Government Center

719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. A

Geneva, IL 60134

Kane County

KC Administration Committee

Meeting Minutes

KIOUS, Juby, Arroyo, Berman, Garcia, Gumz, Young, ex-officios Roth (County Vice Chair)

and Pierog (County Chair)

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

10:30 AM

County Board Room

Call To Order

Chairman Kious called the meeting to order at 10:30 AM.

Roll Call

Board Member Chris Kious, Board Member Leslie Juby, Alex

PRESENT:

Arroyo, Sonia Garcia, Michelle Gumz, David Young, Bill Roth and

Corinne M. Pierog

Dale Berman

REMOTE:

Also present: Co. Bd. Members Allan, Bates*, Gripe, Lewis, Molina*, Penesis,

Strathmann*; ITD/BLD Exec. Dir. Fahnestock & staff Harris, Lasky, Passaglia, Roff,

Smith, Meyer, Peters; GIS Tech. Dir. Lebo & staff Chidester; Auditor Wegman; KCSO

Chief of Admin. Catich; Chief Judge Villa; Court Admin. O'Brien & staff Mathis; SAO

Chief of Civil Frank & CFO Hunt*; KaneComm Dir. Guthrie; KDOT Maintenance Supt.

Way; KCAC Admin. Youngsteadt*; and members of the press and public.

Remote Attendance Requests

Chairman Kious announced the remote attendance requests for today's meeting. He

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

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

Approval of Minutes: February 14, 2025

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

David Young

Public Comment

Michelle Bettag, St. Charles, voiced her concerns on the proposed retail sales tax

being voted on at the April 1, 2025 Consolidated Election. At the education

presentations that are being shared around the County, it is being said that possible

employee lay-offs, service cuts, and safety and protection cuts will need to occur if this

referendum does not pass. However, on today's agenda, there are resolutions asking

for new job positions to be created. Bettag stated that she will provide a friendly

reminder that this makes no sense. The citizens of Kane County have been requesting

fiscal responsibility. Bettag stated that seeing these types of resolutions on today's

agenda is insulting to citizens. She explained that Kane County families are struggling,

while the County's spending is out of control. She requested that these resolutions be

tabled.

Kane County Board Member and resident, David Young, Elgin, spoke on the

Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). He explained that DOGE has found

wasted funding over the past few weeks. He stated that on March 11, 2025, the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Director, Lee Zeldin, cancelled $20B in

funding to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) for Green Energy. Young listed

examples of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) wasted

funding. He stated that half of the employees of the U.S. Department of Education will

be laid off. He spoke on the three resolutions seeking new Building Management

Department (BLD) positions on today's agenda. He explained that BLD was able to find

$450K that was not being used. He asked if BLD can find an extra $450K. What other

funding could the County find? Young listed several resolutions that were passed within

the past months where the BLD sought high figured expenses. All of these items were

listed as being part of the budget. However, there is now an extra $450K to hire new

employees? Young inquired about the long-term cost of these new employees to the

County. He stated he would not be in support of these proposed resolutions.

Brian Anderson, Sugar Grove, spoke on the proposed retail sales tax referendum that

will be voted on at the April 1, 2025 Consolidated Election. He encouraged the

Administration Committee to take a pause of hiring new employees, until the results of

the election are provided. He explained that he spent 30 years working for corporate

America and faced pay and hiring freezes. If these proposed positions are necessary,

they should be presented after April 1, 2025. Anderson hopes that the County Board

understands that Kane County residents elected each member to make tough

decisions during rough times. He explained that in the public sector these types of

decisions are made often.

Kane County resident, Jenine Mehr, inquired about the funding being spent on public

safety. She explained that she has been attending the information meetings on the

sales tax referendum. At these meetings, the citizens are being told misguided

information on how this additional funding would be utilized. Mehr asked that out of the

County's General Fund's of $138M, how much is currently committed to public safety?

She stated that if the County is expending $50M on public safety out of the $138M, and

is seeking $50M in additional funding, this will be a burden on the Kane County

business owners and consumers and a 100% increase. She noted that this does not

sound accurate. Mehr thinks that the County Board would like to take the current

funding for public safety and spend it on other County necessities, in which they would

utilize the additional sales tax amount of $50M for public safety. She noted that if the

baseline amount is not known by the Board, it would be irresponsible for them to vote

yes for the proposed retail tax.

Finance Report

Monthly Finance Reports

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

report was made.

Executive Director's Report (R. Fahnestock)

ITD/BLD Exec. Dir. Fahnestock stated he would save his Director's Report until the

presentation regarding three newly proposed positions. He introduced the new Building

Management Department (BLD) Director, Kevin Harris. Harris introduced himself and

provided a brief professional background.

Building Management (K. Harris)

Facility Use: Geneva Chamber of Commerce

ITD/BLD Exec. Dir. Fahnestock presented the County Property Request. The

Geneva Chamber of Commerce has requested to use the Third Street

Courthouse property for 2025 Swedish Days' activities, Classic Car Shows,

Geneva Art Fair, Autumn Fest, and Christmas Walk. Fahnestock addressed

questions and comments from the Committee.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE

Leslie Juby

Michelle Gumz

Authorizing the Purchase of Products and Services Through the Amazon

Business Online Marketplace for the Building Management Department

(Contract No. R-TC-17006)

ITD/BLD Exec. Dir. Fahnestock provided additional information on this

resolution. Fahnestock addressed questions and comments from the

Committee. Discussion ensued.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

David Young

MOVER:

Alex Arroyo

SECONDER:

Chris Kious, Board Member Juby, Board Member Arroyo, Board

Member Berman, Board Member Garcia, Board Member Gumz

and Board Member Young

AYE:

Authorizing Number of Procurement Cards Issued to the Building Management

Department and Each of Their Transaction Limits

ITD/BLD Exec. Dir. Fahnestock mentioned that two new procurement cards

have been added to the attached list: Anthony Passaglia for a single purchase

limit of $2,500 and a credit limit of $5K and Kevin Harris for a single purchase

limit of $29K and a credit limit of $30K.

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Leslie Juby

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Dale Berman

Chris Kious, Board Member Juby, Board Member Arroyo, Board

Member Berman, Board Member Garcia, Board Member Gumz

and Board Member Young

AYE:

Authorizing the Contract Extension for Systemwide Flooring Through OMNIA’s

Shaw Integrated & Turf Solutions, Inc. Contract for the Building Management

Department (Contract No. 2020002144)

ITD/BLD Exec. Dir. Fahnestock provided additional information on this

resolution. He noted that a competitive procurement process was done and the

lowest responsible bidder was accepted. He explained that the Building

Management Department (BLD) is seeking to add Shaw Integrated & Turf

Solutions for competitive pricing. He stated that Shaw Integrated & Turf

Solutions offer the same products, union installation, and comply with County's

Responsible Bidders' Ordinance (RBO) requirements. Fahnestock explained

that Shaw will provide a local installer and supplier under this contract. Along

with the County's current lowest bidder, this will allow Shaw to provide proposals

on carpeting and flooring. Currently, BLD is scoring all County

departments/offices flooring. After this, the top five worse departments/offices

will be provided proposals for new flooring. Fahnestock addressed questions

and comments from the Committee.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Michelle Gumz

MOVER:

Alex Arroyo

SECONDER:

Chris Kious, Board Member Juby, Board Member Arroyo, Board

Member Berman, Board Member Garcia, Board Member Gumz

and Board Member Young

AYE:

Authorizing Reimbursement to the Kane County Sheriff’s Office for Costs

Expended for the Administrative Wing Project (Resolution No. 23-394)

ITD/BLD Exec. Dir. Fahnestock explained that during 2023 to 2024 the Kane

County Sheriff's Office had a resolution and construction contract to renovate

the Administration Wing. He stated that the Sheriff's Office's Account Payable

employees paid the invoice out of an off-balance sheet account, when it should

have been paid through the County's Capital Projects Fund. Fahnestock

explained that the appropriate method to pay this invoice was discussed with the

Finance Department, Auditor's Office, and others to reimburse the Sheriff's

Office. He worked with the State's Attorney's Office Civil Division to draft this

resolution, which will authorize and direct the Finance Department to pay the

Sheriff's Special Fund off-balance sheet reimbursement for the work that has

been done. This will allow the $205,179.62 to be placed back in the Sheriff's

Special Fund. Fahnestock addressed questions and comments from the

Committee. Much discussion ensued.

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Michelle Gumz

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Sonia Garcia

Chris Kious, Board Member Juby, Board Member Arroyo, Board

Member Berman, Board Member Garcia, Board Member Gumz

and Board Member Young

AYE:

Authorizing Additional Spending From FY2025 Budget for Kane County Elevator

Preventative Maintenance Services (BID# 23-011)

ITD/BLD Exec. Dir. Fahnestock provided additional information on this

resolution. Fahnestock addressed questions and comments from the

Committee. Discussion ensued.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Dale Berman

MOVER:

Michelle Gumz

SECONDER:

Chris Kious, Board Member Juby, Board Member Arroyo, Board

Member Berman, Board Member Garcia, Board Member Gumz

and Board Member Young

AYE:

Authorizing Three New Job Positions and Emergency Budget Adjustment to

Fund 125 for the Building Management Department

Committee Member Gumz motioned to discuss and potentially approve this

resolution, Juby seconded.

Gumz motioned to table this resolution, Juby seconded. Motion passed by a 5-2

vote.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

TABLED

Michelle Gumz

Leslie Juby

Board Member Juby, Board Member Arroyo, Board Member

Garcia, Board Member Gumz and Board Member Young

AYE:

NAY:

Chris Kious and Board Member Berman

Information Technologies (C. Lasky)

Authorizing the Purchase of Products and Services Through the Amazon

Business Online Marketplace for the Information Technologies Department

(Contract No. R-TC-17006)

ITD CIO Lasky provided additional information on this resolution. Lasky

addressed questions and comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Michelle Gumz

MOVER:

Leslie Juby

SECONDER:

Chris Kious, Board Member Juby, Board Member Arroyo, Board

Member Berman, Board Member Garcia, Board Member Gumz

and Board Member Young

AYE:

10.

Geographic Information Systems (K. Lebo)

Authorizing New Job Position and Emergency Budget Adjustment to Fund 101

for the GIS-Technologies Department

ITD CIO Lasky explained that during the FY2025 budget process, a Geographic

Information System (GIS) position was removed from the Information

Technologies Department (ITD). At that point, a fee study was conducted and it

was recommended that the fees be increased. Due to this increase, ITD is

looking to bring back the GIS position. These increased fees will support the

work and this position for GIS. Lasky addressed questions and comments from

the Committee. Discussion ensued.

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVER:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Leslie Juby

Alex Arroyo

SECONDER:

AYE:

Chris Kious, Board Member Juby, Board Member Arroyo, Board

Member Berman, Board Member Garcia and Board Member

Young

Board Member Gumz

NAY:

11.

12.

Mill Creek SSA (R. Fahnestock)

None.

Vehicles

Authorizing the Purchase of a Vehicle by the Kane County Sheriff’s Office for the

DCFS Liaison Deputy

KCSO Chief of Admin. Catich provided additional information on this resolution.

Catich addressed questions and comments from the Committee. Discussion

ensued.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Michelle Gumz

MOVER:

Leslie Juby

SECONDER:

Chris Kious, Board Member Juby, Board Member Arroyo, Board

Member Berman, Board Member Garcia, Board Member Gumz

and Board Member Young

AYE:

Approving a $163,386.00 Contract for the Purchase of Three (3) 2025 Ford

F-350 Truck Cab & Chassis for the Kane County Division of Transportation -

Units 24, 28 & 29

KDOT Maintenance Supt. Way provided additional information on this

resolution.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Michelle Gumz

MOVER:

Leslie Juby

SECONDER:

Chris Kious, Board Member Juby, Board Member Arroyo, Board

Member Berman, Board Member Garcia, Board Member Gumz

and Board Member Young

AYE:

13.

New Business

Approving Extension for Temporary Employee Providers

ITD CIO Lasky explained that several years ago the Purchasing Department did

a bid for temporary service providers. He noted that the Information

Technologies Department (ITD), along with numerous other departments, utilize

these temporary workers. This is a budgeted expense for the ITD, Building

Management Department (BLD), and other departments that use this service.

Lasky addressed questions and comments from the Committee.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

David Young

MOVER:

Leslie Juby

SECONDER:

Chris Kious, Board Member Juby, Board Member Arroyo, Board

Member Berman, Board Member Garcia, Board Member Gumz

and Board Member Young

AYE:

14.

Old Business

Committee Member Juby addressed the questions on the public safety expenses. She

stated that the County's General Fund - General Account allotted $96,060,978, or 69%

for FY2025.

Chief Judge Villa stated that the Chief Judge's Office has no say in how the County

funds or procures money spent. He does understand that fiscal responsibility is

important to the residents of Kane County and it is not new to government. At today's

meeting, Villa observed two things. One being that the Federal Government and

County Government are not the same. He explained that local government provides

two things: public safety and public works. At the Judicial Center campus, he has

learned because of the way government operates, it is a false comparison to the

private sector of government. Under the ideas of being responsible to the public, the

government hires the lowest bidder, spends the least amount of money, and reduces

maintenance on its main assets. This causes things to break or be inoperable, which

then becomes more expensive to repair and/or replace. Villa explained that Kane

County will not be able to provide a new wing on the Judicial Center due to fiscal

restraints. However, improvements to current assets are necessary in order to continue

providing services. Secondly, Villa spoke on maintenance. He explained that while the

County does need to be fiscally responsibility, it also needs to maintain buildings to

provide services. Maintenance is one of the ways to operate fiscally responsibly. Villa

spoke on the prolonged maintenance needed on an elevator at the Judicial Center. He

asked if the maintenance on this elevator was a cost cut. He offered his advice on the

Committee's consideration on the resolution on today's agenda regarding new Building

Management positions. As the County is seeking to be fiscally responsible and provide

the necessary services, maintenance is one of the better ways you can obtain this. Villa

stated that the public does not want to have maintenance work done in the middle of

the day, which inquires the County to hire for second and/or third shifts. This is more

expensive. He explained that if the County is going to preserve the assets it has, they

must be maintained appropriately.

15.

Reports Placed On File

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Michelle Gumz

16.

17.

Executive Session (if needed)

None.

Adjournment

RESULT:

APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE

Alex Arroyo

MOVER:

Michelle Gumz

SECONDER:

This meeting was adjourned at 11:36 AM.

Savannah Zgobica

Sr. Recording Secretary