Government Center

719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. A

Geneva, IL 60134

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, September 11, 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 Jon Gripe

PRESENT

Board Member Michael Linder

Board Member Vern Tepe

Ex-Officio County Board Vice Chair Bill Roth

Board Member Michelle Gumz

Board Member Rick Williams

Board Member Bill Lenert

REMOTE

ABSENT

Ex-Officio County Board Chair Corinne M. Pierog

Also present: Co. Bd. Members Juby*, Kious*; Merit Comm. Chairman Burgert;

KaneComm Dir. Guthrie; OEM Dir. Buziecki; Undersheriff Johnson; Coroner Silva;

Chief Judge Villa & staff O'Brien; SAO staff Brady, Hunt*; Brady; Public Def. Conant;

Court Srvs. Exec. Dir. Aust; Circuit Clk. Barreiro; ITD CIO Lasky* & staff Kash; and

members of the press and public.

Remote Attendance Requests

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

asked the Committee if there were any objections to Committee Members Gumz and

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

Approval of Minutes: August 14, 2025

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Michael Linder

Public Comment

Committee Member Jon Gripe reflected on the assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah

and a school shooting that occurred in Colorado on the same day. He stated that today

is a sad day of reflection and the anniversary of the terrorist attacks that occurred

September 11, 2001. With all these events occurring in a 24-hour period, everyone has

the chance to reflect on the loss of life. He stated that the loss of life through a violent

event is hatred. He explained that everyone is responsible in letting the hate grow in

cities, counties, country, and world. Though Gripe never met Kirk, he has several

friends in Kane County who have volunteered at open forums and events with him. He

felt a sense of closeness through them to Kirk. Gripe explained that he was kept awake

last night wondering what he could do to make a difference in a hate filled world. He

stated that as a Christ follower, he has been called to a higher standard calling of

pursuing peace with and for everyone, even though he fails often at reaching said

peace of Christ. He reflected on the opportunities each person has to choose the

peaceful approach. Gripe stated that Charlie Kirk's shooter chose violence to respond

to hate, along with countless others that have encouraged hate. He exclaimed that it is

time to hold others accountable for their words and to stop ignoring and shunning those

that express disagreement with any view or idea with violent talk or proposed actions.

He stated that Kirk was a man of peace that went to college campuses to engage

anyone into discussions about anything. He noted that Charlie Kirk's favorite phrase to

those he was debating was, "Let's find some common ground".

Monthly Financial Reports

Monthly Finance Reports

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

report was made.

Merit Commission

Merit Commission Chairman Burgert reported that the Commission will be testing for

patrol officers on October 29, 2025 at Waubonsee Community College. So far, the

Commission has received 50 applications, and he suspects they will have over 100.

Additionally, lateral interviews will be conducted on September 16, 2025. Burgert stated

that the Commission has been working on a way to charge a small application fee. He

noted that this fee would be in the range of $10.00 to $45.00. He stated that St.

Charles implements an application fee, but if the applicant is hired, the fee is refunded

on their first paycheck. He explained that the Commission would like to implement this

fee due to several applicants being a no-show to the last testing date, which cost the

County $15.00 per booklet, which later was disposed of. Lastly, the Commission is

trying to find a way to give back to Waubonsee Community College for the use of their

building. (Committee Member Gumz arrived remotely at 9:04 a.m.) Burgert explained

that the Commission used to pay West Aurora High School approximately $800.00 and

the VFW of Batavia $900.00 to use their facilities. Currently, Waubonsee is allowing

the Commission to utilize their facility for free. Burgert recommended that the

Commission provide Waubonsee $250.00 for cleaning services.

KaneComm (M. Guthrie)

Monthly Report

KaneComm Guthrie stated the monthly report was on file. She highlighted

several events that KaneComm participated in through August, such as the

Sheriff's Office's National Night Out and Campton Hills National Night Out. She

reported that two full-time telecommunicators have been hired and will begin on

September 22, 2025. In preparation for their training and classroom experience,

she is transitioning her office to be utilized as a training space. On top of the

new hires, KaneComm has a Skills Testing scheduled for September 24, 2025.

Guthrie noted that KaneComm's hiring process will not stop as there are

numerous vacancies to fill. She added that KaneComm is doing the best they

can with the limited amount of space for training, but she feels it is important for

staff to be in the center while they are learning.

Emergency Management (S. Buziecki)

Monthly Report

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

had 1,800 volunteer hours, which was the most in a month. He stated that

August was the first National Emergency Management Month. He highlighted

the outreach and events that occurred to highlight the month. He stated that the

Office will continue their public outreach and share the message of

preparedness. Buziecki stated that OEM has received the Mobile Operations

Center and has begun the demonstration tour. He explained that one of the

things he is most proud of is the connections made with County staff and

informing them about services and trainings offered by OEM. Lastly, he

highlighted several upcoming events: New Member Academy Graduation on

October 1, 2026 at 6:00 p.m., and the OEM Touch-a-Truck Event on September

13, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. He invited everyone to come to these

events. Discussion ensued on the scheduled locations of the new Mobile

Operations Center.

10.

11.

Sheriff/Adult Corrections (R. Hain)

Monthly Report

Undersheriff Johnson stated the monthly report was on file. No additional report

was made.

Coroner (M. Silva)

Monthly Report

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

depicting the August Comparison from 2024 to 2025. She stated that the total

number of cases are tending lower. However, the Coroner's Office overall cases

are trending higher at this time of the year. Silva explained that there has been a

total of 266 cases with only five full-time Deputy Coroners. She noted that one

Deputy is on light duty. Even though cases are trending lower, the Office is

processing these cases with less help. Silva stated that her Office will be losing

another Deputy Coroner to a local municipality due to pay. She spoke on the

break down of the reported deaths in August 2025. She stated that there were

17 Sign-Out Unnatural deaths, such as homicide, motor vehicle, suicide, and

suspected overdose. She noted that there were 11 autopsies conducted in

August 2025.

With September being Suicide Awareness Month, Silva spoke on the eight

suicide deaths that have occurred in August 2025. She told the Committee

members that she has highlighted the district in which the suicide occurred. She

explained that the Office is trying to come up with ways to help with the factors

that lead to deaths, like suicide and overdoses. Silva reviewed the Deputy

Caseload for August 2025. She explained that her temporary plan to help lessen

the caseload on Deputy Coroners is to hire more Para Deputies. However, she

stated that the Office does need full-time Deputy Coroners. Silva spoke on other

concerns for staff, such as 12-hour work days and quality of life. She stated that

she has been speaking with staff to see what would help accommodate them, as

well as help meet the needs of Kane County. She reported that from January 1,

2025 to September 10, 2025, there have been 33 suicides. Of which, two of

those cases involved individuals that were 21 years or younger. (Committee

Member Williams arrived remotely at 9:17 a.m.). In 2024, there were 40 suicides

between January 1, 2024 to September 10, 2024. Silva reported that the

Coroner's Office has distributed 4,600 boxes of Narcan throughout the

community. Regarding overdoses, she stated that in 2025, there have been 35

drug-related overdoses, of which 20 cases were opiate related. She explained

that there were two cases of death that were attributed to Mitragyna, which has

been named Kratom. She stated that Kratom is being sold as a wellness product

that is not regulated. More information will become available as Silva has

discussions with the National Laboratory and staff conducts their research. Silva

recognized her staff who is at the forefront of the Opioid and suicide battle.

While working a difficult job, she stated that staff has provided families with

compassion and professionalism. She commended the work done by her staff

during the worse time in people's lives. Silva addressed questions and

comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued on Kratom.

Silva added that the Coroner's Office has been present in the community

participating in various suicide and overdose awareness events. She stated that

the Office is making a large effort to participate in the community.

Authorizing Funding for the Purchase of a Rapid DNA Instrument and Database

Capability for the Kane County Forensics Lab and Budget Adjustment

Coroner Silva requested that this resolution be pulled from today's agenda. She

explained that the County's Purchasing Department stated that this needs to go

out to bid, even though there are only two companies that sell a Rapid DNA

Instrument and data capability. However, the State law states that this needs to

go out to bid due to it being over $30K. Silva explained that this resolution

pertains to purchasing equipment that the County received a grant for. She

noted that the equipment must be purchased before being reimbursed.

Myrna Molina

MOVER:

Chairman Molina motioned to move this resolution forward. The motion failed due to

lack of a second.

12.

Judiciary & Courts (Villa/O'Brien)

Chief Judge Villa reported that on October 8, 2025, the Judiciary and Courts will be

hosting the 25th Drug Court Graduation with 17 participants. He invited everyone to

attend. Villa spoke on last year's Pro Bono Attorney Dinner hosted by DeKalb/Kendall

County that he attended. He explained that Kane County Law Library Dir. Eichert hosts

an annual Open House that is open to the public throughout the day. Small snacks and

refreshments are served and there are chances to win prizes. However, Villa has felt

that this is an underwhelming event for the recognition of the Pro Bono work that is

provided in the County. Therefore, the Judiciary will be hosting a Pro Bono Dinner on

October 20, 2025. He noted that the BAR Association has offered to fund awards for

individuals, which is a much more deserving recognition for the attorneys' efforts.

13.

14.

State's Attorney (J. Mosser)

Monthly Report

SAO Deputy Chief of Civil Brady stated the monthly report was on file. No

additional report was made.

Public Defender (R. Conant)

Monthly Report

Public Def. Conant stated the monthly report was on file. She reported that her

Office will be taking advantage of the newly tech savvy Ceremonial Courtroom at

the Third Street Courthouse in Geneva for a half-office training.

15.

Court Services Administration (L. Aust)

Monthly Report

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

explained that this week the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice issued their

audit on the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center (JJC). She reported that the

JJC passed with stellar comments. She quoted a complimentary comment within

the audit. Additionally, Aust stated that the Court Services Department's Pretrial

Division received their Letter of Certification from the Illinois Office of Statewide

Pretrial Services. She noted that Court Services' budget will be updated to

account for the additional allocation from the award.

JJC Housing Report

Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with Rock Island County for

Juvenile Detention Services

Court Srvs. Exec. Dir. Aust stated that this resolution pertains to an

intergovernmental agreement with Rock Island County to house juveniles at a

per diem of $225 per day for a three-year term. She noted that the following four

resolutions have the same conditions.

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Vern Tepe

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Michael Linder

Myrna Molina, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Michael Linder, Vern

Tepe, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Bill Lenert, and Corinne M. Pierog

ABSENT:

Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with Ogle County for Juvenile

Detention Services

Committee Member Gripe stated that there are scrivener's errors in all of the

listed resolution's NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED clause. Currently, the

resolutions read, "NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Kane

County Board that Madam Chair be authorized to sign a three-year contract with

the County of [Name of County] for juvenile detention services." Gripe stated

that you cannot have two "that" within one sentence. He requested that this be

changed moving forward. Discussion ensued on the proper way to amend the

resolutions.

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, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Michael Linder, Vern

Tepe, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Bill Lenert, and Corinne M. Pierog

ABSENT:

Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with Lee County for Juvenile

Detention Services

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Vern Tepe

MOVER:

Jon Gripe

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Michael Linder, Vern

Tepe, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Bill Lenert, and Corinne M. Pierog

ABSENT:

Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with Stephenson County for

Juvenile Detention Services

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Michael Linder

MOVER:

Vern Tepe

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Michael Linder, Vern

Tepe, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Bill Lenert, and Corinne M. Pierog

ABSENT:

Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with Whiteside County for Juvenile

Detention Services

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Jon Gripe

MOVER:

Michael Linder

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Michael Linder, Vern

Tepe, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Bill Lenert, and Corinne M. Pierog

ABSENT:

Committee Member Gripe motioned to amend the scrivener's error in resolutions 15C

through 15G, Gumz seconded. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

16.

Circuit Clerk (T. Barreiro)

Monthly Report

Circuit Clk. Barreiro stated the monthly report was on file. She commended the

Circuit Clerk's Office's Finance/Accounting Division. She noted that the Division

was mentioned in the County's Audit that was discussed at Tuesday's Kane

County Board meeting. Barreiro reported that the Office's caseload has

increased by 6%. She noted that ten HOPE Cards have been issued to those

with plenary orders of protection since April 2025. She reported that the Office's

staffing levels are down from last month. She explained that she has lost her

fifth employee to other County departments/offices since taking office, due to

increased pay. Barreiro stated that she has continued to review legislation that

has affected the Office to find out what is needed moving forward. She

explained that all of the public acts that were passed state, "shall". Therefore,

these acts need to be reviewed with the State's Attorney's Office to see what is

truly needed. Lastly, Barreiro stated that the Circuit Clerk's Office will be hosting

an Expungement event at the Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin on Saturday,

September 13, 2025.

17.

18.

19.

Old Business

None.

New Business

None.

Place Written Reports on File

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Vern Tepe

20.

Executive Session (if needed)

None.