Government Center

719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. A

Geneva, IL 60134

Kane County

KC Judicial/Public Safety

Committee

Meeting Minutes

MOLINA, Lenert, Gripe, Gumz, Linder, Tepe, Williams, ex-officios Roth (County Vice Chair)

and Pierog (County Chair)

Thursday, January 16, 2025

9:00 AM

County Board Room

Call To Order

Chairman Molina called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM.

Roll Call

Board Member Myrna Molina

Board Member Bill Lenert

PRESENT

Board Member Jon Gripe

Board Member Michael Linder

Board Member Vern Tepe

Board Member Rick Williams

Ex-Officio County Board Vice Chair Bill Roth

Ex-Officio County Board Chair Corinne M. Pierog

Board Member Michelle Gumz

REMOTE

Also present: Co. Bd. Members Bates*, Juby*, Kious*; KaneComm Dir. Guthrie; OEM

Dir. Buziecki; Sheriff Hain* & Undersheriff Johnson; Coroner Silva & staff

Richardson-Carrera, Nielsen; Court Admin. O'Brien & staff Mathis; SAO staff Frank,

Brady, Vargas, Cermak, Hunt*; Public Defender Conant; Court Srvs. Exec. Dir. Aust &

staff Davis; Circuit Clk. Barreiro; ITD CIO Lasky* & staff Peters; Fin. Exec. Dir.

Hopkinson; and members of the press and public.

Remote Attendance Requests

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

asked the Committee if there were any objections to Committee Member Gumz

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

Approval of Minutes: December 12, 2024

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Michael Linder

Public Comment

None.

Monthly Financial Reports

Monthly Finance Reports

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

presented the Judicial Public Safety Committee 2024 Budget to Actual. She

noted that the numbers presented, today, are not final, due to invoices and

reclassifications. She reviewed the Judicial Public Safety (JPS) 2024 Amended

Budget to Actual to Date All Expenses - By Office/Department - All Funds. She

stated that 79% of all JPS expenses across all funds are salaries and benefits.

The actual 2024 expenses was $102,596,504. Hopkinson presented the JPS

2024 Amended Budget to Actual to Date All Expenses by Type - General Fund -

General Account. Out of the $102,596,504 expended, $86,985,837 came from

the County's General Fund. Hopkinson stated that 83% of the 2024 General

Fund - General Account expenses are expended by JPS offices and

departments. She shared the JPS 2024 Amended Budget to Actual to Date

Salaries and Wages by Offices/Departments - All Funds. She noted that benefits

were not included in this report. In total, JPS offices/departments expended

$70,832,018 for salaries and wages. She provided a summary of the JPS

salaries and wages expenses for JPS offices/departments by fund. Hopkinson

addressed questions and comments from the Committee. Much discussion

ensued.

Merit Commission

None.

KaneComm (M. Guthrie)

Monthly Report

KaneComm Dir. Guthrie stated the monthly report was on file. She presented an

overview of KaneComm. She reviewed the KaneComm's Organizational

Structure. Guthrie presented a graph depicting the Call for Service Volume over

the past five years. In 2024, there were 89,185 calls for services, compared to

2020 where there were 70,490. She noted that this is the highest calls for

service in her tenure. She shared a graph that showed the Volume of Telephone

Call Activity for 2023 and 2024. She spoke on the KaneComm office space. She

stated that in December 2024, a new LEADS and QA/QI Coordinator was hired.

Due to the lack of administrative office space, this new employee is sharing an

office with the Deputy Director. Office space continues to be a need of

KaneComm. Guthrie stated that KaneComm did receive a grant that will provide

funds for projects that KaneComm will begin in 2025. The grant will also provide

a complete software training for KaneComm staff. Guthrie stated that training

space is being looked into, as well.

Chairman Molina stated that BLD Exec. Dir. Fahnestock has been looking for

appropriate office space for KaneComm. She asked Administration Committee

Chairman Kious to follow up on this space need.

Authorizing Number of Procurement Cards Issued to KaneComm and Each of

Their Transaction Limits

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Rick Williams

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Bill Lenert

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Michael

Linder, Vern Tepe, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Corinne M. Pierog

ABSENT:

Emergency Management(S. Buziecki)

Monthly Report

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

full-time Operations Manager started in December 2024, which was a previous

part-time employee.

FY24 Annual Report

OEM Dir. Buziecki presented the FY24 Office of Emergency Management

(OEM) Annual Report. He shared the OEM 2024 Profile. OEM is made up of five

full-time employees in 2024 and six in 2025. As of November 30, 2024 there

were 50 volunteers. Currently, the office has 58 volunteers. Buziecki reviewed

the four phases of Emergency Management: Mitigation, Preparedness,

Response, and Recovery. Buziecki addressed questions and comments from

the Committee. Discussion ensued. He shared the grants that were awarded to

OEM. In total, OEM received $151,283.14 through grants. He reviewed the

significant storms Kane County experienced in 2024. He shared that the County

had two winter storms and 10 tornadoes. Buziecki reviewed the statistics of the

10 tornadoes that effected the area. He reviewed the 2020-2024 Call Volume. In

2024 there were a total of 395 calls, compared to 180 in 2020. Buziecki

reviewed the 2024 Calls by Month. He provided a table depicting all incidents

and events (planned and unplanned). In 2024, there were 443 incidents and

events, with an average of 327.8 over the past five years. Buziecki reviewed

OEM's Volunteer Program. In total, OEM had 13,422 volunteer hours, which was

the highest OEM has experienced. He provided a graph breaking down how the

volunteer hours were spent, such as training and severe weather. Buziecki

reviewed the five-year total of volunteer hours and the value these hours have

for the County. On average, there are a total of 12,089 volunteer hours, which is

valued at $388,160.03. Buziecki reviewed the new Member Academy. The

academy holds trainings on Wednesday evenings from April to October. In

2024, there were 17 students that started and 11 that graduated. He noted that

this revamped and professionalized program has been able to retain volunteers.

Buziecki reviewed OEM's public education and outreach. He provided

photographs of these events. He reviewed the social media outreach from

FY2023 and FY2024. In total, OEM completed eight adult preparedness

classes, 54 children preparedness classes, and a total of 14 outreach activities.

Buziecki reviewed the training and exercises completed in 2023 and 2024. He

shared the training and professional achievements, such as FEMA PDS, IEMA

Professional Development Series, and Illinois Professional Emergency Manager.

He provided photographs depicting OEM's office updates. Buziecki shared a

fleet summary. OEM has 10 vehicles and 11 trailers. He reviewed the new

vehicles ordered and approved. In 2025, OEM will receive a new LDV Mobile

Command Vehicle. He shared the numerous 2024 OEM Accomplishments, such

as obtaining a Red Cross Shelter Trailer with 50 cots and related supplies.

Additionally, they have held quarterly municipal coordinators' meetings and have

increased the total attendance by 94%. He reviewed OEM's 2025 goals, such as

developing a long-term recovery plan, create a three-year budget forecast, and

develop a new emergency, short-term mass-care/sheltering operation along with

non-government organizations. Buziecki addressed questions and comments

from the Committee.

Authorizing a Facility Use Agreement with American Red Cross for the Storage

of an Emergency Shelter Trailer

OEM Dir. Buziecki provided additional information on this resolution.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Jon Gripe

MOVER:

Michael Linder

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Michael

Linder, Vern Tepe, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Corinne M. Pierog

ABSENT:

Authorizing the FY24 Emergency Management Program Grant Agreement for

the Office of Emergency Management

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Michael Linder

MOVER:

Jon Gripe

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Michael

Linder, Vern Tepe, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Corinne M. Pierog

ABSENT:

10.

Sheriff/Adult Corrections (R. Hain)

Monthly Report

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

was made.

Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement Between the City of Aurora and the

City of Elgin for the Execution of the 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice

Assistance Grant (JAG) Program Award

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Bill Lenert

Jon Gripe

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Michael

Linder, Vern Tepe, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Corinne M. Pierog

ABSENT:

Authorizing Renewal of a Contract with Flock Safety by the Kane County

Sheriff’s Office

Undersheriff Johnson provided additional information on this resolution. She

addressed questions and comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued.

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Bill Lenert

MOVER:

Rick Williams

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Michael

Linder, Vern Tepe, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Corinne M. Pierog

ABSENT:

Granting the Kane County Sheriff and the Kane County State’s Attorney

Authority to Enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with Kendall County and

a Lease with the Kane County Bar Association for Wellness Coordinator

Services on Behalf of Kane County

Undersheriff Johnson addressed questions and comments from the Committee.

Discussion ensued.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Michelle Gumz

MOVER:

Jon Gripe

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Michael

Linder, Vern Tepe, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Corinne M. Pierog

ABSENT:

11.

Coroner (M. Silva)

Monthly Report

Coroner Silva stated the monthly report was on file. She summarized the main

focuses the Coroner's Office will address during her constituency, such as

safety, mental health, Fentanyl, and veteran suicides. Regarding safety, when

dealing with high notoriety cases, the Coroner's Office will provide as much

information to the public without compromising the privacy of family and the vital

details of a case. Silva spoke on a domestic violence case that caused

neighbors to be concerned about their safety. Regarding mental health, Silva

stated that constituents want to know if the Coroner's Office is doing something

about it, especially when it comes to children. The Coroner's Office will continue

with mental health initiatives. Silva stated that one of her objectives is to identify

real time data regarding veteran suicides. In December 2024, the Kane County

Coroner's Office handled 327 cases. One was a Fentanyl related death. One

was a Morphine related death. Three were cocaine related deaths. The

Coroner's Office performed 32 autopsies and 35 toxicology reports. Silva spoke

on the overtime hours within the Coroner's Office. She noted that these hours

are completely unpredictable due to the nature of the work. Silva presented the

Kane County Coroner's Office's 2024 Suicide Statistics. In 2024, there were a

total of 51 suicide cases. The majority of the cases were in Elgin, which had 15

cases, and Aurora, which had 13. Silva shared additional information on veteran

suicides. In 2024, there was one veteran suicide out of Carpentersville. Silva

explained that the Coroner's Office is categorizing the 327 cases by the manner

of which they were affected, such as Fentanyl. This will provide more distinct

data. Silva noted that the Coroner's Office's union contract has been agreed

upon and signed. This will be before the Judicial Public Safety Committee,

shortly, for approval. Silva stated that the Coroner's Office has maintained

community involvement through presenting to community groups regarding cold

cases and attending Crime Stopper meetings. Crime Stoppers has reminded

Kane County the human trafficking is present, especially in the Aurora area.

Silva summarized other community involvement that the Coroner's Office has

done. She spoke on the Coroner's Office's presence on social media.

Additionally, Silva has been reviewing policies. She explained that her office has

had issues with checks due to insufficient funds. In order to combat this issue,

the office is implementing a credit card portal through the Coroner's Office's

website so payments are received immediately and funds are deposited in a

timely manner. Silva spoke on autopsies. The Coroner's Office is strategizing on

how Kane County can obtain a forensic pathologist and looking into the policies

for finances and toxicology. Additionally, the Coroner's Office is looking into

changing a policy to increase the contributing factors on death reports. This will

help to see the true reasoning as to why the death occurred and be able to

classify the true case of death. Lastly, the Coroner's Office has looked into the

use of Fentanyl testing strips. However, there is difficulty in performing these.

Silva spoke on the factors that affect Fentanyl death records. She would like to

establish a protocol with the Kane County Health Department, law enforcement,

and legislators to inform the public on probable, suspicious, and definite cases.

Silva addressed questions and comments from the Committee. Discussion

ensued.

12.

Judiciary & Courts (Villa/O'Brien)

Acknowledging Annual Review of Number of Procurement Cards Issued to the

Kane County Law Library & Self-Help Legal Center and Each of Their

Transaction Limits

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Jon Gripe

MOVER:

Rick Williams

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Michael

Linder, Vern Tepe, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Corinne M. Pierog

ABSENT:

Authorizing the Illinois Supreme Court Disability and Accessibility Improvement

Funding Allocation

Deputy Court Admin. Mathis introduced this resolution. He provided additional

information.

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Bill Lenert

MOVER:

Michael Linder

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Michael

Linder, Vern Tepe, and Rick Williams

AYE:

13.

14.

State's Attorney (J. Mosser)

Monthly Report

ASA Frank stated the monthly report was on file. No additional report was made.

Public Defender (R. Conant)

Monthly Report

Public Defender Conant stated the monthly report was on file. She announced

that the Public Defender's Office's renovation has been completed. Staff is

currently in the process of moving back into the office. Photographs of the

completed office space will be presented to the Committee next month.

Acknowledging Annual Review of Number of Procurement Cards Issued to Kane

County Public Defender and Each of Their Transaction Limits

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Michael Linder

MOVER:

Vern Tepe

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Michael

Linder, Vern Tepe, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Corinne M. Pierog

ABSENT:

15.

Court Services Administration (L. Aust)

Monthly Report

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

reported that her office had an additional $600K in revenue due to turnover.

JJC Housing Report

Juvenile Justice Center Presentation

Court Srvs. Exec. Dir. Aust provided a presentation on the Juvenile Justice

Center (JJC). She reviewed a list of planned presentations of the Court Services

Departments' functions that will be given over the next few months. She shared

the Court Services 2024 Budget by Function. The total 2024 budget for Court

Services was $13,531,454. The JJC is approximately 42% of Court Services

budget at $5,666,248.92. Aust presented the Kane County Court Services

Juvenile Justice Center (Juvenile Detention) Statutory Requirements and Costs

of Alternatives. She explained that there are statutory provisions for the JJC,

such as the 55 ILCS 75 County Shelter Care and Detention Home Act. She

listed the statutory requirements of juvenile detention. She reviewed additional

state statutes regarding juvenile detention. (County Board Chairman Pierog

arrived in-person at 10:22 a.m.) Aust shared a table depicting the JJC residents'

charges as of December 17, 2024. She reviewed the additional counties that

house juveniles at the Kane County JJC. Year to date, there were 589

admissions to the JJC. Aust reviewed the current JJC expenses and funding.

The total costs are $5,666,248. The total revenue is $4,988,722. Kane County's

net share of costs is $677,526. Aust stated that there are currently 14 juvenile

detention facilities in operation in Illinois. She reviewed the closest juvenile

detention centers from Kane County and the costs associated with housing

detainees at each. Aust spoke on the hypothetical expenses if the JJC were to

close. She provided a comparison on the JJC's current annual net costs versus

the annual cost of outsourcing. The current annual net cost is $677,526 and the

hypothetical annual cost of out sourcing is $2,290,555. Aust addressed

questions and comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued.

Pretrial Plan Approval Letter

Court Srvs. Exec. Dir. Aust provided a Pretrial Plan Approval Letter. She stated

that the Office of Statewide Pretrial Services has approved the 2025 Plan for

Pretrial Services Delivery for the Kane County Court Services Pretrial Release

Program.

Notification of Renewal of Drug and Alcohol Evaluation and Referral Services,

RFQ 33-021

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Rick Williams

MOVER:

Bill Lenert

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Michael

Linder, Vern Tepe, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Notifying the County Board that the Chief Judge has Entered into a Contract for

Professional Services for the Treatment Alternative Court

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Rick Williams

MOVER:

Jon Gripe

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Michael

Linder, Vern Tepe, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Notifying the County Board that the Chief Judge has Entered into a Contract for

Professional Services for the Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Court, RFP

24-060-TK

Court Srvs. Exec. Dir. Aust provided additional information on this resolution.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Michael Linder

MOVER:

Jon Gripe

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Michael

Linder, Vern Tepe, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Acknowledging Annual Review of Number of Procurement Cards Issued to the

Court Services Department and Each of Their Transaction Limits

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Michael Linder

MOVER:

Vern Tepe

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Michael

Linder, Vern Tepe, and Rick Williams

AYE:

16.

Circuit Clerk (T. Barreiro)

Monthly Report

Circuit Clk. Barreiro stated the monthly report was on file. She reported that case

filings are up 9%. Circuit Clerk employees took 5,895 phone calls in December

2024. The office's overtime hours have decreased from November 2024. The

total number of training hours was 140 for December 2024. Barreiro reported

that the Court and Office Team is fully staffed. However, the Records Team has

depleted due to retirement and maternity leave. Barreiro stated that the Circuit

Clerk's Office collected approximately $1,276,000 in fines and fees.

Authorizing Number of Procurement Cards Issued to Circuit Clerk’s Office and

Each of Their Transaction Limits

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Bill Lenert

MOVER:

Michael Linder

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Michael

Linder, Vern Tepe, and Rick Williams

AYE:

17.

18.

19.

Old Business

None.

New Business

None.

Place Written Reports on File

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Rick Williams

20.

Executive Session

The Judicial Public Safety Committee entered into Executive Session at 10:48 a.m. to

discuss the release of closed session minutes on a motion made by Linder, Williams

seconded. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote. (Committee Member Gumz left

at 10:46 a.m.)

RESULT:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Michael Linder

Rick Williams

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Michael

Linder, Vern Tepe, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Release of Closed Session Minutes

21.

Open Session

The Committee returned to Open Session at 10:52 a.m. on a motion made by Williams,

Lenert seconded. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

RESULT:

APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE

Rick Williams

Bill Lenert

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Vote on Release of Closed Session Minutes

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Jon Gripe

Michael Linder

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michael Linder, Vern Tepe,

and Rick Williams

AYE:

Michelle Gumz

ABSENT:

22.

Adjournment

RESULT:

APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE

Rick Williams

Michael Linder

MOVER:

SECONDER:

This meeting was adjourned at 10:53 AM.

Savannah Zgobica

Sr. Recording Secretary