Government Center

719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. A

Geneva, IL 60134

Kane County

KC Executive Committee

Meeting Minutes

PIEROG, Allan, Bates, Berman, Gumz, Juby, Kious, Lewis, Linder, Molina, Sanchez,

Strathmann, Surges, Tepe, Williams and ex-officio Roth (County Vice Chair)

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

9:00 AM

County Board Room

Call to Order

Chairman Pierog called the meeting to order at 9:03 AM.

Roll Call

Chairman Corinne M. Pierog

Board Member Deborah Allan

Board Member Mavis Bates

Board Member Leslie Juby

PRESENT

Board Member Chris Kious

Board Member Michael Linder

Board Member Cherryl Strathmann

Board Member Clifford Surges

Board Member Vern Tepe

Board Member Rick Williams

Ex-Officio County Board Vice Chair Bill Roth

Board Member Dale Berman

Board Member Michelle Gumz

Board Member Anita Lewis

Board Member Myrna Molina

Board Member Jarett Sanchez

REMOTE

Also present: Co. Bd. Members Lenert, Penesis*; Fin. Exec. Dir. Hopkinson; PIO Mann

& Intern Hunter; ITD/BLD Exec. Dir. Fahnestock* & staff Lasky*, Harris, Smith, Peters;

SAO staff Frank, Hunt*, Vargas; KCHD Exec. Dir. Isaacson* & staff Snowden*; Dev.

Dir. VanKerkhoff; HRM Exec. Dir. Lobrillo; Auditor Wegman; KDOT Dir. Zakosek & staff

Rickert; Environ. & Water Res. Exec. Dir. Wollnik; KCAC Admin. Youngsteadt*; and

members of the press and public.

Remote Attendance Requests

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

asked the Committee if there were any objections to Committee Members Berman,

Gumz, Lewis, Molina, and Sanchez attending today's meeting remotely. There were no

objections.

Pledge of Allegiance

Chairman Pierog asked Committee Member Juby to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Minutes: July 2, 2025

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Chris Kious

Public Comment

Kane County resident, Steve Leffler, recognized that 80 years ago the Nuclear War

race began. He asked for peaceful reflection upon that, today. Leffler spoke on his time

visiting Paris. He stated that ten years ago, Paris' roads were clogged with cars and it

dominated their society. As he visited ten years later, he noticed that the cars were still

there. However, the four-lane highways have been turned into one-lane and the

additional lanes were converted to pedestrian and bike lanes. He witnessed the

majority of transportation was electric. (Committee Member Williams arrived in-person

at 9:05 a.m.) Leffler stated that Paris was able to change their entire public transit

system so less carbon was emitted. He explained that St. Charles is currently debating

whether or not to renew their Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA) contract, which

would have 80% of the electricity being supplied from burning coal. (Committee

Member Allan arrived remotely at 9:06 a.m.) He stated that Kane County could change

their transportation system over the next ten years to make an impact on the carbon

footprint. Leffler provided suggestions on how Kane County could begin accomplishing

the changes, such as converting Route 25 and Route 31 to one-way roads to free up

rooms for bikes, buses, and other mechanisms of rapid transit. He recalled that Kane

County used to utilize trams and trains. He stated that even though these types of

right-of-ways do not exist anymore, the County can still find a way to lessen the carbon

footprint. He exclaimed, "Let's get to biking."

Kane County resident, Victoria Davidson-Bell, spoke on the resolution regarding the

use of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget

Process. She shared her concerns about the issues of taxes that are local, county, and

federal levels. She has watched constituents come to the County Board to complain

about high taxes related to the County. She explained that only four percent of County

property taxes go to the County. She stated that last week there were constituents up

in arms over the CPI proposal. She explained that this 2.9% increase would equate to

approximately $13.00 per year on a $400K home. She assumed that some of these

residents that come to complain about increased taxes are those spending more on

manicures and pedicures. Meanwhile, the cost-of-living continues to increase and

people struggle to afford necessities and everyday pleasures, which are having an

impact on restaurants and stores. Davidson-Bell spoke on the restaurant staff being

afraid to come to work due to fears of being contacted by the U.S. Immigration and

Customs Enforcement (ICE). She stated that businesses cannot stay afloat due to the

increased costs of supplies due to tariffs and limited staff. She explained that General

Motors has laid off employees due to overproduction and no demand. She stated that

job numbers are decreasing, businesses are not adding positions, small businesses

are going under, stock market is beginning to flail, and the economy has been failing

since January 2025. She explained that this is a direct result of tariffs. She stated that

the average household will pay $2,400 per year on tariff taxes. She noted that she

does not hear anyone complaining about these increased taxes that were forced on the

American people by one man, not Congress. (Committee Member Sanchez arrived

remotely at 9:12 a.m.) Davidson-Bell explained that these tariffs will reduce the deficit,

but will take away benefits. She stated that Medicare Advantage plans will change,

insurance supplements will be reduced, which will cause insurance prices to increase.

Additionally, food assistance will be reduced, which cause starvation among the elderly

and children. Davidson-Bell stated that the deficit is increasing due to the tax breaks for

the wealthy. (Committee Member Gumz arrived remotely at 9:13 a.m.)

Kane County resident, Denise Theobald, stated that some people come to these

meetings to complain that Kane County taxes are too high. She shared that one of the

reasons for taxes being high that many complain about is that employees and elected

officials are overpaid. However, the fact is that Kane County has fallen behind on

offering adequate salaries and wages over the last two decades compared to

surrounding counties. Theobald stated that County Board members earn $25,500 per

year, which includes all the time spent at meetings, fielding calls, reading policies, and

making decisions that affect everyone of Kane County. She explained that the County

Board has not received a meaningful raise in over ten years. She compared Kane

County Board members salaries versus DuPage County Board members who make

over $52K. She stated that the Kane County Board chairman's salary is $105K.

Meanwhile, the DuPage County Board Chairman makes over $131K. She noted that

Kane County is solidly in the middle for salary and wages. She explained that the Kane

County employee average salary is $59K, compared to DuPage County of $69K. She

stated that it is hard to retain good and talented staff, if a fair wage is not provided.

Lastly, Theobald addressed Treasurer Lauzen's leadership of a group that creates

false narratives and spreads misleading information to sabotage the County Board.

She noted that Lauzen earns approximately $109K per year. She stated that this

compensation would be okay, if the Treasurer earned it. However, Lauzen continues to

be one of the loudest critics stating wages are too high. Theobald stated that the

County would not be in this financial situation, if Mr. Lauzen and his allies did not

spread misinformation about the County's proposed tax referendum. She believed that

the referendum was a smart responsible way to balance the budget without affecting

working families. However, it failed due to the fear mongering. She explained that the

salary debate is the latest chapter in their ongoing misinformation campaign. She

encouraged all County constituents to review the County website for the actual truth.

(Committee Member Williams arrived remotely at 9:19 a.m.)

RESULT:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Michael Linder

Chris Kious

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Michelle Gumz, Leslie

Juby, Chris Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez,

Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams,

and Bill Roth

AYE:

Anita Lewis

ABSENT:

Monthly Financials (K. Hopkinson)

Monthly Finance Reports

Fin. Exec. Dir. Hopkinson stated the monthly financial reports were on file. She

reviewed the General Fund - General Account's key revenue lines that were

under budget. She explained that the last two weeks the grant revenue

increased to $600K. She stated that there were two expense items that were

over budget or had no budget at all, which were the Capital and Commodities.

She explained that the Sheriff's Office purchased vehicles out of the General

Fund. The Sheriff plans to reclass this expense and move it to Fund 128:

Sheriff's Vehicle Fund. Hopkinson explained that the Sheriff budgeted

$1,097,000 for FY2025 for food for detainees. However, this expense is

currently at $1.6M, which is $509K over budget. Hopkinson reviewed the detail

of this food expense. She explained that in the detail of $1.6M in expenses,

there is about $533K that is paid to a food service provider. Additionally, the

$750K is amounts payable to Kendall County, LaSalle County, McHenry County,

and DeKalb County for housing detainees. Lastly, there was a couple hundred

thousand in security equipment. When these expenses are added up, it shows

that the food line item is over budget. Hopkinson stated that the audit on the

County's financial statements for November 30, 2024 was completed last week.

The County received an unmodified opinion, which is essentially a clean opinion

with no finding. The results of the audit will be posted to the County website,

today. Hopkinson stated that the audit firm will come to speak to the Finance

Committee or the County Board to review their communications of the audit. She

stated that the audit firm is also finalizing their report on the County's audit of

federal funds and this should be completed in two weeks. Lastly, Hopkinson

stated that the Transition Audit of the Finance Department and the Office of

Emergency Management (OEM) were issued. She noted that there is one more

Transition Audit that needs to be completed on the Coroner's Office. (Committee

Member Allan arrived in-person at 9:19 a.m.) Madam Chairman Pierog

requested that the audit report be presented to the County Board in September

2025. Hopkinson addressed questions and comments from the Committee.

Discussion ensued.

PIO Update (J. Mann)

PIO Mann provided an update on the activities of her office. She stated that she

attended the National Night Out at the Sheriff's Office on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

Additionally, she participated, along with Chairman Pierog, County Board Members

Roth, Lewis, and Allan in the Sugar Grove Corn Boil Parade. She thanked those who

came out to walk in the parade to represent Kane County Government. Mann reviewed

several popular stories that were published in Kane County Connects, such as the 90th

year of service anniversary for the Kane County Veterans' Assistance Commission,

monitoring air quality, remembering the 1996 Kane County flood and flood safety. Kane

County launches Disaster Ready Kane to strengthen community disaster recovery.

Lastly, Mann announced that it was Public Information Officer (PIO) Intern Hunter's last

day. She stated that Hunter has contributed valuable insight from a younger

perspective.

Intern Hunter provided her final report. She stated that during her time with Kane

County she was able to explore a wide range of experiences that deepened her

understanding of government operations and the vital role that communications plays

within them. She shared several highlights of her internship, such as touring the Kane

County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) and correctional facility, listening on various County

Board meetings, attending and planning Communications team meetings, researching

and compiling data on Kane County's senior population, and learning the fundamentals

news writing. Additionally, Hunter participated in free online communication trainings

with PIO Mann including a case study featuring communication leaders from the Texas

floods. Hunter explained that through these experiences she has gained insight into the

many facets of public service and how affective communication supports and

strengthens government work. She stated that she has enjoyed her time at Kane

County and is looking to keep in contact. Lastly, she recommended the internship to

other college students interested in communications. Chairman Pierog commended her

for her time and work.

Chairman Pierog stated that she attended the National Night Out event at the Kane

County Sheriff's Office and was able to contribute to the Hudson Memorial Fund. In

doing so, she received a Hudson Memorial hat. She explained that the Sheriff's Office

has acquired a new police dog that is in training for eight weeks. She stated that once

trained, she will be requesting the dog come to one of the County Board meetings.

Additionally, Pierog explained that she got to meet the new therapy dog that will work

with detainees at the Kane County Adult Corrections Facility, especially those that are

on the Autism Spectrum. Lastly, Pierog expressed her support and appreciation to

these dogs that provide services for the courts, security, and therapy.

Old Business

None.

10.

New Business

Committee Member Bates expressed her gratitude for County Board staff and

Executive Assistant Tallitsch on their promptness on sending out the letter to all Board

Members regarding the Solar Group Buy. She explained that the reason there is

urgency around this group is because the 30% Federal Tax credit will end on

December 31, 2025. She stated that it is not too late to have solar panels installed for

those constituents who are interested. She explained that she has spoken to solar

installers that have stated they have the capacity to develop more installations on their

project lists. She stated that this Solar Group Buy is an opportunity to save 30% on

solar panels. Bates explained the misinformation of solar panels costing $25K. After

numerous rebates and tax credits one can receive, the panels can cost about $5K.

11.

Preliminary County Board Agenda:

------------------------------------------------ CONSENT AGENDA ------------------------------------------------

Administration

Authorizing a Contract Extension for Kane County Generator Maintenance

Services for the Building Management Department with Midwest Power Industry

Incorporated (BID# 23-046)

County Board

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Chris Kious

Leslie Juby

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Michelle Gumz, Leslie

Juby, Chris Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez,

Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams,

and Bill Roth

AYE:

Anita Lewis

AWAY:

Authorizing a Contract Extension with M/M Peters Construction, Inc. for Kane

County Concrete Services for the Building Management Department and the Mill

Creek Special Service Area (BID# 23-041)

County Board

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Chris Kious

MOVER:

Rick Williams

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Michelle Gumz, Leslie

Juby, Chris Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez,

Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams,

and Bill Roth

AYE:

Anita Lewis

AWAY:

Chairman Pierog confirmed that out of the $600K, $350K is paid for by the County and

$250K is paid by the Special Service Area (SSA).

Authorizing a Contract for Kane County Building Management Department

Flooring Improvement Project with Artlow Systems (BID# 25-024-TL)

County Board

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Chris Kious

MOVER:

Deborah Allan

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Michelle Gumz, Leslie

Juby, Chris Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez,

Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams,

and Bill Roth

AYE:

Anita Lewis

AWAY:

Authorizing Purchase of Office Furniture, Furnishings, and Services for the Kane

County Building Management Department with Tayco Office Furnishings, Inc.

(Contract# 240301)

County Board

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Chris Kious

MOVER:

Rick Williams

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Michelle Gumz, Leslie

Juby, Chris Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez,

Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams,

and Bill Roth

AYE:

Anita Lewis

AWAY:

County Development

Approving a Housing and Community Development Consolidated Plan

Chairman Pierog stated that the following two resolutions are grant related from

the Federal Government. She wondered if this grant funding will be continual, or

would be ending at a certain time. Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff explained that the first

three resolutions pertain to the consolidated and action plans. He stated that this

is money that comes to the County from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban

Development (HUD). The County has been receiving these funds as an

entitlement county since 1998. VanKerkhoff explained that every year the

County receives an allocation from the Federal Government through HUD for

Community Development Block Grants and the HOME programs. He stated that

every year the County needs to submit an action plan and every five years they

need to submit a new consolidated plan that states how the County plans to

expend the funds.

VanKerkhoff explained that the next two resolutions regard amendments that

have to be made to the previous action plans addressing the funds that were not

spent or that are available for a variety of reasons and reallocating the funding

eligible activities. He stated these funds are to benefit low or moderate residents

through community projects, neighborhood projects, or affordable housing

rehabilitation. VanKerkhoff addressed questions and comments from the

Committee. Discussion ensued.

County Board

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Rick Williams

Bill Roth

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Michelle Gumz, Leslie

Juby, Chris Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez,

Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams,

and Bill Roth

AYE:

Anita Lewis

AWAY:

Amending the 2020-2024 Housing and Community Development Consolidated

Plan

Committee Member Juby explained that within the resolution it states that the

plan must be amended to reallocate $175K of Homeless and Supportive

Services and $30,322.92 of Program Administrative funds from Program Year

2020 CDBG-CV funds to Infrastructure to support the North Aurora Veterans'

Memorial. She requested clarity on this. Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff explained that the

reallocation was presented to the Community Development Commission for their

review of the projects. He understood that the switch in use of funds is because

the funding was not expended through the program years, but are still available.

He explained that HUD sets a timely task of spending funds. He stated that Josh

Beck, who was the predecessor on this, looked at the timing issue and the funds

that had not been used to be reallocated to meet the current slate of

applications, which included the North Aurora Veterans' Memorial. Juby inquired

if there was a program found that assists with Kane County's homeless

population. She expressed her discernment on utilizing these funds on a

memorial, rather than on housing for the homeless.

Juby motioned to move this resolution forward and to be placed off consent on

the County Board meeting agenda, Roth seconded. Discussion ensued on the

use of funding on the Veterans' Memorial versus homelessness.

VanKerkhoff explained that there is no contract in place. He stated that these

are funds that were not spent and deemed not needed during that time period.

At this time, staff and the Community Development Commission is

recommending to the County Board that these funds be reallocated to the North

Aurora Veterans' Memorial Park project. Further discussion ensued.

County Board

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Leslie Juby

Bill Roth

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Michelle Gumz, Leslie

Juby, Chris Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez,

Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams,

and Bill Roth

AYE:

Anita Lewis

AWAY:

Approving Substantial Amendment to the HOME-ARP 2021 Allocation Plan

County Board

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Rick Williams

Bill Roth

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Michelle Gumz, Leslie

Juby, Chris Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez,

Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams,

and Bill Roth

AYE:

Anita Lewis

AWAY:

Approving Projects for Affordable Rental Housing Using Emergency Rental

Assistance Program 2 Funds

County Board

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Rick Williams

Bill Roth

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Michelle Gumz, Leslie

Juby, Chris Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez,

Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams,

and Bill Roth

AYE:

Anita Lewis

AWAY:

Chairman Pierog commended Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff and PIO Mann for their efforts on

getting the word out about this money. She explained that this money was not being

spent and during the transition, VanKerkhoff looked through all of the grants and

realized there was a significant amount of money that needed to be expended. She

stated that all of the funds are allocated and contracts and proposals are being

prepared so that it can be disbursed.

Energy/Environmental

Authorizing Kane County to Enter Into Community Solar Subscriptions

Committee Member Surges asked what this resolution would be obligating the

County to do. Environ. and Water Res. Dir. Wollnik explained that this resolution

gives the County an opportunity when it arises to sign onto subscriptions for

community solar for the power that the County uses throughout the facilities.

The resolution allows the Chairwoman, with the review of the State's Attorney's

Office, to enter into these agreements. Wollnik explained that the community

solar fields are about 18 acres that produce solar power that goes to the grid.

She stated that signing onto a subscription will give the County ninety cents on

the dollar. Therefore, this would provide a 10% discount on the County's solar.

Currently, the County is working with the electric consultant and has been told

that there is a community solar subscription available that would provide the

County with the remaining 70% to 80% of the power at the Judicial Center with a

10% discount. Wollnik stated that once this resolution is approved and a

community solar subscription is signed, the County's utility bill will be 10% less.

Discussion ensued.

County Board

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Mavis Bates

Deborah Allan

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Michelle Gumz, Leslie

Juby, Chris Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez,

Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams,

and Bill Roth

AYE:

Anita Lewis

ABSENT:

Executive

Appointment of Member of the Board of Review (Michael E. Madziarek, CIAO)

County Board

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Bill Roth

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Rick Williams

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Michelle Gumz, Leslie

Juby, Chris Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez,

Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams,

and Bill Roth

AYE:

Anita Lewis

ABSENT:

Appointment of Member of the Board of Review (Constantine “Dino” Konstans)

County Board

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Bill Roth

MOVER:

Michael Linder

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Michelle Gumz, Leslie

Juby, Chris Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez,

Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams,

and Bill Roth

AYE:

Anita Lewis

ABSENT:

Finance

Approving June 2025 Claims Paid

Committee Member Juby removed agenda items C and F from the today's

consent agenda and requested they be placed off consent on the County

Board's agenda, Roth seconded. Juby withdrew her motion. Roth withdrew his

second.

Committee Ex-Officio Roth motioned to move agenda items A, B, D, E, forward,

Bates seconded. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

Committee Member Williams motioned to move agenda items C and F forward

and to be placed off consent on the County Board's meeting agenda, Juby

seconded. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

County Board

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Bill Roth

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Mavis Bates

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Michelle Gumz, Leslie

Juby, Chris Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Cherryl

Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams, and Bill

Roth

AYE:

Anita Lewis

ABSENT:

AWAY:

Jarett Sanchez

Amending Kane County Board Resolutions to Correct Scrivener’s Errors

County Board

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Bill Roth

MOVER:

Mavis Bates

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Michelle Gumz, Leslie

Juby, Chris Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Cherryl

Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams, and Bill

Roth

AYE:

Anita Lewis

ABSENT:

AWAY:

Jarett Sanchez

Authorizing Kane County Animal Control Department to Utilize the Illinois State

Treasurer’s Office Electronic Payments Services Program

County Board

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Rick Williams

Leslie Juby

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Michelle Gumz, Leslie

Juby, Chris Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Cherryl

Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams, and Bill

Roth

AYE:

Anita Lewis

ABSENT:

AWAY:

Jarett Sanchez

Authorizing Additional Appropriations and Budget Adjustments for Provision of

Legal Assistance to the Kane County Division of Transportation

County Board

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Bill Roth

MOVER:

Mavis Bates

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Michelle Gumz, Leslie

Juby, Chris Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Cherryl

Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams, and Bill

Roth

AYE:

Anita Lewis

ABSENT:

AWAY:

Jarett Sanchez

Authorizing Contract Amendment with Kerber, Eck & Braeckel to Provide

Financial, Accounting, and Consulting Services for Workforce Development

Department

County Board

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Bill Roth

MOVER:

Mavis Bates

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Michelle Gumz, Leslie

Juby, Chris Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Cherryl

Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams, and Bill

Roth

AYE:

Anita Lewis

ABSENT:

AWAY:

Jarett Sanchez

Authorizing Renewal of Agreement with Lauterbach & Amen for Accounting

Services

County Board

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Rick Williams

Leslie Juby

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Michelle Gumz, Leslie

Juby, Chris Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Cherryl

Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams, and Bill

Roth

AYE:

Anita Lewis

ABSENT:

AWAY:

Jarett Sanchez

Directing the Use of the Consumer Price Index Increase as Part of the Fiscal

Year 2026 Budget Process

Discussion ensued on the proper process of removing agenda items from the

consent agenda to off consent at the County Board meetings.

County Board

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Mavis Bates

MOVER:

Cherryl Strathmann

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Michelle Gumz, Leslie

Juby, Chris Kious, Michael Linder, Cherryl Strathmann, and Vern

Tepe

AYE:

Myrna Molina, Clifford Surges, Rick Williams, and Bill Roth

NAY:

Anita Lewis

ABSENT:

AWAY:

Jarett Sanchez

Authorizing Expense Budget Amount to be Used for the 2026 General Fund

General Account Budget

County Board

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Vern Tepe

MOVER:

Clifford Surges

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Michelle Gumz, Leslie

Juby, Chris Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Cherryl

Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams, and Bill

Roth

AYE:

Anita Lewis

ABSENT:

AWAY:

Jarett Sanchez

Human Services

Authorizing Contract Extension for Workers Compensation and Liability Claims

Third Party Administrator

Committee Member Surges motioned to move the following two resolutions

forward, Roth seconded. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

County Board

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Clifford Surges

Bill Roth

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Michelle Gumz, Leslie

Juby, Chris Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Cherryl

Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams, and Bill

Roth

AYE:

Anita Lewis

ABSENT:

AWAY:

Jarett Sanchez

Approving the 2026 Holiday Schedule for Kane County Offices

(Committee Member Berman left at 10:26 a.m.)

County Board

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Clifford Surges

Bill Roth

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Michelle Gumz, Leslie

Juby, Chris Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Cherryl

Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams, and Bill

Roth

AYE:

Anita Lewis

ABSENT:

AWAY:

Jarett Sanchez

Legislative

Authorization Renewal of Agreement for Professional Government Relations

Consulting and Legislative Lobbying Services

Chairman Pierog questioned Fin. Exec. Dir. Hopkinson about the funding stream

for this resolution. She explained that the resolution states, "WHEREAS, the

funding for this agreement are as follows: Fifty Thousand ($50,000.00) from the

Sheriff's Office, Forty-Five Thousand ($45,000.00) from the County Board,

Twenty Thousand ($20,000.00) from the State's Attorney's Office, and Five

Thousand ($5,000.00) from the Coroner's Office." She stated that it was her

understanding that these departments were no longer contributing to the cost.

Committee Member Gumz confirmed that this was correct. She explained that

the adjustment was made and included in the FY2024 and FY2025 budgets, and

will remain the same for FY2026.

Discussion ensued on potential amendment.

Committee Member Linder motioned to amend this resolution to include all

changes as recommended by the State's Attorney's Office, Juby seconded.

Discussion ensued.

Committee Member Molina stated that this resolution was amended at the

Legislative Committee meeting. However, the resolution that was included in

today's agenda packet is not the correct one. Motion carried unanimously by roll

call vote. (Committee Member Sanchez left at 10:29 a.m.)

County Board

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Michelle Gumz

Mavis Bates

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Michelle Gumz, Leslie Juby, Chris

Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford

Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams, and Bill Roth

AYE:

Dale Berman, and Anita Lewis

Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

AWAY:

Public Service

Appointing Additional Members to the Board of Review

County Board

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Bill Roth

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Leslie Juby

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Michelle Gumz, Leslie Juby, Chris

Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford

Surges, Vern Tepe, and Bill Roth

AYE:

Rick Williams

NAY:

Dale Berman, Anita Lewis, and Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

Transportation

Amending Resolution No. 24-336 - Approving an Agreement with V3

Construction, Ltd. of Woodridge, Illinois for On-Call Environmental Engineering

Services, Kane County Section No. 24-00480-02-SM

County Board

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Vern Tepe

MOVER:

Rick Williams

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Michelle Gumz, Leslie Juby, Chris

Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Cherryl Strathmann, Vern

Tepe, Rick Williams, and Bill Roth

AYE:

Dale Berman, Anita Lewis, and Jarett Sanchez

Clifford Surges

ABSENT:

AWAY:

Amending Resolution 25-210 - Approving Amendment No. 1 to the Phase I

Engineering Services Agreement with Crawford, Murphy, and Tilly, Inc. of

Aurora, Illinois for Dauberman Road - Meredith Road Realignment, Kane County

Section No. 20-00526-00-ES

County Board

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Vern Tepe

MOVER:

Rick Williams

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Michelle Gumz, Leslie Juby, Chris

Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Cherryl Strathmann, Vern

Tepe, Rick Williams, and Bill Roth

AYE:

Dale Berman, Anita Lewis, and Jarett Sanchez

Clifford Surges

ABSENT:

AWAY:

Approving Adopt-A-Highway Applicants

County Board

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Vern Tepe

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Rick Williams

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Michelle Gumz, Leslie Juby, Chris

Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Cherryl Strathmann, Vern

Tepe, Rick Williams, and Bill Roth

AYE:

Dale Berman, Anita Lewis, and Jarett Sanchez

Clifford Surges

ABSENT:

AWAY:

Approving a Supplemental Appropriation for Plank Road Highway Safety

Improvement Project from Engel Road to Waughon Road, Kane County Section

No. 19-00524-00-SP

County Board

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Vern Tepe

MOVER:

Michael Linder

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Michelle Gumz, Leslie Juby, Chris

Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford

Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams, and Bill Roth

AYE:

Dale Berman, Anita Lewis, and Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

Approving Acquisition of Real Property for Randall Road at Big Timber Road

Intersection Improvement, Kane County Section No. 19-00369-01-CH, Parcel

No. 0004 & 0004TE

County Board

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Vern Tepe

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Chris Kious

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Michelle Gumz, Leslie Juby, Chris

Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford

Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams, and Bill Roth

AYE:

Dale Berman, Anita Lewis, and Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

Approving Acquisition of Real Property Easements for Kirk Road over Union

Pacific Railroad Company (UPRR) Tracks, Geneva, Illinois, Kane County

Section No. 12-00192-04-BR, Parcel No. 0004PE & 0004TE

County Board

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Vern Tepe

MOVER:

Mavis Bates

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Michelle Gumz, Leslie Juby, Chris

Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford

Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams, and Bill Roth

AYE:

Dale Berman, Anita Lewis, and Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

Committee Member Surges inquired about what the Randall Road at Big Timber Road

project would achieve. KDOT Dir. Zakosek explained that this project would add dual

left turn lanes on Randall Road and realigning Big Timber Road.

------------------------------------------END OF CONSENT AGENDA ------------------------------------------

The Committee moved to agenda item H on the Off Consent Agenda.

Approving County Board Personal Expense Voucher Reimbursement Request

County Board

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Bill Roth

MOVER:

Rick Williams

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Michelle Gumz, Leslie Juby, Chris Kious, Michael

Linder, Myrna Molina, Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Vern

Tepe, Rick Williams, and Bill Roth

AYE:

Dale Berman, Anita Lewis, and Jarett Sanchez

Mavis Bates

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

Approving County Board Personal Expense Voucher Reimbursement Request

County Board

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Bill Roth

MOVER:

Cherryl Strathmann

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Leslie Juby, Chris Kious, Michael

Linder, Myrna Molina, Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Vern

Tepe, Rick Williams, and Bill Roth

AYE:

Dale Berman, Anita Lewis, and Jarett Sanchez

Michelle Gumz

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

Approving County Board Personal Expense Voucher Reimbursement Request

County Board

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Bill Roth

MOVER:

Mavis Bates

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Michelle Gumz, Leslie Juby, Chris

Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford

Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams, and Bill Roth

AYE:

Dale Berman, Anita Lewis, and Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

Approving County Board Personal Expense Voucher Reimbursement Request

County Board

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Bill Roth

MOVER:

Rick Williams

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Michelle Gumz, Leslie Juby, Chris

Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford

Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams, and Bill Roth

AYE:

Dale Berman, Anita Lewis, and Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

Committee Member Surges questioned the total amount budgeted for County Board

member reimbursements for FY2025. Chairman Pierog stated that the Board has not

gone beyond what has been budgeted.

Committee Member Strathmann requested that the names of those requesting the

Personal Expense Voucher be included within the resolutions.

Kane County Proclaims August 2025 as National Emergency Management

Awareness Month

Chairman Molina questioned if the proclamations would be placed under the

Chairman's Comments on the County Board agenda. Chairman Pierog stated

that they would.

County Board

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Bill Roth

MOVER:

Chris Kious

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Michelle Gumz, Leslie Juby, Chris

Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford

Surges, Rick Williams, and Bill Roth

AYE:

Dale Berman, Anita Lewis, and Jarett Sanchez

Vern Tepe

ABSENT:

AWAY:

Proclamation Honoring Kane County’s Ace Holder for his Courage and Quick

Thinking in an Emergency

County Board

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Bill Roth

MOVER:

Rick Williams

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Michelle Gumz, Leslie Juby, Chris

Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford

Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams, and Bill Roth

AYE:

Dale Berman, Anita Lewis, and Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

Proclamation Honoring Nathan Muenz and Landen Whiteman for their

Courageous Action to Assist with an Arrest

County Board

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Bill Roth

MOVER:

Cherryl Strathmann

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Michelle Gumz, Leslie Juby, Chris

Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford

Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams, and Bill Roth

AYE:

Dale Berman, Anita Lewis, and Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

Revising Kane County Code Sections 2-48(G)(2), 2-48(A)(9), and 2-48(A)(3)

(not attached)

Committee Member Tepe stated that this Ordinance is no longer required and

there are no changes to be submitted. The Ordinance failed due to lack of

motion.

The Committee moved to agenda item A on the Off Consent Agenda.

12.

Executive Session

The Executive Committee entered into an Executive Session at 10:49 a.m. to discuss

the release of closed session minutes on a motion made by Williams, Kious seconded.

Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

RESULT:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Rick Williams

Chris Kious

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Michelle Gumz, Leslie Juby, Chris

Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford

Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams, and Bill Roth

AYE:

Dale Berman, Anita Lewis, and Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

Release of Closed Session Minutes

13.

Open Session

The Committee returned to Open Session at 10:49 a.m. on a motion made by Williams,

Roth seconded. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

RESULT:

APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE

Rick Williams

Bill Roth

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Vote on Release of Closed Session Minutes

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Chris Kious

Michael Linder

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Michelle Gumz, Leslie Juby, Chris

Kious, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford

Surges, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams, and Bill Roth

AYE:

Dale Berman, Anita Lewis, and Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

14.

Committee Reports

A. Madam Chairman's Comments

1. County Board FY2026 Budget

Chairman Pierog presented the County Board's FY2026 Budget. She compared the

revenues and expenses from the FY2024 Actual Budget to the FY2026 Budget. The

County Board's revenues consist of liquor licenses and gathering permits, which

equates to $132,500 for the FY2026 Budget. Pierog stated that the incoming revenue

for gathering permits has decreased. In 2024, the total revenue was $112,500. Pierog

compared the expenses from the FY2024 Actual Budget to the FY2026 Budget. She

explained the expense increases within salaries, contractual services, and

commodities. The FY2024 Actual Budget expenses were $1,209,756. The FY2026

Budget expenses are $1,321,765. The difference being $112,009. Pierog discussed

the options of covering the $100K allocation within the County Board's budget, such as

moving the $100K cost of the Strategic Plan under Riverboat funding upon approval.

Pierog addressed questions and comments from the Committee. Much discussion

ensued on the potential options to decrease the expense difference.

Pierog asked Fin. Exec. Dir. Hopkinson what the FY2025 Budget allocation was for the

Strategic Plan contract with BerryDunn versus the FY2026 Budget? Hopkinson stated

that the entire contract with BerryDunn is $127,500. Due to the delay in the Strategic

Plan process, she explained that the total of $127,500 was included in the FY2025

Budget. However, due to not knowing how far the process would be by the end of

FY2025, the FY2026 Budget includes $100K. Hopkinson stated that this allocation is a

moving target. She noted that if BerryDunn prepares the Strategic Plan at a faster rate,

less funds will need to be allocated in FY2026. Pierog asked if there was a cancellation

clause within the BerryDunn contract? SAO Chief of Civil Frank answered that there is

no contract that the County enters that they cannot withdraw from due to State law.

Further discussion ensued.

Pierog stated that the County Board would need to raise revenue and seek the

recommendation and approval of the Grand Victoria Riverboat Fund Committee to

provide funding for the Strategic Plan and potential internship program. Further

discussion ensued on additional revenues and possible budget cuts.

Pierog summarized the recommendations of asking the Riverboat Committee for

$130K to cover the Strategic Plan contract and the internship program, reduction in

conferences and meetings, and the potential to increase liquor license fees. Much

discussion ensued.

The Committee agreed to look over the County Board's FY2026 Budget and address

the pending requests, such as the additional revenue from the Riverboat Fund. The

Committee requested that a Special Executive Committee meeting be held to further

discuss the County Board's FY2026 Budget.

Legislative Update

Committee Member Gumz provided the Legislative Update. Regarding the Regional

Transit Authority (RTA) merger, she stated that a letter is being proofed that will show

the County is choosing to stand firm with their governance position. She explained that

this merger entails a land grab. She stated that the County wants to maintain local

control. She noted that the County's lobbyists are working on the letter and will get that

out to elected officials. Additionally, Gumz reported that the County has received

money for the Congressional spending.

Chairman Pierog explained that a land grab is when the revenue that is allocated to

pass the Bill, the collar counties will have little to no voice at the table on how the

money will be expended. Gumz stated that the language proposed suggests that the

new committee or organizations can take governance and claim a .5 mile around a

local transit organization. Discussion ensued.

All Other Committees

Committee Member Surges stated that he has had conversations with Kane County

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) regarding the Riverboat funding allocation

that they did not receive. He explained that CASA has always been funded in the past,

but has been denied for this year's funding. Surges addressed the "soft landing"

discussion, in which organizations' funding would not be cut dry. He suggested that

pulling funds indefinitely from organizations is not the best way the County could go

about this, and would like to reconsider some of the funding requests of the Riverboat

funding. Discussion ensued.

Committee Member Kious stated that the Administration Committee moved the

regularly scheduled meeting from Wednesday, August 13, 2025 to Friday, August 15,

2025 at 1:00 p.m. He explained that the Committee will discuss the Information

Technologies Department (ITD), Building Management Department (BLD), Mill Creek

Special Service Area (MCSSA) and Geographic Information System (GIS) FY2026

budgets. Lastly, he added that the pavement project at the Kane County Judicial