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Geneva, IL 60134

Kane County

KC Administration Committee

Meeting Minutes

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

(County Chair)

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

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

Arroyo, Sonia Garcia, Bill Roth and Corinne M. Pierog

PRESENT:

David Young

REMOTE:

ABSENT:

Michelle Gumz

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

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

Neuenkirchen,Tedder, Smith, Kloese, Passaglia; SAO Chief of Civil Frank & staff Ford,

Weldon; KCSO Chief of Admin. Catich; KC Historian Shepro; KDOT Dir. Zakosek &

staff Rickert*; Environ. Mgmt. Senior Engineer Wetland Spec. Linke; 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 Members Gumz and

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

Committee Member Gumz did not attend today's meeting.

Approval of Minutes: December 10, 2025

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Bill Roth

Public Comment

None.

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)

Presentation: Update on Digital ADA Compliance (not attached)

ITD/BLD Exec. Dir. Fahnestock introduced Project Coordinator, Adam Tedder,

and Applications Dir. Neuenkirchen. He provided an update on the Digital

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance. He explained that the

Department of Justice (DOJ) is now requiring government entities to be more

compliant with their new standards and will enforce penalties, if compliance is

not met. He stated that the Information Technologies Department (ITD) has

been working with other County offices/departments to identify what is needed

and the tools that would help the County become compliant. He noted that the

DOJ has referred to the new regulations as Web Content Accessibility

Guidelines (WCAG). He explained that the DOJ changed the requirements for

compliance and have increased government entities' levels. With these new

regulations and guidelines, the County will be required to change things on the

public-facing websites that can be more complicated and less traditional

previously. Fahnestock explained that ITD has done a lot of work over the years

to publish multiple files for transparency. However, this has built a large stock

pile of files that need to be addressed. In order to keep these files or add new

ones, the DOJ has required government entities to accomplish certain

requirements for those with disabilities. Fahnestock explained that when an

entity has a large amount of information that needs to be brought into

compliance, a decision needs to be made on whether to archive, maintain, or

delete files. He stated that the County has a plethora of history located on the

County website that will need to be brought into compliance with these new DOJ

regulations. Moving forward, any new file that needs to be published on the

public-facing website, will need to be in compliance.

ITD Project Coordinator Tedder provided a presentation on Kane County

Adapting to New Web Standard: The Plan and Update on the County's Progress

to Meet DOJ's April 24, 2026 Deadline for Web Accessibility. He provided an

overview of the final rule that the United States' Department of Justice (DOJ)

has issued. He explained the new rating system put forth by the final rule. He

noted that Kane County is ranked as a AA Level. He reviewed the monitoring

tools and examples of current website compliance. Since the last update, ITD

has been using two different services to monitor the County's public facing

website. These two tools are Silktide and SiteImprove. He provided two

examples of the County's website's compliance scores. The area that needs

more improvement is accessibility. Tedder explained that ITD is pushing forward

with County offices/departments to meet the standards before the April 24, 2026

deadline. After the deadline, the County will be in a new age of trying to upload

content on the website that is ADA compliant. Tedder explained that

SiteImprove adds educational components, which can be provided as modules,

such as training videos, to internal staff. He reviewed the County's progress that

has been completed to date such as website structure improvements,

department engagement, training and education, vendor coordination, and

content support. He stated that ITD remains committed to helping ensure the

County's website meets all new ADA accessibility requirements. (Committee

Member Arroyo arrived in-person at 10:41 a.m.) He reviewed the process of

archiving past material. He noted that the content that has been posted before

the April deadline, could be grandfathered in. However, there are some

considerations for these documents. If content cannot be brought into the

standard, it must be marked on the website as archived. Tedder reviewed the

County's plan for meeting notices, agendas, and minutes. Currently, the County

utilizes Granicus - Legistar, which has tools to help web content be more

accessible. One of the largest considerations for the public-facing website, is to

ensure those who visit will be able to see the document in a web-friendly format

that meets the guidelines. Tedder reviewed the next steps and continued effort,

such as scanning all external, public facing websites with the two web monitoring

tools, make all necessary changes work with Kane County Government staff to

review all content on the website, archive older materials, and consider moving

all forms that are currently fillable forms and turn them into web forms using

Laserfiche. He noted that the public is better served using web-friendly forms

that can be more easily filled out and submitted. (Madam Chairman Pierog

arrived in-person at 10:44 a.m.) Tedder reviewed the potential consequences if

the County is not compliant, such as a $75K to $150K non-compliance fine.

Fahnestock stated that ITD has been working with the State's Attorney's Office

(SAO) and other County offices/departments to work on the ways the County

can be compliant. He explained that ITD is helping with the web development,

the infrastructure, and content. He stated that the content on the web pages is

primarily managed and delivered by the office/department. Since, ITD cannot tell

offices/departments what they can or cannot put on their websites, they are

trying to help educate and mentor on what is ADA compliant. Fahnestock spoke

on the final rule disclaimer. He stated that ITD is working through the language

that would acknowledge that the County is working on becoming compliant. He

added that those who see something on a County website that is not compliant,

to let ITD know so it can be addressed. As the deadline comes closer, all

offices/departments will need to be compliant, but ITD will need everyone's

cooperation to accomplish this. Fahnestock, Tedder, and ITD CIO Lasky

addressed questions and comments from the Committee. Much discussion

ensued.

ITD CIO Lasky stated that a major challenge faced is the content the County

does not create that ends up on the website, such as scanned documents. ITD

is working on how to overcome this obstacle to become compliant without

hindering transparency. Further discussion ensued.

Building Management (K. Harris)

Ratifying an Emergency Purchase Affidavit to Purchase Two 2026 Ford F-250s

for the Building Management Department from Tera Automotive Ford

BLD Dir. Harris introduced this resolution. He explained that the Building

Management Department (BLD) began the process to purchase these two

vehicles in June 2025 through Morrow Brothers Ford in Greenfield, Illinois.

Unfortunately, Morrow Brothers was unable to deliver upon the order. Therefore,

two new trucks needed to be purchased. Harris stated that this became an

Emergency Purchase Affidavit (EPA), due to the significant snow events that

occurred in November and December 2025. Unfortunately, the County's vendor

is unable to keep up with the snow removal. Therefore, BLD has to step in to

help. However, BLD does not have the equipment for the snow removal. Harris

explained that he reached out to ITD/BLD Exec. Dir. Fahnestock, who worked

with BLD to locate two trucks that were local. The total cost for the two trucks is

$111,656.40 from Tera Automotive Ford in Plano, Illinois. Harris stated that the

trucks were delivered last week and are in the process of being retro-fitted with

snow plows. These vehicles will help address snow removal needs when the

vendor is unable to do so. Harris and ITD/BLD Exec. Dir. Fahnestock addressed

questions and comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Alex Arroyo

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Sonia Garcia

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

Member Garcia and Ex-Officio County Board Vice Chair Roth

AYE:

Board Member Young

Board Member Gumz

NAY:

ABSENT:

Ratifying an Emergency Purchase Affidavit to Purchase Restoration Services for

the Building Management Department from Belfor Property Restoration

BLD Dir. Harris introduced this resolution. He explained that the Kane County

Sheriff's Office (KCSO) had a sprinkler failure that flooded the patrol office,

deputy room, the correctional officer's dining room, and the locker room. He

stated that Belfor Property Restoration is a vendor that will be used to help

mediate the process. Additionally, the County will work with insurance to help

cover the overall cost. Harris stated that the cost to mediate the first step is

$51,963.

KCSO Chief of Admin. Catich explained that the sprinkler failed on the second

floor of the Sheriff's Office that has dismantled the Patrol Division, the entire

patrol training area, roll call room, and the copy room. Catich explained that the

water found its path of least resistance and went into the jail facility on the first

floor, which destroyed the correctional officer's dining room, the control room,

and flooded all of the charging banks for the officer's body cams. Additionally, 12

of the KCSO $8K Motorola Starcom radios were damaged. Catich stated that

the water entered into the female and male locker rooms and the officer's break

room. There is ceiling, carpet, drywall, furniture, and equipment damage in all of

the mentioned areas. Catich estimated the cost of repairing and replacing

everything at $500k or more.

Harris clarified that this resolution's $51K expense allowed the County to dry out

the office. This is not a restoration cost. He shared a video depicting the

Authorizing a Contract for Lawn Maintenance and Landscaping Services with

Ratliff Landscaping, Inc. for Kane County Facilities (RFP# 25-042-DH)

BLD Dir. Harris introduced this resolution. He explained that this resolution

authorizes a contract for lawn maintenance and landscaping services with Ratliff

Landscaping, Inc. for $262,080 per fiscal year. He stated that the base work

costs $187,080. While, the alternative work, such as mulching and clearing out

overgrown brush, costs $75K. He noted that the alternative work will be

addressed twice a year. He explained that Ratliff Landscaping, Inc. was the

lowest responsible bidder. He stated that the contract includes cost,

communication capability, references, and the understanding of the scope of

work. Harris and ITD/BLD Exec. Dir. Fahnestock addressed questions and

comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Alex Arroyo

MOVER:

Sonia Garcia

SECONDER:

Chris Kious, Board Member Arroyo, Board Member Garcia,

Board Member Young and Ex-Officio County Board Vice Chair

Roth

AYE:

Board Member Juby

Board Member Gumz

NAY:

ABSENT:

Information Technologies (C. Lasky)

Authorizing Additional Funds for Microsoft Enterprise Licensing for Microsoft

Applications and Operating System Software

ITD CIO Lasky introduced this resolution. He explained that the Information

Technologies Department (ITD) is responsible for maintaining all accurate

licenses for the Microsoft software that is used throughout the County. He stated

that this does not include only what is seen on a desktop computer, but also

includes what is found on the background servers, such as SharePoint and

Exchange. He noted that this resolution will authorize additional funding. He

explained that every year ITD has a contract with Microsoft where a "true-up" is

needed. This is to ensure that ITD lists any new licenses within the contract for

coverage. Lasky explained that there has been increases in ITD's sequel

licensing that manages the back-end databases and additional licensing on

desktops. He noted that this is all part of the contract that is done through the

State of Illinois with the current vendor, Dell.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Sonia Garcia

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Bill Roth

Chris Kious, Board Member Juby, Board Member Garcia and

Ex-Officio County Board Vice Chair Roth

AYE:

Board Member Young

Board Member Gumz

Board Member Arroyo

REMOTE:

ABSENT:

AWAY:

10.

11.

12.

Geographic Information Systems (K. Lebo)

None.

Mill Creek SSA (R. Fahnestock)

None.

Vehicles

Approving the Purchase of Nine Replacement Vehicles by the Kane County

Sheriff’s Office

KCSO Chief of Admin. Catich introduced this resolution. He explained that this

resolution relates to normal vehicle replacement, in order to avoid any future

delay issues in ordering new ones. He stated that this resolution would put the

Kane County Sheriff's Office in a build schedule. He explained that all of the

vehicles that are set to be replaced are at its end-of-life cycle. Catich addressed

questions and comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Bill Roth

MOVER:

Leslie Juby

SECONDER:

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

Member Garcia, Board Member Young and Ex-Officio County

Board Vice Chair Roth

AYE:

Board Member Gumz

ABSENT:

13.

New Business

Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement Between the County of Kane and

the Forest Preserve District of Kane County for Volunteer Site Restoration

Services at the Kane County Recycling Center Property

(Committee Member Young left at 11:45 a.m.)

Environ. Mgmt. Senior Engineer Wetland Spec. Linke introduced this resolution.

He explained that in the past the Kane County Forest Preserve (KCFP) District

coordinated with the Kane County Environmental and Water Resources

Department through an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) for the clearing work

on the Geneva Creek Restoration Project. He stated that the KCFP approached

the department in the fall of 2025 to ask for a similar IGA for clearing work on

the area located behind the Kane County Recycling Center property on Fabyan

Parkway. He explained that every year an event is held, Battle of the Brush

Piles", where high school students compete to clear out invasive and nuisance

species. Therefore, the KCFP asked for assistance to facilitate a new IGA

between the County and the Forest Preserve District for this event.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Alex Arroyo

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Sonia Garcia

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

Member Garcia and Ex-Officio County Board Vice Chair Roth

AYE:

Board Member Gumz and Board Member Young

ABSENT:

Old Business

14.

Policy and Procedure Regarding Disposition of County Parcels and Properties

ITD/BLD Exec. Dir. Fahnestock explained at the close of December 2025,

Chairman Kious asked the Building Management Department to work on policy

and procedure on how the County would handle the disposition of property, such

as selling, leasing, and/or purchasing. While looking at this through best

practice, he stated that he spoke to the Kane County Division of Transportation

(KDOT) and the State's Attorney's Office (SAO) on how to deal with the

disposition of property. While looking into a recent offer for County property, he

reported that an investigation is ongoing on what steps are needed. He

explained that a couple of outlines and suggestions were shared, but have not

been finalized. He spoke on the offer from Bluff City and how to address it. He

explained that one consistent message that was shared by KDOT is that they

have been operationally using the land and have future plans for it. He stated

that the County will need to consider keeping this property for operational use or

for future uses, such as storage. Fahnestock spoke on the concern of land

collapsing, if Bluff City performs excavation up to the County's property edge. He

explained that the County will need to determine other special uses and special

considerations beyond selling the property. So far, there is no resolution that has

been developed on this, but staff is continuing to move forward and research the

best practice. Fahnestock addressed questions and comments from the

Committee. Discussion ensued.

ASA Weldon stated, as it relates to the policy, the SAO has been looking into

the type of process for the sale of real estate for the County. He explained that

the County has two responsibilities: fiduciary and the type of liability. He stated

that one resource the County could look to in order to develop a policy is the

Municipal Code. In general, it is good practice to have a standardized policy and

procedure to address these matters, because it will stop any kind of need or

thought process that something is being done arbitrarily or capriciously. When

the County has a set standard on how this type of situation is handled, it will

lead to a level of transparency, which is necessary for a public body. Weldon

stated that he has looked into the Municipal Code and is in the process of

coming up with recommendations, with respect to the items that should be

addressed when looking at selling, leasing, and/or purchasing property. He

explained that typically, depending on the type of property, there are different

types of assessments that need to be completed as part of a due diligence

process. He spoke on the internal value of a property that would affect the sale.

He explained that the SAO has been looking into the framework on how to

address the selling of property. He stated that the secondary part of the process

is to ensure that the County has an accurate value of the real estate, which

depends on the type of property that is looking to be sold. Weldon stated that

real estate appraisals are certified by the State of Illinois and will be able to

handle these types of situations. He noted that an appraisal process will be

something that will coincide with the overall process of selling, leasing, and/or

purchasing property. He explained that the due diligence process for real estate

will depend on what type of property is being sold. He noted that these issues

mentioned are some of the items that SAO believes are pertinent. He stated that

the SAO will provide the County Board with the right information to make a

decision on selling a property.

ASA Ford stated that any framework will insure that the County Board has had

the chance to consider potential terms. As the process continues, there will be

the final process of finalizing the sale of real estate. Ford stated that this gives

the County good opportunity for transparency and for the public to voice

comments.

SAO Chief of Civil Frank stated the Municipal Code is the answer for the County

as it relates to the selling of property. The Municipal Code states that once a

decision is made to sell real estate, the entity selling the property will work with a

real estate agent to figure out the price of sale. Once this step is completed, the

real estate agent starts their process to sell the property. Frank recalled when

the County bought a property, a law firm was put under contract to handle the

legal aspects. He explained that, currently, there is not an outline in the Kane

County Code. However, he believes that the Municipal Code is something the

County should consider when developing a proper process for the selling of real

estate. He stated that a copy of the Municipal Code will be sent out to Board

members for consideration at the next meeting. Frank and Weldon addressed

questions and comments from the Committee. Much discussion ensued.

The Committee provided consensus to have the SAO work on a proper process

for the County to follow when selling property.

15.

16.

Reports Placed On File

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Bill Roth

Executive Session

The Administration Committee entered into Executive Session at 12:18 p.m. to discuss

the release of closed session minutes on a motion made by Roth, Garcia seconded.

Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

RESULT:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Bill Roth

MOVER:

Sonia Garcia

SECONDER:

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

Member Garcia and Ex-Officio County Board Vice Chair Roth

AYE:

Board Member Gumz, Board Member Young and Ex-Officio

County Board Chair Pierog

ABSENT:

Release of Closed Session Minutes

17.

Open Session

The Committee returned to Open Session at 12:22 p.m. on a motion made by Arroyo,

Garcia seconded. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

RESULT:

APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE

Alex Arroyo

MOVER:

Sonia Garcia

SECONDER: