved an amendment to extend local agency for Cronus Chemicals section 13-00106-00-PV. County Engineer Jim Crane explained that there was a previous agency agreement made with Cronus and that they are still working on that project and it will take more time. He noted that they hoped to begin building at the site soon.
The board then approved an electrical bid from Hudson Electric for an electric service provider. Crane explained that the board was previously locked into a three-year contract that was set to expire. He recommended a bid with Hudson Electric for a fixed rate of .09 cents per kWh for one to five years. After a lengthy discussion of rising electric prices, the board opted to sign with Hudson Electric for a five-year term.
The board also heard from Health Department Administrator Amanda Minor on the state of Douglas County. She noted that they are continuing with their vaccine and booster clinics, with two being completed a month. They are also continuing to complete COVID testing. She noted that the Health Department Board has also passed new policies for septic and food policies. She explained that this put policies in place for giving fines instead of just constantly revisiting a business that is out of code and that they are hopeful that this helps.
The board also:
* Approved the March 16, 2022 regular board meeting minutes.
* Approved the payments of the county’s financial obligations.
* Approved the reports of fees of county offices.
* Appointed Kent Elam to Douglas County Historical Museum District for a five-year term.
* Appointed Larry Harbaugh to Union Drainage District #2 of the towns of Murdock and Camargo until Sept. 2024.
* Approved amended ordinance 21-O-13 reapportioning Douglas County: County Board Compensation. The amendment corrects the document that stated that county board members only received payment on a per diem basis.
* Approved the renewal of a Class A Douglas County Liquor License for Aikman Wildlife, LLC in Arcola, IL.
* Approved the renewal of a Class A Patio Douglas County Liquor License for J & J’s Burger & Beer in Camargo, IL.
* Approved the renewal of a Class C Douglas County Liquor License for Kaskaskia Country Club in Arcola, IL.
* Approved the renewal of a Class A Douglas County Liquor License for Cindy’s Log Cabin in Tuscola, IL.
* Approved the renewal of a Class C Douglas County Liquor License for Tri-City Country Club in Villa Grove, IL.
* Approved resolution 22-R-7 authorizing application for capital assistance grant for paratransit vehicle(s).
* Approved resolution 22-R-8 authorizing an extension of declaration of emergency due to COVID-19.
* Approved an electrical bid from Douglas County Electric for flag pole lighting.
* Introduced new RPC Workplace employee and WIOWA representative Danielle Cruzan. Cruzan is a native to Tuscola and noted that she looks very forward to sharing all of the programs available to the community.
* Approved adjourning to the next Douglas County Board meeting on May 18, 2022 at 9 a.m.
