Government Center

719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. A

Geneva, IL 60134

Kane County

KC County Development

Committee

Meeting Minutes

WILLIAMS, Arroyo, Daugherty, Garcia, Iqbal, Linder & ex-officios Tepe (Transportation Chair),

Lenert (Forest Preserve President), Roth (County Vice Chair) and Pierog (County Chair)

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

10:30 AM

County Board Room

Call To Order

Chairman Williams called the meeting to order at 10:58 AM.

Roll Call

Board Member Rick Williams

Board Member Sonia Garcia

Board Member Mo Iqbal

PRESENT

Board Member Michael Linder

Ex-Officio (Transportation Chairman) Vern Tepe

Ex-Officio (Forest Preserve President) Bill Lenert

Ex-Officio County Board Vice Chair Bill Roth

Board Member Alex Arroyo

ABSENT

Board Member Gary Daugherty

Ex-Officio County Board Chair Corinne M. Pierog

Also present: Co. Bd. Members Allan, Gripe, Juby*, Kious*, Molina*, Penesis*; Dev.

Dir. VanKerkhoff & staff Mall, Toth, Dall, Walsh; Environ. & Water Res. Dir. Wollnik &

staff Orlik; KDOT Chief of Permitting Hohertz; ITD staff Peters; ASA Ford*; Spec. ASA

Shepro; and members of the press and public.

Remote Attendance Requests

There were no remote attendance requests for today's meeting.

Approval of Minutes: September 16, 2025

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Mo Iqbal

Public Comment

Susan Blassick, St. Charles, stated that she lives on a dead end street that is wooded

and peaceful. However, there is a short-term rental located on the same street that has

been causing issues. Blassick explained that the only traffic on the street, before the

short-term rental was established, were residents, deliveries, and services. She stated

that the short-term rental, with it's transient nature, has no place on this dead end,

residential road. She explained that the neighborhood has had disruptions due to the

short-term rental, such as loud parties and overflowing parking on the street and lawn

that could possibly interfere with emergency vehicles. Blassick stated that just recently,

her dog found a barbecued chicken bone that was carelessly left on the lawn. She

believes that a potential home buyer would think twice before purchasing a home with

a short-term rental property on the same street. She is grateful for the legislation that is

being presented regarding short-term rental properties.

Deanna Davisson, St. Charles, stated that she is neighbors with the previous speaker,

Blassnik. She explained that her home is located to the left of the 4,500 square foot

home that is being utilized as a short-term rental. She stated that there is routinely 15

to 20 extra people in and out of the neighborhood day and night, due to this short-term

rental. Davisson spoke on the safety and security concerns. She explained that this

road has approximately ten homes located on it. She stated that when approximately

25 extra people are traveling the road, it is more than doubling the street's population.

She explained that the roadway has no outlet. Therefore, this is a safety perspective

nightmare. Davisson stated that she teaches Homeland Security courses, runs the

Homeland Security Program at the College of DuPage, and teaches Emergency

Management courses. Therefore, she fully understands the importance of safety and

security. She is thankful that the Development Committee is willing to have this

conversation. She spoke on the safety requirements from bedrooms listed within the

proposed ordinance, such as having a minimum of two modes of egress from any

bedroom. She believes that this should be the same for every house located on the

street, due to having a street that is one-way in and one-way out. Davisson explained

that when the road is overpopulated with an additional 20 cars, it becomes more

difficult or impossible to come and go freely. She stated that the Committee needs to

consider having all short-term rental properties located on through streets only to

lessen the possibility of an emergent situation. Additionally, she explained that there is

nothing within the proposed ordinance that restricts animals or confinement of animals.

She asked the Committee to take this into consideration. Davisson spoke on a recent

incident that involved her dog and one of the short-term renter's dog. She stated that

this is an ongoing issue that needs to be addressed.

All other public comments were held until the Zoning Petition discussions.

Monthly Financials

Monthly Reports

Chairman Williams stated the monthly financial reports were on file. No

additional report was made.

Building & Zoning Division

A. Building & Zoning Report

Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff stated the monthly Building and Zoning Report was on file. He

thanked Chairman Williams and the Human Resources Department for their help on

the Development Department's reorganization. He explained that the reorganization

was required to absorb the Office of Community Reinvestment's (OCR) programs and

staff. VanKerkhoff introduced Asst. Dir. of the Development and Community Services

Department, Chris Dall, Development Planning Division Manager, Chris Toth, Building

and Zoning Division Manager, Natalie Zine, and Finance and Administration Manager,

Jill Walsh. He provided a brief professional background and job responsibilities for

each staff member. VanKerkhoff addressed questions and comments from the

Committee.

VanKerkhoff added that the Building and Zoning staff remain busy with new building

permits and solar petitions.

Zoning Petitions

Petition # 4668 Petitioner: SunVest Solar, LLC, dba SV CSG SunTrust Solar,

LLC

Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff introduced Zoning Petition 4668: SV CSG SunTrust Solar.

He stated that this petition has requested a Special Use in the F-Farming Zoning

District to allow for the development of a Commercial Solar Energy Facility

located on approximately 39-acres of property located on the south side of IL

Route 72, west of Interstate 90 in Rutland Township. He noted that the owner of

the property was Sun Grandchildren's Trust. He shared several maps and

photographs depicting the location of the parcel. He stated that this parcel is

categorized as Critical Growth Area/Route 47 Corridor on the 2040 Conceptual

Land Use Strategy and Commerce/Employment on the 2040 Land Use Analysis.

VanKerkhoff shared the solar facility's proposed site plan. He stated that the

access drive is located off of Route 72 and the proposed screening would be

established on the north end of the property. Additionally, the panel fencing is

set approximately 360 feet back from the right-of-way. VanKerkhoff reviewed the

Landscaping/Vegetation plan. VanKerkhoff shared the Fence Detail of the

proposed solar facility. He shared the stipulations provided by the Kane County

Water Resources Department, the Kane County Division of Transportation

(KDOT), and the Rutland-Dundee Fire Protection District. VanKerkhoff reviewed

the results of the EcoCAT Report preformed by the Illinois Department of

Natural Resources (IDNR), the NRI Report submitted by the Kane-DuPage Soil

& Water Conservation District (SWCD), and the Section 7 Consultation

conducted by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS). He explained

that the Village of Gilberts requested that any development be consistent with

regional comprehensive planning efforts and notes that the Village has secured

boundary agreements with its neighbors and the Village's 2023 Comprehensive

Plan. The Village has identified this parcel as primarily single-family detached

residential. VanKerkhoff shared the Zoning Board of Appeals' (ZBA)

recommended stipulations and their findings. He stated that the ZBA voted to

recommend approval of Petition 4668 with the recommended stipulations with a

motion that passed with a 6 to 1 vote. VanKerkhoff addressed questions and

comments from the Committee.

SunVest Solar Representative, Bill French, stated that the plan brought before

the Committee meets and exceeds the County's Ordinance requirements. He

explained that before the application was submitted, he reached out to County

Board Members Daugherty and Surges on how to provide a plan that would be

supported. He stated that on this parcel, they are going to preserve the 350+

feet along the south side of Route 72 for future development. Additionally, they

plan to install landscape screening along the north end of the property. He noted

that the area preserved for development is about 12 acres. French stated that

SunVest is leasing approximately 39 acres, of which 23 acres will be used for

the solar facility. He asked for the Committee's support of this project. French

addressed questions and comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued.

County Board

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Mo Iqbal

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Michael Linder

Rick Williams, Sonia Garcia, Mo Iqbal, Michael Linder, Vern

Tepe, and Bill Lenert

AYE:

Alex Arroyo, Gary Daugherty, and Corinne M. Pierog

ABSENT:

Petition # 4670 Petitioner: Whiskey Grain Kennels, LLC

Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff introduced Zoning Petition 4670: Whiskey Grain Kennels,

LLC. He stated this petition has requested a Special Use in the F-Farming

District for a dog kennel for up to 20 dogs and a F-1 rezoning to create a

residential parcel for a new home on the southwest corner of the property

located at 2N800 Freeland Road in Virgil Township. He reported that this parcel

is categorized as Agriculture/Food, Farm and Small Town Area on the 2040

Conceptual Land Use Strategy and Agriculture on the 2040 Land Use Analysis.

He shared several maps and photographs depicting the location and

surrounding zoning districts of the parcel. VanKerkhoff spoke on the floodplains

located on the parcel. He shared that proposed site plan for the single-family

residence and kennel. He reviewed the County Code 15-2: Property

Maintenance Procedures and Nuisances Declared. VanKerkhoff shared the

stipulations from the Kane County Water Resources Department, the Kane

County Transportation Division, and the Kane County Health Department. He

reviewed the results of the EcoCAT Report submitted by the Illinois Department

of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the NRI Report conducted by the

Kane-DuPage Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD). He shared the

Zoning Board of Appeals' (ZBA) recommended stipulations of approval. He

noted that there has been objections made to this Petition by area property

owners. He stated that the ZBA has suggested approval with the recommended

stipulations of this Petition. VanKerkhoff addressed questions and comments

from the Committee.

Petitioner Whiskey Grain Kennels, Inc's Attorney, Kate McCraken, stated that

this business is not a kennel, but a training facility. She explained that dogs are

trained at the facility to compete in field training competitions throughout the

country. She recognizes the concerns about the noise this facility could bring,

especially with barking dogs. However, she stated that these dogs are trained

not to bark. She explained that the owner of the business trains these dogs nine

to 12 months at a time. She stated that the business is a training facility for dogs

from all over the country that compete in these types of competitions. McCraken

addressed the noise concern. She explained that the kennel is being built with

noise reduction installation. Additionally, all the dogs are in bed by 8:00 p.m. and

are woken up at 6:00 a.m. McCraken encouraged the Committee to visit the

owner's website to better understand the work that will be done on the property.

She explained that two-thirds of the property will remain farmland. Additionally,

due to the flood plains located on the property, a pond will be constructed to

help with any potential flooding. McCraken added that this facility has the

approval of the Township Highway Commissioner. She explained that the

property is in the process of conducting a tile study.

County Board

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Michael Linder

Mo Iqbal

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Rick Williams, Sonia Garcia, Mo Iqbal, Michael Linder, Vern

Tepe, and Bill Lenert

AYE:

Alex Arroyo, Gary Daugherty, and Corinne M. Pierog

ABSENT:

Petition # 4672 Petitioner: John Webb, et ux/Just for Paws

Chairman Williams informed the Committee that the next petitioners are clients

of his. Therefore, under the advice of counsel, he recused himself from this

portion of the meeting. He stated that the Committee will need to appoint a Pro

Temp Chairman for this portion of the meeting. Committee Member Tepe

motioned to appoint Development Committee Ex-Officio Roth as Pro-Temp

Chairman, Linder seconded. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff/ introduced Zoning Petition 4672: John Webb/Just for

Paws. He stated that this Petition has requested a Special Use Permit in the

F-Farming Zoning District for a kennel for up to 40 dogs and 15 cats located on

the property north of the home at 1N409 County Line Road, Kaneville Township.

He explained that the Development Department has been working with Just for

Paws on trying to find the proper property for expansion to include boarding

options. He explained that this parcel has been categorized at Agriculture/Food,

Farm and Small Town Area on the 2040 Conceptual Lane Use Strategy and

Agriculture on the 2040 Land Use Analysis. He shared several

maps/photographs depicting the location of this parcel. He reviewed the

proposed site plan and floor plan of the kennel. VanKerkhoff shared the

interior/external building plans of the Just for Paws Kennel. He reviewed the

landscaping/vegetation plan and the type of plants that would be utilized. He

shared the stipulations of the Kane County Water Resources Department, Kane

County Division of Transportation (KDOT), Kane County Health Department,

and the Kaneville Fire District. He reviewed the results of the EcoCAT Report

performed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the NRI

Report conducted by the Kane-DuPage Soil & Water Conservation District

(SWCD). He shared the Zoning Board of Appeals' (ZBA) recommended

stipulations. The ZBA has recommended approval of this Petition with the listed

stipulations.

Just for Paws Owner and Operator, John Webb, stated that he and his wife live

on the property. He explained that he has been searching for many years for a

property that would allow expansion of the organization.

County Board

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Vern Tepe

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Michael Linder

Sonia Garcia, Mo Iqbal, Michael Linder, Vern Tepe, Bill Lenert,

and Bill Roth

AYE:

Alex Arroyo, Gary Daugherty, and Corinne M. Pierog

Rick Williams

ABSENT:

RECUSED:

After the vote, Chairman Williams returned to chair the rest of the Committee meeting.

Property Code Enforcement Division

Monthly Report

Property Code Enforcement Officer Mall stated the monthly report was on file.

He explained that in September 2025, the Division had 24 new cases. In

September, there were 57 active cases, 28 closed cases, and five cases that

were brought to adjudication. Lastly, Mall stated that the detailed monthly report

was emailed to all Committee Members that indicates what is occurring in each

district.

Amending Chapter 2 (Administration), Article IX (Administrative Adjudication),

Section 2-320 (Adoption of System of Administrative Adjudication) and Chapter

7 (Business and Commercial Regulations) of the Kane County Code to Provide

for Regulation of Short-Term Rentals in Unicorporated Areas of Kane County

Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff introduced this ordinance. He thanked staff, County Board

Members, and the public for their work and input on the Short-Term Rental

Ordinance. He spoke on the process of drafting this ordinance, such as seeking

out other surrounding areas rules and regulations for short-term rentals. He

explained that this ordinance would be adopted by amending two portions of the

Kane County Code. This change would allow these types of violations to go to

adjudication for assessed fines and fees. VanKerkhoff explained that the other

portion of the County Code would be amended to establish this as a licensing

program to be administered by the Development Community Services

Department. He stated that most of the issues brought to the County's attention

have been listed within the ordinance. He noted that one area that is still being

worked on is the authority of enforcement. He requested the Committee's

feedback on enforcing these newly established regulations. VanKerkhoff and

Property Code Enforcement Officer Mall addressed questions and comments

from the Committee. Much discussion ensued. (Committee Member Iqbal left at

12:06 p.m.)

The Committee chose to hold this ordinance over until next month's Committee

meeting for further discussion and revisions.

RESULT:

HELD OVER

Planning & Special Projects

Monthly Report

Development Planning Division Manager Toth stated the monthly Planning and

Special Projects Report was on file.

Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff stated that the Community and Housing Development

activities will be a separate section on the Development Committee's monthly

agenda because of numerous resolutions and agreements that will be brought

forth pertaining to this program. VanKerkhoff provided an update on the

Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which is a $15M grant that was

received in 2022. He stated that the all of the program's activities ended on

September 30, 2025, which included obligating funds for various programs,

sub-recipients, and the County's own internal Assistance Program. He explained

that five capital projects were approved that included affordable rental housing.

He commended staff for their work on the four housing stability counseling

sub-recipient agencies to extend and increase their funding in order to help pay

for some of the services provided. He stated that there were over 200 new

applications for the County's internal Assistance Program. He explained that

staff is in the process of getting these applications approved through the

County's internal approval system and getting rent payment checks to landlords.

VanKerkhoff explained that the County is currently in the grant liquidation period

and reporting period that began on October 1, 2025. This concludes at the end

of January 2026.

Asst. Dir. of the Development and Community Services Department Dall spoke

on the two grant programs, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

Program and the HOME Program, that were returned to the Development

Department, which were formerly with the Office of Community Reinvestment.

He explained that applications for the 2025 CDBG were received and reviewed

by the Community Development Commission. He stated that the five-year

Consolidated Plan for Kane County and the City of Elgin was submitted to the

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in August and was

approved. He explained that the program year 2025 funding agreement and the

HOME program have been signed by Madam Chairman Pierog and returned to

HUD. He hopes to hear a confirmation from HUD shortly. Regarding the CDBG,

the City of Elgin has decided to reassume the administration of their CDBG

program. Previously, the Kane County Office of Community Reinvestment

administered that program for Elgin for a number of years. Regarding the HOME

Program, Dall explained that staff initiated the three year renewal process with

HUD. He stated that the call for applications for 2025 was released in

mid-September and applications are currently being vetted by staff. Lastly, a

request for proposal for a HOME Program consultant is in progress. The last

Dall heard from the Purchasing Department is that over 30 providers registered

and downloaded the packet. Dall stated that the deadline is October 22, 2025.

10.

Subdivision

Relief of Land/Cash Obligation

Orlik stated the Relief of Land/Cash Obligation presentation was shared earlier

at the Land/Cash Subcommittee meeting held just before today's meeting. Orlik

addressed questions and comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued.

As part of the original motion, Committee Member Linder motioned to amend

the Request for Relief to reflect the parcel number. Committee Member Lenert

revised is second to include the parcel number. Motion carried unanimously by

roll call vote.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Michael Linder

Bill Lenert

11.

12.

Environmental Resources

None.

New Business

Commercial Solar Energy Facilities – Landscape Screening Discussion

Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff introduced the Commercial Solar Energy Facilities -

Landscaping Screening discussion. He explained that in recent months there

have been questions and public comments regarding Kane County's

requirements for screening commercial solar energy facilities. He stated that

today's presentation would provide introductory information on landscaping

screening requirements for commercial solar energy facilities in response to the

Kane County Board's interest in exploring this issue further. He reviewed the

State if Illinois Statute 55 ILCS 5/5-12020 and the Kane County Zoning

Ordinance Section 25-5-4-9(E)4.a. The recent Zoning Stipulation states that

vegetation screening be consistent with the Kane County Zoning Ordinance and

shall be provided along any side of the commercial solar energy facility that is

visible to non-participating residence(s) and shall include a continuous line of

evergreen trees with a minimum planting height of five feet and a maximum

separation distance of 15 feet on center. VanKerkhoff shared surrounding

counties' codes regarding vegetation screening. He listed several ways Kane

County could regulate vegetation screening. He reviewed the Kane County

Zoning Ordinance Section 25-5-4-9(E)4.a. He shared that anticipated there are

concerns/questions, such as planting schedule/timing, landscape plans and

inspections, and maintenance and fines. He shared the administrative options,

such as stipulations for approval, code interpretation, and/or text amendments.

He questioned how the Development Committee would like to proceed with

moving forward with landscaping/vegetation for commercial solar energy

facilities. VanKerkhoff addressed questions and comments from the Committee.

Much discussion ensued.

The Development Committee provided consensus to set up a meeting with

Development staff, Committee Members, and Committee Chairman Williams to

further discuss vegetation screening stipulations around commercial solar

energy facilities.

13.

Reports Placed On File

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Michael Linder

14.

15.

Executive Session (if needed)

None.

Adjournment

RESULT:

APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE

Michael Linder

Sonia Garcia

MOVER:

SECONDER:

This meeting was adjourned at 12:32 PM.

Savannah Zgobica

Sr. Recording Secretary