County Board approves speed limit adjustment Hollow Ave, Glenda Ave

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By Carissa Sitki

The Jersey County Board met on Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. where several matters were discussed, including the lowering of the speed zone on Hollow Avenue and Glenda Avenue in Jersey Township.

During the Road and Bridge committee reports, County Engineer Tom Klasner presented the ordinance and resolution for the establishment of the altered speed zone in that area. The speed limit will be reduced from 55 miles per hour down to 30 miles per hour. Klasner said that since the area is well populated, he has no problem lowering the limit.

Also during the Road and Bridge Committee report, the 2022 salary resolution for County Engineer was set at $103,500, with $3,000 set aside for expenses.

Jersey County Sheriff Mike Ringhausen addressed the Board during the finance committee report, and stated that they are down a full-time courthouse security position. He asked that a full-time position be made available so that he will not have to use existing officers to cover the shifts, as that would not be efficient. “If I can’t get it filled, I’m going to have to fill it with us,” he said.

The revised budget and levy for fiscal year 2021-2022 was then approved, with $104,700 more going toward the Sheriff’s Department to aid in getting someone for the courthouse security position. The amended budget will go into effect on Dec. 1.

Visitor, Kenny Grizzle, made a public comment at the start of the meeting, asked the Board to endorse private aid to the United States-Mexico Border to aid law enforcement in dealing with the ongoing crisis. Grizzle also urged the Board to stand up for an individual’s right to make their own decision regarding the COVID-19 vaccination, citing legislation that could mandate vaccination.

Regarding County Service Offices and Public Safety, the Board: approved the adoption of the new wireless telecommunication ordinance; revisions to the Jersey County Code of Ordinances to include revised code of ordinance for 2018 ICC codes and fee schedule; adoption of revisions to the Jersey County Flood Plain Ordinances, regarding development in Jersey County flood plain areas, which was recommended by the State; approved the presentation of the Substantial Damage Plan; approved the ratification of the collective bargaining agreement with Unit 5 and 6 represented by the United Steelworkers Union, including the addition of two extra bereavement days.

During the Chairman’s Report, the Board approved: the appointment of Dennis Blackorby to the QEM Fire District Board of Directors to fill an unexpired term of Michael Schlemer and the term to be filled will expire April 30, 2024; the appointment of Edward Darabscek to the QEM Fire District Board of Directors to fill an unexpired term of Danny Boirum (expiring on April 30, 2022) who submitted a letter of resignation effective Dec. 31, 2022; appointment of of Dr. Leo Dizon to the Jersey County Board of Health in a term that will begin Dec. 1, 2021 and expire Nov. 30, 2024; the appointment of Nancy Griffith to the Jersey County Board of Health for a term that will begin Dec. 1, 2021 and expire Nov. 30, 2024; the appointment of Ben Gotten to the Jersey County Board of Health for a term that will begin Dec. 1, 2021 and expire Nov. 30, 2024; approved the Animal Control Report for October; and approved the October 2021 meeting minutes.

Additionally, mileage and per diem was approved.

There was no closed session. At the conclusion of the meeting, Mayor Don Little responded to comments made by visitors during the public comment portion of the October meeting. Little addressed Terrie Kallal’s October comments regarding Circuit Clerk Daniel Schetter. Kallal said that she was disappointed in the Board for “dissension being instigated against [Schetter] and other elected officials.”

Little stated that the Board has been more than willing to negotiate. “I wanted to make it clear that the Board is not in opposition to any public official,” he said.

Following the meeting, Schetter told the Journal that he “wants to work together [with the Board] and do what’s right.”

The other October visitor was Jeff Ferguson who asked the Board if the Public Safety Sales Tax Funds were being used appropriately and recommended the Board conduct a full forensic audit. Little responded to that question by sharing some of the appropriate uses of those funds, including the new quint fire truck for the Jerseyville Fire department. Little said the cost of a forensic audit would run the county anywhere from $7,000 to $12,000.

Finally, Little said that he is extremely proud of the Board for making sure the offices run smoothly.

The Jersey County Board is scheduled to meet again on Tuesday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m.