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Kane County

KC Judicial/Public Safety

Committee

Meeting Minutes

MOLINA, Lenert, Gripe, Gumz, Linder, Tepe, Williams, ex-officios Roth (County Vice Chair)

and Pierog (County Chair)

Thursday, May 15, 2025

9:00 AM

County Board Room

Call To Order

Chairman Molina called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM.

Roll Call

Board Member Myrna Molina

Board Member Bill Lenert

PRESENT

Board Member Jon Gripe

Board Member Michael Linder

Board Member Vern Tepe

Ex-Officio County Board Vice Chair Bill Roth

Board Member Michelle Gumz

Ex-Officio County Board Chair Corinne M. Pierog

Board Member Rick Williams

REMOTE

ABSENT

Also present: Co. Bd. Members Allan*, Bates, Juby*, Kious*, Penesis*; KaneComm Dir.

Guthrie; OEM Dir. Buziecki; KCSO staff Catich, Schwab; Coroner Silva; Court Admin.

O'Brien, Mathis; State's Attorney Mosser & staff Ford, Ortiz, Hunt*; Public Defender

Conant; Court Srvs. Exec. Dir. Aust; CIC Chief Deputy Clk. Herwick; ITD CIO Lasky* &

staff Kash Peters; KCAC Admin. Youngsteadt*; and members of the press and public.

Remote Attendance Requests

(Madam Chairman Pierog arrived remotely at 9:01 a.m.)

Chairman Molina announced the remote attendance requests for today's meeting. She

asked the Committee if there were any objections to Committee Member Gumz

attending today's meeting remotely. There were no objections.

Approval of Minutes: April 10, 2025

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Bill Lenert

Public Comment

None.

Monthly Financial Reports

Monthly Finance Reports

Chairman Molina stated the monthly financial reports were on file. No additional

report was made.

Merit Commission

None.

KaneComm (M. Guthrie)

Monthly Report

KaneComm Dir. Guthrie stated the monthly report was on file. She thanked the

Kane County Board and KaneComm agencies for celebrating

Telecommunication Week, which recognized the hard work of KaneComm staff.

She recognized Telecommunicator Emily Reece on her 11 years of service with

KaneComm. Guthrie stated that KaneComm has hired a new shift manager in

April 2025. Jennifer Barnett joins KaneComm with 11 years of 9-1-1 experience.

Guthrie provided a presentation on Funding 9-1-1 Services in Illinois. She

explained that in 2017, the monthly surcharge was increased from $0.87 to

$1.50. The surcharge is one of KaneComm's main sources of revenue, in

addition to subscriber fees. Since the surcharge has not increased since 2017,

9-1-1 representatives traveled to Springfield, Illinois to meet with legislators to

advocate for a surcharge increase of one dollar, totaling $2.50 with an annual

inflationary adjustment. This increase would help with the growing demands of

technology, compensation for telecommunicators, and mandated trainings.

Guthrie stated that the surcharge would be an additional dollar charge to cell

phone bills. She explained if this increased revenue is not received, then the

burden will fall on subscribing police and fire agencies. Currently, there is not a

written bill, but updates will be provided. Lastly, Guthrie stated that KaneComm

participated in Pingree Grove Fire Protection District's Awards Dinner. At the

dinner, Telecommunicator Kezia Moore was recognized for her life saving CPR

call that she took in August 2024. Moore was able to meet with the patient and

the patient's husband who preformed CPR. Guthrie addressed questions and

comments from the Committee.

Emergency Management(S. Buziecki)

Monthly Report

OEM Dir. Buziecki stated the monthly report was on file. He mentioned that

Kane County and surrounding areas are anticipating severe weather this

afternoon from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and tomorrow, May 16, 2025, from 4:00

p.m. to 10:00 p.m. He explained that he sent an email out last night regarding a

fire in Elgin. The fire occurred in the morning hours of May 14, 2025, where 18

apartment units were affected. The Kane County Office of Emergency

Management (OEM) coordinated with the Elgin Fire Department, Elgin Police

Department, and the Illinois Red Cross to offer shelter for those misplaced.

Buziecki explained that OEM is planning to create a Disaster Recovery

Committee, in response to a National Initiative. He noted that it would be a

public/private partnership. He explained that this Committee would speak on the

aftermath of disasters/storms. He stated that a chairman is needed. He

explained that the chairman of the committee does not need to be a subject

matter expert, just an organizer. He stated that he has met with numerous

groups, such as United Way, churches, and Chambers of Commerce. They

have all shown interest in this initiative and plan to have a meeting in the

summer. Buziecki mentioned that OEM has been redoing the County's

Emergency Operations Plan. He explained that the plan in due to the State of

Illinois in March 2026. He brought the original version of the Emergency

Operations Plan, which represented approximately 20 years of edits. He

explained that OEM has enlisted 11 volunteers to work on the revision. Lastly,

Buziecki explained that OEM has been following the Federal Government's

budget, specifically the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

funding. He stated that the Federal Government has changed the Public

Assistance Program. He explained that when there is cost associated with a

disaster, some funding can be reimbursed, if it meets a certain threshold. The

previous threshold was $24M for the State of Illinois and $2.3M for Kane

County. If this threshold was met, the County could submit their costs for a 75%

reimbursement. Now, the threshold has increased to $96M for the State and

$9.2M. This means that federal help will not be available for the majority of

disasters. Buziecki addressed questions and comments from the Committee.

Discussion ensued.

10.

Sheriff/Adult Corrections (R. Hain)

Monthly Report

KCSO Chief of Admin. Catich stated the monthly report was on file. He

mentioned that the Correction population are averaging the same as last month.

He explained that the Kane County Adult Justice Center (KCAJC) and the Kane

County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) are facing challenges with the HVAC Upgrade

Project. Currently, installation is being added to the outside walls with spray

foam installation. Catich spoke on KCSO's concern with the potential of

off-gasing from the spray foam. However, it does not seem to be affecting

operations, staff, or inmates. He mentioned that when replacing the air

conditioning units, the KCAJC and/or KCSO may face some additional

challenges. Catich addressed questions and comments from the Committee.

Discussion ensued.

Authorizing an Electronic Monitoring Service Agreement Between the Kane

County Sheriff’s Office and Sentinel Offender Services, LLC

KCSO Sergeant Schwab introduced this resolution. He explained that when he

took over the Court Operations Unit in February 2024, the current Electronic

Home Monitoring (EHM) provider was in place. However, after conversations

with staff, they are not a fan of this system. Schwab spoke on the shortcomings

of the system, such as software, ease of use, and late or non-existent alerts. He

stated that he has researched other EHM providers and was able to test the

winning bid's system, Sentinel Offender Services, LLC, for a two week time

frame, in which great improvements were had. He described these

improvements. He described the additional features the new system would

provide, such as the ability to send voice alerts to the EHM ankle monitor and

GPS tracking. This new system will reduce the manpower hours spent on issues

and problems faced with the current system. Schwab addressed questions and

comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Jon Gripe

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Bill Lenert

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Michael

Linder, and Vern Tepe

AYE:

Rick Williams

ABSENT:

Authorizing the Purchase of a SPOT Robot System from FlyMotion, LLC by the

Kane County Sheriff’s Office

KCSO Chief of Admin. Catich introduced this resolution. He provided additional

information on the necessity of the SPOT Robot System for public safety. He

mentioned that the current bomb detecting robot that is used by the Kane

County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) is 27 years old. He described the capabilities of

the new technology. Catich addressed questions and comments from the

Committee. Discussion ensued.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Jon Gripe

MOVER:

Michael Linder

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Michael

Linder, and Vern Tepe

AYE:

Rick Williams

ABSENT:

11.

Coroner (M. Silva)

Monthly Report

Coroner Silva stated the monthly report was on file. She provided a caseload

comparison between April 2024 versus April 2025. There has been a 14% rise in

the overall caseload, mainly in Return to Medical cases. Silva noted that these

cases are where the Coroner's Office saves the most money, due to thorough

investigations without toxicology and/or autopsies. Silva spoke on April 2025

Reported Deaths. There is 309 total cases that have been reported to the

Coroner's Office. There was 272 cases that were Return to Medical - No

autopsy and 18 Sign Out - Unnatural - Autopsy Necessary cases. Silva spoke on

Sign Out Cases, where no physician was available to sign off on the case and

the death was related to a medical condition. There were 19 total cases: 11

cases required autopsies and eight did not. Silva spoke on the cost savings of

Sign Out Cases. A total of $13,600 was saved from medical chart reviews on

eight cases. A total of $1,856 was saved by not processing toxicology. Silva

spoke on Sign Out - Unnatural Deaths. There was a total of 18 cases: one

homicide, four suicides, including two veterans, six suspected overdoses, and

seven categorized as other accident, such as falling or choking. Silva reviewed

the cost savings of the Sign-Out Unnatural Cases. She provided a graph

depicting the Deputy Caseload for April 2025. She noted that Deputy Hayden,

who works the midnight shift, has had the highest caseload for approximately

three months. She mentioned that the Coroner's Office continues to look for

ways to reduce the budget and save money. She explained that she is

considering the statutory responsibilities to see where money can be saved.

Silva thanked Committee Ex-Officio Roth and Member Gumz for coming to

some of the Office's scenes and enduring difficult cases. She stressed the fact

that the Coroner's Office is a skeleton crew and how overworked the office is.

Silva spoke on the reaccreditation process. She mentioned that the Coroner's

Office still wants to be able to provide the necessary information that families

need and being the best Coroner's Office in Illinois. She explained that the

County Board approved an Overdose Fatality Review position. Due to this, Silva

and her office have been working with the Kane County Health Department

(KCHD) to enact policies and provide data to help with prevention. Finally, Silva

explained that the Coroner's Office had issues with their air conditioning unit in

the autopsy room. She brought attention to the Building Management

Department (BLD). She explained that BLD staff was monitoring temperature

conditions for all County buildings. Before Silva could call on the air conditioning

issue, BLD staff called her to report the issue. She foresees this being a future

issue that the County will need to address. Silva welcomed everyone to tour the

Coroner's Office. She mentioned that she would like to tour other

departments/offices in order for everyone to better utilize County resources,

which in turn could held the budget.

12.

Judiciary & Courts (Villa/O'Brien)

Court Admin. O'Brien thanked the Building Management Department (BLD) for

completing the Chiller Project on time. She stated that May 1, 2025 was the nationally

recognized, Law Day. Kane County celebrated Law Day with several events, such as a

luncheon and an essay contest. The essay contest was for Kane County high school

junior and senior students. The Kane County BAR Association provided cash awards

for the individual winners. The essay contest had winners from the Illinois Math and

Science Academy (IMSA), Kaneland High School, and St. Edwards Central Catholic

High School. O'Brien mentioned that Chief Judge Villa, Judge David, Judge Di

Giovanni, Judge Tegeler, Kane County BAR Foundation representatives went to each

school and presented the awards to the winners. She hopes that the Kane County

Judiciary continues to celebrate Law Day and expand it every year.

Deputy Court Admin. Mathis mentioned that an email had been sent out pertaining to

the Kane Courts Quarterly. This is an online newsletter about the Judiciary. He

acknowledged Kane County's Law Librarian, Ellen Schmid, and Judiciary and Courts

Administrative Assistant, Alana Policastro for their work on the quarterly newsletter. He

explained that Chief Judge Villa wanted to develop a platform, in which the Judiciary

could share information. Mathis spoke on the Disability Accessibility Improvement

Grant. He explained that the County has received the money and the signed vendor is

ready to move forward with bringing all County buildings up to code with Americans

with Disabilities Act (ADA) signage.

Authorizing the 2025 AOIC Modernization Funding Allocation

Deputy Court Admin. Mathis introduced this resolution. He provided additional

information.

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Vern Tepe

MOVER:

Michelle Gumz

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Michael

Linder, and Vern Tepe

AYE:

Rick Williams

ABSENT:

13.

State's Attorney (J. Mosser)

Monthly Report

State's Attorney Mosser stated the monthly report was on file. No additional

report was made.

Authorizing Transfer of Appropriations and Budget Adjustment for Payroll

Coordinator Position in the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office

SAO CFO Hunt introduced this resolution. Hunt addressed questions and

comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued.

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Vern Tepe

MOVER:

Bill Lenert

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Michael

Linder, and Vern Tepe

AYE:

Rick Williams

ABSENT:

Authorizing Acceptance of Justice Assistance Grant and Budget Adjustments

Relating to Grants for the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office

SAO CFO Hunt introduced this resolution. He provided additional information on

the newly awarded Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) for violence prevention.

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Bill Lenert

Jon Gripe

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Michael

Linder, and Vern Tepe

AYE:

Rick Williams

ABSENT:

Authorizing Amended Contract with Axon Enterprises, Inc. for Electronic

Discovery Programs for the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office

SAO Dir. of Operations Ortiz stated that an amendment would need to be made

to this resolution regarding a new contract that was received, which had the

incorrect end date listed. He explained that this resolution is requesting an

increase in the current AXON Enterprises, Inc. contract. He noted that this

10-year contract was approved by the County Board in 2021. Since the approval

of the contract AXON has developed new features that would help attorneys

work through cases at a faster rate. Ortiz described the new features that AXON

has developed, such as cell phone extraction, language transcription, and

artificial intelligence. He stated that the current contract is $2.4M and the new

one is $2.7M. The new contract has an end date listed as December 2031, with

an annual increase of $36,074.

Committee Member Molina motioned to amend this resolution. The eighth

WHEREAS clause should be amended to state, "WHEREAS, the amended cost

proposal is $2,687,675.40 (Two Million Six Hundred Eighty-Seven Thousand Six

Hundred Seventy-Five Dollars and Forty Cents)". Committee Member Tepe

seconded the amendment. Discussion ensued. ASA Ford provided clarity on the

amended amount. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

Further discussion ensued on the amended resolution, such as the inclusion of

the Public Defender's Office within the contract and the County's cost savings

with the use of the AXON software.

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Vern Tepe

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Michelle Gumz

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Michael

Linder, and Vern Tepe

AYE:

Rick Williams

ABSENT:

14.

15.

Public Defender (R. Conant)

Monthly Report

Public Defender Conant stated the monthly report was on file. She voiced her

appreciation of the Committee for their support on the use of AXON software.

She will bring forth a resolution regarding her office's contract with AXON

Enterprises, Inc. Conant addressed questions and comments from the

Committee.

Court Services Administration (L. Aust)

Monthly Report

Court Srvs. Exec. Dir. Aust stated the following monthly reports were on file. She

explained that the statistics from probation caseloads, arrests, and intakes

remain consistent. She spoke on the work of the Building Management

Department (BLD). She recognized BLD Director Walker for his work. She

spoke on the issues with the air conditioning and the gas leak found when fixing

this. She explained that as the air conditioning unit was replaced at the Court

Services' Satellite Office in Aurora, a gas line leak was discovered. While Nicor

was addressing the gas leak, they blew the building's regulator. Due to this, the

entire building needed to be evacuated. Aust provided additional information

regarding the gas leak and evacuation. Additionally, the Aurora office has had

issues with water. Aust stated that BLD work hard with all departments/offices to

keep all County buildings together and safe. She thanked the KCHD for helping

her staff during the evacuation. She thanked her staff for their adaptability and

hard work. Aust thanked the Specialty Court Foundation that supports the work

the Kane County Specialty Courts have been doing. She expressed her

gratitude for the Kane County Sheriff for hosting the Specialty Court

Foundation's fundraiser. Aust addressed questions and comments from the

Committee. Discussion ensued.

JJC Housing Report

16.

Circuit Clerk (T. Barreiro)

Monthly Reports

CIC Chief Deputy Clk. Herwick stated the monthly reports were on file. She

explained that last month the Clerk's Office launched a program in conjunction

with the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) regarding HOPE

Cards. HOPE Cards are for domestic violence victims. When they receive an

Order of Protection, they can make a request to receive a HOPE card, which is a

scaled down version of the Order of Protection that can be held on their person.

Herwick stated the Clerk's Office was pleased to work with AOIC and for the

victims.

17.

Old Business

Referencing the Committee Expense Budget Report - by Account Detail, Committee

Member Gripe stated that 33% of the year has passed and 42.3% of the payroll has

been expended. He questioned if anyone was concerned with this. Secondly, Gripe

stated that the State's Attorney's Office (SAO) was the lead sponsor for a Human

Trafficking event that was on Saturday, May 10, 2025. He shared that human trafficking

brings in approximately four to ten times more money than the illegal drug business. He

encouraged the Committee to become more informed on this. He commended State's

Attorney Mosser and staff on trying to stop this.

18.

19.

New Business

Chairman Molina spoke on the FY2026 Budget. She hopes to have more guidance

from the Kane County Finance Committee on how departments/offices should move

forward with their budgets in the next couple weeks.

Place Written Reports on File

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Bill Lenert

20.

Executive Session (if needed)

None.