Once again, the Christian County Board meeting Tuesday night was occupied by the Medical Cannabis Cultivation Facility issue. 2 of the entities that had previously pitched their case for board support were on hand to restate their plans and desires. Clayton Bloome of JCLM, LLC led the way and once again pounded home the fact that they were local farmers who grew up in the community and had a strong desire to see the facility in the hands of local people. Mark Strawn of Abide Palliatives LLC pitched the extreme security measures they will take with the facility and the economic pluses of adding 10 to 18 jobs. A new hat was thrown into the ring by Joe Zander of Harvest Med, LLC. Mr. Zander introduced his team that included Matthew Williams, construction and design, Patrick Keen, security and law enforcement, Jason Boesdorfer, drug investigation and law enforcement. Not present was Dr. John Zander with over 40 years medical and research background. The proposed site for the Harvest Med facility is at 1400 East Road, north of ADM. Joe Zander stressed his 5 years as a licensed medical grower in California as a key element in the presentation. Top notch security, including a retired state police colonel acting as head of security, I-pass on all employee vehicles, pass keys on all doors except restrooms and cameras in all areas, excluding rest rooms were some of the other items stressed. The creation of 30 to 40 new jobs with a minimum wage of $12 per hour was a positive claim made by the team.
After some discussion, including comments by the Sheriff and others, County Board Chairman Paul Schmitz made a motion to give all three proposers a letter of support. A roll call vote was taken ant the motion passed with 12 yes, 3 no and 1 present.
In other business, the board heard a report from the Executive, Personnel, Liquor Committee concerning the appeal by retired County Board member and County Treasurer Mike Drea. On August 24, 2014 the Illinois Retirement Fund Board of Trustees upheld, unanimously, the Administrative Staff determination and deny the request to have Mr. Drea's pension recalculated. Mr. Drea can pusue further action by filing for andministrative review in the Circuit Court of Christian, DuPage or Sangamon County within 35 days of the letter's date. The members of the board were advised by counsel to make no comment until the 35 days had passed. The members of the Board also approved a request by Joelynda Conrad, Animal Control Warden, asking for financial assistance in the micro-chipping of dogs. It was pointed out that it is mandatory when someone adopts a dog that it be micro chipped and the present fee is $40. The Board agreed to reimburse $20 of the fee via a vet voucher. The fee is to be paid from the Willey/Givens Trust, the same trust used to help pay for the spay and neutering of dogs and cats.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:25.
