The Christian County Board approved the minor sub-plat for Wareham and Norville in order for the Sharpsburg and Neighboring Area water system to proceed. The water system will include a water tower and pumping station and will serve over 200 water customers. Zoning Officer Brett Rahar has approved all the building permits, Plat Officer Mike Gianasi has reviewed the sup-plat and determined that all is in order as are the easements. Work should begin within the next 3 weeks according to Attorney Tony DelGiorno.
The board met Tuesday night in regular session with Chairman Paul Schmitz presiding. Cliff Frye requested to replace a 20 year old power washer and received bids in the amount $5288, $5600 and $6700. The board approved the purchase from Pressure Pump and Supply of Lebanon, Illinois in the amount of $5288. The spillway bridge project at Lake Taylorville is set for repairs which may begin this fall, weather permitting. If started this fall, the project would most likely not be completed until late summer 2014. The bridge would be closed during that period and access to the marina would only be from Cherokee Street. It was also decided by the board to deny the use of county property for the purpose of hunting.
Former County Board Chairman John Curtin appeared before the board to request that the county set aside a part of the courthouse lawn to be used as a permanent memorial to the farmers of Christian County. The memorial will consist of a stone monument, laser engraved, with a progressive depiction of farming over the years. Two benches will sit atop a concrete surround with an 11 foot by 13 foot brick paver patio located within. The funding for the project will come from the sale of engraved pavers purchased by the public in memory of family members or friends that were farmers in the county. The board approved setting aside the land for the project.
In other business, it was approved to increase the court fee for maintaining and using the law library from $6 to $10. The fee is collected in the form of a fine, collected by the circuit clerk. It was also agreed to accept sealed bids on 5 delinquent tax deed properties, 2 in Pana Township, 1 in Taylorville Township and 2 in Prairieton Township.
The board also approved the collective bargaining agreement presented to the Finance Committee by Chief Deputy Bruce Engeling. Some language changes were made as well as the changing of Lincoln’s Birthday holiday to Christmas Eve, effective 2014, an increase in the Lietenants supplemental pay to $1500 and Sergeant to $1200, an addition of $50 to each increment of longevity starting at five years, up from four, increase employee insurance contributions an additional 1% and agree to a 3 year contact with wages of 2%, 2.5% and 2.5%. The agreement had been ratified by the FOP membership at an earlier time.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 pm. The next regular meeting will be held on November 19, 2013 at 6:30 pm in the County Board Room.
