Government Center

719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. A

Geneva, IL 60134

Kane County

KC County Development

Committee

Meeting Minutes

WILLIAMS, Berman, Arroyo, Daugherty, Garcia, Iqbal, Linder & ex-officios Tepe

(Transportation Chair), Lenert (Forest Preserve President), Roth (County Vice Chair) and

Pierog (County Chair)

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

10:30 AM

County Board Room

Call To Order

Chairman Williams called the meeting to order at 10:31 AM.

Roll Call

Board Member Rick Williams

Board Member Sonia Garcia

Board Member Mo Iqbal

PRESENT

Board Member Michael Linder

Ex-Officio County Board Vice Chair Bill Roth

Board Member Gary Daugherty

REMOTE

ABSENT

Board Member Alex Arroyo

Board Member Dale Berman

Ex-Officio (Transportation Chairman) Vern Tepe

Ex-Officio (Forest Preserve President) Bill Lenert

Ex-Officio County Board Chair Corinne M. Pierog

Also present: Co. Bd. Members Allan*, Juby*, Molina*, Penesis*, Strathmann*; Dev.

Dir. VanKerkhoff & staff Zine, Mall, Toth; Environ. & Water Res. Dir. Wollnik & staff

Orlik, Wilford; KDOT Chief of Permitting Hohertz; ASA O'Brien; ITD staff Peters; and

members of the press and public including Municipal Services Associates, Inc.

Consultant Stuart Chapman.

Remote Attendance Requests

Chairman Williams announced the remote attendance requests for today's meeting. He

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

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

Committee Member Berman did not attend today's meeting.

Approval of Minutes: July 15, 2025

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Michael Linder

Public Comment

All public comments were held until the Zoning Petition and Minor Adjustments

discussions.

Monthly Financials

Monthly Financial Reports

Chairman Williams stated the monthly financial reports were on file. No

additional report was made.

Building & Zoning Division

A. Building & Zoning Report

Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff stated the monthly Building and Zoning Report was on file. He

reported that in the last few days, the County has received three single-family

residential permit applications. He anticipates seeing an increase in permit activity in

the early fall. He stated that the Building Division has continued to revise the proposed

Permit Fee Schedule. He mentioned that an update will be shared in September 2025.

He stated that pending County Board's approval, the newly revised fee schedule would

go into effect on January 1, 2026. VanKerkhoff explained that the entire Development

Department has made progress on their reorganization efforts with the inclusion of staff

from the former Office of Community Reinvestment. He thanked HRM Exec. Dir.

Lobrillo and Chairman Williams for their assistance on the transfer of staff. He

mentioned that more information would be shared on this inclusion at the Special

Development Committee meeting when discussing budgets. He stated that at last

week's Administration Committee meeting, members reviewed and forwarded a capital

project resolution for new furniture and office layout of the Development Department to

accommodate the additional staff and improve efficiency. He appreciated the support

on the resolution. VanKerkhoff addressed questions and comments from the

Committee. Discussion ensued.

Zoning Petitions

Minor Adjustment - Weiss Commercial, LLC

Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff presented the Minor Adjustment to Special Use Number

4653: Weiss Commercial Properties, LLC. He reviewed the letter that was sent

from the Weiss Commercial Properties, LLC's attorney, Kate McCracken,

regarding the Minor Adjustment. The letter stated that after their client spoke to

the Kane County's Water Resources Department, he determined that the

original detention area identified in the Special Use Permit will impact existing

trees and landscaping to a grassy area the company uses for company related

activities. Therefore, their client has requested to pay the fee-in-lieu to construct

the detention area and approval of the additional paved area at the northern

most point of the property. VanKerkhoff shared maps and photographs depicting

the location of the parcel. He presented the original site plan that was submitted

for the Special Use Permit. He explained that on the north side of the property,

the owners added a paved area for additional parking. At the south end, is

where the owner is proposing a fee-in-lieu to construct the detention area. This

will allow a more productive use of the grassy area. VanKerkhoff reviewed the

staff recommended comment from the Water Resources Department. He stated

that Kane County technical staff has recommended approval of the Minor

Adjustment to the approved site plan due to the notice of the Minor Adjustment

being sent to the adjoining neighbors and jurisdictional entities and no objections

were raised, and that all original conditions and stipulations remain in affect.

Water Res. Dir. Wollnik and staff Wilford addressed questions and comments

from the Committee. Discussion ensued.

RESULT:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Mo Iqbal

MOVER:

Sonia Garcia

SECONDER:

Rick Williams, Gary Daugherty, Sonia Garcia, Mo Iqbal, and

Michael Linder

AYE:

Alex Arroyo, Dale Berman, Vern Tepe, Bill Lenert, and Corinne

M. Pierog

ABSENT:

Petition # 4664 Petitioner: Anamite Solar, LLC

Dev. Zoning Planner Zine introduced Petition 4664: Anamite Solar. This petition

has requested a Special Use Permit in the F-Farming Zoning District to allow for

the development of a commercial solar energy facility on approximately 19 acres

located in Plato Township about a half mile west of Nesler Road and north of

Chicago Central (C.C.) and Pacific Railroad (P.R.R.). The property owner of the

parcel is Alex R. Jayne and Linda Jayne. Zine shared numerous maps and

photographs depicting the location of this parcel. She explained that this parcel

is categorized as Critical Growth Area/Route 47 Corridor on the 2040

Conceptual Land Use Strategy and Resource Management on the 2040 Land

Use Analysis. She presented the proposed site plan. She explained that access

to the development would be off of Nesler Road, continued down the agricultural

access road west to the subject property. She reviewed the setback

requirements of the solar facility. She noted that the project meets all of the

required setbacks laid out by the Kane County Zoning Ordinance. Zine

explained that there are discussions on a possible solar facility being developed

by Nesler Road Solar, LLC adjacent to this parcel. She noted that no permits

have been applied for pertaining to the Nesler Road Solar project. She reviewed

the landscaping/vegetation plan and fencing detail for the project. During the

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting, discussions were had about the

specifics on the types of landscaping. The ZBA outlined a stipulation that all

vegetation has to be a minimum of five feet in height at planting. This remains

consistent with what has been approved in the past. Zine noted that the

petitioner did submit an updated landscaping plan reflecting the stipulation. She

spoke on the type of fencing that would be allowed, such as agricultural fencing

that would allow movement of animals and water flow. She shared stipulations

from the Kane County Water Resources Department, Kane County Division of

Transportation, and the Pingree Grove and Countryside Fire Protection District.

Zine reviewed the results from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources

(IDNR) EcoCAT Report, the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)

review, the Kane-DuPage Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) NRI

Report, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) review. She

shared additional reviews and analysis from the United States Army Corps of

Engineers (USACE), the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission (INPC), and the

Illinois Department of Agriculture. She stated that the overall finding is that this

project would not present any ill effects on the property. Zine reviewed the

Zoning Board of Appeals' (ZBA) findings. She stated that the ZBA has

recommended approval of the petition with the suggested stipulations and that

the vegetation screening is consistent with the Kane County Zoning Ordinance

to include a continuous line of evergreen trees along the western side of the

facility with a minimum planting height of five feet and a maximum separation

distance of 15 feet on center. She reviewed the next steps for this petition.

Anamite Solar Senior Project Manager, Nadeem Demian, thanked County staff

for thoroughly looking over the application and effectively communicating. He

shared that there has not been significant opposition on this proposed solar

facility, besides one neighbor who resides in the Oak Ridge Farm Subdivision.

He explained that discussions were had with the neighbor and an appropriate

landscape plan was developed and agreed upon by the ZBA. He mentioned that

the newly submitted vegetation plan was shared with the Committee prior to

today's meeting. He explained that Anamite Solar is actively in conversations

with local nurseries to better understand and oblige by the standard of

vegetation being five feet at the time of planting. Lastly, Demian noted that this

project is in line with the County and municipal land use plans. He stated that

there is an existing Special Use Permit that was approved to the east of this

parcel for a solar project. He noted that the City of Elgin had no comment on this

project or plans for development in the area. He stated that after

decommissioning, this land could be converted back agricultural use.

County Board

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Michael Linder

Mo Iqbal

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Rick Williams, Gary Daugherty, Sonia Garcia, Mo Iqbal, and

Michael Linder

AYE:

Alex Arroyo, Dale Berman, Vern Tepe, Bill Lenert, and Corinne

M. Pierog

ABSENT:

Property Code Enforcement Division

Monthly Report

Property Code Enforcement Officer Mall stated the monthly report was on file.

He mentioned that a more detailed monthly report was sent to all County Board

members via email. As a reminder, he stated that if constituents would like a

copy of this more detailed report, to send in a Freedom of Information Act

(FOIA) request. This will allow proper review and redactions to be made. Mall

explained that July was busy for the Property Code Enforcement Division. There

were 49 new cases. The team worked on 73 cases. They closed 33 cases and

took four to adjudication. Lastly, Mall announced that Property Code

Enforcement Administrative Officer Garcia celebrated her two year anniversary

with the County. Mall addressed questions and comments from the Committee.

Planning & Special Projects

Monthly Report

Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff stated the monthly Planning and Special Projects Report

was on file. He mentioned that he was unable to include the Community and

Housing Development Activities Report. He reported that the Department of

Treasury's Emergency Rental Assistance Program ends on September 30,

2025. He explained that there are a number of funding sources that the County

is working diligently on finding organizations that could utilize this money before

the deadline. Through this program, he stated that the County has five capital

projects, that were recently approved at the last County Board meeting.

Additionally, there are four sub-recipients who are helping with housing

stabilization and counseling services that are receiving funds. VanKerkhoff

explained that the County's internal project, the Homeless Prevention Program,

provides rental assistance to those who are in arrears. He noted that the

payments go directly to the participant's landlord. He spoke on the publicity

campaign for the Rental Assistance Program. He thanked County departments

and staff for their help on spreading the word. He stated that the application

deadline closed in July 2025. Staff has now begun reviewing the applications.

VanKerkhoff stated that all signed agreements and rental payments need to be

completed by September 30, 2025. He spoke on the Resolution authorizing

execution of intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois Housing Development

Authority (IHDA) to utilize funding from the Emergency Rental Assistance

Program that was included in today's Committee agenda packet. He explained

that the idea behind the agreement is that if the County is unable to spend all of

the funds, then they would be able to use them for another rental assistance

program or other Kane County capital projects. He stated that the County is

exploring all options in order to get all this money spent throughout the County.

He spoke on the recent hiring of a contracted employee who specialized in

government employment. He will be looking to work with the Purchasing

Department on extending the contract through the close out of the grant. He

mentioned that there is enough administration money through the grant to cover

the cost of extending the contract. VanKerkhoff addressed questions and

comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued.

VanKerkhoff spoke on the newly established Community Development Block

Grant Program. He expressed is gratefulness and gratitude to staff Wakileh and

Dall for submitting the County's five-year Consolidated Plan to the U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). He stated that at last

week's County Board meeting, members adopted the five-year Consolidated

Plan. He explained that the County is in a consortion with the City of Elgin,

whose City Council recently passed their Consolidated Plan. He noted that on

Thursday, August 14, 2025, County staff submitted the plan to HUD and is now

under review. Additionally, there will be a repeated review and comment session

held for the public to address the Consolidated Plan due to minor changes and

how the funds were being reported. VanKerkhoff hopes to have an approved

Consolidated Plan in the next 45 days, in order to sign the intergovernmental

agreements (IGAs) needed for the projects.

Expansion of a Cable Television Franchise Agreement by and Between the

County of Kane and Comcast of Northern Illinois, Inc. to Include the Township of

Hampshire

Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff introduced this resolution. He shared a map depicting the

County's Cable TV Franchise Map. He explained that there was cable television

systems in the 1980's that were developed around community hubs. The cable

TV lines and services would then be expanded out to other unincorporated

neighborhoods. VanKerkhoff stated that the County now has a plethora of

different services, that are typically run by Comcast, MediaCom, AT&T, and

MetroNet. He explained that MetroNet has more restricted areas highlighted in

blue on the map. He stated that those areas highlighted in white on the

Franchise Map are ones that are not covered by any cable franchise agreement.

This resolution is a proposal for Comcast to extend their franchise area to

include all of Hampshire Township.

Dev. Planner Toth explained that this project will be an expansion of an

agreement that the County Board approved in 2020. He stated that this

resolution is an expansion for franchise under subsidiary of Comcast, Comcast

of Northern Illinois, Inc., who is already in Dundee Township. He explained that

this resolution would be a service agreement for Hampshire Township to have

Comcast expanded into their area. Currently, Hampshire Township does not

have a cable provider. VanKerkhoff addressed questions and comments from

the Committee. Discussion ensued.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Mo Iqbal

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Michael Linder

Rick Williams, Gary Daugherty, Sonia Garcia, Mo Iqbal, and

Michael Linder

AYE:

Alex Arroyo, Dale Berman, Vern Tepe, Bill Lenert, and Corinne

M. Pierog

ABSENT:

Authorizing Execution of Intergovernmental Agreement with the Illinois Housing

Development Authority to Utilize Funding From the Emergency Rental

Assistance Program

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Michael Linder

Mo Iqbal

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Rick Williams, Gary Daugherty, Sonia Garcia, Mo Iqbal, and

Michael Linder

AYE:

Alex Arroyo, Dale Berman, Vern Tepe, Bill Lenert, and Corinne

M. Pierog

ABSENT:

VanKerkhoff stated that with the internally run Emergency Rental Assistance Program,

existing staff resources were utilized to assist the Property Code Enforcement Division

with translation services. He commended Farmland Preservation Administrator Castro

on her work with screening applications.

10.

Subdivision

Minor Adjustment Mill Creek H-42

Environ. Mgmt. Development Technician Orlik presented the Minor Adjustment

Request for Neighborhood H, Lot 42 located at 39W849 North Hathaway Lane,

Blackberry Township. She stated that the property owner is requesting approval

for a reduction to the rear yard setback for a pool and pool deck. She shared

photographs depicting the location of the property. She noted that the standard

setback for a pool is 20 feet and for a patio it is 10 feet from the property line.

She explained that the site is currently at 40% impervious, which is the

maximum allowed. She noted that the owner will use pervious materials for all

improvements in conjunction with the pool. She explained that the pool deck

setback would be seven feet and the pool setback would be 11 feet. She

reviewed Kane County's technical staff's findings and recommendations. She

stated that staff recommends approval of the Minor Adjustment. Orlik addressed

questions and comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued.

RESULT:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Michael Linder

Mo Iqbal

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Rick Williams, Gary Daugherty, Sonia Garcia, Mo Iqbal, and

Michael Linder

AYE:

Alex Arroyo, Dale Berman, Vern Tepe, Bill Lenert, and Corinne

M. Pierog

ABSENT:

11.

12.

Environmental Resources

None.

Water Resources

Discussion - Water Resource & Stormwater Fees

Environ. and Water Res. Dir. Wollnik introduced the Water Resource and

Stormwater Fees discussion. She provided a table depicting the Stormwater

Permitting - Unincorporated Kane and Non-Certified Communities. She

explained that after conversations with the Kane County State's Attorney's Office

(SAO) about the Stormwater Water fees, it is a County requirement to use the

actual cost of department staff to calculate the fees. In 2019, when a fee study

was completed, the County used the same Excel spreadsheet that reflected this

data to figure out a new fee schedule. What was found in updating the hourly

rate for staff, is that in 2019, the hourly rate used with the addition of benefits

and overheard was $68.00 per hour. This has been updated to about $85.00 per

hour. Wollnik reviewed the current fees versus the proposed updated fees.

Wollnik stated that she would like to do, alongside the Development

Department, is collect comments or other revisions from the Committee in an

effort to have this on next month's Committee meeting agenda for approval. She

noted that if approved, the new fee schedule would be in effect on January 1,

2026. Wollnik, ASA O'Brien, and Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff addressed questions

and comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued.

13.

New Business

Chairman Williams stated that the FY2026 Budget presentation will be given at the

Special Development Committee meeting scheduled for August 28, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.