Remembering the McCarty Family.

The July 8 meeting of the Kankakee County Board began with a moment of silence to remember the McCarty family. Those familiar with the tragedy bowed their heads in a moment of silence and extended their deepest condolences to Kankakee County Finance Board Member Steve McCarty. Roll call was taken by County Board Chairman Matthew Alexander-Hildebrand, with all members present for the quorum.

Public Speaking began with interest in filling vacant 10th District Seat

In new business, the board announced the declaration of a vacancy in District #10. In June, Kankakee County State’s Attorney James Rowe filed a suit against three elected officials in Kankakee County, with one being the 10th Ward District’s Christopher Tholen, a Republican, who was re-elected to the board on November 5, 2024. The suit addressed Tholen, Leonora Noble – an alderwoman in Kankakee, and Leo Todd Clark – an alderman from Momence, for failing to file SEI (Statements of Economic Interest) with County Clerk Dan Hendrickson.

According to the complaints, all three of the above were sent “no fewer than three notices,” notifying them of their obligation. The Illinois Government Ethics Act requires certain local public officials and employees to submit their SEI annually. The three named in the suit failed to do so and, thus, had the option to resign from their positions to have the complaints dismissed. Tholen submitted his resignation on June 24, leaving the vacancy to be officially opened at the July 8 board meeting.

The resignation process included the board declaring a vacancy in District 10 and, within three days, county administration would be sending letters to the political parties notifying them of the vacancy. By state law, the county needs to fill the vacant seat within 60 days. A motion was approved by all present. Public speaker Melissa Knots approached the board and expressed her interest in filling the vacant seat.

Certificates of Appreciation ​

The Sheriff’s Department recognized Charles Hertz and Kimberly Perkins for 20 years of service. In addition, Jury Commission member James Faford was recognized for 20 years, Public Defender Karen Farmer for 25 years, and the Probation Department’s Tom Latham, as a 30-year veteran.

Birth to Five – Region 32

Regional Council Member Liz Gibson was present to explain a bit about the Birth to Five – Region 32 program that encompasses Iroquois and Kankakee Counties. Speaking to bring awareness to the area, she provided details on this initiative that focuses on improving early childhood education and care (ECEC). She presented a slide presentation, as well as discussed the program’s specifics, providing detailed information on the organization’s efforts to assess local early childhood needs, highlighting the production of regional needs and mental and health behavioral health needs assessments. These assessments aim to identify strengths and challenges within the community’s early childhood. For more information, please contact www.birthtofiveil.com/region32.

Group Health Plan Overview and Forecast

Mike Lynch and Anita Speckman were present to discuss the Blue Cross Group Health plan’s member use, although the plan’s renewal is five months out. Currently there are approximately 417 employees and 884 dependents calculated in the workforce. Through May 7, the county has paid $130,000 in premiums. The current health provider has paid $9,000,000 in claims. Lynch stated they have experienced some high costs within the county.

The meeting also addressed the rising costs of prescription drugs, particularly specialty medications, which have seen significant price increases. A financial overview showed while the total paid claims increased by 5.7%, the overall medical expenses decreased by 5.6%, compared to the previous year. It was noted the positive trend was attributed to a shift from a traditional PPO plan to the Blue Choice Options plan. The county’s pharmacy and medical loss ratio stands at 131%, indicating claims have exceeded premiums by 131%.

Department officials anticipate receiving a renewal quote from seven insurance carriers by mid-to-late August, which will help determine future strategies for maintaining health care.

Rosemary Foster commented, “I know you all are doing a great job trying to keep the cost down. I’m just afraid of everything that’s going on in the legislation with Medicaid that, you know, we don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Lynch replied one of the sad things about group and individual insurance is the legislature passes bills that affect plans, and they don’t have a chance to plan for it. You just include it. Lynch stated although the insurance plan isn’t up for renewal for five months, they were keeping an eye on it. 

Department Reports

The Claims Committee report for May was unanimously approved for $8,836,935.40.

• County Collector’s May Report: Total Cash and Banking investments – $20,211,353.76.

• Recorder’s May Report: Disbursement fees paid to the county treasurer – $120,680.17.

• County Clerk’s May Report: Total – $34,274.33.

• Coroner’s May Report: 118 coroner cases, 7 autopsies, 7 toxicology, 2 donations, 2 fetal, 56 hospitals, 74 cremations, 5 pending coroners; Income May Summary Report totaled $12,059.18.

• County Circuit Clerk May Disbursement Report: Total – $48,240.34.

• Animal Control May Report: Total – $46,127, with 110 animals handled.

• Monthly Building Division April Report: Total permits 97, Total extra fees 109, Total fees – $74,144.

• Monthly Building Division May Report: Total permits 121, Total extra fees 127, Total fees – $84,105.05.

A motion was made and carried to combine and approve the department reports.

Consent Agenda

Minutes of the June 10 meeting were approved by all present, and was followed by reappointments, appointments, and resignations, including the reappointments of: Antonio Carrico and Kathryn Hamblen – Kankakee County Board of Health; Cole Jarvis – Kankakee County Historic Preservation Commission; Lisa Sanford – Kankakee Regional Land Bank; George H. Ryan Jr. – Kankakee Valley Airport Authority; David Sargeant – Cavalry Area Fire Protection District; Paul Mao – Cadbury Area Fire Protection District; Brian Grob and Paul Crowell – Pilot Township Fire Protection District; Ralph Mercier – St. Anne Fire Protection District Board; Lawrence Blanchette, Wayne Blanchette, and Alan LaMore – Manteno Drainage District; Mark Brinkman – Momence-Pembroke Union Drainage District; and David Marcotte – Spring Creek Drainage District.

The board announced the appointment of Denise Turner to the University of Illinois Extension and accepted the resignation of Peter Dvorak from the Kankakee River Valley Forest Preserve District. County board opening information may be obtained on the county board website at www.k3county.net.

A declaration and disposal of surplus equipment for the Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s Office was unanimously approved.

Questions were raised regarding the bidding process. A resolution authorizing the county board chairman to sign an agreement with a construction management company for capital improvements at the Kankakee County Courthouse was questioned during public comments. County officials recently met with four construction management firms to select one to oversee the $6 million capital improvements project, and they decided to go with BEAR  Construction of Rolling Meadows to oversee improvements. BEAR unanimously was approved for the job, yet questions remained.

Joda Crabtree, who represented PSI Construction of Bradley, tried to understand the bidding process and had questions for the court for the board. His concern was heightened when he watched the finance committee meeting and was alerted one of the competitors had done a presentation for the committee.

Crabtree stated, “We pulled all our emails that we have and really found not anything leading us to believe we were expected to do a presentation. We came in for a discussion. We had a good discussion with the committee.”

At the Highways, Waterways, and Building Committee meeting on June 12, those issues were addressed. There were four bidders according to County Board Chair Alexander-Hildebrand, including Wight & Company, Johnson-Downs, BEAR Construction, and PSI Construction.

“Although I have nothing bad to say about the other contractors, and I think they are all capable of the work, I was very impressed with BEAR Construction, Alexander-Hildebrand noted. “BEAR blew us out of the water with their presentation. They have invested in the community; they have a location in Bradley. They have done work at PNC before, CSL Behring, Riverside, and KCC, so they are invested in this town.”

He went on to state their management fee of 2.5% was also the lowest of the four – adding the fact they have done a lot of historical buildings. “I think the courthouse is our treasure here in the county, and I think it’s an historical asset we need to keep in place.” The board voted unanimously on its approval. 

A resolution authorizing the county board chairman to execute and amend the grant agreement with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Improvements for Developments and Improvements at the Kankakee Capital Courthouse was granted unanimously. This approval gives County Board Chair Alexander-Hildebrand the capacity to engage with BEAR Construction to discuss the renovation process as it proceeds. BEAR is slated to begin construction in December.

Resolution Authorizing Honorary County Road

A resolution was approved designating County Highway 2 (4500 South Road), between 1600 East Road and 1700 East Road, as Honorary George Washington Jr. Roadway. Washington, a Democrat, served 33 years on the Kankakee County Board, had served as its vice chair and, in 1986, was appointed Chief of Corrections for Kankakee. Thanking the board for the unanimous approval was newly elected Pembroke Township Supervisor Herb Lillard Jr.

Resolution Authorizing Expenditure of River Equipment Grant

The board approved a budget not to exceed $75,000 for the purchase of a hovercraft for local fire protection districts, funded through river equipment grant fund 931. County Transportation and Development Division Manager Ben Wilson said the funds will come from the River Equipment Grant secured for the county by 40th District Sen. Patrick Joyce, which is a reimbursement grant. This equipment will improve emergency response capabilities on the river. The hovercraft will be owned by the county but maintained by the fire protection district to ensure proper care and storage.

Resolution Modifying a Grant from the Illinois Housing Development Authority’s (IHDA) Strong Communities Program – Round 2

A resolution was approved for the granted 12-month extension of the Strong Communities Program (SCP). This means the KCB will enter into the funding with the authority to make the grant to the recipient in an amount not to exceed $487,000 to preserve affordable housing efforts by assessing with the rehabilitation and/or the demolition of abandoned properties within the recipient’s area, all in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the agreement.

Resolution Accepting the Use of The IHDA Strong Communities Program – Round 2

The board passed and accepted a grant from the IHDA-Strong Communities Program – Round 2 in the amount of $487,000. The Kankakee Regional Landbank Authority requested funds for the acquisition of four landbank properties. Those Kankakee properties acquired are at 643 S. Myrtle Street, 2 Charlton Drive, 427 S. Chicago Avenue, and 755 N. Francine Drive. Kankakee. The board unanimously approved.