Last month, the Hamilton County Board members heard from Connie VanWinkle from the Hamilton County Ambulance Service on the need for funds for their new ambulance truck. The remaining balance totaled $129,000, but VanWinkle did not ask for a set amount to be given.
This month, VanWinkle was accompanied by Mark Auten, the financial advisor of the department, to give a better overview of the department’s financials. After much discussion between the board members, they unanimously agreed to provide $100,000 out of the Amherst Reserve Fund to help cover the remaining cost of the truck.
During the board meeting, a group of individuals approached the board with a great community complex idea. Janet Braden, Ashley Ingram, Dennis Crain, and Brenda Simmons were on hand and prepared to present their concept. Braden explained that Ingram created a non-profit corporation that can accept donations and be a tax write-off.
Braden explains the project,
“Within that complex and these designs are Denny Crane’s and the company that he works for in the St. Louis area. But it would include an indoor heated therapy pool and swimming pool, so the swimming team could practice year round. They could also hold meets, which would bring people into the community. We expect to have anywhere from five to eight employees, and it’s listed as a basketball court but it could be multi-purpose: it could be for pickleball, volleyball, you could even hold a wedding reception in there.”
Braden also detailed the possibility of a walking track, a small workout area with vending machines, and birthday parties, which could also be an event to take place there.
The complex would be 25,000 square feet, or three acres to include parking, and Braden already has four location ideas in mind. Braden also described how the County Board could help each year with fundraisers, as well as individuals who would be willing to donate.
Ultimately, the board members were excited to learn more and were interested in this idea to bring more excitement and people into the community.
Next, in the meeting, a bill from the City from Animal Control was turned in for a litter of puppies tested for Parvo. The board was not sure if an animal agency requested that. Chairman Woodrow did share his feelings on the City handing the bill off to the County,
“I do have some issues that I’d like to meet with the City to address. I mean, they still haven’t received a purchase, I don’t think, of a truck, and our truck is being used for County as well as City, and we’re not charging no fee on mileage or anything for that either. Everything on the truck’s been took care of by the County, by the Sheriff’s Department. If it needs a wiper blade, if it needs oil changed or whatever.”
“And gas?”
“Yeah.”
“That’s not how we set that up, is it?”
“No, just for our run, for our use only. Their truck broke down. They’re using our truck now. And we’ve not been reimbursed for it, but they continue to send us bills for thousands of dollars.”
Keeping with the conversation of the City, in old business, the Central Dispatching Agreement with the City of McLeansboro was tabled yet again due to the board members not having enough time to read the agreement before the February meeting from the City’s attorney. The agreement primarily focuses on the allocation of resources and responsibilities between the County and the City in emergency situations.
In the new business, board members approved two things: a request from Darlene Chapman, CEO of the Discover Downstate Illinois Tourism Board, for a certification letter and a lease agreement with the University of Illinois Extension.
A resolution to allow the Hamilton County Highway Department to participate in the State of Illinois Federal Surplus Property Program was also accepted during the meeting.
Lastly, the board tabled the re-appointment of David Fagan to the Hamilton County Housing Authority Board.
The next meeting will be held on March 18th at 6 PM.
