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, February 13, 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 Michelle Gumz

Board Member Vern Tepe

Board Member Rick Williams

Ex-Officio County Board Vice Chair Bill Roth

Ex-Officio County Board Chair Corinne M. Pierog

REMOTE

ABSENT

Board Member Michael Linder

Also present: Co. Bd. Members Juby*, Kious*, Penesis*; Merit Comm'n Chairman

Burgert; KaneComm Dir. Guthrie; OEM Dir. Buziecki & staff Alford, Hommowun; Sheriff

Hain & staff Johnson, A. Hain, Wolf, McCowen; Coroner Silva & staff

Richardson-Carrera, Neilsen; Court Admin. O'Brien & staff Mathis; State's Attorney

Mosser & staff Frank*, Brady, Hunt*; Public Def. Conant; Court Srvs. Exec. Dir. Aust &

staff Tsang; Circuit Clk. Barreiro; ITD CIO Lasky & staff Peters, Fox; and members of

the press and public.

Remote Attendance Requests

There were no remote attendance requests for today's meeting.

Approval of Minutes: January 16, 2025

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Michelle Gumz

Public Comment

None.

Monthly Financial Reports

Monthly Finance Reports

Chairman Molina stated the monthly financial reports were on file. No additional

report was made.

Merit Commission

Monthly Report

Merit Commission Chairman Burgert introduced himself and the Commission to

the new Committee members. He stated the monthly report was on file. In

November 2024, the Commission had 83 candidates signed up to take the

Patrol Test. This is a significant increase from years prior at 24 candidates. This

was the same trend in Corrections Testing with 50 candidates, compared to 18

in prior years. These candidates have been interviewed, tested, and the majority

passed. The Sheriff has these certified lists. Burgert reported that changes have

been made to the Commission's rules and regulations. First, Court Security are

now eligible to become correction officers under the direction of the Sheriff and

with completed training without the need to go through the Merit Commission.

Second, Lateral Transfer interviews have increased from being once a year to

every first and third Tuesdays of the month.

KaneComm (M. Guthrie)

Monthly Report

KaneComm Dir. Guthrie stated the monthly report was on file. She reported that

the overall calls for service in January 2025 increased. Phone calls trended

down from the year prior. A number of the municipal agencies had an increase

in activities, which was due to more officer-initiated activity. She explained that

on February 16, 2025, 9-1-1 will be 57 years old. On February 16, 1968, the first

9-1-1 call was made in Alabama. Guthrie addressed questions and comments

from the Committee.

Committee Member Gripe requested that each departments/offices that report to

this Committee name three keys: positives, negatives, and requests of the

Committee. This will allow this Committee and the County Board to help.

Guthrie stated that hiring continues to be KaneComm's priority. Next round of

interviews are March 6, 2025. Guthrie explained that a detailed annual report

reflecting FY2024's accomplished projects and future endeavors will come out

soon. She reported that KaneComm has received two grants. These grants will

allow KaneComm's projects to be funded without affecting the County's General

Fund. One priority project is to integrate KaneComm's Emergency Medical

Dispatch Protocols into the Computer-Aided Dispatch System. Currently,

Telecommunicators utilize a separate card set that lists all emergency protocols.

Additionally, a grant was received to do CAD2CAD with neighboring agencies

that utilize TriCom. Currently, KaneComm has CAD2CAD with Elgin. Guthrie

explained CAD2CAD does and provides.

Authorizing an Agreement with Tyler Technologies for Computer-Aided Dispatch

CAD2CAD Custom Export Interface

KaneComm Dir. Guthrie introduced this resolution. She provided additional

information. Guthrie addressed questions and comments from the Committee.

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Bill Lenert

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Michelle Gumz

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Vern Tepe,

and Rick Williams

AYE:

Michael Linder

ABSENT:

Emergency Management (S. Buziecki)

Monthly Report

OEM Dir. Buziecki stated the monthly report was on file. He introduced the

Office of Emergency Management's (OEM) Operations Manager, Ryan Alford,

and Intern Steven Hommowun. He reported that during the recent snowstorm,

OEM dispatched snow patrol to provide assistance to Sheriff Deputies. There

were seven vehicles, 13 volunteers, and three staff personnel assisting with

snow-related incidences. He explained that a positive for the office is that the

volunteers are the strength of OEM. One of OEM's challenges is to remain

knowledgeable and compliant on state mandates. OEM recently completed the

Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) certification.

Buziecki stated that OEM's Volunteer Open House was held in the beginning of

February, with another planned for March 1, 2025. He recently discovered that

OEM will be celebrating their 50th anniversary in January 2026. In January

1976, Kane County passed an ordinance that formed the Emergency Service

and Disaster Administration (ESDA). Buziecki handed out a draft of the Kane

County Continuity of Operations Planning Policy. After conducting exercises, it

was found that no County department/office had a Operations Planning Policy,

which assists in emergent situations that effect daily operations. Buziecki

explained that each department/office that reports to the County Board would

need to identify their essential functions and types of disruption, such as loss of

people, places, and/or things. (Madam Chairman Pierog arrived remotely at 9:16

a.m.) He would like to make sure that every County department/office has a plan

to address possible situations. He noted that OEM would assist with the

planning and provide a template. Once each department/office completes their

plan, it will be compiled into a master Kane County Operations Planning Policy.

This will allow the County to address all of the consequences that may happen if

a situation would occur. Buziecki would like all County departments/offices and

elected offices to develop a plan. If there are any changes that need to be made

or if this policy does not work for certain departments, Buziecki would welcome

feedback to help make this successful for everyone. After all changes have been

made, Buziecki will present a resolution to this Committee. Buziecki addressed

questions and comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued.

Authorizing the Number of Procurement Cards Issued to the Office of

Emergency Management and Each of Their Transaction Limits

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Rick Williams

MOVER:

Bill Lenert

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Vern Tepe,

and Rick Williams

AYE:

Michael Linder

ABSENT:

10.

Sheriff/Adult Corrections (R. Hain)

Monthly Report

Sheriff Hain stated the monthly report was on file. He thanked Committee

Member Gripe for coming to the Sheriff's Office for a tour. He welcomed all for a

tour. He explained the contents of the Sheriff's Office's monthly reports. Hain

provided a presentation addressing the Kane County Adult Justice Center's

(AJC) programs that have directly affected the County's recidivism rate. Hain

stated that the Pretrial Fairness Act (PFA), under the SAFE-T Act, has done the

exact opposite of its initial intentions. The AJC's population has increased to

over 300. Hain explained that people have this interpretation of the new law that

they no longer have to go to court. This results in Failure to Appear (FTP)

warrants to be issued, which is holding defendants in custody for longer periods

of time. Hain shared a graph that was provided by the Loyola's Center for

Criminal Justice. Kane County saw an all-time low in population in January

2020. However, in January 2024, Kane County has had 1,090 admissions,

which is an all-time high. Hain addressed the average detainee cost per day,

which is approximately $75.00 to $100.00. In 2023, the average cost was

$7,391,250. Today, it costs $9,928,000, which is a $2,536,750 cost increase.

Hain spoke on the Electric Home Monitoring Program. He stated that this

program's participation has increased significantly since the implementation of

the PFA. Before the implementation, the Sheriff was able to impose fees

liberally, which helped pay for the program. Today, numerous judges are waiving

these fees under the SAFE-T Act and PFA, which put the fees onto the Sheriff's

Office budget. Lastly, Hain stated that on Friday, February 14, 2025, marks the

one-year anniversary of the loss of Deputy Christopher Ruchaj. He explained

that Ruchaj left behind his wife and three children. Hain stated that himself and

his wife spend time with the family on a weekly basis. Hain addressed questions

and comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued.

Acknowledging the Annual Review of the Number of Procurement Cards Issued

to the Kane County Sheriff’s Office and Each of Their Transaction Limits

Chairman Molina asked if there has been any movement in the State Legislator

on amendments to the SAFE-T Act. It is important to discuss and see how the

County could assist with it.

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Michelle Gumz

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Rick Williams

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Vern Tepe,

and Rick Williams

AYE:

Michael Linder

ABSENT:

11.

Coroner (M.Silva)

Monthly Report

Coroner Silva stated the monthly report was on file. She explained that one goal

of her administration is to provide real time information. The Coroner's Office is

contending with 395 cases, which require extensive investigations. She noted

that this does not mean that there were only 395 deaths in Kane County. She

reported that 346 of these cases were Return to Medical - No Autopsy, 30 cases

were Sign-Out - Possibly No Autopsy, and 19 were Sign-Out - Unnatural -

Autopsy Required. Silva spoke on the estimated cost savings of the Coroner's

Office not performing autopsies. She shared a graph depicting the Deputy

Caseload as of January 2025. She spoke on the amount of time it takes to close

out cases and provide death certificates. Silva addressed veteran suicide in

Kane County. She explained that the Coroner's Office and the Kane County

Health Department (KCHD) have partnered to provide data in real time of who

passed away. This data will show the deceased's race, municipality, mental

health history, past suicide indiations/attempts, and past overdoses. The office is

trying to track these types of deaths to see what is affecting our communities.

The County will now utilize REDCap, which stands for Research Electronic Data

Capture. This is an online database or survey software that allows for easier and

more secure data collection for the purpose of dissemination for law

enforcement and public health initiatives. Silva stated she is proud of staff for

pinpointing veteran suicide numbers. She shared a graph depicting the Kane

County Suicide Non Veterans versus Veterans Statistics. There were 224 total

suicides from 2020 to 2024, of which 13 were veterans. These deaths are

utilized in the same method and were between 21 to 85 years old. In 2024, Kane

County had 51 total suicides, with one being a veteran. Silva reported that out of

these 51 suicides, 73% were white males, 14% were Hispanic/Latino, 6% were

black, and 4% were Asian. She presented a chart depicting Veteran Suicide by

City. There were no veteran suicides in Batavia, Geneva, or Sugar Grove. Silva

stated that 2021 had the highest number of veteran suicides at 5. She identified

five major areas of concerns for the constituency. She stated that constituents

want to know that they are safe, that the County is addressing mental health,

and using resources to help those that are suffering from domestic violence,

suicide ideation, bullying, and adverse childhood events. Silva explained the

Coroner's Office will continue to track Fentanyl related deaths, veteran suicides,

and providing answers to the community as soon as possible. She thanked

Committee Member Gripe for coming to the Coroner's Officer for a tour. Lastly,

Silva stated that the Coroner's Office is participating in the Polar Plunge. She

asked for the Committee's support with participating and/or making a donation.

Silva addressed questions and comments from the Committee.

Acknowledging Annual Review of Number of Procurement Cards Issued to

Coroner’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

Jon Gripe

MOVER:

Vern Tepe

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Vern Tepe,

and Rick Williams

AYE:

Michael Linder

ABSENT:

12.

Judiciary & Courts (Villa/O'Brien)

Court Admin. O'Brien stated that the 2024 Annual Report is being finalized and will be

released. She explained that Judiciary and Courts are almost finished with installation

of the Courtroom Technology Project at the Judicial Center. She stated that

informational kiosks and court docket displays have been placed in public spaces.

Additionally, the courts are finishing programming. The first training will be held

tomorrow, February 14, 2025, in Courtroom 101. O'Brien stated that at next month's

Committee meeting, a presentation will be provided addressing these projects. She

explained that Judiciary and Courts are awaiting the Modernization Grant award to

further court technology.

Deputy Court Admin. Mathis commended O'Brien's work on the modernization of the

judicial buildings. He provided an update on the projects occurring at the Third Street

Courthouse. He noted that these projects will help with how the building functions, not

the aesthetics. On March 3, 2025, the Jury Assembly Room, previously Courtroom 150,

will open. Mathis spoke on the contents of this project. He noted that this project was

mirrored off the Jury Assembly Room at the Kane County Judicial Center (KCJC). He

reported that the State completed the electronic recording installation in Courtroom

210. Additionally, double entry doors were installed with disability switches, which will

help the accessibility to the building. Mathis invited those that would like to see these

improvements to stop by the Third Street Courthouse. He mentioned that the

Technology Modernization Project that is happening at the KCJC is occurring at the

Third Street Courthouse. He noted that none of the expenses for these projects are

being funded by the County's General Fund. They are being funded by other avenues,

such as grants.

Authorizing the Number of Procurement Cards Issued to the Kane County

Judiciary 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:

Rick Williams

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Vern Tepe,

and Rick Williams

AYE:

Michael Linder

ABSENT:

13.

State's Attorney (J. Mosser)

Monthly Report

State's Attorney Mosser stated the monthly report was on file. She reported that

the State's Attorney's Office (SAO) is out of space at the Judicial Center. She

explained that the SAO's project at the Kane County Circuit Clerk's Office has

been delayed for over a year. This project would include office space to house

staff from the SAO's Deferred Prosecution and Collaborative Diversion. This

office space would free up space at the Judicial Center for paralegals, support

staff, and attorneys. Mosser requested that this office space needs to be looked

into by the County Board. Mosser addressed questions and comments from the

Committee. Discussion ensued.

Mosser addressed the SAFE-T Act. She explained that the SAFE-T Act is a

polarized issue. There has been legislation proposed by Republicans, but

opposed by Democrats. As the County's State's Attorney, Mosser continues to

be active as the chair of the State's Attorney Association's Legislative

Committee. She explained that a weekly meeting is held with the Association to

speak on proposed legislation. Regarding the SAFE-T Act, there are numerous

corrections that need to be made. A draft has been given to legislators, but no

one has been willing to move forward on it. Mosser announced that a new piece

of legislation was signed into law this week: Karina's Law. This law is another

unfunded mandate to all counties. This law requires that firearms be taken away

from domestic abusers in an emergency order of protection. Mosser was

pleased to see this legislation passed. However, the burden of this unfunded

mandate will fall on the Sheriff's Office. If there is a Seizure Order for firearms

and/or firearm parts at the time of service of an emergency order of protection,

the Sheriff's Office would have to store all of these items. Mosser stated that

there is no state funding for the extra storage this will require. She explained that

they tried to have written within the law that the cost of this would be the

responsibility of the respondent, but this was not allowed. There is a mechanism

for the respondent to transfer the weapons, but only after court intervention

occurs. Mosser stated that if a Plenary Order of Protection is issued, the

Sheriff's Office has to hold the weapons for two years, which causes issues with

storage and liability. In addition, the legislator is now allowing civilians to write

search warrants for homes. A search warrant is a legal document that allows law

enforcement to search vehicles, buildings, and homes. Now, a civilian can draft

a search warrant. The civilian must draft this warrant with the same particularity

of a law enforcement officer. When the warrant is issued, it is given to the

Sheriff's Office for service. The Sheriff's Office is given 96 hours to review the

search warrant and investigate the matter. Mosser explained that a court can

direct another police agency to serve the search warrant. However, without the

Sheriff's Office not having any prior knowledge of these search warrants, the

liability is placed upon the law enforcement officers. Mosser stated that this

legislation was pushed back on and many other suggestions were made, but it

was still within the law. She explained that she will be reviewing these warrants

as much as possible. She will be provided statewide training to all law

enforcement to make them aware as to how to manage this situation. She stated

while this is a great law, she remains fearful on what this will mean for law

enforcement and County funding. Mosser addressed questions and comments

from the Committee. Much discussion ensued.

Authorizing Number of Procurement Cards Issued to the State’s Attorney’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

Rick Williams

MOVER:

Bill Lenert

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Vern Tepe,

and Rick Williams

AYE:

Michael Linder

ABSENT:

14.

Public Defender (R. Conant)

Monthly Report

Public Def. Conant stated the monthly report was on file. She explained that her

office has continued to work on filling all vacant positions. The office has

received applications from attorneys with experience. Conant stated that the

Public Defender's Office (PDO) has approximately seven attorneys with

one-year or less experience, which means lots of training is occurring. Lastly,

Conant reported that Assistant Public Defender (APD), Juanita Archuleta, is

fulfilling a life-long dream of becoming a Judge Advocate General (JAG) for the

U.S. Navy. Conant spoke on Archuleta's 20 years of experience in the PDO and

the loss she will be for the office and County. Luckily, there has been interest in

filling this vacancy within the office. Conant spoke on the impact Archuleta has

had on the County's specialty courts. Conant addressed questions and

comments from the Committee.

15.

Court Services Administration (L. Aust)

Monthly Report

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

She explained that she is thankful for her fellow Kane County employees. She

stated that they all work well together and that all Judicial Public Safety

departments/offices understand that they are interrelated and interdependent.

Regarding the report's statistics, Aust stated that juvenile cases are trending up.

At this time last year, there were approximately 423 juveniles under supervision.

At the end of December 2024, there were 466 juveniles. The Administrative

Office of Illinois Courts' (AOIC) standards require that the facility have one

probation officer for every 40 to 50 juveniles. Aust thanked Fin. Exec. Dir.

Hopkinson for allowing Grant Administrator Cofer to assist with finding more

grants. A meeting was had on January 24, 2025 where Cofer and Aust applied

for grants. However, the next day these grants that Court Services were eligible

for were pulled, including grants that the County has been receiving previously.

Fortunately, Court Services was able to receive the Bureau of Justice

Assistance (BJA) Grant for seven years, which allowed funding in special funds

to build. The BJA Grant funded the County's drug testing, substance abuse

treatment, and other items that the specialty courts utilize. Aust stated that a

$150K grant was awarded by the Bureau of Justice for the Swift, Certain, and

Fair (SCF) Program, which has allowed the County to send constituents to drug

treatment. However, this has now been paused. The Department of Agriculture

Pass Through Grant for Food of $100K for the Juvenile Detention was an

additional one that was paused. Additionally, the Driving Under the Influence

(DUI) Grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will also be

paused. Aust explained that IDOT will be able to continue to fund the County's

DUI Court without the grant. She is hopeful this will occur. Aust explained that

Court Services has contingency plans to use, such as probation fees and the

Substance Abuse Special Fund, that will be used to pay for those mentioned

services. Aust addressed questions and comments from the Committee.

Discussion ensued.

JJC Housing Report

16.

Circuit Clerk (T. Barreiro)

Monthly Reports

Circuit Clk. Barreiro stated the monthly report was on file. At the next Security

Assessment Review Committee (SARC) meeting, she recommended that cyber

security be discussed and plans be developed going forward. She spoke on the

increased need for security at all County buildings. She believes these two

topics are important for the County to address. Regarding state legislation,

Barreiro stated that herself and Chief Judge Villa are on a task force that is

collaborating on how to compile data for all 102 counties, which will help address

the legislative issues of the SAFE-T Act. She stated that this must be

accomplished, because professionals will not be able to move forward unless

the data is known. Barreiro explained that legislation is being presented that will

increase expungement. This will cause additional staff to be added to the Clerk's

Office. Currently, the office is operating at a third of Deputy Clerks. Other

counties have office and court clerks. Kane County cross trains all clerks to be

able to perform both jobs. The office has hired over 42 new employees in the

last two years, which has required lots of hours of training. Barreiro stated that

the office has changed how clerks are being trained, which has allowed staff to

be in court quicker. Also, the AOIC is requiring increased reporting, which will be

next to impossible to accomplish with her current staff. Lastly, Barreiro spoke on

space needs. The vault at the Judicial Center is at capacity. Barreiro stated that

office space will need to be changed or a vault may need to be purchased. She

spoke on the items kept within the vault.

17.

18.

Old Business

None.

New Business

Discussion: Additional Committee Goals

OEM Dir. Buziecki requested that the following two goals listed on the agenda be

added to the 2025 Committee Goals.

Evaluate, Plan for, and Address the Future Staffing Needs of the Office of

Emergency Management

OEM Dir. Buziecki stated that this goal is a bigger discussion to address OEM's specific

job duties and responsibilities. He stated that OEM will need to be evaluated to see if

they are providing adequate service or if they could be providing more. One phase

OEM has difficulties with is Recovery and Mitigation. Buziecki stated that at next

month's Committee meeting, he will be presenting the results to the Threat and Hazard

Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA). The THIRA identifies threats and hazards.

The answers to these gaps is a combination of staffing, training, exercises, and

equipment. Buziecki would like to start these discussions.

Evaluate how the County's Current Mass Notification Platform is Meeting

Needs for Internal and External Emergency Communications and

Possibly Evaluate Other Options

OEM Dir. Buziecki stated that this second goal addresses the Mass Notification

System. Currently, Kane County utilizes CodeRed. Buziecki stated that this system is

not user friendly. He would like to look at a long-term solution on what the County

should do for a mass notification system. Buziecki addressed questions and comments

from the Committee. The Committee provided consensus to have these two goals

added to the 2025 Committee Goals.

19.

Place Written Reports on File

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Rick Williams

20.

Executive Session (If Needed)

None.

Adjournment

RESULT:

APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE

Vern Tepe

Jon Gripe

MOVER:

SECONDER:

This meeting was adjourned at 10:27 AM.

Savannah Zgobica

Sr. Recording Secretary