Government Center  
719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. A  
Geneva, IL 60134  
Kane County  
KC Judicial/Public Safety  
Committee  
Meeting Minutes  
MOLINA, Lenert, Gumz, Linder, Roth, Tepe, Williams & ex-officio Pierog (County Chair)  
Thursday, August 10, 2023  
9:00 AM  
County Board Room  
1.  
2.  
Call To Order  
Chairman Molina called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM.  
Roll Call  
Board Member Myrna Molina  
Board Member Bill Lenert  
Board Member Michelle Gumz  
Board Member Bill Roth  
PRESENT  
Board Member Vern Tepe  
Ex-Officio County Board Chair Corinne M. Pierog  
Board Member Michael Linder  
Board Member Rick Williams  
ABSENT  
Also present: Co. Bd. members Bates, Juby*, Kenyon, Kious*, Strathmann*;  
KaneComm Dir. Guthrie & staff McMeen, Powell; Sheriff Hain & staff Kaus; OEM  
Acting Dir. Mensching; State's Attorney Mosser & staff Hunt*; Public Defender Conant;  
Court Admin. O'Brien & staff Mathis; Court Srvs. Exec. Dir. Aust; Circuit Clerk Barreiro;  
Coroner Russell*; ITD/BLD Exec. Dir. Fahnestock* & staff Lasky*, Peters, Smith; Spec.  
ASA Shepro; KCAC Admin. Youngsteadt*; and members of the press and public.  
3.  
4.  
Remote Attendance Requests  
Chairman Molina announced the remote attendance request for today's meeting. She  
asked the Committee if there were any objections to Committee Member Linder  
attending today's meeting remotely. There were no objections. Committee Member  
Linder did not attend the meeting remotely.  
Approval of Minutes: July 11, 2023  
RESULT:  
APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE  
Bill Roth  
MOVER:  
Bill Lenert  
SECONDER:  
Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Michelle Gumz, Bill Roth, and Vern  
Tepe  
AYE:  
Michael Linder, Rick Williams, and Corinne M. Pierog  
ABSENT:  
5.  
6.  
Public Comment (Agenda Items)  
None.  
Monthly Financial Reports  
Monthly Finance Reports  
A.  
Chairman Molina stated the monthly financial reports were on file. No additional  
report was made.  
7.  
8.  
Merit Commission  
No report was provided.  
KaneComm (M. Guthrie)  
Monthly Report  
A.  
KaneComm Dir. Guthrie stated the monthly report was on file. July 2023 has  
been a very busy month for KaneComm. They have had a strong emphasis on  
hiring. Guthrie highlighted two employees, Operations Manager, Chris McMeen,  
and Training Manager, Melissa Powell, that will help with the hiring and training  
processes. She provided a brief background for both employees. This week,  
KaneComm has had one trainee, Kaitlyn Kurzrock, pass the training program.  
Currently, KaneComm has one trainee still in the six to nine month training  
program. Additionally, KaneComm has hired a part-time Telecommunicator to  
help provide relief to the team, Destiny Nielsen. Guthrie provided a presentation  
on KaneComm's Space Needs. She explained that there are multiple trainings  
being conducted, however, there is little to no space for these trainings to be  
conducted within Building G. Presently, Guthrie has relocated her office to the  
Water Resources Department to allow room for these trainings and the  
equipment needed. KaneComm will continue their search on additional space  
options.  
9.  
Sheriff/Adult Corrections (R. Hain)  
Monthly Report  
A.  
Sheriff Hain stated the monthly report was on file. He announced that all four  
officers that were involved in the May 24, 2023 shooting incident have been  
administratively cleared and have returned to work. Recently, the Sheriff's Office  
received a proposal by the Village of Campton Hills to supply police services to  
the area. The Kane County Sheriff's Office has provided services in the past to  
Campton Hills. This proposal includes the need for three additional deputies to  
be hired in order to cover the proposed area. Hain spoke on the HVAC issues at  
the Sheriff's Office. Mid-July 2023, the front office completely lost all air  
conditioning, which caused them to shut down. He mentioned the shut down  
was not in accordance with State law, as they must be open when the  
courthouse is open. His main concern would be the jail losing air conditioning,  
because of it being a 24/7 operation. Hain addressed the complaints from Board  
Members over the past five years on not being informed about information that  
comes from the Judicial and Public Safety Committee. He asked for advice on  
how the County could better communicate the information.  
DISCUSSION ONLY: Authorizing the Kane County Sheriff’s Office to Implement  
A Standard Security Protocol to Enhance and Maintain Safety Measures for the  
Kane County Government Center  
B.  
Committee Member Gumz introduced a potential resolution: "Authorizing the  
Kane County Sheriff's Office to Implement a Standard Security Protocol to  
Enhance and Maintain Safety Measures for the Kane County Government  
Center". At the Kane County AD HOC Security Assessment Research  
Committee meetings, it was agreed upon to allow the Sheriff's Office to  
implement safety standards and maintain them for the Government Center.  
Sheriff Hain stated that they are looking into getting a metal detector for the front  
entrance of Building A. Everyone, including employees, would be subjected to  
passing through the detector. Hain stated a resolution would be presented at a  
future meeting. A budget adjustment will be needed to pay a full-time staff  
member and cover the costs of the metal detector. He explained that the Kane  
County Crime Lab has been successful. Staff has been able to process a few  
cases for surrounding agencies. Currently, the Crime Lab Tech's main focus is  
getting the lab accredited.  
10.  
Emergency Management (J. Mensching)  
Monthly Report  
A.  
OEM Acting Dir. Mensching stated the monthly report was on file. In July 2023,  
the Office of Emergency Management's (OEM) volunteers broke over 1,100  
volunteer hours. This is a first in OEM's history. Mensching stated that July was  
a heavily active month. He provided a presentation on the Weather Response  
for July 11-14, 2023. He spoke on the multiple weather reports that were  
broadcasted across the area on those days. He explained the surprise factor of  
the severe weather and provided a timeline of occurrences. During this time  
frame, two tornadoes touched down in Kane County. Using the Sheriff's Drone  
Team, OEM was able to locate where the two tornadoes initially touched down.  
He provided numerous photographs of the damage. Tornado damage spread  
over nearly three square miles. Mensching provided videos depicting damage  
that had occurred to Kane County residents' properties. Overall, the severity of  
the damage was minimal. OEM worked alongside the City of Elgin to help with  
the clean-up. Mensching thanked those that volunteered their time to help with  
the initial response and the clean-up efforts. He listed the number of activities  
that OEM participated in during the severe weather. He spoke on the numerous  
aid received from surrounding areas. Mensching addressed questions and  
comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued. (Madam Chairman Pierog  
arrived in-person at 9:29 a.m.)  
11.  
State's Attorney (J. Mosser)  
Monthly Report  
A.  
State's Attorney Mosser stated the monthly report was on file. She provided a  
presentation on the State's Attorney's Office (SAO) 2022 Annual Report. She  
commended her staff on their work over the last year. In 2022, the SAO had 151  
employees: 77 lawyers and 74 support staff. These numbers varied throughout  
the year based on staffing difficulties. Mosser explained that the felony court  
filings have increased from 2021 by over 200 cases. There were 2,414 new  
felony cases filed in 2022. Mosser listed the number of units that are located  
within her office. She reviewed the accomplishments, components, statistics,  
and challenges of each unit. She spoke on the Branch Courts throughout the  
County that handle traffic and misdemeanor cases. She provided information on  
the Deferred Prosecution Program (DPP). This program is for first-time  
offenders only. Mosser spoke on the Specialty Courts. There are three specialty  
courts: Drug Rehabilitation, Treatment Alternative, and Veteran's Court. Mosser  
continued explaining the number of programs and divisions that the SAO covers.  
The majority of these programs have shown to have a successful rate  
throughout the community. Mosser addressed questions and comments from  
the Committee.  
12.  
Public Defender (R. Conant)  
Monthly Report  
A.  
Public Defender Conant stated the monthly report was on file. On September  
18, 2023, the Safe-T Act will be implemented. In preparation, Conant explained  
that Mosser and herself attended a Criminal Defense Bar meeting to present  
Kane County's new Safe-T Act processes. At the meeting, judicial  
representatives from surrounding counties were able to voice their challenges  
with the implementation of the Safe-T Act. Conant commended Kane County's  
judiciary departments on their diligent work done to prepare. Within in the Public  
Defender's Office, the main focus continues to be hiring staff. Currently, the  
office is down four attorneys, which is over 10% of the attorneys needed to  
serve the community adequately. Conant shared that job positions have been  
filled by attorneys that were set to take the BAR exam, but failed, in which, they  
have to be terminated. She explained that like many cases, domestic violence  
cases are on the rise, and with limited staff, these cases cannot be handled  
appropriately.  
State's Attorney Mosser stated that DuPage County has provided all of their  
attorneys a $15K pay raise. Dupage County's starting salary for an attorney is  
now $82,500. In comparison to Kane County's starting salary for attorneys being  
$62K. With this pay raise, DuPage is still struggling to hire adequate staff. This  
leaves a minimal chance of Kane County being able to hire. Conant spoke on  
hiring struggles.  
13.  
14.  
Judiciary & Courts (Hull/O'Brien)  
Court Admin. O'Brien reviewed the courts preparation and procedures for the  
implementation of the Safe-T Act. She has full confidence that the courts will be ready  
on September 18, 2023.  
Court Services Administration (L. Aust)  
JJC Housing Report  
A.  
Court Srvs. Exec. Dir. Aust stated the monthly reports were on file. She provided  
the Juvenile Justice Center (JJC) Housing Report. This report highlights who the  
contract partners are. These contracts are with numerous counties who house  
their juvenile offenders at the Kane County JJC. Currently, DuPage County is  
the largest contract partner, followed by Kendall County. She highlighted the  
JJC's audit process. The JJC has continued to increase their contract partners  
for housing juveniles. The result of these contracts is more revenue coming into  
the County. This year, $1.4M is projected to be brought to the County through  
the housing program.  
Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with Whiteside County for Juvenile  
Detention Services  
B.  
Court Srvs. Exec. Dir. Aust provided additional information on this resolution.  
KC Finance and Budget Committee  
RESULT:  
TO:  
MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE  
KC Finance and Budget Committee  
Bill Roth  
MOVER:  
Bill Lenert  
SECONDER:  
Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Michelle Gumz, Bill Roth, and Vern  
Tepe  
AYE:  
Michael Linder, Rick Williams, and Corinne M. Pierog  
ABSENT:  
15.  
Circuit Clerk (T. Barreiro)  
Monthly Report  
A.  
Circuit Clerk Barreiro stated the monthly reports were on file. Currently, case  
filings and hearings are down. In regards to the Safe-T Act, the Circuit Clerk's  
Office is ready for the implementation. Currently, the Clerk's Office is down only  
two deputy clerk positions. They will be hiring for these positions next week.  
Since becoming the Circuit Clerk, Barreiro stated that this is the first time the  
office will be fully staffed. She credited the rise in minimum salaries has helped  
keep up with surrounding areas. The Circuit Clerk's Office is still on the low end  
of the pay scale. When she began her time as the Circuit Clerk, the starting pay  
was $13.25 per hour, and is now $17.75 per hour. The office is on track to install  
the 2022 Tyler Systems. With this update, other departments will be able to link  
into the system. Lastly, the Circuit Clerk's Security Officer, Adam Kuncl, has  
been certified in A.L.I.C.E. training. All staff has attended the Alert, Lockdown,  
Inform, Counter, and Evacuate (A.L.I.C.E.) training with Kuncl to help address  
any upcoming issues the office may have. Barreiro informed the Committee that  
if any other departments are looking to attend a training, Kuncl would be  
available to teach that training.  
16.  
Coroner (R. Russell)  
Monthly Report  
A.  
Coroner Russell stated the monthly report was on file. He explained the reason  
for his in-person absences during the majority of the Judicial and Public Safety  
Committee meetings. He spoke on the unrealistic expectations of the Coroner's  
Office from the public due to television programs. He explained the benefits of  
hosting the "National Night Out", such as allowing the public to educate  
themselves on what the Coroner's Office does and allowing staff to interact with  
the public in a positive light. Russell spoke on the County's Crime Lab. He  
addressed the collaboration with the Sheriff and State's Attorney. This lab will  
greatly out way any start-up costs, energy, or focuses. He explained that he  
spoke with Congressman Foster's Office and was informed that Kane County  
was approved for a grant, but is unsure on how much the County will receive.  
Russell hopes to receive the entire amount of $3.1M. On September 30, 2023,  
the County will be notified of the amount. Russell reviewed the monthly  
statistics. Russell spoke on the newly established budget process.  
17.  
New Business  
Supporting the Implementation of Ethan’s Law  
A.  
Committee Member Gumz introduced this resolution to the Committee. She  
stated that Ethan's Law is pending legislation in Washington D.C. This law asks  
gun owners to be safe in their ownership, to secure their guns, and keep them  
from individuals that should not have them in their household. Gumz is hopeful  
that this law is something the community as a whole would support.  
Chairman Molina suggested changing the title of the Resolution from  
"Authorizing the Implementation of Ethan's Law" to "Supporting the  
Implementation of Ethan's Law". Committee Member Gumz motioned the  
resolution forward as amended, Lenert seconded. Motion carried unanimously  
by roll call vote.  
KC Executive Committee  
RESULT:  
TO:  
MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE  
KC Executive Committee  
Michelle Gumz  
MOVER:  
Bill Lenert  
SECONDER:  
Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Michelle Gumz, Bill Roth, and Vern  
Tepe  
AYE:  
Michael Linder, Rick Williams, and Corinne M. Pierog  
ABSENT:  
18.  
19.  
Old Business  
Chairman Molina explained that Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff, staff, and the SAO are  
continuing their work on the noise and firearm ordinances. She is hopeful that these  
ordinances will be presented to the JPS Committee in the upcoming months.  
Place Written Reports on File  
RESULT:  
APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE  
Bill Roth  
MOVER:  
Bill Lenert  
SECONDER:  
Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Michelle Gumz, Bill Roth, and Vern  
Tepe  
AYE:  
Michael Linder, Rick Williams, and Corinne M. Pierog  
ABSENT:  
20.  
21.  
22.  
Executive Session (If Needed)  
None.  
Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items)  
None.  
Adjournment  
RESULT:  
APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE  
Bill Roth  
MOVER:  
Michelle Gumz  
SECONDER:  
This meeting was adjourned at 10:22 AM.  
Savannah Valdez  
Recording Secretary