Government Center

719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. A

Geneva, IL 60134

Kane County

KC Legislative Committee

Meeting Minutes

GUMZ, LINDER, Bates, Daugherty, Molina, Silva, Strathmann, ex-officios Pierog (County

Chair) and Tepe (County Vice Chair)

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

10:30 AM

County Board Room

Call To Order

Chairman Gumz called today's meeting to order at 10:31 AM.

Roll Call

Board Member Michelle Gumz

Board Member Michael Linder

PRESENT

Board Member Myrna Molina

Board Member Monica Silva

Board Member Cherryl Strathmann

Ex-Officio County Board Vice Chair Vern Tepe

Board Member Gary Daugherty

REMOTE

ABSENT

Board Member Mavis Bates

Ex-Officio County Board Chair Corinne M. Pierog

Also present: Co. Bd. members Kious*, Kenyon, Lenert, Roth, Surges*; Recycling

Coordinator Ryan; Environ. & Water Res. Dir. Wollnik; McGuire Woods Rep. Bales*

and Sherwood*;Transportation Dep. Dir. Rickert; ASA Frank; ITD staff Peters; and

members of the press and public.

Remote Attendance Requests

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

asked the Committee if there were any objections to Committee Members Daugherty

attending remotely. There were no objections.

Approval of Minutes: August 21, 2024

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Michael Linder

Public Comment

None.

New Business

Household Hazardous Waste (Clair Ryan)

Recycling Coordinator, Ryan, presented information on the Household Hazardous

Waste Extended Producer Responsibility Bill (HHW). She anticipates that this bill will

be introduced to the state legislator, and hopes to rally local government support. Kane

County has a drop-off facility in Naperville which is open every weekend of the year,

and open to all state residents on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

without fees. Ryan explained that the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is the

concept that product manufactures should bear the costs for end-of-life disposal and

recycling of their products. The goal of EPR is to integrate the environmental

externalities associated with mass-produced goods into corporate budgeting and

decision-making. She provided an overview of the draft Household Stewardship Act.

Starting on January 1, 2027, all manufacturers must belong to a stewardship

organization or a producer responsibility organization (PRO) with an approved

stewardship plan. The Stewardship plan will last for five years, and manufacturers will

fund 100% of collection costs for collection sites identified in the plan. Manufacturers

will pay a portion of the transportation and disposal costs. Starting in year 2029, there

must be a permanent collection site open at least 55 hours per month within fifteen

miles of 60% of state residents, and a one-day collection event at least six hours long

within twenty-five miles of at least 20% additional residents. This program will save

Kane County $10K per year in perpetuity on the Naperville site contribution. Lastly,

Ryan noted that this program will boost public awareness about safe HHW disposal

options. Much discussion ensued.

ISACo Wind and Solar Facility Task Force (Mavis Bates & Jodie Wollnik)

Environ. & Water Res. Dir., Wollnik, stated that in January of 2023, the Chairman

assigned her to the ISACo Wind and Solar Task Force. A series of discussions were

conducted on implementing wind and solar regulations for Illinois counties. There will

be a meeting in December discussing draft language for changes that will potentially go

to the State Legislator in January of 2025. Wollnik reviewed the suggested language on

areas focused on to help facilitate this process for the county. The time frame for the

Kane County sighting decision is currently at 30 days. The proposed change for the

time frame is 60 days, which will provide more time for discussions before a decision is

made. Lastly, Kane County would like to add language that allows bermming, which is

a screening mechanism used as landscaping and fencing, on the solar facility. Much

discussion ensued.

Legislative Updates

McGuireWoods Consultant, Bales, stated that Congress is back in session. The

FY2024 funding levels will run out on December 20, 2024. It will be determined in

Congress to pass a FY2025 appropriation bill.

McGuireWoods Consultant, Sherwood, stated that Thursday, November 21, 2024 is

the last day of Veto session. New Legislative Members were down in Springfield this

week for training. The four caucus leaders will remain in place for the next General

Assembly. Lastly, Sherwood, noted that on January 8, 2025, the Inauguration will be

held for the new General Assembly. Discussion ensued.

Kane County Legislative Agenda FY2025

Chairman, Gumz, provided a draft legislative agenda to the committee. The agenda

included a mission statement, the history and overview of Kane County, and legislative

priorities. Gumz made a recommendation to include the county's departments on the

agenda, including community development and housing, economic and workforce

development, energy and environmental, health and human services, infrastructure

and land use, public safety, transportation, and veterans. She noted that the approved

legislative agenda can be amended by the Legislative Committee and County Board

based on articulated criteria and consistency with county priorities. A county position on

specific bills may be taken through the legislative committee based on a significant

impact to county policy or operations. Gumz highlighted the draft conclusion stating

that the legislative agenda reflects Kane County's commitment to serving its residents

through innovative governance, fiscal responsibility, and proactive advocacy. By

collaborating with state and federal partners, Kane County will strive to achieve

legislative priorities and create a prosperous future for its communities. The Committee

discussed their thoughts and opinions. Chairman Gumz stated that she will consider all

of the committee member's suggestions and opinions, and will re-draft the agenda to

present at the next meeting.

Old Business

Committee Co-Chair discussion

Chairman, Gumz, stated that the Jobs Committee had a discussion on a pending

resolution to eliminate co-chairs from the Legislative Committee and Jobs Committee.

She believes there is no need for a co-chairs. Committee Member, Linder, conquered

on this topic. There was no objection by the committee on the recommendation.

Co-chair Comments

Co-Chair, Linder, stated that he is pleased with the members contributions to this

committee, and hopes to see all members back after the first of next month.

Executive Session (if needed)

None.

10.

Place Reports on File

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Michelle Gumz

11.

Adjournment

RESULT:

APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE

Monica Silva

MOVER:

Cherryl Strathmann

SECONDER:

This meeting was adjourned at 11:41 a.m.

Rachel Santora

Recording Secretary