Government Center

719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. A

Geneva, IL 60134

Kane County

County Board

Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

9:45 AM

County Board Room

CALL TO ORDER

The Adjourned Meeting of the Kane County Board was held at the Kane County

Government Center, 719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. A, Geneva, IL 60134 on January 13,

2026.

Chairman Pierog called the meeting to order at 9:45 AM.

ROLL CALL

Board Member Deborah Allan

Board Member Alex Arroyo

Board Member Mavis Bates

Board Member Sonia Garcia

Board Member Jon Gripe

PRESENT:

Board Member Michelle Gumz

Board Member Mo Iqbal

Board Member Leslie Juby

Board Member Chris Kious

Board Member Bill Lenert

Board Member Anita Lewis

Board Member Michael Linder

Board Member Ted Penesis

Board Member Bill Roth

Board Member Jarett Sanchez

Board Member Cherryl Strathmann

Board Member Bill Tarver

Board Member Vern Tepe

Board Member Rick Williams

Board Member David Young

Chairman Corinne M. Pierog

Board Member Myrna Molina

REMOTE:

AWAY:

Board Member Clifford Surges

Present: Dpty. Clk. Mazzei; KDOT staff Rickert*; KCAC Admin. Youngsteadt*; Sheriff's

Ofc. Chief of Admin. Catich; OEM Dir. Buziecki; PIO Mann; KC Historian Shepro;

KaneComm Dir. Guthrie; Auditor Wegman; State's Atty. Mosser & staff King; Fin. Dir.

Hopkinson; SAO Chief of Civil Frank & staff Ford; SAO Fin. Dir. Hunt*; Bldg. Mgmt./ITD

Dir. Fahnestock & staff Lasky*, Peters, Smith and Tierney; members of the press &

public.

REMOTE ATTENDANCE REQUESTS

Members Molina* and Surges* requested to attend this meeting remotely. There were

no objections.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & INVOCATION

Member Roth introduced members of The TriCity Exchange Club who led the

assembly with the recital of the Pledge of Allegiance. This club is dedicated to the

prevention of child abuse, supports local youth programs and patriotism. Member Roth

said the invocation.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: November 17, 2025, November 25, 2025 & December 9,

2025

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Chris Kious

PUBLIC COMMENT

Dan Spellman from Geneva spoke on Team Normal, governmental policy failures and

current administration issues. He urged the board to govern from facts over feelings.

(Surges* arrives - 9:54 AM)

Brian Anderson from Sugar Grove encouraged earlier movement in the budget

process, as well as the filling of board seat vacancies.

Michelle Bettag from St. Charles expressed her displeasure with the way the county is

run.

Kane County resident Denise Theobald expressed her concern with the division of our

country and the current federal administration. She inquired about local law

enforcement response.

Kane County resident Ginger Romano spoke on county spending.

William Rongey from St. Charles cited a zoning guide handout and expressed concern

regarding the rental ordinance proposed in the current County Board agenda.

Kane County resident Deanne Davison cited a zoning guide handout and expressed

concern regarding the rental ordinance proposed in the current County Board agenda.

Kane County resident Mary Davison expressed concern regarding the rental ordinance

proposed in the current County Board agenda.

Kane County resident Jenine Mehr expressed her concern with the 2026 county

budget.

KC Historian Ken Shepro provided a brief story on the history of Kane County.

CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS

Ken Shepro (Historian) - Honoring 190th Anniversary of Kane County

KC Historian Ken Shepro provided a presentation on the forming of Kane County. He

highlighted conceptual territories, as well as early legislation.

Proclamation Recognizing the Passage of House Bill 3281

(“Kentyn’s Law”) and the Contributions of Kentyn and his Family

TMP-26-075

SA Mosser introduced this proclamation. She emphasized the involvement and

hard work done by Kentyn to make legislative changes in his community.

Kentyn and Officer Vega expressed gratitude for each other, as well as the

proclamation.

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Michelle Gumz

Alex Arroyo

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Alex Arroyo, Mavis Bates, Sonia Garcia, Jon

Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Mo Iqbal, Leslie Juby, Chris Kious, Bill

Lenert, Anita Lewis, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Ted Penesis,

Bill Roth, Jarett Sanchez, Cherryl Strathmann, Bill Tarver, Vern

Tepe, Rick Williams, and David Young

AYE:

Clifford Surges

AWAY:

Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of the

Kane County Emergency Services & Disaster Agency (now the

Kane County Office of Emergency Management)

TMP-25-1464

OEM Dir. Buziecki introduced the following proclamation. Discussion ensued.

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Bill Roth

Cherryl Strathmann

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Alex Arroyo, Mavis Bates, Sonia Garcia, Jon

Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Mo Iqbal, Leslie Juby, Chris Kious, Bill

Lenert, Anita Lewis, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Ted Penesis,

Bill Roth, Jarett Sanchez, Cherryl Strathmann, Bill Tarver, Vern

Tepe, Rick Williams, and David Young

AYE:

Clifford Surges

AWAY:

Proclamation Recognizing America’s 250th Anniversary

Commemoration in Kane County

TMP-26-007

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Jon Gripe

Michael Linder

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Alex Arroyo, Mavis Bates, Sonia Garcia, Jon

Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Mo Iqbal, Leslie Juby, Chris Kious, Bill

Lenert, Anita Lewis, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Ted Penesis,

Bill Roth, Jarett Sanchez, Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford Surges,

Bill Tarver, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams, and David Young

AYE:

CONSENT AGENDA/OMNIBUS VOTE

Madam Chair called for a brief recess. Board members returned and a quorum was

present. Additionally, she asked if any members would like to remove any items from

the Consent Agenda. Member Kious requested to remove agenda Resolution 26-002.

There were no objections.

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

Authorizing GL Changes in the Building Management and

Information Technologies Departments for the Position of

Building Security Director

26-001

Authorizing a Budget Adjustment for the Mill Creek Special

Service Area Due to Tax Levy Increase

Approval to Purchase a Replacement Vehicle for the Kane

County Sheriff’s Office

Authorizing the Purchase of a Van by the Kane County Sheriff’s

Office for the K9 Unit

Approving and Authorizing the Termination of Contract for

Distribution of Kane County Property Tax Bills

Approving November 2025 Claims Paid

26-007

26-008

Authorizing Emergency Appropriation and Budget Adjustments to

Amend FY2026 County Budget for Finance Department Staffing

Informing the County Board of Adult Drug Rehabilitation Court

Contracts

Authorizing Contract for Medical Services for the Juvenile Justice

Center

Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with Wayne County

for Juvenile Detention Services

Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with Lawrence

County for Juvenile Detention Services

Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with Richland

County for Juvenile Detention Services

Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with Franklin

County for Juvenile Detention Services

Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with Crawford

County for Juvenile Detention Services

Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with White County

for Juvenile Detention Services

Authorizing Budget Adjustment to Balance Child Support Fund

FY2025

Accepting the Low-Income Energy Efficiency Outreach and

Engagement Grant

Authorizing Agreement with the Illinois Department of Human

Services for the Illinois Rapid Rehousing Program in State Fiscal

Year 2026

Approving Appropriation of the County Engineer’s Salary and

Authorizing the Transfer of Funds Therefore - Kane County

Section No. 26-00000-00-CS and 26-CS089-00-AC

26-020

Approving FY2026 County Maintenance Motor Fuel Tax

Appropriation, Kane County Section No. 26-00000-00-GM

26-021

26-022

Approving FY2026 County Maintenance Motor Fuel Tax

Appropriation, Kane County Section No. 26-00000-00-RF

Approving Adopt-A-Highway Applicants

26-023

26-024

Approving a Contract for the Purchase of One (1) Case WX175

Wheeled Excavator for the Kane County Division of

Transportation

Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement with the State of

Illinois for Phase III Construction Engineering and Construction

for Kirk Road at Douglas Road, Kane County Section No.

24-00377-01-CH

26-025

Approving a Funding Agreement Between the County of Kane

and Pace for the Ride in Kane Program

26-026

26-027

Approving an Appropriation for Chicago Metropolitan Agency for

Planning (CMAP) to Support Planning and Programming

Services

Approving an Amendment to an Intergovernmental Agreement

Between the County of Kane and Village of Carpentersville for

Access to Randall Road from Huntley Road to Binnie Road

26-028

Approving an Alteration of Speed Limit Within Kaneville

Township (Various Roads)

26-029

26-030

26-031

Approving an Alteration of Speed Limit Within Kaneville

Township & Virgil Township (Francis Road)

Approving an Engineering Services Agreement with H.R. Green,

Inc. of Aurora, Illinois for 2026 Structure Safety Inspections,

Kane County Section No. 25-00590-00-EG

Approving a Phase III Construction Engineering Services

Agreement with Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. of Elgin,

Illinois for the Kirk Road Over the Union Pacific Railroad Project,

Kane County Section No. 12-00192-04-BR

Approving the Acquisition of Real Property for the Randall Road

at Hopps Road Intersection and Canadian National Railroad

Grade Separation Improvement, Kane County Section No.

19-00511-00-CH, Parcel No. 0001

Approving Acquisition of Real Property for the Randall Road at

Hopps Road Intersection and Canadian National Railroad Grade

Separation Improvement, Kane County Section NO.

19-00511-00-CH, Parcel No. 0003 & Parcel No. 0003TE

Approving the Acquisition of Real Property for Kirk Road Over

Union Pacific Railroad Company Bridge Reconstruction Project

in Geneva, Illinois, Kane County Section No. 12-00192-04-BR,

Parcel No. 0001, Parcel No. 0001TE-1 & Parcel No. 0001TE-2

Approving the Acquisition of Real Property for the Kirk Road

Over Union Pacific Railroad Company Bridge Construction

Project in Geneva, Illinois, Kane County Section No.

12-00192-04-BR, Parcel No. 0002 & Parcel No. 0002TE

RESULT:

APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA

Jarett Sanchez

Bill Tarver

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Mavis Bates, Sonia Garcia, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Mo Iqbal,

Leslie Juby, Chris Kious, Bill Lenert, Anita Lewis, Michael Linder,

Myrna Molina, Ted Penesis, Bill Roth, Jarett Sanchez, Cherryl

Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Bill Tarver, Vern Tepe, Rick

Williams, and David Young

AYE:

Deborah Allan, and Alex Arroyo

AWAY:

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

Authorizing a Contract for the Building Management Department

with Kluber Architects & Engineers for Professional Services

26-002

Related to the Kane County Adult Justice Center Kitchen &

Laundry Improvements

Kious motioned to amend and replace the existing resolution with a copy

handed out by the State's Attorney's Office, this motion was seconded by

Penesis. ASA Ford explained that this was an amendment to a contract

that was previously approved. Discussion ensued.

Roll call followed:

Aye: Allan, Arroyo, Bates, Garcia, Gripe, Gumz, Iqbal, Juby, Kious, Lenert,

Lewis, Linder, Molina*, Penesis, Roth, Sanchez, Strathmann, Surges*,

Tarver, Tepe, Williams & Young.

Nay: None

VOTE: 22-0 MOTION PASSED ON THE AMENDMENT.

Roll call followed on the original resolution, as amended:

RESULT:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Chris Kious

MOVER:

Jarett Sanchez

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Alex Arroyo, Mavis Bates, Sonia Garcia, Jon

Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Mo Iqbal, Leslie Juby, Chris Kious, Bill

Lenert, Anita Lewis, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Ted Penesis,

Bill Roth, Jarett Sanchez, Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford Surges,

Bill Tarver, Vern Tepe, Rick Williams, and David Young

AYE:

Petition # 4674 Petitioner: CFP IL Bluestem Solar LLC

TMP-25-1541

Member Iqbal introduced the following petition. Natalie Zine from the Kane

County Dev. Dept. elaborated on the requested special use permit to allow for a

commercial solar energy facility. Discussion ensued regarding opposition from

the Village of Sugar Grove.

Property owner Gary Linos further explained the plans and benefits of utilizing

this area as proposed in this petition.

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Rick Williams

Mo Iqbal

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Alex Arroyo, Mavis Bates, Sonia Garcia, Mo Iqbal,

Chris Kious, Anita Lewis, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Ted

Penesis, Jarett Sanchez, and Cherryl Strathmann

AYE:

Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Leslie Juby, Bill Lenert, Bill Roth,

Clifford Surges, Bill Tarver, Vern Tepe, and David Young

NAY:

Rick Williams

RECUSED:

Amending Chapter 2 (Administration), Article IX (Administrative

Adjudication), Section 2-320 (Adoption of System of

Administrative Adjudication) and Chapter 7 (Business and

Commercial Regulations) of the Kane County Code to Provide

for Regulation of Short-Term Rentals in Unincorporated Areas of

Kane County

26-038

Much discussion ensued regarding intricacies, benefits and potentially negative

outcomes of passing this amendment, as well as the requirements that

differentiate first from second readings.

Tarver motioned to send this resolution back to committee for further

discussion, seconded by Gumz.

Roll call followed:

Aye: Allan, Bates, Garcia, Gripe, Gumz, Iqbal, Juby, Linder, Tarver &

Young.

Nay: Arroyo, Kious, Lenert, Molina*, Penesis, Roth, Sanchez, Strathmann,

Surges*, Tepe & Williams.

Away: Lewis.

VOTE: 10-11 MOTION FAILED ON THE SENDING RESOLUTION BACK TO

COMMITTEE.

Roll call followed on the original resolution:

KC County Development Committee

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Rick Williams

Bill Lenert

SECONDER:

Alex Arroyo, Mavis Bates, Chris Kious, Bill Lenert, Myrna Molina,

Ted Penesis, Bill Roth, Jarett Sanchez, Cherryl Strathmann,

Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Deborah Allan, Sonia Garcia, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Mo

Iqbal, Leslie Juby, Michael Linder, Bill Tarver, and David Young

NAY:

Anita Lewis

AWAY:

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Madam Chair entertained a motion to go into closed discussion to discuss the release

of closed session minutes, pending, probably and imminent litigation, as well as

settlement of claims. The Board entered into closed session at 12:18 PM.

RESULT:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Bill Roth

MOVER:

Michael Linder

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Alex Arroyo, Mavis Bates, Sonia Garcia, Jon

Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Mo Iqbal, Leslie Juby, Chris Kious, Bill

Lenert, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Ted Penesis, Bill Roth,

Jarett Sanchez, Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Bill Tarver,

Vern Tepe, Rick Williams, and David Young

AYE:

Anita Lewis

AWAY:

Release of Closed Session Minutes

Pending, Probable, and Imminent Litigation

Settlement of Claims

10.

OPEN SESSION

The board returned to open session at 12:56 PM. The roll was called and a quorum

was present.

Vote on Release of Closed Session Minutes

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Chris Kious

Bill Lenert

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Alex Arroyo, Mavis Bates, Sonia Garcia, Jon

Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Mo Iqbal, Leslie Juby, Chris Kious, Bill

Lenert, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Ted Penesis, Cherryl

Strathmann, Clifford Surges, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Anita Lewis, Bill Roth, Jarett Sanchez, Bill Tarver, Vern Tepe,

and David Young

AWAY:

12.

RESOLUTIONS, ORDINANCES, AND OTHER SCHEDULED MATTERS

Amending Section 2-48 of the Kane County Code (Standing

Committees) to Revise Language Related to the Agriculture

Committee

26-037

Chief of Civil Frank explained that this was the first reading and did not require a

vote.

RESULT:

INFORMATIONAL ONLY

Amending Chapter 15 (Nuisances and Property Maintenance) of

the Kane County Code Pertaining to Noise

26-039

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Rick Williams

Michael Linder

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Alex Arroyo, Mavis Bates, Sonia Garcia, Jon

Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Mo Iqbal, Leslie Juby, Chris Kious, Bill

Lenert, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Ted Penesis, Bill Roth,

AYE:

Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Bill Tarver, Vern Tepe, Rick

Williams, and David Young

Anita Lewis, and Jarett Sanchez

AWAY:

Amending Chapter 15 (Nuisances and Property Maintenance) of

the Kane County Code to Declare Trespassing a Public

Nuisance

26-040

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Bill Roth

Michael Linder

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Alex Arroyo, Mavis Bates, Sonia Garcia, Jon

Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Mo Iqbal, Leslie Juby, Chris Kious, Bill

Lenert, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Ted Penesis, Bill Roth,

AYE:

Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Bill Tarver, Vern Tepe, and

David Young

Rick Williams

NAY:

Anita Lewis, and Jarett Sanchez

AWAY:

Approving Personal Expense Voucher Reimbursement Requests

26-041

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Michelle Gumz

Bill Lenert

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Alex Arroyo, Mavis Bates, Sonia Garcia, Jon

Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Mo Iqbal, Leslie Juby, Chris Kious, Bill

Lenert, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Ted Penesis, Bill Roth,

AYE:

Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Bill Tarver, Vern Tepe, Rick

Williams, and David Young

Anita Lewis, and Jarett Sanchez

AWAY:

Authorizing Fiscal Year 2026 Non-Union Cost-of-Living Wage

Increase and Emergency Appropriation and Budget Adjustments

to Amend FY2026 County Budget

26-042

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Michelle Gumz

Cherryl Strathmann

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Alex Arroyo, Mavis Bates, Sonia Garcia, Jon

Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Mo Iqbal, Leslie Juby, Chris Kious, Bill

Lenert, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Ted Penesis, Bill Roth,

AYE:

Jarett Sanchez, Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Bill Tarver,

Vern Tepe, Rick Williams, and David Young

Anita Lewis

AWAY:

Authorizing Fiscal Year 2026 County Board Employees

Cost-of-Living Wage Increase and Emergency Appropriation and

Budget Adjustments to Amend FY2026 County Budget

26-043

RESULT:

AYE:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Deborah Allan, Alex Arroyo, Mavis Bates, Sonia Garcia, Jon

Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Mo Iqbal, Leslie Juby, Chris Kious, Bill

Lenert, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Ted Penesis, Bill Roth,

Jarett Sanchez, Cherryl Strathmann, Bill Tarver, Vern Tepe, and

Rick Williams

David Young

Clifford Surges

Anita Lewis

NAY:

ABSTAIN:

AWAY:

Declaring a Vacancy in the Office of County Board Member in

26-044

the County of Kane (District 9)

RESULT: APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Bill Roth

MOVER:

Michael Linder

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Alex Arroyo, Mavis Bates, Sonia Garcia, Jon

Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Mo Iqbal, Leslie Juby, Chris Kious, Bill

Lenert, Michael Linder, Myrna Molina, Ted Penesis, Bill Roth,

Jarett Sanchez, Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Bill Tarver,

Vern Tepe, Rick Williams, and David Young

AYE:

Anita Lewis

AWAY:

Authorizing Emergency Appropriation and Budget Adjustment for

the State’s Attorney’s Office in the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget

General Fund

26-045

Member Lenert introduced the following budget adjustment. Much discussion

ensued regarding the committee flow of approval.

RESULT:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Michelle Gumz

MOVER:

Cherryl Strathmann

SECONDER:

Deborah Allan, Alex Arroyo, Mavis Bates, Michelle Gumz, Leslie

Juby, Chris Kious, Bill Lenert, Michael Linder, Ted Penesis, Bill

Roth, Jarett Sanchez, Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Bill

Tarver, and Vern Tepe

AYE:

Myrna Molina, and David Young

NAY:

Sonia Garcia, Jon Gripe, Mo Iqbal, Anita Lewis, and Rick

Williams

AWAY:

13.

NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None.

14.

COMMITTEE UPDATES

Member Surges announced that there is a Forest Preserve presentation at the

Carpentersville Chamber of Commerce on January 14, 2026 at 8:00 AM. He noted that

Member Linder will be chairing his committee meeting due to this scheduling conflict.

Member Gumz announced that part of the lobbyist team has moved on to another

company and there will be a new representative in Kane County's Washington seat.

Further details will be shared as they become available.

Member Tepe announced that the ARPA Committee will be cancelling its January

meeting. Additionally, he shared that the Transportation Committee meeting in March

will be moved from the 17th to the 16th due to Election Day.

Member Bates shared that the Energy & Environmental Committee will be holding a

special presentation on January 16, 2026 regarding acquiring solar products.

Member Kious shared ARPA project updates, including the Sheriff's gun range

wrapping up and water improvements at the JJC having been completed.

Member Sanchez inquired about the timeline to fill Dale Berman's District 2 seat

vacancy. Discussion ensued regarding the process of appointing an individual within

the 60-day deadline.

15.

ADJOURNMENT TO TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

RESULT:

APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE

Bill Roth

MOVER:

Mavis Bates

SECONDER:

This meeting was adjourned at 1:29 PM.

Christine Mazzei

Recording Secretary